Barratt Homes, the well known residential construction company has been awarded with the five-star builder accolade by the National Home Building Council. This year is the eighth consecutive year that the company that has managed to gain this prestigious accolade which is a tremendous success for Barratt Homes. In order
Britcon, the building and civil engineering business has announced that they have completed a project for Drax Group Plc that will allow the company to expand a strategic store at the largest power station on the UK. The work that has been carried out at the North Yorkshire Power station
When we find the home of our dreams, we like to settle in and get comfortable. Unfortunately, so does all our stuff, which, rather than growing up and eventually flying the nest, tends to loiter in corners and slowly accumulate through the years. Many family homes reach bursting point without
Sarah Smithurst MBE will be joining Tecserv UK. The fire and security alarm systems company have announced that they have recruited Sarah in order to strengthen the relationships the company has with its customers. Sarah is expected to bring her extensive knowledge and experience of BBC news reading, Police and
Miller Homes the leading House builder company has been carrying out research into the different things that buyers look for when house hunting. It has been discovered by the leading house builder that living close to shops and amenities was top of the list for priorities when moving houses. The
The Construction Products Association, or CPA, has has been asked by the Department for Communities and Local Government in order to join an Industry Response Group. This Group is expected to work alongside Build UK and the Construction Industry Council in order to organise and develop the construction industry’s response
A former office building in Sheffield city centre has been transformed into 32 32 high-end apartments by Building Company Ventures with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. The new residential scheme on Queen Street include 24 one-bed apartments and eight two-bed apartments with completion expected at the end of December.
On Thursday the 29th of June an agreement has been reached for the construction of Cumbernauld Community Campus. The £34.5 million construction project has been planned in order to create a new high-school as well as a theatre and arts venue. The purpose built construction project for the combined arts
The first turbine foundation that has been designed and constructed by Royal BAM Group has started its journey towards installation as a part of the Blyth Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm project. The turbine foundation has been constructed at the dry dock in Walker, Tyneside and will then be transported up
The second annual report delivered by the Pipeline has showed that the gender diversity of some companies have regressed. The Women Count 2017 report looks at the number of women who hold positions on Executive Committees of companies that feature in the FTSE 350. The figures of the report has
Barratt Homes, the well known residential construction company has been awarded with the five-star builder accolade by the National Home Building Council. This year is the eighth consecutive year that the company that has managed to gain this prestigious accolade which is a tremendous success for Barratt Homes. In order to mark the award of the five star builder title, the national house building company announced that they have donated to five community groups in the areas in which the housing developer operates. As a part of this, the company donated £150 to Wishaw Juniors FC. The community football club is based close to the Barratt Homes development in Ravenswood. The Ravenswood housing development will see the construction of a collection of three and four bedreeomed homes which will be perfect for the local, family-led community. The North Lanarkshire team, Wishaw Juniors FC is considered an important and central part of the local community. It is great news for the community football team to receive this donation for the house building company and the donation will be going towards the purchase of new sports equipment that can be used by the players. Wishaw Juniors FC has been improving steadily and the donation from the property development will allow the team to get access to more equipment which could hopefully lead to further improvement of the team. Barratt Homes sales director, Estelle Sykes has expressed her awe for those that run the community team, saying that is must not be an easy task to run the club that is such a central part of the community, therefore the property developers were thrilled to be able to donate something in order to help and support the team. This donation that has been made by Barratt Homes is a reflection of the commitment the property developer has to enhance the communities that they are operating in and other high standards of work which has led to them being awarded the five star builder title for the 8th year.
Britcon, the building and civil engineering business has announced that they have completed a project for Drax Group Plc that will allow the company to expand a strategic store at the largest power station on the UK. The work that has been carried out at the North Yorkshire Power station by Britcon was valued at £200,000. This construction project is a part of an ongoing brief that has been awarded to Britcon by Drax. Britcon and Drax have been working together for more than 10 years due to the brief that has been developed between the two companies. Drax Power Station is located in Selby, North Yorkshire and at the moment provides more than 7% of the UK’s electricity. The site has experienced a range of upgrades that have taken place using innovative engineering techniques. Today the power station is primarily a biomass fuelled generator, this means that 70% of the electricity that is produced at this site is generated using compressed wood pellets as opposed to coal. The energy produced at the selby site through biomass is enough to supply power to Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool. Britcon has recently completed work on a 2,500 sq. ft. extension to the 16,500 sq. ft. Strategic Store on the site of the power plant that was first built 9 years ago in order to house any back up components that could be required for the turbines in case there is a shut down. The steel frame clad, high bay building that was first designed in order to accommodate a 5T overhead girder crane needed groundworks carrying out as well as a significant amount of paving and new barriers. Britcon Engineering Services designed and built the steelwork that was required for the extension work at their manufacturing site which is based in Scunthorpe.
