SIG Building Solutions has entered the solar car parking structure market with a range of designs developed to help private and public sector organisations with large parking facilities to capitalise on the opportunities the structures provide for generating solar energy and reducing their carbon footprint. Designed and manufactured in the
Construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has announced the acquisition of Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials Ltd, a regional leader in ready-mix concrete, primary and recycled aggregates, concrete products and waste management solutions. The strategic acquisition will see Aggregate Industries strengthen its operations in the South
IG Masonry Support has become the UK’s first masonry support supplier to issue Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) on its products according to the GreenBook Live EPD system. This is a significant achievement for the offsite masonry support manufacturer, demonstrating its commitment to fact-based sustainability reporting and reduced carbon emissions across
NyRock® Cavity Slab 032 combines the UK’s lowest lambda rating for stone wool with acoustic and fire performance, plus space saving capabilities ROCKWOOL has launched NyRock® Cavity Slab 032 providing specifiers with a low lambda, non-combustible stone wool slab for full and partial fill masonry cavities that enables a thinner
HeidelbergCement, the parent company of Hanson UK, a leading supplier of low carbon heavy building materials to the construction industry, has just announced its global rebranding. From now on, the company will be known as Heidelberg Materials, to reflect its strong position in the aggregates, cement, and concrete markets. “This
A German element manufacturer Brüninghoff favoured prefabricated wooden wall elements made of Kerto® LVL for its new concrete element plant. Due to the high level of prefabrication, assembly times were optimised. At the same time the material is impressively sustainable and material-efficient, fitting in with the overall concept of the
An innovative proposal for the built environment A new white paper has been published that sets out how the entire built environment sector can unite behind a single, agreed standard to determine, demonstrate and recognise construction products competence (CPC). The white paper ‘Built environment – proposed construction product competence standard
Keystone Group is delighted to launch Keystone Live this autumn with a series of free webinar debates featuring expert industry speakers. Introducing four separate webinars, the series covers a range of topics and issues including the delivery of net zero housing, offsite construction, designing with non-combustible materials and how the
Encon Construction Products, a specialist division of The Encon Group, continues to invest in growth with the launch of its first edition Product Guide. The new digital Guide includes an extensive range, helping specifiers, contractors and builders’ merchants find the right products for their building and infrastructure projects, easily and
Brett Martin’s Cascade cast iron effect rainwater system was used at a London primary school that needed a cost effective, but high performance with great aesthetics solution. The cast iron system was up for the challenge, offering exceptional styling, without compromising on drainage performance. Fryent Primary School in Kingsbury is
SIG Building Solutions has entered the solar car parking structure market with a range of designs developed to help private and public sector organisations with large parking facilities to capitalise on the opportunities the structures provide for generating solar energy and reducing their carbon footprint. Designed and manufactured in the UK from UK held steel stock, SIG Building Solutions’ structures can be developed, manufactured and delivered in a matter of months, depending on planning approvals. SIG works in conjunction with the solar system provider to provide the structure element. With a number of solar car parking structure projects already in the pipeline for SIG Building Solutions, including large commercial and industrial schemes, the business is well positioned to continue to meet the growing demand. Guy Chilvers, SIG’s Solar structural canopies business development manager, has spent ten years in the market, including five years specialising in car parking structure design with involvement in projects such as Bentley Motors, Crewe, and Falkirk Council’s EV Hub, which has 200 parking spaces and was officially opened in September 2020. He says, “With solar car parking structures, any organisation with a significant area of parking space, can generate power and save money. At the same time, the watertight canopies help to protect vehicles from the elements. Our structures are designed to have a fully