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News July 2008
PJE
flies in for new training centre
 Gloucester-based
PJE Business Solutions (PJE), part of the Bbi Group, has completed
work on a new custom-built Training Centre for Severn Aviation
in Cheltenham.
The £350,000 contract involved the restructure of the current
9000 sq. ft aircraft hanger into new pilot accommodation and training
facilities.
PJE has increased the building’s potential occupancy to
over 25 with the installation of a mezzanine floor allowing a
new boardroom, 2 training rooms, pilot shower facility and a breakout
kitchen area.
Alongside the new classrooms and offices, PJE also accommodated
two state-of-the-art flight simulators with take-off, hovering,
in-flight manoeuvres, radio navigation, instrument approaches
and landing capabilities to provide practical instruction for
pilots training for their instrument ratings in helicopters.
Scott Courtney, account manager at PJE, said: “The Training
Centre for Severn Aviation is the result of a complete transformation
of an aircraft hanger into a new purpose built facility.
“The new accommodation provides modern and well-designed
surroundings for the successful delivery of high-quality training.
We’re proud of the results we have achieved, particularly
due to the short timescales given.
“It’s fair to say that no two days are the same for
us. One minute we’ll be working on a traditional office
block and the next we’re turning our hands to an aircraft
hanger!”
Peter Saunders, chairman of Severn Aviation, said: “The
Training Centre at Severn Aviation is the latest venture of our
successful aviation team. With our IFR capability, we have rapidly
gained a reputation amongst our growing number of clients for
our professional approach to aviation and high standards of service
and the establishment of the Training Centre is therefore a natural
progression for us.
“This is the first contract we have awarded PJE and we’ve
been delighted by their professional and original approach.”
Severn Aviation operates Helicopter Charter and Executive Jet
Charter services throughout the UK and Europe from its base at
Gloucestershire Airport.
Philips Lighting Chooses Echelon's Technology for New Generation
of Energy Efficient Street Lighting
 Philips'
StarSense street lighting is using Echelon's power line transceivers
and networking technology to remotely monitor and control streetlights
by communicating over the internet with lighting fixtures. The
ability to remotely adjust light levels based on time, traffic,
weather, and other factors can deliver energy savings of more
than 40 per cent, significantly reducing energy costs and carbon
footprint.
Smart
homes get a further touch of style
 A
new monochrome touchscreen for use with its C-Bus smart homes
technology has been unveiled by Clipsal, a brand of Schneider
Electric.
Featuring a 50% larger LCD screen and improved features over its
predecessors, the new C-Bus MKII is also easy to install, program
and use. It is easier to read thanks to enhanced and adjustable
LCD backlighting and ambient light level compensation with a wide
range of distinct colours and styles available.
The touchscreen is programmed using Windows PICED software with
fast uploading via a USB port. The USB port can also be used as
a PC interface to the C-Bus network. Installation is simplified
by loop in/loop out removable terminals, field upgradeable firmware
and quick-fix winged retainers.
Greater control functions include load switching as well as dimming,
scene settings and timer schedules. There is also logic control
and an RS232 port for control of third party serial strings. It
is now possible for up to 10 screens to be connected to a single
network using the MKII black and white touchscreen.
The C-Bus range of touchscreens now commonly replaces large multi-gang
switch and dimmer plates with stylish control panels with an attractive
low profile finish (less than 12mm thick for the glass fascia).
The MKII touchscreen can now be installed onto solid brick or,
where sealing is required, using a wall box.
For further information about Schneider Electric:
Emma Jennings, Communication Executive, Schneider Electric Ltd,
Telephone: +44 (0) 1952 209600, e-mail: emma.jennings@gb.schneider-electric.com,
www.schneider.co.uk
Gleeds wins top US Award with new Jail
The US division of Gleeds, the International Management and Construction
Consultancy, has picked up a prestigious Construction Management
Association of America (CMAA) award. Gleeds won the ‘Project
Achievement Award – Program Management’ in recognition
of its $54 million (£27 million) new Hall County Jail and
Law Enforcement Centre in Gainesville, Georgia.
