Feb 2012 Nottinghamshire Builder

Issue 7 - FEBRUARY 2012

Licensed property with consent for 4 dwellings on part of the site

BRUTON KNOWLES are offering for sale by Private Treaty a good-sized licensed property with potential.

The property - The Sun Inn, Town Street, Pinxton, Nottingham NG16 6JP - is considered by the agents to be ideal for operational use and/or development, subject to planning.

Bolsover District Council has granted Outline Planning Permission for the erection of 2 pairs of semi-detached houses (ref: 11/000104/OUT) on part of the site. Further development may be possible. Interested parties should make their own enquiries of Bolsover District Council in this respect on 01246 242424.

Offers over £200,000 are sought for the property. VAT will be charged.

For more information, or to arrange viewing, contact Sam Spencer or Stuart Hastings at Bruton Knowles, on 0115 988 1160 (mobiles: 07855 247373 or 07733 126307) or email Sam at sam.spencer@brutonknowles. co.uk or email stuart at stuart.hastings@brutonknowles.co.uk

Nottinghamshire builder scoops £40m lottery win!

A self-employed builder and his wife who won a Lottery jackpot of nearly £41 million plan to splash out on an executive box at Manchester United - and a new carpet.

Gareth and Catherine Bull from Mansfield scooped £40,627,241 after matching the numbers from a Lucky Dip ticket on the EuroMillions draw on January 20. Mr Bull, 40, bought the ticket on a whim after he was unable to start work one day because it was raining.

Mr Bull said top of his shopping list is a box at his beloved Manchester United followed by a Range Rover Sport, a villa somewhere and a trip to Disney in Florida for the children.

Mrs Bull, who works in health insurance, said she might not be changing her routine but would love to get a new upstairs landing carpet and to be able to have her hair done more than twice a year.

Mapperley site for 15 houses for auction on 16th February

SAVILLS and ALLSOPS are offering for sale BY AUCTION a freehold irregularly-shaped site extending to approximately 1.757 hectares (4,342 acres) with planning permission for 15 houses.

The land is situated off The Crescent, Alexandra Park, Mapperley Park, Nottingham.

Planning permission has been granted for 15 houses (5 x four bedroom houses and 10 x five bedroom houses), construction of new access road and creation of nature/ecological reserve’ (Application No. 11/0084/ PFUL3. Dated: October 2011). Copies of the plans, planning permission and Section 106 Agreement are available from the Auctioneer’s office upon request (Ref: RW). There is no Affordable Housing Requirement.

The land is being offered for BY AUCTION on Thursday 16th February 2012, unless previously sold or withdrawn, at the Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX. For full details and an online auction catalogue, visit www.allsop.co.uk To request a catalogue, tel: 0906 515 1510 (calls charged at £1.50 per minute.)

SEE ADVERT ON PAGE 23

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

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I get seasick. And that’s after only a couple of glasses.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Calling all Builders’ Merchants

Published By: Builder Magazines PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: (01530) 244069 Fax: (01530) 249557

Contact us by email at info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk Visit the website at www.nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk Over 3,500 copies distributed every month across Nottinghamshire by a combination of: •

By Post to SUBSCRIBERS and a rotating free mailing list • Through other local outlets, including trade counters SUBSCRIPTIONS: £20 PER YEAR (No VAT) TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL 01530 244069 and leave your details and we’ll invoice you later.

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by Norwood Press Advert deadline 15th of month.

Published: 4th of each month

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editorial/ Production Team.

The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Builder Magazines cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Builder Magazines reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All property details contained within this magazine are to be regarded as being for outline guidance only.

All potential interested parties are requested to check individual availability of premises for accuracy of details with the relevant selling agents before proceeding further.

To Advertise in Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine Contact Us On 01530 244069 Our advertising rates are on page 5

Get some BUILDERS into YOUR trade counter!

If you RUN a Nottinghamshire builders’ merchant and would like to carry copies of Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine in your trade counter, please let us know and we’ll get some magazines to you.

The magazine is attracting a lot of interest in the local trade and in the next few months we’d like to reach some of the building-based companies who are not already on our mailing list.

Call Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email your contact details to us at info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk

Looking for a Workshop in Worksop?

INNES ENGLAND are offering for sale a workshop/storage building at 47-49 Carlton Road, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3PD.

The site consists of a workshop building of brick construction under a pitched roof, and was previously used as a masonry works. The floor area totals 1,772 sq.feet and the site extends to 0.135 acres.

For more information, including the price, contact Paul Simmons at Innes England on 01332 362244 or email: psimmons@innes-england.com

Innovative new system regulates building temperatures in extreme climates Researchers at Nottingham Trent University have developed a new system that will regulate the temperature inside of buildings in extreme climates.

The system, which can be installed in new or existing buildings to regulate the temperature, will mean a reduced demand for traditional systems such as air-conditioning or heating.

Working in both extreme hot and cold conditions, it will also reduce the amount of energy consumed by using these traditional methods.

Amin Al-Habaibeh, inventor of the system and reader in advanced design and manufacturing technologies at the university, commented: There has always been an issue in regulating the temperature inside buildings in extreme climates, and current solutions have a number of problems associated with them, including being complex and require significant maintenance.

“This new method will reduce energy consumption and improve building temperature in these climates by utilising the consistency of the ground temperature, while maintaining the traditional look of the building.”

The system utilises a conductive heat transfer between the ground and the envelope of the building by transferring the heat from the building to the ground in the summer and transferring the heat from the ground to the building in the winter.

Amin added: “This is a much more sustainable way of regulating building temperature and we’re currently in talks with a number of UK companies to develop the technology and commercialise it internationally.”

My mum and dad always do things straight away. I call them my immediate family.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Guaranteed Annual Return Of £26,600 For Investors In Nottinghamshire

DAVID Wilson Homes is giving investors an unmissable opportunity to achieve a guaranteed annual return of up to £26,600 by taking advantage of its innovative showhome sale and leaseback scheme.

The housebuilder currently has a number of its showhomes available on its innovative showhome sale and leaseback scheme and is inviting potential buy to let investors to come and find out more about the benefits of taking advantage of this deal.

And the scheme is simple; it allows investors to purchase a showhome and then rent it back to the housebuilder for an agreed rate fixed term.

The benefits for the buyer are that they have a guaranteed tenant for the duration of the lease, they have peace of mind as they can be confident that the housebuilder will take care of the property and best of all, they will receive a guaranteed seven per cent rental yield.

Philip Lacey, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, comments “Our showhome sale and leaseback scheme is already proving a big hit with cash buyers looking to invest their hard earned savings in bricks and mortar and we’re delighted to be able to offer this deal on a number of our showhomes throughout Nottinghamshire.

“We currently have three properties available on this scheme at locations all over the county including Newton near Bingham and Sutton-in-Ashfield and the properties range in price from £249,995 to £379,995. All the homes represent a fantastic investment opportunity and the chance to achieve a guaranteed annual return of up to £26,600.

“This superb opportunity will come as welcome news to those who have a lot of cash savings and are disheartened by the low interest rates they may be receiving from the banks and rather than have to worry about untidy tenants, you will have peace of mind knowing that we will maintain the property in pristine condition.

“Investors really do have peace of mind with this excellent offer so if you’re a cash buyer looking to invest in something that will give you a guaranteed return on your money for a fixed period, why not consider investing in one of our quality new showhomes? Speak to our experienced sales adviser who can tell you more.”

Eco-friendly, Extra Care Scheme Opens Community organisations have come together in Nottingham to launch an eco-friendly extra care complex for the over 55s.

The social rent apartments at Albany House, on St Matthias Road, were officially opened by Councillor Jon Collins in January.

Residents watched as Councillor Collins unveiled the plaque, located in their communal living area. He later joined them for a cup of tea and a chat.

The extra care complex caters for residents over the age of 55 and includes 71 one-bedroom apartments, as well as communal facilities including a restaurant, lounge, hairdressers and activity room.

The scheme is being run by Leicester-based social housing group LHA-ASRA, after the land was provided by Nottingham City Council on a 125-year lease. The Homes and Communities Agency and the Department of Health also provided funding for the project.

The new development encompasses several green initiatives, such as whole house heat recovery systems, rainwater harvesting, a biodiverse green roof and the building is also Cllr Jon Collins and LHA-ASRA connected to the district heating system. group chief exec Matt Cooney

Michele Walker, programme delivery manager at LHA-ASRA, said: “This new development provides self contained apartments, which allow residents to remain completely independent, yet there is care and support around them when they need it.”

Graham Dobbs, head of Midlands North for the HCA said: “We are really pleased to celebrate the opening of Albany House, it forms an important part of the wider regeneration of the area. The scheme provides homes and independent living for older people in Nottingham and adds value to other local new housing that the HCA is supporting along with other partners.”

Also as part of the complex, LHA-ASRA built a 60-place day service centre called the Albany House Day Service, which replaced a former City Council facility at Nuffield

Cllr Jon Collins with 79 year old resident Margaret Parkin and LHA-ASRA chief executive Matt Cooney House which no longer met modern standards. Users of the day service and extra care housing complex share some of the state-of-the-art on-site facilities.

Albany House has replaced an unpopular block of 34 apartments for the elderly. The residents who wanted to return to the new scheme have done so.

Nottingham-based Allan Joyce Architects designed the properties and the Kier Group carried out the construction.

After I left university, I removed one of my front teeth for 12 months. It was my gap year.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Breedon Aggregates expands into Nottingham with acquisition of Nottingham Readymix

PICK UP YOUR INDISPENSABLE PTS PRODUCT GUIDES

Breedon Aggregates Limited, the UK’s largest independent aggregates business, is entering the Nottingham ready-mixed concrete market with the acquisition in January of Nottingham Readymix.

REMEMBER! We include details of development properties free-of-charge in editorial form.

So, if you’re selling an interesting development property, email details to: info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk

and we’ll give the property a free mention.

Tremendous!

My daughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were £70.

“Blow this,” I thought, “I can get one cheaper off the web.”

The acquisition fills an important gap in Breedon Aggregates’ coverage of the East Midlands, located midway between its plants at Cloud Hill to the south-west and Grantham to the east.

Nottingham is a key centre of economic activity in the region, with a number of major infrastructure and commercial projects currently underway or in the pipeline, including the £600 million tram project due to start in 2012. Nottingham Readymix is the leading supplier of ready-mixed concrete in the city, with a fleet of modern delivery vehicles.

Commenting on the acquisition Simon Vivian, Breedon Aggregates’ group chief executive, said: “This is a great business with deep roots in the Nottinghamshire community and we are proud to welcome it as the newest member of the Breedon Aggregates group.

“Our success at Breedon Aggregates has been built on giving our customers an outstanding service, delivered locally, promptly and to the highest possible quality.

Nottingham Readymix has exactly the same ethos. From a practical point of view, nothing will change following this acquisition. The business will continue to trade as Breedon Aggregates Limited, Breedon-on-the-Hill, Derby DE73 Nottingham Readymix and its senior management team will continue to run the business day-to-day, providing the same level of excellent service.”

In the longer term, Nottingham Readymix will form Breedon Aggregates’ Nottinghamshire hub, from which the company intends to develop its ready-mixed concrete operations over the next few years. The team there will work closely with Breedon Aggregates’ flagship quarry at Cloud Hill near Breedon-on-the-Hill, which will supply them with crushed rock.

