MIKE TYLER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT WSP, JOINS THE BOARD – After seeking a new national board member to fulfil the role of North West Regional Director, networking group the Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) have appointed Mike Tyler of global construction consultants WSP. Tyler returns to the FBE
The STA has conducted a fresh assessment of large-scale solar costs which was explored with leading energy analysts & BEIS at an expert workshop today. The STA’s last assessment of solar’s Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), published in November 2014, had anticipated costs of around £80MWh in 2019. The updated
The construction division of The Premier Group, specialists in retail forecourts and commercial fuel installations, has appointed a new director to its board, strengthening the company’s leadership with a dedicated staff member. Shane Fairburn, new director at the construction division of The Premier Group, has worked with the Swansea-based company
BE DESIGN, the multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering practice, is rounding off the year with a series of significant new appointments, announcing seven additional members to its team. The practice celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and works across a number of sectors – from retail and leisure to residential and
Platinum Facilities Maintenance, a Hamilton-based business which employs twelve staff, has successfully completed a second South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) contract to clean the kitchen canopies and extract ductwork of 68 of its properties, including primary schools, leisure centres and nursing homes. Colin Chambers, managing director of Platinum Facilities Maintenance, said:
Tridify, the software technology specialist delivering automation products for the AEC industry, announced today a partnership with Unity Technologies to deliver Tridify Convert, an automation tool available on the Unity Asset store, which will streamline Unity AEC developer workflows. Tridify Convert is an automatically scalable BIM cloud service, enabling the conversion of
Two-thirds (66%) of property professionals in the UK believe former retail premises could be the biggest untapped resource for new residential development, according to a survey by MRI Software, a global leader in real estate software solutions. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of those surveyed see residential redevelopment of sites previously used by
Friday (7 December) at the 42nd BALI National Landscape Awards, BALI Registered Contractor Bowles & Wyer received the coveted Grand Award for a Private Residence in the Chilterns, the stunning implementation of a garden design by BALI Registered Designer Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson. A BALI member since 1993 and
The Bognor Regis branch of Covers Timber and Builders Merchants will be supporting the Pagham Pram Race 2018 as a corporate sponsor for a third consecutive year. Pagham’s traditional Boxing Day pram push – the oldest in the world – spans back more than 70 years and regularly welcomes visitors
MACAULAY SINCLAIR has transformed part of a Grade II listed lodge building into Indian café brand Dishoom’s seventh restaurant and bar in Bridge Street in Manchester. After three and a half years of planning, Dishoom Manchester opened on 6 December 2018 within Beaux-Arts-style building Manchester Hall, thanks to interior architecture
MIKE TYLER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT WSP, JOINS THE BOARD – After seeking a new national board member to fulfil the role of North West Regional Director, networking group the Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) have appointed Mike Tyler of global construction consultants WSP. Tyler returns to the FBE following a brief spell away to focus on his family commitments. He was previously involved with the FBE Manchester group, utilising his extensive experience of dealing with the Public Sector. As Regional Director, Tyler will be supporting and advising the Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester FBE branches, as well as giving North West members a voice on the larger, national stage by feeding back to the wider group. One of his key aims will be to engage with potential speakers, and drive attendance to the FBE’s fantastic range of events in the North West. Of his appointment, Tyler said: “I am thrilled to be asked to join the board, particularly at such an exciting time for the region with businesses thriving and expanding in the North West. I can’t wait to work alongside the existing board members to help the FBE keep moving forward and cement our status as the go-to national networking group for the construction industry.” David Jones, National Chairman of the FBE, added: “Mike is a fantastic addition to the FBE Board. His experience in the sector as well as his knowledge of Manchester and the North West made him an obvious choice for the appointment.” The Liverpool and Manchester branches are already collaborating on upcoming events, including a breakfast celebrating the achievements of the whole North West region to be held in Chester on the 9th January.
