GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announced that it has begun earthworks on the site of G-Park Ashby-de-la-Zouch. G-Park Ashby is a 48-acre development site benefitting from an outline planning permission to deliver build-to-suit logistics warehouse opportunities of up to 736,487 SQ FT.
On 14 June 2017, a fire started in the kitchen of a fourth floor flat in West London. Within minutes, the fire spread via the exterior of the building reaching all four sides of the 24-storey tower block and in two hours, most of the upper floors had been engulfed
Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has achieved planning permission for the refurbishment and extension of 19th century More House in Kensington, London, to provide contemporary student accommodation. Situated at 51-55 Cromwell Road, close to the art and museum centre of London, More House is named after St Thomas More and has
Civil engineering firm GRAHAM has completed work on a new junction on the M11, delivering one of the biggest highways infrastructure projects in Essex. The £76 million M11 Junction 7A scheme opened to the public ahead of schedule on Friday (10 June) and has created much-needed new access into Harlow
Delaware online gambling has been incredibly successful so far. The state has finished the year on a very positive note. It is good to know the reasons behind all of this success, and also important to look at what is driving gambling in the state in general. New Operators It
If you work on a construction site, you probably know all the safety risks involved. They include lack of fall protection, faulty ladders, and insufficient head protection. You would be wise to speak up if you notice any of these concerns on your site. Here are a few reasons to
Leading civil engineering and construction contractor Spencer Group has been appointed by Associated British Ports (ABP) to be part of a major national investment programme. Spencer Group has been appointed to the Industrial Buildings Framework Contract to build large-scale industrial buildings for ABP in four out of five regions across
The 50 most inspiring projects from the past 50 years have been revealed by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession – in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Entitled ’50 Projects for a Better Future’, the list features iconic projects from around the
Sustainable biomass supplier and timber products specialist GMG Energy has made a strategic purchase of a substantial swathe of forest in the far north-east of Scotland to protect future supply and increase its resilience to market shocks. The resource-rich company, which originated on a farm in the Strath of Halladale
Bullet Express, one of the UK’s fastest-growing logistics, distribution and storage businesses, has opened a new 67,000 sq ft logistics centre at Westway Park, Renfrew, Scotland’s largest fully enclosed industrial distribution and office park. The new logistics centre will see Bullet Express increase its storage and distribution capacity by 14%,
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announced that it has begun earthworks on the site of G-Park Ashby-de-la-Zouch. G-Park Ashby is a 48-acre development site benefitting from an outline planning permission to deliver build-to-suit logistics warehouse opportunities of up to 736,487 SQ FT. Earthworks are progressing rapidly and are expected to be finished by early 2023, with the full development set to complete by Q1 2024. The site has a prime location in the Midlands logistics hub, in the heart of the Golden Triangle. G-Park Ashby is conveniently situated adjacent to the A42 and A511, providing access to the M42 to the South and the M1 10 miles to the North East. Urban hubs Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester are all close by, with Manchester, Liverpool and London also easily accessible. East Midlands Airport, only 10 miles away, and Birmingham International Airport, 29 miles away, also provide convenient air links for transportation. The site can be developed as either one single unit or two units, depending on customer requirements, with clear internal heights of up to 18 metres. As with all GLP’s developments, the units will be built to enhanced specification and will follow GLP’s rigorous ESG standards. The development will be BREEAM Excellent and WELL ready, and will feature a range of sustainability features including rainwater harvesting and energy tracking and consumption tools for customers. The development is a prime example of the care taken by GLP to respect and nurture the natural environment. For example, a colony of great crested newts was discovered on the site, which GLP has taken significant time and consideration to rehome, delaying progression with the earthworks until the colony was safely relocated. There will also be an extensive green outdoor space for landscaping and nature, including ecological ponds. Adrienne Howells, Senior Development Director at GLP, said: “G-Park Ashby is an exciting addition to our portfolio in the Midlands and indicates our ongoing confidence in opportunities in the Golden Triangle, following the success of projects such as Magna Park Lutterworth. Trends such as e-commerce have buoyed already high demand for prime logistics space, particularly high-quality, conveniently-located, sustainable facilities such as this.” Not only will this new development bring excellent opportunities for our customers; it will also boost employment in the region, creating almost 1000 new jobs and providing major benefits for the local economy. Once again, we are planning our development with place-making as a priority, focusing on environmental features such as our ponds, green open spaces and our G-Hive bee programme.”
