Kenneth Booth – Property & Development Magazine https://www.padmagazine.co.uk News & Reviews for the Residential Property Sector Tue, 25 May 2021 09:42:41 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/favicon-pad-150x150.jpg Kenneth Booth – Property & Development Magazine https://www.padmagazine.co.uk 32 32 RENDALL & RITTNER STRENGTHENS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/property-facilities-management/rendall-rittner-strengthens-property-management-team-2/ Tue, 25 May 2021 09:42:41 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=12455 RENDALL & RITTNER STRENGTHENS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has appointed John Osborn as…]]>

RENDALL & RITTNER STRENGTHENS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM

Leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner has appointed John Osborn as Property Team Manager within one of its Central London divisions to oversee the management of a portfolio of high-profile residential developments.

With twenty years of experience in the industry at other managing agents, John joins R&R with a wealth of property management experience. His role at R&R will focus on developing relationships with major clients and ensuring the highest levels of service delivery. He will also help manage the handover of management from the developer to the leaseholders at certain key developments. 

johnosborne RENDALL & RITTNER STRENGTHENS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM
John Osborn – Property Team Manager

John commented: “I was drawn to Rendall & Rittner as a place to work because of the calibre of its client base. I have extensive experience of the industry having always worked in property management since I left university and relish the variety and challenges. I’m looking forward building strong connections with clients and helping my team develop their own careers.”

Rendall & Rittner manages one of the largest and fastest growing portfolios of properties in the UK with over 80,000 units under management across the country. These span the full range of property types including many of London’s largest and most prestigious new developments such as Royal Arsenal, St George Wharf and Greenwich Millennium Village. John’s remit will include particular responsibility for developments such as Wimbledon Hill Park and Chiswick Gate.

Richard Daver, Managing Director of Rendall & Rittner said: “We are delighted to welcome John to the team as we continue to strengthen our business through our people. John’s expertise will be a great asset as we successfully navigate the complex issues involved with managing large Central London multi-phase developments while guaranteeing outstanding service to clients and residents.”

RENDALL & RITTNER STRENGTHENS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM

For more information on Rendall & Rittner please visit www.rendallandrittner.co.uk.

Property & Development Magazine

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PLANS FOR APARTMENTS PUT THROUGH FOR MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/architecture-design/plans-submitted-for-apartment-manchester-development/ Tue, 25 May 2021 07:39:42 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=12434 PLANS FOR APARTMENTS PUT THROUGH FOR MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT Plans have been submitted by Victor (Old Trafford) Ltd, a…]]>

PLANS FOR APARTMENTS PUT THROUGH FOR MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT

Plans have been submitted by Victor (Old Trafford) Ltd, a joint venture between MC Construction and The McGoff Group, for an exciting new residential Manchester development on brownfield land to the east of Warwick Road South in Old Trafford.

The proposals would result in an exceptional new apartment scheme with enhanced amenities and social spaces designed for high quality, post-pandemic living.  Set over three distinctive four and five storey blocks, the development comprises 126 apartments (78 one bed and 48 two bed) with internal balconies set around an attractive open air inner courtyard.

An integral part of the overall design concept, the inner courtyard promotes the flow of fresh air around the development and offers a mix of considered hard and soft landscaping and embedded seating areas to enable residents to socialise safely.

Internally, apartments are generously sized and benefit from a modern layout. They are dual aspect with large windows to provide good ventilation, plus a flexible floorplan that meets the increasing need for a home office or studio set up allowing for living and working in comfort.

Close to good public transport links, including the Metrolink stop at Old Trafford, and offering 25 car parking spaces and cycle storage for all apartments, the development also has superb sustainability credentials.

The scheme was designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright with Paul Butler Associates as planning consultants.

If the planning application is successful, work will start in Q4 2021.  McGoff Construction, part of the McGoff Group, will take the role of main contractor.

Director at MC Construction, Mike Purcell, said: “We commenced site assembly along Warwick Road South in 2016. Our intention is the much needed regeneration of the brownfield area adjacent to a transport hub which acts as gateway to the world-renowned Old Trafford. We have had positive talks with Trafford Council over several years about our development plans which complement its Civic Quarter Masterplan to the opposite side of the Metrolink tracks. We are delighted to have now submitted plans for a quality scheme with our partners at The McGoff Group.” 

