Home Designer & Architect

Keon Homes completes £11.9m Newport Extra Care scheme eight months early

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Sans Souci: Czech Manufacturer of Luxury Custom Lighting Enters the Retail Market with Interior Lighting Fixtures.

DLM Receives JOSCAR Approval

The Key To Architectural Powder Coating Sustainability

Workspace Design Show Reveals First Names for Must-Visit Talks Programme

Leading Furniture Specialists Umbrella Furniture Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary

Kusch+Co Introduce Kanu: A Versatile Lounge Armchair Collection that Redefines Contemporary Seating with both Style and Functionality.

OZ Lifting Celebrates 20 Years, Expands

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Sans Souci: Czech Manufacturer Luxury Custom Lighting Enters Market with Interior Lighting Fixtures

Sans Souci, a renowned Czech company specializing in bespoke designer lighting installations, is expanding into the retail market and establishing a network of sales partners. The company is now offering interior lighting product lines aimed at end customers. This strategic move opens growth opportunities for Sans Souci not only in Europe but also in global markets, including the USA and Asia.

From Luxury Custom Installations to Interior Lighting

With nearly 20 years of global presence in the custom lighting sector, Sans Souci has gained deep experience and insight into customer preferences and needs, becoming a symbol of luxurious lighting installations adorning prestigious locations worldwide—from Michelin-starred restaurants in London to the most luxurious hotels in Dubai.

“Entering the B2B retail market is a significant milestone for us. This segment offers immense opportunities, and we believe our new product lines will appeal to customers not only in Europe but also in America and our key markets in Asia,” explains Karel Páral, Global Business Development Director for B2B at Sans Souci.

Market with Interior Lighting Fixtures

The company understands the trends in different parts of the world and cultural preferences, transforming these insights into new products. Sans Souci is also responding to the growing demand for interior lighting that combines topnotch design, premium quality, functionality, and versatility across various environments.

Martin Cháb, founder and CEO of Sans Souci, adds: “We carefully monitor global market trends and respond to them. Our more than 20 years of experience with luxury installations naturally led us to expand into the retail market. We see this step as an opportunity for growth not only on the international stage but also in our domestic market in the Czech Republic.”

Innovation Meets Design

The company introduces several product lines of interior lighting, enabling the delivery of unique lighting solutions not only to hotel chains, residential housing, and commercial projects but also directly to architects, designers, and retail customers.

Among the new product lines, the Bond Collection by designer Martin Opl stands out. This series of interior lights is inspired by the mystery of black holes, where gravity bends light and spacetime, creating a fascinating interplay of light and shadow that continuously changes with the surrounding conditions. Using unique nanocoating technology, the lights transmit and reflect light as if disappearing into a cosmic singularity. The Bond lights are available as pendant, floor, and table lamps.

Sans Souci Lighting combines traditional glassmaking craftsmanship with new technologies. The company is heavily involved in developing unique nanocoating technology, which is also integrated into the new product lines. This nanocoating technology allows for coating a wide range of materials and adapting to complex structures, ensuring that every piece meets high standards of quality and durability.

www.sanssoucilighting.com

DLM Receives JOSCAR Approval

Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM) has joined the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR), which means it is approved to work on aerospace, defence, and security contracts, such as those overseen by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its supply chain partners.

Southampton-based DLM is a specialist in the design, manufacture, repair, and calibration of load cells, load monitoring, and cable working equipment for the offshore, renewable energy, marine, subsea, and lifting and rigging industries. The product portfolio is already utilised in the military and defence sector, but JOSCAR approval further entrenches the business in this challenging marketplace.

Such recognition is only given to businesses that complete a detailed online application, supported by evidence of the information provided. A thorough audit follows before approval is granted; DLM can now work with major defence contractors, such as BAE Systems, Atlas Elektronik, and Thales, in project hotbeds including the UK and Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, and Australia.

