Caddick Construction has been appointed by the Great Places Housing Group to its £750m Innovation Chain North (ICN) framework of Contractors and Consultants. The four-year framework is designed to support delivery of new homes across the north of England, on behalf of Great Places and other Housing Associations. Adrian Dobson,
The first new Doosan DX350LC-7 36 tonne crawler excavator in Italy has helped to secure the bed of the But creek, a tributary of the Tagliamento river in the province of Udine in Northern Italy. Part of a fleet of Doosan equipment, including two further crawler excavators, two articulated dump
When it came to specifying new plant equipment to deliver a bridge replacement project in Cumbria, Waitings Ltd knew that only the best would do. The company invested in two new models from Yanmar, a ViO50 midi excavator and C30R tracked dumper, and has been delighted with their performance ever
In thіѕ реrіоd of healthcare rеfоrm, numеrоuѕ organizations соntіnuе tо change thеіr buѕіnеѕѕ рrасtісеѕ so they can оbtаіn more hospital рrоfіtаbіlіtу whіlе also dеlіvеrіng quality саrе. Hеаlthсаrе expenditures аrе еxресtеd to rеасh $10.4 trіllіоn bу 2022, and this high lеvеl оf ѕреndіng activity hаѕ hоѕріtаlѕ сurrеntlу undеr a lоt оf
Solihull-based Terra Strategic has submitted a Full Planning Application for 212 homes and community facilities, which is the first phase of the masterplan for the 72-acre (29.1 Ha) former Hawkesbury Golf Club in Bedworth, Warwickshire. The Gross Development Value of the whole ‘Canal Village’ is in the region of £115m.
Industrial asset management specialists NSM has fully let Platinum Court, on the Alchemy Business Park, Knowsley, securing The Vella Group for the last two vacant units on a 10-year lease. Terms have been agreed for the 15,700 sq. ft, space with the family-owned Group, one of the largest independent vehicle
Together Energy, part of the Together Housing Group, has launched a dedicated website to share its journey to net zero carbon with like-minded organisations. Together Energy uses its investment in renewable energy and efficiency to make homes more affordable for tenants and better for the environment. Where possible it seeks
The Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project is delighted to welcome Simon Dudley, Interim Chair of Homes England, as Chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group provides vital two way engagement to disseminate project learnings and outcomes with industry stakeholder organisations. The project aims
At present, Covid-19 presents a huge challenge to the UK property industry but, despite the lockdown, we cannot ignore our sector’s other biggest issue – building safety. Post-Grenfell, safety in the residential block sector is being completely overhauled and many of the recommendations coming from the Hackitt Review hinge on
Providing the local community with a new medical facility, Warden Construction has been appointed to deliver a day case hospital at Matrix Park, Buckshaw Village in Chorley. With planning permission granted by South Ribble Borough Council earlier this year, the new £8 million facility will improve access to healthcare provision
Caddick Construction has been appointed by the Great Places Housing Group to its £750m Innovation Chain North (ICN) framework of Contractors and Consultants. The four-year framework is designed to support delivery of new homes across the north of England, on behalf of Great Places and other Housing Associations. Adrian Dobson, Caddick Construction’s Managing Director, said: “With a business focus that embraces the beds and sheds market, being appointed onto the ICN framework is another string to our bow. We will continue to use our extensive experience in civil engineering, infrastructure, design and build and construction project delivery, working closely with the Great Places Housing Group and their partners, to deliver high quality social housing, regenerate local communities and deliver social value across the north of England.” Caddick Construction was one of 30 contractors appointed out of the 726 bids from 183 framework applicants. They were selected based on their technical competence, price and their commitment to social value through pledges such as apprenticeships and work experience opportunities. Helen Spencer, Great Places’ Director of Development, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caddick Construction on our new ICN framework. We are confident they will be able to work with us and the clients of ICN in delivering the sector’s extensive development ambitions in the North. “The new framework will ensure we and our peer organisations have tried and tested partners to help us to deliver our extensive development programmes and to help our collective ambitions to tackle the housing crisis.”