Director at The McGoff Group, Chris McGoff, said: “We are really excited about the plans for Warwick Road South.  The Old Trafford area has huge potential and we believe the development will make a positive contribution to the redevelopment of the area making use of a brownfield site in a highly sustainable location close to public transport links and good local facilities.”

Based in Altrincham, The McGoff Group is a £150m collective of like-minded businesses with a seamless ability to acquire, design, build, operate and maintain across targeted healthcare, residential and commercial sectors making it the favoured choice for clients, funders, joint venture partners and supply chain partners alike.  Driven by second-generation family values, innovation, excellence and operational expertise, the McGoff name signifies quality, agility and an unbreakable force that is well equipped to sustain the business for future generations to come.  For further information, please visit www.mcgoffgroup.com.

Founded in 1971, family-owned MC Construction has delivered complex construction projects across the North West for 50 years within the commercial, education, heritage,  industrial, local authority and social housing sectors. It has expertise in successful delivery within operational environments and collaboration with multiple stakeholders. The Victor group of companies is the newly formed development arm of MC Construction.  Underpinned by extensive experience, long-term relationships and local knowledge, the Victor proposition is to deliver urban regeneration and placemaking. For further information, please visit www.mcconstruction.co.uk

PLANS FOR APARTMENTS PUT THROUGH FOR MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT

Property & Development Magazine

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STYLISH TOWNHOUSES UNVEILED AT IRONWORKS https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/planning-developments/stylish-townhouses-unveiled-at-ironworks/ Fri, 07 May 2021 12:46:13 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=12257 STYLISH TOWNHOUSES UNVEILED AT IRONWORKS Located in the heart of a thriving Cambridge community and positioned just off…]]>

STYLISH TOWNHOUSES UNVEILED AT IRONWORKS

Located in the heart of a thriving Cambridge community and positioned just off of the eclectic Mill Road is Ironworks by the Cambridge Investment Partnership. The collection of properties seamlessly blend the convenience of urban living with architecture that echoes the charm of the surrounding city. Currently for sale by award winning housebuilder Hill the newly launched, three bedroom Hooper Street townhouses are sure to be of interest to home hunters seeking flexible accommodation and plenty of space for the whole family, whilst still being within easy reach of local amenities. Four of these stunning new homes are currently available with no stamp duty to pay, thanks to the government’s extended stamp duty holiday extension, and as an added bonus Hill will cover the remaining amount payable.

Designed with wellbeing in mind, all of the residences at Ironworks have been set in mews streets and positioned around beautifully landscaped green open spaces. The serene areas have been enhanced with sculptures and artwork, adding further interest to the landscape and showcasing the work of local artists. Once completed, Ironworks will house a brand new community centre and commercial spaces, providing residents with the opportunity to meet with friends, family and their new neighbours, further enhancing the schemes community feel.

The newly unveiled show home has been designed by award winning interior designers SUNA, and provides interested buyers with the opportunity to picture the lifestyle of offer at Ironworks, as well as the chance explore these impressive new homes for themselves.

iw003 STYLISH TOWNHOUSES UNVEILED AT IRONWORKS

Rebecca Hunt, Director at SUNA Interior Design comments: “We wanted to keep the quirkiness and cultural interest of Cambridge, as we had done in the show apartment, and cater that towards families. We always imagine who the buyer will be when designing a property.  For this home we envisaged a family who had acquired a selection of unique items over a number of years as we wanted the house to feel eclectic and cosy, truly reflecting Cambridge and the nearby Mill Road.”

“We imagined that the purchasers would be creative and incorporated an upright piano downstairs as well as a combined music room and home working space on the top floor. Choosing an overall colour scheme ties the rooms together and here we opted for a colourful scheme and introduced gorgeous mid green tone and punches of orange.”

“Functionality was absolutely at the forefront of our minds when creating this home” continues Rebecca. “In the living room, we placed a corner sofa and occasional chair to ensure that there was enough space for family and friends to relax. Similarly, in the kitchen space we created an informal dining space that caters for day-to-day life, but that at the same time can easily accommodate a larger crowd for entertaining.

