The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has called for a major injection of funding and planning into addressing the skills shortage which is preventing the refurbishment and retrofitting of buildings in line with the government’s carbon reduction targets. A study by the recruitment firm Reed Environment estimated that current rates
Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division, which includes the Omega Red and IWS Water Hygiene brands, welcomes Edward Shepherd as its new Operations Director. Edward will join the senior management team, overseeing all operational aspects for both businesses. Edward brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held senior
AN ALL-female panel of built environment experts gathered recently for international M&E consultancy CPW’s ‘INWED 2023: Sustainability in the Second City’ roundtable to discuss the importance of retrofitting to tackle net zero and why sustainability is a significant opportunity to attract more women to the engineering industry. Held at CPW’s
Harley Haddow has received one of the top prizes at The Grafters Awards, scooping the best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy award. The ceremony which took place last night (Thursday 29th of June) at The Mercure Picadilly Hotel in Manchester, recognised the best of the Northwest construction and property industry. Hosted
SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, has welcomed three major new enterprises to its growing Associate Membership Scheme as it continues to attract an impressive line-up of market-leading manufacturers and organisations. Schneider Electric, Robus LED Group and CompEx have all joined the 25 existing Associates who have built mutually beneficial
The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool – that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot
A stalwart of the electrical industry has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the sector with Honorary Membership of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association. David Smith, a Past President of the organisation and a former representative of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, was accorded the exclusive
Balfour Beatty recently announces that it has been awarded a £42 million contract by National Grid to construct the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point in East Sussex, UK. The two year contract will see Balfour Beatty design and build a new 400 kilovolt substation as well as two new
The owners of one of the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties in Edinburgh is embarking on a major drive to improve energy performance across its flagship development as it looks to enhance its sustainability credentials while reducing energy bills for residents. Kingsford Group has secured a dedicated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has called for a major injection of funding and planning into addressing the skills shortage which is preventing the refurbishment and retrofitting of buildings in line with the government’s carbon reduction targets. A study by the recruitment firm Reed Environment estimated that current rates of recruitment for professions carrying out building retrofit work would have to triple if the country was to meet its 2050 Net Zero target. It concluded that the UK is currently on track to miss the required number of building energy efficiency upgrades by 55 years – only reaching it in 2105 – due to “a serious shortage of retrofit training and recruitment pathways”. BESA said building retrofits should be “a main policy and business pillar of Net Zero”, but that the country was falling behind its targets due to the lack of a comprehensive plan for how the 2050 target could be delivered. “Retrofitting homes and commercial buildings needs to be a main building block of Net Zero,” said the Association’s director of training and skills Helen Yeulet. “This requires a serious acceleration in recruitment of the necessary skills, which will also underpin business growth and job creation in the sector.” LaggingThe UK is also lagging comparable European countries when it comes to retrofit work, according to research from the MCS Charitable Foundation, which revealed it was installing less than a tenth of the number of heat pumps as France despite having a similar heating market. Only 55,000 heat pumps were sold in the UK last year, compared with 621,000 in France. 20 other European countries also had higher installation rates than the UK, which is being held back by the lack of a comprehensive and consistent plan for ‘green skills’, according to BESA. The MCS report said that there was currently “little chance” of the UK meeting the government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028. However, with a proper skills strategy it should be possible to create 50,000 new jobs in this market, up from just 2,000 today. BESA welcomed the launch of the government’s £5m Heat Training Grant which offers £500 towards heat pump training for self-employed installers, the unemployed and those working for a business with 250 employees or less. It is expected to help upskill around 6,000 heating engineers, but the Association said it was important that the government made long-term policy commitments and abandoned its ‘stop-start’ approach to funding. “Employers need to have the confidence to invest in their workforces and diversify their businesses,” said Yeulet. “We need to take a leaf out of France’s book.” She also called for the government to give a clear commitment to the Future Homes and Building Standard, which is due to come into force in 2025 and would set energy efficiency benchmarks that could drive retrofit work. France has benefited from energy efficiency and electrification of heat being political priorities for more than a decade underpinned by generous financial incentives. The installation market grew from 100,000 a year in 2010 to over 600,000 last year and France now has more than 30,000 people employed full time in heat pumps. “There is no mystery about why other countries are doing better than us,” said Yeulet. “They have clear policy commitments and long-term, properly funded training programmes in place that give employers the confidence to invest and grow their businesses. “We have been talking about this for years, but this is not just about government. We all need to step up and do what we promise by investing in our workforces. Not just because it is the right thing to do for the planet, but also because the potential for business growth is huge.