Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the acquisition of an 11.8-acre site in Bognor Regis, marking its fourth strategic land purchase in the South Coast region in the past two years, following acquisitions in Crawley, Burgess Hill, and Brighton, all along the M23 corridor. Amid a
BW: Workplace Experts has completed the major Cat B fit out of Virgin Media O2’s London headquarters in Paddington – the new home for its London-based teams and its first major office space investment since the two brands merged in June 2021. The ambitious 81,750 sq. ft office spans six
2024 felt the lasting impact that regulatory change has had on the facilities management sector. The introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021, the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 fundamentally reshaped responsibilities, focus areas and challenges for facility maintenance professionals, establishing new compliance requirements
Allegro acquisition marks a significant step in expanding UK property portfolios Global real estate powerhouse QuadReal Property Group and Canadian investment firm Realstar have announced the acquisition of Allegro, a prominent Build-to-Rent (BtR) development in Birmingham’s One Exchange Square. This joint venture adds the impressive 345,662 sq. ft scheme to
Bioregional, a pioneer in sustainable development, yesterday announced the release of its latest guidance document, Goals and guidance for new-build communities in the UK. Tailored specifically for housing developers, this essential guide provides practical strategies for designing and delivering sustainable communities using the renowned One Planet Living framework. With this
A leading expert in planning policy at Northumbria University has delivered evidence to help shape the future reform of the National Planning Policy Framework. Alister Scott, Professor of Environmental Geography and Planning, gave evidence and recommendations to the Environment Audit Committee’s hearing in Westminster on the government’s proposed planning reforms
Providing vital online access and technological support for those in need, McLaren Construction is launching a new initiative to donate repurposed laptops to charities across the UK with the first donation taking place in the Midlands and North. Kick-starting the initiative, 20 repurposed company laptops were donated to the St
Delivering a unique ‘high-vis’ data trail, Simpel’s software empowers construction companies to optimise operations and compliance to meet the evolving regulatory environment Simpel, a leading innovator in construction technology, has announced its recent entry into the UK market. Designed to address the complexities of document management, quality, compliance, safety and
This new, elegant, industrial style kitchen from Keller merges traditional and bold features and hues. The Bronzite fronts and bronze-framed glass doors with bronze tinted glass combine with the striking, angled Calacatta black worktop to create a calming clean space. Which is perfect for dining, working and socialising in style.
Local housebuilder Dandara has received quality excellence from Premier Guarantee for two of its developments in Buckinghamshire, The Muse and The Aces, and its development in Bedfordshire, Saxon Park. All three developments received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from the warranty provider after meeting top standards in site management, workmanship, health
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the acquisition of an 11.8-acre site in Bognor Regis, marking its fourth strategic land purchase in the South Coast region in the past two years, following acquisitions in Crawley, Burgess Hill, and Brighton, all along the M23 corridor. Amid a scarcity of land for new developments and the growing trend of repurposing older Grade B facilities, this new site aims to address the significant mismatch between supply and demand in the South Coast region. Purchased from Hanbury Developments, the site will form part of Panattoni’s expanding mid-box development programme, designed to target undersupplied markets with sustainable and versatile logistics solutions. Located adjacent to established units occupied by Amazon and Rolls Royce, the site offers access to 3.8 million unique addresses within a 50-mile radius. This proximity, combined with excellent transport links via the A29 dual carriageway, positions the development as a key logistics hub for businesses. Plans have been submitted for the speculative development, with construction expected to commence in June 2025 and completion anticipated in Q3 2026. The site will host three industrial units measuring 30,534 sq ft, 58,328 sq ft, and 111,137 sq ft, with a combined footprint of 200,000 sq ft, offering exceptional flexibility to accommodate diverse tenant needs. Sustainability remains a key focus for Panattoni, with the logistics park targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and an EPC ‘A’ energy efficiency standard. Key features include roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, rainwater harvesting, 15% rooflights to maximise natural daylight, and electric vehicle charging points. These initiatives demonstrate Panattoni’s focus on reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. David McGougan, Development Director at Panattoni commented on the news, saying: “The acquisition of this prime site in Bognor Regis is a step forward in delivering our South Coast strategy, offering strategically