Approval for new Central Library will see work start in July

Tess Egginton
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Approval for new Central Library will see work start in July
Councillors have approved plans for work to get underway on Nottingham’s new Central Library in July, creating a landmark development at the heart of the city’s regenerated Southside. The replacement for the old Central Library on Angel Row will be ready to open to the public next summer after the work to turn the building into a modern library has been completed. The City Council’s Executive Board was told that a number of assessments of the design and affordability of the scheme have been carried out and that careful management of the city’s property portfolio and successful sales have allowed £10.5m to be identified within the council’s capital programme for the work. The work involves turning the shell of the building – part of the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station complex – into a modern library, and so also involves installing new floors, lifts, electrics and plumbing. The new library, spread over three floors and fully accessible via lifts, will feature a high-quality children’s library with an immersive story telling room, extensive book collection and comfortable areas to sit and read. Other amenities will include:
  • Feature book walls and shelving to display a large collection of books
  • Free wi-fi and free access to computers, laptops and iPads
  • A café & ground floor reception area which can be converted into a performance space
  • Specialist and rare collections room for local study material
  • Learning lab for special activities and school class visits
  • Meeting rooms
  • Exhibition space
  • Creative design areas
  • Business Intellectual Property Centre for the city.
A new Central Library is one of the key elements of the regeneration of the city’s Southside area. The new library building is surrounded by transformed streets, with extensive pedestrianisation, planting and seating offering pleasant places to walk, cycle and relax. Similar work is also planned for Collin Street alongside the new library to become fully pedestrianised, with a new plaza planned to link through the demolished section of the former shopping centre to Lister Gate and the city centre beyond. A masterplan is in place outlining a vision for the Broad Marsh site, including green space, an enhanced entrance to the City of Caves attraction and a mixture of housing, retail and leisure uses. Providing a new Central Library was considered as part of a Libraries Needs Assessment looking at the whole of the library service, which identified it would play an important role in delivering part of the city’s overall offer – a view supported by feedback in the public consultation. Many residents used the Central Library as well as their own local library and valued the special function it plays in supporting the whole service.
Artist’s impression of the new Central Library reception area
City Council leader, Councillor David Mellen, said: “I’m really pleased that this key development in the regeneration of the city’s Southside can now go ahead. We have been committed to providing a new Central Library that meets modern needs and expectations, and while for a number of reasons it has taken a little longer to get to this stage, it’s exciting that work can get underway in a couple of months. “This will be a bright, state-of-the-art facility with a fantastic children’s library and some great features such as an immersive story telling room using the latest audio visual technology to help bring books alive. “A new library like this will help to attract people to an area where we are making excellent progress with regeneration work. Previously traffic-choked streets are becoming pleasant pedestrian-friendly areas to relax and linger, and the library with its café and other great amenities will play a key role in bringing people into the city.”
General view of the building which will house the new Central Library

New milestone for Beeston modular housing scheme

Tess Egginton
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New milestone for Beeston modular housing scheme
ilke Homes has craned into place the first factory-built home on a site in Beeston which was formerly owned by Network Rail. In 20 months, ilke Homes has secured the site and achieved full planning permission. The speed at which the modular housing company has been able to achieve these milestones was one of the main reasons why it was chosen to deliver on the 2.2-acre site by Network Rail. In partnership with emh group, a housing association, ilke Homes is delivering 42 affordable homes on the vacant brownfield site next to Beeston station. ilke Homes contracted with Network Rail, the owners and infrastructure manager of the railway network in the UK, in July 2020. ilke Homes is acting as a full ‘turnkey’ developer as part of the deal. This means emh group purchased a complete development sourced and delivered by ilke Homes. All of the homes are being precision-engineered along production lines at ilke Homes’ 250,000 sq ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, says: “It’s great to reach yet another milestone at the site in Beeston, where we have worked closely with Network Rail and emh group to bring forward a parcel of brownfield land for the development of much-needed housing. “This development, once complete, will prove to be an exemplary case study of how offsite manufacturing can breathe new life into public land via the delivery of well-designed communities that are connected to transport hubs.” Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, says: “As one of the most strategically important sites in the UK, we are proud to have created a partnership with ilke Homes on the redevelopment of this brownfield site, to enable the delivery of affordable-led modular sustainable housing in this growing region, putting transport infrastructure at the very heart of the development. “This is a partnership that focuses on the Government’s strategy to accelerate the rollout of modular sustainable housing to drive local economic growth. “It’s a project that demonstrates the pivotal role our railway can play in unlocking sites which deliver growth. We’re delivering it through a public and private partnership, an approach we’ll be looking to replicate in other towns and cities across the country. It will provide long-lasting benefits for the local community and the region.” Chris Jones, executive director of development at emh group, said: “We are delighted that our partnership with ilke Homes enables us to regenerate this brownfield site to deliver much needed, high quality modern homes for local communities. This is part of our wider plan as a strategic partner of Homes England, to create places where people feel proud to live, and thrive.”

