A contract at a £600m scheme in London has been won by a Worcester-headquartered residential and mixed-use property management specialist. Mainstay has been appointed to manage the first two phases of Hallsville Quarter, Canning Town. Part of the £3.7bn Canning Town and Custom House Regeneration Programme, Hallsville Quarter will include
Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons is the first company to take home the trophy for Client Advisor of the Year; a new category at the coveted Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards. The annual black-tie event, which welcomed more than 350 guests at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lincoln on Tuesday (5 February),
With businesses across the country looking to prepare for the potential effects of a hard Brexit, one company has invested in £700,000 worth of insurance stock to ensure they have exactly what they need for the foreseeable future. A recent survey found a surge in the number of companies considering
A purchase ‘in excess of’ £55 million has been completed for a penthouse at Clarges Mayfair, continuing a strong start to the year for the London Super Prime market. The penthouse –the largest in a 34-residency development – overlooks Green Park and was sold by agent Quintessentially Estates on behalf
Concrete brings both practicality and beauty to any garden, if used in the right way. While it’s primarily known for being a high-strength material that does the ‘grunt work’ of a garden, concrete can also be used in the creation of stunning statement pieces. In this article, we explore five
More than fifty students from Carshalton College and Merton College have taken up industry placements with national contractor United Living, to help build 68 new homes for the ex-service community. Since November last year, the construction site at Rhodes Moorhouse Court in Morden has had support from Level 2 and
Interserve has reached a rescue deal with its creditors to prevent its collapse, according to a statement issued by the group. Following its 21 December 2018 announcement, the board has provided further details on its deleveraging plan. The key commercial terms of the deleveraging plan have been agreed in principle
As temperatures plummet to the lowest we’ve seen in the UK for seven years, any responsible employer should ensure that their outdoor workers are well protected from the elements. By conducting comprehensive thermal risk assessments, you can determine if you have the necessary processes, equipment and protective clothing in place
IronmongeryDirect, and sister company ElectricalDirect has completed a major expansion project, to house 1000’s more new products whilst expanding its customer proposition. Part of the Manutan European Group, IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect is the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery and electrical products to the trade. A new 100,000 sq ft warehouse,
GBE Converge have been appointed by SES (Engineering Services) to design and install the Security systems for the new £40m York Community Stadium and Leisure Complex. The scheme is an exciting public and private funded mixed-use destination for York and will provide a new 8,000 capacity home for York City
A contract at a £600m scheme in London has been won by a Worcester-headquartered residential and mixed-use property management specialist. Mainstay has been appointed to manage the first two phases of Hallsville Quarter, Canning Town. Part of the £3.7bn Canning Town and Custom House Regeneration Programme, Hallsville Quarter will include a new town centre, public realm, co-working space and mixed-tenure housing. The first phase completed in 2015; phase two in 2018 and a planning application was granted in June 2018 for phase three, with a start on site scheduled for 2019. With the two initial phases comprising more than 550 homes, the appointment means that Mainstay now manages in excess of 40,000 residential properties. Charles Lucas, technical director at Mainstay, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to manage this landmark scheme for East London. “Mainstay Group has seen continued growth in recent years, and this latest win – after a vigorous tender process – is testament to our reputation as a quality and trustworthy managing agent. “We look forward to working closely with Linkcity to bring this exciting project to life.” Linkcity was selected as developer by the London Borough of Newham (LBN) to deliver the £600m scheme. Simon Rosenberg, development director at Linkcity, added: “When the Hallsville Management Company board undertook the selection process, we were keen to choose a partner who we felt would share our values in terms of quality and attention to detail. “As a company with two decades’ worth of experience and a proven track record in delivering excellence, Mainstay felt like the natural choice.”
