This month we ask Steve Blacker at award-winning property developers Kebbell to tell us a little more about a day in the life of a site manager. What made you first want to become a site manager? I was actually a carpenter but I was really intrigued about the running
Lakeside living is the dream of most of us, with a dock part of the attraction of moving to a waterside home. Choosing docks for a property should be done with care and with decisions made that suit your region. Whether you have an aging entry to your body of
For some, the life of a trucker is one they could never reconcile with; it’s demanding, tiring, you’re away from home for days, perhaps weeks at a time, and some would say it’s not great for your health either. Others look at truckers with envy, loving the idea that they
Building materials supplier CEMEX is pleased to confirm that the sale of its award-winning Attenborough Nature Reserve to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been finalised. The Trust has been keen to purchase the reserve for many years, and this has become possible thanks to a £750,000 grant from Biffa Award
Employees from Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group – one of Scotland’s largest independently owned and longest established construction businesses, are lending a helping hand to those most in need this winter by donating thousands of items to foodbanks across Scotland. Cruden staff across 21 different construction developments have
Bull Products, a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment, has been selected to supply its Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to around 50 Covid-19 standalone test sites across the UK. Premier Modular is the modular building specialist responsible for installing 50 self-contained Covid test sites across the UK, from Inverness to
Analyzing data efficiently and accurately is a skill worth developing today, as it will bolster your employment prospects and make you a valuable asset in a variety of industries, including construction. Of course the path to becoming a professional data analyst is not always straightforward, so here are a few
John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s
Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve
Leading property development, investment and lettings company, ALB Group, is marking the festive season by donating thousands of pounds worth of Christmas presents to children in five hospitals across the country. The Nottingham-headquartered privately owned group, which has multiple companies specialising in the conversion, redevelopment and letting of residential and commercial
This month we ask Steve Blacker at award-winning property developers Kebbell to tell us a little more about a day in the life of a site manager. What made you first want to become a site manager? I was actually a carpenter but I was really intrigued about the running of a site and how it all came together so I progressed to an assistant site manager position and have been a site manager now for 20 years. What skills do you need to be a site manager? A trade background gives you a head start. You need to be knowledgeable about the build process and have some IT skills, to understand what works commercially, be good at problem solving and have a good eye for detail. Strong communication skills, being a team player and a people person are really important. What are your main responsibilities? I am responsible for the day-to-day running of a particular construction project being developed by Kebbell. I have one eye on the timescales and another on the budget of a project, and I manage any delays or problems encountered and deal with all the sub-contractors. I like to get the best out of the people on site and our designs. Encouragement and quality are key. I keep a close eye on snagging and do daily inspections. Tell me about your typical day? Really every day is different depending on things like deliveries, weather, snagging, who is on site, the stage of the development and so on. There is a lot of travel involved because I live in Welwyn Garden City and drive every day, and occasionally at the weekends, to whichever site I am working from. I get to site usually about 07:20 and spend the first part of the morning checking all of the tradespeople are okay and are aware of what the priorities of the day are. I order materials, I might deal with local residents or councillors or health and safety officers. Building inspectors do frequent visits at key stages. At about 16:45 I finish on site having made sure everything is locked up and is secure and I then head home and start looking forward to the weekend. I enjoy a clay-pigeon shoot! What are the best and hardest things about the job? The best thing is definitely taking a development from muddy field to building amazing new homes and then seeing buyers and their families move in. I enjoy seeing it all the way through. The hardest thing is when unexpected delays occur. Sometimes contractors or suppliers can’t meet deadlines which means schedules get pushed out which can be frustrating. Kebbell have an exceptionally high requirement level for quality and sometimes tricky conversations have to be had with tradespeople. What have you been working on lately? I have worked at Kebbell for five years, most recently on a new development of 8, two bedroom apartments called Misbourne House in Gerrards Cross which is set to complete in early 2021. One of the main issues I had to deal with on this project was getting hold of the materials we needed during both national lockdowns. I am shortly moving to a new site at Iver which will be a bigger build as a collection of 39, two and three bedroom luxurious apartments in three blocks with basement parking. The bigger project means more tradespeople on site. I like the variety but don’t really have a favourite project although I enjoy high end developments because of the even greater attention to detail needed. What has been your proudest moment? I was chosen for an NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Award in 2019 for the work I did as Site Manager at our Aubury Place development in London. We got top marks