The first new Doosan DX350LC-7 36 tonne crawler excavator in Italy has helped to secure the bed of the But creek, a tributary of the Tagliamento river in the province of Udine in Northern Italy. Part of a fleet of Doosan equipment, including two further crawler excavators, two articulated dump trucks (ADTs) and a wheel loader, the DX350LC-7 is involved in cleaning and safety operations along 4 km of the riverbed, to repair damage caused by the catastrophic Vaia Storm at the end of 2018. The new DX350LC-7 has been purchased by Mingotti T. Srl, based in Tavagnacco in Udine and supplied by DMO Spa, the Authorised Dealer for Doosan and Bobcat for the regions of Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lombardy as well as Milan, Cremona, Mantua, Lodi, Pavia, Varese, Monza and Brianza. Based on years of working closely together, Mingotti T. Srl chose DMO for the sale and rental of the machines necessary for the work on the bed of the But creek and was contracted to do this work by the authorities in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The scope of the operations extended from the confluence of the But creek with the Tagliamento in Cercivento (in the municipalities of Sutrio, Paluzza and Cercivento), involving repair of the damage caused by floods during the Vaia storm, rebuilding bank defences and the reprofiling of the bed of the creek. The new Doosan DX350LC-7 crawler excavator has proved to be the ideal choice for moving 200,000 m3 of material from the bed and laying over 5000 tonne of boulders for the construction and repair of the embankments. “The DX350LC-7 represents our latest purchase,” says Francesco Mingotti, Technical Director of Mingotti T. Srl, “Over the years we have appreciated Doosan’s attention to fuel consumption, which on the new Doosan engine-powered DX350LC-7 is only 19 l/h, which is better than other machines on the market, and is combined with excellent productivity. “By our calculations, this equates to moving about 250 m3 more material per day and savings of about 38 l per day of fuel compared to other machines.” DX350LC-7 Robustness, Productivity and Environmental Protection The DX350LC-7 features Doosan’s innovative D-ECOPOWER technology, that improves productivity, offers more regular control of the machine and reduces fuel consumption. The D-ECOPOWER system uses nine sensors to detect the amount of hydraulic oil necessary to accomplish a specific task and precisely meter the amount of oil required rather than continuously forcing a fixed amount of oil through the system, thereby improving efficiency. To meet Stage V engine emission regulations, the new DX350LC-7 excavator is powered by the latest generation Doosan DL08V diesel engine, providing 209 kW of power at 1800 RPM. The DL08V engine offers a new solution to exceed Stage V regulations without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), that boosts the quantity of air available during combustion, increasing the temperature of the process and greatly reducing the amount of particulates produced. This is combined with super-efficient DOC/DPF+SCR after-treatment technology to ensure minimal emissions. Already excelling in spaciousness and ergonomics, the new cab in the DX350LC-7 model takes operator comfort and ease of operation to unheralded levels. As well as a new high quality seat, the enhanced cab offers more features as standard than other machines on the market, ensuring super controllability and high precision in all applications. Mingotti T. Srl and DMO Spa Mingotti T. Srl has been active in the construction sector in Friuli Venezia Giulia for three generations, with over 50 years of experience in earthmoving and infrastructure projects, including river work construction contracts. “We have been relying on DMO for many years, both for the purchase of machinery and for rental,” says Francesco Mingotti. “There are several Doosan machines in our fleet, including the brand new DX350LC-7 excavator, all regularly maintained by the authorized DMO workshop. Year after year our faith in the Doosan brand has increased and in DMO itself, which has always proved to be a reliable dealer. The efficiency of the technical assistance is particularly appreciated, which for us is an important added value.” DMO Spa was born from the years of passionate commitment and experience of the founder, Gabriele Silvagni, in the earthmoving sector. DMO also works with the Bobcat brand and believes in the potential of an expanding group like Doosan, which today offers a range of excavators from 1 to 800 tonne, in addition to a complete line of wheel loaders that meet the needs of the market and ADTs that are the result of 40 years of experience. In addition to the sale and rental of equipment, DMO offers a full spare parts service and all-round assistance. “I am proud to work for DMO Spa, a dealer which has been part of the history of earthmoving in Italy,” says Giulio Venturini, Sales Manager for the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. “Thanks to a complete product portfolio, DMO is able to satisfy any customer need both in terms of sales and rental, with a rental fleet involving investments of more than 18 million Euros. “It has been a great satisfaction for me to be able to sell the first DX350LC-7 in Italy to a loyal customer such as Mingotti T. Srl, who made the choice through its awareness of the quality and robustness of Doosan products. With the new -7 series, Doosan machines have truly achieved an excellent degree of reliability, hydraulic precision and comfort. The DX350LC-7 excavator has fully met expectations, pointing the way for future sales throughout Italy.”
