Cruden has started work on a new housing development in East Lothian, its fourth active site in the region. Situated in Wallyford, on the outskirts of the popular coastal town of Musselburgh and its historic racecourse, the much-anticipated £20m new development lies just 8 miles from the Capital and will
Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access hire for working at height, has invested in over 1,100 new machines, increasing its 13,500-machine fleet by more than 8%. With higher capacity models, improved safety features and either fully electric or hybrid engines, the investment ensures the company’s portfolio of
1. As the attachment revolution continues apace, what are some of the new innovations that have come to market in recent years in the excavator attachment space? In recent years, Mini-Excavators (MEX) have developed into real Tool Carriers. This is thanks to the application of new technology and improved machine stability
THE next generation of engineers has been welcomed by international M&E consultancy CPW as part of its long-standing apprenticeship programme, with a total of 12 trainees joining the company ranks in this year’s intake across its 11 offices. Established more than twenty years ago, CPW’s apprenticeship programme is committed to
McConnell, the UK wide Principal Contractor, is continuing to expand upon its Southern operations with the opening of a new office space in Dartford. McConnell has opened a new regional office in Dartford to support service delivery to London and the South East. The Dartford office, and the existing Surrey
Construction work is about to start on a new development in Ely which will deliver more than 250 new homes and a new cricket pitch and pavilion in the city. Linden Homes, part of the Vistry Group, is preparing to build 258 properties at its new Willow Woods development, off
The event, being hosted at the iconic Villa Park stadium on February 15 will be the first in person event for nearly two years after the event was put on hold due to the pandemic. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it will attending a major Meet the
GF Hakan Plastik has been awarded the “Innovative Product in Construction Building Catalog Special Award” for its GF Silenta Extreme piping system at the 27th annual “Golden Plumb International Building Catalog Awards” organized by YAPI KATALOĞU. YAPI KATALOĞU is Turkey’s first and only material catalog that has been in publication
Watts Group Limited is proud to announce that they have been successful in the tender process to supply LHC with building surveying, employer’s agent, and principal designer services for their Multi-Disciplinary Consultancy Services Framework (MDC1) over the next 6 year period. “Watts’ skill and industry expertise will be invaluable in
Research from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed which areas of the British rental market are driving growth in rental stock availability, as well as the areas where tenants have seen availability decline. Despite the government’s attempts to deter buy-to-let investment, previous research by Octane Capital found that
Cruden has started work on a new housing development in East Lothian, its fourth active site in the region. Situated in Wallyford, on the outskirts of the popular coastal town of Musselburgh and its historic racecourse, the much-anticipated £20m new development lies just 8 miles from the Capital and will see 101 new homes built as part of a wider masterplan development at Wallyford Farm and St Clements Wells Farm. Cruden Homes (East), part of the Cruden Group, is building 41 new homes for private sale and a further 60 much needed affordable homes, including 45 units for social rent and 15 for mid-market rent, on behalf of Dunedin Canmore Housing Association. The 7.39 acre development, which has been exclusively designed by EMA Architects and engineered by Will Rudd Davidson, will comprise a range of affordable homes including one and two bedroom cottage flats and two, three and four bedroom houses in a mix of mid-terraced, terraced and semi-detached house styles. The private homes will feature two and three bedroom terraced, three bedroom semi-detached and four bedroom detached houses. The first affordable homes are expected to be delivered in Summer 2022, with first completions of the private homes programmed for early 2023. A sales launch is anticipated in Autumn this year. Steven Simpson, Managing Director of Cruden Homes (East) said, “We are pleased to start work at this landmark development in Wallyford. Both private and affordable homes are in such high demand across the country, so bringing over 100 new homes to East Lothian is a highly-anticipated and welcome addition to our existing portfolio of new homes across the region. We have a long history of successfully working with Dunedin Canmore Housing Association and we will be supporting the local community by providing new jobs and work placements and working with local businesses.”
Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access hire for working at height, has invested in over 1,100 new machines, increasing its 13,500-machine fleet by more than 8%. With higher capacity models, improved safety features and either fully electric or hybrid engines, the investment ensures the company’s portfolio of machines for hire continues to have an unmatched level of capability across the UK. The increase in its fleet as a result of this investment means they are well equipped to meet the needs of customer requirements, whatever they need and wherever they may be across the UK – Nationwide Platforms will be able to deliver. The increased number of machines is also designed to meet the growing needs of Nationwide Platform customers, ensuring a diverse range of products are available for hire featuring cutting edge technology. Customer demand for new systems and capabilities grows every year, and this feedback has determined the choices made in this investment cycle. The investment includes eight new boom lifts from JLG, which feature SkySense™ enhanced detection system. SkySense™ uses strategically placed object detection sensors to provide operators an added level of awareness of their immediate surroundings as they operate, minimising the occurrence of incidents and damage. Being the market leader of powered access hire means Nationwide Platforms take responsibility for continuously developing safety systems such as these, ensuring that the safety of the customer is always the highest priority. New to the company’s delivery fleet are nine 32-tonne rigid trucks and 19 44-tonne tractors, with the latest Euro 6 engines, and 27 trailers, improving safety, delivery reliability and emissions output. As Europe’s largest provider of specialist at-height training, Nationwide Platforms has also invested in brand-new scissor lifts for use exclusively at its 29 training locations. The company offers a range of courses, including IPAF, PASMA, IOSH and many more accredited courses delivered by its highly trained, award-winning instructors. Glyn Brearley, Business Director for Procurement, External Training & BlueSky Solutions commented: “This investment, one of our biggest to date, will ensure Nationwide Platform’s clients have access to the latest in machinery technology that supports high levels of safety and productivity. In addition, the new machines have highly efficient batteries to provide longer running time, reducing downtime. “We’re also delighted to have been able to upgrade the machinery at our training facilities so we can provide customers with the best training experience and environment. It’s a busy time for many of our customers and we are pleased to be able to announce this investment that will ensure we remain their trusted powered access solutions provider.”
1. As the attachment revolution continues apace, what are some of the new innovations that have come to market in recent years in the excavator attachment space? In recent years, Mini-Excavators (MEX) have developed into real Tool Carriers. This is thanks to the application of new technology and improved machine stability due to new designs and a better centre of gravity. At Bobcat attachments, we are always working on new solutions to meet the needs of MEX customers. For example, we have recently put more focus on developing our Depth Check and laser system to support the operator in completing trenching works and to make jobs more efficient. As a result, Bobcat is proud to announce the addition of the updated Depth Check System to our portfolio. This system is a solution that uses three sensors placed strategically on the machine to accurately achieve or sustain the desired grade depth, working from the cab. The Depth Check system is fully integrated with the Bobcat panels and display, which offers simple operation and eliminates the need for an add-on Monitor inside the Cab. This simple, durable kit is wired in, so job conditions or the lack of a wireless signal never interfere with digging accuracy, and also remove the inconvenience of lag time with no batteries to replace. The Bobcat Depth Check System is also compatible with the laser receiver, so the operator can ‘bench’ on a laser signal to create slope, or to sustain a grade in multiple locations on a jobsite, which increases flexibility. Bobcat is also offering new Flail Mower and Plate Compactor attachments for MEX. The flail mower has a number of unique features on the market such as the 12 second drum stop after the power is switched off, no need to drain lines as this is integrated in the attachments, a self-levelling system for following the ground surface as a standard feature and the best balanced motor design in order to cut the grass while travelling. The compaction plate attachment is a great tool to maximize compaction, even where workers cannot go with classic compaction plates, thanks to the great reach of the mini-excavator in all these conditions. Bobcat will continue to bring to the market more attachment solutions to make the Mini-Excavator even more of a real Tool Carrier. 2. What are some of the market needs addressed by these attachments? Compact Excavator customers want to work efficiently, with the same solutions as those on the bigger excavators and with easy to use solutions. 