With the recent review of fire safety in the UK having revealed an inherent number of ‘failings’ in the current system, Bureau Veritas has asserted that a major teamwork challenge must be overcome to ensure that buildings are constructed correctly and appropriately going forward. In the ‘Independent Review of Building
Residents and staff from across Rendall & Rittner ’s managed London developments have been generously donating thousands of toys to the Great Ormond Street Hospital appeal this Christmas. Over 500 presents worth around £5,810 were donated as part of the Great Ormond Street Hospital toy appeal, given to sick children who
The GGF has announced that they have appointed Billy Quinn as the Managing Director of their commercial subsidiary companies, FENSA, GGFi, BFRC, RISA and Borough IT. The GGF, or the Glass and Glazing Federation is known for being the primary trade association for companies that make, supply and glass and
In the right hands, drones are providing us with eyes in the sky and a view that hasn’t been so accessibly easy to obtain ever before. However, in the wrong hands, drones are proving to be a danger to air traffic. Getting the balance right is the crucial next step
The Chartered Association of Building Engineers, or CABE, has announced that they have appointed Dr. Gavin Dunn as Chief Executive Officer. Gavin will be taking over the role formally in April 2018 when the current CEO of CABE, Dr. John Hooper, retires. Gavin has been a member of CABE since
Skanska and PTSG has joined together in order to win a five-year high-level cleaning project for the City of London Corporation. The two companies have been awarded this contract following a successful collaborative tender. This extensive contract was awarded to the project development and construction group Skanska and will be
The award-winning security company, VPS has announced their latest innovation, the JCB Alert Tower. The company, one of Europe’s leading security companies working to protect people, property and assets on a temporary or emergency basis has launched this new product, thought to be the most flexible and easily deployable alarm
Lighting Controls Ltd. is pleased to announce that it is the designer, supplier and commissioning contractor for the lighting and ancillary control systems fit-out for Rotherwick House. This Grade II Listed office building will be the head office of property management company, Esca Estates. Situated on the corner of Thomas
Rapleys has recently announced the appointment of Natasha Bray as a Senior Associate. The company has been operating for more than 60 years in order to provide their clients with professional advice and services in the UK. offering a range of property and planning consultancy advice for a wide range
The latest research carried out by the Federation of Master Builders has revealed that three quarters of construction SMEs have said that cowboy clients are having a negative impact on their business. Cowboy clients are thought to be clients who either delay or withhold payment without good reason or making
With the recent review of fire safety in the UK having revealed an inherent number of ‘failings’ in the current system, Bureau Veritas has asserted that a major teamwork challenge must be overcome to ensure that buildings are constructed correctly and appropriately going forward. In the ‘Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: interim report’ launched on Monday 18 December 2017, former health and safety chief, Dame Judith Hackitt raised concerns about the building regulation process including unnecessary complexities and a lack of a joined up approach. For Bureau Veritas, a leading testing, inspection and certification company with a vast experience of the building control sector, the most pertinent points within the report lie, however, within the remedies for change – with an increased team ethic being central to this. Andy Lowe, director of building control at Bureau Veritas, comments: “As highlighted in the report, there is a major teamwork challenge to overcome if we are to negate failings of the past and ensure that buildings are constructed correctly and appropriately. “However, as detailed in the report, a significant part of the responsibility lies with the industry; with professional and accreditation bodies working to form a suitably robust qualification system and greater input from the fire and rescue services, through to a more structured handover process between building developers and owners, and greater clarity by building control. “For far too long, the many different entities in the fire safety chain have worked predominantly in silo, creating a weak link in the overall system – thus, working more holistically as a team is the only approach forward.” While a final review of the fire safety report is not due until spring 2018 and regulatory reforms may take some time, for Bureau Veritas the recommendation is for all viable parties to take positive, progressive action now. Andy adds: “It is really unfortunate that such a tragedy, one that will never be forgotten, has had to happen to shed light on some of the weaknesses in the current system. However, by taking action now and working more holistically as a team together with all areas of the industry, we can refocus standards for the greater good and ensure grave mistakes of the past do not happen again.” Bureau Veritas Building Control UK combines technical expertise and market-leading systems with unrivalled industry experience to deliver building control services to some of the biggest names in construction. Through effective teamwork, a consistent approach and commitment to excellence, Bureau Veritas’ solutions go beyond just compliance – they can help to reduce costs and manage risk throughout the building lifecycle, from design stages through to site inspections and final certification – whilst giving designers confidence that the project will comply with Building Regulations and all relevant legislation.
