Tag Archives: property

News

UK Interior Design Tech Announces Latest Fundraise Following European Growth

Jump Into Reality, the UK-based tech start-up that has brought immersive technologies to help design better homes for people and the planet, has embarked on a six-figure fundraise to further its market reach and continue to develop its product. Spearheaded by its flagship product JUMP into DESIGN®, the company has tested its product-market-fit and will be releasing version 2.0 this November.

 

With JUMP into DESIGN®, which has built up a 5-star user rating, architects and designers can easily create and personalise hyper-real interior designs in real-time in 2D, 3D and first person immersive VR. The software enables the user to cleverly interact with layout, decoration and, crucially, light on a low-spec computer, then view the result on a hand-held device or VR headset. In addition, access to the growing partnership catalogue means that each space can be decorated using these materials and 3D objects, allowing seamless purchases. The software cleverly embeds a shopping link directly to each object and material, allowing users to build their own unique shopping list with a single click.

 

Recent developments have included the collection of thousands of data points daily on user behaviour in JUMP into DESIGN® ‘s cloud platform which provide crucial consumer insight data and will pave the way for the application of machine learning. Currently, customers can choose from over 4,000 available products through the 3D catalogue with 30 high profile and prestigious brands, including Tecnografica, La Redoute, OracDecor and BoConcept. With additional capabilities in mind, the company has longer term plans to embark into Web 3.0.

 

“We operate in one of the “hottest” segments of the economy, that is worth £117bn globally*” said Linda Facchinetti, Founder and CEO Jump in Reality, “where the combination of immediate “real world” applications and the progressive rise of the Metaverse will only catapult us to new heights.”

 

“Beyond JUMP into DESIGN®, we have ambitious plans to utilise our game-changing patented technology and provide the best online-offline experience to consumers in the design industry and beyond.”

 

Additionally, there have been recent reports that the long awaited move by Apple into the VR space could be imminent.

 

“We believe in the immense potential of immersive technologies, and with other huge brands such as Apple entering the VR market the future is bright.” Facchinetti added.

 

As well as an expanding retail partnership portfolio, Jump Into Reality has a high profile partnership with the British Institute of Interior Design. The BIID is the leading professional body registered to regulate and promote the UK interior design profession, setting and monitoring standards that shape the industry. The partnership provides more than 900 members with preferential access and product visibility, furthering the credibility of JUMP into DESIGN®.

 

“With JUMP into DESIGN® we are forever changing the process of designing interior spaces but, above all, we are giving superpowers to designers and their clients because now, for the first time, they can travel and interact with their space, fast and easy, before it is built. The interiors marketplace is booming worldwide, and we are confident in our platform’s ability to scale and connect design-focused consumers directly with designers and retail brands, through an expanding portfolio of high value-for-money  products.”

 

“This investment round will help support our unique platform while giving the business additional resources to invest in talent, further product development and investigating the possibilities in the metaverse and Web 3.0.” Facchinetti ends.

 

For more details on the Jump into Reality crowdfunding campaign, click here https://www.seedrs.com/jump-into-design1and the Jump into Reality website

News

BCS Targets Booming Studio Sector

BCS (Business Critical Solutions) the specialist company that delivers integrated technical built asset consultancy solutions, is launching a studios service offer aimed at supporting the growing demand for new studio capacity, services and facilities. The business’ experience in the sector has revealed a number of parallels to its core data centre offer such as the need for power, focus on net zero targets, increasing technology deployment and speed to market.

This fast-growing studio sector has up to 4.5m sq ft of new development under consideration in order to meet demand – more than double the current amount of permanent stage space in the UK alone and has the potential to reach £6bn of investment by 2024/25.

Simon Harris, Head of Critical Infrastructure at BCS, said; “Film and television studios are now one of the latest targets of real estate investors scouring for opportunities in an increasingly competitive market. The explosion of content creation – a trend well underway prior to the pandemic but accelerated by the ‘watching-from-home’ phenomenon – has lured some of the world’s shrewdest real estate investors to deploy large pools of capital to studios for digital content creation, be it for feature productions, television series, commercials, animation, or virtual – and possibly carbon neutral – production shot on ‘volumes’, or high-definition screens.

“The parallels to data centre development are striking; the need for power, accelerating net zero pledges, sophisticated technology deployment, secure sites  and speed to market – the challenges and opportunities are very similar.  We are able to use the expertise and knowledge that has been honed on mission critical facilities for many years to give clients in the sector a strong solution and delivery assurance.”

