Building and civil engineering company Britcon has secured a £1 million contract to deliver new speculative industrial premises in phase two of a new development at Markham Vale in Derbyshire. Britcon has been appointed to build the 15,000 sq ft unit, along with 1,500 sq ft of integral offices, by
As per statistics shown in Britain, anxiety, work-related stress and depression account for most of the absences in workplaces. In fact, overall 18 million working days were lost in the year 2017-2018 due to this condition and this shows a hike from 13 million in the year 2016. This is
The £35m Castle View Windsor urban retirement development has been completed on time and to budget following a two year build and fulfilling a dream by entrepreneur and developer, Robin Hughes, who wanted to create a retirement home ‘good enough for Mum’, 85 year old Betty Hughes. One of the
Optimism in the UK construction sector hit an eight-month high in December 2018, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. This rise in confidence came despite a slowdown in growth caused by Brexit-related uncertainties. The ongoing lack of certainty post-Brexit will likely delay decisions further, but it
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a specialist trade apprenticeship, geared up to the unique needs of the structural waterproofing sector. The Structural Waterproofing (Below Ground) Apprenticeship Programme takes its first intake of participants in mid-February. Developed with and supported by the CITB, the training is
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) is celebrating planning success for its new build 91,000 sqft retail park in Ashford, Kent. The impressive development consists of two retail terraces split into six units and connected by an outdoor garden centre, additionally there are a 2,000 sq.ft. standalone retail unit and
The world is advancing in technology at an astounding rate. Everyday new developments are changing the way humans live and work, looking for new efficiencies and application of new technologies. Nanotechnology is not new. However the production of nanofibers and materials through the process of electrospinning is changing the way
Every single day we see new technological advances in every field. The speed at which human endeavour is innovating is pushing the application of science to new levels. Companies who do not advance and develop with it are being left behind. One such field that is seeing huge growth due
Bellway has been announced as development partner in a key regeneration scheme in Camberwell. The housebuilder was selected by housing association The Riverside Group to work on its existing estate in March 2018. Together they have been developing a scheme, in consultation with residents. The proposals will replace homes in
There are many reasons people hire a building contractor but generally speaking, it is to undertake all of the tasks and duties relating to whatever the project is. For people who need to hire a General Contractor it can be a minefield. How do you know exactly what you need them
Building and civil engineering company Britcon has secured a £1 million contract to deliver new speculative industrial premises in phase two of a new development at Markham Vale in Derbyshire. Britcon has been appointed to build the 15,000 sq ft unit, along with 1,500 sq ft of integral offices, by development partnership Priority Space. Britcon has already delivered 13 SME units in phase one on the site which is now 75% sold. The scheme sits within the Markham Vale flagship regeneration zone which is a 200-acre business and distribution park at Junction 29A of the M1 motorway. Lee Buchanan at Priority Space said, “We have already invested £2.5 million into the business park with phase one which was delivered to exacting standards by Britcon. With strong interest from owner occupiers we are confident in progressing phase two with Britcon to build out a significant detached unit that would suit a larger operator requiring self-contained facilities.” Paul Clarkson at Britcon said, “We are pleased to secure this second commercial building contract at Markham Vale for which we are providing a full design and build turnkey solution. We are also extending infrastructure works in partnership with our sister company Specialist Surfacing on this fast-track project which is to be completed by the end of January 2019.” Britcon’s commercial sector experience includes the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Sheffield, Treleigh Industrial Estate in Cornwall, and Langage Science Park in Plymouth. It has also recently completed a £2 million expansion of premises for packaging firm CEPAC. Established for more than 30 years, Britcon is £47 million turnover business headquartered in Scunthorpe and directly employs 110 people on its project sites across the UK. Key contracts secured in the last 12 month includes Key contracts secured in the last 12 months include a £5 million project for McCain Foods, a £13.5 million contract to deliver a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Dagenham for food waste recycler ReFood (UK) Ltd, a series of new developments, extensions and refurbishment projects valued in total over £20 million for Lidl, and contracts worth over £4 million for global chemicals business Kemira. @Britcon_Limited