Building plot in Billingborough: £75k ESCRITT BARRELL GOLDING Estate Agents are inviting offers in excess of £75,000 for a substantial building plot with planning permission for a three-bed detached bungalow and a large garage.

The plot is 36.88m deep by 15.85m wide (plus drive) providing an overall area of approximately 0.15 acres.

Offers in excess of £75,000 are invited. For more information, contact Escritt Barrell Golding on 01476 565371 or visit www.ebgproperty.co.uk

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95

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Booking deadline: 15th of each month Censorship makes me so bleeping angry.

Bathrooms 2012

PTS has issued the 2012 edition of its successful Bathroom Book and latest Price Guide.

The 120 page bathroom brochure is an indispensable showcase of the latest bathroom suites, furniture, showers, enclosures, brassware and accessories. It also consists of a range of new products including shower curtains and rails, a selection of lights, bottle traps and an entire selection for easy access bathrooms.

Nigel Gamble, Commercial Director for PTS, said: “We wanted this Bathroom Book to be the most comprehensive to date with many more images to help with product selection.

All the prices are VAT inclusive and many products are clearly marked with the key features and vital dimensions, making it the ideal sales tool when your customer is at that vital planning stage. The price guide is also an invaluable tool for busy installers, with all the latest product information in an easy to navigate format that makes comparing and choosing the right product really simple.”

The PTS 2012 Price Guide and Bathroom Book can be picked up from any PTS branch nationwide.

Locate your nearest branch by visiting www.ptsplumbing.co.uk, or by texting PTS or SPARES to 83332. For more information on PTS, call 01455 551210.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Savills Tops Nottingham Auction League Table Figures released in January 2012 by the leading independent research firm, Essential Information Group, show that Savills Nottingham offered and sold the most lots in Nottinghamshire.

The research confirms that the Fletcher Gate based property consultant stacked up over £17.6million worth of auctioned property sales in 2011 over £10million more than its nearest competitor.

The league table includes all Nottingham auctioneers and names Savills as the top performing auction house in the city in terms of both sales and value achieved for its auction properties in Nottingham in 2011.

Rob Crocker, Director at Savills Nottingham comments: “2011 was one of the best years ever for our Nottingham auctions team. In tough economic times, vendors and buyers alike flock to the auction house looking for quick sales and good value for money. We are thrilled to have been placed at the top of the list for Nottingham and look forward to helping clients sell and buy their perfect auction property this year.”

Lots located in Nottinghamshire Auctioneer Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Lots Offered Lots Sold Total Raised

Savills (Nottingham) HEB Chartered Surveyors Graham Penny Allsop Commercial Allsop Residential Smith & Partners Robert Ellis Auctioneers Barnes Countrywide Property Auctions CP Bigwood

209 120 70 8 13 10 16 19 22 8

173 95 50 5 11 6 12 17 10 8

£17,612,400 £7,002,500 £3,928,000 £1,609,000 £1,379,000 £1,260,000 £822,500 £760,250 £707,750 £624,000

‘SOUND’ ARGUMENTS FOR CAST IRON IN ABOVE GROUND DRAINAGE Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading international materials company, Saint-Gobain, has published the first in a series of White Papers which tackle key issues surrounding the specification and management of above ground drainage systems for commercial and residential buildings.

Entitled ‘When put to the test a sound argument delivers cast iron evidence’, the first White Paper in the series discusses the acoustic performances of above ground drainage systems made from different materials.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, explained: “Specifiers have to contend with many issues when selecting above ground drainage systems. However, an increasingly important one is that of acoustic performance. Noise from gurgling pipes does little for the internal ambience for a building – especially prestige residential developments and other buildings where noise needs to be minimised, such as schools, hospitals and hotels.

“There are also cost implications for noisier pipe systems where additional insulation or fittings are needed to reduce noise to satisfactory levels in line with the new European standard, BS EN 14366:2004.

“The White Paper draws on the results of commissioned tests at independent laboratories to the BS EN 14366:2004 standard, which give a clear picture regarding the performance of varying systems.”

Less talk and more ACTION at NCF Join us on Thursday 8th March 2012 Sharp end construction companies need to engage with those who BUY CONSTRUCTION. To be profitable we have to successfully market our services. The Notts Construction Forum (NCF) will put you in touch with just that market place - people who buy your services - from which you can IMPROVE COMPANY PROFITABILITY! Richard Ratcliffe from “Firefly”, together with Alan Coole of Scape/East Midlands Property Alliance (empa), will tell us how to engage with the big boys to secure more business, how to get your services in to their supply chains, how to become part of it all and use “Firefly” to facilitate selling via empa.

Nottingham City’s Employment & Skills Officer Chris Grocock is in the know about major new and upcoming development opportunities. He will lead his team to update us on how to get involved - the EMPLOYER HUB - and what you have to do to advantage your firm.

Councillor Keith Girling is the Notts County Council lead on Economic Development and Business Engagement. Keith and his colleagues will let us know what is being done to support construction firms Countywide----thereby helping to “Keep Business Local”.

As always at NCF Breakfast Briefings, there will be a supporting programme and plenty of networking opportunities When: Thursday 8th March ‘12 At 08.00am For 08.30-10.30am.

Where: Room 205 The Cpd Centre At New College Nottingham’s Basford Campus, Nottingham.

For Satnavs Use Only - The Post Code is NG6 0LG MAP: http://www.ncn.ac.uk/content/Aboutncn/CollegeCampuses/ ncnBasfordHall.aspx Cost: £10 Per Head, Payable On The Day In Cash Or By Cheque To “Nottinghamshire Construction Forum” CAR PARKING: There is ample car-parking to the REAR of the Campus. Entry to the CPD Centre is by REAR door.

Sponsorship: The Ncf Is Sponsored By Vinci Construction; Vinci Facilities; Federation Of Master Builders And New College Nottingham TO REGISTER: Simply e-mail ronglen@msn.com to confirm your attendance.

Ron Glen General Manager Notts Construction Forum M: 0795 102 1548 E: ronglen@msn.com W: www.nottsconstruction.co.uk

Mervyn Brown, Chair of the Notts Construction Forum, plans the next NCF Breakfast Briefing

~ Reader Offer ~ Readers of Nottinghamshire Builder who sign up for the NCF Breakfast Briefing on Thursday 8th March 2012 may bring along a colleague or friend for FREE!

The first White Paper can be downloaded from www.eezi-compare.com/members/.

Last time I had a street party I nearly died. I live on the M42.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Attractive mill building for sale in Nottingham

SAVILLS are offering for sale by Private Treaty an attractive mill building with development potential, subject to planning.

The property – Crocus Mill, Crocus Street, Nottingham NG2 3DE comprises a former mill building of a Victorian brick construction arranged over ground and first floors under a pitched slated roof. There is a central cobbled courtyard and gated access.

The approximate Gross Internal floor area is 1,064 sq m (11,459 sq ft).

The site is to be sold by Private Treaty. All offers should be made in writing marked ‘Strictly Private and Confidential’, for the attention of Mr Victor Ktori and addressed to the Commercial Department, Savills, 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1QQ Offers should be for a fixed sum and not related to any other offer and should include: • Name and address of the purchaser, with a summary of track record.

• Proof of funds available for the purchase.

• Proposed timescales.

• Solicitors details.

Offers are sought in the region of £225,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Victor Ktori at Savills on 0115 934 8171 or email: vktori@savills.com

Former pub in Sutton in Ashfield has consent for 3 dwellings W.A.BARNES Estate Agents are inviting offers in the region of £150,000 for a residential development opportunity in Sutton in Ashfield.

The property – at Mapplewells Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. – comprises a former public house which has been used for many years as an upholsterer’s workshop and store. There is Outline Planning Consent for demolition of the existing building and construction of 3 dwellings.

There is possible scope for the refurbishment of the existing building as well as constructing further dwellings (subject to planning).

The land has a frontage of approximately 20m to Mapplewells Road, a total length of approximately 56m, and a maximum depth of 20m, giving a total site area of 0.24 acres.

Offers in the region of £150,000 are invited.

For more information, contact W.A.Barnes on 01623 554084 or email: sales@wabarnes.co.uk

Successful Launch Of Barratt In Chilwell

BARRATT Homes is celebrating the successful launch of its latest development, The Fairways in Chilwell, where it welcomed over 200 visitors and sold two properties during the opening weekend.

In January, Barratt opened the doors to the development on Bye Pass Road for the very first time and as it is the New Year hosted a health and fitness themed event.

During the event, visitors were given the opportunity to peruse the three designer showhomes that were unveiled as well as finding out more about the superb selection of new homes that are now available to buy.

Prior to the launch, the housebuilder had sold six of the properties off plan and expected the development to prove a popular choice with local homebuyers but not even Barratt anticipated the high volume of visitors the staff welcomed during the launch weekend.

Jan Ruston, Sales Director at Barratt Homes East Midlands, comments “We were astounded by the number of homebuyers that visited The Fairways over the opening weekend and we haven’t had a launch quite like it since the downturn of the housing market back in 2007.

“We knew that demand here would be high as it’s situated in a highly desirable location and the properties that we are building are from the very latest Barratt collection but we are obviously delighted that the demand has exceeded our expectations.”

As well as an impressive collection of new homes, The Fairways is also superbly located

L – R Nick Hargreaves from Chilwell Olympia, Andrew Handslip sales manager at Barratt Homes and Laura Robinson from Chilwell Olympia

close to a great number of amenities and for the event Barratt teamed up with nearby Chilwell Olympia who sent down a health and fitness adviser to give exercise and dietary advice.

Visitors were also treated to a healthy selection of food and refreshments and were invited to enter a free prize draw to win an annual joint membership to Chilwell Olympia which will give you access to the gym, classes and the swimming pool.

Jan continues “Given the fantastic response we received during the launch weekend, we anticipate that demand here will increase even further and so I’d encourage anyone looking to buy a quality Barratt home in this sought after location not to delay and to visit the sales office today.”

The Fairways is located on Bye Pass Road in Chilwell and the first release of homes here include a mix of three and four bedroom properties from the very latest Barratt Collection and prices start form £179,995.

To find out more visit the sales office between the opening hours of 11am to 6pm, Thursday to Monday. Alternatively call the sales hotline on 0844 811 3377 or log on to the website at www. barratthomes.co.uk Barratt East Midlands was given a five star rating in this year’s HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey, in which consumers are asked if they are satisfied with the quality of their new home and whether they would recommend their builder to a friend.

The trouble with an all-day breakfast is you’ve got to eat it so slowly.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Duff & Phelps appointed Administrators to Avocet Hardware Limited Andrew Stoneman and Ben Wiles, both of the Global Restructuring Advisory practice at financial advisory and investment banking firm Duff & Phelps, were appointed Joint Administrators of Avocet Hardware Limited on 23rd January 2012.

The company was established in 1978 and operates through three UK divisions: Builders Hardware, the UK’s leading supplier of fixings, fasteners and general ironmongery to the UK DIY retail sector; a Door & Window Hardware division, manufacturing door and window hardware and a High Security Lock division, established in 2010 to market an innovative high security door lock.

Avocet employs a total of 150 people.

