Working at height has been a popular topic of discussion for some time, and while there are clear best practice techniques outlined by the HSE, there are also a multitude of key myths abound which may yet confuse the issues and challenges faced when working at height. As such, a
AzkoNobel has announced the launch of the very first UK-based academy for industry professionals in the painting, decorating and architecture industries, the Dulux Academy. Set to provide over 4,000 industry professionals with the opportunity to pursue further training and development with new practices, methodologies and also through professional advice on
For the opening of the Cromford Creative managed workspace scheme, held at Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site, circa 150 dignitaries and their extras attended to both inspect and celebrate the work undertaken on the scheme, effectively bringing the historic, Grade I building back into use for the public. The
Playing host to some 300 guests from areas all the way across those industries relative to the logistics and industrial sectors were in attendance at this year’s Shedmasters event, held in Cannes. Savills announced that, to date, the total amount of take-up reported of UK warehouse space reached a notable
Jackson-Stops & Staff, one of the UK’s leading estate agents, has released new information that suggestions as to the reform of stamp duty on second homes, may actually fail to achieve the goal of putting off buy-to-let investors. The information, in effect shows that inflation in housing prices may actually
Great Western Developments and Sellar Paddington Limited have recently restated their dedication to developing Paddington’s transport infrastructure and public realm through £65m of investment projects into improving the struggling London infrastructure of present. The pair have proposed the development of a £1bn mixed-use development, which will aim to transform the
Originally founded back in 1985, HVAC is a specialist in the provision of tailored mechanical and electrical solutions, incorporating general ventilation, kitchen ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and pipework services to provide a comprehensive offering for clients. And it is this ability to deliver a fully turnkey solution to clients which
Despite increasing market prospects for the property sector as a whole, concerns have been raised as the overall affordability of rental properties; this time, not solely within the reputedly-expensive London area. As of present, the majority of private sector landlords have a stated requirement of some four weeks’ worth of
Recommending that the Crossrail 2 project should move forward to the construction phase as soon as is possible, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has urged for funding to be made accessible as soon as is possible to support the planned development. In line with this, it is also hoped that
Good news for those looking to pursue apprenticeships in the construction industry. Despite already being heralded the “way forward” for construction companies looking to overcome skill shortages within the industry, new figures released by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) highlight how the opportunity truly does go both ways. The
Working at height has been a popular topic of discussion for some time, and while there are clear best practice techniques outlined by the HSE, there are also a multitude of key myths abound which may yet confuse the issues and challenges faced when working at height. As such, a little clarity can go a long way in helping to understand the safety implications of working at height. Of course, with the HSE regarding working at heights to be one of the most common causes of industrial injuries and accidental death, both employers and their operatives are required to take all manner of precautionary care to ensure that they are protected above and beyond traditional safety standards in ground-based roles. Of course, the key way in which legal requirements can be met is quite simple, by not working at heights at all, yet, if this proves impossible, methodologies must be pursued to best ensure the safety of those working in such environments. Yet, while there are some clear ways through which employers and employees can ensure a level of safety which is compliant, there are a number of less-founded ways of doing so, with some even making the situation worse; the myths that detract from the key issues and challenges of working at heights Of these myths, one of the most predominant is that of CE markings – the belief that CE marking and safety are synonymous. Yet, while CE marked products can indeed be a positive step forward, the very notion that CE marking alone makes products safe for use is a myth which can lead employers and employees into believing that they are using safe products, when this may not always be the case. Key considerations which must be taken into account include the very nature of the task at hand, of course, and while certain products may be suitable for one task, the reliability and safety of the same product in an entirely alternate scenario is one which employers should, and to a degree, must look into individually.
AzkoNobel has announced the launch of the very first UK-based academy for industry professionals in the painting, decorating and architecture industries, the Dulux Academy. Set to provide over 4,000 industry professionals with the opportunity to pursue further training and development with new practices, methodologies and also through professional advice on the application of paints and coverings. Not built solely for those performing at the top of the industry, or solely those working their way upwards, the academy will exist to support the professional development of individuals at all levels of the career cycle, equipping them with the skills to build, run and promote a successful business. To support this further, as well as key industry skills, courses will also be provided from a marketing perspective, giving people the tools to put their best foot forward. Also looking to maximise the benefit that the academy will bring to the sector, it has also been decided that the academy will also provide training for those looking to break into the painting and decorating industry, providing a clear training path into the industry and reducing barriers to entry. Given the present state of skill shortages in the wider industry, the news is naturally well received, providing much-needed support for would-be painters and decorators, as well as providing access to a stream of high-quality industry professionals. Then looking to partner with existing colleges across the UK, the Dulux Academy will also see to the provision of circa 350 workplace opportunities for performing students. This will be further supported through the communication of knowledge on the latest products, methodologies and design technologies to teachers at such institutions, who will then be communicating the same, cutting edge knowledge to their students. Priti Patel, Minister of State for Employment formally signalled the opening of the venue at the official opening ceremony, and passed comment, saying: “With its fantastic new training academy and City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate, employers like Dulux are leading the way. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with industry to boost the number of apprenticeships our economy needs.”