On 14 June 2017, a fire started in the kitchen of a fourth floor flat in West London. Within minutes, the fire spread via the exterior of the building reaching all four sides of the 24-storey tower block and in two hours, most of the upper floors had been engulfed in fire. The fire which destroyed Grenfell Tower saw the loss of 72 lives and has been named as “one of the UK’s worst modern disasters.” Factors that played part in the disaster Grenfell Tower had a ‘stay put’ fire policy which assumes that fire compartmentation works in the event of a fire. Being an important element of passive fire protection, its purpose is to contain the fire to its area of origin for as long as possible meaning that effectively, the fire and rescue services can bring the fire under control, and residents can evacuate safely. Many of Grenfell’s residents followed this policy and stayed put only to become trapped by the fire that gained momentum around them; others ignored this policy and managed to escape to safety. It is quite incomprehensible just how many things went wrong during the early hours of that Wednesday morning. Fire safety engineer Dr Barbara Lane, in a report to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, discovered that the fire started spreading vertically up the tower block, and “laterally along the cladding above and below the window lines (and) the panels between windows.” The fire reached the top floor of the east side at approximately 01:26, evidenced by mobile footage, and had spread to the north side by 01:42. There were many factors that played a part in the fast spread of fire, but in his report to the Inquiry, Professor Luke Bisby said that evidence “strongly supports” that the external cladding was the main cause. He said: “The ACM (aluminium composite material) product on Grenfell Tower incorporates a highly combustible polyethylene polymer filler which melts, drips, and flows at elevated temperature. The polyethylene filler material is expected to release large amounts of energy during combustion”. However, Bisby found that other factors may have contributed to this such as other flammable materials for example, a polyurethane polymer foam insulation board, whilst Lane identified combustible materials in the windows, exposed gas pipes and flat doors not meeting current fire resistance standards. An important factor: current practices in the industry In light of the fifth anniversary of Grenfell Tower, a day to remember the people who lost their lives and hold in thought all of the family members and survivors, it is important to reflect on the years that have passed and why a cultural change is needed. Dame Judith Hackitt has been the driving force behind the construction industry’s next steps in building a safer future. Current practices show that the industry, often, focusses on sales and profit; cheaper products and money saved; quantity of content rather than the quality of content, over the safety of a building and its residents. Until the industry wholeheartedly embraces change and separates itself from old practices, the risk of destructive fire is inevitable. The industry’s culture has been resisting change for decades, suggesting that most parties are reluctant to take the lead and admit that it needs to improve with immediate effect. It has taken the tragedy of Grenfell for the culture of the industry to come under hard scrutiny in what Hackitt explains as “lack of ownership and responsibility, the system is gamed, and corners are cut wherever possible.” The Building Safety Bill received royal assent on 28 April 2022, meaning that it is now an act of parliament (BSA). Although many of the requirements will not come into force for another 12-18 months, Hackitt senses the mood may have shifted. She said: “The construction industry is waking up to the reality that this is really going to happen. I am delighted to hear […] that more than 300 organisations have now signed up to the Building a Safer Future charter and a similar number to the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).” Why is cultural change important? Although five years on, there is still a long way to go in terms of embracing innovation and rebuilding the trust and confidence lost in the construction industry. Legislation will help to change behaviours and force people into doing the right thing, but it cannot create a cultural change alone. It needs leaders and professionals within the industry to stand up and be counted but ultimately, encourage other individuals to do the same. If the practices displayed in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have shown anything, it is that there is no better time than now for all parties to start utilizing guidance provided from relevant sectors and begin changing the way they work. With the ongoing push for reform, it has never been