One of the common problems faced by any company that transports goods regularly is the issue of safety and security. Most companies rely on their trucks for efficient operation since they’re known to be reliable and durable vehicles. However, with the increasing demand for goods transportation in the international arena,
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in Europe, is planning a £250 million speculative logistics development, which will include the UK’s largest-ever speculative logistics building, in Avonmouth, Bristol. The development, called Panattoni Park Avonmouth, will be located on a prime, 73-acre site, Central Park, which Panattoni has just acquired
HS2 recently announced the start of construction at the site of its first innovative ‘green tunnel’, designed to blend the high speed railway into the landscape and reduce disruption for communities. Unlike a normal underground tunnel, the one-and-a-half mile (2.5km) Chipping Warden green tunnel in Northamptonshire is being built on
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a site with the benefit of a full planning consent in the market town of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, to LNT Care Developments. Full planning permission was granted in September 2019 for the demolition of existing buildings on the circa
New research by Deepki, the ESG data intelligence firm, which surveyed 250 European pension fund managers* in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, with a combined AUM of €402 billion, shows that across different segments of the real estate sector, industrial properties such as warehouses and manufacturing sites lead
The site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote, the former Central England Co-op supermarket, will house confirmed names such as Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins once complete. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Hawkstone Vale Developments Ltd working
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by
The Fire Brigades Union has written to the government to demand it rethinks its decision to reject a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, on the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings. The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law
Global material supplier and supply chain solutions provider, thyssenkrupp Materials UK, has announced a new, long-term strategic partnership with Brickability Group PLC, a leading specialist in products and services for the UK construction sector. The two businesses are set to unveil a new balcony system, sold via Architectural Facades (part
One of the common problems faced by any company that transports goods regularly is the issue of safety and security. Most companies rely on their trucks for efficient operation since they’re known to be reliable and durable vehicles. However, with the increasing demand for goods transportation in the international arena, there’s also an increased need for load restraint equipment to ensure that cargoes remain secure while in transit. Many companies are vulnerable because of poor load restraint equipment in their cargoes. There are many ways to evade this challenge, including using chains, ropes, and lashing equipment. You can find out more about essential equipment for your cargoes, but, before that, here are some advantages of having them installed in your vehicle and how you can benefit from them: To Reduce The Chances Of A Cargo Falling Off The primary purpose of load restraint equipment is to reduce the chances of cargo falling off a vehicle during transportation. You can use load restraint equipment to secure cargo in vehicles, such as trucks or trailers. This way, you can be guaranteed safe transit no matter how long the journey is or rough the roads are. This allows you to keep up to promises and avoid disappointing clients. Without the equipment, you risk getting into an accident with the goods in the truck, which may cost you more and put your finances at risk. The Two Types Of Load Restraint Offer Different Abilities There are two types of restraints in the logistics and transportation industry—rigid and non-rigid. Rigid restraints offer more strength, providing greater vehicle and load integrity. In contrast, non-rigid restraints are best when transporting sensitive materials that you, your driver, and everyone in charge of delivery must handle cautiously. These are also known as soft tie-down straps and are usually made with woven fabric or webbing. These types of straps are typically easier to install than rigid restraints because they’re flexible and can be used on various vehicles. However, they also offer less strength, which means they’re not always ideal for heavier loads. Rigid cargo securement systems, on the one hand, use metal links and hooks to connect your cargo tie-downs into loops around your entire load area. They’re generally more expensive than their non-rigid counterparts, but offer superior protection from flexing under pressure. You can use them for items on board your trailer rigs, like lumber or any other heavy load. You can also use them if you’re moving construction items to construction sites. They’re more appropriate in ensuring utmost safety during the process and preventing any casualty that may complicate your work. They Allow Safe Transportation Load restraints are still used as anchors and sliding winches. However, some vehicles come with standard features that ensure you can safely and securely transport any item to any destination. You can hire an expert to help you install these tools in vehicles to make them safe for transportation. They’re available in different sizes, shapes, and forms. They also come with different weights, depending on your needs. These needs may range from transporting motorcycles, boats, cars, trucks, or livestock, among others. Note that even if you’re transporting glasses, you have non-rigid load restraints. All you need to ensure is that you choose the suitable material for your cargo and keep it in the appropriate place. You can ship these goods through rail or ocean routes— what matters is that your goods are well tied and fastened to the restraint materials. They Provide Extra Protection Even In Transit It’s essential to have quality load restraint equipment when you’re transporting goods because they provide your goods with extra protection while they’re in transit. The equipment will keep the load inside the truck intact and prevent it from sliding or shifting during transport. This will help ensure your cargo arrives at its destination sans any damage. Many types of quality load restraint equipment are available on the market today, including ratchet straps, tie-downs, cargo nets, and any other thing you need for an international shipment. Each type of product has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on what type of vehicle you plan on using for transportation purposes and the available space in the vehicle. Some products provide safety even if you bump into potholes; some don’t. You, therefore, need to be sure what loads you want to package, as well as the best restraint equipment that’s suitable for them. You may need to consider different options if you’re flying these goods across cities, states, or continents. Conclusion Load restraints help you easily secure your goods while transporting goods within a country or internationally. You get to fasten such products to your trucks or trailers, and have them reach their destinations without any damage. The key to doing this effectively is knowing which load restraint is necessary for your requirements.
