Famous fried chicken chain Popeyes is making its debut in a Scottish shopping centre, with a new restaurant set to open at Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre. This marks an exciting milestone as the American brand continues its rapid expansion across the UK. A New Dining Experience for Braehead Visitors The
Construction of Catalyst Industrial Park will see the development of four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft up to 64,250 sq. ft. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects
Principle Estate Management has broadened its portfolio by taking on three new retirement developments across London, Oxford, and Worcestershire. These include two Right to Manage (RTM) developments and a corporate client, marking the company’s first ventures into retirement living. Meeting the Needs of Retirement Communities Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its reputation for the delivery of public sector refurbishment projects, with the redesign of an award-winning building in north west London. The leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has transformed 22,600 sq ft of Brent Civic Centre, Wembley Park, on behalf of Brent Council. The
Leading UK homebuilder Avant Homes has announced a £90 million residential project that will revitalise a 22-acre site at Pleasley Hill Farm in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. This ambitious scheme will bring nearly 400 new homes to the area, offering a range of housing options designed to meet the needs of diverse
Tobermore, one of the UK & Ireland’s leading construction manufacturers, has announced that it will be investing £12 million to expand its operations to meet growing demand driven by current and anticipated growing demand for new residential homes. To kick start the expansion, the company will invest £4 million in
An iconic building in heart of Scotland’s capital city has been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the world by an international architectural and design prize, backed by the United Nations. Edinburgh Futures Institute has been honoured with the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ in the Prix Versailles’ 2024
Nottingham based construction management consultancy, Cube, is celebrating its five-year milestone with the launch of its new construction management software, Milestone. November 2024 marked a milestone in more ways than one for construction management consultants, Cube, as it celebrated a significant business anniversary and unveiled its latest project, Milestone, on
SITECH® UK & Ireland, an authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, has announced a new partnership with Foxdown Construction Ltd. This collaboration will see Foxdown Construction utilising technology on Vistry Group’s Gateway development project in Bexhill-on-Sea in the South East of England. As part of this partnership, Foxdown Construction has
The third instalment in a series of landmark research studies into the mental health struggles of construction workers is set to land in 2025. Researchers from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will once again survey the sector as part of the professional body’s ongoing mission to address mental health
Famous fried chicken chain Popeyes is making its debut in a Scottish shopping centre, with a new restaurant set to open at Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre. This marks an exciting milestone as the American brand continues its rapid expansion across the UK. A New Dining Experience for Braehead Visitors The Braehead location will accommodate up to 74 diners and serve Popeyes’ signature dishes, including its iconic chicken sandwiches, crispy wings, tenders, and the southern classic, biscuits with gravy. Known for its Louisiana-inspired flavours, Popeyes is expected to attract both dedicated fans and curious newcomers. Part of a Growing UK Presence This will be Popeyes’ 65th restaurant in the UK and the fourth to open in Scotland, reflecting the brand’s ambitious expansion strategy. The addition further underscores Braehead Shopping Centre’s commitment to enhancing its dining options and appealing to a broader customer base, including younger visitors. A Boost for Braehead’s Offerings Rob Jewell, Managing Director at Pradera Lateral, the scheme’s asset manager, commented:“We continually seek to offer customers the best dining and retail experiences, and Popeyes’ unique range will undoubtedly be a popular addition to our already extensive offering. With Braehead being the first Scottish shopping centre to house this iconic brand, it will provide visitors with an opportunity to try a new and highly anticipated eatery, ultimately enhancing their overall experience at the centre.” A Recipe for Success The arrival of Popeyes at Braehead Shopping Centre adds a fresh, vibrant option to its dining portfolio, promising to draw more visitors while contributing to the centre’s reputation as a leading retail and leisure destination. Whether it’s a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Popeyes is poised to bring the bold flavours of the Deep South to Scottish shoppers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of Catalyst Industrial Park will see the development of four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft up to 64,250 sq. ft. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres, Commercial Studios and Civils, has today announced that is has been appointed by Aviva Investors to construct four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft upto 64,250 sq. ft at Catalyst Industrial Park strategic logistics development situated site off Drews Lane in Birmingham. The secure, detached units of modern steel portal frame design will feature 8-12.5M eaves, 50KN/M2 floor loading, 3-phase power, dock loading and level access doors on units 1 (64,250 sq. ft) and 2 (63,300 sq. ft) and feature 24-hour access. They will be constructed targeting a BREEAM rating of excellent and EPC A rating, whilst also featuring photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Speaking about the project, Glencar Managing Director for Midlands and North, Pete Goodman, said: “We are working with Aviva Investors currently on construction of the new 60,000 sq ft Sidney Sussex Advanced Laboratory & Life Sciences facility in Chesterford Research Park so we are naturally delighted to receive this further instruction in this key strategic logistics location in Birmingham. Logistics & Industrial is at the heart of what we do and we look forward to working with Aviva Investors and the full project team to deliver this outstanding scheme which features leading edge ESG credentials which are becoming standard in this sector”. James Stevens, Head of Real Estate Investment at Aviva Investors said: “We are pleased to partner with Glencar at Catalyst Industrial Park, which we think is an exciting new development project in a strategically important logistics location. Building on our existing relationship at Chesterford Research Park, one of the UK’s leading life science hubs, we look forward to delivering four exceptional facilities that we expect will be highly attractive to firms looking to benefit from Birmingham’s excellent logistics credentials, whilst also having the potential to contribute to long-term performance in our portfolio.” Catalyst Park is located in a popular industrial area of Birmingham on the historic former LDV manufacturing site. Direct access to the scheme is off Drews Lane, minutes away from the key arterial route of the A47 (Heartlands Spine Road), providing easy access to both J5 and J6 of the M6 which are both less than 3 miles from the site. Catalyst Park also benefits from being located outside the Birmingham City Centre congestion charge but in easy reach of the Birmingham Inner ring road and city centre 4 miles southwest. For further information about the project please click https://catalystindustrialpark.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Principle Estate Management has broadened its portfolio by taking on three new retirement developments across London, Oxford, and Worcestershire. These include two Right to Manage (RTM) developments and a corporate client, marking the company’s first ventures into retirement living. Meeting the Needs of Retirement Communities Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director of Principle Estate Management, highlighted the growing demand for their services:“We’re receiving more enquiries for retirement living schemes, and our expertise combined with a personalised approach makes us well-suited to manage these developments. Ending 2024 with these first instructions is exciting, and we anticipate more in the pipeline for next year.” The three sites include Westminster Court in Worcester, a 15-apartment development set within landscaped grounds, and London Court in Oxford, a 43-unit scheme with communal gardens and an on-site resident manager. Praise for Principle’s Approach Brian Hall, Director at London Court, praised Principle’s professionalism:“Principle Estate Management came highly recommended by our accountants. Initially, we opted for a short-term contract aligned with our financial year, and the experience was seamless. We now have an annual management agreement and have found their communication and clarity excellent. Their dedication gives us confidence in their ability to prioritise the safety, well-being, and financial security of our residents.” Comprehensive Property Management Services Across the three sites, Principle will oversee a range of communal facilities, including gardens, car parking, residents’ lounges, and lifts. Their commitment to service excellence is already evident, with new property manager Alex Jordan receiving a warm welcome from Westminster Court residents during a special event. Strong Foundations and Ambitious Growth Since its launch in 2018, Principle Estate Management has grown rapidly, now managing over 20,000 units from offices in Birmingham, London, and the North West. With a team of more than 70 professionals, the company is well-positioned to support the unique needs of retirement communities. Joe Jobson reflected on the positive feedback:“It’s been fantastic to see such enthusiasm from our new retirement developments. We’re looking forward to strengthening relationships with directors and residents as we continue to grow in this important sector.” Principle’s foray into retirement living underscores its versatility and commitment to providing tailored property management solutions across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its reputation for the delivery of public sector refurbishment projects, with the redesign of an award-winning building in north west London. The leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has transformed 22,600 sq ft of Brent Civic Centre, Wembley Park, on behalf of Brent Council. The project has delivered improvements to Wembley Library and created a new resident hub, with comfortable and accessible public spaces that better serve the needs of local people. Several public services have been integrated into a more spacious and versatile library building, including a larger, purpose-built children’s library, new study areas, quiet zones, and an expanded library collection. A new ground floor hub features a dedicated customer service area, complete with a digital zone and private rooms for confidential conversations. An area has also been fitted out for weddings and other events, which has been decorated to a high standard to improve the experience of guests. Other enhancements include a new accessible main entrance on Exhibition Way and an internal layout that considers the needs of wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with complex needs. Willmott Dixon Interiors has installed new M&E, plumbing and heating systems within the building, as well as new lighting, acoustics and enhanced temperature controls. In parallel with its delivery of the refurbishment, Willmott Dixon Interiors partnered with West London Careers Hub to deliver more than £1.5 million in social return on investment. Activities included support for local schools and colleges through careers events, work experience and industry insights. Neil Adams, senior operations manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “Civic spaces are the heartbeat of our communities and it’s vital that they meet the evolving needs of local people. “Brent Council recognised the opportunity it had to adapt an award-winning building into an exciting space that better serves all of its residents. We’re proud to hand over a modern community library and resident hub that provides improved public access and facilities for all.” Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, cabinet member for resident support and culture, said: “Our award-winning Civic Centre has served residents and the council well over the past decade but it’s essential for us to adapt and keep pace with the evolving needs of our community. “This exciting new space will enable us to better serve our residents, especially those with the most complex needs. With a brand-new customer service area and an upgraded library, we’ve created a more accessible, comfortable and confidential environment with enhanced facilities for everyone to enjoy.” Willmott Dixon Interiors was awarded the contract to refurbish Brent Civic Centre via the Procurement Hub framework. Andy Peck, senior client relationship manager, Procurement Hub: “This project exemplifies the benefits of working with Willmott Dixon Interiors through the MPF2 framework. Their flexibility allows them to deliver value where it’s most needed.” The new look Wembley Library and resident hub will be officially launched at a grand opening event on 7 December 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK homebuilder Avant Homes has announced a £90 million residential project that will revitalise a 22-acre site at Pleasley Hill Farm in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. This ambitious scheme will bring nearly 400 new homes to the area, offering a range of housing options designed to meet the needs of diverse buyers and renters. A Vision for Community Living The development will deliver 396 homes as part of a larger mixed-use scheme, aimed at driving residential growth in the scenic village of Pleasley. Avant Homes Central is leading the project, which promises high-quality homes and modern amenities that will transform the local landscape while addressing the growing demand for housing in Nottinghamshire. Contemporary Design and Sustainability Known for its design-led approach, Avant Homes will incorporate its signature contemporary styling into the new properties. Each home will be built with energy-efficient materials and techniques, providing a sustainable and comfortable lifestyle for future residents. The development aims to appeal to a wide demographic, including families, professionals, and retirees, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Economic Boost for the Local Area Beyond housing, the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Mansfield. During the construction phase, it will create jobs and support local businesses, while also enhancing infrastructure and public amenities. Avant Homes has a proven track record of working closely with communities, ensuring its developments leave a lasting positive impact. Commitment to Quality and Growth Avant Homes is renowned for creating premium homes that combine functionality with modern aesthetics. This latest project reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the UK’s housing needs, with a strong focus on sustainability and community-building. A Brighter Future for Pleasley Hill Farm Once complete, the Pleasley Hill Farm development will stand as a testament to Avant Homes’ dedication to delivering homes that blend style, efficiency, and affordability. With this £90 million investment, the company is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of housing in Nottinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tobermore, one of the UK & Ireland’s leading construction manufacturers, has announced that it will be investing £12 million to expand its operations to meet growing demand driven by current and anticipated growing demand for new residential homes. To kick start the expansion, the company will invest £4 million in new jobs across Great Britain and Ireland, including the creation of a dedicated technical design team to support its commercial customers. This will be followed by the construction of a new £8 million state-of-the-art production facility at its manufacturing site in Tobermore. “We know the industry is preparing for considerable growth in the construction of new homes and infrastructure, and this investment shows that Tobermore is ready to support our customers across the supply chain as they design, build, and supply the materials for their projects,” explained Kathryn Robinson, Head of Sales at Tobermore. “These plans will ensure that we have the right people, facilities, and equipment in place to produce the products they need at scale, so we can meet both the immediate need and an anticipated upsurge in customer demand.” To address immediate capacity requirements driven by an increase in customer demand, Tobermore has also introduced additional night shifts in its manufacturing facilities. Over the next few months, the company will also recruit 34 people to increase the technical and specification support available for customers. This includes a technical support service to help with permeable paving, retaining walls and landscape visualisations. They will also be recruiting 10 new roles within the commercial / Business-to-Business team, including two national housebuilder managers, as well as 11 new specification managers