more vital for individuals to have the correct training, experience, and knowledge in their sectors. One main problem highlighted was the lack of well-trained workers. Sir Martin Moore-Bick, chair of the Grenfell Inquiry, stated: “Four members of the first [firefighter] crews to have fought the blaze had 52 years of combined experience. However, they had not received any training on the risks posed by exterior cladding or the techniques to be deployed in fighting fires involving cladding, the report found.” This suggests that when it comes to fire safety, every party needs to be involved from architects, who design a building, to fire and rescue services who are the first point of call in the event of a fire. By employers becoming influencers in the development of their organisation, alongside workers wanting to do the right thing for a safer future, this will ensure competency and ultimately, help create safer living spaces for residents in high-rise buildings. For any cultural change, there must be someone willing to take the lead. The construction industry is guilty of waiting for regulations to come into force before taking any action, but it is not enough to wait for government
Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has achieved planning permission for the refurbishment and extension of 19th century More House in Kensington, London, to provide contemporary student accommodation. Situated at 51-55 Cromwell Road, close to the art and museum centre of London, More House is named after St Thomas More and has welcomed students between 1952 and 2020. The 38,000sq ft building was vacant when bought by SAV Group, who specialise in refurbishing and repositioning complicated sites into income-generating residential properties. Sustainability has formed a major part of DMA’s design, with every effort made to retain as much of the existing structure as possible in order to limit the embodied carbon emissions of the project. Located in the Queens Gate Conservation Area, DMA’s design team has collaborated closely with heritage consultant Montagu Evans to ensure the proposal remains in line with the character of the conservation area, whilst successfully reconfiguring the internal layout to provide as much accommodation as possible within the constraints of the existing building envelope. Mark Wood, Partner at DMA, says: “With this project, we needed to achieve a lot within the 19th century fabric; upgrading and extending the accommodation to meet the needs of 21st century students whilst maintaining the building’s heritage values by returning it, where possible, to its original appearance. We have been able to apply the skills honed across our varied portfolio, including hospitality refurbishments, to sympathetically enhance More House’s appearance, sustaining the life of the building and making a positive contribution to the conservation area in which it stands.” The design team has given careful consideration to the material selection to ensure a calm, neighbourly design proposal that sits in its context seamlessly. DMA’s subtle interventions include a new mansard roof whose natural slate tile finishes reintegrates with the original design of the building and maintains the rhythm of the roofscape. With discreet infill extensions to the rear and the restoration of hipped roofs adding space for internal mezzanines in the closet wings, additional communal areas and reconfigured bedroom spaces have also been created. The similarly successful change of use for the mews garage to a new ancillary area adds yet more useable space. Lightwells breathe new life into the lower accommodation of the building by maximising light ingress. The design of the lightwell is influenced by the art galleries and museums near More House. It is intended that sculptures will form the focal point of the lightwell to create interesting yet calming spaces. DMA envisions the student residents actively collaborating to inform the design of these sculptural centrepieces within the lightwell, creating a clear sense of unity and belonging as they get this unique opportunity to express themselves through the decoration and celebration of their new home. Mark Wood, Partner, DMA, concludes: “We have worked closely with our client SAV Group to repair and restore the existing fabric, whilst modest and carefully considered extensions and reconfigurations add new bedrooms, as well as ensuites to all rooms. DMA’s carefully crafted layouts also add value with communal areas for studying, meeting and cooking, which help create a sense of connection for the residents, as they get to share spaces to study and relax in together. Furthermore, the design helps to future proof the building by creating areas that are fit for multiple different uses, enabling the building to change functionality should there ever be a need to do so.”