As per statistics shown in Britain, anxiety, work-related stress and depression account for most of the absences in workplaces. In fact, overall 18 million working days were lost in the year 2017-2018 due to this condition and this shows a hike from 13 million in the year 2016. This is almost equivalent to 58.3% of the 27 million work days that were lost to poor health, both physical and mental as per figures recorded by HSE or Health and Safety Executive. This increase has been driven by a few new long-standing cases where workers reported excessive job pressure, stress and anxiety of meeting deadlines to be the few reasons behind such increased absences. There was another study done, which included thousands of employee’s general physician’s sick notes. It was seen that 40% of all of who were surveyed wrote about mild to moderate mental health illnesses like stress, anxiety and depression. Workers in social work and education are at the highest risky positions In the US, it’s just as bad, if not worse. There have been a number of studies conducted on people who work in social work and education, and their cases of stress, anxiety and depression in the work place. Employees who are working in the education industry are especially susceptible and pose the highest risk, as there are around thousands of long-standing cases of workers who suffer from one of these mental illnesses. This can be seen in the data lone. It was reported that 41% of teachers left the profession within the first 5 years of their career. While it’s true that the job is extremely demanding, it’s no secret that depression, stress and anxiety play a role in the mass exodus here. Though they can search for a therapist here who can help them deal with their stress, anxiety and depression issues, unfortunately there are very few educators who have done this. Back to Britain Someone from HSE also commented after he saw these figures. He said that stress, anxiety and depression are the 3 main causes of so many absentees from offices, which is proof of the fact that the employees need to take immediate action. We need to take a more proactive approach in initiating a conversation with educators and educational employees on a whole regarding their mental health issues and stress. We need to speak about the issues which lead to so much pressure among these employees and how we can develop solutions to prevent them from getting mentally ill. At the very least, we need to at least start with identifying those who need help. The problem is that the education system isn’t currently doing anything right now to help reverse this course. So, if you fall within this categorization of educators who’s having issues keeping their mental health in check, you should firstly speak with a counselor or a therapist who can give you the best possible advice regarding the ways in which you can resolve such issues and get back to work. There are a number of things you can try to reduce your stress levels, ranging from cbd gummies to therapy. The problem is now known. It’s only a matter of time until the education system puts in a plan of action to keep educators at their place of work through the elimination of their mental health issues.
The £35m Castle View Windsor urban retirement development has been completed on time and to budget following a two year build and fulfilling a dream by entrepreneur and developer, Robin Hughes, who wanted to create a retirement home ‘good enough for Mum’, 85 year old Betty Hughes. One of the largest and most innovative urban retirement villages in the UK, the Castle Retirement Living development comprises 64 apartments including five rooftop penthouses, along with its neighbouring 72 bed care home, which is being operated by Care UK. From his original dream ten years ago, the founder and CEO of Castle Retirement Living, Robin Hughes spent years buying and assemble different pockets of land in Windsor to create the three-acre urban retirement development site – and originally just armed with a £10k retirement cheque to create his business, won multiple planning permissions, raised the £35m and ran the build with main contractors Castleoak and funding partner Octopus. Says Robin Hughes, Founder and CEO, Castle Retirement Living, who worked in the property and care sector for over 20 years before creating his own vision as an independent retirement developer: “For me, everything about the development from start to finish has been attention to detail in every aspect which has to be ‘good enough for Mum. It had to be right and we couldn’t be late. “Having built four previous retirement villages as development director for Richmond Villages and Shelbourne, I was confident from the outset that with Castle View Windsor, we would finish the project on time to budget and schedule. Many sector projects of this size have been late which is inexcusable. Working collaboratively with Castleoak, our team of 130 contractors on site each day and our excellent project manager, Sam Grimbaldeston, we did it. “Everyone working on the project knew how important quality and completing on schedule was to me, as well as its personal nature. We hosted regular contractor lunches at key stages of the project, the best of which was fish and chips on the roof for the team before the Royal wedding. Good communication is crucial and along with our project update meetings I was on site daily so any issues could be quickly ironed out. We also regularly thanked our construction team for all their hard work and celebrated key project milestones. My Mother is delighted to be in her new home.”
