Press Releases archive
When we have good news, we like to share it with you! Please see below some of our recent press releases. Click on 'read more' to view the full information and feel free to email marketing@rlf.co.uk if you have any further questions.
LatestCLARITY AND CONSISTENCY NEEDED FOR PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION
2 April 2010During the last decade the public sector has invested billions of pounds in brand new buildings featuring the latest technologies and materials, in particular new schools and education facilities.
But this golden period of extensive investment is at an end. Local Authorities are now facing an era in which they have to challenge every investment decision as never before, and where frugality is the new benchmark for financial management.
Local Authorities are not alone. Central Government and, increasingly, The Scottish Government are all being forced to examine the extent of their activities. Inevitably, there will be spending casualties amidst growing calls for the role and extent of government to contract.
Anyone...
Response to an article in Construction News by Steven Barker about energy
Construction News1 March 2010
Response to an article by Steven Barker, Senior Partner, Robison Low Francis
I was reading my copy of this week’s Construction News and they are running a campaign under a banner of “vote for construction”. They include in the article various messages to MPs. Nr 7 talks about energy and I respond as follows:
“I read with interest about your vote for construction campaign and wish you all the luck with it because you are going to need it. Successive Governments of all persuasion have failed to fully recognise the significant contribution construction makes to the economy as a whole and given the forthcoming election and waves of bad news on the public purse I doubt whether anyone...
Steve Henigan comments to Inside Housing regarding care home spending
February 23 2010Watchdog tells councils to reduce care home spending
http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/story.aspx?storycode=6508600
"I read Chloë Stothart’s recent article (‘Watchdog tells councils to reduce care home spending’, Inside Housing, 18 February) with great interest and also want to share my support for providing older people with independent living provisions. However, the Audit Commission’s proposal to spend less than 40 per cent of their older people’s care budget on care homes has the disastrous potential of putting cost cutting ahead of the safety and welfare of older people.
Although there are many be...
Paul Crossley writes for Inside Housing - Are housing’s quangos doing enough for the environment?
19 February 2010Are they up to the task? Are housing’s quangos doing enough for the environment?
Paul Crossley, Sustainability Manager, Robinson Low Francis does not think they are...
While I applaud the Tenant Services Authority and HCA’s commitment to delivering sustainable communities, their efforts are too focused on zero carbon and lack clarity and flexibility.
Legislation can drive improvement in social housing, but must be used carefully. Attaining levels five and six of the code for sustainable homes is disproportionately expensive, largely unworkable and of questionable environmental benefit. In my view targeting level four provides a more realistic balance between a sustainable and maintainable life...
Steve Barker responds to Building regarding article "Construction will be in recession till 2011
04 February 2010I found this report from the Construction Skills Network (CSN) that the construction industry will not emerge from recession until 2011 a depressing read. Sitting back and accepting the current state of affairs is not the solution to pull ourselves out of recession our industry needs to sit up, and with support from the Government, tackle the problem head on.
The current economic climate has triggered a necessary streamlining, both within firms and throughout the industry's disciplines. In my view it is the smarter and leaner businesses practices who will survive the downturn and be in a good position to take advantage of the upswing when it comes. Furthermore, the more forward thinking firms who have taken a proactive approach and consid...
Paul Crossley writes to Inside Housing in response to its article "Green homes will constrain afford
12 January 2010The point made by King Sturge that financial cuts and tight regulations on green housing will restrict the Government’s ability to deliver affordable housing (Inside Housing Online, 11 January) is absolutely on the mark. Everyone is aware that the initial cost of building sustainable housing is high, which has become an even greater financial challenge following Government funding cuts.
However, I believe we must consider the financial implications of doing nothing. As Lord Stern said, the costs of inaction and its future consequences far outweigh the costs of doing something about it now. If we do not tackle this issue it will only result in an increase in costs for the future. For example, Fuel Poverty – households that spend ...
