bdc magazine

Tips for Styling Glam Dining Tables

Glam dining tables set the mood for an elegant dining experience in any home. It’s important to surround the table with complementary accents to achieve a luxurious look and feel. There are several ways to bring class and sophistication into your dining room, whether you’re adding a new rug or

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The Importance Of Green Areas In Housing Developments 

Property development companies are always keen to extract as much space from a development plot as possible. This will inevitably mean covering as much of the area in housing as they can. The reason for this is fairly obvious; the more houses available, the more they can sell. Thus, the

Read More »

How To Add Charm To The Outside Of Your Buildings 

It is critical to the first impression that your property creates that you work on improving the charm of your home or business premises’ outside. Second, the vast majority of exterior improvements also have the additional benefit of increasing your home’s energy efficiency. It follows that it has the potential

Read More »

A Review: Laguna Tools Range

Computer numerical control (CNC ) tools are high-precision, machining instruments generally used in manufacturing plastic and metal parts. One of the go-to CNC tool brands increasing in popularity nowadays is Laguna Tools. This range of CNC tools is comprised of band saws, jointers, and quality panel saws. This article covers

Read More »

CPW APPOINTS ACOUSTICS EXPERTS TO HEAD UP BRAND-NEW DEPARTMENT

INTERNATIONAL M&E consultancy CPW has further expanded its operations and appointed two accomplished acousticians. Jon Willmott now heads up the newly formed acoustics department, with the support of senior acoustics consultant James Large, in order to meet the growing demand across multiple sectors for acoustic input. Jon, who has been

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Handover of landmark housing project in Staffordshire

Homes Plus, a leading provider of affordable homes has completed a landmark £3.2 million project in a Staffordshire village that aims to provide high quality, retirement living for older people. The purpose-built complex in Kinver offers 20 modern, spacious, self-contained apartments with extensive communal facilities, including an attractive rooftop terrace,

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7 FIGURE BOILER BUSINESS BUILDER TWO-DAY EVENT

Since 2018, Peterborough-based Trade Mastermind has helped hundreds of construction businesses to achieve exceptional success and growth. Under the guidance of Trade Mastermind’s CEO Joseph Valente, and the former winner of BBC’s The Apprentice, the entrepreneur uses his vast business knowledge to teach construction business owners how to scale-up. After

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

bdc magazine

Tips for Styling Glam Dining Tables

Glam dining tables set the mood for an elegant dining experience in any home. It’s important to surround the table with complementary accents to achieve a luxurious look and feel. There are several ways to bring class and sophistication into your dining room, whether you’re adding a new rug or installing an intriguing chandelier. Here are some tips to help you create a glamorous dining experience. Furniture One of the most important style elements to accompany your dining room table is the surrounding furniture. Once you’ve chosen the right table, decide which chairs fit best with your overall design scheme. Choose high back chairs with rich colored upholstery in velvet or leather for a classic look. If you’re into more modern designs, go with an elegant industrial look by choosing acrylic chairs with sparkly metal legs. To accent your table, consider purchasing a matching buffet piece or add a bar cart to showcase your cocktail accessories and glassware. To complete the look, consider how the surrounding seating complements your dining table setup. While dining chairs are the natural choice, mixing in stylish accent pieces like upholstered chairs for living room can create a more eclectic and glamorous vibe. This not only adds comfort but also brings a sense of continuity between your dining and living spaces, making the overall design feel cohesive and intentional. Main Lighting Hanging a sophisticated light fixture above the center of your dining table makes the room stand out. Chandeliers come in an assortment of styles and are made from several different materials. A crystal chandelier has been a staple in wealthy homes for centuries and creates a timeless aesthetic. Modern light fixtures made of metal can often look like a work of art and become great conversation pieces. Select a minimalist style light fixture if you’d like to keep the focus on other features of the dining room. Table Accents Adorning your dining room table with glam accents might be the easiest way to add a touch of class and sophistication. Splurge on luxury flatware and dinnerware to impress your guests at dinner parties. Choose gold- or silver-plated items and set them against placemats or a table runner made from luxurious fabrics. A large centerpiece of fresh flowers effortlessly ties the whole look together and provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone sharing a meal at the table. Room Décor The dining room is the perfect place to show off an art collection. Hang interesting pieces around the room to create visual interest and spark up conversations. Depending on the overall style of the room, choose either classic or modern pieces to complement the aesthetic. Add wall sconces or candles to enhance the main lighting and add more warmth to the space. When entertaining guests, don’t forget to set the mood with some classy music. Consider adding a record player to the dining room and play some vintage jazz records to enhance the atmosphere. Rug Adding a plush rug underneath your dining room table is an easy way to glam things up. Classic oriental rugs are a timeless home luxury staple and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Choose a rug with an interesting texture or thick fur to offset an industrial style room. When selecting a dining room rug, consider one that’s easy to maintain and clean in case there are any spills or stains.