The family space in the kitchen, has been designed to guarantee that the home has a social feel, with a sofa providing a zone for family and guests to relax whilst food is being prepared. There is also the option to use the side table beside the settee as a work station when a change of scenery is needed.”

“All of the bedrooms in this home are really good sizes” expands Rebecca. “This is evident in the master suite where we have placed a super king bed and generous amounts of storage. Here we wanted the colour scheme to feel sumptuous.  The use of wood effect wallpaper, upholstery and rich burnt orange tones ensure that the room is grown up in feel whilst creating a cosy space to escape. We’ve maximised the space in the teenage bedroom, with a wardrobe, chest of drawers and a sofa too, creating a flexible hang out area. A coral coloured feature wall ensures that the room feels young whilst creating a sense of calm for when the time comes to do homework or unwind.  Overall, we wanted to design a home where buyers could envisage living, somewhere that was inviting yet also reflected the owner’s individuality.”

iw004 STYLISH TOWNHOUSES UNVEILED AT IRONWORKS

Just a short walk from the distinguished Cambridge city centre, known for its magnificent architecture, world renowned University colleges, picturesque River Cam and its leafy parks. The city is a hub for retail and leisure, with a huge range of independent boutiques alongside high-street stores, cafés, bars and a buzzing restaurant scene, residents of Ironworks will have access to everything they need without having to step in a car. Mill Road itself is home to a variety of community groups, independent boutiques, international supermarkets, deli’s and cafés creating an exciting neighbourhood for Ironworks residents to get involved with.

There are a range of cycle routes for residents to explore as well as a variety of local parks. Cambridge University Botanic Gardens is a 15 minute walk or four minute cycle ride away and is home to 40 acres of gardens and parks, perfect for stretching your legs during the spring and summer months. Those with small children can easily reach Milton Maize, which is just 15-minutes away via car or Partyman World of Play in nine minutes via bike or 10-minutes via car.

Cambridge station is just a 3 minute cycle ride from home and provides convenient connections to London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street, Peterborough and Brighton. The M11 is a 15-minute drive from home providing access to the wider motorway network.

Prices for a three bedroom town house start from £675,000. For further information or to arrange a viewing visit www.ironworks-cambridge.co.uk or call 01223 643088.

Property & Development Magazine

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These are the flattest pockets of the UK property market https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/planning-developments/these-are-the-flattest-pockets-of-the-uk-property-market/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:56:02 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=11985 Flat living : Lengthy stints of lockdown restrictions have caused many homebuyers to reevaluate what they want from…]]>

Flat living : Lengthy stints of lockdown restrictions have caused many homebuyers to reevaluate what they want from their bricks and mortar investment. The conclusion? A bigger home, more outdoor space and a move away from the city.

While this has been a trend that has intensified over the last year, the latest research from Warwick Estates has revealed that demand for apartment living remains strong in a number of the UK’s major cities.

Warwick Estates analysed homebuyer demand based on the number of apartments and flats in each city that were already sold subject to contract (SSTC) or under offer, attributing a demand score based on this level of stock as a percentage of all flats listed for sale. So if 100 flats are listed and 50 are already SSTC or under offer, buyer demand in that particular city would sit at 50%.

UK demand for flat living

When looking at overall demand across the UK’s top 20 major cities, an average of 40% of all flats listed for sale have already been snapped up by buyers.

However, in some major cities, the demand for flat living is far higher. Glasgow ranks as the flattest place in the UK property market at present, with buyer demand at 71%.

Nearby Edinburgh is also a flat homebuyer hotspot, with 60% of all flat and apartments listed for sale already SSTC or under offer.

Outside of Scotland, Bristol ranks top for flat demand in England at 55%, while Plymouth (53%), Bournemouth (47%), Portsmouth (45%), Leeds (42%), Southampton (42%), Nottingham (42%) and Sheffield (41%) also rank high.

Most in-demand flat property features

When looking at what features of a flat are most sought after amongst buyers, the availability of garden space within a development is the hottest requirement in the current market. 44% of all flats with garden space listed for sale on the market are already sold or under offer.

