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With Intu announcing its plans to revamp The Trafford Centre in Manchester, we thought we’d have a look at some of the UK’s biggest shopping centres, and the history of their Construction …

Metro Centre, Newcastle

Opening in 1986, The Metro Centre in Gateshead is now the UK’s largest shopping Centre, with more than 370 shops covering over 1.8 million sq ft.

Developers bought the former ash dump in 1979 for just £100,000, with the view to building a ‘customer focussed’ centre in the spot which had 4.5 million potential customers within an hour’s drive. Since 2005, Intu have purchased the majority of the Centre and have invested £120 million into its development

The Centre even featured Europe’s largest indoor amusement park until it’s closure in 2008, at a cost of £20 million, making it one of the most unique shopping centres on our doorstep.

 

 

Trafford Centre, Manchester

The second largest shopping centre in the UK, The Trafford Centre opened in 1998 and is home to over 200 stores and over 60 restaurants and cafés. Despite the planning application going to court, the House of Lords finally gave the green light in 1995 and construction started in 1996.

Plans have just been announced to expand the centre by 110,000 sq ft, as part of a £74 million project, with construction to start next year. The plans foresee the centre to overtake the Metro Centre as the UK’s largest in terms of sq ft.

 

Bullring, Birmingham

The Bullring makes it into the UK’s top 10 largest shopping centres with more than 1.2m sq ft and over 160 shops.

As a result of the development of the Bullring, the centre has created over 8000 new jobs for the local area, and is currently the focus of a £500 million investment.

Opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in the 1960’s, the centre cost £8m to build and was the first centre to open on the Bullring market, which had been a part of history since 1154.

Not everyone is a fan of its architecture though, as in 2008 it was voted the ‘ugliest building in the country’.

 

Westfield, Stratford

Built next to the Olympic Park used for the London 2012 games, Westfield Stratford is arguably one of the most recognisable shopping Centres in the UK.

Opening in 2011, just before the Games, the project cost £1.45bn and was to be the largest urban shopping centre in Europe.

Over 27,000 jobs were created through the construction of the site, which includes transforming the neighbouring Olympic village into 1200 new homes. The site even hosts its own tube station, helping to aid the 47 million footfall.

So, what makes an underground stand out?

Of course, people want an underground that is safe, clean and not too expensive. But if we look past the obvious, a tube system that is not too crowded, boasts impressive architecture, has underground shops and has easy access from one line to another helps to improve the travel experience.

From Beijing to London, there are many metro systems all over the world and we have compiled a list of the very best.

London Underground

The London Tube was the world’s first underground metro, opening in 1863. Since then, they have gone from strength to strength to provide commuters with the most pleasant travel experience possible. London Underground have introduced air-conditioned carriages and intermittent Wi-Fi signal, ensuring they keep up to date with the wants and needs of the thousands of commuters that use the service each day.

Paris Metro

Paris’ metro is unusually dense, with 245 stations on 14 lines, in just 87 kilometres of the city; it’s clear Parisians, apparently, don’t like to walk.

Although Paris does lose points for not having automatically opening doors, it does well at providing transport links to over 1.5 billion passengers a year.

Stockholm T-bana

The Stockholm Tunnelbanna is made up of around 100 stations, with over 90 of them containing beautiful works of art. Essentially, this makes it the longest art gallery in the world, as well as a fully working underground.

On top of displaying works of art for travellers to enjoy, the metro is also renowned for its good safety record and its safety system, which includes automatic braking on the trains that has been manufactured by Siemens.

Madrid

At 294 kilometres, Madrid has the sixth-longest metro system in the world. The underground system is so huge that it can hold public events. One station even contains a 200-square meter archaeological museum.

New York City Metro

The New York subway system is among the best in the world, as it is very easy to navigate its colour-coded and letter or number-named lines.

Commuters can enjoy their journeys rather than stress, with a selection of musicians and other acts performing. A lot of the stations boast funky art and period tile work.