Panattoni, the largest logistics real estate developer in Europe, is planning a £250 million speculative logistics development, which will include the UK’s largest-ever speculative logistics building, in Avonmouth, Bristol. The development, called Panattoni Park Avonmouth, will be located on a prime, 73-acre site, Central Park, which Panattoni has just acquired in an off-market deal. Panattoni will commence speculative development of 1.3 million sq ft of consented space in two units of 406,000 sq ft and 882,000 sq ft, which will be the UK’s largest-ever single speculative logistics building. Panattoni expects to start construction shortly, with the intention of completing the development in the third quarter of 2023. Panattoni Park Avonmouth is strategically positioned for local and national distribution via the M32, M48, M49, M4 and M5 motorways. Major occupiers in the area, include Amazon, The Range, Lidl, DHL, Tesco and Davies Turner. James Watson, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Our new acquisition gives us the ability to deliver large-scale speculative units in an established logistics location. UK stock remains at an all-time low at a time when Bristol and the wider south-west and south-east markets are experiencing their strongest take-up for many years”. Agents for Panattoni Park Avonmouth are DTRE, JLL & Colliers.
HS2 recently announced the start of construction at the site of its first innovative ‘green tunnel’, designed to blend the high speed railway into the landscape and reduce disruption for communities. Unlike a normal underground tunnel, the one-and-a-half mile (2.5km) Chipping Warden green tunnel in Northamptonshire is being built on the surface using a pioneering off-site manufacturing approach to speed up construction and improve efficiency. This approach will see more than five thousand giant concrete tunnel segments made in a factory in Derbyshire before being assembled on site. The completed tunnel will then be covered by earth, with trees, shrubs and hedgerows planted to fit in with the surrounding countryside. Chipping Warden is one of five ‘green tunnels’ that are being built on phase one of the HS2 project, which is designed to improve links between London, Birmingham and the north, help level-up the economy and provide a low carbon alternative to car and air travel. Applying lessons from the construction of the latest French high speed lines, the off-site approach was developed by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall. The tunnel segments are being made by Stanton Precast in Ilkeston Derbyshire as part of a contract which is set to create up to 100 local jobs. HS2 Ltd’s Project Client Rohan Perin, said: “The Chipping Warden green tunnel is a great example of what we’re doing to reduce disruption for people living close to the railway – and it’s fantastic to see the first arches in position. “Our trains will be powered by zero carbon electricity but it’s also important to reduce the amount of carbon embedded in construction. The off-site manufacturing techniques being used will help cutting the overall amount of carbon-intensive concrete and steel in the tunnel and make the whole process faster, more efficient and therefore less disruptive for the community.” Designed as an m-shaped double arch, the tunnel will have separate halves for southbound and northbound trains – each one the height of two double-decker buses. Instead of casting the whole tunnel on site, five different concrete precast segments will be slotted together to achieve the double arch – one central pier, two side walls and two roof slabs. All 5,020 segments will be steel reinforced, with the largest weighing up to 43 tonnes. Concrete and steel are some of the biggest sources of carbon emissions within the construction industry and by reducing the amount of both materials needed for the tunnel, this lighter-weight modular approach is expected to more than halve the amount of carbon embedded in the structure. It also requires less people and equipment on site, improving safety and reducing disruption for residents. EKFB’s Project Manager, Jeremie Martin, said: “Seeing the first set of precast units being installed is a milestone that the whole team is very proud of. This three-year construction programme will benefit from off-site manufacturing