Northern Ireland based developer and contractor McAleer & Rushe has announced that it has just secured planning permission to develop two multi-million-pound hotels located in Birmingham and Glasgow City Centre, representing an investment of c. £85 million. Combined, the two hotels will deliver a total of 630 bedrooms and will
Ahead of High Speed Two (HS2) Limited beginning construction of a train maintenance depot in Washwood Heath, demolition of a former railway works in Birmingham is now well underway. The demolition covers a site larger than 110,000 square-metres and is being carried out by HS2 Ltd alongside their early works
The Government has announced today that it has committed an additional £6m to the community led housing sector, supplementing the £163m Community Housing Fund which was launched last year. Hundreds of community-run housing organisations will benefit from this brand new Government-funded community led housing programme which will provide funding, training
The word ‘office’ has long been heavily associated with skyscrapers and modern complexes. These days, however, many businesses have expanded their geographical reach – with many opting to work outside of the city. Firms located in rural areas can avoid high rent costs, busy commutes and –unsurprisingly – can enjoy
UK’s leading supplier of ironmongery to the trade, IronmongeryDirect, has been named as one of the top internet retailers in the UK. The company has appeared, for the first time, in the Internet Retailing UK Top 500, entering within the first 350 businesses. The IRUK Top 500 report ranks retailers
East Grinstead, 19 February 2019: The Facilities Event, the leading exhibition dedicated to the UK’s facilities and workplace industry, has announced top FM experts who will be tackling the industry’s biggest challenges during a packed seminar programme at this year’s event held at NEC, Birmingham on the 9-11 April 2019. The
The strength of GRAHAM’s highways and rail sector expertise has been recognised by Countryside Zest (Beaulieu Park) LLP and Highways England following the recent award of a design and build contract for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works (RDR Phase 3) project. The works in Chelmsford, Essex, comprise of a
Makita’s first DAB Job Site Radio with Bluetooth, the Makita DMR112, is the latest addition to the audio range that will meet everyone’s taste in music and quality. With a dual power source by either AC adaptor or by Makita’s CXT or LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, that can be found in
As a small or large business owner, buying used forklift truck can be an amazing and cost-effective way to be able to meet up with order requirements. Read more here. But these second-hand machines has its very own problems which might cost you, clients, later on when they malfunction. Below,
The coastal West Sussex region has become a hub for development, with significant progress being made on new key sites throughout the area. The Coastal West Sussex Partnership, which brings senior leaders from the public and private sector to champion economic growth within the area, has given its support to
Northern Ireland based developer and contractor McAleer & Rushe has announced that it has just secured planning permission to develop two multi-million-pound hotels located in Birmingham and Glasgow City Centre, representing an investment of c. £85 million. Combined, the two hotels will deliver a total of 630 bedrooms and will be operated by Ireland’s largest hotel operator, Dalata Hotel Group (“Dalata”), under its four-star Maldron brand. McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK Ltd are scheduled to commence construction on both hotels this summer, with practical completion anticipated within two years. Maldron Hotel Glasgow The 300-bed 4 star hotel in Glasgow, the first Maldron Hotel for Dalata in Scotland, will be located on Renfrew St, close to Buchannan St and employ c. 100 staff. It forms part of a wider masterplan by McAleer & Rushe to include c. 100,000 sq.ft of Grade A offices. Maldron Hotel Birmingham The 330-bed Maldron Hotel in Birmingham is prominently located in the city centre 5 minutes walk from New Street Station and will be delivered in advance of 2022 Common Wealth Games, employing up to 105 staff. The development which is regenerating a derelict site, will feature a business centre, ground floor bar and restaurant with guest rooms arranged over 10 uppers floors. Commenting Stephen Surphlis, Property Director, McAleer & Rushe said, “The development of the two new Maldron Hotels are very exciting initiatives for both cities with the projects strategically located, catering for both business and leisure users. Glasgow has one of the fastest growing economies in the UK and Birmingham continues to secure a range of inward investment projects, with the opening of the HS2 high speed rail network in 2026. “We’ve been encouraged by the support shown by both Local Authorities in processing the applications in a professional and timely manner allowing construction works to commence in the coming months and we look forward to working with in partnership with Dalata once again.” Dermot Crowley, Deputy CEO, Dalata Hotel Group commented: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for these two prime sites in Birmingham and Glasgow that will deliver 630 rooms across both cities and supports our goal to become the leading 4-star operator in 20 target cities across the UK. This will be our first Maldron Hotel in Birmingham, where we currently operate a 174 bedroom Clayton hotel. In addition to the Maldron Glasgow, we will deliver a 4-star 294 bedroom Clayton hotel in Glasgow in early 2021. We look forward to working with McAleer and Rushe on these developments, who have proved to be an excellent partner on previous projects.”
