The latest phase of the Council-led regeneration of Greendykes is set to move ahead following a funding boost of just over £620,000. Secured from this year’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme, the funding will enable the Council to clean a site in the area of contamination and improve ground
Shared ownership provider SO Resi has launched a new development in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, that uses the latest in construction and microgeneration technology to create homes that are greener, warmer and cheaper to run. Unveiled last weekend (Saturday 11th June), SO Resi Hope Green comprises a total of 153 new homes
Casinos are entertainment hubs, from the non-stop games to the shopping, restaurants, bars, hotels, swimming pools, and live music shows. There is nothing that the best casinos can’t offer. How do these places keep us engaged and wandering around for hours? Well, of course, everything we just listed has a
Updated HS2 designs at Streethay near Lichfield result in 80% less concrete, cutting carbon on the project They also significantly reduce visual impacts and mean less disruption to local communities More planting will blend with the area’s natural landscape character HS2’s designers have reduced the length of wall structures for
Caddick Construction has been appointed by Radius Payment Solutions to deliver its £14.6m state-of-the-art facilities at Arden Square on Crewe Business Park. The three-storey structure will be constructed to BREEAM excellent standards, making it both energy efficient and a great working environment. Consistent with Radius’s other facilities in Crewe the
Springfield acquires premium Scottish housebuilding business and timber frame factory… Springfield Properties (AIM: SPR), a leading housebuilder in Scotland delivering private, affordable and PRS housing, is pleased to announce that it has entered an agreement to acquire the Scottish housebuilding business of Mactaggart & Mickel Group Ltd (“Mactaggart & Mickel”),
The UK coatings industry faces a shortage of skilled staff, and an ageing workforce at a time when it is experiencing increasing demand for improved product performance and sustainable solutions. As the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, HMG Paints are investing significantly in staff recruitment across the business including in
Thousands of businesses worldwide rent and hire machines, tractors, and other automotive equipment daily for professional purposes. Keeping watch over each piece of equipment can become challenging, resulting in financial losses that adversely impact the business. Fortunately, industry experts can prevent these losses by using a reliable and sophisticated GPS
Rapid erection of steel frame represents a key milestone in terms of the transformation of 10-acre brownfield site into a state of the art 210,000 sq ft logistics hub GMI Construction Group PLC has today provided an update in terms of progress on the construction of the new 210,000 sq
Travis Perkins plc is investing in a new fleet of 26-tonne trucks, designed to support the Group’s ambitious carbon reduction target and maximise the safety and efficiency of its transport operations. They will operate in a mix of Travis Perkins and Keyline Civils Specialist liveries, providing building materials to construction
The latest phase of the Council-led regeneration of Greendykes is set to move ahead following a funding boost of just over £620,000. Secured from this year’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme, the funding will enable the Council to clean a site in the area of contamination and improve ground conditions, while work begins to design new, affordable, net zero carbon homes. The Council expects to fund the build of around 130 homes on the site. Regeneration expert Urban Union has been appointed to deliver the properties and will progress plans via the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme – an innovative new business model for delivering affordable homes based around greater use of offsite construction. Through collaboration with local and national government, academia and the construction industry, the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme will establish improvements in new affordable housing with a focus on time, cost, quality and carbon reduction. The programme was set up to develop and test a new business model for the construction of affordable homes using offsite construction methods. It has the potential to transform the productivity and performance of affordable housing and enable a move towards homes build to net zero standards. Planning permission in principle has already been granted as part of an existing masterplan. In the coming months, the Council and Urban Union will engage with local people on home designs and, subject to ground works, it is anticipated that the first properties will be delivered in phases from early-2024 to mid-2025. Councillor Jane Meagher, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Never has our need for better housing been greater as we face a cost-of-living crisis and a climate emergency, so we need to be really ambitious and use the small amount of space we have in our city creatively. “For years, developers have overlooked this empty piece of land because of how complex it is to unlock. Yet, it’s situated minutes away from the Innocent Railway cycle path and is close to the Royal Infirmary and local employment. The area benefits from countless bus links into the city centre and it is a fantastic place to live. “I’m thrilled that we’re going to be able to put the green back into Greendykes and we’ll work with local residents as we create these new net zero carbon homes. The funding will help us to transform the land and the local environment, while also providing new affordable and efficient places for people to live in line with our major housebuilding strategy.” Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union said: “As a delivery partner for the regeneration of Greendykes, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide homes that not only create a community but that bring benefits to the occupiers and the wider environment. “By utilising the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme, the Council is showing its commitment not only to its tenants through the selection of quality homes but to innovation and the city’s pledge to be net zero by 2030. “We are looking forward to meeting with the local residents to discuss the plans for the new homes and to obtaining their valuable input which will make sure that Greendykes becomes a blueprint for city centre regeneration.”