watertight canopy, guttering and cable containment.” In 2017 SIG Building Solutions company Steadmans manufactured the steel framing for the Bentley Motors solar car parking structure in Crewe, which covers 1,200 car parking spaces and provides 25 per cent of the electricity demand for the factory. Darren Hall, Steadman’s commercial director, said, “Having supplied the steelwork for the Bentley project we are excited to have re-entered the market.” During 2022 SIG Building Solutions has developed a range of structure designs for the commercial market with the aim of providing an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution at a viable price. The investment has resulted in unique structural designs that require less steel, so reducing the cost, and can be installed efficiently to minimise disruption to car parking during installation. SIG offers a choice of canopies depending on clients’ requirements and on-site analysis. The options are based around three main designs: a double gull wing design ideal for east/west facing panels; a double mono version providing maximum area for south facing panels; and a single row structure specifically designed for EV charge points. To specify the most effective structure, SIG Building Solutions undertake a complete analysis of potential car parks, looking at location, shading, drainage and power requirements. The location of the canopies within the car park and orientation is vital to obtaining a good return on investment, says Guy Chilvers. Renders of the site are produced to support the quotation and these can be used for planning applications. “Hospitals, schools, leisure centres, airports, office complexes, factories, shopping centres and railway station car parks – really the scope for solar car parking structures is tremendous,” adds Guy Chilvers. SIG Building Solutions SIG Building Solutions group businesses produced over three million metres of profiled steel sheeting in 2021. Across its six sites the business sold over 800,000 metres of insulated panel. SIG Building Solutions is part of SIG plc, a leading supplier of specialist insulation and sustainable building products and solutions with an emphasis on expertise and service. SIG plc has 6,800 employees, 432 sites and 250,000 product lines. SIG plc is committed to supporting customers to make tangible steps towards a greener future. For more information, contact Guy Chilvers, SIG Building Solutions, on 07528 777513 Email: GuyChilvers@SIGbuildingsolutions.co.uk
Construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has announced the acquisition of Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials Ltd, a regional leader in ready-mix concrete, primary and recycled aggregates, concrete products and waste management solutions. The strategic acquisition will see Aggregate Industries strengthen its operations in the South and South-West of England with new sites in Devizes, Theale, Faringdon and Fairford, as well as providing future growth opportunities. It will also enable the company to introduce the ECOPact+ range in the regional market with a supply of Construction and Demolition Waste. Driving circular construction, Wiltshire recycles 150,000 tons of construction & demolition waste each year into aggregates and concrete with its state-of-the art material recovery system. This transaction represents the first acquisition of a recycling business in the UK, helping Aggregate Industries to deliver on its circular economy ambitions at scale and strengthening its position in innovative and sustainable building solutions in the UK. Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials, through its Wiltshire Concrete and Berkshire Concrete brands, is a good tactical fit for Aggregate Industries expanding the company’s footprint along the M4 corridor, which links London to Southwest England. Wiltshire recorded net sales of GBP 17m in 2021. Dragan Maksimovic, CEO of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “Wiltshire Building Materials is a well-established business with a history spanning more than three decades, with a team of highly talented and passionate people. It has a strong customer base in what will be new areas of operation for Aggregate Industries. Its focus on recycled aggregates also provides us with specialist expertise as we promote a circular economy and strive to become the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials.” Kevin McQuaid, Wiltshire Heavy Building Materials Ltd, added: “Our whole team is incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a business and has a real passion for the service we provide our customers. We are excited to begin the next phase of our journey as part of Aggregate Industries and are confident that, with our new owners’ backing, we can continue to build on our excellent reputation based on trust and customer service.”