Optimism in the UK construction sector hit an eight-month high in December 2018, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. This rise in confidence came despite a slowdown in growth caused by Brexit-related uncertainties. The ongoing lack of certainty post-Brexit will likely delay decisions further, but it shouldn’t deter construction companies from planning ahead – not least when it comes to expanding their fleets. Know Your Construction Fleet For construction companies looking at fleet expansion, a useful starting point is to know the size and composition of an existing fleet. An inventory can show up any gaps in a fleet, as well as the plant or vehicles that need replacing. It can also help you work out how big your company fleet needs to be. Leasing Options One way to expand your fleet, yet mitigate the ongoing uncertainties in the construction sector, is to lease plant or commercial vehicles. One benefit of leasing is cashflow management; there’s no major capital investment, just regular monthly payments for the duration of the lease period. Purchasing Options Leasing can be beneficial in the short-term, but expanding your construction fleet by purchasing the equipment you need can be more advantageous in the long-term. Owning assets outright is one way of investing in your company’s future and can add value to your business. It often works out cheaper to buy used equipment. Used plant and vehicles tend to hold their resale value better than their new counterparts. It’s also worth getting a comprehensive hpi check done so you can be confident that your new trade vehicle has no hidden secrets from its past. Other Considerations Other factors to consider if purchasing equipment to expand your construction fleet are the ongoing costs. Unlike leasing, your business will be responsible for repairs and maintenance. One way you can avoid any nasty surprises, however, is through preventative maintenance. Your business will also need to think about the cost implications of insuring your owned equipment, as well as the time it takes to train your staff. This is particularly relevant when you’re adding a new piece of equipment to your fleet. Fleet expansion can be an effective way to help your construction company plan for challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. By weighing up your business needs against the options available, you can find the most appropriate solution and allow your company to look ahead with confidence.
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a specialist trade apprenticeship, geared up to the unique needs of the structural waterproofing sector. The Structural Waterproofing (Below Ground) Apprenticeship Programme takes its first intake of participants in mid-February. Developed with and supported by the CITB, the training is open to both PCA members and those in non-member companies. It forms part of the CITB suite of new entrant programmes (SAPs) for the specialist trades. After completing the course, apprentices will be issued with an NVQ Level 2 in Sub-Structure Work Occupations (Structural Waterproofing). The apprenticeship covers a highly-specialised area of construction, which has a substantial impact on the UK economy. Research from Halifax Home Insurance in 2017 showed basements saw a 183% rise in planning applications since 2012, with London boroughs representing the top 16 local authorities. This is on top of the figure for new-build homes with basements included, as well as below ground projects for commercial environments. James Berry, Technical Manager of the PCA, said: “Structural waterproofing is a dynamic and highly-skilled area of construction and, as the trade body representing the industry, we identified the need for an apprenticeship programme to create a defined career path for new recruits. “As people look to more ways to make the best use of freeing up space in their home, office or commercial development, then structural waterproofing will continue to develop, and we need to attract a new generation of professionals into the industry to ensure high standards are retained. “The apprenticeship manual has been produced in conjunction with CITB, with input from structural waterproofing members, to ensure it meets the requirements of the industry.” The apprenticeship programme will run for 18 months and features classroom and practical training and on-the-job training. Apprentices will cover a selection of subjects including a background into the industry and the preparation and application techniques. The handling of materials and tools, as well as legislation, health and safety in the workplace will also be covered. James Berry added: “The value of both PCA training and qualifications is highly regarded – and renowned for raising standards and technical competency across the structural waterproofing industry. “The apprenticeship programme is a natural addition and will fulfil an important need in the sector.” To find out more about the apprenticeship scheme and funding options, register an interest or sign up an apprentice, please contact Jade Stocker at jade@property-care.org or call 0844 375 4301. www.property-care.org
