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Spike Global and The Heaton Group join forces to forge new community spirit

Creating community is vitally important to developer The Heaton Group, which specialises in repurposing dilapidated buildings to enhance town centres, bring neighbours together and restore local pride. This is why it has chosen to partner with market-leading resident engagement and property management software provider Spike Global, to create a personalised residents’ portal to help foster community spirit in its latest development, Bishopgate Gardens in the centre of Preston, Lancashire.

Spike Global has worked with The Heaton Group to create a white labelled version of its Spike Living portal that is unique to residents of the 130 apartments. The portal, which can be accessed through a smartphone app, is helping tenants connect with their neighbours, make new friends, join clubs, book communal amenities and even receive discounts on local services – as well as taking care of routine practicalities such as reporting faults or keeping track of payments.

John Heaton, Managing Director of The Heaton Group, comments: “From when we were first designing Bishopgate Gardens, it was imperative that we created a community and enhanced what is going on in the local area. Our resident portal is key to us doing this. As well as being functional and allowing residents to communicate with our concierge and maintenance team, it is encouraging residents to meet up and socialise either in the building or at local events. It’s like a modern day message board, but with more functionality.” Bishopgate Gardens is a development on Ormskirk Road, close to Preston bus station, that has transformed two disused former Department of Work and Pensions office blocks into the town’s first amenity-focused residence, with roof gardens, community lounges and co-working space to encourage a more sociable way of living. Beneath the apartments is a retail space that The Heaton Group has transformed into ready-to-occupy shops for local independent entrepreneurs, including local coffee shop Brew + Bake, deli, hairdresser and barber, to help give the area an instant buzz.

Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO of Spike Global, comments: “Bishopgate Gardens has been designed to create a sense of community spirit, and our Spike Living portal is an important part of that, offering more ways for residents to meet and get to know each other, as well as giving local businesses the chance to promote what they have to offer. We are delighted to be working with The Heaton Group to put modern technology to work on an age-old problem – how to make friends and feel at home when you move somewhere new.”

Bishopgate Gardens comprises 130, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, all featuring high-specification kitchens and bathrooms, in the heart of Preston’s regenerating town centre. Over the past decade the area has received a £434 million investment to expand and improve the infrastructure for transport, create 20,000 new jobs and more than 17,000 new homes. The local economy is expected to grow by over £1 billion in the next 10 years, meaning it is bound to be a popular destination for young people looking for a first home, buy-to-let investors and those looking to move to a thriving area for work. With that in mind, Bishopgate Gardens, in conjunction with Spike Global, provides the technology to help them rapidly turn a house into a home.

To find out more about Bishopgate Gardens visit www.heatongroup.co.uk. For more information about Spike Global, please visit www.spikeglobal.com.

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CRIEFF HYDRO FAMILY OF HOTELS BECOMES FIRST SCOTTISH HOTEL GROUP TO SWITCH TO GREENTECK GLOBAL’S 100% NATURAL CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Following the partnership earlier this month between GreenTeck Global and Alliance Scotland, Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has become Alliance’s first Scottish client to adopt GreenTeck Global’s natural cleaning solutions.

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has committed to roll out the chemical-free AquaTeck SC100 cleaning system – a 100% natural, multipurpose sanitiser and cost-effective cleaner produced on tap – across its eight-hotel Scottish portfolio.

The hotel group’s decision to replace all its general front-of house cleaning products for GreenTeck Global’s COSHH-free alternative follows a successful four-month trial at Crieff Hydro Hotel. Between February and June this year, the on-site AquaTeck SC100 production system helped the hotel save the equivalent of 2,430 single-use plastic bottles, while reducing its spend on chemical cleaning products by around £450 per month.

The AquaTeck SC100 system uses ordinary tap water, fed through a standard water softener and food-grade salt, to produce up to two litres of non-toxic solution every minute. This allows companies to refill their cleaning bottles on-site with a chemical-free all-purpose sanitising solution that can be applied directly to surfaces, mops, buckets and even industrial-floor cleaners. Once finished, the solution can be safely tipped away; a process which has the added benefits of helping keep drains clean.

The environmentally-friendly system maximises the effective cleaning properties of hypochlorous acid (HOCL) – a naturally occurring steriliser – and eliminates the need for added detergents. As the most powerful natural disinfectant available, HOCL destroys 99.99% of all bacteria, pathogens, and viruses as well as destroying odours and is approximately 80 times more effective than bleach, thereby delivering the highest levels of cleanliness via a sustainable sanitising solution that is non-allergenic and safe for skin, as well as the environment.

In addition to being simple to use and significantly reducing plastic waste, supply chain concerns and operating costs, the switch to a sustainable non-toxic solution that can be safely disposed of, HOCL does not require COSHH and the associated hotel staff safety training.

Speaking of their switch, Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “As consumers as well as operators, we’re all increasingly mindful of the need to adopt more energy-conscious and environmentally-friendly habits into our everyday lives.

“We continuously review our suppliers and processes in order to make changes where we can. We’ve been looking at lots of aspects of the business, even switching to eco-friendly bedding.

“The switch to the AquaTeck SC100 has been a simple yet hugely effective way for us to cut costs and improve our carbon footprint while maintaining hygiene levels.”

David Thurston, founder and CEO of GreenTeck Global, said: “We recognise that hotels have a strong duty of care to employees as well as guests, and the pandemic highlighted the vital role that a property’s health and safety measures play in delivering peace of mind for all visitors.

