Legal & General has raised an impressive £510 million as part of its Affordable Housing Fund’s second close, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the UK’s housing crisis. The latest round of investment includes a £100 million contribution from London CIV, which manages London Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) assets, along
Door manufacturer JELD-WEN has won the Health and Safety award at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2024, recognising its use of innovative technology in reducing workplace risks. JELD-WEN has introduced a new system to protect employees from moving vehicles in its manufacturing operations that uses radio frequency and TRUE-AI
TSL Contractors Ltd Utility’s aviation business, Skyhook Helicopters, is proud to announce the arrival of its brand-new utility H125 aircraft, marking an exciting step forward in serving our market across the UK and Ireland. This addition enhances our operational capabilities, bringing greater efficiency, performance, and sustainability to our services. The
The Yeomanry Close retirement housing facility on Priory Road, Warwick, now boasts a modernised passenger lift as part of a comprehensive refurbishment plan with Warwick District Council aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of lift systems across their buildings. With the original lift system dating back to 1984, the
1. Building dreams one brick at a time. Every brick placed on a job site is a step toward making a dream real. This quote reminds us that even small, careful actions add up to create something big. Each brick symbolizes a part of a vision coming to life, showing
Legal & General has raised an impressive £510 million as part of its Affordable Housing Fund’s second close, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the UK’s housing crisis. The latest round of investment includes a £100 million contribution from London CIV, which manages London Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) assets, along with additional backing from social impact investor Better Society Capital. The ACCESS Pool, a collaboration of LGPS funds from Central, Eastern, and Southern Shires, has also increased its commitment with a further £20 million, following a previous allocation in 2024. This fresh injection of capital highlights the power of public and private sector collaboration in addressing the shortfall in affordable homes across the UK. Since launching its Affordable Housing Fund in July 2024, Legal & General has seen strong investor interest, with institutions drawn to the potential for inflation-linked returns alongside a meaningful social impact. The new funds will help deliver between 3,500 and 4,000 homes, building on earlier commitments from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and ACCESS Pool. As part of this latest phase, Legal & General has seeded the fund with an initial portfolio of 514 homes and secured agreements on three additional projects to bring forward more affordable housing. With the current development pipeline, the fund expects to have over 1,000 homes either completed or under construction by the second quarter of 2025. Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) will oversee the development and management of these properties. Since its inception in 2018, LGAH has invested £1 billion into the sector, delivering over 8,000 homes to date. The UK continues to face a significant shortage of affordable housing, with only around 55,000 new affordable homes built annually over the past decade—far below the National Housing Federation’s recommendation of 145,000 per year. As 1.3 million households remain on local authority waiting lists in England, the Fund will prioritise high-quality, purpose-built affordable rent and shared ownership properties in areas of greatest need. Ali Farrell, Fund Manager at Legal & General, commented:“The level of investor interest in this fund reflects the strong appeal of affordable housing as both a stable investment and a means of creating lasting social impact. We are delighted to welcome new partners as we continue delivering high-quality homes in communities where they are needed most.” Christopher Osbourne, Head of Real Estate at London CIV, added:“Our strategy focuses on increasing the supply of high-quality affordable housing, addressing an underserved part of the market while delivering strong returns for our Partner Funds. We are pleased to support Legal & General’s Affordable Housing Fund and to work alongside a respected leader in the sector.” Drew Ritchie, Investment Director at Better Society Capital, said:“Legal & General is playing a key role in mobilising private capital to fund affordable housing, delivering thousands of much-needed homes for families across the UK. We believe in the fund’s potential to drive long-term, sustainable impact and are excited to be part of this initiative.” With strong investor confidence and a growing pipeline of developments, Legal & General’s Affordable Housing Fund is set to play a major role in tackling the UK’s housing crisis while delivering long-term value for investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Door manufacturer JELD-WEN has won the Health and Safety award at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2024, recognising its use of innovative technology in reducing workplace risks. JELD-WEN has introduced a new system to protect employees from moving vehicles in its manufacturing operations that uses radio frequency and TRUE-AI cameras to create a detection zone around each vehicle. To ensure the safety of employees, a flashing light and audible warning is triggered if the systems detects a pedestrian. The vehicle will then automatically slow down and stop if a pedestrian comes into its proximity. In presenting the award to JELD-WEN, judges recognised that the initiative had seen a significant investment in emerging radio frequency identification (RFID) and AI technologies to help manage operational safety and protect employees, supply chain drivers, and visitors to the site. Helen Hewitt, BWF CEO, said: “JELD-WEN is to be commended for focusing on risk reduction and demonstrating a clear commitment to safety improvement in what is currently one of the highest severity risk areas at work. “By investing in this cutting-edge technology JELD-WEN has clearly demonstrated its willingness to go above and beyond in ensuring the safety of employees and visitors to the site.” Hamish White, Operation Director at JELD-WEN UK, added: “Health and safety is paramount within the sector, and we remain unrelenting in our aim to eliminate risk. “I congratulate all of the team at our Penrith factory for taking a comprehensive view of the need to maintain the highest health and safety standards. This is a tremendous achievement and a fantastic example of living our JELD-WEN value that we build our business ethically and safely.” Now in its sixteenth