making the green tunnel build more efficient than the traditional on-site building method. “The HS2 green tunnels are a first of its kind in the UK. We have designed them as a twin arch ‘M’ shape which is more efficient than the standard box structure, reducing the amount of concrete required, which is a great example of how innovative engineering design can reduce carbon impact.” The tunnel will be built in sections, with construction expected to be complete in 2024. A relief road has also recently been completed, which will take HS2 vehicles – and other local traffic – away from the centre of the village of Chipping Warden. This will later be extended, to take the A361 over the top of the green tunnel. Similar green tunnels will also be built at nearby Greatworth as well as Wendover in Buckinghamshire and Burton Green in Warwickshire, stretching for a combined total of more than four miles. The tunnels will all have specially designed ‘porous portals’ at either end to reduce the noise of trains entering and exiting the tunnel, along with small portal buildings to house safety and electrical equipment. Tailored landscaping design plans will be developed for each tunnel, with thousands of native trees and shrubs typical to the local area such as Silver Birch, Oak, Beech and Willow planted to create new woodland areas around the portals and recreate the hedgerows and field boundaries on top of the tunnel. All 13,290 segments for Chipping Warden, Greatworth and Wendover are being made by Derbyshire-based Stanton Precast Ltd, in a deal that is set to create up to 100 jobs at their Ilkeston factory – an increase in their workforce of around 50%. New production sheds, casting and storage areas are also being built at the factory to accommodate the new work.
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a site with the benefit of a full planning consent in the market town of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, to LNT Care Developments. Full planning permission was granted in September 2019 for the demolition of existing buildings on the circa 1.3-acre site as well as the erection of a new 78-bedroom care home in one three-storey block. Situated in a highly visible roadside location, the consented care development is close to Nuneaton town centre and is well placed to benefit from desirable community amenities and public transport connections. The site was previously owned by Linden Homes, and has now been sold to LNT Care Developments, the largest provider of carbon-zero, affordable and high-quality care homes in the UK. Plans have been submitted to Nuneaton and Bedworth County Council for a care home development comprising 66 beds with social spaces including a cinema room, health and beauty facilities, garden room, and café bar. External features include attractively landscaped gardens to enhance wellbeing whilst boosting the ecological value with use of pollinating, habitat friendly sensory planting. The building is designed to be resource and energy efficient with a key aim of generating the majority of the care home’s energy needs on-site using solar power and ground source heating. Speaking on behalf of LNT Group, Land Director, Keeley Sharp, comments, “LNT Care Developments is delighted to have acquired this scheme in Nuneaton, adding to an established and emerging pipeline of sites across the Midlands and in line with our strategy to continue to address the shortfall in quality care provision across the UK. Detailed planning has been submitted for a 66-bedroom care home, providing outstanding accommodation with fully en-suite bedrooms, spacious communal areas, and state-of-the-art amenities with a planned construction commencement September 2022.” Sara Hartill, Business Agent – Healthcare Development at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comments, “A care home development site in this location is well suited to the needs of future residents and will integrate well into the town as a vital community asset where there was a demonstrable need for a new, purpose-built care home.” David Charles of Linden Homes added, “We are delighted that LNT acquired the site and plan to develop a care home for the elderly which is much needed in the area and we look forward to seeing the site develop.” The Nuneaton site was sold for an undisclosed price.
