Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed the exterior shell and associated external groundworks of Grantham’s new Savoy Cinema, which will house a state-of-the-art, five-screen, 650-seat cinema as well as restaurant and office space. The first floor of the building will be used as teaching and lecturing space by the
Bi-fold doors are massively increasing in popularity. Their aesthetically pleasing design has seen them become a must have feature modern homes, and, as the days get longer and lighter, homeowners will no doubt begin to look to their next home improvement in the form of the installation of bi-fold doors.
RCM, Roofing and Cladding Materials Ltd, specialists in complete through wall solutions are once again increasing its sales team and announcing the appointment of two new team members. Tim Plumpton is the new Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands, West and South West, specialising in the RCM building board range,
Within the construction sector, working at height continues to be one of the greatest causes of death and major injury. When not following proper health and safety precautions, accidents are far too common, putting workers in danger, and the company responsible for them at risk of personal injury liability. Read
Hamilton-based Platinum Facilities Maintenance which employs twelve people in the Lanarkshire town and carries out work throughout the UK, has been accredited as a member of the British Engineering Services Association, (BESA). BESA is a leading trade organization for building engineering services contractors which represents the interest of firms active in
Curtis Hope has been selected to receive an award run jointly by The Sheffield College and repairs, maintenance and compliance business Horbury Property Services, part of the Horbury Group based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, for ‘Apprentice of the Term’. Curtis, who is aged 17 and from Doncaster, has been with
The team at KAM Project Consultants was recently selected by logistics and industrial development company Baytree to provide construction services for the build of a warehouse, which is being hailed as ‘the most sustainable warehouse in the UK’. KAM, which has company offices in Leicester and Milton Keynes, provided employer’s
Tate Consulting engineering firm has been selected to be part of this year’s Parliamentary Review which demonstrates how organisations have become outstanding leaders in their field and aims to raise industry standards. The London and Leeds-based company provides a strategic and innovative approach in delivering a wide range of engineering
Office buildings have undergone a wellbeing revolution but the industrial sector has been slow to catch up. Baytree hopes to be ahead of the curve with its innovative new warehouse. Investing in all this is hoped to yield two results: talent retention and productivity. A happier, healthier workforce that enjoys
Whether you’re planning to tackle a home improvement project yourself or bring in a professional for a large scale renovation, one thing is certain: It’s going to get messy. What can you do to protect your home from dirt, dust and paint? Here are some tips from experienced professionals. Find
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed the exterior shell and associated external groundworks of Grantham’s new Savoy Cinema, which will house a state-of-the-art, five-screen, 650-seat cinema as well as restaurant and office space. The first floor of the building will be used as teaching and lecturing space by the University of Lincoln, with the ground floor currently being marketed as restaurant space. South Kesteven District Council’s office building has also been remodelled as part of the works, to provide a link from the town centre onto St Peter’s Hill and the new cinema, which is due to open in summer 2019. The project has been procured via the Scape Regional Construction framework. Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson said: “Now that the cinema’s external shell is complete, we can see the new facility really taking shape. We’re proud to play a part in the regeneration of Grantham’s town centre and have established a great new relationship with South Kesteven District Council which can be built upon for years to come.” The £6.2m St Peter’s Hill Cinema project is part of South Kesteven District Council’s plan to regenerate Grantham’s town centre by extending the town’s leisure and cultural quarter. The deputy leader of South Kesteven District Council Cllr Kelham Cooke and Cabinet member Cllr Jacky Smith met Savoy managing director James Collington on site. “This is a significant day for Grantham and the whole district, a step closer to providing residents and visitors with a clean, modern and multi-screened cinema that can be enjoyed by many and will be an asset for the town and the surrounding area,” said Cllr Cooke. “We are committed to the regeneration of Grantham town centre, and this cinema will play a huge part in that.” Cllr Jacky Smith, who has overseen the project, expressed her pride at the topping out and handover. She hailed a bright new educational vision for the district with a university centre above the cinema, thanks to a £2m grant from the Great Lincolnshire Learning and Enterprise Partnership towards build cost and fit out. She said: “We shall have the luxury of five superb cinema screens here on the doorstep and a university centre to bring ambitious higher education options to South Kesteven, all under one roof.” Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive said: “It’s great to mark another project milestone that plays an important part in the regeneration of Grantham, which is currently experiencing significant investment to revitalise the town. The whole community will benefit from the improved public realm and new facilities. “By using our framework, South Kesteven District Council have guaranteed cost-effective and efficient project delivery, whilst ensuring that the local supply chain and economy has experienced significant benefits throughout the project’s lifetime and beyond.”