Construction, Construction News, News

Roann Limited secures Buckinghamshire-based Taylor Wimpey development project

Specialist granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been selected as the exclusive supplier for the Milton Keynes development, Shenley Park.

Leading construction company, Taylor Wimpey, appointed Roann Limited to supply worktops in 30mm Cosentino Silestone Blanco Stellar. The new development will be located on the outskirts of Milton Keynes and will feature 73 new homes, that will be a mixture of three, four and five-bedroom houses.

Residents will be able to benefit from being located in a family friendly area, with both primary and secondary schools located nearby. As well as this, the location is well-serviced with community centres, green open spaces, bars and restaurants.

Speaking about the project, Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, says: “Securing the Shenley Park development project is an exciting opportunity for us, we are delighted to have secured this project in Milton Keynes. We have completed a number of successful projects in collaboration with Taylor Wimpey and have cemented a longstanding relationship built on our quality service and delivery.”

Nicola Phillips, from Taylor Wimpey said: “We have been involved with Roann since 2017, and I have worked with them across many of our developments. They have been involved with a mix of houses and high-rise apartment schemes. They have always been great at coming back to my quotes within a maximum of 48 hours, and are always happy to meet with the Sales Executives on-site to discuss the products and provide samples. All communication is usually via email and the whole team has always been very friendly.”

Construction, Construction News, News

Worktop supplier Roann Limited secured £25 million Nottingham-based development

Premium kitchen worktop supplier, Roann limited, secured the luxury residential scheme The Yacht Club Riverside in Nottingham by contractor, KMRE Group. 

KMRE Group partners with investors to identify investment opportunities and develop homes whilst delivering residential schemes. The property developer selected the Wakefield-based business to supply 91 units of 20mm Compac Luna with 100mm upstands and hob splashbacks as part of the £65,000 contract. The white marble quartz with speckles is easy to clean, scratch resistant and durable. 

Overlooking the River Trent, the brand new exclusive waterside development consists of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Combining luxury and style, the development project is situated in an idyllic and popular area of Nottingham and will feature an onsite gym, and benefit from excellent transport links. 

Commenting on the project, Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, says:

“This is a project we were very proud to be a part of. The Yacht Club Riverside is located in a stunning area of Nottingham and the finished product looks great. The Compac Luna provides a sophisticated, polished finish to the kitchen area and the colour of the worktop can be paired with a number of decorative pieces to help residents create their own unique kitchen space.”

With more than 30 years of experience in supplying work surfaces, this project marks one of 26,000 to date for Roann Limited. 

More information on Roann Limited and its products is available at www.roann.co.uk.

Construction, Construction News, News

500,000 jobs posted on My Local Toolbox totalling £750m of potential work for tradespeople

  • My Local Toolbox received its 500,000th job posting on the 25th of August 2022
  • The value of this work is £750m for tradespeople
  • Launched in 2018, My Local Toolbox helps homeowners to find trusted tradespeople in their local area
  • Their unique approach of partnering with a range of ‘find a tradesperson’ platforms enable them to pick the strongest trades from each platform
As of August 25th 2022, My Local Toolbox reached their 500,000th job post on their platform by homeowners looking for tradespeople.
Based on the budget homeowners specify when they post a job, approximately £750,000,000 worth of work has been generated over the last four years.

Table: Total value of jobs posted on My Local Toolbox since 2018 for the top ten trades (based on the budget homeowners specified when posting their job).

Trade  Total value of jobs 
Builder  £               356,915,750
Roofer  £               100,525,875
Plasterer  £                 49,175,625
Painter & decorator  £                 43,995,750
Electrician  £                 32,030,875
Gardener  £                 24,812,515
Carpenter  £                 19,324,000
Plumber  £                 16,270,000
Tiler  £                 12,077,500
Tree surgeon  £                 11,034,625

 

Mylocaltoolbox.co.uk was founded in 2018 by Adam Clark to help homeowners find great tradespeople near them, without having to endlessly trawl the internet.
Working in partnership with some of the UK’s leading ‘find a tradesperson’ platforms and receiving up to 100,000 visitors per month, they’re able to offer homeowners every trade imaginable.
It’s this unique approach that allows them to service the needs of homeowners, whilst also driving new business for local tradespeople. Over 10,000 jobs are posted every month.
The easy-to-use job posting platform ensures users get matched with the right trades who then get in contact with a quote, allowing homeowners to easily compare prices and, most importantly, pick the best people for the job!
From builders to roofers, to more specialist trades like asbestos removal and house clearance professionals, landscape gardeners and tree surgeons, My Local Toolbox is home to them all.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a local tradesperson or you’re a tradesperson looking for your next client, visit Mylocaltoolbox.co.uk for more information.

