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New logistics delivery station to benefit from new EV charging points capability

Ulster Bank is supporting construction and property group Turkington with a multi-million-pound investment that has led to the expansion of James Park in Portadown through the development of a 7,000 square metre logistics warehouse at the Mahon Road site.

The warehouse facility was developed by Turkington Group and Ulster Bank is providing funding facilities.

The new logistics hub includes a state-of-the-art distribution warehouse with supporting infrastructure now being added that will future proof the development. This involves the inclusion of significant infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Gary Barr, Relationship Director, Real Estate Finance, Ulster Bank, says: “Benefitting from nearby access to major arterial routes, James Park is now an essential gateway and distribution hub to service the County Armagh area and beyond. Its development aligns with our commitment at Ulster Bank to support strategically important real estate investments that contribute to the local economy.”

Richard Bradley, Associate Director, Real Estate Finance, Ulster Bank, adds: “An essential part of determining the viability of real estate investments is the surrounding facilities that will ensure their long-term sustainability. To that end, the introduction of a comprehensive network of EV charging stations will complement the existing warehousing and logistics operation. They will serve to futureproof the site and sustain its appeal as a high-value asset.”

Gary Turkington, Operations Director, Turkington Group, comments: “The facilities with Ulster Bank are central to our core development strategy for the Portadown logistics centre and surrounding lands. The project at Portadown follows closely behind the redevelopment of Marlborough Retail Park, Craigavon, redevelopment of High Street Mall, Portadown and also the construction of the new Range Store at The Boulevard in Banbridge. We value our relationship with Ulster Bank and look forward to working with them in the future on similar development projects”.

Ulster Bank was advised by TLT and Avison Young and the Turkington Group was advised by Carson McDowell.

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The collaboration between VAVA Influence and Hagan Homes will see established TikTok names from NI and the Republic of Ireland live together for one week in June

VAVA Influence, Northern Ireland’s first influencer marketing agency, has partnered with Hagan Homes to provide the first ever TikTok house here.

The partnership will see Hagan Homes host up to eight TikTokers from all over Ireland who will live together in two of its properties for one week and create content for their accounts.

TikTok houses provide a setting for the platform’s most popular users to live together, perform live streams and undertake challenges.

The concept was first seen on online platform YouTube where American social media personality and, more recently, boxer Jake Paul set up Team 10.

Three years ago in the US a group of famous American TikTok users moved into a mansion in California. The property was dubbed ‘The Hype House’ and featured 20 rising and established influencers and marked the beginning of a new era for the concept which has been rolled out across the world.

The Northern Ireland TikTok house will be called The VAVA Club.

TikTok is a video sharing app that allows its users to post and share short form videos on any topic. The videos can be embellished with filters, soundtracks and more to appeal to audiences. Globally, it is the third biggest social media app used by some one billion people.

Belfast headquartered VAVA Influence, which is behind the TikTok house project here, is NI’s first influencer-marketing agency co-founded by Francesca Morelli and Chloe Henning.

It was launched two years ago to match local businesses up with influencers to help reach their target audience through their social media platforms.

It also supports influencers and advises them on converting their social media popularity into a business.

VAVA Influence Director & Co-Founder, Francesca Morelli said: “Following the end of coronavirus restrictions, we noticed that our business events were providing the opportunity for Ireland’s biggest TikTok stars to meet for the very first time after having come to fame during the UK & Ireland wide lockdown. For us, we believe that Northern Ireland must keep up with the UK market when it comes to digital and social media trends, and hosting NI’s very first TikTok House this summer will be a great way to do that.”

Francesca and fellow co-founder Chloe Henning have been planning the initiative for months.

Chloe said: “We’ve worked very hard to make sure that this initiative is fun, entertaining, and beneficial for the creators who will be entering the house, their followers who will be consuming the content, and the amazing sponsors we have on board.”

The TikTok creators set to enter the house are yet to be announced, but among them are rumoured to be Belfast-based TikTok creator, Erin Riley and Dublin-based Shanice Griffin. Each have over 300k followers on TikTok after beginning their online careers over lockdown.