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) is celebrating planning success for its new build 91,000 sqft retail park in Ashford, Kent. The impressive development consists of two retail terraces split into six units and connected by an outdoor garden centre, additionally there are a 2,000 sq.ft. standalone retail unit and a 2,200 sq.ft. café unit. Says Stuart Hancox, Director of SGP: “Our client Castle City Estates and Ashford Borough Council wanted a quality development that met their high design standards. Having undertaken previous schemes in the Ashford area, SGP was chosen to bring a new approach to the park; still functional and honest but without the normal metal clad box like forms opting instead for a softer more natural feel.” SGP’s design reflects the surrounding woodlands and natural landscape, using a modern minimal aesthetic and clever detailing in a more natural form for the prominent front aspect. A wavelike timber façade with integrated timber screen brise soleil, undulates across the elevation, echoing the surrounding tree line. A solid base of local field stone filled gabions provides an aesthetic durability with a grounded feel. Adopting a more elemental approach, the architects have used local natural materials in their ‘raw’ state – bare wood, local field stone, and galvanised metal finishes – to be sympathetic to their context and blend with the natural backdrop. Landscaping and environmental concerns were another key element of the overall design. The site wide SUDS strategy incorporates water attenuation ponds and swales, along with new trees and shrub planting that will create a transition from the site to the surrounding natural woodlands, boosting biodiversity. Concludes Stuart: “It was a pleasure to design such a good-looking retail park. Having a client and local authority actively pushing up the quality bar was stimulating and ultimately created a retail park that was able to deliver commercial requirements with a high end sensitive design.” The buildings have good environmental credentials and aim to achieve BREEAM ‘very good’. Work is planned to start in February 2019. Project Team Client: Castle City Estates Planning: Ashford Borough Council Architect:Stephen George + Partners Landscape Architects:Munro + Whitten Engineer:Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Project Manager: Cube
The world is advancing in technology at an astounding rate. Everyday new developments are changing the way humans live and work, looking for new efficiencies and application of new technologies. Nanotechnology is not new. However the production of nanofibers and materials through the process of electrospinning is changing the way many sectors think about production and manufacturing. The development of materials and equipment to facilitate the production of nanometric materials is a fundamental part of many studies into the application of these materials, the scope of which is only now becoming apparent. How electrospinning works to produce nano-materials Electrospinning is a method which involved using electrical force to pull charged threads of polymer melts or solutions as means of fiber production. It is similar in some respects to the traditional methods like electrospraying, however does not require some of the high temperatures associated with those methods. A solution is prepared of polymers, solvents and other functional components, and molecular chain entanglement is allowed to take place. The electrospinning machine then allows for the feeding of the solution through capillaries and a high voltage electricity is applied. This forms a jet which is stretched and whipped into fibers, while the solvents evaporate. The dry fiber is collected, and then can be formed into a membrane or material depending on the purpose intended. The manufacturers of electrospinning machines have to follow through very meticulous quality checks and maintain a consistently high standard to ensure the best results. At a molecular level the nano-material is virtually defect free. Nanomaterials: Application across many fields and sectors As mentioned the sectors in which this technology is being used is very wide ranging. For example in: Nutraceuticals: related to pharmacy and nutrition Immobilization of living cells: used in the application of in vitro processes and used to harness cells Functional foods: the so-called functional nano-foods, microcapsules, etc. Food packaging: it is intended to increase the shelf life of food, as well as preserve its properties. These are some of the most innovative fields. The following areas are also exploring the possibilities: Biomedical and tissue engineering Cosmetics Delivery of medicines Micro and nano encapsulation Catalysis Energy storage Functional textiles Phase change material Filtration and separation Affinity membranes Compounds and nanocomposites Meeting the needs of such a wide range of sectors Whether the need for electrospinning equipment is coming from industry or academic circles, the need for specialist machinery can be varied. It could be required for a small research laboratory or and enormous scaled up production environment. The selection of the correct type of machinery is essential to obtain the appropriate results. For example, in the case of tissue engineering , for example as part of a skin graft or organ protective barrier, it is necessary to manufacture materials that meet specific characteristics. In this field, three-dimensional structures that allow cell growth must be developed. To achieve this, the fiber must be of an adequate size, with the correct distribution of the pores. This allows for the migration of cells, the formation of blood vessels and the diffusion or exchange of materials between cells. In addition, these structures must provide the same functional characteristics as the replaced tissue, and be compatible with the organism to avoid rejection by the immune system. It is vital that, in order to achieve outstanding results, the chosen manufacturer of machinery is of the highest quality. It is very important. However, despite a complexity in this, the set up of the machinery and training of operators to use a simple interface when using it, are actually fairly simple, with the operators being upskilled very quickly. In addition it is a lot more cost effective to set up than other industrial or manufacturing processes.