Martin Halford, managing director at DLM, said: “We have for many years sporadically supplied to the defence industry and have some products that have NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] stock codes. However, it is part of our five-year strategic plan to undertake more work for the MOD and its contractors. In order to be able to serve this supply chain, you need to have JOSCAR approval. On certain contracts, registration is even a prerequisite.”

Aerospace, defence, and security projects are often confidential, but it is expected that DLM will now be better positioned to offer its expertise in subsea load monitoring and deliver load pins and load cells to the point of use in new-build and other MOD applications. Many of the company’s standard products — tensile link load cells, for example — have already been utilised in aerospace projects led by the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) and British Army. Special external coatings and colourations are among common requirements.

Halford added: “We already have the product portfolio, manufacturing capability, and expertise

to provide for this industry — and have proven that where we have been contracted to date. However, JOSCAR establishes us in a supply network that must adhere to the most rigorous standards on earth. It’s clear that more investment is being put into this industry, for many years to come. Given our background in offshore, and the exacting standards applicable, we can offer this sector a great deal in the long-term.”

JOSCAR, designed to improve efficiency of both the supplier and buyer communities, adds to a myriad of other accreditations and certifications held by DLM. Aerospace, defence, and security buying decision makers will also note full membership in the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF), while many products are IC, CE, UKCA, and FCC approved. DLM is also ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certified.

www.dlm-uk.com

Martin Halford, managing director; and Carly Collins, sales and marketing director.

The Furniture Makers’ Company Partners with January Furniture Show 2025 to Champion Young Talent

The partnership will once again highlight the Young Furniture Makers Showcase which will take centre stage at the BFA Networking Hub in Hall 5, offering a dynamic and vibrant platform for emerging talent to shine. The showcase will display a selection of furniture from previous students and graduates who exhibited at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers exhibition, an annual event organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company.

This ongoing partnership reflects the shared dedication of JFS and The Furniture Makers’ Company to supporting innovation and nurturing the next generation of designers, makers and creators. By providing valuable opportunities to connect with industry leaders and gain significant exposure, both organisations are investing in the future of the furniture industry at one of its most prestigious events.

Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, commented: “We are delighted to be named the charity partner for the January Furniture Show. This partnership offers a wonderful platform to advance our mission of supporting the welfare and development of the furnishing industry. We are incredibly grateful to the show organisers for their generosity and commitment to our cause by showcasing a selection of pieces from some of the talented young designers who exhibited at our Young Furniture Makers exhibition last year.”

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry. Founded in 1951 and granted livery status in 1963, The Furniture Makers’ Company’s role is to sustain a thriving British furnishing industry with a talented workforce delivering high-quality products,

The January Furniture Show is proud to announce its renewed partnership with The Furniture Makers’ Company for 2025, continuing a collaboration dedicated to nurturing innovation and supporting the future of the furniture industry.

which supports those in need from within its ranks and those who have served it in the past. It achieves this through three pillars of activity – Education, Excellence and Welfare.

Zoe Bonser, Portfolio Director of the January Furniture Show, added:

“We are delighted to partner once again with The Furniture Makers’ Company. The Young Furniture Makers Showcase is a key part of our event, providing a platform for emerging talent to gain recognition and connect with industry leaders. Supporting young innovators is crucial to the future of the furniture industry, and we’re proud to play a role in championing their creativity and ambition.”

The UK furniture and interior sector is a leading force in design and craftsmanship. To keep the industry growing, it’s essential to attract and support new talent. JFS 2025 provides an invaluable opportunity to see the next generation of talent and discover the ideas and innovations shaping the future of the industry.

Building the future of furniture. Together. January Furniture Show 19–22 January 2025 | NEC Birmingham

The Key to Architectural Powder

Architectural Aluminium Powder Coating is applied using the well known methodology of spraying electrostatically charged fine polyester based powders onto a product. Coated aluminium products are then heated to an optimum temperature to melt the powder which allows it to flow and chemically cross-link into a sustainable coating. As the product cools the coating sets and the finish is complete. The problem is, like most applied opaque coatings, the finish may look good, but the coating can hide a multitude of problems on the surface of the metal. If contaminants are present, or a pre-treatment process is lacking, a failure of the coating will become evident over time.

