National trade body The Property Care Association (PCA) has established a new membership category, representing specialists with the skills to help householders encountering problems where sprayed foam insulation is installed in pitched roofs.
Homeowners have experienced a number of issues where sprayed foam has been applied in the roof space, including situations where properties have been hard to sell, or were unacceptable for equity release lending, due to potential issues with the installation.
Now, with the new PCA membership category in place, householders will be able to access practical guidance, centred around identification, evaluation and the recommendation of appropriate actions.
James Berry, Deputy Chief Executive of the PCA, comments: “Sprayed foam is a method of insulating within roofs, walls and floors to reduce heat loss through the building envelope.
“It has been used for many years, but its use in pitched roofs has received a lot of negative publicity as many surveying professionals and financial organisations have raised concerns regarding the potential effects of poorly applied or inappropriately specified foam.
“As a result, the presence of spray foam may significantly affect a surveyor’s valuation of a house, with many mortgage companies refusing to lend on such properties.
“For surveyors and property professionals, sprayed foam could potentially pose an issue when evaluating and reporting on the condition of structural roof timbers, ventilation and moisture management.”
The launch of the new membership category comes after the PCA contributed to new guidance in 2022 as part of a cross-industry group, which offered a defined course of action for the inspection of properties with spray roof insulation.
James Berry added “The new membership is a progression from our work two years ago and marks the next step in helping to address householders concerns across the UK.
“Those affected by poor installations had no route to seek advice on how to deal with the issue, but the new PCA membership, which has stringent requirements for entry, means there are now trained and recognised professionals who will be able to provide assistance.”
More information can be found at https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/sprayed-foam
The PCA also offers a sprayed foam course for built environment professionals. More details athttps://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/courses/timber/evaluating-spray-foam-roof/17618
]]>Hazelwood, an exclusive new development of 17 detached luxury homes, has come to the market through selling agents Knight Frank. Set in the idyllic South Staffordshire village of Great Wyrley, nestled in seven acres of beautiful countryside, Hazelwood offers privacy and tranquility just minutes from major transport links.
The secure gated development comprises 14 detached houses on approximately one-third acre plots and 3 detached bungalows, each on their own private land. The thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom homes feature Porcelanosa tiling, German Nobilia kitchens with integrated Neff appliances, air sourced heat pumps, underfloor heating and CCTV security systems.
Residents can enjoy countryside views from their balconies and patios. The properties also come fully networked for home automation systems and each home has a detached garage and an electric vehicle charging point.
“Hazelwood offers a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally appointed new home in a peaceful rural setting,” said Kate Horton, Associate at Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team. “With an attractive village location and easy access to major towns and cities, these homes appeal to commuters, families and professionals alike.”
The village of Great Wyrley offers a traditional English country lifestyle just 12 miles from Wolverhampton and Birmingham city centres. The Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within a 5-mile drive.
Hazelwood is now ready for occupation with prices starting from £1,500,000.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank’s Birmingham New Homes team newhomesbirmingham@knightfrank.com Tel: 0121 233 6495.
]]>· Catering to Dubai’s Dynamic and Discerning Homebuyer
· A New Benchmark for Quality and Excellence in Urban Living
· The event unveiled an exceptional payment plan with a flexible 30/70 structure
ANAX Developments, a subsidiary of ANAX Holding, is proud to announce the groundbreaking ceremony of Vento Tower, a landmark project in the heart of Business Bay. The event, which took place on February 21st, 2024 marks the beginning of a new era in luxury living.
The ceremony was attended by ANAXDevelopments Chairman Satish Sanpal, ANAX Holding; Managing Director, Ravi Bhirani; Head of Sales, Saqib Bin Tariq; and representatives from Adnan Contracting L.L.C and EDMAC Consulting.
Spanning 19 residential floors, Vento Tower comprises 225 luxury studios and one-bedroom apartments, fully furnished and equipped to a high standard with top-notch fixtures from Siemens and TEKA, and a Smart Home System from Bosch. Residents enter via a five-star hotel-style lobby, with 24-hour security and a fully-fledged concierge service, making Vento Tower a game-changer in contemporary living in Business Bay.
Chairman Satish Sanpal expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Vento Tower is our debut project, and with a goal to reform urban luxury living targeting homeowners, we aim to set a new standard of luxury living in Dubai with our flexible payment plan and commitment to top-notch quality, we will set a benchmark for excellence in the industry.”