3. There have also been major advances in coupling technology. What are some of the developments you have seen in this space? The coupling technology is not moving as fast as machine or attachment technology but is concentrated more and more on safety features, to make the jobsite safer and to avoid any kind of potential accident. One development I see expanding in this area is in hydraulic quick solutions, to reduce spending time in connecting hoses every time you change the attachments and to avoid wasting time getting in and out of the cab. 4. Which attachments are seeing increased demand in the market at this stage and why? The commodity attachments are always the most requested like buckets and couplers or Breakers, probably because the construction and demolition industry is growing thanks to government subsidies but we also see growth in Hydraulic Clamps, flail mowers and augers due to growth in cleaning and landscaping work. 5. What are some of the innovations we are likely to see in this area in the next few years? Our Attachments team will follow the Market trends and will create solutions to meet these requirements. I’m sure the biggest innovations will come because of three fundamental things: automation, digitalization and recognition. At Bobcat we are working hard on our Long-Range plan to bring the easiest to use and more integrated solutions to the market. Our aim is to make life for the customer as easy and efficient as possible. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com
THE next generation of engineers has been welcomed by international M&E consultancy CPW as part of its long-standing apprenticeship programme, with a total of 12 trainees joining the company ranks in this year’s intake across its 11 offices. Established more than twenty years ago, CPW’s apprenticeship programme is committed to nurturing home-grown talent and bridging the skills gap by taking on apprentices straight out of school, college, and university. More than 15% of its workforce is currently part of the apprenticeship program, making up a total of 35 across a variety of levels in all offices, and solidifying its investment into the next generation of engineers. The London office has welcomed apprentice Joshua Yeboah, demonstrating its commitment to engaging and upskilling promising young students. Joshua will develop his skills as an engineer and gain practical experience working on world-class projects, specialising in sustainable mechanical and electrical engineering. He said: “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in engineering as I’m driven by a desire to provide solutions and have a long-lasting impact on the built environment. After finishing sixth form, following a brief period searching for an apprenticeship, I found CPW. The firm stood out to me as a company built upon a strong work ethic but also a company who understands it has a duty to be as sustainable as possible. “CPW has a well-established apprenticeship program and it’s been great to meet other trainees in the company who are looking to progress in their engineering careers just like myself. Working in the London office I’ve seen first-hand the different methods for achieving results for our clients and everyone has a uniquely CPW way of working. Having a mentor on my team has also been great for my development so I’m really enjoying it.” CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 240 staff based across 11 offices – including Bristol, Derby, Huntingdon, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Nottingham, and Solihull as well as Poland and India. To join the CPW programme, apprentices must demonstrate a sound ability in maths and science, due to the technical nature of being an engineer, but also a passion and desire to be part of a team and develop a career. CPW is dedicated to developing young people and see it as its inherent responsibility to create professionals that will go on to shape the country’s engineering future. With a culture based on collaboration and sharing knowledge, CPW strives to not only offer an environment that nurtures growth but offer opportunity wherever possible. As such, CPW funds higher education qualifications including bachelor’s and master’s degrees to enable its staff to gain invaluable knowledge, closely supporting them throughout the process. Wayne Eustace, director at CPW, oversees the apprenticeship program. He said: “We pride ourselves at CPW on leading the way in supporting and nurturing the talent of future engineers. Through our various programmes of traineeships, apprenticeships, and vocational training, we are witnessing first-hand the positive impact we can have on young people as they start their careers while crucially bridging the skills gap within the construction sector. “In the last ten years alone, we’ve brought close to 100 new engineers into the industry through our training and development schemes and some of our directors even began as CPW trainees. This year we are proud to have our most diverse cohort yet with more women and people from minority backgrounds than ever before. It’s a part of the business we’re really proud of and we’re thrilled to welcome our 12 new recruits and help plug the industry skills gap with our homegrown talent.” CPW specialises in designing and integrating a full range of energy solutions into existing and new buildings to deliver cutting edge sustainable solutions that are not only energy efficient but financially and environmentally sustainable for clients. For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media.