Civil engineering firm GRAHAM has completed work on a new junction on the M11, delivering one of the biggest highways infrastructure projects in Essex. The £76 million M11 Junction 7A scheme opened to the public ahead of schedule on Friday (10 June) and has created much-needed new access into Harlow and included widening and improvement of Gilden Way, plus a new link road connecting Gilden Way and the junction via new roundabouts on either side of the motorway. As part of the project, GRAHAM, in collaboration with Essex County Council, has built a new bridge over the motorway, constructed slip roads for both northbound and southbound traffic, and improved walking and cycling access on Gilden Way. Funded by the council and National Highways, the new junction completes a project that started in summer 2020. Discussing the project on the day of its opening, Cllr Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “Today marks the opening of one of the largest highways infrastructure projects in the county and it is testament to all involved that, despite the challenges of the last two years, the project has been delivered ahead of schedule. “We have created a much-needed new east-west link, significantly improving access to the M11 at Harlow. This, in turn, will help reduce congestion on the A414 and other routes in the town and also support future growth, including the potential creation of up to 3,000 new jobs.” Matt Stafford, National Highways Regional Delivery Director, said: “We understand how important the M11 is to thousands of road users every day. “The road is a vital link for work journeys, visits to friends and family, and the movement of goods and services between London and East Anglia, and we’re pleased to have worked in partnership with Essex County Council to deliver this scheme. “A huge amount of work has gone in to get to this point and I am delighted to see the last piece of the jigsaw put in place with the opening of this new junction.” The junction opened to traffic on Friday evening, following a formal opening event the previous day. The public, whom the council thanked for their patience during construction of the scheme, was also given a unique opportunity to see the final scheme up close before it opened to traffic during a 5km charity fun run, which was supported by Harlow Running and Tri Club and Active Essex. The fun-run, which raised money for a local charity supporting children living with cerebral palsy and St Clare Hospice, saw more than 500 participants run from the London Road Roundabout to the new junction and back. With match-funding from GRAHAM, their efforts raised over £9,000. Dave Brown, Highways Director for GRAHAM Civil Engineering, added: “We’re pleased to have completed construction and delivered this important project in the region. The team has worked tirelessly during the programme, which included a challenging bridge beam installation over two weeks, involving four overnight closures to minimise disruption to road users. The new junction is a testament to our team’s civil engineering expertise and another addition to our growing highways portfolio.” For more information about the scheme and the new junction, visit www.essex.gov.uk/junction7a.
Delaware online gambling has been incredibly successful so far. The state has finished the year on a very positive note. It is good to know the reasons behind all of this success, and also important to look at what is driving gambling in the state in general. New Operators It is important to know that Joe Biden’s home state is not a stranger to new operators joining the iGaming market. The online operators are able to use some of the finest software in the business to deliver entertainment packages that are truly world-class. This has provided some big name players with the chance to enter the US market. They are now offering the aggregator platform through a deal with Caesars Entertainment. Video lottery is also very famous for casinos in Delaware. There are also new and upcoming products that are now gripping fans from all around the state. When you look at the passion that they have for modern tech, you will soon see that people now have access to more entertainment than ever. 2021 was a Record Year Last year – 2021 – was certainly nothing short of a success when you look at the online gambling industry. When you look at the Delaware Lottery, you will soon see that the industry managed to grow at a rate of 26.2% if you compare the figures to the year before. The growth in the industry is remarkable and it looks like things are in a very promising position. The industry is relying on tech, and it looks like custom apps are proving to be very popular for companies too. Tech is improving year after year, and it is continuing to move the industry forward too. Player spending has increased to 35%. Operators are offering a lot more options and this is helping a lot of Delaware online casino sites to really excel. 2022 is Looking Great If you look at 2021 then you may well be within your rights to think that 2022 is going to be an even more incredible year for gaming in Delaware. Delaware looks to be thriving now and some are saying that it is a corporate tax haven. The gambling industry is steering the pack as it is now able to capitalize as a very rich industry. These figures are going to make a lot of other operators take notice of the market for gaming. Online gambling and operators are looking for new markets all the time as this gives them the chance to build a solid customer base in an untouched market. Construction and Casinos in Delaware So, as you can see, the rate of online growth is nothing short of astonishing, but at the same time, it is important to look at how it has benefitted other casinos too. If you look at the North Southland Casino Racing, you will soon see that this is getting back on track for completion. It’s going to have a $250 million expansion within the property, which will be featuring a hotel and a brand-new gaming complex. Lou Jacobs and CEO Brian Hansberry have recently contacted construction crews to take part in the project, which is hopefully going to be finished sometime in 2022, ready for gleaming photographs to be taken for its marketing campaign. The great thing about the expansion is that it is going to grow the gaming industry even more, with 2,400 gaming machines being added, along with 60 live tables. The 113,000 square-foot casino is also going to have a fully expanded dining division. This is going to have a much bigger buffet and it is also going to have a steakhouse restaurant as well. In combination with this, there’s going to be a new center, a lobby, and a player lounge. Of course, the main component of this major expansion is going to be the 20-storey hotel tower. This is going to be home to 300 rooms. There are going to be 216 standard rooms, a total of 72 corner suites, and 12 penthouse suites. These will be located on the top floor. Onsite parking is going to be expanded as well, with the construction set to take the casino industry one step forward, yet again.