New research by Deepki, the ESG data intelligence firm, which surveyed 250 European pension fund managers* in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, with a combined AUM of €402 billion, shows that across different segments of the real estate sector, industrial properties such as warehouses and manufacturing sites lead the way when it comes to ESG performance. The report asked respondents to rate the performance of eight commercial property sectors. Two thirds (62%) rated the ESG performance of the industrial sector as good or very good, followed by leisure (61%), and retail (60%). This compares to logistics and office real estate which had the lowest ‘positive’ rating of 47% and 44% respectively. The full analysis is included in the table below: Sector Very poor Poor Average Good Very good Total ‘positive’ Industrial 9% 10% 19% 24% 38% 62% Leisure 3% 10% 26% 33% 28% 61% Retail 11% 10% 19% 37% 23% 60% Care homes 8% 14% 25% 33% 20% 53% Social housing 7% 10% 30% 36% 17% 53% Hotels 6% 11% 31% 34% 18% 52% Logistics 8% 15% 30% 26% 21% 47% Office 1% 17% 38% 29% 15% 44% Commenting on the research findings, Vincent Bryant, CEO and Co-founder of Deepki, said: “Pension funds are becoming highly active when it comes to improving the ESG performance of their assets, and commercial real estate is no exception. Sectors such as industrial and leisure are already performing well, albeit with room for improvement. Deepki is seeing significant demand from institutional investors keen to get an accurate picture of the ESG performance of their assets and ensure they are on a path to net zero.” Founded in 2014, Deepki’s SaaS platform helps real estate investors, owners and managers improve the ESG performance of their real estate assets, and in the process enhance their value. The real estate sector is currently responsible for around 40% of the Earth’s carbon emissions, and has a clear target of reaching net zero by 2050 – a goal set by the World Green Building Council Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. More than $5 trillion of investment[1] is needed each year to decarbonise the built environment and ensure the real estate sector can meet its commitment to meet the net zero target by 2050. Deepki estimates that the value of the monitoring and analytics market required to achieve this goal will be worth $5 to $10 billion by 2025, with year-on-year growth of 20%. The SaaS platform enables clients to collect ESG data, get a comprehensive overview of their portfolio’s ESG performance, establish investment plans to reach Net Zero, and assess results. It also allows users to report to key stakeholders. The platform is supported by carbon and ESG experts who partner with clients across data collection and analysis, through to ESG strategy definition and implementation. Now with over 150 employees, offices in five European capitals and operating in over 38 countries, Deepki has become the global leader in ESG and data intelligence solutions for environmental transition in the commercial real estate sector, with more than 500 million m² – almost five times the area of Paris – under management. To date, Deepki has saved over 180,000 equivalent tonnes of CO₂ across its client base. For further information about Deepki’s end-to-end solutions, visit: www.deepki.com [1] Vivid Economics
The site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote, the former Central England Co-op supermarket, will house confirmed names such as Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins once complete. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Hawkstone Vale Developments Ltd working with Central England Co-op to construct a major new retail Park development in Tamworth. The £22m development situated on Ninian Way and to be known as Tame Retail and Trade Park is the site of the former Co-op supermarket which is being fully regenerated into a significant new retail and trade park. Demolition works are progressing and site preparation is already underway onsite. Construction is expected to take 52 weeks with the new development expected to be open by March 2023. The huge new outlet has already signed up a number of well-known brands and retailers including Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins. Speaking about the appointment GMI Divisional Managing Director Andy Bruce said: “This significant new development looks set to breathe new life into what was a redundant site and serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area creating new and substantial local employment and a brand-new trade and retail destination. GMI are very active currently in the Midlands working on a number of high-profile projects across multiple sectors including retail, industrial/logistics, residential, office/mixed use and manufacturing with an order book currently valued at £150M. We look forward to working closely with both Hawkstone and Central England Co-op and seeing the development rise out of the ground which when complete will be one of the Midlands premier retail and trade park destinations. Also commenting Andrew Kirton, Managing Director of Hawkstone Vale, added: “It is great to see the work on the development progressing and the new development starting to take shape. We are delighted to have attracted Lidl, B&M and Travis Perkins for the retail and trade element of the Scheme, with Starbucks, Greggs and Subway providing the food and beverage offer. We are confident this 80,000 sq ft development will help provide a great boost to the local economy and create hundreds of jobs for the local community in these uncertain times. GMI are already making great progress onsite and come with an exceptional pedigree in the delivery of high quality retail and trade park developments of this scale. Together with Central England Co-op we look forward to forging an excellent partnership. A spokesperson for Central England Co-op added: “We’re delighted to see GMI Construction Group PLC join the project at our former supermarket site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote to help create this exciting development and create a legacy for the local community, creating new and substantial local employment and a brand new trade and retail destination. “GMI have an excellent reputation in the industry for delivering successful and high-quality retail and trade developments on a similar scale to that planned for Ninian Way and we’re excited to be working with them on this project. “We would like to thank locals for their patience through this process and as construction works continue and we look forward to seeing this new future for the site come to life in the coming months.