McConnell, the UK wide Principal Contractor, is continuing to expand upon its Southern operations with the opening of a new office space in Dartford. McConnell has opened a new regional office in Dartford to support service delivery to London and the South East. The Dartford office, and the existing Surrey office, are headed up by Regional Director, Jon Wallis, who joined McConnell from United Living in 2021, having previously worked with Rob McGregor and Eamonn McGarvey at Apollo Property Services Group and Keepmoat. Since being purchased in 2018 by Rob & Eamonn, McConnell has continued to expand its service offering, client base and geographic reach, across the United Kingdom, and revenue for FY 22 is expected to be double what it was in 2018. Existing operational bases in Hertfordshire and Manchester, are expected to become full Regional offices within the next two years, as McConnell continues its planned growth strategy. McConnell operates as a principal contractor, delivering full building refurbishment services to a broad spectrum of public and private sector clients, and provides specialist in-house delivery of Roofing, Cladding and Coatings works. They are well positioned to capitalise on the emerging decarbonisation and retrofit markets, and they provide a single-point solution for many clients who are updating their buildings to meet new energy and building regulation standards. Jon Wallis, Regional Director of McConnell for London and the South East, said: “It is our pleasure to announce that due to continued growth, we are expanding our operations in London and the South, with the new Dartford office. The new base in Dartford, Kent, will supplement our existing office in Camberley, Surrey, ideally positioning us to provide a quality delivery service to our Clients in London, the South East and the home counties.The setting and heritage inspired design of our Dartford office, at Home Barn, is not what you would expect for a traditional contractor’s office environment, and it reaffirms our ‘challenger’ brand credentials in the sector that we work in. The team and I are really looking forward to welcoming our existing and new Clients to Dartford as well as our team of trusted supply chain partners”
Construction work is about to start on a new development in Ely which will deliver more than 250 new homes and a new cricket pitch and pavilion in the city. Linden Homes, part of the Vistry Group, is preparing to build 258 properties at its new Willow Woods development, off Lynn Road. The site forms part of the wider Orchards Green scheme, which is set to bring 1,200 new homes and a range of community facilities to North Ely over the coming years. Linden Homes will deliver 212 private homes and 46 affordable properties available for local people through rent or shared ownership at Willow Woods. The development will comprise a mix of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom houses and apartments. As part of the planning agreement for the development, Linden Homes will also be providing a new ECB-approved cricket pitch and pavilion. Laura Thomas, sales manager at Willow Woods, said: “We are looking forward to the first bricks being laid at our new Willow Woods development as work gets underway on bringing these much-needed new homes to the north of the city. “Our range of one to five-bedroom houses and apartments, which have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the historic nature of Ely, means there is something for housebuyers at all stages of the property ladder. “As the development forms part of the new Orchards Green scheme, residents at Willow Woods will have access to a wealth of new facilities and will benefit from a country park, trim trail facilities and an off-site cycleway.” Willow Woods is named after the timber used to make cricket bats, chosen to link with the cricket pitch and pavilion Linden Homes is also providing at the site. With work set to start imminently, the developer intends to release the first homes for sale at Willow Woods this spring. Linden Homes is currently building new homes near Ely at its Laithwaite Gardens development in Sutton. For more information, visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk/eastmidlands