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The Importance Of Green Areas In Housing Developments 

Property development companies are always keen to extract as much space from a development plot as possible. This will inevitably mean covering as much of the area in housing as they can. The reason for this is fairly obvious; the more houses available, the more they can sell. Thus, the more money is made from the housing development.  However, it is vitally important that green areas aren’t neglected when developing new housing estates. While the intention could be to provide as many new homes as possible, it is often better to sacrifice some plots for green patches of land instead. From here, these green areas can be turned into a communal park or garden for residents to enjoy. Developers can even give the new residents a few options or ask for suggestions as to what to do with it. Even something as simple as a green open field to walk dogs or play sports will be beneficial for the wider community.  In fact, green areas in property developments are becoming more and more important to implement. Why? Let’s find out. Entice families to the development The majority of people purchasing homes in a new housing development will be families. People are looking for a new place to live and settle down with their children. Or, they have kids on the way and foresee this new housing estate as a great place to watch them grow up.  Consequently, having green areas can attract families to your property development. You are showing that there are places within this housing estate for kids to go outside and play. For parents, this is so important as it means they can properly imagine their children living here, playing with neighbours, etc.  Not only that, but nearby green areas can also attract families with pets, giving them a close place to take dogs for a walk. It is simply a more attractive proposition to live somewhere with a few wide open spaces than it is to live in a housing development full of other buildings and nothing else.  It’s good for the environment Property developers need to think about the consequences of building new houses and the impact this has on the environment. Therefore, implementing some green spaces can be beneficial for the planet. It reduces the amount of building materials used, cutting the carbon footprint of the whole operation.  Of course, the key is to use eco-friendly materials when nurturing these green spaces – such as chicken manure to help the soil become healthy and grow luscious green grass. Planting trees and other plants in the green areas can also be a way to combat a lot of the timber than might be used to build the houses.  Effectively, these green spaces can be a way to give back to the environment and minimise thenegative impact your property development has had.  Whichever way you look at it, green areas are becoming a crucial element of housing developments. No longer can property developers fill the land with buildings and more buildings. Space needs to be left for green places to flourish!

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How To Add Charm To The Outside Of Your Buildings 