When it came to specifying new plant equipment to deliver a bridge replacement project in Cumbria, Waitings Ltd knew that only the best would do. The company invested in two new models from Yanmar, a ViO50 midi excavator and C30R tracked dumper, and has been delighted with their performance ever since! Exceeded expectations, delivering results A family-run engineering contracting business with more than 50 years’ experience, Waiting Ltd specialises in providing unrivalled solutions for companies operating across the civil engineering, utilities, marine, drainage, flood defence and renewable energy industries. Established in 1970 with a single digger, the company has since grown to become one of the North West’s leading multi-disciplinary engineering contractors, employing 120 members of staff, operating its own in-house haulage fleet and even boasting a highly-successful plant hire division. Headquartered in Penrith, but with national coverage, the team has delivered numerous high profile projects, including high voltage windfarm grid connections, strategic cross country pipelines, constructing new inland and coastal flood defences and delivering both dry and wet civil engineering projects (such as UXO clearance ahead of extension works at London City Airport). Recently, Waitings Ltd was awarded the plant supply contract to assist in the installation of the replacement bridge at Pooley Bridge in Cumbria, which was destroyed in the devastating floods of 2015. The complex project saw a brand new stainless steel road bridge installed over the River Eamont, effectively re-connecting the local community. With new plant equipment needed for the project, but also to further Waitings Ltd’s infrastructure capabilities in the future, Adrian Ash, director of operations, approached local equipment expert Taylor & Braithwaite for guidance. The two companies have a strong relationship, having worked closely together for more than a decade. Impressive performance, immediate results As Yanmar’s approved dealer for Cumbria and the North East of England, Taylor & Braithwaite specialises in supplying, servicing and maintaining construction, quarrying and recycling equipment. Based near Appleby, the company boasts more than 50 years’ experience in equipment sales and prides itself on delivering expert advice, honest counsel and building strong, collaborative relationships. After speaking with the Taylor & Braithwaite team, Adrian made the decision to invest in two new Yanmar models – a ViO50 midi excavator and C30R tracked dumper. Combining stylish Japanese design and European build quality, the models were delivered in May 2020 and used extensively during the Pooley Bridge development project. Adrian Ash, director of operations at Waitings Ltd said: “We’ve been really impressed with the performance of both Yanmar machines. They not only helped us to complete the Pooley Bridge project, but will be used for other major infrastructure projects in the future. “Designed with the user in mind, their performance is hugely impressive and their build quality really sets the standards. With zero tail swing, the ViO machine is perfect for operating in small spaces – important for the vast majority of contracts we deliver. “Our relationship with Taylor & Braithwaite is a perfect example of two local companies working well together. Our particular area of expertise demands the very highest standards of support from our suppliers, which we absolutely receive from Taylor & Braithwaite. They offer a bespoke service and always respond rapidly to our aftersales requirements.” Ian Burton, sales director at Taylor & Braithwaite, added: “We first started working with Waitings Ltd more than ten years ago and have worked closely with the team ever since. We were delighted to help specify new equipment for the Pooley Bridge project and are pleased to hear such positive feedback. “Yanmar equipment is designed with the user firmly in mind, manufactured with the highest quality components and integrates the latest operator technologies. Although we’re only a relatively new Yanmar dealer, the brand is hugely respected and we’re already seeing significant demand for the latest models.” For more information about the latest Yanmar range, visit www.yanmarconstruction.co.uk. To find out more about Taylor & Braithwaite, visit https://www.t-and-b.co.uk/. More information on Waitings Ltd can be found at www.waitings.org.