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a revolutionary 30/70 flexible payment plan, tailored for prospective individuals seeking accessible payment terms with an option to pay as low as 1% to secure the unit, emphasizing the company’s commitment to attracting homebuyers. This plan is especially significant in the competitive Business Bay area, offering urban individuals seeking a residence in Dubai a unique opportunity to invest in their dream home.
Commenting on the occasion, Ravi Bhirani added, “By offering a flexible payment plan and prioritizing quality, we are not just selling homes; we are enabling dreams. Our approach resonates with a new wave of young, first-time buyers, empowering them to own a piece of Dubai’s thriving real estate market.”
ANAX Developments’ entry into the market signifies a new era of growth and innovation, with a transparent payment structure and a commitment to unparalleled quality, setting a benchmark for excellence that will be unmatched in future projects.
]]>Families have welcomed a decision to introduce a council tax premium on second homes to help to tackle a critical lack of affordable housing that is undermining North Yorkshire’s communities.
Members of North Yorkshire Council have today (Wednesday, February 21) backed plans to introduce a 100 per cent premium for council tax bills on second homes in the county from April next year.
The new scheme will effectively double council tax bills for second homeowners and means that North Yorkshire is one of the first areas in the country to progress with adopting the Government’s new measures.
The policy will be adopted from April 1 next year, given the requirements under the new national legislation to give second homes owners a 12-month period of notice before the charges are applied.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, welcomed the decision at today’s meeting of the full council to agree the council tax premium on second homes, which he claimed will play an important role in helping to provide more affordable housing.
Cllr Les said: “The need for more affordable housing has long been recognised in North Yorkshire, and we are committed to doing all we can to allow people to live in the places that they wish to.
“The fact that the county is such a wonderful place to live and work is one of its biggest draws, and as a result this has compounded the issues surrounding affordable housing.
“We also welcome visitors from across the world every year, and while there needs to be a balance with preserving the visitor economy, the current situation is simply not sustainable.
“As a council, we are leading the way to become one of the first local authorities to introduce the council tax premium on second homes. It will help to free up homes, and ensure our communities remain sustainable for the future.”
The proposals are ultimately aimed at bringing second homes back into use for local communities after many people have been priced out of the housing market in some of North Yorkshire’s most desirable locations.
It is also expected that the decision to introduce the premium will provide a multi-million pound boost to finance council priorities, including a central aim to use the funding to help introduce more housing in areas particularly affected by the affordability crisis.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for finance, Cllr Gareth Dadd, who is also the authority’s deputy leader, said: “There is an acute shortage of housing for local people in many communities in North Yorkshire, and this has been an issue that has long affected their opportunities to actually buy their own home.
“Whether it be locations such as the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors or coastal towns such as Scarborough and Whitby, the fact that these are wonderful places to live has heightened these issues.
“As a council, we are proud of such a forward-thinking scheme to introduce the council tax premium that will ideally see these second homes brought back into use for local people. But if not, then there will be a valuable new revenue stream created that will help fund council priorities, such as helping introduce more housing for local communities.”
Among the couples who have battled to find a home in North Yorkshire are David and Caroline Harper, who have two children, Phillip, aged nine, and five-year-old Lucy.
Mr Harper, 37, a teaching assistant, and his 34-year-old wife spent more than four years looking to find a suitable property to live in after they married in 2012.
They eventually managed to secure a three-bedroom house in the village of Hudswell, near Richmond, where Mr Harper grew up.
He said: “We did face particular challenges to find a home, as we had always wanted to live near our friends and family in the village where I grew up.
“It was a difficult housing market then, and it is even worse now to find a suitable property that you can afford.
“We were very fortunate to find the home we are in now, but we can relate to the issues other families are facing, particularly in rural areas of North Yorkshire.
“The council tax premium on second homes is a crucial new policy and will help to free up houses, and while there is not one single solution, this will undoubtedly help.
“It is a balancing act as the tourism industry is so important to North Yorkshire, but people deserve the right to be able to live in the communities where they want to.”
Analysis has shown that the introduction of a 100 per cent premium on council tax bills for second homes in North Yorkshire could generate between £11.5 million and £16.5 million a year in additional revenue.
The Scarborough area has the potential to bring in almost half of the additional revenue due to the large number of second homes in coastal towns such as Whitby, Scarborough and Filey.
A lack of affordable housing across North Yorkshire has been a long-running issue, accentuated in many of the county’s rural and coastal locations that are among the most desirable places to live in the country.
There is a high demand for second homes, increasing the strain on an already limited housing stock. According to figures from the National Housing Federation, there are 8,081 second homes in North Yorkshire – the highest number in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
]]>Bellway North London has welcomed the first visitors to its premium new housing development in Cuffley.
