London property developer Avanton has selected HG Construction as the main contractor for a landmark residential scheme on the Old Kent Road, with a contract value of £68 million. The 262-unit development, named ‘THE BeCa’, has a project GDV of £160 million and represents the first major residential project in
Modular construction business Integra Buildings has celebrated a record year as a string of major contracts underpinned impressive growth. Yorkshire-based Integra recorded turnover of £50m in 2023 for the first time in the company’s 27-year history, as newly-released accounts detail its strong financial performance. Income reached £50.4m in the year
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is calling for reform of permitted development rights in its response to the government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. The pan-industry body is also urging government to channel greater resources into strategic planning and to strengthen support for retrofit first. CIC said it
Independent property company, Hortons, has secured planning consent for the speculative development of 100,000 sq ft of industrial/warehouse accommodation in the West Midlands. Two new build units of 40,000 sq ft and 60,000 sq ft will be constructed on a five acre plot at Wellington Industrial Estate, Coseley, near Jct
Yesterday, senior leaders and professionals from across the construction industry gathered at the 2024 Construction Leaders’ Summit, bringing together some of the most important voices in building safety and sustainability. Hosted by construction data experts, NBS, in collaboration with data analysts Glenigan, at the Royal College of Physicians, London, the
Experts in modular construction are invited to apply for a new framework covering the design, supply, installation and hire of permanent, temporary and refurbished modular buildings for the public sector. The Modular Buildings (MB3) framework has been designed by public sector construction framework provider LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG) to support
Electricity network operators have abolished 10GW of so-called “zombie” projects since the launch of ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, freeing up vital grid capacity, figures from Energy Networks Association released today, 26th September 2024, reveal. This achievement has been possible thanks to work being undertaken by network operators, the regulator and
A large housing development in Essex has been purchased by the local authority for the benefit of local residents, having achieved a Secured by Design Gold award for incorporating crime prevention measures into its landscaping and the physical security of its buildings. The Burnt Mills development in Harlow includes 172
GMI Construction Group has announced the appointment of Gareth Jones as Group Managing Director. He has been promoted from Divisional Managing Director for the Midlands, where he has played a fundamental role in the establishment of GMI’s presence in the region. This has included helping to diversify its portfolio of
Civil engineering costs are forecast to rise by 15% over the next five years to 2Q 2029, while civil engineering tender prices are predicted to increase by 23% over the same period, according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work infrastructure output is expected
London property developer Avanton has selected HG Construction as the main contractor for a landmark residential scheme on the Old Kent Road, with a contract value of £68 million. The 262-unit development, named ‘THE BeCa’, has a project GDV of £160 million and represents the first major residential project in the regeneration of the Old Kent Road area. Located on the site of the former Carpetright warehouse at 651 Old Kent Road, construction is set to begin immediately. Designed by renowned architects Farrells, the development will feature two towers reaching 10 and 19 storeys high. As the initial phase of Avanton’s 5-acre Ruby Triangle masterplan, ‘THE BeCa’ will include 40% affordable housing, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering a mix of housing options in this vibrant and evolving neighbourhood. ‘THE BeCa’ will comprise 170 New York-styled one and two-bedroom apartments for private sale with residents benefitting from a wide range of high-quality amenities including a concierge, fitness suite, flexible co-working spaces, games room, cycle storage and three communal roof terraces. The development will offer over 10,000 ft of retail space, with Sainsbury’s Local already signed up to occupy on completion of the development. HG Construction, a specialist in high-quality residential, commercial, hotel, and student accommodation projects across the UK, is currently engaged in multiple projects within the Southwark area. The contractor will leverage its extensive internal delivery capabilities on the project, handling piling, concrete frames, bathroom pods, and mechanical and electrical services—ensuring high standards of quality and programme efficiency for Avanton. Chris Cobham, Development Director at Avanton, commented: “’THE BeCa’ is not only a significant step forward in our Ruby Triangle masterplan, but it also demonstrates our commitment to Southwark’s masterplan on the Old Kent Road. By delivering high-quality homes, including 40% affordable housing, alongside vibrant amenities and BREEAM Excellent rated retail spaces, we are creating a truly sustainable community that will benefit the local area for years to come.” Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction commented: “It is a pleasure to be partnering with Avanton to help them deliver on their exciting new vision for the Ruby Triangle. We have been involved in a number of schemes in the Old Kent Road area over the past few years and it is wonderful to see the regeneration progress at pace with major new schemes completing and more on the way. This new high quality mixed-use residential development will significantly boost the housing offering in the area and provide an excellent amenity and retail offering for residents. We are committed to working collaboratively with Avanton, our suppliers and the local community and look forward to developing solid new relationships and positive community links as the scheme progresses.” The development is expected to complete in winter 2026 and a sales suite will be opened by Avanton in London Bridge in October this year. ‘THE BeCa’ apartment prices start at £440,000 and currently 20% have been pre-sold. For more information visit the thebeca.co.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7052 5111. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Modular construction business Integra Buildings has celebrated a record year as a string of major contracts underpinned impressive growth. Yorkshire-based Integra recorded turnover of £50m in 2023 for the first time in the company’s 27-year history, as newly-released accounts detail its strong financial performance. Income reached £50.4m in the year ending December 31, 2023, up 18 per cent on the previous 12 months, with pre-tax profits of £6.6m, up from £2.8m in 2022. Key to the success were a series of showpiece projects, including the delivery of a £6m new facility for a world-class sports organisation, as well as contracts won with blue chip clients including Network Rail and Transport for London. Integra’s impressive financial performance comes as it continues to deliver major investments at its headquarters site in Paull, near Hull, including an expanded head office and wide-reaching sustainability initiatives. With a healthy order book and future pipeline of work, Integra has set its sights on exceeding £60m turnover in 2025 and is investing in its team to lay the foundations for continuing growth. Integra CEO Gary Parker said: “Hitting £50m turnover for the first time reflects a hugely successful period for Integra, delivering impactful projects for clients spanning both the public and private sectors. “As we have grown organically, we have evolved from a modular manufacturer to a full-service modular construction company which is delivering turnkey projects spanning design, consultation, planning, manufacture, delivery and installation. “Throughout our history, we’ve remained focused on delivering buildings of outstanding quality. Our reputation for excellence and consistently exceeding expectations is driving ever-growing numbers of enquiries from clients looking for modular solutions to their projects.” As well as smaller scale contracts, a total of 15 projects worth at least £1m each were successfully delivered during 2023. Integra’s single biggest project during the year was a development for one of the world’s best-known sports organisations. The modular construction business also delivered an award-winning Wellbeing Hub for NHS staff at Southampton General Hospital. The project was made possible following the auction of famous street artist Banksy’s “Game Changer” piece and provided a modern, attractive space for colleagues to relax and unwind from the pressures of work. Other important contracts included a staff accommodation and maintenance building at Transport for London’s Neasden Depot and a new training centre for Network Rail at its Innovation & Development Centre in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire. Integra continues to work with leading organisations including National Highways and the Ministry of Defence with a healthy order book and pipeline of high-quality contracts. Chris Turner, Managing Director at Integra, said: “Our strong performance is in line with a structured growth plan which was put in place to ensure we remain at the forefront of a fast-growing modular construction industry. “It means, as a business, we are well placed for the next chapter of our story, as we continually look to evolve the services we offer to our clients. “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of our team who have played a massive part in what was the most successful year in Integra’s history.” Integra is also midway through a £2m investment programme at its East Yorkshire site, including a self-built expansion to Integra’s modular head office. Over the past six years, Integra’s workforce has grown from a team of 80 to around 180, and the new space will cater for the company’s expanding office-based team. Investment has also been made to create additional storage space at the site, to accommodate growing numbers of units ready to be transported to sites. Sustainability forms a crucial part of the investment programme, with Integra having embarked on an ambitious pathway to become a carbon neutral business by 2038. More than £1m has been invested in projects including a comprehensive rooftop solar installation, the introduction of electric forklift trucks and welding equipment, a waste compactor which reduces trips to landfill, and replacing company vehicles with electric models. Integra now has more than 1,000 solar panels installed on its main office and production factories, with capacity to generate around 380,000 kWh of clean electricity every year. Integra continues to invest significantly in learning, development and training for its existing team, as well as expanding and recruiting in project management and commercial roles. The company provides a high-quality healthcare benefit package, with a clear focus on wellbeing. With an eye on the future, and nurturing a skilled workforce, Integra has a successful apprenticeship programme, working with local schools and colleges to provide opportunities for young people pursuing a career in the construction industry. Integra has also formed a new pre-construction team, with a focus on offering a broader, complete service to clients. It means the company is involved in projects from an earlier design and planning stage, taking the client right through to completion and handover of the building. With a commitment to excellence across all of its operations, Integra has retained its three ISO accreditations for Quality Management, Environment