Ahead of High Speed Two (HS2) Limited beginning construction of a train maintenance depot in Washwood Heath, demolition of a former railway works in Birmingham is now well underway. The demolition covers a site larger than 110,000 square-metres and is being carried out by HS2 Ltd alongside their early works contractor, Birmingham-based LM JV. The site at Washwood Heath was originally home to a depot that measured 782,622 cubic metres of buildings and structures, and these are now in the process of being demolished. This has yielded a total of 412,464 tonnes of demolition materials – the equivalent weight of 68 Birmingham BT Towers – and this will be predominantly reused on site, significantly reducing the need for landfill and lorry movements. Mike Lyons, Programme Director of Phase One in the Midlands said: “As we prepare for the construction of HS2, there is a huge amount of work going on at sites in the Midlands, including land clearance, habitat creation, tree planting, demolitions, archaeology, road improvement works and utility diversions. “We currently have 62 live sites across the whole Phase One route, servicing over 250 work locations. Over 7,000 jobs are supported by HS2, and over 300 companies in the Midlands are already working on the project.” HS2 trains will be maintained at Washwood Heath, and activities at the facility will include cleaning, servicing, and routine repairs of the new high-speed fleet. The depot will employ up to 500 staff working in shifts, either in jobs within the depot, maintenance and support workers, or train drivers who will start and finish their day there. It will be HS2’s only rolling stock maintenance depot for Phases One and 2a of the UK’s new high-speed rail network. Formerly known as the Washwood Heath Railway Works, the site was last used by Alstom. It is the preferred location for HS2’s future depot because it is centrally located in relation to the completed HS2 network, which will extend to Leeds and Manchester.
The Government has announced today that it has committed an additional £6m to the community led housing sector, supplementing the £163m Community Housing Fund which was launched last year. Hundreds of community-run housing organisations will benefit from this brand new Government-funded community led housing programme which will provide funding, training and specialist advice. Community led housing is a way that communities can come together to solve their own housing challenges and provide high quality and affordable homes. It is estimated that over 5,000 community led homes will be built in the next five years. Through the Community Led Homes Programme, which is managed by a consortium of four housing charities, community groups can apply for up to £10,000 seed-corn grants to cover start-up costs including legal incorporation fees. Over £3.5m will also be invested into the growing network of community led housing enabling hubs that provide groups with technical advice and support. This latest funding comes just weeks after the Mayor of London announced his own £38m Community Housing Fund. Sadiq Khan has pledged to support 1,000 community led homes in the capital by 2021. More information about community led housing, including how to apply for a grant, can be found at www.communityledhomes..org.uk Samantha Jones, Head of Community Led Homes, said: “Communities want to play their part in tackling the country’s affordable housing crisis and many are forming community led housing groups to do so. In the next five years the movement will build over 5,000 affordable homes. We’ve created the Community Led Homes programme to help this figure increase further still, and in time, for community led housing to become a mainstream housing option. “This programme is the culmination of a huge amount of work from the four organisations involved and demonstrates our belief that in partnership we can support more communities to imagine and realise the affordable housing they so desperately need. Together we are committed to building a lasting legacy for community led housing.”
The word ‘office’ has long been heavily associated with skyscrapers and modern complexes. These days, however, many businesses have expanded their geographical reach – with many opting to work outside of the city. Firms located in rural areas can avoid high rent costs, busy commutes and –unsurprisingly – can enjoy major health benefits. Those based in the countryside typically work from converted buildings, like barns and lofts. As with any indoor area, safety compliance is key. If you want to transform an old building into an office, look no further: our guide can help you to achieve this. Determine Property Age Do you seek to convert an old building – like a barn – into a working space? If so, it may be worth determining its age before you decide to buy. Often, it can be slight harder to obtain planning permission for properties that were built before a certain period than more modern constructions. Farm buildings pre-dating July 1948 may be determined by the same rules that are applied to the updating of listed buildings. To avoid any legal disputes, it could be worth identifying its approximate age. Census returns, local history societies, and online sources can help with this. In doing this, you can make sure that any space older than 71 years old will apply to all safety compliancy laws once it has been modified. Consider Company Type What kind of business do you own? Do you provide face-to-face customer service? Or does client work happen outside of the office? In the UK, Health and Safety regulations are universal. But particular ones can apply to certain workplace environments. On-Site construction may entail additional regulations that are specific to that industry, for example. If craftwork – like carpentry – will take place within your desired barn or coach house, you must consider how its layout can protect workers from harm. Single story buildings with a wide surface area often present a less hazardous environment. To maximise the safety of your converted space, identify any industry requirements regarding safety laws. Guarantee Consistent Safety Safety compliance is an ongoing task. But with the right equipment, you can easily maintain a comfortable, healthy space. Devices like automatic smoke ventilation systems can detect any issue before it arises. As a result, you can confront it quickly and effectively. Additionally, health and safety compliance involves comfort. If it is not dealt with, discomfort can seriously affect our emotional and physical wellbeing. Exposure to intense cold may lead to hyperthermia and confusion. Equally, without proper ventilation, heat exhaustion can occur in offices. A manual window opener can enable you to eliminate either of these risks. With this tool, everyone in your converted business space can manage heat levels directly. Therefore, you can all work together to make it as comfortable and safe as possible. A business relocation to the country could heighten the overall performance of your team and firm. Better still, it will deliver fantastic views. It may even improve staff members’ health. Now that you know how to optimise safety within your new office, you can create the ideal home for your company.