Beijing Metro

The Beijing Metro is a legacy of the 2008 Olympic Games. Thanks to Hong Kong’s MTR phone network, passengers will never miss a phone call again with the metro providing full network coverage. Announcements are made in both Mandarin and English, and TV monitors are there to keep you informed and entertained. The major stations also have large entertainment hubs, shopping centres and restaurants for passengers to enjoy.

Up until very recent years, the construction industry has been one of the least digitised sectors, with few technological changes. However, as technology continues to grow and become a huge part of day to day life, it should come as no surprise that many of the biggest construction trends and changes revolve around new technologies that improve and enhance the building design and construction process.

Technology in the work place can cause some concern, with media focusing on types of tech coming in to steal your job. We believe you should not see the technological progress within the construction sector as a negative, but in fact as a creative reinvention. So, let’s take a look at the methods that are currently shaping the industry and how we can embrace them going forward.

Drones

Drones are currently a massive trend around the world, however, industries are now looking at how they can benefit from this clever technology within the working world. Drones allow for us to improve efficiency, eliminate human errors and improve health and safety.

Smart Buildings

As technology rapidly progresses and becomes more affordable, our buildings are becoming more intelligent. Smart buildings are using information technology to stay connected to building systems, people and the global environment. Buildings can use automated processes to control building operations such as heating, air conditioning, lighting and security.

BIM Modelling

A major change within the construction industry has been the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM has replaced traditional blueprints with fully detailed, intelligent and interactive 3D models. The building information model is, in short, a digital description of every aspect of the build and objects in the model, and can be linked to related information such as photos, specifications or manuals. This exciting technology can benefit construction professionals by helping them create better, more detailed plans, produce faster results and stay within budget.

Green Thinking

‘Green’ buildings use less energy and are therefore cheaper to run. This, alongside the growing concern for the environment, is driving the trend for more environmentally-friendly buildings. In response, new building regulations have come into effect to harness the power of renewable energy.

The government aim to have 4 million solar-powered homes up and running by 2020. The construction industry has jumped on board this trend with renewable energies, such as solar power generating more electricity than coal power.

It is clear the technology is having a positive impact on the construction industry, which has come at a critical time with Brexit uncertainty. Investing and focusing on these new exciting developments will allow the sector to grow and avoid being left behind.

What other technological advancements have you noticed within your industry? We would love to hear! Drop us an email and give us a tweet and share your thoughts with us today!

Whether we like it or not we live in the age where the digital world and social media has a huge impact on every aspect of our lives. Weather it’s doing our weekly shop, keeping in touch with long lost friends or reviewing local restaurants, the online world has changed the way we make decisions and communicate with one another. It has never been easier for people to stay in touch and share information.

It has also had a huge impact on the recruitment industry, by giving both employers and job-seekers powers that they didn’t previously have.

There are now thousands of career websites, thousands of job opportunities online and thousands of CV’s sent a day. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have also made their mark with jobs being advertised on social media platforms to reach a wider audience.

With social media playing a huge part in your job search, we’ve taken a look at the power it has to get you noticed and ahead of the competition.

Employers can find you on social media

It should come as no huge shock that your potential employer has Facebook, Twitter or Instagram too. Statistics now show that the majority of the world have at least one social media account. It is becoming more and more common that employers will check you out on social media first so they can get a rough idea of what you are like as a person. It is important to make your profiles are sending the right message to any snoopers. Watch what you put on social media, having photo after photo of you passed out drunk is unlikely to help, or if you’re worried what someone could see check your privacy settings so nothing can be found.

You can find the company on social media

It works both ways, not only can your potential employer do their research but so can you. Make the most of social media before your interview and really research the company. Familiarise yourself with the type of content the company likes to post and the tone of voice it takes. This should give you a good start in getting a better understanding of what they want from applicants.

Keep up to date with your industry

LinkedIn is a great platform for professional networking and keeping in the know with the latest industry happenings. The more you know and understand the easier it’ll be to impress the person interviewing you.

Join relevant groups on LinkedIn and follow appropriate industry thought leaders – your connections will highlight your enthusiasm for your job and you never know you might find your next job from your new relevant connections.