Hall County Jail and Law Enforcement project is divided into two
major components, a 65,000 sq ft Core Support Centre including
booking, medical, laundry, kitchen and master control functions
and 159,000 sq ft of inmate housing provided in two octagonal
housing towers. The maximum security unit is six storeys high
and can house up to 1,024 prisoners. The project was delivered
nine weeks ahead of schedule and under budget.
The annual awards recognise outstanding achievement in the practice
of construction management in America and are designed to promote
professionalism and excellence in the management of the construction
process. The County engaged Gleeds as Program Manager at the initial
master planning stages of the new build to provide project and
cost management from concept design, to the construction documents
phase. Gleeds then provided project management, cost management,
schedule review and reporting services throughout the construction
period.
An independent panel of judges, representing various disciplines
of the construction management industry in the South-eastern US,
was assembled to evaluate the project nominations in the areas
of cost, schedule, quality, safety and overall project management.
In addition, project complexity, uniqueness, innovation and creativity,
together with customer satisfaction were taken into account in
this competitive process.
Richard Steer, Senior Partner at Gleeds said “We are delighted
to have been recognised by this prestigious award in the face
of such strong competition. This is our third such award in as
many years and is further proof that integrating our cost management
abilities into the program management is adding terrific value
for owners. We feel it is a testament to our commitment to excellence
and adherence to high levels of customer service”
Lanes helps Jak set sail for success
 The
Lanes Group plc, which includes the UK’s largest independent
drainage specialist Lanes for Drains, is sponsoring one of Britain’s
most promising young sailors, 16-year old Jak Cornthwaite.
Despite only taking up the sport 4 years ago, Jak was chosen to
represent Great Britain in the World Laser Radial Youth championships
in New Zealand this year where he gained a top twenty placing,
helping the GBR team to its best ever result.
Says Jak’s grandfather, Dave Black: “Jak has astounded
everyone by going so far in such a short time.
“He obviously has a natural talent but, sadly, talent, grit
and determination are not always enough to guarantee success in
this sport — it takes plenty of hard cash too.
“Friends and family can only contribute so much, after that
it’s essential to have outside funding and we’re absolutely
delighted to count the Lanes Group as Jak’s first official
sponsor.“
Michelle Ringland, Lanes Group Marketing Manager, agrees that
such potential should be encouraged:
“Sailing is obviously still a minority sport when it comes
to funding and publicity, but we feel very strongly that someone
with Jak’s obvious talent and enthusiasm should be given
every chance to shine on the world stage. It would be tragic if
he had to forfeit it all because of money when he’s already
achieved so much.“
She adds: “We’re very proud that Lanes is able to
help him follow his dream.”
Construction sector through to finals for national Apprenticeship
Awards
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) announces record entries
to the fifth national Apprenticeship Awards as the Government
urges employers to offer more Apprenticeship places. This year
saw a forty per cent increase, with 1,400 entries from just over
1,000 last year.
Oldham based Delta International Steeplejacks has been shortlisted
as a finalist in the Small Employer of the Year by the LSC for
its outstanding commitment to Apprenticeships, representing height
workers for the first time since the awards began five years ago.
The Awards are designed to recognise those employers who are successfully
using Apprenticeships to improve business performance, and the
hard work and commitment of individuals currently on, or who have
recently completed an Apprenticeship.
“We believe that employing, training and supporting Apprenticeships
grows the skills of individuals which in turn grows the skills
of the business”, asserts Eleanor Hill, Sales and Marketing
Director at Working at Height firm Delta International.
Six former apprentices have progressed within Delta into directorship,
management, supervision and foreman roles. The range of training
opportunities offered by the company has played a crucial role
in this. Eleanor comments: “Without the foundation skills
that Apprenticeships gave them, they may not have had both the
tangible and intangible skills to fulfil these responsible positions.”
Earlier this year the Government highlighted the central role
it sees for Apprenticeships in achieving its economic and skills
ambitions. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) will help
to deliver these ambitions and grow the number of Apprenticeships
to at least 400,000 by 2020.
