Caddick Construction has been appointed by the Great Places Housing Group to its £750m Innovation Chain North (ICN) framework of Contractors and Consultants. The four-year framework is designed to support delivery of new homes across the north of England, on behalf of Great Places and other Housing Associations. Adrian Dobson,
The Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project is delighted to welcome Simon Dudley, Interim Chair of Homes England, as Chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group provides vital two way engagement to disseminate project learnings and outcomes with industry stakeholder organisations. The project aims
At present, Covid-19 presents a huge challenge to the UK property industry but, despite the lockdown, we cannot ignore our sector’s other biggest issue – building safety. Post-Grenfell, safety in the residential block sector is being completely overhauled and many of the recommendations coming from the Hackitt Review hinge on
The property website www.localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk reports that it has seen a sharp increase in activity in the UK housing market in the past fortnight following the slump due to the Coronavirus lockdown. JJ Heath-Caldwell, managing director of the business, says: “After a very buoyant start to the year, in mid-March to mid-April the number
Mike Brown heads Bellharbour as Director of Property Management. Mike has worked in the Property Management sector for 33 years and in residential management for the last 22, specialising in managing luxury residential buildings and large mixed-use estates. He brings extensive experience both as a managing agent and on the client
Lindsay has been working in the property sector for the last twenty years, with the last ten years focussed on business development with a variety of clients ranging from top ten housebuilders to freehold investor landlords and resident’s management companies. Developers especially value her input when it comes to supporting
Residential property management specialist urbanbubble and mobile app developer Padoq have developed an interactive app to keep residents connected and engaged while living under COVID-19 lockdown. Designed to motivate and engage residents of apartments across Manchester managed by urbanbubble, the app provides a ‘cyber community’ tailored to the needs of
ARLA Propertymark has responded to the UK Parliament’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) Inquiry into the impact of Coronavirus on homelessness and the private rented sector. The aim of the Committee’s Inquiry, which closed its deadline for written submissions on Tuesday 5 May, is to examine how effective
Surveying and property management company Scanlans has been appointed to manage a development of office buildings at Thorpe Park in Leeds. The Pentagon comprises six, two-storey buildings totalling about 25,000 sq ft. The buildings are owned by companies involved in construction, property development, financial services and financial planning. Thorpe Park
Matthew Mackintosh, Managing Director of family business AM Surveying & Block Management is raising money to support the NHS by ‘Braving the Shave’. AM Surveying & Block Management was started in the 1970’s and provides block management, building surveying and property maintenance services to 1,500 properties throughout London &
Caddick Construction has been appointed by the Great Places Housing Group to its £750m Innovation Chain North (ICN) framework of Contractors and Consultants. The four-year framework is designed to support delivery of new homes across the north of England, on behalf of Great Places and other Housing Associations. Adrian Dobson, Caddick Construction’s Managing Director, said: “With a business focus that embraces the beds and sheds market, being appointed onto the ICN framework is another string to our bow. We will continue to use our extensive experience in civil engineering, infrastructure, design and build and construction project delivery, working closely with the Great Places Housing Group and their partners, to deliver high quality social housing, regenerate local communities and deliver social value across the north of England.” Caddick Construction was one of 30 contractors appointed out of the 726 bids from 183 framework applicants. They were selected based on their technical competence, price and their commitment to social value through pledges such as apprenticeships and work experience opportunities. Helen Spencer, Great Places’ Director of Development, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caddick Construction on our new ICN framework. We are confident they will be able to work with us and the clients of ICN in delivering the sector’s extensive development ambitions in the North. “The new framework will ensure we and our peer organisations have tried and tested partners to help us to deliver our extensive development programmes and to help our collective ambitions to tackle the housing crisis.”
The Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project is delighted to welcome Simon Dudley, Interim Chair of Homes England, as Chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group provides vital two way engagement to disseminate project learnings and outcomes with industry stakeholder organisations. The project aims to tackle the UK housing crisis by using cost effective MMC delivered using industrialised offsite panelised solutions. Dudley brings a wealth of experience to the role having been involved in major construction projects, including those as part of Maidenhead Borough’s regeneration during his three and a half year tenure as borough leader. Simon Dudley, new chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group, said: “I’m delighted to join as chair of the AIMCH project. The stakeholder group draws together key interests and views, to share learning and concerns, providing a collective approach and wider market impact to drive the uptake of MMC systems. “AIMCH is forward thinking and committed to delivering high quality cost effective housing. The AIMCH project will have an even greater role to play as the construction sector resets from Covid-19. The clear benefits from Modern Methods of Construction will address the challenges faced in a post-pandemic economy made more complex with Brexit and net zero carbon goals. Industrialised offsite panelised solutions will act as a catalyst for a step change in the industry. Capturing all these benefits through this project are key insights for industry going forward.” The three-year AIMCH project, which has been live since early 2019, has been trialling new digital design tools, manufacturing advancements, improved near-to-market offsite systems and lean site processes on live housing projects over the past 18 months. The ultimate goal of the project is to support the sector by delivering the 120,000 target for the same or less cost than traditional methods, are built 30% quicker and have 50% less defects. The project has potential to impact on 35,000 homes being delivered by AIMCH partners across the UK, each year.