The Company operates out of a freehold property in Brighouse in West Yorkshire, which comprises of a 90,000 square foot warehouse, a 33,000 square five story mill and an 11,000 square foot reception/ showroom.

Avocet was purchased by the current management team in a private equity backed management buyout in November 2007.

Andrew Stoneman, Joint Administrator, Duff & Phelps, stated: “The UK hardware and fixing market is estimated to be worth some £220m per annum,” “In December 2011, the Company sold its loss making Chinese factory, which manufactured product for the Door & Window hardware division.

The financial performance of the Company in recent years has been adversely impacted by losses from the Chinese operation and by the insolvency of a major customer.”

“Discussions are on going with a number of different parties who wish to acquire all or parts of the business.

This is a fantastic opportunity and anyone who is interested in the business should contact us immediately for further information.

We are actively trying to identify a buyer and to rescue the jobs of the employees, ” he concluded.

Ian Jones, Director, Avocet, added: “This has been a tough trading period as we have experienced a major contraction in the UK DIY market compounded by the insolvency of one of our largest clients. We are hopeful a buyer will be sought and we are working closely with Duff & Phelps to ensure we reach a satisfactory outcome for all concerned.”

Fancy moving to a land Down Under?

Construction boom predicted for New Zealand Experts are predicting that New Zealand’s $8.5 billion building sector is about to make a big recovery and hit boom levels creating good opportunities for British firms.

Paul Arthur, director of migration experts The Emigration Group said: “New Zealand’s Westpac Institutional Bank is predicting that the Christchurch and Canterbury rebuild will bring an extra 20 billion New Zealand dollars in national construction spending, kick starting the industry.

“This investment will lead to a demand for skilled building workers from overseas, creating both good job and business opportunities for skilled construction workers in the UK who are willing to go down under.”

The Westpac economists predict Auckland and Christchurch housebuilding will be a big driver, alongside Christchurch infrastructure work.

Economic experts Mercer also report a strong performance in the industry over the last six months particularly in the construction of hospitals, farm buildings, shops and restaurants.

Paul said: “We’ve worked with a number of businesses both small and large who have started a New Zealand operating arm and we have lots of clients who are struggling for work here emigrating overseas. With the current shortage of skilled workers, it’s much easier to qualify for a visa to emigrate or to start a business in NZ. It’s definitely an option worth considering, particularly for those who would like to start a life down under.”

In Mercer quality of living reports, New Zealand was ranked amongst the world’s top countries for overall quality of living, Auckland being in 3rd place and Wellington ranked 13th.

Paul said: “Economic factors are proving a driving force for emigration down under, but it’s also worth bearing in mind that NZ is ranked one of the best countries in the world for the quality of life it offers and this is a strong pull for many Brits. The combination of affordable housing, stunning scenery, a good climate and a better work life balance is a real draw for many. For those in the construction industry looking for a good business opportunity and a good quality of life, NZ is a natural choice.”

The Emigration is holding a seminar in February where those looking to emigrate can find out more. It takes place on Sunday 12 February at the Holiday Inn, Manchester Airport.

The seminar gives people the unique chance to speak to experts “This investment will lead on all aspects of migration in an to a demand for skilled informal, one-to-one environment, building workers from where they can ask any personal overseas, creating both questions they may have.

Seminar tickets cost just £15 each good job and business or £25 for a couple (including opportunities for skilled refreshments), and there are only construction workers in 50 places available - so do book in the UK who are willing to early to avoid disappointment. go down under.”

To book your place or to find out more about emigrating please call: Paul Arthur, Director of 0845 230 4390 or visit the Emigration Group www.emigrationgroup.co.uk

I’ve been out with a number of girls. The number is one.

Development land for 6 dwellings in Grantham ESCRITT BARRELL GOLDING Estate Agents are offering for sale a parcel of prime residential development land with Outline Planning Permission for six dwellings.

The site – at Harlaxton Road, Grantham – is located at the junction of the A607 to Melton Mowbray/Leicester and the slip road for the main A1 trunk road, offering easy commuting throughout the East Midlands.

The land extends to approximately 1.2 acres.

The Guide Price is £675,000. For more information, contact Escritt Barrell Golding on 01476 565371 or visit www.ebgproperty.co.uk

Site for 7 dwellings at Ilkeston ELDER & TWELLS Estate Agents are offering for sale a parcel of residential development land with Outline Planning Permission for seven dwellings.

The land – at Cotmanhay Road, Ilkeston – is a generally level Lshaped site with a gentle slope from the rear boundary to Cotmanhay Road.

Offers in the region of £180,000 are invited for the freehold interest.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Elder & Twells on 01773 535353.

Land for sale in Selston REEDS RAINS Estate Agents are inviting offers in the region of £420,000 for a parcel of prime residential development land for the erection of six executive dwellings in a cul-de-sac location.

The 1.12 acre site - at Nottingham Road, Selston, Nottingham – has open views to the rear and benefits from a block paved driveway approach off Nottingham Road.

For more information, contact Reeds Rains Estate Agents on 01332 224560 or email: derby@ reedsrains.co.uk

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

The Government Must Tackle the Cash Economy by Cutting VAT on Home Improvements, says FMB Consumers should avoid being tempted by a cheap cash deal and protect themselves against paying more in the long term, says the FMB in response to comments by the HMRC Permanent Secretary in today’s Telegraph.

FMB Director of External Affairs Brian Berry said: “We are pleased HMRC is becoming more vocal

about the damaging effect cash in hand payments have on individual businesses and the economy at large. Businesses that avoid paying VAT have a 20% head start, but all too often this cheap deal comes without a proper written contract or any kind of paperwork meaning the enforcement of consumer rights is almost impossible if something goes wrong.”

Berry continued: “The Government can reduce the

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competitive advantage of these rogue traders and help protect consumers by cutting VAT to 5% for all home repair, maintenance and improvement work. This simple, single action would help reduce the size of the ‘informal economy’ in the home improvement market, which is now estimated to be worth an astonishing £9.3 billion per year.”

Berry concluded: “Over 5,000 construction businesses have gone

into insolvency since 2010. At a time when the economy is on the brink of tipping back into recession, the Government should be doing everything it can to support legitimate businesses, not adding to the total number of unemployed.

According to research by the analysts at Experian, last year’s rise in the standard rate of VAT to 20% resulted in nearly 4,000 job losses in the home improvement market in 2011 alone.”

Edge of town centre development land

If you have something interesting to share with the local construction community, email brief details to us at: info@nottinghamshirebuilder.co.uk and we’ll include a mention in the next issue.

Thanks!

FISHER GERMAN Chartered Surveyors are offering for sale a development site with planning permission for two retail units.

The land – situated between 113 & 119 Westgate, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 1OU – is relatively level and previously provided overspill parking space for a car sales franchise. The land now has planning permission for the erection of two retail units with first floor accommodation, but it is thought that the site may be suitable for alternative uses, subject to planning.

Offers are invited in the region of £100,000 for the freehold. The agents understand that VAT may be payable in addition to the price.

For more information, contact Fisher German on 01777 719148 or visit www.fishergerman.co.uk

Potential building plot in Beeston: £100k DAVID JAMES ESTATE AGENTS are offering for sale a potential building plot at the rear of 232 & 234 Derby Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 3AN. An Outline Planning application has been submitted to develop on the rear gardens behind 232 and 234 Derby Road, Beeston. The proposal is for 2 three-storey 4-bed semi-detached houses.

The guide price is £100,000.

For more information, contact David James’ Beeston office on 0115 922 5555 or email: beeston@david-james.com

The hardest thing about voting with your feet is doing a handstand in the polling booth.

10

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Government must back construction to revive economy says FMB

Residential development opportunity in Burton upon Trent

The Government must make construction a priority, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), largest trade association in the construction industry, in response to the latest GDP figures released by the ONS today, which show that construction and manufacturing have dragged the economy back into negative growth.

FMB Director of External Affairs Brian Berry said: “Today’s GDP results are not surprising, our latest state of Trade survey for the last three months of 2011 showed that workloads in the SME construction sector have declined in each of the 16 quarters to the end of December 2011. Confidence in the building industry has collapsed with only 5% of small building companies expecting workloads to increase in 2012.”

Berry continued: “The GDP figures release today prove that construction is essential to the health of the UK economy. However the industry needs the Government to adopt a bold approach to reducing the burdens upon it; pursuing the proposed planning reforms and a reduction in the overall burden of developer contributions, which are still making many sites unviable, are urgently needed.

Proposed changes to part L of the building regulations must be delayed. The Government must do more to ensure banks return to reasonable rates of lending to the construction sector.

Berry concluded: “We realise that money is tight for the Government but if it wants growth in the wider economy it needs to allow construction industry get building.”

JOHN GERMAN Estate Agents are offering for sale an exciting opportunity to acquire a superior residential development site with planning consent for demolition of the existing property and the erection of 2 four-bedroom homes.

The site - at 139 Ashby Road, Burton upon Trent, DE15 0LQ - has a price guide of £275,000.

For more information, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: burton@johngerman.co.uk

I love it when people repeat what I’ve said, but don’t quote me on that.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012 11

Outlook For Construction Remains Bleak As CITB-ConstructionSkills releases latest industry forecasts

THE FACE OF THE CONSTRUCTION industry is set to change, according to the latest CITB-ConstructionSkills 5 year forecast. The report reveals that output in construction is expected to fall by 3% during 2012 – and a further 45,000 skilled workers and tradesmen will be lost as economic uncertainty continues.

The annual Construction Skills Network report - delivered in conjunction with construction employers from across the UK, outlines that growth is expected to be slow and uneven over the next five years – with a 4% increase in output expected in 2013, followed by dips to 2% in 2014, 3% in 2015 and 2% in 2016 which is lower than previous long term trends.

Judy Lowe, Deputy Chairman CITB-ConstructionSkills, (the Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council), said: “The Construction Skills Network clearly shows that our industry is in for a tough time. Infrastructure investment, the first nuclear power plants and the revival of private housing will help, but the hard fact remains that despite an increase in growth from 2013 onwards, output and employment levels in construction will not have reached their 2007-8 levels by the end of the forecast in 2016.”

Whilst increasing economic uncertainty has plagued the construction sector, changes to working practices have also contributed to the gloomy forecasts – with the biggest falls in employment in the period arising from the loss of manual trades. By 2016, demand for painters and decorators is expected to be 6,300 below 2010 levels, manual labourers 3,000 below and bricklayers 2,500. The greatest growth in demand is predicted to be for Construction Managers – up 30,000 by 2016 on 2010 figures, marking a real change in the operation and make-up of the industry. Judy Lowe added: “The sluggish return to growth means that we could be talking about a lost decade in construction and a loss of key trade skills. But, the real shock is the impact that cuts to public sector spending has had.”

“The report shows that Public housing is set to fall by 25% this year, public sector non-housing by 24% and a further 10% fall is expected next year in both sectors. That’s a big deficit for other sectors of the construction economy to make up.”

She added: “Construction is an economically important industry – contributing 8% to GDP and employing 3 million workers in its supply chain. Construction has the potential to stimulate the economy and we are working with government to look for ways to return the UK to growth”.