IG Masonry Support has become the UK’s first masonry support supplier to issue Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) on its products according to the GreenBook Live EPD system. This is a significant achievement for the offsite masonry support manufacturer, demonstrating its commitment to fact-based sustainability reporting and reduced carbon emissions across its business and product range. Jemma Ison, Sustainability Manager at Keystone Group, of which IG Masonry Support is a division, said: “By declaring the environmental impact of our products through EPDs we provide transparency of our systems to deliver responsible solutions to our customers as we support the decarbonisation of our sector. This also demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, as well as the social responsibility we have as a business. We aim to supply trustworthy, high-quality products at a low expense to our environment.” IG Masonry Support is committed to becoming a net-zero carbon business in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative. It is also in the process of submitting its targets for verification and public declaration to reach the global net-zero goal. The company’s securing of EPD provides full clarity of the sustainable credentials of its product range that includes advanced brick slip soffits and stainless-steel masonry support systems. A Type III environmental label, an EPD is generated using data obtained through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This is performed via a peer reviewed Product Category Rules document (PCR) in line with EN 15804 (the European Standard for the generation of EPD for construction products), ISO 14025, and other related international standards. IG Masonry Support is already ISO 14001 certified for Environmental Management. As a carbon neutral business, it is continuously improving its sustainable working practices. The company’s next target is to utilise the results from the EPDs to minimise the environmental impact of its full product range. IG Masonry Support remains on track to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 76% by 2025, and is ambitiously taking strides in tackling Scope 3 emissions. All IG Masonry Support’s EPDs have been launched in collaboration with the Building Research Establishment (BRE), which is internationally recognised for its expertise in construction-based LCA. To discover more about IG Masonry Support’s sustainability journey, visit: https://igmasonrysupport.com/ig-masonry-support-about-us/sustainability/
NyRock® Cavity Slab 032 combines the UK’s lowest lambda rating for stone wool with acoustic and fire performance, plus space saving capabilities ROCKWOOL has launched NyRock® Cavity Slab 032 providing specifiers with a low lambda, non-combustible stone wool slab for full and partial fill masonry cavities that enables a thinner wall construction. NyRock Cavity Slab 032 has been developed using NyRock technology, the manufacturer’s patented production process that creates a more efficient fibre structure than traditional stone wool products. With its 0.032 W/mK thermal conductivity value, users can achieve a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K with a thickness of 150mm, depending on construction type, which is 25mm thinner than standard stone wool cavity products within the same wall build up. As with all ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 can withstand temperatures in excess of 1000°C, achieving the highest Euroclass A1 non-combustible reaction to fire classification. It also benefits from a high density semi rigid composition meaning it will not slump in the cavity and retains the same thermal and fire resistance properties more than 55 years after installation according to independent research.[1] NyRock Cavity Slab 032 comes in 455mm widths to suit standard vertical wall tie spaces and achieves a closely knitted joint with adjacent slabs, without the need for taping of the joints. This helps eliminate gaps allowing for continuity of insulation across the cavity. “Energy efficiency is a very real and immediate challenge for the construction sector,” said Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK. “Alongside the need to improve the thermal effectiveness of existing buildings against a backdrop of rising energy bills, our eyes must also be on the more onerous requirements of the Future Homes Standard and the UK’s wider 2050 net zero carbon target too. “NyRock Cavity Slab 032 gives specifiers a new level of thermal performance for stone wool alongside spacing saving capabilities, and acoustic and fire performance that are equally critical when providing occupants with comfortable and safe spaces. These performance benefits are also backed by a strong commercial offer including a competitive price point and installation efficiencies such as ease of cutting and fitting on-site.” Having undergone an extensive testing programme, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 is suitable for new build, renovations and extensions and has British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification[2] for full and partial fill applications. All ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation comprising NyRock technology have water repellent properties and can be recycled indefinitely. Stone wool insulation is manufactured from naturally occurring volcanic rock that is abundant in supply as it is continually replenished by the earth’s crust. For more details on NyRock Cavity Slab 032 and the wider NyRock range, visit rockwool.com/uk/nyrock. [1] FIW (German test and research institute), Durability Project Mineral Wool, 2016 [2] BBA Certification 22/6252
