The UK construction industry saw a 15% increase in contract awards in 2024, reaching £79.5 billion, according to Barbour ABI. The biggest regional gain was seen in the East of England at 52% whilst the North East fell the most by 20%. However, the surge in spending was driven largely
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making
The Met Office’s ‘danger to life’ red warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn in the UK is another reminder of the importance of constructing roofs which can withstand extreme weather conditions, says insulation specialist Actis. Warnings that wind gusts of up to 100mph could see roofs blown off
Plans have been submitted for the regeneration of Baltic Wharf in Totnes. The application for a new vision is to create a bespoke, high quality and sustainable mixed-use development, including improving the existing boatyard facilities, has been submitted by Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd – a joint venture between Acorn Property
Technical Director of Promat Nigel Morrey has been recognised with a lifetime award for his commitment to fire safety at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Awards. Recognising over three decades of commitment to improving standards in passive fire protection and raising awareness of the importance of this in protecting
Milton Park, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community for science and technology, is poised to support thousands of new jobs sustainably. The news follows the adoption of a refreshed LDO enabled by the completion of an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement, which focuses on green travel. The LDO, which
Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team is celebrating a highly successful first year, having transacted over 1 million square feet of commercial space across key UK cities. The team’s achievements include a standout deal for Auto Trader, securing their new headquarters in Manchester. Formed in January 2024, the Occupier Advisory Team, led
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well
Award-winning Shropshire constructor McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd is building on the success of its milestone 60th year, kicking off 2025 with a strong order book across diverse sectors. The company marked its diamond anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of celebration events and initiatives – starting with its ’60 for 60′
Five quantity surveying students at Birmingham City University (BCU) will take their careers to new heights thanks to the award-winning company building Birmingham’s tallest skyscraper. Court Collaboration, which is constructing the 155-metre tall One Eastside on James Watt Queensway, will advise and guide the quintet to help prepare them for
The UK construction industry saw a 15% increase in contract awards in 2024, reaching £79.5 billion, according to Barbour ABI. The biggest regional gain was seen in the East of England at 52% whilst the North East fell the most by 20%. However, the surge in spending was driven largely by infrastructure projects, particularly green energy initiatives, which grew an impressive 56%. Barbour ABI analysts warned that this growth may be masking broader industry challenges. Housing activity remained stagnant, with just 1% growth, despite efforts by the Labour government to boost the sector, while industrial spending declined by 12%. Planning approvals were also down 8%, dropping below £100bn for the first time since 2022 despite the new government’s efforts to kick start activity since the election in July. Barbour ABI Head of Business and Client Analytics, Ed Griffiths commented, “Despite the headline growth, not all is as it seems. Infrastructure has been carrying the rest of the industry on its back in 2024. Without these projects, growth would be in the single digits. “Rising costs, market uncertainty, and skilled labour shortages continue to plague the industry. Insolvencies, including the collapse of major contractors like ISG, have delayed key projects and created ripple effects across the sector. High interest rates have further discouraged investment, reducing demand for new homes and stalling large developments.” Lack of underlying confidence in applications Applications once again remained under £100bn and dipped a further 5% on an already poor performing 2023, reflecting how industry confidence remains stubbornly low. For the second year running housing applications were down by 6%, following a 15% fall in 2023. “Labour’s planning reforms offer hope to housebuilders, but the industry is holding its breath to see if these changes will lead to a rise in applications for new builds in 2025,” added Griffiths. “In the meantime, we’re looking to emerging sectors like data centres, spurred by Keir Starmer’s recent AI investment announcements, to carry growth in the year ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making it one of Southampton’s largest gyms – alongside four fitness studios, an indoor cycling studio, and dedicated climbing and bouldering wall for all abilities. Together with three new squash courts, the new dry side offering seamlessly integrates with the existing wet leisure space, which includes a six-lane pool. Designed in the aftermath of the UK’s Covid-19 pandemic, the new Jubilee Centre represents an important shift in the way leisure facilities can support the wider ambitions of higher educational facilities. The