The Crown Estate has unveiled details of its pipeline of developments in London’s West End. The three projects, which have a Gross Development Value of over £430 million, will deliver 251,000 sq ft of office, leisure and retail space in the heart of the Capital. Amongst the three developments is
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) has teamed up with Kennedy Wilson, a global real estate investment company, to establish a joint venture (JV) in the UK single-family rental housing sector. This ambitious venture aims to build a portfolio valued at approximately £1 billion, with CPP Investments contributing
abrdn has raised its outlook on the real estate sector, forecasting a new growth phase driven by renewed REIT performance, a stable interest rate environment, and strong demand for quality rental assets. In its latest Q4 Real Estate House View, abrdn upgraded its investment stance from neutral to overweight, marking
BIRMINGHAM. The skyline of Birmingham’s Central Business District welcomed a new landmark today as developers celebrated the topping out ceremony of The Townsend, a highly anticipated luxury residential development on Church Street. This event marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress, bringing the city one step closer to a
Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has announced a comprehensive new set of standards for property professionals: the ‘Property Agency and Management Principles’. This global guideline is set to redefine best practices in property agency and management, applying to RICS members and RICS-regulated firms across residential, commercial, auctioneering, and
Milton Park has been named as one of the country’s most sustainable innovation communities, thanks to its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and maximise biodiversity. The Environmental Sustainability Award, presented at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference, celebrates the Park’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability
Russ MacMillan was announced this week as the new Chief Executive of the Delivery Authority, which helps design and deliver the Restoration and Renewal Programme for the Palace of Westminster restoration and related works on behalf of both Houses of Parliament. He will lead the team of architects, engineers, project
BCIA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY! Anticipation is building towards the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards 2025. Entries for the 10 award categories are now open, so place your nominations today! Following on from last year’s incredibly successful event and celebrating the best the building controls sector has to
October marks breast cancer awareness month, a global event that receives a flurry of support from businesses and industries of all kinds. It’s not just from companies with a strong female workforce, either. Organisations with a traditionally male-predominant workforce are also showing their support, not only raising breast cancer awareness
The Crown Estate has unveiled details of its pipeline of developments in London’s West End. The three projects, which have a Gross Development Value of over £430 million, will deliver 251,000 sq ft of office, leisure and retail space in the heart of the Capital. Amongst the three developments is New Zealand House – the landmark Grade II listed building at the southern gateway to Haymarket, the Arts Quarter and St James’s Market. Opened in 1963, the modernist landmark served as a symbol of the New Zealand Government’s post-Second World War commitment to the United Kingdom, and as a home-away-from-home for New Zealanders overseas. It featured ample office space, a state to which it will return when the retrofit works are complete, with the New Zealand High Commission returning to take substantial space in the building, including in the podium and the top floors. Its iconic mid-century architecture, designed by renowned architect Robert Matthew, Johnson Marshall & Partners, dominates the skyline in St James’s as the only building of height in the area, providing sweeping views of Westminster to the south and the wider West End to the north. As the first major office tower in London and the first to be fully glazed on all sides, its design paved the way for a broader acceptance of modernist, tall buildings. When it was constructed, it was a shining example of innovation and modernity, boasting the first fully air-conditioned office in the Capital. It is this focus on innovation that is once again at the heart of construction works at New Zealand House. During the retrofit project, 90% of the structure is being retained and 1,600 sq m of heritage finishes are being carefully preserved, respecting the listed status of the building. The project has already seen 7,000 items collected for reuse in other projects, steel obtained from reused sources, over 1,300 sq m of marble being reused throughout and renewable energy will be purchased through a PPA from a solar farm in Norfolk to power the construction site. One of the building’s most unique interior features is the giant Te Pouihi; an intricate and spiritually important Māori carving, which sits in the entrance of New Zealand House. Te Pouihi was created specifically for New Zealand House by Inia Te Wīata, a New Zealand Māori opera singer, master carver, film actor and artist, alongside his two sons. They carved the 50ft, two-tonne pouihi over seven years in the building’s basement carpark. The original pouihi will maintain its position in the refurbished New Zealand House, where it embodies the enduring link between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The building’s iconic glazing, which provides a striking line of site through the building from St James’s to Westminster, will be replaced with an innovative alternative to improve thermal performance and passive shading, with The Crown Estate installing digital systems to accurately monitor environmental performance. In total, the construction phase is anticipated to use less embodied carbon than The Crown Estate’s ambitious target of 400kgCO2/m2 across its development portfolio. The works, which