When we find the home of our dreams, we like to settle in and get comfortable. Unfortunately, so does all our stuff, which, rather than growing up and eventually flying the nest, tends to loiter in corners and slowly accumulate through the years. Many family homes reach bursting point without anyone being able to remember how they got there. It’s just suddenly noticed one year, after venturing into the garage for a bicycle on the first dry weekend of summer. You’ve been oblivious for years, but something makes you realise that every nook, cupboard and shelf in your home is inexplicably full. Luckily, you’ve already found the solution – it’s that garage. If, like most other garage-owning households in the UK, yours is generally used as a storage container, it’s time to reclaim that precious square footage. Clear out the junk (sell it, bin it, donate it – it doesn’t matter), and spend a weekend hanging some drywall, sealing the floor, and giving the whole thing a lick of paint. Without any of the upheaval (and expense) of a full-blown garage conversion, you’ve got a whole new room for activities! Here are our suggestions about how to tailor it to your family. The Dedicated Petrolhead A garage is the natural home of the car enthusiast, and tidying up the space for car maintenance can only be a good thing. For starters, unlike your spouse or resident teenager, the car is not going to feel outcast for being moved into the garage. On top of that, it can reduce your insurance cost, ultimately saving you money. Spare parts, oils and wax should be labelled and moved onto shelves, while tools can be hung on a customised pegboard for a satisfyingly ordered storage system. Before moving your motor inside, make sure your garage door is working properly – if it’s started to get stiff or heavy it might be a sign that it needs replacing. Up and over style doors are considered the most secure, and will keep your pride and joy safe while you sleep. The Keen Crafter If you’re living with a scrapbooker, cross-stitcher or avid Pinterester, you’re probably fed up with finding shreds of paper, sewing needles and glitter in every room of the house. Banish their craft to the garage, where they can cut and stick to their hearts content, without making everything indoors sticky and sparkly. Open shelving is a must for housing craft supplies, and decent lighting should be installed to help your crafter produce their best work. The Entrepreneur Office conversions are becoming increasingly common in the UK, as more people ditch the commute and work from home. A full renovation will make this a professional space long-term, but in the meantime, you’ll need a couple of things. Firstly, ensure your garage internet connection is (literally) up to speed – it’s no good setting up a distraction-free den if you have to come back into the kitchen to get anything done. Secondly, make sure that workplace necessities are easily accessible. That includes a supportive desk chair, stationery supplies and snack box. The Budding Rockstar Musicians of all ages will appreciate getting their own rehearsal venue, and creating a dedicated space in the garage will be one less headache for their unwilling audience in the main house. The vital additions are soundproofing, somewhere to store accessories and music sheets and a couple of comfy chairs to accommodate the occasional visit from their fans. The Big Kid Wish you had more space for fun in your life? Don’t we all. Luckily, an unused garage is the perfect space to set up a games room, whether you’re a foosball fan or a console connoisseur. Any kit that you want to keep clear of little ones (we’re looking at you, darts fans) are ideal candidates for getting relocated outdoors. More space for you, less chaos in your living room. Two problems solved. The Aspiring Brewer Fresh hops don’t give off the most pleasant aroma, and funnily enough, neither do fermenting ones. Resist the urge to empty that home-brew kit into the sink, and clear out some clutter to welcome your very own micro-brewery. All booze-making paraphernalia can be relegated to the garage, and installing an adults-only bar area allows your previously unused space to double up as an entertainment area for thirsty guests. The Whole Family If your house is just generally bursting at the seams, why not use a neglected garage as a second living room? Invest in a comfortable sofa, TV and sound system and a Wi-Fi extender if you need one, and enjoy having the flexible space to share as a family, or to complement your current lounge and prevent arguments over who’s watching what.