Bi-fold doors are massively increasing in popularity. Their aesthetically pleasing design has seen them become a must have feature modern homes, and, as the days get longer and lighter, homeowners will no doubt begin to look to their next home improvement in the form of the installation of bi-fold doors. Studies have shown that the integration of bi-fold doors in a house, is perhaps more important to new buyers than a new kitchen or conservatory! What are bi-fold doors? Bi-folds are a type of door, usually made from aluminium or PVCu panels that are hinged together. Bi-folds usually consist of between two to eight panels, making them versatile and ideal for use wherever a transformation is required. Why are bi-fold doors so desirable and what will they bring to a buildings design? Stylish design – Bi-fold doors are no doubt aesthetically pleasing and their low-profile design, that ensures maximum glazing is achieved certainly contributes to this. The sleek doors are space saving and come in various materials, colours and finishes, to complement the design of most properties. Seamless progression from the inside to the outside – Bi-fold doors allow continual progression from the inside space and the outdoors. On warmer days, fully opening the doors will welcome in the summers breeze and allow the occupants to enjoy the sun. Boost natural daylight – Bi-fold doors, normally installed in kitchens or living spaces, are a fantastic way to flood a room with light. Maximising natural day light is great way to give homeowners their daily Vitamin D fix, benefiting their health. This will contribute to lifting their mood and increasing energy levels. Create a more welcoming and sociable environment – Blending home and garden instantly creates a sociable and welcoming space, giving the feeling of an extra reception room. It’s ideal to have a patio or decking immediately outside the doors, to allow the homeowner and their guests a place to relax and unwind of an evening or host a BBQ on a warm summer’s day. Increase the property’s value – Beneficial both as a developer and a homeowner looking to sell up and move, the installation of designs, like aluminium bi-fold doors from Quickslide are known to increase a property’s value by 5 to 10%. What to look out for when recommending or choosing bi-fold doors? Trusted manufacturer – It goes without saying, but when sourcing bi-fold doors, look for a reputable manufacturer that design around quality and endurance as well as aesthetics. This is really important, as if the doors are of poor quality you put the property at risk of draughts and rain water entering, quicker wear and tear as well as the possibility of the doors being less secure, if poor quality components are used. Energy efficiency – Look to the U-value; the lower the better. Bi-folding doors can offer excellent thermal efficiency, helping homeowners to reduce their energy bills. Weather permeability – Many designs exceed industry set weather standards, offering occupants the peace of mind that the doors will stand up to even stormy weather, and will not be subject to leaks. Security – The government’s building regulations require bi-folding doors to conform to PAS 24 standards in new builds and extensions. Look out for this when selecting bi-fold doors. It’s also recommended that even if replacing existing doors, you choose a bi-fold that has passed the PAS 24 testing. Also, take note at the locking system used, and whether there are options to upgrade to ensure maximum security.
RCM, Roofing and Cladding Materials Ltd, specialists in complete through wall solutions are once again increasing its sales team and announcing the appointment of two new team members. Tim Plumpton is the new Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands, West and South West, specialising in the RCM building board range, airtightness solutions and breather membranes, as well as complete through-wall solutions. He has ten years architectural glazing and building envelope experience and an impressive twenty-seven years building products experience. Tim has previously been national sales manager for a young and growing architectural aluminium systems house. This wealth of experience and a professional can-do attitude combined with a great sense of humour, make Tim an ideal choice. Outside of work, Tim has a keen interest in sport, especially Powerboat and Jetski racing, having participated in these sports himself for many years. The new Southern Facades Manager position for the south-east region has been taken up by Robyn Lunt. Robyn joins RCM from the Proctor Group, where she was engaged as Regional Sales Manager for the South-East. She has great knowledge of the construction industry. Impressively Robyn holds the coveted PCA (Property Care Association) qualification. The PCA is a government approved trade body for damp, waterproofing, wood preserving and invasive weeds industry. She also has experience dealing with breather membranes, insulation, acoustic flooring and gas protection membranes. Outside of work, Robyn is a secret adrenaline junkie and loves keeping fit. Some of her past pursuits have been surfing, mountain biking and 4×4 off-roading. Commenting on the new appointments, Ian Quinton, Managing Director of RCM said: “Both Tim and Robyn bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new positions at RCM. We are extending a very warm welcome to both and look forward to working alongside our new colleagues.”