In the regions and nations, there are mixed forecasts. The picture is positive for London and the South East – which accounts for 60% of employment growth. After a dramatic period of decline, Northern Ireland is set to grow 2.1% over the 5 year period, well above the UK 1.4%. In Scotland, growth remains second only to London – whilst Wales continues to deliver higher than average growth results. In other English regions however, particularly in the North West (-0.9%) and West Midlands (-1.1%) forecasts show a period of declining output, as major Building Schools for the Future projects come to a close.

The encouraging news is that beyond this year and the early part of 2013, overall construction starts to improve and grow steadily. Despite this growth, however, perhaps the most striking figure of the whole report is that by 2016 output and employment will still be 5% below their respective 2007/8 peaks. So in five years’ time, we will still not be back where we were previously.

For further information about the CSN report and to see a copy of the full report, visit www.cskills.org.

A mate of mine admitted to being addicted to brake fluid.

When I quizzed him on it, he reckoned he could stop any time.

Nottingham City Blythwood Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr t Luddy, Altrium Ltd, 31 Wollaton Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2NG) - Conversion of existing building comprising 3 apartments to 5 self-contained apartments - at 11 Park Valley, Nottingham.

Landline Properties Ltd of 36 Mayo Road, Sherwood Rise, Nottingham NG5 1BL - Erection of 7 self-contained apartments - at 24 Nottingham Road, Nottingham NG7 7AE. Phoenix Developments (c/o Agent: Mr F Blair, 4 Burlington Place, Sarah Avenue, Off Kelham Drive, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 1RD) - Erection of 5 new dwellings following demolition of existing property - at 47 Hungerhill Road, Nottingham NG3 3PN. A Bloom & A Sawdaye (c/o Agent: Designed Images, 23 Little Common, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 3BX) - Erection of two storey extension an new roof to existing dwelling to create 3 apartments - at 11 Arthur Avenue, Nottingham NG7 2EL Guthred (Dudley) Limited (c/o Agent: Mr AKlozenbuecher, KB Architecture, 20 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 2FZ) - Erection of 2 semi-detached dwellings and one detached dwelling - at land north of 641 and 649 Woodthorpe Road, Nottingham.

Newark & Sherwood KD Design (Lincolnshire) Limited - Erection of 64bed care home on redundant former commercial site - at 293 Bowbridge Road, Newark on Trent, Nottingham NG24 4EQ. Dudley Taylor Properties Ltd (c/o Agent: John Church Planning Consultancy, Victoria Buildings, 117 High Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S45 9DZ) - Erection of 3 dwellings - at Ye Olde Jug & Glass Inn, High Street, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire NG21 9QR. Newark Activity Centre (c/o Agent: Mr Lawrence Cheung, 7 St Michael’s Walk, Sleaford, Lincs.

NG34 8AY) - Regeneration of the site for an outdoor activity centre consisting of an off-road buggy track, climbing walls and an adventure obstacle course - at

Theaker Recycling Limited, Trent Lane, Newark on Trent, Notts.

NG24 1GA. Governors of Joseph Whitaker School, Joseph Whitaker School, Warsop Lane, Rainworth, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG21 0AG - Redevelopment of the existing disused swimming pool & leisure facilities to create a Sixth Form Centre - at The Joseph Whitaker School, Warsop Lane, Rainworth, Mansfield, Notts. NG21 0AG. National Grid (c/o Agent: Mrs Yang Hayward, Glancy Nicholls Architects Ltd, 3 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3BE) - Proposed two storey & single storey extensions to the existing lodge to provide 44 additional rooms - at National Grid Transco plc, Kirklington Road, Eakring, Notts. NG22 0DA.

Gedling Mr Mick Rippon (c/o Agent: Mr Ian Elkington, Elkington Design, Old Manor Farm, Woodborough, Nottingham NG14 6DJ) - Proposed development with 4 three-bed terraced houses, 2 semi-detached houses, 7 two-bed apartments and 3 one-bed apartments - at The Cherry Tree, Collyer Road, Calverton, Nottingham NG14 6LY.

Mansfield Regal Property Group Limited (c/o Agent: Christopher Kendall, Hickling Gray Associates in association with Maber Architects, 61 Langdale Road, Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire YO43 3DG) - Erection for building for use as a builders’ merchants - at Sherwood Oaks Business Park, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Taylor Wimpey West Yorkshire Limited (c/o Agent: Vikki Sykes, John R Paley Associates, 1 Red hall Crescent, Paragon Business Village, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 2DF) - Reserved matters approval application following outline planning permission for the erction of 14 dwellings at Kings Walk/ Sapphire Street, Mansfield, Notts.

Broxtowe Mr M Griffiths (c/o Agent: Mr K Reynolds, PO Box 7988, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 5ZU) - Conversion and rear extensions to existing former public house to provide Continued on page 13

I met this alien who couldn’t stop swearing. He was an extra-Tourettestrial.

12

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

SPAB Course Programme For Building Professionals 2012 ~ Events At A Glance ~ • • •

•

•

Mothballing of Vacant Historic Buildings (February) Conservation Engineering – repair of historic structures (March) Brickwork Masterclass: Chimneys - in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces (April) Planning for the Future – update on the consent process for works to historic buildings. (May) The Repair of Old Buildings – (weeks running in May and September)

T

hroughout 2012 SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) offers a variety of technical days and afternoons specifically designed to provide information and first-hand practical experience for architects, surveyors, engineers, builders and conservation officers.

• February 12: SPAB will host an afternoon session: Mothballing of Vacant Historic Buildings (venue SPAB HQ, 37 Spital Square).

The best way to protect a building is to keep it occupied, even if the use is on a temporary or partial. However, it is inevitable that some historic buildings will struggle to find a use, especially in areas where the property market is weak and opportunities for sale or re-use are limited. This afternoon will highlight and discuss in detail the points made in English Heritage’s lastest guidance document, Vacant Historic Buildings: An owner’s guide to temporary use, maintenance and mothballing. This event will be invaluable to any building professional, property owner or contractor involved in looking after redundant buildings. Event starts at 1pm and lasts to 5pm, costs £50 • March 13: one day Conservation Engineering course (venue SPAB HQ, 37 Spital Square). Often, when dealing with historic buildings, engineers find themselves trying to apply modern standards and analysis methods that have little relevance or practical application to older structures. The aim of this seminar is to understand a conservation engineering approach to the appraisal and subsequent repair of historic buildings.

A group of specialist building conservation engineers will present lectures to describe their approach, demonstrating through case studies how, in the majority of cases, less is more.

Examples of topics covered include: • philosophy of repair • historical building development • common problems and their solutions • useful sources of information • useful repair details • knowing the mind of the builder • compatibility of materials • reversibility This event (recognised by IHBC) is likely to meet CPD requirements for those professionally involved with historic buildings: including architects, surveyors, engineers, planners, builders and contractors. We also welcome conservation and engineering students. Event starts at 9.30am and ends at 5pm, cost: £100.

• This year SPAB has joined forced with Historic Royal Palaces to provide a day-long brickwork masterclass at Hampton Court Palace – a building of national significance within conservation.

Former SPAB Fellow Emma Simpson, a brickwork specialist with 20 years of experience, will lead the course and share her knowledge of this rich traditional craft.

On April 26 she will lead a day on the repair of cut and rubbed chimney (£135). Using Cardinal Wolsey’s chimney stack at the palace, Emma will show how they are built and repaired. Delegates will gain practical hands-on experience during a day that will include: • dismantling and re-building • cutting and rubbing • production of moulding • traditional techniques • May 29: Afternoon session, Planning for the Future – update on the consent process for works to historic buildings. (Venue: SPAB HQ 37 Spital Square). Understanding consent regimes is vital for all who work with historic buildings.

However, the range of consent types involved – listed building, conservation area, scheduled monument consent, as well as faculty jurisdiction – can seem complex and confusing. Over the past year, change has complicated the picture further with the introduction of Planning Policy Statement 5, the Localism Act, publication of a draft national

Planning Policy Framework and the announcement of other intended reforms by central government.

This event is likely to meet CPD requirements for all those professionally involved with historic buildings (architects, surveyors, engineers, planners, builders and contractors). . Event starts at 1pm and lasts to 5pm, costs £50 As usual SPAB’s essential week-long course, The Repair of Old Buildings - a programme that has trained thousands of the country’s building professionals in the repair and renovation of old buildings - will run twice in 2012 in May and October.

With the downturn in the construction of new buildings, many architects and other professionals are increasingly turning to work on existing buildings. SPAB’s six-day Repair Course is for them. Run since 1951, this course has long provided training for bodies like English Heritage, The National Trust and local planners as well as numerous architects, surveyors and others in private practice.

Described by Dame Liz Forgan, former chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, as ”the best” course she’d been on, it provides a mixture of expert lectures on subjects such as conservation philosophy, stonework, lime, historic structures and timber repairs. Delegates also attend site visits to historic buildings under repair. There is no other course of this kind.

The 2012 Spring Repair Course runs Mon- Sat, May 14 – 19. Autumn Course: October: 1 – 6. Find out more with this audio visual presentation: http:// www.youtube.com/user/SPAB1877 Course fee: £710 (VAT exempt) - includes lectures, papers, morning coffee, afternoon tea, and coach travel to site visits. Also covers 2-day tour with overnight accommodation, transport, insurance and meals when travelling.

For more information or to book a place on all courses described, contact SPAB courses organiser Skye Dillon, 0207 456 0915 / email: skye@spab.org.uk To find out more about SPAB’s services, courses and events for building professionals go to http://www.spab. org.uk/builders-professionals/

Development site for 10 houses in Retford: £425k FISHER GERMAN Shuldham Calverley are offering for sale a town centre residential development site with planning permission for 10 houses.

The site – at St John Street, Retford, Nottinghamshire – sits within the residential band that surrounds the historic commercial centre of Retford.

The 0.32 acre site has most recently been used as a carpet warehouse, with car park/loading area.

Offers in the region of £425,000 are invited for the freehold. VAT will not be payable if the site is sold for residential development. If the site is sold for any other use, then VAT will be payable at the prevailing rate.

For more information, contact Fisher German Shuldham Calverley on 01777 709943 or visit

www.fishergerman.co.uk

I was going to buy some slippers today but then I got cold feet.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012 13

22% of Small Building Firms Shed Jobs Because of VAT Hike, warns FMB M

ore than one in five small building firms report being forced to cut jobs as a direct result of last year’s VAT increase to 20%.

In addition, more than half of these small businesses reported falling workloads as a consequence of the VAT hike. These are the findings from the Federation of Master Builder’s (FMB) latest State of Trade Survey, the only independent quarterly survey of economic conditions for small and medium-sized construction firms operating predominantly but not exclusively in the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement sector.

Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: “The FMB warned the Government at the time that raising the rate of VAT to 20% would suppress demand for building work and cost jobs. Unfortunately our prediction has been borne out by our latest research which shows that the VAT increase is hurting the very small businesses that the Government is looking to for economic growth.”

Berry continued: “More than 200,000 construction jobs have been lost since 2008 when the UK economy was hit by recession. There are obviously a large number of different factors affecting employment in the construction industry, but we do know from these survey findings that the rise in VAT has made things worse. A separate piece of research by the analysts at Experian estimates that nearly 4,000 jobs were lost in the housing RM&I market last year as a result of the rise in VAT. When the effects of ‘the multiplier’ are added in, the total employment loss to the UK economy could have reached 10,254 by the end of last year, and may rise to more than 17,360 by 2020.”