Shared ownership provider SO Resi has launched a new development in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, that uses the latest in construction and microgeneration technology to create homes that are greener, warmer and cheaper to run. Unveiled last weekend (Saturday 11th June), SO Resi Hope Green comprises a total of 153 new homes – 138 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and 15 two-bedroom apartments – the vast majority of which will be operationally zero carbon. In a UK-first, four of the homes are guaranteed to have no energy bills. Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at SO Resi, said: “At a time that many people are struggling with high energy bills, it is pleasing to launch the first and largest operational net zero carbon development in the UK. We put much emphasis on sustainability, and it is rewarding that our focus has resulted in this memorable milestone. Green living often comes at a cost and usually is unattainable for the affordable housing sector. However, as a united development team with our partners, we have shown that it’s both achievable and needn’t compromise on the quality of the houses or the setting.” The homes at SO Resi Hope Green will be built around a significant amount of green open space. To add to the appeal for families, the area will include play areas, nature trails, plus a network of footpaths and cycleways meaning the nearby town is easily accessible for jobs, shops and the train station into London Fenchurch Street. The scheme also includes biodiversity areas and attractive water features to encourage local wildlife and add to the attractiveness of the neighbourhood. SO Resi is working with ilke Homes, a modular housing pioneer that delivers high-quality, energy-efficient homes in half the time of traditional methods, and includes ilke Zero, the UK’s first mainstream zero carbon housing offering. Low-carbon technologies will be supplied by Octopus Energy, which is providing a tariff specifically for Hope Green residents to give free, clean energy around the clock. Funding has been arranged through Gresham House, a specialist alternative asset management group, dedicated to sustainable investments. The new homes come with air source heat pumps, which require just a third of the energy of conventional heating systems, solar panels and battery storage technology fully installed. In addition, the homes will be highly insulation, including airtight windows and doors, feature high-performing building fabric and have low-cost LED lighting throughout. This means, not only will they generate enough energy for each house to be operationally carbon neutral, but also give potential for income from exported electricity. Stanford-le-Hope is a small town that retains a village feel, with the river Hope running through its centre and the 800-year-old St Margaret’s Church providing a beautiful landmark. Thurrock Thameside Nature Reserve is nearby, home to native reptiles and butterflies. A highlight of the visit is the walking the causeway over the lake, which is rich in biodiversity and home to many varieties of birds, including ringed plovers, shelducks, dunlins, black-tailed godwits and redshanks. Alternatively, follow the Thames Estuary Path towards Pitsea, taking in quiet marshland and fields. There are plenty of local shops in Stanford-le-Hope, but the development is ideally situated for more serious retail therapy – Lakeside shopping centre is 20 minutes away by train or car, Basildon’s Eastgate Centre is a 10-minute drive and Bluewater shopping centre is less than half an hour away. There is a good selection of nearby schools to choose from, with several primary schools and a secondary school rated as Good by Ofsted in the town. Prices start from £88,500 for a 30% share in a two-bedroom house with a full market value of £295,000. For more information call 0208 607 0550 or visit www.soresi.co.uk.
