Latimer has appointed JJ Rhatigan as the principal contractor for the much-anticipated Twyford Abbey redevelopment in west London, marking a major step forward in transforming the historic site. Twyford Abbey, a derelict Grade II-listed manor house in Ealing, has long been on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register. After acquiring the
Study Inn is delighted to announce the completion of its Brotherton House development in Leeds. The second phase of the project, opened and occupied in September 2024, brings the total to 385 high-quality rooms complemented by state-of-the-art amenities. Winning the 2024 Property Week Health and Wellbeing Award and being voted
His Majesty The King visited JCB’s World Headquarters today as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, getting a first-hand look at the future of hydrogen-powered machinery. During his tour of JCB’s Innovation Centre in Rocester, The King was introduced to the company’s latest breakthrough – a hydrogen-powered internal combustion
Galliford Try has been awarded a £44.5m contract to carry out essential fire safety improvements at HMP Wakefield, one of the UK’s highest-security prisons. The project, delivered by Galliford Try’s Building North East and Yorkshire team on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, will involve major upgrades across the entire
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has launched a green paper outlining significant reforms to the regulation of construction products, aiming to prevent future tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire. The Construction Products Reform Green Paper 2025 marks the beginning of a 12-week consultation period to shape a
73 new affordable homes are being developed on the historic Ripleyville estate. New pictures have been revealed to showcase the progress at the Ripleyville estate in Bradford, where North of England contractor Esh Construction is delivering an affordable housing project. Esh Construction was appointed by Accent Housing to manage the
There seems to be an increasing sense of optimism in the commercial sector, as reflected in Propertymark’s latest Q4 2024 Commercial Outlook when compared to the previous quarter. The latest data discovered that 83 per cent of Propertymark’s members expect supply in the Land and Yards sector to increase, which
The National Retrofit Conference returns for its second year in 2025 with an exciting new expansion, the launch of a dedicated Expo, making it bigger and more engaging than ever before. Taking place alongside Futurebuild 2025, this enhanced and immersive three-day event will bring together visionaries and industry leaders. Attendees
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the
Morgan Sindall Group has reported an impressive performance for 2024, achieving double-digit growth in both revenue and profit, marking another record-breaking year for the construction and regeneration giant. For the year ending 31st December 2024, the company’s revenue rose by 10% to £4.55bn (2023: £4.12bn), while pre-tax profit surged by
Latimer has appointed JJ Rhatigan as the principal contractor for the much-anticipated Twyford Abbey redevelopment in west London, marking a major step forward in transforming the historic site. Twyford Abbey, a derelict Grade II-listed manor house in Ealing, has long been on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register. After acquiring the site in 2023, Latimer – the development arm of Clarion Housing Group – is working with Redington Capital to restore and repurpose the landmark. JJ Rhatigan will lead the construction of 296 homes across a series of five-storey residential blocks within the abbey grounds. Alongside this, the project will see the restoration of the Grade II-listed walled garden for community use, while the main building will be carefully refurbished in collaboration with Picture Property Developments to create 30 unique apartments. Designed by renowned architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the scheme blends sustainability with heritage preservation. The development will feature renewable energy solutions, including rooftop photovoltaic panels for electricity generation, as well as air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water. For the first time in decades, the Abbey’s 1.2-acre South Lawn will also be reopened for public enjoyment. Clarion Housing Group’s chief development officer, Richard Cook, highlighted JJ Rhatigan’s strong track record and commitment to safety, while Tom Neylon, UK managing director at JJ Rhatigan, emphasised the opportunity to “blend contemporary housing solutions with the careful restoration of an important heritage site.” With the contract now signed, construction is scheduled to commence in March, with the first homes expected to be completed by 2027. This landmark project will not only bring new homes to west London but also breathe new life into a historic treasure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Study Inn is delighted to announce the completion of its Brotherton House development in Leeds. The second phase of the project, opened and occupied in September 2024, brings the total to 385 high-quality rooms complemented by state-of-the-art amenities. Winning the 2024 Property Week Health and Wellbeing Award and being voted Best Student Accommodation in Leeds at the 2024 Student Crowd Voice Awards further cements Study Inn’s reputation as a groundbreaking market leader in the sector. Brotherton House was originally built for Lord Brotherton’s Chemical company in 1956. The historic building was purchased by J Pullans & Sons, the Leeds based property management, investment and development business in 2012 and a Joint Venture partnership was formed with Study Inn to transform this iconic building into modern, purpose-built student accommodation in 2022. This first phase created 163 rooms whilst preserving the site’s historic character and introduced cutting-edge facilities, designed to provide an unparalleled student living experience. The second phase, comprising a 15-storey new build alongside Brotherton House, has added 222 additional rooms. The scheme offers a choice between en-suite serviced apartments and serviced studios. Residents benefit from amenities such as a wellness spa, gym, yoga studio, bowling lanes, cinema lounge, and dedicated study areas, all designed to foster a sense of community and enhance student well-being. Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project, with the development incorporating innovative features such as photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to minimise its environmental impact. Study Inn also carried out off-site highway improvements, enhancing the surrounding area for the wider community’s benefit. Simon Liversage, Managing Director of Developments at Study Inn Group, commented: “We design, develop, and operate our schemes with our in-house, integrated team. ESG is a top priority for us, and we take it seriously in everything we do. This development highlights our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint while delivering exceptional accommodation that prioritises both sustainability and an outstanding resident experience. This award-winning project reflects the dedication and hard work of our team.” Mark Pullan, Managing Director of J Pullans & Sons, commented: “We’re proud to have helped bring new life to Brotherton House, ensuring this landmark building continues to serve future generations. Working with Study Inn Group on this redevelopment aligns with our focus on sustainable, long-term projects that benefit both the building and the wider community.” Brotherton House provides residents with an all-inclusive, premium living experience just minutes from the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and the city centre. Study Inn is looking for new opportunities to expand its portfolio in key UK cities. Jack Jefferson, Acquisitions Director at Study Inn, commented: “The demand for high-quality student accommodation is stronger than ever, and our in-house expertise enables us to deliver state-of-the-art developments that enhance the student experience. We are keen to identify new sites and are offering up to 2.5% as an introduction fee for suitable opportunities.”Contact Jack Jefferson at jj@studyinn.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
His Majesty The King visited JCB’s World Headquarters today as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, getting a first-hand look at the future of hydrogen-powered machinery. During his tour of JCB’s Innovation Centre in Rocester, The King was introduced to the company’s latest breakthrough – a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine. Chairman Anthony Bamford showcased one of the first JCB diggers to run on hydrogen, demonstrating how the machine can be refuelled in just minutes. The visit also marked another milestone for JCB – the production of its one-millionth backhoe loader. This iconic machine revolutionised construction worldwide by replacing manual labour with mechanised earthmoving. Lord Bamford expressed his gratitude for the royal visit, stating: “It is a real honour for us all that The King has visited JCB to help us celebrate 80 years in business. It was also a great pleasure to show The King the progress we are making with hydrogen-powered machines. Today was an occasion that will live long in the memories of everyone who was present.” The King was welcomed by Lord and Lady Bamford, George Bamford, and JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald before touring the backhoe loader production line, where he even helped fit a wheel to a JCB digger. During the tour, His Majesty met several JCB apprentices, including Eleanor Pitt, only the second female welding apprentice at the company. He also spoke with long-serving employees, including Richard Williams, who has worked at JCB for 38 years, following in his father’s footsteps. Richard’s wife Sarah, son Josh, and daughter Kaitlan – all JCB employees – were also introduced to The King. The visit concluded in JCB’s main reception, where His Majesty was shown the one-millionth backhoe loader and greeted by over 60 guests. Among them were members of two families with nearly 1,000 years of combined service to JCB. Bill Boot, who started working at JCB in 1949, was joined by nine current Boot family employees, including his great-grandson Leigh. Ken Harrison, aged 100, one of the last surviving members of the 1953 team that built the first backhoe loader, was also in attendance with his family. Former JCB Academy student Rhys Bradbury, now JCB’s Regional Sales Manager for Central Europe, Austria, and Switzerland, reflected on the visit: “It was fantastic to be involved in today’s visit and a great start to JCB’s 80th anniversary year.” Olympic silver medallist Adam Burgess, a JCB-sponsored athlete, also attended the event. Before departing, The King unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit and was met by thousands of JCB employees, who lined the route waving flags and cheering in celebration of this historic occasion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galliford Try has been awarded a £44.5m contract to carry out essential fire safety improvements at HMP Wakefield, one of the UK’s highest-security prisons. The project, delivered by Galliford Try’s Building North East and Yorkshire team on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, will involve major upgrades across the entire facility. Given the prison’s operational needs, the team will work closely with staff to minimise disruption while carrying out the improvements. A 2023 report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighted concerns over the ageing