For the opening of the Cromford Creative managed workspace scheme, held at Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site, circa 150 dignitaries and their extras attended to both inspect and celebrate the work undertaken on the scheme, effectively bringing the historic, Grade I building back into use for the public. The event effectively also signalled the official opening of a brand new gateway to the heritage site, with a new state of the art gateway information hub located on the building’s ground floor. Serving as the completion of a £6.7m project, guests were able to look over the incredible work done on the venue to restore it into a condition whereby it can then add value back to the community and find effective use. The project itself, however, was only possible through funds raised by the Arkwright Society, one of Cromford’s leading charities for the restoration of historic structures and their reuse. As of present, the structure now incorporates approximately 8,000 square feet of managed workspace in the upper floors of the formerly known as, “Building 17”. The space is then split into 17 different individual workspaces, varying in size and available in single or multi-let packages, or even as a whole floor should potential occupiers truly see the value of the venue. Of course, beyond the bare bricks and mortar, the venue also offers a great deal of connectivity into other associated facilities at the mills, which includes an offering of conferencing and meeting rooms, a café and even a restaurant. “Building 17 is one of the most important heritage assets on the whole of the Cromford Mills site and we are delighted that it has been restored to its former glory,” explained Sarah McLeod, the Arkwright Society’s Chief executive. And, as such, the completion of the building’s regeneration is seen as a great step forward in enabling a useful, sustainable future for the entire site at Cromford Mills.
Playing host to some 300 guests from areas all the way across those industries relative to the logistics and industrial sectors were in attendance at this year’s Shedmasters event, held in Cannes. Savills announced that, to date, the total amount of take-up reported of UK warehouse space reached a notable high of some 5m square feet, not yet including the 1.9m square feet still under offer; these figured effective highlighting a colossal increase of 85% on the 2015 figure of 2.7m square feet. In fact, it has been estimated by Savills that the total take-up is expected to actually tip over the long-term Q1 average of 5.4m square feet, which could clock in at a value near to 7m square feet in total for the start of Q2. Playing as key drivers to these figures has proven to be the reported mega-shed deals, which incorporates the 1.2m square feet facility for The Range in Bistol, as well as the 1m square feet centre for distribution of Amazon’s in the Midlands. Highlighting the figures as a wonderful start to 2016, Savills’ National Head of Industrial and Logistics, Richard Sullivan nodded towards the potential for record-breaking levels of take-up for Q1, with occupier demands sustained at high levels . Much of the interest, of course, has come from manufacturers and retailers operating online, with businesses achieving great success in their dominance in the wider market. Richard Sullivan also went on concerns as to the present state of a sparsity of fit-for-purpose warehouse space presently on the market, yet added: “However with 39 speculative schemes currently in the pipeline, this will help to address the issue over the next 12 months.” Of course, with the growing success of certain organisations in the online retail sector, as well as that of key manufacturers, the demand for warehousing space is expected to only grow yet further, with the view of this then reaching a value of up to 160% for 2016. And with some 8.8m square feet of prospective development planned for release over the course of 2016, it is, at the very least hoped that the supply for quality warehousing space will be able to challenge levels of demand somewhat.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, one of the UK’s leading estate agents, has released new information that suggestions as to the reform of stamp duty on second homes, may actually fail to achieve the goal of putting off buy-to-let investors. The information, in effect shows that inflation in housing prices may actually offset the reform changes, and that the 3% surcharge placed on second homes may not yet be enough to actually deter potential investors from seeing buy-to-let investments as optimistic. And while it has been declared that there has been a surge in registrations made for buy-to-let properties up to April, it has also been highlighted that the majority of these investors will see greater returns from the inflation of property prices in the modern recovering housing market (potentially in under a year), thus positioning the 3% surcharge as nothing more than an inconvenience. In fact, Jackson-Stops & Staff has warned that those most affected by the surcharge will actually be tenants who will suffer from increased rental prices as reported previously. This, in effect, will likely deteriorate the market conditions for those looking to break onto the rental market as already previously highlighted, with landlords still seeing optimistic market conditions for at least some time. As explained by Jackson-Stops & Staff’s Chairman, Nick Leeming, the government’s attempts to even the playing field for property investors and first-time buyers, the situations does nothing to remove the spotlight which landlords should be seeing on investments into property as one of the most solid investments to this day. He added: “The idea that stamp duty tax will act as a deterrent is a fiction, as for most landlords it won’t amount to a significant figure.” Of course, with the impacts, once again, hitting the tenants of properties as opposed to the pockets of landlords, the growing debate on the depreciated affordability of rental housing stock is of even greater note. The question, however, is as to whether the government can find an alternative way to dissolve interest in buy-to-let investment in a way which won’t come down on the tenant.