Find the latest jobs

LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter all have the ability for employers and recruitment companies to post jobs to. Search each social media platform daily for jobs, join groups and Facebook and LinkedIn and search twitter using company hashtags and job titles.

Follow these social media tips and you’ll be one step closer to getting noticed. If you’re looking for your next engineering or construction role connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to see the latest jobs and keep up to date with industry news.

If you would like to speak to one of our expert consultants about your job search then get in touch with us on 01489 774 010.

It’s good news for the multi-billion-pound HS2 rail project. This week has seen the official sign off on contracts to deliver the bridges, tunnels and earthworks for the initial phase of the high-speed railway, which will stretch between London and Birmingham in 2026.

The signing of the contracts took place at the company’s head office in Birmingham, as executives were joined by representatives from SCS, JV, Align JV, CEK JV and Balfour Beatty.

The companies involved will go on to support 16,000 jobs across the UK-wide supply chain, as they deliver what the Government is naming the biggest investment in UK’s transport infrastructure since the first motorways were built.

Welcoming the exciting movement within the project, HS2 Chief Executive Mark Thurston commented:

“HS2 is more than just a railway. The contracts we sign today will provide much needed extra capacity and connectivity between our major cities, but it will also unlock huge opportunities for new jobs, homes and economic development and start to rebalance our economy.”

The contracts are split in to two stages, the initial 16 months will see the contractors working collaboratively with HS2 Ltd on the detailed design before construction begins around 2018/19. Preparatory work has already begun on the project with geological investigation underway across the route, and ecological and archaeological work due to begin soon.

Mark Thurston went on to further comment:

“We are determined to deliver the project to new levels of safety and efficiency, with respect for communities, protection for the environment and value for money at the core of everything we do. The contracts we signed today will support 16,000 jobs and generate thousands of contract opportunities within the wider supply chain, spreading the benefits of this investment across the whole country.”

HS2 is an exciting time for rail professionals, with all these jobs being generated there is certainly going to be a high demand for skilled workers.

If you are looking for your next role head over to our rail jobs to see what we have available. Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our expert rail consultants about your job search, give us a call on 01489 774 010.

The future of Britain’s nuclear energy has raised some concerns due to recent Brexit negotiation uncertainties. The UK nuclear industry has issued warnings to the government and have expressed they must act urgently to ensure a Brexit deal is made to accommodate international atomic power.

Scientists say leaving the Euratom agency that oversees nuclear safety throughout Europe will cause widespread confusion, with the potential to have a devastating impact on Britain’s nuclear industry.

Possible consequences include foreign investment to UK nuclear and power facilities being significantly reduced, leading to thousands of job cuts and Britain losing its place as a world leader in new nuclear technologies.

With work on Hinkley Point C beginning, and set to take UK’s power reputation to a higher level, this would come at the worst possible time.

Concerns have also been sparked that leaving the Euratom agency could make the UK vulnerable to a large claim from EDF, which is already over budget for the Hinkley Point C plans.

MPs from across the House of Commons have urged Theresa May to think carefully about leaving Euratom. However, the PM has repeatedly insisted that the EU agree Britain will have to formally leave the agency as part of Brexit.

One suggestion to ensure the impact is as minimal as possible is for the UK, is to have an “association agreement” with the EU to take over its membership of Europe’s nuclear agency.

Brexit Secretary David Davis has suggested that an “arbitration arrangement” would have to be agreed, explaining that there was “goodwill” for such an arrangement.

The government has said it will push ahead with leaving the body, despite calls for a change of direction.

The impact of Brexit on the nuclear industry is uncertain at the minute, but we must not forget this is still an exciting time for UK nuclear.

As a trusted recruitment supplier for Hinkley Point C we have lots of exciting roles on at the minute. If you are looking for your next role, take a look at our live Hinkley Point C vacancies, or get in touch on 01489 774 010 and speak to one of our expert consultants today.