Helenburgh and Clydebank Regeneration Wins
11 January 2010Property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis has won prestigious contracts to provide quantity surveying services for two of Scotland’s largest town centre and waterfront regeneration projects – Helensburgh CHORD and the upgrading of the south bank of the Forth & Clyde Canal in Clydebank town centre.
The Helensburgh CHORD project (Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon) is being undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council and aims to assist the regeneration and economic development of five of Argyll and Bute’s key waterfront towns. The Forth and Clyde Canal upgrading project is being undertaken by Clydebank re-built on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council.
The appointments seal a su...
Project Managers: Integrating sustainability and technology
Nigel Rippon, Associate Partner Robinson Low Francis writes for Green Build News
Sustainability is now an integral part of the construction industry. It has become increasingly important to incorporate environmental considerations throughout the design process when planning for the end-use of a new build or refurbishment project. It’s clear that while environmentally-friendly materials and technology might previously have been a novel, optional extra, they are now vital components. It is essential that project managers (PM) consider technology to ensure that sustainability is at the core of a construction project. From the outset, the project’s sustainability objectives must be clearly understood by all stakeholders involved.
With this ...
Robinson Low Francis announces two promotions
03 December 2009Property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis (RLF) today announces two promotions to further strengthen its project management and health and safety divisions.
Nigel Rippon extends his role as regional associate partner for Brighton to take on the additional responsibility as head of the project management division. The creation of this new role marks RLF’s commitment to further developing its project management expertise across the business. In his new position Nigel will be responsible for growing the division and implementing improved work practices.
Former senior consultant Dominic Searle has been appointed as regional head of health and safety for London and the south and has also been promoted to an...
Steve Barker responds to Building magazine article concerning low carbon
Chief construction adviser Paul Morrell said: “Meeting the Low Carbon Challenge is one of the biggest issues facing Britain’s construction industry."Paul Morrell is right to have as his first initiative a low carbon challenge however if this is to be successful it must be a true partnership between private and public purses. To date we have heard an enormous amount of talk from the Government but precious little action in terms of diverting money to combat the issue and this must change. The problem is that in a run up to an election I am not sure Labour will see this as a big vote winner and Mandleson will just continue with rhetoric rather than action!
I also agree with the five workstreams BUT they must be prioritized and the area of b...
Steve Henigan is appointed to the committee of YEP
24th November 2009Steve Henigan, head of management consultancy at Robinson Low Francis, has been appointed onto the committee of the Young Entrepreneurs in Property Forum (YEP).
With over 1200 members, YEP provides a dynamic and exciting forum for young rising stars from a broad spectrum of the property industry to network, learn and exchange ideas. Following a competitive selection process, Steve, along with two other representatives, joins the committee of 12 people committed to improving the property world for young people.
Steve Henigan said: “I am honoured to have been chosen to join the committee and I look forward to becoming involved in future events and activities. I believe YEP is an essential support network - esp...
Steve Barker responds to Building magazine article on Government plans to unveil energy policy
Britain’s energy infrastructure is long overdue for a massive overhaul and indeed has been in this position for at least a decade now. The lights really will go off if we do not grasp the nettle now. The current planning system is a barrier to progress and the Government is right to tackle it head on.By their very nature the long term power station projects we are talking about take a long time from inception to completion and our energy security together with the need to move forward on the transition to low carbon (including capture and storage) and clean coal stations is of paramount importance
As well as planning for the new it is absolutely critical that our existing infrastructure is redesigned or retrofitted for the ever changing environmenta...
Steve Barker writes to Building magazine about the current fee competition situation
9 November 2009Clive Sayers’ point that low bids are giving the QS industry a bad name is absolutely on the mark (Building Online, 28 October) – and if we’re not careful, what we’ll see eventually is death by a thousand cuts.
While clients have the absolute right to ensure they receive value for money from their consultants, I have always held the view that fee competition without other checks and balances is an advanced form of lunacy.