Great Western Developments and Sellar Paddington Limited have recently restated their dedication to developing Paddington’s transport infrastructure and public realm through £65m of investment projects into improving the struggling London infrastructure of present. The pair have proposed the development of a £1bn mixed-use development, which will aim to transform the locality into one supporting the key transport hub, and will include a 72 storey residential development, designed by Renzo Piano. The proposal, however, is still under review, but has already garnered positive comment from Network Rail, TfL, NHS London and much of the local business populace; with this in hand, the prospects presently look rather positive. Consultation is also on the books with any and all local stakeholders, with Great Western Developments and Sellar Paddington Limited both determinedly trying to cover all their bases in delivering the transport infrastructure now deemed vital for the support of London’s ever-expanding commercial and residential traffic. Additional benefits will see the expansion of public spaces, a reduction in the amount of congestion (a well-received note for Londoners) and also the development of a brand new social and commercial centre for the Paddington area, no doubt encouraging prosperity and further traffic. Of course, the project is heralded to have good timing, with the opening of Crossrail inherently implying that the traffic coming through Paddington station is to drastically increase over the coming times and, with the infrastructure not presently in a state fit for supporting this level of traffic, it is hoped that the pair’s keen work on the local area can prepare Paddinton as well as allowing for the local community to properly benefit from Crossrail 2. The growth expected is actually set to present Paddington with a similar level of traffic as with many of London’s largest stations, positioning the opportunity to take advantage of this level of traffic as one which cannot, and potentially should not be ignored.
Originally founded back in 1985, HVAC is a specialist in the provision of tailored mechanical and electrical solutions, incorporating general ventilation, kitchen ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and pipework services to provide a comprehensive offering for clients. And it is this ability to deliver a fully turnkey solution to clients which sets it apart from many of its direct competitors and enables the company to offer a service far more akin to comprehensive project management, than that of simple tin-bashing and supply. Not only does the company stand out from key competitors through being able to offer a fully turnkey company, but HVAC also excels in the way in which it provides this service. Understanding that no two projects are the same, the company has a framework of project delivery which is both flexible yet simultaneously structured to ensure the provision of a high quality cradle-to-grave service. But of course, whilst many companies might boast a similar ethos, with HVAC, it isn’t merely words alone, as the company’s ability to both develop and install its own products allows for a degree of flexibility that is second to none. As Ian Levin, current Business Development Manager for HVAC explains: “I actually know the company as both a customer and a supplier, and what attracted me to work here was the service provided in terms of product engineering and installation. The flexibility the company also brings is of note and, where other contractors might say ‘no’ or find it too awkward to fit in with a particular situation, HVAC is very flexible in that respect and we really do go the extra mile. It’s all about that can-do attitude, with the ability to say ‘yes’ before the question is even asked.” But of course, in enabling the company to do this, HVAC pursues an approach to business which supports the understanding of customer needs, possible only through close liaison. But of course, this level of communication isn’t pursued only at the outset, but through the entirety of project delivery as Levin continues: “Whilst we’re running a project we’ll keep in contact with the client all the way through. We’ll give them lots of feedback on the progress of the job. This means the customer isn’t left waiting, sitting back and hoping that no news is good news, but is instead kept up to date with everything that’s going on. Effectively, this makes the customer feel very looked after and doesn’t have to chase us all the time; we get to them before they get to us.“ Additionally, this flexibility and intuitive approach to product development and installation also allows for the company to operate in line with a safety-first agenda, not only developing products which are suited to the task at hand, but also ones which can be safely delivered, installed and maintained on a premise to ensure a level of corporate responsibility that goes well above and beyond the norm. As such, it is of no surprise that the company has already achieved OHS 18001 standard for health and safety in addition to being CHAS accredited and having further qualifications of ISO 19001 for quality, and ISO 14001 for environmental practices; truly, HVAC is a role model in responsible business and boasts an ingrained health and safety culture on each and every level of service delivery. Then providing comment on the CHAS audit, and the benefits which it has brought to the company, Ian Davey, Director of HVAC explains: “CHAS, from a customer perspective is expected for a lot of work and, because not everyone has come as far as we have with OHS 18001, CHAS is positioned as a bit more user friendly and ensures that contractor teams, if they don’t have the ISO accreditations in place, that they’re working with someone who has a comprehensive health and safety procedure in place, which we do.” Through these accreditations, it’s fair to say that HVAC maintains a very strong position within the industry, and one which we have no doubt it will continue to maintain. Looking to pursue a growth strategy tied to efficiencies in the coming times, only time will tell how the company fares ,but with such a sustained strategy in the pipeline, the future is surely bright.