“We’re therefore delighted that Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has already seen first-hand the benefits our chemical-free systems offer. And we hope these early adopters of greener cleaning solutions will inspire more hospitality organisations within Alliance’s network to embrace more sustainable working practices.”

As part of the five-year distribution agreement, Alliance Scotland a leading provider of cleaning and janitorial solutions in Scotland, represent GreenTeck Global’s products across all sectors, from local authorities and public transport bodies to hospitality companies.

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Opening Doors – AliMet Becomes ADSA Member

AliMet Fabrications has become a member of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) – opening doors to a key market segment for the supply of door sets and entrance requirements. Tim Moore, AliMet’s Technical Sales Consultant has been actively involved with ADSA for more than 20 years – including two as its chair. He is keen to ensure that AliMet benefits from industry guidance and support. “The automatic door industry is a significant part of our customer base. We regularly undertake door, window and screen fabrication for a number of leading manufacturers and smaller companies, so it makes sense for AliMet to become an ADSA member and be more directly involved. “ADSA is at the forefront of maintaining quality and safety standards and training. We intend to keep on top of changes that relate to our customers to ensure that we can respond to their needs.” he said. AliMet, which is based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, will also be taking advantage of ADSA member benefits including technical and industry updates and resources to support business operations. For more information on AliMet services contact: [email protected]

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Extraordinary architecture: The year’s best new skyscraper stands in Amsterdam

This year, the world’s most renowned architecture prize for skyscrapers, the Emporis Skyscraper Award, goes to the Valley in Amsterdam. Created by Dutch architecture studio MVRDV, Valley is a mixed-use building complex with three towers and a unique design inspired by mountain sides and valleys. The skyscraper is located in Amsterdam’s main international business center Zuidas and includes offices, apartments, shops and cultural institutes.

The winner was selected by an international panel of experts from a worldwide pool of more than 600 eligible skyscrapers, which were completed in the previous calendar year and are at least 100 meters tall. The prestigious award, given out by Emporis (www.emporis.com), the international provider of building data, is being given out for the 22nd time this year and has become an indispensable part of the international architecture scene. The Netherlands manages to take the crown for the second time since the award was established in the year 2000.

When choosing Valley as their winner, the jury was particularly impressed by the skyscraper’s extraordinary and innovative architectural design. The building’s three peaks seamlessly switch between a sheer glass facade and protruding stone-clad windows and balconies resembling a rocky mountain surface, while the center holds a publicly accessible terraced valley, from which the building owes its name. The building’s craggy look and jutting elements also ensure that no two apartments are the same, creating a variety of completely unique housing units. The 75.000 m2 project scored further points with the jury for using a plethora of environmentally friendly technologies and the rugged edges of the building will be planted with 13.000 different plants and trees. Over the next few years, Valley will gradually become greener and reach its final appearance. “Valley looks like an oasis in a business district dominated by regular office buildings. It is not only an outstanding architectural statement but also an excellent example of sustainable and climate-friendly building construction,” notes the jury.

The second place goes to the tallest building on the list: 111 West 57th Street in New York City, designed by SHoP Architects. With a total height of 435 meters, the residential tower is currently the 3rd tallest building in New York City. It is also the thinnest skyscraper in the world with a spectacular width-to-height ratio of only 1:24. The needle-like tower was built as an addition to Steinway Hall, a historic building from 1925 known as the former home of piano maker Steinway & Sons as well as a concert hall. The jury especially pointed out its elegant and at the same time dramatic shape, which makes the skyscraper a modern masterpiece that adds a new landmark to Manhattan’s famous skyline.

Into third place the expert panel voted the NV Tower, envisioned by A&A Architects and located in Sofia, Bulgaria. The building’s design concept is closely related to mining, the primary activity of its developer Minstroy Holding. The building showcases elements reminiscent of natural crystals and mountains and as part of this theme, each floor of the building is named after its own crystal and designed in the crystal’s respective colors. The jury praised NV Tower for being a holistically harmonious project that architecturally reflects the surroundings and thus fits perfectly into the cityscape of Sofia. It is the first time in the history of the Emporis Skyscraper Award that a project from Bulgaria finds itself among the top 10.

With four buildings in the top 5 only reaching up to around the 100-meter mark, this year’s result is a clear indicator that criteria such as sustainability, innovation and a clever design play a much more important role in the future of skyscrapers than simply chasing new superlatives. “The jury focuses on many other qualities than just building higher and bigger. Over the last years we have seen a significant shift in how skyscrapers are designed, constructed as well as perceived by the public and we continue to be very excited about what the future will hold for skyscraper architecture”, says Daniel Schuldt, Senior Manager at Emporis.

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Now that summer slipping away, it’s time to prepare for the chill

This year’s record temperatures has had direct consequences on infrastructure. While the July heatwave is now becoming a memory, its impact will be long remembered. Building owners have seen first-hand the importance of preparing for unforeseen circumstances, which is often underrated.

As the seasons start to turn, Nik Tozer and Gordon Whyte, of The Nurture Group’s gritting operation, issues a reminder about the pitfalls an unusually cold winter can bring, and how facilities managers can be prepared.

