An England football legend, backed by local sports stars, is spearheading a new charity encouraging construction workers to talk about mental health. Former England and Everton hero Trevor Steven’s Mindflow initiative has been endorsed by football legends Gary Lineker, Robbie Fowler, Stuart Pearce, Ally McCoist, Peter Reid and Viv Anderson.
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a
A London property developer has been fined £63,000 plus costs after Britain’s workplace regulator found multiple failures at a construction site in Dalston. Nofax Enterprises Limited was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following four visits to its site on Dalston Lane over a 13 month period between
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure
Nearly a third of tradespeople are considering leaving the industry1, which adds to the UK’s already critical shortage of skilled workers2, says new research. Conducted by health and safety experts Arco, the Trade Talent Gap research1 surveyed 500 tradespeople and found that 31 per cent would consider leaving the industry. April
The integration of technology into modern living spaces has revolutionised home design, with gaming rooms emerging as a key feature in contemporary architecture. As gaming culture continues to thrive, fuelled by the rise of eSports, virtual reality (VR), and next-generation gaming consoles, homeowners are increasingly seeking dedicated spaces tailored for
An England football legend, backed by local sports stars, is spearheading a new charity encouraging construction workers to talk about mental health. Former England and Everton hero Trevor Steven’s Mindflow initiative has been endorsed by football legends Gary Lineker, Robbie Fowler, Stuart Pearce, Ally McCoist, Peter Reid and Viv Anderson. It was launched at the National Football Museum in Manchester on 20 March and attended by Mindflow Ambassadors: Manchester City’s David White, Paul Dickov and Paul Lake, Tottenham Hotspur’s Paul Stewart, and Sheffield United’s Curtis Woodhouse. Through Mindflow’s ‘Talk Football Talk Mental Health’ programme, current and ex-football players will visit construction sites to deliver mental health awareness sessions, encourage conversation, and recruit volunteers from each session to train as mental health first aiders. The Ambassadors have all publicly shared their challenges around mental health and have firsthand experience to support the construction industry. Research conducted on-site by Trevor Steven, supported by construction software company Causeway Technologies, found that more than half (56%) of site workers are either currently experiencing or have experienced mental health problems. The industry is especially vulnerable due to factors like long irregular hours, many workers being self-employed, and high-pressure working environments. The survey found that many workers in the industry (67%) are football fans, and the charity aims to create a culture of proactive support and early intervention by joining the dots between construction, mental health, and football. Trevor said: “Football, and sport in general, has made great strides in destigmatising issues around mental health. Whereas in construction, the statistics around suicide rates tell an opposing story. “Getting people talking is widely cited as being key to tackling poor mental health. Football offers a potential route in; it is a sport that brings people together and starts conversations. We hope that through football, Mindflow can help site workers to speak more freely about their mental health.” Through its Charter, Mindflow will introduce a consistent, and measurable, standard for mental health provisions onsite, set out by the local authority on publicly funded projects. As it stands, the level of mental health support for workers is left up to the contractor, whereas the Charter will mean contractors have to meet set standards to secure the work. Phil Brown, Executive Chairman at Causeway Technologies and Chair of Trustees at Mindflow added: “We’ve worked closely with Trevor for years on research into the mental health crisis in construction. The findings are clear – construction is an industry where mental health struggles are common yet go unspoken. “That’s why it’s so important that Trevor is launching Mindflow and combining football and construction to initiate meaningful conversations and provide real, practical support. “Causeway is proud to be backing Mindflow and looks forward to seeing how the power of football can create meaningful change in the industry.” Visit Mindflow to find out more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while 20 have been promoted to Associate Director level. Driving future growth, this cohort will be central to the efficient delivery of the firm’s strategic objectives. In total, the promotions span across 10 regions Avison Young operates in including: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Stoke on Trent. The wave of promotions encompasses seven key business groups including: Building and Project Consultancy, Client and Business Solutions, Place, Professional Advisory, Rating and Technology, REIFM and Transactions. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young UK, said: “I look forward to working closely with this highly skilled cohort of new senior leaders, who exemplify our values and will continue driving forward our vision. Highlighting professional excellence and dedication to our collaborative company culture, these accomplishments showcase our belief in creating positive impact. “Underlining the wealth of internal talent at Avison Young, these promotions display the diverse expertise and experience our teams offer. We continue to invest in our people, supporting current and future leaders within the business.” Stephen Cowperthwaite, Principal and Managing Director, Regions and Liverpool at Avison Young UK said: “Regional investment is key to Avison Young’s growth strategy for 2025 and beyond, our local market experts are vital in achieving this goal. These promotions will help deliver real growth and net benefit to our towns, cities and communities across the UK.” Full List of promotions: Directors Business Group Location Mark Beer Building and Project Consultancy London David Roobottom Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Clive Withers Building and Project Consultancy London Andrew James Building and Project Consultancy London Paul Herrington Building and Project Consultancy Leeds Kate Inskip Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Richard Oxley Client and Business Solutions London Chris Whetstone Client and Business Solutions London Matt Pigott Place London Ed Harvey Place Manchester Emily Davies Place Manchester Julie Taylor Professional Advisory London Geraldine Horner Professional Advisory Edinburgh Naymesh Patel Rating and Technology Birmingham James Millson REFIM Leeds Robert Reeve REFIM London Dave Bamford REFIM London Laura Loom REFIM Stoke on Trent Pete-James Robinson REFIM Birmingham Helen Ewles REFIM Newcastle James White Transactions Birmingham Pete Harding Transactions Glasgow Sarah Miles Client and Business Solutions London Associate Directors Business Group Location Eliott Kelly Place Bristol Henry Sayers Professional Advisory London James Drury Building and Project Consultancy London Robert Hayes Building and Project Consultancy Edinburgh Megan Stacey-Green Building and Project Consultancy London Mandy Poon Rating and Technology Manchester Charlotte Smith Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Jamie Sim Transactions Newcastle James Short Transactions Bristol James Parton REFIM Client site Gemma Houghton REFIM London Graham Cunningham REFIM London Ralph Smart REFIM Brighton Emma Parker REFIM Stoke on Trent Emma Parkin REFIM Birmingham Kushay Shah Client and Business Solutions London Sophie Russell Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Helen Whitesmith Client and Business Solutions Bristol Andy Smith Client and Business Solutions London Kate Young Client and Business Solutions Manchester Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AWARD-WINNING retrofit decarbonisation contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has appointed Matthew Kershaw as its new head of health and safety. With more than 17 years of experience in various health and safety roles across multiple sectors, Matthew brings a wealth of expertise to SBS. Describing himself as a ‘jack of all trades’ in safety, he has worked across diverse industries but is most passionate about improving communities through transformational retrofit projects. Matthew said: “I grew up in social housing, so I know what it’s like to live in a cold house and not be allowed to turn the heating on through winter.” His career has allowed him to witness first-hand how retrofit solutions can positively impact communities. Matthew continued: “I worked on a rundown housing estate in Wales where we installed external wall insulation (EWI). We collaborated with contractors and site teams to create a positive working environment for residents. As the houses started to look more modern, people took pride in their surroundings – gardens were tidied, fences were painted, and within 18 months to two years, the whole village had transformed.” For Matthew, people are at the heart of safety. His perspective is that processes and procedures don’t keep people safe, but people keep people safe. Working closely with the senior leadership team and project managers, he aims to integrate safety into every aspect of operations to ensure safety is “blended in, not bolted on.” Matthew said: “You can either see health and safety as a compliance and risk strategy, or you can see it as a people strategy. A strong safety culture creates not only a safer work environment, but a more supportive and productive one. This, in turn, should enhance overall well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately support the growth of SBS.” Over the next 18 months, Matthew plans to expand the health and safety team and embed a new way of thinking across the SBS ecosystem. His goal is to create a company-wide culture where safety is a shared responsibility, deeply integrated into every process rather than treated as a separate compliance function. Matthew said: “I want people to make good decisions at the right time, but we must also hold them accountable for those decisions. That comes from a culture of trust, kindness, patience, and responsibility. By fostering open communication, ensuring competency at all levels, and leveraging technology, we can embed safety seamlessly into SBS’s daily operations.” Gary Lawson, managing director at SBS, said: “Bringing Matthew into the SBS team is an important appointment for us. His expertise and passion for a company-wide cultural approach to safety, along with striving for continuous improvement, will be invaluable in driving SBS toward a more innovative approach to health and safety. We look forward to hearing the ideas he will bring to the table and supporting him with implementing them.” For more information about SBS, visit www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A London property developer has been fined £63,000 plus costs after Britain’s workplace regulator found multiple failures at a construction site in Dalston. Nofax Enterprises Limited was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following four visits to its site on Dalston Lane over a 13 month period between 2020 and 2021. The company was overseeing the construction of a four storey building on the site, containing nine flats and large basement to house a youth club. However, the failures identified by HSE inspectors – including multiple working at height risks, poor fire precautions and exposure to large amounts of silica dust – were so serious, that they resulted in the site being closed down on two separate occasions. Other breaches of the law included failing to