Crossrail 2 has faced a number of uncertainties, however the future of Crossrail 2 has been given a much-needed boost after transport secretary Chris Grayling and London mayor Sadiq Khan said they have agreed on the next steps for the £31bn rail project.

The Transport Secretary stated that there was “no doubt” London needed new infrastructure to support its growth and retain its status as the UK’s economic powerhouse. Grayling and Khan will now work together to examine ways to improve the affordability of the Crossrail 2 project, ahead of this autumn’s budget.

Fears have recently been expressed that the scheme could be derailed by competing pressures from the North after Crossrail 2 was failed to be mentioned in the Tory’s manifesto and the Queen’s speech. So, Graylings remarks will have come just in time to calm nerves and provide reassurance that the Government hasn’t gone cold on this exciting infrastructure project.

Khan stated:

“Crossrail 2 is essential for the future prosperity of London and the South East, so I’m pleased that the transport secretary and I have reached an agreement to take this vital project forward.

We will continue to work together to ensure the project is value for money and provides the maximum benefits for jobs and growth in the region over the coming decades. I look forward to moving to the next stage of consultation.”

Despite the Transport Secretary backing Crossrail 2, there still remains concerns about how the project will be funded.

Grayling said: “I am a supporter of Crossrail 2 but given its price tag we have to ensure that we get this right.”

It is clear that both Grayling and Khan understand the need for a funding package which works for London and the rest of the country, but also ensuring that the scheme delivers the new capacity that is much needed in the capital.

Chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colin Stanbridge, said: “We very much welcome the support of the secretary of state for Crossrail 2 and it’s vital to note that Crossrail 2 doesn’t just benefit London but the whole country, both during its construction in terms of procurement and skills and of course afterwards in the resulting infrastructure.

“London’s contribution will be more than 50 per cent and we of course stand willing to do all we can to construct an acceptable funding package.”

Crossrail 2 is seen as critical to London’s future rapid growth and will unlock an estimated 200,00 new homes and 200,000 jobs. That is why this joint statement has come at the right time allowing progress to be made and for this project to move forward.

Whether you’re just starting out in your construction career, or have a number of years’ experience, it’s always useful to put some time in to figuring out exactly how you’re going to approach your job search. The construction industry can be exciting and fast paced with many rewarding opportunities, but this can mean it’s also a demanding and competitive field with multiple applicants vying for the same positions.

So, when you’re applying for your next role, here are a few important tips to keep in mind.

Find your interest

The construction industry is wide and varied with a whole range of roles available. Potential applications will need to think clearly which sectors appeal to them. Some candidates may be looking for labouring positions with the view of working up to site foreman over time, others may want to target project or facilities management within the construction industry.

The link between engineering and construction is apparent, with those candidates with relevant engineering qualifications able to look at building services engineering or structural engineering positions. There really is an array of options, so make sure you are picking a career that is right for you.

Tailor your CV

This applies for all job applications, not just within the construction industry. It’s important to remember that one CV does not fit all; each job will require slightly different skills and it’s important to tailor your CV to show this. You won’t need to change everything but by adapting your work experience section to best show off your fit for the role, it will dramatically increase your chances of that all-important interview.

Research

When securing a new role, you want to make sure you are completely happy. Whether you want to work for a small team, or would rather be part of a large company, it is important to find out what you want.

Research your options and who your desired employers are. Company websites and their social media pages are a great way of getting a feel for a company’s culture and values.

Sell yourself

When applying for a job, you really need to show that you are the right person for the role. It’s important for construction job seekers to start communicating this as early as possible in their correspondence with potential employers.

What do you have that makes you stand out from the rest? Employers also like to see skills and traits that fall outside of the typical role responsibilities. Are you confident with public speaking, fluent in another language, have excellent leadership skills? If so, make sure you are communicating this to a potential employer and showing you have that extra something.

If you’re looking for more in-depth career advice, get in touch with one of our expert construction consultants today on 01489 774 010. Alternatively, take a look at the current roles we have available.