and Health and Safety. The business is also working towards ISO 19650, an international standard which helps companies securely manage information over the whole lifecycle of a built asset using building information modelling. As the modular industry continues to grow and evolve, Integra has invested in a number of research and development projects, focused on new product development, including an innovative modular custodial cell which meets the required Government standards. Integra believes the modular cell could hold the key to tackling the prison overcrowding crisis which has made the headlines in recent months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is calling for reform of permitted development rights in its response to the government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. The pan-industry body is also urging government to channel greater resources into strategic planning and to strengthen support for retrofit first. CIC said it is “is hugely supportive of government’s ambition to accelerate housebuilding and that it backed many reforms.” But it added: “Without extra funding for affordable housing in the budget this ambition could not be realised as many schemes will remain unviable.” Professor Tony Crook CBE, Chair of CIC’s Housing Panel, said: “We support what the government is doing, including much of the detail in the NPPF, such as reintroduction of local mandatory housing targets. However, the NPPF will not be able to deliver on its own, and there is a real risk that without addressing other changes needed, government will fall well short of its housebuilding ambitions.” In its response to the consultation, CIC has highlighted concerns about the government’s proposals, including: Mina Hasman, chair of CIC’s Climate Change Committee said: “The newly planned homes are expected to face some of the most severe and long-lasting impacts of climate change making it imperative that they are designed to be both resilient and low carbon. It is therefore, critical that our planning policies support homes built to an ambitious Future Homes Standard and drive the successful adoption of Blue-Green Infrastructure including SuDS. The policy of encouraging the reuse of existing resources within the NPPF should be strengthened to better incentivise retrofitting, improve design solutions, and dramatically reduce waste and carbon emissions in line with government’s stated commitment to a more circular economy.” CIC also highlighted the skills shortage across many professionals and trades, which it said needed urgent addressing for house building targets to be met. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent property company, Hortons, has secured planning consent for the speculative development of 100,000 sq ft of industrial/warehouse accommodation in the West Midlands. Two new build units of 40,000 sq ft and 60,000 sq ft will be constructed on a five acre plot at Wellington Industrial Estate, Coseley, near Jct 2 of the M5 motorway. Known as Evolution 40 and 60, the new developments will target EPC A and contain 10m eaves height, a secure yard and parking. The units will have access to secure cycle parking and electric vehicle charging provision, and will be serviced by a new two-way estate road. Remediation works will take place on site before construction of the two new buildings. Hortons has also begun the redevelopment of Wellington House, a former office building on the same estate, which will create a further eight, double height small industrial units. The new units are expected to be available for occupation from Q1 2025. In addition, Hortons has invested in the refurbishment of almost 50% of the existing industrial accommodation at Wellington Industrial Estate, improving the amenity and environmental performance of units. James Slater of Hortons said: “We are very pleased to have gained planning consent for this new development scheme at Wellington Industrial Estate. Evolution 40 and 60 will deliver high quality industrial/warehouse and manufacturing space, within a secure business environment, and we expect to receive considerable interest from the market. “Our strategy of investing in the upgrade of existing buildings has been an important factor in attracting new occupiers to the estate, while our redevelopment of Wellington House will also serve local demand for high quality small business units.” Wellington Industrial Estate is a multi-let estate located off the A4123 Birmingham New Road, within five miles of Wolverhampton city centre. For more information please contact retained agents, Bulleys Chartered Surveyors and Harris Lamb. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday, senior leaders and professionals from across the construction industry gathered at the 2024 Construction Leaders’ Summit, bringing together some of the most important voices in building safety and sustainability. Hosted by construction data experts, NBS, in collaboration with data analysts Glenigan, at the Royal College of Physicians, London, the event kicked off with a deep dive into the issue of safety in construction and the role construction product testing has to play. Speaking at the event, Paul Morrell OBE, former Chief Construction Adviser to the UK Government, said: “There can be no question about the objective: we need buildings that are designed, constructed, and operated to be safe, incorporating products manufactured and marketed with the same end in mind.” He stressed that the industry must not wait around for Government direction, saying “This change involves the entire supply chain, creating a chain of connected duties. The industry needs to decide what competence looks like in accordance with guidance and standards, and we must all take reasonable steps to ensure that these are upheld.” Talks throughout the day also focused on sustainable construction and in particular, the sustainable practices that are moving the needle on delivering net-zero emission targets and how the role of digital adoption will continue to be a key