Wilson’s Corner hitting the spot for City office occupiers with three new tenants

Aver, the joint venture between NFU Mutual and Ergo Real Estate has reported three new lettings at Wilson’s Corner, 23 Wilson Street EC2, which has recently been extensively refurbished.

Aver purchased the 6 storey 13,000 sq ft office building in 2021 and after a complete stripout, refurbished each floor and basement level to a CAT A standard with a show suite fully fitted on the 4th floor and with the exciting addition of a roof terrace at the 7th floor.

The three companies taking space at Wilson’s Corner include; The Liberian Registery (LISCR) on the first floor, the innovative fleet insurance company Flock Cover on the second and pioneering software company, Fincore, on the third. Ergo is also occupying the fifth floor, which takes the total space let to 8,000 sq ft which represents 60% of the building. Compton and Knight Frank are letting agents for Wilson’s Corner acting on behalf of Aver.

Sustainability is at the heart of this £3 million office refresh improving on the building’s original  EPC rating of G to EPC B. Sustainable materials have been chosen where appropriate within the building whilst a brand new, fully electric M+E system boosts the building’s environmental credentials.

Martin Jepson, Founding Partner,  Ergo RE comments:

“Wilson’s Corner delivers top quality office accommodation, with an amenity offering that far exceeds what might be expected from a building of this size. Its success so far illustrates the demand for exemplary space in the right location, with elevated facilties and comfort.  As a further endorsement we are delighted to be taking occupation of the fifth floor and making it Ergo’s new base in London.”

Wilsons Corner benefits from a  new fully accessible rooftop terrace with panoramic City vistas  where contemporary furniture allows for meeting areas and relaxation space to create an oasis of calm for all tenants to enjoy.

Wilsons Corner also has a new welcoming reception area, a new lift serving all floors and end of journey facilities for cyclists with a  new bike store, changing area, lockers, drying cupboards and shower facilities.

Emily Woods, from Fincore commented on the move:

“Our move to Wilson's Corner has been positive from the start thanks to the help and transparency of Ergo creating as smooth a transition as possible, from our old home to our new one at Wilson's Corner. Working alongside the fit-out team referred to us from Ergo, the collaboration with them made creating the office we envisioned that much easier. Our staff now have a warm and collaborative office to work from which has led to us seeing an increase in attendance and office morale.  Ergo have been a pleasure to work with so far and we look forward to growing our relationship with them over the years to come.”

Helen Ogilvie, from Flock also had this to say:

“We selected Wilson’s Corner as the next stage for Flock's growth because of its prime location in the City, surrounded by excellent amenities and within walking distance of many of our insurance stakeholders. Additionally, we were impressed by the building's high-quality specifications, fantastic roof terrace, and abundant natural light.”

To find out more, please visit: www.ergo-re.com

Can commercial buildings shift from Carbon Conundrum to Carbon Control?

A white paper challenging the building sector to consider what is really impeding the move to greater carbon control will be launched in London today by Artus. The heating and cooling experts have produced  “From carbon conundrum to carbon control – how will the building sector get to net zero?” to amplify the debate on whole-life carbon, design and the industry’s ability to move forward together to find solutions. 

The paper was developed through contributions from leading sustainability experts across the UK,  with a recognition that many issues facing the sector have never been more urgent. The Artus model has been founded on sustainability principles with an ambition to bring positive, realistic, disruption to the heating and cooling market as part of the overall design and operational mix in the built environment.

Demands on the building sector have never been higher:  legislation, regulation and environmental responsibility with increased urgency over net zero are creating unprecedented pressure. At the other end of the value chain investors and occupiers are demanding demonstrable results on whole-life carbon emissions, better environments in which to work and proven ESG credentials. This is all against a backdrop of constrained costs, need for improved solutions, and more comprehensive and clearer carbon measurement.

