Property services company, SDL Group, has been named as one of Europe’s fastest growing companies by the Financial Times, in its recently announced FT1000 2019. The list, compiled by the Financial Times in collaboration with Statista, outlines the top 1,000 European companies ranked in terms of revenue growth. SDL Group’s
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2019 (4 – 8 March), an international engineering association announced it is forming the first ever academic partnership agreement with a further education college in the UK. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), which has 92,000 members globally, attended the Hunslet Campus of Leeds College of Building yesterday
Hale Construction, part of JG Hale Group, is celebrating having won Best Small New Housing Development award at the respected LABC Neath Port Talbot Building Excellence Awards 2019. The Neath-based company won the award for their development of seven properties in Waunsterw, Pontardawe, with a total value of £1.1 million.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 4 to 8 March and this year the theme will be Blaze a trail – Fire It Up, showcasing how apprentices bring new energy and passion into any businesses. Yorkshire Housing will celebrate the success of their apprenticeship programme by showcasing apprenticeships as a pathway to a
Within the UK, the construction sector loses £400 million per year on average due to theft of site equipment and other crimes. According to research into construction site crime held by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), around 92% of site managers report facing issues with theft on a weekly,
Eco-friendly homes are all the rage right now, with many consumers attempting to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle long-term. Helping the planet is about more than just recycling and refusing to buy single-use plastics, and those taking it seriously have already started incorporating environmentally conscious practices into their home design
The best-of-class in south-west Scotland’s construction sector are set to be honoured in the area’s first-ever awards focused on those actively excelling at upskilling their workforce. Contractors on projects for hub South West – the partnership dedicated to community infrastructure projects in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway –
Having announced the appointment of two new Senior Stabilisation Managers at the back end of 2018, Mick George Ltd has further signalled its intent to grow their Stabilisation division with the six-figure acquisition of an impressive Wirtgen 250i ‘S Pack’. Having landed many high-profile contracts for its Stabilisation service in
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.
Property services company, SDL Group, has been named as one of Europe’s fastest growing companies by the Financial Times, in its recently announced FT1000 2019. The list, compiled by the Financial Times in collaboration with Statista, outlines the top 1,000 European companies ranked in terms of revenue growth. SDL Group’s position at 454th in the rankings puts the business in the top 50% of organisations featured, with the company being only one of a handful of property experts to make the list. An achievement highlighted by the high bar set this year, where even the lowest ranked company achieved a growth rate of 37.7%, SDL Group’s 2018 growth rate was 69.2%. Commenting on the achievement, SDL Group’s chief financial officer Colin Anderton said: “Earning a position in the FT1000 is an outstanding achievement for us, as it provides public acknowledgement of our excellent performance in all areas of our business. “Our revenue increases are attributed to success across multiple teams, where we have tried to do things differently in 2018, including SDL Surveying and Stonebridge, where we’ve managed to increase our market share as a direct result of the excellent service we provide. SDL Auctions had an incredible year with 40 auctions held in 2018, as well as creating an online auction business that serves over 500 partners. We’ve also worked tirelessly within SDL Property Management to provide a better service for our customers while growing our PRS proposition. Reflecting on the success over the past year, Colin continued: “None of it has been easy, but all of it has been important, and being recognised for our revolutionary approach and significant growth is amazing. All this would not be possible if it weren’t for our brilliant, hard-working, talented people we have here at the SDL Group.” The rankings were announced by the Financial Times on 1st March 2019 and are available in full via the following link: https://www.ft.com/content/238174d2-3139-11e9-8744-e7016697f225
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2019 (4 – 8 March), an international engineering association announced it is forming the first ever academic partnership agreement with a further education college in the UK. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), which has 92,000 members globally, attended the Hunslet Campus of Leeds College of Building yesterday (Tuesday 5 March) to launch the partnership. The agreement, usually reserved for higher education institutions, is designed to advance the capabilities of the next generation of engineers. Until now, ICE academic partnerships have allowed undergraduate and postgraduate students, both on-campus and globally, to complete part of their professional engineering training while studying at university. Now, students at a further-education level will be able to access the same pathway to attaining a professional qualification and have the opportunity for broader connections with employers. During the launch event, five ICE ‘QUEST Technician Scholarships’ were awarded to top Apprentices at Leeds College of Building (Ruth Watson, William Rose, Tim O’Connor, Joshua Clarke, and Chris Meredith) and one to a student from Leeds Beckett University (Amy Farrell). These highly sought-after and well-respected Quest Scholarships are considered in industry to be a benchmark of excellence and are only awarded to candidates who display exceptional abilities and potential. Penny Marshall, Regional Director for ICE Yorkshire and Humber, said: “This exciting new agreement opens up opportunities for students to engage directly with industry. QUEST Scholarships are a sign of true excellence. Winners need to be both good leaders and team players; with ambition, determination and the ability to act and think independently. The 2019 scholars are all very talented and deserving winners. Their enthusiasm, determination and dedication clearly impressed the panel of judges. There’s no doubt they all have promising careers ahead of them.” Vicky Patterson, Curriculum Manager for Technical and Professional Apprenticeships at Leeds College of Building, said: “Since being named as BTEC Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in 2018, Leeds College of Building has solidified its position as a leader in the sector. Now, getting chosen by ICE for the first ever UK college academic partnership agreement, we are in a better position than ever to go above and beyond our normal duties to enhance the Apprentice’s experiences and ensure that we produce the most creative and brilliant young Technicians and Engineers of the future.” To find out more about Apprenticeship opportunities, visit the Apprenticeship Open Event on Thursday 7 March, 5-7pm, at the Leeds College of Building North Street Campus.