It might feel strange talking about snow, frost, and ice, given the scorching summer we’ve had. Yet there are some key lessons to take into the autumn and latterly, winter. First and foremost, early preparation ensures that building and facilities managers are not caught by surprise should weather conditions change unexpectedly.

Early preparedness does not mean stockpiling vast quantities of salt ‘just in case’, although we will talk about the need for adequate supply later. It is about identifying problem areas before they become harder to address by conducting an initial inspection in the warmer months. You might be surprised to know that the traditional gritting season is not just confined to December or January. Take the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 as an example, which spanned the last week of February and the first week of March that year. No doubt memories of that phenomenon still come back year on year, and again, shows what can happen when our weather does something unusual.

It is, in fact, typically from the preceding March that we tend to start seeing winter gritting enquiries, either to commence services later in the year, or to renew for the forthcoming 12 months. But given the unpredictability of weather conditions in recent years, it can never be too early to start thinking about the colder season ahead.

The July heatwave had a significant impact on the economy, bringing down productivity and disrupting transport operations, not to mention the toll of heatstroke and dehydration on office workers and in schools. At the other end of the temperature scale, freezing and wintery conditions can have similar outcomes. Research shows that snow and ice can prevent workers from getting to their jobs and pose health risks if they are able to in the form of unsafe pathways. But there are also the consequential frozen pipes, doors and windows, which can all contribute to a myriad of health and safety challenges. Realising the areas where accidents are more likely to occur, and why they are so vulnerable, makes it more straightforward to plan contingency and safety measures well ahead of the new season. This is also essential for deciding where to place salt bins for easy access and how much will likely be needed throughout the period.

Similarly, knowing how the site reacts to different temperature ranges factors into this planning. Frost can still form on car windscreens even if the path surrounding the tyres is clear, due to warm(er) energy from the Sun being absorbed by the ground. So while the overnight air temperature might dip, pavements and parking areas can be a good few degrees milder. That does not mean there is no risk, however.

At The Nurture Group, we draw on the Met Office’s Open Site data platform to guide our clients on when to apply salt and at what level. As alluded to previously, the combination of different temperatures at a site influences where the priority areas are, and therefore, what actions need to be taken at certain trigger points i.e. when the temperature reaches a certain level.

Year after year, the UK seems to struggle to cope with adverse weather, be that heatwaves or deep cold snaps. Our varied climate makes a challenge to put a definitive amount on grit quantities as is the case for the likes of Scandinavia which face heavy snow year-on-year. That challenge is also felt when considering yearly budgets.

At Nurture Group we have worked to supply variable solutions to accommodate different seasonal scenarios. Budgets are often already tight, let alone when additional resource is needed to cover the costs associated with unforeseen circumstances like the summer temperatures. Additional flexibility within the gritting pricing model ensures peace of mind from both a monetary and safety viewpoint.

Amongst all the lessons the summer heatwave has unearthed, preparing for the worst case scenario is perhaps the most crucial of them all. And if the world’s climate continues changing at its current rate, once-rare weather conditions will only become more common.

Facility and business owners, like all of us in our daily lives, will need to adapt, be agile, and take further preventative measures to put themselves in the best possible position for whatever the coming season may bring.

Further information about The Nurture Group’s winter gritting operations can be found at https://www.nurture-group.co.uk/services/winter-gritting

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ADSA’s tunes up Quartet for Business Support

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has launched Quartet – a new initiative to provide member support across four essential services: HR, legal, health and safety and tax.

The service, delivered in partnership with Quest, includes an online library with more than 450 templates, documents and advice sheets and an advice line for direct contact

It is available to all ADSA members – from major manufacturers to sole traders – but should prove particularly helpful to support smaller businesses without dedicated in-house teams.

It will help them to:

• manage problems – such as disciplinary issues, disability requirements, grievance procedures, redundancy/dismissal/pay/capability issues and long-term sickness • get answers – to workplace changes such as hybrid working and sick pay • stay compliant – on contracts of employment, employee handbooks, understanding responsibilities and changes to legislation • support staff – around working practice, maternity, paternity, leave and training

By including Quartet as an additional member benefit, ADSA hopes that it will help businesses save money – reducing outsourcing costs and delivering peace of mind.

Said ADSA managing director Ken Price: “ADSA membership is great value and this service is a further enhancement to what we offer. We have a range of member organisations from big manufacturers and distributors to micro companies and sole traders.

“Although all our members will be able to access Quartet, we believe that it will be particularly beneficial for smaller companies which have to manage all aspects of business alongside their core service. We hope that it will present a cost-effective solution at a time when business overheads are increasing. It will also provide a service that can be called upon immediately – help at the end of a phone or touch of a button.”

ADSA member Kevin Treharne, sales director of Entec Access Systems Limited, said: “Entec has been a ADSA member for many years and we have always found enormous benefit in its services. It has always been the ‘go-to’ organisation for technical expertise and training. This new initiative opens-up a much wider range of services that will be of enormous benefit in supporting wider business operations.”

For more information on ADSA membership contact: [email protected] or visit: www.adsa.org.uk

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Union Industries leads the way in combating supply chain issues

Union Industries, the Leeds-based manufacturer of high-speed industrial doors, has increased its stock levels even further to allow minimal lead times for production of its door range and replacement parts.

The driver behind this has been the 12% increase Union has seen in orders from companies looking to replace foreign made doors.

