A Suffolk construction boss has described apprentices as the answer to the industry’s skills shortage to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2022. Simon Girling is the director of SEH French, an Ipswich-based firm operating across East Anglia, where apprentices make up 10% of the workforce. Mr Girling, whose apprentices include carpenters
A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to
Stormking, the UK-based manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) prefabricated products, has unveiled its new branding, which aims to reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to being at the forefront of the housing construction supply sector. Established nearly 40 years ago, Stormking has led the way in the development of offsite
A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick
213,000 Sq Ft Industrial Units To Boost Supply Shortages Interchange 26 LLP has completed on a forward funding deal with 4th Industrial (UK) LP for up to 213,000 sq ft of new industrial units at the Interchange 26 logistics and manufacturing hub in West Yorkshire. The new scheme has the
With an ever-increasing checklist of requirements, UK builders have very exacting standards when sourcing the right materials for their project. Choosing panel products that satisfy building standards, have sound environmental credentials and are quick and easy to use when battling all that the Great British weather has to offer, it’s
West Retail Park acquired in £11.70 million deal FWHRE, an Isle of Man Regulated Fund, listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE), has completed the acquisition of units 1A and 1B, West Retail Park in the affluent residential suburb of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow. The two units are let
Westgate have launched their new reusable external hoarding solution, Hoardfence. Building upon their industry leading internal hoarding solution Hoardfast, the new Hoardfence product aims to support construction projects with an external hoarding solution where sustainability features heavily either within the contract or as part of the contractors wider commitment. A
Harmony Energy Signs 40 Year Lease Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, has agreed a 40 year lease to Harmony Energy for the construction of a battery storage facility at a five acre site adjacent to Creyke Beck substation in Cottingham
HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on SCAPE’s new student accommodation scheme in Leeds which will top 100m high and provide 693 bedrooms for local students. The Merrion Street development will be Scape’s first student accommodation scheme in Leeds and HG Construction’s first development in the city.
A Suffolk construction boss has described apprentices as the answer to the industry’s skills shortage to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2022. Simon Girling is the director of SEH French, an Ipswich-based firm operating across East Anglia, where apprentices make up 10% of the workforce. Mr Girling, whose apprentices include carpenters and quantity surveyors, said: “The construction industry, like many others, has got a major skills shortage. It’s something that has been ongoing and is probably only going to get worse. We’re certainly seeing the effects of it now more than ever when trying to recruit people.” The skills shortage in the industry has been well-documented over the years and that will likely remain unchanged, as it’s forecast 217,000 new workers will be needed by 2025 to meet demands according to the Construction Skills Network. Shortages are largely due to an ageing workforce which doesn’t have enough young people to replace them as they reach retirement. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed between October and December 2021, there were 42,000 job vacancies in construction. SEH French thinks investing time and money in bringing new people into the industry, such as apprentices, will help alleviate the strain present in construction while providing young people with more opportunities. Simon continued: “Bringing in new people into any industry is beneficial, young people bring fresh ideas. They [apprentices] live, develop and grow with us as people and in their trade or profession. “Apprentices help support our senior staff which in turn helps us operate and have better capabilities for meeting our client’s requirements and our own workloads. “Their on-the-job training teaches them how to work to our high standards and how to work as a team. It’s really important to be able to train them to how we want them to work and grow into a professional person.” National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual event aimed at celebrating the positive impact apprenticeships make to businesses and communities. With this year’s theme being ‘build the future’, Mr Girling thinks it’s the perfect opportunity for construction companies to recognise benefits of apprenticeships. He continued: “It’s important for us to contribute to bringing new people into the industry. I think companies have an obligation to do that and to help alleviate some of them problems with skills shortages.” SEH French remains keen to create opportunities for more young people across the region, and people are advised to check their careers page for future vacancies. For more information, please visit www.sehfrench.co.uk.