The event, being hosted at the iconic Villa Park stadium on February 15 will be the first in person event for nearly two years after the event was put on hold due to the pandemic. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it will attending a major Meet the Buyer event in Birmingham later this month. The event being held at Villa Park on February 15 will be the first in-person Meet the Buyer evet for nearly two years after the programme was put on hold by the pandemic. It offers an opportunity for GMI to connect with a host of subcontractors, suppliers and public sector authorities from across the Midlands. GMI will also have the opportunity to discuss the many contracts and projects it is working on currently in the region which include construction of a 95 unit stand out residential development for HBD in Birmingham’s Iconic Jewellery Quarter; a 155,000 sq ft net zero in carbon operation logistics/industrial unit for St Modwen Logistics in Longbridge and the construction of a new build residential block containing 259 apartments over 11 storeys for SJS in Derby as part of regeneration of the Becketwell area. Speaking about the event Andy Bruce, Divisional Marketing Director GMI Construction Group said: “GMI are deeply invested in Birmingham and The Midlands and events like this are very important to us as we look to engage with the local construction supply chain and invest in the development of the communities in which we operate. We’re committed to sourcing materials as best we can from the local region together with creating opportunities for apprentices and a locally recruited workforce. As we continue to expand our operations throughout The Midlands we are keen to develop long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that share our growth objectives and business philosophy. The Midlands is benefitting massively from the levelling up agenda with a great deal of development and regeneration taking place which GMI is keen to be at the centre of to create a new industrial and economic legacy” Also commenting, organisers Constructionline Managing Director, Stefano Mattiello, said: “Over 500 like-minded businesses from the construction industry will be in attendance, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, gain insight, build knowledge and grow your business. “The event will allow buyers and SMEs to come together for their mutual benefit, it’s a fantastic chance to discuss upcoming work contracts and build long-lasting working relations.” The Birmingham Meet the Buyer event 2022 takes place on the 15th February at Villa Park In Birmingham. Further information can be found here : https://www2.constructionline.co.uk/Birmingham-registration-page.html?utm_source=website&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=birmingham
GF Hakan Plastik has been awarded the “Innovative Product in Construction Building Catalog Special Award” for its GF Silenta Extreme piping system at the 27th annual “Golden Plumb International Building Catalog Awards” organized by YAPI KATALOĞU. YAPI KATALOĞU is Turkey’s first and only material catalog that has been in publication since 1973. Their Golden Plumb International Awards (“ALTIN ÇEKÜL Uluslararası Yapı Kataloğu Ödülleri”) were given out in three main categories: for innovative products, legal ideas and industry marketing. GF Hakan Plastik has been providing top-quality plastic pipes since 1965 and, since 2013, has been part of the GF Piping Systems family. The Turkish-manufacturer GF Hakan plastic pipe solutions meet the highest requirements in construction standards. GF Silenta Extreme is a polypropylene-based formulation that does not contain any halogen group elements, fully complying with fire regulations. In addition to exhibiting a highly resistant performance against combustion (B-s1; d0) according to EN 13501, it prevents the release of halogenic gases, one of the most damaging greenhouse gases to nature, both in production and during combustion. GF Silenta Extreme has a sound performance of 18 dB(A) at 4 l/s according to EN14366 standard with its silence clamps. Silenta Extreme, with its smooth inner layer, excellent flow performance; absorption of sound waves with its high molecular structure middle layer; with its durable outer layer, it is resistant to high temperatures, impacts and UV. The system, which received the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) by fulfilling the requirements of ISO 14025 / 21930 and EN 15804 A1 and A2, has also recorded its environmental impacts transparently. On behalf of GF Hakan Plastik, Ozan Kovancı, Head of Product Management and Innovation, received the award from the architect Ayşe Hasol (Has Mimarlık) at the ceremony held on Thursday, January 13, 2022. “There is more to an innovative pipe than meets the eye: It must be resistant to fire, sound-proofed, and, of course, watertight, especially for sewage pipes. If then additionally, it is also sustainable, then it’s what we strive for, precisely GF Hakan Plastik’s specialty,” he states. After the award ceremony, the awarded products were presented to all guests at the opening of the ALTIN ÇEKÜL Awards exhibition.