to support its continually growing customer base in Great Britain. “By extending our design, technical, specification, and account teams, we will be able to provide groundworkers with the dedicated support they need for every stage of the build process,” added Kathryn. “We can provide everything from a complete design and visualisation service to the technical information needed to deliver everything from permeable paving to structural walls on site.” As well as recruiting new staff, the company has made 11 internal promotions. Anna McAleer, currently Head of Specification (National) & Commercial Sales (Ireland), and Lee Blackburn, Head of Commercial Sales (GB), will be promoted to Joint Heads of Strategic Growth in Britain. “We value our people and always look to reward their hard work and dedication by promoting internally,” added Laura McGlade, Head of People at Tobermore. “We do everything we can to equip our teams with the right resources, expertise, skills and training to empower them to progress and develop their careers with us.” In addition, Tobermore will make a £8m investment in the construction of a new 3,000m2 factory. This will be able to produce over 1,000,000m2 paving blocks a year, increasing the company’s block paving production by 25%. The facility will be equipped with industry leading manufacturing equipment that will deliver high quality paving products at speed. “Our customers are facing an incredible challenge to build more homes and commercial projects, including public realm and healthcare, and to do this quickly to very high standards,” explained Kathryn. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting our customers. Increasing our production capacity means we will be able to not just meet but exceed anticipated demand, so they can keep on building.” This is just the latest investment in a series of expansion projects by Tobermore to support its ambitious growth plans. The company opened its £10 million production facility in 2020, expanding block paving production capacity, and its £8.6 million manufacturing unit in 2022 to increase production of paving slabs. These two investments have enabled the company to scale up overall block paving production by approximately 25% and slab production by approximately 40% compared to this time 5 years ago. To register and find out about jobs at Tobermore, visit our current career opportunities page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An iconic building in heart of Scotland’s capital city has been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the world by an international architectural and design prize, backed by the United Nations. Edinburgh Futures Institute has been honoured with the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ in the Prix Versailles’ 2024 World Titles. The sympathetic yet innovative redevelopment of the category-A listed, baronial style former Royal Infirmary hospital into a state-of-the-art space for teaching, research and entrepreneurship has placed the University of Edinburgh building among an elite group to have been recognised in the prestigious awards. The Prix Versailles – an internationally recognised series of awards presented by the United Nations agency for education, sciences, and culture (UNESCO) – celebrates the best contemporary architecture and design projects across the world. The awards were announced at UNESCO Headquarters on Monday, 2 December with Edinburgh competing in the Campuses category alongside another five universities across the world. Occupying a pivotal position in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the building is well-known to residents of the Scottish capital – many of whom have visited, been a patient, or even worked there before it was decommissioned as a hospital in 2003. Built in 1879, it housed Edinburgh’s main hospital and was once described by The Illustrated London News as “the best planned hospital” in Britain. Its design was heavily influenced by the ‘pavilion’ model developed by nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale. The 20,000 sqm development is now home to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, one of the largest institutes for interdisciplinary learning, research and innovation in Europe. The Institute brings together students, researchers, partners and civic society to focus on the responsible use of data to address global challenges including ethics of artificial intelligence, social inequality and climate change. The building officially reopened in June 2024, following a seven-year, multi-million-pound restoration. Working with a project design team led by Atkins Realis, including architects Bennetts Associates and construction partner Balfour Beatty, the University of Edinburgh carried out the extensive project to sensitively repair, redevelop and reimagine the way the building could be used. The design team has made use of the former hospital’s large, airy Nightingale wards and corridors with flexible teaching areas and workspaces. The restoration work also preserved much of the building’s historical architecture, which is now united with more than 6,000 sqm of modern construction. Ensuring it lives up to the inscription above the building’s entrance: ‘Patet Omnibus’, meaning ‘Open to All’, the building is open to the public with breakout spaces, a café, an outdoor square, and a new 400-seater purpose-built space to host public events. Since opening, the Institute has already hosted a range of high-profile events, including the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival in August. The Futures Institute is one of six innovation hubs supported by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal’s Data-Driven Innovation programme. Through the University of Edinburgh’s participation in the City Region Deal, the Institute has received £56m in capital funding from the UK Government and more than £2m from the Scottish Government. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Edinburgh, said: “From the beginning of this hugely ambitious project to transform the near-dilapidated Victorian hospital, our mission was to create an inspiring space that enables collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking to flourish. The painstaking work to ensure that we achieved this for our students, staff and wider community – while preserving the beauty of the historic building for the City – has surpassed all expectations, and it is incredibly gratifying to be recognised at an international level. Through its innovative and creative design, the Edinburgh Futures Institute will help nurture some of the world’s much-needed future pioneers via world-leading innovative programmes of interdisciplinary teaching and research directed at solving the great challenges facing the human race and the planet which we inhabit.” Rab Bennetts, Founder of Bennetts Associates, said: “We are thrilled alongside our client the University of Edinburgh to be presented with such a prestigious award by the Prix Versailles jury, which is vindication of a strategy based on creative design interventions and interpretation of an important historic building for the University and my home city of Edinburgh. The building had been empty for nearly 20 years and was in very poor condition before we started, so the effort put in over the past nine years by our practice and wider team of conservation architects, engineers, project managers, contractors and many others was truly exceptional. The award also shows that the re-use of an existing building is a highly stimulating way of achieving low carbon emissions, pointing the way to limiting climate change – the greatest challenge of our time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham based construction management consultancy, Cube, is celebrating its five-year milestone with the launch of its new construction management software, Milestone. November 2024 marked a milestone in more ways than one for construction management consultants, Cube, as it celebrated a significant business anniversary and unveiled its latest project, Milestone, on its mission to build best practice into every element of construction. The past five years has seen construction experts Nicola Slater and Mark Johnston, MCIOB, NECReg working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry. Combining their 60+ years in the sector, the entrepreneurial duo has helped regional and tier 1 contractors complete significant projects on time, protect margins, reduce client frustrations and mitigate project risk. Now, they have captured their extensive, hands-on construction expertise into a construction management software platform, Milestone, designed for construction professionals by construction experts. Milestone, Cube’s Building Safety Act compatible construction management software, is a real time, digital solution which helps contractors manage every stage of a construction project from award, through design to project delivery, completion and aftercare. Co-founder and construction consultant, Nicola Slater shares: “From a standing start, with no clients and little industry recognition of how construction management consultancy could help make a difference to the successful outcome of construction projects, we set up Cube. “Fast forward five years and we’ve captured our expertise into Milestone, a robust digital tool to help construction managers maximise their efficiency in managing projects and meeting targets.” The simple to use software includes all the tools construction managers need to reduce risk, ensure consistent work and allocate processes and projects to team members. Through a real-time online dashboard, Milestone gives instant access to project information for the whole team whether on-site or off, enabling issues or remediation actions to be proactively managed. Initially they set out to provide business development support, process improvement reviews, construction expertise and training and mentoring services to the building and construction sector. And, while much of this is still part of what they do today, the pair have learned to evolve and adapt as new opportunities presented themselves. Milestone being the latest in a string of construction management projects. Another proud moment for Cube, in 2021, it became a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Chartered Construction Management Consultancy, further demonstrating to clients and partners its ongoing commitment to the principles and values of best practice, ethical standards and professionalism. Co-founder and construction consultant, Mark Johnston, Vice Chair of the CIOB Nottingham Hub adds: “Having got the business off the ground from a standing start and weathered the storm of a global pandemic, we found ourselves working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry, providing construction management consultancy on projects such as the regeneration of an enclosure at London Zoo and a listed building at a historic university campus”. “More recently, The Building Safety Act (BSA) has become a significant focus for us. Holding multi-disciplinary workshops in London and Nottingham has embedded us firmly in the discussion about where the industry is heading in terms of competency and best practice. We’ve incorporated that into Milestone software so it is a practical tool to help firms meet their obligations under the Act, demonstrate competency and provide a digital ‘Golden Thread’ of project information.” For more details on Cube’s construction management consultancy and software, Milestone, visit: https://www.cube-cc.