United Living Group, the provider of critical infrastructure and affordable housing, is pleased to announce it will return as the main sponsor of the Television for the Environment (Tve) Global Sustainability Film Awards 2022, a film competition recognising those whose films most powerfully portray solutions for sustainability. Previous shortlisted
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, housing and property services, is pleased to announce that work is underway on an £8.4 million housing project to create 53 new affordable homes in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. Named Wheater’s Meadow, the 100% affordable development is being delivered by United Living New Homes’
United Living Group has announced that Ole Pugholm has been appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer. He joins the leadership team following the recent acquisition of Great British Telecoms, which boosted the United Living Group’s turnover to in excess of GBP 0.5 billion annually. The business has also won some
United Living Group is delighted to announce that Caroline Lewis has been appointed as Managing Director for New Homes. Caroline has been working for United Living as Development Director, having joined the business in 2018, bringing with her 17 years of industry experience from both the public and private sectors.
Leading UK placemaker, United Living New Homes, has been awarded a Premier Guarantee Quality Recognition Award for its innovative eco-friendly housing development at Shaldon Road, Bristol. The award recognises outstanding developments that have consistently delivered quality workmanship and displayed exceptional site management. Throughout the year, only 100 developments from across
Work has begun to transform a vacant brownfield site into a landmark, 30 home timber frame housing development – providing much needed affordable properties in Leeds. The scheme will deliver a total of 14 one bedroomed apartments, ten two bedroomed houses and six three bedroomed homes – two of which
IGEL, provider of the next gen edge OS for cloud workspaces, announces today that United Living has selected IGEL OS to extend the life of existing desktop PCs used within the business, provide an easy to manage EUC solution for equipment at numerous temporary site offices and enable staff to
Leading utility specialist Fastflow Group, a subsidiary of United Living Infrastructure Services, has been chosen to rebuild a key Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) in North London. The c. £4 million project, on behalf of gas giant Cadent, will keep the energy flowing safely and reliably for many generations. With the
United Living Group is delighted to announce that Conor Bray has been appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer. Conor has extensive operational experience in various sectors and is currently Managing Director, Property Services at United Living Group. He will take up the new role from 1 May 2021. His promotion
More than fifty students from Carshalton College and Merton College have taken up industry placements with national contractor United Living, to help build 68 new homes for the ex-service community. Since November last year, the construction site at Rhodes Moorhouse Court in Morden has had support from Level 2 and
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
United Living Group, the provider of critical infrastructure and affordable housing, is pleased to announce it will return as the main sponsor of the Television for the Environment (Tve) Global Sustainability Film Awards 2022, a film competition recognising those whose films most powerfully portray solutions for sustainability. Previous shortlisted films include the World Wildlife Fund’s project to capture never-before-seen behaviours of basking sharks off the shores of Scotland using innovative camera technology. Another shortlisted film captured Breathe London, an ambitious project that measured and mapped Londoners’ daily exposure to air pollution using a network of advanced air pollution sensors. United Living has proudly sponsored the event for six years. The group is supporting its clients on their decarbonisation journey as well as setting its own net zero carbon and sustainability objectives. United Living has implemented a range of measures that prioritise sustainability, including commitments to reduce carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2030, two decades ahead of the UK government’s existing target of Net Zero by 2050. Other measures include reducing avoidable waste to zero in the development process of all United Living Homes, as well as eliminating the use of single-use plastics by the same timeframe. All this whilst remaining focused on supporting a wholly diverse and inclusive environment. The Groups ethos is to continuously invest in its people through funded qualifications and trainee programmes, and in social value to leave a lasting positive legacy in the communities it serves. At the awards ceremony, a brief address will be given by CEO and Chairman of United Living, Neil Armstrong, on the importance of the Awards in spreading awareness of a more sustainable way of life, as well as the role organisations such as United Living must play in this endeavour. Neil Armstrong, CEO and Chairman, United Living Group, commented: “tve was founded on the very principle of supporting progress towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). United Living has embraced ESG targets which also align to the UNSDG. We are already on a journey, and have been for years as a responsible business, with sustainable priorities. We are proud and delighted to be able to put our shoulder behind the awards as the main sponsor for thesixth year. By doing so we can support tve in our own small way, in the fantastic work they are doing to highlight one of the most important issues we face as a society today. The stories the award ceremony celebrates, inspire further innovation and aid the global transition to a more sustainable future for us all.” Mei Sim Lai OBE DI, Chairperson of the tve Global Sustainability Film Awards, commented: “Tve is a charitable organisation which relies on the support of partners around the world to fulfil its mission of promoting sustainable development through film and other media. Were it not for the generous sponsorship of organisations such as United Living, we would not have the capacity or scope to hold such an event or attract and promote such a high quality of film entrants. The fact that the number of Award categories has continued to increase over the years, is a testament to the value of our partnership, and we hope that United Living Group and the GSFA can continue to go from strength to strength together”.