UK’s leading supplier of ironmongery to the trade, IronmongeryDirect, has been named as one of the top internet retailers in the UK. The company has appeared, for the first time, in the Internet Retailing UK Top 500, entering within the first 350 businesses. The IRUK Top 500 report ranks retailers by revenue, store networks and website traffic as well as undertaking in-depth analysis into an organisation’s approach to customers. Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said while they had experienced their best financial year to date, the Basildon-based wholesaler was not resting on its laurels – with further expansion planned in 2019 and beyond. He said: “We are thrilled to have made it into the IRUK Top 500 internet retailers. To be included in a list of companies that consist of the likes of Amazon, John Lewis and Argos is a great reflection of our achievements and is an indication of the positive direction that IronmongeryDirect is heading in. “In the digital age where the standard 9-5 working hours are becoming less applicable, IronmongeryDirect is leading the way and continually evolving our business strategy, placing our customers firmly at the centre.” IronmongeryDirect has recently completed a major expansion of its warehouse and is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year. Wayne continued: “The expansion has enabled us to improve our service offering whilst continuing to grow our product range, bringing the total range to over 17,000 products. This further cements our position as the leading supplier of ironmongery and related products to the trade in the UK. IronmongeryDirect is the UK’s largest specialist ironmongery supplier, with over 17,000 products in stock, available for next day delivery when you order by 8pm Sunday to Friday and by 4pm on Saturday. Free delivery is available on orders over £45 together with free returns. For more information, visit IronmongeryDirect.com or call their team of specialist advisors on 0800 168 28 28.
East Grinstead, 19 February 2019: The Facilities Event, the leading exhibition dedicated to the UK’s facilities and workplace industry, has announced top FM experts who will be tackling the industry’s biggest challenges during a packed seminar programme at this year’s event held at NEC, Birmingham on the 9-11 April 2019. The free-to-attend programme will be hosted from a central theatre, The Facilities Hub, and will consist of 18 sessions featuring 30 of the most knowledgeable professionals in the UK’s FM industry today. All session content is CPD accredited and will be delivered across what the organisers are calling the ‘Five pillars of FM’. These five streams cover key elements within the FM profession and include cleaning services, security, catering, property management and support & technology services. “Our aim has been to design a programme which appeals to all levels of FMs working in the UK today. We know that there are many time pressures on those who are keen to attend The Facilities Event. This year our focus has been to deliver valuable training sessions with very practical take-aways with content that attendees can use to improve working practices at their organisation.” says Rachel Godfrey, Event Manager, The Facilities Event. Those attending The Facilities Event 2019 will also get free access to its co-located events; The Fire Safety Event, The Health & Safety Event and the brand-new The Security Event. Each event features its own professional seminar programme and a host of global brands demonstrating their technology and services. From legislative trends in health & safety to essential fire safety and security updates, the four events provide the ultimate opportunity for FMs at every level to update themselves on vital business knowledge. Godfrey explains “By attending the sessions and meeting with this year’s exhibitors, FMs will have the opportunity to create a personalised event experience and find real solutions to the issues that facing their business. We guarantee that those who attend will learn skills, experience and touch innovative technology and meet new industry colleagues.” Free visitor registration is now open, visit www.facilitiesevents.com to claim your free badge. Interested in exhibiting? Contact Rachel Godfrey on 01342 333714 or email rgodfrey@western-be.co.uk.