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, has been appointed the new chair of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Succeeding the outgoing chair Steve Keeton, Director of External Affairs and Future Portfolio at Vaillant, Karen is the first female chair of the HHIC and is set to lead the membership following the Council’s recent AGM. Since joining Baxi as Managing Director almost three years ago, Karen has successfully led Baxi at the forefront of innovations in low carbon technology and installer support as the heating industry looks to decarbonise. This includes recent work with Government to make training more affordable and attractive to installers through the Heat Training Grant, which was launched this month. Karen also brings rich experience as a leader in the engineering space across multiple industries – most notably the rail industry heading up Hitachi Rail’s UK division. In her new role as chair of the HHIC, she brings strong focus on business improvement and accelerating growth, is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and has extensive experience in manufacturing, supply chain and customer service. As the heating industry continues its progress decarbonisation and develop the skills required to achieve it, Karen’s leadership experience and expertise are set to drive forward the HHIC’s focus on advancing the heating industry to net zero. Karen Boswell OBE said: “I’m delighted and privileged to have been selected to Chair the HHIC Board. I want to thank Steve Keeton, our outgoing Chair, for his leadership during the incredibly difficult lockdown period we’ve all endured, and for his work despite the challenge of the pandemic, with business transformation, innovation and helping shape Government policy. “Our industry is at the forefront of enabling solutions for decarbonising heat and hot water in UK homes and businesses. The next three years are going to be incredibly important and exciting as we help move customers towards their carbon reduction targets and ambitions. “Our members are best placed to provide expert advice to government and support the development of the right decarbonisation policy that benefits everyone. “One of my clear focus areas will be on growing our skills base to deliver this critical, transformational role. We must attract, train and reward new talent from all walks of life, reflecting the customers and communities we serve. The decarbonisation agenda is a great career opportunity and we need to work better at demonstrating how attractive this sector is; delivering clean heat and hot water in homes and buildings is a fundamental component of our national ambition for net zero.” Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, said: “We are pleased to announce Karen’s appointment as chair following a commendable tenure from the outgoing Chair Steve Keeton. Our industry is at a pivotal and exciting point. New technologies like heat pumps and hydrogen further down the line mean there is exciting opportunity for jobs and making a difference in the UK’s decarbonisation journey. “However, our research has found that there is a large skills gap that we must fill if we are to make any progress. Encouraging more people into the industry with a focus on improving diversity, equity and inclusion is a next crucial step to attracting more people into this exciting sector at a time of great progress and innovation.” For more information about the HHIC and to see its latest research reports, click here. For more information about Baxi, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Staffordshire Plc’s compliance division, which includes the Omega Red and IWS Water Hygiene brands, welcomes Edward Shepherd as its new Operations Director. Edward will join the senior management team, overseeing all operational aspects for both businesses. Edward brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held senior positions within a service provision business and demonstrating extensive expertise in the engineering industry. Previously, Edward had eight years of experience as Service Operations Director at MSA The Safety Company, a decade of experience at Bristol Uniforms Limited and four years in a senior position at Thales. Known for his dedication to developing individuals and organisations, Edward is committed to delivering operational efficiencies. With a clear focus on optimising processes and improving overall performance, he will play a crucial role in advancing the compliance division’s operational capabilities. “We are thrilled to welcome Ed to our team,” said Neil Shailer, Managing Director of the compliance division. “Ed’s extensive background in service provision and engineering, coupled with his passion for driving operational efficiencies, make him an invaluable addition to our compliance senior management team. We are confident that his leadership and expertise will contribute significantly to our ongoing success.” The compliance division of the Group offers lightning protection services, electrical earthing solutions, height safety solutions, legionella control and water treatment services all of which help clients achieve compliance to a range of relevant standards and regulation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AN ALL-female panel of built environment experts gathered recently for international M&E consultancy CPW’s ‘INWED 2023: Sustainability in the Second City’ roundtable to discuss the importance of retrofitting to tackle net zero and why sustainability is a significant opportunity to attract more women to the engineering industry. Held at CPW’s city centre office on Colmore Row, the event saw a ten-strong panel of local experts discuss a wide range of topics for International Women in Engineering Day. This included where Birmingham is on its journey to becoming net zero by 2030 and how far funding will stretch, through to the pros and cons of well recognised sustainability accreditations and how engaging with educators will help increase industry diversity. Hannah Kissick, associate in innovations and sustainability at CPW, said: “It was very inspiring to host an event attended by women with impressive and extensive experience in the built environment. The range of topics we covered and the enthusiasm for collaboration during and after the session definitely gave me