It is critical to the first impression that your property creates that you work on improving the charm of your home or business premises’ outside. Second, the vast majority of exterior improvements also have the additional benefit of increasing your home’s energy efficiency. It follows that it has the potential to generate a significant return on investment. For people who may be thinking about selling their buildings and relocating in the near future, it is crucial to emphasize how most of these improvements will raise the resale value of their buildings. Overall, adding character to the exterior of your home or business premises is an intelligent decision that will benefit you in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples of how to go about it. Renovate the exterior of your property. Those ready to invest in enhancing the exterior of their property will find that rebuilding their façade is a wise decision. There are a plethora of various concepts to experiment with here. For example, you might simply repaint it or make a more considerable investment to give it a more textured appearance. Keep in mind that the façade of your commercial property or home and the rest of your property must be complementary to one another. As a result, attempt to imagine the full end result. Make sure your roof is in excellent condition. Another item to think about is whether or not to invest in restoring your roof. Even though this is a costly improvement, it may be the best time to consider it at this point. Why? As a result, there is less demand for roofing workers and materials than ever been. The roof covering market had a 20% decline due to COVID-19. Price decreases as a result of a reduction in demand, which is why, by the time you have planned everything and completed your budgeting, costs may have fallen into the range you consider acceptable. Aside from being a beautiful addition to your building’s façade, it also serves as a functional enhancement that keeps your property safe while also increasing its energy efficiency. Using High-Pressure cleaning Next, you might want to think about having your façade pressure washed. It is a low-cost, high-efficiency method that consistently produces the intended output. Simply put, renting a pressure washer is relatively inexpensive, especially if you just need it for a day, and it can remove years and even decades of filth from the walls of your property. Take into consideration the fact that your walls are not the only item you may clean. In the meantime, you might consider washing the driveway with the pressure washer that you have on hand. Using a high-pressure washer on the concrete can be really effective. Also, it is for this reason that it is a good idea to wash the sidewalk in front of your property. Rendering and cladding  In terms of boosting the appeal of your business premises exterior, this is one of the more expensive options you may consider. However, it also makes it more resistant to weather conditions such as rain, hail, and snow. The spectacular results last for years and years after you have completed that task once. Different building rendering techniques are available, each with its own set of advantages and downsides. Each rendering has a significant impact on the exterior of your property, which is another issue to bear in mind. Traditional cement rendering is one of the most cost-effective solutions available, but it is also one of the most productive. If you already have it and it is looking less than perfect, See Brilliance can make a huge difference. New windows  Replacement of your external windows should also be on your list of considerations. Before you start, you need to be aware of two crucial points. First and foremost, replacing windows is a necessary expense, but it is an investment that will pay for itself over time. Installing new windows can save you hundreds  each year on your energy bills. However, this is dependent on the total energy efficiency of your home as well as the temperature of the surrounding area. Also noteworthy will be the general image that your property will also leave on visitors will be noteworthy. With the old-fashioned windows remaining in place, a new façade will not be nearly as stunning as it could be.

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What are Entry Level Construction Jobs and is There Career Progression in the Industry?

The construction industry is one of the world’s largest and most economically important sectors, employing millions of people and generating trillions of dollars in revenues each year. Because of this, it’s often seen as an attractive option for anyone who wants to get into a profession that will have a consistent demand for their skills, and a good amount of portability and flexibility to go along with it. If you’re considering a job in construction, but you don’t know where to get started, or what opportunities for advancements there are, here’s an overview of the basics to bring you up to speed. All-purpose laborers For a lot of workers in construction, their first experience of the industry is as an unspecialized manual laborer or operative. Duties can vary wildly, from handling materials and tools to putting finishing touches to projects already in progress. You may need only a basic license to fulfill this type of role, and many laborers have only temporary contracts with their employers. This is why it is sensible to take construction training programs via services like Construction Ready. You’ll need the right training and qualifications to take any career in this industry to the next level, and move beyond the often restrictive and unstable world of casual laboring. Painting & decorating Preparing the interior of domestic or business premises after the bulk of the construction has finished is a mixture of science and art. Designs need to be followed, and there is room for creative flair alongside the more rigid, manual aspects of applying paint and fulfilling other decorative needs. This is another type of job which can be carried out by newcomers, and yet also has opportunities for progression for those that take up training and apprenticeships to hone their skills and make themselves more valuable to prospective employers. Maintenance While new construction projects are increasingly common, another huge aspect of the industry is the maintenance of existing buildings. This can require a different set of skills, but still means that you need to be ready for a decent amount of manual labor, as well as being good with your hands and equipped with decent problem-solving faculties. Maintenance in construction can involve everything from hanging doors and repairing flooring to fixing leaky roofs and even full-blown carpentry. Plenty of people who begin a career in maintenance-related roles will start out working for others, and then eventually strike out on their own, starting a business which they are responsible for running. This reveals the additional flexibility of getting an entry-level construction job; while you can simply tread water year after year, there are also opportunities to take the bull by the horns and achieve your own progression if you have an entrepreneurial spirit as well as the skills and know-how to serve clients well. Transport Getting materials to and from construction sites is key in order to ensure that projects are completed on time and to budget. Thus a lot of the people employed in this industry work as part of the transport operations, without necessarily needing to get stuck into the construction work itself. Of course, there are skills to learn and qualifications to acquire in order to forge ahead with a career in transport. To drive the highest capacity vehicles and operate the machinery for loading and unloading materials, for example, is not something you can do with a basic license. Transport skills and qualifications acquired in construction are also completely transferable if you want to work in other forms of transport later on, such as long-distance haulage. So as you can see, there is career progression to be had in all manner of construction roles, and opportunities aplenty for people of different dispositions.