are already underway, also include the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade I listed Royal Opera Arcade. Designed by John Nash and George Repton and completed between 1816 and 1818, it is considered to be London’s oldest existing shopping arcade having survived a fire and the Blitz. Its vaulted roof, circular skylights and protruding quadrant-cornered shopfronts lining the passageway were influenced by Parisian arcades, whilst its overall layout and covered shopping concept paved the way for future arcades in the Capital. Once completed, New Zealand House will deliver 138,000 sq ft of quality office and hospitality space, transforming the site and wider district once more into a thriving, progressive destination. Clare Harrison, Development Director at The Crown Estate, said: “New Zealand House was once a beacon of modernity and innovation in London – we now have the chance to reclaim its former glory and celebrate its striking mid-century architecture. “With the New Zealand High Commission returning to its historic home in St James’s, today’s news represents both a celebration of our shared heritage, and a positive look towards our future. Along with 10 Spring Gardens and 33-35 Piccadilly, the development of New Zealand House will provide spaces and places that work for both the needs of today and future generations.” New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff, said: “The New Zealand Government is delighted to be partnering with The Crown Estate on this project to redevelop and refine New Zealand House in its central and landmark site. When complete, the building will meet the modern needs of New Zealand government agencies in London. With the restoration of the unique Pouihi, it will continue to reflect New Zealand’s culturally rich Māori heritage. “Redeveloping the building retains the history of the site, and through its prominence and centrality New Zealand House continues to represent the close, deep and enduring relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.” The Crown Estate has also revealed details around two other developments in its pipeline. 10 Spring Gardens – located between The Mall and Trafalgar Square – will deliver c.80,000 sq ft of sustainable workspace, distributed over ground floor, basement and eight upper storeys. This project also places a high priority on sustainable design and construction retaining over 90% of the building’s structure and façade, minimising the use of new raw materials, whilst enhancing the quality of the office floor plates, amenity spaces and entrances. Upon completion it is targeting a NABERS 5* rating, EPC A and BREEAM Excellent, as well as a WELL Gold Certification. 33-35 Piccadilly is the only new building construction project in The Crown Estate’s development pipeline. The redevelopment will provide 3,000 sq ft of prime retail and food & beverage space on the ground floor, with 30,000 sq ft of office space on the floors above. This represents an 85% increase in office and retail floor space. The project will also provide an improved connection between St James’s Church and Swallow Street, alongside improved
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) has teamed up with Kennedy Wilson, a global real estate investment company, to establish a joint venture (JV) in the UK single-family rental housing sector. This ambitious venture aims to build a portfolio valued at approximately £1 billion, with CPP Investments contributing £500 million and Kennedy Wilson investing £56 million. CPP Investments will hold a 90% stake in the JV, while Kennedy Wilson will hold 10%. The JV is focused on delivering energy-efficient, new-build homes in rapidly growing communities that feature excellent connectivity, quality local amenities, and strong employment and educational opportunities. To fuel the portfolio’s growth, the partnership will collaborate with housebuilders across the UK. Initial properties include units from two developments already secured by Kennedy Wilson: Barratt Redrow’s site in Norwich, where the first phase of homes is already being leased, and Miller Homes’ project in Stevenage, with homes set for completion by Q2 2025. With a pipeline of projects valued at over £360 million and a potential of 4,000 units once fully deployed, Kennedy Wilson is well-positioned to drive the JV’s expansion. Tom Jackson, Head of Real Estate Europe at CPP Investments, commented:“Private capital can be instrumental in addressing the lack of high-quality rental housing in the UK. This investment aligns with our broader real estate strategy of pursuing scalable opportunities in high-quality assets with stable cash flows. Through this JV with Kennedy Wilson, we are creating a pathway to strong returns for CPP’s 22 million contributors and beneficiaries.” Kennedy Wilson will manage the JV and receive standard management fees, drawing on its expertise in professionally operated rental housing, with a portfolio of over 60,000 units across the US, UK, and Ireland. The company’s established residential platform features a vertically integrated team for investment, asset management, development, and operations. Mike Pegler, President of Kennedy Wilson Europe, added:“Our partnership with CPP Investments represents a significant step in delivering essential rental homes for UK families. The structural challenges in the UK rental housing sector present a compelling investment opportunity, allowing us to grow our portfolio at scale and generate steady, risk-adjusted returns in this critical sector.” This JV not only targets a substantial growth in professionally managed rental housing but also brings forward the promise of a scalable, high-quality rental portfolio to meet growing demand across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