Environmental consultancy Delta-Simons is the first company to take home the trophy for Client Advisor of the Year; a new category at the coveted Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards. The annual black-tie event, which welcomed more than 350 guests at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lincoln on Tuesday (5 February), celebrated Lincolnshire’s leading projects and players in the construction and property industry. Headquartered in Lincoln, Delta-Simons operates from nine locations across the UK and employs more than 100 environmental professionals who specialise in health & safety and environmental and sustainability services, working on a range of premier commercial and residential schemes. At the awards Delta-Simons were up against two other impressive finalists – planning consultant Globe Consultants Limited and landscape architect Influence – for the Client Advisor of the Year accolade, which celebrates companies that provide leading support, advice and professional services within the industry in Lincolnshire. One of the firm’s recent, notable projects includes The Parklands; a new residential community in the village of Sudbrooke led by Lincoln-based Jackson & Jackson Developments. Delta-Simons provided ecological planning and design services, including arboricultural surveys, great crested newt surveys and translocations to a newly constructed pond feature. Delta-Simons also undertook geotechnical and contaminated land investigations on the award-winning regeneration project for the Lincolnshire Co-Op via chartered surveyors Banks Long and Co. At the Lincolnshire Construction & Property Awards, which are organised by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the judges praised Delta-Simons for its range of innovative solutions in response to difficult situations and projects. The comments included: “The judges were particularly impressed by Delta-Simons’ approach to social and economic impact on the local community. As an environmental and sustainability consultant, sustainability underpins everything they do, going above and beyond to help the team save energy and waste, for example; subscribing to the governments cycle to work scheme and offering waste and water reduction initiatives to name a few.” Paul Bennett, unit director for the Midlands region at Delta-Simons, said: “You are only as good as the team around you and the clients that you have, and this award is recognition that we have both a fantastic team and strong client base. “We are very proud to be part of a number of key projects that are transforming Greater Lincolnshire and are so pleased to have secured this accolade, which is testament to the outstanding work of our Lincoln-based teams and the support of the wider business. “Thank you to those that have passed on kind messages of support and to the judges for their praise – we will be sure to channel this positivity going forward as we continue to maintain our reputation as an environmental champion within the county.” Over £3,500 was raised on the night for chosen charity Kids – a Lincolnshire-based charity that supports disabled children, young people and their families.
With businesses across the country looking to prepare for the potential effects of a hard Brexit, one company has invested in £700,000 worth of insurance stock to ensure they have exactly what they need for the foreseeable future. A recent survey found a surge in the number of companies considering relocating abroad to elsewhere within the EU in order to accommodate a hard Brexit. The British Chamber of Commerce has also stated that thousands of UK firms are also stockpiling goods to deal with the potential worst effects of Brexit. Kite has carried out extensive risk assessments across its supply base and decided to stockpile 700 pallets of the most vulnerable lines. This is where employee-owned business, Kite Packaging, is implementing its strategic plan with international manufacturing partners by purchasing the £700,000 worth of inventory in order to secure its stock levels ready for Brexit. Companies and organisations throughout the UK are anticipating the repercussions that Brexit will create, including extra costs and changes in compliance, business structure and trade. In the face of such uncertain times, businesses have been left with no choice other than to divert time and resources to Brexit, important elements that could have been dedicated to other pivotal strategies such as future growth. Preparing for a no-deal Brexit means the realisation of compromised stock levels as sourcing international product will become more challenging within the parameters of UK business. This investment is another example of Kite’s market leading approach, which will inevitably put the business in good stead for the coming months of unfamiliar territory where stock may well have limited availability. Managing Partner Gavin Ashe said: “No business wants to tie up capital unnecessarily but we have a strong balance sheet and take our responsibility to our customers very seriously. It was felt we just couldn’t take the risk of running out of stock so we have made this investment to protect our customers.” For more information on Kite Packaging’s services or products, visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
A purchase ‘in excess of’ £55 million has been completed for a penthouse at Clarges Mayfair, continuing a strong start to the year for the London Super Prime market. The penthouse –the largest in a 34-residency development – overlooks Green Park and was sold by agent Quintessentially Estates on behalf on an international client. It comes after the sale of a £95 million house near Buckingham Palace two weeks ago, the most expensive home sold in the UK since 2011. US hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin purchased 3 Carlton Gardens at £30 million less than it was on the market just two years earlier. An industry-wide drop in prices across the capital has affected the prime market recently, with prices in some of the most exclusive locations dropping by up to a quarter over the past year. Nearly £500,000 has been sliced off the value of houses in Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster over the 12 months to November 2018, a report from Your Move revealed last month. House prices across London’s ten most expensive boroughs dropped ten per cent on average, it said. Quintessentially Estates said that the Clarges Mayfair sale illustrates the state of market in which the lower end is cautious over Brexit concerns and increased stamp duty. Buyers at the upper end of the market, it said, are currently ‘jumping’ at the chance to invest thanks to the fall in sterling after the 2016 referendum that has added to the ‘potential windfall for dollar and Euro-denominated buyers’. Quintessentially Estates CEO Penny Mosgrove said: ‘We currently have over £200 million worth of property requests for Prime Central London from our network of over 65 offices globally and growing. ‘We are set for a significant increase in revenue from the previous financial year with our ever growing private and corporate client base globally.’ Quintessentially Estates is a dedicated global property specialist that offers expertise to a exclusive HNW clientele. Its access encompasses off-market properties in over 65 locations around the world, as well as a wide network across its portfolio which covers buying, selling, renting and managing in major international markets. The firm hand-picked the Clarges Mayfair property, and continues to see strong activity in London. ‘We are currently working on behalf of a number of high net worth individuals looking to invest in the capital, added Quintessentially Estates director Simon Garcia added. ‘Our clients are confident about the market long-term, many of whom are entrepreneurs and business owners who have or are experiencing rapid growth, with continued positive forecasts.’