The project will see Hagan Homes provide two of its new showhome properties in Belfast and showcase its affordable, stylish, modern properties to a new demographic and audience in what is a first for the property sector in Northern Ireland.

Jim Burke, Sales and Acquisitions Director from Hagan Homes said: “We are delighted to be providing the properties for this initiative. It’s great to be able to support the creative talent of the future and be at the forefront of digital innovation in Northern Ireland.”

“The TikTok generation are our future homebuyers. Whether it’s those living in the house or the audiences watching, we want to get across a message that getting on the property ladder can be affordable and that quality and attractive price points aren’t just for the older generation.”

The VAVA Club is set to take place over a week this June (7-14 June 2022) and will host themed parties, day excursions, and fun challenges for its residents. The VAVA Club is currently providing further opportunities for involvement from local businesses. If your business would like to get involved, please send an email to info@vavainfluence.com.

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Richard Keys has been appointed as a Partner to Hamilton Architects LLP.  Richard, who was already a Director, joined the practice in 2006. His responsibilities will include supporting the continued expansion and growth of the business in Northern Ireland, London and the South-East in 2022/23.

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Screwfix’s ambitious expansion plans are continuing at pace with the retailer set to open the doors of its 800^th store in June of this year. The omnichannel retailer will create more than 800 jobs by the end of January 2023 with the opening of 80 new stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, taking its store estate to over 870 stores. This follows the successful opening of 70 new stores in 2021. 

As part of the retailer’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the 80 new stores will be equipped with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water powered by electricity instead of gas. Screwfix’s entire store network is already powered exclusively by renewable electricity, with over 250 existing stores fitted with air-source heat pumps so far.  

The 800 new roles will include retail assistants, assistant managers, and branch managers, in locations across the UK and Ireland, such as Roscommon, Swanley and Brackley. Newly recruited staff will have the opportunity to participate in the retailer’s apprenticeship scheme, to join the 850 apprentices currently training across the business in areas such as Retail Management, Supervisor, HR, Finance, Data and Legal. 

John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “We know how busy tradespeople are and how important it is to be able to find a Screwfix store close to site. In opening more stores across the UK and Ireland, we’re making Screwfix even more accessible to tradespeople, ensuring they can get their job done quickly, affordably and right first time. We’re also delighted to be having a positive impact on local communities, creating more than 800 jobs for local people.  

“This is a very exciting time to be part of Screwfix as we deliver on our ambitious growth plans, and I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues in the coming months.” 

Screwfix’s growth plans are supported by Kingfisher, the retailer’s parent company, whose ‘Powered by Kingfisher’ strategy aims to maximise the benefits of combining its distinct retail banners with the scale, strength and expertise of the Group.

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World-class paving and walling manufacturer Tobermore, has made a generous donation to local mental health charity ‘The Olive Branch’.

These much-needed funds will help provide local mental health support for those who reach out for help. Tobermore is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its employees and wider community. The company has implemented several initiatives including a bespoke health and wellbeing app, flexible working, an open workplace culture and a dedicated wellbeing committee. 

Founded in 2017, The Olive Branch offers free of charge, self-referral, no-appointment necessary professional counselling service for those suffering with ill mental health. The Olive Branch has qualified counsellors on hand to work with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, and/or experiencing suicidal thoughts.  

Despite the amazing work done by the NHS, there are still gaps in mental health services and waiting lists remain lengthy. The Olive Branch prides themselves on their ability to offer counselling when the client is most in need – when they reach out for help. Their clients range in age from 11-70 years old. 

Leoné Paul, Vice Chairwoman of The Olive Branch commented:

“We would like to thank Tobermore MD David Henderson for donating a massive £2,000 to our NW200 Business Sponsorship Gala. We are overwhelmed by David’s generosity. Every penny we raise goes directly into the provision of free of charge professional counselling services in Magherafelt, Coleraine and Ballymena.”

“We are committed to preserving the mental health of our communities and this can only be achieved by having the support of David and other likeminded business owners. On behalf of all at The Olive Branch we thank you David Henderson and Tobermore!”