Parking and garage space ranked as the second most sought after feature of an apartment property (42%), with a balcony and terrace (36%) placing ahead of a porter or concierge (27%).

COO of Warwick Estates, Emma Power, commented:

“There’s no doubting that the monotony of lockdown has caused many to look to greener, larger, pastures, that allow them the space to escape the confines of their four walls even under lockdown restrictions.

However, this certainly doesn’t mean that flats and apartments have become redundant in today’s market and in many cities, this is quite the opposite.

For some, it’s simply a lifestyle choice, others will be looking to downsize and for many more, the generally more affordable price of apartments allows them to get a foot on the ladder with a place to call their own.

With a lockdown escape plan now in place, we expect demand for flat living to strengthen as our major cities once again become the hub for our professional and social lives. Of course, with the pandemic and memories of lockdown still very fresh in our minds, homebuyers of all property types will continue to prioritise size and outdoor space when searching for their perfect home. ”

jji7 These are the flattest pockets of the UK property market

Property & Development Magazine

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Stunning new penthouses provide luxury living in an iconic setting https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/planning-developments/stunning-new-penthouses-provide-luxury-living-in-an-iconic-setting/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:37:05 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=11982 12 spacious homes for rent launched at Quintain Living’s Canada Gardens in Wembley Park Huge kitchens, built-in entertainment…]]>
  • 12 spacious homes for rent launched at Quintain Living’s Canada Gardens in Wembley Park
  • Huge kitchens, built-in entertainment centres, balconies & wine fridges set to woo residents
  • Flagship apartments provide stunning views from the City of London to the Chilterns

The pandemic has made many people reconsider their living arrangements, with more space being top of the agenda for many. However, finding a spacious, stylish home with access to a large, private balcony and over an acre of landscaped gardens isn’t always the easiest task for renters in the capital – unless they discover Wembley Park.

Quintain Living is the award-winning management company overseeing rental of more than 3,255 apartments in Wembley Park of varying sizes and designs. Their flagship development Canada Gardens, comprises seven buildings surrounding an acre of private resident gardens. It is at this development that the company has launched 12 stunning penthouses, offering renters luxury living with outstanding views of the City, the Chilterns and the National Stadium’s iconic arch.

Each of the three-bedroom penthouses comes with its own spacious balcony, while residents also have access to Canada Gardens’ enormous roof terrace and acre of private gardens. The homes range in size from 1,076 to 1,270 sq ft, providing residents with plenty of space to spread out and make themselves at home, with enough room for entertaining. Each penthouse has a unique design and thoughtfully considered features including walk-in wardrobes, air conditioning, built-in entertainment centres and wine fridges.

The kitchen and living areas have been designed to be the heart of the home. Massive, U-shaped kitchens are fitted with luxury appliances, such as state of the art Samsung smart fridges. Some of the penthouses have divider walls between the kitchen and living room, while others are more open plan, thus catering to a range of tastes.

“We wanted to give each penthouse its own character, so no two designs are the same. The homes are wonderfully luxurious and are ideal for renters who are looking for a spacious residence that really delivers something special.” Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living

Property & Development Magazine

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Rollalong Completes Latest Residential Development Using MMC https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/affordable-housing/rollalong-completes-latest-residential-development-using-mmc/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:26:18 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=11979 Offsite manufacturer Rollalong has completed its latest turnkey residential project, delivering 13 new modular council-owned homes in Barking,…]]>

Offsite manufacturer Rollalong has completed its latest turnkey residential project, delivering 13 new modular council-owned homes in Barking, East London.

The new homes were manufactured in a controlled factory environment in Dorset and have been installed on Sugden Way in Barking as part of a development managed by Be First for Barking and Dagenham Council.

The development is the latest successful housing project for Rollalong, which specialises in manufacturing buildings offsite for the residential, defence, health and education sectors.

“We’re extremely pleased to have completed this residential scheme which now provides a range of high-quality, affordable homes for people in Barking and Dagenham,” said Clive Harris, Construction Manager at Rollalong.

“Like many parts of the UK, Barking and Dagenham suffers from a shortage of housing, and our modular approach offers local authorities a chance to address this shortfall in around half the time of a traditional build.

