No one wants to come home to find water damage to their basement. There are easy steps to take which can lower your risk and prevent this experience in your home. Companies like Helitech outline the basic ways to keep your basement safe from water damage. If you use professionals
The government has confirmed that it will allocate £200 million to fix private tower blocks that are wrapped in combustible aluminium composite material cladding, the same kind that sent the Grenfell Tower block up in flames back in June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 people. This decision is a
Kingsfold-based builders’ merchant NYEs Building Supplies has raised £794 for the charity Rainy Day Trust during a family fun day at its depot. The event, named ‘Have a NYEs day’, was held to celebrate the company’s recent rebrand and completion of its new 1000m2 warehouse. Attended by more than
Since the beginning of time, humankind needed tools. They used tools to hunt, forage, make fire, and survive. It made everything so much easier, even in those early days. Since then, humans used tools and invented machines to help them in everyday activities and hard work. Exhausting physical labor has
Planning the removal or relocation of heavy industrial machinery can be a daunting prospect. It is not just the dismantling and reinstallation, but the logistics of the entire project, including transportation, that is difficult to coordinate. Added to the challenge is the knowledge that every single day the machinery is
The world has become a very competitive place for companies in every industry. Construction companies cannot compete with price, so they must find a way to lower their costs and inefficiencies. Leading companies from all over the world push the boundaries of technology solutions, in order to make their work
Schoolchildren in Cheshire are enjoying a renewed sense of health and wellbeing, following a ground-breaking project at Alsager School. The £320k development has provided students with space to enjoy the fresh air – whatever the weather. Tasked with overseeing the design, build and installation of a sleek new ETFE canopy
Tidal defences in Great Yarmouth are set to receive a £40.3 million refurbishment, upgrading the level of protection from tidal flooding to more than 4,500 homes and businesses in the area. Nearly 4km of flood walls will be improved and updated as part of the project which will better protect
Working in collaboration with Bell Decorating Group, Crown Paints marked the launch of the first Bell Decorating Academy in Lincoln with a morning of workshops for the students of Lincoln College. The workshops were hosted in the recently-opened Decorating Academy, which was created by Bell Decorating Group in partnership with
Willmott Dixon has selected REL Building Services to deliver the M&E package for a new £12m facility at the University of Hertfordshire. Part-funded by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the three-storey ‘Business Hub’ is due to be completed in 2020. Designed by Bond Bryan, it will bring business incubator,
No one wants to come home to find water damage to their basement. There are easy steps to take which can lower your risk and prevent this experience in your home. Companies like Helitech outline the basic ways to keep your basement safe from water damage. If you use professionals to install these basic safeguards, your basement will likely remain livable and water-free. Ways to Prevent Water Damage Basement Waterproofing Crawlspace Waterproofing Exterior Waterproofing It is important to address not just one, but all three of these components of a waterproof foundation. Once you begin to have a problem with water damage, it tends to quickly become worse. Waterproofing a basement or foundation can be a lot of work. It requires skill, and it is necessary that it be done correctly. This is an area in which you might want to consider hiring professionals rather than doing the project yourself. It’s not an easy job so leaving it to foundation repair Canyon Lake would be your best option. There are several sites online which will provide you with DIY procedures if you want to take on this task. However, by using a company like Helitech, you can ensure that you are having the best-patented components on the market installed to protect your foundation. You also will have the satisfaction of knowing that your project has been done right and that your basement is truly protected from water damage. Dangerous of Insufficient Waterproofing Of course, sitting water and constant dampness cause structural damage over time, but there are also other dangers that come along with not having your foundation effectively waterproofed. High humidity can foster the growth of mold and other undesirable bacteria, and this can attract bugs and various pests into the basement and home. Proper sealing can keep you from having to deal with these pests. Water that sits too long