A common problem with some manufacturers of fast rolling shutter doors is the lack of spare or replacement parts with many having particularly long lead times – one recent customer citing 21 weeks for spares to arrive into the UK from Germany. This problem has been increasing in recent years due to factors such as Brexit with some doors installed in the UK manufactured in Europe, it leads to both new and replacement parts being harder to source.

However, Union Industries prides itself on its low lead time and ensures there are sufficiently high stock levels to manufacture a minimum of 25 doors at any one time. Stock is replenished daily and spare parts for standard door servicing are always readily available for immediate dispatch.

Parts that require more bespoke manufacturing can be entered into production within a matter of days, meaning that disruption can be kept to an absolute minimum.

Union’s Operations Director, Tony Metcalfe said “We have seen an increase in orders to replace foreign import doors in the UK which this is mainly down to the long lead times for spares and repairs, along with more demand for our reliable and British manufactured doors.”

“We maintain high stock levels to ensure we have a consistently efficient service line and can deliver replacement parts to our customers within 24 hours of the initial order in many cases.

Alan Hirst, Sales Director, Union Industries said “Our business has always tailored itself to the needs of our customer base. We pride ourselves on listening to what our customers’ challenges are and helping them with the right solution, so this is a fantastic example of how Union Industries is yet again leading the way in the supply chain.

“We are proud to be a British manufacturer of robust and reliable industrial rapid roller doors that have the most minimal downtime due to the quality of the design and build as well as our ability to service and replace parts rapidly.”

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fu3e. Launches Phase Two of Product Development Following £3.5 million Investment

fu3e., the pioneer of real-time adaptive management reporting and risk management software for real estate, today launches Phase Two of its revolutionary platform that will enhance business performance for users across the sector.

Phase Two follows a recent investment of £3.5 million from Gresham House Ventures, giving fu3e. the opportunity to consult with customers and stakeholders for extensive feedback on the existing platform. Utilising this, fu3e. has developed a customer-centric design refresh, to improve both usability and functionality with specific user needs in mind.

With a clearer and simplistic design, users are able to easily navigate the platform to complete tasks quicker and to a higher standard. By clearly understanding the customer, Phase Two allows for improvement in business efficiency, and a streamlined, easy-to-use interface establishes credibility between the product and the user.

Samantha Roberts, Product Manager at fu3e., comments, “Maximising the screen real estate means you can see more value-add content within that single view. We value consistency with the design of the product and usability for our clients.

“Ultimately, our product is aimed at business owners, executives, directors, consultants, management teams – those who want transparency to immediately report on impacts. It’s aimed at those who want a snapshot view of key activities and risks across their entire business. fu3e. brings together all of the information needed to make informed decisions that manage business impacts and risks.”

fu3e. is supported by Figma – a powerful, multipurpose design tool – for Phase Two of its product development, helping to manage and build new enhancements to iterate existing features. Ultimately enabling a better user experience, it enables greater informed decisions, keeping projects and activities on track.

Lewis Gleave, Head of UI/UX Design at fu3e., adds, ‘’The continual growth of a platform evolves around captivating interfaces and seamless experiences. At fu3e. we are continually looking to adapt to ever-changing technologies and parameters to improve user experience. With this design overhaul, we have cemented our feet at the forefront of current design trends. Our extensive backlog of features will now be formulated at the highest quality standard hereafter. With the right people and mindset, collaborative work like this design refresh can be undertaken and achieved.”

fu3e. CEO Gavin Gleave, identified that customers needed to be able to make snapshot decisions using real time data and the company quickly gained a reputation in this field. He comments, “Following the £3.5million investment, we are delighted to see the impact this is already having. As the company moves into the next phase, we are looking forward to continue innovating as a trailblazer in the real-estate industry.”

For more information, please visit https://www.fu3e.com/.

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RECORD AIRPORT BUSINESS SEES BRODERICK’S SOAR ABOVE PRE-PANDEMIC SALES

Manchester-based Broderick’s Group has recorded half year turnover figures that already exceed its average full year pre-pandemic performance, and early predictions indicate that 2022 will be a record year for the vending and refreshments business.

Attributing its stellar sales to extreme demand at Manchester Airport, Broderick’s has experienced a 25% uplift in the like-for-like periods March – June 2019 and 2022. This soaring performance came even before peak school summer holidays, which see 3.5 million people travel from the airport over the six week summer period*.

Before the pandemic struck, family-owned Broderick’s invested over £1 million into its airport vending infrastructure, to service customers with the very latest innovations, including converting its vending machines to accept hassle-free contactless payment. Three years later, the investment is paying serious dividends as Broderick’s braces itself for its busiest summer ever.

Primed to service and support a summer of record airport sales, Broderick’s has boosted its estate of airport vending machines by over 10%, with a total of 111 drink and snack machines installed across all terminals.

Further investment into telemetry means that machine stock levels can be managed remotely. This is a boon not just for business but for passengers who can be confident their preferred choice of refreshment will be in stock, as they contend with soaring temperatures as well as potentially long queues. In July, during the hottest two days of the year so far, Broderick’s busiest airport machine sold double the drinks it did during the corresponding pre-pandemic period, all without disruption to supply.

Thanks to the advanced telemetry systems, Broderick’s can stock its vending machines according to sales patterns and trends, terminal by terminal, removing the guesswork from what will need replenishing. For example, there’s an emerging trend for CBD and vitamin infused drinks at long haul gates, with mango juice proving popular at Far East gates. By turning the machines cashless, it’s easy for passengers to buy for their whole family in one simple transaction.