I can assure clients that the current dash for work by some firms and acceptance by certain clients is a slippery slope that will almost certainly end in tears, and in a fresh round of consultant bashing because of falling standards and poorly managed projects leading to unhappy clien...
Robinson Low Francis Enters Energy Sector
6 October 2009Construction and property firm Robinson Low Francis is today announcing a move into the energy sector, with the launch of Genassist International.
Led by partner Derek Burt, the team joins Robinson Low Francis from WYG Engineering and brings more than 30 years’ experience across global energy sector. Working with some of the industry’s leading names, such as Eon and RWE, it specialises in providing services including disaster recovery, technical audits and the design of power station structures.
“Broadening our expertise into the energy sector has always been part of our long term business strategy, so when we saw the opportunity to work with the well-established team from WYG, it made sense to bring forward...
Women in Property sailing team a force to be reckoned with
15 Sept 2009The Association of Women in Property (WiP) joined forces with the British Army’s military construction specialists the Royal Engineers for this year’s Little Britain Challenge Cup 10th – 13th September, when Lance Corporal Nathan Fulcher of 22 Engineer Regiment skippered an all female crew.
This was the sixth consecutive campaign for the WiP team which successfully defended the PRC Fewster Cup for 50% Female crew, winning it for the 3rd year in succession; the team also finished joint 10th in Cruising class and in the top 50 overall out of 125 yachts.
In addition, WiP were also the third highest placed Alliance team and had the honour of winning a magnum of champagne for their costumes at the 70’s...
Landmark Housing Development Launches in Hatfield
12 June 2009A new mixed-use housing development – The Forum – has opened in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, at the original site of the Forum Theatre on Lemsford Road. The value of the project is approximately £9 million.
Property and construction consultant Robinson Low Francis (RLF) project managed the development. This included costing all the financial elements of the project, building surveying and handling construction design & management (CDM) coordination.
The Forum fulfils the social housing requirements for the regeneration of Hatfield Town Centre. As a housing site it provides 84 mixed tenure units, which comprises social rented, key-worker rented and shared ownership for residents as part of the Metropolitan Housi...
Brighton PA Promoted to Assistant Project Manager
11th May 2009Former PA Claire Price has been promoted to assistant project manager at the Brighton office of construction and property consultancy Robinson Low Francis.
Claire joined Robinson Low Francis in 2007 as PA to the firm's partners. Now, thanks to the enthusiasm and interest she has shown in the industry, and her natural aptitude for project management, she has been invited to train on-the-job.
Claire has already started working on a number of schemes, with responsibility for furniture, fixtures and equipment on two significant local school developments for East Sussex County Council; and as assistant project manager for Steyning Grammar School's new accommodation facilities.
“This new role will be a s...
Tideway School reopens following rebuild
3rd April 2009Completion was reached last month on the reconstruction of the fire-damaged Tideway secondary school in Newhaven, East Sussex, allowing the school to reopen. The development was project managed by the Brighton office of national consultancy Robinson Low Francis and built by regional contractor Kier Longley.
Following an arson attack in 2005, the project began on-site in 2007, to a value of almost £11m. Robinson Low Francis was appointed during the pre-construction stage to manage the development which required a major rebuild of the school with adjoining parts of the existing school needing refurbishment. At the start of the build a temporary mobile village was installed to provide significant decanting space for the pupils, a...
Rebuild of Atherstone fruit and vegetable warehouse
9th March 2009Robinson Low Francis, property and construction consultant has been appointed as quantity surveyor on the rebuild of Atherstone Warehouse, near Stratford-upon-Avon.
The warehouse is owned by Wealmoor Atherstone Limited, one of the UK's largest importers and distributers of fruit and vegetables. It is believed to have been hit by an arson attack in November 2007 in which four firemen were tragically killed.
The warehouse is built on an old air field site, occupying an area of approximately 9,000m2. The building is comprised of a 1930's air craft hanger and a more modern warehouse, both of which were damaged by the fire.