Residents and staff from across Rendall & Rittner ’s managed London developments have been generously donating thousands of toys to the Great Ormond Street Hospital appeal this Christmas. Over 500 presents worth around £5,810 were donated as part of the Great Ormond Street Hospital toy appeal, given to sick children who will not be home for Christmas time. Gifts included a guitar that will help with music therapy at the hospital, five tablets, and a Wii console. The highest number of donations were collected from Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Taking on the role of Father Christmas, was operations team member, Carlos Ornelas who was joined by Community Engagement Manager, Marc Gomes, dressed as head elf and Stewart Brown, Head of Customer Care and Resident Services, dressed as a reindeer. The team toured the developments in a decorated vehicle to collect the toys. Marc Gomes comments: “Thank you to everyone that gave something to this appeal – our residents and staff have been very generous this year and it has been a bumper collection, showing it really is the season of goodwill and a time to think of those less fortunate that ourselves. Great Ormond Street Hospital is a charity that Rendall & Rittner has supported for several years and the Christmas collection is very important to us. We are pleased that these gifts will help bring a bit of happiness to children who are receiving treatment at the hospital and may not be able to spend this Christmas at home.” The donated gifts that include toys, games and books have been safely delivered to Great Ormond Street ready for the big day. Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity raises money to enable the hospital to provide world-class care and to pioneer new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses. With more than 268,000 patient visits every year, the charity relies on fundraising and additional support to help give hope to young patients and their families. To find out more about Rendall & Rittner, visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk
The GGF has announced that they have appointed Billy Quinn as the Managing Director of their commercial subsidiary companies, FENSA, GGFi, BFRC, RISA and Borough IT. The GGF, or the Glass and Glazing Federation is known for being the primary trade association for companies that make, supply and glass and other related products that represent more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. Billy Quinn is highly accomplished as a Business Leader, Commercial Director and Non-Executive Director that will be an asset to the GGF Group. In his last professional role, Billy worked as the commercial Director for the online digital training provider CCUK. As well as this, the new Managing Director at GGF has also successfully held senior commercial roles in several different blue chip retailing Groups. In the past Billy has worked for HRG, Kingfisher and B&Q. On top of this, Billy has experience in the not-for-profit sector of the Non-Executive Board Chair of The Furniture Ombudsman. Billy will be joining the Federation at a time of steady growth as well as during a transitional period of restructure. With the recent appointment to the GGF Group, Billy will bring a wealth of experience and it is hoped that he will help to strengthen their commercial arm, a move which will subsequently have a knock on benefit for all of those who are connected to the Federation. The GGF is a recognised and leading authority used by employer and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries. The GGF also works to offer support to homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone who is looking for professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. GGF also works to promote energy efficient glazing and offer the GGF Carbon Calculator which allows homeowners and others to see how much money on carbon can be saved with the installation of more Energy Efficient Windows.
In the right hands, drones are providing us with eyes in the sky and a view that hasn’t been so accessibly easy to obtain ever before. However, in the wrong hands, drones are proving to be a danger to air traffic. Getting the balance right is the crucial next step when it comes to drones, they need to be accessible to everyone but have strict regulations to ensure everyone is safe. Ben Gorham, the director of drone surveying company Sky Revolutions explains, “Clarity around the legal framework, traffic management, and safety of drone operations is actively needed to underpin the sector and provide reassurance to the market.” It’s hopeful that someone who is an important figure in the sector sees that things need for change, but as of yet, the government are behind on the plans for drone legislation. Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad stated that, “while the vast majority of drone users are law-abiding and have good intentions, some operators are not aware of the rules.” Which is where things start to get dangerous. If you’re using drones within your business, here’s what you need to know: Registration is key The House of Lords EU Committee has called for the compulsory registration of all commercial and civilian drones. However, as of yet there’s no government led registration site – you may instead want to sign up on Drone reg for now which keeps a log of manufacturing numbers and details should your drone go astray. Committee Chairman Baroness O’Cathain says, “A key recommendation is that drone flights must be traceable, effectively through an online database, which the general public could access via an app. We need to use technology creatively, not just to manage the skies, but to help police them as well.” Watch your weights The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) dictates that it’s only legal to fly a drone that weighs over 20kg in certified ‘danger areas’ such as specific aerodromes. It is also your responsibility to keep the drone in your direct sight at all times and if it is fitted with a camera, you must fly at a suitable distance from people or objects. The requirements on the CAA website state that you must not fly a surveillance aircraft below the height of 150 metres of congested areas or those with a large number of people vacating the same space. You should also keep at least 50 metres from ‘any vessel, vehicle or structure, which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft.’ A lot of the drone flying regulations come down to good common sense, but if you aren’t sure on something it’s always best to check with an authority such as the CAA.