Casinos are entertainment hubs, from the non-stop games to the shopping, restaurants, bars, hotels, swimming pools, and live music shows. There is nothing that the best casinos can’t offer. How do these places keep us engaged and wandering around for hours? Well, of course, everything we just listed has a lot to do with it, but there is also something else at play. Clever layouts, subliminal messaging and positioning of services, and thought-out strategies to keep the public inside the doors and spending money. It’s clever, and you may not have ever considered it, which is the casino designers’ main objective! Brick and mortar casinos are different from online gaming sites like AmazonSlots Casino, where there is unlimited space and games to play. It takes a lot more planning to maximise the entertainment for all customers. Casino Layout If you think about it, the casino invites all types of players, from highrollers to casual players to beginners and those who are only there for the other entertainment. How does the casino keep everyone happy and engaged? The answer is a clever use of game positioning. You will notice the red-roped games for VIPS and highrollers are hidden away from the rest of the games. Easy access with no obstacles such as bars and shops, the casino wants to get these players to the table as quickly as possible, without disruptions. The layout for the other games is a lot more haphazard. This is intentional. You will find different games next to each other, designed to keep players moving from one game to the next. Don’t be surprised to find shops, bars, and eateries dotted around the casino floor. Anything to keep people inside the playing area, spending money, and having fun. Casinos used to cram the games onto the floor, but modern casinos have turned the page making the experience much friendlier. High ceilings, more walking space, and a more “playground” concept over the “maze” design help players feel more welcome and comfortable. Clever Mind Tricks The layout of slot machines is one thing that extends to something that can only be described as “mind games”. The old row layout of classic casinos such as The Golden Nugget was not exactly social. However, the cluster design you now see in modern casinos makes everything and everyone a lot more socially active. It makes it easier for people to wander the floors, watch big wins, and enjoy more of a “togetherness” feeling with other players. Another little trick up the sleeves of casinos is not putting up any clocks or ways to view the time. Combine the absence of clocks with zero windows, and you have no idea what time of the day it is (unless you check your phone, but why would you when you are deep in the excitement of roulette or a winning slot spin!). You could be in there for hours and find yourself walking out a 6am, thinking it was 12am. It’s a sneaky strategy, but it clearly works as people enjoy themselves, and of course, they spend their money to line the casino pockets even more!
Updated HS2 designs at Streethay near Lichfield result in 80% less concrete, cutting carbon on the project They also significantly reduce visual impacts and mean less disruption to local communities More planting will blend with the area’s natural landscape character HS2’s designers have reduced the length of wall structures for the railway at Streethay from 1.6 kilometres to 420 metres, meaning 80% less concrete will be needed, supporting HS2’s ambition to cut carbon on the project. This will save around 70,000 cubic metres of concrete, the equivalent to 6,700 concrete mixer lorry loads. In total, around 420,000 tonnes of carbon has been saved in this area of the project. The railway will pass through Streethay in a cutting, and the shortening of the retaining structures also means the community will experience less noise and disruption during construction because fewer large machines will be needed on site. Most of the Streethay cutting will now have sloping earth banks, improving the visual appearance of the railway and increasing the opportunity for wildlife habitats and landscape planting to protect against noise from the railway. The updated design also results in a shorter diversion of Fulfen Wood watercourse. The early proposed design was for the railway to cross over the A38 Rykneld Street, A38 southbound slip road, and the South Staffordshire train line. As a result of community feedback received during the public consultation, the design was changed in 2017, with HS2 now passing beneath these roads and the railway in a cutting, which greatly reduces the visual impact of HS2 in this area. Simon Hinsley, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd said: “As we’ve been developing the detailed design for HS2, it’s vital that we try to minimise impacts and get the best solution for the communities near the new railway line. We listened to the community back in 2017 and changed the design from viaduct to cutting, and we’re pleased that these further updates bring more benefits, both for the local community and the environment – better visuals, less carbon from concrete, shorter construction period and more environmental features.” Andy deBell, Head of Stakeholder Engagement for BBV, said: “We’re pleased to confirm these new and improved design changes, which we’ve introduced after working closely with the local community. “This new design will see the HS2 line pass underneath the A38 and neighbouring railway line, bringing significant environmental and community benefits. We’ll need to work on the slip road to the south to deliver these changes, which we understand will cause some localised disruption. However, we’ll do everything we can to minimise any impact as much as possible. Phased traffic management and signposted diversions will be in place during this phase of the work. “We’ll continue to make sure the local community is kept updated, providing more detail on the works before they begin and during construction. There’ll also be opportunities in the near future for local residents and businesses to attend community drop-in sessions, where they can find out more about what’s going on in their area.”