“Modular offsite construction also significantly reduces disruption to the neighbouring properties during the project.”

Be First Construction Manager Sam Parry said: “We’re really pleased to say that in spite of the coronavirus we’ve delivered 13 new affordable homes for the council in a fraction of the time a traditional build would take.

“More importantly, the standard is excellent, which means top-quality new homes for local people that will stand the test of time.”

The new homes include a one-bedroom flat, eight two-bedroom flats and four three-bedroom flats.

The modules were transported to the site and lifted into position and connected together over a five-day period, after which the internal and external finishing process commenced.

Internal finishing times on site were greatly reduced as the modules were approximately 80% complete before they were installed.

Sugden Way is the first of two developments Rollalong is creating in Barking and Dagenham; it will also deliver a three-storey apartment block featuring six individual apartments at Mellish Close.

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Improved Margins at Aberdeenshire Housebuilding and Construction Group https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/coronavirus/improved-margins-at-aberdeenshire-housebuilding-and-construction-group/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 08:37:15 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=11976 Aberdeenshire Housebuilding and Construction : Bancon Group reports positive trading performance, despite COVID Bancon Group has announced positive…]]>

Aberdeenshire Housebuilding and Construction : Bancon Group reports positive trading performance, despite COVID

Bancon Group has announced positive trading results for the year ending 31 March 2020.

A marked improvement in margins at the Aberdeenshire housebuilder and construction group led to an increase in operating profit from £10.3milion in 2019 to £13.2million. This is despite turnover dropping from £92million to £85million as a direct result of the inability to trade during the final weeks of the financial year due to the COVID-imposed lockdown.

Since coming out of lockdown in the summer of 2020, Bancon Group has reported a strong recovery and trading performance and now has a positive forward sales position across its homes, timberframe and construction businesses.

Notwithstanding the on-going market challenges in the North-east of Scotland, Bancon Homes has continued to deliver its ambitious growth plans. Three new developments were launched in the period, with further sites secured since its year end, including its first site in the Central belt as part of its expansion outwith its traditional North-east market.

Deeside Timberframe delivered a record year after capitalising on the increasing demand for off-site construction methods by growing  repeat business with existing customers.

Trading performance and margins were ahead of expectations at Bancon Construction. This is attributed to the clear strategy of  focusing on higher margin work and extending its reach throughout Scotland.

Exceptional costs of £3million, incurred in the period, have suppressed the group’s overall position of improved margins and trading performance, resulting in a loss before tax of £0.5million in the annual accounts. These were due to a non-cash impairment to write down the value of a long-held development and a one-off loss on a historic construction contract.

John Irvine, chief executive of Bancon Group, said: “These robust results in a financial year, which was impacted by the pandemic and the subdued market in the North-east at the time, reflect the overall health of the group.  

“With significantly improved margins and trading performance across all three of our businesses, coupled with a very encouraging future order book, we have firm foundations from which to build sustainable, profitable growth once the impact of the pandemic is behind us.”

This confidence is shared by Santander who have signed a three-year extension to the group’s banking facility.

Mr Irvine added: “Three months of not being able to trade during lockdown and the subsequent reduced levels of activity as restrictions eased in 2020 will inevitably impact on our current financial year. But, thanks to actions taken and the support of our employees, we have emerged strongly and 2021/22 will see continued strong operating profits and a return to profit before tax. The longer-term outlook for Bancon Group is very promising indeed.” Bancon Group, head-quartered in Banchory, Aberdeenshire operates in North-east and Central Scotland and employs over 260 people.

Property & Development Magazine

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Going Green: Big Shift Towards Sustainable Construction in 2021 https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/sustainable-construction/going-green-big-shift-towards-sustainable-construction-in-2021/ Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:39:58 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=11972 A new study by Roofing Megastore has used Google data to analyse which styles of construction and building…]]>
  • A new study by Roofing Megastore has used Google data to analyse which styles of construction and building materials are seeing the biggest spikes in interest
  • Regenerative building design and architecture are growing most in popularity, with Google searches increasing 600% and 212% respectively
  • Brits are also increasingly interested in zero carbon building, sustainable property development, and passive housing

New research by Roofing Megastore reveals Brits are increasingly interested in more sustainable forms of construction. The study analysed Google search data over the past two years for different construction methods and building materials to uncover which have seen the biggest increases in interest over time.