At present, Covid-19 presents a huge challenge to the UK property industry but, despite the lockdown, we cannot ignore our sector’s other biggest issue – building safety. Post-Grenfell, safety in the residential block sector is being completely overhauled and many of the recommendations coming from the Hackitt Review hinge on data collection and management. 84% of IRPM members feel that technology can be used to improve on-site safety – this statistic highlights the need for the profession to examine and fundamentally change the way in which we view and use technology. With this in mind, we have published Who shares Wins: the impact of technology on building safety, a white paper highlighting the key issues raised by the impact of technology on building safety. The new publication details the importance of data-sharing and advances in building technology in the residential block sector, with a particular focus on fire safety and setting out next steps for the property management profession. For the first part of our 2020 Tech Insight programme, we brought together a group of leading industry experts to discuss the impact of technology on building safety and examine the barriers to implementation. The white paper captures this conversation, highlighting the technological challenges for the sector that impact the delivery of building safety. As we continue our series of dedicated technology white papers, each will address in turn the IRPM’s 4 Elements of property management professionalism – this being our first, with a focus on safety. The 4 Elements of property professionalism: 1. Technical competence 2. Safety 3. Customer and consumer 4. Ethics and behaviours We hope you enjoy this first white paper and find it thought provoking. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER
The property website www.localsurveyorsdirect.co.uk reports that it has seen a sharp increase in activity in the UK housing market in the past fortnight following the slump due to the Coronavirus lockdown. JJ Heath-Caldwell, managing director of the business, says: “After a very buoyant start to the year, in mid-March to mid-April the number of enquiries quickly dropped by 80% with the lowest activity recorded on the 14 April. Since then, the activity has been steadily rising and is now around 57% down (instead of 80% down). This is still low but we are seeing steady progress in response to some of the Government’s initiatives to get the property market moving again. “Across our sites, we have seen a strong increase in activity, which is promising after everything was closed during the lockdown period. My expectation is that the number of enquiries will continue to rise as we go through this year. We won’t see the levels that we saw back in January and February, but things are definitely looking up.” Since lockdown restrictions were implemented in the UK in March 2020, more than 450,000 people have been unable to progress their plans to move house. Now, following a Government initiative, all buyers and renters will now be able to complete purchases and view properties in person, while estate agents, conveyancers and removals firms can return to work while following social distancing guidelines. Additionally, in another move to unlock the housing market, the Housing Secretary has announced a series of measures to get the country building homes for the future, including more flexible construction site working hours for builders, the use of social media to publicise planning applications and support for smaller developers with deferred payments to local councils. A new Charter has also been launched by the government and the Home Builders Federation, helping construction sites reopen in line with latest health and safety guidance. Local Surveyors Direct, which offers a property services price comparison engine, helps people source local property professionals, connecting home owners and home buyers with surveyors, architects, estate agents, conveyancers, domestic energy assessors, drainage contractors and other property-related professionals. These services are provided over the whole of the United Kingdom by a comprehensive network of suppliers which has been steadily built up since the website first started operating in 2005.
Mike Brown heads Bellharbour as Director of Property Management. Mike has worked in the Property Management sector for 33 years and in residential management for the last 22, specialising in managing luxury residential buildings and large mixed-use estates. He brings extensive experience both as a managing agent and on the client side, dealing with everything from small RMCs to large developers. Bellharbour was created out of an identified need to meet specific requirements to high-end developments within the property sector. By bringing together some of the UK’s elite property sector specialists, the company provides over 55 years of combined experience in management of the prime sector. The aim is to provide a truly high-end bespoke service to clients: Lower ratio of development staff to properties than our competitors Maintaining higher standards of presentation of your property More in-depth knowledge of prime developments Strong management training of any staff hired to work onsite An extensive suite of supporting services from the companies within the group Bellharbour expects to grow quickly, with a number of clients already on board even before launch, and some preparing to switch. The central location is ideal for attracting high-end developers in and around Canary Wharf, as well as for recruiting the best talent in the industry. About the Fexco Property Services group Bellharbour is a trading company of Crabtree PM Limited, and part of the Fexco Property Services group, founded in 2015 by the Irish multi-national company Fexco to provide nationally focused management and professional services to the built environment. The group currently consists of Bellharbour, Crabtree PM Limited, Remus Management and Ellis Sloane & Co. Backed by Fexco which has been investing in the UK since 1983 and involved in block management since 1999, successfully growing the largest residential management group in Australia; Prudential Investment Company of Australia Pty Limited (PICA) who currently have 280,000 homes under their management. Together the combined experience of the group amounts to the largest service provider in the UK.