Despite increasing market prospects for the property sector as a whole, concerns have been raised as the overall affordability of rental properties; this time, not solely within the reputedly-expensive London area. As of present, the majority of private sector landlords have a stated requirement of some four weeks’ worth of rent before handing over the keys which, given increases in the average rental price of such properties, is beginning to raise similar concerns of affordability as have been seen in those relating to getting onto the property ladder. In fact, the average rental deposit has been predicted to increase by approximately 40% by 2026, hitting a colossal value of £1,111 which, though seemingly far smaller than the costs of getting onto the property ladder, may put people off approaching the rental ladder, even as a temporary measure. With the average monthly rental deposit then, based off these predictions, sitting at around 70% of the average monthly wage, the difficulty of individuals getting their own property in any shape or form is seemingly on the rise. Yet, there are considerable regional variations in this percentage, as reported by the Centre for Economic and Business Research. In London, where affordability has always been of great concern, it has actually been reported that the average rental deposit may reach up to 120% of the average monthly wage, serving as a stark 99% increase on last year and no-doubt putting concerns in the minds of many individuals looking to move or break away from home. Additionally, research has also highlighted that more and more landlords will expecting deposits to be of closer to six weeks’ worth of rent in the coming times, this then adding to the burden of those looking to get onto the rental ladder. With these growing prices, reduced affordability and barrier to enter onto the rental market, it begs the question how the market will react. Will getting onto the rental market be too much of a burden for some? As the major benefit of rental over purchasing a property lies within the affordability, these changes may very well change the landscape of the rental and property sectors entirely. Only time will tell, however.
Recommending that the Crossrail 2 project should move forward to the construction phase as soon as is possible, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has urged for funding to be made accessible as soon as is possible to support the planned development. In line with this, it is also hoped that the submission of a hybrid bill can then be placed in 2019, with the scheme then reaching the completion of construction by 2033. As a stated ambition, Crossrail 2, expected to cost some £32bn, is hoped to offer the city of London a brand new rail artery to effectively to provide a link between the south west and north east network lines. This will see the line operating through a new tunnel between Wimbledon and Tottenham Hale, which will expand the capacity for people to access London city centre by approximately 270,000 in morning peak times. This will effectively take a great deal of the strain presently on the London rail networks off, as well as facilitating extra capacity as a whole. When asked for its opinion on the scheme last year, the National Infrastructure Commission also suggested for the Department for Transport to property identify key proposals in a bid to maximise both the benefits and deliverability of the scheme. As part of this, a number of suggestions were made to reduce the costs of the scheme and improve affordability of it, as well as developing funding strategies and the placement of homes along the route to develop usage of the line itself. Lord Adonis, Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission commented that: “By the 2030s London will be a megacity of more than 10 million people.” He then highlighted the importance for planning ahead for Crossrail 2 as early as possible as, even when considering planned investment and the addition of the east-west Crossrail line, the impact of reduced infrastructure in comparison to population density and commerce would be undeniable in holding the capital back.
Good news for those looking to pursue apprenticeships in the construction industry. Despite already being heralded the “way forward” for construction companies looking to overcome skill shortages within the industry, new figures released by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) highlight how the opportunity truly does go both ways. The figures, which form part of research undertaken by the federation for National Apprenticeship Week, showcase that almost 60% of small and medium enterprise owners actually started their career as an apprentice. Even more startling, it was also shown that over 50% of such owners actually managed to break off and start up their construction firm within a mere seven years of completing their apprenticeship; a true builder to business-owner transformation. Not only does this highlight the opportunities available to would-be apprentices should they give it their all, but also provides a welcomed spotlight on how success within the construction industry can be achieved by just about anyone, should they have the willpower and know-how. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of FMB even went as far as to say: “The construction industry is ideally suited to a young person with heaps of ambition and an entrepreneurial spirit.” Nodding to the way in which apprenticeships aren’t necessarily how often perceived, as low entry level into the industry, but actually serve as a springboard for those with the determination to succeed, effectively removing key boundaries to enter into a construction career and allowing such individuals to show their talents. And even for those not specifically looking to become their own boss, Brian Berry explains that, even for those staying in the industry the opportunities are grand, with a bricklayer of just five years’ experience traditionally earning up to £31,000 in many areas of the country, and up to £52,000 in the London area. Perhaps now, both organisation and individual may slowly begin to recognise the opportunities available through apprenticeships in comparison to those from university studies.