infrastructure at HMP Wakefield and noted that fire safety upgrades were scheduled to begin in September 2023. However, work has only now commenced, with Galliford Try installing fire compartmentalisation, emergency lighting, smoke extraction systems, fire alarms, and misting reels to enhance safety throughout the prison. Steve Ripp, custodial and judicial director for Galliford Try, said: “This project reinforces Galliford Try’s expertise in delivering critical infrastructure in secure environments and underscores our commitment to helping the MoJ improve safety standards in the UK’s custodial facilities.” With work now underway, the upgrades will ensure that HMP Wakefield meets modern fire safety standards, improving conditions for staff and inmates alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has launched a green paper outlining significant reforms to the regulation of construction products, aiming to prevent future tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire. The Construction Products Reform Green Paper 2025 marks the beginning of a 12-week consultation period to shape a new, more robust regulatory framework. A key focus of the proposals is closing gaps in the current system, ensuring greater accountability for manufacturers and distributors, and strengthening enforcement powers. Changes being considered include new licensing requirements for conformity assessment bodies, mandatory data reporting, the creation of a centralised construction product library, and enhanced surveillance powers for regulators. The government is particularly concerned about the widespread lack of regulatory coverage for construction products. A review conducted last year estimated that nearly two-thirds of products on the UK market fall outside the current regulatory regime. To address this, manufacturers will be required to assess and document the safety risks associated with their products before they go to market. Stronger penalties are also on the table, with civil and criminal sanctions proposed for companies found to be misleading or failing in their safety responsibilities. Evidence from both the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Morrell-Day Review suggests that some manufacturers have been able to exploit loopholes in the system without fear of repercussions. The National Regulator for Construction Products (NRCP) and the Building Safety Regulator, both established in 2021, are set to receive greater enforcement powers. The green paper suggests measures such as fines based on company revenue, restrictions on individuals working in the industry, and proactive market inspections to detect unsafe products before they reach the public. The government is also proposing reforms to the testing and certification process to restore confidence in product safety assessments. These include mandatory minimum standards for third-party certification schemes, increased oversight of conformity assessment bodies, and whistleblowing protections to expose unethical practices. Transparency is another key area of reform. The Construction Products Association previously introduced a voluntary code of practice for honest marketing following concerns raised after Grenfell. The government now wants to formalise these principles by requiring all construction products to carry clear and accessible safety labelling. Plans are also in place to develop a centralised construction product library, providing easy access to test results, compliance certificates, and industry research. The proposed changes will apply across England, Scotland, and Wales. However, Northern Ireland will continue to follow European Union regulations under the Windsor Framework. With the consultation period now open, the government is seeking industry feedback on how best to implement these reforms to ensure a safer, more transparent construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
73 new affordable homes are being developed on the historic Ripleyville estate. New pictures have been revealed to showcase the progress at the Ripleyville estate in Bradford, where North of England contractor Esh Construction is delivering an affordable housing project. Esh Construction was appointed by Accent Housing to manage the demolition of the existing properties – built in the 1970s – to replace them with 73 modern affordable homes for multi-generational living. With work officially getting underway in October 2023, a selection of pictures has been released which showcase the regeneration development taking shape, as Esh works towards a handover of the first properties in the summer. Simon Woodward, Operations Director at Esh Construction, said: “The site at Ripleyville is steeped in history and holds a deep significance for the Bradford community. This redevelopment project will deliver great benefit to the community for years to come. “We are proud to collaborate with Accent Housing on this transformative regeneration and have made key progress through the last 12 months as we work to deliver a wide range of housing options for the whole community.” The project will see nine one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments built alongside 10 two-bedroom, 37 three-bedroom, 6 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom houses. So far, 26 homes and 14 apartments have been fully built with roofing installed, while flooring and plastering works are well underway internally. Major drainage works and services installation commenced at the end of January as the build phase on the remainder of the homes continues. The new homes are designed to be highly energy efficient, with no gas supply to the development. Air source heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed, with each property achieving an Energy Performance (EPC) rating of A. Accent Housing worked closely with customers, Bradford Council and other external stakeholders throughout