can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes within your home. These more aggressive pests can also spread diseases to your family and make life uncomfortable within your home. Any type of larvae growing within puddles in your basement can become a risk for your family. If you have sitting water, it is advisable to go ahead and mop it up and dry out the area with a fan. We will explore some of these best practices for maintaining a waterproof foundation in the paragraphs below. They are easy steps, which can save you a lot of money and protect both your family and your home in the long-run. You want to make sure your family is safe from risks that could cause them to be sick. Mold is often associated with sickness and household pests can carry diseases that can be communicated to your family members. These pests won’t stay in your basement for long either. If you begin to have a problem in your basement, chances are it will spread throughout the rest of your house. Basement Waterproofing The basement moisture barrier is the first line of defense in protecting a home’s basement from water damage. This barrier is made of panels and connectors which match. It can give your basement a more refined look and homey feel, while also protecting it from water damage. This structure removes water 70% faster than other drainage systems, and it is more aesthetic to look at. These panels will go right along with the walls and décor you may already have in place in your basement. While they are serving the purpose of quickly ridding the area of water in the case of flooding, they are also adding value and beauty to your home. You do not have to use a gaudy contraption to keep your basement safe and dry. Crawlspace Waterproofing For Crawlspace protection, a moisture barrier should be laid down underneath each of your home’s crawlspaces. This barrier keeps small amounts of moisture from entering your structural wood and causing slow damage, which can become detrimental over time. There are several problems that can be associated with damp crawlspaces, and you want to ensure your home is protected from these. Naturally, after rains, water seeps through the ground and the area under your crawlspace can become wet. Humidity will force this dampness up into your floorboards and your basement. This creates problems that often spread quickly. Once one area is affected, typically the rot and damage will spread to other areas of your basement and home. First, the slow rot of the wood can spread and compromise the structure of your home. Secondly, dampness promotes the growth of mold and harmful bacteria and provides a breeding ground for traditional household pests. Taking small and easy steps, like having the moisture barrier installed, can keep you from having to deal with these problems under and within your home. Professionals will lay down the moisture barrier between the ground and the structure of your crawlspaces to keep dampness from spreading and infiltrating the structure of your home. This is a simple, yet effective practice that can save you a lot of money, time, and frustration down the road. Along with the moisture barrier, sump pumps should be installed in your crawl spaces to help pump out excess water. This will minimize your drying time and keep you from having to repair water damage later down the road. Sump pumps are fairly small and inexpensive. Exterior Waterproofing Exterior basement waterproofing is just as important as protecting your basement from within. This seals the water out of your basement, and over time can prevent the costs of replacing boards and restoring your basement after water damage. This is essentially the first line of defense against water entering your basement and causing damage to your home. In exterior basement waterproofing, a sealant is applied to the outside structure of your basement, keeping water from reaching the inside of the basement in the first place. Professionals are able to apply this sealant to places that would not necessarily be easy to reach if you took
The government has confirmed that it will allocate £200 million to fix private tower blocks that are wrapped in combustible aluminium composite material cladding, the same kind that sent the Grenfell Tower block up in flames back in June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 people. This decision is a response to the anger over freeholders and developers that have refused to fund the costs of replacing the hazardous cladding in their buildings. Whilst many have praised the funding as a “step in the right direction”, there are concerns that the amount is just not enough. Two Years Since Grenfell On 14th June 2017, a fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London. It was the deadliest structural fire in the UK since 1988 and the worst residential fire since World War II. The fire was started by a malfunctioning fridge-freezer on the fourth floor and spread rapidly up the building’s exterior. The