The STA has conducted a fresh assessment of large-scale solar costs which was explored with leading energy analysts & BEIS at an expert workshop today. The STA’s last assessment of solar’s Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), published in November 2014, had anticipated costs of around £80MWh in 2019. The updated analysis for 2019 shows that solar has gone beyond the STA’s earlier expectations with LCOE costs of around £50-60MWh in 2019, a figure which is also significantly below BEIS’s 2016 Central Estimate of Electricity Generation Costs. Although costs vary significantly on a site by site basis, the findings confirm that under a long-term power purchase contract, solar could soon be the cheapest electricity generation technology in the UK. STA Policy Analyst Nicholas Gall, who undertook the study working with STA members over the past six months, said; “This is yet another example of the fast-moving solar power market outpacing official costs analyses. Our aim here is to provide an accurate assessment of where large-scale solar costs stand as we enter 2019, when we hope to see some revival of the UK large-scale solar market. We urge all organisations conducting low-carbon or energy cost analyses to make use of this up-to-date industry data, which comes directly from our members’ own experience of the UK market. We also urge decision-makers to understand how effective policy frameworks enable the lowest possible costs for solar, which will greatly benefit consumers.” Large-scale solar has been excluded from clean energy auctions in the UK since 2015, and the Renewables Obligation was closed in March 2017. This has left the sector to develop its own commercial routes-to-market, within a complex energy market heavily distorted by Government support for other technologies and facing significant policy uncertainties. The STA analysis presented today shows that solar can now deploy at around £50-60/MWh, making it highly competitive with CCGT and onshore wind, and attractive for commercial and industrial consumers under long-term Power Purchase Agreements. The analysis also underscores the high potential for UK content in large-scale solar and its contribution to GDP, with imported modules likely to form just 10% of total lifetime costs by 2030. A significant solar pipeline is widely expected to re-start in the UK in 2019, assisted in the short term by developer needs to build out previously stalled projects, and by a global module surplus. In the medium to longer term, the market outlook is supported by improved manufacturing efficiencies, higher gas price projections, and the UK’s growing need for clean generation capacity. However, the outlook is clouded by policy uncertainties such as Ofgem’s latest proposed changes to network charging, the future of carbon pricing given uncertainties over post-Brexit arrangements with the EU Emissions Trading System, and ongoing grid constraint challenges. Accompanying the cost figures released today, the STA sets out three targeted policy measures to facilitate growth of the large-scale solar market: Introducing a technology-neutral floor-price Contract for Difference auction; Enacting network access and charging reforms to enable storage + PV to realise its full potential; and providing a Climate Change Levy exemption for newly built zero-carbon generation procured through corporate renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs). Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of the Solar Trade Association said; “We have a clear message for Government and corporate energy buyers today: UK solar electricity is now cost competitive with fossil fuels. By establishing the right policy framework for solar and storage, including expediting a smart, flexible energy system, government can enable this technology to realise its full potential in delivering an affordable, low-carbon future energy system.”
The construction division of The Premier Group, specialists in retail forecourts and commercial fuel installations, has appointed a new director to its board, strengthening the company’s leadership with a dedicated staff member. Shane Fairburn, new director at the construction division of The Premier Group, has worked with the Swansea-based company since June 2014. He has undertaken various roles during his time with the company including project manager, head of major works and most recently, head of contracts. Fairburn’s promotion to director has been in recognition of the integral part he plays within the business. His outstanding enthusiasm, contribution and commitment to his role will be invaluable to the company’s board. His dedication to The Premier Group will also enable the company to capture and implement the vision of the next generation into the future strategy of the business. One of The Premier Group’s core values is ‘people’, which enables the business to focus on recognising, rewarding and promoting its employees. Fairburn’s invitation to become a director is testament to this, showing the company’s commitment to recognising and rewarding its employees for their hard work and dedication to the company. Steve Evans, managing director of the construction division of The Premier Group, said: “Shane’s appointment to the board is recognition of his hard work and commitment to the business and I am personally thankful for the support he has given me over the last few years. I have worked with Shane since he first joined the business and have seen first-hand his development into his role. He has been a huge inspiration to others through leading and developing his own team. It has been a true pleasure to witness Shane’s progress and I look forward to him being a valuable member of the board.” Shane Fairburn, director at the construction division of The Premier Group, added: “I am thrilled to have been invited to join the board of The Premier Group and am thankful to the team for all their support and guidance over the years. The company has always been incredibly supportive of each employee’s development and this promotion just shows how hard work is recognised and rewarded. I am keen to begin my journey as a director and contribute beneficial insights to our strategy going forward.” The Premier Group is a leading UK independent fuel engineering company that operates as two main divisions: construction and maintenance. The company works with many major national brands, including BP, Esso, Shell, MFG, MRH, Rontec, Asda and Tesco.