the consultation and planning stages and the development is being delivered as part of Accent’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England – the housing provider received a grant from the affordable housing programme 2021-2026. Sarah Ireland, Executive Director of Strategy and Growth at Accent, said: “We are delighted to see the progress made at Ripleyville which is a flagship development for Accent. The scheme at Ripleyville is Accent’s first large scale operational net zero affordable development meaning we’re Future Homes ready based on the current draft standard. “The redevelopment of the site underscores our continued commitment to deliver environmentally sustainable housing which meets the housing demand of the local area and enhances the community in which it stands. This project leverages advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency which will also reduce our customers’ energy bills. “Our commitment to this project highlights our focus on both environmental responsibility and meaningful community collaboration, of which we will continue to replicate in future developments across the country.” Ripleyville was first brought to life in the 1860s as an industrial model village that included around 200 workers’ cottages, a school, church and allotments. After falling into disrepair in the 1970s, the site was flattened and rebuilt with 162 flats and two bungalows as part of the Bradford Development Plan. But with the estate being developed with post-war no-fines concrete, it became difficult to maintain, and in October 2022, Esh Construction was appointed to support the regeneration of the area, including a full site strip, removal of asbestos and the demolition of existing properties and service diversions. As part of its Constructing Local strategy, Esh has donated £5,000 to Better Lives Charity to help Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust service users get to health care appointments, educational courses, training and employment more easily. The funds were used to purchase up to 20 bikes and accessories which have been made available to the Care Trust’s service users who struggle with public transport costs. The project is due to be completed in Autumn 2025. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
There seems to be an increasing sense of optimism in the commercial sector, as reflected in Propertymark’s latest Q4 2024 Commercial Outlook when compared to the previous quarter. The latest data discovered that 83 per cent of Propertymark’s members expect supply in the Land and Yards sector to increase, which represents a 33 per cent boost from the Q3 2024 Outlook, which found 50 per cent of Propertymark members predicted that there would be a boost in supply in the same sector. Additionally, the Q4 2024 Outlook found that 53 per cent of commercial agents forecast Industrial Sector supply will increase, whereas this figure stood at 40 per cent in the Q3 2024 Outlook. Finally, although 45 per cent of Propertymark members see no upcoming changes to supply in the Office sector, nearly a third do at 27 per cent. This represents a drop from Q3 of 2024 where 43 per cent of agents forecast an increase in supply. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said: “Although we have seen key aspects of the economy stabilise, the commercial property sector continues to face challenges, as many business sectors evolve to keep pace with ever-progressing trends and shifts in demand. “The pubs and restaurants sector continues to witness a long-term transition in demand, with sustained dips in outlet numbers now apparent across many years. Likewise, evolutions in working practice have allowed many companies to reconsider the amount of physical office space needed operationally, and again we are seeing sustained change. “It’s positive to see a strong supply and demand within the land and yards sector, and high levels of confidence within the takeaways sector too. “As many towns and cities embark on substantial regeneration projects, there is huge potential in the medium and long term in delivering prolonged growth across many commercial channels and as time progresses, we expect to see a substantial keenness from many investors.” Michael Sears, Commercial Advisory Panel Member and Propertymark Board Member, comments: “We have witnessed the resurgence of brand enquiries in prime retail. Lots of these brands are the ‘new kids on the block’ – brands with great covenants and a significant number of branches in the UK already, but not necessarily as recognisable as those that have been here for a decade or more. “This is a necessary reminder of the fluctuation of the fortune of brands and that many new chains arrive on the scene at the same time as older ones either stagnate or are just not on a path of expansion. “The evidence of all this resurgence comes from the lets we are completing; the increasing number of enquiries and the ever-growing requirement lists from brand surveyors and agents both in-house and not.” The full report can be read, here: Commercial Outlook Reports | Propertymark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Retrofit Conference returns for its second year in 2025 with an exciting new expansion, the launch of a dedicated Expo, making it bigger and more engaging than ever before. Taking place alongside Futurebuild 2025, this enhanced and immersive three-day event will bring together visionaries and industry leaders. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge solutions and actionable strategies for tackling retrofit challenges head-on. National Retrofit Conference The National Retrofit Conference, sponsored by Sustainable Building Services, centres on Scaling the Ambition and Delivering the Promise with Retrofitting with its main theme of Regenerating Our Cities and Regions. Curated by the Retrofit Academy CIC and the National Retrofit Hub, the conference will deliver practical, actionable solutions that attendees can implement to advance their retrofit programmes. Tuesday 4th March: Leadership, Innovation, and Skills This day explores how strong leadership, policy direction, and a skilled workforce are vital in accelerating retrofitting across the UK. Highlights include: “Pioneering a Net Zero Future for a Global City”Megan Life, Associate Director of Environment and Energy at Greater London AuthorityMegan will outline London’s strategy for achieving net zero, setting an example for urban centres worldwide. “Delivering Labour’s Net Zero Vision: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities”Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Energy ConsumersA deep dive into Labour’s commitment to net zero and how policy will shape the future of retrofit and energy efficiency. Panel Debates and Discussions: The Warm Homes Plan: Examining Successful Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency Strategies – hear from Caroline Withey, Programme Director at DFESNZ and Shaun Garvey, also Programme Director at DFESNZ State of the Nation – Retrofitting for a Sustainable Future Leadership in Retrofitting – Driving Change Across Cities and Regions Skills and Workforce Development for the Retrofit Revolution Wednesday 5th March: Retrofit Done Right at Scale Scaling up retrofit efforts efficiently and effectively is crucial to meeting the UK’s decarbonisation targets. This day will focus on the technical, financial, and logistical aspects of delivering retrofit at scale. Highlights of the day include: “Is Retrofit Investible?”Andrew Sutton (Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer – SERO), Ryan Jude (Built Environment Programme Director – Green Finance Institute), Jeremy Barker (Banking & Investment Director – National Wealth Fund), Chris Brown (Managing Director – Climatise) and Dr Zack Gill (Net Zero Technical Analyst – Energiesprong UK)A panel discussion on economic models and financing strategies to make retrofit attractive to investors, with input from Green Finance Institute, National Wealth Fund, Climatise, and Energiesprong UK. “Driving Standards and Volume in Large Scale Retrofit Markets”Simon Ayers, Chief Executive at TrustMarkGain insights into balancing efficiency, affordability, and performance to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets. “Retrofit Our Buildings, or Our Brains?” Science, History and Giving People Agency to Improve Health, Comfort and Carbon.”Dr Bill Bordass, Research and Policy Advisor at Usable Buildings and Dr Robyn Pender, Director at WhethergaugeExplore the human-centred approach to retrofitting, with strategies for creating healthy, comfortable living environments. Thursday 6th March: Community-Led Retrofit – Building from the Bottom Up This day, curated by the National Retrofit Hub, focuses on grassroots-led solutions and financial innovations making retrofit more accessible. Key sessions include: “EPC Reform – Perspectives on Change in Action”Hosted by Rachael Owens, National Retrofit Hub Co-DirectorWith speakers from Which?, MHCLG, Elmhurst, and Ecology Building Society. “Community-Led Retrofit – Redefining Retrofit at Scale”Hosted by Sara Edmonds, National Retrofit Hub Co-Director and Head of Citizen Engagement at BE-STFeaturing BE-ST Retrofit Scotland, Footwork Trust and Ecological Building Systems. National Retrofit Expo New for 2025, the Expo expands the National Retrofit Conference, featuring a dedicated exhibition with leading exhibitors such as Parity Projects, E.ON, Corksol, Trustmark, q-bot, and more. Attendees can explore innovative products, solutions, and technologies to tackle retrofit challenges and deliver impactful projects. The Big Retrofit Challenge A key highlight is The Big Retrofit Challenge, presented in partnership with NHDG and Innovate UK. This dynamic competition culminates in a live-finale, showcasing shortlisted groundbreaking innovations designed to address the toughest challenges in retrofit. Attendees will witness contestants pitch cutting-edge tools, materials, and systems to a panel of experts, providing actionable insights to accelerate the decarbonisation of buildings across the UK. The Retrofit Academy Awards The Retrofit Academy Awards, held during the National Retrofit Conference, celebrate excellence in retrofitting across the industry. Recognising outstanding achievements and rising stars, these awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions in this vital and fast-evolving sector. David Pierpoint, Founder and CEO at the Retrofit Academy commented: “The National Retrofit Conference & Expo marks a pivotal point for the retrofit sector. By expanding with a dedicated exhibition, we are creating an even more dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions. This event is about turning ambition into action and empowering industry professionals to scale up retrofit efforts and progress towards decarbonisation across the UK’s built environment.” Rachael Owens, Co-Director at the National Retrofit Hub, is also looking forward to the event: “The National Retrofit Conference & Expo embodies the ambition and collaboration needed to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: retrofitting our building stock. As part of this vital event, the National Retrofit Hub is proud to support the industry by addressing challenges, offering practical solutions, and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful progress.” The National Retrofit Conference & Expo embodies the ambition and collaboration needed to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: retrofitting our building stock. As part of this vital event, the National Retrofit Hub is proud to support the industry by addressing challenges, offering practical solutions, and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful progress. To find out more about