Caddick Construction has been appointed by Radius Payment Solutions to deliver its £14.6m state-of-the-art facilities at Arden Square on Crewe Business Park. The three-storey structure will be constructed to BREEAM excellent standards, making it both energy efficient and a great working environment. Consistent with Radius’s other facilities in Crewe the focus will be on employee wellbeing. Design features include a barista coffee bar, pizzeria, Star Wars themed sky bar and outdoor seating and yoga areas all built around an eye-catching conical shaped glazed atrium. The 41,043 sq ft office scheme will also include 128 parking spaces, 25 of which will have electric vehicle chargers installed and operated by Radius’s fast-growing e-mobility business. Radius Payment Solutions, a world leading provider of mobility and connectivity related products and services to SME businesses, appointed Caddick Construction in April of this year with work starting on site late May. The project is due to complete in the summer of 2023, facilitating Radius’s plan to expand its Crewe based workforce to in excess of 1,000 by that time. Crewe Business Park is a 67-acre site off the A534 and is already viewed as one of the North West’s premier business parks that’s home to several research-based and high tech manufacturing centres. Following the appointment, Caddick Construction Manager Ben Edwards said: “It’s not often you get such a high-quality office scheme that has so many unique elements to it. The team are really excited to be on site and I’m sure as we get towards the fit out stage there will be a lot more visitors than usual wanting to check out its ”out of this world” features!” CEO of Radius Payment Solutions Bill Holmes added: “Development of this exciting new building is key to our commitment to maintaining a great working environment for all of our employees. I’m particularly excited that it will incorporate state of the art testing, warehousing and dispatch facilities for our telematics business, supporting our ambition to become one of the true global leaders in this high growth market.” Radius Payment Solutions, which has more than 2,150 staff worldwide, is already headquartered at Radius Campus on Crewe Business Park and also has offices at nearby Herald Park. Signalling its continued commitment to the town, the additional floor space being created at Arden Square will be used for future “growth and development” of the company added Mr Holmes. Radius currently has over 50 offices across Europe, US, Australia and South East Asia. Since it was established in the UK in 1990 it has grown internationally by forging partnerships with global brands and has built a loyal base of more than 300,000 customers. Architects on the scheme are AEW Architects, with Cundall and David Webb Associates appointed as engineers. Walker Sime is providing quantity surveying services, with interior design by Space Invader. Project management is provided by Avid Property Consultants.
Springfield acquires premium Scottish housebuilding business and timber frame factory… Springfield Properties (AIM: SPR), a leading housebuilder in Scotland delivering private, affordable and PRS housing, is pleased to announce that it has entered an agreement to acquire the Scottish housebuilding business of Mactaggart & Mickel Group Ltd (“Mactaggart & Mickel”), which has been delivering high-quality housing across the Central Belt of Scotland for almost 100 years. The total consideration is £46.3m, comprising £10.5m cash paid on completion and a deferred cash consideration of £35.8m to be paid proportionally as homes are sold over the next five years (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition will be funded from Springfield’s internal resources and existing debt facilities with Bank of Scotland. Under the terms of the Acquisition, the Group has acquired six live private and affordable sites with work in progress with a fair value of approximately £15m and fixed assets. The Group has also acquired a brand licence to build homes as Mactaggart & Mickel on a further 11 private and affordable sites, which will transfer to Springfield as homes are sold in line with the payments of the deferred consideration. The total 17 sites, of which 16 have planning permission and equating to the delivery of c. 700 homes, have a gross development value of c. £230m. The Group expects to generate gross margins on these sites materially in line with margins delivered by the rest of the Group. Springfield intends to retain all of Mactaggart & Mickel’s housebuilding business employees. The Acquisition also includes Timber Systems, a timber frame factory near Glasgow. The Group already constructs 90% of its homes from timber kits and the addition of a second timber frame factory will secure kit supply and increase capacity for future growth while further reducing its carbon footprint. Springfield will retain all of Timber Systems’ employees. In addition, Springfield and Mactaggart & Mickel have established a strategic alliance with an agreement that gives Springfield opportunities for future acquisitions of sites from Mactaggart & Mickel’s remaining land bank of approximately 2,300 acres