devastating spread of the fire that claimed so many lives and injured many more was attributed to the building’s cladding. Grenfell’s exterior cladding was aluminium sandwich plates with polyethylene core and insulation made of PIR (polyisocyanurate) foam plates. According to the police, both of these materials later failed fire safety tests that were conducted after the fire. It was later discovered that the project team for Grenfell chose the cheaper, combustible material despite the nationwide warning that the combustible insulation used should only be used with cladding that does not burn. There are estimated to be 600 high-rise blocks of flats in the UK that have similar cladding to that in Grenfell. In October 2018, the government announced plans to ban flammable cladding on newly built buildings, however, it has been argued that it should be banned in its entirety, also applying to existing buildings. Leaseholders Facing a Crisis Thousands of people across the UK reside in tower blocks that use the same kind of cladding as Grenfell. As a result, residents have been suffering bouts of stress, depression and suicidal feelings; living in unsafe homes is taking a serious toll on people’s mental health. Whilst some landlords have stepped up and vowed to replace their building’s cladding with safer materials, others have refused to pay. Some leaseholders have been forced to start their own 24-hour patrols of their buildings to ensure that fires don’t break out, whilst other’s homes have become unsaleable. For developers refusing to pay for cladding replacement, the costs have been passed onto their leaseholders who have been footed with the bill. This has caused a deadlock between leaseholders who cannot afford to pay, and developers who say they are not obliged to pay under law. Leaseholders are facing bills of tens of thousands each to fix the buildings. In Burton Place in Manchester, the residents were told that they would be facing a bill of £80,000 each for repairs to replace wooden cladding, combustible insulation and missing fire breaks. Of the recent funding announcement, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “It is of paramount importance that everybody is able to feel and be safe in their homes. That is why we asked building owners in the private sector to take action and make sure appropriate safety measures were in place. “And we’ve seen a number of private building owners doing the right thing and taking responsibility, but unfortunately too many are continuing to pass on the costs of removal and replacement to leaseholders.” People fearing another disaster on the scale of Grenfell are looking to their representatives for answers. It is clear that there is mass confusion as to why, after widespread acceptance that fire safety remediation is needed, two years later thousands have been left to live in homes that are unsafe, and so far, very little has been done. The safety threats of living in buildings with unsafe cladding combined with the financial stress of not being able to afford to the costs of replacement is said to be ruining lives. How Far Will £200 Million Go? The £200 million in funding comes after lobbying from leaseholders who said the unsafe cladding in their buildings was making them fear for their lives in their own homes. And after the government’s preferred solution of asking building owners to do the right thing and pay for the work has failed, this funding is a much needed welcome. However, the UK Cladding Action Group that launched a campaign back in March to secure the funding for residential properties have stressed that the money, whilst welcomed, will not cover the costs of removing all the cladding. One of the founders of the group, Rituparna Saha, lives in Northpoint block in Bromley, where leaseholders are facing combined costs of £3.5 million for cladding replacement alone. She claims that news sets up a “cladding lottery”, as the funding will only cover aluminium composite material (ACM) panels which helped spread the fire in Grenfell, but combustible non-ACM cladding would not be covered. Latest figures show that, of the 176 buildings identified as having ACM cladding since the disaster, 166 of those have yet to have had any work started on them. The funds will be made available to remove the cladding from these high-rise buildings across England. Building owners will have three months to claim the funds, with the condition that they take “reasonable steps” to recover the costs from those responsible for the cladding’s presence, citing that the Government has “committed to cover the cost temporarily”. Grenfell United, a group of survivors and the bereaved, have praised the news as offering hope to people who feel at risk at home. This article was written by Stephen Horin, Managing Director at Bushbury Cladding. Bushbury Cladding are a family run business who have been supplying corrugated steel roofing sheets and wall cladding sheets for many years.