Managing Director John Broderick commented: ‘’Investing in cashless technology works for our business because it works for our customers. It’s so easy to buy from the vending machine and, because people aren’t trying to feed foreign currency into the machines, less faults are reported, meaning no interruption to service and less downtime from a business perspective. In fact, we’ve had a 28% reduction in service calls.

‘’At Broderick’s we’re all about exceptional service, from helping our airport clients to keep refreshments in stock so travellers can stay hydrated during their busiest periods, to making passengers smile with thoughtful savings and promotions through our Pay 4 Vend app.’’

Broderick’s Pay 4 Vend app is gaining exponential traction and is networked into the airport vending machines, where customers can earn rewards for repeat purchases and access unique discounts with local partner brands. One lucky customer recently won a holiday to Barbados through the app! With 100,000 active downloads recorded by the app store, the success of the app is a key indicator of how Broderick’s business is taking flight.

Talking about the busy summer, John Broderick said: ‘’although it’s usual to see a peak of activity over the summer months, we’ve never before experienced such concentrated demand. And I don’t think September will spell the end of the busy period, as that’s when the DINKYs – couples not tied to school holidays – will jet off.

‘’In addition to Manchester Airport, we also service Stansted, Liverpool and Birmingham airports, and it’s the same story at each! With the pandemic causing a body blow to businesses, it’s fantastic to be in a thick of a real boom period, and it’s great to see that all our team’s hard work and the investment we’ve made into the business is now reaping rewards.’’

In addition to the airport business, Broderick’s business growth this year has mainly been driven by expanding into over 17 shopping centres in the UK including the Trafford Centre which has alone contributed to over £1 million in revenue. This contract win was completed mid pandemic, when Broderick’s worked closely to support the retail centres through difficult times. Trafford Centre customers have benefitted from contactless vending, and one lucky customer won a holiday to Barbados through the Broderick’s app Pay4Vend after being entered into a prize draw.

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Guardian Water Treatment’s new Product Manager for Closed Systems

Guardian Water Treatment is pleased to introduce Steve Dawson, the company’s new Product Manager for Closed Systems.

Spearheading Guardian’s industry-leading approach to precommission cleaning and ongoing water system management, which feature Hevasure’s pioneering 24/7 remote condition monitoring technology, Steve is tasked with spreading the benefits of this innovative approach across the commercial sector.

Previously Head of Sales at Guardian, a position held for five years, Steve is ready to turn people’s attentions to an essential but often overlooked piece of the HVAC jigsaw puzzle.

Steve said: “Remote monitoring is gaining a lot of interest in our sector, having been recently cited as a key tool in the fight against corrosion in BSRIA’s latest editions of BG50 – Water Treatment for Closed Heating & Cooling Systems and BG29 – Precommission Cleaning of Pipework Systems. Hevasure’s approach is a world-first and a technology we have been championing for some time; in-fact, BSRIA has drawn on our expertise in this area for both BG50 and BG29.

“Real-time condition monitoring combined with Guardian’s extensive experience across the breadth of water system management – testing, cleaning, pre-commissioning, design and construction – means we can deliver comprehensive packages that will save client’s time and money, through reduced maintenance costs and less risk of breakdown.

“Our approach is also more sustainable; a well-managed closed system is less likely to need chemical dosing and flushing with large volumes of water.

“We see time and time again a heavy-handed approach to biocide dosing as clients don’t always understand the root cause of their closed system problems. Guardian’s holistic approach to closed system management includes the added benefit of Hevasure, which allows for transparency; results are sent every 15 minutes, covering a range of parameters, including dissolved oxygen, which is a precursor to all types of corrosion and something sampling cannot effectively detect.

“We are focussed on understanding why there was a problem and then taking steps to prevent this from occurring again.

“It’s time to move away from an approach to HVAC management that focuses on upfront cost and running systems into the ground. In a large building, for example, downtime of boilers can cost £20,000 a month. We want to change short-termism culture for good, and help our clients see the benefits of prevention and sustainability.”

Guardian Water Treatment has developed two packages featuring Hevasure’s 24/7 remote monitoring technology – BG29i, for pre-commissioning cleaning and handover and BG50i which focusses on water treatment within an existing system; intelligent approaches to closed system management.

For more information, visit: www.gwtltd.com

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Grosvenor Systems forms strategic alliance with Spike Global to create complete end-to-end property management solution

Innovative alliance shifts tenant journey online in first end-to-end service in the build-to-rent market

August 2022: Grosvenor Systems and Spike Global have today announced a new strategic alliance, enabling build-to-rent operators to benefit from a complete end-to-end property management and accounting solution.

Propman, Grosvenor Systems’ leading financial reporting and property management product, will be combined with Spike’s tenancy management solution, Spike Lettings, and award-winning resident engagement portal, Spike Living, to create an enhanced, simplified experience for tenants.

Grosvenor Systems’ market-leading product paired with Spike’s solutions will allow the entire tenant management process to be digitalised, helping to reduce costs and streamline communications between management teams and tenants. The online offering will modernise all stages of the tenant experience – from the marketing of properties, taking initial payments and reservations, sending and the signing of contracts, approving references to managing the ongoing management and accounting requirements of tenants once moved in.