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A Review: Laguna Tools Range

Computer numerical control (CNC ) tools are high-precision, machining instruments generally used in manufacturing plastic and metal parts. One of the go-to CNC tool brands increasing in popularity nowadays is Laguna Tools. This range of CNC tools is comprised of band saws, jointers, and quality panel saws. This article covers the features and uses of the Laguna Tools range. By learning about their functions, you’ll be able to choose the ones appropriate for your industrial projects.  Drum Sander Laguna’s drum sanders are classified into different types, including 16-32 and 19-38. They have a simple alignment feature, with only a nut aligning the sanding head, so the conveyor-sanding head alignment becomes fast and easy. These tools are ideal for sanding wooden boards and planks to produce consistent thickness and smooth surfaces. What’s more, they’re a great solution to hardwood floor problems, such as protrusions, grooves and pits, and deep discoloration.   In addition, the tool’s height adjustment mechanism and handle-and-nut position prevent it from being out of alignment. Other features of Laguna’s drum sanders include the following: load-based conveyor speed adjustment excellent grip for raw wood high prevention of overlaps self-cooling drum reduced set-up time Band Saw Laguna’s band saws are suitable for cutting irregular shapes. Apart from cutting irregular shapes, they’re used for tearing lumber into thinner slabs or resawing. With the right blade, they can even cut other materials, such as metal. They have an average of a 115-inch blade, ideal for cutting thick lumber and curves, like in developing cabriole legs. Their wide table tilt allows for more precise crosscutting of short pieces. The band saws also have dust ports for a manageable dust collection, as well as these great features: quick-release tension ceramic guides magnetic blade guard cast iron wheels 12-inch resaw Planer Available in two configurations—7.5 HP single-phase or 10 HP three-phase—the easy-to-install planer comes with a six-row carbide cutterhead. Its T-step design prevents knife cracking, leading to a superior wood finish despite maximum hardwood solidity. It has four-sided carbide insert knives for better planing performance. Moreover, this tool contains deep grooves that minimize noise and enhance shaving. They feature a segmented infeed roller that allows simultaneous cutting of pieces with thickness variations. It has an electronic variable speed as well, which slows down or speeds up the process, depending on the user’s preference. Other features of the tool include: ergonomic control panel four-post bed support six-inch pull-out extension enhanced dust collection In terms of purpose, a planer is used for smoothing out a rough surface or reducing its thickness. It’s a common tool that cabinet makers and carpenters rely on. You can even use it for DIY projects. For instance, if you have misaligned floorboards, you can fix them with a planer. One more practical application of the planer is trimming the bottom of the door, so you can open and close the door easily.  Jointer In contrast to the traditional cone design, the Laguna jointer includes a T-shoulder, which prevents insert damage. It has a six-row carbide insert cutterhead and parallelogram table adjustments that help produce better flat edges. It features a knee-height emergency stop too for stopping the machine quickly in case of accidents, maximizing safety when using industrial tools. Besides these features, the jointer boasts an ergonomic body design that allows the user to work closely with the table. It’s built with flip-down fences for a more intricate performance. You can install an LED work light and power-feeding because of the built-in bracket and outlet. A jointer is used to level out cupped boards and create one face of a board and one adjacent edge that’s square and straight. Applications of this tool include fitting doors for furniture or cabinets and making tapered legs for desks and tables.   Lathe This machining tool contains two control panels, making its use more manageable. It has a 3HP motor that fuels its consistent workpiece rotation as the user removes the unwanted parts of the metal or wood. It offers a self-ejecting tailstock quill, a variable frequency drive, and other useful features: 38-inch max outboard swing 19 ¾-inch swing-over banjo 3/8-inch through-bore 12-inch tool rest poly-groove drive belt Shaper If you’re into door-making and similar projects, you may consider using a Laguna classic shaper. This tool takes pride in its high-powered motor and top-precision fence. It comes in different spindle sizes, such as ¾-inch and one ¼-inch types, and includes router collets. But that’s not all—the shaper has other features: table T-slot flat poly-groove belt built-in wheel system four-inch under nut capacity Industrial Dust Collector To keep your industrial workspace decluttered, you can install a dust collector. This tool boasts a 5 HP motor that powers the machine to suck in any particulate matter in your area. It’s designed with 10-inch-port cyclones and an extensive diameter pipe system. Additionally, it has smart drums with fill-up indicators that alert the user when it reaches full capacity and comes with a timer-controlled canister cleaning. Lastly, it has 16-inch steel fans and impellers and plastic drum collection bags for optimal results. Belt Sander The single-belt metal belt sander is perfect for leveling surfaces, such as replacement boards for your hardwood floors. You can use a belt sander in finishing metal parts.  This tool has a 25- to 37-inch machine width, electronic table elevation control, and one-HP feed speed. It features three dust ports, two-speed settings, and 1720 revolutions per minute (RPM). It also offers the following: programmable logic control sanding belt oscillation motor break table-lifting motor Sliding Panel Saw The 7.5 HP motor, 16-inch blade, and 126-inch anodized aluminum table make this sliding panel saw a standout. The tool comes with an adjustable wheel that makes sideways movement easy. With its 51-inch rip fence, it can cut perfect straight edges and various wide strips. It consists of a five-inch dust collection hookup, micro-adjustment for fine-tuning, and T-handle through cast stop scoring adjustment. To boot, it has an ergonomic design, a hold-down clamp, and 8000 RPM scoring blade speed. Final