Roger Olsen, Chief Technical Officer and Inventor of Artus comments:

“Last year was the hottest since records began, only just below the target 1.5 degree rise. The time to act is now. A building services design typically lasts 20 to 25 years. We only have 26 years left till 2050. Everything we do right now, both new build and refurbishment, must target net zero. LETI and many others have set the strategy. Artus is undoubtedly part of the solution.”

The panel at the event comprises leading voices from the built environment sector:

• Danny Hall, Head of Engineering at The Crown Estate

• Chris Twinn, Principal of Twin Sustainability Innovation

• Mike Edwards, Director, Arup

• Marie-Louise Schembri, Head of Sustainability and  Design Director, Hilson Moran

• Alia Hashem, Senior FM & Projects & Mobilisation Lead, Derwent London

Oxygen appoints its first Head of ESG

Oxygen has appointed Amber Luscombe as Head of ESG, to ensure that environment, social issues and corporate governance are the focus of its strategy and the portfolio of properties within the business.

Amber Luscombe, Head of ESG at Oxygen, said:

“I’m really excited to take on this role within Oxygen, building on the fantastic work that we have been implementing across the portfolio. There is no doubt that strong ESG targets add value and future-proof buildings, it is now about how we deliver and realise these aspirations; this will be a key turning point for the industry. At Oxygen we are already well under way in implementing and delivering those targets in construction, and in this role I look forward to driving this further.”

Aston Woodward, Founder of Oxygen, said:

“Oxygen has worked hard to deliver the highest level of ESG credentials in respect of both our buildings that we manage and as a company. We are becoming class leading in this regard and to support this have appointed Amber to head this up to ensure we continue that focus and always strive to do more.”

To find out more, please visit: www.oxygenam.com

£1.7m refurbishment project to provide 'Construction Centre of Excellence’ in County Durham

New College Durham’s Promotion House is being transformed into a new learning space by Esh Construction.

Esh Construction has commenced work to transform an existing factory unit into a Construction Centre of Excellence in Langley Moor.

Working in partnership with New College Durham, the £1.7 million project will see a change of use refurbishment delivered to create a specialised teaching facility for trade subjects. The building will be remodelled to create a space that includes teaching rooms, breakout areas, changing facilities and a practice area for teaching.

Grant Watson, Construction Manager for Esh’s commercial build division, said: “We pride ourselves on building strong working relationships with our clients and we are delighted to secure a second project with New College Durham. We look forward to delivering another high-quality teaching facility that will inspire young people up to adult learners to consider a career in the construction industry.”

Based on Littleburn Industrial Estate, a newly engineered joisted floor will create a mezzanine area to house mechanical plant. The existing building fabric will be stripped back to reveal the existing portal frame before being reclad with new Kingspan composite cladding while internally partitions will be created to form classrooms, breakout spaces and a workshop.

The Promotion House scheme follows Esh’s successful completion of New College Durham’s collaborative and integrated learning space, T.H.E Hub (Technical and Higher Education Hub) in September 2023. The £8.9 million state-of-the-art education facility is based at the college’s Framwellgate Moor site and features 23 new teaching spaces, including an immersive suite, early years foundation nursery and multiple sector-specific arenas.

New College Durham envisages the newly refurbished building to function as a Construction Centre of Excellence from September 2024. It will be used initially for the brick curriculum, but will also house building maintenance and painting and decorating lessons at a later date.

Andy Broadbent, Principal and CEO of New College Durham, commented: “We are delighted to be working on this exciting new project with Esh. We’re excited to be able to provide another new fantastic teaching space for our students, which will be available from September. It’s really important to us at NCD that the projects we undertake contribute significant social value, and working with Esh for this new initiative means not only do we provide the best learning environments possible but also provide additional value to the community at the same time”.

Esh’s social value team will support the project by delivering a raft of initiatives, including employability and careers sessions aimed to inspire young people to consider a career in construction, offering apprentice training weeks and creating employment opportunities for local residents.

Workspace Design Show 2024 another resounding success

The Workspace Design Show 2024, held at the Business Design Centre from February 27th to 28th, yet again gathered widespread acclaim.

