A bold new proposal for what would be the UK’s largest data centre development has emerged, with plans submitted for a £7.6 billion hyperscale AI campus in North Lincolnshire. Located at the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield near Scunthorpe, the ambitious Elsham Tech Park project would span 176 hectares and
Aldi is pressing ahead with its bold growth strategy for 2025, announcing plans to open 10 new stores across the UK this summer as part of a wider £650 million investment in its property portfolio. The new openings will take place over the next 14 weeks, reinforcing Aldi’s long-term ambition
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is investing more than £102 million into a housing regeneration scheme at the former Boots site in Nottingham, now named Beeston Canalside, following a partnership with Platform Housing Group. The multi-million pound site will deliver new, energy-efficient and affordable homes, transforming the disused brownfield land.
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, welcomes new customer Top Cloud Logistics Ltd (TopCloud) to Prologis Park Midpoint in Birmingham. The Chinese e-tailer has signed a 15-year lease on DC6, a new 164,103 sq. ft. logistics facility in the North East of the city, joining JLR,
Two proposed reservoir schemes by Anglian Water in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire have officially been designated as nationally significant infrastructure projects, allowing them to bypass the local authority planning system and seek direct approval from the Planning Inspectorate. The move means both schemes will now be subject to a Development Consent
The market for flexible commercial office spaces has been undergoing a substantial transformation, particularly following the pandemic. As businesses continue to navigate the post-COVID era, both demand and supply for flexible offices have dramatically changed, driven now by widespread changes in employee working patterns, digital transformation, and economic uncertainty. The
HS2 yesterday revealed the first section of platform to be installed for Britain’s new high-speed railway. In the underground box at HS2’s Old Oak Common station, engineers have begun installing the platform slabs which passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future. Six platforms are being
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as
Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a
A bold new proposal for what would be the UK’s largest data centre development has emerged, with plans submitted for a £7.6 billion hyperscale AI campus in North Lincolnshire. Located at the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield near Scunthorpe, the ambitious Elsham Tech Park project would span 176 hectares and deliver over 1.5 million square metres of data centre floorspace. The masterplan includes 15 high-capacity data halls, a major new energy centre, and supporting infrastructure designed to position Lincolnshire at the forefront of the UK’s digital and AI revolution. The development, led by Elsham Tech Park Ltd, seeks to support an IT load of 1,000MW—one of the highest targets ever proposed for a UK-based digital campus. It is designed to serve the exponential growth in demand for artificial intelligence processing, cloud computing, and high-volume data storage. Alongside the tech infrastructure, the campus is also being pitched as a green energy innovation hub. Plans include an on-site energy centre capable of generating up to 49.9MW, a large-scale battery storage compound, substations, a district heating facility, and flexible commercial space. A particularly novel element is the integration of heat reuse: surplus heat from server operations could be redirected to energy-intensive greenhouse agriculture, creating year-round food production opportunities and circular energy efficiencies. The proposed site would include new spine roads linking the 15 data zones, each capable of standalone delivery, offering flexibility in construction sequencing and operational rollout. Access would be via a primary route from the Flarepath industrial estate. Buildings are planned to range from 7 to 23 metres in height and would be visually softened by bunds up to 10 metres high and new woodland planting to help the project blend with the surrounding landscape. Construction is expected to span a 10-year period, creating between 2,600 and 3,600 full-time equivalent jobs annually across on-site and off-site activity. While the capital build cost is estimated at £7.6 billion, this figure excludes the high-value IT infrastructure that will be installed within the data halls. Breakdown of major cost areas includes: North Lincolnshire Council is actively seeking government recognition of the area as an AI Growth Zone—a designation that would fast-track planning, infrastructure delivery, and energy support. If successful, Elsham could soon become a key node in the UK’s digital infrastructure network. Should the scheme receive planning approval, the Elsham Tech Park would not only redefine Lincolnshire’s role in the digital economy but also mark a significant milestone in the UK’s race to build the next generation of AI-ready infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi is pressing ahead with its bold growth strategy for 2025, announcing plans to open 10 new stores across the UK this summer as part of a wider £650 million investment in its property portfolio. The new openings will take place over the next 14 weeks, reinforcing Aldi’s long-term ambition to operate 1,500 stores nationwide. The discount supermarket chain currently has over 1,050 stores across the UK and is rapidly gaining ground on its traditional rivals. As part of its expansion plans, Aldi is also investing in the modernisation of 30 existing stores, bringing them in line with the retailer’s latest layout and design standards. These refreshes are aimed at improving customer flow, enhancing product displays, and making stores more energy-efficient. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “At Aldi, our goal is to ensure everyone has access to high-quality food at unbeatable prices, and we’re committed to achieving that with our ambitious store opening plans. With new stores, refreshed layouts, and a growing presence in urban and suburban areas alike, we’re making sure more shoppers across the UK can benefit from our offer.” The new stores set to open this summer are located in: These locations reflect Aldi’s strategy to target a mix of urban centres, commuter towns, and underserved regions, ensuring a broad geographical spread. The retailer continues to actively search for new freehold sites of around 1.5 acres, suitable for stores of 20,000 sq ft with 100 parking spaces—ideally situated near main roads with good visibility and access. In addition to store openings, Aldi is ramping up its logistics and supply chain infrastructure, with plans for further regional distribution centre enhancements to support its expanding network. As competition intensifies in the UK grocery sector, Aldi’s aggressive expansion and property investment underline its commitment to long-term market disruption and value-driven retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is investing more than £102 million into a housing regeneration scheme at the former Boots site in Nottingham, now named Beeston Canalside, following a partnership with Platform Housing Group. The multi-million pound site will deliver new, energy-efficient and affordable homes, transforming the disused brownfield land. The large-scale regeneration project will see Keepmoat deliver 604 high quality, multi-tenure new homes, with construction due to complete in 2029. Of the new homes, more than half will be delivered by Platform Housing Group for affordable rent and shared ownership, with 157 allocated for affordable rent and 162 for shared ownership. Adam Sharpe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat East Midlands, said: “At Keepmoat, we’re proud to be a brownfield specialist housebuilder and we’re passionate about working to transform sites that have been previously developed and left unused. “We’re extremely proud to play our part in unlocking one of the most significant land deals in the last decade. We’re also thrilled to be continuing our fantastic work with Platform Housing Group to deliver high quality, sustainable homes set to regenerate this flagship site.” Keepmoat has also recently announced its partnership with P3, a charity that supports individuals and families affected by homelessness and hardships within the Nottinghamshire region. The housebuilder will donate surplus materials, to be used in the properties managed by the charity – reducing waste whilst supporting those in need. Paula Heatley, New Homes Delivery Director at Platform Housing added: “Sites like this will go a long way in helping the sector address the housing crisis and deliver quality, sustainable places for the people who will eventually get to call them home. “This is a great example of how key partnership working is and will continue to be as we strive to deliver more affordable homes than ever before and I want to thank all the teams involved in not just the deal to get the site off the ground but also those who are now helping us develop what will be a flagship scheme.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/beeston-canalside Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, welcomes new customer Top Cloud Logistics Ltd (TopCloud) to Prologis Park Midpoint in Birmingham. The Chinese e-tailer has signed a 15-year lease on DC6, a new 164,103 sq. ft. logistics facility in the North East of the city, joining JLR, DHL and DP World who currently operate from the location. TopCloud, an emerging force in global e-commerce, specialises in consumer products, ranging from fashion accessories to fitness equipment and baby care. The company’s UK expansion is driven by increasing demand and a focus on strengthening local fulfilment capabilities. DC6 provides TopCloud with a prime Midlands location, offering fast access to the M6 and national motorway network. The facility was designed with sustainability in mind, achieving an EPC A+ rating and BREEAM “Excellent” certification. Prologis has also taken steps to reduce the complexities and cost of fit-out, installing LED lighting and Fire Alarm helping TopCloud to get its operations up and running faster. This latest partnership reflects a growing trend of Asian e-commerce businesses snapping up UK logistics space to serve maturing online markets. Recent insights from Prologis Research found that Chinese retailers are responding to increased consumer expectations and delivery demands by establishing direct-to-consumer distribution hubs across Europe. In a further sign of market confidence, Prologis UK can also confirm a recent letting at nearby Prologis Park Bromford Gate. A leading high-tech vertical farming company has taken DC1 (62,537 sq ft) on a 10-year term. The leasing reinforces the location’s appeal to a wide range of occupiers including advanced manufacturing, logistics and retail occupiers. James Hemstock, Director in the Capital Deployment team at Prologis UK, said: “The latest leasing to TopCloud at DC6 brings the Park to full occupancy and it’s a pleasure to welcome them to the Prologis family. Their choice to move to Midpoint underscores the strength of our portfolio and the Midlands’ status as a strategic gateway for growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two proposed reservoir schemes by Anglian Water in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire have officially been designated as nationally significant infrastructure projects, allowing them to bypass the local authority planning system