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, housing and property services, is pleased to announce that work is underway on an £8.4 million housing project to create 53 new affordable homes in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex. Named Wheater’s Meadow, the 100% affordable development is being delivered by United Living New Homes’ subsidiary, Partner Construction, on behalf of leading housing developer, Flagship Homes. It will see a mix of 46 social rent and seven shared ownership homes constructed on the site, on Kirby Road in Walton-on-the-Naze. Built on part of a former caravan park and supported by Homes England funding, all the properties will be available for shared ownership or social rent, ensuring genuine affordability for residents and widening the range of housing options for the local community. The first delivery of new homes is expected in August 2022, and the site is due to be completed in early 2024. At a ground-breaking ceremony to get work underway, Frank Lincoln, Regional Managing Director of Partner Construction, United Living New Homes, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have started building at Wheater’s Meadow, working closely with Flagship Homes to create much-needed new homes that residents will be proud to call home”. Tony Tann, Managing Director with Flagship Homes, added: “We are delighted to have commenced construction on this site in Walton-on-the-Naze with United Living and Partner Construction. It is a beautiful area and these rented and shared ownership homes will be tremendous for the local community. We are thrilled to see this development get underway and couldn’t be happier to work alongside Partner Construction on the development. It will provide a huge housing boost to the area and really shows our shared vision with everyone involved.” Wheater’s Meadow is one of two projects being delivered in close partnership between Partner Construction, United Living New Homes and Flagship Homes. The other, is a £9.7 million scheme that will see the creation of 73 new homes, again, all for shared ownership and affordable rent, in Necton, Norfolk. Partner Construction and United Living New Homes is part of United Living Group. It is currently active on 13 live sites across the country and has plans to deliver circa 500 new homes in the current financial year.
United Living Group has announced that Ole Pugholm has been appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer. He joins the leadership team following the recent acquisition of Great British Telecoms, which boosted the United Living Group’s turnover to in excess of GBP 0.5 billion annually. The business has also won some major contracts over the last few months including a 10-year £160 million partnership with Lewisham Homes, delivering major refurbishment works to its existing housing stock, a 432 new home development in Cardiff, worth £55 million and a £1.6 million deal on a district heating project at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) – which has a total project value of £150 million. In addition, it has secured places on the £750 million Fusion 21 Decarbonisation framework and the £5 billion SCF Residential framework. Ole’s extensive experience, spanning more than 15 years in CFO level roles, includes working with private equity and Global Fortune 500 multinationals, most recently working as CFO for the Marine Division of Survitec Group Limited, a global organisation with a presence in 96 countries. He has a significant background in turnaround management, acquisition and growth – supporting both the commercial and operational aspects of business – and an impressive track record of building strong performing finance teams, whilst creating business value through both buy and build, and organic growth. Neil Armstrong, Chair and CEO, United Living Group commented: “I am delighted to welcome Ole to the team. His exceptional track record and experiences will bring significant value to the business and support our further development plans, helping to set us up for future success.” Ole Pugholm added: “I am pleased to be joining United Living Group at an exciting point in the company’s development. I very much look forward to working with Neil and the wider Executive Team on developing its growth potential and building on the considerable success the group has achieved so far.”