If you work on a construction site, you probably know all the safety risks involved. They include lack of fall protection, faulty ladders, and insufficient head protection. You would be wise to speak up if you notice any of these concerns on your site. Here are a few reasons to consider speaking up about health and safety concerns at your construction site. Silence May be Mistaken for Approval If you are silent about the safety and health issues at your construction site, the management will likely assume everything is fine. They may mistake your silence for approval of the existing working conditions. Staying silent seems like the best way to stay in conflict. However, it only sets you up for future conflict. Silence can communicate just as much as your words. Disapproval can be pointless if you don’t say anything about it. It can be just as bad as enabling the problem. Others May be Facing the Same Concerns If you run into health and safety concerns, other workers may face the same problems. They may be afraid to voice out their concerns. However, speaking up for yourself could motivate them to do the same. If everyone stays quiet, nothing will change. The hazardous situations and conditions could remain the same for a long time. What if someone is injured on your construction site? You may have enabled the situation if someone is injured on your site because you didn’t speak up. If you stay silent out of the fear of offending, you are working against the greater good. When you and other workers are exposed to poor working conditions and situations, staying silent is selfish. You could be the difference between life, serious injury, and death. If someone is injured before or after you report the matter, seek the help of attorneys like www.wieandlaw.com as soon as possible. Do some research to make sure you are working with the right lawyer. They should be experienced and passionate about similar issues. Others May Not Have Identifies the Issue Sometimes, you are the first one to detect a problem. If you notice a hazard compromising other workers’ safety and health, don’t assume that everyone has seen it. What seems obvious to you won’t necessarily be obvious to others. You may have the knowledge and experience to assess situations that others lack. No one has your perspective. Reporting even the smallest problem could provide the piece of the puzzle needed to fix more significant issues. Avoiding Miscommunication Speaking up when you have something to say opens up communication channels. It reduces the risk of miscommunication. No matter how great your intentions may be, they may be misinterpreted if you don’t express them. For example, you may be mistaken for hesitating to work if you don’t express your health and safety concerns. Sit down with everyone involved and address your concerns. You could help create a culture of open communication on the site. Safety must be rooted in your company culture. However, this is impossible if no one ever speaks about health and safety concerns. Your voice could be the nudge everyone else needs to start moving in the direct direction. It could encourage others to speak about their experiences and general concerns. If you choose to speak up, take some time to prepare first. Be specific about your issues and anticipate a few questions. Focus on the critical facts and give solid explanations for why the issue is essential. If you can, recommend a few solutions. Focus on the present and the future rather than the past.
Leading civil engineering and construction contractor Spencer Group has been appointed by Associated British Ports (ABP) to be part of a major national investment programme. Spencer Group has been appointed to the Industrial Buildings Framework Contract to build large-scale industrial buildings for ABP in four out of five regions across the UK where the port owner operates – South East and North West England, Scotland and Wales. ABP is the UK’s leading ports group and its network of 21 ports supports 119,000 jobs and handles about a quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade, worth £150bn annually. The framework will run for five years, with scope to extend to a further two years. ABP plans to invest a significant value across the four regions with specific projects determined by port requirements in each location. The success for Spencer Group’s industrial division follows an extensive competitive tendering selection process involving both regional and national contractors across the UK. Spencer Group Off Site Construction Director Richard Green-Morgan, who leads the industrial division of the business, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed to this framework. This is a very significant contract for us and a positive continuation of our strong working relationship with ABP. “Being appointed by ABP in each of these regions is further evidence of our excellent reputation as a leading provider of multi-disciplinary engineering and construction projects across the UK. “It will also strengthen our presence and position these locations, undoubtedly creating opportunities to work with new partners and SMEs to jointly support ABP’s ambitious plans for the future. “We’re looking forward to getting started and working with ABP on these important projects.” Spencer Group has undertaken a number of schemes over the past year providing consultancy and construction services to develop and support a variety of capital projects in various ports. Spencer Group Managing Director Gary Thornton said: “Our appointment to the Industrial Buildings Frameworks Contract is very positive news for Spencer Group. “The framework is yet another example of our developing relationship with ABP, which started over 30 years ago. Our ability to provide technical support, design and delivery capabilities to provide new and enhanced existing assets and infrastructure mean we are able to support ABP’s investment decisions and meet their customer demands. “We’re proud of the faith shown in us by ABP and are looking forward to starting work under this new framework to deliver exceptional value to ABP and their customers.” Spencer Group delivers innovative engineering and construction solutions in the transport, infrastructure, materials handling, energy and industrial sectors. To find out more about the company’s work, visit www.thespencergroup.co.uk.