Employers more open to part-time working post-COVID-19

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Employers more open to part-time working post-COVID-19
The furlough scheme brought in by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic did not just save millions of people from unemployment and economic hardship, but may have had a lasting effect on the ways in which their employers allow them to work in the future, according to a new report. Introduced in March 2020, and further modified in July that year to allow for a part-time furlough option, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) enabled organisations to reclaim up to 80% of the wage costs of employees who could not work during the pandemic. Successful in avoiding mass redundancies during a time of crisis, the scheme may also have ongoing benefits, according to the first wave of a survey conducted by Cranfield School of Management and CBI Economics which found increased employer openness to and knowledge of how to facilitate part-time working. A ‘fundamental’ change in perceptions Data from whole-organisation representatives and line managers in 208 UK businesses was collected in February this year and showed that the flexible furlough scheme –  which enabled employers to bring staff back to work on a part-time basis and for them to be furloughed the remainder of the time – has impacted employers’ perceptions around working practices, increasing openness to part-time working and other forms of flexible working as viable options for their business. Key findings include:
  • Post-pandemic, 62% of line managers in the survey said they were ‘more willing’ to consider employee requests for part-time working.
  • Almost all (96%) said they were more flexible about where their employees worked, and 87% about how they scheduled their working hours.
  • Over half of the organisations surveyed expected remote and flexible working to increase in their organisation over the next two years (60% and 58% respectively). A significant proportion (46%) also expected part-time working to increase.
  • Almost half (45%) believed the use of flexible furlough has helped line managers learn how to design and manage part-time working more effectively.
  • Similarly, 46% believed line managers have learned how to better match resourcing with periods of peak demand for their business activity as a result of using the flexible furlough scheme.
  • Prior to the pandemic, most part-time working came about as the result of employee requests, with a proactive approach to recruiting new employees considered a secondary benefit.
Of these initial findings, the report’s authors write: “As working practices settle into a ‘new normal’, there are indications that the shock caused by the pandemic, as well as use of the furlough scheme and adoption of more flexible working during the pandemic, will have lasting consequences on working practices going forward. The survey reveals a mindset of greater adaptability, with line managers more willing to consider requests for part-time and other forms of flexible working.” Working less than full time Part-time working is an important feature of any labour market, offering greater choice in working arrangements for employees and widening participation in employment for those unable to work full time. It also brings benefits for employers, helping them retain existing employees and attract new ones, and cover extended operating hours and periods of peak demand. Pre-pandemic, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows just over a quarter (26%) of UK workers worked part time, some to meet their employer’s needs, and others to allow them to better balance their work with the requirements of their life outside employment. ‘Encouraging’ findings Anna Leach, deputy chief economist at the CBI, said: “It is clear that the CJRS has been more than just a ‘bridge to the other side’. Both the scheme and the pandemic itself have fostered, even accelerated, large shifts in the nature of work and attitudes towards it. “We know that the future of work is a key priority for our members, who are conscious of their employees’ renewed focus on work-life balance and desire for more flexibility around the location and organisation of their work, against the backdrop of a very tight jobs market. “These findings show that changes in working practices, and attitudes towards them, are very much underway. It is particularly encouraging to see that this shift in attitudes is associated with positive financial situations for companies, with the majority of the organisational representatives surveyed reporting that the financial wellbeing of their organisation was good or very good, and expected to remain positive over the next two years at least.” Professor Clare Kelliher, professor of work and organisation at Cranfield School of Management, said: “The flexible element of the furlough scheme effectively marked a ‘forced experiment’ in part-time working for many employers that had little previous experience of part-time working. “As is always the case with any enforced situation, it can be a very different story when life returns to ‘normal’, but these survey findings suggest that the practical experience of trying out part-time working has helped to overcome some of the perceived barriers for employers around its feasibility and how to implement it in practice. “This is heartening, because there is evidence to suggest that more people would like to work part-time than currently do, as well as explore options for greater flexibility in the way in which they work.” The future of flexible working The report, The future of flexible working: Lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, was published as part of a broader research project being undertaken by Cranfield School of Management on behalf of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) which it is hoped will inform future organisational and Government policy in this area. The project is being funded by the ESRC as part of UK Research and Innovation’s rapid response to COVID-19.