abrdn has raised its outlook on the real estate sector, forecasting a new growth phase driven by renewed REIT performance, a stable interest rate environment, and strong demand for quality rental assets. In its latest Q4 Real Estate House View, abrdn upgraded its investment stance from neutral to overweight, marking the first positive shift since June 2022. With annual total returns for UK real estate projected to reach 8.6% over the next three years, the firm expects a marked recovery. Market Rebound and Key Drivers Anne Breen, abrdn’s Global Head of Real Estate, explained that recent indicators support optimism: “Our ongoing monitoring of the real estate market shows a pivot to growth, spurred by increased capital mobilisation in REITs, favourable interest rates, and resilient rental demand for quality assets.” abrdn has identified logistics, residential, and select alternatives as sectors with promising return potential, noting that even office markets are showing renewed energy. The Autumn Budget, which could introduce tighter fiscal policies and potential reforms to capital gains and inheritance tax, places greater importance on private capital for addressing the UK’s housing and infrastructure needs. Despite this, abrdn expects private investment to drive UK real estate growth. REITs and Direct Real Estate on the Rise REITs, a useful predictor of direct real estate performance, have signalled renewed confidence by focusing on growth rather than debt reduction. In Europe, REITs are issuing equity and debt, highlighting the transition from a refinancing phase to one of expansion. In direct real estate, competitive bidding is heating up, with residential rents rising by 6.7% and logistics by 6.6% year-on-year, signalling steady demand across sectors. Furthermore, the forecasted yield premium on real estate is proving increasingly attractive as the Bank of England’s expected gradual interest rate cuts—anticipated at around 100 basis points in 2025—support investor entry into the market. The Office Sector Sees Renewed Demand The office market, particularly in London’s West End, is experiencing increased demand, especially for high-quality spaces. Cities like Bristol and Manchester are also seeing strong growth in prime office rents, reflecting a trend among tenants to prioritise quality as they consolidate premises. While global economic and geopolitical challenges persist, the office sector shows capacity for resilience, especially as valuations stabilise in the UK and European markets. Sector Outlooks As sectors such as industrial and logistics continue to offer strong returns, abrdn emphasises the importance of quality and sustainability in property selection. Compliance with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and Net Zero targets will be critical, with assets that have already adapted to these standards expected to lead in future investor and occupier interest. By addressing decarbonisation and retrofit costs upfront, abrdn sees an opportunity for investors to capture both financial and environmental value in a rebounding market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BIRMINGHAM. The skyline of Birmingham’s Central Business District welcomed a new landmark today as developers celebrated the topping out ceremony of The Townsend, a highly anticipated luxury residential development on Church Street. This event marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress, bringing the city one step closer to a new standard in urban living. The Townsend, developed by the visionary Midleton team, offers an exclusive collection of exquisite one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in one of Birmingham’s most sought-after locations. Situated just off Colmore Row, residents will find themselves at the heart of the city’s vibrant business and cultural scene. The development’s prime location on Church Street places future residents in esteemed company, with neighbouring occupiers including The Grand Hotel, Hotel Du Vin, Gaucho, Fazenda, and Isaac’s. This enviable address promises to deliver an unparalleled city centre living experience. In anticipation of the project’s completion, Midleton is pleased to announce the appointment of Knight Frank as the exclusive selling agent for The Townsend. Sales are expected to launch in the coming weeks, offering buyers a chance to secure their place in this exceptional development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new and sustainable alternative to ground beam installation. By combining precise off-site fabrication, alignment and interlocking sections with secure fastening, this joint design ensures a robust, reliable and efficient way to connect precast ground beams. Following significant investment, including the creation of a state-of-the-art fabrication facility at Akela’s headquarters near Glasgow, ABeam has been specifically designed to offer housebuilders greater efficiencies in delivery of new homes. NHBC Accepts enables a more efficient assessment of a home for warranty and reduces the risk to the builder of delays in their project. Jermaine Medina, Accepts Technical Operations Manager at NHBC: “As the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, we’re pleased to welcome Akela Ground Engineering to NHBC Accepts with its ABeam pre-cast ground beam system. Systems with NHBC Accepts certification give developers faith and confidence in the quality of the products they are building with.” Will Payne, Manager Director at Akela Ground Engineering, said: “Our new ABeam precast system offers significant advantages in terms of construction install, performance and overall project quality. Designed and manufactured at our purpose-built facility at Thornliebank, near Glasgow, our expert team has the capability to fabricate the product in a controlled environment to ensure quality and production output. “We are proud to have achieved NHBC Accepts certification and believe this is a testament to the quality and expertise employed to deliver a robust and industry-leading pre-cast product.” For further information on NHBC Accepts or to view our accepted systems, please visit www.nhbc.co.uk/accepts Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has announced a comprehensive new set of standards for property professionals: the ‘Property Agency and Management Principles’. This global guideline is set to redefine best practices in property agency and management, applying to RICS members and RICS-regulated firms across residential, commercial, auctioneering, and mixed-use real estate. These