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SITECH® UK & Ireland, an authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, has announced a new partnership with Foxdown Construction Ltd. This collaboration will see Foxdown Construction utilising technology on Vistry Group’s Gateway development project in Bexhill-on-Sea in the South East of England. As part of this partnership, Foxdown Construction has acquired seven Trimble® Earthworks machine control kits, two Trimble R750 base stations with Internet Base Station Service (IBSS), Trimble® Business Center software and Trimble® WorksManager software. This suite of advanced technology – with a combination of hardware and software working hand in hand – will be deployed to enhance efficiency and accuracy on the Gateway project, which spans a considerable land area and is set to provide a range of housing options. Phillip Matchett, Technical Sales Consultant at SITECH UK & Ireland, commented on the partnership: “We’re thrilled to be working with Foxdown Construction on this project. The Trimble solutions are designed to address the complex challenges faced in large-scale developments like the Gateway project. The combination of machine control systems and software solutions will enable Foxdown to work with precision and efficiency.” The Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform is designed for excavators and dozers. It offers operators real-time guidance on the position of the machine’s blade or bucket relative to the desired grade, improving accuracy and efficiency. “One of the key advantages of Trimble Earthworks system is its ability to maintain accuracy in areas where other GPS systems struggle,” added Matchett. “This means Foxdown can keep their machines operating efficiently, even when working close to buildings or in areas with dense tree cover. The system’s advanced signal processing and error modelling called Trimble® ProPoint provide robust protection against interference, ensuring consistent performance across the entire project site.” The Trimble® R750 GNSS Modular Receiver provides connectivity, flexibility and scalability to meet the exact needs of GNSS-based workflows. Used as a permanent or semi-permanent base station, it provides GNSS corrections for site measurements and machine control. It also uses the latest Maxwell™ 7 GNSS technology to track all-in-view GNSS constellations and signals, enabling more reliable coverage to keep machines and people up and running. Complementing the hardware, Trimble Business Center is a powerful office software that transforms field data into high-quality deliverables. It enables surveyors to process data from various sources, including GNSS receivers, total stations, and laser scanners, in a single environment. Trimble WorksManager, meanwhile, is a cloud-based application that facilitates seamless data transfer between the office and field, allowing for real-time project updates and efficient resource management. “What’s exciting about this partnership is the opportunity it presents for innovation in the housing development sector. As projects grow in scale and complexity, the need for advanced technology becomes increasingly critical. Our solutions not only improve accuracy and reduce rework but also provide valuable data insights that can inform decision-making throughout the project lifecycle,” said Matchett. Dave Hiscock, Managing Director at Foxdown Construction, expressed enthusiasm about the new technology: “This is our first venture into GPS machine control, and the journey has been extremely positive. SITECH’s support throughout the process has been outstanding, with instant assistance at every step. The training provided to our novice operators has resulted in competency within a day, which is a testament to both the intuitive nature of the Trimble systems and the expertise of the SITECH team. “The ability to work continuously, regardless of satellite visibility or environmental obstructions, has significantly boosted our productivity. We’re now able to tackle areas of the site that would have previously caused delays or required alternative methods. This technology is transforming how we approach our earthworks and is providing invaluable insights on a project of this scale.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The third instalment in a series of landmark research studies into the mental health struggles of construction workers is set to land in 2025. Researchers from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will once again survey the sector as part of the professional body’s ongoing mission to address mental health problems within the industry. The last report, released in 2020, highlighted 97 per cent of construction workers had experienced high levels of stress, and 71 per cent of respondents revealed they had not received any mental health training. Even more alarmingly, more than a quarter of those surveyed claimed they had experienced suicidal thoughts. Daisie Barnett, Policy Development Manager at CIOB, said: “Our 2020 report revealed scary statistics about the prevalence of mental health challenges within the workforce. “The number of workers experiencing stress, fatigue and suicidal thoughts highlighted significant and urgent change was needed. “Our follow-up survey allows us to understand what progress has been made and where further action might be required. We are particularly interested to see what has changed post the pandemic, with the introduction of flexible working opportunities and the potential increase of financial worries.” The CIOB is calling on construction professionals at all levels—from on-site workers to senior executives—to share their insights on mental health challenges and the initiatives organisations have implemented to tackle the issues. Barnett continued: “We want to hear from construction workers across the globe and we encourage everyone to be as honest as possible. “Mental health in construction is a silent crisis, so please use this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and help shape future strategies to support those working in the industry worldwide.” The survey is open from Monday, 2 December until 31 January 2025 and can be accessed here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