HeidelbergCement, the parent company of Hanson UK, a leading supplier of low carbon heavy building materials to the construction industry, has just announced its global rebranding. From now on, the company will be known as Heidelberg Materials, to reflect its strong position in the aggregates, cement, and concrete markets. “This is an exciting announcement and one which will allow us to take advantage of our strengths as a global company. For the time being it is business as usual for us and we remain Hanson UK but, in the future, our business – along with other international subsidiaries – will be rebranded and we are excited about the opportunities this will bring,” said Simon Willis, the CEO of Hanson UK. “While our name may be changing, everything else stays the same. Our commitment to our customers and delivering excellence remains and, as we head to the future, we’ll continue to strengthen innovation and deepen partnerships with our customers and other stakeholders.” The new brand identity, which includes a subtle ‘h’ design, underscores Heidelberg Materials’ leading role in achieving carbon neutrality and digitalisation in the building materials industry. Hanson UK is a leading supplier of heavy building materials to the construction industry. It is split into four business lines – aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel), concrete, asphalt and contracting and cement – which together operate around 280 manufacturing sites and employ more than 3,500 people. Hanson UK is part of Heidelberg Materials (formerly the HeidelbergCement Group), one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of building materials and solutions, with leading market positions in aggregates, cement and ready-mixed concrete. It has more than 51,000 employees at almost 3,000 locations in over 50 countries. At the centre of its actions lies responsibility for the environment. As the forerunner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, it is working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for customers through digitalisation. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
A German element manufacturer Brüninghoff favoured prefabricated wooden wall elements made of Kerto® LVL for its new concrete element plant. Due to the high level of prefabrication, assembly times were optimised. At the same time the material is impressively sustainable and material-efficient, fitting in with the overall concept of the new plant. The modern concrete element plant in Heiden Germany has an area of around 17,000 square metres. Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL L-panels and Kerto LVL T-studs have been used for the prefabricated non-load-bearing wall elements. The high-quality wall elements completely cover the height of the hall giving it an attractive appearance while meeting strict standards of sustainability. “The Brüninghoff Group makes prefabricated wooden elements with a particular focus on products with a very high proportion of wood products – such as laminated veneer lumber. To this end, we carefully select partners that fit our sustainability strategy and who are reliable. In this context, we chose wall elements made of Kerto LVL from Metsä Wood for our new concrete element plant,” explains André Leipold, Technical Director of Brüninghoff Holz GmbH & Co.KG. A hybrid structure combines wooden elements with concrete Sustainability was considered as early as the planning and construction phase of the new plant. That is why a hybrid construction structure with prefabricated external non-load bearing wall elements made of Kerto LVL was chosen for the building. Metsä Wood’s laminated veneer lumber is perfect for element manufacturing. It is also extremely material-efficient; it is needed less in volume compared to other wood materials and its strength-to-weight ratio is excellent. “According to calculations using Carbon Storage Calculator, just the Kerto LVL used in the factory building stores carbon a total of 165.8 tonnes of CO2eq. This means that in comparison to other construction materials, wood is very sustainable,” explains Leipold. The building has a total of 239 wall elements with an overall area of around 5,000 square meters. The elements were produced at the Brüninghoff element factory and are attached to a load-bearing concrete frame consisting of a hybrid structure. Sustainability in focusThe new concrete element factory does not just steer production towards sustainability, but also develops a consistently sustainable construction concept. “Through this construction, we are forcing structural change towards construction that supports circular economy. Change is needed as the construction sector is responsible for consuming huge quantities of resources. It is a question of optimising construction methods, developing low-emission concepts and increasingly backing recycling solutions,” explains Frank Steffens, Managing Director of Brüninghoff.