United Living Group is delighted to announce that Caroline Lewis has been appointed as Managing Director for New Homes. Caroline has been working for United Living as Development Director, having joined the business in 2018, bringing with her 17 years of industry experience from both the public and private sectors. A Chartered Town Planner, Caroline has worked on multi-million-pound land acquisitions, regeneration and open market sales schemes, and implemented viability assessment models for both new build and asset management. Her promotion follows a series of key appointments at United Living Group as it moves into the next stage of its strategic development and ensures a best in class service for its customers in 2022 and beyond. Conor Bray, Chief Operating Officer, United Living Group, said: “I am delighted that we continue to strengthen our executive team from within the business which clearly demonstrates the strength and depth we have within the team. Caroline has taken on the role of Managing Director at an exciting time for United Living Group as we continue to innovate and drive forward our ambitious growth strategy”. “She has strong operational leadership and has led the New Homes business into the Build to Rent sector – securing a number of schemes, PCSA opportunities and direct negotiations of significant value. She also holds a degree and masters in Town Planning, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Surveying, highlighting her expert knowledge within the field”. Caroline Lewis, Managing Director, United Living New Homes, commented: “Having worked with the teams at United Living, I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the New Homes Managing Director role. “During my time with the business I have been very impressed with all of the people I have met and worked with. United Living is blessed with very talented, ambitious and dedicated people and the company has a tremendous future, well placed to go from strength to strength and I am excited to be on this journey.”
Leading UK placemaker, United Living New Homes, has been awarded a Premier Guarantee Quality Recognition Award for its innovative eco-friendly housing development at Shaldon Road, Bristol. The award recognises outstanding developments that have consistently delivered quality workmanship and displayed exceptional site management. Throughout the year, only 100 developments from across the UK are expected to receive this prestigious award – about 4% of the total number of sites inspected by Premier Guarantee. The Shaldon Road development captured the judge’s attention for the high quality of the new homes and the excellent standard of site management, craftsmanship, health & safety performance, site tidiness and general cooperation with the inspectors. As a winner of the Quality Recognition Award, United Living New Homes will be considered for this year’s National Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards, scheduled to take place in the summer. On behalf of leading social housing provider, Brighter Places – and supported by Bristol City Council, Bristol Community Land Trust and Homes England – the £10 million eco-friendly scheme has seen land south of Morris Road, transformed into a carefully designed sustainable community. Built to ‘PassiveHaus’ principles, the energy-efficient properties will provide a high level of tenant comfort, while using very little energy for heating and cooling and minimising each home’s carbon footprint. The development will include two, three, and four bedrooms houses with a mixed tenancy of shared ownership and affordable rent. Solar PV panels will also feature at the development, further reducing costs and a green transport plan which includes electric car charging points, a car share scheme and improved pedestrian and cycle access. Communal green space around the homes is also being created with a dedicated and protected green corridor to enhance biodiversity by providing a safe space for wildlife. The ultra-green project is expected to be completed in early 2022. Jason Ivens, Project Manager, United Living New Homes, said: “We are delighted and honoured to receive this Quality Recognition Award for our Shaldon Road development. It is testament to the dedication, efforts and care of the entire team working on the project. “These eco-friendly properties are a reflection of our company’s wider commitment to deliver high quality, sustainable new homes that suit the needs of the local communities in which we build”. Ian Granger, Account Manager, Premier Guarantee, said: “What a great team effort from Jason and his colleagues, achieving a fantastic product on a challenging site using new and innovative solutions. They are worthy Quality Recognition Award winners”.