Lindsay has been working in the property sector for the last twenty years, with the last ten years focussed on business development with a variety of clients ranging from top ten housebuilders to freehold investor landlords and resident’s management companies. Developers especially value her input when it comes to supporting site office teams launching new developments. Lindsay brings a real understanding of clients and potential purchasers’ needs, from initial site set up through launch, to handover and operational management. Vastly experienced in the property industry, Lindsay has worked on developments ranging from large scale consortium developments of upwards of 3,000 units, to high-end mixed-use city centre developments and listed building conversions. With a down to earth approach to building and retaining client relationships, Lindsay is a great asset to not just the Remus Management team, but the Fexco Property Services group as a whole.
Residential property management specialist urbanbubble and mobile app developer Padoq have developed an interactive app to keep residents connected and engaged while living under COVID-19 lockdown. Designed to motivate and engage residents of apartments across Manchester managed by urbanbubble, the app provides a ‘cyber community’ tailored to the needs of people in specific residential developments. Described as a ‘place to connect with your community’, the app gives residents access to a wide range of lifestyle and work-related events and features including a weekly programme of events, with a positive message of: “Together, we have got this. We’re doing our utmost to make those long days and nights easier by creating virtual communities and hosting events.” The events include a virtual pub quiz, cooking classes, book club, family fun quiz and origami and other events for children. The app is available to residents living in 5,500 homes across Manchester where urbanbubble acts as block manager, including up to 80% Buy-to-Let properties where the firm doesn’t manage lettings but still engages with occupiers about important building related matters. It is also available to residents living in Private Rented Sector schemes managed by urbanbubble, including Local Blackfriars, Salford, developed by Salboy, and other developments delivered by Capital & Centric and Mulbury. This move to digitalise residential property management was created for urbanbubble by fellow Manchester-based business, mobile app development platform Padoq. Michael Howard, founder and managing director of urbanbubble, said: “In these unprecedented and testing times of people adapting to life under lockdown, the need to maintain a sense of being together and communication with your community is of paramount importance. “We’ve always been big on community building for our residents and now more than ever, so we built an app with Padoq allowing them to chat with neighbours, join virtual events, view key documents and much more.” Mike Anderson, CEO of Padoq, said: “It’s great seeing communities of residents come to life in the urbanbubble app. We built Padoq to give companies the tools to maximise their communities online and have found the property sector a perfect fit for our technology. “We’re excited to continue to evolve the platform with market leaders like urbanbubble, delivering world class online experiences to their residents.” Conscious of the need to also maintain and enhance its relationship with its landlord investors, UrbInfo Manchester, the data division of urbanbubble, is providing a weekly Covid-19 property market tracker newsletter including real time data on market activity and trends during the pandemic.
ARLA Propertymark has responded to the UK Parliament’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s (HCLG) Inquiry into the impact of Coronavirus on homelessness and the private rented sector. The aim of the Committee’s Inquiry, which closed its deadline for written submissions on Tuesday 5 May, is to examine how effective the UK Government has been in supporting individuals in the private rented sector. It is also examining what long term strategies would need to be put in place to support both groups, once current measures expire. Propertymark highlighted the positive steps the Government has taken to support the private rented sector during the pandemic such as extending business rates relief and including commission in furloughed pay. However, concerns remain about access to support for agents who are self-employed and the disparity in how the Small Business Support Grants are being administered by different local authorities across the country. Furthermore, for renters, Propertymark remains concerned that while general awareness of the Government’s policies aimed at helping renters is modest, actual knowledge of the policies among renters is low. Action is needed Support for self-employed agents – Some Limited company directors and small businesses have fallen between the Government’s economic support packages. To support this segment of the employment market the Government could ask company directors to self-report their average dividend income in order to obtain a similar measure of support to the 80 per cent of income that self-employed and PAYE workers can access. Furthermore, agents who are self-employed had to have filed their 2018-19 tax return by 23 April 2020 to receive support under the Self-employment Income Support Scheme. However, if they had more recently become self-employed, such as from April 2019 it is not clear what support is available. In addition, payments will not be made until June 2020 which means three months of no income when many agents continue to have bills and overheads to pay. Improve renters’ knowledge of support – There is lots of Government support available that should allow tenants to continue to pay their rent and landlords to have an income if rent payments do stop. However, not enough is being done to explain and highlight these policies. In order that rent payments continue to be paid and the Government keep the rent flowing, renters and their landlords need to take full advantage of the Government schemes available during this difficult period. Current issues Suspend the introduction of mandatory