Rebuilding began in January this year and is due for completion in September 2009. The...
Industry Heads are in the Sand when it comes to EPCs
26 February 2008
With only two months until Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) become mandatory, a survey conducted by property and construction specialist RLF has revealed that the industry doesn’t have all the information it needs to comply.
RLF asked a sample of more than 2,500 clients how they would respond to the deadline and the results were split: one third would ignore the deadline and risk being fined, one third would organise an EPC in time, and the remaining third were unsure how to act.
From 6th April 2008, an EPC will be required on construction for all dwellings and also for the construction, sale or rent of any other non-residential building with a floor area in excess of 10,...
Largest ever new build scheme in the North York Moors National Park reaches completion
30th January 2009
Final completion was announced today on a £3million day care centre and supported housing scheme in Esk Valley, on the North York Moors.
The Esk Moors scheme will provide 12 self-contained flats and a substantial day care centre with extensive recreational, health & welfare and catering services for older people from the surrounding rural area; a remote location previously lacking in social housing or community facilities.
The scheme, developed by Abbeyfield UK, took many years of fundraising and campaigning for support, but took just 10 months to build on site. Designed by Burns Architects, the build was project managed by Robinson Low Francis, which also provided quantity surveying services. The ...
Stevenage Business and Technology Centre (BTC)
12 January 2009Completion has been announced today on the £6.3m extension of the Stevenage Business and Technology Centre (BTC), a state of the art facility aimed at small businesses in the Stevenage area.
The 27,000 square foot centre, funded jointly by Stevenage Borough Council, the East of England Development Agency and Department for Communities and Local Government, will provide Stevenage small businesses with flexible and expandable office space, conference and break out rooms.
The centre also boasts a large, modern Café and meeting area with a Reception and Centre Management Suite. All rooms are catered with AC, AV and modern IT cabling allowing users to network both internally and externally.
The BTC ext...
Multiple Public Sector Wins for Robinson Low Francis in Scotland
6th January 2009
Robinson Low Francis’s Scottish practice has recently been appointed by six of Scotland’s public sector organisations to provide a range of construction and property-related services after winning a series of competitive tenders.
Three local authorities have chosen Robinson Low Francis to provide quantity surveying and cost consultancy services under a Framework Agreement: Aberdeeenshire Council, Glasgow City Council and The Moray Council, while the Shetland Islands Council has appointed the practice as their project managers for the new Anderson High School in Lerwick.
Robinson Low Francis’s success has not been confined to local authority projects as the practice has also been appointed by...
Time for project management to look to the past
3rd January 2009
The economic uncertainty faced by the UK construction industry means it is time to consider moving away from the Design and Build method of procurement and use the more traditional Bill of Quantities method on projects, according to quantity surveyors at Robinson Low Francis (RLF).
In recent years, during what has been a prosperous time in the construction industry, clients shunned BoQ and began using D&B,” said David Meghen, associate partner at RLF. “This was because D&B allowed them to gain planning permission and begin a project’s build phase quickly. And, if used properly on simple projects or those with a tight timescale, D&B can still be a good option.
However, when...
RLF EXPANDS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
25th November 2008Property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis (RLF) has expanded its senior team in Manchester with the appointment of David Evans as project director, Harry Steven as head of building surveying, and Julie Smith as senior quantity surveyor.
As project director David will be responsible for leading and driving business into the firm’s project management division. With 30 years experience, his background includes securing a project management role in restoration of Grade 1 Listed Buxton Crescent.
Harry joins RLF with 18 years’ experience managing a multi-disciplinary construction and property consultancy. At RLF, Harry will help strengthen and further develop the business, focusing on all sec...
TOP CITY WOMEN SCOOP PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
30th October 2008
Today, eight of London’s top business women have won their category for the prestigious Women in the City Awards. The eight finalists will go on to compete for the overall Jaguar 2008 Woman of Achievement Award, which will be presented on Friday, 28th November at the 6th Annual Women in the City Lunch held at Plaisterers’ Hall, London.