confidence that more solutions can be found for our journey to net zero in Birmingham and for creating a more accessible industry. “Where there is a challenge there is always an opportunity, and this event reminded me that we can harness the interest in sustainability among the younger generation to position engineering as a key industry needed to meet sustainability targets.” The professionals in attendance explored the processes of value engineering and design, asking questions of each other about how the gap between vision and reality can be bridged. However, factors such as cost and assurance were understandably noted as potential barriers to success. Despite this, an optimistic tone was maintained throughout the event due to the shared recognition of the quality young minds that are on the cusp of bringing new ideas into the industry. Ellie Hignett, principal portfolio officer – Route to Net Zero Carbon at Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s so important that occasions like International Women in Engineering Day continue to be celebrated and events like the one hosted by CPW continue to be supported. They bring important stakeholders together and enable vital industries like engineering to debate how we can overcome shared challenges – like net zero. “While funding plays a key role in what we can achieve in Birmingham, we must also invest time in education. Without the people needed in positions to focus on net zero, there is no infrastructure to carry out the work. We must also continue to use cooperation between the public and private sector to create a baseline for what is achievable, with retrofit being a very topical example amid ongoing debate around the best approach.” The panel was hosted by CPW, chaired by Charlotte Dove (Cartwright Communications) and featured Hannah Kissick (CPW), Michelle Ward (CPW), Tiv Kaur (AA Projects), Isabel Scruby (HUB Residential), Dr Monica Mateo-Garcia (Birmingham City University), Justine Doody (Wates), Rosie Peach-Robinson (EDGE), Rachel Care (Turner and Townsend), Ellie Hignett (Birmingham City Council) and Lois Taylor (Naismiths). With more than 300 staff based across 13 offices including two international offices in Poland and India, CPW specialises in designing and integrating a full range of building services into new and existing buildings to deliver cutting edge sustainable solutions that are not only energy efficient but are both financially and environmentally sustainable for clients. For further information on CPW’s sustainability work visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harley Haddow has received one of the top prizes at The Grafters Awards, scooping the best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy award. The ceremony which took place last night (Thursday 29th of June) at The Mercure Picadilly Hotel in Manchester, recognised the best of the Northwest construction and property industry. Hosted by television and radio presenter, Jenny Powell, the awards, part of Grafters Super Group, celebrate achievements from those across the Northwest industry. Ian Chalk, director at Harley Haddow said: “We are delighted to have been awarded best Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy and are proud of the accomplishments we have made over the last year in the Northwest. “It has been an incredible journey so far from when we first opened our office in Manchester, with great project wins and team expansion. Winning something like this really consolidates all the hard work and dedication that has gone in across the consultancy and we can’t wait to build on this even more.” The consultancy is going from strength to strength, with this most recent accolade one of seven award nominations in 2023 so far. Having opened their Manchester office last year, the team is continuing to grow their Northwest hub with further recruitment ongoing. If you would like to know more about opportunities within Harley Haddow please visit: https://www.harleyhaddow.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, has welcomed three major new enterprises to its growing Associate Membership Scheme as it continues to attract an impressive line-up of market-leading manufacturers and organisations. Schneider Electric, Robus LED Group and CompEx have all joined the 25 existing Associates who have built mutually beneficial relationships with SELECT’s member businesses over the past 18 months. The three new Associate Members will now be able to engage with SELECT’s experts and members, enjoy access to a wealth of services and benefits and work with the organisation to share the latest ideas and in-depth knowledge to the advantage of the wider industry. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT, said: “Everyone at SELECT is delighted that enterprises of the size and stature of Schneider Electric, Robus and CompEx have joined our Associate Membership scheme. “Becoming an Associate is an opportunity for partner organisations to build stronger relationships with key players in the electrical contracting industry, and also to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body.” SELECT, which represents around 1,250 electrical firms and 15,000 contractors across the country, launched the scheme early in 2022 to help develop a mutually complementary network of industry-specific partners. Mr Mason added: “Since its launch, the scheme has proved extremely popular and has allowed Associates to speak to our members both through our print and digital channels and also face-to-face at the many events we run across Scotland throughout the year. “It has also strengthened our own relationship with some of the industry’s most renowned names and allowed us to develop and grow events such as our Toolbox Talks, President’s Cup and President’s Lunch.” Schneider Electric, which traces its history back to 1838, drives digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to help businesses make efficiency and sustainability gains across their organisations. David Pownall, Vice President of Services at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, said: “We have had a long and fruitful association with SELECT over the years, including sponsoring organisation awards, and we are proud to be included in an Associate Membership scheme which brings so many benefits to the electrical industry.” Robus is a Dublin-headquartered global lighting wholesaler with customers in more than 40 countries around the world. Established