Archive: Oct 2015

  1. PP O’Connor shortlisted for CN Specialist Awards

    PP O’Connor has been selected as a finalist in the Demolition and Ground Engineering categories of the 2016 Construction News Specialists Awards, making the shortlist from among a record number of entrants.

    Before the awards, all finalists will attend face-to-face judging by members of the 57-strong jury, drawn from the UK’s largest construction firms and the leaders of the country’s major construction projects, including:

    • Sally Austin, Group HR Director, Costain
    • Richard Cook, Head of Residential, Lendlease
    • Nick Elliot, MD, National Supply Chain, Network Rail
    • Scott Grant, Project Director, Battersea Power Station Development Company
    • Cormac MacCrann, executive director, Canary Wharf Contractors
    • Beth West, commercial director, HS2

    The Construction News Specialists Awards are the only national awards celebrating the very best specialist contractors in the UK.  With 18 targeted categories, the awards ensure that whatever size or specialism there is an appropriate avenue to showcase the achievements of specialist contractors.

    Construction News Editor Rebecca Evans commented:

    “Construction News is proud that our Specialists Awards are the only national awards recognising the achievements of specialist contractors, whose hard work and innovation fuels the success of the UK construction industry.

    The construction industry contributes around 6 per cent of the UK’s GDP. The specialist contractors recognised on our shortlist often go unrecognised but make an instrumental contribution to the economy.”

    The winners will be announced on 24 February 2016 at a glamorous ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane, where over 1,000 of the industry elite will join together for a night of entertainment, celebration and networking.

    The full list of finalists and more information can be found at: specialistsawards.cnplus.co.uk

  2. Ian Chatburn joins urbanbubble

    Ian Chatburn has joined Manchester based residential property management company urbanbubble as a director.

    Ian, who spent nine years at Braemar Estates where he became a director in 2013, has joined urbanbubble to help lead and develop the strategy and service offer to private sector rented schemes, as well as looking at opportunities for urbanbubble to develop an holistic service to owners and tenants across existing apartment blocks in Manchester, where there is high buy to let occupancy.

    Ian said:  “I am delighted to join urbanbubble at a significant period for the growth of the business.  I am looking forward to working with Michael Howard and the team to look at expanding our services and making sure we continually improve our commitment to the tenants and owners of the apartment blocks we already manage in Manchester, Salford and the North West.”

    Ian will work closely with Managing Director, Michael Howard, as well as the Property and Facilities Management Team who look after over 6000 homes across 90 developments within Manchester and the North West.

    Michael Howard, Managing Director, urbanbubble said:  “It’s fantastic to welcome Ian to the team.  He has an outstanding reputation and I know his wealth of experience and knowledge will be of huge benefit to everyone in the urbanbubble team. Once we’re settled in our new home at Sevendale House towards the end of 2015, we’ll make further appointments to the Management and Operational Teams as we forge on with our next five years of growth and progress.”

    urbanbubble was set up in 2008 by Michael Howard.  Based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the company provides a range of services to developers, landlords and residents, with the principle aim of ensuring residential developments are managed and maintained to the highest standards.

    Ian’s appointment announcement was featured in Property Week, Place North West,  Insider and The BusinessDesk.

     

  3. Astley Point plans revealed

    On Thursday 22 October, over 250 local people attended a public exhibition where Salcaul Limited revealed its proposals for the £9 million development of Astley Point, a six acre site on Higher Green Lane, Astley, Wigan.  The plans are for a high quality mixed-use development including exclusive new homes, a new entertainment destination and new restaurant set in beautifully landscaped surroundings.

    Sean McCaul, director, Salcaul Limited said:  “We have the opportunity to create a very high quality development – a new focal point for Higher Green and Astley – at the site which is currently occupied by the Rendezvous Cabaret Club and other outbuildings.

    “Our architects Cartwright and Gross have created exciting plans for the site which will set the new homes and leisure opportunities in stunning landscaped surroundings informed by the local heritage, history and countryside.”

    The proposals for Astley Point include:

    • A new entertainment destination
    • A new restaurant
    • New landscaping including a water feature and extensive planting
    • 30 exclusive new two bedroom apartments in five new buildings
    • High specification including designer kitchens and bathrooms
    • Modern appliances
    • Balconies or gardens to all apartments
    • Secure parking for all residents

    The public exhibition was held in advance of the submission of a formal planning application to Wigan Council.  The planning application will be submitted by the end of the year and work is expected to begin on the 18 month construction programme in summer 2016.

    Salcaul Limited is making a £9 million investment into the development and envisages over 70 new permanent jobs will be created at Astley Point.  The Environment Partnership has developed the landscape designs while planning advice is being provided by Euan Kellie Property Solutions.

    Salcaul Limited is a joint venture between Salboy and Redwaters and has been set up specifically to deliver Astley Point.  Salboy, is a company owned by Fred Done and Simon Ismail who develop schemes throughout the UK.

    Simon Ismail said: “This is the first project we have undertaken in Astley and we are really looking forward to producing a first class development that will provide much needed facilities for the local area.”

    Ashurst Communications provided the public relations support for the exhibition and also worked with Blaze marketing to produce the invitation flyers, exhibition display boards and website www.astleypoint.co.uk.

    The plans were covered by Manchester Evening News, Leigh Journal, Bolton News, Place North West, Businessdesk, Insider

     

  4. Will Lewis Property Week 40 under 40

    Congratulations to Will Lewis, OBI Property on his inclusion in Property Week magazine’s Forty under 40, which profiles the entrepreneurs, disruptors and leaders of 2015.

    His inclusion in the list follows on from OBI Property winning Property Week’s Niche Agency Award earlier this year and reflects another successful year for Will and the business.

    Read the full article in Property Week here

  5. James Robertshaw hails BBSA success

    Returning from the British Blind and Shutter Show this week, Matthew Garnett, sales and marketing director for James Robertshaw hailed the show a success for the Bolton based firm.

    Matthew said: “We had a fantastic few days at the show. We’ve received a huge number of enquiries which the team are now busy following up.  The BBSA show only happens every few years but it is a great opportunity for us to show our versatile range of products and introduce the team to existing and potential customers.”

    James Robertshaw design, manufacture and install awnings, roller blinds and roof systems for trade clients across the UK and at the Show, the stand featured:

    • New 12 metre wide roller blind
    • New automated screen blinds
    • New roof systems
    • New awning products

    For further information please contact 01204 574 764 or sales@jamesrobertshaw.co.uk