Now a firmly established part of the global workplace event calendar, Workspace Design Show made a triumphant return to London at the end of February with a record number of visitors, breathtaking features and an events programme across the two days that really packed a punch.

Over 4,500 workplace professionals from over 40 countries around the world congregated at the Business Design Centre between 27-28 February, taking in the latest trends in office specification from furniture, lighting, flooring and more, totalling over 500 different products.

Given the exceptional lineup of speakers, it came as no surprise that the talks were immensely popular. The beautiful stage, designed by Gensler, was packed out from start to finish, buzzing with architects, designers and workplace professionals, eager to hear from industry leaders.

Day one in the Workspace Design Talks kicked off with an insightful talk on ‘Insights and perspectives on the convergent future of workplace’ with panellists Yasmin Al-Ani Spence, Director, WilkinsonEyre, Ewan Jones, Partner, Grimshaw and Nicola Gillen, Head of Total Workplace EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield. Other key workplace leaders sharing their insights on workplace strategy, design & culture across the two days were Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR Sheppard Robson, Alan Bainbridge, Director of Workplace BBC, Sarah-Jane Osbourne, Head of Workplace UK and Europe, Avison Young, Linzi Cassels, Principal Design Director, Perkins&Will, Laurie Goodman, Strategy Director, IA Interior Architects, Neil Usher, VP Places, Sage, Naomi Sakamoto, Principal Studio Director, Gensler, Mary-Louise Gray, VP Workplace, Real Estate & Facilities, GSK.

Sustainability Works, curated by Mick Jordan, Editor of Works magazine, returned for 2024 and did not disappoint. Once again, the talks brought together a selection of key figures from firms such as Perkins&Will, Scott Brownrigg, BDG architecture and design, M Moser Associates, BDP and Resonate Interiors who are behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives and projects.

Pernille Bonser, CEO of Resonate Interiors said, "Workspace Design Show is not only the perfect place for discovering new products, but also brings designers and architects together. It’s about meeting and connecting with friends in the same community, these shared conversations are so important "

The Occupiers Forum, provided unique insights from occupiers such as BT Group, HSBC, Clifford Chance, Booking.com, Visa, Salesforce, HMRC, and Barclays into what employers are doing to create an engaging workplace experience. The FIS Conference explored productivity, quality, compliance and sustainability issues in the fit-out sector.

Mario Vieira, Scott Brownrigg, Head of Sustainability, commented, “The Workspace Design Show showcases all the upcoming innovative products and trends. In my role and practice, I aim to assist our teams by giving advice, this show allow us to gauge a much stronger understanding of the market, making that a lot easier.”

2024 had a vast array of spectacular features, inspired by the overarching show theme ‘Bloom – Exploring the Thriving Ecosystem of Work Life’. Captivating stages included the Design Talks Lounge by Gensler and the Insights Lounge by BDP, and other features included the immersive Entrance by tp bennett, a Living Workplace lighting installation by Jason Bruges Studio, the Mood Board Contest by MF Design Studio, and the calming Recharge Lounge by M Moser Associates. The show’s stunning exhibition floor hosted exhibitors from over 20 countries, and it was wonderful to see some of the stunning stand designs showcasing the products. The best stand design competition was won by Spain’s Kettal and the UK’s AllSfär, judged by a panel of leading specifiers.

As day one came to a close, the Workspace Design Show party commenced. The buzzing atmosphere allowed people to socialise and network over a glass of wine, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection.

Esha & Charlie Bark-Jones, Workspace Design Show founders, said “We’re absolutely thrilled that so many of the UK’s workplace interiors community came together to experience the fantastic speakers sharing their insights, transformative products from our exhibitors and stunning features experiences from our partners. We are delighted to see specifiers from Asia, The Americas, The Middle East, Africa and Europe also attending to join the celebration of the future of work in London. The spirit of collaboration at the Show was evident for all to see, as people formed partnerships to transform the employee experience in these disruptive times for workplaces.”

The next UK edition will be on 26th – 27th February 2025. The Amsterdam edition of Workspace Design Show takes place on 5th – 6th November 2025.