standards, mandatory from 1 January 2025, aim to address the evolving demands of the real estate industry, with a strong focus on transparency, integrity, and customer confidence. A core objective of the new guidelines is to protect consumer interests and bolster the reputation of surveyors, reinforcing trust in the profession. Guiding Principles: RICS Rules of Conduct The principles draw from five essential RICS rules of conduct: Developing a Standard of Excellence The standard was developed by a team led by Kelly Smith, COO of letting and management at Allsop, with RICS senior property specialist Mairéad Carroll serving as lead author. Carroll commented, “This important standard sets clear expectations for RICS professionals when providing property agency and management services. These mandatory standards will enhance customer service and confidence in the essential services surveyors provide worldwide.” To support members in implementing these new guidelines, RICS will offer webinars and educational resources in the months leading up to the 2025 launch. Through this proactive approach, RICS aims to ensure that property management professionals are well-equipped to meet rising industry standards, paving the way for greater transparency, professionalism, and trust in real estate services globally. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Park has been named as one of the country’s most sustainable innovation communities, thanks to its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and maximise biodiversity. The Environmental Sustainability Award, presented at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference, celebrates the Park’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability across its 300-acre campus. The UKSPA award, presented by renowned physicist and author Jim Al-Khalili, highlighted a range of initiatives introduced by Milton Park, many of which originated from its Greener Workplace Forum (GWPF). The GWPF is an independent group of 85 members, comprising 41 occupiers, who convene to share best practice and raise awareness of existing green initiatives around energy use, recycling and travel. In selecting Milton Park, the judges highlighted the progress made in reducing its single occupancy vehicle use by nearly a third since 2018. As a result, over half of commutes to Milton Park are made through sustainable transport options, supported by initiatives such as the £20 subsidised bus pass scheme for employees living locally, leading to bus usage increasing from 8% in 2018 to 27% in 2023. Highlighted in the award win was Milton Park’s contribution as a test-bed location for the UK’s first fully electric, autonomous bus trial, providing evidence of the Park becoming a ‘living lab’ and demonstrating how effective collaboration can propel innovation. The award also acknowledged Milton Park’s work in biodiversity, its zero-to-landfill waste management policy and other green initiatives, which include reducing waste and emissions from science companies, new electric vehicle charging points and improved cycle paths. Additionally, the Milton Park team is actively engaged with the surrounding community, including local schools and charities, to drive greater awareness towards an inclusive transition to net zero. Explore Milton Park, its schools’ engagement programme, has benefitted over 1,500 local children and, as a founder member of the Didcot Powerhouse Fund, Milton Park has helped to raise over £300K for local charities since 2021. Commenting on the award, Veronica Reynolds, Sustainability and Community Manager at Milton Park, said: “We’re delighted to receive the award, recognising how the Milton Park innovation community is working together to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges. “Whether making our buildings more environmentally friendly, encouraging greener travel or creating nature-rich spaces, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. The award provides a timely reminder that greener growth is not only possible, but an exciting opportunity for the science park community to work collaboratively to secure a better future for our planet.” For more information on Milton Park and sustainability, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/sustainability Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Russ MacMillan was announced this week as the new Chief Executive of the Delivery Authority, which helps design and deliver the Restoration and Renewal Programme for the Palace of Westminster restoration and related works on behalf of both Houses of Parliament. He will lead the team of architects, engineers, project managers and specialist contractors who will help shape the future direction of the restoration work for the Houses of Parliament. Russ has a successful track record leading major programmes in the defence, transport and early-stage technology sectors. Russ is currently Director for Rail Infrastructure North and West at the Department for Transport where he is responsible for a £20bn portfolio of capital investment across Wales and the North and West of England. Russ has many years of experience across a range of product related, commercial, and business transformation programmes in both the public and private sectors. The appointment was made by the Delivery Authority Chair Mike Brown CBE MVO after a competitive recruitment process. Mike Brown CBE MVO, Chair of the Delivery Authority, said: “Following a competitive recruitment process I am delighted that Russ will be joining the Delivery Authority as our new Chief Executive. “As we move into the next year, the Delivery Authority has important work to deliver. We will continue to work closely with Parliament to further develop two of the three options outlined in the Strategic Case for the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Programme. “Our focus is also on progressing plans for early works to ensure that the benefits from R&R can be delivered as quickly as possible, and continuing building surveys and investigations to increase further our understanding of the Palace. “Russ brings a wealth of experience in managing major programmes and will ensure the