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain issues, aside from waiting for the worst to pass, PermaGroup has continued to follow its unique approach to ensure customers are still catered for. Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaGroup, said: “I’m proud of the way we have responded as a company to the stock shortages, which have been an issue since early 2020. We’ve taken decisive action to support our customers and stayed flexible to allow us to respond quickly to the changing circumstances.” Having implemented a three-pronged approach at the start of the crisis, involving purchasing in bulk, establishing CPD seminars to upskill individuals and rewarding customer loyalty, PermaGroup’s strategy has paid off, reaching all of its key KPIs, and exceeding many, in the first four months of the year. The first quarter of 2022 also saw PermaGroup expand its board, welcoming new investment and expertise to support and bolster the company’s ambitious plans for growth and strengthen its leadership team – safeguarding the business’ future. Adrian added: “Recently, I made the decision to sell some of my shareholding to a private equity company and bring on new board members – something that had always been part of my plans when I became MD. Now was the perfect time to implement this, as it has allowed us to reset targets, adapt our strategy and prepare confidently for the coming years.” James Wooster, director of Owner Venture Managers, the additional shareholder alongside Adrian, said:” PermaGroup is an innovative business and I’m eager to join the board to support its future success as it continues to grow from strength to strength to service more customers than ever before. Adrian’s remarkable leadership has seen it thrive, despite the challenges of the past couple of years, and it’s a journey I’m excited to be on.” Adrian added: “The coming year is full of possibilities for us and, as we look ahead, I want to continue delivering the best possible solutions to our customers, no matter the obstacles. As a business, this is our number one priority and, with several potential acquisitions on the horizon, alongside the introduction of a southern and northern base as well, there’s a lot to look forward to.” To find out more about PermaGroup, visit: www.permaroof.co.uk/permagroup. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by property developer The Investment Room as works commence on site to launch phase two of Bradford’s landmark residential development – The Printworks. Comprising of137 newly built luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments, the build follows the completion of phase one – the conversion of a listed building known as ‘Card House’. Occupying a highly sought-after affluent location within the city of Bradford, The Printworks is to be built upon the site that was formally home to WN Sharpe of Bradford and later, Hallmark Cards. The apartments will provide potential buyers with well-appointed living, featuring spacious, larger than average accommodation and high-quality fixtures and fittings – with homeowners also benefitting from onsite parking including EV charging ports and visitors parking bays, spacious communal courtyards and a Costa Coffee shop. The development marks a flurry of inbound investment into the city, with property prices in Bradford set to double within the next five years* – offering great opportunity to savvy investors searching for strong yields and affordable pricing amidst a post covid property price boom. The Printworks has been welcomed by local councillors who are keen to meet the increased demand for housing due to rising numbers of people moving to the area. Benjamin Hunter, CEO of LH1 London, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside The Investment Room to bring this landmark development for Bradford to market. The development is a remarkable project and will be a real asset to the city. “We are also really pleased for the people of Bradford receiving the much-deserved accolade ‘City of Culture for 2025’. This reflects not only their truly diverse culture but also the City’s willingness to create opportunities for all. Bradford can now expect considerable inbound investment and huge growth in Employment which will only fuel the requirement for high quality property in the area. We see Bradford as the Jewel of The Northern Powerhouse and this award is testament to that. “We have already seen increasing demand and interest in the build following the success of phase one, and would encourage international buyers and local owner-occupiers to take note of the opportunity here. Bradford, being one of the largest cities in the UK housing over 500,000 people, is becoming a growing investment opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. This is where Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool were a few years ago.” Councillor Love, The Lord Mayor of Bradford, commented: “The scheme will create 385 flats and preserve the iconic character of the Art Deco style Grade ll listed building Sharps Card Factory (known as Hallmark House). “The proposed works to the listed building are considered to largely protect its heritage significance, and the development would deliver a substantial provision to meet the district’s housing need”. Lee Jones, Director at The Investment Room, added: “Having successfully sold all of the 144 apartments in the first phase of the development in record time, I am extremely proud to have broken ground on