Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced that Waystone, a global leader in specialist asset management services, is relocating its London team to the prestigious 125 Wood Street office development, which is now fully let. Waystone has signed for 8,078 sq ft of premium Grade
A new state-of-the-art facility created by Birmingham City University (BCU) will give students unprecedented access to the latest technological advancements in housing to widen their skillset and make them more attractive to future employers. “We’re educating the policy makers, housing experts, and construction consultants of the future,” said building expert
Construction and engineering specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to reconfigure part of a world-class research and development facility in Hull on behalf of global consumer hygiene, health and nutrition company Reckitt. Opened in 2019, the £105m Science and Innovation Centre is the global technical innovation hub for household name
Every October, the Panattoni Awards and Gala in Poland captivate attendees with their incredible energy and atmosphere, and this year was no different. The event brought together over 2,000 guests from 20 countries for an unforgettable evening celebrating remarkable achievements across the Panattoni network. Representing the UK, Matthew Byrom took
This is a copy of the Letter to Rachel Reeves that was sent yesterday and signed by 81 retail CEOs. Economic consequences of the Autumn Budget for UK retail We are writing to share our significant concerns about the impact of the Budget on the retail industry and the economic
Clarion Partners Europe, a leading real estate investment fund manager specialising in European logistics and industrial properties, has partnered with NatWest to secure a £200 million Net Asset Value (NAV) Line facility for one of its co-mingled funds. This fund reports under Article 8 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation
Bespoke excavation support solution from Groundforce Shorco helps East Rudland Construction. Groundforce Shorco has provided specialist shoring equipment and design services for a complex excavation at a new housing development in North Yorkshire. Contractor East Rudland Construction is carrying out the groundworks and civil engineering for the project, which involves
Field service engineer Tom March has taken the lead in the technical assessment of the Caterpillar® Global Dealer Technician Challenge and progressed to the next stage of the competition. The competition is a new global Caterpillar initiative that recognises excellence in the field of engineering and Tom’s performance to date puts him
As the farming industry gets ready to protest changes to agricultural property relief (APR), they can count on construction to understand their concerns. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Construction companies are also generational businesses operating on tight margins, uncertain cashflow and aging workforces.
Onduline Building Products, a leader in lightweight roofing systems and waterproofing solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, where it will showcase its renowned sub-roof system, ISOLINE LOW LINE. Taking place at the Pendulum Hotel in Manchester on 30th January
Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced that Waystone, a global leader in specialist asset management services, is relocating its London team to the prestigious 125 Wood Street office development, which is now fully let. Waystone has signed for 8,078 sq ft of premium Grade A offices on the sixth floor. Located in the heart of the City, 125 Wood Street boasts a prime position near St Paul’s Cathedral, offering unrivaled access and iconic views. Railpen’s ambitious refurbishment of the former 1980s structure created 65,000 sq ft of cutting-edge, Grade A office accommodation, featuring accessible terraces on the sixth and seventh floors that provide panoramic views of London’s skyline. Alex Luker, Asset Manager at Railpen commented: “We are delighted to welcome Waystone as the final tenant at 125 Wood Street. This agreement reflects Railpen’s commitment to creating exceptional workplaces that attract globally recognised firms. 125 Wood Street has been redeveloped to create high-quality, sustainable space that aligns with the growth ambitions of top-tier occupiers like Waystone, while delivering secure long-term returns for our members.” This signing marks the completion of the leasing at 125 Wood Street, one of the most significant deals for the development this year. The new office will house approximately 100 employees and will serve as a central hub for Waystone’s operations in London. Karl Midl, Country Head – United Kingdom at Waystone said: “Our move to 125 Wood Street is an exciting step for Waystone as we continue to enhance our presence in London, a key global financial hub. The new space demonstrates our commitment to London and ensures we are well located, close to many valued clients whilst simultaneously providing a high-quality, sustainable working environment for our team.” BH2 advised Railpen in the deal, while CBRE acted for Waystone. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new state-of-the-art facility created by Birmingham City University (BCU) will give students unprecedented access to the latest technological advancements in housing to widen their skillset and make them more attractive to future employers. “We’re educating the policy makers, housing experts, and construction consultants of the future,” said building expert Mike Leonard, a co-founder of BCU’s Centre for Future Homes. “It’s essential our students gain first-hand experience to drive the industry forwards. “This facility provides the perfect test bed to immerse themselves in the latest technology – and it will give BCU’s students the edge that employers are looking for.” BCU’s Centre for Future Homes is behind the new showroom, which is located in Millennium Point and was made possible by funding from the UKRI’s Regional Innovation Fund. It features a range of all-electric heat solutions, including heat pumps, hot water storage, panel radiators, PV, and underfloor heating, as well as ventilation options to help the more air-tight homes breathe, and walling fabric options to increase thermal insulation. “We’re thrilled to have a new research and education hub to showcase technologies that will be used in future homes,” said Dr Monica Mateo-Garcia, Centre co-founder and academic lead. “It’s an essential space for research collaborations and professional development training to upskill students and industry,” added Dr Mateo-Garcia, BCU built environment expert. Climate change and building safety are the key drivers for the Centre, which launched in 2021 and is leading the transition to net zero homes. BCU academics continue to support housing developers in a number of ways. From helping them to deliver low-carbon new-build homes that adhere to the government’s incoming Future Homes Standard to retrofitting 26 million existing homes and developing cost-effective ways to meet the government’s target of 1.5million new homes by 2030. The Centre’s new facility will also play a key role in developing a future-ready workforce by providing training to upskill students, practitioners, and contractors. It’s a flagship initiative for BCU that encapsulates its newly launched 2030 strategy – to carry out research that solves problems for a more inclusive society and boost regional growth. Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor STEAM and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at BCU, said: “The Centre exemplifies the spirit of our new strategy – creating knowledge for good and producing future-ready graduates. “By collaborating with industry, our staff and students carry out applied research that benefits the region and our communities, and helps us influence policy. Long may this continue.” The Centre for Future Homes puts customers at the heart of the journey, rebuilding the public’s trust and confidence in the construction sector by putting quality and safety first. Professor Harris Beider, Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement, Enterprise and Innovation at BCU, explained: “As an anchor institution in the city, it’s essential that we engage with our local communities whilst providing radical solutions that get traction in terms of changing policy. “Working with the housing industry, we’re finding innovative ways to create safe, affordable, and good quality low-carbon homes that will make huge difference for people in Birmingham.” In partnership with Midland Heart Housing and Keepmoat, the Centre has supported two low-carbon new build sites that meet the government’s incoming Future Homes Standard. “Our top priority is to make sure residents are safe, happy and healthy,” said Leonard, who is a visiting professor at BCU and CEO of Building Alliance, a community interest company. “Once constructed, the way homes are lived in effect their performance,” he added. “We’re using sensors to measure power used by appliances, temperature, and indoor air quality. “This data is complemented by interviews with residents to understand how they operate their homes and identify opportunities to achieve optimum efficiency.” These insights will enable policymakers to make evidence-based decisions for a safe transition to low-carbon living that avoids tragic consequences in the wake of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Find out more about the Centre for Future Homes and ongoing projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction and engineering specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to reconfigure part of a world-class research and development facility in Hull on behalf of global consumer hygiene, health and nutrition company Reckitt. Opened in 2019, the £105m Science and Innovation Centre is the global technical innovation hub for household name consumer health products such as Nurofen and Strepsils. It features state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as large open-plan working and collaboration areas. Spencer’s experienced Building and Civil Engineering team will remodel part of the ground and first floor of Reckitt’s Science and Innovation Centre and fit