in 1984, it is now the biggest lighting company in Ireland. Mick G Slein, Chief Executive of Robus, said: “Becoming an Associate Member of SELECT completely aligns with our best-in-class mindset and our vision of being our customers’ most trusted LED lighting brand. We look forward to building strong and trusted relationships with SELECT members as we continue to grow internationally.” CompEx is the international scheme for competency validation and certification of people who work in explosive atmospheres. First established 30 years ago with the support of industry, its suite of training and assessment modules are delivered through a network of independent training and assessment centres to support electrotechnical practitioners in sectors including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage manufacturing and utilities. Huw Bement, Managing Director of CompEx, said: “Our international safety and competency scheme is rooted in certifying electrotechnical technicians and engineers operating in hazardous areas – so becoming a SELECT Associate Member is hugely important for us. It’s a fantastic opportunity for CompEx to establish new industry connections and to continue building our existing relationships.” The trio’s arrival follows the announcement of Legrand UK & Ireland as SELECT’s 25th Associate Member earlier this year. The electrical and digital infrastructure specialist is part of Legrand Group, which has a presence in nearly 90 countries and employs more than 38,000 people. Other SELECT Associate Members include Hispec, V-Tac, Aico, Aurora, Electrium, Hager, Luceco, Megger, Scolmore and Thorn Lighting. SELECT has just completed its annual Toolbox Talks roadshows and is now involved in the organisation of the second Green Home Festival as a leading member of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV). The organisation also continues to spearhead a long-running and high-profile campaign for regulation of the electrical industry, with the submission to Scottish Parliament of a Members’ Bill calling for Protection of Title. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool – that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway Regeneration Scheme. The contract, which will see the firm deliver a full MEP installation, over a 37-week programme, was awarded to the company following its ongoing, successful delivery, at VINCI’s New Victoria scheme for end client Muse Developments. Starting on site in November, and running through to September 2024, the company will also utilise its internal offsite manufacturing team, to provide a modularised roof top plant room amongst other modular items, including risers – to the value of three quarters of a million pounds. Greg Simm, Managing Director for HE Simm Engineering in the North, comments: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract, especially as it comes off the back of the work we are currently undertaking at New Victoria. “It will be the largest commercial scheme delivered by the Northern Engineering Division and we are looking forward to getting going in November.” Gareth Simm, Chief Executive Officer for the company, adds: “This contract award plays well into our continued diversification strategy, which sees more and more of our work completed in sectors including commercial, industrial and healthcare, whilst also staying true to our roots of delivering the very best MEP in the UK residential sector.” HE Simm was founded in 1948, 75 years ago this year. Since then, it has become recognised as a leading player in the design, delivery and installation of MEP, Fire & Security, Maintenance and Offsite Manufacturing capabilities across numerous sectors, for many long-term clients. To read more about the company visit www.hesimm.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A stalwart of the electrical industry has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the sector with Honorary Membership of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association. David Smith, a Past President of the organisation and a former representative of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch, was accorded the exclusive honour at the association’s 111th Annual General Meeting. Handing over the award, President Alistair Grant paid tribute to the extraordinary dedication shown by David, who has held a wide range of roles at SELECT over the past 26 years and won its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. After collecting his Honorary Membership, David told delegates at the at the Doubletree Edinburgh North Queensferry on June 1: “It’s a great honour to accept this award and quite a surprise too because it feels like just yesterday that I joined SELECT. “I have seen massive change in the association during my time here and I like the fact that everyone is made more than welcome, whether a big or small company. That’s why I tell people, ‘Join SELECT – you’ll never regret it’.” David, a senior partner in David W H Smith Heating and Electrical Services, went on: “I am very moved by the tribute of Honorary Membership and I would like to dedicate this award to all the colleagues, office bearers and officials with whom I have shared a wonderful and fulfilling career. “The electrical sector in Scotland has never been in better health, with recognition of the job’s social and environmental importance and record numbers of apprentices, and great credit must be afforded to the association for fostering this climate.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “I believe it gives everyone in the organisation and our associates in the wider sector great pleasure to officially recognise the skill, experience and dedication that David has brought to the many posts he has held. “David has had a full and fulfilling professional life, including work in national enterprises such as British Steel, and has created a successful business. He has always taken a keen interest in everything to do with the electrotechnical sector in Scotland. “He has been a great friend and supporter of this organisation, but he has also played major roles in a number of Scottish and UK enterprises and associations over the years and has always been a keen supporter of apprenticeships.” In his time with SELECT, David chaired the Electrotechnical Committee, was a member of the board of the industry sector skills council, SummitSkills, and served on SELECT’s Training and Skills Committee. He also held the