A former adult learning facility will be converted into 10 homes for rough sleepers, with a further six self-contained SoloHaus MMC homes installed on-site. The Hill Group has gifted the modular homes, and this generous donation, together with the conversion, will result in 60% of Basildon’s homeless being able to live in safe, secure homes and no longer living on the streets. Planning permission was granted by Basildon Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 26 January for the former ITEC site in Burnt Mills Road, Basildon. The new development will act as follow-on accommodation specifically for Basildon residents who have found themselves experiencing periods of homelessness. Residents will live in the homes for a maximum of three years and some will stay for a minimum of six months on an assured shorthold tenancy. The scheme, which will have office space for support workers, council staff and supporting agencies, has been funded through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Program (RSAP) from the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities). The six modular units, known as SoloHaus, have been gifted by The Hill Group as part of their commitment to providing 200 homes over the next five years. They will provide safe, comfortable, sustainable homes for single people experiencing periods of homelessness. The 10 one-bed homes inside the building will be managed by the housing association, Peabody South East, in partnership with Basildon Council. Andy Hill, Chief Executive, The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Basildon Council on this scheme which once complete will change peoples’ lives for the better. It is excellent news that planning has now been approved, and we are looking forward to working with all of the teams to deliver SoloHaus in Essex.” Chairman of the Housing and Estate Renewal Committee Councillor Andrew Schrader said: “The scheme aims to provide our residents affected by homelessness with a home. Receiving support, vocational training and the skills required to be able to move on and sustain their own tenancy, they will get the opportunity to turn their lives around.” For more details on SoloHaus, please visit www.solohaus.co.uk.
Stormking, the UK-based manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) prefabricated products, has unveiled its new branding, which aims to reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to being at the forefront of the housing construction supply sector. Established nearly 40 years ago, Stormking has led the way in the development of offsite prefabricated component products. Since its inception, its product designs and manufacturing processes have progressed, becoming more advanced and innovative. This has led the company to review its branding to bring it more in line with its current philosophy, as Andrew Almond, Marketing Manager at Stormking, explains: “Stormking’s branding has always been synonymous with quality and service. From the commencement of the company in 1985, its brand design and style has reflected its market leading status within the GRP market and the house building construction sector. Although the brand has developed over time, after nearly a decade of the same brand, it was time for an update. “We felt a new approach was needed to reflect the advancements the company has made over the past 40 years, both in terms of product development and manufacturing practices. We wanted the new branding to be an evolution rather than a revolution, so although we have moved to a cleaner, more contemporary visual identity, we have retained the red, white, and blue colours to ensure continuity, as we transition between the outgoing brand to the new updated version. “We also wanted to emphasise the many benefits prefabricated products and offsite manufacturing can offer the construction industry. More companies are looking to prefabricated products to revolutionise the way they build new homes. The ease of installation of these products, which are delivered to site either complete or in a limited number of pieces, is saving construction companies both time and money – especially when compared to traditional building materials and methods. Andrew concludes: “Our new branding reflects Stormking’s commitment to being at the forefront of the GRP supply sector, with the continued development of innovative products and manufacturing processes that support the future of the house building sector.” Further information about Stormking and its range of products can be found at www.stormking.co.uk or by calling 01827 311 100.
A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick clay brick slips and Glass Mosaic finishes, and visualize the perfect solution for their individual project. “This is a significant step forward that delivers a number of benefits for our customers,” explains Sto’s Sales Development Manager, Joe Mellor. “The Cladding Creator provides visitors with a virtually endless array of design possibilities covering these façade finishes. They can refine their ideas by changing different parameters such as sizes, textures, bond patterns, colour combinations, joint mortar and glass mosaic options, before arriving at a final visual solution that gives them a very clear and accurate indication of how the various hues and textures will appear on their own building.” The resulting file can then be downloaded and used with any modelling software to create images for various purposes, such as client presentations or inclusion into drawings. “This greatly simplifies the process of choosing between the many different options available, saving valuable time for architects and specifiers,” adds Joe. “Once they have arrived at a design they wish to follow, they can then order a sample direct from the website, making the whole specification process even more efficient.” The Sto Cladding Creator focusses the spotlight on the BBA-certified StoCleyer B resin brick slips, which offer great design freedom, with the option to be manufactured in almost any colour combination or texture. Made from over 90% mineral component, they allow the creation of brick façades at a fraction of the weight, cost and installation work associated with traditional brick, as well as creating considerable energy savings in the manufacturing and transport processes. All the façade finishes chosen via the new Sto Cladding Configurator are compatible with the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, and StoVentec rainscreen system.