expansion recognised the opportunity to integrate the requirements of the wider local community into a campus facility. The design team worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the final building met not only the diverse needs of the student population – including numerous sports and athletics teams, gym, and social users – but of the wider community too. This robust understanding of user-requirements not only influenced the final building design, but it also supported operator and client aims as they reviewed opening hours, multifunctioning spaces, and identified potential additional revenue streams. Kieran McFarlane, associate architectural technologist at GT3, said: “We designed this centre with people in mind and, while it’s a key part of the university campus, it’s there for the whole community. Every decision has been made with the goal of making sure that anyone – regardless of age, ability or background – can benefit from what the centre has to offer. “Everything reflects a strive to include and welcome a much wider range of users, seeking to support diversity within the average UK student population. Unisex changing areas, adaptive sports equipment, and the option of quiet and private space or louder public spaces have been integrated throughout the facility mix, ensuring visitors of all abilities and preferences can access, train, compete and enjoy everything the centre has to offer. “It was also a priority to ensure the building feels open, inviting and connected to the spaces around it, including Valley Gardens and University Road. The considered design all comes together to create a really vibrant and accessible space designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of all. The state-of-the-art fitness experience embodies this ethos and positions the Jubilee Sports Centre as the central hub for physical activity and community in the area.” A final priority for the university was for the facility to support wellbeing as much as physical fitness, providing safe, welcoming, social-orientated spaces for the student population. Clear sight lines into external green spaces are integrated along primary circulation routes, with visual and physical access to all facilities facilitated through large windows and glazed entry points into the building. The social café opens onto a wide veranda overlooking the adjacent yoga garden, and access to the nearby public park and fitness trails. Consistent communication with the client team through a multitude of channels ensured that every aspect of the scheme was carefully considered to align with project and team ambitions, culminating in a product of enhanced architectural, inclusive, and BREEAM credentials. This collaborative effort across the delivery team assisted in foreplaning for potential complexities in the enhancement works within a live student area, maintaining a fully operational pool facility throughout the construction phase. The tight site required a compact and well-thought-out solution to avoid splitting leisure services across the campus, reinforcing the ethos of accessibility, and providing cohesiveness across the leisure offering. Kieran added: “Getting the connection between the old and new building to be seamless was critical for the user experience, but we also needed to consider how the expanded Jubilee Sports Centre sits within the wider campus landscape. The way we approached the massing of the building works to reflect that of the campus itself, with a stepped down approach to lower-rise residential buildings at one end of the campus – avoiding the sports centre becoming overbearing in its setting.” Designed to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard, the building features passive design elements such as natural ventilation and light, with an improved airtightness of 3.5m³/h/m², lowering operational carbon outputs, and constructed with lower embodied carbon in mind, it also aligns the finished scheme with the RIBA 2030 Climate challenge. Mark Craig, Managing Director for Construction South at Wates, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our teams’ work delivering this exceptional facility. Collaborating with such innovators as GT3 has ensured the design was sustainable and considerate at all stages, helping us all support the University’s net zero ambitions. “Our purpose at Wates is to create thriving places for communities, providing opportunities for all to feel included and invested in. We believe this new sports centre is testament to this, helping to improve wellbeing in the local community while delivering a positive social impact throughout the course of its build through extensive Social Value initiatives.” Trudi Vout, director of residences, sport & community at the University of Southampton, said: “The new Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre stands as an example of our commitment to enhancing the student experience and promoting a culture of inclusivity and wellness through sports and active participation. “The building design embodies the shared vision of sustainability, seamlessly integrating green spaces into the building through expansive windows that invite natural light and lawns that foster connection to nature. “The harmonious integration with our existing structure is a testament to the thoughtful planning and collaboration with our architects, GT3 Architects, whose vision, creativity and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this design to life.” The project team for the expansion of the Jubilee Sports Centre also included Wates Group, Ramboll A/S, Method Consulting, and Studio Loci. For further information, please visit www.gt3architects.