located logistics solutions in unsupplied market. Situated in a prime Sussex location with access to millions of consumers, this development offers an exceptional opportunity, combining cost-efficient units for future tenants. “As part of the strategy this will be our fourth acquisition in the last two years, developing our mid-box speculative portfolio in the South Coast, we commit to continuing our mid-box developments with further acquisition in the near future.” Panattoni was advised by LSH on the acquisition of the Bognor Regis site, while Hanbury Developments was represented by SHW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BW: Workplace Experts has completed the major Cat B fit out of Virgin Media O2’s London headquarters in Paddington – the new home for its London-based teams and its first major office space investment since the two brands merged in June 2021. The ambitious 81,750 sq. ft office spans six floors, plus additional ground floor space, and includes large areas for team collaboration, hosting visitors and a variety of private and open work areas. Standout features include a prestigious ground floor client experience area, and a space on the ninth floor focused entirely on collaboration, with a conference suite, boardroom, multi-functional dining and social space, and a 130-capacity event studio. Every floor further includes areas designed to facilitate naturally occurring conversations. These ‘accidental meeting points’ are opposite the lift lobby of each floor and serve to bring employees closer together into one team – a key goal for the new office and cornerstone of the merger. BW: Workplace Experts delivered each floor to reflect the wide range of services offered by Virgin Media O2 and what its customers use its connectivity for, from gaming and music-themed floors, through to sports, streaming and more. This resulted in over 350 individual finishes and 75 light fitting types, 22 being feature lighting, to match the individual look and feel of each floor. All existing services were then carefully managed by the team to achieve both aesthetics and functionality. This included overcoming challenges presented by the highly congested ceiling when applying acoustic spray to the soffit. This was achieved through excellent RCP site coordination to meticulously arrange the exposed services and attain the impressive clear ceiling heights. Diversity and inclusion was also a key consideration from the start, and the site features gender-neutral toilets, study and retreat spaces for neurodivergent colleagues, and multi-faith rooms with Wudu facilities. Colour schemes were also reviewed to ensure tonal contrast and improve the experience for any employee who is partially sighted, while sufficient space has been provided in meeting rooms and other spaces to ensure wheelchair access. Committed to supporting Virgin Media O2’s ESG strategy ‘the Better Connections Plan’, BW: Workplace Experts met criteria for acoustics, material selection, air quality and waste management, and the building is on track to achieve the highest levels of sustainable certifications in the UK; BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum. The team also added social value by creating a local partnership with the nearby Edward Wilson Primary School, investing 98 volunteering hours as well as local materials, including those repurposed from the Virgin Media O2 project, to paint the playground walls, deliver new bug houses to encourage biodiversity, and reimagine the dated library for pupils to enjoy. The library refurbishment includes a new stage that can also be used for drama performances, whiteboards, beanbag seating and new book shelving. Paul Kavanagh, Operations Director at BW: Workplace Experts, comments: “Our work has completely transformed Virgin Media O2’s new London office headquartersin Paddington. Through extensive attention to detail and dedicated workshops with the client, we delivered numerous individual finishes to help achieve the unique look and feel of each floor. The result is a workspace that reflects the collaboration of the Virgin Media O2 teams, bringing their vision to life through every individual fit out detail. We are blown away by the seamless end result and we are also proud to have worked closely towards achieving sustainability targets and leave a positive impact on the local community by fostering a relationship with the Edward Wilson Primary School in Paddington, which the Virgin Media O2 office team can continue to build on.” Rodney Hogg, Property Director at Virgin Media O2, said: “Moving our London HQ to Paddington is an important milestone for us, providing a vibrant, state-of-the-art office space for our people to get together in person and collaborate, while also supporting our flexible working culture. “BW: Workplace Experts and Gensler have more than met our expectations in the design and delivery of this bespoke site, with floors that reflect the entertainment services we provide to millions of customers, and supporting our Better Connections Plan through being on track to achieve the highest possible levels of certifications for sustainability.” Harry Noble, Director, CBRE Occupier Project Management, said: “We are proud to have played a pivotal role in the acquisition and establishment of Virgin Media 02’s new London headquarters, from transaction management and brokerage through to project management. As strategic partners from the outset, our service lines have ensured a seamless process from property search through to successful project delivery.” The project was completed by BW:Workplace Experts alongside project partners CBRE, Gensler, MIX and Ramboll UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