The Chartered Association of Building Engineers, or CABE, has announced that they have appointed Dr. Gavin Dunn as Chief Executive Officer. Gavin will be taking over the role formally in April 2018 when the current CEO of CABE, Dr. John Hooper, retires. Gavin has been a member of CABE since 1999 before being appointed to the board in 2014. Gavin is currently the Executive Director at BRE a role that sees his in charge of the global operation an and strategic development of the organisation’s Building Performance business. In order to take over as the CEO for CABE, Gavin will be stepping down from his current position, however he will maintain his positions on the Building Regulations Advisory Committee for the UK Government and the European Board of GRESB, which is a Dutch company that works to assess the ESG performance of real estate assets and investments around the world. CABE was first formed in 1925 as the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors. The association is a leading body for professionals that specialise in design, construction, evaluation and the maintenance of buildings. CABE have members that practice across the UK, mainland Europe and around the world in both the private and public sectors. The Association also offers the main qualification of Building Engineer which reflects the expertise of its members. In his new role as CEO of CABE, Gavin will be given the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the organisation in order to increase its influence with the industry and the Government and have an impact on policy and standards. Gavin will also be in charge of promoting the various different unique roles that the CABE members have in creating better buildings as well as safer and healthier communities in order to improve the environment and economy in order to help the Association to expand their international presence.
Skanska and PTSG has joined together in order to win a five-year high-level cleaning project for the City of London Corporation. The two companies have been awarded this contract following a successful collaborative tender. This extensive contract was awarded to the project development and construction group Skanska and will be delivered by the Premier Technical Services Group PLC, or PTSG. The contract will consist of a variety of different high-level cleaning projects and will involve maintenance to the capital’s most iconic buildings PTSG, the specialist services provider will carry out work such as gutter cleaning, which will require a range of high-level access methods such as abseiling, MEWP and rope access that will allow workers to reach even the most challenging of areas and buildings. Most of the cleaning services that will be delivered as a part of this contract will be performed by operatives using skyvacs in order to carefully clean the gutters and downpipes, while also working to remove any debris that has been built up over time. Skanska and PTSG have been working together as a collaborative team for a number of years now and have benefitted from an exceptional working ethos. Skanska has selected the specialist services provider for a number of their high-profile facilities management contracts and have expressed their intention to continue to work for them as a part of their commitment to deliver excellent customer service. The cleaning and maintenance contract has been awarded as a part of the City of London Corporation’s £4.6 million contract awarded to Skanska and PTSG includes a scheme of work that helps to clear blocked guttering before it can lead to flood damage, damp and water ingress, problems that would be much costlier to repair. This contract is an addition to Skanska’s impressive portfolio of Facilities Management sector clients.