Berry concluded: “The research also shows that a targeted reduction in the rate of VAT on just the labour element of domestic repair maintenance and improvement (RM&I) works could cost as little as £161 million but could generate a total stimulus effect of £1.7 billion and create 34,400 jobs by the end of 2012. Such a cut could also release £374 million of public money to refurbish over 20,000 units of social housing stock and help meet the Government’s energy efficiency objectives. As the economy stalls the Government should be re-examining the case for a cut in VAT as a targeted reduction would help generate much needed jobs and growth on a very limited budget.”

Cut the VAT Campaign

Continued from page 11

Blyth Road, Ranby, Retford, Notts.

10 apartments - at The Feathers Inn, 5 Church Street, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire NG9 8GA.

Mr.McGuire (c/o Agent: Mr Parker, 449 Ropery Road, Gainsborough, Lincs. DN21 2SZ) - Erect two-storey extension to existing farmhouse, and conversion of barns/outbuildings to form 2 dwellings - at Chestnut Farm, Main Street, West Stockwith, Doncaster DN10 4HA.

Mr M Webster (c/o Agent: Plan-It Design Ltd, 27 Roseland Business Park, Long Bennington, Newark, Notts. NG23 5FF) Demolish existing commercial units and construct 15 dwellings - at Works, Bailey Street, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire.

Arden Winch (c/o Agent: Mr Richard Weatherill, Sylvatica, Park Road, Winchester SO23 7BE) - Demolish warehouse and construct 12 two-bed apartments - at 116 Station Road, Beeston, Nottinghamshire NG9 2AY.

Bassetlaw Mr Philip Baker (c/o Agent: Mr Allen Greaves, 174 Mansfield Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 3AB) - Outline application for residential development - at land to rear of, and including, 239 Sandy Lane, Worksop, Notts.

William Davis Ltd (c/o Agent: Mr J Morfey, 170 London Road, Leicester LE2 1ND) - Erect 32 dwellings and construct new access - at land including nos 46, 48 & 50 Bridgegate, Retford, Notts. DN22 7UZ. Mr Joshi (c/o Agent: Mr Ahmed, 18 Mylor Road, High Storrs, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S11 7PF) - First & second floor conversion of existing 5 bedroom HMO residential unit into 3 new one-bed apartments - at 7A/B/C Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PD.

The FMB leads the Cut the VAT Campaign, which calls on the Government to reduce VAT on all home repair, maintenance and improvement work from 20% to 5% to help grow the UK economy.

Since work began, the EU has changed the law to allow member states to permanently reduce VAT to 5% in this area in order to support economic growth. Support for the campaign now extends to nearly 60 different organisations.

For more information please visit: www.cutthevat.co.uk

The wife has been missing a week now. Today police said to prepare for the worst.

So I have been to the charity shop to get all her clothes back.

Mr G Line (c/o Agent: Mr Lee, 18 Leeds Road, Methley, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS26 9EQ) - Erection of 3 detached dwellings - at land adjacent to Ranby Village Hall,

Ashfield Underwood Villa FC (c/o Agent: Peter A Fletcher) - Single storey football clubhouse and changing facilities with multi-function area, kitchen, toilets and showers - at Underwood Villa Football Club, Bracken park, Felley Mill Lane (North), Underwood, Notts.

East Midlands Housing Group Limited (c/o Agent: Freeth Cartwright LLP) - Application to replace extant planning permission 2008/0655 - outline application for a maximum of 9 dwellings and 8 apartments - at Land off Cross Row, Stanton Hill, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Mr Boyington (c/o Agent: Ministry of Design UK Ltd) - Erection of 6 apartments - at 60 New Lane, Stanton hill, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Nottinghamshire County Council - Two storey extension to existing skills centre to form multipurpose classroom space at ground floo, and post-16 library/study centre at first floor - at Ashfield School, Kirkby Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Rippon Homes - Residential development comprising 5 bungalows - at land adjacent to Penine, Greensfields, Skegby, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts.

Site for 6 apartments in Grantham ESCRITT BARRELL GOLDING Estate Agents are inviting offers around £190,000 for a development site with Outline Planning Permission for the erection of a block of 6 one-bedroom apartments.

The site is located at Norton Street, Grantham.

For more information, contact Escritt Barrell Golding on 01476 565371 or visit www.ebgproperty.co.uk

I’m totally deaf, and I never thought I’d hear myself say that.

14

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Builders’ Problems SOLVED Problem: My company specialises in reinforced concrete and currently have a client that owes us a small amount of money.

The contract was for a reinforced set of helical staircases. We submitted a quotation which included terms and we also received a written order from the client. During the work we submitted interim applications, which were all paid. Upon finishing the job we submitted a final invoice for just over £5,000 and a few days later the client requested remedial works to be carried out. By this time, not only had plastering and painting been carried out on our work, but the fit-out had been finished and the retailer was trading. I believe this is an attempt to avoid payment.

There was no formal specification issued by the client and the work was unique and is not covered by any formal standards. I also believe that the work has been carried out to a high standard.

I was thinking about putting this dispute to arbitration / adjudication, although I am now considering reducing the price to below £5,000 and bring the case through the small claims track. Your opinion would be appreciated.

Vernon, Leicestershire Response: Hi Vernon.

Firstly, arbitration and adjudication are 2 completely different ways of resolving construction disputes.

An arbitration award is binding on the parties (successful appeals are few and far between), although there must be an agreement in writing between the parties before

Spurious remedial works the dispute can be referred to arbitration. An adjudicator’s decision where a dispute or difference has been referred under the [new] Construction Act 2009, is ‘temporarily’ binding. This means it is binding until finally decided by arbitration / litigation, the result of which allows the ‘winning’ party to retain the right to the money (if a value was indeed referred).

Regarding your specific problem, adjudication may not be suitable due to it bordering on the low value threshold. I usually like to see monetary values of at least £8,000 and above in order to make it worthwhile to use adjudication, although this does depend on the complexity. The reason for this is the cost which even if you win, you will still be liable for. These costs are for the nomination fee (i.e. the RIBA charges £288.00 including VAT), and then the fee for whoever is your representative.

It is impossible to value what this fee will be, but even for a case where the issues are not complex, you could still be looking at a fee in excess of £1,000. On top of this, you always bear the risk of ‘losing’ and the adjudicator deciding that you should pay his fee. That said, if you believe you have a good case, then you could secure a net income of around £3,500 – if you are successful.

Alternatively, what about undertaken the adjudication process yourself with only some outside guidance? The great advantage of statutory adjudication is that once the dispute is referred to an adjudicator (assuming you are successful), you secure a High Court enforceable decision in 28 days. Compare this to litigation, the

judgement of which would be at least several months away. Perhaps the notice to adjudicate may bring your client to at least make an offer or even pay up.

With litigation, providing your claim is only just above the small claims track threshold, I think it would be a good idea to limit your claim to below £5,000.00. I believe your claim to be quite a simple issue (i.e. contract terms and standard of work), and there would be little risk in the court allocating the dispute to the next track.

That said, the downside is that recovering costs is severely limited and it will take several months to get a hearing.

As regards to the remedial work, if the terms are silent as regards to standard, then it will be an implied term for you to have carried out your works using reasonable skill and care (or maybe fit for purpose, which is a higher standard). From your outline I suspect that you will

be quite effective in demonstrating that you have met the required standard and the complaint made is vexatious and frivolous. In any event, your client will have the burden to show that you have breached the contract.

Also bear in mind that the Construction Act requires any monies to be withheld from a payment application to have been the subject of a withholding notice – and if the notice is out of time, then no monies can be withheld.

If you are going to instruct a third party (i.e. a solicitor / construction professional), make sure they are experts in the area of construction law.

One final point. You could consider mediation. However, from experience if the other side is not genuine, then this would be a waste of time and money.

Good luck. © Michael P. Gerard MSc, PGDipLaw, PGDipBar, FCIOB, MCIArb, MAE The advice provided is intended to be of a general guide only and should not be viewed as providing a definitive legal analysis.

Author background Michael is a Barrister, Chartered Builder, Registered Adjudicator & Accredited Expert in quantum and planning matters.

He is Managing Director of Michael Gerard & Co www.michael-gerard.co.uk a company of chartered building consultants and quantity surveyors who provide a specialised service in the areas of construction law, quantum, programming, business recovery and insolvency support to the construction industry.

Colwick Remains Popular With Occupiers Savills has completed the sale of one of the former F W Mason & Sons industrial buildings on Private Road No.8, Colwick, Nottingham.

The factory/warehouse premises only recently became vacant in December, following the restructuring of the former Masons timber company.

Director Ian Muxlow of Savills represented the vendors and said: “Colwick has a good established industrial base and continues to attract occupiers due to its excellent location, lying just to the east of Nottingham City Centre.

Despite the continued challenging market conditions, we are still receiving a good level of enquiries for freehold industrial property on Nottingham’s main industrial estates. We are pleased to have secured a sale of this property within such a short space of time.”

The property comprises a detached industrial/warehouse unit with two storey offices providing a gross internal area of 27,069 sq ft on a site of approximately 1.04 acres.

An established leader in the field of door furniture design and manufacturing, A S Hardware have acquired the property to facilitate their expansion and relocation from their existing premises on the Lenton Lane Industrial Estate. Tony Ellis, Managing Director of A S Hardware comments: “Our business and workforce have grown significantly over the last 12 years since we purchased our current factory in Lenton and we have been seeking suitable premises to facilitate our expansion for some time. Given that our most valuable assets are our skilled employees, a site close to the centre of Nottingham was a major factor in our search criteria so as to ensure minimum disruption to their day, and the new site is ideal with both good public transport and road links”.

Savills are also retained by the same Private Pension Fund clients to dispose of another similar sized building, but on a much larger site in Colwick, which comprises an industrial/warehouse unit extending to 30,105 sq ft on a site just in excess of 3 acres. The property is available on either a freehold or leasehold basis.

I once stayed in a four-star hotel. All the rooms were full of petrol.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012 15

Coffee Time Crossword Gentle Exercise for your Brain!

ACROSS 1. Pulling 4. Aussie animal 7. Storing charge 8. Gallantly 9. Actor, ... Sutherland 12. Fought off 15. Degree-holder 17. Call 18. Gestures farewell 21. Elevated flat region 22. Ships’ bottoms 23. Made light of, ... over

SOLUTION ON PAGE 21

DOWN 1. Conceding 2. Soldier’s sack 3. Chew 4. Eager, ... as mustard 5. Military flying facility (3,4) 6. Skilfully 10. Nightmare, bad ...

11. Secret agents 13. Alcoholic 14. Save from potential loss 16. Smudges 18. Stroll 19. Water springs 20. Suspend © Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd

I saw a poor old lady fall over today on the ice!

At least I presume she was poor - she only had £1.20 in her purse.

Vicarage garden has consent for 8 dwellings

FISHER GERMAN SHULDHAM CALVERLEY are offering for sale part of the garden of the former vicarage at All Hallows Street, Ordsall, Retford, Nottinghamshire.

The site forms part of the grounds of the demolished vicarage and has planning consent for the erection of 9 properties in total. However, as the new rectory has been built, there is now a planning consent available for 2 four-bed detached houses, 2 four-bed semi-detached houses, and 4 threebed semi-detached houses. The site area is approximately 0.85 of an acre.