An innovative proposal for the built environment A new white paper has been published that sets out how the entire built environment sector can unite behind a single, agreed standard to determine, demonstrate and recognise construction products competence (CPC). The white paper ‘Built environment – proposed construction product competence standard – white paper’ has been developed by Competence Steering Group (CSG) Working Group 12, led by the Construction Products Association (CPA). The CSG was tasked with responding to the competence issues raised in Dame Judith Hackitt’s report ‘Building a Safer Future’ and the subsequent requirements set out in the Building Safety Act following the Grenfell Tower fire. All industries of the built environment sector use construction products, but their misuse can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal outcomes. Ensuring those who use construction products are competent is vital to producing buildings and a built environment that is safe, efficient and performs as required. However, there is currently no universal way to demonstrate that an individual has the correct competence for the tasks they are accountable and responsible for. This white paper confirms that radical change is needed around the area of construction product competence. Individuals who supply, use, or otherwise work with construction products need to be properly assessed and deemed competent to do so. This would include those from manufacturing, merchants, design, contractors, maintainers, and many others from right across the supply chain. The proposal for a new standard comprising five core levels of competence, as well as a methodology that defines how these can be mapped consistently by the different industries to their competence frameworks. This would ensure that everyone applies CPC in the same way and would assist regulators and duty holders in identifying what levels of competence are needed for everyone who works with construction products. The levels outline fundamental knowledge bases applicable to all tasks with all construction products. They are designed to give a clear path of progression through the necessary competences required for different levels of responsibility and accountability. It can be used by industries to map against their existing training and qualifications and create any additional training infrastructure that may be needed. The white paper also proposes that the standard be added to the existing BSI 8670 series, which specifies requirements for competence frameworks for individuals working in the built environment. Peter Caplehorn, CPA Chief Executive, says: “Dame Judith Hackitt rightly pointed out that our industry needs to take responsibility for competence and work in a non-siloed manner. Now the Building Safety Act is making clear that regulators will no longer tolerate an industry that does not evidence its competence. The CPC levels have been designed to provide a single framework for everyone to work to, and I would urge the industry to read this white paper and get involved in testing it together.” The proposals are being published now to allow everyone in the built environment sector to review and consider how to apply them in their industry. It is for the different industries to recognise the necessity of clear, demonstrable CPC. Once this is recognised, it is for each industry and its organisations to take on the principles proposed in the white paper and test them. It is the aim of CPA, the CSG and WG12 that by the time the proposals go through the formal standards process, industries will have had the time to practically trial them ready for entering feedback via public consultation. There will also be a series of panel-led webinars tailored to individuals who work in the following sectors: manufacturing, design, contracting, operations & maintenance, and merchants/distributors. The first will be on for manufacturers on Wednesday 27th September. The White Paper ‘Built environment – Proposed Construction Product Competence Standard’ is available to download online here.
Keystone Group is delighted to launch Keystone Live this autumn with a series of free webinar debates featuring expert industry speakers. Introducing four separate webinars, the series covers a range of topics and issues including the delivery of net zero housing, offsite construction, designing with non-combustible materials and how the industry is tackling climate change. The first online debate, ‘How are we going to deliver Net Zero Housing?’, takes place on Thursday September 29th.With the UK facing the ambitious target of being net zero by 2050, the latest changes to Building Regulations are an all-important stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard. But with more stringent standards in the pipeline, is this achievable? Moderated by experienced journalist Ruth Slavid, this first webinar also poses the following questions:• How do we address the performance gap? • How do we build as designed?• What are the key areas we should be looking at to help improve the fabric of buildings?• Is the target of 75-80% less carbon emissions from new homes when compared to current regulations achievable?• How can manufacturers support the drive for net zero? • What role does product innovation play? Featuring debate, discussion and Q & A, the webinar has a stellar line-up of industry panellists including Martin Townsend, Director for BSI Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, Ben Cheetham, Senior Group Technical & Innovation Coordinator at Barratt Developments, Robin Dryer, Director and Architect at CDC Studio and representatives from Keystone Lintels and Keylite. The second in the webinar series on Thursday October 12th, ‘Does Offsite Construction Offer a Credible Solution to Addressing the Need for More Housing, Improved Quality and Better Value?’ focuses on the benefits of offsite construction and why the industry needs to increase its adoption. Panellists include Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast, Stephen Wightman, UK MMC Lead at Faithful+Gould and Kevin Dundas, MMC & Offsite Manager at Wilmott Dixon. Thursday November 3rd sees the webinar series ask the question: ‘Is the Construction Industry Doing Enough to Tackle Climate Change?’