Within the construction sector, working at height continues to be one of the greatest causes of death and major injury. When not following proper health and safety precautions, accidents are far too common, putting workers in danger, and the company responsible for them at risk of personal injury liability. Read more to understand five key tips to follow when working way above ground level. Carry out a risk assessment Before beginning any job or project, a comprehensive risk assessment must be carried out which ensures there is no viable alternative to working at height, and that the method of access to be used is the safest way of undertaking the job. If it is determined that working at height is unavoidable, it is an employer’s duty to carefully select the appropriate equipment, ensuring it meets all the safety standards and minimises the risk to the member of staff. Select the right equipment When choosing the appropriate scaffolding or other equipment that is necessary when working at height, there are several things to consider. Ground conditions, environmental surroundings, maximum workload and the experience of the workforce are all important aspects which help employers understand the type of equipment their staff should be using. There are plenty of places offering scaffolding towers for sale, but not all of them meet the high-quality standards necessary for a safe working environment. As such, be sure to only purchase equipment from trusted suppliers, such as those which meet the British Safety Council’s criteria for membership and those whose equipment is BSI Kitemark registered. Trained staff All staff working at height must be properly trained and understand the health and safety risks. When using any equipment on site, staff should be fully aware of its proper use, and should consult the user guides where necessary in order to make sure they are being used correctly. The user manual can assist with installation, maintenance and inspection, all of which are essential in ensuring the ongoing safety of any equipment used on site. Watch out for hazards Hazards are rife within construction sites and these are only amplified when you add great height into the equation. If staff are working on uneven surfaces, near power lines or manhole covers, then they must be equipped to deal with the potential threats they could pose. Undergoing a detailed safety assessment at the start of any project, as well as ensuring staff are always on the lookout for potential hazards when working at height, is essential. Moreover, keeping the construction site organised throughout a project is important, not only for organisational purposes, but also for health and safety, since having tools lying around can only spell disaster for workers who are trying to manoeuvre accurately at great height. Inspect equipment thoroughly Once equipment has been installed and you are ready to get started on the project, it is vital to meticulously inspect everything to ensure the equipment is as safe as possible. Be sure to keep an eye out for anything that could have been glossed over during the installation process. For instance, the braces and ties which secure the equipment to the building should be extremely secure, and the guardrails should be set-up properly. Construction sites are rampant with potential hazards, especially when staff must work at height. However, by adhering to the proper health and safety standards, carrying out thorough risk assessments and continuously being on the lookout for issues, employers can ensure their staff are kept safe from harm at all times.
Hamilton-based Platinum Facilities Maintenance which employs twelve people in the Lanarkshire town and carries out work throughout the UK, has been accredited as a member of the British Engineering Services Association, (BESA). BESA is a leading trade organization for building engineering services contractors which represents the interest of firms active in design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, control and management of engineering systems and services in buildings. “Membership of BESA is a recognized badge of quality within the industry and we are delighted to have been admitted to membership” said Colin Chambers, MD of Platinum whose business provides regular facilities maintenance programmes for a range of customers in both the public and private sectors. “BESA acts to gain agreement from a wide range of specifiers, clients and insurers to ensure that membership is a requirement in a high proportion of future tenders”, he said. Platinum deals with a range of building compliance issues from ventilation cleans, kitchen canopy and extract cleans, water hygiene and legionella testing and plant room maintenance for all types of buildings, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and shopping centres, nursing homes and housing associations. Its specialty lies in bringing water, heating and ventilating systems up to the legal standard. The company was presented with its BESA membership certificate at a Scottish Vent Hygiene Forum earlier this year by Rab Fletcher, BESA Scotland Chair, and Iain McCaskey, Head of BESA Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Curtis Hope has been selected to receive an award run jointly by The Sheffield College and repairs, maintenance and compliance business Horbury Property Services, part of the Horbury Group based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, for ‘Apprentice of the Term’. Curtis, who is aged 17 and from Doncaster, has been with the company since August 2018 studying for a Construction Building – Wood Occupations (Joinery) Level 2 qualification, which he should complete in September 2020. He has been selected from over 60 Apprentices at Horbury Group to receive the accolade as Tyrone Hoyland, Head of Academy (Construction) at The Sheffield College explains: “Curtis has excellent attendance and timekeeping. He often works through his breaks and tries very hard in both practical and theory sessions. Nothing is ever too much effort for him. He is a great role model for any learner.” For his achievement in winning the accolade, Curtis has received a £100 gift voucher and a certificate. Noel Taylor, Training and Development Lead at Horbury Group, said: “We would like to congratulate Curtis on his award. He has proven that he has a great attitude to both work and college and is a valued member of the team.” Horbury Property Services provides a full range of services, including inspection, installation, repair and maintenance of fire doors, joinery works, fire stopping, sealing, fire compartmentation, fire alarm and emergency light testing, portable appliance testing, electrical testing and installation work, building fabric repairs as well as external cladding and render repairs. Horbury Group provides construction solutions to developers, building owners and main contractors. Within the group there are eight individual companies, each with specialist knowledge and experience, including external facades, drylining partitioning, joinery, suspended ceilings, SFS, full fit outs, refurbishment and maintenance, demountable glazed screens, decoration, structural fire protection and external wall insulation. The company prides itself on the ability to carry out multi-trade fit outs, using its own staff and skilled tradespeople to ensure the very best quality service. The Horbury Group has a turnover of more than £75m and employs around 1,000 people, with its headquarters in South Yorkshire and regional offices in London and South Wales. For more details, visit www.horburygroup.com or call 01709 515044.