Prior to powder coating architectural aluminium, it is crucial that the aluminium surface is subject to a ‘pre-treatment’ process which includes an etch stage to remove contaminants and then a passivation or conversion coating to ‘seal’ the surface of the aluminium which also provides a ‘key’ for the adherence of the coating. These very thin conversion coatings can be formed of a nonchromate or a very thin anodising process.

For an architectural powder coater a pretreatment plant is a significant investment often costing as much, if not more than the powder coating line itself. Few powder coating lines in the UK have this substantial facility and those that do will claim to powder coat to BS EN 12206-1 or become licensed to powder coat to the more substantial QUALICOAT specification.

Often in an attempt to reduce costs through the supply chain, installers of architectural aluminium products will use powder coaters who often do not possess the correct pretreatment lines. There is also the possibility that some coaters who do have the correct pre-treatment systems do not have suitable controls in place and the quality of the coatings can vary, even though they can claim to coat to BS EN 12206-1.

A QUALICOAT licensed applicator, on the other hand, must use a pre-treatment system that is QUALICOAT approved and utilise powder systems that are also approved by QUALICOAT, this ensures quality is maintained through the coating process. Furthermore, QUALICOAT licence holders are randomly inspected twice a year to ensure the QUALICOAT specification is being met. Licensed coaters who fail these third-party inspections, will lose their licence.

So, the best specification for any architectural powder coating project should simply be ‘coated by a QUALICOAT licensed applicator’. Known across the globe, with a global supply chain and local licensed coaters, a QUALICOAT specification can be supplied on any continent.

Powder coat failures fall into two broad categories, that of a complete failure of the coating where it simply peels off and failure called ‘filiform corrosion’. This is where oxidisation forms at the edge of a cut or punched hole in the aluminium and appears under the coating as spider like strands of corrosion. Often this failure is seen several

Powder Coating Sustainability

By Chris Mansfield - QUALICOAT Chair

years after installation and indicates poor pretreatment prior to powder coating.

Other problems with powder coating can include fading of colour, loss of gloss and ‘chalking’ of the surface finish. The first two are generally a normal ageing process and the powder coating should still adhere fully to the aluminium and continue to protect the aluminium. Chalking, is also part of the ageing process and appears as a milky surface or ‘chalk’ on the coated surface. This only forms when the finish is generally neglected and not cleaned down within an agreed cleaning regime. Often chalking can be removed by simply cleaning the finish several times over a period of time. Specifying a QUALICOAT Class 2 powder, which uses more robust compounds in its composition, can significantly reduce these issues.

QUALICOAT powder applicators can advise of a suitable cleaning company and there is also a paper on the QUALICOAT UK & Ireland website that explains how the powder coating can be safely cleaned.

For the best sustainability, ensure that the powder coater has the necessary pretreatment systems in place and that they can demonstrate that they can coat and test to BS EN 12206-1. Alternatively, just insist on a specification that powder coating must be applied by a QUALICOAT licensed applicator. In the UK, the majority of main architectural powder coaters are qualified QUALICOAT licence holders. If you are proposing to specify an architectural coater who powder coats to BS EN 12206-1, be vigilant to ensure that they posses a robust pre-treatment plant and that their processes are correctly monitored and maintained.

Should a coating specification require a longer life expectancy, possibly where future access for cleaning be difficult, then a Class 2 more robust powder can be specified. Contact any QUALICOAT licensed powder coat applicator or powder manufacturer to seek advice for any project location across the UK & Ireland.

Various country Members of the global specification, QUALICOAT, have undertaken extensive work over the decades to further refine the products and processes to ensure finishes continue to offer enhanced sustainability. A worldwide working group of Members began to develop a specification for the alloys used in extrusion for fenestration, namely architectural aluminium alloy grades of 6060 and 6063.