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Met Office’s ‘danger to life’ red warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn in the UK is another reminder of the importance of constructing roofs which can withstand extreme weather conditions, says insulation specialist Actis. Warnings that wind gusts of up to 100mph could see roofs blown off buildings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, and amber and yellow warnings issued for other parts of the UK underline the need to comply with roof construction building regulations. Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper explained: “That building standard – snappily titled BS5534:2014 slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding code of practice specifying criteria – addresses every component of the construction of a standard roof, including underlays, mortar bedding, battens, flashings and structural sheathing fixings. “And with not all underlays being suitable for use across all five regions of the UK, roofs in areas prone to being hit by strong winds need to choose membranes which are deemed suitable for use in these zones. Our insulating breather membrane Boost R Hybrid Roof is BRE-approved for use in even the windiest parts of the British Isles, including those affected by Storm Eowyn. “It’s worth noting that some underlays are only suitable for use in zones one to three.” Boost R Hybrid Roof has passed the BRE’s all-important wind uplift resistance test, with appropriate package labelling ensuring that roofers and builders can easily identify the correct underlay for the geographical region in which they are working, something particularly relevant for contractors working in wind-affected areas. Using Boost R Hybrid Roof means builders can minimise the ‘ballooning effect’ which sees the underlay force tiles and slates off the roof in high winds. Underlay is not allowed to balloon more than 35mm. The wind uplift pressure achieved by Boost ‘R Hybrid during the tests was way more effective than that required under the building standard, which calls for a minimum wind uplift resistance of 1600 Pa for a 345mm batten gauged roof covering, rising to 2350Pa for roofs with no ceiling and a permanent dominant opening. Boost R Hybrid Roof managed an impressive average of 3054Pa when used with taped lap alone and 5748Pa with the addition of a 38mm counter batten. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for the regeneration of Baltic Wharf in Totnes. The application for a new vision is to create a bespoke, high quality and sustainable mixed-use development, including improving the existing boatyard facilities, has been submitted by Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd – a joint venture between Acorn Property Group and TQ9 Partnership LLP. Across a nine-hectare site at the southern end of the town of Totnes, the scheme – coined ‘Riverside at Baltic Wharf’ – will secure the future and ongoing viability of the boatyard, offer the potential for a major employment boost to the town and deliver much needed homes and care home. The scheme updates an extant planning permission from 2012 and builds on the first phase of development of 95 homes delivered by Bloor Homes in 2013. The updating from the original permission was required to replace the Retirement Village, which has proved impossible to deliver for over ten years, with a Care Home and respond to increased flood risk requirements with a raised walkway through the site. The delivery of the residential units will help to future-proof the boatyard by funding the new boatyard facilities and marine business space. In addition, Acorn will also provide a 25-year lease for the boatyard to ensure a sustainable and viable long-term future. The application has potential for significant uplift in employment and economic benefits from the site. It is estimated that the scheme will create around 350 full-time jobs with purpose-built employment areas in the boatyard, the care home, and office and café/restaurant facilities. In addition to providing 194 new homes, 31 of which are anticipated to be classed as affordable in the first phase, a 55-bed care home is included in the application, in line with the previous consented scheme and allocation. The number of dwellings is similar to the numbers in outline application with residential dwellings replacing the retirement village dwellings. This is in line with the Local Plan which was wholly based on the approved outline scheme. Sustainability sits at the heart of the application for the redevelopment of this underutilised brownfield site. This is due to the proximity to the town as well as measures including a ‘fabric first’ policy, electricity replacing gas and a transport policy promoting alternative transport measures and limiting the number of cars and also including solar panels and EV charging points. Ed Lewis, regional director at Acorn Property Group and on behalf of Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd, commented: “Since we began preparing the proposals for this application in 2020, we have undertaken a significant consultation programme with the District and Local Council, other stakeholder organisations and with the public. “We have listened to the thoughts and views of local people and considered the future needs of the town. As a result, we believe this application sets out a scheme which meets these needs, delivers a viable regeneration project compatible with the Local Plan. “We believe that this scheme sets out a positive vision for the future, for the local people and local businesses. Crucially, it will help to secure a sustainable future for the boatyard, an important local employment site in need of modernisation and regeneration.