Regenerative building design and architecture were the clear winners among styles of construction, increasing 600% and 212% respectively. Amongst the building materials, most of the top spots went to sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete, such as rammed earth. Despite its many strengths, concrete’s harmful effects on the environment cannot be denied. In fact, if global concrete production were considered a country, it would count for 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions, coming third to the US and China.

This eco-friendly shift comes alongside the government’s £134m pledge to build back better, as well as moves by some of the industry’s biggest names. Sustainability-focused not-for-profit Changing Streams has recently partnered with Arup, aiming to work alongside their experts and identify where plastic waste can be reduced in construction. Global construction and consultancy firm Mace has also pledged to reduce single-use plastics in its “Time to Act” campaign.

Top 10 Eco Friendly Construction Styles Increasing Most in Popularity in 2020

1.            Regenerative Building Design                     600.00%

2.            Regenerative Architecture                           212.24%

3.            Eco Friendly Architecture                             158.72%

4.            Eco Friendly Construction                            154.29%

5.            Zero Carbon Building                                     142.29%

6.            Eco Friendly House Construction               141.67%

7.            Sustainable Property Development           134.48%

8.            Eco Houses                                                      133.68%

9.            Passive Housing                                              112.94%

10.         Sustainable Construction                             112.57%

Gian-Carlo Grossi, Managing Director at Roofing Megastore commented: “As COVID-19 brought our physical health to the forefront, we also had a chance to consider the health of the world around us. Last year showed Brits turning clearly towards green alternatives to traditional construction methods and materials, as we all seek to create a healthier, more sustainable built environment moving into 2021 and beyond.”

The full research, including broader trends in the construction industry can be found at: https://www.roofingmegastore.co.uk/sustainable-building-trend

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PLACES FOR PEOPLE SUPPORTS THE FAIR BY DESIGN FUND https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/affordable-housing/places-for-people-supports-the-fair-by-design-fund/ Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:22:13 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=11969 Places for People Group has committed to tackling the UK’s poverty premium, investing in the Fair by Design…]]>

Places for People Group has committed to tackling the UK’s poverty premium, investing in the Fair by Design (FBD) Fund – an organisation which helps to grow businesses that make markets fairer.

Via its charity Places Foundation, Places for People has committed £250k to FBD, which is managed by Ascension Ventures and aims to address the poverty premium in the UK by backing social tech ventures. The poverty premium is the extra costs that people on low incomes pay for essential products and services; it is estimated that such costs burden the average low-income household by an extra £490 a year for services including energy, white goods, insurance and credit.

The funding is the latest in a long line of social and charitable initiatives from Places for People, which last year delivered over £280m of social value across the Group through its social value activities.  Marcus Hulme, Director of Places Impact at Places for People Group said: We are proud to be a part of this movement which aims to address the poverty premium in the UK.

“As an organisation we’re determined to do all that we can to help customers and communities by tackling the grossly unfair poverty premium. There’s such an imbalance when it comes to access to finance and services for some people due to their credit status or financial situation which results in them paying a disproportionate levy on day-to-day services. I’m proud that we’re using our charitable resources to help tackle that.”

FDB launched in 2018 with initial investment of £10 million from investors including Big Society Capital and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It invests in both pre-seed and seed stage social tech ventures which have a clear social purpose and route to market. Initial investments range from £75k to £400k with follow on rounds in companies which have high potential to scale. To date, FBD has deployed £6.6 million in 12 social tech ventures.  Other investors in this round include the Nationwide Building Society, Edinburgh University and Esmée Fairbairn, whilst prior funding rounds have attracted investors including Comic Relief and Big Society Capital.

Jean de Fougerolles, CEO of Ascension Ventures, concluded: “Ascension has been managing the Fair by Design Fund for the past three years, investing in tech-for-good businesses that reduce key aspects of the poverty premium.