The land is offered by private treaty and offers in the region of £350,000 will be considered.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Richard Hassett at Fisher German on 01777 719148 or visit www.shuldham-calverley.co.uk

Residential development opportunity in Helpringham ESCRITT BARRELL GOLDING Estate Agents are inviting offers in excess of £240,000 for a freehold residential development opportunity at High Street, Helpringham, Near Sleaford.

The property is situated in a delightful village location and has the benefit of planning permission for three dwellings and garages.

The site area is approximately 0.41 of an acre.

Offers in excess of £240,000 are invited. For more information, contact Escritt Barrell Golding on 01476 565371 or visit www.ebgproperty.co.uk

I bought some Bermuda shorts and when I took them off, my pants had vanished.

16

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

‘Collapse in Building Industry Confidence’ warns FMB Confidence in the building industry has collapsed with only 5% of small building companies expecting workloads to increase in 2012, according to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK’s largest construction trade association.

The FMB’s State of Trade Survey, the only one of its kind looking at construction SMEs, reveals that workloads in the SME construction sector have declined in each of the 16 quarters to the end of December 2011, and that confidence in the repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) market is set to plunge.

Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: “The disastrous results for the RM&I market are very alarming given that the Government will be launching its Green Deal home improvement initiative in October.

Market conditions in the building industry haven’t been this bad since the first quarter of 2009. Clearly, robust incentives for householders are needed if the Green Deal initiative is to succeed in a depressed market.”

Berry continued: “50% of FMB members responding anticipate workloads falling still further in the coming quarter compared to 33% in Quarter Three of 2011. This indicates that the increasingly uncertain outlook for the Brian Berry economy and more downbeat prospects for employment may lead to a retrenchment in consumer spending, particularly on discretionary items such as non-essential RM&I work.”

Berry concluded: “Although the Green Deal has no upfront financial costs the Government needs to accept that it is still perceived by householders as a debt and there is no appetite for more borrowing amongst householders already worried about meeting existing commitments. If the Government’s Green Deal initiatives is to succeed in its ambition to retrofit 14 million properties by 2020 then it will need to provide householders with additional financial incentives such as a reduced rate of VAT or lower Stamp Duty.”

Market conditions in the building industry haven’t been this bad since the first quarter of 2009.

Sandiacre building land for sale by auction ROBERT ELLIS Estate Agents are offering for sale

BY AUCTION a parcel of land with full planning permission to build a substantial 5/6 bedroom detached house.

The land – at Poplar Avenue, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5ET – is to be sold at public auction on Thursday 23rd February 2012 at the Novotel Hotel, Bostocks Lane, Sandiacre NG10 5EP (close to Junction 25 of the M1).

The price Guide is £45,000£50,000.

For more information, contact Robert Ellis on 0115 949 0044 or visit the website at www. robertellis.co.uk

Three John German plots Allington building plot for replacement in South Derbyshire bungalow- £89,950 John German Estate Agents are offering for sale the following three South Derbyshire properties:

• Residential Development Site, South of 44 Burton Road, Castle Gresley, Derbyshire - Comprising a former builder’s yard of 4,420 sq.ft. approx. with detailed planning consent for a detached 4-bed house.

Price Guide £125,000.

• Freehold Single Building Plot at Midway Road, Midway, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 7NX - With planning consent for a 3-bed detached house.

Price Guide: £59,950.

• Residential Building Plot at The Midway Farmhouse, 554 Burton Road, Midway, Derbyshire DE11 0DP - Planning permission and Listed Building Consent has been granted for the erection of a superior new detached house of individual design.

Price Guide: £225,000.

For more information about any of these plots of land, contact John German on 01283 512244 or email: burton@johngerman.co.uk

ESCRITT BARRELL GOLDING Estate Agents are offering for sale a building plot in the Lincolnshire village of Allington, which is 5 miles north of Grantham.

The property is situated on the edge of the village overlooking fields to the front and rear. It has full planning permission for a detached three-bed chalet-style bungalow, sitting on a plot of 471 sq.metres. The proposed footprint of the building will be 24.8% of the site – a total of 117 sq.metres.

Full planning permission was approved on 3rd March 2010 for the demolition of the existing bungalow and erection of a replacement bungalow. Full planning details are available at the selling agents’ office.

The asking price is £89,950. For more information, contact Escritt Barrell Golding on 01476 565371 or visit www.ebgproperty.co.uk

Government has saved over £100m on property In response to Frances Maude’s recent announcement that the UK government has saved over £100 million on property this financial year, Jeremy Blackburn, RICS Head of UK Policy commented: “We welcome the government’s announcement on recent savings across the public property sector. With the Cabinet Office now having greater control over leases, acquisitions and unused buildings, we are optimistic that these more robust controls should continue to have a direct financial impact.

“Part of tackling the deficit will involve the government taking greater control over its property portfolio by cutting costs through the sub-let or disposal of public assets. RICS will be publishing guidelines for its members, many of whom are operating within the public sector, and other stakeholders on how this can be done effectively and efficiently, and for the benefit of communities. Importantly, the savings data outlined today will also allow the government benchmark itself against the commercial and voluntary sectors.”

Someone once told me I smelt of washing powder. It was so bio-degrading.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012 17

Electronic Templating for The Worksurfacing Industry

• • • •

18 years Experience Contact Mark Seabrook 0772 309 2474 www.seabrookdigital.com

NEW - the inset wood burning stove from Broseley

Nottingham Riverside Festival Dragon Boat Challenge!

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wood burning stoves is breaking new ground with the launch of two new additions to its acclaimed eVolution range.

The new eVolution 4 and eVolution 7 stoves mark a significant step forward for Broseley as they are the first inset stoves the company has produced.

John Reeves, Managing Director at Broseley, explained: “Inset stoves provide a solution of converting an inefficient open fire into an economical efficient woodburning stove.

“We have developed these stoves in response to the needs of a market that is increasingly aware of the environmental benefits of wood burning technology and have invested heavily in research and development to ensure the entire eVolution range meets those expectations.”

Like all eVolution models the 4 and 7 models boast a stylish design with a large viewing window and a high quality disamatic casting finish.

Both are also incredibly efficient, the 7kw eVolution 7 is 81 per cent efficient and its 4kw sister model is 75.5 per cent efficient. Both models measure 554mm x 614mm on the front casting although the eVolution 7 has a depth of 446mm and designed for a standard 18” opening, to accommodate a larger firebox, whilst the smaller model is just 333mm deep and is designed for a standard 16” fireplace opening.

“Like many of our products, the new stoves have also been approved by DEFRA for use in smoke control zones, making them a viable alternative to a traditional gas or electric fire in a wide range of homes,” added John.

In the UK, the eVolution range is only available through authorised Broseley dealers – it is not available over the internet.

The RRP of the eVolution 4 is £999.00 with the eVolution 7 priced at £1099.00.

Edingley plot: £275k Chesterton Humberts are offering for sale an elevated and generally rectangular plot of land with planning consent on part for the reuse of a derelict building to form a house.

The one-acre site – at Greaves Lane, Edingley, Newark NG22 8BH – is for by auction unless previously sold by private treaty.

The Price Guide is £275,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Chesterton Humberts on 0115 950 5444 or email: nottingham@chestertonhumberts.com

To celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People has joined with Gable Events to launch the fourth Nottingham Riverside Festival Dragon Boat Challenge.

The 2012 Challenge takes place on Sunday 5th August as part of the annual Riverside Festival and is one of the largest and most eagerly anticipated team events in the region. Up to 50 crews representing companies, organisations, clubs and groups of friends from all over the East Midlands are expected to battle it out over the 200m race course on the River Trent at Victoria Embankment. They will all be seeking to knock Ilkeston Gym from Ilkeston, Derbyshire off their pedestal as reigning champions whilst raising much-needed funds for the Hospice.

No previous experience is required to take part in the dragon boat racing, just plenty of team spirit so why not take up the challenge? Thankfully, you don’t need the physical strength of a Steve Redgrave or the athleticism of a Jessica Ennis to be successful as teamwork and timing win the day.

The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. Teams and spectators also benefit from being part of one of the region’s largest family festivals with a bustling fair and vibrant mix of music, dance, crafts and food from around the world, staged by Nottingham City Council.

Rainbows is the only children’s hospice in the East Midlands and cares for over 230 local children and their families every year. An incredible team helps to control symptoms, improve quality of life and provide end of life care. Rainbows gets less than 10% of its funding from the government and therefore relies almost solely on the generosity of members of the public, fundraising events and sponsorship. Katie Baxter, Events Manager at Rainbows Hospice, says, “The Dragon Boat Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for teams to have fun whilst raising essential money for an amazing charity. Everyone involved will really be helping to make a difference for children and families who are facing extraordinary challenges”.

Carol Lester, Director of Festival organisers, Gable Events, adds: “The Festival is a great chance for companies and organisations to try something completely different, promote themselves to a large local audience, network with local companies and potential clients and raise money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. It is also a fantastic team building opportunity - what better way to get to know what makes your colleagues and competitors tick?! We expect the Festival to be as popular as ever this time around so we recommend teams get their entries in early to guarantee a place”.

For further information and an entry form please visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/cambridge or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718. To find out more about the services of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People call 01509 638000 or visit www.rainbows.co.uk

I fell in love with a clumsy cleaner. She swept me off my feet.

18

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Exponential demand for sales professionals within building supplies sector Such is the demand for sales professionals within the building supplies market that Foyne Jones, the specialist recruiter to the sector has expanded its team with the appointment of Chris Newman as Sector Manager.

Chris, who joins from a major sales recruiter, will concentrate on furthering Foyne Jones’ penetration of its manufacturing customer base within the building supplies arena.

“We have seen exponential growth within our key markets of builders’ merchants, manufacturers, trade suppliers and showrooms,” says Peter Jones, Managing Director who himself spent many years in sales with both Travis Perkins and Jewson. . “Sales professionals are in short supply and we have seen a 30% year on year growth in vacancies. This is further evidenced by a recent report on the sector by MTW Research which found that sales of building products have continued to grow and that Government stimulus plans coupled with an increase in refurbishment activity is leading to growing optimism for this year. The report forecasts market growth in real terms from mid-2012 onwards with increased momentum from 2013.”

Commenting on his new role, Chris said: ““ It’s great to be joining a team with such an in-depth knowledge of sector – all the senior management team come from a building supplies trade background and so their talent network really is second to none. I’m really looking forward to cementing both existing and new clients within our manufacturing customer base.”

Interesting properties at the next heb auction The following properties are being offered for sale at the next heb property auction which takes place on Wednesday 15th February 2012 at The Gateway Hotel, Nuthall Road, Cinderhill, Nottingham NG8 6AZ – 2.30pm start.

LOT 1: 180 Porchester Road, Porchester, Nottingham NG3 6LG – A detached property currently comprising two self-contained flats to be sold with planning consent to demolish and construction of 4 houses in a popular residential area.

Guide Price: £130,000-£150,000 LOT 5: Building Plot, Besecar Close, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 4DN – An increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a good sized single building plot accessed via a private road with planning permission for a 3bedroom detached property.

Guide Price: £55,000-£60,000.