Britain pride themselves on the safety of their rail tracks, which is why major players within the rail industry are constantly seeking to improve their services, tracks, stations and trains. Plans have been announced for many railway upgrades that will allow longer, faster and more frequent trains to run, so that the increasing demand for rail services can be met.

So, what are the current rail projects and how will they improve rail services in the UK?

High Speed 2

High Speed Two is set to transform rail connectivity in Britain. HS2 will link London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester; improving transport links and reducing travel times around the UK.

White Hart Lane Station

The station improvement plans have been introduced to support a major regeneration of the area, led by the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Transport for London has awarded the work to Taylor Woodrow who will begin work this Autumn, with the work scheduled to be finished by spring 2019.

The new station is definitely needed and will see lifts installed for the first time, ensuring it is accessible for everyone. The new entrance will provide better connections with the local area, supporting the new homes and jobs being created in Tottenham

Derby Rail

Network Rail has announced a £200m modernization of track and signaling around Derby station, despite concerns that the work could cause widespread travel disruption.

“Derby is a key interchange on the Midland Main Line, and once the upgrade is complete and the bottleneck removed, the region will benefit from a more efficient, reliable and modern network fit to meet the needs of the economies and communities our railway serves.” Explains Rob McIntosh, Network Rail’s London North Eastern and East Midlands Route Managing Director.

Kidderminster Station

Kidderminster station is to undergo a dramatic £4 million redevelopment which will include a new glass-fronted station twice the size of the existing building.

The station, which is on a key commuter route into Birmingham, will receive many new facilities including a new café or shop, toilets and indoor seating and waiting areas.

Waterloo

With work beginning this summer, the £800m redevelopment of Britain’s busiest station will extend platforms 1-4 to accommodate longer trains to Reading.

The redevelopment comes after South West Trains announced the launch of a new fleet of trains, with free Wi-Fi, wider doors and air conditioning.

The work programme will mean eight platforms are out of action during August 2017. However, once complete, Waterloo’s peak time capacity will rise by 30%, says Network Rail.

With so much being invested in to Britain’s railway stations, it is a really exciting time for rail and infrastructure professionals.

We recruit for some of the most exciting rail projects in the UK, so if you’re looking for your next role, take a look at our live positions. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our expert recruitment consultants on 01489 774 010 for a confidential chat.

UK construction activity weakened more than expected last month as uncertainty surrounding the general election result led to businesses postponing big spending decisions, according to a recent survey.

The IHS Markit construction managers’ index (PMI) came in at 54.8 in June, this is down from 56.0 the previous month. June was predicted to have a PMI of 55.0, showing that there is definitely uncertainty surrounding the industry.

A PMI reading of 50 and above indicates growth for the industry and the construction sector has exceeded this level for 10 consecutive months now.

However, June’s data revealed weaker growth momentum across the UK construction sector.

Construction professionals’ expectations for growth during the next 12 months were at their lowest level yet this year, said IHS Markit. It seemed building companies were the least optimistic about their growth prospects, with a number of firms citing delays in decision making amongst clients, partly linked to heightened economic uncertainty.

Tim Moore, senior economist at IHS Markit, said the slowdown reflected “weaker rises in commercial building and civil engineering activity,” whereas residential housebuilding “continued to increase at one of the fastest rates since the end of 2015”.

Sam Tombs at Pantheon Macroeconomics pointed out that the average level of the PMI in the second quarter was consistent on past form, with quarter-on-quarter growth in construction output of about 0.5% in Q2.

“The official measure of output in April, however, was 1.5% below its Q1 average, so unless the data are revised significantly the construction sector likely dragged on GDP growth in Q2.”

He felt the sector was still struggling to regain its pre-referendum momentum. With the PMI remaining above its 12-month average of 51.6m it is a long way below its 59.6 average seen between 2014 and 2015.

He noted the number of construction firms reporting delays in obtaining raw materials had also increased, which suggested supply constraints will affect the pace of growth in future.

Despite the uncertainty the general election has posed on the construction sector, we are busier than ever. Take a look at our current vacancies, or get in touch with one of our expert construction consultants on 01489 774 010.