Concrete brings both practicality and beauty to any garden, if used in the right way. While it’s primarily known for being a high-strength material that does the ‘grunt work’ of a garden, concrete can also be used in the creation of stunning statement pieces. In this article, we explore five uses of concrete in the garden – ranging from the expected to the unconventional. 1. Quirky furniture & features Concrete is commonly associated with practical purposes, but did you ever consider that it could be used to craft an elegant water feature, a decorative candle holder, or even an al fresco table and chairs? If you’re DIY savvy, you may want to have a go at being creative and making your very own pieces to suit your space. Concrete moulds are available online, helping homeowners across the country transform their spaces. The choices are endless – bird baths, benches, dining tables, clocks, wood burners, and more. Just get on Google and see what ideas are out there. 2. Sculpture Perhaps your garden could benefit from an artistic touch? One increasingly popular idea is to use imprinted stencils to create statement pieces or paving stones, such as leaf and flower designs or shaped stones. Whether left bare or painted, these can bring a decorative touch to any garden and become a talking point for visitors. Why not try crafting concrete globes using an inflated balloon? Simply put the wet concrete mix around as much of the balloon as you wish (leaving a gap can transform them from globes into planters), wait for it to set, and then pop the balloon. 3. Footpaths, paving & stepping stones The sturdy, durable nature of concrete makes it ideal for surfaces experiencing high foot and vehicle traffic. As concrete can be shaped easily in its liquid state, you can experiment with a range of different footpath, paving or stepping stone styles . You can keep it simple with evenly-sized stones, or create a mismatched, tumbledown look for a more quirky feel. Stepping stones don’t have to be plain, though; why not adorn yours with decorative jewels or stencilled patterns? 4. Driveways & parking spaces High-strength and robust, concrete is the ideal material to withstand your vehicle’s comings and goings. You may be tempted to opt for a gravel driveway, but the strength would not be at the same level – plus, gravel scatters easily. Concrete therefore has an edge when it comes to durability and longevity. 5. Raised beds & planters Concrete can play a big part in greening up your garden. Combining the urban character of concrete with the natural look of plants makes for a memorable contrast that adds a stylish touch to any garden. Planters and raised beds can be easily constructed from concrete, but the design and layout is totally up to you. Get your project off the ground and contact your reliable local concrete supplier.
More than fifty students from Carshalton College and Merton College have taken up industry placements with national contractor United Living, to help build 68 new homes for the ex-service community. Since November last year, the construction site at Rhodes Moorhouse Court in Morden has had support from Level 2 and Level 3 students who are learning construction skills at the College’s Merton Campus. They have taken up placements across a range of disciplines including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, drylining, bricklaying and plastering. The placements are being delivered and managed by United Living in partnership with Haig Housing Trust. Level 1 students based at South Thames College have also participated in site visits to the housing development and will attend an on-site presentation about opportunities in the construction industry. Farhan Mohamed, senior site manager at United Living, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to provide these young people with the support and encouragement to learn new skills and pursue a career in construction. Our team of professionals are enjoying sharing their own knowledge and experience, which will hopefully play a part in encouraging this next generation into the sector and ensure the construction industry continues to flourish and grow.” Brigadier James Richardson, chief executive of Haig Housing Trust, said: “We’re delighted that this major development project on our Morden estate not only delivers 68 much needed new homes for Veterans and their families but has also benefited students from our neighbouring College. Aside from the skills they gain it also reflects the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant in bringing Veterans and local communities closer together.” Bryan Smyth, who is studying for a Level 3 diploma in electrical installation, said: “I’ve had a fantastic time here, working with the team at United Living to gain some experience and understand what it’s actually like to work on a construction site. I’ve gained a lot of new skills and I want to thank them for this opportunity.” Nathan Williams, who is studying bricklaying, said “My experiences working on this site were amazing. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and I’ve genuinely learnt loads of new skills. I hope to come back to help with the completion of the project.”