from an inspector and then I was chosen as award winner by a director of NHBC. We went to the awards dinner in Brighton and it was one of my proudest moments. How long do you stay on a project at any one time? It really depends on the size and build of the project. For example, I spent three years working on Aubury Place but just one year at Misbourne House. How has Covid-19 affected your job? It has mostly affected our suppliers and several times we have been close to the wire like nearly running out of roofing materials! As Misbourne House is made up of eight apartments social distancing was easily achieved by the tradespeople working separately in each apartment. What do you think makes Kebbell different from other housebuilders? Everyone at Kebbell is a team player and we always strive to deliver the best homes possible. We are always looking for any opportunities to enhance a house. For example, if it is possible to create a little more storage or change the position of a TV point, to maximise the flexibility of a room, we will take the time and effort to do that. It is often me who sees these opportunities whilst we are building so I will consult with Nick Kebbell, our Managing Director, and the rest of the team and together we perfect the change. We always think about how people will actually live in our homes and constantly question “would I be happy with that in my house?” If the answer is no then we make any changes necessary to turn it into a yes! What do you think makes a house a home? Family is what makes a house a home. To find out more visit https://kebbell.co.uk
Lakeside living is the dream of most of us, with a dock part of the attraction of moving to a waterside home. Choosing docks for a property should be done with care and with decisions made that suit your region. Whether you have an aging entry to your body of water that needs to be replaced or is shopping for docks for the first time, you will need to follow some simple rules. The options to consider include your plans of use and the type of weather you face. Consider your Plans Before you start shopping for docks, you should take some time to decide what you plan on using your entrance to the water for. There are several reasons why this is a good option for you and your family, including the chance to enter the water safely. Mooring boats is not the only reason why you will want to install docks at your lakeside property. Swimming in a lake is safer when you have a properly installed entrance point to the water. Cabin Life reports the inclusion of a sundeck and ladders to allows easy access to the water are popular additions to docks around the U.S. Other reasons why you could want to install docks at your property include having a secure location for fishing. Enjoying the ease of access to the water for fishing, photography, and access to the water provided by docks can add value to your lakeside home. Homeowners looking for a place to moor and store a boat need to make sure the chosen addition is long enough to house your chosen boat. Consider Rules and Regulations There are many rules and regulations at lakes around the nation regarding the installation of different docks. If you have chosen to live at a lakeside home in a private community your choices are limited by HOA rules. The rules and regulations at private lakes cover many areas, from size to construction materials, with floating designs the most popular. State and local regulations can change the way you approach the construction process. In some areas, you can ask a neighbor or your realtor about the rules of living on the lake. A call to the local government will improve your chances of avoiding problems when you apply for a permit to start construction. What Type of Dock to Choose? Once you have decided why you are looking at docks and what type you can install, your attention should turn to the options you can choose. The first option is the floating dock, which is popular in areas of the country where the water levels of a lake fluctuate by a large amount. Floating docks are used in lakes where the bottom is mud and unstable. Deepwater lakes are the site of floating docks because of the difficulty of installing other types, according to Cottage Life. The most expensive option for you to install at your lakeside home are permanent docks. These are expensive because of the difficulty of installation that must be carried out by a qualified professional. Permanent docks are a good option for parts of the nation where there is little risk of ice. Damage can be caused by the buildup of ice around permanent docks that shifts the metal frame drilled into the bottom of the lake. Other options to consider include pipe options built from aluminum materials. These docks are popular because they are constructed in straight lengths. Pipe docks can be constructed with sundecks and entertaining areas that suit your needs. In parts of the nation where ice and snow are a problem, you need to consider the use of lift-up docks. Docks are installed in areas where ice and snow are a problem requiring the ability to be winched out of the water each winter and their deck removed. Think about the Shoreline The shoreline around your lakeside property plays a role in any decision you make regarding the installation of docks and other additions. Some construction specialists use their skills to create a permanent base on the shoreline to ease the installation process. The installation of a stone wall on the shoreline of your lakehouse will make it easier to install docks of any form held firmly in place with a metal plate. The use of a metal plate is a good option for those areas where a lift-up structure is desired. A qualified construction expert will examine your property to make sure the correct choice is made for the type of docks you are considering. A long, sandy beach allows experts to install several kinds of docks that are placed permanently. The choice between different docks is one that needs to be explored in detail before a final decision is made about your property. Choosing between different docks is made simple when you are sure about the options working best for your needs.