out vacated areas for laboratories and fragrance evaluation, as well as creating new ancillary spaces. The project brings together Hull-based Spencer Group and global giant Reckitt, which also has its roots in the Yorkshire city, to ensure the Science and Innovation Centre continues to fully meet the company’s evolving needs. Rob Bratherton, Operations Director at Spencer Building and Civil Engineering, said: “This is a very exciting project and an excellent fit for us, as we’re highly experienced at working in tightly-regulated sectors which have high levels of quality control. “Our Spencer Building and Civil Engineering team brings together expertise from other sectors, to ensure we’re able to deliver facilities of the highest quality, to precisely meet the needs of our clients. “This is especially important for research and development facilities, which incorporate complex laboratory rooms and sensitive technology.” The two businesses also have a shared commitment to providing education and opportunities to young people in the city, with both being founding partners of Hull’s employer led school, Ron Dearing UTC. This commitment is highlighted in the research and development facility reconfiguration, with former Ron Dearing UTC students, Isaac Barton, Alex Burr and Matthew Hunter, now being employed by Spencer Group and working on the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Every October, the Panattoni Awards and Gala in Poland captivate attendees with their incredible energy and atmosphere, and this year was no different. The event brought together over 2,000 guests from 20 countries for an unforgettable evening celebrating remarkable achievements across the Panattoni network. Representing the UK, Matthew Byrom took to the stage to present two prestigious awards, including UK Acquisition of the Year. Among four impressive nominees, with a combined GDV of €868 million, Panattoni Park Central A1(M) emerged as the winner. This standout 1.2 million sq ft speculative development, boasting a GDV of €216 million, is currently the largest single speculative unit under construction in the UK. The achievement highlighted the efforts of agents M1 Agency, DTRE, and Cushman & Wakefield, who have played pivotal roles in driving the project forward. Byrom also presented the Agency of the Year award to Cushman & Wakefield, recognising their exceptional deal-making contributions and longstanding partnership with Panattoni. Robert Dobrzycki, CEO & Co-owner of Panattoni, took the opportunity to congratulate global partners, teams, and collaborators, applauding their outstanding achievements in 2024. The evening was a testament to Panattoni’s commitment to impactful projects and successful partnerships. The gala once again proved to be a memorable celebration of excellence in the real estate industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This is a copy of the Letter to Rachel Reeves that was sent yesterday and signed by 81 retail CEOs. Economic consequences of the Autumn Budget for UK retail We are writing to share our significant concerns about the impact of the Budget on the retail industry and the economic consequences for inflation, employment and investment. Retail is in every community and is vital to the socio-economic fabric of the UK. It is the largest private sector employer, with three million direct jobs and 2.7 million more in the supply chain, contributing over £100bn per annum to GDP. This scale and reach means the industry can be a partner to government, supporting the reinvigoration of high streets, creating jobs all over the country and supporting the government’s ambitions for growth. We appreciate government’s focus on improving the fiscal situation and investing in public services; we also recognise the role businesses have in supporting this. But, the sheer scale of new costs and the speed with which they occur create a cumulative burden that will make job losses inevitable, and higher prices a certainty. Cumulative cost burden The estimated additional costs arising in 2025 are set out below. The impact of the Budget NIC threshold change is particularly acute given retail employs large numbers of people in entry-level and part-time roles. Costs from the Budget sit alongside other incoming regulations, including implementation of new packaging levies. New Costs From Cost Budget Employers’ NIC changes Rate increase to 15% April 2025 £0.57 billion Threshold change April 2025 £1.76 billion National Living Wage increase April 2025 £2.73 billion Packaging Levy October 2025 £2.00 billion Total £7.06 billion Taken together, the retail industry’s costs could rise by up to £7bn a year. This will also affect our suppliers, increasing costs that retailers pay for goods and services. Business rates While the 30 October Discussion Paper recognised the need to bring down the burden for retail and hospitality, as things stand, retailers’ bills will increase by £140 million in April 2025 due to the inflationary uplift and a reduction in the existing retail discount for those businesses that receive it. We are concerned the proposals merely redistribute rates within the industry