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Technical Director of Promat Nigel Morrey has been recognised with a lifetime award for his commitment to fire safety at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Awards. Recognising over three decades of commitment to improving standards in passive fire protection and raising awareness of the importance of this in protecting buildings and the occupants within, the ASFP presented Nigel with the Lifetime Contribution Award at the 2024 awards. As Technical Director at passive fire protection manufacturer Promat, Nigel has taken a leading role in the development and testing of passive fire protection systems over the past 22 years with Etex, including supporting the drive for improved standards in built-in fire safety. A passionate advocate for improved fire safety, Nigel has served as both Chair and Vice-Chair of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), as well as being a member of their Council and Strategy Groups. He has also represented the organisation on Expert Panel D, Passive Fire Protection at the Loss Prevention Council Board (LPCB). Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, he was invited to chair the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Fire Safety Group, and was a director of the Finishes and Interiors Sector for a number of crucial years in the industry. In his role at Promat, Nigel has led a drive to improve and demonstrate competency across all aspects of the company to highlight the importance of knowledge and experience in supporting accurate specification and installation of passive fire protection. This has included introducing training initiatives for all staff and ensuring all customer facing staff have passed, or are working towards, the IFE Level 3 qualification in passive fire protection. In presenting Nigel with the Lifetime Contribution Award, the ASFP highlighted his commitment to improving fire protection standards ASFP managing director Mike Ward said: “Innovation and promoting the highest standards in fire safety are integral to everything the ASFP stands for and Nigel Morrey truly embodies that. “He has shown commitment to both pushing for higher standards across the fire safety industry as a whole but also to raising awareness of fire safety – and building that into construction and the supply chain. This award is richly deserved for Nigel’s tireless commitment to keeping fire safety at the top of the agenda.” Nigel said: “Receiving this award is a real privilege in an industry, and an organisation, that works so hard to ensure that fire safety is a priority in all construction. “The ASFP does a fantastic job of promoting the work of the passive fire protection industry and it has been an honour to be able to work so closely with the organisation over the last two decades. “Amid great tragedy the industry has recently seen major change and it is vital that we continue to ensure that life-saving fire protection systems are subject to the tightest standards – and that the awareness is there of the need for passive fire protection and the correct specification and installation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Park, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community for science and technology, is poised to support thousands of new jobs sustainably. The news follows the adoption of a refreshed LDO enabled by the completion of an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement, which focuses on green travel. The LDO, which has now been adopted by the Vale of White Horse District Council, will enable the delivery of flexible laboratories, offices and amenities. Now formally adopted, it permits Milton Park to grow to a total of 4.2 million sq ft and can fast-track planning approvals to just ten days, supporting its long-term strategic 2040 Vision to become a 24/7 hub for innovation and aligning with the period of the new Joint Local Plan. The LDO makes the planning process nearly nine times faster for Milton Park’s occupiers to capitalise on growth opportunities, with the agreement believed to be the UK’s first data-driven, green travel-focussed S106. Under the refreshed LDO, S106 highway infrastructure commitments are triggered by the objective measurement of vehicular traffic levels entering the Park, rather than the level of occupied floorspace. As part of their shared ambition to continue to encourage green travel, Oxfordshire County Council, and Milton Park have installed VivaCity AI-powered computer vision sensors to monitor traffic flows, providing real-time anonymised data on movement patterns. The LDO will incentivise greener methods of travel, with contributions towards public investment in bus services in support of the ongoing partnership with Thames Travel, alongside new cycle and walking pathways, healthcare services and road upgrades. As well as enabling Milton Park to provide more options for renewable energy, a range of local green infrastructure projects will also be