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Schroders Capital achieves detailed planning consent for 3 Ruskin Square

Meanwhile, the fully pre-let 2 Ruskin Square tops out and is on track to complete in mid-2023 Both 2 and 3 Ruskin Square targeting BREEAM Outstanding ratings. Schroders Capital’s UK Real Estate Fund (SREF) and Stanhope Plc have secured detailed planning consent from Croydon Council for 3 Ruskin Square, a 14-storey office building adjacent to East Croydon Station. The building, strikingly designed by shedkm, will provide 290,000 sq ft of offices plus retail on the ground floor to enhance future amenity at the scheme. Advanced and sustainable design remains at the heart of the Ruskin Square development, with a number of key sustainability design features incorporated into each building. 3 Ruskin Square will benefit from an all-electric energy strategy, rainwater harvesting, a high-performance façade, 35% green roof cover, a modular structural design to minimise embodied carbon, photovoltaics and a BREEAM Outstanding target. Focussing on occupier health and wellbeing, the building will also feature an air handling plant providing fresh air on a floor-by-floor basis rather than conventional communal/building wide system. This will be a significant feature which will be of keen interest to tenants following recent pandemic air quality concerns. The design also includes bicycle spaces with lockers available for tenant use to promote active lifestyles and fitness, as well as three retail units located on the ground floor intended for use by convenience and local amenities to support the community-focused approach to the development. Schroders Capital has signed up to the Better Buildings Partnership agreement and Ruskin Square is a key example of delivering on its ambitious sustainability targets. The Ruskin Square mixed-use development also saw 2 Ruskin Square top out earlier this month. Both buildings are targeting BREEAM Outstanding ratings and the NABERS building performance accreditation as SREF, part of Schroders Capital, the private assets specialist investment division of Schroders, and Stanhope Plc look to deliver best-in-class office spaces, complete with pioneering sustainability credentials. These latest developments will further amplify Ruskin Square’s transformative effect on the borough. Pre-lets to the UK government were secured for both of the first two phases; the 183,000 sq ft, Grade A 1 Ruskin Square was let in its entirety on a 25-year lease to HM Revenue & Customs in 2016, and the 330,000 sq ft 2 Ruskin Square was pre-let to the UK Home Office in 2020 on a 25 year lease from completion of the development. Rob Cosslett, Deputy Fund Manager, Schroders Capital, commented: ““Ruskin Square is on track to become a truly best in class office scheme in South London, combining exceptional building design with the benefits of the nearby train station, the amenities of Boxpark, and high quality and long term office occupiers. The active management approach adopted by the team, twinned with our strong occupier relationships has generated considerable value at Ruskin Square in recent years. Achieving planning for 3 Ruskin Square represents a major step forward in delivering the next phase of the scheme, with the building offering cutting edge ESG solutions and highly desirable office space that will be well-placed to meet evolving occupier needs.” David Camp, Chief Executive, Stanhope Plc, added: “We are delighted to have received detailed planning consent for this super looking building which will set new standards for health and wellbeing not only in Croydon but the wider central London office market. It amplifies the commitment of both Schroders and Stanhope in setting high design goals and responding positively to the ESG agenda.” Alex Flint, Director, shedkm also commented: “shedkm are delighted to be working with Schroders and Stanhope on this next exciting addition to the Ruskin Square masterplan. The commercial offer looks to bring the very highest standard of sustainable workspace to the area, whilst generating a strong timeless architectural response with a new colonnade at ground and first floor and an extension to Ruskin Square itself.” Ruskin Square pipeline Ruskin Square boasts dining and leisure destination Boxpark, a further 100,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space and attractive public realm. The first of four residential phases is now fully occupied. Delivered in partnership with Places for People, ‘Vita’ comprises 161 stunning apartments. A further 326 homes across three residential plots are consented – all with access to communal amenities and outside space. Croydon is supporting significant growth within the tech sector, attracting companies, incubators and accelerators, as the town strives to be a world-class destination for growth, opportunity and innovation in the tech sector. Croydon has recently been named London Borough of Culture for 2023, fending off competition from across the capital. This will see events across the borough – and in Ruskin Square itself – to celebrate the borough’s rich and resilient artistic heritage, creativity and diversity. 