Interserve has reached a rescue deal with its creditors to prevent its collapse, according to a statement issued by the group. Following its 21 December 2018 announcement, the board has provided further details on its deleveraging plan. The key commercial terms of the deleveraging plan have been agreed in principle with all of Interserve’s lenders, bonding providers and the Pension Trustee. The board believes the deleveraging plan will provide Interserve with “a strong balance sheet and the platform to deliver on its strategy”. Debbie White, CEO of Interserve, said: “Agreeing the key commercial terms of the deleveraging plan with our lenders, bonding providers and Pension Trustee is a significant step forward in our plans to strengthen the balance sheet. The board believes that this agreement will secure a strong future for Interserve. “This proposal has been achieved following a long period of intensive negotiation and has the support of our financial stakeholders and the government. Its successful implementation is critical to the Interserve Group’s future and all of its stakeholders. The deleveraging plan will, alongside our ‘Fit for Growth’ transformation programme, place us in a strong position to deliver our strategy, be competitive in the marketplace and provide a secure future for the Interserve Group’s employees, customers and suppliers.” The deleveraging plan is expected to result in Interserve Group’s “pro forma net debt reducing to circa £275 million achieved through issuing c.£480 million of new Interserve equity”. Interserve expects to launch the finalised deleveraging plan in the next few weeks. The deleveraging plan will be “subject to approval by Interserve’s shareholders”. The company’s statement added: “Whilst Interserve’s objective remains to implement a fully consensual transaction, Interserve is also actively preparing alternative plans to ensure the proposed transaction can be implemented in the event that shareholder approval is not forthcoming.”
As temperatures plummet to the lowest we’ve seen in the UK for seven years, any responsible employer should ensure that their outdoor workers are well protected from the elements. By conducting comprehensive thermal risk assessments, you can determine if you have the necessary processes, equipment and protective clothing in place to ensure your workforce remains motivated, productive, and above all, safe. What Are the Risks? The UK may not succumb to the harsh winters endured by many other countries, but temperatures certainly drop sufficiently low to lead to some unpleasant health conditions — the most common being hypothermia and frostbite. Even mild cases of hypothermia can lead to a worker becoming confused, disoriented and unsafe to work. Frostbite can cause exposed skin and the tissues beneath it to freeze — it is most commonly suffered in the fingers, toes, ears and nose. Both conditions may lead to more severe health complications. Additionally, icy surfaces and poor light increase the risk of slips and falls, which could put a worker out of action for some time. What Can I Do to Protect My Workers? First, it is important to assess the level of thermal comfort of your workers under existing work practices and procedures. Thermal comfort encompasses a range of environmental, work-related and personal factors, including the amount and type of clothing worn. A simple way to access the level of thermal comfort in your workplace is to use Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) thermal comfort checklist. If thermal comfort is lacking in your workplace, HSE recommends putting the following into place: Provide appropriate, high-quality protective workwear and PPE Provide mobile facilities for warming up Encourage drinking hot drinks and soup Allow more rest breaks so workers can warm up or change out of wet clothes Where possible, reschedule work for a warmer time of year Educate workers on recognising the early signs of cold stress What Workwear Should I Provide to Keep Workers Safe? One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your workers protected in cold weather is to provide them with clothing and PPE appropriate for their role. Provide sufficient clothing to enable your workers to dress according to the three-layer principle. This will allow individuals to adapt their clothing to suit the weather and the activities being undertaken. Base Layer Base layers and thermals provide a wicking layer that moves moisture away from the skin and helps to regulate body temperature. This is one of the most essential pieces of clothing, enabling employees to stay warm and dry. Consider providing leggings, long johns and thermal tops. Workers undertaking physical tasks are likely to build up a sweat, even in arctic temperatures. Without a base layer, clothing becomes wet and body temperature lowers, resulting in an uncomfortable and unproductive employee. Mid Layer This “insulation layer” will keep workers warm. Depending on job role, consider providing fleeces, softshells, bodywarmers, sweatshirts or hoodies. Outer Layer This protects against the elements, including wind, rain and snow. An outer layer should ideally be lightweight, waterproof and breathable. Consider your employees’ role to determine if a hard or soft shell is most suitable. For outdoor workers where safety is paramount, we would recommend high visibility clothing, including hi-vis jackets and trousers. In addition to providing garments at all three layer levels, you should also consider sourcing appropriate boots, hats and gloves. For outdoor work, safety footwear should be waterproof with slip-resistant soles and highly durable to withstand repeated use in winter conditions. Hats help retain heat, but ensure that these do not interfere with protective headwear — a thermal hard hat liner may be a better option if worn with a safety helmet. Standard PPE gloves may not be designed for colder weather. Ensure that your workers are equipped with thermal gloves that also comply with safety guidelines. It’s a good idea to refer to the safety standards, particularly those relating to high visibility and waterproof clothing. Safety boots with S3 HRO WR and SRC ratings would be suited to outdoor winter working, while gloves that have been tested to EN511:2006 are designed to withstand temperatures as low as -50°C. By investing the time and money in properly assessing the working conditions of your employees, putting safe practices in place and providing protective clothing, you will increase the motivation, safety and productivity of your workforce.
