TCM successfully move into Northern Ireland with a major Japanese knotweed removal project
Posted on May 16th, 2012
The work undertaken on behalf of Gilbert Ash originally required TCM to quote and find a suitable method of removal for the clearance of 400m2 of Japanese knotweed to prepare the site for a new Asda store.
A TCM expert surveyed the site at Portadown, Belfast in February 2012 and proposed clearing the large area of Japanese knotweed through removal to landfill to allow the building works to begin in spring/summer of the same year.
Upon surveying the land other species of plant were found to inhabit the site which would also need clearing by specialists in invasive weed removal. TCM were successful in completing the works within budget and timescales required and after a contract was agreed in early spring.
Howard Downer, MD of TCM commented; “I am very pleased with the work we have done in Northern Ireland and that we have now established ourselves in the region. We have had the opportunity to quote for various developers in the area and hope to continue to win the work and complete it as successfully as we have with this project.”
Japanese knotweed guarantees for residential properties
Posted on May 9th, 2012
Contrary to views in the industry TCM would like to confirm its success in securing exclusive deals with two high street mortgage lenders.
It has become increasingly difficult for buyers and homeowners to secure a loan against a property where Japanese knotweed is present. The weed when identified by surveyors will cause any lender to retract the loan agreement due to the destructive nature of the plant and its ability to damage a property.
TCM have worked with the lenders and negotiated a deal in which once the weed on the property has been treated by their workforce and a warranty issued the mortgage agreement can be revisited by the borrower.
This is fantastic news for those owners and buyers who are unable to progress with a sale and offers borrowers a chance to move forward. If you are struggling to get a mortgage agreement or sell your property then get in touch to discuss how TCM and its high street partners can help.
TCMs experience and credibility is what has driven the deals and allowed us to work with over 500 esurv surveyors. We have now completed 37 treatments on residential properties this year to date, which has led to mortgages being granted. We are looking forward to helping many more lenders and borrowers overcome the problems Japanese knotweed can cause.
Kate from London comments on her own experience of finding Japanese knotweed on her property;
“I was in the midst of trying to move house when a surveyor found Japanese knotweed in my garden. My buyer’s lender was renowned for not mortgaging on properties where knotweed is present so I thought the whole move was off and my property would be unsellable. But Howard at TCM came round, assessed the problem, came up with the best solution for my situation – to dig it all out – and spoke to the surveyor to explain the process. The team were quick to complete the work (it took 3 days) and they cleaned up after each visit. TCM’s final report confirming total eradication of the knotweed and the accompanying guarantee meant the lender agreed to proceed with mortgaging against the property and I was able to move home. This was a hugely stressful time for me, but TCM kept me calm and just got on with sorting the problem. They are very professional and absolute experts at what they do. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.”
TCM receive confirmation of the end of the CVA agreement.
Posted on May 2nd, 2012
TCM are pleased to have now received final confirmation that the Company Voluntary Arrangement set up back in 2008 has ended and we are now released from all liability relating to the agreement.
Our details are held by Companies House and are available for the public to view. We are now shown as being out of the CVA, demonstrating to potential and existing clients that the company is financially stable.
The end of the agreement coincides with a surge in TCMs workload, showing that business in going from strength to strength. March and April have seen a dramatic increase in sales putting us ahead of last years targets and also shows no signs of slowing down.
Howard Downer comments; “This last year TCM has undergone structural changes that have brought financial stability to the company. Now we are in a strong position and with a full order book we can look forward to a prosperous 2012.”
With less than 100 days to go until the 2012 Olympics TCM take a look back at the site in Stratford.
Posted on April 27th, 2012
With the Olympics fast approaching, the employees of TCM have reflected on the work involved in clearing the site of invasive weeds back in 2007.
We were asked to remove over 70,000m² of invasive weeds identified on the site such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed which extended over an area of 10ha.
With constraints such as time, an aquifer, two rivers, multiple synchronised activities and edict that only 5% waste could be exported from the site, the project was certainly a challenge.
However by using a variety of methods for Invasive weed eradication including the TCM 1 year HIT herbicidal system and HIT herbicidal system for environmentally sensitive areas, Japanese knotweed soil screening and Japanese knotweed on site burial, TCM overcame all the problems within timescales and budget.
The company is proud to have to have been involved in such a high profile development and have played a major part in the construction of the Olympic park which will represent the country whilst hosting the 2012 games.
A TCM warranty was issued on completion of the works and with the games almost upon us we can safely say the whole site remains free from invasive weeds and will do for years to come.
“TCM were the second contractors on the site and worked closely with us to ensure that this early stage of the project was completed to a high standard. We were very pleased with the work done and TCM have proven their competence with a large site that still remains free of invasive weeds.” James Buckle
A case study of the Olympic park project can be viewed here.