For some, the life of a trucker is one they could never reconcile with; it’s demanding, tiring, you’re away from home for days, perhaps weeks at a time, and some would say it’s not great for your health either. Others look at truckers with envy, loving the idea that they can have complete solitude as they work, enjoy a great deal of flexibility, and get paid well for the privilege. If you’re thinking of becoming a truck driver, it’s wise to work out which of these two camps you fall into – or rather, which of these two camps is correct. In truth, there is a little bit of accuracy on both sides, which is why trucking isn’t for everyone. Read on to find out if it might be for you. Early Starts And Long Days If you like driving, and you’re able to do it for long stretches at a time, you may be well suited to the trucking lifestyle. Truck drivers often work 70-hour weeks (over eight days, that is). You can’t, of course, drive for more than 11 hours each day, and you have to have a 10-hour break each night. This means some early starts to get in enough driving hours, especially if you need to get to a destination before it closes for the night. Although this might seem like a hardship, the fact that, to some extent (and certainly if you’re freelance), you are free to run your own schedule as long as you stick to the rules is always a benefit, and having to take 34 off between working weeks also means that you can have plenty of downtime. Beautiful Views Even if you’re going to be in the cab of your truck for a number of hours each day, the fact that you can enjoy some of the most stunning views from an elevated position means that you really can enjoy every second. For some, driving is a bore and something that they will only do when they absolutely have to, but for a truck driver, it’s a pleasure. Driving a truck is much more enjoyable today than it has ever been. With so much automation and driving tools included in each vehicle, and so much attention to detail given to the design (the designers know that those using these trucks will be sitting in them and driving for long periods of time, and often sleeping in them too, not to mention cooking and eating), driving a truck can be a highly comfortable experience. In High Esteem Truck drivers are often held in high esteem. There is something exciting about them, especially as they can see so much of the country and experience so many things as they go about their daily work. There are even specialist truck accident lawyer companies that will help truckers if they are involved in an accident, as well as a national appreciation week. If you like the idea of always having a story to tell and of being appreciated wherever you go, maybe the life of a trucker will suit you perfectly.
Building materials supplier CEMEX is pleased to confirm that the sale of its award-winning Attenborough Nature Reserve to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been finalised. The Trust has been keen to purchase the reserve for many years, and this has become possible thanks to a £750,000 grant from Biffa Award and public backing for the Trust’s Attenborough Lifeline Appeal. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which has managed the site for over 50 years, launched its Lifeline Appeal campaign for funding to purchase the reserve in November 2019 – following the end of CEMEX’s commercial sand and gravel extraction which helped shape the site for almost a century. It is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Such is the popularity of the nature reserve, an area of restored former sand and gravel quarries alongside the River Trent south of Nottingham, that the charity reached its ambitious £1 million target in a matter of weeks – enabling negotiations over the sale of the site to begin. “After more than half a century of partnership, we are enormously pleased to see the transfer of this amazing and award-winning site to the Trust being completed. To see Attenborough evolve into such an important nature reserve in such close proximity to major population centres has been most rewarding. Our partnership with the Trust – which has included the establishment of the impressive Visitor Centre with support from the company’s own Landfill Communities Fund – has been a major success and we look forward to the Trust taking ownership as the site moves on to the next phase in its development,” said Stephen Redwood, Land Development and Permitting Director for CEMEX Europe. Now, with contracts signed and exchanged, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is planning for the long-term future of the site, which provides a safe haven for over 1,000 species including otters and bitterns and welcomes an estimated half a million visitors each year. Since being opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1966 Attenborough Nature Reserve, situated on the edge of Nottingham, has become one of the best loved nature reserves in the UK. The Trust has worked closely with CEMEX over this period to create a reserve which is an excellent example of how industry can work with conservation bodies to create a site high in biodiversity which is of national importance. Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Chief Executive Paul Wilkinson said: “The support of Biffa Award and the backing of the public and our supporters has delivered a prize that we have been working with CEMEX to achieve for some time. Attenborough is a cherished site, where so many come to connect with nature. Our aspiration has always been to take the site into our ownership so that we can plan for its long-term future and that future begins today. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has made it possible including Biffa Award, our supporters and CEMEX.”