The resulting alloy specification, which now forms Appendix A13 of the QUALICOAT Specifications 2023, requires these alloys to fall within the EN5733:2019 Standard, which can be met using primary or secondary (recycled) aluminium. Compliance requires the following three tests to be carried out, Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Anodic Cyclic Polarisation (ACP) and a metallographic study of the aluminium surface. This latest development has culminated in forming what is now known as the ‘QUALICOAT 3.0’ specification.

Specifiers who wish to take advantage of QUALICOAT 3.0 should in the first instance contact QUALICOAT UK & Ireland for guidance on specification and help in choosing the correct supply chain. A QUALICOAT 3.0 specification will require a coating Member to carry the ‘Seaside’ class pre-treatment license as this is a prerequisite coating procedure for QUALICOAT 3.0.

The most important aspect to specification is the involvement of a specialist coater at the early design stages of any project.

All QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members are available to offer advice and can be found on the Association website at qualicoatuki.org

Workspace Design Show reveals first names for must-visit talks programme

Now a firm fixture on the design event calendar, Workspace Design Show is delighted to reveal the first raft of names who will make up its speaker programme for the upcoming edition in February 2025.

Once again bringing the commercial interior design industry’s most inspiring and creative leaders together, the Workspace Design Talks programme features senior figures from architecture and design such as Alessandro Ranaldi, Partner, Head of Workplace Consultancy, Foster + Partners; Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR at Sheppard Robson and Adrienne Lau, Senior Associate, Heatherwick Studio, Cristiano Testi, Principal Director, tp bennett, and Angela Bardino, Senior Associate Director – Interiors, Jacobs.

A range of other real estate professionals will also be speaking during the two days of Workspace Design Talks, exploring the world of workplace culture and design. Bringing yet further rigour to proceedings are JanJaap Boogaard, Head of EMEA Workplace Advisory, Colliers, Guzmán de Yarza Blache, Head of Workplace Strategy Consulting, JLL, Louise Sheppard, UK Head of Workplace Services & Social Sustainability, Zurich. Expect a number of topics discussed to reflect the theme of the 2025 edition of the Show, which is ‘Activate the Senses’ : exploring how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace, with other sessions discussing AI, diversity, building a community within, and data driven decision making in design.

The Sustainability Talks series also returns for 2025, bringing together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives and projects. Confirmed speakers include Steve Wright, Global Director Design and Change Management, GSK, Adam Strudwick, Principal, Perkins&Will and Jeremy Myerson, Professor Emeritus, Royal College of Art.

Visitors to Workspace Design Show will also have the opportunity to once again attend the Occupiers Forum: The View From HQ. Hear invaluable client-side insights on the future workplace experience, and how to create workplace environments that engage with employees from companies such as WPP, Sanofi, Reckitt, BUPA, Barclays, DWP, LSEG, E.ON.

Completing the programme, the Finishes & Interiors Sector (FIS) Conference returns to Workspace Design Show. This not for profit representative body for the finishes and interiors sector in the UK will once more offer a series of panel discussions revealing the latest trends and insights in the fit-out industry.

As a whole, the speaker programme at Workspace Design Show unites leading architects, designers, real estate professionals, tenants, and industry experts for another year of thought-provoking discussions around the latest trends and insights in workplace design, strategy, and culture.

Workspace Design Show

26 – 27 February 2025

Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH

workspaceshow.co.uk

Leading Furniture Specialists Umbrella Furniture Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary

Umbrella Furniture, part of Wagstaff Interiors, marked a true milestone celebrating a decade of providing innovative furniture solutions to the architectural and design community. Formed in 2014, the company celebrated 10 years of collaboration, trust, and leadership in the commercial interiors sector and achieving market leadership status with an evening of celebration at their London showroom.

