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Principal Accountable Persons for high-rise blocks have been able to complete a Safety Case Report that “summarises the safety case for a high-rise residential building…identifying the building’s safety risks and explaining how the risks are being managed” since October 2023. It’s likely that most PAPs have now completed their safety case reports and have either been invited to apply for their Building Assessment Certificate or are waiting for their notification. Here we’ll be explaining what will go into

The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Rocco Archidiacono as its new Head of Business Development to lead the Group’s new business services and bolster client partnerships. Rocco has joined The FirstPort Group from real estate firm Hamptons where he was pivotal in expanding its business development team across its network, playing a key role in aligning the company's residential and commercial arms. In his new role, Rocco joins the Busines

Construction is now underway on 189 low-energy affordable homes for local people at Deptford Landings in southeast London.   The fully affordable development will include 130 homes for social rent and 59 homes for shared ownership, providing housing opportunities for local people, including those on the council’s waiting list.   Residents will enjoy high-quality living spaces across three eight-storey buildings, complete with private balconies, a central landscaped courtyard, and large roof terraces on tw

Building safety regulations in the UK have undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Property managers, alongside the wider industry, have been tasked with navigating complex statutory changes which guarantee additional measures are in place for the safety of their residents.  The recent fire in a high rise building in Dagenham is a poignant reminder of the importance of fire safety in all residential buildings. Fleur Bowen, The FirstPort Group’s Director of Health and Safety, reflects on th

Adam Sanders explains why block managers should use consultants to help with safety cases, but that the key to success is the effective implementation of in-house management systems. In January I wrote an article discouraging hysteria about safety case reports, and promoting a more effective strategy for building safety in blocks of flats. My argument is that building safety legislation (the Building Safety Act and 31 pieces of associated secondary legislation) focuses on ensuring we know how buildings wo

Just a matter of weeks since the release of the Grenfell Inquiry phase 2 report we are seeing a lot of activity and commentary on the impact this has for the construction industry and wider implications for building regulations. Whilst we are now dealing with the wide-ranging regulations brought in with the Building Safety Act, it is becoming evident that the remediation of at-risk buildings cannot happen soon enough. Building regulations are detailed and complex documents, and their recommendations are u

Airspace property developers Castlemere Developers have secured a prime London location for its next residential project. The Windsor-based company is to build five one-bedroom airspace apartments at Nicholas Court, Burnt Ash Hill, in Grove Park, London. The development, which will cost a total of £1.35m when complete, will replicate its current airspace schemes by using offsite construction methods before being lifted into place to complete the work. Nicholas Court, which is a three-story apartment block

When it comes to fire safety, expertise and a commitment to quality are paramount. Lyfe Safety Systems exemplifies these qualities, positioning itself as a trusted provider of comprehensive fire protection services. Dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties, the company offers both Active and Passive Fire Protection solutions that go beyond compliance, focusing on delivering peace of mind. What Sets Lyfe Safety Systems Apart Lyfe Safety Systems is built on a foundation of transparency, reliability, a

Issue 133 of News on the Block has now been published and is available for subscribers to read online. This issue of News on the Block includes a special Health & Safety Feature sponsored by Future Group. Some of the articles in this issue include:  - Systematic dishonesty’ contributed to disaster - TPI’s flagship conference set to take place - Ensuring comprehensive fire safety -  Why are fees charged by agents to landlords so high? - A poignant reminder  - A decade of excellence in health and safet

Having an insurance policy and paying your premium does not automatically guarantee that your insurer will pay out when you make a claim. Every insurance policy has exclusions (things or circumstances that aren’t covered) and limits to the amount your insurer will pay out for any single article and/or incident. There are also terms and conditions that must be complied with, including the need for you to take reasonable steps to avoid insured events occurring in the first place. Here are five key things to

Construction is underway on a new luxury property development in Surrey, following a £3.4m residential property development loan from Secure Trust Bank (STB) Real Estate Finance. Located in the village of Felbridge, East Grinstead, nine semi-detached new-build properties are being built to the rear of existing homes on Rowplatt Lane. The homes, which are just outside of the High Weald National Landscape, are being developed by Bruckland Developments, a premium property developer in the South East of Engla

With over 10 years of industry experience, Future Group has established itself as a multi-award-winning specialist in health and safety compliance. Our entire company is built on the foundation of compliance, making us a trusted partner in the block management industry. Our contributions to enhancing health and safety standards are evident in the comprehensive services we offer across multiple key areas. Fire Safety Expertise At Future Group, fire safety is a top priority. We specialize in the installatio