Kingsfold-based builders’ merchant NYEs Building Supplies has raised £794 for the charity Rainy Day Trust during a family fun day at its depot. The event, named ‘Have a NYEs day’, was held to celebrate the company’s recent rebrand and completion of its new 1000m2 warehouse. Attended by more than 1,000 people, it included a variety of free activities and the chance to meet Bob the Builder. Raffle tickets were sold in aid of the charity during the event, which was run by one of the charity’s trustees, Aaron Frogley, along with his son, Connor. Top prizes included family days out to Drusillas Park and Fishers Farm Park, cinema tickets, power tools and restaurant vouchers. The Rainy Day Trust is the UK’s only charity supporting the home improvement workforce in times of need. Rex Nye, who is Managing Director at NYEs, said: “It was a hugely successful day with lots of families turning up to enjoy our celebration. We couldn’t have hoped for a better turnout. We’d like to thank everyone who came along, supported us and helped to raise money for a very worthy cause at the same time. We hope the money will help the charity to continue its vital work supporting people in the building sector who have fallen on hard times.” Aaron Frogley, Trustee at the Rainy Day Trust, added: “Our warmest thanks to NYEs for supporting our charity and giving us the opportunity to be part of its excellent event. Sadly, more and more people are turning to us for financial assistance. The money raised at NYEs family fun day will go towards supporting them by helping to make ends meet, and providing the necessary advice, counselling and training so they can get back on their feet.”
Since the beginning of time, humankind needed tools. They used tools to hunt, forage, make fire, and survive. It made everything so much easier, even in those early days. Since then, humans used tools and invented machines to help them in everyday activities and hard work. Exhausting physical labor has been changed with machines. So, people don’t have to lift a finger to do anything. Nowadays, there is a machine for every single thing. You just have to push some buttons, and it is all taken care of. There is absolutely no need for you to do anything demanding and draining. When it comes down to choosing the proper machine for your need, you need to ask yourself one question. That question is what you need from that machine. What problem you need solving. Some people require roll converting machinery. If you are unfamiliar with this term, these machines are a part of the converting industry that transforms rolls of various materials into final products. It is not that easy as it sounds. The product goes through multiple phases until it reaches its final form. Some businesses are in desperate need of these machines. So, it is good to have some information about them before purchasing them. Cost The first thing anyone wants to know before buying something is how much it will cost them. It is not easy investing in something if you are not so sure it will pay off in the end. First, it is essential to have some money saved up because they are quite pricey. This is not that surprising since all kinds of tools and machines cost a fortune. However, they make our life so much easier, so you get to complain that much. Then, after the first step is taken care of, you can look for the perfect tool for your needs. You have so many options to choose from. It all depends on you. When asking around how much these things cost, do not be shocked when you hear that their prices vary between 8,000 to 10,000 USD. It is a lot to pay for at once, that is for sure. However, a lot of Roll Converting Equipment owners are quite satisfied with them. The manufacturers of these machines provide excellent quality for that cost. The most crucial thing is to be aware and read more about how each device contributes to your needs. There are so many different types to choose from. So, be sure to do extensive research and read more about them online. Productivity After paying for any type of product, machine, or tool, you want to know how much you will use it and how much it will change your life. You want to it to pay off till the last penny. So, do not worry about this. You are guaranteed to get about 40% productivity when you compare it with having to do this all manually. That is why we invented machines, isn’t it? To change manual labor with machines. The technology and software that comes with this converting equipment are made with cut optimizers. That way, they arrange things to increase in productivity. Additionally, the software comes with its precise cuts. They result in less waste, which is very good to hear. That way, you get the most out of your materials. Also, you make your contribution to making the environment less damaged and waste-free. That is a great relief, especially to larger companies. Moreover, these precise cuts end up with fewer rejections and fewer complaints from customers. That way, everyone is happy. New Technology In these last few decades, there have been thousands of new inventions and technological advancements. So, it is no wonder to hear that these types of machinery work with a brand new technical system. It is known as computer numerical control or CNC. This helps slitting and cut planning, as well as control over the master rolls and goods. It does bar code label printing. Also, it does an excellent job at job management. With its precise cuts, you do not have to worry about waste and pollution. Learn more about CNC here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_control Various Types of Materials It is essential to know that these roll converting machines can process different types of materials. Ranging from wallpapers, papers, and photo papers to heat transfer materials and digital magnetic papers, it can prepare them all and convert them into a final product. It is a great relief to the potential buyers to hear about this. However, not all machines can process every type of material. So, it is vital to get more information before investing in something like this. Importing and Processing of Orders Another benefit to purchasing a roll converting equipment is that its software makes importing a lot easier. It grants importing as well as order data processing from your systems. All this makes your order processing faster and more efficient. You do not have to worry about anything of the sort. Customizable Every buyer will be pleased to learn that most manufacturers can customize their equipment. All products may be suited to most of the customer’s needs and specifications. That way, the machinery can accommodate and satisfy any needs. All you have to do as a buyer is to mention your wishes and requirements to your manufacturer. Hopefully, your wish will be granted.