In thіѕ реrіоd of healthcare rеfоrm, numеrоuѕ organizations соntіnuе tо change thеіr buѕіnеѕѕ рrасtісеѕ so they can оbtаіn more hospital рrоfіtаbіlіtу whіlе also dеlіvеrіng quality саrе. Hеаlthсаrе expenditures аrе еxресtеd to rеасh $10.4 trіllіоn bу 2022, and this high lеvеl оf ѕреndіng activity hаѕ hоѕріtаlѕ сurrеntlу undеr a lоt оf pressure tо reduce соѕtѕ. The Stairlift Liverpool breaks dоwn five dіffеrеnt ways that hospitals саn іmрrоvе thеіr рrоfіtаbіlіtу. Hоѕріtаlѕ can ѕресіfісаllу еnhаnсе рrоfіtѕ bу bооѕtіng раtіеnt ѕаtіѕfасtіоn, rеduсіng rеаdmіѕѕіоnѕ rаtеѕ аnd unnесеѕѕаrу tеѕtіng, undеrѕtаndіng the реrfоrmаnсе аnd investing іn effective tесhnоlоgіеѕ that the Stair-lift Liverpool is definitely going to provide you. WITH STAIRLIFT LIVERPOOL, HERE ARE 4BООЅTING РАTІЕNT ЅАTІЅFАСTІОN QUАLІTУ CUSTOMER ЅЕRVІСЕ If раtіеntѕ аrе satisfied thrоughоut аll aspects of thеіr healthcare еxреrіеnсе, thеn thеу are lіkеlу to turn tо the hоѕріtаl thаt provided them wіth еxсерtіоnаl care again in thе futurе. Addіtіоnаllу, hіghеr hospital margins аrе typically dіѕtіnguіѕhеd bу higher раtіеnt ѕаtіѕfасtіоn, ассоrdіng tо a рrеvіоuѕ rероrt. Amеrісаn hоѕріtаlѕ that gаvе a superior раtіеnt еxреrіеnсе gаіnеd net mаrgіnѕ thаt were 50 percent higher, on аvеrаgе, соmраrеd to thоѕе that provided аn аvеrаgе сuѕtоmеr еxреrіеnсе, thе rероrt noted. 1. Reduce rеаdmіѕѕіоnѕ High readmission rаtеѕ can be соѕtlу tо a hospital. Consequently, іt’ѕ in a hоѕріtаl’ѕ best interest tо trу tо reduce the number оf rеаdmіѕѕіоnѕ. Alѕо, hоѕріtаlѕ thаt dоn’t hаvе hіgh rеаdmіѕѕіоn rаtеѕ mоѕt lіkеlу wоn’t get реnаlіzеd bу Centers fоr Mеdісаіd аnd Mеdісаrе Sеrvісеѕ. “Rеѕеаrсh ѕtudіеѕ аnd ԛuаlіtу-rероrtіng іnіtіаtіvеѕ аrоund the соuntrу show thаt 15-25 реrсеnt оf реорlе whо are dіѕсhаrgеd from the hоѕріtаl wіll be rеаdmіttеd tо thе hоѕріtаl within 30 days оr less, аnd thаt mаnу оf thеѕе rеаdmіѕѕіоnѕ are рrеvеntаblе,” ассоrdіng tо thе Cеntеr fоr Healthcare Quаlіtу & Pауmеnt Rеfоrm. 2. Rеduсе unnecessary testing Hospital рrоfіtѕ аrе likely tо increase іf fасіlіtіеѕ rеduсе thе аmоunt оf unnесеѕѕаrу tests thеу аdmіnіѕtеr. In thе England, rеdundаnt tеѕtіng alone has bееn estimated to waste up tо $5 bіllіоn each уеаr, a рrеvіоuѕ report nоtеd. Addіtіоnаllу, unnесеѕѕаrу tеѕtѕ саn be reduced when hospitals іmрlеmеnt аn еffесtіvе lаbоrаtоrу еxреrt ѕуѕtеm. 3. Understand rеvеnuе cycle performance Hоѕріtаlѕ need tо undеrѕtаnd their revenue сусlеѕ so thеу саn identify орроrtunіtіеѕ and wеаknеѕѕеѕ. If hоѕріtаl executives have a сlеаr undеrѕtаndіng оf their оrgаnіzаtіоn’ѕ revenue сусlе, then they саn dеtеrmіnе whеrе tо аllосаtе fundѕ аnd resources. It’ѕ аlѕо vіtаl fоr рrоvіdеrѕ to аlѕо identify bottlenecks іn ореrаtіоnѕ. Onе wау a hospital саn understand іtѕ revenue сусlе реrfоrmаnсе аnd identify bоttlеnесkѕ іѕ thrоugh аnаlуtісѕ. Rеvеnuе cycle analytics and uѕіng financial dаtа саn help mаkе a rеvеnuе сусlе mоrе vіѕіblе thrоugh graphs or сhаrtѕ. Hospitals ѕhоuld uѕе dashboards аnd robust rероrtіng tо орtіmіzе rеvеnuе cycle management, a previous rероrt ѕаіd. 4. Invеѕt Іn Hеаlth It Systems Tо Mоnіtоr Utіlіzаtіоn Another way hospitals can іmрrоvе рrоfіtѕ and run еffісіеntlу іѕ by uѕіng еffесtіvе tесhnоlоgіеѕ. In ѕоmе саѕеѕ, hоѕріtаlѕ are uѕіng сlіnісаl dесіѕіоn support systems tо achieve роѕіtіvе fіnаnсіаl outcomes. Thеѕе ѕуѕtеmѕ аllоw рrоvіdеrѕ tо оvеrѕее lаbоrаtоrу utіlіzаtіоn. In mаnу cases, рrоvіdеrѕ аrе able tо uѕе thеѕе ѕуѕtеmѕ аѕ a way to ѕіgnіfісаntlу decrease the number of unnecessary tеѕtѕ without аffесtіng раtіеnt саrе ԛuаlіtу, a previous rероrt ѕаіd. Alѕо, іf providers uѕе these systems effectively, thеу саn rеduсе the аmоunt оf еrrоrѕ thеу mаkе durіng the рrеѕсrірtіоn placement рhаѕе оf hеаlthсаrе. When hоѕріtаlѕ аrе аblе tо avoid mаkіng рrеѕсrірtіоn рlасеmеnt еrrоrѕ, lеѕѕ mоnеу is spent on rеоrdеrіng thе соrrесt prescriptions. These ѕуѕtеmѕ саn also help рrоvіdеrѕ avoid making соmmоn mіѕtаkеѕ thаt саn lead tо high-cost рrеѕсrіbіng behaviors.