Contracts and vital documentation will also be stored digitally, increasing security and making key information easily accessible. Notifications can be sent to tenants via push notifications whenever documents need to be reviewed or signed, allowing for full traceability.

Property Managers will also benefit from comprehensive tenancy management reporting, with automated monthly rent invoices eliminating time spent performing administrative tasks, giving staff more time to focus on value-add activities.

Additionally, the Spike Living portal, which has an intuitive smartphone app, lets tenants view financial information such as service charges or payment history directly. The portal will also allow tenants to view and register for onsite events, reserve amenities, interact with other tenants via clubs and forums, and learn about local retailers they could support.

Sarah Taylor, Managing Director, Grosvenor Systems, comments: “Building on our great relationship with Spike Global, we are excited to offer the first complete end-to-end service in the BTR marketplace, which puts the customer experience at the heart of property management. We’re looking forward to continuing to evolve and innovate our offering for customers.”

Jeremy Heath-Smith, CEO of Spike Global, comments: “We are excited to be working with Grosvenor Systems. By combining our leading resident engagement and tenancy management software solutions with Propman, this complete solution will enable property managers to onboard tenants much faster and more efficiently, whilst providing a central place for tenants to manage their everyday needs.”

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EZVIZ wins gold as the most innovative tech company at the Stevie International Business Awards 2022

Uxbridge, August 16, 2022: EZVIZ, a global leading smart home company, showcased its dedication to continuous innovation, taking home the gold medal in the category of ‘most innovative tech company of the year’ from the 2022 Stevie International Business Awards. Standing out from more than 3,800 nominations across 67 nations and regions, EZVIZ differentiates itself by successfully building an innovative lifecycle that ranges from product research and development, product design, to product production and product’s real-life application. Its’ impressive in-house R&D and design capacity, as well as extensive, flexible product options and services, has empowered millions of users to enjoy easy, connected living.

Established in 2002, the Stevie Award recognises outstanding achievements and positive contributions of organisations and working professionals worldwide. The International Business Awards of Stevie Awards are known as the world’s premier business awards programme that focuses on innovations and diversities. The winning selection is highly competitive, determined by the average scores of more than 300 industry executives from all types of businesses who participate in the judging process each year.

Based on the judges’ comments, EZVIZ’s win was conferred due to its product uniqueness in the market, and its sustainable, user-centered approach in bringing technology to reality. With nine years of expertise in the smart home security market, EZVIZ has been able to adapt to the ever-changing market demand and industry trends with both tech advances and in-depth user insights. Rooted in a pioneering security camera line up, EZVIZ has successfully extended its product line up to include video doorbells, smart locks, smart lighting, alarms and sensors, vacuum cleaners, and more.

With the bigger ambition to develop new generations of connected devices that work seamlessly together to simplify the whole-home smart living experience, EZVIZ has been translating top-notch technology – including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, wireless connectivity – into easy-to-use features such as recognition of person and pet detection, secure cloud storage and intuitive, hands-free control, and more. With the philosophy to make every piece of product accessible and sustainable, EZVIZ builds a large ecosystem with products at different prices and manages to make high-quality hardware that can last the test of time. Additionally, the company has been moving fast with low-energy consumption product designs, and its battery-powered camera series can use solar panels for green charging.

“Being acknowledged by a top organisation makes a strong statement about EZVIZ’s successes in smart home innovation,” said Sandra Zheng, global marketing director of EZVIZ. “Since 2013, EZVIZ has been working to integrate its expertise in developing and implementing smart security technologies into more varied and user-friendly solutions for every family. This vision will never change as we dive deeper into a connected future with more possibilities to benefit more people.”

About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programmes: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honouring organisations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognise outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.

About EZVIZ Since 2013, EZVIZ is dedicated to putting “easy vision” in every home – that is, we strive to build simple yet powerful smart home devices and appliances to provide visual protection and tangible joy to every family. A global leader in smart home security, EZVIZ empowers the future of smart, connected living through relentless tech innovations, reliable high-quality products and trustworthy cloud services. With footprint in more than 130 countries, we’ve been trusted by millions of users and families.

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BRITON EXPANDS HARDWARE RANGE WITH NEW 5700 SERIES LOCKCASE

Briton, a leading provider of door controls and exit hardware in the UK, has announced the launch of its new 5700 series lockcase, a high-quality, heavy-duty euro profile cylinder mortice lockcase. The new collection, dimensionally compatible with Briton’s 5400 series and available with round and square forend and strikes, offers a comprehensive range of functions, including Deadlock, Sashlock, Escape Lock, Nightlatch and Bathroom Lock and Latch. Designed for all medium- to high-use applications, the Certifire accredited 5700 series lockcase delivers robust strength and reliability, constructed from Grade 316 Stainless Steel and fire tested to EN 1634-1 for use on timber and steel fire doors. A DIN standard mortice lock, the 5700 series accommodates all levels of mobility and is ideal for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and buildings in domestic or public settings with high footfall such as schools or hospitals. Offering unrivalled functionality and performance, the Briton 5700 series also features a 20mm single throw deadbolt, designed for single-turn, instant egress and a quick reversable latch for trouble-free on-site handling. The 5700’s assured durability is further supported by its CE and UKCA marks to EN 12209 and EN 179, as well as a 10-year guarantee. Sue Corrick, product marketing manager at Allegion UK, comments: “As trusted door control experts, the Briton team has proudly worked to protect what customers value the most for over a century. We’re now delighted to introduce the 5700 series lockcase as the latest solution to our wide-reaching range, marking the next generation of Briton door control products to build upon a long-standing heritage of trusted quality. “Ideal for both first-time installations and retrofit applications, the launch of the new Briton 5700 series lockcase demonstrates Briton’s commitment to its customers – where, through innovation, the brand continues to develop its core values of trust, performance and convenience. We’re proud to invite customers to find out more about what the 5700 series can offer.” The new Briton 5700 series lockcase marks the first product launched under Briton’s refreshed brand identity, which was unveiled earlier this year. The 5700 series lockcase will boast Briton’s new packaging, designed to reduce waste, and is supported with complete product information and datasheets on the new Briton website. For more information about the 5700 series lockcase, visit: www.briton.co.uk. To find out more about Allegion UK, visit: www.allegion.co.uk