Presidency between 2005 and 2007. Alistair, who was nominated as President for another year at the AGM along with Vice-President Mike Stark, said: “Once David had fulfilled his role as Immediate Past President, he again became a representative of the branch, a position he held until March this year – a total service of 26 years. Some of our staff are not even that old! “He will be a huge loss to the association, but I know we will be able to call on his experience at any time.” Before the AGM itself, the SELECT Central Board met for its second quarterly meeting of the year, during which representatives from all eight branches discussed progress and the priorities of the association for 2023 and beyond. Alistair also provided his own snapshot of current activity in SELECT and the wider industry, delivering updates on regulation of the industry, the ongoing work of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) and the association’s role in the workforce of the future. The event also featured a tribute and moment’s silence in honour of former association President Pat Feeney, who passed away in February, aged 91. SELECT is currently in the final stages of a long-running, but now very high-profile, campaign for the recognition of electrician’s professionalism with the submission to the Scottish Parliament of a Members’ Bill calling for Protection of Title. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty recently announces that it has been awarded a £42 million contract by National Grid to construct the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point in East Sussex, UK. The two year contract will see Balfour Beatty design and build a new 400 kilovolt substation as well as two new terminal towers which will support electrical conductors transmitting high-voltage electricity to the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point. Once complete, the new substation will form a key part of National Grid’s ‘Little Horsted Connection Project’ which will allow local electricity distributer, UK Power Networks, to connect with the National Grid – improving the electricity supply in East Sussex. As part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy for the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty will look to engage a workforce from the local, surrounding area and will also plant approximately 500 trees during the construction programme. Ian Currie, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business said: “As one of the leading high voltage substation suppliers in the UK, we are perfectly positioned to deliver the Little Horsted Substation Grid Supply Point. “Building on our longstanding and successful relationship with National Grid, this latest contract will see us improve the power supply in East Sussex, and help provide the UK with the grid connectivity required to meet increased future demand.” Works are due to commence in early 2024 with completion expected in Autumn 2025. At peak, the project will employ a workforce of up to 120 people including a number of apprenticeship and graduate positions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The owners of one of the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties in Edinburgh is embarking on a major drive to improve energy performance across its flagship development as it looks to enhance its sustainability credentials while reducing energy bills for residents. Kingsford Group has secured a dedicated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Improvement Loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C across a number of luxury apartments at its historic Kingsford Residence. The Edwardian building, which was converted into 74 luxury apartments in 2017, boasts a gym, roof garden and co-working business space. Following the sharp rise in energy costs and a desire to protect residents, Kingsford Group commissioned an EPC assessment to establish the measures that would need to be introduced in order to raise energy performance of the building. The EPC Improvement Loan from Secure Trust Bank will fund the installation of secondary glazing in collaboration with Perth-based Glaze & Save, specialists in bespoke magnetic secondary glazing for listed buildings. Once upgraded to an EPC C-rating, further measures will be introduced such as solar panels, community battery and heat pump technology. The partnership between STB and Kingsford Estates dates back to 2018, with STB Head of Origination, Matthew-Blaine Young and Kingsford Group’s CEO, Alex Watts agreeing the 12-month EPC loan off the back of a strong working relationship. A testament to the like-mindedness of the pair, the deal took just two weeks to complete, with the wheels already in motion on retrofitting the upgrades to the property. Alex Watts, CEO of Kingsford Group, said: “The loan we’ve agreed from Secure Trust Bank is essential to our ambitions to transform the energy performance of The Kingsford Residence towards fully renewable net-zero operation. As a landlord you have the ability to make a difference. Fundamentally, our team and clients care about the future of the planet and this means exceeding minimum standards wherever possible. “Matthew at Secure Trust Bank understood my desire to make the right decisions for people and the planet, which is why there was no doubt in my mind that the EPC Improvement Loan was the best option. Not only do we want to continue leading the way in the Scottish BTR market, we want to do it in an environmentally positive way – changing the industry through changing opinions on the value of eco-friendly development.” Secure Trust Bank’s EPC Improvement Loan, which is available to the bank’s existing customers, is designed to help residential landlords remediate their property portfolios with energy-saving solutions. The new product is an extension (top-up) to existing loans, providing fixed sums of £6,500 and £13,000 for EPC D and EPC E-rated assets respectively. Matthew-Blaine Young, Head of Origination at Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance, added: “Given anticipated regulatory changes and pressure on residents’ living costs, we want to help landlords prepare and overcome associated challenges. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is why we were one of the first banks to offer an EPC-specific product, and Alex epitomises the kind of property developer we love to work with in every way.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