Over ten years, Umbrella has built strong relationships with clients across the architectural and design ecosystem, always maintaining and delivering on their core values of exceptional service, honesty, and reliability. As industry leaders providing furniture consultancy, procurement and installation services, Umbrellas’ renowned reputation as great hosts did not disappoint. They

opened their doors to an evening of festivities and celebrations in what is often regarded as the ‘best located showroom in EC1’.

The showroom transformed into a space adorned with a ceiling of ‘umbrellas’, installed with lights resembling starlight nights – a playful nod to the brand name. With a lively DJ set, a ‘mirror-mirror’

photobooth, a LED hula hoop dancer, endless mulled wine, and birthday-branded cupcakes, the night was a true celebration. It perfectly reflected Umbrella Furniture’s warm and open personality, bringing together long-established industry friends to honor a decade of success.

Matt Clarke, Managing Director of Umbrella Furniture, highlighted the company’s successful ten-year journey, stating, “Our dedicated team has built an exceptional business through collaborative partnerships and a commitment to outstanding project delivery. This milestone celebration was an opportunity to recognise the strong relationships that have been fundamental to our success”.

Umbrella’s projects over the last ten years boasts a medley of industry success stories. These include the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), where Umbrella supplied 15 unique floors in their new building which despite the challenges of strict security protocols and access requirements, met all specifications to the clients’ program. The Telegraph HQ, where the interior was transformed into multifaceted meeting and dining areas with collaborative and private spaces, each reconfigurable to suit the client’s needs. In addition, bringing their multi-supplier procurement expertise, Umbrella delivered a premium furniture package to Estee Lauder representing over 25 high-end brands, each with its own hub and unique furniture style.

As Umbrella Furniture enters its second decade, the company remains committed to its leadership in the furniture specialist market, focused on delivering cutting-edge furniture solutions, and prioritising sustainability, innovation, and adaptability. With a proven track record of meeting client needs, Umbrella Furniture is poised to shape the future of commercial interiors, providing exceptional products and services to the architectural and design community in the years ahead.

www.umbrellafurniture.com

A Versatile Lounge Armchair Collection that redefines

Kusch+Co is proud to announce Kanu, a stylish and innovative lounge armchair collection designed by Tomasz Augustyniak that is an oasis of smart elegance. A series that promotes a sense of calm and wellbeing, Kanu brings comfort and fosters connections and creativity, while blending style and functionality.

Kanu represents sophisticated design, functional versatility, and exceptional comfort perfect for lounge areas and informal relaxation zones in offices, public spaces or residential interiors. The moulded plywood seat and back give Kanu a unique, canoe-inspired shape, which is where the chair gets its name.

The collection offers remarkable design flexibility with either a classic wooden or contemporary metal base. Two distinctive backrest designs display a sweeping shape that is fully elliptical with an elegantly undercut arch.

With the option of upholstered pads for seat and backrest combined with multiple style configurations to suit diverse interior aesthetics, Kanu is beautifully designed and engineered with user comfort in mind. In addition, Kanu’s deep moulded seat provides optimal support with its wide, ergonomically curved backrest and strong upward seat curve that facilitates easy standing.

www.kusch.com

‘Designing the Kanu armchair was thoroughly inspiring’, says Augustyniak. ‘Contrary to popular belief that designing without constraints is ideal, true innovation emerges from specific reference points. For Kanu, that point was a rectangular plywood element, bent in one plane with a 500 mm radius. Every subsequent design decision was driven by creating the most logical and elegant product possible’.

The Kanu armchair centres on material consistency and intelligent form. The wooden base version is crafted from plywood with carefully considered edges and wide, sloping legs. A strategic decision to paint the base black creates an interplay of light, lending the armchair an almost architectural dynamism, however the versatility of this product allows for an array of different combinations of finishes.

Designer Tomasz Augustyniak brings over two decades of design expertise to the Kanu project spanning industrial, institutional, and private client work. His numerous accolades, includes the Red Dot Design Award and representation in the National Museum in Warsaw and permanent exhibition of the Gallery of Polish Design.