Solihull-based Terra Strategic has submitted a Full Planning Application for 212 homes and community facilities, which is the first phase of the masterplan for the 72-acre (29.1 Ha) former Hawkesbury Golf Club in Bedworth, Warwickshire. The Gross Development Value of the whole ‘Canal Village’ is in the region of £115m. The entire length of the development area is bounded by Coventry Canal, with vehicular access provided from Stockley Road and Sephton Drive – both off Blackhorse Road. Terra Strategic purchased the land unconditionally in 2018 and has since secured its allocation for at least 380 residential units, infrastructure and community facilities in the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan, which was adopted last year. The site lies just north of Hawkesbury village, which is served by regular bus routes, schooling and local amenities. It was a Golf Course between 1990 and 2006, but historically had been used for mining activity. The planning application that has been lodged with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is for 212 high quality dwellings, including a 25 per cent provision of affordable homes. There are four ponds/pools across the site, including Hawkesbury Farm Pool, which will all be retained and will form a key part of the ecology strategy for the scheme. Across the 32 acres (12.9 Ha) covered by the detailed application, there is also the provision of extensive Public Open Space, foot and cycle paths including a new Sustrans link, landscaping, habitat enhancement, a children’s play area, allotments and an orchard, and a circa 2,000 sq ft community building with a dedicated car park for 18 cars. The masterplan for the whole 72 acres has been carried out by Hampshire-based Thrive Architects, with Birmingham-based Malcolm Payne Design Group responsible for the detailed design for the first phase. James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra Strategic said: “This site has huge potential to create a vibrant new community, which is only a five-mile canalside walk or cycle ride into Coventry city centre. It will have a transformative effect on the local area, and we are especially keen for work to be able to commence as soon as possible, in order to create enhancements to the public realm in time for the 2021 City of Culture initiative. “While residential land of this size and scale requires phasing considerations, submitting a detailed application for the first 212 homes has enabled us to include a significant amount of much-needed community facilities, such as a new Sustrans link, children’s play area, allotments and a community building. We have engaged in constructive pre-application discussions with Nuneaton and Bedworth Council’s Planning Department and are currently working alongside officers and key consultees while the application is being considered.” The planning application proposes a wide range of accommodation incorporating one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, and two, three and four-bedroom family homes. The homes have been designed with a striking mixture of red brick and render. The site is traversed by three public footpaths, which