The housebuilder opened the doors to King George’s Vale, off Northaw Road East, where it is delivering a collection of 121 two, three, four and five-bedroom homes built to a high specification.
The developer unveiled a new two-storey sales and marketing suite at the 12-acre site, which is just to the north of the King George V Playing Fields.
Food and drink were provided by local businesses who were on hand to offer snacks and drinks. Staff from LL Cocktails & Bubbles served Prosecco and beer, and Coffee Trike provided hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
Greg Allsop, Bellway North London Sales Director, said: “It was great to welcome guests to King George’s Vale to see the range of homes available while enjoying snacks and a drink on us.
“The superior specification of these premium properties and the desirable location make this a particularly sought after development and there was an extremely good turnout for the event, with more than 50 people attending.
“Our impressive new sales and marketing suite features a 3D model of the development, allowing potential purchasers to see exactly where particular homes will sit within the site. The large interactive screen was also a big hit as it enables people to get a real insight into the layout and specification of the homes.
“In addition to this, the top floor houses a display kitchen which showcases a wide variety of sample materials and potential additions. Buyers can peruse options for cabinet doors, worktops, flooring and more – seeing firsthand the quality of options available to customers when they purchase a home here.
“As well as providing much-needed new housing, King George’s Vale will generate substantial investment in infrastructure and local services for the benefit of existing and future residents of this thriving and vibrant village community.”
As part of the planning agreement for King George’s Vale, Bellway North London is providing funding of more £2.2 million for local infrastructure and services. Contributions include £1,192,005 towards education, £156,332 for healthcare, £333,500 for highways and £444,215 for sports facilities.
The development will comprise 79 houses for private sale and 42 affordable homes for local people through shared ownership or affordable rent.
Properties will feature Google Nest smart thermostats, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels.
There’s currently a choice of two, three and four-bedroom homes available to reserve at King George’s Vale, with prices starting from £500,000. Express Move and Part Exchange schemes are available at the site.
For more information about the development, call the sales team on 01707 524334 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-london/king-georges-vale.
]]>Leeds College of Building and leading technology firm Collsys have joined forces to pioneer a new software package for the further education sector.
The Collsys ‘Academic Suite‘ is designed to track knowledge, skills, and behaviours across all academic disciplines. It combines with their ‘Employability Suite‘ to provide a comprehensive single platform solution including work placement, enrichment, apprenticeships, and careers.
The project began when Leeds College of Building reviewed its existing systems post-pandemic and asked for staff feedback. Increasingly complex requirements and software that was no longer fit for purpose meant that investing in a new college-wide system became a priority.
Steve Connell, Assistant Principal at Leeds College of Building, said:
“As a busy further education college, we deliver a host of construction specialisms from plumbing, carpentry, and brickwork to civil engineering and transport planning. As such, we needed software that could not only track student work placements and enrichment, but also monitor progress, hold Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), link well with maths, English and support areas, hold student reviews and exam results and monitor attendance and punctuality.
“However, little is available to the FE sector which can manage data for both employer placements and student progress, and which is also user-friendly. Market leaders tend to offer solutions for one or the other but not together and can also be difficult to retrieve the correct information. We needed software that would be a one-stop-shop and present data quickly and consistently.
“Our old systems were labour intensive and lead to silos or pockets of good practice, so I began talking with one of our existing software suppliers, Collsys. Their CEO, Brian Varley, was keen to explore this further and use expertise in his team to expand existing Collsys software parameters.”
The College Work Based Learning and Employer Engagement teams already used Collsys modules for tracking work placements, enrichment, and employer engagement data. The aim was to extend this to a bespoke management platform used by all Leeds College of Building staff.
Brian Varley, CEO Collsys, said:
“This project has been a great opportunity to enhance our existing Employability Suite offering. Together with Leeds College of Building, we designed the Academic Suite to be easy to use with additional options for tracking ‘Knowledge Skills and Behaviours’ of vocational courses. This means staff can monitor if students are on track at any point in the year and put in earlier interventions.
“We also included a joint training plan and review system that is not readily available on the market, given products are often not specifically designed with colleges in mind. A benefit of our system is that because we offer our Employability Suite alongside the Academic Suite, all data is in one place. Tutors can easily look at all aspects of a student’s data without having to switch between systems for reports.”
Over the last 12 months, a joint project team spent time researching, developing, designing, testing, and eventually rolling out the Academic Suite project. The new system is now live at Leeds College of Building and manages all aspects of students’ learning.