and seek direct approval from the Planning Inspectorate. The move means both schemes will now be subject to a Development Consent Order (DCO) process, with final approval resting with the relevant Secretary of State, rather than local planning committees. Despite headlines from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs suggesting that the government is “stepping in to build the first major reservoirs in 30 years”, it’s important to note that the schemes will remain under the control of Anglian Water and its delivery partners. In fact, the Havant Thicket Reservoir, currently under construction by Portsmouth Water in Hampshire, is already underway—making the department’s claim somewhat misleading. Anglian Water’s Lincolnshire Reservoir is proposed for land south of Sleaford, with a target operational date of 2040. It is designed to deliver up to 166 million litres of water daily, supplying around 500,000 homes. Meanwhile, the Fens Reservoir, a joint venture between Anglian Water and Cambridge Water, is planned for a site between Chatteris and March, aiming to come online by 2036. It will deliver up to 87 million litres of water per day to support around 250,000 homes. These developments are especially critical given the location—eastern England is the driest region of the UK and under growing pressure from climate change, population growth, and agricultural demand. Both projects are now moving into the consultation phase, where feedback will be gathered from local communities, stakeholders, and environmental groups to help shape final proposals. Sian Thomas, Anglian Water’s Director of Strategic Asset Management, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a great first step in recognising the scale and importance of these major infrastructure builds. But it will require even further innovation and change in regulation to deliver major infrastructure on the scale needed for the UK—for example, developing appropriate infrastructure financing, funding, and procurement models, further reviewing planning reform, and achieving greater regulatory alignment.” The reservoirs form part of Anglian Water’s long-term strategy to futureproof water supply across the region, improve resilience against drought, and support wider environmental goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The market for flexible commercial office spaces has been undergoing a substantial transformation, particularly following the pandemic. As businesses continue to navigate the post-COVID era, both demand and supply for flexible offices have dramatically changed, driven now by widespread changes in employee working patterns, digital transformation, and economic uncertainty. The trends shaping flexible offices aren’t exclusively confined to their layout, design and configurations. It’s not a case of simply choosing between designing and fitting a traditional office or avoiding such an investment altogether – it’s about creating environments that can scale and respond appropriately to diverse business needs while championing employee well-being and preferences, as well as cultivating a sense of belonging and environmental efficiency among the workforce. Landlords embracing managed and co-working workspaces for future growth The commercial property sector is undergoing a significant pivot towards managed and co-working workspaces, with recent projections suggesting that 10% of landlords predict their portfolios will almost entirely consist of flexible workspaces by 2030. The same report found that 59% of surveyed landlords consider converting their commercial spaces into flexible offices a key part of their strategy to keep up with market demands. Small businesses and startups often seek managed and co-working workspaces as an affordable alternative to buying property or land outright, which comes with significant overheads. As such, companies are embracing flexible working policies that facilitate part-time remote work, with affordable managed and co-working workspaces providing employees with the ideal setup for when they do decide to come into the office. The appeal of managed and co-working workspaces lies in the combination of traditional lease stability with the convenience of serviced offices, eliminating the need for significant upfront investment required in conventional office purchases. These spaces provide businesses with scalable professional environments, comprehensive storage space, and the ability to maintain a corporate identity within a flexible framework. Growing companies and established enterprises alike benefit from this setup, allowing them to maintain high-quality workplaces while optimizing cash flow. For landlords, integrating managed and co-working workspaces into their portfolios presents an opportunity to meet the evolving demands of modern businesses while ensuring long-term occupancy and revenue stability. By offering flexible lease terms, premium amenities, and adaptable office solutions, landlords can attract a diverse range of tenants, from freelancers to large enterprises, ensuring their properties remain competitive in an evolving market. Designing for flexibility and sustainability The evolution of workplace dynamics is significantly shaping flexible office design, with a strong emphasis on adaptability and efficiency. Contemporary offices are increasingly incorporating modular furniture, reconfigurable desks, collaborative areas, and smart storage solutions to maximise space utilisation and employee comfort. Effectively showcasing the design and functionality of these adaptable office spaces is crucial for businesses, making them a powerful draw for talented prospective employees and enhancing the overall employee experience. Resources like those offered by MPB, which provide guidance on interior architectural photography techniques, can be valuable in achieving this. Parallel to this focus on