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CPW APPOINTS ACOUSTICS EXPERTS TO HEAD UP BRAND-NEW DEPARTMENT

INTERNATIONAL M&E consultancy CPW has further expanded its operations and appointed two accomplished acousticians. Jon Willmott now heads up the newly formed acoustics department, with the support of senior acoustics consultant James Large, in order to meet the growing demand across multiple sectors for acoustic input. Jon, who has been in the industry for more than 20 years, has assumed the position of associate director and head of acoustics following successful tenures at several other major consultancies, where his expertise took him as far as the Middle East for the FIFA 2022 preparations. The acoustics department is a complementary service to CPW’s MEP consultancy and provides specialist advice on all aspects of the acoustics, noise, and vibration in the built environment. Based primarily at CPW’s Manchester office, Jon is tasked with offering specialist advice on projects across the UK as well as growing the team and client base. He said: “It’s been incredibly busy since joining CPW and taking on the responsibility of the acoustics department, but I’ve enjoyed every minute. “CPW’s work culture and values immediately drew me in. The forward-thinking nature of its employees and collaborative approach to solving problems within the built environment is something we’re keen to continue nurturing. Following a raft of new project appointments, we’re looking to grow the team and take on engineers across a range of positions. “This is a really exciting time for CPW following a companywide rebrand and the expansion of four offices, so further investing in the acoustics team will offer our clients even more added value on projects. As a business we are continuing to invest in the acoustic tools and software to enable exciting 3D modelling and auralisations. However, our core objective is to produce cost-effective practical design solutions to our clients, and communicate these in jargon-free, plain-English.” James, who has worked alongside Jon previously in his career, will also play a key role in driving the department’s future growth strategy. He brings nine years of industry experience to the team, having worked on several high-profile developments such as the refurbishment of Waterloo Train Station. James said: “I’m really pleased to be part of CPW’s new acoustic department. There are so many exciting opportunities on the horizon, and the acoustics team is already home to vast amounts of technical expertise ready to be put to good use for CPW’s growing customer base.” Having noticed the increased demand for acoustic services from the healthcare, education, residential and commercial sectors, CPW expects the department to quickly grow and complement its existing team of experts specialising in sustainability within the built environment. Antonios Agapakis, director at CPW, added: “I recognised that we needed an acoustics expert to head up our new specialist department – and to have Jon join us is a real win for the business. We’re delighted to build on our in-house capability, which will be bolstered by James’ expertise and support. “The department serves as a ‘one-stop shop’ for clients, offering peace of mind through both challenging regulation adaption and design recommendation. As we grow this new arm of the business, we look forward to expanding the team and furthering our service offering, whilst providing opportunities to the next generation of acoustic specialists.” Understanding that noise and poor acoustics can have wide-reaching implications on health and wellbeing, the acoustics department offers a range of services such as environmental noise impact assessments, acoustic modelling, sound insulation testing and BREEAM noise assessments – all of which add to the depth off offering to clients. CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 250 staff based across 11 offices – including Bristol, Derby, Huntingdon, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Nottingham, and Solihull as well as Poland and India – specialising in designing and integrating a full range of energy solutions into existing and new buildings. For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media.