Employees from Cruden Building, part of the Cruden Group – one of Scotland’s largest independently owned and longest established construction businesses, are lending a helping hand to those most in need this winter by donating thousands of items to foodbanks across Scotland. Cruden staff across 21 different construction developments have got into the festive spirit by coming together to gather and make donations to foodbanks in the areas they are building in. The equivalent of £25,000 worth of collections – a whopping 7.5 tonnes of food donations are now being delivered to local communities surrounding Cruden developments, and this will go a long way to helping those that are most in need this Christmas. Staff from Cruden Building, with support of foodbank charity, the Trussell Trust, organised the distribution to foodbanks throughout the country. The Group’s own registered charity, The Cruden Foundation, has also donated a further £5,000 on top of the £5,000 which has been raised by Cruden employees, their clients and supply chain companies through their Just Giving page which will be given to the Trussell Trust in Scotland to provide toys and additional food parcels over the coming weeks and months. Allan Callaghan, Managing Director of Cruden Building said: “This has been a tremendous team effort and everyone was really keen to take part and support this worthy cause. We were delighted by the donations that we received from staff, clients and our supply chain and this extension of our community benefit programme will help to deliver a happier Christmas to families.” Kevin Reid, Chief Executive of the Cruden Group said: “We take huge pride in building local communities and supporting the needs of local areas wherever we can and we are delighted to add to the tremendous effort with an additional donation from The Cruden Foundation.” Samantha Stapley, chief operating officer at the Trussell Trust, said: “As the pandemic continues, more people are likely to need a food bank’s help. Food bank teams are working tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available. But ultimately, no one should need a food bank – all of us should have enough money for the essentials. The support of staff at Cruden will help food banks in Scotland continue to provide the lifeline of emergency support for local people in crisis, while we work in the long term to build a hunger free future. Thank you so much.”
Bull Products, a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment, has been selected to supply its Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to around 50 Covid-19 standalone test sites across the UK. Premier Modular is the modular building specialist responsible for installing 50 self-contained Covid test sites across the UK, from Inverness to Portsmouth as part of the national effort to support the NHS in increasing testing capacity. Within six hours of the initial order, Bull installed its Fire Call Point Alarms and Smoke Detectors to the first test site delivered by Premier which was located in Bolton. Matthew Trigwell, Sales Director at Bull Products, says: “It’s a privilege to work alongside Premier Modular to provide fire safety equipment to these vital test sites. The Cygnus alarm system provides an ideal solution to projects that require a quick turnaround thanks to the speed of installation and ease of use of this temporary fire detection and alarm system. “It’s another example of how the Cygnus wireless system is ideal for all temporary sites to protect both people and property.” Elgan Roberts, Contracts Manager at Premier Modular, adds: “We have worked with Bull for many years, and so we were confident they were the perfect partner to supply the Cygnus alarm system. The wireless alarm system is reliable and flexible, and we have no doubt it will provide enhanced fire safety across all of the Covid-19 test sites that we are installing around the UK.” For more information, contact Bull on 01432 371170, visit www.bullproducts.co.uk or email enquiries@bullproducts.co.uk
Analyzing data efficiently and accurately is a skill worth developing today, as it will bolster your employment prospects and make you a valuable asset in a variety of industries, including construction. Of course the path to becoming a professional data analyst is not always straightforward, so here are a few things to do if you want to get started down it. Research the main aspects of modern data analysis Rather than diving straight in, it makes sense to read up on the elements which define not just what data analysis can achieve today, but what practices and processes are involved in making sure that it is an impactful tool in the context of the wider organization. For example, it is a good idea to get a grounding in the topic of DataOps, as explained by SentryOne. This is significant because it will show you how the analysis of data is just one cog in the modern informational infrastructure of any business. You need to appreciate that the lifecycle of data is potentially complex and needs to be managed carefully, with analysis being possible only after information has been sourced, integrated and stored properly. This leads into learning that data analysts often operate as part of interdisciplinary teams, rather than working solo, since it is tricky to keep all the necessary plates spinning by yourself. Develop core skills The next step is to examine the skills you will need to succeed in a professional data analyst role and take action to add these to your repertoire. Interestingly one of the most common duties involved is that of cleaning data, which essentially means preparing it for analysis after it has been pulled from a source and addressing any issues in the data set which might preclude it from comprehensive assessment. Analysts must also become proficient at translating the questions which a business has about how its operations are orchestrated into a format which can be scrutinized and tackled from the point of view of the data available. At the other end of the spectrum, delving into unstructured data to try and find patterns and extract actionable insights will also be necessary. Finally, you need to be able to express your findings in a way that others will be able to understand, often through visualizations that convey concepts succinctly without the need for expert knowledge. Seek qualification Ultimately the only way to become a true data professional in the field of data analytics is to get qualified, either by taking a degree course focused on this practice, or by seeking certification from one of the many programs that focus on this in the workplace. There is no single qualification that will guarantee you success as an analyst, but rather it should be expected that the cumulative effect of your hard work and on-the-job experience will be what makes you indispensable to employers, or even empowers you to adopt this role within your own business.