The annual Awards recognise excellence and celebrate the achievements of senior and partner-level professionals working in the City of London, Canary Wharf, and Mayfair. Gwen Rhys, Chief Executive of Networking Culture and creator of the Women in the City Awards, said;
Despite the credit crunch London remains one of the most competitive financial market...
RLF Promotes Building Surveyor
30th October 2008
Building surveyor Sally Goulder has been promoted to associate at the London office of property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis.
Sally first joined the practice six years ago while on placement for her degree. She returned in 2004 after graduating from Kingston University, becoming a chartered surveyor in 2007.
During her time with the firm Sally has worked across a range of projects coordinated out of its London, Brighton and Stevenage offices, including many party wall appointments. She is also part of the firm's APC Steering Group and is an APC Supervisor for three of her colleagues.
“Becoming a surveyor was a complete change from my previous career i...
RLF APPOINTS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
30th October 2008
Leading property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis (RLF) has appointed Ellie Hopley to the role of business development manager.
The creation of this new role follows the firm’s recent acquisition of a project management division. Ellie’s remit will include helping the team, which operates from seven regional offices around the UK, to work together to clarify targets for the future. She will also develop a plan to help make RLF recession-proof.
For eight years Ellie worked as business development manager for Whitbybird (now Ramboll Whitbybird) where she strengthened the marketing and business strategy to drive business into new markets. Ellie helped set up and develop the company&...
SOUTHERN FM DRAGON BOAT RACE
30th October 2008
The team from Robinson Low Francis (RLF) in Brighton is celebrating after coming sixth in Southern FM’s Dragon Boat Race, and raising £1848 for the event’s nominated charities - Rocking horse and Help a Local Child. 20 teams took part in the race, which was held at Brighton Marina on Sunday.
Richard Apps, partner at RLF Brighton, said: “This is the first year that we’ve taken part in the Dragon Boat Race and everyone had a fantastic day. As a business we work on many projects in the local community, so it is really rewarding to also be involved in community events like this one.”
RLF ANNIVERSARY HELPS RED BALLOON APPEAL
1st October 2008
Professionals from Birmingham’s property sector have raised more than £1,200 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Red Balloon Appeal.
The money was raised during a special drinks reception to celebrate property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis’s (RLF) 50th anniversary in the city.
The event was attended by over 100 property professionals and took place at the University of Birmingham’s impressive Great Hall, a building on which RLF were part of a team that undertook its refurbishment in 2000.
Commenting on the fundraising total, Dave Harris, Managing Partner of the Birmingham Office, said: “I am delighted we were able to use the occasion...
Approval Won for New Hospice
25th July 2008
Planning has been approved for the £13.5m redevelopment of St Barnabas House hospice on a site of archaeological importance in Worthing. Property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis (RLF) will project manage the scheme, with engineering and environmental consultant Gifford providing archaeological advice, and civil, structural and environmental engineering services.
The hospice will be situated half a mile from its current site. Trial investigations on the site have revealed Neolithic, Bronze Age and Roman remains, which will be excavated by archaeologists before building work begins in early 2009. The hospice is due for completion in 2010.
The new hospice will have 20 beds,...
More Care Needed when Appointing Commercial Energy Assessor Warns RLF
22nd July 2008
When appointing a commercial energy assessor to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), it is essential to ensure a site survey will be carried out, otherwise there is a risk the EPC will be incorrect. This is according to property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis (RLF).
RLF’s commercial energy assessor, Robert Corbyn, has found that some energy assessors are providing EPCs without carrying out a site survey. The resultant EPC may not be an accurate, true reflectionof the building’s energy performance because it will likely have been calculated using default figures, which are based on worse-case values. This could have a significant impact on the industry – a bad EPC may make...
RICS Issues Auditing Guidance
22nd July 2008
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a guidance note to provide advice to surveyors carrying out procedural compliance audits for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).