electrical checks – With the added complications of Coronavirus, the supply chain capacity issues have got significantly worse, and therefore, the Government should suspend the introduction until such time as it is possible for the industry to practically implement the legislation. Review and update guidance on maintenance and safety checks – 70 per cent of agents who Propertymark surveyed said that the Government’s guidance on what to do for compliance checks during the outbreak is clear and helpful. However, agents are facing problems getting routine maintenance and safety checks at the properties they manage completed. Agents and landlords want to do the best by their tenants and are understandably nervous about falling foul of regulations and therefore, we ask the Government to review and update the guidance already issued. Post lockdown Provide more support on rent payments – Survey results from Propertymark members show that nearly all have said that up to a quarter of their tenants have missed a rental payment since the Coronavirus outbreak. Consequently, three things need to happen to further assist renters. Firstly, more needs to be done to explain the support available from the Government. Secondly, the Government must suspend the five weeks Universal Credit payment period with all payments made in full and paid directly to the letting agent or landlord. Thirdly, for those tenants who fall through the gaps in the Government’s current provisions should be able to apply for their rent to be paid via Universal Credit. Postpone the introduction of all licensing schemes – Members are alarmed that a number of Councils are ignoring guidance issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government which says that where local authorities are in the process of introducing non-mandatory licensing schemes, but these are not yet in force, they should consider pausing these at an appropriate point, in line with the advice on proactive and reactive work. The Government must ensure local authorities postpone the introduction of all licensing schemes until the market can recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Separate rent arrears before and during the pandemic – Propertymark’s survey figures from members show that for the majority (78 per cent) the passing of legislation to delay eviction proceedings has impacted on up to ten tenancies they manage and between ten and 20 tenancies for 13 per cent of agents. Members are concerned about the speed in which cases will be able to be heard in the courts and the backlog of cases from before the Coronavirus Act was passed and those cases lodged during the outbreak and after the restrictions are lifted. click here for The full response The Committee will take oral evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness and the private rented sector on 11 May 2020. Propertymark will keep the sector updated on any further progress. WHAT PROPERTYMARK IS DOING Propertymark has been in constant dialogue with Governments across the UK and will continue to push concerns and get the answers the sector needs. Keep updated with the latest information and guidance by following and liking the ARLA Propertymark Facebook and Twitter pages and visiting our website for frequently updated news articles. If you’re a member, ensure you’re reading Propertymark’s communications as we’re working hard to ensure you are at the forefront of change in the sector. You can also login to the members’ area of the ARLA Propertymark website below to access dozens of resources that have been created to help you strive during this difficult time.
Surveying and property management company Scanlans has been appointed to manage a development of office buildings at Thorpe Park in Leeds. The Pentagon comprises six, two-storey buildings totalling about 25,000 sq ft. The buildings are owned by companies involved in construction, property development, financial services and financial planning. Thorpe Park has been developed by Scarborough International Properties and its joint venture partner Legal & General and includes a 900,000 sq ft business park alongside homes, shops and green space. Michael Willans, senior property manager at Scanlans’ Leeds office, said: “We are delighted to win the instruction for the commercial estate management of The Pentagon area of the Thorpe Park business park. “The Pentagon plays an important part in the thriving regional business hub. We are excited to implement our property management services and look forward to getting involved in the management of the buildings for our client, Pentagon Management Services.” Scanlans has also recently secured an agreement to manage 68 energy-efficient homes at the Ironworks development in Holbeck Urban Village.
Matthew Mackintosh, Managing Director of family business AM Surveying & Block Management is raising money to support the NHS by ‘Braving the Shave’. AM Surveying & Block Management was started in the 1970’s and provides block management, building surveying and property maintenance services to 1,500 properties throughout London & the South East. During the current difficult times caused by COVID19 Matt would like to use the unusual circumstances many folks currently find themselves in – not being able to attend a barbers/hairdresser! – and have his wife shave his head in the name of raising funds for the NHS. Matt has been inspired by fundraisers such as Capt. Thomas More, NHS staff and key workers and would like to do his bit! As part of Matt’s household, Matt’s wife Paris is the only person in the world currently permitted under lockdown restrictions to come within 2m of his head, and without any haircutting experience whatsoever Matt has opted just to go for the full chop! Matt’s fundraising campaign started on 27th April, he would like to raise £1,000.00 for the NHS before the end of May 2020. Matt’s wife will be taking the clippers to his head on 11th May 2020 and will be posting results online. Matt says “While my head shaving is by no means big news, helping out the NHS in a time of crisis certainly is! If able, please please donate, every little helps make a massive difference and after all, we’re all in it together!” To see more on Matt’s campaign and to donate please click here.