The 50 most inspiring projects from the past 50 years have been revealed by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession – in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Entitled ’50 Projects for a Better Future’, the list features iconic projects from around the globe and across the fields of construction and engineering, technology, healthcare, sports and nature, arts and media. More than 600 projects were nominated for inclusion in the list by a panel made up of APM members, board members and industry experts. Projects were selected based on the transformative impact they have had on society, the economy and environment since their launch within the past 50 years. Canary Wharf, the Channel Tunnel, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Angel of the North, the Eden Project, Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, Øresund Bridge, Wikipedia, the World Wide Web, the UK Covid-19 vaccine rollout, In vitro fertilisation (IVF), the Hubble Space Telescope, the Large Hadron Collider and Mars Perseverance Rover all make it onto the list. The full list including project descriptions is available at apm.org.uk/50projects Professor Adam Boddison, Chief Executive of APM, says: “To mark our 50th anniversary we wanted to celebrate and recognise the impact that projects have had on the world, and the important role that project professionals play in embracing change and opportunity. The 50 projects on this list all have their own legacy in the impact they have had on society, the economy and environment, as well as acting as a catalyst for other projects which followed and will follow them in the future.” The 50 projects by sector: Construction and Engineering: Hong Kong International Airport – 1998 The Channel Tunnel – 1994 The Øresund Bridge – (Sweden/Denmark) – 2000 Canary Wharf – London – 1991 The Thames Barrier – London – 1984 The Falkirk Wheel – Scotland – 2002 Maeslant Barrier (Netherlands) – 1997 Unisphere (United States) – 2018 Madrid Metro Extension – 1995-2003 The Peace Bridge (Northern Ireland) – 2011 Sports, Media and Arts: Angel of the North – 1998 Guggenheim Bilbao Museum – 1997 BBC Children in Need – 1980 Hamiliton – 2015 Tate Modern – 1994 FIFA Women’s World Cup – 2019 London Olympic and Paralympic Games – 2012 Parkrun – 2004 Forest Green Rovers – 2010 Healthcare and Education: HIV antiretroviral therapy – Mid 1990s EPS Electronic Prescribing Service – 2013 Global Polio Eradication – 1988 HPV Vaccination – 2008 Human Genome Project – 1990-2003 In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – 1978 (first IVF baby born) Tackling Poverty in Renfrewshire Programme – 2014 Vaccine taskforce & development – 2020 Educating girls in the Swat Valley – 2013 Netherlands cycling revolution – 1970s Nepal earthquake response – 2015 Science and Nature: International Space Station – 1998 Howdon and Bran Sands Gas to Grid plants – 2012 Hubble Space Telescope – 1990 Kielder Reservoir – 1982 Large Hadron Collider – 2008 The Mars Perseverance Rover – 2020 Svalbard Global Seed Vault – 2008 The Eden Project – 2001 Cloning of Dolly the Sheep – 1996 The Voyager spacecraft programme – 1977 Technology: Amager Bakke – 2017 Global Positioning System (GPS) – 1973 The PACUNAM Lidar Initiative (discovery of Mayan cities) – 2016 Landsat – 1972 Raising the Mary Rose – 1982 The Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) – 2003 The Eurofighter Typhoon – 1983 Wikipedia – 2001 World Wide Web – 1989 SWIFT banking service – 1977 To see the full list of APMs ’50 Projects for a Better Future’ visit apm.org.uk/50projects
Sustainable biomass supplier and timber products specialist GMG Energy has made a strategic purchase of a substantial swathe of forest in the far north-east of Scotland to protect future supply and increase its resilience to market shocks. The resource-rich company, which originated on a farm in the Strath of Halladale in Sutherland, has acquired 400 acres of softwood-planted land at Quintfall Forest, towards the east coast south of John O’Groats. The forest contains 21,000 tonnes of productive timber, very roughly equivalent to 90,000 tree-sized logs. The sawmill at GMG Energy’s production facility currently processes in the region of 2,000 tonnes a year, meaning that the purchase has created security of supply for the foreseeable future. As a major plank of its business model, the company is committed to replacing every log of timber