The team at KAM Project Consultants was recently selected by logistics and industrial development company Baytree to provide construction services for the build of a warehouse, which is being hailed as ‘the most sustainable warehouse in the UK’. KAM, which has company offices in Leicester and Milton Keynes, provided employer’s agent and cost manager services for the build of the warehouse in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, which has been praised for a number of environmental and technological advances and is now ready to market to potential occupiers. Using mixed reality technology called Microsoft HoloLens, a first for the UK logistics sector, the warehouse will allow customers of the future occupying business the chance to visualise and interact with the building in a variety of different 3D scales to showcase fitouts within the warehouse and offices. Insulated and airtight, the building is fitted with solar panels and contains air source heat pumps that extract heat from the air outside to power equipment inside. Clear panels in the warehouse ceiling reduce the need for artificial lighting and all existing lighting is LED and environmentally friendly. The building is also fitted with an energy monitoring system complete with smart meters which track energy usage and turn lights and heating off when parts of the building are unoccupied, this can be controlled remotely. The sensors monitor air and water quality, internal noise, lighting, humidity, temperature and patterns of occupancy. Services for future employees range from solar-powered electric car charging points to outdoor gym equipment, and the company has installed walls covered with reindeer moss to improve air quality and absorb noise. The fire track for the building has been designed to have dual use as a running track and there are also allotments and orchards for workers to cultivate and enjoy their own fruit and vegetables grown onsite. Construction works completed on the warehouse at the end of 2018, and the site will eventually comprise two warehouses – one of 267,000 sq. ft and one of approximately 360,000 sq. ft once a pre-let has been secured for the second. Developers say that once the pre-let is secured, completion can be expected for the second in approximately six months. David French, director at KAM Project Consultants said: “We’ve really enjoyed being part of this project to put such a sustainable build on the map. From a business point of view, it’s so important to consider the environmental impact of your work and so much planning went into this build to ensure a sustainable working environment for the occupier, which is key for the future of the logistics sector. “The build consists of many sustainable elements and will provide a fantastic and modern space for a logistics business and its employees – we look forward to seeing more of this type of innovation and sustainable effort in our future projects.” For both the first and second warehouses, Baytree hopes to attract high-quality occupiers who will bring a variety of skilled employment opportunities to the area. A pre-let has yet to be signed for the second building, but there has already been interest from a number of parties. The location of the site close to the M1 is ideal for potential tenants including businesses in the retail, pharmaceutical or manufacturing sectors. Alongside KAM, Savills, Chetwood Architects, Hydrock Consultants, Kelly Taylor Associates and David Lock Associates supported Baytree with the build of the warehouse.