The strength of GRAHAM’s highways and rail sector expertise has been recognised by Countryside Zest (Beaulieu Park) LLP and Highways England following the recent award of a design and build contract for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works (RDR Phase 3) project. The works in Chelmsford, Essex, comprise of a new viaduct over the Great Eastern railway and A12 and carriageway works (RDR Phase 3) linking into the Boreham Interchange. The scheme, which is being directed by Countryside Zest in partnership with Highways England, is subject to a single-phase procurement process, although the works will be split into two phases. The first, a £1.4m-valued ‘Stage 1 Pre-Construction Services’ appointment, will focus on design development in order to secure technical approval from the relevant authorities, including Highways England and Network Rail. Detailed site surveys and investigation, plus a robust assessment of possession requirements and timescales, represent complex elements of this phase. Stage 2 ‘Construction’, with an estimated value of £11.8m, will then involve the commencement of an engineering and construction programme based on the agreed outputs from Stage 1. Track record GRAHAM has a proven track record in the Chelmsford area having completed the award winning A138 Chelmer Viaduct – a £32m strategic highway, which has increased transport capacity and significantly improved journeys for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. GRAHAM’s Managing Director for Civil Engineering, Leo Martin, is looking forward to his team delivering a similar high-calibre piece of infrastructure as part of the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works project. “This contract award is a tremendous result for us and it once again underlines our combined approach and reputation for excellence in both the highways and rail sectors,” said Leo. “The first phase of this contract requires a fully-coordinated design methodology that meets the approval and standards of Highways England and Network Rail. We have enjoyed long-term relationships with both organisations and fully understand their technical requirements. “I’m confident that our existing knowledge and design expertise will not only meet, but exceed, their expectations, which will ensure a seamless transition to Stage 2 and the beginning of the construction works. “As we proved with the A138 Chelmer Viaduct, we use our expertise and creativity to identify and implement solutions that reduce cost, drive efficiency and enhance outcomes and therefore we are looking forward to replicating this approach for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works project.” Phasing The approved phasing of the development requires the initial stopping up of the existing Generals Lane highway and the subsequent demolition of the bridge structure, which currently crosses the Great Eastern railway line in advance of the commencement of the RDR Phase 3 carriageway and bridge construction. The design requirements for the project include a radial distributor road, a bridge structure crossing the Great Eastern mainline and drainage and services. Design work is well under way and is expected to be completed in 2020.
Makita’s first DAB Job Site Radio with Bluetooth, the Makita DMR112, is the latest addition to the audio range that will meet everyone’s taste in music and quality. With a dual power source by either AC adaptor or by Makita’s CXT or LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, that can be found in Makita’s cordless power tools range, this radio provides total convenience and cost efficiency. Receives DAB, DAB+, national and local radio stations Compatible with all Makita batteries Excellent, high quality audio sound The Makita DMR112 radio with Bluetooth is capable of receiving DAB, DAB+ and many national and local radio stations. DAB+ is the current standard across much of Europe with the main advantage of being three times more efficient, carries far more radio stations than DAB, and at a far higher audio quality. DAB+ is also a much greener technology because the overall transmission power required is far lower. This radio has a two-way speaker system of twin 89mm diameter speakers that provide high quality sound and a maximum output, when using an 18V LXT Li-Ion battery, of 4.9 watts from each. This rugged IP64 protection-rated dust and showerproof site radio has an elastomer bump-protecting casing, foldable antenna for added protection, an AC adaptor jack and digital amplifier and LCD display, which offers equal protection to the existing range from Makita. This new body only radio has a Band III frequency range of 87.5 – 108 Mhz and is equipped with Bluetooth Class 2 to wirelessly play music from a mobile phone, MP3 player or tablet with a range of up to 10 meters. A neat, flat top surface provides stability for mobile devices and features a USB output port that allows mobile devices to be charged from the radio. An AUX-IN jack allows connection to personal audio players This intelligent and rugged Job Site Radio with Bluetooth has a soft grip carry handle, that swivels to 90°, is compact and light weight at just 4.3 kg plus batteries. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