Surface Design Show 2024 Triumphantly Returned to London This February

Surface Design Show 2024, which took place at the Business Design Centre from 6-8 February 2024, was once again hailed an overwhelming success, with visitors up by an unprecedented 8% from 2023.

Over 180 exhibitors showcased the best in surface innovation, with many of them presenting brand new designs. Over 6,000 architects, designers and specifiers visited over the 2 ½ days and were truly inspired by  the diverse selection of materials there, including stone, ceramics, and solid surfaces; and from wallcoverings to flooring and everything in between.

This year’s show was the most international to date, welcoming over 60 international companies from 17 countries including Brazil, China, France, Spain, India, Japan and the USA. The Surface Design Show organisers also welcomed back their friends from The Italian Pavilion; the collective Italian area devoted to the best in the country’s stone. For the first time the show also hosted The Aegean Mineral Exporters Association, which showcased the beauty of natural stone from Turkey.

Commenting on wallcovering firm Phillip Jeffries’ experience at the show UK Sales Manager Megan Fehily said, “It has been a great show for us, we have seen some incredible designers and architects and have doubled our leads from last year’s show. We have exhibited at Surface Design Show for several years and 2024 was definitely the best so far.”

Under the theme of ‘Mindful Living’ the show delved into the integral role of materials and their properties in shaping multi-sensory spaces. The theme took centre stage at Surface Spotlight Live, sponsored by CDUK, and curated by Sally Angharad. There, visitors were able touch and feel the ground-breaking materials, giving a truly hands-on experience.

Dominic Coleman, Director with London-based interior design and furnishing studio Kibre echoed the positive sentiments around this year’s edition, adding, “The team and I found the Surface Design Show hugely interesting; it gets better every year. With a focus on sustainable materials, new emerging processes and young entrepreneurs and artisans, we were able to make some great connections and build on our network. Stand out exhibitors were Stylib, Smile Plastics and CDUK”.

The New Talent area, curated by Jennifer Castoldi, Chief Creative Director at Trendease, was a must visit section of the show with the very best in emerging creatives displaying an inspiring range of biomaterials, natural materials, textiles, furniture and wallpaper.

Works Magazine editor Mick Jordan is a regular attendee of the show and thought this year was the best yet “I come every year and have long been an advocate and fan of the show, with there always being new and interesting material use. It is ahead of a lot of the industry events when it comes to sustainable design practice and it is also a good place to come and catch up with A&D.” – Mick Jordan

The Stone Knowledge Hub also returned, bigger and better than ever. Building on the success of the 2023 edition and thanks to the increase in the number of Stone Federation members wanting to showcase their materials and expertise, the size of this feature increased significantly. The go-to place for architects and designers looking to find inspiration and information for their natural stone projects, the Stone Knowledge Hub hosted some of the leading names with the UK natural stone sector.

The Stone Federation’s Matt Robb commented, “The 2024 Surface Design Show was a fantastic event for us, it was an ideal opportunity to connect with 1000s of leading interior designers and architects and showcase the beauty, sustainability and versatility of natural stone.”

An engaging speakers programme held on the Main Stage, sponsored by Smile Plastics consisted of an exciting line-up of 20 presentations from 61 speakers, including architects, designers, manufacturers and journalists. Kicking off the Speakers Programme was the Opening Night Debate, sponsored by Mastercharge, on Human Capital, Risk, and Retention. Renowned freelance writer, editor, and speaker Louis Wustemann led a discussion joined by esteemed panellists: Mark Shayler - Owner at Ape, Gill Parker - Non-Exec Chair at Informare, Nicola Osborn - Creative Director at Basha-Franklin, and Dr. Petrina Carmody - Chief Change Officer at Great Place To Work.

Other talks included the Legends Live series hosted by Alys Bryan, editor of Design Insider. This saw Alys chatting to some of her personal legends including Tom Lloyd and Matthew Hilton whilst in another session, award-winning podcaster Grant Gibson of Material Matters spoke to architect Andrew Waugh regarding the intricacies of building in timber.