and would see many retailers’ bills significantly increase. Changes must lead to a significant, permanent reduction of rates bills for all retail properties if they are to offset the effects of the extra costs above in any meaningful way. Economic consequences Retail is already one of the highest taxed business sectors, along with hospitality, paying 55% of profits in business taxes. Despite this, we are highly competitive, with margins of around 3-5%, ensuring great value for customers. For any retailer, large or small, it will not be possible to absorb such significant cost increases over such a short timescale. The effect will be to increase inflation, slow pay growth, cause shop closures, and reduce jobs, especially at the entry level. This will impact high streets and customers right across the country. We are already starting to take difficult decisions in our businesses and this will be true across the whole industry and our supply chain. Proposed next steps We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss our concerns and to work together on a solution. By adjusting the timings of some of these changes, the government would give businesses time to adjust and greatly mitigate their harmful effects on high streets and consumers. This discussion could include: This letter reflects the strength of feeling across the industry. We look forward to meeting you. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clarion Partners Europe, a leading real estate investment fund manager specialising in European logistics and industrial properties, has partnered with NatWest to secure a £200 million Net Asset Value (NAV) Line facility for one of its co-mingled funds. This fund reports under Article 8 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), marking the first collaboration between the two organisations. This NAV facility is also a landmark transaction, as it includes green loan provisions aligned with the Loan Market Association’s (LMA) Green Loan Principles. This is the first such agreement between NatWest and Clarion Partners Europe, setting a precedent for green financing in real estate. The funds will support a range of sustainable initiatives, including refinancing existing properties, implementing green capital expenditure (capex) programmes, and acquiring assets that either meet or aim to achieve specific building energy certifications. Florina Capraru, Acquisitions Director at Clarion Partners Europe, commented:“Integrating green loan provisions into the NAV facility is a natural progression in our sustainability and value creation strategy. It aligns with our mission to future-proof our portfolio of mission-critical assets. NatWest has been an outstanding partner, demonstrating a deep understanding of the decarbonisation challenges facing the real estate sector. Their alignment with our sustainability ethos reinforces the idea that sustainability acts as both a risk mitigant and a driver of value.” Dan Kumagai, Head of Asset-Backed Funds Financing at NatWest, added:“This innovative green structure is a significant development for the NAV line product. By supporting Clarion Partners Europe, we hope to encourage other leading investors to take pivotal roles in decarbonisation and broader responsible investment.” Rahel Haque, Climate & ESG Capital Markets Lead for Private Finance at NatWest, shared her thoughts:“We are thrilled to have supported Clarion Partners Europe with their inaugural Green NAV facility. This funding will enable them to acquire additional logistics assets and enhance energy efficiency across their portfolio. We look forward to deepening our partnership as we work together towards decarbonising the built environment.” This collaboration not only strengthens the relationship between NatWest and Clarion Partners Europe but also underscores their shared commitment to sustainability and responsible investment in real estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bespoke excavation support solution from Groundforce Shorco helps East Rudland Construction. Groundforce Shorco has provided specialist shoring equipment and design services for a complex excavation at a new housing development in North Yorkshire. Contractor East Rudland Construction is carrying out the groundworks and civil engineering for the project, which involves the construction of 25 executive-style homes for developer Gem Construction Ltd. One of East Rudland Construction’s tasks is the installation of a stormwater attenuation tank – a large underground reservoir to store rainwater and prevent surcharges into the nearby watercourses during periods of high rainfall. The attenuation tank is a large void made using ACO’s StormBrixx HD900 geocellular blocks encased within an impermeable 1mm LLDPE/HDPE membrane. Ground conditions on the site at Ulleskelf, near Tadcaster, are very challenging, says Steve Hayhurst, co-owner of East Rudland Construction. “The site has a very high water table which raises the risk of the groundwater floating the tank and lifting it out of the ground,” he explains. To prevent this happening, it was necessary to increase the depth of soil on top of the buried