IronmongeryDirect, and sister company ElectricalDirect has completed a major expansion project, to house 1000’s more new products whilst expanding its customer proposition. Part of the Manutan European Group, IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect is the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery and electrical products to the trade. A new 100,000 sq ft warehouse, which is the equivalent of two football pitches, will now house over 30,000 products for both IronmongeryDirect and its co-brand ElectricalDirect all available for next day delivery. The new facilities will also have 2,000 pallet storage locations. Managing Director of the Manutan Traders Division, Wayne Lysaght-Mason, commented: “We took the decision to double the size of our warehouse in order to continue our 20% year on year growth, cement our market leading proposition and drive ambitious range extension. Whilst giving our sister brand ElectricalDirect a strong base for growth. “At the same time, we have expanded our call centre, while all other departments have been moved into modern, purpose-built office space.” The new warehouse officially opened on Thursday 17th January by Xavier Guichard, Chief Executive Officer at Manutan Group and Wayne Lysaght-Mason. They were also joined by the rest of the Manutan Group Management Board, along with over 200 staff to celebrate this significant landmark. Wayne added: “IronmongeryDirect will now benefit from an upgraded and expanded distribution centre, enabling an improved customer experience. The expansion will improve all areas of the business, providing a major boost for our revenue and profitability growth.” The expansion also allows the organisation to bring in the fulfilment of ElectricalDirect orders under one roof, enabling the service and product range to be greatly improved. Wayne concluded: “Our customers can expect to receive the same great service, ordering up to 8.00pm 7 days a week for next day delivery, but with the addition of a number of new and exciting products which will further complement our already market leading range”. In 2019 IronmongeryDirect is also celebrating its 50th year supplying architectural ironmongery to tradespeople. Starting out as a traditional ironmongers, today customers can browse over 17,500 products in the catalogue and online. With the UK’s biggest range of quality products in stock for next day delivery as standard, an award-winning service and low trade prices, IronmongeryDirect is proud to be the masters of their trade. Orders can be placed as late as 8pm for next day delivery from Sunday through to Friday and by 4pm on Saturdays. Free, no quibble returns are available on all products. For more information, visit IronmongeryDirect.com or call their team of specialist advisors on 0800 168 28 28.
GBE Converge have been appointed by SES (Engineering Services) to design and install the Security systems for the new £40m York Community Stadium and Leisure Complex. The scheme is an exciting public and private funded mixed-use destination for York and will provide a new 8,000 capacity home for York City Football Club and York City Knights RLFC. It will also offer a swimming pool, fitness and active play facilities, as well as a new community hub providing health and wellbeing services and commercial leisure uses for the city and beyond. GBE Converge will be working with partners Honeywell for Intruder Detection Systems, HIK Vison for CCTV, and xPLAN for Access Control ensuring the facility has a fully integrated, bespoke and future-proofed security solution. GBE Converge are scheduled to complete their work in May 2019 with the complex opening during the summer. Andy Westgarth, GBE Converge’s Business Development Manager commented “We are delighted to be working with our long-standing client SES (Engineering Services) and to be part of this exciting project that will serve as a real asset to the York community”.