The winners of the highly anticipated Surface Design Awards were announced at a breakfast ceremony on the last day of the show, with The Tarang Pavillion in Gandhinagar, India by The Grid Architects taking the Supreme Winner prize

Nickie West, Event Director at Surface Design Show said of the 2024 edition:

“I could not have been more delighted with the whole show. I feel that we delivered a real step change that was in no small way due to the enormous efforts made by our exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, panellists and media and content partners. There was a buzz from the minute we opened the doors for our Opening Night Debate through to the Awards Breakfast on Thursday morning and then until the doors closed later that afternoon. Heartfelt thanks to every single person who helped deliver such a stunning display of 180 + exhibitors, a packed CPD-accredited learning programme of 20 sessions, beautifully curated and informative features from New Talent, Stone Federation, Colour Hive, Surface Spotlight Live and the live mural paintings by Olivier Roubieu. Visitors arrived in their droves, social media platforms were awash with the event and the feedback has been universally positive. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!”

Surface Design Show 2025 will take place 4-6 February 2025

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JCB cyclists ‘set off’ on around the world in 80 days challenge

The 42 JCB cyclists today began a 42,000-kilometre, 80 day sponsored cycle challenge - the equivalent of riding around the world - with their sights set on a £100,000 target.

The money is being raised for Hannah’s Hope, a fundraiser set up by JCB welding apprentice Hannah Roberts, 20, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just months after joining the company.

Hannah, who will celebrate her 21st birthday on the final day of the JCB challenge, was given just 15 months to live in September 2022 when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Although she has undergone surgery to remove the cancer, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a trait of the condition means it keeps re-growing. With the support of JCB, her family has already reached a £250,000 fundraising target for treatment in the USA when she needs it.

Now, Hannah is aiming to raise £200,000 to buy and equip a luxury holiday lodge just five minutes from her home at Mercia Marina, in Willington, Derbyshire. The lodge will be offered free of charge to families of teenagers and young adults who are under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust to spend valuable time together.

Hannah and mum Gail Iredale visited the JCB World Headquarters at Rocester on Monday to get the JCB Around the World in 80 Days cycle challenge under way. Gail said: “JCB have never left our side in whatever we have faced and we will be forever grateful to Lord Bamford and the many JCB people who have raised funds for us and just shown that they care.

“Now that Hannah has more energy, she wants to give something back and help others. Six teenagers or young adults are given the devastating news they have cancer every day and they really need something to look forward to. We want to make the lodge a place for respite, recuperation and making memories for these families.”

JCB Principal Engineer Aaron Turner, event organiser and a founding member of the JCB Cycling Club, explained: “The Bamford family wants to show its continued support for Hannah, and George Bamford, who is a keen cyclist, came up with the Around the World in 80 Days challenge.

“There will be 42 JCB cyclists taking part and it is very much an international effort, with employees from many of our UK factories taking part as well as employees based in Pune, India joining in.

“Over the ten-week challenge we will be clocking up the miles with individual road rides and group outings, including a route to Mercia Marina where Hannah’s lodge will be sited.  We’ll also be topping up the miles with spinning classes at the JCB World Headquarters each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

“Many of the cyclists met with Gail last week and after hearing first hand their inspirational story, we are determined to make a difference for them by raising at least half of Hannah’s £200,000 target.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor the JCB cyclists can donate through the JCB Around the World in 80 Days JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/JCBaroundworld80days

Markel Direct launches search for The Nation’s A* Apprentice, with a prize worth up to £5,000

Markel Direct, the specialist tradespeople insurer, has announced the launch of The Nation’s A* Apprentice award to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2024. 

The award aims to celebrate the outstanding work skilled trades apprentices all over the UK are doing within their workplace, whilst also highlighting the important role apprentices will play in the future of the trades and construction industry. 