across Scotland. The housebuilding business of Mactaggart & Mickel is a premium brand housebuilder primarily targeting the larger private home market. The land bank is in highly desirable locations within the Central Belt of Scotland, expanding the Group’s footprint in areas with a higher price point. The payment of the deferred cash consideration is subject to an annual minimum payment of £7.7m from the second year following completion. Each annual minimum payment will be reduced by any excess deferred consideration paid by the Group over the annual minimum payment in the prior year. The Group has the option to defer any year’s minimum payment by 12 months. The consideration for the Acquisition will initially be satisfied from the Group’s existing cash and debt facilities and the deferred consideration will be paid proportionally as homes are completed. It will also partly utilise the Group’s existing uncommitted land purchase budget for the next five years. The Acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in the current year to 31 May 2023. For the year to 31 May 2022, the Group expects to report results in line with market expectations, with good revenue growth and a better-than-expected reduction in net debt to c. £39.0m at year end (30 November 2021: £43.0m). Further details will be provided in the Group’s full year results announcement, which is expected to be published in September 2022. Innes Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Properties, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Mactaggart & Mickel’s Scottish housebuilding business into the Springfield Group. As well as bringing another premium brand into the Group, this acquisition gives us land, with planning permission, in areas of significant demand. The structure of the acquisition – with the majority of the payment to be made as homes are completed – de-risks the deal and creates an effective and efficient means of acquiring land. “The addition of a timber frame facility in the Central Belt, alongside our existing facility in Elgin, secures our supply of timber kits and provides further capacity to support our next stage of growth. It will also reduce our carbon footprint by enabling local manufacture of all kits. “We welcome our new colleagues to the Group and look forward to working together to continue delivering high-quality homes across Scotland.” Paul McAninch, Group Finance Director of Mactaggart & Mickel, added: “We welcome this agreement with Springfield, which we believe provides a strong platform for growth for both parties. “Our company has had a proud tradition as a leading housebuilder in Scotland, which is built on the work of its dedicated teams. “This tradition will continue, and I’m pleased that there will be continuity of employment as a result of this agreement. I’d like to thank all our staff for their dedication over the years as we look to our second century as a successful business. I’d also like to wish transferring colleagues every success for their future.”
The UK coatings industry faces a shortage of skilled staff, and an ageing workforce at a time when it is experiencing increasing demand for improved product performance and sustainable solutions. As the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, HMG Paints are investing significantly in staff recruitment across the business including in their research and development facilities and pro-actively working to attract experienced coatings formulators whilst also developing the next generation of staff to handle these challenges. “People are at the heart of HMG and we’re always looking to create the best environment for our people to thrive” commented Steve Crossman, COO. “Be it the annual staff BBQ, 1pm Friday Finish or Christmas & New Year off we always try to ensure we provide a great work life balance where our staff can develop professionally and personally.” The nature and variety of HMG’s customer base & product portfolio means that there is a broad range of roles and opportunities within the company from apprentice and graduate opportunities in production and operations to roles for experienced chemists within the Laboratory. These roles include technical positions such as paint technologists, research & development chemists and colour specialists with one eye on a sustainable, net zero future. Believe it or not the company even have roles that require watching paint dry. HMG’s portfolio of wet paint and aerosols cover virtually every type of surface imaginable across a whole host of industries including industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, automotive, defence, toll manufacturing, wood finish and arts & craft and the company is now looking to further develop its staff to handle increased customer demand. Colourful Career Opportunities One area HMG has really pushed the boundaries over the last few years is within their Advanced Colour Design department. The success of the department means that HMG are now looking to further expand its colour development and formulation team who are responsible for the companies library of over 90,000 colour formulations. The Advanced Colour Design team work very closely with