provide links with Hawkesbury Village to the south; Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Bedworth town centre to the west; and along Coventry Canal and beyond to Coventry Way to the north and south. The planning application proposes retaining these footpaths, with new links to be created north-south and east-west through the centre of the site. New cycle ways will also be created. The application also proposes creating two acres of allotment gardens with timber storage sheds and a community orchard. Terra Strategic is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process. Terra Strategic has a national reach, having secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
Industrial asset management specialists NSM has fully let Platinum Court, on the Alchemy Business Park, Knowsley, securing The Vella Group for the last two vacant units on a 10-year lease. Terms have been agreed for the 15,700 sq. ft, space with the family-owned Group, one of the largest independent vehicle repair groups in the UK. With seven other sites stretching from Leominster to Workington, a prominent Knowsley branch will help strengthen The Vella Group’s growing regional network. NSM Head of Property for the North West, Dave Harrison said: “Now fully let, the scheme is helping to regenerate a significantly deprived area and create new job opportunities for local people. The Vella Group has an excellent reputation both as an employer and quality repair business and we are delighted that they have committed to Platinum Court.” As part of Alchemy Business Park, Platinum Court is conveniently located just off the A580, and less than 0.5miles from the M57. The high-quality development comprises 10 units giving a total of 93,000 sq. ft of industrial space, with units ranging from 6,775 to 21,363 sq. ft. for B1, B2 & B8 light and general industrial and warehousing uses. Each unit has its own secure gated yards and alarm systems as well as being covered by the wider estate’s CCTV security network. Heating to the industrial units is via roof mounted gas fired blown warm air units whilst the offices are individually thermostatically controlled for work space comfort and convenience. The Vella Group Operations Director, Mike Sarsfield added: “As part of our ongoing growth plans, we wanted to expand our footprint into the Liverpool area. The location of Platinum Court provides with great access to the greater Liverpool area, and also further afield with the M58 close by. The premises itself is modern, secure and really fits with the image we want to portray for a professional repair centre. I would like to thank the NSM team for what has been a smooth and supportive experience getting into the new site, it’s very much appreciated.” The Vella Group will join existing tenants Smith News Trading Ltd, National Grid Gas PLC and Applied Medical UK Ltd. As an industrial asset management specialist NSM managing more than 4.3million sq. ft of industrial property across the north. It currently looks after 460 units nationally with a rent roll in excess of £14m. About NSM: NSM manages over 4 million sq. ft of industrial property across the north of England. Looking after 460 units and a rent roll in excess of £14million. The value of the assets under management is estimated at £237 million. Formerly part of Network Space, in 2019 NSM launched as an independent business. Based in Doncaster and Warrington, NSM provides property and asset management, agency and property consultancy advice to a range of clients across the north of England.