The Kanu lounge armchair collection is available through Kusch+Co, offering design professionals and consumers an exceptional seating solution that combines form, function, and aesthetic sophistication.

Humanscale: Building a Circular Economy with Sustainable Manufacturing in the Real World

Humanscale’s

latest CSR Report Shares Key Milestones in Developing a Circular Business Model and Advancing Climate-Positive Manufacturing

Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products, from seating to height-adjustable desks, has released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report for 2023. The report details tangible strides the company has made toward a circular business model and reinforces its sustainability pillars. Led by CEO Bob King and Chief Sustainability Officer Jane Abernethy, Humanscale’s sustainability program remains dedicated to creating measurable change across climate, water, energy, and circularity. Humanscale is also proud to announce that 70% of products by revenue are now certified climate-positive under the Living Product Challenge.

“In 2023, Humanscale’s aim remained bigger than ourselves as we set out to lead and catalyse our entire industry toward greater sustainability,” says Abernethy. “Our success, as always, was grounded in concrete actions rather than carefully worded promises.”

Humanscale has been a pioneering force in advancing sustainability, with a record of significant industry firsts:

• 2017: First to manufacture with fishing nets

• 2018: First to remove Red List chemicals

• 2019: First to systematically publish Declare labels

• 2021: First to use onsite captured rainwater for all production

• 2022: First to have all factories TRUE Zero Waste certified

• 2023: First to have products carbon negative certified

The 2023 CSR report details Humanscale’s progress in five key areas: healthy materials, circularity, climate + energy, water, and social responsibility. This report is an essential resource for understanding Humanscale’s impact and continued climate-positive efforts.

Healthy Materials

A core Humanscale principle is to create products that promote customer health and safety. In 2023, the company aimed to remove all added antimicrobials from its products, reaching 95% completion. Currently, the brand is working with a supplier on an antimicrobial-free version of its Lotus textile, with full elimination targeted for 2024.

Circularity

For decades, Humanscale has designed durable, long-lasting products optimised for circularity. Recent initiatives include a pilot to test second-life chairs, packaging reduction, and waste diversion.

Pilot of Circular Business Model: In 2023, Humanscale piloted the resale of second-life Liberty chairs to a London customer partner. These refurbished chairs, updated to meet quality standards, were part of an industry-first circular economy pilot with Perkins & Will, reducing embodied carbon and laying the groundwork for future circular offerings.

Inbound Packaging Reduction:

Humanscale completed its goal of reducing one instance of inbound packaging. In partnership with a global digital communications company, the company also piloted a program to buy back and refurbish used Freedom Task chairs, giving new life to surplus furniture and preventing waste.

Waste Diversion: Humanscale achieved a 92% waste diversion goal in half its factories, with one reaching 97% diversion. However, challenges at other sites brought the global average to 87%. In early 2024, Humanscale also piloted a leasing program with a German software company, where chairs are leased instead of discarded, allowing for flexible, environmentally friendly office solutions.

Climate + Energy

Humanscale made significant progress in reducing climate impact and energy use. New air compressors, HVAC fans, and LED lighting installations led to a 585 MWh reduction in energy use, 836% of the original target. Scope 1 and 2 climate emissions were reduced by over 35 tons of CO2e, exceeding the 25 metric ton target. Engaging suppliers in Science-Based Targets for emissions remains challenging, with 5% completion.

Water

As water scarcity intensifies, Humanscale prioritizes conservation. In 2023, a new water reuse system for powder coating helped the company reduce water use by 32%, reaching 182% of its initial 25% reduction goal.

Social Responsibility

Community impact is central to Humanscale’s values. In 2023, employees volunteered at environmental cleanups across Connecticut, Huntington Beach, and Pelham Park. In product development, Humanscale also committed to integrating ocean plastic into Freedom chair bases, aiming to expand the use of recycled materials in future designs.

“At Humanscale, we focus on meaningful change, and we’re applying that same approach to circularity,” says Abernethy.