Users can drill down to faculty, departmental, course, or individual student level data. Staff can quickly access vital data, generate reports, and view insights using a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating to quickly identify at-risk students, monitor progress, and tailor interventions.
Adam Sharpe, system super-user and Leeds College of Building carpentry and Joinery lecturer, said:
“The new system has great potential. The fact that Collsys has been made to suit our needs as a college is really pleasing, as this means that people like me and others within our organisation can make this new system the best it can be. Working with the Collsys team has been a pleasure; they have been so responsive when we have had technical issues and very patient when delivering training.”
Work is now underway on the next phase of development. The project team has hosted drop-in staff training sessions, created champions and super users, and helped with data transfer to the new system. Plans also include a portal and mobile app to allow employers, parents and carers to monitor a student’s attendance, progress, results, and staff feedback.
Steve concluded:
“This was an ambitious project, but it paid off. We’ve never had this level of data before! It’s fantastic to have everything in one place and quickly access data in real-time. It’s very user-friendly and is a much more efficient use of precious staff time. This bespoke platform will be crucial for external assessors moving forward as it ties together all aspects of apprenticeships and study programmes. Thanks to Collsys for listening to our needs and building a bespoke system for us. “
Visit www.collsys.co.uk to find out more about Collsys Academic and Employability Suites or email customerservices@collsys.co.uk to learn how Collsys can support other Further Education providers.
Breedon Group plc (“Breedon” or the “Group”), a leading vertically-integrated construction materials group in Great Britain and Ireland, is pleased to announce the opening of a new concrete tile production factory in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.
Breedon’s significant investment at this site will reduce local supply chain constraints and enable quicker and more efficient processes in order to produce high quality tiles at a faster production rate. The new factory contains advanced, modern equipment, increasing Breedon’s tile production capacity in the region by over 80%, from 12 million to 22 million tiles per annum. This new facility will ensure the Group remains at the forefront of tile manufacturing in Northern Ireland.
The new plant in Lisburn will boost the local economy and will drive innovation and manufacturing capabilities in Belfast.
The site has been designed with sustainability as a key consideration. The successful ESG journey of the tile business and the significant decrease in carbon generated per m2 of tiles, is something the team is exceptionally proud of.
Jude Lagan, Managing Director, Cement and Products at Breedon Group, said:
“I am proud to see the opening of this impressive facility in Lisburn, demonstrating our commitment to our business in Ireland, whilst benefitting the wider region, providing more supply and enabling secondary and tertiary industries to thrive.”
]]>New contemporary business space has been released in Dalmarnock by Red Tree, one of Glasgow’s most established collaborative workspace brands, adding to their locations in Bridgeton and Magenta business park in Rutherglen.
With interior design provided by commercial specialists Bell & Swift, Red Tree Eastworks is one of the premier office spaces available in Scotland.
The innovative new workspaces have a range of options for tenants, ranging from hot desking to dedicated suites, recognising the need for spaces that suit the hybrid way of working.
The site is set within a former Victorian era gas purifier shed. The structure was recently retrofitted as part of the EastWorks development by Clyde Gateway and opened by the Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison MSP.
EastWorks is the fourth development for Red Tree which has been providing high quality workspace in the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen for almost 15 years.
The Grade A flexible work spaces range from 322 sq ft to 3,448 sq ft, meaning there are spaces for up to teams of 50. There are a range of work solutions available including business club membership providing hot desking and a business address. There is a premium dedicated desk rental option, and dedicated flexible suites are also available for rent.
Red Tree is operated by Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest regeneration company, which has been developing numerous commercial and industrial spaces in the east end of Glasgow and in Rutherglen as part of its wider regeneration programme.
Lisa Miller, Project Manager at Clyde Gateway said: “Clyde Gateway was proud to regenerate this derelict site and Red Tree can now offer collaborative work spaces suited to the modern hybrid work environment, bringing more jobs and investment into the east end of Glasgow.
“Red Tree at EastWorks is beautifully designed and provides a superb experience for employees and businesses, with excellent amenities on site. Through our other Red Tree offerings in Bridgeton and Rutherglen, we understand the current market and we know these sorts of workspaces that are well connected and of very high quality are hugely desirable for businesses and organisations of all sizes.”
Craig McKie, Creative Director at Bell & Swift who provided interior design for the new space, added: “We wanted this space to provide a modern, collaborative workspace, yet recognise the Victorian roots of the building and the industrial heritage of the local community. The bold colour palette takes inspiration from Glasgow’s heritage of turkey red dye, as well as the weaving industry that was once such a key part of Dalmarnock.