LOT 8: Common Road, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire NG17 2JL – Upon the instructions of the Joint LPA Receivers. Former Trade Appliances premises offered for sale with full vacant possession comprising two substantial self-contained warehouses with offices on a fenced and gated site in a prime location adjoining the A38/J28 of M1 Motorway.

Guide Price: £900,000.

LOT 9: 203 Nottingham Road, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire NG16 3GS – Retail and residential investment opportunity with the benefit of a planning consent to extend the shop and change use to restaurant or takeaway.

Guide Price: £100,000.

LOT 11: 89-93 Oakdale Road, Bakersfield, Nottingham NG3 7EJ – Vacant former bakery providing a rare redevelopment opportunity.

Guide Price: £90,000+.

LOT 12: The Miner’s Arms, 308 Stoneyford Road, Stanton Hill, Nottinghamshire NG17 2DX – Substantial public house, with car park and beer garden.

Guide Price: £125,000-£130,000.

For more information, contact heb on 0115 950 6611 or visit the website at www.heb.co.uk

Plot at Long Bennington

My neighbour knocked on my door at 2:30 this morning, can you believe that? 2:30am?

Luckily for him I was still up playing my bagpipes.

The Grim Reaper came for me last night, and I beat him off with a vacuum cleaner. Talk about Dyson with death.

ESCRITT BARRELL GOLDING Estate Agents are offering for sale a desirable building plot measuring 27m deep by 20m wide at Church Street, Long Bennington.

Long Bennington is a large residential village located off the main A1 trunk road, midway between Grantham and Newark.

Outline Planning Permission for the erection of a single storey dwelling was granted subject to conditions at Appeal on 1st September 2011.

The asking price is £110,000. For more information, contact Escritt Barrell Golding on 01476 565371 or visit www.ebgproperty.co.uk

I went on holiday with my horse. It was self-cantering.

Bookspot The Sustainable Building Bible: An Insiders’ Guide to Green Building

By Tim Pullen

Are you looking for a clear and authoritative explanation of sustainable building?

This book delivers the choices available to you in an easy-to-follow style which is comprehensive yet jargon-free.

The Sustainable Building Bible gives you all of the vital facts and figures together with the pros and cons of each approach to assist you in making a fullyinformed decision. It also explains the technologies involved from air pumps, through to wind generators and solar panels, to help you achieve a zero carbon home. If you are looking to build, extend or renovate in a sustainable way this book offers a uniquely clutter-free insight to help you make the right choices for your particular circumstances. The Sustainable Building Bible covers design issues, renewable energy sources, water management, a guide to the relevant UK legislation, SAP calculations, as well as the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Tim Pullen is an experienced developer who heads a specialist consultancy providing advice on all aspects of building sustainable and energy-efficient houses. He also writes for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and speaks on the subject and exhibitions and seminars.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012 19

Local Property Auction Diary

2012

Wednesday 23rd May 2012 LOVEITTS - at The Allesley Hotel, Birmingham Road, Alelsley, Coventry CV5 9GP - 12 noon start - tel: 024 7652 7789 or email: auctions@loveitts.co.uk

Tuesday 20th March 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start - tel: 0115-958 8702 or email: Nottingham@ grahampenny.com

Thursday 24th May 2012 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk

Thursday 18th October 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 or email: info@ grahampenny.com

Wednesday 30th May 2012 - BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk

Tuesday 30th October 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start - tel: 0115-958 8702 or email: Nottingham@ grahampenny.com

Thursday 28th June 2012 BIGWOOD - at Aston Villa FC, Holte Suite, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 233 0500.

Thursday 1st November 2012 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk

Thursday 5th July 2012 - GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 or email: info@ grahampenny.com

Wednesday 14th November 2012 - BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk

Thursday 22nd March 2012 SAVILLS - at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/ auctions Wednesday 28th March 2012 - LOVEITTS - at The Allesley Hotel, Birmingham Road, Alelsley, Coventry CV5 9GP - 12 noon start - tel: 024 7652 7789 or email: auctions@loveitts.co.uk

Thursday 9th February 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 or email: info@ grahampenny.com

Wednesday 15th February 2012 - HEB - at The Gateway Hotel, Nuthall Road, Cinderhill, Nottingham NG8 6AZ – 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 950 6611 or visit the website at www.heb.co.uk Thursday 16th February 2012 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Wednesday 22nd February 2012 - BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Wednesday 22nd February 2012 - SHONKI BROTHERS KAL SANGRA - at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL - 5pm start - tel: 0116 254 3373.

Wednesday 29th February 2012 - HOWKINS & HARRISON - at Kilworth Springs Golf Club, North Kilworth, Leics. - tel: 01788 564680.

Thursday 1st March 2012 BIGWOOD - at Aston Villa FC, Holte Suite, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 233 0500.

Wednesday 7th March 2012 SHONKI BROTHERS L.S.SANGRA - at The King Power Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester - 5pm start - tel: 0116 255 7573 or email: info@ shonkibros.com

Thursday 13th September 2012 - COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk

Thursday 15th March 2012 READINGS PROPERTY GROUP at The Underwood Suite, Leicester Tigers Rugby Club, Welford Road, Leicester - 5.30pm start - tel: 0116 222 7575.

Wednesday 28th March 2012 - ELDER & TWELLS - at Morley Hayes, Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire - tel: 01773 535353 or email: cathy@elderandtwells.co.uk Thursday 29th March 2012 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk Thursday 29th March 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 or email: info@ grahampenny.com

Tuesday 10th July 2012 BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk Tuesday 10th July 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start - tel: 0115-958 8702 or email: Nottingham@ grahampenny.com

Thursday 6th December 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 or email: info@ grahampenny.com Tuesday 11th December 2012 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk

Thursday 12th July 2012 COTTONS - at Aston Villa FC, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 247 2233 or email: auctions@cottons.co.uk

Tuesday 11th December 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start - tel: 0115-958 8702 or email: Nottingham@ grahampenny.com

Thursday 26th April 2012 BIGWOOD - at Aston Villa FC, Holte Suite, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 6HE - 11am start - tel: 0121 233 0500.

Thursday 12th July 2012 - SAVILLS at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/auctions

Graham Penny Auctions now open in Nottingham

Thursday 17th May 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 or email: info@ grahampenny.com

Thursday 6th September 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at The Pedigree Suite, Derby County FC, Pride Park Stadium, Derby - 11.30am start - tel: 01332 242880 or email: info@ grahampenny.com

Thursday 17th May 2012 SAVILLS - at The Centenary Suite, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 2.30pm start - tel: 0115 934 8020 - visit: www.savills.co.uk/ auctions

Tuesday 11th September 2012 GRAHAM PENNY - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start - tel: 0115-958 8702 or email: Nottingham@ grahampenny.com

Monday 21st May 2012 - GRAHAM PENNY - at Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham NG2 4BE - 11.30am start - tel: 0115-958 8702 or email: Nottingham@ grahampenny.com

Wednesday 12th September 2012 - BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk

Tuesday 3rd April 2012 BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL - at Pride Park Stadium, Derby DE24 8XL - 11.30 start - tel: 01332 361308 - email: auctions.derby@ sequencehome.co.uk - www. bagshawsauctions.co.uk

Derby-based Graham Penny Auctions has announced plans for expansion.

A new Graham Penny Auctions office opened in January on Wheeler Gate in the centre of Nottingham.

Six Graham Penny auctions will take place at Nottingham Racecourse through 2012 in addition to the usual 7 auctions a year at Pride Park, Derby.

The last Graham Penny Auction, held in December at Pride Park Stadium was the company’s largest auction for 3 years with over 100 properties entered and achieved over 80 sales worth in excess of £7m.

I was going to write my will today but then I thought, life’s too short.

20

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Views wanted on Forest Rec redevelopment PEOPLE are being asked for their views on how sports facilities at a recreation ground can be improved as part of a £5.1 million scheme.

Nottingham City Council, along with the Castle Cavendish Foundation, Friends of the Forest and the Partnership Council, has secured the funding to help redevelop the Forest Recreation Ground in Forest Fields.

The funding includes £3.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and £1.9 million from Nottingham City Council, Castle Cavendish Foundation and local development contributions.

However the funding has mainly been awarded to restore the grounds – and will only allow for a small amount of refurbishment of sport changing facilities at the site.

The organisations behind the restoration project say they are keen to do more than restore the changing facilities, and are launching a consultation campaign to find out what people want and their ideas for how the Sports Zone at the site could look and be funded in the future.

The community consultation, which will include talking to over 100 sports clubs in the city, will be led by the Radford-based Partnership Council charity.

For more information, or to take part in the consultation, visit www.partnershipcouncil.co.uk or call Ruth Greenberg on 0115 970 8200.

Plots for sale with John Sankey The following building plots are being offered for sale on the website of John Sankey Estate Agents: Plot, King Johns Court, Kings Clipstone, Notts. NG21 9BT • Superb building plot with open views • Plot 60 feet wide x 142 feet long, approx 775 sq m • Plus paddock of approximately 600 sq metres • Full P/P for 6 bed house and double garage Price: £200,000 Development Land, The Hollies, Rainworth, Notts.

NG21 0FZ • 0.42 acres residential development land • Outline consent for 3 x 4 bed det bungalows • Pleasant cul-de-sac location • Ideal opportunity for small developer • May also suit self builders Price: £200,000 Building Plot, High Oakham Road, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 5AJ • Detailed consent - 2 storey dwelling with attic room • Plot depth approx 49 metres, frontage 10.7 metres widening to 16.8 m.

• Opportunity to build dream home • Beautiful location in select tree lined road Offers over £200,000 Residential Building Plot, Newlands Road, Forest Town, Notts. NG19 0HX • Residential building plot in semi rural position • Frontage approx 17.5 m and

average depth 33m Detailed planning consent for detached bungalow • Gently sloping site in sought after location • Excellent opportunity for developer/self builder Price: £102,000 Building Plot, Rectory Rd, Old Church Warsop, Notts.

NG20 0RU • Building plot in superb location • Consent for 2 Bed Detached Bungalow • Area 279 sq metres Frontage 18.4 m • A good level plot convenient for amenities Price: £74,000 Building Plot, Windsor Road, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 4EB • Building plot. Consent for detached dwelling • Frontage 15.3 m - site area approx 260 sq m • Excellent residential area open to the rear • Opportunity for developer or self builder Price: £65,000 Plot 3, Derwent Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 3PD • Plot of land 77 ft depth and 45 ft frontage • Buyer to obtain own planning consent • Good plot with direct road frontage • Ideal for 3 or 4 bed detached house • Superb opportunity for developer or self builder Price: £60,000 •

For more information, contact John Sankey Estate Agents on 01623 627247 or email: enquiries@johnsankey.com

Rise In Mortgage Applications At Haart haart experienced a dramatic rise in the number of people applying for mortgages in 2011.

New figures from the UK’s leading independent estate agents show that the volume of mortgage applications rose nearly 21% compared with 2010, the biggest rise in applications since it began offering mortgages in 2001. Of those, first time buyers accounted for over 37% whilst Buy to Let investors made up a further 18%.

What’s more, the average value of mortgages applied for rose by 4.8% to £126,524 - on an average purchase price of £181,875.