Humanscale’s “Handprints” initiative continues to calculate positive impact through Life Cycle Analysis, tracking beneficial “handprints” that exceed negative footprints (carbon, water, energy) for lasting impact.

For the full 2023 CSR Report, see HERE

Groupe Atlantic’s Darren Finley appointed Chair of ICOM

Darren Finley, Managing Director for Commercial Products at Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI Division, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) – a not-for-profit trade association, representing and promoting the interests of the non-domestic heating sector since 1933.

Having worked in the heating industry for over 37 years and, as MD for Groupe Atlantic commercial brands Ideal Heating Commercial, Hamworthy Heating and ACV, Darren’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of this market sector made him an ideal candidate for the role of Chair at ICOM. Commenting on this prestigious accolade, Darren said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of ICOM. This long-standing trade association has contributed to the success of the commercial heating industry time and time again and, as it’s latest Chair, I intend to continue the excellent work it has done. Now, more than ever, we need to come together as an industry and drive decarbonisation forward and ensure we present with one united voice to protect and promote our industry.”

ICOM works closely with governments, professional bodies and associations at national and European level, generating tangible benefits for members, as well as being instrumental in the development of product and installation standards. It has an active and representative membership operating within

one or more product-related groups. Each group holds quarterly meetings, participating in commercial and technical discussions as well as valuable networking. When specific issues arise, working groups are formed to produce suitable documents which are presented to the relevant Government department or standards body.

“Darren is a well-known, highly regarded figure in the commercial heating industry,” states Steve McConnell, Director of ICOM, “and we are delighted to welcome him as Chair of ICOM. Darren’s knowledge of this sector, along with his organisation skills and forward thinking attitude, will help ensure ICOM members are well represented at some of the most senior levels.”

Darren officially started his role as Chair of ICOM on 1st October, and will retain his post for two years.

For information on Groupe Atlantic company Ideal Heating Commercial, visit www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk

OZ Lifting Celebrates 20 Years, Expands

Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC is celebrating 20 years in business.

The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment was inaugurated on December 4, 2004 with two staff; today, it has 25 fulltime employees, a distributor network across North America, and is preparing to relocate for a fourth time.

Even as the company celebrates the milestone, expansion into a state-of-theart 40,000 squarefoot facility is on the horizon. The new five-acre property, on Innovation Drive in its home town, is four times larger than the current building.

will allow us to continue offering the exceptional service and high-quality products customers have come to rely on; while ensuring we maintain the safety standards that are at the core of our mission.”

Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “The new space will provide us with ample room for growth, including increased storage, more advanced testing capabilities, and the potential to expand our manufacturing operations. Most importantly, it

The company is perhaps best known for its range of davit cranes, including the 1,200-lbs. capacity U.S. Patented CompOZite model that is made from advanced composite material and weighs only 83 lbs. The CompOZite Elite, meanwhile, is the world’s most innovative davit crane, offering the same capacity with a total crane weight of only 37 lbs.

OZ Lifting is celebrating 20 years in business and expanding into another new facility.

Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, celebrates groundbreaking at the new facility with his wife, Jane.

The recently relaunched Tele-Pro davit crane, also U.S. Patented, and available in 500 lbs., 1,200 lbs. and 2,500 lbs. capacities, allows users to leverage the benefits of the manufacturer’s other cranes, while telescoping the boom in and out under load. Among other davits and accessories are manual and electric hoists and winches, in addition to a range of beam trolleys, clamps, and wire rope products.

Napieralski said: “We’ve come a long way. I started in the lifting industry in 1988, working for a manufacturer of equipment, before I opened my first business in 1995, which was a manufacturer representative company, specializing in the lifting and rigging business.

“Prior to launching [OZ], I was nine years into my rep business, uneasy about the 30-day contracts. I knew I had strong relationships with all the distributors that I called on, so I thought, why not leverage them? I was fortunate to meet two Australians that were looking for a U.S. exclusive distributor of their hoist equipment.”

