Praxis Group has made a significant move back into the retail sector with the acquisition of St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow. The landmark 12-acre scheme, located at the junction of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, spans more than 800,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Anchored by a
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will
Colleagues from Beard Construction’s offices across the South of England have planted more than 130 trees at a woodland near Bristol. At the 194-acre Wrington Warren site owned by the company, more than 70 employees from the firm’s offices in Bristol, Swindon, Guildford, Oxford, and Southampton came together to plant saplings,
Aberdeen Investments, on behalf of the Standard Life Pooled Pension Property Fund, has acquired a major retail park in the West Midlands for £69.6 million. The latest addition to the fund’s portfolio is Sears Retail Park in Solihull, a 136,300 sq ft scheme anchored by high-profile tenants Next and Marks
Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in style last week at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s American Express Stadium. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for initiatives tackling food insecurity across the UK and Ireland. The evening
When recovering from an injury, the last thing you need is a battle with an insurance company. Yet that’s exactly what many people face when seeking fair compensation. Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators with one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They have playbooks of tactics, while you
Praxis Group has made a significant move back into the retail sector with the acquisition of St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow. The landmark 12-acre scheme, located at the junction of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, spans more than 800,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Anchored by a strong tenant line-up including Tesco, WHSmith, Next, JD Sports, HMV, Boots, and Superdry, the centre also benefits from 900 car parking spaces, making it one of the city’s key shopping destinations. This purchase marks Praxis Group’s first major direct investment into the retail market in eight years. The acquisition was made from a consortium of lenders including M&G and Morgan Stanley. James Hewitt, chief operating officer at Praxis, commented: “The purchase of the St Enoch Centre is our first significant balance sheet investment into the retail sector in eight years. We are acquiring the asset against a backdrop of an improving tenant mix, footfall growth and increasing average basket spend throughout the scheme. Praxis has waited patiently to re-enter a sector where we have a market leading track record and we are now seeking to invest at scale into a number of discrete opportunities.” Property consultancy GCW acted as adviser to Praxis Group on the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will focus on partnership working with Warwickshire County Council as one of its official partners. Stoford has delivered extensive floorspace across Coventry and Warwickshire amounting to over 2 million sq ft of market-leading industrial and office schemes in the area over the last ten years. These schemes have supported local key sectors like automotive and digital creative industries within Spa Park in Leamington Spa through to larger logistics requirements on the A435 between Redditch and Stratford. Within the UKREiiF events Stoford will participate in, Planning Director Jo Russell will comment on the opportunity for growth within Coventry and Warwickshire, how partnership working has directly benefitted Stoford’s schemes to date and what interventions are needed to ensure that future plan making by local authorities is delivering the right amount of land in the right locations. Stoford believe identifying locations for growth that are local to, and complemented by, new investments in railway infrastructure across Warwickshire, such as Rugby Parkway, represent a clear opportunity. Other interventions could range from greater collaboration with the private sector to earlier engagement and feedback on matters raised. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and preceding Ministerial Statement placed sustainable economic growth at the heart of planning. Angela Raynor MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been clear in advising that ‘sustained economic growth is the only route to improving the prosperity of our country and the living standards of working people.’ Stoford is keen to act on a renewed vigour for growth and sees changes made through the NPPF to introduce Grey Belt as another intervention that will assist Warwickshire in meeting the needs of industry. To this end, Stoford will also promote its land portfolio including Brickhill Farm, a circa 5ha Grey Belt land site south of Coleshill. The site is strategically located, accessible from the M6 (junction 4) and the A446 and has quick connections to the A45, M42 and the Birmingham hinterland. Sites like this are seen to embrace the Government’s agenda to support logistics growth, in addition to the role that previously developed land and Grey Belt can play. New jobs in logistics would match the local skill set. Locally within the logistics ‘golden triangle’, 20% of jobs currently held are within this sector. The changing face of logistics towards automation and the use of AI in operations has also resulted in an upgraded skill set and associated salaries. Stoford Director Jo Russell said: “There is a significant window of opportunity for developing land within the Grey Belt, capitalising on the Government’s clear intentions to deliver growth in areas that do not contribute strongly to the purposes of Green Belt and /or are previously developed. “In addition, with the NPPF now in place, and an opportunity through devolution in the next few years, closer working between the Coventry and Warwickshire authorities and the private sector can focus on how economic growth can go hand in hand with locations well served by public transport/rail infrastructure and thereby assist local people in accessing employment. “We are confident that through discussions at UKREiiF, and within the context of partnership working, we can identify a range of benefits to Warwickshire that the development of sites within our portfolio can bring.” Stoford is one of eight organisations across the public and private sectors that Invest Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council’s inward investment team, will partner with at UKREiiF, the UK’s largest real estate event and conference. The partnerships will see each organisation involved in the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ panel discussion that Invest Warwickshire is hosting at UKREiiF, which takes place in Leeds from May 20 to 22. Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre. “UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Council’s Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs. “We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including Stoford, Tritax Big Box Developments and IM Properties to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year.” Stoford started life in 1996 when a small group of professionals saw a gap in the market to launch a pre-let, privately-owned commercial property development company. If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to join the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ event, you can find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318559790829 Stoford will be in the West Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF between 3-4pm on 20th May, and the following morning. To arrange a meeting with Stoford before, during or after UKREiiF, call the main office on 0121 234 6699, email mail@stoford.com or contact their LinkedIn page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colleagues from Beard Construction’s offices across the South of England have planted more than 130 trees at a woodland near Bristol. At the 194-acre Wrington Warren site owned by the company, more than 70 employees from the firm’s offices in Bristol, Swindon, Guildford, Oxford, and Southampton came together to plant saplings, marking the completion of the first phase of a long-term woodland management plan, during which 12,000 new trees were planted. Under the guidance of a forestry expert, colleagues planted native species and learned about the woodland management activities taking place during a guided tour, before coming together to enjoy a hog roast lunch. Purchased in 2022, Beard invested in the woodland to help reduce its environmental footprint through carbon sequestration, as trees store twice as much carbon as they emit. Neil Sherreard, deputy chairman at Beard, said: “Beard’s investment in UK forestry demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental impact over the long-term. Beyond the carbon capture, we recognise the wellbeing benefits of being in nature and bringing regional teams together outside of normal working environments. “World Mental Health Week is the perfect time to have done this and an excellent way to mark the end of this phase of woodland management at Wrington Warren.” Delivering community value This initiative comes as Beard celebrates generating £8.5 million in social value for local communities in 2024 through on- and off-site initiatives. Eleven construction projects completed in 2024 delivered £8.5 million in social and economic value, averaging 24 percent of contract value. Additionally, 33 live projects contributed nearly £200,000. Beard’s central teams, including finance, IT, HR and communications roles, unlocked a further £16,700 in community impact. The company began recording its community impact in January 2024, promoting Paula Baleson to social value manager and developing a tailored framework. Four regional coordinators have been promoted throughout the year from within the company and earlier this month environmental studies graduate Hannah Phillips was appointed as Swindon’s social value coordinator, completing the social value team with a dedicated person in each region. Beard also raised £100,000 for charities and good causes in 2024, including match funding from the Beard Charitable Foundation, putting the firm well on track to meet its charitable goals. Paula Baleson, social value manager, said: “Beard has always been a company with a social conscience but 2024 marked the first year that we formalised and began measuring our efforts. Since establishing our social value team and introducing our tailored framework, colleagues across our regions have really stepped up. “I’m proud of what we have achieved and, with many exciting initiatives being planned, we are looking forward to building on our commitment to communities even further.” For more information about Beard’s approach to social value, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aberdeen Investments, on behalf of the Standard Life Pooled Pension Property Fund, has acquired a major retail park in the West Midlands for £69.6 million. The latest addition to the fund’s portfolio is Sears Retail Park in Solihull, a 136,300 sq ft scheme anchored by high-profile tenants Next and Marks & Spencer. The site also hosts well-known retailers including TkMaxx, Homesense, Boots, and Mountain Warehouse. This marks the fund’s second retail park acquisition in the past year, following its purchase of the Tandem Centre in Colliers Wood in 2024. David Stewart, fund manager at Aberdeen Investments, commented: “There remain some good opportunities in retail parks where occupational costs have been rebased. Retailer demand for key locations is robust and yields remain relatively attractive. “This asset has all these attributes and reflects our strategy of acquiring prime assets where we can add value through our proven asset management capabilities and strong retailer relationships. It is an excellent addition to the fund’s portfolio.” The acquisition reinforces Aberdeen’s ongoing confidence in the out-of-town retail sector, particularly in strategically located, well-let schemes with potential for future value enhancement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in style last week at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s American Express Stadium. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for initiatives tackling food insecurity across the UK and Ireland. The evening was also an important step forward in Sodexo’s journey toward its ambitious 2030 commitment of supporting over 12.5 million direct and indirect beneficiaries through the Stop Hunger Foundation. Guests not only gave generously but many also pledged their time, signing up to volunteer with the Foundation’s long-standing charity partner, Trussell. The dinner was hosted by Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Stop Hunger Foundation, alongside Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Foundation, and Sodexo Ambassador, and Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson. The event also welcomed special guest speaker Asma Khan, one of the world’s most prominent female chefs and the Foundation’s first-ever patron. Asma, who became patron in January 2025 and is the chef advocate for the UN World Food Programme, brings valuable support and inspiration to the Foundation’s work. She has a shared commitment with the Stop Hunger Foundation, championing initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity, including skills development, resource accessibility, and community empowerment. Asma Khan, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Patron, said: “It was an honour to be part of this special evening celebrating 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation. Food insecurity is a complex issue, but events like this remind us that when people come together with a shared goal, we can make real progress. “I’m proud to work alongside the Foundation in supporting not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions that help empower individuals in communities facing hardship. The passion I saw in the room tonight to raise funds and donate time and expertise gives me real hope for the future.” Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has supported more than 9.6 million beneficiaries through 230 charity partners across over 56 cities and regions, distributing more than £6.4 million in grants. Thanks to Sodexo’s financial support, 100% of the donations made to Stop Hunger are directed towards charitable partners. Launched by Sodexo UK & Ireland in 2005, the Foundation exists to fight food insecurity and build a better tomorrow. As it marks two decades of action, it is strengthening its commitment to sustainable, long-term solutions. One example includes a £150,000 multi-year grant to the Trussell’s award-winning Helpline Through Hardship project, a service that connects people in crisis with financial support, helping them secure, on average, over £2,000 in additional income per year. In addition to raising money, the event also celebrated the contributions of Sodexo colleagues and supply partners who regularly dedicate time to fundraising and volunteering with the Foundation. Three awards were presented during the evening: Recognised for her continued dedication to fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy. Diane has arranged fundraising events and set up a permanent food bank in Sodexo’s London head office which collects around 200kg of food donations every month for charity partner The Switch. Acknowledged for exceeding volunteering targets within Sodexo’s Energy & Resources business, forming impactful charity partnerships, and championing a local volunteering initiative, now supported by the Foundation and commended by the Scottish Parliament. Over the past year, Kimberly Clark has supported Sodexo with innovations that deliver cost savings, waste reduction and improved operational performance. Its bespoke tools and core paper hygiene products reduce waste, enhance hygiene and save paper and CO2 emissions. Kimberly Clark’s paper hand towel recycling at Sodexo sites, along with monthly sustainability impact reports, underscores its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, its Kleenex brand’s partnership with Mind has funded 27,720 enquiries to Mind’s helpline since 2020. Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Foundation, said: “This year’s event was a powerful celebration and a reminder of what can be achieved to support others. I’m incredibly proud of the funds we’ve raised, but even more so of the passion and commitment shown by our clients, colleagues, charity partners, sponsors and supply partners. Together, we’re building a legacy that creates long-term change.” Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Stop Hunger Foundation, added: “As we celebrate 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation, it’s truly inspiring to look back at how far we’ve come and even more exciting to see the momentum we’re building for the future. This Foundation matters. The work it supports is changing lives, creating stronger communities, and laying the groundwork for sustainable solutions to food insecurity. “We also celebrated our incredible employee Stop Hunger charity champions, who are the heart and soul of this mission. Their passion, energy, and dedication – whether through shaping our strategy or encouraging colleagues to volunteer – powers everything we do”. Around 400 guests enjoyed a special dining experience curated by Sodexo Live!, in collaboration with 2013 MasterChef winner Steven Edwards, featuring locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The menu also included dishes by Asma from her latest cookbook Monsoon. Sodexo supply partner, Zeelo – a leading provider of sustainable, tech-enabled staff transportation solutions – supported the event, providing an accessible, carbon-neutral shuttle service and volunteers to help transport guests, ensuring everyone arrived home and comfortably at the venue. The service was operated by Brighton & Hove Buses; a valued operator partner in Zeelo’s network. This hands-on approach reflects Zeelo’s broader commitment to community engagement and positive social impact. Stop Hunger is an employee-led initiative by Sodexo, active in over 73 countries around the world. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When recovering from an injury, the last thing you need is a battle with an insurance company. Yet that’s exactly what many people face when seeking fair compensation. Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators with one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They have playbooks of tactics, while you might be navigating this process for the first time. The good news? You don’t need to be at their mercy. With the right approach and knowledge, you can level the playing field and secure the compensation you deserve. In this article, we’ll explore proven tactics for strengthening your case, avoiding costly mistakes, and securing the financial compensation you deserve. Read on for the details! Consider Hiring a Lawyer Negotiations with insurance companies can sometimes hit a wall, making professional help necessary. Personal injury lawyers specialize in getting fair compensation and know how to handle resistant insurers. Their expertise typically leads to much higher settlement amounts than you might secure by yourself. Money concerns shouldn’t stop you from seeking legal help. Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning they collect payment only after winning your case. This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible when you need it most. When looking for an attorney, opt for local experts who understand the legal landscape in your area and have experience with similar claims. For instance, if you’re filing a claim in Tuscaloosa, do your due diligence to find the best personal injury legal services in Tuscaloosa so you can stand a chance to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Insurance companies respond differently when they see you have legal representation. Often, having an attorney contact the insurer creates enough pressure to improve their personal injury settlement offer without ever stepping into a courtroom. Understand the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim Knowing the value of your claim is vital before talking to an insurance company. Personal injury compensation includes more than just medical expenses. You should also consider future treatment costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. To support your insurance claim, gather strong evidence. For example, collect medical records, test results, receipts, and notes that show how the injury has changed your daily life. These details make it harder for insurers to question your case. When the numbers get confusing, it helps to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Even a short consultation can guide you in the right direction and prevent you from settling for a low offer. Don’t Accept the First Offer Right after an auto accident, the insurance provider may contact you with a quick offer. At first, it might seem like a good deal, especially when you’re dealing with pain, stress, and bills. Even so, accepting it too soon can cost you. Most first offers are much lower than the personal injury compensation you deserve. Instead of agreeing right away, take a moment to breathe and think. Politely thank the adjuster and explain that you need time to review your records and costs. This response shows that you’re being careful, not dismissive. Be Prepared With Evidence To receive fair personal injury compensation, you need to show clear proof of your losses. Insurance companies look for solid details before agreeing to pay more. Start by keeping a written record of your medical care visits, physical therapy sessions, and days you missed work. Take photos of your injuries and any car or property damage, and remember to save every bill and receipt, even the small ones. Each piece of evidence helps support your personal injury claim. When you’re organized and ready, it shows the insurer that you’re serious. This makes it easier to explain your case and push for a fair outcome. Know the Tricks Insurers Use Insurance companies train their adjusters specifically to minimize personal injury compensation payments. These professionals employ various tactics to protect company profits instead of ensuring fair recovery. Blame-shifting ranks among their most common approaches. Insurance adjusters often suggest you share responsibility for the accident or injury, which reduces the compensation amount they must pay. Similarly, they frequently question whether your injuries are as serious as claimed, especially with conditions that don’t show on X-rays or scans. Deliberate delays are another powerful tactic insurance companies use. They know financial pressure mounts as medical expenses accumulate, making lower offers more tempting over time. They hope that your growing frustration will lead to accepting less personal injury compensation than you deserve. Set a Minimum Settlement Amount Establishing your minimum acceptable personal injury compensation creates a powerful mental anchor before negotiations begin. This private threshold should reflect all your expenses, including current costs, future medical treatment needs, financial losses, and appropriate pain and suffering amounts. Keep this figure confidential throughout the insurance claims process. Sharing your minimum gives insurance adjusters an immediate advantage, allowing them to aim precisely at your lowest acceptable number instead of offering fair compensation. When evaluating offers, this predetermined minimum helps you respond objectively. You can confidently decline proposals that fall below your threshold while requesting more suitable amounts, significantly increasing your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Conclusion Negotiating with insurance companies isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. With the right legal knowledge and a calm, firm approach, you can stand up for yourself and get the compensation you need. Remember, insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests. Take your time, gather your evidence, and be confident. Whether you handle the process yourself or get help from a legal professional, you can shape the outcome.