Sarah Smithurst MBE will be joining Tecserv UK. The fire and security alarm systems company have announced that they have recruited Sarah in order to strengthen the relationships the company has with its customers. Sarah is expected to bring her extensive knowledge and experience of BBC news reading, Police and charity fund raising to the company in order to improve Tecserv’s business relationships. Tecserv UK was first founded in 2001 and offers specialist advice for fire prevention as well as building security. The company focuses on offering an excellent level of customer service and high quality products with in this industry. It is thought that Sarah Smithurst MBE will be able to help the company make their services better as well as making sure that Tecserv is in a position to become the specified contractor when a commercial project is in need of fire, intruder CCTV and access control solutions. Sarah Smithurst has a varied work background including delivering the Most Wanted section of the BBC and ITV TV, working for Nottinghamshire Police and have experience of a Sales and BD role at The Games Workshop. Sarah’s advanced negotiation skills will serve her well in this new position for the fire and security alarms company and will be bolstered by her experience of working with a range of people from a mixture of diverse backgrounds in order to figure out how to best meet the requirements of the client and what Tecserv can offer. Sarah was awarded her MBE in 2012 as part of the New Year’s honours as part of her work with the Nottingham Police and Ghana Police and her part in the detection and reduction of crime. Sarah was the force’s co-ordinator for the Crimestoppers initiative which offers a hotline service which allows crime to be reported anonymously.
Miller Homes the leading House builder company has been carrying out research into the different things that buyers look for when house hunting. It has been discovered by the leading house builder that living close to shops and amenities was top of the list for priorities when moving houses. The Land Director for Miller Homes, David Morgan MRICS MRTPI, has also been exploring how the list of priorities changes depending on which requin of the UK is looked at. On a Nationwide scale, the top ten priorities for house building are, Good amenities, Off-road Parking, Clear and attractive surroundings, Low crime rate, Access to transport links, Proximity to work, Good Schools, Close to Family and Friends, Average house prices and a Rural aspect. With traditional priorities, like access to good schools, transport and close to family and friends all important factors when buying houses, which factor tops the list can differ from region to region in the UK. In Scotland, good amenities topped the list of priorities for house hunters, with 62% saying they are a priority. It is found that in London and more urban areas, access to transport and off road parking are at the top of the list. Yorkshire, The North West, West Midlands, and the South East all rated off road parking as the most important factor of buying a house. London was the only region who put good transport links as the main priority for potential house buyers. More rural and perhaps areas with that bit more space between houses consider access to amenities the most important factor, these areas include Scotland, the East Midlands and the South West where 92% of those asked said that amenities were important. Wales and the North East rated how clean and attractive the property/area was as the most important factor, with 67% of those asked from the North East considering this a priority when moving house.
The Construction Products Association, or CPA, has has been asked by the Department for Communities and Local Government in order to join an Industry Response Group. This Group is expected to work alongside Build UK and the Construction Industry Council in order to organise and develop the construction industry’s response to the challenges that have arisen in the industry after the Grenfell Tower Fire. The Industry Response Group will be expected to provide a response that is inclusive and can be employed across the construction industry by using the necessary specialist knowledge and information. The group, working alongside Build UK and CIC are expected to collaborate in order to prevent duplication in their assessments. The Industry Response Group are also working hard to reassure the public that construction industry as a whole in the UK are working in order to respond to the review that has been put in place by the Government in order to make buildings and properties safer. The group will include representatives across the three main industry bodies in the UK, including Build UK; the leading representative organisation for the construction industry; Construction Industry Council, a forum established to offer a voice to all professionals in the industry; and Construction Products Association, working for the manufacturers and distributors in the industry. To begin with the Group will be expected to offer essential advice on how to make specific types of buildings safer in order to protect homes, offices and public buildings. The Group will also be asked to give advice in regards to the most up to date building methods and any other building methods that allow access from technical experts in the industry when needed. There will also be an effort to mobilize the UK when major construction work is required acting as the central government to industry communications point as well as advising the Government on the different sub sectors of the construction industry when needed as well as their ability to carry out work at speed.
A former office building in Sheffield city centre has been transformed into 32 32 high-end apartments by Building Company Ventures with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. The new residential scheme on Queen Street include 24 one-bed apartments and eight two-bed apartments with completion expected at the end of December. Building Company Ventures has invested £800k into the redevelopment of the Omnia One building which will have an end value of £4.2 million, with Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking backing the project with a development loan worth £820k. The Omnia One building has been owned by Building Company Ventures since 2004, and was operated as serviced offices until redevelopment works began in April this year. Sebastian Brown, director at Building Company Ventures, said: “There’s a strong demand for residential property in Sheffield at the moment, and the new apartments are in a great location. “This is our largest redevelopment to date, and the support we’ve had from Lloyds Bank has been important in helping us achieve this. “The bank was keen to get involved from the outset, and helped us getting started with the project straight away.” Lloyds Bank supported Building Company Ventures when the firm acquired the Omnia building 12 years ago, with a finance package worth £1.7 million. Danny Brooks, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, added: “Being only a short walk from the city’s bars, shops and restaurants, we’re confident the new high-end flats will be a hit. “Lloyds Bank is committed to supporting SMEs and since 2011, we have grown our net to SMEs by more than 29 per cent, building on six years of consistent lending growth.”