BE DESIGN, the multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering practice, is rounding off the year with a series of significant new appointments, announcing seven additional members to its team. The practice celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and works across a number of sectors – from retail and leisure to residential and industrial – designing projects across the UK and throughout Europe. A number of appointments have been made to the technical team, including Adam Hancocks, who brings 12 years’ experience to his new role as principal engineer. He will be working on the development of Grantham Designer Outlet Village and various international projects. Speaking of his new role, Adam said; “Having worked in the industry in the East Midlands since graduating, I’m really pleased to be staying in the region and joining the BE Design family. I’m looking forward to getting to know my clients, understanding their projects and applying my technical skills to solve problems and deliver high-quality buildings with a variety of end uses. “One thing that really drew me to the company was the friendly environment and focus on training and development, and I’m looking forward to furthering not only my own development, but that of other team members through mentoring.” Joining Adam will be: Tim Wallis, senior engineering BIM technician; Sam Johnson, engineering BIM technician; Sophie Hayes and Will Turner, junior BIM technicians and Su Ford, administration assistant. Katie Barnes also joins the team as an architectural placement student from Newcastle University. Stephen Oakden, director at BE Design said: “At BE Design, we know that the people in our practice are the key to our success as a business. With their passion, and the support of our development programmes, we work together as a close-knit team to ensure that our clients receive service that exceeds their expectations every time. “We recently announced a raft of internal promotions, and we’re thrilled to be following that with this boost of new staff throughout the technical and support teams. Myself and the wider team look forward to working alongside this talented influx of new staff and wish them all the best in their new roles.” Find out more about BE Design at www.bedesign.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @B_E_Design.
Platinum Facilities Maintenance, a Hamilton-based business which employs twelve staff, has successfully completed a second South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) contract to clean the kitchen canopies and extract ductwork of 68 of its properties, including primary schools, leisure centres and nursing homes. Colin Chambers, managing director of Platinum Facilities Maintenance, said: “This is another council contract we have been awarded with in order to carry out the mandatory compliance works. We successfully undertook a cleaning operation on a similar number of SLC properties earlier this year. “We are delighted that the Council has acknowledged our ability to perform this work by giving us a further contract which we have completed in record time.” Every organization in the UK with commercial kitchens is legally obliged to carry out annual cleans of their canopies and ductwork to make them compliant with legislation. Mr. Chambers, whose business provides comprehensive solutions for all building compliance issues for a range of customers in both the public and private sectors, said: “All property owners have a duty of care towards the public and need to be aware of the cost and time implications non-compliance with the regulations could have for their companies. “Anyone who is uncertain about their situation should seek expert guidance to help mitigate the more damaging potential effects.”
Tridify, the software technology specialist delivering automation products for the AEC industry, announced today a partnership with Unity Technologies to deliver Tridify Convert, an automation tool available on the Unity Asset store, which will streamline Unity AEC developer workflows. Tridify Convert is an automatically scalable BIM cloud service, enabling the conversion of 3D BIM CAD data into Unity in real-time. It delivers UV-mapped and optimized models regardless of the project size. Tridify Convert includes a simple Industry Foundation Class (IFC) file export from all BIM and CAD software platforms, with automated features such as material mapping, colliders, and lighting generation. “We have a deep understanding of BIM and the AEC industry having used Unity to develop our own AEC visualization application over five years ago,” said Juha Alanen, EVP of Sales at Tridify. “Our R&D team recognized that by working with Unity, we could deliver a solution that would automatically streamline the process of delivering UV-mapped and optimized architectural models to XR-ready 3D files. Together, with Unity, we are solving the problem of repetitive, slow, and error-prone re-modeling.” “Unity’s mission is to solve hard problems for all developers and working with Tridify ensures that our AEC developers can save money, increase efficiencies, and improve collaboration,” said Tim McDonough, General Manager of Industrial at Unity Technologies. “For designers, engineers, and trailblazers across AEC, Unity is the most versatile and widely used real-time 3D platform for visualizing products and building interactive and virtual experiences and we look forward to working with Tridify to shape the future of AEC. For more information about Tridify Convert, visit the Tridify website.
