What was clear to see following the global implementation of lockdown measures across the world was that the property sector was neither prepared nor equipped to manage a situation of this nature. In this context, the framework behind the IMMUNE Building Standard (IMMUNE) was initiated, with a strategy to engineer safer built environments for people and organisations returning to their offices, says Liviu Tudor, Founder and President at Genesis Property.

The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent lockdown have seriously impacted the UK economy, with businesses doing all they can to continue trading, despite not being recognised as essential services.

As businesses set about returning to the workplace, ensuring staff and customer safety and complying with Government guidelines will be a priority. How can screens help businesses quickly adapt their offices and their shop floors to offer protection and peace of mind for all without lengthy and costly reconfiguration issues? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look.

‘Connect’, a new range of high-quality, bespoke 6mm glass divider screens is available now to help adjust workspaces and retail environments as businesses start to reopen and prepare for the ‘new normal’.

There is clear evidence in the construction industry of demand for a fresh approach to using adjudication as a method for resolving disputes. This is largely a reaction to the increasing complexity of adjudication procedures and higher levels of fees being charged by adjudicators, mainly because of an escalation in the time they need to spend on evidential and procedural problems.

Gatic, the global leader in access covers and civil drainage systems, recently installed Slotdrain CastSlot Treadsafe, its high capacity surface water drainage at Hamilton Business Park in Hedge End, Southampton. The £2m project, which spans 24,000 sq.ft., involved building brand new industrial and warehouse units and is the final phase of a 30-year project that started in 1988. The business park now has a total of 26 units covering 250,000 sq.ft. and 20 acres of space.

Clement Windows Group have replaced the original steel fenestration at the Old Marylebone Town Hall, recently leased by the London Business School from Westminster Council on a 35 year renewable contract.

Standards within the construction industry are constantly being reviewed to ensure building works comply with regulations and quality expectations. However, despite the efforts taken to meet or exceed these standards, there will still always be complaints forthcoming. Many architects and contractors may see this as an unjustified attack on their good name, or a tactic to avoid payment. This may spur them to defend their business by ‘having it out’ with the complainant.

Award-winning business recovery specialist, Gibson Hewitt, is warning members of the construction industry to keep on top of snagging lists to prevent business distress.