The Government is taking good steps towards meeting this target
with the latest figures showing that apprentice starts are up
16 per cent on the same period last year. This includes a strong
increase in the number of over-25s starting Apprenticeships.
Representatives from each company will join the rest of the finalists
at the national Apprenticeship Awards ceremony on Thursday 10
July, to be held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in Central London.
To find out more about apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.org.uk
or call
08000 150 400.
ConstructionSkills chief awarded OBE for service to industry
Peter Lobban, Chief Executive of ConstructionSkills, the Sector
Skills Council for the Construction Industry, has been awarded
an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of
his service to industry.
The citation refers to Peter’s leadership in transforming
ConstructionSkills into a dynamic, strategically influential body
helping to shape the skills agenda for the construction industry
and for this being accomplished within an industry of diverse
interests.
Peter has led the organisation from an industry training board
with a 35-year legacy, to a leading Sector Skills Council at the
heart of one of the Government’s biggest agendas and a key
provider of employer-led training and skills solutions for the
industry. This has enabled the organisation to increase the number
of construction companies investing in training by 40%, almost
double the number of Health & Safety Test passes to 275,000
a year and drive up apprenticeship completion rates from 29% to
over 70%.
The past ten years has also seen the number of diverse new recruits
ConstructionSkills supports quadruple and innovative training
solutions such National Skills Academy for Construction and Programme
Led Apprenticeships have been developed.
Sir Michael Latham, Chairman, ConstructionSkills commented:
“This is a fitting tribute to Peter’s achievement
in placing workforce skills at the heart of the construction industry’s
agenda. It also marks a very public recognition of Peter’s
leadership of ConstructionSkills over the last 10 years.”
Peter obtained a MA Honours in Econometrics at Edinburgh University
and started work in 1969 in the Faculty of the London Business
School. In 1977 he joined the Confederation of British Industry
becoming Deputy Director of Employment Affairs.
He joined Shell in 1986 and worked in several manufacturing locations
before becoming a Director of Shell Chemicals UK. He went overseas
as HR Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum before returning to the
UK as Director for Shell Expro. He was also Chairman of the Offshore
Petroleum Industry Training Organisation covering safety in the
North Sea.
UK
Prime retail rents begin to fall
 -
In real terms, high street rents are 12% below late 1989 figures
The Midsummer Retail Report published by Colliers CRE in June
has found that although UK prime rents have increased, on average,
by 1.1% during the last 12 months, high street retail rents actually
experienced a significant fall, in real terms, during the period.
By stripping out inflation (RPI) of *4.2%, the small nominal gain
translates to an annual fall of 3.1%, representing the biggest
decrease in real terms since the early 1990’s (see chart
below). The report also predicts that high street rents will fall
by a further 15 to 20% in real terms over the next three years.
Dr Richard Doidge, Director of Research Consultancy at Colliers
CRE, comments: “By stripping out inflationary rises to paint
a clearer picture of how the retail market is actually fairing,
we can see that performance in the sector has been very weak and
in our view is likely to become worse.”
Furthermore whilst UK average retail rents on prime properties
have risen by two thirds (67%) since 1989, rents are now actually
12% lower in real terms (nominal rent values versus real on chart
below).
This would suggest that rents are less overheated now than they
were before the last major UK recession.
Colliers CRE’s research also shows that although the total
amount of shopping centre floorspace planned for completion by
2012 has only seen a small change (2006 forecast - 47.7 million
sq ft; 2008 forecast - 43.7 million sq ft), lack of demand for
space and declines in the investment market mean developers are
allowing completion timelines to slip. In 2006 15 million square
foot was set for completion in 2008. This years forecast has seen
this figure drop by almost half to just over 8 million sq ft.
It also anticipates completed floor space will drop by three quarters
in 2009 (78%) with only 2.50 million sq ft expected to be built.