David Henderson commented:

“Tobermore is proud to support the Olive Branch. This charity does remarkable work in our local area to support people who are struggling with their mental health.”

If you or someone you know need mental health support do not hesitate to call the Olive Branch 028 7963 3688, or visit their website www.theolivebranch.org.uk/. 

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Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through its latest investment in sustainable packaging at its Toome plant.

AG has invested in the new state-of-the-art T-Rex packaging as part of its overall environmental strategy and commitment to responsible and sustainable operating practice with the new system reducing carbon emissions.

The pioneering system, supplied by Kraft Curing Systems, uses 100% biodegradable pellets that are sprayed onto each product layer for added surface protection before the next layer is added on top, without compromising on the quality of the finished goods. The system replaces the customary foam layers which are traditionally set between layers to protect the product whilst in transit.

Customarily, the foam layers are disposed of by contractors on site, but the T-Rex packaging system uses granules which biodegrade naturally in-situ, removing the need for disposal.

The investment in the packaging system allows AG to deliver on product requirements through a more efficient and sustainable method further reducing carbon emissions through drastically reducing the amount of packaging in their products.

The system highlights AG’s commitment to responsible operating practice and is the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives created by the firm which include switching to 100% renewable energy as well as utilising bio-LPG instead of the industry-standard LPG resulting in a carbon saving of 70% – equal to a person driving around the world three times. The business has also introduced electric and hybrid cars into their fleet with a goal of having a full hybrid/electric fleet by 2025

This latest investment was led by CEO Stephen Acheson with support from the firm’s net zero carbon team which was set up with the aim of reducing the company’s carbon footprint, as part of an energy strategy developed with a commitment to producing low carbon products. 

The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Dungannon, Toome, Ballygawley and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum.  

Last year, the business also reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10%, despite a 30% increase in production volumes as the company faced unprecedented demand for its products reinforcing its commitment to a greener future in construction.

Rodney Davidson, Commercial Director at AG said: “We are delighted to introduce this new packaging system into our Toome plant. At AG we are constantly working to reduce our carbon footprint and are committed to sustainable construction.”

CEO, Stephen Acheson added: “AG has a corporate social responsibility to be sustainable. We have adopted a long-term corporate philosophy that focuses on the wider message of lasting sustainable strategies and this new switch enables us to further reduce our carbon saving, lowering our carbon footprint even more.”

“Each of our sites bring our corporate environmental philosophy to life and we are delighted to be making very positive steps in our journey of carbon reduction”.

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Leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction has opened a new office in Leeds city centre as its presence in the midlands and the north of England continues to grow.

Farrans, a CRH company, has over 80 years’ experience of delivering world-class projects across the UK and Ireland. The company, which employs more than 550 people, already has offices in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Belfast, with further site offices connecting its regional network.

The new office in Leeds will be used to manage an existing portfolio of high profile building and civil engineering projects, including roads infrastructure improvement project A1(M) junction 47 in Nottingham for National Highways and North Yorkshire County Council, and Live Oasis: Strato in Leeds for Infinity Construction Enterprises.

It will also serve as a base to grow FADO, its interiors and refurbishment arm. Working with landlords, tenants, service providers and professional teams FADO deliver complex and creative projects across all sectors, offering complete design, construct and aftercare services.

Dominic Lavery, managing director of Farrans Construction, said:

“We are pleased to be announcing our investment in a new Leeds office today, establishing our commitment to building long term partnerships with clients, consultants and supply chain in the midlands and the north of England. We recognise the opportunities in the pipeline of building, civil engineering and fit out projects in this area and we are keen to establish new relationships.

“We are already on site on a number of projects in and around Leeds, including most prominently in the city centre Live Oasis: Strato, which is a 20-storey student residential accommodation block of 210 studio apartments.

He added: “Leeds is one of the most ambitious and energetic cities in the UK. Through our social value delivery and corporate social responsibility activity we always aim to leave a long-lasting, positive impact in the areas that we work.  We are looking forward to becoming part of the fabric of the midlands and the north of England, working with local suppliers and providing educational and apprenticeship opportunities for young people to experience the construction industry.”