Hale Construction, part of JG Hale Group, is celebrating having won Best Small New Housing Development award at the respected LABC Neath Port Talbot Building Excellence Awards 2019. The Neath-based company won the award for their development of seven properties in Waunsterw, Pontardawe, with a total value of £1.1 million. The LABC awards are the largest business to business awards within the building control sector. The recent ceremony at The Towers Hotel recognised achievements from the area of Neath Port Talbot ahead of the South Wales regional awards, which will be held on 12 April 2019 at the Vale Resort, Hensol. The winners of the regional awards are automatically shortlisted for the UK final in London later this year. Johnathan Hale, chairman of JG Hale Group – the umbrella company that Hale Construction and also Hale Homes is a part of – commented: “It is a great honour for Hale Construction to win the Best Small New Housing Development award. This award is a testament to how hard our teams work – across JG Hale Group, and more specifically in this case, Hale Construction. “I am extremely grateful to all of our employees for making this happen – as without them, we would not be able to deliver on this scale. I look forward to the year ahead for JG Hale Group– our goal is to continue growing and developing and keep doing what we do best.” The winners will now go on to be entered into the Welsh regional Local Authority Building Control (LABC) awards which will be held in the Spring.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 4 to 8 March and this year the theme will be Blaze a trail – Fire It Up, showcasing how apprentices bring new energy and passion into any businesses. Yorkshire Housing will celebrate the success of their apprenticeship programme by showcasing apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career. A great example of the passion apprentices can bring to a business is Hannah Harrison who works the reception at Yorkshire Housing, she made a short film about her experiences for National Apprentice Week. Hannah started as an apprentice in 2016 with Yorkshire Housing. By her own admission was quite shy, so her team suggested that working on reception could boost her confidence and help with her personal development. With help and support Hannah started on reception and quickly began dealing with a wide range of people in person, which really helped her to develop her confidence. After Hannah’s apprenticeship ended, she got the receptionists job at Yorkshire Housing permanently. Hannah Harrison said: “I was really glad to start my apprenticeship at Yorkshire Housing, it really helped my personal development I love working with Yorkshire Housing, it’s such a family environment and I’d recommend anyone to get an apprenticeship with Yorkshire Housing.” As part of the National Apprentice Week Yorkshire Housing apprentices will be taking part in a wide range of activities. Our apprentices will be going back to their old schools to talk about their experiences and recruit potential apprentices of the future. Muhammad Uddin will also be representing Yorkshire Housing at Parliament at a specially organised National Apprentice event. Our apprentices will also be taking part at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair in the First Direct Arena on Monday 4 March. Since opening its doors to its first apprentice in 2007, Yorkshire Housing has seen over 100 apprentices working with us, with over 70 percent securing fulltime positions. This year, a variety of opportunities including construction-based roles in building services, gas and electric as well as office-based jobs, will be available. Apprentices can gain a fully funded nationally recognised qualification as well as real work experience in teams across Yorkshire. Senior people development coordinator Kiran Olak said: “Yorkshire Housing’s apprenticeship programme has seen apprentices develop, grow and progress within their chosen career, providing a pipeline of skills and talent to meet current and future business needs. As a top 100 apprenticeship employer our apprentices are proud to work for us and we’re passionate in supporting the success of our apprentices.” If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to shine, point them in the direction of Yorkshire Housing’s apprenticeship scheme where they can grow their skills, gain a professional qualification, earn above the national minimum wage and build a firm foundation for the start of a new and exciting career. Applications will be accepted between 18 March and 29 April. You can find out more on our apprenticeship pages.