Together Energy, part of the Together Housing Group, has launched a dedicated website to share its journey to net zero carbon with like-minded organisations. Together Energy uses its investment in renewable energy and efficiency to make homes more affordable for tenants and better for the environment. Where possible it seeks to generate a return on investment and it is hoped that the new site will inspire good practice among other social housing providers, energy tech companies, energy suppliers and investment interests that share the same goal. Patrick Berry, Director of Energy Services at Together Energy, said: “We are living in unprecedented times. The world is awakening to the threat that climate change is having on the Earth’s eco-systems and on the way of life many of us have come to take for granted. “The UK is the first major developed economy to commit in law to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This will have far reaching consequences. To achieve it will require a deep response across our economy, our homes, our transport systems and expectations of how we live our lives. “One of the more testing challenges is how to make the transition to renewable heat and power in our homes and to improve their overall level of energy efficiency. To do this will require both a broad acceptance of the renewable technologies that will enable a mass market appeal and sufficient reductions in the costs that will make large scale commercial investment a reality.” With around four million social housing properties in the UK largely occupied by tenants on low incomes that are most vulnerable to energy costs, Patrick says the social housing sector has a major role to play. Patrick adds, “Social housing has the financial clout and the assets to be market makers; bringing the technology into play, developing sustainable investment models and making a contribution to growth in low carbon economy jobs and businesses. In doing so there is a need to think innovatively about how we upgrade our assets, its impact on how we manage them over the long-term and especially the impact on our tenants. The progress to becoming net zero carbon can act as a major catalyst to this end.” So far, Together Energy has run a series of pilot projects in the social housing sector as it works towards the net zero carbon target. One project in Lancashire, funded by Together Housing Group and the European Regional Development Fund, saw 250 homes fitted with solar panels and batteries. On another pilot project, Together Energy worked in partnership with Kensa Contracting Ltd to replace storage heaters with ground source heat pumps in 1,000 flats at 12 locations across South and West Yorkshire. Together Energy recognises that with these projects it has only taken the first step. The projects they have developed around renewable heat, solutions for new build properties and solar PV and battery systems have been designed to provide proof of concept so that much larger investments can be made across its stock. Underpinning this approach is the aim to use energy assets as investments that generate revenue in the emerging markets around demand side response, but also power purchase agreements that enable cheaper energy bills for tenants. Patrick added: “This approach is a step towards change in traditional thinking. The only certainty we have at this time is that the final outcomes are likely to be different than those we might anticipate now.” www.smartenergytogether.co.uk
The Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project is delighted to welcome Simon Dudley, Interim Chair of Homes England, as Chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group provides vital two way engagement to disseminate project learnings and outcomes with industry stakeholder organisations. The project aims to tackle the UK housing crisis by using cost effective MMC delivered using industrialised offsite panelised solutions. Dudley brings a wealth of experience to the role having been involved in major construction projects, including those as part of Maidenhead Borough’s regeneration during his three and a half year tenure as borough leader. Simon Dudley, new chair of the AIMCH Stakeholder Group, said: “I’m delighted to join as chair of the AIMCH project. The stakeholder group draws together key interests and views, to share learning and concerns, providing a collective approach and wider market impact to drive the uptake of MMC systems. “AIMCH is forward thinking and committed to delivering high quality cost effective housing. The AIMCH project will have an even greater role to play as the construction sector resets from Covid-19. The clear benefits from Modern Methods of Construction will address the challenges faced in a post-pandemic economy made more complex with Brexit and net zero carbon goals. Industrialised offsite panelised solutions will act as a catalyst for a step change in the industry. Capturing all these benefits through this project are key insights for industry going forward.” The three-year AIMCH project, which has been live since early 2019, has been trialling new digital design tools, manufacturing advancements, improved near-to-market offsite systems and lean site processes on live housing projects over the past 18 months. The ultimate goal of the project is to support the sector by delivering the 120,000 target for the same or less cost than traditional methods, are built 30% quicker and have 50% less defects. The project has potential to impact on 35,000 homes being delivered by AIMCH partners across the UK, each year.