tank to hold it down. “We couldn’t bury the tank any deeper, so instead we had to change its shape,” says Steve. The tank was therefore redesigned, reducing its height by approximately one metre to allow a greater depth of fill on top. However, to maintain the same volume, the tank’s footprint had to be extended outwards to make up for the reduced depth. The redesigned tank now covered an area of approximately 25m x 17m but due to the space restrictions of the site layout, it has to be a complex and irregular shape in order to occupy the space available. To support the sides of the excavation, East Rudland Construction called in Groundforce Shorco. “I’ve worked with Groundforce for over 20 years and I know them well. I knew they would have the right solution,” says Steve. East Rudland Construction gave Groundforce Shorco the dimensions of the tank and Groundforce Shorco designed the temporary works solution, employing its modular Mega Brace system to support a steel sheet-piled retaining wall and braced with MP50 and MP150 hydraulic props. The Mega Brace system is designed so that beams of virtually any length can be assembled using the modular sections in different combinations. However, this excavation’s complex shape meant that certain lengths of the perimeter frame were little more than one metre in length – too short even for Groundforce Shorco’s standard equipment. Groundforce Shorco therefore provided bespoke lengths, modified to suit the application. To support the sides of the 3m-deep excavation, they supplied 170 lightweight GFI interlocking steel piles, each 6m in length. Larssen piles would normally have been the default option, but site constraints ruled this out, explains Steve. “Larssen piles are strong, heavy-duty sheet piles with a deep U-shaped cross section and we would have struggled to remove them after completion of the excavation without resorting to a larger excavator. “We couldn’t use a heavy excavator without risking damage to the installed tank. There was also very limited space in which to manoeuvre a large machine. Therefore, we had to find an alternative. “We used about 170 6m-long GFIs to stop water flow into the excavation. These are interlocking sheets offering a lighter option than the Larssen piles. They are much easier to remove from the ground.” To permit the lightweight GFI piles to be driven to the correct depth, East Rudland Construction pre-augured the perimeter of the excavation, loosening the soil and allowing insertion of the sheet piles. Another requirement was to carry out extensive frame-to-sheet-pile welding to prevent lateral movement of the frame. The irregular shape of the excavation meant there were numerous short lengths of frame subject to relatively high end-loads. Welding the frame to the sheet piles helped ensure rigidity. “We did all the installation ourselves, using our own plant and equipment, but we relied heavily on the design and technical support provided by Groundforce Shorco,” says Steve. “I kept in regular contact with their area manager Trevor Kendrick – whom I have known for years – and he was absolutely fantastic,” Steve continues. “The job started out as a potential headache but together we found a solution and made it work smoothly.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Field service engineer Tom March has taken the lead in the technical assessment of the Caterpillar® Global Dealer Technician Challenge and progressed to the next stage of the competition. The competition is a new global Caterpillar initiative that recognises excellence in the field of engineering and Tom’s performance to date puts him in with a chance to compete with the best-of-the-best at the competition’s final, at the CONEXPO trade event in Las Vegas. Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, parts and aftermarket services, used their Staffordshire headquarters as the base for the first round of the competition which saw seven engineers take part in three timed technical challenges. The next stage of the first round will see Tom complete a written assessment set by Caterpillar as well as a five-minute video interview. Tom was delighted to emerge victorious from the first stage, as he says the competition was extremely close: “I was up against some excellent engineers, some with a little bit more experience than me, and none of the challenges were straightforward, so I was honoured to be considered as a front runner.” The Caterpillar Global Dealer Technical Challenge builds on the success of the Global Operator Challenge which sees huge CONEXPO crowds flock to see the world’s best plant machinery operators. Caterpillar see this new initiative as equally important, as Christina Pritchett, Learning and Development Lead in Engineering and Technical, at Finning UK & Ireland explains: “It’s great that Caterpillar is recognising the exceptional work that engineers in the dealer network do, and also promoting what an amazing career you can have as an engineer both in field service, or the workshop.” Tom March certainly agrees on this second point, and says that taking part in this competition is the latest in a series of remarkable