modularity is the growing importance of sustainability in office design in 2025. More organisations are adopting circular economy principles, actively seeking to buy and sell in more sustainable ways. This includes prioritising recycled materials, selecting energy-efficient appliances, and choosing products designed for easy repurposing or recycling. Furthermore, the integration of smart building systems plays a crucial role in enhancing sustainability by providing greater control over energy emissions and consumption. Workspaces will become more tech-enabled The next generation of flexible offices is being shaped dramatically by technology. More offices are being retrofitted and upgraded with smart building systems, giving businesses more control over their environmental conditions. Whether this is exclusively their heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, or deploying AI to optimise their inventory management and supply levels, technology will continue to make offices more efficient and comfortable for everyone. Other technological advancements range from advanced occupancy monitoring systems to integrated booking applications, all of which contribute towards an optimised, flexible working experience for every employee, however frequently they enter the office. Bring your flexible office design to life The flexible office sector continues to mature and evolve, driven by the trends noted above. Changing business and employee needs, coupled with technological advancement and an underlying need for greater adaptability in office leases and working arrangements collectively create a rather dynamic market. As businesses reassess and reshape their workplace strategies, the need for adaptable, sustainable, tech-empowered and employee-focused workspaces becomes increasingly important. If it sounds challenging on paper, it’s no less difficult in execution. Businesses must think long and hard about how they approach their next commercial lease and how scalable their space may prove to be in the near future.
HS2 yesterday revealed the first section of platform to be installed for Britain’s new high-speed railway. In the underground box at HS2’s Old Oak Common station, engineers have begun installing the platform slabs which passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future. Six platforms are being built at the super-hub station in West London for high-speed services. Each will be served by HS2’s fleet of 400-metre trains. These are being built in advance of a further eight surface-level platforms for Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services. All six high-speed platforms are being installed at the same time, with construction taking place from either end of the station box. They are laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks. The platforms are the first to be unveiled anywhere on Britain’s new high-speed railway and give a glimpse of what future passengers can expect when services begin running. To construct the platforms, 1.59m high walls, known as invert walls, have been poured. 1,960 pre-cast concrete slabs, measuring up to 4m by 2m, are then lifted into place on top. The platforms have a void below, allowing for services, such as electricity, to be installed within. The pre-cast concrete slabs are being made offsite by Explore Manufacturing in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, an example of how Britain’s manufacturing industry is building for the nation’s future. The station is being constructed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA (BBVS JV), which began permanent work after the Transport Secretary gave the thumbs up to the station in June 2021. The structure of the huge 850m long underground station box at Old Oak Common was completed this year, including the 45,000 sq/m base slab. Despite recent progress, HS2 is currently undergoing a fundamental reset led by Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, to make sure the railway can be delivered efficiently and for the lowest feasible cost. Huw Edwards, Delivery Director for stations and placemaking at HS2 Ltd, said: “The installation of the first passenger platforms represents a real step forward in taking HS2 from purely a construction project to the future of Britain’s railways. “Whilst there is still much more to work to do, standing where passengers will alight HS2 services is a reminder of what this railway will achieve – creating connections between people and places, that will benefit generations to come.” Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said: “The installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common marks a defining moment in the delivery of HS2. It’s a powerful symbol of progress, not just in terms of engineering, but also highlights the change in project focus from the current civil phase of the works to the building, fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health phase of the works. Our teams at BBVS are proud to be laying the foundations of what will become one of the UK’s most important interchange transport hubs.” Later this year, HS2 will begin installation of the eight platforms that will be used by conventional rail services – the Great Western, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express. When complete, the station will be one of the best connected in the UK, with the potential to reach over 100 stations in the UK and being the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line. The BBVS JV team is also working a level above the base slab where the platform construction is taking place to construct the ground floor level of the station. From there the superstructure of the station can be built, creating the vibrant station environment. Tunnelling work to connect the station to the HS2 network is being undertaken by HS2’s London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV. In