BRITON EXPANDS HARDWARE RANGE WITH NEW 5700 SERIES LOCKCASE

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CaberFloor P5

CaberFloor P5, from timber panel specialist West Fraser, trading as Norbord, is the UK’s most popular moisture resistant flooring panel of its type. It is a high-performance particleboard being widely specified due to its stability, durability and ease of installation for the user. The sturdy, high-density panels come in thicknesses of 18 or 22mm, in both square-edged or tongue and grooved profiles, the latter featuring profiles on all four sides to offer maximum flexibility. The precision-engineered edges ensure smooth and speedy installation while the tight-fitting joints eliminate the annoyance of creaking.

Significantly for the installer, choosing T&G CaberFloor P5 removes the need for intermediate noggins, while ‘secret’ or hidden mailing or screws can be employed within the joints. Alternatively, CaberFix Joint&Joist adhesive can be applied to the edges, further countering the risk of squeaks and creaks that blight traditional floorboards and many ply or particleboard decks. CaberFix D4 is also ideal for bonding flooring boards to both joists and tongue and groove joints and for sealing the board edges.

Available in lengths of 2400mm and 600mm wide, the floor panels are both FSC and CE certified and are ideal for humid environments, in or residential as well as new-build or retrofit applications. Another eco-friendly attribute is that the timber used to make the board is grown in the UK which means less transportation as well as offering a more secure supply in an increasingly disrupted global market. Addressing increasing concerns regarding sustainability, CaberFloor P5 is net carbon negative and locks in the CO2 during its lifetime, while assisting architects and develops to minimise waste and health risks through responsible specification. West Fraser’s CaberFloor P5, presenting a RIBA-approved BIM object, can be specified with absolute confidence in the most demanding situations.

To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email [email protected] or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

  CaberFloor P5

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Lathams adds ultra-sustainable HONEXT® panel to range

James Latham strengthens its portfolio of sustainable products with HONEXT® further committing to circular design and green specification.

Today, James Latham Ltd (Lathams), one of the UK’s leading and most forward-thinking distributors of timber, panels, and decorative surfaces, announces it has become the only UK distributor of revolutionary Spanish construction panel HONEXT®.

HONEXT® was originally founded in 2011 as a collaboration between Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya researchers and three generations of the Merino family.

A game-changing, carbon-neutral, lightweight construction panel, produced from waste fibres and cellulose residue from the paper industry. By upcycling this run-off material, using a proprietary biotech process, the Barcelona-based brand has achieved a fully recyclable, non-toxic board with a circular lifecycle, perfect for specifying to a sustainable brief.

Suitable for interior wall and ceiling linings, and other non-loadbearing applications, the introduction of HONEXT represents the latest step in Lathams aim to be the most innovative and sustainable materials distributor in the UK and Ireland.

Building on other recent forward-thinking initiatives, including the Carbon Calculator and Digital Showroom, listing HONEXT is helping its diverse audience of architects, designers and fit-out professionals make the most eco-friendly choice when selecting surfaces.

Commenting on adding HONEXT to the Lathams catalogue Nick Widlinski, Panels Director says, “According to the UN Environment Programme, the construction sector was responsible for 38% of all energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019[1], prompting sustainability to become a non-negotiable in many contemporary design briefs. Specifiers are now having to respond by selecting the lowest carbon materials possible, particularly those manufactured in a circular fashion.

He continues, “HONEXT meets all these needs and goes further. It’s a high-performance interior construction panel that deals with a long-standing waste management problem for the paper industry, which globally generates more than 8 million tons of waste annually. It’s also another welcome addition to our ever-expanding portfolio of green panel options, meeting our clients evolving preferences and offering them a greater degree of choice.”

A high-performance material, with a low carbon footprint

Unique in its category as Cradle-to-Cradle Silver Certified, the benefits of HONEXT for interior cladding and partitioning go far beyond its upfront sustainable attributes.

A high-performance material, it possesses strong thermal conductivity, vapour permeability, and acoustic performance.

Exploring these advantages in more detail, HONEXT® Panels are designed to feature better sound absorption properties than traditional building materials, and they are also resistant to moisture and water vapour.

The panels also promote better indoor air quality, as they contain no added VOCs and are Material Health Silver Certified.