Tate Consulting engineering firm has been selected to be part of this year’s Parliamentary Review which demonstrates how organisations have become outstanding leaders in their field and aims to raise industry standards. The London and Leeds-based company provides a strategic and innovative approach in delivering a wide range of engineering and management consultancy services nationwide. They are one of just 10-15 representatives invited to be part of The Review across a variety of industries nationally. George Osborne, Theresa May, David Cameron and Philip Hammond have all written exclusively for the Review over the last few years, along with many of the nation’s most established business leaders and most talented entrepreneurs. As part of the Review, Tate Consulting submitted a 1000-word article on how they have responded to challenges within the industry, sharing best practice as a template for reform. Across all its policy sectors, The Review is sent out to over half a million individuals each year, including MPs, Peers at the House of Lords, Chief Executives, Vice Presidents, Chief Information Officers, Chief Technology and Procurement Officers. Jeff Bearcroft, Managing Director of Tate Consulting, which is based in Leeds and London said: “We feel very honoured and privileged to represent our industry sector in the Parliamentary Review. It also gives us a platform as industry thought leaders to discuss the challenges we all face and how key policy makers can help implement the changes required.” A spokesperson for the Parliamentary Review said: “The Parliamentary Review is delighted to be working with Tate Consulting on this year’s upcoming publication. Tate Consulting work with many major players across Britain, their contribution will be a highlight for industry leaders and policymakers alike.” The Review will be published in September and Tate Consulting will also be attending the 2019 Gala, hosted by co-chairmen Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett, where they will get the chance to meet leading executives from a range of industries as well as senior politicians from Westminster’s past and present. Also, notable figures from politics, sport and entertainment attend each year- in the past this has included Tony Blair, Sir Nick Clegg, George Osborne and England Rugby Coach Eddie Jones. Tate Consulting’s portfolio spans every market sector; including logistics, industrial, residential and mixed use, commercial, education, retail and leisure and have secured contracts and joint ventures with some of the biggest commercial brands and large-scale development projects across the country. For more information please visit; www.tateconsulting.eu
Office buildings have undergone a wellbeing revolution but the industrial sector has been slow to catch up. Baytree hopes to be ahead of the curve with its innovative new warehouse. Investing in all this is hoped to yield two results: talent retention and productivity. A happier, healthier workforce that enjoys the working environment will stay in their jobs longer and work better. Until now, workplace wellness had not crossed over into the industrial and logistics sector. But that could be set to change. A new speculatively built warehouse in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, includes a range of health-boosting amenities and is, its developer claims, the most sustainable shed in the world. The building has been developed by Baytree, a logistics and industrial development company launched by AXA Investment Managers’ Real Assets division in 2015, which focuses on the UK, French and German industrial markets. The land was owned by Central Bedfordshire Council, and Baytree agreed a deal to buy it at the end of 2017.
Whether you’re planning to tackle a home improvement project yourself or bring in a professional for a large scale renovation, one thing is certain: It’s going to get messy. What can you do to protect your home from dirt, dust and paint? Here are some tips from experienced professionals. Find the Right Masking Tape Masking tapes are integral to any home improvement project. It’s important that you use professional grade masking tapes. Regular masking tape is not designed for home improvement projects. You might save a few cents by buying regular masking tape, but you’ll end up with paint bleeds and damage to your walls. Blue Crepe Paper Tape Blue crepe paper painter’s tape tears easily and protects the surfaces you don’t plan on painting. This tape can be used indoors and outdoors on painted or stained surfaces. Blue painter’s tape is safe for glass, drywall, trim and floors. It conforms to curved edges and is easily removable. Pro tip: It’s always best to test any tape on an indiscreet area to ensure you won’t damage finishes. Flat Painting Tape If your painting project requires straight, clean lines, flat painting tape is your best option. Flat painting tape adheres to glass, metal and wood. Pro tip: Clean walls and moldings with soap and water before applying tape. Low Tack Flat Painting Tape A low tack flat tape works the same way as regular flat tape except it is safe to use on more delicate surfaces. If you need to apply tape to wallpaper or recently painted walls, low tack flat tape is your best option. Pro tip: Use a putty knife to apply even pressure to the tape line. A putty knife seals the tape, preventing paint bleeds. Masking Paper Tape Masking paper painter’s tape is an all-purpose painter’s tape. Masking paper painter’s tape catches splatters and spills while protecting ceilings, walls, baseboards and trim. This type of tape is easy to apply and remove. Masking paper tape should not be used on unpainted wallboard, foil wallpaper, paper wallpaper or lacquered finishes. Pro Tip: When it comes time to remove the painter’s tape, pull it at a 45-degree angle. Painter’s tape is best removed when the paint is still wet. If the paint is dry, use a putty knife to score the edges before you remove the tape. Remember that quality is more important than quantity when you are buying supplies for your next home improvement project. Choose the same products a professional would use. Trimaco is one well-known manufacturer of professional job site protection supplies.