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Farrans Construction has been appointed by Bath & North East Somerset Council as the main contractor for the £39m Keynsham Recycling Hub.

This significant project will see the development of a new, modern facility offering a range of services which will make it easier for residents to recycle and help reduce general waste and operational costs. Works have commenced on site and, when complete, the four-hectare site will include a modern recycling centre, a reuse shop for people to donate items for reuse and resale, an MOT centre and an education centre.

Glenn Gilmore, Regional Director at Farrans said; ‘We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver this state-of-the-art project. In line with the council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency declarations and policy aims, the Keynsham Recycling Hub project will integrate many sustainability measures including on-site renewable energy generation. We are pleased to be growing our logistics and waste management portfolio in England.

“Farrans bring a strong organisational approach to responsibly managing our environmental footprint across site operations and value chain. This project will see the delivery of new innovative methods providing a high quality environmentally friendly solution to the Council’s asset.”

He added: ”Alongside the construction works Farrans is committed to the delivery of an impactful programme of Social Value and Community Engagement in partnership with the local community in Keynsham and the wider Bath & North East Somerset area. We believe it is important to develop and support a skilled workforce on site and build the skills capacity of the construction sector of the future leaving a lasting legacy in the heart of the communities that we work in.”

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “I’ve been along to meet the teams working on this project and I am very pleased to see the progress made on site. Keynsham Recycling Hub is an ambitious project which includes a raft of innovative measures that will help us to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.

“It will be transformational, expanding public recycling provision while future-proofing our service and meeting the need for household waste and recycling and kerbside collections now and in the future. I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing the construction progress.”

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Choice Housing, one of Northern Irelands largest housing associations, has announced an investment of £14m to deliver affordable housing and private rental units at the current King’s Hall site which is part of a wider health and wellbeing regeneration plan for the area.

The wider £100m regeneration project is being developed by Benmore Octopus and alongside the investment of this mixed residential development from Choice, will also include medical and life sciences accommodation, a multi-storey car park, a central plaza, a creche and retail/ café/restaurant and leisure facilities.

Choice alongside their subsidiary Maple and May plan to develop 81 new apartments on Plot 3 of the development. The project will deliver a total of 45 new 1- and 2-bedroom apartments for over 55s. A further 36 apartments will be leased via Maple and May as private rental units and will include a mix of 1- and 2- bedroom apartments.

Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell said,

“The transformation of this historic site into an innovative health and wellbeing hub will not only enhance the area but will place Northern Ireland amongst the very best in global innovation.

“The investment in mixed tenure residential living is a long-term commitment for Choice and being part of this regeneration project allows us to further demonstrate the benefits of this as a long-term sustainable housing option.

Michael McDonnell added,

“There has been significant investment in the Belfast City Council area with 15 developments completed in the last three years, an investment of over £66m which further demonstrates our commitment to addressing the growing need for quality affordable housing in the Belfast area”.

H&J Martin Construction will lead in the development of the Choice led part of this project, which is located just off Balmoral Avenue in Belfast with an estimated completion of May 2024.

Gareth Moore, Director at H&J Martin said,

“This project will realise the potential of this iconic site and incorporate much needed quality housing. H&J Martin has a long history of working with and developing some of the most iconic sites across Northern Ireland and this project will prove to be a world class development when complete”.

Kevin McKay, Chairman of Benmore Octopus, added,

“We are delighted to welcome Choice Housing to the Kings Hall Health and Wellbeing Park. The development will enrich the mix of occupiers on the site and help deliver on our vision to create an offering which delivers the future of healthcare.

“Our precision medicine hub Dataworks will soon be welcoming new occupiers alongside anchor tenant Diaceutics, while we are also in the process of building the next phase of our age-appropriate living accommodation and other aspects of the wider development plan.”

The social housing apartments will be constructed to Lifetime Homes standards with all apartments benefitting from Secured by Design ‘Gold’ accreditation.  The development will also be served by private parking, communal amenity space and a part-time concierge service.

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