Greg Styles, Head of Retail at Colliers CRE, comments: “While
centres are pre-letting, commitment by retailers is now often
at a very late stage. This lack of occupational demand is causing
some developers to let completion dates for new shopping centres
slip as pre-letting thresholds are being achieved too late to
hit target start dates.” The findings from the Colliers
CRE Midsummer Retail Report were presented in London, Manchester
and Edinburgh.
For more information visit: www.collierscre.com
£2
million Relocation for ACM
 ACM
Waste Management Plc has moved to a new purpose built head office
in Waltham Abbey, Hertfordshire following an investment of over
£2 million.
The move is a significant step forward for the Company, which
has set itself the ambitious target of increasing its turnover
by 300% by growing its market share over the next three years.
ACM Chairman, Barry Bolton, explains: “ACM is now widely
recognised as the UK’s most environmentally focused waste
management and recycling company and with the increasing pressure
on UK businesses, imposed by the introduction of more and more
environmental legislation, we expect the demand for the services
we offer to become even greater.
“Our business has grown significantly over recent years.
We now have a team of almost 50 staff and plans to expand into
the European and Asian markets during the next 12 months, so it
is vital that we have the right platform to enable us to move
forward to the next stage of development.”
The new Head Office is home to all the ACM Group Companies, including
3r Environmental Technology Limited and also houses all the company’s
service and workshop facilities. It is situated close to Junction
26 of the M25 in Waltham Abbey and has been named ECO House to
reflect the company’s commitment to protecting the environment.
Barry adds: “It is now a legal requirement for Plc companies
and best practice for Limited companies, to produce a written
environmental policy as part of their annual report and good waste
management and recycling practices are an important part of this,
so for businesses like ACM there is a tremendous opportunity.
“Corporate Responsibility and working with greener suppliers
are also becoming more and more of a priority for UK businesses,
so although £2 million was a significant investment for
ACM we expect to reap the benefits very quickly as we continue
to position ourselves at the forefront in the environmental arena.”
The move to ECO House has also given ACM the opportunity to reinforce
its green credentials through the creation of an environmentally
conscious workplace. At its new Head Office the company operates
energy and water saving initiatives, a 100% recycling policy with
no under-desk bins and sources as many products as possible that
are made using recycled materials. Environmental imagery is also
used throughout to reinforce the message and the ethos of the
ACM brand.
Vivid Interiors wins £1M contract to refurbish Wyndham’s
theatre
 Vivid
Interiors is staging an elegant £1 million refurbishment
of the Grade II* listed Wyndham’s Theatre in Charing Cross
Road, London, for Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.
The theatre is set to be luxuriously refurbished using the bespoke
two-tone striped wallpaper with gold laurel wreath and wreath
patterned carpeting designed by Clare Ferraby, which is the leitmotif
of all the theatres being upgraded as part of Cameron Mackintosh’s
on-going transformation of his West End theatres.
The contract will see the company refurbish all four levels of
the theatre, including the main foyer, auditorium, stalls, royal
circle, grand circle and balcony, public rest areas and bars.
Additional female toilets are also being created at the back of
the royal circle.
The revitalisation will include substantial mechanical and electrical
work and the re-upholstery of all 759 seats and rester rails in
sumptuous blue velvet. The stage scenery grid will be strengthened
and new stage fly galleries added.
The theatre’s VIP rooms, The Royal Room and The Littlewood
Room, will be refurbished to offer new conference and hosting
facilities.
The external façade of the building will be refreshed and
new external lighting will bring the Portland stone frontage back
to its former splendour.
“The biggest challenge of the refurbishment will be the
tight time schedule but the work will be completed in time for
the opening of a new version of Chekhov’s Ivanov by Tom
Stoppard with Kenneth Branagh, directed by Michael Grandage in
September,” says Graham Horwood, Vivid Interiors contracts
manager. “As they say in show business – the show
must go on!”
The refurbishment is the fifth project Vivid Interiors will be
carrying out for the company. Completed high profile refurbishments
include The Gielgud, Novello, Prince Edward and Noel Coward Theatres,
all situated in the West End.
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