213,000 Sq Ft Industrial Units To Boost Supply Shortages Interchange 26 LLP has completed on a forward funding deal with 4th Industrial (UK) LP for up to 213,000 sq ft of new industrial units at the Interchange 26 logistics and manufacturing hub in West Yorkshire. The new scheme has the potential to create some 300 new jobs for the region. The forward funding commitment will see the delivery of three units at the prime logistics hub located at the major J26 intersection of the M62 Transpennine motorway and M606 Bradford link. Reserved matters consent has recently been granted by Kirklees Council for a 64,500 sq ft unit and a 43,500 sq ft unit. A further planning application is under consideration for up to 105,000 sq ft, which forms the final phase of development. GMI Construction has been appointed as contractor and work is scheduled to commence on site in early 2022 with delivery of the two consented units expected in late Summer 2022. Works on the final phase will commence once planning has been considered by Kirklees Council. Interchange 26, an Opus North & Network Space Capital owned company, acquired the former water treatment works site on an unconditional basis in 2019 to facilitate the development of prime industrial accommodation and address the severe regional shortages. A comprehensive remediation and earthworks package has now been completed. This latest deal follows on from Interchange 26’s 10.4 acre land sale in 2020 to British Airways Pension Trustees Limited and Tungsten Properties. Work is underway on Super B, a new big box warehouse, which is set for completion in Q3 2022. Interchange 26 forms part of Opus North’s wider development strategy to enhance its £250m development programme with a focus on the logistics sector. Ryan Unsworth, Development Director of Opus North, said; “This forward funding agreement will enable us to bring three much needed mid-box units to the severely constrained regional pipeline, fulfilling our vision for this strategic site. This development will go some way to addressing the supply and demand imbalance in South Bradford and North Kirklees, while facilitating new jobs for the wider region.” 4th Industrial is a commercial real estate company that invests in multi let and light industrial property and was founded by experienced industrial property specialist Derek Heathwood. As of January 2022, the 4th Industrial portfolio totals 2.15m SFT across 12 estates located in key industrial submarkets across the UK. Interchange 26 LLP was represented by Dove Haigh Phillips and Knight Frank in the transaction while 4th Industrial represented themselves.