Delivery Authority continues to build on the progress made so far.” The Clerk of the House of Commons Tom Goldsmith, and Clerk of the Parliaments Simon Burton, who are members of the R&R Client Board and Programme Board, said: “We are delighted that Russ is bringing his many years of experience to this important role as we move towards costed proposals for R&R coming to both Houses next year for a decision.” Russ MacMillan, said of his appointment: “I am delighted to be joining the Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority at such a crucial time as it further develops two of the three proposals for restoration of the Palace in a way which will benefit the whole of the UK. “I am excited to be working with talented colleagues from across the Delivery Authority and Parliament to build on their significant progress and to support decision making on how best to renew this unique and internationally recognised building.” Tanya Coff, Chief Financial Officer, is acting as interim CEO until Russ takes up the post in mid-February 2025. She has been leading the Delivery Authority since the departure of previous CEO David Goldstone CBE in August 2024. The Delivery Authority is developing two options to deliver the Palace of Westminster restoration – a full decant option and a continued presence option – and Parliament’s Strategic Estates team are developing a third option – Enhanced Maintenance and Improvement – to deliver the works through the R&R Programme. Costed proposals for the three options are expected to be ready for presentation to both Houses of Parliament before the end of 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BCIA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY! Anticipation is building towards the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards 2025. Entries for the 10 award categories are now open, so place your nominations today! Following on from last year’s incredibly successful event and celebrating the best the building controls sector has to offer, the BCIA Awards 2025 will take place on Thursday 1st May 2025 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. As one of the sector’s hottest yearly events, the Awards evening is one not to be missed – there are also plenty of seats and tables available, so make sure to secure your attendance. Recognised as the biggest awards in the building controls and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) industry, the BCIA awards shine a spotlight on the talented professionals that make up the building controls sector. There are ten different categories available to enter, with some sponsorship opportunities also available. These are: Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year (sponsored by Trend Control Systems Ltd) This award recognises the building controls and/or BEMS installer that most demonstrates commitment, professionalism, and understanding of client needs. Engineer of the Year (sponsored by BCIA Operations Ltd) Awarded to individuals working for building controls manufacturers, consulting engineers, installers, or facility management companies who best demonstrate engineering excellence in BEMS and building controls. Young Engineer of the Year This award is given to the individual aged 35 years or under who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in and completion of the BCIA Technical Training Programme and other building controls educational programmes. Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Group Horizon) An award given to the individual who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in and completion of an approved BEMS or building controls apprenticeship. Energy Management Award (sponsored by Priva UK Ltd) Awarded to a team, installer, or manufacturer in recognition of a project which demonstrates how building controls and/or BEMS have been installed to increase energy efficiency in a building or premises. Best Service & Maintenance Provider (sponsored by Western Automation) An award given to the company that best demonstrates outstanding levels of customer care in the provision of long-term maintenance and service contracts for building controls and BEMS. Technical Innovation of the Year – Products (sponsored by CIBSE) Awarded to the most innovative BEMS/building controls product development launched in the past 12 months. Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects This award is presented to the project team/installer that best demonstrates innovation and the deployment of smart technology to create a sustainable building/complex. Contribution to Training Award An award given to the organisation, company, or individual that has contributed to training on the design, installation, and/or use of BEMS and building controls. Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award (sponsored by BCIA) Unlike previous years and the other awards, this cannot be self-nominated – peers must nominate individuals who they believe have made a significant and consistent contribution to the building controls sector. This individual will have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the building controls and BEMS industry, such as helping to raise awareness of the importance of controls, supporting the BCIA in its work, or helping to raise standards in training and performance for our industry. The Management Committee will be looking for the nominating party to provide a statement, with a minimum of 100 and maximum of 300 words, that explains the clear contribution the nominee has made to the industry as a whole and/or association. This could include any differences or impact the contribution has had, how the individual’s work has changed processes, or how they have innovated or raised the profile of the industry. All award entries can now be entered using the online entry system, which allows you to start, edit, view, and download your entry before submitting it. The closing date for entries is Thursday 23rd January 2025 – there will be no deadline extension. BCIA President Stacey Lucas said: “The BCIA Awards are a fantastic event and a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the talented individuals and organisations