. Will Arnold, Head of Climate Action at Institution of Structural Engineers, Dr Oliver Jones, Research Director at Ryder Architecture and Nitesh Magdani, Director of Net Positive Solutions will offer their insight and perspectives and what we need to do as an industry to slow climate change. The final webinar on Thursday November 16th, Designing with Non-Combustible Materials will explore the challenges and key considerations when designing tall buildings and how products have evolved to meet new regulations. Ready to share their experience are expert speakers including Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Innovation & Research at NHBC and Nigel Shields, Director of Quality at Durkan. Keystone Group Marketing Director, Hayley Lowry commented “The Keystone Live series of webinars explores key themes from various industry standpoints. Debated by commentators, consultants, specifiers, contractors and product specialists – these free events are set to provide a complete 360˚ analysis of the issues at hand and are not to be missed.” For more information about Keystone Group visit https://keystonegroup.co.uk/ or to book your free place on these webinars
Encon Construction Products, a specialist division of The Encon Group, continues to invest in growth with the launch of its first edition Product Guide. The new digital Guide includes an extensive range, helping specifiers, contractors and builders’ merchants find the right products for their building and infrastructure projects, easily and quickly. Working with leading industry suppliers such as Ancon, Birtley/Expamet, GCP, RIW, Sika, Tecties, Visqueen and Weber, the Guide includes comprehensive product information across six core categories: Concrete & Reinforcement Accessories, Construction Chemicals, Geotechnical, Groundworking Products, Masonry Components and Waterproofing. Each category is colour-coded for ease of reference and customers can also access further information and technical data sheets online, in a newly developed area of the website. Vaughan Taylor, Strategy Director – Encon Construction Products comments: “We’re delighted to offer our first ever digital Product Guide specifically for Encon’s growing choice of construction products. We take pride in our wide range, specialist knowledge and technical expertise and feel this is truly reflected in our new Guide. We’re also extremely pleased to integrate this information into our website giving customers instant access across all our solutions and in a format that suits them best. The Guide and website also detail our growing Infrastructure support, which plays an integral role in large scale building projects.” Encon Construction Products was launched in 2019, strengthening the Group’s position as the leading distributor in specialist markets. The team has grown significantly over the last two years, underpinned by the strong demand in the sector and the company’s expert knowledge, widespread experience and national distribution. Earlier this year, the specialist division welcomed Richard Wade as its new Sales Director. Download the new Guide here or visit www.encon.co.uk.
Brett Martin’s Cascade cast iron effect rainwater system was used at a London primary school that needed a cost effective, but high performance with great aesthetics solution. The cast iron system was up for the challenge, offering exceptional styling, without compromising on drainage performance. Fryent Primary School in Kingsbury is one of the three primary schools that are part of Brent Council’s school expansion programme, which aims to refurbish old buildings and add new-build modular extensions. As part of this school’s refurbishment, Brett Martin provided the architect and contractor with full on-site technical support, as well as recommending a cost-effective rainwater solution which had the look and feel of the existing cast iron system, but offered the long-term benefits of plastic. Following thorough visits, the architect Peter Balham showed his specification, which included a comprehensive range of Cascade cast iron effect rainwater systems in a range of domestic and high capacity systems, all in Classic Black. The installation saw the 112mm Roundstyle gutter and 68mm round downpipe installed at the east end of the main entrance block. For the larger roofs across the other school entrances, rear and inner courtyard, play area and classroom dormer, the 115mm Deepstyle and higher capacity 170mm Deepstyle gutter systems were used to offer increased roof drainage. To deal with rainwater run-off from the flat roofed buildings surrounding the courtyard and astroturf play areas, the 105mm round and 100mm x 75mm rectangular downpipes and undated hoppers were installed. “We had been looking for an authentic and cost-effective cast-iron replacement for the main school building for some time and Cascade was far and away the best choice when compared to other rainwater systems and offered by far, the most comprehensive range to accommodate both the domestic and industrial scaled requirements on this project. It’s a quality, high performance product with period-style detailing that looks perfect and will protect the building against the ingress of water,” commented Peter Balham. Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at a height and helped to offer the local authority huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs which was a key consideration during the approvals process. Proven on a variety of projects from domestic new-build and refurbishment projects, church and barn conversions, Georgian and Victorian shop frontages, flats and apartments, schools and hotels, the Cascade system has been designed and developed by Brett Martin using over 60 years’ experience at the forefront of plastics technology and a unique patented manufacturing process to achieve the authentic cast iron finish. With the refurbished building and modular extension now completed, Brett Martin’s Cascade cast iron effect rainwater system has ensured an architecturally-sympathetic appearance was achieved with a reliable, durable and cost-effective drainage system that will continue to perform for many years to come. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News