“The support of our new investors allows us to scale our work with a leading mission-led organisation to tackle the challenges faced by people impacted by the poverty premium across the UK. Together, we can change lives and back formidable entrepreneurs to scale market-led solutions to correct incredibly unjust market failures”

Property & Development Magazine

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Launch of next-generation property and finance services https://www.padmagazine.co.uk/coronavirus/launch-of-next-generation-property-and-finance-services/ Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:01:18 +0000 https://padmagazine.co.uk/?p=11966 Unique approach to solutions provision with unrivalled proposition from industry experts A unique firm to assist businesses and…]]>

Unique approach to solutions provision with unrivalled proposition from industry experts

A unique firm to assist businesses and help them prosper in the ‘new normal’ with an innovative approach to property and finance-based services has launched today. ARMCo is the brainchild of Birmingham-based business founder and investor Russell Martin, and combines specialist lending, corporate support, land procurement and development, and insurance services – catering for a rapidly evolving business landscape – to benefit clients with truly holistic and tailored solutions.

ARMCo is based in the heart of Birmingham’s finance district, where its HQ is the base from which the firm delivers its local, regional and national offering. It has a strong foundation: Russell formed Finance 4 Business, a specialist broker for finance transactions, 15 years ago – and used his experience, expertise and connections to form four further businesses which have grown strategically year on year, offering agile and integrated solutions to clients. With four new firms offering synergistic services added to the group, this forms the complete ARMCo offering.

Jon Preston has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at ARMCo. Jon brings a wealth of experience, having worked at a UK-based lender which underwent a £26m MBO last year with Foresight Group, a leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager.

ARMCo founder Russell Martin explains: “We are living in uncertain times and a post-pandemic world looks very different for a lot of businesses. Overcoming challenges such as access to business finance, sourcing sector-based specialist risk and insurance solutions or navigating land procurement and development opportunities will have presented complexity before Covid, but the ‘new normal’ will be more challenging for many.

The combination of expertise at ARMCo means we can deliver bespoke solutions for our clients to help them maximise growth opportunities and give them an exceptional experience. Our adept approach ensures that even the most complex of transactions are navigated with integrity, proficiency and pace. The combination of a human approach, passion and commitment of strong leaders and highly collaborative partnerships, combined with a central services approach, presents an unrivalled proposition in the UK – particularly with Jon at the helm, leading and propelling the group,” he added.

The ARMCo group comprises Finance 4 Business, Liquidity Club, Innovation 4 Business and  Walker Doble – as well as new firms Atlas Land & Planning, Midshore Partners, Chordis Capital and Cape Insurance. These are operated by industry experts Russell Martin, David Pinnington, David Totney, Philip Moore, Rebecca Doble, Marc Walker, James England and Rob Lankey and Henry Gallacher. The group offers expertise on financial solutions including asset, bridging and development finance, tax solutions and MBOs – helping SMEs in a range of sectors, property developers (including allied trades and professionals) and investors.

One such business benefitting from ARMCo’s expertise is Fitzpatrick Group Ltd – a housing delivery service provider with a requirement for finance provision to aid its expansion into a number of specialist sub sectors. The firm’s Managing Director, Mark Fitzpatrick, explains: “I have worked with Russell for more than a decade, initially through Finance 4 Business (F4B), through which I have had in excess of 25 loans arranged for me, across many disciplines and through a multitude of different lenders, from commercial mortgages, Buy-To-Let and bridging loans, to development and asset finance. The attention to detail, end-to-end service and dedication has been a staple feature of the service. 

“The evolution of ARMCo has seen the inception of some great businesses led by fantastic people, with whom I have transacted on many occasions, with great satisfaction and results. The launch of ARMCo makes absolute sense and I have no doubt Russell and his team will go from strength to strength.”

Russell concluded: “Success in any business involves being able to navigate a market, identify business opportunities and be agile enough to be able to plug gaps in the market. I have applied that formula to my businesses, and the ARMCo offering can now support businesses in realising their ambitions, as we all try to navigate our way through these turbulent times. We are a group of companies built on strong relationships, not transactions, and I’m delighted to have such robust and proven expertise on board at ARMCo. We have ambitious expansion plans, and will be adding more companies to provide further synergy within the group.” For further information about ARMCo visit www.ARMCo.partners

Property & Development Magazine

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