protect workers from exposure to wood dust, as well as insufficient covid and welfare controls. In total, 9 enforcement notices were served against the company for the Dalston Lane site, including five prohibition notices. The subsequent HSE investigation included inspections at other sites operated by the company, identifying a poor health and safety culture and systemic management failings. Owing to the repeated poor performance and lack of compliance to basic health and safety, Nofax Enterprises Limited, of Maldon, Essex pleaded guilty to breaches of sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.Following the hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 18th March 2025, the company was ordered to pay a total of £88,812.68 which included a fine of £63,000, costs of £25,622. In summing up, the judge stated that despite repeated visits by HSE and multiple notices being served, risks subsisted over a long period and the company failed to make any appropriate changes. The judge concluded by saying that there had been a systemic failure within the organisation to manage health and safety. After the hearing, HSE inspector Gordon Nixon said: “This company showed a total disregard to keeping its workers safe. “They failed to meet even the most basic health and safety standards, continually exposing operatives to serious risks. “HSE will not wait until workers are seriously injured, or worse and will take appropriate action including prosecutions when health and safety regulations are so blatantly flouted.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate sectors. The company has helped deliver transformative projects like Liverpool Waters, the Wythenshawe Civic Regeneration Master Plan as well as mega programmes at the forefront of the Net Zero transition, such as the Great Grid Upgrade. Now part of the HanmiGlobal family, Walker Sime has expanded its reach with international, European, and US capabilities, further strengthening its ability to serve clients on a global scale. This growth enhances its capacity to deliver exceptional results, positioning Walker Sime as a key partner in shaping the future through transformative projects that drive success and innovation. Under Jon’s leadership, the company will focus on sustainable growth, nurturing talent, and maintaining the technical excellence that has earned it an enviable reputation with its clients. With over 20 years of industry experience, Jon is enthusiastic about the role Walker Sime can play in shaping the future of the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate markets. Jon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of Managing Director at Walker Sime. From the moment I joined, I recognised this was a business built on strong values, a fantastic culture, and a deep commitment to its people. My priority is to build on that success while ensuring we continue to grow in a way that stays true to our values. This role is more than just a career move for me – it’s about leaving a legacy. I joined this industry because I wanted to make a difference, to be part of something that stands the test of time. Now, my focus is on ensuring Walker Sime remains a business that is not only successful today but is fit for the future. That means continuing to invest in our people, nurturing talent, and ensuring we remain a trusted and innovative partner for our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nearly a third of tradespeople are considering leaving the industry1, which adds to the UK’s already critical shortage of skilled workers2, says new research. Conducted by health and safety experts Arco, the Trade Talent Gap research1 surveyed 500 tradespeople and found that 31 per cent would consider leaving the industry. April marks National Stress Awareness Month, which is observed annually, to increase public awareness of the negative impact of stress. The upcoming event comes as Arco’s study reveals that one in four tradespeople have reported experiencing mental health challenges linked to their work. People working as window fabricators, bricklayers and building surveyors were among those most likely to be seeking a career switch. When it comes to mental health support, nearly a third (31 per cent) of tradespeople believe that the industry lacks sufficient resources. Some of the top challenges that tradespeople experience in their roles include: managing workloads (35 per cent), dealing with difficult clients (32 per cent) and health and safety (24 per cent). Finding enough work and the physically demanding nature of the job also affected nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of these workers. Workers aged 25-34 were the most likely to have experienced work-related mental health challenges, with 35 per cent reporting such issues. The youngest employees (18-24) were most likely to believe that the industry should be doing more to support mental health (34 per cent) Among the reasons for considering a career change, six per cent of tradespeople reported mental health concerns, one in 10 had experienced burnout and 13 per cent struggled with their work-life balance. The team at Arco commented: “The trades industry must address these issues head-on. There needs to be better support available for tradespeople, including access to mental health resources, training on stress management and initiatives to improve work-life balance. “Failure to do so will only exacerbate the existing mental health crisis and lead to a further decline in the workforce. “Earlier this year we pledged to donate a share of our profits from Arco brand hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, our partnership is aimed to help protect heads ‘inside and out’. “Through this and other initiatives, we have raised over £14,000 for the UK’s leading charity for mental health and are continuing to look at what more we can do as a business to support these issues.” Find out more information about the Arco’s partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, visit the website here. Top ten tradespeople considering leaving the industry 1. Window fabricator – 71% 2. Bricklayer – 55% 3. Building surveyor – 54% 4. Caretaker – 41% 5. Roofer – 36% 6. Carpenter – 35% 7. Plumber – 35% 8. Locksmith – 33% 9. Landscaper – 30% 10. Plasterer – 28% If you are struggling with your mental health, there are many resources available to help, including: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The integration of technology into modern living spaces has revolutionised home design, with gaming rooms emerging as a key feature in contemporary architecture. As gaming culture continues to thrive, fuelled by the rise of eSports, virtual reality (VR), and next-generation gaming consoles, homeowners are increasingly seeking dedicated spaces tailored for immersive digital entertainment. Architects and interior designers are now adapting to this demand by incorporating specialised gaming rooms that blend technology, functionality, and aesthetics. From soundproofed eSports arenas to custom RGB-lit gaming pods, gaming spaces are no longer confined to a desk in the corner of a bedroom but are instead becoming a central focus in modern home layouts. The Growing Demand for Gaming-Focused Home Design Gaming has evolved from a niche hobby into a mainstream form of entertainment, with the industry projected to reach $584 billion by 2030. The increased popularity of game streaming, professional eSports tournaments, and multiplayer gaming has led to a shift in home design trends. One of the biggest factors driving this demand is the increasing amount of time players spend on gaming platforms. Online multiplayer games, live-service titles, and online gambling platforms are becoming increasingly more prevalent among local gamers. According to iGaming expert Robert Blake, non GamStop casinos for UK gambling enthusiasts are now especially popular and offer a range of benefits from faster payouts to crypto betting and players bonuses. On the other hand, competitive eSports games encourage prolonged gaming sessions, with players in many cases logging in for hours at a time. Popular titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, League of Legends, and Apex Legends are designed with continuous engagement loops, daily challenges, and social features that keep players immersed. Similarly, MMORPGs and sandbox games like World of Warcraft, Genshin Impact, and Minecraft foster long play sessions by offering expansive virtual worlds, community-driven content, and progression-based gameplay. The rise of live-streaming and content creation on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming further contributes to extended screen time, as many gamers stream for hours or binge-watch live eSports events. As a result, developers and architects are integrating dedicated gaming rooms into floor plans, catering to homeowners who prioritise gaming as part of their lifestyle. This trend aligns with the broader movement toward personalised home spaces, where entertainment zones, home cinemas, and gaming suites coexist with traditional living areas. Key Drivers of Gaming Room Popularity Design Trends in Modern Gaming Rooms Acoustic Optimisation & Soundproofing Sound management is a key factor in gaming room design. To enhance immersion while minimising household disturbances, architects incorporate soundproof drywall, double-glazed windows, and acoustic panels. Directional speakers and noise-cancelling technologies further improve audio clarity. Immersive Lighting & Aesthetic Design RGB lighting and futuristic decor play a vital role in creating immersive gaming spaces. Smart LED strips and Nanoleaf panels sync with gameplay, while cyberpunk, sci-fi, and retro-inspired wall art enhance aesthetics. Adjustable mood lighting allows users to switch between ambient relaxation and high-energy eSports settings. Multi-Purpose Gaming and Entertainment Spaces Gaming rooms are increasingly designed as hybrid spaces that function as home cinemas, streaming studios, and workstations. Features like retractable gaming stations, motorised projector screens, and convertible desks allow seamless transitions between gaming, work, and entertainment. Custom Furniture & Ergonomic Design Long gaming sessions require ergonomic furniture for comfort and support. Adjustable gaming desks, ergonomic gaming chairs with lumbar support, and built-in storage solutions ensure an efficient, clutter-free setup. These elements enhance functionality while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. Modern gaming rooms blend technology, comfort, and design, catering to an evolving gaming culture that values both performance and style. How Developers Are Adapting Luxury Residences & Gaming-Optimised Homes High-end property developers are already incorporating gaming spaces into luxury apartments and smart homes. Some upscale residences now feature pre-designed gaming lounges with high-speed internet infrastructure, built-in soundproofing, and eSports-ready setups. Gaming-Inspired Home Renovations Many homeowners are investing in home renovations to create dedicated gaming spaces. Popular renovation projects include converting basements, attics, and spare rooms into immersive gaming suites with custom lighting, ergonomic furniture, and acoustic treatments. The Future of Gaming Rooms in Home Design As the gaming industry continues to expand, architects and interior designers will play an increasingly crucial role in creating spaces that cater to digital entertainment needs. The evolution of cloud gaming, 8K displays, and haptic feedback technology will further shape gaming room design trends. Looking ahead, smart, adaptive, and multi-functional gaming spaces will become a standard feature in modern homes. With a growing emphasis on comfort, technological integration, and immersive aesthetics, gaming rooms are set to redefine the way homeowners experience digital entertainment in their living spaces.