Two-thirds (66%) of property professionals in the UK believe former retail premises could be the biggest untapped resource for new residential development, according to a survey by MRI Software, a global leader in real estate software solutions. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of those surveyed see residential redevelopment of sites previously used by retailers giving the British High Street a new lease of life, the research report, Charting UK Property Trends, shows. The research also reveals that three-quarters (76%) of the industry experts MRI canvassed think Brexit will not seriously hamper the ability of the UK property sector to get the funding it needs to develop properties – including 94% of the property investors, owners and developers. Over three-quarters (77%) of respondents also see demand for residential rentals in the UK accelerating, driven by the continued high cost of buying a home. “Charting UK Property Trends provides a comprehensive inside view of the challenges property players face today and where the opportunities lie,” says Dermot Briody, Executive Managing Director, Europe at MRI Software. “The research shows we will see a far greater number of people living in town centres, which will give a boost to retailers on the High Street while feeding other businesses such as gyms and entertainment venues.” The survey took the responses of 144 senior property experts from a range of organisations, including investors/owners/developers, consultants, contractors, property managers, sales and lettings agents, service providers, and business occupiers. “The vast majority of industry players we surveyed were bullish on the outlook for the sector,” Briody notes. “Even where Brexit is concerned, the positive outweighed the negative, as two-thirds maintain that even a Hard Brexit won’t hurt their ability to get funding for property development.” Other findings in the survey of property professionals include: Eight in ten (82%) say ‘Generation Rent’ – young adults unable to purchase a home due to high housing prices – is here to stay, with little likelihood buying conditions will improve The same proportion (82%) say Generation Rent is renting for longer, driving demand for higher quality properties Nine in ten (90%) see rentals becoming more important to the UK residential market over next 12-18 months Four out of five (81%) say co-working / shared office spaces such as WeWork are likely to be users of former retail premises in UK town and city centers Three quarters (75%) say their organisation struggles to turn the data it holds into actionable insight but needs to be able to do so Over half (54%) say connecting up or linking applications, processes and data within their company is difficult and want an easier way to do it The online survey took place in October and November. To download a copy, click here. About MRI Software MRI Software is a leading provider of innovative real estate software applications and hosted solutions. MRI’s comprehensive and flexible technology platform coupled with an open and connected ecosystem meets the unique needs of real estate businesses – from property-level management and accounting to investment modelling and analytics for the global commercial and residential markets. A pioneer of the real estate software industry, MRI develops lasting client relationships based on nearly five decades of expertise and insight. Through leading solutions and a rich partner ecosystem, MRI liberates real estate companies to elevate their business and gain a competitive edge. For more information, please visit mrisoftware.com.
Friday (7 December) at the 42nd BALI National Landscape Awards, BALI Registered Contractor Bowles & Wyer received the coveted Grand Award for a Private Residence in the Chilterns, the stunning implementation of a garden design by BALI Registered Designer Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson. A BALI member since 1993 and winner of numerous BALI Awards, including the Grand Award and the Design & Build Award in 2010, Bowles & Wyer impressed the BALI Adjudication Panel with this year’s scheme. The BALI National Landscape Awards, with headline sponsor Green-tech, are held annually at London’s Grosvenor House on Park Lane and are the largest landscape Awards in Europe. They recognise excellence in landscape design, construction and maintenance, and in Affiliate customer service, achieved by Registered members of the British Association of Landscape Industries. 127 entries were judged this year and 101 National Awards made. The Awards ceremony was hosted by popular sports journalist and breakfast TV presenter Dan Walker, who addressed the record-breaking audience of over 1000 BALI members and guests during the luncheon and joined Awards sponsors on stage to present the 29 Principal and 3 Special Awards. The presentation of the Grand Award to Bowles & Wyer’s Managing Director Dan Riddleston was made by headline sponsor Green-tech’s Sales Director, Richard Gill. VIP guests this year included Sue Biggs CBE, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society; Adam White, President and Daniel Cook, Chief Executive of the Landscape Institute; Sarah Morgan, Chair of the Society of Garden Designers; Matthew Bradbury, Chair of The Parks Alliance; and Rod Winrow, Chairman of the Association of Professional Landscapers. Bowles & Wyer, which is based in Bedfordshire, received the Grand Award – BALI’s highest accolade – at this year’s ceremony for their landscaping of a Private Residence in the Chilterns. The BALI Awards adjudication panel highlighted the sheer scale of the project, from the initial major earthworks and installation of attenuation draining to the outstanding hard paving and construction of multiple walls and terraces. The stunning planting schemes in a series of garden rooms had, said the judges, “also benefitted from the expert horticultural hands of the contractor”, making it a worthy recipient of the Grand Award. Bowles & Wyer is no stranger to BALI Awards success and has a long track record of delivering exceptional schemes, in both the domestic and commercial markets. Commenting on the company’s achievement, outgoing chair of the adjudication panel Greg Allen said: “It is wonderful to see a private garden scheme winning the Grand Award. The complexity and challenges of this project belie what is a simply beautiful and tranquil space. Designed to create a series of garden rooms, each with their own ambience and interest, this scheme is proof that however good a design may be it relies entirely for its truthful implementation on the skill and expertise of the contractor. Bowles & Wyer has demonstrated its professional excellence across the board and the judges’ decision to recognise the company’s achievements was unanimous.” A full list of award-winners and a description of the winning schemes is available on BALI’s website here. Benefitting from a collection at the event, this year’s chosen charities were Greenfingers Charity, which creates beautiful outdoor spaces in hospices for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, and the BALI Chalk Fund, which supports education and training in the landscape sector, including the BALI GoLandscape careers outreach initiative. The total amount raised was £5,353.