2024 felt the lasting impact that regulatory change has had on the facilities management sector. The introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021, the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 fundamentally reshaped responsibilities, focus areas and challenges for facility maintenance professionals, establishing new compliance requirements and standards that will continue to influence the direction of the industry this year. Jason Instrell, Industry Lead at SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, has shared his insights regarding how the facilities management industry will continue to evolve in 2025 and the changes he believes will be particularly impactful for those working in the industry. 1. Sustainability at the forefront in the race to net-zero The landscape of the UK’s built environment is set for a profound environmental transformation. With the Prime Minister announcing an 81% reduction in carbon by 2035, the race toward carbon neutrality is accelerating, propelled by technological efforts, evolving government policies and heightened public climate awareness. As we look towards 2025, the need for sustainable building maintenance practices will only grow. As the global urban population continues to expand rapidly, construction and, ultimately, carbon emissions will follow suit. 40% of global carbon emissions are from the built environment, with 30% coming from building construction, operation and demolition. To mitigate this, businesses and building owners must consider and implement ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, through sustainable maintenance, and ensuring that new buildings incorporate this into their initial design is one way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Training and competence remain firmly in the spotlight, with businesses needing to develop the knowledge and experience to help hit their carbon reduction strategies in 2025. 2. Building compliance in the spotlight Regulations and legislation are constantly evolving. These changes, whether small or large, can lead to confusion and can change requirements around the design, installation, verification and maintenance of buildings. This can have an effect on maintenance tasks and frequencies. With the ongoing developments in the RAAC scandal across UK schools and Universities, and the final report from the Grenfell Inquiry, 2025 will likely see an even greater spotlight placed on competence and compliance in line with the Building Safety Act 2022. The industry’s barrage of building and structural integrity issues means it comes as no surprise that compliance has risen to the top of many priority lists. Building owners, property managers and contractors will need to ensure that regular risk assessments are undertaken (especially in relation to higher-risk and high-rise residential buildings), statutory works are being scheduled, a principal accountable person (PAP) is appointed, and that all maintenance information is evidenced as part of a golden thread. 3. AI integrations Recent developments in AI create an opportunity to revolutionise how the industry approaches building maintenance. The biggest challenge for facility managers is identifying what tasks must be performed on each asset in a building to preserve life, reduce cost, and stay compliant with current regulations. This can sometimes be costly and time-consuming, and essential maintenance can be missed, leading to an increased risk of equipment failures and faults. IoT, internet of things, technology relies on sensor technology mounted on assets to monitor statuses such as energy consumption, pressure, vibration and flow rates. Its adoption can allow businesses to accurately plan maintenance tasks in an efficient and cost-effective way. Digital twin technology provides a virtual model of an asset that can mimic the installed equipment, allowing for real-time data and facilitating efficient, data-driven decisions for facility managers. Businesses are still under pressure to develop the necessary skills and teams to successfully work alongside AI technology, such as IoT and Digital twin technology, for predictive maintenance, data analysis and a cost-effective allocation of FM budgets. The construction industry is reported to have one of the lowest adoptions of AI technologies, with only 12% of businesses currently using some form of artificial intelligence. 2025 will see a continued push to overcome these challenges and take full advantage of AI assistance within the FM space. This will likely continue through training and development opportunities for all those involved in the facility management process, to best integrate new AI technologies into business strategies. 4. Adoption of digital-led maintenance strategies With 43% of FM companies naming systems integrations as the most significant problem in their business in 2024, 2025 will not see this changing. Digital integration of mechanical, electrical and building services systems remains a top priority. The reluctance to adopt digital-led maintenance was initially due to the effort and high costs of hardware and software. However, the landscape is changing as more options become available. Yet challenges remain, as businesses work to develop the necessary skills to install sensors, monitors, and interpret the generated data effectively. Overcoming these hurdles will be essential over the next year to unlocking the full potential of digital maintenance. 