experiences in his career so far: “I began my career working for Finning in Canada, which involved a lot of travel, working in some incredible places. Having settled down I am now lucky enough to be working as a field engineer in the North-West where I grew up. Every day is different, and I get to meet some interesting people and solve problems for them. I’m delighted to still be in with a chance to compete in this global competition, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.” Subject to a written exam and video submission, Tom will go forward to the next round of the Global Dealer Technician Challenge: the European regional qualifier, which will be held next March at the Caterpillar Demonstration and Learning Center in Malaga. To find out more about a career in engineering here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the farming industry gets ready to protest changes to agricultural property relief (APR), they can count on construction to understand their concerns. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Construction companies are also generational businesses operating on tight margins, uncertain cashflow and aging workforces. We therefore stand behind farmers who oppose this budget decision because the growth-hindering, anti-business tax changes also apply to our industry. With so many construction companies being generational, struggling with regulatory burdens and a fifth of workers being over fifty years old, early conversations with members have highlighted that some will consider closing their businesses, changing operations, or cutting back the size of their operations. This means fewer directly employed workers and more sub-contracting, so greater pressure on state pensions and public services. A reduction in new learners and reskilling, as SMEs train 8 in 10 constriction apprentices. Rural areas disproportionately impacted, as local constructors are often major local employers. Fewer businesses to build our houses, especially council homes that are typically built by SMEs. Less capacity to deliver capital and infrastructure works. And a greater challenge to meet our carbon targets, especially to retrofit our 28 million buildings. Some members said they will sell rather than pass on and while this ensures a future for those businesses it comes with workforce insecurity, a loss of experience and talent, and unless bought by a local person, the loss of a local investor. This Government is at risk of being remembered as the one which closed the businesses who keep us fed and build the homes, roads, rail, commercial premises, renewable energy, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, utility connections, drainage systems, and climate solutions. A rethink is desperately needed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Onduline Building Products, a leader in lightweight roofing systems and waterproofing solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, where it will showcase its renowned sub-roof system, ISOLINE LOW LINE. Taking place at the Pendulum Hotel in Manchester on 30th January 2025, the event gathers Facilities Managers, Heads of Estates, and Project Managers, with a central goal of advancing sustainable, efficient public estates across the UK in a cost-effective manner. Attendees can visit Onduline to explore the unique benefits of ISOLINE LOW LINE – the only system in the UK that has been BRE tested and BBA Accredited for low-pitch applications as low as 10°, backed by a 30-year guarantee. Designed with versatility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in mind, the ISOLINE LOW LINE system provides an ideal sub-roof solution for projects where cost and functionality are key. It guarantees waterproofing for even the most complex projects, and seamlessly works beneath both new and existing roof tiles, meaning it can meet the needs of a range of applications from retrofit to heritage. In renovation projects, contractors can reuse the building’s original tiles or slates, preserving historical or aesthetic integrity while saving costs. For new construction, ISOLINE LOW LINE offers a watertight, resilient roofing solution that meets modern performance standards, featuring a durable corrugated sheet made from 50% recycled fibres. The system not only delivers superior protection but also enhances the roof’s ventilation, helping to maintain a healthy, well-ventilated roof space. Paul Duffy, Managing Director at Onduline UK, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, which is an invaluable opportunity for Onduline to connect directly with key decision-makers in the public sector. “The public sector market is a crucial audience for us, as we understand the unique demands they face in balancing cost-effectiveness with sustainability and long-term resilience. Through our ISOLINE LOW LINE sub-roofing system, we aim to demonstrate how innovative solutions can meet these needs, offering public sector teams a reliable, sustainable choice backed by decades of performance.” For more information on Onduline’s bitumen roofing solutions, visit: www.onduline.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