customers to develop bespoke colour options and solutions for customers in a variety of fields including decorative, automotive, model and hobby. The team have worked on a number of high-profile projects including the Jaguar CX-17 (F-Pace), paint for Aston Marin Racing that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, a unique gold for angel statues at the Parisian Hotel and Casino in Macau, interior design palettes for leading decorative brands and the team even worked on the restoration of Emerson Fittipaldi’s iconic Lotus F1 car along with many other projects. Training and Development “HMG Paints has a long and proud history of developing our own technical team and we have some very exciting opportunities available as our business continues to grow” commented COO, Steve Crossman. “Having started myself as an apprentice in the laboratory I know first hand about the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie within HMG Paints. We have a great track record of nurturing our own talent in-house but also combining that with attracting experienced professionals within the coatings industry.” After various roles in the laboratories including development chemist and Technical Director, as COO Steve is now keen for the next generation of talent to be developed within HMG. A key facet of this is utilising the knowledge and experience of existing lab staff and combining that with training organisations, courses and guidance provided by PRA, BCF and OCCA. The coatings industry and HMG’s broader appeal can be further strengthened with links to academic institutions, illustrated recently by HMG’s participation with the Chemistry in Industry module conducted by OCCA at the University of Salford. This route has helped HMG produce a number of home-grown coating chemists over the years including Darren James, who is a previous recipient of the British Coatings Federation Student of the Year award. This award is presented to the student who, in the opinion of the tutors of the Coatings Training Institute, has consistently demonstrated the highest level of understanding and achieved outstanding scores in examinations and practical work when completing their training modules. “I was over the moon! Being up against people who had much more chemistry experience behind them, I didn’t think I was going to win. The help and guidance of my colleagues at HMG really helped with my development. I now work on some very innovative projects for our customers and it’s a very proud feeling when you see products you developed being used in the real world to solve customers’ problems.” said Darren. Another success story of HMG’s investment in staff and training is, HR Assistant Melissa Strowbridge. Melissa has recently completed her Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Salford and has also talked at the Houses of Parliament about the importance of apprenticeships. Melissa added, “The benefits of doing the degree via an apprenticeship route was that I was able to apply my learning directly to the workplace. Throughout the programme I developed both professionally and personally and I can now bring these skills into the workplace. I have a fantastic grounding for the future thanks to the University of Salford and HMG.” Varied Products HMG Paints provide coatings across a spectrum of industries which creates great variety in the projects their technical team work on. Many of the projects are also innovative within the coatings industry. HMG were the first paint manufacturer to develop and commercialise Graphene containing coatings for a variety of industries, with the coatings today being used on Commercial Vehicles across the UK. On the other end of the development spectrum, Graduate Apprentice Avese Umar has recently led the redevelopment of the company’s artist Oil Colours. The range originally developed in the 1940’s has been reformulated to combine traditional performance with modern and sustainable raw materials. The range is used by leading artists including Carl Melegari, Frank Auerbach and Jake Attree, with artworks that use the range hanging in galleries across the globe. To see a full list of HMG Paints products and services visit www.hmgpaint.com via the website you can
Thousands of businesses worldwide rent and hire machines, tractors, and other automotive equipment daily for professional purposes. Keeping watch over each piece of equipment can become challenging, resulting in financial losses that adversely impact the business. Fortunately, industry experts can prevent these losses by using a reliable and sophisticated GPS tracker to keep an eye on their equipment, even when they operate over long distances. The high-end software does more than monitoring the machines, enabling companies to enjoy greater returns on investment. Businesses investing in these fantastic products for the first time will find the following benefits of doing so remarkably interesting. Route Optimisation The best advantage of wearable technology for fleet management is that you can quickly and effortlessly identify the best, safest, and shortest routes for your equipment. Managers can use location and drive data to chart new and more