John Sisk & Son (“Sisk”) alongside Moda, developer and operator of homes for rent, have teamed up to deliver 100 toys for children at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Birmingham this Christmas. In addition to this Sisk has also donated a set of handcrafted wooden toys, created by Sisk’s apprentice carpenters at the company’s workshop in Dublin. This is part of a longstanding Sisk tradition which will see 400 wooden toys donated throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. West Midlands Rehabilitation Service in Birmingham is a key service provided by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust based in Selly Oak. Their specialist teams provide wheelchair services; communication and technology device support; functional electrical stimulation (FES) a technology that helps children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy to walk and amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation. Work on the wooden toys commences in mid-November and takes four to five weeks to complete, with all staff and management in the Sisk training centre getting involved. Each November, the team get together to decide on the toys they are going to make, sourcing ideas from books, websites and feedback from the charities who have received toys in the past. The Sisk Christmas toy project was started by John G Sisk at the Sisk Joinery Workshop in Dublin almost 45 years ago. Today, Sisk has a state of the art training facility for apprentice carpenters and joiners located at its head office in Dublin and also has ten apprentices working at its Broad Street project. Sisk is currently building The Mercian (Birmingham’s tallest residential tower) at Broad Street in Birmingham city centre for its client, Moda. The project is located on the former site of the renowned nightclub, The Click Club at Burberries. Working in partnership with Moda, Sisk has already delivered on its promise to create hundreds of new jobs at The Mercian. In addition, with support from the WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority), a bespoke Training Hub has been implemented on site. Simon Dingle, Regional Director, John Sisk & Son, said: “This past year has been extremely challenging for everybody, particularly families who need to access vital support services. We are delighted to be able to team up with Moda to deliver our handmade toys to West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre. One of our greatest success stories has been our ability to give back to the many communities in which we work through our longstanding Sisk Christmas toy story. The toys are handmade by our apprentice carpenters and joiners, utilising the skills taught to them at our training centre. We would also like to thank all our supply chain partners who have donated a further 70 commercial toys as part of our donation the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre.” Tony Brooks, Managing Director at Moda, said: “With the extreme challenges faced by so many this year, it is a true pleasure to be able to bring some Christmas joy to children in Birmingham, our newest home. At Moda, we work hard for the communities we live in and The Mercian is no different – we’re proud to stand tall against the Birmingham skyline and give back to the community as we look ahead to everything we can bring to the city when we open late next year.”
Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve your home to a ‘satisfactory’ condition and what it will achieve in terms of value increment. Home improvements do not just revolve around property resale, and it can also enhance your family’s quality of life, comfort and enjoyment of your house (even if you don’t plan to move anytime soon). One fact you must not forget is that not every home improvement project will ultimately lead to a boost in your property resale value. This means you may not recover the investment cost of some home improvement projects. So, here are some home improvements that can significantly boost the value of your house. Outdoor living space/ deck A home’s outdoor space is a place to share beautiful moments with loved ones. From grilling barbeque to relaxing while watching kids play, it can significantly improve your home’s value. It greatly improves the beauty of your home’s exterior as it comes in a wide assortment of styles and colours. For a more appealing effect, you can grow gardens or add decorative lights to improve your home’s ambience. Consider using a decking material of superior quality, such as composite. It is resistant to extreme heat, moisture and wind. It is also eco-friendly, durable and affordable. Composite decking materials are designed for long-term enjoyment without the frustration of routine maintenance. Kitchen Kitchen remodelling and updates will definitely improve the value of your home. According to real estate analysts, kitchen remodelling can increase your home value by up to 60%. Start by making simple but highly essential updates because buyers yearn for kitchens with modern facilities. Ensure you change the faucets if they need replacement. Also, energy-efficient, modern lights are better than retro or old ceiling bulbs. You can also add cabinets and hardware to transform the appearance of your kitchen. Consider adding fresh paint to your kitchen or tiling the wall to instil a contemporary style to your kitchen. Bathroom Bathroom improvement or update is an important project that is known to boost the resale value of properties. Here are some tips to help remodel your bathroom on a budget: The most effective solution to improving your bathroom appearance is by cladding the wall. The bathroom is a moisture-ridden area, prone to mildew and mould, which can ruin a paint job. Today’s cladding panel materials are resistant to humidity, moisture and mould. They can significantly improve your bathroom’s aesthetics. Ensure you replace the lighting, faucet, showerhead, racks and drawers. They can add beauty to your bathroom. You can deep clean your bathroom by removing grime, grout and dirt. This will freshen up the appearance of your bathroom. You can also use caulk and grout. The cabinet door will also need to be repainted. You replace old accessories such as the tissue paper holder and toilet bars. This is a cheap and quick way of updating your bathroom. Fence A fence adorns a home, especially when it has a decorative finish. It significantly adds value to every home, and buyers love it. It instils privacy and enhances the security of your property’s perimeter. From intrusive or prying neighbours to unwelcomed salespeople, a fence will restrict their access to your home. It also improves the safety of your kids and pets. Fences also improve curb appeal and improve the aesthetics of the house. It is also important for landscaping and beautifies your garden. Fencing materials are also worth your consideration, as you wouldn’t want a fence that is high-maintenance and quick to rot, rust or splinter. This is why the composite fence is the most preferred fencing option for your property. The composite fence has excellent aesthetics, excellent rigidity and resilience to harsh climate conditions, superior strength and low-maintenance features. Roof New roofing allows you to cut cooling costs while improving curb appeal and resale value. Often overlooked, new roofs can positively add to the beauty of a home. Most premium roofs are designed to lessen cooling costs because they can reflect solar heat significantly. The roof also happens to be the most easy-to-see feature to homebuyers. Poor roofing condition can cause serious drainage issues.
Leading property development, investment and lettings company, ALB Group, is marking the festive season by donating thousands of pounds worth of Christmas presents to children in five hospitals across the country. The Nottingham-headquartered privately owned group, which has multiple companies specialising in the conversion, redevelopment and letting of residential and commercial properties throughout the UK, is gifting £15,000 worth of presents to children who will be receiving hospital treatment over the Christmas period. This is the fourth year running that ALB has donated gifts to children in hospital – and donations this year will reach communities in which the developer has been particularly active; including Kings Mill in Mansfield, Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax, Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, Derbyshire Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead, Merseyside. This is the second consecutive year that the company has donated gifts to Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead, following its work on the transformation of a local retail unit into 59 residential apartments in the town. As well as gifts, ALB is also donating a new television and Xbox to a local homeless shelter in Nottinghamshire. Arran Bailey, managing director at ALB Group, said: “As a company, we work to improve local areas through the regeneration, redevelopment and conversion of underutilised sites and properties, and we feel a responsibility to give something extra special back to these communities for Christmas. “The festive season is usually such a joyful time, but given the uncertain year we’ve all experienced, it’s going to feel very different for many this year – especially for those who have been and are separated from their loved ones. “We are so pleased and proud to be able to give some joy to children who are in hospital over the Christmas season, and we look forward to seeing the smiles on their faces once the gifts are delivered to the wards. “Our work takes us all over the country, but we are honoured to be so involved in the property industry throughout the East Midlands, where the company first began, providing quality residential and commercial spaces for people to enjoy.”