With an ever-increasing checklist of requirements, UK builders have very exacting standards when sourcing the right materials for their project. Choosing panel products that satisfy building standards, have sound environmental credentials and are quick and easy to use when battling all that the Great British weather has to offer, it’s no wonder West Fraser’s (formerly known as Norbord) SterlingOSB Zero range is one of the most popular in the construction industry. West Fraser’s OSB portfolio comprises of SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue and Groove, and SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix. They are variants of the precision-engineered OSB3 board; BBA-approved and designed for humid conditions, the board contains zero added formaldehyde (ZAF) and is unique in the market by being the only ZAF OSB manufactured in the UK. Produced in Scotland from forest thinnings taken from sustainably managed forests, the board is certified according to the guidelines of the FSC or PEFC. Among its multiple uses, SterlingOSB Zero is ideal for timber frame construction. The boards are designed to speed up the build process and are available in a wide range, thicknesses and sheet sizes. For structural use in dry or humid load bearing situations, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 is the board of choice. When undertaking dry lining, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix quickly provides secure anchorage areas. Flooring and roofing applications are served by SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 and SterlingOSB Zero Tongue & Groove. Panels are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications with no sanding required, even for GRP finishes. In building sites all over the UK (and other rainy, snowy or generally mucky climates), the art of getting buildings wind and watertight quickly is an important one that the builder needs to get right! Choosing a quick, easy to install, reliable and versatile roofing system is, therefore, vital. High quality roof decking or pitched roof sarking is an essential component and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is now the preferred option for many today. And winning the game with outstanding attributes is West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 or SterlingOSB Zero T&G. Ideal for structural use in load bearing dry or humid conditions, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 offers great value and durability. Stronger than most softwood ply, thanks to its makeup of multiple layers of real wood strands pressed together, it is designed to withstand the toughest of conditions. Working with the boards is trouble free as they are uniform in quality with no knots, voids or delamination issues. Helping to cut waste, a range of panel sizes and thicknesses is available to suit all needs. The boards are square edged so butt together easily and cleanly. Panels are cut and installed on a roof using conventional roofing equipment and are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. Nails can be driven as close as 8mm from the panel edge without causing splitting. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications and no sanding is required, even for GRP finishes. With all the advantages of the Sterling OSB Zero range, SterlingOSB Zero T&G is specifically designed for flat roofing and is BBA approved and fully compliant to BS 6229:2003. The panels are consistent and machined to exact tolerances. Reliable fixings are easily achieved across the board using 3mm diameter ring-shank nails or 50mm long screws at 100mm centers across the supporting joists. The inherent strength of SterlingOSB Zero makes it the natural choice for site hoardings and for boarding up windows and doors of vacant properties. Hoardings formed using SterlingOSB Zero may be finished with most popular surface treatments, allowing marketing messages and designs to be displayed to create a smart site perimeter. Along with its many practical attributes, the Sterling OSB Zero range has strong environmental credentials. All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. Sterling OSB Zero is also the first OSB product to be made in the UK with zero added formaldehyde, ensuring an even ‘greener’ board that meets all standards with ease. To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/ For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/
West Retail Park acquired in £11.70 million deal FWHRE, an Isle of Man Regulated Fund, listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE), has completed the acquisition of units 1A and 1B, West Retail Park in the affluent residential suburb of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow. The two units are let to Aldi and Home Bargains until June 2039 and June 2034 respectively. The Aldi rent reviews are linked to RPI. Over the past 24 months, both supermarket and discount retail assets have been highly sought after, with investors attracted by the retailers resilient trading performances and the long leases that characterise that sector. The purchase price of £11.70 million reflected a net initial yield of 4.86%. Lismore Real Estate Advisors and Avison Young jointly advised the purchaser, whilst Sheridan Keane acted for the vendor.
Westgate have launched their new reusable external hoarding solution, Hoardfence. Building upon their industry leading internal hoarding solution Hoardfast, the new Hoardfence product aims to support construction projects with an external hoarding solution where sustainability features heavily either within the contract or as part of the contractors wider commitment. A uPVC panel solution, the system is quicker and easier to install than traditional offerings and fully reusable. Traditional based timber solutions historically end up going to landfill once work has finished, with the Hoardfence solution being reusable, it offers a different proposition reducing the need for this to be the case, and in turn contributes to a more sustainable construction project. By working in partnership with customers, Westgate has developed a panel recycling scheme (when panels reach their end of life) which generates funds and provides a mechanism for donations to be made to charities that are focused towards sustainability/community. Head of Marketing, David Street, commented: “The Hoardfence concept came about as a result of conversations with our customers. Our existing and recognisable internal hoarding and walling solution, Hoardfast, has been described as ‘quick and easy to install’ and customers were enquiring if it was suitable for external use. Through understanding all of the benefits that our internal solution provides to customers, we sought about developing a product that is suitable for use outdoors. By combining ease of install with the reusability of our panels, we have a system that not only reduces install time but can support in delivering sustainable targets for construction projects; something that we all agree is increasingly important to the future of construction.” Westgate have been situated in Stafford for over 45 years and as a trusted and experienced industry expert have seen steady growth for a number of years. The business gives back in some unique ways including a recycling programme for its hoarding panels which most recently saw it partner with Marine Conservation Society both in terms of financial donation and also arranging for the Westgate team to take part in an organised beach clean.