Planning the removal or relocation of heavy industrial machinery can be a daunting prospect. It is not just the dismantling and reinstallation, but the logistics of the entire project, including transportation, that is difficult to coordinate. Added to the challenge is the knowledge that every single day the machinery is not in operation for its intended purpose is a day that the business is losing production time and therefore revenue. It stands to reason that the best course of action is to hire an expert to deliver this tricky piece of work for you, and here are some things to consider when choosing whose services to procure. Using a single provider reduces risk to your project The removal, transportation and installation of heavy industrial machinery is no easy task. It has not been unusual in the past for companies to hire several different providers to cover each part of the process, even for a single project. This was simply because it was virtually impossible to find a company that could safely, and expertly cover all aspects of machinery removals, covering only perhaps part of the process. This coordination of multiple suppliers in a project is a nightmare, and introduces a lot of additional moving parts and risk to project timelines that is completely unnecessary. Nowadays it is entirely possible to hire a company that can cover everything, from mechanics, electricity, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, plumbing, welding and cutting of structures, movement to loading, transport and start-up for any industry sector. Hire a company that values training its workforce Of course if you are trusting a single vendor to provide all of the services in relation to industrial machinery removal and installation, you need to be able to trust in their expertise. As part of your vetting procedures and due diligence during contract negotiation it is very important to look at how professional and well trained the staff are, and make sure they are trained to an adequate level to fulfil any quality standards you need. You want someone who has years of experience in the industry too. After all every project will be completely unique in almost every respects, so you need enough experience to be able to adapt to any possible roadblock or issue encountered during the project. You also want to be sure that they can handle the scale of the project, whether large or small, and that they have the equipment and resources available to deliver what you need, on time and to the highest standards. Finally safety standards are also incredibly imports, especially when it comes to operation and set up of industrial machinery. You should be looking for a zero-incidents orientated provider. Innovation and flexibility is key to success As previously mentioned, no two removal or relocation of industrial machinery will be the same. Not only should a services provider have years of experience, but you also need them to be flexible and innovative – able to come up with ingenious solutions to a multitude of problems they could encounter along the way. They also need to be flexible to moulding to what your business needs operationally, and be sensitive to production lines. You want a company with access to sophisticated tools, a highly trained workforce, and be able to offer a complete service that lives up to your expectations. After all you need to be up and running as quickly as possible. Ultimately you need to choose someone who puts the customer first in their delivery, and can offer administrative, logistical and technical personnel and guidance at each stage of the project from start to finish.