The Guidance was drafted by a working party including Mark Newberry, partner at Robinson Low Francis (RLF) and a specialist in social housing. It follows the decision by the Housing Corporation to allow any suitably experienced RICS qualified surveyor to provide independent auditor services to RSLs receiving a Social Housing Grant. Previously this function was restricted to accountants.
Mark said: “Allowing surveyors to conduct the audit should have a really positive impact on Housing Associations – RICS memb...
Warning for EPC Compliance
18th July 2008
Developers and owners of all commercial properties have just two months to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if they wish to construct, sell or rent a property, according to advisors at the Birmingham office of national property and construction consultancy RLF.
The warning comes after formal transitional arrangements came into effect for properties over 10,000m² on 6 April 2008 and properties over 2,500m² on 1 July. These required all new properties placed on the market to have an EPC in place before the property is advertised or viewings arranged. This requirement will be extended to cover all commercial properties, whatever their size, from 1 October.
Kevin Campbell, partner at R...
Commercial property – Refurbishments and conversions
4th July 2008
Comment from Kevin campbell, partner at property and construction firm RLF in Birmingham
“The last 12 months have seen a significant amount of new office space created in and around the West Midlands, with flagship developments such as Colmore Plaza, Building 11 at BrindleyPlace and the current Snow Hill development providing a real showcase for the city.
“However, while these new buildings are very welcome, we have also recently seen a significant upturn in the number of refurbishment projects we are being asked to get involved with.
“Refurbishment and conversion is often a more cost-effective solution for building owners and investors than redeveloping and building new prem...
RLF Takes Up The Challenge
July 2008
Carol Bell, senior project manager at Robinson Low Francis (RLF), will be leading the all-female crew from the Association of Women in Property at this year’s Little Britain Challenge Cup.
In its fifth consecutive campaign the team is planning to emulate its success in the 2007 event, when it finished 17th overall, 3rd in IRC Class 8 and carried off the Welsh Water Alliance Trophy and the PRC Fewster Cup for 50% female crews. 2008 marks the event’s 21st birthday, an anniversary that it shares with Women in Property.
Carol will be heading a multi-disciplinary team from backgrounds in contracting, architecture, consulting and construction law. Carol’s own background in project management has b...
BUSINESS COMMUNITY MUST TRUST IN SCOTLAND’S FUTURE
23rd June 2008
If Scotland’s business community does not embrace and promote the new Scottish Futures Trust, it will undermine the public infrastructure investment market, resulting in delay and cancellation of billions of pounds of much-needed new infrastructure, a leading public procurement specialist has warned.
The warning by Dr Alister Coutts, Head of Public Sector with property and construction consultants RLF, comes just over a month after the Scottish Government unveiled details of the new Scottish Futures Trust funding model.
The radical new model has been developed as an alternative to the much-maligned Private Finance Initiative and seeks to save up to £150m per year through more efficient borrowing processes. ...
RLF Boosts PM Service with Acquisition of Trett Manly
18 June 2008
Robinson Low Francis (RLF), a leading property and construction consultancy has acquired Trett Manly’s project management team.
The team of seven joining RLF includes Ralph Dando, currently managing director at Trett Manly, who will become a partner and will focus on driving the Division forward on both the UK and International fronts. Mel Parkes, RLF’s recently appointed head of project management, will oversee the enlarged team of more than 30 people and will focus on service delivery.
RLF has over 100 years’ experience in the property and construction industry and handles major client projects across the public and private sectors. Traditionally a specialist in quantity surveying and commercia...
Melanie Griffin Promoted to Associate at RLF Brighton
16th June 2008
Project manager Melanie Griffin has been promoted to associate at the Brighton office of property and construction consultancy Robinson Low Francis (RLF).
Melanie’s current work at RLF spans a wide range of projects including the development of the Brighton and Hove Albion FC stadium at Falmer, and the regeneration of three local schools, with East Sussex County Council. She also played a significant part in helping RLF to win a position on the English Partnership Framework.