Work has begun to transform a vacant brownfield site into a landmark, 30 home timber frame housing development – providing much needed affordable properties in Leeds. The scheme will deliver a total of 14 one bedroomed apartments, ten two bedroomed houses and six three bedroomed homes – two of which will be located on a satellite site, replacing two old properties that were previously demolished. The homes to be built at Leeds Meynell, in Holbeck, will be 100% affordable and constructed in less than nine months, with the first residents expected to move in by early summer 2022. They will be built using an innovative timber frame construction process, that involves constructing elements of the properties offsite – in a factory-controlled setting – before transporting them to site for assembly. The method uses the same materials, standards and codes as conventionally built homes but the controlled plant conditions ensure the process is completed more quickly than a traditional build. They will be constructed using a ‘Fabric first’ approach – which involves maximising performance of the materials and components that make up the very fabric of a building. This will help to achieve a key objective of the project, which is to ensure energy efficiency, lower fuel bills and tackle the fuel poverty problems that some Leeds City Council tenants face. The eco-friendly scheme will also support the council’s commitment to reduce the city’s direct carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030 and make Leeds a greener, fairer and healthier city. The project is being delivered through Leeds City Council’s Housing Growth Programme (CHGP), which aims to build around 1500 new, high-quality social housing units over the next five years. Once completed, the new homes will be managed by the council and will become part of its affordable housing stock, Mick Holling, Managing Director with United Living New Homes North, said: “Leeds is a thriving and growing city which needs new, good quality housing to meet demand. We look forward to playing a central role in regenerating this area of Leeds and creating much-needed new homes for local people. “The timber frame sector is transforming the way new homes are built. It offers a comprehensive, energy-efficient and low carbon solution for social housing that is high-quality, affordable and easily accessible and adaptable”. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “One of Leeds’ biggest priorities is to provide enough housing to meet the needs of a growing population. This is why we have developed our programme to build 1,500 new affordable homes over the next 5 years; all of which need to be high quality and accessible. Not only will this scheme positively contribute towards this ambition, it will also help us achieve our climate targets by providing people with energy efficient, low carbon homes. “I look forward to following the progress of this scheme and welcoming our first residents later this year.” As the principal contractor for the development, United Living will partner with Leeds City Council and William Saunders Architects.
IGEL, provider of the next gen edge OS for cloud workspaces, announces today that United Living has selected IGEL OS to extend the life of existing desktop PCs used within the business, provide an easy to manage EUC solution for equipment at numerous temporary site offices and enable staff to work from home. This further supports United Living’s agile working approach post pandemic. Driven by its strong company values to leave a positive, sustainable legacy behind, United Living is always exploring ways to reduce its carbon footprint. The use of IGEL OS has seen the conversion of around 130 PCs. As a device’s carbon value is typically incurred during the manufacturing process, it can take two years to offset. By extending the life of these devices, United Living has ensured that it becomes incrementally more sustainable. In addition to the actual hardware savings, further costs were realised as a three-year anti-virus software and maintenance subscription was not renewed given the built-in security features of IGEL OS. United Living provides essential services to the owners and operators of critical UK property and infrastructure assets and creates the communities where people want to live, work and play. The business employs 1,100 staff and has revenues of over £500m. United Living uses Citrix Virtual Apps to provide a standard desktop for a range of staff who work on projects and temporary site offices around the country. They access standard Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft SharePoint along with the company’s finance system. John Merrick, United Living’s IT service manager, explains, “We move these desktop PCs around from project to project. Getting a great Citrix experience for colleagues who use them was impacted as the endpoint hardware and associated operating system were old. We were looking for a solution which meant we could reutilise existing investment in hardware while boosting the end-user experience which is why we selected IGEL.” Supplied by Bytes Software Services, one of IGEL’s authorised expert partners, IGEL OS has been used to convert the PCs into locked-down and easy to manage endpoints. The PCs at site offices link back to a private cloud environment using Citrix SD-WAN[1]. Merrick adds, “We made the transition to IGEL OS easily, cost effectively and efficiently.” Users are presented with a desktop with a similar ‘look and feel’ to Windows which has helped with uptake and adoption. IGEL OS also allows digital cameras and other external storage drives to be connected – devices commonly used in the construction