Interestingly, the size of the average deposit rose only 0.3%, reflecting a possible change in attitude among lenders to deposits. Close to 20% of all mortgages came with a Loan to Value ration of 85% or above. haart employs a network of mortgage advisors based throughout its branch network backed by a team of support staff at the company’s national headquarters. haart currently processes up to 100 mortgage applications per day.

Says David Miles, Managing Director of haart Financial Services: “Whilst the overall conditions in the mortgage market remain challenging, it’s great to be reporting some good news for housebuyers.

I’m very proud that we’ve been able to assist more people move into their homes in 2011, and we’ll be looking for more of the same in 2012.

“My message for the coming year is quite simple - lenders have money to lend, so whether customers are looking to buy for the first time, or moving to a new home, or investing in property on a buy to let basis, there are solutions available to make that happen. And, of course professional advice at an early stage is vital to establish whether these aspirations can turn into an affordable reality.”

NIGHTINGALE CONANT SPOT - visit www.nightingaleconant.co.uk Creating Demand: How to Attract Customers and Clients to Your Product or Service

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Using practical, easy-to-implement strategies and techniques, along with step-by-step procedures, Rick Ott, author of the Nightingale-Conant program Unleashing Your Productivity, now brings you Creating Demand: How to Attract Customers and Clients to Your Product or Service to guide you through the art and science of marketing to the masses. Whether you’re a small-business owner, an executive at a large corporation, a marketing or advertising professional, a politician seeking election, or an artist trying to “hit it big,” you’ll find

a wealth of powerful ideas in this incredible program. You will learn the ability to induce a tremendous desire for your product, service, or idea in a person’s mind. Then, you’ll learn how to leverage that desire to the masses, creating ever-increasing levels of demand.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you’ll learn from Rick Ott: • The secret technique that causes people to become magically attracted to your product,service, or business • The four things people really want and how to provide them

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I’ve just been on a crash diet. I drove my car into a tree and spent a month on a drip.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012 21

County in £1.7m deal to buy old colliery railway lines ALMOST £2m could be spent on breathing new life into four former colliery railway lines, according to a report in the Nottingham Evening Post.

Notts County Council is in discussions with Network Rail about buying the disused lines which served Bilsthorpe, Cotgrave, Calverton and Clipstone.

If a deal is done, the council plans to spent £1.7 million creating new routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The authority is offering to pay up to £80,000 for the lines after Network Rail said it wanted to sell them.

Respected Nottingham property developer dies CAVAN Pickering, the property developer who helped shape the face of Nottingham has died at the age of 75, He was behind the creation of three of Nottingham’s hotels and a number of significant office developments.

As a property developer, he led development of the Savoy Hotel, in Mansfield Road, which is now the Park Inn, as well as the Royal Hotel, now the Crowne Plaza, in Wollaton Street, and the Welbeck Hotel, in Talbot Street.

The Estates Gazette, in its 2011 Rich List, valued Mr Pickering and his family interests at £68 million.

Energy/Power projects to ‘change the direction of the construction industry’ KPMG’s sixth annual Global Construction Survey finds that 41% of the top global engineering and construction leaders expect the energy/power industry to offer the biggest opportunities for revenue growth in the next 12 months and as a result, this could change the direction and even the landscape of the construction industry.

Richard Threlfall, UK head of KPMG’s infrastructure, building & construction practice, said: “This year could see the construction industry in the UK and around the globe start to change direction significantly as the energy sector grows as a source of income for the industry. As a result, the demand for firms and individuals with energy sector-specific engineering and construction skills will rise as power projects proliferate.”

The survey shows that economic uncertainty is still seen as the greatest systemic threat to the construction industry but optimism remains widespread amongst the global engineering and construction leaders as almost half (49%) expect to increase their backlog orders in the next 12 months. In the Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions the second greatest concern over business conditions is the ongoing issue of government deficits – over half (52%) of construction executives in the Americas fear this may constrain any economic recovery; over a third (34%) are worried about this in the EMEA region.

Richard said: “While the continuing economic instability deepens in many parts of the globe, the construction industry is not in retreat. 2011 was a solid year for engineering and construction companies as they saw backlog orders increase compared to 2010. The outlook for the construction sector is largely sanguine in the short-term and in the coming decades the demand for power and infrastructure projects around the world is only going to grow, which means the construction industry should be adapting to respond to the opportunity.”

The survey finds that 40% of equity investors in the infrastructure sector from EMEA see energy/power followed by transport projects (30%) as the most attractive investment opportunity in the next 12 months. However, an overwhelming 80% cite that they are very concerned about governments’ ability to drive infrastructure spending and see lack of leadership as a barrier to investment. Moreover, two-thirds of engineering and construction leaders believe that the private sector is not showing enough initiative.

Richard said: “Amidst a global ‘energy crunch’ significant investments are needed in energy infrastructure to provide energy security at current levels and to allow for a low-carbon transition of our energy systems.* Given the push for infrastructure, there will be intense competition for resources and skills, so the UK needs to work hard to attract the best private sector talent and investment.

“With austerity policies in many countries constraining the scope for public sector spending, it is vital to create an environment that encourages private sector investment. As governments around the world seek to create 21st century infrastructure, they need to create an environment that encourages private sector investment. This means addressing regulatory and legislative barriers and showing long-term commitment.”

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I didn’t have a happy upbringing. I remember my third birthday party. I was fifteen.

22

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012

Mixed outlook for leading UK house builders Nearly half of the top 15 in the Company Watch Warning Zone

Research from Company Watch, the corporate health monitoring specialists, shows that almost half of the UK’s largest* house building groups are in poor financial health**.

Some house builders are performing strongly, however. There has been a raft of positive announcements in the past few days from Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Barratt Developments, Bovis Homes and Galliford Try, who are benefiing from tough cost cutting, margin improvement and debt reduction strategies implemented in response to the slowdown in the housing market.

But although some leading house builders doing well, the outlook for other major players in the sector is less rosy.

An analysis of the leading house builders’ previous five sets of published accounts and other public domain information shows seven out of the 15 (47 per cent) of the largest house builders scoring fewer than 25 points out of a maximum H-Score® of 100. This puts them firmly in Company Watch’s Warning Zone.

With many households struggling to make ends meet and rising unemployment sapping consumer confidence, it’s unsurprising that property experts expect a challenging year ahead for the house builders.

Nick Hood, Head of External Affairs at Company Watch, commented: “With so many negative pressures affecting confidence and no end in sight to gloomy economic news, 2012 is going to be another tough year for house builders.

“While the recent good news from the sector is very welcome, our analysis shows that some leading house builders have much to do to improve their financial health. Their management will need to focus hard on basic business disciplines such as margin improvement and cash conservation, rather than chasing volume, if they are to survive and prosper.

“As in many other struggling sectors, bankers, suppliers and the trade insurers will be choosing which companies to support and how to mitigate the potential losses on their other exposures. Most house builder insolvencies in 2012 will be SMEs, but it is clear that there’s no room for complacency for the larger players.”

About Company Watch

Company Watch rates the financial health of companies worldwide by applying its unique H-Score® methodology to published financial data. Since its launch in 1998, the H-Score® has identified nine out of ten corporate insolvencies or restructurings in advance. The Company Watch service is used by major international blue chip corporations, banks, fund managers, insurance companies, public sector bodies, accountancy firms, restructuring practices and other professional organisations throughout the world.

Notes *2011 rankings based on latest available full-year turnover. H-Scores and turnover are given for the highest consolidated parent company. **Statistics on all UK companies for the past 14 years show that one in four companies in the ‘Warning Zone’ either file for insolvency or undergo a major financial restructuring. ^ Latest H-Score based on interim figures

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‘Sorry!’ - First Time Buyers Stuck At Home With Mum And Dad One in five Brits are living with their parents more than a decade longer than they intended to as they struggle to get onto the property ladder, according to research out today. And, just like Ronnie Corbett’s character Timothy Lumsden in the 1980’s hit sitcom ‘Sorry’, lodging with Mum and Dad is having a negative impact on their lives.

Eight out of 10 young people said they had less freedom living at home and 70% admitted it had an adverse affect on their love life. More than two thirds also felt that their relationship with their parents would be better if they moved out. Only 7% of respondents said they enjoyed living at home with their parents, but one in 10 thought they could be in their late forties or early fifties before they were able to move out.

The survey of 1,000 would-be homeowners, carried out by housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, also found that although the Hotel of Mum and Dad may still be open for business, the Bank of Mum and Dad seems firmly shut. 65% of parents said they simply didn’t have the spare funds to help their children with a deposit for a house, with nearly a quarter admitting that they were struggling enough to keep themselves afloat. One in 10 also felt that their children should be financially independent.

However, it seems that some first time buyers are not helping themselves when it comes to getting on the property ladder. 35% said they were not prepared to give up holidays while they saved for a deposit and more than a quarter said they would not give up buying new clothes or eating out.

Only one in five said they would consider buying with friends, taking in a lodger or moving to a cheaper location.

You may only need a 5% deposit Property guru Phil Spencer, who has just launched a series of video guides with Taylor Wimpey to help first time buyers, says the research highlights the challenges faced by those trying to get on the property ladder, but insists that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

He comments: “Living with parents on a temporary basis can be a great way to relieve some financial pressure while saving for a deposit, but if you take your eye off the end goal, you could find yourself stuck there! Make sure you have a proper savings plan in place, consider buying with friends or family and find out about the range of schemes from the government and housebuilders, which means you may only need to save a 5% deposit.

He continues: “Interestingly, the survey did show that we are still a nation that aspires to home ownership. 84% of people aged between 18 and 25 said they believed property was still a good long term investment and, in terms of their priorities in life, one in three put owning their own home above getting married, having children and a successful career.”

Secretary Amanda Turner from Roby, Merseyside, moved back in with her parents in her late 30s after finding it difficult to save for a deposit while renting. She comments: “I’m incredibly grateful to my parents as it was a real help financially, but obviously it wasn’t ideal living back at home at my age. Inviting friends over could be awkward and it certainly had an effect on my relationships.”

Amanda has now moved into a two bedroom apartment at Taylor Wimpey’s Speakman Gardens in Prescot, Merseyside. “Owning my own home was really important to me and I kept focused on that. I had to make a lot of sacrifices in order to save up, cutting down certain luxuries like holidays, going out with my friends and buying new clothes but it was all worth it. I’m thrilled to finally have my own space and a sound investment for the future.”

Phil Spencer’s Buying Your First Home guides, in conjunction with Taylor Wimpey, are a series of videos covering everything from knowing the right time to buy to financing your move. For further information visit www. taylorwimpey.co.uk/philspencer

I don’t like my hands. I always keep them at arm’s length.

Nottinghamshire Builder Magazine - FEBRUARY 2012 23

300 properties for sale by auction Thursday 16th February 2012

auction

unless previously sold or withdrawn

Artist’s impression

VacanT

Land off The Crescent, Alexandra Park, Mapperley Park, Nottingham

Thursday 16th February 2012 The Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX

Lot 232: Freehold irregular shaped site extending to approximately 1.757 H (4.342 A) with planning permission for 15 houses (5 x 44433 bed, 10 x 5 bed).

020 7588

Full details & online auction catalogue at www.allsop.co.uk catalogue request: 0906 515 1510 Calls charged at £1.50 per minute

december sale - £42.5m raised 87% sold Notts builder magazine.indd 1

27/01/2012 15:48

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