To enter for the award, the UK public will be given the opportunity to nominate an apprentice whom they believe to be “The Nation’s A* Apprentice”. Nominations will be judged against a range of criteria, as a panel of judges, made up of industry experts, will be looking for three apprentices who have gone above and beyond their general role, clearly demonstrate what it means to be a team player and have overcome any personal challenges to create a positive impact in their role as an apprentice. Nominations are open until Friday 23rd February and can be submitted at www.markeluk.com/apprentice/nominate-an-apprentice. 

The winners will receive a development package worth up to £5,000, consisting of:

• A Festool toolkit and accessories worth £4,000

• 24-hour tools cover for a year from Markel Direct

• £750 to spend on TuffStuff workwear 

Following the nomination stage, a judging panel of Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, Louis Timpany, CEO and Founder of Fix Radio, and James Wilson, Marketing Manager at Festool, will assess a shortlist of finalists and select three winners to receive The Nation’s A* Apprentice award. The winners will be announced in the week commencing the 18th March 2024. 

Speaking about the competition, Rob Rees said: “As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are excited to launch this award to promote the outstanding work apprentices are doing within the UK trades and construction industry. In light of the current skills crisis within the UK trades sector, it’s crucial that we highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the pivotal role they’ll play in moving the industry forward in the coming years”. 

For more information on the award, visit the Markel Direct website: www.markeluk.com/apprentice 

The Economist Group takes space at Ergo Real Estate’s Great Charles Street Development in Birmingham

Ergo Real Estate, on behalf of Aver, welcomes The Economist Group to its Great Charles Street development, a unique office refurbishment in the heart of Birmingham’s Central Business District.

Ergo Real Estate has let the entire top floor of 154 Great Charles Street, Birmingham to the world-renowned publisher, The Economist Group.

Complementing their headquarters in London and other global locations, the Birmingham office will comprise 3,684 sq ft, with the weekly magazine publisher committing to a 5-year lease.

Commenting on the deal, Leigh Burnett, Asset Manager at Ergo, said: “This is a significant letting for 154 Great Charles Street and a real shot in the arm for the Birmingham office market. Attracting an occupier of the calibre of The Economist to 154 reflects the substantial investment we’ve made into the refurbishment of our buildings on Great Charles Street.

In a testing occupational market, we are able to offer a rare combination of a high-quality working environment coupled with modern amenities tenants and their staff want.”

Sally Harper of The Economist Group also commented: “Following an extensive search with our agents across the market, we are delighted to have relocated our Birmingham office to Great Charles Street. It is clear that the landlord has invested in the right areas, and the quality of the work environment for our employees speaks for itself. We look forward to occupying the building over the coming years.”

Evie Davies of JLL advised Ergo Real Estate, whilst Callum Gilbert of Cushman & Wakefield advised The Economist Group.

Ergo completed the Great Charles Street office refurbishment in Birmingham’s central business district (CBD) in 2022. The development is perfectly placed within the central area of the city, with many of Birmingham’s major transport hubs and the city’s best-known squares, attractions, and amenities all within a few minutes’ walk.

The Great Charles Street office suites and reception areas have been fitted out to an extremely high standard with contemporary touches such as exposed services, breakout spaces and bookable meeting rooms. There is also access to a new, stunning roof terrace, where tenants can meet and entertain guests and staff can relax and enjoy the views.

For further information contact Anna King at Informare PR and communications anna@informare.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 7780 956291.

McLaren lands another £240m Reading site

McLaren Living has been chosen as preferred bidder for the £240m Minster Quarter scheme in Reading.

The site will deliver 612 homes alongside a 100 bed hotel and 20,000 sq ft of commercial space in partnership with Reading Borough Council.

The Minster Quarter win comes just weeks after McLaren Living revealed it will be redeveloping the adjacent Broad Street Mall to create a new mixed-use neighbourhood in Reading town centre.

Work at Minster Quarter will transform the town’s former Civic Centre site into a new neighbourhood while the Broad Street Mall development will contain 600 build-to-rent flats and 15,000 sq ft of commercial, retail and leisure space.