Raise the profile of your business at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

Tess Egginton
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Raise the profile of your business at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Raise the profile of your business by submitting a nomination for East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards! Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote the work they are completing and create more buzz. Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner. A highlight in the calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. Henry Brothers, winners of Commercial Development of the Year at the 2021 East Midlands Bricks Awards, reflected on the event: “Henry Brothers was absolutely thrilled to have won the Commercial Development of the Year award at the East Midlands Bricks for the delivery of the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus. “The Henry Brothers story began in Northern Ireland in the 1970s and the company has grown to become a leading UK construction company. However, this award for Henry Brothers Midlands cements our position as a significant member of the East Midlands construction sector and we are very proud to have been recognised for our contribution. “We enjoyed the informal atmosphere of the East Midlands Bricks Awards ceremony and hope to nominate projects next year, as we’d very much like to be part of the event in 2022.” To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
  • Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000. Find out who last year’s winners were here.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

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New Beeston student scheme to boost town centre

Tess Egginton
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New Beeston student scheme to boost town centre
Midlands-based developer Cassidy Group has submitted a planning application for a mixed-use scheme at the edge of Beeston town centre that will breathe new life into a derelict site – and bring increased footfall and economic benefit to local retailers. Built using sustainable materials, the seven-storey mixed use scheme of retail/commercial units will feature student accommodation – meeting the needs of modern student life and freeing up a huge number of Beeston and city HMO student houses for families to move into. The 419-bed scheme in Station Road, next to The Arc Cinema and Tesco, is a few minutes’ walk from the University of Nottingham campus and is on the tram route. The scheme is situated next to new bars and restaurants such as Ottimo and the forthcoming Beeston Social. Sam Rose, of Cassidy Group, said: “We are excited to bring this student scheme to Beeston. Not only will students love living there – so close to the amenities they enjoy, as well as their university campus – but we are bringing a derelict site back to life. “We feel the scheme fits well with the fantastic Beeston town centre that is emerging as a busy and exciting place to be, both day and night. We know from our research that Beeston is becoming a more desirable place for families and students to live. By providing purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), we can open up HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) for families to live in. “By creating sensitively designed student schemes with fabulous interiors like the one we are proposing for Beeston, we know we can not only create something that benefits the local area – but also an additional student environment where people really want to live.” Cassidy says the scheme will rely heavily on local transport. It will provide limited parking – allowing only for deliveries and disabled parking – because of the variety of public transport access through bus, tram, and pedestrian routes. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Beeston Railway Station. The scheme will provide 318 classic studios of 16 square metres, 76 classic plus studios of 16 to 20 square metres, and 25 premium/accessible studios of between 26 and 30 square metres. “The proposed development will attract students from the University of Nottingham. To discourage students from parking on or near the site, we will be making sure that students take full advantage of all the transport services, as well as scooters and bicycles. We will also be providing travel passes for students to use the tram,” said Sam. “Encouraging students to use Beeston’s extensive public transport network will benefit the environment, as will the scheme’s energy-efficient design, which guarantees an EPC rating of at least ‘B’-grade, if not ‘A’.” Figures produced by the Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA) show a full-time student population of 63,000 in Nottingham in 2019, up by 22.1% since 2015. Acceptances from both universities have also been rising. Since 2015 the University of Nottingham has seen an increase in yearly acceptances of 13.1% and NTU has seen an increase of 56% in the same period. “An independent report found that 69% of direct let beds available in Nottingham are provided by HMOs, with less than one third provided by private PBSA operators. In Beeston, with no direct let PBSA available, 100% of the direct let accommodation on offer to students consists of Beeston houses split into flats,” added Sam. “With Beeston continuing to be popular with families, we know from speaking to local estate agents that there are few places for them to move into – so our planned first PBSA will release those houses to the people who really need them.” The research also found that annual demand growth in Nottingham for student accommodation at 4.9% could mean a shortfall of student beds in the city of at least 6,021 by 2024. “There are currently no live PBSA developments south-west of the University of Nottingham and so this Cassidy scheme is really needed,” added Sam. Businessman Ross Considine, who owns the nearby Ottimo, said: “I am sure I speak for a number of retailers and bar-restaurant owners when I say that I would welcome this scheme with open arms. “We opened our third bar-restaurant in Beeston because we could see what an amazing, lively town centre it is. In our first few weeks of opening, we have had great feedback – and have also welcomed students. This scheme will further boost local shops and restaurants and of course local transport. “Student footfall boosts local economies, and the student spend is worth tens of thousands of pounds a year for Beeston – and that must not be forgotten. We want the town to continue to be the bustling, lively and exciting place it is.” The scheme will be going to planning committee in July and there will be public engagement sessions for the local community and local businesses in May and June. Cassidy is working on six other mixed-use schemes across Nottingham.