year, the BWF Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding skills, talent and achievements of the UK woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TSL Contractors Ltd Utility’s aviation business, Skyhook Helicopters, is proud to announce the arrival of its brand-new utility H125 aircraft, marking an exciting step forward in serving our market across the UK and Ireland. This addition enhances our operational capabilities, bringing greater efficiency, performance, and sustainability to our services. The H125 is renowned for its versatility and high performance, making it the ideal aircraft for demanding utility work. Whether supporting telecoms operations, renewable energy production and distribution, peatland restoration, forestry management or aerial surveys, the H125 offers unmatched reliability lifting capacity in its class. With its advanced technology and fuel efficiency, this aircraft significantly reduces our carbon footprint, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and responsible aviation. As a leader in the utility aviation sector, Skyhook Helicopters continues to invest in modern technology to provide the safest and most effective solutions for our clients. The H125’s superior payload capacity, agility, and safety features ensure that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of industries that rely on aerial support. Managing Director Andy Knight said, “We look forward to deploying the H125 across a range of projects, demonstrating its capabilities and reinforcing Skyhook Helicopters’ position at the forefront of utility aviation in the UK and Ireland, this is an exciting time for our company, our clients, and the future of sustainable aviation”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Yeomanry Close retirement housing facility on Priory Road, Warwick, now boasts a modernised passenger lift as part of a comprehensive refurbishment plan with Warwick District Council aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of lift systems across their buildings. With the original lift system dating back to 1984, the infrastructure had aged significantly, necessitating upgrades to meet current fire safety, accessibility and operational regulations. The new lift system by Stannah not only meets these standards but also includes features that ensure a safer, more accessible and comfortable experience for Yeomanry Close residents, supporting their mobility and independence. The client Originally built in 1984, Yeomanry Close is a retirement housing facility managed by Warwick District Council. The building consists of 31 one-bedroom flats and offers a wide range of services and amenities to support its elderly residents. Key facilities include lifts, stair lifts, laundry services, landscaped gardens, activities room, hairdressing salon, library and more. The entire site is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that residents can move freely and comfortably throughout the building. The project, awarded directly to Stannah Lifts in partnership with Seddons and Warwick District Council (WDC), involved a complete refurbishment of the building’s outdated lift system. In collaboration with Seddons, the client was involved in selecting lift car interiors that would meet both functional needs and design preferences, ensuring the refurbished lift would enhance overall performance. The work The original lifts at Yeomanry Close had seen minimal updates since the building’s construction, gradually becoming outdated in both function and safety standards. As the building entered a phase of broader refurbishment, managed by Seddons, it became clear that the lifts no longer met the updated fire safety policies for the site and required substantial improvements. This highlighted the need for a full lift refurbishment to comply with modern regulations and ensure the safety of the building’s residents. It was determined that a complete refurbishment would be more cost-effective than a partial lift upgrade and better suited to ensuring compliance with fire safety and accessibility standards. Additionally, the new lift system would seamlessly integrate with other modernisations in the building, contributing to a cohesive upgrade throughout. This comprehensive approach created a secure and accessible environment for all residents, future-proofing the facility’s infrastructure for years to come. The challenges Refurbishing the lift system presented several challenges, primarily due to the need to work within a live environment where residents continued to occupy the building. Coordinating with other stakeholders required close communication and scheduling to minimise disruption and ensure the comfort and safety of residents. Working alongside multiple teams required careful planning to avoid conflicts in timing, workspace usage and access. Stannah collaborated closely with all stakeholders, including Warwick District Council and on-site contractors, to ensure that the project remained on schedule and within budget. The solution Stannah proposed a comprehensive lift refurbishment solution that addressed both aesthetic and safety concerns while fully aligning with current regulatory standards. The refurbishment included a complete interior upgrade, which the client helped to choose, ensuring the new design reflected the building’s aesthetic vision. As part of the safety upgrades, robust, fire-rated doors were installed and the lifts were brought up to BS EN 81-73 fire safety standards, enabling reliable emergency recall in case of a fire. Additionally, the lift alarm systems were upgraded to meet BS EN 81-28 standards, ensuring that emergency communication systems were dependable and fully compliant. Given the needs of elderly residents and the commitment to maintaining full wheelchair access through the building, accessibility was a central focus of the refurbishment. The lifts were updated to meet BS EN 81-70 standards, which include enhanced control panels, clear signage and other accessibility features designed to support ease of use for all residents. The result The newly refurbished lift system at Yeomanry Close now offers step-free access across all three floors, enabling residents to move safely and freely throughout the building. The lift’s car finishes were carefully chosen to complement the sophisticated interior design with lower linen wall panels and white-panelled upper walls. The existing exterior architraves were wrapped to seamlessly blend with the surrounding decor to create a sleek and cohesive look. Overall, the entire refurbishment adheres to the standards specified in BS EN 8486-2, which governs the safe and efficient operation of lifts in residential buildings. By choosing a full refurbishment over a partial upgrade, Stannah Lifts achieved a cost-effective solution designed to meet the building’s long-term functional and aesthetic needs that are now in line with current fire safety and accessibility regulations, significantly improving overall living at Yeomanry Close. Andy Miller, Branch Manager at the Stannah West Midlands & Mid Wales branch said: “We’re proud to have worked with Warwick District Council again, helping to improve their lift systems for the safety of their residents and the efficiency of their buildings. This partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing accessibility and ensuring that all community members can move freely and safely within their environments.” Martyn Stacey from Warwick District Council said: “We’ve worked with Stannah on multiple of our residential developments and it’s been a pleasure working with them again. Their dedication to enhancing accessibility and lift performance demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving residents’ quality of life. Thanks for a great refurbishment, it’s been a pleasure working with you.” www.stannahlifts.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