Within the UK, the construction sector loses £400 million per year on average due to theft of site equipment and other crimes. According to research into construction site crime held by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), around 92% of site managers report facing issues with theft on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. Theft within construction is, therefore, a continuing problem, and smart site managers should be trying their best to address the issues and put the correct preventative measures in place to protect high-value plant and equipment. More often than not, theft is an opportunistic crime, which is why it is frequently carried out by onsite staff. Here, Millennium Security discusses several ways in which employee theft on construction sites can be minimised. Check certifications thoroughly Certified staff should be the only people able to work on a construction site, both for health and safety and security purposes. Carrying out frequent, full background checks will help ensure that every member of staff, contractor and supplier entering the premises has the correct accreditations to do so. Issuing smart CSCS cards guarantees that access is granted only to certified employees, and is an industry-recognised certification scheme within the construction sector. For added security purposes, many site managers choose to hire manned guards to watch over the site 24/7. If doing so, it is important to ensure they are correctly certified by the industry-known Security Industry Authority (SIA), which means they have been through proper training and can guard a site to the necessary standard. Report crimes promptly If a theft has taken place, it must be reported to the authorities as soon as possible, since the likelihood of finding stolen goods is higher when reported quickly. Moreover, reporting a theft is usually an obligatory step in the insurance claims process. Mark high-value plant and equipment Unsurprisingly, the recovery stats for stolen equipment are particularly low, and this is especially true where equipment is not easily identifiable. Characteristic values, therefore, enable police to better identify stolen goods. Marking equipment, noting down serial numbers and creating an on-site inventory, are all sensible ways to help identify and account for valuable tools and machinery. Moreover, there is now a central database which is run by the Construction Equipment and Registration Scheme (CESAR) and encourages site managers to tag all equipment and add it to the database, allowing for easier recovery when goods are stolen. By having identifiable features on all high-value equipment, you may also dissuade light-fingered employees from attempting to steal goods, as they may fear being caught. Restrict and monitor access Monitoring who is physically entering a construction site at all hours of the day is important, as it safeguards against unauthorised people gaining access. Manual checks can be time consuming and are often inefficient, particularly on large sites with a significant number of people coming in and out. As such, many site owners have now started investing in modern access control systems, which ensure that only the people who have authority to enter a site can do so. These systems are very advanced and also log how long a member of staff has remained on site, as well as whether a person is using an expired or fake CSCS card to try to enter. Other security systems which can be used to monitor staff access are CCTV and wireless video detection, both of which help maximise security and can assist in identifying crimes rapidly.
Eco-friendly homes are all the rage right now, with many consumers attempting to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle long-term. Helping the planet is about more than just recycling and refusing to buy single-use plastics, and those taking it seriously have already started incorporating environmentally conscious practices into their home design and buying choices. Here, we discuss several ways in which to make a kitchen more eco-friendly. Responsible shopping habits Purchasing kitchenware and furniture in materials such as wood and stone can prove to be a far more eco-friendly alternative over plastic, and is actually just as robust and long-lasting. Natural materials make a home have a lovely, rustic feel and can work perfectly for flooring, kitchen countertops and furniture. When designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, it is important to keep sustainability in mind. Purchasing from a local retailer not only allows you to support the small high street stores, but also means you will be reducing your carbon footprint. There are plenty of independent UK and London kitchens specialists out there, many of which focus on maximising eco-friendliness. Durable furniture Kitting out the home certainly does not come cheap, and many of us will actively purchase low-priced furniture, knowing full well it is not likely to stand the test of time. Unfortunately, this is what is known as a “false economy”, and the cost spent replacing poor quality items throughout the years tends to offset the initial expenditure we could have used to purchase durable, high-quality pieces that last for many years, if not decades. Replacing furniture every few years is simply not sustainable or cost-effective, so be sure to think carefully about the materials, brand and quality you are choosing when buying furniture. Alternatively, there are plenty of second-hand auction sites and car boot sales in which people are selling their unwanted furniture for a small fee (and sometimes completely free!), many of which are still in excellent condition. This helps keep the pieces in rotation for as long as they are fit, preventing them from ending up in a landfill. Energy efficient appliances Appliances with energy efficiency built-in are becoming more and more prevalent, as savvy consumers seek to lower their energy bills and go greener at the same time. There are plenty of models on the market that meet this growing demand, such as cookers with low-heat settings, ECO kettles and energy efficient washing machines. Before making any purchase, simply take a look at the appliance’s energy star rating, which indicates how environmentally-friendly it is. The Energy Saving Trust notes that around £30 per year on average is wasted by households leaving their appliances on standby mode. As such, turning off appliances when not in use helps both the planet and your wallet! Changing our habits Making small, positive changes to the way we live can steadily impact the earth around us. Beyond buying choices, there are several things we can all do to make the home more eco-friendly: Bulk cook and plan ahead to save on food and packaging waste, as well as reducing carbon footprint from travelling to and from the supermarket via car. Use glass containers over plastic, which is much harder to recycle. Purchase from local, independent shops or food markets. Have a separate recycling bin and educate other people living with you on which materials belong in which bins.