New build Travis Perkins development completes at Worksop

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New build Travis Perkins development completes at Worksop
A 1,933 sq m purpose built builders merchant facility has completed at the Vesuvius development off Sandy Lane, Worksop with Travis Perkins set to open in July 2022. Property development and investment company, CEG, managed the build of the bespoke unit, which will be leased by Travis Perkins. The development will create 20 new jobs, deliver a new supply chain facility for existing local business and bring economic benefits to the area. Will Moss, acquisition director from Travis Perkins plc, said: “We’re really excited to have secured this new two acre site in Worksop, which will be a key branch for Travis Perkins, providing a fantastic offering for our customers. It’s scheduled to open in July and this means we’ll be able to create new jobs in the community and help support Worksop’s construction workers and tradespeople with the expert knowledge and advice that they come to expect from Travis Perkins.” CEG is currently managing the comprehensive regeneration of the 17.75ha Vesuvius site. With planning permission for more than 200,000 sq ft of employment space, the first phase of 46,000 sq ft of multi-tenanted industrial units adjacent to Asda completed last year and is almost fully let. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service also acquired land at the site and has built a new fire station. Subsequent phases will also offer larger employment units including speculative as well as pre-let, design and build development for office, light industry, storage and distribution requirements. Will Martin, strategic land lead at CEG, said: “We welcome Travis Perkins to this thriving business community. This brownfield regeneration has proved a success with many companies thriving on the site. It has been the largest speculative development of this scale and quality in Worksop for many years and we continue to see strong interest in the space from well-known national trade and industrial occupiers alongside smaller, local businesses.” In 2018, supported by D2N2, CEG delivered a £5.5million package of works to create a new roundabout and access road opening up the site and remediating it for redevelopment. This makes the site easily accessible to the A60, A57, Worksop and its surrounds. D2N2 LEP interim CEO, Will Morlidge, said: “It’s great to see that the new Travis Perkins branch has been completed and will soon be open to benefit the local community. The Vesuvius site represents an exciting landmark development for Worksop and the wider area, and we’re very proud to have supported it. The success of the site demonstrates the resurgent appetite for investment across north Nottinghamshire, supporting our collective ambitions to rebuild and grow our economy.” Chris Proctor & Anthony Barrowcliffe from FHP and Ben Flint from Fisher German are marketing the site. Chris Proctor said: “It is fantastic news to have attracted the big name of Travis Perkins to Vesuvius. This strong brand complements an already strong line up of names at this Worksop business destination. “We have just four industrial / trade units remaining on this first phase of the development offering from 3,750 sq ft up to 5,100 sq ft. This presents an excellent opportunity for both local and national occupiers. There are also land opportunities for units up to 200,000 sq ft.  We would be delighted to talk with any businesses considering a move to Vesuvius, Worksop.”