The Bognor Regis branch of Covers Timber and Builders Merchants will be supporting the Pagham Pram Race 2018 as a corporate sponsor for a third consecutive year. Pagham’s traditional Boxing Day pram push – the oldest in the world – spans back more than 70 years and regularly welcomes visitors from all over the world in an effort to raise funds for local causes. The three-mile route, which sees teams in fancy dress pushing decorated prams around a race course, starts at the Mill on Pagham Road and finishes at The Lamb pub car park, passing other local pubs along the way. Paul Allwright, who is Depot Manager at Covers Bognor Regis, said: “The Pagham Pram Race is a real highlight of the festive season. We are delighted to be part of this much-loved event and we can’t wait to see all the fun, novel and creative entries from the competitors.” Andrew Goodwill, who is the Treasurer of the Pagham Pram Race, added: “We would like to thank Covers for their continued support and look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to another successful Pagham Pram Race in 2018.” The Pagham Pram Race takes place at 11am on Boxing Day. Full details about the event, including how to take part, are available at www.paghamprace.com.
MACAULAY SINCLAIR has transformed part of a Grade II listed lodge building into Indian café brand Dishoom’s seventh restaurant and bar in Bridge Street in Manchester. After three and a half years of planning, Dishoom Manchester opened on 6 December 2018 within Beaux-Arts-style building Manchester Hall, thanks to interior architecture and design studio Macaulay Sinclair, which specialises in creating exceptional spaces for the hospitality sector and has a longstanding relationship with Dishoom’s co-founders. John Macaulay, co-director of Nottingham-based Macaulay Sinclair said: “Helping to bring Dishoom to Manchester was really exciting for us, particularly as this is the first Dishoom outside of a UK capital city. “Each Dishoom restaurant pays homage to the Irani cafés of Bombay, and each is inspired by a historical time period and narrative that we bring to life through our design. Dishoom Manchester is influenced by the freemasonry of Bombay, so we specifically visited and researched Bombay’s freemasons’ hall from 1899 and the Theosophical Society of Bombay. The symbolism and paraphernalia of freemasonry have been woven into the details, as well as using a colour palette inspired by the iconic Irani café Britannia & Co in the Ballard Estate area.” Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of Dishoom said: “Macaulay Sinclair has been instrumental in helping us to really understand how Dishoom should express itself in a physical environment. They design spaces in completely different design languages and time periods which could only be Dishoom restaurants. They’ve been completely key in our evolution as a business.” The 230-cover restaurant and bar has a familiar aesthetic in part to other Dishoom restaurants, with frequent references to the Irani cafés of Bombay, as well as antique furniture sourced from India such as a unique and original teak in/out board from a Bombay hospital. John added: “We retained the original fabric of the building to restore the grand, civic aesthetic, which has hints of academic classicism. Luckily we were able to retain many of the beautiful existing finishes, including the majority of parquet and marble floor.” The Bro. Cursetjee Dining Hall, a ballroom and banqueting suite formerly known as The Derby Room, is a grand, symmetrical space with a striking, parabolic dome. The design team added a free-standing hardwood and glass pavilion-like structure to break down the imposing volume of the room to create a more intimate, controllable space. Nine portraits of former Grand Masters of the Bombay freemasons’ hall were commissioned to hang on plinths in the dining room, which is complete with grand proportions and high ceilings. The creative team at Dishoom author a story for each new location and Macaulay Sinclair develops an aesthetic narrative around it. Dishoom Manchester explores the unexpected links between Manchester, Bombay and freemasonry. To read the Dishoom Manchester story head to the Dishoom website. For more information about Macaulay Sinclair visit www.macaulaysinclair.com