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Handover of landmark housing project in Staffordshire

Homes Plus, a leading provider of affordable homes has completed a landmark £3.2 million project in a Staffordshire village that aims to provide high quality, retirement living for older people. The purpose-built complex in Kinver offers 20 modern, spacious, self-contained apartments with extensive communal facilities, including an attractive rooftop terrace, secure parking and electric vehicle charging points. The property also has photovoltaic panels which will improve the building’s overall energy efficiency. Homes Plus has developed the site of several bungalows that no longer met the organisation’s high standards. The Burgesses development has been designed for people over 55 who want to live independently, with the reassurance of access to care and support provided by Housing Plus Group’s care company, Care Plus. During the construction process, residents of the bungalows were temporarily rehoused at a neighbouring Care Plus retirement living scheme, and a number of them will soon be moving into the new apartments.Kerry Bolister, director of development at Housing Plus Group, explained: “We are delighted to see the completion of this landmark project that has received strong support from residents who previously lived in The Burgesses and from people living in Kinver who may need to move into more suitable accommodation as they get older. “As well as providing much-needed affordable housing for older people, the development is also a great example of working in partnership to replace outdated housing stock with high-quality homes, much better suited to current and future housing need.” The ambitious project went ahead following a £1.1 million Social Housing Grant from Homes England and additional funding of £145,000 from South Staffordshire District Council. Darren Adnett, provider manager of Homes England, commented: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, accelerating housebuilding remains our number one priority. We are committed to supporting Housing Plus Group that has ambitions to build new homes and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that. “We’re delighted that this funding will enable Housing Plus Group to deliver much needed new homes for older people in Kinver, Staffordshire.” Work on site has been carried out on behalf of Housing Plus Group by S J Roberts Construction Ltd, who formally handed over the development in December 2021. Michael Sambrook,  S J Roberts managing director, said: “It’s been fantastic to see this vital community facility progress and now handed over to Housing Plus Group. This building will provide older people with beautifully designed independent living with the knowledge that any help they require is close to hand. “S J Roberts is proud of its relationship with the Housing Plus Group, and we look forward to this continuing well into the future.” The new homes form part of Housing Plus Group’s ambitious pledge to start building 2,000 much-needed new homes by 2023, helping to tackle the national housing crisis. “The Burgesses scheme offers yet another example of how we are investing in the future by building high-quality, energy-efficient homes to meet the needs of our customers and to help tackle a national shortage of affordable housing,” Kerry added. Councillor Terry Mason, cabinet member for planning and business enterprise at South Staffordshire District Council, commented: “Delivering much needed affordable housing across South Staffordshire remains a priority for this Council and we’re pleased to have been able to support another quality development in partnership with Housing Plus for older people in Kinver.”