Every single day we see new technological advances in every field. The speed at which human endeavour is innovating is pushing the application of science to new levels. Companies who do not advance and develop with it are being left behind. One such field that is seeing huge growth due to its unlimited potential and application, is nanotechnology. The increased development of materials in nanometric and micrometric scale are the subject of a large number of studies and research. The use in manufacturing industries is only limited to the imagination of the development team working with the process, known as electrospinning, that creates these materials. The ability to produce produce fibers, polymers and nanometric devices as part of these studies brings the need for specialist equipment and the set up of labs or clean rooms to carry out the research and development. The challenge for the electrospinning equipment manufacturer is to be able to adapt the equipment according to the needs of the customer who will be using it, in size, scale, materials used. Even the current uses are just the tip of the iceberg as to what could be achieved in the future. Developing equipment for all sectors that develop nanomaterials The greatest demand currently for electrospinning equipment comes from two main sectors, industry for production reasons, and academic for research , whether as part of university studies or as part of in-house company research and development departments. The requirements for machinery can be very different, despite similarities in the core principles of electrospinning. A provider of the machinery may need to provide laboratory suited equipment one day, and the next provide equipment for large production plants. Having the right machinery will ensure the appropriate results. To give a practical example, one area using nanotechnology is the creation of artificial skin grafts, or protective barriers for organs. This material needs to have the right properties in order to meld with actual living tissue. As such three-dimensional structures that allow cell growth must be developed. To achieve this, the fiber must be of an adequate size, with the correct distribution of the pores. This allows for the migration of cells, the formation of blood vessels and the diffusion or exchange of materials between cells. In addition, these structures must provide the same functional characteristics as the replaced tissue, and be compatible with the organism to avoid rejection by the immune system. It is vital that, in order to achieve outstanding results, the chosen manufacturer of machinery is of the highest quality. It is very important. Particularly when trusting the machinery to produce highly technical fibers like this. Key factors in choosing the right electrospinning equipment While some factors will change, there are some basis to take into consideration. For example features should include: A simple design and the possibility of using different materials and formulations; that is compact and light in such a way that allows for maximizing of space; Constructed with with easily cleanable materials A simple interface for operators that allows for easy use and quick upskilling of researchers or employees A means to easily remove any potential gases produced during the process Of course cost is also a consideration, but it will be far lower in comparison to the set up of normal manufacturing processes and equipment. After this, is will be about making sure the machinery meets individual needs as according to the intended usage. Bear in mind that technology does not stand still. It is always evolving and the equipment needs to be future-proofed to a point where it can stand the test of time and still remain efficient and relevant. Potential applications for nanotechnology The range of sectors exploring nanotechnology is quite wide ranging. For example it is already seen in: Nutraceuticals: related to pharmacy and nutrition Immobilization of living cells: used in the application of in vitro processes and used to harness cells Functional foods: the so-called functional nano-foods, microcapsules, etc. Food packaging: it is intended to increase the shelf life of food, as well as preserve its properties. These are some of the most innovative fields. The following areas are also exploring the possibilities: Biomedical and tissue engineering Cosmetics Delivery of medicines Micro and nano encapsulation Catalysis Energy storage Functional textiles Phase change material Filtration and separation Affinity membranes Compounds and nanocomposites The differences between the requirements for each field can be quite wide ranging. As such the manufacturing companies of electrospinning machines must be able to adapt to those needs easily.