5. Enhanced connectivity Property managers have to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, from building owners to facility management consultants and engineers, who all play a crucial role in the safe and legal maintenance of a facility. Managing extensive workforces, with a mix of internal and external resources, tends to make streamlined collaboration much trickier. In particular, ensuring the right people receive the necessary information at the right time becomes a challenge. In a recent poll conducted by the experts at SFG20, 66% of asset owners and property managers revealed that maintaining the ‘golden thread’ and ensuring all the information is captured and accurate, remains a concern for their business. This shows that many current FM systems are not aligning in a way that helps facilitate efficient, collaborative working. Developing and providing software solutions that enable teams to share data and work efficiently will continue to characterise industry changes throughout this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Allegro acquisition marks a significant step in expanding UK property portfolios Global real estate powerhouse QuadReal Property Group and Canadian investment firm Realstar have announced the acquisition of Allegro, a prominent Build-to-Rent (BtR) development in Birmingham’s One Exchange Square. This joint venture adds the impressive 345,662 sq. ft scheme to their portfolios, featuring 603 modern rental units across three interlinked buildings. A standout feature of the development is the expansive central garden podium, complemented by ground-floor retail and leisure spaces. Residents also benefit from a range of premium amenities, including a gym, co-working areas, a roof terrace, and 150 car parking spaces. Situated in the heart of Birmingham, One Exchange Square enjoys a prime location near key transport links, employment hubs, university campuses, and a wealth of shopping, dining, and leisure options. The scheme addresses Birmingham’s increasing demand for high-quality rental housing. With the city’s population expected to grow by approximately 3.9% between 2018 and 2028, and a student population of nearly 100,000, mid-market rental properties are in particularly high demand. Jay Kwan, Managing Director, Head of Europe, International Real Estate, at QuadReal, highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition:“The purchase of Allegro reflects our conviction in the living sector and our strategy of acquiring high-quality assets in prime locations like Birmingham. This sector remains a global priority for us, and Allegro strengthens our growing portfolio of BtR investments across Europe.” Ryan Prince, Vice Chairman of Realstar, added:“Allegro is a fantastic addition to our UK portfolio. We are excited to invest further in the property to align it with our UNCLE brand standards. This will enhance its appeal and integrate it into our wider portfolio of over 5,000 UNCLE-branded rental apartments across London, Manchester, and Leeds.” Allegro represents a significant milestone for both QuadReal and Realstar, underscoring their shared commitment to investing in vibrant, growing cities and delivering high-quality, tenant-focused living spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bioregional, a pioneer in sustainable development, yesterday announced the release of its latest guidance document, Goals and guidance for new-build communities in the UK. Tailored specifically for housing developers, this essential guide provides practical strategies for designing and delivering sustainable communities using the renowned One Planet Living framework. With this updated guidance, made available for free, Bioregional offers UK developers a clear pathway to create thriving, people-centred communities that regenerate local ecosystems, tackle the climate emergency, and enhance social well-being. One Planet Living is a globally recognised framework used in real estate development world-wide. One Planet Living simplifies sustainability for developers and their partners, and integrates seamlessly with existing development processes and certification schemes such as BREEAM and LEED. “One Planet Living offers a unique approach for developers, local authorities, and communities to co-design sustainable communities within planetary boundaries.” said Sue Riddlestone OBE, CEO and co-founder of Bioregional. “It simplifies the process, engaging key stakeholders to create a shared vision while fostering the regeneration of nature. This approach leads to faster sales, fewer voids, longer tenancies and improved wellbeing. Most have found that once they embrace it, they never look back.” Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of sustainable housebuilder, Greencore Homes adds “One Planet Living is a key part of our approach to creating thriving, sustainable communities. Its flexibility allows us to set ambitious, site-specific goals while addressing every aspect of sustainability — not just carbon reduction — in a truly holistic way. The new guidance is timely, given the UK government’s push for more housebuilding. It is well-structured, practical, and connects to other standards that stakeholders value. For us, it’s an invaluable tool in delivering developments that meet the needs of people, planet, and investors alike.” The new document responds to feedback from developers seeking clarity on best practices and the expectations required to achieve One Planet Living Leadership recognition. Key updates include: The new guide is the result of extensive collaboration with industry experts, drawing on insights from leaders in the built environment to ensure that the guidance is both robust and achievable. Adopting the One Planet Living framework is not just an environmental imperative but a business opportunity. Developers who embrace these principles can enhance the appeal of their projects through faster sales, reduced vacancies, and longer tenancies. Download the new guidance, for free, https://www.bioregional.com/resources/one-planet-living-goals-guidance-uk-housing-developers If you would like support in developing your sustainability plans or would like to learn more about One Planet Living Leadership recognition, contact places@bioregional.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A leading expert in planning policy at Northumbria University has delivered evidence to help shape the future reform of the National Planning Policy Framework. Alister Scott, Professor of Environmental Geography and Planning, gave evidence and recommendations to the Environment Audit Committee’s hearing in Westminster on the government’s proposed planning reforms and their effect on the natural environment. With the UK desperately needing more homes, the Environmental Audit Committee examined how proposed reforms to the planning system through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will promote housing growth and the effects such growth may have on the natural environment. Professor Scott, who is also a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, outlined some key concerns to the future success of the new policy based on his extensive research into planning and green infrastructure. He said there was a need to remove silo thinking and disintegrated policy across different government departments to bring together disparate policy areas to work strategically on spatial planning. In particular, he highlighted that the Departments of Health, Culture, Media and Sport, Transport, Science and Innovation and HM Treasury need to be more actively engaged, and that land use planning was not solely an issue for Defra and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. “The current priority in planning is stated as economic development and most of the consultation is taken up with issues of housing and economic development,” says Professor Scott. “While I agree this is a priority, having separate governance regimes for urban and rural space puts the emphasis on first establishing the number of houses or jobs before bolting on other considerations afterwards. The economic imperative alone does not make the most effective use of land.” Professor Scott also said there was a need for much stronger wording within policy for nature to avoid it being trumped by economic factors, with trade-offs between economic, social and environmental priorities needing to be fully assessed. He said it was notable that the NPPF had had major amendments in sections relating to housing and green belt, but the natural environment chapter had remained the same despite major policy changes and ongoing declines in nature. Another of his key concerns was the need to rethink how we value nature. Drawing on the HM Treasury 2021 Dasgupta review, he highlighted how the multiple values of nature demand transformative thinking in how prosperity is viewed and measured. Professor Scott also called on the government to review its default answer of ‘yes’ on questions around the development of brownfield sites and said that the policy could not be successfully developed without the active involvement of many government departments, given their major influences and impacts on land use. “In the question of a default ‘yes’ for brownfield development, for example, the default answer should instead always be evidence based. Brownfield sites can have significant biodiversity interest and can also be very costly to develop,” he said. “Before assuming these are preferred development sites, I believe there should be an accurate assessment of their multifunctional potential, and a decision made from there based on the evidence obtained.” In terms of actions to help address these problems Professor Scott recommended that the planning system is rebalanced to ensure that nature, the economy and community are treated equally. “Primacy is given to economic growth with nature, community and equity issues lagging. The planning system has a key role in alleviating poverty and social exclusion as well as providing decent housing. I have called strongly for the policy to explicitly incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals to ensure that environmental and equity considerations are not simply bolted on but are incorporated from the start. “If we fundamentally reshape how planning is done it would lead to better spaces where economic, environmental and social limits and opportunities work together. I believe it is important to focus on placemaking and placekeeping, rather than setting targets for having a certain number of houses or trees. These quantity metrics can distort planning practices and lead to outcomes we might not have chosen had we planned more strategically,” he said. Professor Scott, who is based in Northumbria’s Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, has played a key role in national conversations on land use in recent years. He was appointed as the sole special adviser to the House of Lords Select Committee inquiry on how we respond to increasing demands on land in England and he was awarded a Fellowship by the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of his work to find new ways to improve policy and decision-making across built and natural environments. The Environment Audit Committee hearing is available to view online on the Parliament Live TV channel. Transcripts of the oral evidence and further written evidence provided by Professor Scott are available to download. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Providing vital online access and technological support for those in need, McLaren Construction is launching a new initiative to donate repurposed laptops to charities across the UK with the first donation taking place in the Midlands and North. Kick-starting the initiative, 20 repurposed company laptops were donated to the St Helens-based Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, providing young people with online support to help with educational development. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has a long-standing relationship with the Martin Murray academy, which aims to help young people with high-quality social support and development through the discipline and ethos of boxing. The laptop drop off is the latest support initiative for the academy and it follows a joint donation of £30,000 that was provided in 2023, by the contractor and Miller Developments. As part of McLaren Construction’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates, alongside its sustainability strategy for 2025 – legacy computing assets that are fit for reuse will now go through an IT repurposing programme instead of secure disposal, to enable monthly laptop donations by the McLaren Construction Group. The new scheme will see approximately 250-400 laptops repurposed and donated annually to chosen charities across the UK and drop-offs will include protective equipment alongside the laptops to ensure longevity. The next donation will be a drop-off to Sele SEND School in Hertford and the ‘London & South’ region. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are proud to be kick-starting our laptop donation initiative with our first drop off of the year at the Martin Murray academy in St Helens – helping young people and offering online and technological support at a fundamental time of their lives. Martin Murray, founder of the ThinkFAST academy, said: “The opportunities that can be harnessed through having laptop access cannot be underestimated and we can’t thank the team at McLaren enough for the laptops and their continued support over the past couple of years. The joint donation that we received from them along with Miller Developments in 2023 has helped to ensure that our academy can keep on doing the much-needed work that we do. “These laptops will provide access to a vast amount of information, enable interactive learning experiences and will be used to personalise learning, dependent on the young person’s individual needs.” Dan Blackman, Group IT and Security Director at McLaren Construction Group PLC, said: “Launching this initiative will enable our high-quality fit-for-use legacy assets to be repurposed and donated to those in need, and we are delighted to be contributing to our communities in this way, providing online access and a resource for educational development, to change lives for the better.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Delivering a unique ‘high-vis’ data trail, Simpel’s software empowers construction companies to optimise operations and compliance to meet the evolving regulatory environment Simpel, a leading innovator in construction technology, has announced its recent entry into the UK market. Designed to address the complexities of document management, quality, compliance, safety and site access, Simpel’s end-to-end platform is uniquely positioned to support construction organisations as they navigate increasing regulatory obligations and enforcement of the Building Safety Act (2022). Established in 2018, Simpel has matured quickly, counting many of construction’s largest developers and contractors among its clients. Delivering a breadth and depth of functionality that spans a project’s lifecycle, Simpel is the preferred platform for mid to large tier projects including airports, hospitals, civil infrastructure, high rise residential apartments and commercial developments. Simpel’s proven success in Australia’s complex construction environment made market expansion into the UK a natural choice. Kurt Robinson, CEO of Simpel, said: “The UK construction sector, valued at over £300 billion annually, continues to evolve, creating significant opportunities for businesses to innovate and streamline their operations. The challenges faced here are similar to those we’ve successfully addressed in Australia, and industry leaders are increasingly requiring a balance of practical innovation, together with platform scalability and the growing need to leverage construction data and AI into the future.” What sets Simpel apart is its unique project ecosystem- a ‘high-vis’ data trail that connects workers, files and tasks, delivers real-time project insights, and retains a comprehensive audit trail for the life of the project. The appeal for UK construction organisations