driver in delivering higher standards of safety and efficiency across the board. The event included other insightful talks. Chris Hines MBE, owner of A Grain of Sand & former Director of Sustainability for The Eden Project, gave an informative speech on the collaborative mindset needed to deliver a step change in sustainable and regenerative development. He said: “Large-scale infrastructure projects are drivers of change, by example and by practice. Construction has a key role to play in the race toward Net Zero, through leadership, expertise, innovation and collaboration. We need to work together, using every tool we have available.” With a focus on the entire construction supply chain, the afternoon session also examined how safety and sustainability considerations have impacted building product manufacturers as well as designers, particularly in the way building information is used and managed by the industry. The day ended with a discussion on digital and AI in construction alongside some of the leading voices in applied construction technology, including Fyma CEO Karen Burns and BDP-Pattern Associate Director Nick Tyrer. Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, concluded the event by saying: “The Hackitt Review, Building Safety Act and its secondary legislation have laid out clear duties for designers, contractors, and those who own and operate buildings. Now, the industry is figuring out how to organise itself to live up to these duties. “It’s a complicated but essential task, and that’s why the summit is a great opportunity for professionals across the sector to share best practice and receive take-away advice that they can implement in their day-to-day decisions.” If you missed out on this year’s event, sign up to access presentations and content from the day and watch the on-demand webinar here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Experts in modular construction are invited to apply for a new framework covering the design, supply, installation and hire of permanent, temporary and refurbished modular buildings for the public sector. The Modular Buildings (MB3) framework has been designed by public sector construction framework provider LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG) to support public sector clients with modular building solutions that emphasise offsite construction and its environmental benefits. As the successor to the MB2 framework, which expires in May 2025, it will be available to use for a wide range of public sector buildings across England, Wales and Scotland through LHCPG’s five regional business units. This includes education facilities, healthcare settings, emergency services, offices, community buildings, and mixed-use developments. Suppliers on the MB3 framework will provide a full turnkey solution, managing all services required for a project from initial design through to final handover. By increasing the focus on offsite construction, MB3 aims to reduce environmental impact, streamline project timelines, and offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. Almost £76 million of public sector work has been procured via the MB2 framework to date, and even greater interest is anticipated in MB3 – particularly from sectors facing time-sensitive construction needs. Shona Snow, LHCPG’s director of product innovation, said: “Our MB3 framework will continue to address the demand we are seeing for offsite construction, which not only delivers projects more efficiently but also brings significant environmental benefits. “It will make it easier for public sector clients to procure modular buildings that meet their specific needs across various sectors. “Given the increasing pressure on the public sector to address urgent building requirements, particularly in light of the ongoing RAAC crisis and changes to building safety regulations, we expect strong demand for this framework.” MB3 is set to run until May 2029 to provide long-term opportunities for both suppliers and public sector clients in education, blue light services, healthcare, offices, and leisure facilities. Owing to its flexibility and broad scope, it is designed to support a wide range of public sector projects, delivering high-quality, sustainable modular buildings. As with all LHCPG frameworks, there are social value objectives for MB3 which align with the nature of the framework and partner priorities. Clive Feeney, LHCPG group managing director, said: “Our unique value lies not just in our technical solutions and support, but also in our social value outcomes. “As the only true national framework provider structured and governed around community needs and social value outcomes, we focus on generating positive, lasting impacts on communities. “All companies appointed to MB3 will be supported to deliver and report the social value impact of each project delivered through it.” Places on the framework, which will be split across four workstreams, are available to those specialising in modular construction suitable for public sector applications. Bids will be evaluated on a 70% quality and 30% price basis to ensure both value and expertise are prioritised. Shona added: “As always, we are keen to encourage applications from SMEs and actively try to remove barriers for them through our procurement processes. “We are proud of the fact that four out of five of the 1,266 suppliers appointed to our frameworks in the last ten years have been SMEs.” Throughout the tender submission period applicants can ask questions, and a full tender response pack, templates and guidance information will be available. Suppliers can view and submit their bids to be part of this framework via LHCPG’s Intend portal by 12 noon on 31 October 2024: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/lhc/aspx/ProjectManage/36 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Electricity network operators have abolished 10GW of so-called “zombie” projects since the launch of ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, freeing up vital grid capacity, figures from Energy Networks Association released today, 26th September 2024, reveal. This achievement has been possible thanks to work being undertaken by network operators, the regulator and the system operator through ENA’s Strategic Connections Group. The initiatives have seen stalled or speculative schemes – that were characterised by the regulator last year as ‘zombie projects’ – removed from the queue. Over the coming months, the Group is working on further initiatives as part of the next phase of the process, including ensuring a more effective and cohesive connection process between the transmission and distribution networks. ENA and their network operator members are working with the regulator to assess what would be needed to deliver this coordination, including in terms of codes or new licence changes to facilitate it. ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, made up of network operators and industry partners, is dedicated to accelerating the speed of grid connections. It has prioritised practical reforms and is advocating for strategic changes to the UK’s planning processes that are necessary to make grid connections even faster. The actions being taken include: Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, said:“Removing these stalled schemes is a necessary step to make the UK’s grid connection process faster but it’s just one part of the solution and work must continue at pace. We’re taking measures to more closely coordinate the connections process between distribution and transmission networks and we’re working with the government and regulator to help ensure the planning system is ready to enable the connections needed for the UK’s clean energy future. “We also shouldn’t forget that these projects are a sign that the ‘connection queue’ itself requires further reform, as there was 252GW more generation and supply capacity in the queue last year than is required by 2050 in even the most ambitious plans for the UK’s grid.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A large housing development in Essex has been purchased by the local authority for the benefit of local residents, having achieved a Secured by Design Gold award for incorporating crime prevention measures into its landscaping and the physical security of its buildings. The Burnt Mills development in Harlow includes 172 one and two bedroom properties designed and constructed for rental. The development also includes ground floor commercial space, 150 cycle racks and 142 residents parking spaces – 23 of which have electric vehicle charging points – and communal roof gardens. An Essex Police Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) worked with the developer from the pre-planning stage in 2017 to ensure that appropriate security measures commensurate to the local crime risk were incorporated into the development. This work included incorporating proven crime prevention measures in the layout and landscaping, such as to increase natural surveillance and create defensible space, as well as incorporating products that meet Secured by Design’s (SBD) Police Preferred Specification standard into the physical security of building to ensure they are sufficiently robust to resist physical attack by opportunistic burglars. These measures included external doors and accessible windows fitted with robust locking systems. Harlow Council recently announced its purchase of the development in a move to secure more Harlow social housing and affordable homes for Harlow people – all 172 homes will be available to anyone who lives in Harlow. Thirty percent of homes (52), which is three times more than the original planning approval, will be allocated to Harlow families on the Housing Needs Register at affordable rent levels (at least 20% below market rent). A further 120 homes will be available to Harlow residents at market rent levels. The development has also been awarded the National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Award in the High-rise Builder category. Caroline Peters from Essex Police said: “Millbrook Studios development was part of the Harlow regeneration scheme and was my first large development as a DOCO. I worked closely with the architects to ensure the development could achieve the SBD Gold award. Originally the developer was only seeking Silver however, we worked together to easily achieve the higher standard. “Hollybrook were very engaging and considered my recommendations and security provisions, they wanted the development to be safe and secure for the future residents. “Harlow Council have recently purchased the development located in a very active part of the Town. It is encouraging Secured by Design has been implemented as this gives Essex Police that extra reassurance that residents of Harlow are safe in their homes.” Ian Brown from Developers Hollybrook said “We are thrilled to announce that our Millbrook Studios development has been awarded the Secured by Design Gold award. This significant gateway regeneration project not only delivers much-needed housing for the Harlow community but also prioritises the safety of its residents by designing out the risk of crime. Hollybrook, in collaboration with Burwell Architects, worked diligently with the Designing Out Crime Officer to ensure the development exceeds the highest standards to provide safe secure homes.” Announcing the purchase of the development earlier in the year, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said: ““We have worked extremely hard to buy this private development for the benefit of Harlow residents. This is an impressive and modern development, which has been built to a very high standard and is located on a key gateway in and out of Harlow. The original development was always intended for the rental market with just over 9% being affordable housing. We will be increasing the amount of affordable housing to 30% with those homes allocated to Harlow families on our Housing Needs Register with the rest being available for Harlow residents to rent.” Improved security Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure. Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security – Dwellings). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete. Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties, helps deter and reduce crime. Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse. The built environment influences the behaviour of people who work, live, socialise or simply pass through. SBD seeks to create environments where the law-abiding feel safe and secure whilst at the same time causing the criminal or anti-social to feel vulnerable to detection and thereby influence behaviour in a positive way. This continues to be a key objective for SBD. Find out more about SBD Developers Awards here. SBD Design Guides SBD has produced a series of authoritative Design Guides to assist the building, design and construction industry to incorporate security into developments to comply with the Building Regulations in England, Scotland and Wales and meet the requirements of SBD. These Design Guides, available to download for free at the SBD website, have been updated over the years to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour and advances in building design and new technology. They are a valuable source of reference to architects, developers, self-builders, local authority planners and police officers and cover a range of building sectors, including residential, education, health, transport and commercial. Police Designing Out Crime Officers DOCOs provide specialist crime reduction advice to the public, businesses and colleagues about premises or property security. They also work with building developers, architects, and council planning departments regarding new developments and refurbishments, to ‘design out’ crimes
GMI Construction Group has announced the appointment of Gareth Jones as Group Managing Director. He has been promoted from Divisional Managing Director for the Midlands, where he has played a fundamental role in the establishment of GMI’s presence in the region. This has included helping to diversify its portfolio of projects, extending its reach further south into the region. As a result, the group’s Midlands division contributes in excess of £85m towards GMI’s revenues, with notable projects for MIRA Technology Park, St Francis Developments, Trebor Developments, Evans Property Group and Alumno Group. With more than 20 years’ experience in construction, Gareth has quickly risen in the industry. He started as a trainee Site Engineer aged 17, also studying for a degree in Construction Management and Civil Engineering. This became the foundation of a 12-year career with Galliford Try during which time he progressed to site management and project management roles before the age of 24. Gareth Jones joined GMI Construction initially as Construction Manager, before progressing he spent two years as Construction Director for the Midlands before becoming Divisional Managing Director for GMI. Transitioning into the group role during the last quarter of 2024, Gareth will lead the business alongside new Group Commercial Director Richard Davies, previously Commercial Director of the Midlands who Gareth worked closely with over the previous few years. Gareth Jones, Group Managing Director, said, “I am absolutely delighted to be leading GMI in achieving its strategic objectives, alongside continuing to place our people at the forefront of the group. We have developed a fantastic business working with some outstanding clients across our core regions. “Our contribution to the development of the built environment in Yorkshire, the North East, North West and the Midlands continues to be an essential part of the UK economy, through the creation of employment opportunities, new homes and business premises. This is a huge achievement that I’m incredibly proud of and I look forward to working closely with colleagues and clients across our key regions.” Jarrod Best, GMI chairman said, “This is an incredibly well-deserved appointment. Gareth has done a fantastic job delivering for multiple regions and is an asset to the team. Gareth’s dedication and strategic approach to growth will drive the profitable consolidation we are focusing on and will ensure our projects are delivered to a high standard. A huge congratulations to Gareth and we look forward to the new era of GMI”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civil engineering costs are forecast to rise by 15% over the next five years to 2Q 2029, while civil engineering tender prices are predicted to increase by 23% over the same period, according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work infrastructure output is expected to decline by 3% in 2024, before recovering from 2025 onwards. Output in this sector is forecast to rise by 19% over the next five years, driven by strong growth in the electricity sub-sector. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “Although infrastructure output has historically remained relatively high, it has declined over the past year. We forecast that output growth will resume in the second half of this year and plateau through 2025, before showing marginal growth later in the forecast period. “Output will be driven by continued work in the energy sector and large-scale projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C, and offshore wind developments within the electricity sub-sector. “The government has made various announcements around its infrastructure plans, proposing a 10-year infrastructure strategy but, as with other sectors, much of the detail will not be clear until at least the Autumn Budget. “Investment is crucial for infrastructure so, while the government is at pains to describe the dire state it has inherited, it also needs to inspire confidence in the sector and encourage investors to come here. Hopefully that will be reflected in spending plans and policy moving forward.” For further information about BCIS please visit: www.bcis.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