Melanie joined the firm in October 2007 as senior project manager, following previous roles as regeneration services manager for Ove Arup, EC Harris and Broadway Malyan. Melanie trained as an urban regional planner and town planner.
Richar...
RLF WELCOMES NEW PARTNER
10th June 2008
The Birmingham office of RLF, a national property and construction consultancy, has promoted David Worthington to partner.
David has significant expertise in both pre-contract / cost planning and contractor support services. As part of his new role, he will be responsible for project resourcing within the Birmingham Office.
On his promotion, David commented: “I’m really looking forward to sinking my teeth into my new role as partner. As we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of RLF in Birmingham this year, I’m eager to build on our past successes and ensure the company continues playing an active role in shaping the city over the next 50 years.”
Having gained a degree ...
challenges facing further and higher education institutions in changing educational times
14 April 2008
Paul Anderson, partner at the Birmingham office of national property and construction consultancy RLF, provides an insight into the challenges facing further and higher education institutions in changing educational times
“When we talk about education, we normally understand it to mean the skills and expertise that students develop in an academic or vocational environment before entering the world of work.
“However, as our understanding of various subjects develops, technology changes and the content of courses evolves to meet the challenges of an ever-changing work place. It has never been more important therefore to ensure that the facilities we provide for ...
RLF APPOINTS NEW ASSOCIATE
28 March 2008
The Birmingham office of national property and construction consultancy RLF has promoted Sue Nutt to associate.
Sue joined the company straight from school, studying for a degree in quantity surveying at the University of Central England (now Birmingham City University) part time while working four days a week at the firm. She achieved chartered status in 2004.
During her time at RLF, Sue has worked across a variety of sectors, including retail, leisure and education. She recently developed a new training programme taking new recruits from their first experiences of the industry through to achieving chartered status, and is currently key account manager for the firm’s framework with Barclays Bank.
Commen...
Future’s bright for Muirhead Tower
17th March 2008
The Birmingham office of RLF property and construction consultants has been appointed for the provision of both quantity surveying and CDM
co-ordinator services for the restoration and refurbishment of one of the University of Birmingham’s most prominent landmark buildings.
Muirhead Tower, which was designed by award-winning architect Sir Philip Dowson in 1968 and completed in 1971, will be given a sympathetic 21st century face lift and become home to the University’s Schools of Social Sciences and Humanities by the end of the year.
The 16-storey building comprises over 14,000 square metres of floor space in two towers built upon a podium base.
RLF secure Abbeyfield UK appointment
5th March 2008
RLF Manchester has secured a new appointment which will see them delivering Design and Build services in the highly protected North Yorkshire Moors’ National Park.
Abbeyfield UK, one of the largest providers of housing support and care for older people in the UK, in conjunction with the Housing Corporation, North Yorkshire County Council and Scarborough Borough Council has instructed RLF as Employers Representative, Quantity Surveyor and CDM Co-ordinator. The £3.6M project will see the creation of 12 self contained flats that provide assisted living facilities in addition to health, leisure and educational facilities that will also be made available to the wider community of the Esk...
ROOM FOR GROWTH IN RLF’s NEW EDINBURGH OFFICE
29 February 08
Fast-growing property and construction consultancy RLF is relocating on Monday (3rd March) to new, larger Edinburgh offices that will support RLF’s further expansion in the capital.
The investment in new offices in Torpichen Street has been prompted by increasing demand for RLF’s integrated surveying, cost consulting and project management services. To mark the move, RLF also announced a recruitment drive for additional professional and support staff across its Scottish business.
RLF’s recently-appointed head of Public Sector, Dr Alister Coutts, will also be based in the new premises, from where he will lead RLF’s specialist services to local a...