As a small or large business owner, buying used forklift truck can be an amazing and cost-effective way to be able to meet up with order requirements. Read more here. But these second-hand machines has its very own problems which might cost you, clients, later on when they malfunction. Below, you will find our best tips that will enable you to explore the potential problems that might be hidden on the trucks or by sellers. Ensure the truck will be able to meet your lifting needs Forklift trucks may appear to be pretty the same to a novice. But, they are actually so different based on the model and intended uses. What will you use the forklift truck for – heavy or light loads? How big should the truck be? Will you need to use it on a routine basis? Is your truck going to work outside or inside? Do you need to abide by any rules on fumes and noise in the environment? Does it have long poles that can reach high platforms and shelves? You have to think of all this while picking the appropriate truck. A trustworthy seller will only sell the truck to you after examining your site in order to determine if the truck will be suitable for your business needs. Do note that most online retailers are less likely to do this. To be on the safe side, you should ask a certified Virginia dealer like to visit your business and provide a quotation for both used and new trucks. Then you will get a clear idea on the exact equipment that you need and costs. Do visual assessment Having to depend on the pictures and description of the seller is one of the unmistakable detriments of purchasing online. Ensure that you check for leaks, welding, rust or any other damages that might indicate underlying problems. This is easier to do if the dealer is in your local area. Otherwise, just ask for more pictures or even a video of the truck. Scrutinize the warranty It is essential to have a decent warranty when purchasing a used truck. Check carefully to see how long it lasts, what it covers and what isn’t covered. Even if the truck still has a warranty from the manufacturers, call them to confirm if the warranty can be transferred or not. Test drive it It is harder to buy a used truck than a used car. The reason is that forklift trucks are regulated and substantially more dangerous. Never pay anyone for a truck that you are yet to test drive. If you are unavailable or unfit to drive it, hire an operator to do that. The operator will be able to test all the functions and check for exhaust fumes and hydraulic leaks. Ask for Thorough Examination Certificate All trucks are legally required to have one. This guarantees that the vehicles conform to PUWER and LOLER directions. But it is similar to a vehicle MoT, you should depend entirely on it since it does not check the complete condition of the truck. Ensure the truck is certified and not illegally imported In the used forklift market, there is a developing trend of imports by rogue dealers. It is recommended that you stay away from them. Though there are still many trustworthy suppliers. You can check out Sun Equipment used forklifts, and lift trucks from other companies which provides registered trucks. If you buy from rogue dealers, you will find it almost impossible to move it to your location and find parts for the truck in the future. In case of a mishap, it might even make your insurance invalid. Always check that the truck has an authentic CE mark. Also, ensure that the CE Certificate, user manual, identity plate, and other labels, comes in the right language. Ensure the battery life is good if you are buying an electric truck The battery for forklift trucks can be very expensive – worth over 40% of the truck’s value. It is extremely vital that there’s a lot of mileage remaining in the battery cells. As a standard guideline, the normal FLT battery last for about 1200 charges and each charge will run for 5 hours. Get a rough estimate by dividing clocked hours by 5. Assess the battery for any damage or leaks. Consider getting extra insurance cover for the battery. Visit here for more info: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352152X17304437. These few tips will ensure that you don’t buy a dud. Also, make sure that you check the truck mileage versus the one in the service history. Don’t forget to also verify the suitability of the mast and ensure it extends smoothly. When leasing a forklift, always make sure you research.
The coastal West Sussex region has become a hub for development, with significant progress being made on new key sites throughout the area. The Coastal West Sussex Partnership, which brings senior leaders from the public and private sector to champion economic growth within the area, has given its support to several developments that it anticipates will have a ‘larger than local impact’. These include the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre in Shoreham, New Monks Farm in Lancing and Salt Box and Oldlands Farm in Bognor Regis, which is part of the Enterprise Bognor Regis area. As part of the Shoreham Port Masterplan, £3m has been allocated for the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre. The centre will provide 14 units of commercial space and will comprise of three blocks of modern business space, extending to a maximum of 18,000 square feet Tim Hague, Director of Property and Development at Shoreham Port, said: “We are delighted to report that we are now more than half way through the construction of the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre. “There is a chronic shortage of commercial space in this area. The new units will generate significant employment numbers, adding to the 1,600 already employed within the port. “They are part of a wider improvement plan for this area, which will result in an enhanced atmosphere with a greater draw for the local community.” Meanwhile in Lancing, the New Monks Farm Development will provide 600 new homes and a new IKEA store that will bring much-needed jobs to the area. Enterprise Bognor Regis is a 70-hectare commercial and employment development opportunity located on the northern edge of Bognor Regis in West Sussex. Landlink Estates, the developer of Salt Box on Shripney Road is awaiting the planning approval of plans that include a mix of both commercial and retail development. Tenants destined for the site are Warburtons, Richmond Motor Group, Aldi and Starbucks. Plans for another site within the Enterprise Bognor Regis have recently been put before the public. Oldlands Farm is 23.8 hectares and would bring forward further commercial and retail space. “It’s an exciting time for the area, with great new opportunities for businesses and a good number of new homes,” commented Caroline Wood, Director of the Coastal West Sussex Partnership. “There are some large development opportunities coming forward along the coast in Worthing, Shoreham, Chichester and Bognor Regis,” “We offer our support to those developments that can bring both jobs and homes into the area as well as having that larger than local impact.” For more information, please visit https://coastalwestsussex.org.uk.