The backbone of the company’s initial offering was a manual lever and chain hoist, equipped with overload protection; this has now grown into the Premium series. U.S.made products were soon added to the catalog, but today’s 540 stock-keeping units (SKUs) represent a combination of both domestically manufactured and imported products.

Napieralski added: “The two-decade milestone and expansion are testaments to the strength of our business, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to continue growing and innovating in ways that will directly benefit our valued customers. If we keep doing what we do, treat coworkers and customers right, continue to bring innovation to market, carry inventory, etc., we will be in very good shape for the future.”

OZ Lifting is continuing a recruitment effort to hire for several key roles.

www.ozliftingproducts.com

‘We’ve come a long way’ — Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting.

OZ Lifting has grown from humble beginnings in December 2004.

Keon Homes completes £11.9m Newport Extra Care scheme eight months early

A much-needed £11.9m ‘Extra Care’ development in Shropshire has been completed and handed over to The Wrekin Housing Group – eight months ahead of schedule.

Keon Homes, which is working on similar schemes at William Farr House in Shrewsbury and Streethay in Lichfield, highlighted the unprecedented achievement at a special open day for existing and future clients.

The affordable homes and social housing specialist has taken just twenty months to build the 70-strong mix of one and two-bed apartments, with private gardens and a communal café.

Ideally situated just a ten-minute walk into the market town of Newport, Queenswood will provide high quality living space and wraparound care and support for people over the age of 55.

Speaking at the event Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, said: “Although we have a team that are experienced in terms of Extra Care, this is our first foray into the market as a company. And what a success it has been, with the site handed over to the highest standards and eight months early…that’s unheard of in this sector. “Queenswood has been a remarkable story from the very start, where we worked together with a

master developer to unlock a complex parcel of land for this type of development. In turn, it meant the entire site could be built out.”

He continued: “This approach is something we are rolling out to other open market housebuilders. Many don’t want to construct Extra Care schemes as they aren’t their ‘bread and butter’, but increasingly the big masterplans call for older people’s accommodation to be present. In essence, we can work with them to get an operational partner in line and solve a problem.”

More than 50 people were present at the special open day, enjoying a guided tour of the landscaped gardens and the new apartments and communal spaces at the Queenswood scheme.

They heard how Keon Homes has used a mix of traditional and modern construction methods in the build, including concrete floor plans manufactured offsite and 200mm think hollow core floor plans throughout the building, all topped with an acoustic Isorubber layer.

This approach achieved the dual benefit of reducing build time by eight months and providing an EPC ’A’ energy rating through the communal areas.

IP-based assistive technology has also been incorporated throughout the building, including warden call systems, fall alarms, wandering alarms and door access controls.

Matt went on to add: “The strength of our relationship with The Wrekin Housing Group was paramount to the speed of completion, with both parties working in partnership to build the highest quality Extra Care space for the people of Newport.

“We also wanted the development to have a real ‘local’ impact, with 50% of the entire project spend directed to suppliers within a 20-mile radius.

“Other notable achievements, include 16 apprentices being employed on site throughout the duration of the build and 162 work placement hours completed, giving young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience of a possible career working in construction.”

Simon Thompson, Director of Development at Wrekin Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted that works have been completed at Queenswood, our new extra care scheme delivered in partnership with Keon Homes.

“We have made a firm commitment to deliver quality homes that people can be proud of and there is a clear demand for affordable housing for the over 55s in Newport and the wider Telford and Wrekin area.

“This has been a great project to work on, from initial planning to handover, and I’d like to thank our partners at Keon Homes for their hard work in helping us to bring it to fruition. We’re now looking forward to welcoming our new tenants over the coming weeks.”

Queenswood was recognised earlier this year in the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, with Keon Homes’ Matt Wilkes named as the overall Regional Winner for the West in the Multi-Storey Builder category, following earlier securing the Quality and Seal of Excellence titles.

For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.

(l-r) David Wells (Executive Director of Operations for Wrekin Housing Group) with Richard Williams (MD of Keon Homes)