The best-of-class in south-west Scotland’s construction sector are set to be honoured in the area’s first-ever awards focused on those actively excelling at upskilling their workforce. Contractors on projects for hub South West – the partnership dedicated to community infrastructure projects in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway – will discover who is leading the way in training and recruitment at a ceremony taking place on May 16 at the Dalziel Park Hotel in Motherwell. The awards will commend local companies for their commitment to inspiring the next generation of professionals within the industry, as well as those firms committed to nurturing staff already working in the sector. The South West Skills & Training Awards will be divided into two categories: Best Training Culture and Best Employment Initiative for Young People. In each category, there will be a winner for firms employing more than 25 people, and those with staffing of 25 or less. All entries must be directly linked to a hub South West project, meaning that any entry must be directly connected to an initiative contracted by the partnership. Finalists will be expected to give a short presentation on their company’s initiative on the day to a small panel of representatives from CITB and Skills Development Scotland. Tier-1 contractors are encouraged to nominate sub-contractors from their supply chains. The deadline for entries is March 29. For more information and to enter these awards visit https://hubsouthwestscotland.co.uk/skillsacademy/skills-training-awards-2019. Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West, said the awards mark an important new phase in the partnership’s commitment to raising the bar within the industry. “The skills shortages we have within this sector have been widely-reported and are well-known,” he said. “In addition to supporting the project’s commitment to engaging local communities, the small and larger firms involved with hub South West also strive to do their part in tackling wider skills issues across the industry. It is only fitting that we should applaud their efforts.” Entries are limited to one per company. Those for the category of Best Employment Initiative for Young People will be judged on the criteria of youth employment, the introduction of construction as a viable career path, structured framework apprenticeships, graduate programmes and initiatives targeted at women, the disadvantaged and the disabled. Best Training Culture will examine ideas and programmes that have proven successful, with a learning platform that encourages training and staff development that underpins the overall development of the business. The hub South West partnership was established in 2012 to deliver value for money on public sector community-based infrastructure projects to generate growth in local economies across Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. Since then, it has successfully completed projects with a total value of more than £380m.
Having announced the appointment of two new Senior Stabilisation Managers at the back end of 2018, Mick George Ltd has further signalled its intent to grow their Stabilisation division with the six-figure acquisition of an impressive Wirtgen 250i ‘S Pack’. Having landed many high-profile contracts for its Stabilisation service in recent times, the Wirtgen 250i has been thrust straight in to action at the National Trusts Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire as part of a ‘Welcome Project’ that Mick George Ltd are completing various enabling works at. The new machine adds to an already extensive fleet of equipment but will certainly advance the Stabilisation offering by Mick George Ltd. Commonly considered ‘unrivalled’ when it comes to mobile spreading machinery, the Wirtgen 250i offers cost-efficiency, technical sophistication, optimised control systems and the ability to confront the most difficult terrains. The ‘S Pack’ has the advanced capability to spread binding agent without generating clouds of dusts, thus lowering emission levels, permitting Mick George Ltd to tackle those environments where strict emission standards exist. Yet another advantage for Mick George Ltd over its counterparts that operate the more entry level equipment. Michael George, Managing Director of Mick George Ltd commented: ‘’To maintain the exceptionally high standards that we set, we recognise the importance in continuously investing right across the business; in personnel, sites, vehicles and equipment.’’ George continued: ‘’The construction industry is ever evolving, with Stabilisation and Remediation solutions more frequently utilised in many developments. The new machine allows us to extend our offering and ensure we’re providing the same high quality that we do with all our Earthworks provisions.’’
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.