industry. United Living has realised a range of other benefits: Converting the 130 desktop PCs was quick, easy and fault free; IGEL’s Universal Management Suite (UMS) means it is easy for the IT department to ‘push’ updates to each machine over time, with remote control of devices and support to individuals given when needed; Security is enhanced as no data is stored on machines locally as they switch between projects. Granular information is also provided about each device such as who logged in last. Merrick says, “Ultimately, end-users have commented how much quicker the PCs are – they turn them on and they’re working in seconds not minutes. That’s been the best feedback as no one ever really thanks you for boosting efficiency.” The use of IGEL OS meant that United Living was able to respond quickly to COVID-19 by loading the OS onto laptops – typically used at the main offices – for staff to then use at home. Merrick says, “We’ve used some of our IGEL licences to mobilise people to work from home. The laptops connect to Citrix NetScaler providing access to our virtual desktop and applications.” Moving forward, United Living is positive about the future. Merrick says, “IGEL is a trusted partner. We know that when we introduce new technologies or functionalities whether that be Microsoft Teams or a new version of Citrix for example, IGEL will support us.” Simon Townsend, IGEL’s chief marketing officer, says “Working from anywhere is here to stay. IGEL OS is designed to enable firms to support their staff to do this and the United Living project is an excellent example. Irrespective of whether their staff work at different project sites or from home, our software offers easy management, security, performance and, the best bit, lower EUC costs to the business.”
Leading utility specialist Fastflow Group, a subsidiary of United Living Infrastructure Services, has been chosen to rebuild a key Pressure Reduction Station (PRS) in North London. The c. £4 million project, on behalf of gas giant Cadent, will keep the energy flowing safely and reliably for many generations. With the old Tottenham Holder Station demolished, the new PRS set to be constructed off Albany Road, Tottenham. Once operational, it will adjust gas pressure, enabling it to be fed into the local gas distribution network, supplying thousands of homes, businesses and community facilities. The scheme also involves replacing ageing pipes with tough new ones, ensuring better connectivity and improved resilience of the gas network. The PRS rebuild forms part of the broader redevelopment of the area, supporting the £6 billion Meridian Water scheme that will deliver over 10,000 homes and thousands of new jobs in Enfield over the next 20 years. As well as supporting the delivery of new homes and jobs, the PRS rebuild will take place on a ‘clean construction site’, with minimal CO2 emissions and noise pollution, helping to drive a low carbon economy, support a green recovery and help deliver the UK’s clean growth strategy. Several innovative technologies are to be employed on-site to reduce carbon emissions, including trialling a Hydrogen fuel cell, zero-emission temporary welfare units, hybrid machinery, HVO fuel, Green Concrete, battery-powered hand tools, electric vehicles, and solar panel lighting towers. The predicted CO2 saving over a standard construction process is a massive 274.45T/CO2e, a significant reduction, which will help Cadent work towards its net zero ambitions. With the construction part of the rebuild scheduled to be completed by mid 2022, Andrew Hejdner, Senior Project Manager, Cadent Capital Delivery, said: “Cadent has a longstanding relationship with Fastflow and it’s great to see both the engineering and sustainability challenges being addressed in a collaborative way with passion and enthusiasm. “Decarbonising construction is a dilemma the whole industry faces and some of the initiatives being deployed at the Tottenham project will showcase what is possible. Over a short space of time I’m hopeful this technology will become business as usual meaning we can really make inroads into reducing our carbon footprint.” Benn Cottrell, Managing Director, Fastflow Group / United Living Infrastructure Services, added: “We’re pleased to have been chosen by Cadent for this exciting project and bring our engineering expertise to help secure safe gas supplies for years to come. Taking on this vital installation, with its specific challenges, is a project to which our team is looking forward. We’re already getting started on the planning in order to deliver safely and efficiently for Cadent. “The construction and infrastructure industry traditionally use a significant amount of energy to deliver critical projects that shape the communities in which we live. To counteract this, it is our responsibility to modernise the energy consumption approach and help reduce carbon emissions from our operations. “While creating energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure is key, it’s just as important to reduce the impact on the environment during the construction of these buildings. With solutions such as hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid machinery, clean, renewable fuel, we can improve our sustainability practices and reduce the impact construction sites have on the environment, as our industry strives towards meeting its carbon reduction targets”. Cadent is the UK’s biggest gas network. It ensures gas reaches more than 11 million customers, by maintaining and upgrading networks that include more than 80,000 miles of pipes, with new connections added every day. Placed end to end, that amount would already stretch more than three times around the world.