The world has become a very competitive place for companies in every industry. Construction companies cannot compete with price, so they must find a way to lower their costs and inefficiencies. Leading companies from all over the world push the boundaries of technology solutions, in order to make their work more efficient as well as reduce expenses. The key elements for standing out in the construction business are innovations in construction technology. The other problem that they face is the lack of knowledge in that sector as the experienced professionals start to retire. The safety of the workers is also a crucial part of using innovative technology in this business. Furthermore, we will discuss some of the innovations that are coming to the construction business. The Internet of Things (IoT) As the world is going forward, many of the sectors must follow the path in order to survive. The construction business can be improved a lot if we use data-driven technology. This will enable every company to be more efficient and precise. Internet of Things means that the business will be followed, analyzed, and improved using the technology from today. Embedded sensors on a connected worksite can create huge possibilities and improvements by collecting and managing data, performance, workflow and so on. Smart devices that will be wearable in the construction business will be everywhere analyzing every worker and position in the company. The innovations in the construction technology will bring us the whole system connected together such as cameras, sensors, etc. communicating with one another with the opportunity to improve the results. AI and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence is the world’s number one trend for the future. People are expecting to bring machine brain into the industry which will have a big impact on the work. Robotics combined with Artificial Intelligence defines the process of Machine Learning. In order to have faster, more efficient and precise results, people in every industry are going to be replaced with machines that are capable of completing the work. Some of the innovations are already here such as the Smartvid.io which aggregates visual information from the cameras placed on the workplace and using artificial intelligence can detect potential hazards and safety violations. With this, we just scratched the service of the technology. AI has enormous potential that will have a positive outcome when it will be used in the construction business. Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics is the new trend that combines statistic, modeling, machine learning, AI and data mining. This innovative technology can point out any safety concerns and provide us with budget outlooks, more innovations, and increased development. This method is so sophisticated that can predict opportunities, anticipate problems, and help managers for their decisions. It is already used in tennis betting and other kind of gambling industries as well as by sports pundits and managers. Predictive Analytics can be used in the construction business as well, as a new way of problem-solving with the use of data and predicting patterns in the workflow. Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) Virtual Reality is not designed just for games. Actually, alongside with Augmenter Reality, it can provide incredible support to the construction business. Both AR and VR technology can provide real-time 3D models to physical spaces. This will provide more precise projects as well as testing them into the real world with the AR technology. The special awareness of the workers can be improved with VR/AR as well as providing a real-time construction idea in the real world. People will be able to design a building or a room only with their VR headset. Autonomous Equipment Actually, this technology is already available and is widely used in the automotive industry. Robotics can provide greater efficiency as well as safety. Nowadays, the use of drones in construction is massive, providing valuable information that was out of reach for humans a couple of years ago. For example, the drone can generate a 3D model of a building by calculating the area through GPS in minutes, calculate the volume of earth that needs to be moved and much more. Construction business is all about reducing costs. Only that way you can stay competitive and increase your earnings. Costs can be reduced by efficiency and error-free workplace, and the only way you can create that environment is by using autonomous equipment in construction. These are some of the innovations in the construction business that will ensure a more stable, easier and safer future. The technology can be used in every industry, we just have to use our imagination and improve constantly. We will see what improvements will the future bring to the construction technology in business. Author: Mario Petkovski
Schoolchildren in Cheshire are enjoying a renewed sense of health and wellbeing, following a ground-breaking project at Alsager School. The £320k development has provided students with space to enjoy the fresh air – whatever the weather. Tasked with overseeing the design, build and installation of a sleek new ETFE canopy to enclose what was previously an open courtyard, Access North Build has made waves within the education sector with its industry-first solution. Yorkshire-headquartered Access North Build designed, developed and installed a pioneering solution, a lightweight steel space frame – the first of its kind supporting an ETFE membrane in the UK – erected to span the quad, thus enclosing the area beneath. Alsager School site manager, Matt Harris, explained: “Fresh air plays a pivotal part in the wellbeing and health of people of all ages. Creating a space which allows students to ‘go outside’ while providing protection from the elements – including rain and solar shielding – is key to supporting their development.” Engineered to carry more weight over a greater area – in order to provide plenty of natural light and promote student wellbeing – the greatest challenge was the location and layout of the outdoor space, which was enclosed by existing buildings on all sides. As a result, the superstructure – which is over 400 square feet in size – had to be assembled in the school car park before being carefully manoeuvred over the establishment and precisely into position on the pre-installed locating bolts. Access North Group managing director, Berenice Northcott added: “This type of ETFE enclosure provides an extremely beneficial space for organisations within the education sector where student wellbeing is crucial. Additionally, the new ETFE canopy has a design life of 70 years providing it is regularly maintained, but if the time comes when it is no longer required, the ETFE membrane and steel space frame are recyclable, extending the environmental-friendliness of the build with the circular economy in mind. “We relished the challenges of this particular project. Craning a huge space frame over a school and courtyard – which was bordered on all sides – without damaging buildings or people, was a testament to the planning, organisation and attention to detail of the team. The new roof has transformed a previously under-utilised area into a light and airy multifunctional space, resulting in a positive impact on staff and pupils.”