the eastern section of the underground box, the team are preparing to launch two giant tunnelling machines towards Euston. In the western side of the box, the team will excavate a short tunnel connecting the station to the Victoria Road Crossover Box nearby using the sprayed concrete lining method. From there the new high speed line will run through the Northolt Tunnel. Economic research, published by HS2 earlier this year, shows that HS2 is spearheading a £10bn boost in the areas surrounding its new station site in West London. Within 1.5 miles of Old Oak Common Station, HS2 will be responsible for generating over 22,00 homes, 693,000 square metres of commercial floorspace, and 18,782 jobs, the research, conducted by Arcadis, found. HS2’s new station sits within the economic development zone where the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is delivering its masterplan for a new district in west London. Established by the Mayor in 2015, OPDC covers an area of 650 hectares and is working to maximise the regeneration opportunities, creating a positive legacy for communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real estate using best in class EcoStruxure™ solutions, software and services. These include EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, EcoStruxure Building Data Platform and Planon Integrated Workplace Management. The interconnectivity of these solutions will drive sustainability, resilience and efficiency as well as improved occupant experience, demonstrating how the combination of electrification and digitalisation—termed ‘Electricity 4.0’ by Schneider Electric—can transform sites into next-generation buildings. The NEST, Schneider Electric’s new office in Dubai, UAE, is over 10,000sqm, catering to more than 1,000 employees and is home to Dubai’s first Schneider Electric Global Innovation Hub, an immersive experience area, where customers can have a hands-on demonstration of EcoStruxure™ solutions. It will also host a dedicated Training Centre for customers and partners and will focus on youth empowerment by developing local talent and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to drive the region’s clear energy future. The NEST expects an energy consumption reduction of 37% compared to the previous local site and provides a targeted saving of 572 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent to the annual electrical power consumed by around 77 homes [1]. With buildings accounting for 37% of global carbon emissions, Schneider Electric is setting a benchmark by showcasing to customers and partners the intelligent, sustainable spaces its technology can create. The Impact Buildings Program will roll out across additional new sites well as existing buildings by retrofit over the next 18 months, creating a model for next-generation buildings. Manish Kumar, Executive Vice President, Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, said: “We are walking the talk and creating the vision of what’s possible by transforming our own sites to show that buildings must evolve to meet tomorrow’s business needs. Now is the time to rethink buildings. We are shaping a future where buildings don’t just stand—they intelligently adapt and seamlessly connect to your business, your people, and your purpose. With EcoStruxure™ and Planon enterprise software, we are redefining building operations.” Commenting on the building launch in Dubai, Olivier Blum, Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric added: “The NEST is more than a building. It is a statement of intent. We are honored to have inaugurated this landmark project in the UAE, which demonstrates how digitalisation and electrification can accelerate national net zero goals while creating world-class environments for people to collaborate, innovate, and grow. This new Dubai hub is the first of Schneider Electric’s Global Impact Buildings program and showcases how smart, connected technologies can revolutionise the built environment, setting new standards for innovative and sustainable commercial spaces while prioritising occupant well-being.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as the gender pay gap and employment levels. It shows that women’s worsening unemployment and participation in the workforce has pulled the UK to a shameful 27th out of 33 OECD’s most important economies. This is at a time when British construction is attempting to juggle the simultaneous needs of rapidly increasing output while experiencing chronic labour supply issues. If the construction sector is to move past these challenges, it must stop merely talking about the need for greater gender diversity and make concrete steps to changing the composition and culture of the sector. Last week, at UKREiiF where representatives from across the built environment industry came together to debate the most pressing issues facing the sector, sentiment suggested that the skills crisis remains the industry’s biggest and most pressing obstacle to growth. With so many highly skilled female professionals either under employed or having left the sector, urgent action in this space is needed if we are to support a thriving industry. Ceri Moyers, Director of The Circle Partnership, an organisation supporting businesses from across the built environment to combat the skills crisis through retaining their existing female talent commented: “Businesses continue to see gender diversity as a ‘specialist’ priority – and one that can be dumped in favour of more critical issues depending on international sentiment or other market pressures. We have to wake up to the role that gender diversity has to play as a direct means of addressing the chronic skills shortage – and this has to start with businesses investing in retaining their existing female talent. Companies are spending £100,000s on staff churn and on recruiting new staff and this is money that could be better spent in keeping the women they already have.” Current statistics show that 49% of women leave the built environment sector before the age of 34 – figures that are playing into these global gender equality rankings. This talent drain also means that economy is missing out on the some £15-22bn that Blackrock calculate would be delivered through unleashing women’s full potential. Failing to focus on initiatives to retain their existing diversity means that businesses are also actively hampering their future talent pipeline: 87% of GenZ consider the DEI of a workplace. 