in the building controls sector. This year saw some absolutely incredible entries and I’m sure next year’s awards will be no different – the skills, innovation, and expertise shown on a daily basis by building controls engineers and companies continue to move the sector forward in a hugely positive way. “This year’s event took place in a brand-new venue, The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, and we’re delighted to say that the BCIA Awards 2025 will also be held there. Whether you have been a regular attendee of our awards evenings or you’re attending for the first time, it’s sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening – so mark the date in your diary now! “We have tickets and tables on sale, as well as various sponsorship opportunities, so don’t hesitate to get in touch! “If you’re looking for some inspiration for your 2025 entry, a series of case studies featuring this year’s terrific winners can also be found on the BCIA website.” To find out more and enter the BCIA Awards 2025, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
October marks breast cancer awareness month, a global event that receives a flurry of support from businesses and industries of all kinds. It’s not just from companies with a strong female workforce, either. Organisations with a traditionally male-predominant workforce are also showing their support, not only raising breast cancer awareness by encouraging men to get themselves checked but also sparking vital conversations about other conditions that affect them as well. One such example is the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), which has taken the opportunity to encourage men to get themselves checked for prostate cancer, with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Such encouragement is vital in male-heavy industries, where health issues often fall under the radar despite the impact they could have on staff. With so many safety measures adopted in demolition and construction, it makes little sense for people to skip on precautions when it comes to their own personal health. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with roughly 52,000 men diagnosed every year in the UK alone. In male predominant industries, such as the construction and demolition industries, organisations NFDC are inspiring members through online and social media campaigns, encouraging workers to get cancer screenings to ensure early detection. For men over the age of 50, regular prostate exams are recommended every two to three years. Just like identifying hazards on-site, workers can spot potential health risks by understanding the factors that influence prostate cancer, including age, race and family history. Some symptoms of prostate cancer include, needing to urinate more frequently, feeling as if your bladder hasn’t emptied and finding blood in semen. Health and safety are a big concern within the demolition industry, but health issues such as cancer are not talked about enough. It is imperative for workers to be proactive and not wait for symptoms to catch up with them. Duncan Rudall, CEO of the NFDC, outlined how working in the demolition industry is extremely physically demanding and that frequent health checks are essential. “Frequent health screenings ensure workers are physically capable of doing their jobs,” he said. “If a medical issue is caught early, there is a higher likelihood of receiving beneficial treatment.” Suffering from physical health issues such as prostate cancer can lead to other issues, including considerably affecting workers’ mental health. Cancer Research UK says that when caught early, 8 in 10 men survive prostate cancer for ten years or more, highlighting the importance of regular screening, particularly for men over 50 working in demanding industries. Owing to the stigma surrounding men’s physical and mental health, organisations working in a predominantly ‘male’ gendered space have made it a priority to educate workers with simple messaging throughout social media platform LinkedIn to keep reminders front of mind. Breast Cancer: Prostate cancer is not the only health issue demolition and construction workers should be concerned about. Breast cancer can also occur in men and is something that can often be forgotten or disregarded as a predominantly female condition. In reality, according to Cancer Research UK, around 370 men in the UK are diagnosed with the disease annually. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the demolition and construction industries have been instrumental within the trade by ‘wearing it pink’ PPE gear on-site, as well as using pink equipment to raise awareness and funds for the cause. “The demolition and construction industries being involved in ‘wearing it pink day’ every year has helped challenge stereotypes and ensure male workers are vigilant about their health, particularly with a condition they may have previously believed to be considered ‘female only.’” Mr Rudall added. People who have one or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer may also have an increased risk of breast cancer and should get checked and seek medical advice if they are experiencing any symptoms, including swelling, lumps or ulcers on their chest or armpits. Organisations that are part of male-predominant industries, like the NFDC, are promoting health and safety regulations, including regular health screenings for the detection of cancers alongside other regular health checks. Early detection through regular health checks is key in the fight against breast and prostate cancer,” Mr Rudall said. “In both cases, awareness can be the difference between life and loss. Demolition contractors are vigilant on-site when it comes to health and safety, and it is just as important to prioritise healthcare first off-site, too.” Both prostate and breast cancer pose significant health risks – and early detection can lead to better outcomes, early treatment and better recovery. It’s essential staff stay safe on site and off, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear. No one should feel embarrassed to seek medical help. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