Chartered success for Gurbinder
12 February 2008
The Birmingham office of national property and construction consultancy RLF is celebrating the success of its recent recruit, project manager Gurbinder Sandhu. Gurbinder has been awarded chartered membership of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
To become a chartered member of the RICS requires a RICS accredited degree or diploma followed by an Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Jules Cook, national training manager at RLF, said: “The APC is a very challenging final stage of the RICS qualification route. It takes 24 months of externally-assessed work that includes completing a minimum number of training hours and meeting competencies across a broad ran...
RLF APPOINTED TO LSC FRAMEWORK PANEL
8 February 2008
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has appointed leading property and construction consultancy RLF to provide quantity surveying services for all three English regions on its £1.6 billion consultants’ framework.
Either six or seven consultants have been appointed in each of the three LSC regions – the Midlands, South and North – with RLF being one of just three consultants appointed to cover all regions.
Tenders for the four-year framework were invited in July 2007 following a thorough prequalification assessment process, which began with the issue of an OJEU notice in May 2007.
The RLF submission to provide quantity surveying services was led by Paul Anderson, partner at RLF i...
HARTLEPOOL WIN FOR BIRMINGHAM FIRM
February 2008
Birmingham property and construction consultancy RLF has been appointed to provide quantity surveying services for the £24m redevelopment of Hartlepool Sixth Form College.
Commenting on the project, Paul Anderson, partner at RLF in Birmingham, said: “It is a particularly interesting project as it includes the refurbishment of a 16th century building known as the Merchant’s House. This will be retained as the centerpiece of the new development, housing the new learning resources centre and a range of support services.
“The project also includes two new buildings: a county-standard sports hall at the rear of the Merchant’s House; and a new, two-storey c...
CARLISLE COLLEGE WIN FOR BIRMINGHAM FIRM
February 2008
Birmingham property and construction consultancy RLF has been appointed to provide construction, design and management (CDM) Co-ordinator services for the ?20m refurbishment of Carlisle College in Cumbria.
The revamp is the next phase of an ongoing modernisation programme that began in 2005.
Commenting on the project, David Pratt, Associate Partner and Head of Health & Safety at RLF said: “The refurbishment involves the replacement of several 1950’s and 1960’s concrete structures with buildings that are suitable for learning in the 21st century.
“It is envisaged that Carlisle College will form an integral part of a new l...
Midlands office market comment
31 January 2008
by Kevin Campbell, partner at property and construction firm RLF in Birmingham
On Birmingham’s commercial property market
“The last 12 months have seen a significant amount of new office space created in and around the West Midlands. While, historically, there has been a lack of Grade A office space in the region to attract the major corporate inward investors, this is no-longer the case with developments such as Colmore Plaza, Building 11 at Brindley Place and the current Snow Hill development providing a real showcase for the city and providing upwards of 750,000 sq ft of new Grade A space.
“However, while much of the publicity ...
RLF appointed advisers to £50m redevelopment project at City College Brighton and Hove
17 August 2007
Leading construction and property consultancy RLF has been selected to advise on the redevelopment of the various sites at City College Brighton and Hove.
The appointment was won after a competitive tender, and RLF was chosen as project manager, quantity surveyor and health and safety co-ordinator.
The £50 million project aims to enable the Further Education College to meet the needs of the 21st century, and is described by the college as “one of the most exciting architectural proposals in the education sector that the city has seen in recent years”.
The RLF team is led by Peter Scragg based at the firm’s office in Brighton. A submission for the project’s fund...
RLF expands Health & Safety services in North West with appointment of specialist
28 June 2007
Leading construction and property consultancy RLF is delighted to announce that health and safety practitioner Stuart Shirreff has joined the firm in Manchester.
The appointment comes as the construction industry adapts to meet the needs of the far-reaching Construction Design & Management Regulations 2007 (CDM) which came into force in April. The regulations, enforced by the Health and Safety Commission, put new health and safety legal obligations on almost everyone involved in the construction industry, from clients and designers to contractors and workers.
RLF has a leading Health and Safety team of specialists across the country, and Stuart’s appointment to the firm’s M...