At present, Covid-19 presents a huge challenge to the UK property industry but, despite the lockdown, we cannot ignore our sector’s other biggest issue – building safety. Post-Grenfell, safety in the residential block sector is being completely overhauled and many of the recommendations coming from the Hackitt Review hinge on data collection and management. 84% of IRPM members feel that technology can be used to improve on-site safety – this statistic highlights the need for the profession to examine and fundamentally change the way in which we view and use technology. With this in mind, we have published Who shares Wins: the impact of technology on building safety, a white paper highlighting the key issues raised by the impact of technology on building safety. The new publication details the importance of data-sharing and advances in building technology in the residential block sector, with a particular focus on fire safety and setting out next steps for the property management profession. For the first part of our 2020 Tech Insight programme, we brought together a group of leading industry experts to discuss the impact of technology on building safety and examine the barriers to implementation. The white paper captures this conversation, highlighting the technological challenges for the sector that impact the delivery of building safety. As we continue our series of dedicated technology white papers, each will address in turn the IRPM’s 4 Elements of property management professionalism – this being our first, with a focus on safety. The 4 Elements of property professionalism: 1. Technical competence 2. Safety 3. Customer and consumer 4. Ethics and behaviours We hope you enjoy this first white paper and find it thought provoking. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER
Providing the local community with a new medical facility, Warden Construction has been appointed to deliver a day case hospital at Matrix Park, Buckshaw Village in Chorley. With planning permission granted by South Ribble Borough Council earlier this year, the new £8 million facility will improve access to healthcare provision within the local community and further afield. The hospital, which starts on site in July, will include two theatres, first and second stage recovery bays, a diagnostics suite including a static MRI scanner, outpatient and physiotherapy departments. In addition, the facility will have parking for 80 cars and eight electric car charging stations. On behalf of WW Medical Facilities Limited and their client Ramsay Health Care UK, Warden Construction has commenced detailed design on the prime 80,000 sq ft plot on Matrix Park, which is also home to a number of businesses including a Waitrose distribution centre, Rutherford Point and a number of small to medium office and commercial enterprises. The new 24,000 sq ft steel framed building is largely single storey and will be clad in a mix of traditional brick with an aluminium clad feature entrance. By creating a high-quality patient environment, the contemporary design aims to create a calm and welcoming building, with full height glazing to maximise natural light and a quiet, contemplative landscaped garden adjacent to the waiting area. The facility will integrate with other health services in the wider Preston area, and has been designed to provide a flexible building to suit changing medical practices and futureproof any subsequent adaptations as much as possible. Upon completion, following the 12-month build programme, the operation is expected to create around 52 new highly skilled jobs for the region. Richard Kenworthy, Managing Director at Warden Construction, comments “Facilities, such as this scheme at Matrix Park, are crucial in maintaining exemplar medical provision to the community, particularly in response to the significant extra pressure our health service is currently facing. Once complete in summer 2021, we expect this new day case hospital to be of vital benefit and provide an essential high-quality operation which fully meets the needs of the region both now, and during any increased future demands. “Securing this contract, despite the difficult climate, is a real testament to our teamwork. With unprecedented challenges over the course of the last couple of months, the team has really proven that resilience and collaboration are key to embracing ‘business as usual’.” Neil Whittingham, Director at WW Medical Facilities, states “The delivery and success of this important project for Ramsay Health Care UK requires a dynamic partnership between health care project professionals and contractors who can coordinate the fast track delivery of complex medical and surgical facilities. Our decision to award this contract to Warden Construction was based on their knowledge and experience as a design and build contractor in the health sector, to drive as much value for money as possible to eliminate waste, coupled with their immediate understanding of the quality of the product and performance of the health care environment we require.” The project team consists of Identity Consult acting as employer’s agent with Warden Construction design and construct team consisting of P+HS Architects, WML Consulting, JRB Environmental supported by approved Building Inspectors, Ball and Berry, plus planning consultant ELG Planning. With an expanding healthcare portfolio, Warden Construction is also currently on site on the Little Hulton Health Hub; an integrated health centre which will bring together podiatry, speech and language therapy and diabetes clinics along with a smoking cessation service and mental health services to around 13,000 of the Salford community population. To view Warden’s work across the healthcare sector, please visit: http://warden.co.uk/