From a fabrication perspective, the lightweight construction panel has a fibrous build-up, therefore it’s extremely easy to work with regular woodworking tools. Furthermore, it’s considerably less dense compared to other fibreboard products used for interior applications and its relative lightness eases the installation process.

In short, it’s set to become a green disruptor in the UK’s vibrant commercial architecture scene.

Realising HONEXT’s Potential

Already specified on a number of projects in Spain and continental Europe, HONEXT’s potential to help deliver sustainable and cost-effective design solutions is increasingly being realised by specifiers.

In a recent, high-end retail project, the panels were used to replicate fluted concrete walls when using concrete would have been extremely heavy, highly unsustainable, and very expensive, for use in a commercial unit.

Here, the HONEXT sheets were bonded together, deep grooves were made, and then painted, creating a lightweight, sound-absorbing wall that looks identical to fluted concrete.

More sustainable and easier-to-work than many other panelling materials, HONEXT is a game-changer, particularly for applications such as retail fit-out, exhibitions, set decoration and staging, as the product can be shaped, painted, bonded, and laminated offering a greater degree of flexibility for architects, designers, specifiers, fabricators and industrials.

Demand for HONEXT is also growing in the commercial office sector, where its sound absorption capabilities are being realised by fit-out professionals. In a recent workspace project for Spanish construction firm Construcía, HONEXT panels were specified for suspended ‘sound islands’ and ceilings to improve the interior acoustics.

Here, HONEXT met all the client’s requirements for a cradle-to-cradle certified solution, as well as achieving optimal acoustic levels and a comfortable and pleasant working environment.

Commenting on the UK and Ireland distribution partnership, Paul Clegg, Chief Executive, says, “Lathams’ longstanding reputation for identifying innovative materials and championing sustainable design made them the natural choice when we were looking for a distribution partner in UK and Ireland. Furthermore, the unrivalled strength of their supply chain also inspired confidence and assured us that there will be no disruption when getting our products to construction and design professionals nationwide. We look forward to working closely with them, not only to promote the benefits of HONEXT for interiors but also to promote a greener, more circular approach to material manufacturing and specification.”

HONEXT Boards are made from 100% paper waste and are 100% recyclable. They have a density of 540 kg/m3, are 12 mm in thickness, and dimensions are 1220 x 2440 mm.

To find out more about HONEXT and its sustainable building materials click here.

The introduction of HONEXT forms part of Latham’s wider Décors campaign, enabling specifiers to discover Latham’s wide range of decorative surfaces and realise the potential for almost any design preference or requirement.

For more information on Latham’s and its extensive range of timber, panels and decorative surfaces click here.

  Lathams adds ultra-sustainable HONEXT® panel to range

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CADS leadership team boosted as newly promoted Head of Operations achieves MBA with distinction

Clare Montgomery, the recently promoted Head of Operations at retail space planning experts CADS, has graduated from the University of East Anglia (UEA) with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Achieving a distinction from the prestigious business school at the Norwich-based University, Clare chose to study the postgraduate degree to further her knowledge and boost her business skills.

“The MBA has given me the most fantastic opportunity to study a wide array of subjects and then apply the newfound knowledge to CADS” says Clare.

As well as achieving the MBA, Clare, who has worked for the retail space planning and survey specialists for over eight years, was recently promoted to Head of Operations.

“Investing in our team at every level is critical to our success. We have seen Clare grow in confidence both personally and within the management team which is why she has so richly deserved the elevation to Head of Operations” says CADS director, Guy Moates.

To gain her masters degree, Clare completed 15 modules, focussing on areas including marketing strategy, process management and digital systems.

“I have really enjoyed studying the financial modules in particular, as these reminded me how much I enjoy maths and the story the figures reveal!” says Clare.

She is now a Chartered Manager and has achieved a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 qualification in Professional Consulting.

Clare’s studies, including regularly attending classes at the university, were fully supported by CADS and funded by a Senior Leaders Apprenticeship.

Throughout the course, Clare has been able to apply what she has learnt to CADS, helping further enhance customer experience and staff morale.

As part of her MBA workplace project, Clare introduced a StoreSpace® Customer Success programme. As a result, she was given responsibility for managing the StoreSpace® Implementation and Customer Support teams.

“We’re really pleased with the positive effects which Clare has introduced into the business. As a result of her studies, she’s already helped improve our services, products and the general way we do business” says Guy Moates.

CADS provide retail space planning services and software, for a range of leading retailers such as Asda, B&Q and Sainsbury’s. They also provide highly-accurate and detailed site surveying which helps architects and designers model and plan construction projects.

Established in 1984, CADS now occupy offices in Great Yarmouth, Leeds and Wolverhampton from which their team supports clients across the UK and beyond.

Clare’s graduation ceremony for her MBA was held at the University of East Anglia’s Sportspark on Friday 22nd July. Family and friends were able to enjoy local food stalls and celebrate the graduates’ success.

The celebrations were particularly meaningful following the impact of COVID-19.

The MBA course was due to be 27 months in duration but was extended by six months due to the pandemic, with Clare and her fellow students having to overcome a range of COVID-related challenges.

In her new role as Head of Operations, Clare now takes responsibility to work alongside other CADS Managers and Directors to identify potential and improve all aspects of service delivery, innovation and human resource strategy.

More details on CADS and their services can be found at: https://www.cadsonline.com

  CADS leadership team boosted as newly promoted Head of Operations achieves MBA with distinction

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