The award-winning security company, VPS has announced their latest innovation, the JCB Alert Tower. The company, one of Europe’s leading security companies working to protect people, property and assets on a temporary or emergency basis has launched this new product, thought to be the most flexible and easily deployable alarm tower in its range. The product is simple to transport and can be installed and set up in minutes. The JCB Alert Tower works to provide a mobile, wireless, video-verified alarm that also features beam detectors which can be used as a standalone system or seamlessly integrated with a wide range of other VPS Site Security products in order to deliver a more comprehensive solution. This solution is ideal to protect a vacant property, construction or remote sites. The new JCB Alert Tower offers a range of 14m in daylight and 12m at night. The Alert Tower can also be fitted with additional security, siren and safety systems in order to deliver the customer a comprehensive and custom-made security solution. The Alert Tower has been created with a bright, robust and bespoke design that has been filled with the latest technology in order to offer the most effective solution. The entry level tower offers a level of flexibility that is game-changing for customers looking to secure a location, inside and out where there is no other infrastructure in place. The JCB Alert Tower has been designed as a reaction to customer requests for an easy to manoeuvre, easy to deploy security solution that can still offer state of the are temporary security that is customisable and affordable. This versatile solution offers a 10 second full colour video clip upon being triggered. This video is then automatically transferred to the VPS Monitoring Centre for verification. The camera is powered by a 2-year battery and is held in a waterproof casing while also making the most of infrared illumination.
Lighting Controls Ltd. is pleased to announce that it is the designer, supplier and commissioning contractor for the lighting and ancillary control systems fit-out for Rotherwick House. This Grade II Listed office building will be the head office of property management company, Esca Estates. Situated on the corner of Thomas More Street and East Smithfield this recently refurbished 3-storey building is situated on its own cobbled courtyard and is adjacent to the St Katharine Docks Estate and Thomas More Square. The lighting control system will include lighting control modules and the ecolux headend software control system. In total the building comprises 13,540 sq ft.
Rapleys has recently announced the appointment of Natasha Bray as a Senior Associate. The company has been operating for more than 60 years in order to provide their clients with professional advice and services in the UK. offering a range of property and planning consultancy advice for a wide range of sectors. As part of her new role, Natasha will be working to head up the neighbourly matters team in London for Rapleys. The neighbourly matters service was launched earlier in the year, with the dedicated national team managed by Dan Tapscott. There has been a clear interest and demand or this service which covers Rights to Light, Daylight & Sunlight, Party Walls and Access Arrangement services. Rapleys offer this service for both developers and neighbours to developments. The neighbourly matters service has been a success and, because of this, is being expanded, allowing them to commission more work from all property sectors and clients, including those who are both old and new to Rapleys. There has been excellent feedback from this service and it appears to fit well with the existing multi-disciplinary property and planning consultancy teams, meaning that Rapleys’ clients get the best advice possible. Natasha is highly experienced as a Right to Light and Daylight & Sunlight practitioner who will be an asset to this expanding company has the offering develops. Natasha has said that she is excited to get to work in this role and help the neighbourly matters offering develop. Rapleys are committed to being the leading figure in the neighbourly matters arena, and Natasha will be integral in driving these plans forward. The property consultancy team are also looking to recruit for their expanding team, urging those who are interested in being a part of the neighbourly matters team to contact them or to seek out extra information.
The latest research carried out by the Federation of Master Builders has revealed that three quarters of construction SMEs have said that cowboy clients are having a negative impact on their business. Cowboy clients are thought to be clients who either delay or withhold payment without good reason or making completely unreasonable demands on the company. The Federation of Master Builders, FMB has carried out UK-wide research into the impact of cowboy clients. The results of this research include that nearly three quarters of SMEs feel that cowboy clients are a serious problem for their business, with nearly a quarter of respondents saying that they have had to wait for more than four months for payment from a client or a large contractor. The FMB’s research has shown that less than a third of the SMEs involved in the research are always paid within the standard 30 days. This delay to payment and other cowboy behaviours has led to the construction companies having to delay payment to suppliers and having to borrow additional funds from a bank or another lender. 5% of SMEs said that cowboy clients led to the company having to withhold wages and salaries from staff, with 4% having to let staff go due to delays in payment. More damaging to the construction industry as a whole, 20% of SMEs have said that cowboy clients have stopped them having the confidence to grow their business, and 8% almost went out of business. There are a number of horror stories connected to cowboy builders that is having a negative impact on the reputation of the industry. However, the research generated by the FMB has shown that there is a flip side to these horror stories and can restrict smaller construction companies. Behaviours of cowboy clients include demanding the completion of works additional to the brief or with no extra payment. The most damaging actions is the withholding of payment on spurious grounds such as discovering made up faults.