“Ultimately, we wanted to provide a space that can be enjoyed and be a place where people want to spend time. Alongside Red Tree and Clyde Gateway, I believe we have transformed a derelict structure into a workspace that rivals any in the city, whilst ensuring the building doesn’t lose any of its charm.”
]]>Bellway has completed building work on the new apartments at its Abingworth Fields development in Thakeham.
The Abingworth Apartments building comprises nine two-bedroom properties, all of which have already sold.
As the aerial photograph shows, construction is also progressing well on the houses within the 75-home development, off Abingworth Crescent, with 36 properties now built.
Buyers are already settling in, with the first residents having moved into their new homes in May.
Daniel Williamson, Sales Director for Bellway South London, said: “Our apartments at Abingworth Fields represent the perfect first step onto the property ladder for people looking to move on from renting, as well as being ideal for those looking to downsize.
“They enjoy an attractive location within the development, with a peaceful outlook across a large area of green open space.
“There’s plenty of space inside too. The Woodpecker apartment style, for example, has an open-plan kitchen/living/dining room and two double bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room.”
There is still a choice of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses for sale at Abingworth Fields, with prices starting from £375,000.
For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-london/abingworth-fields or call 01798 500082.
]]>Transformational property developer, Vigo Group, has named Tariq Shah OBE as its new Chief Executive.
Tariq takes over the role from his father, Nadeem Shah, who recently celebrated 50 years at the helm. Nadeem will become Chair of the thriving third-generation family business, based in Doncaster.
Nadeem said: “Tariq and I have worked closely together for more than two decades, and I’m proud of the impact he has had on the business and the wider community. I’m confident that the company is in safe hands, and with his energy, experience and methodical approach, Tariq will lead the business to further success.
“We are a family business started by my father in 1966, developed by my wife Maureen and I, and I’m pleased that my children now play key roles. As we move into the next stage for the business, we have a lot to achieve, and I look forward to supporting Tariq and the team to deliver our shared vision in my new role as Chair.”
Starting with the business before university, Tariq has been part of Vigo Group for more than 20 years and has experience across all areas of the organisation, from construction to acquisitions and strategy.
Tariq said: “It’s a real honour and a privilege to take over as Chief Executive of Vigo Group. I’ve worked here from the age of 18 but have grown up in and around it, so the business has always been a big part of my life.
“I am fortunate to have, over many years, worked with an incredible team from whom I have learned and continue to learn so much.
“My vision for the company is consistency, growth, and transformation. It will see us doing more of the regeneration work that we do so well, bringing new life to previously used sites as well as growing, developing, and changing the places we work in, with a real focus on building great, sustainable communities. We are seeing a significant shift in the way, and the places, people live and spend time, making this work increasingly important.
“Taking the reins from my dad is a privilege and as I look back at the impact our family business has had over the last 57 years, it offers me the chance to reflect on what I will deem success at the end of my own career.
“It goes without saying that in business it’s important to make a profit. Without that, we simply won’t be able to sustainably deliver the scale of change that we know is needed for the success of the places we work, but as a multi-generational family business we consider returns over generations and not financial quarters. That means investing in our places and building relationships with our communities. We will continue to be a business that has a positive and sustainable impact as well as delivering financial returns.
“I hope to have an ever-greater impact, transforming communities and places that have perhaps been left behind, creating great opportunities for people to live and work, and delivering quality new homes and commercial developments at a transformational scale.
“We are constantly improving environmental standards in everything we build, finding ways to deliver projects which are better for people, our places, and our planet. Success will mean finding viable routes to net zero for everything we create, reducing our impact on the planet and our customers’ pockets.”
Vigo Group has invested in under-used and neglected brownfield sites for more than five decades. This saw the group’s commercial property business flourish, as they brought the sites back to life with community-focused planning and development.
“One thing is for certain,” added Tariq.
“The legacy of this business is one of adaptation, from right in the first days when my grandfather set up the company when he arrived in the UK and saw opportunities to make a better life for his family, and for other people in his new community.
“My dad has done a fantastic job of building and growing the business over the last 50 years. Under his guidance, I’ve had a very long and involved apprenticeship, and I’m ready to continue that transformational work with our fantastic teams.
“Dad has instilled some great wisdom in us all over the years and the intrinsic values of the business that have seen us focus on making areas better for people and caring about the communities we are working with will continue to drive this business forward.”
For further information about Vigo Group, please visit https://vigogroup.co.uk
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