who are updating their systems lies in the ease with which Simpel can be implemented, and that it is already equipped with the common data environment needed to help them prioritise safety and comply with emerging regulatory obligations. Cold Clad Limited are a leading installation specialist for insulated and fire rated construction and are the first UK company to adopt Simpel’s construction management platform. The team are adopting the new requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Golden Thread and they sought a software solution that could seamlessly handle the tracking and compliance needs of their business, without adding unnecessary complexity. Cold Clad’s Contracts Director Gareth Pitman commented: “Managing multiple large, complex projects including data centres, temperature-controlled environments and commercial properties requires a lot of resource. Finding a solution to simplify and automate the process, whilst being user friendly was challenging. We are glad to have Simpel on board. The benefits have been realised immediately.” Simpel’s robust suite of document management, field and safety tools, including online inductions and RAMS modules save their clients thousands of labour hours on single projects alone – translating to a powerful return on investment that scales across the entire organisation. Scott Fisher, Group SHEQ Manager at Cold Clad, added: “What appealed to us was that Simpel combined a lot of the functionality that we were looking for within a single platform, which meant that we could more easily meet regulatory requirements as well as eliminate other software and associated costs. “Due to the ease of use and the level of support we received, we’ve had no issues with rolling the platform out to our site-based teams. It has also proved invaluable to our subcontractors who are using it to manage their own compliance”. Richard Bray, COO of Simpel, stated: “Our move into the UK reflects our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the construction industry with practical and adaptable solutions. Simpel’s platform empowers businesses to meet compliance challenges like the Golden Thread, while streamlining operations and enhancing project outcomes. We’re proud to bring our expertise to the UK, equipping construction professionals with the tools to build safer and more innovative projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This new, elegant, industrial style kitchen from Keller merges traditional and bold features and hues. The Bronzite fronts and bronze-framed glass doors with bronze tinted glass combine with the striking, angled Calacatta black worktop to create a calming clean space. Which is perfect for dining, working and socialising in style. Featured on the back wall are cabinets in Keller’s new Fossil Grey Evia Ultra Matt finish nodding to the eternal popularity of grey. Also featured is the new bronze full cabinet width 627 handle. Keller is well known for offering the widest range of colours (2,050 NCS) and finishes in the kitchen furniture market – along with a vast range of cabinet options, all produced by the most sustainable means possible. The company is proud to have been a Carbon Neutral kitchen manufacturer since 2017. For further information, please visit www.kellerkitchens.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local housebuilder Dandara has received quality excellence from Premier Guarantee for two of its developments in Buckinghamshire, The Muse and The Aces, and its development in Bedfordshire, Saxon Park. All three developments received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from the warranty provider after meeting top standards in site management, workmanship, health and safety, site tidiness and general cooperation. The Muse is now 80% sold and Saxon Park is 90% sold, whilst prospective buyers can purchase their new home from plan at The Acres. Gary Williams, Construction Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties comments: “It is fantastic that the teams have been recognised for their hard and consistent work across the site. The fact that three Dandara developments have received Premier Guarantee Awards just shows the high standards that the construction team maintain across all sites, which is reflected through the high-quality homes that are eventually built.” Rachel Lindop, Head of Sales at Dandara Northern Home Counties, added: “It is a great achievement to be awarded for our high standards across not one but three developments in Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire! It really does reflect the hard working team that we have building new Dandara homes and their attitude to maintaining excellence on site.” Currently at The Acres, in Milton Keynes, Dandara is selling a selection of three, four and five bedroom homes from plan, with prices starting from £435,000. At The Muse, in Milton Keynes, there is one final three bedroom home remaining, priced from £378,000. Dandara is also selling a range of three, four and five bedroom homes at its Saxon Park development in Biddenham, with prices starting from £400,000 for a three bedroom home. At Saxon Park and The Acres, Dandara is currently offering six months free shopping with a £500 Waitrose or John Lewis voucher per month when buyers reserve select homes. For more information about the homes Dandara Northern Home Counties is currently selling, visit www.dandara.com/new-home-counties. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