Watts Group Limited is proud to announce that they have been successful in the tender process to supply LHC with building surveying, employer’s agent, and principal designer services for their Multi-Disciplinary Consultancy Services Framework (MDC1) over the next 6 year period. “Watts’ skill and industry expertise will be invaluable in the overall Framework of 3 main Lots between now and 2028.” After successfully undertaking a rigorous and highly competitive tendering process, Watts Group Limited is one of the specialist organisations that have successfully been appointed to the LHC Framework, designed to meet the building needs and social values in a wide range of public sector areas. Watts will now form part of the team responsible for making a positive contribution in respect of building works, goods, and services for use in public sector refurbishment, maintenance, and new build projects. The Framework will allow Watts Group Limited to deliver good quality public sector design and more throughout the 2020s and deliver services that will construct, refurbish and maintain social housing, schools, and public buildings. With over five decades of service, the LHC was established by London boroughs in 1966 and to date, more than 700 public organisations have used its Frameworks. It is considered as one of the most experienced and respected providers of procurement Frameworks in the construction sector and is renowned for its knowledge, experience, technical expertise, commitment to better homes and buildings, efficient procurement which delivers financial gains; Watts are privileged to be part of this. Simon Walker, National Director for Watts Group Limited said: “We are thrilled to have been successful through a tough tender process and are delighted to have been awarded the Lots we have. We are very excited to be on board with LHC which can only benefit the wider community and deliver enhanced social value to their communities.” LHC’s focus is on the fabric of the property as well as new build and compliance solutions and Watts Group Limited is pleased to support this through its unrivalled, trusted construction capability; Watts’ skill and industry expertise will be invaluable in the overall Framework of 3 main Lots between now and 2028. Watts Group Limited has industry experience spanning over 50 years, throughout 7 nationwide locations offering independent technical excellent in property consultancy, and is honoured to be working alongside LHC over the coming contract term
Research from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, has revealed which areas of the British rental market are driving growth in rental stock availability, as well as the areas where tenants have seen availability decline. Despite the government’s attempts to deter buy-to-let investment, previous research by Octane Capital found that the total value of the sector has increased by £239bn since 2017, with the nation’s landlords benefitting from a strong level of capital appreciation. Octane Capital’s latest research also shows that across Britain, the level of private rental homes has actually increased by 18,610 in the last five years, suggesting an exodus of landlords has yet to materialise in the wake of legislative changes to tax relief, stamp duty and tenant fees. London is leading the private rental market charge and is not only home to the largest rental sector with over one million PRS homes, but it’s seen a 6.4% increase in stock levels in the last five years – that’s 63,000 more rental homes to meet tenant demand. In the West Midlands, PRS stock levels have climbed by 4.4%, closely followed by the East Midlands with a 3.9% jump. The South West (3.2%), Wales (2.2%) and East of England (2.1%) have also seen an increase in the number of private rental properties within the sector. But not all regions have benefited from an uplift in rental stock levels. The North West has been hit hardest by a reduction in private rental availability, currently home to 556,005 PRS homes, 34,000 less than just five years ago – a drop of -5.8%. In the South East, the level of privately rented homes has fallen by -5.2% during the same timeframe, meaning there are 36,500 fewer properties for tenants to fight it out over. Yorkshire and the Humber has also seen a notable drop at -4.6%, with Scotland (-2.9%) and the North East (-1.6%) also seeing a decline. CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, commented: “Much has been made about the government’s intentions to deter landlords via a string of legislative changes designed to reduce buy-to-let profitability, but as it stands, we’re yet to see any top line decline in private rental stock levels as a result of these changes. That said, some areas of the British rental market have faired far better than others and while stock levels have increased across the majority, there have also been some notable declines. The private rental market remains vital to so many across Britain and it’s crucial that the government recognises this and does its best to nurture the sector in order to encourage landlords, not deter them.” Private rental stock data sourced from Gov.uk, Gov.wales, Gov.scot and ni.gov.uk – 2015 to 2020 (latest available data).