Harmony Energy Signs 40 Year Lease Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, has agreed a 40 year lease to Harmony Energy for the construction of a battery storage facility at a five acre site adjacent to Creyke Beck substation in Cottingham near Hull. When constructed it will be one of the largest battery storage facilities in Europe. Harmony Energy has secured planning consent from East Riding of Yorkshire Council for a total of 100MW of battery storage. The development will enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released when customers need power most, helping the UK transition to net zero. Yorkshire-based Harmony Energy develops, builds, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy assets across the UK. The new facility will have the capacity to store up to 200MWh of power to feed directly back onto the network via the adjacent Creyke Beck substation, making the site’s location ideal for this development. Peter Garrett, Managing Director at Keyland Developments, said: “We’re very pleased to get this deal across the line; the energy sector represents an exciting new business area for us to explore and we look forward to sourcing further opportunities from within Kelda Group’s extensive landholding.” Keyland Developments was advised by Carter Jonas’ Infrastructure and Energy team. Carter Jonas’ energy specialist Simon Currie said: ”We are delighted to have advised Keyland on the development and promotion of this significant energy development site. The project is a prime example of the opportunity that presents itself to landowners and developers with sites adjacent to major grid substations, given the increasing demand for energy storage and frequency management on the grid.” Keyland Developments Ltd is the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water. Keyland has been operating across Yorkshire for over 20 years, regenerating Yorkshire Water’s redundant sites. In addition to its work transforming former Yorkshire Water land, the team also works alongside independent landowners, corporates or regulated bodies to overcome obstacles to development on strategic sites in order to facilitate regeneration by securing planning consent for future use.
HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on SCAPE’s new student accommodation scheme in Leeds which will top 100m high and provide 693 bedrooms for local students. The Merrion Street development will be Scape’s first student accommodation scheme in Leeds and HG Construction’s first development in the city. The scheme, which will be built on the site of the former Santander building, comprises purpose-built student accommodation including shared amenity spaces built across two blocks, with two retail units on the ground floors. The tallest of the two blocks will be 32 storeys, making it HG Construction’s tallest development to date and amongst the tallest buildings in Leeds. The second block will be 11 storeys high. The new scheme is set to make an impressive addition to the Leeds skyline, with striking unitized glass facades on the high-rise building. Shared facilities will include a cinema, communal kitchens, gym, study and breakout spaces, a fourth-floor terrace with outside space, and cycle storage at ground level. SCAPE is one of the UK’s leading student accommodation providers, focusing on the quality of the student experience and their personal well-being. The Leeds scheme will be the 10th scheme that HG Construction has delivered for SCAPE. The company is currently building a 774-bed student accommodation led scheme for SCAPE in Canada Street, London and has recently finished a student accommodation and co-living scheme with 500 beds in Guilford. Adam Quinn, Managing Director, HG Construction said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SCAPE to deliver this iconic new student accommodation scheme in Leeds. SCAPE has an excellent reputation for developing high quality, innovative student accommodation schemes which provide an exceptional living experience for students across the UK. We are proud to be involved in this significant new development in Leeds, our first project in the city, and we look forward to working with SCAPE and the wider team to bring this scheme to life.” Adam Brockley, Global CDO, SCAPE said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with HG Construction to bring to life our vision for a new student accommodation scheme at this landmark site in Leeds. HG Construction has earned an impeccable reputation for its forward-thinking design and innovative developments that go above and beyond anybody’s expectations. We are proud to be bringing our high-quality accommodation to a city so well-known for its vibrant student life as we continue with our ambitious plans to develop the global Scape offering.”