Elevate appoints trio of contractors to deliver £32m+ builds across the Midlands

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Elevate appoints trio of contractors to deliver £32m+ builds across the Midlands

Construction deals worth more than £32m have been signed in the Midlands after a trio of contractors were selected on behalf of Elevate Property Group.

The independent developer, led by property entrepreneur Steve Dodd, has selected Kings Heath-based Kavanagh Construction to start work on the transformation of Imperial House in Solihull next month.

It marks the start of construction on the final phase of Princes Gate project, with the development of ‘Imperial House’ comprising 60 luxury apartments on the site of a former multi-storey car park in the town.

Also due to start in June is a multi-million pound scheme for a mixed-use retail and residential development on the riverside Muller Yard location in Nottingham, an extension to the Trent Bridge Quays scheme.

Construction of 44 apartments and 14 town houses, along with 5,000 sq ft of commercial space, will be delivered by Leicester-based Bode Contracting.

The final appointment will see Telford-based Bespoke Construction Services Ltd take on a landmark project to bring an historic site in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter back to life.

Gunsmith House, in Price Street, will be restored as part of the overall development that will deliver 85 new homes to the area.

Steve Dodd, of Elevate Property Group, said all three contractor appointments reflected the company’s commitment to working with regional partners on developments which revitalise communities. The build cost for the three projects is in excess of £32 million.

James Costello, Elevate’s development director, added: “We’re proud to be leading the way in the redevelopment of several sites across the Midlands, including investing in high-profile locations in Birmingham, supporting the UK’s heartland to recover post-pandemic.

“We want to partner with contractors who share our values and our vision for delivering exceptional projects of outstanding quality. The appointment of Kavanagh Construction, Bespoke Construction Services and Bode Contracting reflects this commitment and will give confidence to investors, buyers and ultimately the communities where our developments come to life.”

Aiden O’Gara, of Kavanagh Construction, said: “We’re currently working with Elevate on its prestigious Heaton House development in Birmingham, so we are delighted to be continuing this working partnership with a new contract to develop Imperial House at Princes Gate.”

Bode Contracting, which is currently delivering Elevate’s Priory House development, will develop the Muller Yard phase of the Nottingham Trent Bridge scheme, due for completion Q3/Q4 2023. Dan Bodell said: “We have a great working relationship with Elevate and are looking forward to this continuing with the delivery of the upcoming Muller Yard scheme.”

Arran Summerfield, of Bespoke Construction, said: “It’s fantastic to be involved in delivering this landmark project for Elevate in the heart of Birmingham’s gun-making industry. The project is expected to be completed in late 2023.”

Funding for all these developments has been provided by Paragon and Pluto Development Finance.

Martin Ward relinquishes position on Mather Jamie management board

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Martin Ward relinquishes position on Mather Jamie management board
Leicestershire-based specialist land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie has announced that one of its founding directors, Martin Ward, has relinquished his position on its management board. Martin was one of the founders of the company in 1991, and has sold his remaining shares to fellow directors Rob Cole and Andrew Bamber over recent years. Since then, he has relinquished responsibility for business operations but continued managing an extensive and long standing client portfolio. He will remain a director of the company and the Mather Jamie management board now comprises Robert Cole, Andrew Bamber, Alex Reid and Gary Owens. Whilst Martin has stepped down from his managerial responsibilities, he will continue to focus on the completion of a number of deals that are in the pipeline for his long standing clients, including his work on the sustainable urban extension at New Lubbesthorpe on behalf of the Drummond Trust, and advising the Harpur Crewe Estate on short and medium term residential and commercial development south of Derby, including Infinity Park and Infinity Park Garden Village. In February 2021, Mather Jamie announced four new senior promotions when Gary Owens and Amy Biddell were promoted to director, Gary Kirk to senior associate director and Hamish Byers to associate director, and Martin will also work alongside the management team to ensure a smooth succession of responsibilities. Martin said: “Whilst I may no longer be the first person in and the last person to leave the office, I will continue to work for clients and enjoy passing on my knowledge and expertise to the next generation. I plan to work hybridly and will flex my hours to suit the needs of clients and my other personal interests and hobbies. Rest assured, my retirement is still very far away as I am just far too busy and committed to my clients.”