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7 FIGURE BOILER BUSINESS BUILDER TWO-DAY EVENT

Since 2018, Peterborough-based Trade Mastermind has helped hundreds of construction businesses to achieve exceptional success and growth. Under the guidance of Trade Mastermind’s CEO Joseph Valente, and the former winner of BBC’s The Apprentice, the entrepreneur uses his vast business knowledge to teach construction business owners how to scale-up. After winning The Apprentice, Joseph became business partner to Lord Sugar after the successful billionaire invested £250,000 into his Peterborough plumbing and heating business called Impragas. The company grew rapidly, reaching £1,000,000 per month turnover, as it became the largest independent boiler installation business in the UK. With Impragas achieving rapid growth, Joseph eventually became the only construction winner of The Apprentice to buy back his share of the business from Lord Sugar. Now, Trade Mastermind sits neatly under The Trade Group umbrella, with Joseph and his team focusing solely on helping other construction businesses to scale-up further. Construction businesses such as electrical, plumbing & heating, building, and landscaping to name a few, are all benefiting from the two-day events that cover every aspect of running a business and resulting in huge growth. With so many construction business owners struggling to gather leads, close sales, and hire staff, Trade Mastermind’s two-day events have become increasingly popular within the industry and the demand to attend is rapidly rising. The next two-day event on the calendar focuses on plumbing and heating with the 7 Figure Boiler Business Builder taking place on April 29th & 30th at the Brightfield Business Hub in Peterborough. Local hotel discounts are available on request for those seeking accommodation. The schedule includes a packed itinerary with guests from the industry also speaking at the event. Lunch is provided with hot and cold drinks throughout each day. Day 1: Day 2: All plumbing & heating business owners interested in attending can find out more here: https://www.trademastermind.co.uk/boiler-business-builder-academy/ Email: Craig.Mander@trademastermind.co.uk   Alternatively, Tel: 0330 058 7100

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AG REDUCES SCOPE 1 AND 2 EMISSIONS BY 10% DESPITE 30% INCREASE IN PRODUCTION

Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through its latest carbon emissions data which shows a reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions – despite a surge in production levels. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Dungannon, Toome, Ballygawley and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum.   Last year, the business reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10%, despite a 30% increase in production volumes as the company faced unprecedented demand for its products reinforcing its commitment to a greener future in construction. The specialist building products business previously switched to 100% renewable energy as well as utilising bio-LPG instead of the industry-standard LPG resulting in a carbon saving of 70% – equal to a person driving around the world three times. The business has also introduced electric and hybrid cars into their fleet with a goal of having a full hybrid/electric fleet by 2025. This was led by CEO Stephen Acheson with support from the firm’s net zero carbon team which was set up with the aim of reducing the company’s carbon footprint, as part of an energy strategy developed with a commitment to producing low carbon products.  This is the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives created by AG which includes a longstanding dedication to producing a significant amount of their product range using recycled aggregates alongside locally quarried materials. As well as this, regular reviews of its systems and procedures ensure AG are constantly improving energy efficiency, which is monitored monthly in each facility, ranging from workshops with employees to the purchasing of equipment or goods with the lowest carbon footprint.  Rodney Davidson, Commercial Director at AG said: “For many years, we have worked tirelessly to reduce our energy usage and we are delighted to see this reduction in our scope 1 and 2 emissions, especially during a time when production levels increased” CEO, Stephen Acheson added: “AG has a corporate social responsibility to be sustainable. We have adopted a long-term corporate philosophy that focuses on the wider message of lasting sustainable reductions in energy and water requirements.”  “Every facility has a designated ‘Energy Champion’ whose job it is to check for any wastage of energy or water. We are constantly striving to improve energy efficiency and are delighted that this new switch enables us to make a massive carbon saving, lowering our carbon footprint even more.”  “Each of our sites bring our corporate environmental philosophy to life and our commitment to reducing the impact our sites have on our neighbours and surrounding environment is evidenced by the rich biodiversity found around our sites – such as the peregrine falcons currently nesting in our Fivemiletown quarry. We are delighted to be making very positive steps in our journey of carbon reduction”.

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