the second phase of The Printworks. The positive feedback and sentiments from the local residents and buyers alike has been encouraging. It is refreshing to see that our respect for the immense heritage of the existing buildings, whilst also utilising the rest of this large brownfield site through high quality new apartments, has been widely recognised and partnering with LH1 to sell the apartments to the owner occupier market as well as selected investors makes this site even more special”. Work at The Printworks is underway, and the anticipated practical completion is Q3 2023. LH1 London is the UK’s leading global developer sales and marketing partner for off plan, off market property and work on a range of developments in major cities throughout the UK including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Luton, and London commutable regions. To find out more about The Printworks email: info@lh1.london. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
The Fire Brigades Union has written to the government to demand it rethinks its decision to reject a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, on the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings. The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to prepare personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)” for all disabled residents. But last month the government rejected the recommendation and revealed downgraded plans, which have been roundly criticised including by Grenfell campaigners and disability rights campaigners. The government had promised to implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one recommendations “in full”, of which this is one. In a letter to Lord Greenhalgh dated 6 June 2022, Minister of State for Building Safety, Fire and Communities, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary wrote [abridged]: “The FBU was disappointed with the Westminster government’s decision to downgrade work towards ensuring residents with disabilities are provided with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) “The [government] statement claims that implementation would involve significant issues with practicality, proportionality and safety. The FBU argues that resident safety is paramount, so there is a greater safety issue in declining to implement PEEPs. As for proportionality, the Inquiry has found the introduction of PEEPs to be a proportionate strategy, and the FBU agrees. “Some reasons given for the refusal seem poorly evidenced, for example stating that if a PEEP advised the purchase of an evacuation chair, there would be an “impact on the good relations between disabled residents and non-disabled residents if disproportionate costs were passed on to the latter. Building owners should carry the costs.” “The government’s decision is a negative, backward step, and the FBU stands with disability campaigners, the Grenfell campaign groups and the LGA in asking you to reconsider.” 15 out of 37 disabled Grenfell Tower residents lost their lives in the fire. The union represents the vast majority of the hundreds of firefighters and fire control staff who were involved in the Grenfell response.For more information, interviews or further comment please contact Ben Duncan-Duggal on ben.duncan-duggal@fbu.org.uk or 07825635224 Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Global material supplier and supply chain solutions provider, thyssenkrupp Materials UK, has announced a new, long-term strategic partnership with Brickability Group PLC, a leading specialist in products and services for the UK construction sector. The two businesses are set to unveil a new balcony system, sold via Architectural Facades (part of the Brickability Group), that will benefit our customers across the industry in the coming months. With the COVID-19 pandemic reshaping the housing market, there has been a significant increase in demand for apartment buildings with private outdoor spaces, especially in built-up locations such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, the North-West and Scotland. Over the last year, prospective buyers, particularly first-time buyers, have been looking for apartments with either a shared garden or balcony space as a must-have feature. Paul Hamilton, Group Chief Operating Officer at Brickability Group PLC said: “We are very much looking forward to adding this new product to our portfolio. As a progressive business with over 30 companies working within the construction sector, we have an in depth understanding of the needs of the industry. Therefore, we have designed the next generation of balconies that will improve lead times and time spent on-site, whilst providing exceptional curb appeal and functionality. Entering the market with an experienced partner in the manufacturing of lightweight MMC balconies and fabrication services such as thyssenkrupp Materials UK, is further ensuring the superior quality, traceability and sustainability of our product.” In 2020, thyssenkrupp Materials UK opened a new, paperless factory dedicated to its fabrication services. The facility has been producing specialist balconies since and has set a high standard for quality of products as well as full digital traceability. This was possible through the company’s vast expertise in materials, particularly aluminium extrusion, from which the balconies are being manufactured. Using a modern blend of exclusively non-combustible materials, that are also fully recyclable, allows the company to reduce weight and increase strength and carbon savings. Adrian Palmer, Head of Operations at thyssenkrupp Materials UK, said: “We are proud to partner with the leader in the construction industry, Brickability Group PLC, on this innovative product. We are looking forward to introducing the new balconies to our fabrication site, as this fits perfectly with our long-term vision of supporting the construction and architectural sector in the most efficient and sustainable ways. The market will also benefit from our strategically central location, allowing streamlined logistics and fast delivery.”