Tidal defences in Great Yarmouth are set to receive a £40.3 million refurbishment, upgrading the level of protection from tidal flooding to more than 4,500 homes and businesses in the area. Nearly 4km of flood walls will be improved and updated as part of the project which will better protect the local community from the threat of east coast flooding. Great Yarmouth has a history of flooding. During the 1953 east coast tidal surge, the tidal river defences in the town were breached in several places resulting in loss of life. More recently, in December 2013, approximately 9,000 people were urged to evacuate their homes as a result of the highest ever recorded tide in Great Yarmouth. The work will see 46 flood defence walls refurbished at locations across the town using an innovative technique that will extend their lifespan by up to 30 years. It follows on from the initial five-year phase of work which included the use of a specialised dam, known as a limpet dam, to inspect and repair the steel sheet piles that form the flood walls in a dry environment that would otherwise be underwater. Funding is now in place for the next phase of the multi-partner project, which is being led by the Environment Agency and due to start later this year. The £40.3 million investment, plus £6.2 million for ongoing maintenance, has come from a range of sources including £32.4 million provided by central government. Partnership contributions have come from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, £8.2 million through the Growth Deal programme, and £2.8 million from the Anglian Eastern Regional Flood & Coastal Committee. Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council have also contributed towards the project and local quayside businesses are supporting through contributions and the provision of compound space. Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “I’m very pleased to see the funding is now in place for this significant improvement to Great Yarmouth’s flood defences. An extra £5.4 million of funding was added to our standard Defra grant in view of additional regeneration objectives to allow this project to proceed with important partnership funding contributions. “Over £32million from direct government investment alongside the partnership funding will ensure 4,500 homes and businesses in the area are better protected from any future tidal flooding.” Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said: “We have worked very closely with our partners to enable this important project to go ahead. The upgraded defences will ensure that the flood defences in Great Yarmouth provide the best standard of protection to the local community for many decades to come. “We are currently consulting on our Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy and this project is a perfect example of some of the ways in which, by working together, we can make communities more resilient for the future.” The first five-year phase of works to replace more than 500 metres of tidal defences was completed in early 2017. The next phase of works is being delivered by the Environment Agency’s contractor JBA-Bentley. Preliminary work for this new phase of improvements began in February. A public drop-in event is being held on 13 June, 2019 at the Kingsgate Community Church, Kings Centre, 30 Queen Anne’s Road, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0LE. The session, which runs from 2pm and 7pm, will offer people the chance to find out more about the project and the partners involved. Cllr Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “The River Yare Tidal Defences are a huge benefit to everyone who lives in, works in and visits our borough, reducing flood risk to our homes, workplaces, and the highways and other vital infrastructure that we use every day, better protecting communities and helping the borough to realise its full economic potential. “Together with the Environment Agency and local businesses, the borough council has played an instrumental role over the years in securing this crucial and most welcome investment from multiple sources, helping with lobbying and developing the robust business case. I’m pleased that work will soon be getting underway on the second phase.” Chair of the Anglia Eastern RFCC, Paul Hayden OBE, said: “Members visited Great Yarmouth both to see the great work that has already been completed on flood defences in the town, and to show their support for partners working together to deliver these vital further improvements. “Our £2.8m contribution to these works comes from a Local Levy collected across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Southend and Thurrock, and this investment is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting homes, jobs and businesses, and in encouraging further economic investment in the town.” Doug Field, chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This project is a great example of how partnership working can deliver projects which have a real impact on our people, places and economy. “Great Yarmouth is a vital part of our all-energy coast. It sits at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind and is of huge strategic importance to our region. “By protecting homes and businesses and creating a safe environment for more to be created, these sea defences will allow the town to reach its potential as a key contributor to our economy.” Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council said: “This refurbishment work will help to safeguard the future prosperity of Great Yarmouth. This is an important funding partnership which we are happy to support.” The Environment Agency has been leading a conversation with people and organisations who are affected by or work to manage flooding and coastal change. We are now consulting on a draft strategy, which sets out a vision for a nation ready for, and resilient to, flooding and coastal change up to 2100.