TCMs Top Safety Accreditation
Posted on March 2nd, 2012
TCM has for the third year received accreditation from SAFEcontractor, a programme which recognises very high standards of health and safety practise amongst UK contractors.
We are one of the successful companies to join the leading edge scheme, designed to help industry improve its safety record.
SAFEcontractor is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contract services.
John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor said, “Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies”.
“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that TCM has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example, which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector”.
Under the SAFEcontractor system, TCM had to undergo a vetting process, examining our health and safety procedures and track record for safe practice. Through meeting the high standard we are included on a database, which is accessible to registered users only via a website, www.safecontractor.com
Employer-organisations who sign up to the scheme can access the database, enabling them to vet potential contractors before they even set foot on site. These employers agree that, as users of the scheme, they will engage only those who have received accreditation.
Over one hundred and fifty major nation-wide businesses, from several key sectors, have signed up to use the scheme when selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.
TCMs SAFEcontractor accreditation is expected to enhance our ability to attract new contracts and our commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.
Martin Chapman
TCM welcomes Sarah King back to work
Posted on February 7th, 2012
- Sarah King with baby Lewis
TCM would like to welcome Sarah back to work after 7 months away on maternity leave. Sarah, who is our in house Ecologist and responsible for sales across the South East of England gave birth to baby Lewis on the 19th of August 2011.
Sarah has now returned to TCM, working on a part time basis and will resume her previous responsibilities three days a week.
Sarah comments “It’s great being back at work whilst still having the chance to spend time with Lewis. I am looking forward to settling back in to TCM and picking up where I left off.”
We wish Sarah all the best with her new role as Mum and are delighted that she is able to continue to work for TCM.
TCM guest speak at the Esurv 2012 National Conference
Posted on January 13th, 2012
Nick Tocher of TCM
TCM have received positive feedback from over 450 surveyors for their knowledge and presentation on invasive weeds at the Esurv 2012 annual conference.
Held at the Lighthouse theatre in Kettering, Northants, the annual event was host to various businesses providing updates and technical training to prepare Esurvs surveyors for the year ahead.
As part of our ongoing relationship with Esurv, TCM were invited to present alongside a variety of companies sharing their expertise on a range of subject matters relevant to the industry. Nick Tocher of TCM attended the event as our speaker. Mike Rudland who worked with Esuv to arrange our part in the event was also in attendance strengthening existing relationships, sharing knowledge and offering advice on specific cases as required.
TCM on air to give expert advice
Posted on October 27th, 2011
TCMs Nick Tocher recently appeared on ITV Anglia News to give his expert opinion to viewers on the latest story to break in which Japanese knotweed has invaded the Hertfordshire home of couple Matthew Jones and Sue Banks.
The full report aired on the ITV Anglia Tonight programme shows a severe case of the weed invading the foundations of a property, highlighting how serious the problem can become. It was thought that the value of the home has dropped from £305,000 to just £50,000 and the only option was to demolish the building.
Nick was invited to the ITV studio in Cambridge and was asked to give his advice on the home in question and also what other members of the public should do if they discover the weed on their property. The story has also appeared in the Daily Mail and the coverage will help to make more people aware of the weed and the damage it can cause. A regional map showing the spread of Japanese knotweed across the United Kingdom used in the report and discussed by Nick will no doubt further highlight the scale of the issue. Specialists such as TCM will benefit from the raised awareness and the more knowledge the general public have the easier it will be to tackle the problem.
TCM successfully negotiate to leave CVA early
Posted on October 20th, 2011
TCM are pleased to announce that they have successfully negotiated an early exit from the Company Voluntary Arrangement which was put in place three years ago. It was a tough decision made by the company to enter the agreement due to a substantial bad debt. TCM are proud to say this difficult time has come to an end.
The early exit reflects the dedication that TCM has demonstrated in making improvements to the business and planning for long term success. TCM are confident of their position in today’s market and would like to thank all of its suppliers, creditors and friends in the invasive weed industry who have offered their support over the last few years.
Managing Director, Howard Downer comments; “We are delighted that we have managed to negotiate an early exit from the CVA and are now looking forward to a long and successful future in the business. I would personally like to thank everybody involved for their continuing support. TCM, having exited the CVA 2 years early have now been put on a secure financial footing and will be around offering a great service to customers for a long time to come.”
Mike Rudland Joins TCM
Posted on September 13th, 2011
TCM are pleased to welcome Mike Rudland who is joining the company as part of the business development and sales team for the south.
Mike, having previously worked in the construction industry has an excellent understanding of the requirements our customers have for timely yet cost effective weed eradication. Mike will be managing relationships and promoting our services to both new and existing clients.
“I am looking forward to working for TCM and I am glad to be a part of one of the leading companies in the field. I have always enjoyed working with people so I’m excited to meet the team and get started.” Mike Rudland, TCM
We wish Mike success in his new role and look forward to working with him.
Welcome to the Team!