Nottingham PR agencies lead the way in UK-wide rankings

Michael Fisher
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Nottingham PR agencies lead the way in UK-wide rankings
Cartwright Communications and Tank – both based in the city’s Lace Market – are once again the highest ranking agencies in the East Midlands as part of the PR Week Top 150, a national league table of thousands of PR agencies across the UK. Tank was ranked 167th overall, with Cartwright Communications at 178. Cartwright Communications – led by former journalist Liz Cartwright alongside directors Rose Hayes and Annie Brafield – was named the 34th B2B agency in the country and 85th on the national consumer list. Meanwhile, Tank – headed up by Trevor Palmer and co-owners Martin Stone and Max Bevis – ranked as the 32nd agency outside of London, as well as being named as 51st for its credentials in the technology sector. The pair are consistent features on the list, which is compiled annually from the roughly 5,000 agencies practicing PR in the UK. Rose Hayes, director at Cartwright Communications, said: “After two years of an unpredictable market, it’s great to be recognised for our team’s fantastic work and the business’ continued growth. To be ranked in the top 100 for both B2B and B2C is a huge achievement and one that not many agencies in the region can lay claim to. “While the Top 150 recognises financial achievements and growth, our business plan has very much focussed on workplace culture. We’re equally proud of recently gaining our Great Place to Work accreditation as well as being a finalist in the upcoming Inspiring Workplace Awards which mean we’re a fantastic place to work as well as being a top agency to work with.” Commenting on the rankings, Martin Stone, director at Tank, said: “Being named as the top performing East Midlands agency in the overall Top 150 listing for a second year is testament to the strong team that we’ve built at Tank and the culmination of a real group effort. “2021 was not so much about client acquisition but more about taking the lessons learnt during the pandemic and realigning for growth, while also focusing on what makes Tank what it is – our people. This approach resulted in our best performing year to date, marking a solid 12-years of growth.”

£430k investment improves efficiency at Fortec Distribution Network

Michael Fisher
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£430k investment improves efficiency at Fortec Distribution Network
Fortec Distribution Network has invested heavily in its Northamptonshire hub to improve efficiency and capacity. The company has invested £250,000 in a new fleet of 36 forklift trucks from Still, while an additional £180,000 has been spent on upgrading the roof of its 210,000 sq ft warehouse. The state-of-the-art RX70 LPG forklifts will enable its warehouse team to load and unload more quickly, ensuring a better service for Fortec pallet network members and customers. Safety was paramount in the choice of forklift truck, with the RX70 LPG delivering excellent all-round visibility alongside its high performance. The roof upgrade, which is currently being installed, is designed to provide additional visibility through the use of skylights. Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex Group CEO, comments: “This is a significant investment that has provided the operations team with more reliable kit, ensuring quicker turnarounds and an all-round better service from the central hub. “The Still RX70 LPG is the best in class for the industry and benefits from state-of-the-art technology, a spacious driver’s cab, lateral battery change programmable drive and hydraulic performance, while complying with Euro V emission standard regulations. “We have replaced the previous fleet and increased it, enabling us to improve handling within the hub and reduce waiting times for our members. “The addition of the new roof will vastly improve the warehouse environment and provide the right setting to support our ambitious growth plans. “Since acquiring the business, Pall-Ex Group has invested in all areas of the network to ensure Fortec is operating to the same standard as Pall-Ex and to position it as best in class among the pallet networks.”
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