Working in collaboration with Bell Decorating Group, Crown Paints marked the launch of the first Bell Decorating Academy in Lincoln with a morning of workshops for the students of Lincoln College. The workshops were hosted in the recently-opened Decorating Academy, which was created by Bell Decorating Group in partnership with Crown Paints, and took place on 3rd April 2019 at Lincoln College. Representatives from Bell Decorating Group and Crown Paints were on hand to answer any questions the students had. Alongside Bell Decorating Group CEO, Craig Bell, Crown’s contractor/specification sales manager for the central east region, Paul Burton, and Dave Hooper, regional sales manager central east attended the full session. As part of the event, 27 full-time learners from the college’s painting and decorating courses had the opportunity to learn more about how to choose colour and the factors that play into it from Crown Paints’ colour consultant Jemma Saunders. Apprentice Decorator of the Year judge Kevin O’Donnell was also on hand to provide a demonstration of paint application, showing the benefits of Crown Trade primers, the Fastflow system and Clean Extreme and provided hints and tips. Crown also donated products for the students to practice with after. Paul Wilcockson, lecturer at Lincoln College, said: “The session gave our learners a real insight into what painting and decorating is all about in the real world. The event created a real impression upon them afterwards, and our full-time learners seemed to be very motivated and keen to progress with their tasks following the workshops.” Crown Paints’ colour consultant, Jemma, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Bell Decorating Academy at Lincoln College, and I very much enjoyed meeting the students and encouraging them to think about how to apply their knowledge of colour to real-world situations where they might be called on to advise their clients.” Bell Decorating Group’s Les Birtles, community engagement co-ordinator said: “The Bell Decorating Academy at Lincoln College is designed to support the painting and decorating students to gain valuable knowledge and fantastic work experience placements. It’s great to work collaboratively with Crown Paints again to give the students valuable knowledge and the hands-on nature of the morning helped them to improve their skills and their employability.” For more information on Crown Paints’ specification services, please call 0330 024 0310, email info@crownpaintspec.co.uk or visit www.crownpaintspec.co.uk. You can also follow @CrownTradePaint on Twitter and Crown Paints on LinkedIn.
Willmott Dixon has selected REL Building Services to deliver the M&E package for a new £12m facility at the University of Hertfordshire. Part-funded by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the three-storey ‘Business Hub’ is due to be completed in 2020. Designed by Bond Bryan, it will bring business incubator, social, and teaching facilities all under one roof. REL will be responsible for developing the M&E design to optimise performance, energy efficiency and costs. The installation of the £1.9m solution is expected to take eight months. Toby Buckley, REL’s managing director said: “This exciting educational facility incorporates teaching spaces alongside open plan collaboration spaces that will allow entrepreneurial students to mix with local businesses and hopefully develop successful business relationships. “We will be drawing on our extensive experience of both the education and commercial sectors to design and deliver an M&E package that uses the most effective technology to drive efficiencies and meet all client objectives.” The Business Hub will feature a ground floor social space, an area dedicated to business incubation, providing local entrepreneurs with access to all of the University’s facilities, and a new learning space for students. Hertfordshire LEP has invested £2.5m from the Local Growth Fund towards the construction of the building as part of its strategic priority to support business growth and innovation within the county. REL has a long-established relationship with Willmott Dixon and has worked with the contractor on several major projects, including the award-winning St Albans Museum and Art Gallery.