explored. Under the S106, and subject to feasibility, Milton Park will provide over £2m of funding to enable Oxfordshire County Council to bring forward a new cycle path to Steventon, which will bypass the Milton Interchange, and a cycle link between Sutton Courtenay and Abingdon (Cycle Route 5). The refreshed LDO will minimise the carbon footprint of future development by prioritising the retrofitting, reimagining and repurposing of existing buildings and incorporating low or zero carbon energy technology. It will encourage biodiversity net gain (BNG) initiatives through ecological strategies and include provisions for electric vehicle charging points and eco-friendly infrastructure. The previous Milton Park (2012) LDO facilitated circa 1,000 jobs and enabled the delivery of 734k sq ft of development across 80 predevelopment notifications. This equates to an estimated 1,000 days of planning over a decade, which would have taken 8,900 days without the agreement in place. Councillor Neil Fawcett, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Workplace and IT, said: “Our Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan sets out plans for 20,000 new jobs in the area by 2031 and this LDO will help us achieve that. “I’m delighted to see that the plans also include improvements to cycle and pedestrian routes. Promoting active travel to employment sites from nearby developments means we can reduce our carbon emissions and reduce congestion while also attracting high quality employers.” Philip Campbell, Commercial Director at MEPC Milton Park, said: “Simplifying planning and section 106 agreements is hugely complicated, but it’s been a real privilege to work with both councils to update the LDO. The agreement fulfills a shared vision to deliver the UK’s first green-travel-focused simplified planning agreement, renewing our commitment to ongoing investment in the Oxfordshire bus network through our partnership with Thames Travel. It’s a prime example of what can be achieved through effective public-private sector collaboration. “Our mission is to continue to support organisations whatever their size within the region, to facilitate innovation and boost the economy. Coupled with our single ownership model and plentiful power provision, the new LDO will allow us to continue to do this and drive greener growth for decades to come.” MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, said: “Milton Park is critical to the economy of Didcot and Wantage constituency. It is important that, with this new agreement, Milton Park continues its excellent work to date as a good neighbour to local communities. “To that end, I am especially pleased that Milton Park is continuing its commitment to public transport and active travel. We are particularly excited about the funding towards the proposed cycle routes between Milton Park and Steventon, and Sutton Courtenay and Abingdon, which will be hugely beneficial to both Milton Park employees and local residents. “I will continue to use my voice in Parliament to ensure that central government supports our business and high-tech sectors”. Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Oxfordshire is at the heart of the UK innovation sector and Milton Park is a key part of that. So, we are delighted to have been able to support The Vale of White Horse District Council in updating their Local Development Order, which will speed up the planning process and make it easier for businesses to find a home here in Oxfordshire. “We are also proud to be working with Milton Park to incentivise green methods of transport and we look forward to seeing the impact the VivaCity sensors have on travel to and from the site.” Advisors involved in the delivery of the LDO process include: Pro Vision (planning), Meeting Place (PR and marketing), Perkins & Will (masterplanning), Ensafe (air quality, noise and lighting), Ramboll (drainage and utilities), RPS (heritage), ASA Landscapes (landscape), Tyler Grange (biodiversity) and Systra (transport). For more information on Milton Park and the new Local Development Order (LDO), please visit: www.miltonpark.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team is celebrating a highly successful first year, having transacted over 1 million square feet of commercial space across key UK cities. The team’s achievements include a standout deal for Auto Trader, securing their new headquarters in Manchester. Formed in January 2024, the Occupier Advisory Team, led by Director Stephen Downey, has quickly made its mark in the industry by supporting clients with strategic advice and tailored real estate solutions. “We’ve had an incredibly successful first year, surpassing all expectations,” said Stephen Downey. “Our occupier-only approach has been central to our success. By acting exclusively in the interests of tenants, we’re able to offer independent, conflict-free advice that delivers optimal results for our clients. This year, we’ve successfully supported clients with several significant acquisitions, and we look forward to continuing that momentum into 2025. A key highlight of the team’s first year is its work with Auto Trader, securing a new, state-of-the-art headquarters at No. 3 Circle Square in Manchester. The 130,000 sq ft space spans seven floors, featuring a private rooftop terrace, and is set to be completed in April 2025. The building will be a model of sustainability, achieving net-zero carbon in construction, BREEAM Excellent, NABERS 5-star accreditation, and an EPC A rating. The headquarters will accommodate Auto Trader’s HQ function and reflect the company’s commitment to both sustainability and employee well-being. “We are delighted to have advised Auto Trader in this landmark deal for Auto Trader. The relocation is part of a broader trend we’re seeing, where businesses are prioritising high-quality office environments to attract and retain top talent. Today’s office isn’t just a place to work; it’s an essential part of driving business growth and employee satisfaction.” Stephen Downey, Director, Newsteer Occupier Advisory The Auto Trader deal is one of the largest regional office transactions in the North West, underscoring the team’s expertise in the regional market. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team offers a full range of services, including portfolio strategy, confidential property searches, site selection, lease negotiations, re-gears, and both freehold and leasehold disposals. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory team is one of a range of specialist services provided by Newsteer, which celebrated five years of successful operations in 2024. Newsteer’s emphasis on building strong relationships and delivering truly independent advice has supported the company’s rapid growth, with Occupier Advisory being the latest branch of the company to showcase its success. For more information, please visit www.newsteer.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Commercial Management at the University of Westminster. After becoming a chartered surveyor, Peter progressed to the position of associate director at consultancy BAQUS. Peter has experience in sectors spanning healthcare, residential, education, leisure and commercial, and has recently spent time working on a self-employed basis as a project manager and quantity surveyor, completing various projects, including a golf club, for an ultra-high-net-worth individual in Hampshire that saw them develop a 400+ unit-strong residential portfolio. Other significant projects Peter has completed include a 50,000 sq. ft office building. Now based in the business’ London office, Peter’s primary responsibility will be fund monitoring projects across Kent, Surrey and London. He is already working on a number of projects, including five care homes throughout the South East, notably a 70-bed care home in Westgate on Sea, as well as a variety of residential schemes in Kent and South London. Peter said: “Having worked for myself for a number of years it felt like the right time for a change, and Naismiths is the perfect business for me to join at this point in my career. Most of my previous experience has been in quantity surveying so I’m looking forward to working with a variety of funders in London and developing my skills in that area, as well as learning more about Naismiths Analytics and how this can further support my clients. “The team has been welcoming and from the very beginning I’ve had a fantastic rapport with everyone, particularly our directors Marcus Higgins and Ross Wilson, who were keen to get me on board and have helped me settle in. I’m now looking forward to getting out and spending more time on site to see our projects for myself.” Ben Harwood, group chief executive, said: “It’s been an exciting few months for Naismiths and Edmond Shipway following our strategic partnership, and Peter is another fantastic addition to the team. We’re keen to continue to grow in the South, and we know Peter’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we progress.” Naismiths is a modern yet mature national real estate consultancy with offices in eight cities across the UK. Earlier this year the business announced a strategic partnership with fellow consultancy Edmond Shipway. The joining up of these two industry-leading businesses has resulted in a stronger, more versatile organisation, capable of delivering an even higher level of expertise and support to clients across various sectors. For more information please visit www.naismiths.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning Shropshire constructor McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd is building on the success of its milestone 60th year, kicking off 2025 with a strong order book across diverse sectors. The company marked its diamond anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of celebration events and initiatives – starting with its ’60 for 60′ food bank donation programme and culminating in the launch of its new McPhillips Community Fund. Managing director Paul Inions said the company was looking to build on its recent successes and maintain its position of strength and diversity in its project portfolio. He said: “Last year was momentous for McPhillips – it was a chance for us to take stock of everything we’ve delivered in the last six decades and to celebrate with all the people who helped us achieve this success. “In the summer we brought together 400 of our staff and their partners which includes our directly-employed workforce working on more than 30 projects across the Midlands, North West and beyond, for a party at Telford International Centre. And in November, we celebrated with our supply chain, against the dramatic backdrop of aircraft at RAF Cosford. We would not be where we are without them.” A flagship project completed in December 2024 was the Heart of Africa development at Chester Zoo, creating new wildlife habitats. The company’s proven expertise in