the National Retrofit Conference and Expo visit the website Register for your free ticket today Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the United States, Canada and Australia and marks a significant step in Sage’s strategy to deliver industry-specific solutions to new verticals. Built on the foundation of 50 years of experience in the construction sector, Sage Intacct Construction brings a cloud-native solution to the UK market. This provides developers, builders, main contractors, residential builders, and specialty contractors with an advanced financial management and operations system tailored to their needs. Addressing an unmet need in the UK construction industry The UK construction industry has great potential to grow but it has faced important headwinds in recent years. For example, workforce shortages, supply chain issues and an aging workforce is driving demand for increased automation, increased visibility of data, and changing expectations for how technology is used. Yet, the sector has long lacked a robust cloud-native financial management solution. Sage Intacct Construction fills this gap by offering a purpose-built solution that enables construction businesses to: “Sage Intacct Construction is a significant development for the UK market,” said Julie Adams, Senior Vice President, Construction & Real Estate, Sage: “We are building on a heritage of 50 years of trust and innovation that has helped tens of thousands of customers in other regions. This expertise will empower construction businesses in the UK with real-time insights, automation, and financial management tools to drive profitability and efficiency and position themselves for sustainable growth.” Supporting the future of construction with cloud technology Sage’s construction cloud solutions extend beyond financials to include operations and preconstruction software. Integration with Sage Construction Management delivers a seamless end-to-end cloud solution that covers all aspects of project management. This connectivity enhances collaboration across field, office, and external teams, streamlining budgeting, staffing, and subcontractor management. With real-time reporting and visibility, businesses can track performance, compare historical data, and make informed decisions quickly. Sage Business Partners will play a crucial role in bringing this offering to market. Steve Masters, Managing Director, Accord Consulting: ” We’re excited for the introduction of Sage Intacct Construction to UK businesses. The construction industry has long needed a cloud-native financial management solution tailored to its challenges. While specialised solutions and mobile apps have helped address some of the industry’s connectivity needs, many businesses still struggle with a lack of integration that results in data silos and double data entry. Having an end-to-end cloud system helps construction firms improve efficiency and profitability in an increasingly complex market.” Debbie Mitchell-Ball, Group Finance Manager, 3R Group said: “We chose Sage Intacct Construction because it was the only technology that could meet our needs – from managing leads and quotations to project completion in one system. It streamlines spend and can track profit and loss per project, it consolidates documents and eliminates the need for multiple spreadsheets. We also have real-time, integrated data at our fingertips, which means we can now generate reports in minutes instead of hours.” Sage Intacct Construction is now available for UK construction businesses. To learn more, visit link. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Group has reported an impressive performance for 2024, achieving double-digit growth in both revenue and profit, marking another record-breaking year for the construction and regeneration giant. For the year ending 31st December 2024, the company’s revenue rose by 10% to £4.55bn (2023: £4.12bn), while pre-tax profit surged by 19% to £171.9m (2023: £143.9m). The group’s financial position remained strong, with net cash standing at £492m, up from £461m the previous year. The standout performer was Overbury, the fit-out division, which saw operating profit soar by 38% to £99m (2023: £71.8m) on an 18% rise in revenue to £1.3bn. Morgan Sindall Construction also delivered a strong performance, with a 19% increase in operating profit to £30.9m and revenue climbing by 8% to £1.04bn. The division’s secured order book grew 20% year-on-year to £952m, with an additional £1.18bn of work at preferred bidder stage. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure also expanded, with an 18% increase in revenue to £1.05bn. However, operating profit remained steady at £38.5m, with a slightly reduced margin of 3.7%, attributed to the timing of project starts and completions. Despite this, the division’s order book rose by 11% to £1.88bn, with 98% of projects secured through frameworks. The group’s housing divisions also saw positive results. Partnership Housing (Lovell) increased operating profit by 18% to £36.1m, while revenue grew to £861m. Meanwhile, Mixed Use Partnerships (Muse) recorded a more modest operating profit of £1.5m, down from £14.8m in 2023, but saw its secured order book more than double to £4.1bn. Chief executive John Morgan reflected on the company’s success, crediting the strength of its diverse operations and dedicated workforce. He highlighted the group’s ability to support the government’s affordable housing and social infrastructure plans, leading to upgraded medium-term targets for four of its six divisions. Looking ahead, Morgan acknowledged ongoing economic uncertainty but remained optimistic about 2025. With a growing and high-quality order book spanning multiple sectors, the company is confident in its ability to continue delivering strong results and sustainable growth in the coming year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