Adam Clark, Founder of My Local Toolbox, said: “We’re very proud to have reached this milestone. Over the past four years millions of people have visited our website and over 500,000 have posted a job to connect with quality tradespeople near them. This gives us confidence that our unique approach is the right way to best serve homeowners.”
Construction, Construction News, News

Roann Limited secures exclusive worktop supply rights for £157 million Sackville Road project

Premium quartz and granite worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has secured the £200,000 contract to provide work surfaces to the Brighton-based Sackville Road project by contractor, Moda Living. 

The Wakefield-based business was appointed by Deanestor, the furniture manufacturer, to supply 600 state-of-the art apartments with 20mm Cosentino Silestone Lagoon quartz, made up of premium natural minerals and recycled materials. 

The new urban village development will be located in the centre of Brighton, near to Hove train station – and just a short walk away from the sea-front. The scheme will range from studio, one, two and three-bedroom properties to a penthouse apartment. The development will be transformed into an intergenerational neighbourhood, suitable for families and individuals – the site will also include 260 care community homes. 

Residents will be able to benefit from a number of onsite amenities such as a 24-hour gym, flexible co-working spaces, a roof terrace, BBQ area and so much more. Construction is well underway and the Sackville Road site is set for completion in early 2024. 

Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, says: “The Sackville Road project is a fantastic opportunity for us to further broaden our portfolio. The Silestone quartz worktops and splashbacks will be sleek, contemporary and designed to last. With a strong focus on community, this inner-city regeneration scheme is a fantastic addition to the already vibrant city. We look forward to seeing the completed project!”

News, Property, Proptech News

Proptech platform Symple checks in with Sykes Holiday Cottages

Fast-growing proptech business Symple has struck a deal to offer its certification services to thousands of UK holiday home owners whose properties are listed with leading rental agency Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Sykes has registered Symple as a preferred partner as part of its Added Value initiative, which provides exclusive discounts and rates to property owners.

Each supplier has to go through a rigorous interview and checking process before being admitted to the scheme, to ensure a high standard of service and a product offering that owners will welcome.

Sykes, which is based in Chester, is one of the UK’s leading independent holiday home rental agencies with 17,000 owners on its books and a portfolio of over 22,000 properties, ranging from cosy cottages to larger accommodation for 20 or more guests. In total, Sykes hosts more than a million holidaymakers each year.

Symple is an online platform for landlords, estate and letting agents and homeowners which manages the property certificates they require by law for single and multiple sites, such as those for gas safety, boiler servicing, electrical installations, PAT testing and energy performance.

It is a one-stop shop that manages the entire renewal process for certifications, including sending reminders that they are due, managing bookings for inspections and arranging with key-holders for accredited and strictly-vetted service providers – gas engineers, electricians and energy assessors – to carry them out.

Registration is free for landlords and for service providers. Users can check the progress of each job and are then charged for each completed inspection.

Symple, which has its headquarters in Swinton, Greater Manchester, and an office in London, was launched last year by founder and chief executive Simon Dresdner.

From a standing start, its team has grown to 15 and its portfolio to 5,000 properties. Symple is aiming to double its pool of service providers to 2,000 over the next 12 months in line with increasing demand, as it also looks to expand its offering to include repairs and maintenance, cleaning, pest control and property valuations.

Simon said: “Our preferred partner agreement with Sykes Holiday Cottages is a superb opportunity to grow our business by taking our services to holiday home owners across the country.

“We pride ourselves on taking away the headaches for property owners with a straightforward process that manages the entire renewal process for certifications.

“Becoming a preferred partner with such a prestigious company as Sykes is a real feather in our cap as we continue our growth journey, and we look forward to working with holiday property owners across the country through this arrangement.”

Dominique Morelis, Sykes’ Added Value & Estate Agent Specialist, said: “We aim to help our owners in any way we can, including with setting up, managing and maintaining properties, and Symple will definitely support us with this.

“The platform will aid with the management of health and safety requirements and other certification that is required by law.

“Owners can book inspections that will not conflict with guest check-in times, and Symple will liaise with the key-holder if the owner lives in a different part of the country.

“We believe that having Symple on board will strengthen our offering for property owners across the country as we work towards being the number one provider of UK breaks.”

Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

Roann Limited appointed exclusive kitchen worktop supplier for £82 million Leeds-based project

Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed as the exclusive supplier of kitchen worktops, for the £82 million Leeds city centre apartment project, the Phoenix.

Set for completion in the summer of 2023, the Phoenix scheme off Saxton Lane, consists of two residential blocks, with a total of 367 apartments, rising to 18 and 22 stories high.

Appointed by Leeds-based contractor Torsion Developments, Roann Limited is supplying £165k worth of Fugen White Shimmer Quartz with Upstands and Fugen Carrara Quartz worktops, to both apartment blocks.

The new accommodation will offer a number of disabled accessible compliant apartments, alongside communal facilities, basement car parking, landscaping and public open spaces.

Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, says: “We’re delighted to have been appointed as the exclusive supplier of kitchen worktops for this Leeds-based project! We’re passionate about providing high quality, durable and aesthetically-pleasing quartz worktops to projects around the UK, but it’s great to be a part of this local investment. Here at Roann Limited, we’re currently experiencing substantial business growth and we’re thrilled to add this project to our ever-growing portfolio.”

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

EveryFriday appointed by Ashman, a new kind of bank for property SMEs

Creative agency EveryFriday has been appointed by Ashman, an exciting new banking proposition, to evolve its strategic brand positioning, expression and go-to-market launch.

Ashman, which was founded by real-estate entrepreneurs Ashkin Mittal and Manhad Narula, plans to transform the banking experience for property SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises), a £90bn market opportunity.

Digital by design, Ashman plans to deliver speed and a personalised service to clients and brokers. It will initially focus on lending to SMEs in the commercial real estate sector, lending on deals from £100k to £5 million, while providing personal savers with competitive rates.

Earlier this month, Ashman received its UK banking licence, becoming the first new entrant to be licensed this year.

Sally Mackerell, co-founder of EveryFriday, comments: 

“We are delighted to be partnering with Ashman, an exciting new banking proposition for property entrepreneurs, to evolve the strategic brand positioning, expression and go-to-market launch. A passionate team of super smart and experienced individuals, they are motivated by a strong desire to build something that genuinely makes a difference in the world, which aligns perfectly with EveryFriday’s mission to create ‘Ideas that Move People’.” 

Simon Healy, Chief Operating Officer at Ashman, comments:

“Our proposition is simple: digital by design, Ashman plans to offer financial products and services that enrich the customer and the planet. We are excited to partner with EveryFriday to bring this proposition to life.”

News, Property, Property Buyer News, South East

All homes sold at new Bellway development in Brampton

A Bellway development which generated a £1.5 million investment for Brampton and the surrounding areas has sold out.

Brampton Gate, off Laws Crescent in the village of Brampton, features a collection of 150 new build homes.

The first homes at Brampton Gate were released for sale just over three years ago, when building work had just started.

As the construction programme nears completion, most of the homes are already occupied and the final residents will move in over the coming months.

Luke Southgate, Sales Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “Brampton Gate is a stunning development in a residential area on the edge of this sought-after village.

“Many of our customers have been particularly keen to move to Brampton Gate because it is in an established part of the village.

“We have installed footpaths through the development linking to popular walking routes and created new green open spaces for residents living at Brampton Gate and nearby. The first of these spaces opened in May 2019, when trees and shrubs had been planted around a 10.5-acre landscaped area.

“The village itself combines semi-rural charm with exceptional transport links, including the newly upgraded A1 and A14 sections around Huntingdon.

“Each of these factors builds the picture of why this development has been so attractive to people looking to set down roots in Brampton.”

As part of its planning agreement for Brampton Gate, Bellway committed £1.5 million towards education and public services through a Community Infrastructure Levy, known as CIL. A further £54,000 was allocated to new digital boards at bus stops which provide real-time information for passengers.

Bellway also built 60 affordable homes at Brampton Gate, which were made available to local people through shared ownership or rental.

The remaining 90 homes were three, four and five-bedroom houses which were sold privately.

Since work started at Brampton Gate, Bellway has chosen to support local causes, including Brampton Primary School and Huntingdon Rugby Club.

Bellway site manager Paul Lawrence was recognised for his exceptional work at the development by the NHBC’s Pride in the Job Awards scheme.

Bellway continues to build in the Huntingdon area, with a new development to follow at Whitehill Gardens in Godmanchester.

For more information on new Bellway homes across the area, see https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/northern-home-counties.

 

CAPTION

  • All homes are now sold at Bellway’s Brampton Gate development in Brampton