delivering complex schemes has led to a further contract with the zoo to create 51 new luxury lodges on site. This safari-style accommodation project, which includes a two-storey welcome building with restaurant and bar facilities, will continue until summer 2025. January 2025 will see the McPhillips team start on new multi-million projects in Telford & Wrekin and Stafford, progress a £20m project in Newport for retirement living developer Untold Living and deliver a number of ongoing schemes across the Midlands and North West. Company secretary Val Hardy said 2025 would see a continued focus on skills and workforce development, including recruitment into the McPhillips Apprenticeship Scheme. She said: “We are a rarity in our industry because we choose to directly employ our workforce. This sets us apart from many contractors and is rooted in our commitment to training our talent and building their skills for the future. “Although it undoubtedly creates additional overheads compared to competitors who rely on subcontracted labour, our sector crisis is caused by a skills gap. “If we don’t train our own and do our bit, then how can we expect it to be any different? So, we’ve got to keep doing what is the right thing to do – train people and employ them directly. The result is consistently high-quality delivery for every client, whether public or private sector,” she added. The company’s commitment to social value took a significant step forward in 2024 with the launch of the McPhillips Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Shropshire Community Foundation. The fund will support innovative projects across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin that help improve mental health, reduce social isolation and promote long-term wellbeing in local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Five quantity surveying students at Birmingham City University (BCU) will take their careers to new heights thanks to the award-winning company building Birmingham’s tallest skyscraper. Court Collaboration, which is constructing the 155-metre tall One Eastside on James Watt Queensway, will advise and guide the quintet to help prepare them for the workplace. “We’re extremely proud to be launching this student mentoring initiative as part of our ongoing partnership with BCU,” said Court Collaboration CEO Alex Neale. “It’s an honour to help nurture some of the next generation of professionals in this way.” The students are undertaking final-year dissertations that closely align with critical issues in the construction and housing sectors. These include the UK housing crisis, off-site manufacturing, cost assurance in construction, regulatory compliance, and contract management in social housing refurbishment. “We’ve been inspired by the group’s knowledge and passion, so we’re very much looking forward to supporting them on their journey,” added Neale, a BCU graduate himself. “These young minds will not only benefit Court Collaboration developments but will also go on to innovate and push boundaries across the entire industry, both regionally and beyond.” Against a fitting backdrop of the Birmingham skyline, the students recently visited Court Collaboration’s offices in the city centre to present their research scope. They were then matched with mentors who will provide insights and access to data, facilitate interviews, and guide them in shaping their dissertations to address real-world challenges. “This collaboration develops mutual learning,” said Dr Saeed Talebi, Associate Professor in BCU’s College of Built Environment. “Court Collaboration will gain impactful knowledge they can potentially utilise to create actionable solutions, while mentors gain fresh perspectives from the students’ research. “While our students will develop crucial problem-solving skills – finding innovative ways to address complex, practical problems – that will prepare them for future professional roles.” Student Ria Curtis will focus her project on social housing repairs and maintenance. “Working on a business brief will allow me to deepen my understanding of real-world challenges and develop my experience in the workplace,” she said. “The combination of academic learning and practical application on my course is equipping me with the tools I need to take on greater responsibilities. I’m gaining the critical leadership and strategic thinking skills for my aspirations to become a Chartered Surveyor.” This latest initiative builds on the work that BCU and Court Collaboration have already been doing together on the One Eastside project, which is due for completion in 2026. They joined forces to create a virtual 3D model or ‘digital twin’ of the skyscraper that will use artificial intelligence to analyse data from air quality and energy consumption sensors to keep residents of the 667 apartments safe and healthy. This aligns with the three core pillars of BCU’s newly launched 2030 Strategy: Professor Nick Morton, BCU Associate Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment, said: “BCU has made a strategic commitment to ‘Develop the Talent for Tomorrow’ in its new institutional strategy. “Our partnership with Court Collaboration enables Built Environment students to work directly with industry at the cutting edge of knowledge and innovation. It also provides the best possible opportunity to nurture that talent for the future.” Read more about the One Eastside research project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