1. Building dreams one brick at a time. Every brick placed on a job site is a step toward making a dream real. This quote reminds us that even small, careful actions add up to create something big. Each brick symbolizes a part of a vision coming to life, showing that progress happens gradually but surely. 2. Every brick counts in creating a future. In construction, no detail is too small to matter. Every brick plays its part in shaping a secure and lasting structure. This quote tells us that paying attention to each piece of work helps build a better future, one step at a time. 3. We build more than structures—we build communities. Construction work is not just about assembling materials; it is about creating places where people come together. The buildings and spaces created serve as homes for community life. This quote highlights that every project strengthens the bonds among people by providing a place to connect and grow. 4. Safety and hard work form our foundation. The success of any construction project starts with a focus on safety and effort. This quote emphasizes that careful work and a commitment to safe practices build a strong base for every structure. It reminds everyone on the job that a secure work site leads to better results. 5. Strong hands build strong homes. The skilled hands of construction workers are the real force behind every sturdy home. This quote celebrates the hard work and expertise that transform plans into safe, lasting dwellings. It honors the people who bring strength and care to every project. 6. Each nail drives us closer to our goals. Every task on a construction site, even something as small as driving a nail, is important. This quote shows that every action, no matter how minor it seems, contributes to achieving the overall goal. It is a reminder that progress is built on a series of small, dedicated efforts. 7. Quality work turns blueprints into reality. Blueprints are just plans until skilled hands bring them to life. This quote underlines the importance of craftsmanship and dedication in making designs real. It celebrates the work that transforms a drawing into a functional and lasting structure. Whether you’re working on a new build or revitalizing an old structure, renovation companies London offer expert solutions to bring your vision to life. 8. Building is our passion and our promise. For many in the construction industry, work is more than a job—it is a deep passion. This quote reflects the heartfelt commitment to every project and the promise to deliver quality and care. It shows that passion is the driving force behind creating meaningful spaces. 9. Every project starts with a solid foundation. A strong foundation is essential for any building to stand the test of time. This quote reminds us that laying a careful, well-built base is the first step toward a successful project. It underscores the importance of starting right to ensure a reliable structure. 10. Teamwork makes the blueprint come alive. A successful construction project depends on the combined efforts of a team. This quote celebrates the idea that collaboration turns plans into living, breathing spaces. When everyone works together, the blueprint is transformed into a reality full of life and purpose. 11. We work hard to create safe spaces. Safety is a top priority on every construction site. This quote shows that the hard work of builders is driven by the goal of creating spaces where people feel secure. It emphasizes that dedication to safety benefits everyone who uses the space. 12. Construction builds a better tomorrow. Every building project contributes to a brighter future. This quote highlights the role of construction in shaping communities and improving lives. It reminds us that the work done today lays the foundation for the progress of tomorrow. 13. Strong structures need strong effort. Building something lasting requires real dedication and effort from everyone involved. This quote reminds us that the quality of a structure is directly tied to the hard work put into it. It celebrates the strength that comes from both the materials and the hands that build. 14. Our work shapes the future. Every construction project leaves a mark on the community and the environment. This quote speaks to the idea that the work done by builders plays a big part in shaping how people live and work. It highlights the lasting impact of quality construction on our future. 15. Brick by brick, we build trust. Trust is built slowly and steadily, much like a solid wall. This quote tells us that every piece of work, every brick placed with care, adds up to earning the trust of clients and communities. It is a reminder that reliability comes through consistent and honest work. 16. Our passion creates lasting spaces. When builders work with passion, the results are not only strong but also timeless. This quote celebrates the deep commitment that leads to creating spaces that last for generations. It shows that caring about one’s work makes a lasting difference in every project. 17. Every detail counts on the job site. Attention to detail is key in every construction project. This quote reminds us that small, careful steps contribute to the overall success of the work. It emphasizes that focusing on each detail helps create a safe and reliable final product. 18. We turn ideas into concrete reality. A vision or idea only becomes real when it is built with hands-on effort and tangible materials. This quote captures the transformation of creative plans into solid structures. It celebrates the process of making something imagined into something you can see and touch. 19. Construction is the art of building life. Building is not only a technical task but also a creative process that touches lives. This quote compares construction to art, where each project brings beauty and functionality to everyday life. It highlights that every structure plays a role in the rich tapestry of community living. 20. With