On Thursday the 29th of June an agreement has been reached for the construction of Cumbernauld Community Campus. The £34.5 million construction project has been planned in order to create a new high-school as well as a theatre and arts venue. The purpose built construction project for the combined arts and high school project will be built on the site of the existing Cumbernauld High School. The new project will lead to a brand new secondary school that will be able to accommodate 950 students. This capacity is required following the merge of Cumbernauld and Abronhill High Schools that took place in the 2014-15 academic year. The construction project will also create a new theatre and arts venue that will be used by the Cumbernauld Theatre Trust Ltd and will contain 400 seats in the main auditorium as well as a box office and a collection of different digital arts rooms. Built into the theatre and arts spaces will also be other performance spaces, administrative offices and other support spaces needed to make the new theatre and arts venue popular and operational. This construction project is taking place on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council, and completed by hub South West. This work is thought to be the latest project that has been started by the construction and infrastructure partnership. The lead contract for the construction work is Morrison Construction, who have expressed their hope for a successful development with their partners Hub South West and North Lanarkshire Council. Morrison has worked with this partnership on three projects over the course of three years. No doubt this construction work will be just as successful. These projects that have been carried out over the course of the last three years are all school projects, with the partnership designing and building Clyde Valley Campus and Greenfaulds High School.
The first turbine foundation that has been designed and constructed by Royal BAM Group has started its journey towards installation as a part of the Blyth Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm project. The turbine foundation has been constructed at the dry dock in Walker, Tyneside and will then be transported up the River Tyne in order to be installed just off the coast of Blyth. The foundations are being constructed as part of a cutting edge wind farm development operated by EDF Energy Renewables. EDF acquired the project from Narec, now called ORE Catapult in October 2014 and has been working ever since in order to install five turbines that will be powerful enough to generate 41.5MW of power. The wind farm will be located 6.5km away from the coast in Blyth and it has been estimated using the capacity of the turbines that the farm will be able to generate enough low-carbon electricity in order to provide power to 34,000 homes. The concrete gravity based foundations, or GBFs that have been constructed as part of this wind farm project will make up the first part of the construction. The foundations will be installed using the float and submerge method, the first time for an offshore wind turbine construction project. Over the course of the past 12 months BAM Nuttall has been working on creating these foundations at the Neptune dry dock. However, yesterday, the 11th July, it was announced that the first foundation was on its across the River Tyne to the installation site. It is thought that each of the foundations that are being constructed as a part of the project to build an offshore wind farm weighs more than 15,000 tonnes when they are properly installed on the seabed. There will be a distance between the base and the access platform is 60m. Once the foundations have been installed, cables will be buried into the seabed that will then be connected to each of the turbines.
The second annual report delivered by the Pipeline has showed that the gender diversity of some companies have regressed. The Women Count 2017 report looks at the number of women who hold positions on Executive Committees of companies that feature in the FTSE 350. The figures of the report has shown that only 16% of the members of the Executive Committees are women. This is the same percentage as last year, 2016, showing that the promotion of women into the senior roles of big companies has made no more progress. In another disappointing statistic from the Women Count report, more companies than before have no female members of the Executive Committee and no women in profit and loss roles than they were in 2016. The report created and published by The Pipeline has stated that there is a lot of work to be done in order to improve the industrial world for Women. When looking at the construction companies that are featured in the FTSE 350, it was found that a measly 6% of construction companies have Executive Committees that are at least 25% female. This figure is nineteen percentage points below the average. Construction companies also have a below average proportion of women occupying Profit and Liability roles, at 27% as opposed to the FTSE 350 average of 35%. As a slight improvement, the Women Count report did find that the construction sector is slightly above average when it comes to the number of women executives that sit on main plc boards, with 22% of members being female in comparison to the average of 16%. Analysis that has been carried out as part of the Women Count 2017 report shows that there are economic benefits to hiring more women into these positions, with net profits of those with more women in senior roles almost double than those with fewer women.