efficient courses, enabling drivers to manoeuvre the vehicles more effectively. Another advantage of this type of route deliberation and planning is that companies can save a lot by reducing commute times, ensuring the machines reach their location and leave on time. It can also help prevent dangerous paths that lead to cargo theft and other losses due to poor road conditions. Excellent Safety Besides reducing administrative roles and saving time, the software can make work safer for large and small machine operators. For instance, it can facilitate pre-work inspections, shutting down the equipment entirely until the proper and essential examinations are done. Also, the geofencing feature ensures the precious fleet does not leave a set boundary without the necessary permit, preventing thefts and accidents. If the equipment is on dangerous ground, operators can remotely monitor it and shut it down from incredibly long distances. Moreover, it has integration capabilities, allowing companies to communicate important information with one another at all times, boosting security and safety measures. They can track their property twenty-four-seven, ensuring it remains safe and operational whenever necessary. Cost-effective When you chart short drive paths using the technology, it helps you save massively on fuel costs in the long run. Also, since you will pick the safest and best roads for your fleet to ply on, you can enjoy reduced repair and maintenance costs. All this will eventually lead to improved customer satisfaction, leading to increased demand. Ultimately, the above things will help your company make more enormous profits by maximising productivity and saving more. You will undoubtedly scale new heights in shorter periods with the undeniable aid of this indispensable modern technology. Expert Manufacturers The best GPS tracker is provided by specialists with over a decade or two of experience in the industry, using their wealth of experience and know-how to ensure optimal profits from the software. You can read case studies on their official websites to learn how their product can help companies save money and prevent short and long-term losses. Moreover, they have custom trackers that benefit various industries and their changing needs, such as rental companies, construction industries, and trade businesses. Their product has incredible features that ensure maximum efficiency at all times, enabling businesses to track every piece of machinery easily. Therefore, investing in this valuable tracking technology will be among the best business decisions your company can make.
Rapid erection of steel frame represents a key milestone in terms of the transformation of 10-acre brownfield site into a state of the art 210,000 sq ft logistics hub GMI Construction Group PLC has today provided an update in terms of progress on the construction of the new 210,000 sq ft single site logistics hub for Graftongate on behalf of leading aerospace engineering company Leonardo at its site in Yeovil, Somerset. Progress on the new £28M facility has reached a key milestone with the steel frame practically complete and cladding installation set to start shortly. The state of the art development which spans an area the equivalent of 2.7 football pitches, is scheduled to be completed in Q4 2022. The project sees the consolidation of eight existing warehouses into one all-encompassing logistics hub. This high-tech facility means a reduction in operating costs by having all logistics under one roof, and it maximises the potential of helicopter component logistics. Speaking about the progress being made GMI Divisional Director Andy Bruce said: “The team onsite has made significant progress since starting on site with the steel-frame all but complete and cladding looking to commence very shortly. The scale of remediation and site transformation that has to date been completed is nothing short of remarkable with a considerable amount of material recycled onsite and put back into positive use. The team have invested a considerable number of man hours working across a broad range of skilled trades. This includes the employment of a number of local apprentices on the project which will really intensify during the internal fit out work. This provides an opportunity to learn and develop skills in construction and represents a positive investment in the surrounding community”. Jamie Hockaday, Director at Graftongate also said: “This key milestone, with the erection of the steel frame, signifies a transformation of this 10-acre brownfield site. So far we have removed 490T of asbestos and recycled 2000T of hardcore as part of our commitment to delivering a sustainable facility. We are on programme to complete the erection of the steel frame and cladding in August prior to commencement of a £10M internal fit out and look forward to handing over the completed facility later this year. Adam Clarke, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters (UK), also commented: This project serves toillustrate Leonardo’sfirm and continued commitment to Yeovil and the airfield, which has been here since 1915. Our efforts to minimise our environmental footprint are constant and increasing. Here in Yeovil, the construction of this new single-site logistics hub will focus on supporting ergonomic working. Through the streamlining of processes, we will maximise efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Consolidating all of the logistics under one roof will enable us to increase efficiencies, complete tasks quicker, and achieve a reduction in operating costs. We are proud to be the UK’s only onshore helicopter manufacturer, the “Home of British Helicopters”, and this development further illustrates our commitment to British engineering and manufacturing” To watch a LIVE feed from the site click : https://gmi.reachtimelapse.co.uk/leonardo/helicopterhub/