Bellway has been announced as development partner in a key regeneration scheme in Camberwell. The housebuilder was selected by housing association The Riverside Group to work on its existing estate in March 2018. Together they have been developing a scheme, in consultation with residents. The proposals will replace homes in Canterbury Close, Geoffrey Close and York Close in Camberwell with high-quality new homes built by Bellway. It is only the second largescale regeneration scheme to be voted through by tenants in London since new balloting rules were introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan in February 2018. The rules mean tenants of housing associations or local authorities are balloted on regeneration schemes that involve demolition of their homes. In this case, 67 per cent voted in favour. The project marks a major landmark for Bellway’s newly-formed London Partnerships division, which will work with housing associations and local authorities to fulfil its aim of creating communities of affordable homes in the capital. Matthew Loughlin, Managing Director of Bellway London Partnerships, said: “We are delighted that Riverside’s residents have recognised the benefits of regeneration in their area and have voted in favour of the scheme. “This project will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of hundreds of people. The proposals are set to give residents of Geoffrey Close, York Close and Canterbury Close more spacious, energy-efficient homes. They can rest assured in the knowledge that Bellway is a five-star housebuilder and we are truly invested in the quality of the homes we build. “The project is an important milestone for the growth of the London Partnerships division which will deliver the wider objectives of the Bellway Group. “We are now looking forward to working alongside Riverside and the residents to develop the scheme from the planning stages through to the delivery of the new homes.” Bellway has worked with the Riverside Group during the consultation period leading up to the ballot and has been involved in pre-application talks with the local council. The next stage is for Riverside and Bellway to draw up a planning application which will be submitted in late spring 2019, with work on the site anticipated to start before the end of 2019. The proposals guarantee that all tenants currently living within the estate will be offered a new home which will meet their housing needs. Four hundred homes are planned for the site, as well as investment in new community facilities. Bellway London Partnerships was formed in the autumn and is working to bring forward further largescale regeneration projects with partners across the capital.
There are many reasons people hire a building contractor but generally speaking, it is to undertake all of the tasks and duties relating to whatever the project is. For people who need to hire a General Contractor it can be a minefield. How do you know exactly what you need them to do and are you sure they’re up for the job? In this article, we take a closer look at the duties and responsibilities of a general contractor to help you make the right hire for your building project. There are five principle responsibilities of a general contractor as follows: Project Planning When you first hire a contractor, you will obviously have a good idea in your mind of what you want. However, you’ll need the experience of the contractor to make sure all the elements of your project are pulled-off professionally and within budget. Project planning is an important duty for a contractor and generally follows the same lines as the outline provided in their initial estimates. The contractor has full responsibility for the supervision of everyone working on the project site and so they need to manage them effectively. Plans for each project are generally very detailed and include all the intricate elements of the project while factoring in contingencies and other unexpected expenses. The general contractor should also have a good knowledge of all the legal and regulatory issues relating to the project so they can include those processes in their plans. Furnishing Project Needs Before a project is launched, the contractor should have enough resources to complete the first phases of construction. Using all the information supplied in the project estimates, the contractor should ensure that all the necessary materials and labor are in place and paid for out of the budget. Even the most basic building projects require someone who knows how to break down the costs and ensure all the materials and manpower are in place to carry out the job. Any specialist tasks such as electrical or plumbing works need to be carried out by appropriately qualified workers who can be vetted by your general contractor. Project Monitoring and Management When work has started on your project, it will need to be supervised and managed by your general contractor to make sure everything goes smoothly. Every phase or step of the build will need to be managed in terms of deploying materials and manpower according to a schedule your contractor will draw up. Projects rarely run exactly to schedule and so your contractor needs to have contingency plans or at least the flexibility to deal with all types of scenarios. This is where their experience is really important as they should have the best idea of the kind of problems they could face. The best contractors will have fully assessed the project ahead of work commencing so that subject to no unprecedented changes or alterations to plans, everything should be completed on time and within budget. Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities The majority of building, remodeling or reform projects require some degree of statutory obligations. Your general contractor will be fully versed in the laws of your state regarding any necessary permits of planning applications your project may require. General contractors also have the responsibility for ensuring all legal and regulatory responsibilities are met. In addition, general contractors are liable for taxes according to mandatory state and federal law. You don’t want to be faced with hefty fines or penalties because of a lapse in regulatory compliance and this is a significant benefit to hiring a contractor. Health, Safety and Protection All construction projects should be vigilant with health and safety on site. When you are ultimately responsible for the work being done on your property, you want to be certain that everybody working on the site is safe. There are numerous hazards on building sites and oftentimes, they can be avoided if your contractor has factored health and safety into their project plans.