that it uses, and plants 10,000 new trees a year, which grow to maturity in 35 years. It far exceeded this target last year, planting in the region of 20,000 trees. Malcolm Morrison, Director of GMG Energy, said: “It has been our policy up until now to buy our raw materials on the open market, from established local suppliers, but this deal will ensure continuity of supply in an increasingly volatile environment. “Quintfall is just over 20 miles from our base of operation at Bighouse Farm, so it will not add to the road miles burden and the acquisition will chime with our wish to invest locally and provide a reliable resource for other local companies. “The purchase will not affect our ongoing planting programme, as replenishment is the key to sustainability, and we will continue to try to reduce our impact on the environment by not wasting any of the product with which we work.” At the same time as the Quintfall purchase, GMG Energy has invested £150,000 in state-of-the-art sawmill equipment which takes its larger timber and processes it into posts, rail, cladding and purlins, or structural roof members. It also plans a spend of in the region of £100,000 on timber treatment equipment which will open up new markets among construction companies and farm businesses which require treated and stress-tested products. Carbon-aware GMG Energy is also investigating the possibility creating heat and steam from wood waste to turn a turbine in order to self-generate the electricity it uses and to further minimise its environmental impact. GMG Energy is sited at Bighouse, where Mr Morrison’s Sutherland-born mother still lives in the farmhouse. The company increased turnover in the year to August 2021 to just over £2 million, up from £1.7 million the previous year.
Bullet Express, one of the UK’s fastest-growing logistics, distribution and storage businesses, has opened a new 67,000 sq ft logistics centre at Westway Park, Renfrew, Scotland’s largest fully enclosed industrial distribution and office park. The new logistics centre will see Bullet Express increase its storage and distribution capacity by 14%, creating job opportunities for warehouse and inventory personnel within the local area. The facility at Westway, which provides Bullet Express with easy access to the M8 and the new road link to Glasgow Airport, will have capacity for 12,000 pallets – 10,000 for racked storage and 2,000 for floor storage. The new facility in Renfrew is the latest addition to Bullet Express’ rapidly expanding network which includes: Bothwell, Express Pallet Centre and HQ totalling 200,000 sq/ft. – network distribution. Baillieston, flagship Storage Centre totalling 210,000 sq/ft. – racked and floor storage. London Road, Glasgow Storage Centre, totalling 32,000 sq/ft. – high-bay racked storage. Glespin, Storage Satellite, totalling 50,000 sq/ft. – floor storage. Established more than 30 years ago, Bullet Express is a full service logistics business with 150 employees providing a European road freight service, worldwide air and sea freight support and stacked storage for customers. Westway, owned by Canmoor and Ares Management Corporation (ARES) provides industrial, warehousing, distribution and office space for companies of all sizes across a number of industries. David McCutcheon, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Bullet Express, said: “With our expanding client base, we simply needed additional storage space to facilitate this demand and business growth. Our new centre at Westway offers quality secure space, along with good eaves height, which enables optimum storage space. “The location also offers excellent connectivity, particularly allowing for easy access to the M8 and the new road link to Glasgow Airport. “We are installing racking throughout the site to accommodate 12,000 pallets of which 10,000 will be racked storage and 2,000 floor storage.” Toby Saul, Asset Manager of Canmoor, added: “The new team was established in March this year and we are delighted to welcome Bullet Express as our first new occupier. “Bullet Express is an excellent addition to the quality occupier mix here at Westway and we wish David and the team every success with their expansion plans. “We will continue to asset manage the park and continue the ongoing investment programme, which includes the refurbishment of Block J and Unit G1, with further infrastructure improvements and projects to be announced shortly.”