56% will not work for a business without a diverse leadership. Ceri Moyers adds, “Our industry requires some 100,000 new roles per year for next five years to simply sustain growth. Ensuring we’re investing in keeping the diverse talent we already have must be seen as an urgent priority – not only to keep the wheels turning, but to ensure that businesses remain competitive and attractive to potential future talent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, technology-driven solutions across CCTV, fire alarms, access control, and intruder detection systems. The acquisition will further enhance Ranger’s footprint in Scotland, while providing IRN Security with access to the Group’s wider expertise, resources, and opportunities, including opening up new cross-selling prospects and cross-delivery across all Ranger companies. IRN Security will operate alongside Motherwell-based Secureshield – which was acquired by Ranger in November 2024. A specialist in fire, security and critical services, the geographical locations of both businesses will enable Ranger to provide a broader, more integrated set of fire and security (F&S) maintenance services across the whole of Scotland. Founded in 2011, IRN Security has a strong history of providing high quality security and fire services within both the private and public sectors. It boasts a wide range of high-profile clients including hospitals and educational facilities through a growing loyal team of full-time engineers. With a hugely loyal customer base, IRN Security has high levels of recurring revenue based on maintenance contracts that align closely with Ranger’s guardrails. As part of the acquisition, the founders of IRN Security will stay in their roles and become part of the senior management team at Ranger, driving long-term strategic initiatives for the Group in Scotland. All IRN Security employees will also stay in their current roles, with the opportunity for further growth. As part of this acquisition, and as with previous businesses that have joined the Ranger Group, IRN Security will continue to operate under its current name and will work closely alongside other Ranger businesses, in particular Secureshield, to further Ranger’s mission to deliver a one-stop shop for F&S needs in Scotland and beyond. Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “The addition of IRN Security to the Ranger Group marks a significant step in the expansion of our services across Scotland. “With their strong regional presence, technical excellence, and a leadership team committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience, IRN Security is a natural fit for Ranger, complementing and improving the services offered by other Group businesses. “IRN Security’s joining the platform alongside our platform in Scotland, Secureshield, gives Ranger the unique ability to deliver high-quality, integrated fire and security solutions to customers across Scotland through our integrated cross-delivery of service model, enabling us to not only be more efficient, but to deliver an even better service for our customers.” John Hunter, Regional Chairman and Managing Director of Secureshield, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome IRN into the Ranger Group. The business and team are well known to me and have an excellent reputation. I see real benefit in IRN and Secureshield working closely together across Scotland to cross-deliver services and can’t wait to formally begin working with the team”. Kenny Smith, Director of IRN Security, said: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group is a fantastic opportunity for IRN Security that will benefit both our team and our customers. “We know John and Billy Hunter from Secureshield well and, knowing their characters and approach, that was a strong pull to join the Group too. Mark and the team have made such great progress that it was an easy decision to join and between IRN and Secureshield we now have the geographical footprint and resources to offer a true turnkey solution for Scotland”. Malcolm MacDonald, Director of IRN Security, said: “IRN has a bright future and with access to an extensive network of expertise and resources, we’re well-positioned to expand our service offering while continuing to operate with the same local knowledge, trusted relationships, and high standards that have helped make us such a success to date. We look forward to collaborating with Secureshield to ensure that we are providing our combined customer bases with an even more efficient service.” The acquisition announcement builds on Ranger Fire and Security’s previous purchases of eight leading F&S businesses throughout 2024 and 2025. Together, these acquisitions have helped Ranger to enhance its offering in all key areas of fire and security services, such as fire detection and alarms, extinguisher maintenance, passive fire and security services. Since launching in Q1 2024, with backing from the private investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger has embarked on a mission to establish itself as the leading one-stop solution provider in the fire and safety sector, offering a comprehensive range of services through both regional and national operations, and providing a seamless customer experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