Travis Perkins plc is investing in a new fleet of 26-tonne trucks, designed to support the Group’s ambitious carbon reduction target and maximise the safety and efficiency of its transport operations. They will operate in a mix of Travis Perkins and Keyline Civils Specialist liveries, providing building materials to construction customers nationwide. The multi-million-pound investment will see approximately 170 Volvo FM 330 6×2 rear-steer rigids delivered into service over two years – with 85 new FMs confirmed for this year; to be followed by around 85 more in 2023. It follows a strategic fleet review by the business led by Technical Fleet Director Karl Wilshaw, which saw the evaluation of multiple options from several major truck manufacturers. The new vehicles form an integrated part of the Group’s fleet decarbonisation roadmap, with each one benefitting from the latest Euro VI Step E diesel engine technology – engineered to reduce emissions and help save fuel without compromising performance – and with the capability to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This will provide the opportunity for Travis Perkins plc to deploy the trucks into a number of locations that have had HVO enabled through a trial using certified HVO, which began in 2021 and includes 30 branches and 200 trucks nationwide. Key to winning the order was the latest generation FM’s ability to support a ‘technology detox’ within the cab, with the latest Volvos able to integrate multiple vehicle safety systems to optimise safety by decluttering the driver’s environment. This sees the FM’s nine-inch side display integrate feeds from Travis Perkins’ five-camera set-up and on-board weighing system, helping to reduce the need for additional monitors. The FM’s modern architecture also offers the perfect interface with the body and crane. The Group’s detailed review saw feedback collated from the company’s national driver engagement days, safety events and a series of driver focus groups, which were held to explore the future fleet requirements of the business, customers, and drivers. This directly led to the selection of the FM day cab which combines excellent vision with plenty of storage space, plus easy access and egress with a two-step entry and wide opening doors. At the drivers’ request, the new fleet also features extra lighting and additional load securing points. The internal team at Travis Perkins worked closely with Abdi Ali, National Key Account Manager at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, to tailor the specification to ensure sufficient ground clearance for safely navigating construction sites, whilst still ensuring the cab was three-star Direct Vision Standard compliant. Key to this was the selection of 385/55 R22.5 steer and 315/70 R22.5 drive and tag axle tyres. The trucks also benefit from a nine-tonne front axle, a 12-speed automated I-Shift transmission and an improved turning circle versus the 18-tonners they replace, thanks to Volvo’s hydraulically steered tag axle. Wilshaw says: “It’s so rewarding for all those involved to see this project coming to fruition; a huge amount of work went into consulting with our drivers, researching the latest available technologies and developing the build with Volvo Trucks, bodybuilder Massey Truck Engineering and crane supplier HIAB. We are really pleased with the result. We have FORS Gold accreditation, and these trucks play right into our continuous improvement efforts. They look fantastic, and they’re enabling our teams to operate more efficiently and safely.” The new fleet will be predominantly serviced and maintained within the Volvo Trucks dealer network, with the order including a mix of 5,200mm and 5,600mm wheelbases, to suit the varying needs of the business’ different branches. They will join a 1,600-strong commercial vehicle fleet and be in operation up to six days per week, covering around 30,000 miles per year. All new trucks feature a smart cab interior benefitting from Volvo’s Drive package, which adds remote central locking, twin armrests, electrically controlled air-conditioning and a tinted glass roof hatch. Travis Perkins has also chosen robust textile seats with a smart vinyl interior. Plus, for maximum safety, the cab has roof beacons, a passenger-side lower door window to improve direct vision, near-side proximity sensors, turn left audible warning, five camera view system and a white noise reversing alarm. Bodywork has been manufactured by Massey Truck Engineering.