United Living Group is delighted to announce that Conor Bray has been appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer. Conor has extensive operational experience in various sectors and is currently Managing Director, Property Services at United Living Group. He will take up the new role from 1 May 2021. His promotion follows a series of key appointments at United Living Group as it moves into the next stage of its strategic development and ensures a best in class service for its customers in 2021 and beyond. Neil Armstrong, United Living Group Chief Executive and Chairman, said: “I am delighted that Conor is to become our new Group Chief Operating Officer. He has strong operational leadership and takes over the reins at an exciting time for United Living Group as we continue to innovate and drive forward our ambitious growth strategy. “As well as an understanding of the company’s history, Conor has experience and knowledge of United Living Group’s people, values and ethos, which will be instrumental for us as we go forward as a business”. Conor Bray, Managing Director, Property Services, said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take up the role of Group Chief Operating Officer at United Living Group. Leading a business that is rich with diverse and creative talent and the expertise to consistently deliver better for our clients is incredibly exciting. “It is genuinely inspirational to see the passion, commitment and pride that is shown delivering projects that are transformational for communities, businesses and individuals. The ability to cross share expertise, knowledge and best practice will help to ensure that our business goes from strength to strength, as we undertake the next phase of growth and expansion”.
More than fifty students from Carshalton College and Merton College have taken up industry placements with national contractor United Living, to help build 68 new homes for the ex-service community. Since November last year, the construction site at Rhodes Moorhouse Court in Morden has had support from Level 2 and Level 3 students who are learning construction skills at the College’s Merton Campus. They have taken up placements across a range of disciplines including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, drylining, bricklaying and plastering. The placements are being delivered and managed by United Living in partnership with Haig Housing Trust. Level 1 students based at South Thames College have also participated in site visits to the housing development and will attend an on-site presentation about opportunities in the construction industry. Farhan Mohamed, senior site manager at United Living, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to provide these young people with the support and encouragement to learn new skills and pursue a career in construction. Our team of professionals are enjoying sharing their own knowledge and experience, which will hopefully play a part in encouraging this next generation into the sector and ensure the construction industry continues to flourish and grow.” Brigadier James Richardson, chief executive of Haig Housing Trust, said: “We’re delighted that this major development project on our Morden estate not only delivers 68 much needed new homes for Veterans and their families but has also benefited students from our neighbouring College. Aside from the skills they gain it also reflects the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant in bringing Veterans and local communities closer together.” Bryan Smyth, who is studying for a Level 3 diploma in electrical installation, said: “I’ve had a fantastic time here, working with the team at United Living to gain some experience and understand what it’s actually like to work on a construction site. I’ve gained a lot of new skills and I want to thank them for this opportunity.” Nathan Williams, who is studying bricklaying, said “My experiences working on this site were amazing. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and I’ve genuinely learnt loads of new skills. I hope to come back to help with the completion of the project.”
