Award-winning developer agrees to buy site of Renault dealership to expand Greengate development portfolio SALFORD, UK, 30 May 2025 – Salboy, the award-winning property developer and funding company, has completed a deal to acquire a prominent development site in Salford’s Trinity Way area, furthering the company’s commitment to regenerating this
Cornish Bakery has appointed its first-ever property director as the fast-growing brand sets its sights on expanding to more than 400 locations across the UK. Jeremy Smith joins the business to spearhead its ambitious property strategy, bringing with him over three decades of experience in acquisition and estate management. His
PfP Thrive, part of Places for People, has announced partnerships with the UK’s leading housing associations to deliver bespoke training programmes designed to address the critical skills shortage in the housing and construction sectors. With demand for skilled workers at an all-time high, PfP Thrive is delivering tailored and comprehensive
Fairham Business Park, Nottingham, developed and managed by Clowes Developments, is set to welcome a major new occupier: global technology leader ABB. The 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art standalone building, designed by IMA Architects, and built by TanRo will accommodate ABB’s growing demand for Furse® earthing and lightning protection solutions. It
The four-storey steel frame of Bradford College’s new £17 million building is now in place—marking a key step in transforming the Thornton Road site. Led by Morgan Sindall, the new Junction Mills building will offer students specialist training in motor vehicle, advanced electrical, hybrid and hydrogen technologies, vital in supporting
SUPPORTING national infrastructure and accelerating project efficiency, contract management software specialist Sypro has announced the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Transport for Wales (TfW). Now entering its third term, the four-year agreement will see TfW using Sypro’s contract management software – a project oversight and collaboration hub designed to streamline contract management
Qflow (Qualis Flow) – the award-winning construction technology company whose instant on-site data capture delivers transformative industry insight – has been honoured with the King’s Award for Innovation, the UK’s most prestigious recognition for pioneering excellence in business. Founded in 2018 to solve one of construction’s most pressing blind spots; real-time visibility into
Civil engineers dig deep into their pockets to raisecash for Scotland’s worthiest causes The big-hearted teams from East Kilbride-based civil engineers Dougall Baillie Associates not only know how to dig into their pockets for Scotland’s worthiest causes, some of them also know how to dig deep into their physical and
Leading UK manufacturer of high-quality timber door sets, JELD-WEN UK, has underlined its commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and employee development with a volunteer day at Sheffield charity hospice, St Lukes. Ten members of the JELD-WEN team spent a day volunteering for St. Lukes, a palliative care hospice
James Tootle Joins from Bruntwood CBRE has appointed James Tootle as Director in its Northern Retail team to work across the firm’s northern business. James joins after ten years at Bruntwood where he was Head of Retail & Leisure for town centres and consumer brands at Bruntwood Works. At CBRE,
Award-winning developer agrees to buy site of Renault dealership to expand Greengate development portfolio SALFORD, UK, 30 May 2025 – Salboy, the award-winning property developer and funding company, has completed a deal to acquire a prominent development site in Salford’s Trinity Way area, furthering the company’s commitment to regenerating this gateway location. The deal, facilitated by Savills on behalf of Renault, secures a strategically important plot that has operated as a car dealership since the 1990s. The 52,000 sq ft site, which currently houses a showroom and surface car parking, represents the next phase in Salboy’s ongoing transformation of the Trinity Way and Greengate corridor. Reimagining Trinity Way and Greengate has been a strategic priority for Manchester City Council since agreeing a 20-year regeneration plan for the area in 2018, and Salboy has been at the forefront to bring the Council’s vision to life since that plan’s inception. Salboy’s scheme on the Renault site will be its fifth development in eight years in the Greengate area. It follows: Both Fifty5ive and Local Blackfriars sold out pre-completion, demonstrating the demand for quality homes in the area. To date, Salboy has delivered new residential and commercial property worth in excess of £185 million GDV to the local area that is called home by more than 1350 individuals and families who want to live close to Manchester city centre and enjoy what Salford has to offer. This latest acquisition allows the company to continue to build on its track record for creating vibrant, connected communities in a rapidly evolving section of Manchester and Salford’s historic border. “We’re excited to finalise this deal, which allows us to continue our regeneration work in an area where we’ve already demonstrated our commitment to creating remarkable places,” said Simon Ismail for Salboy. “This site represents an excellent opportunity to deliver another high-quality development that contributes to the ongoing transformation of Trinity Way.” Salboy is now working with Studio Power to explore a range of design options and development approaches for the site, considering various building heights and configurations to ensure the final scheme complements both the location and the company’s existing developments in the area. Ed Rooney from Savills commented: “Savills are delighted to have concluded this deal with Salboy on behalf of our clients, Renault. We are excited to see the scheme for the site come to fruition and look forward to working with the Salboy team over the next few years as our clients hand over the site on the agreed basis.” Further details about the proposed development will be announced as the design process progresses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cornish Bakery has appointed its first-ever property director as the fast-growing brand sets its sights on expanding to more than 400 locations across the UK. Jeremy Smith joins the business to spearhead its ambitious property strategy, bringing with him over three decades of experience in acquisition and estate management. His career includes key roles at FatFace – where he supported the brand’s growth from 70 to 181 stores – as well as Crew Clothing, Mothercare, and most recently, The Works, where he managed a portfolio of 500 outlets. Cornish Bakery, which currently operates 66 sites nationwide, is accelerating its rollout plans following a strategic review conducted with an independent consultancy. The result is a refined roadmap identifying 411 potential new locations, covering a mix of high streets, shopping destinations, and tourist areas. In his new role, Smith will work closely with managing director Mat Finch to secure leasehold sites in key target areas. The first new bakery of 2025 opened earlier this year in Cirencester, with six more planned to launch by the end of 2024. Mat Finch said: “The consultancy work has validated our belief that ‘bakery is the new coffee shop’, while confirming a significant opportunity to grow Cornish Bakery across the UK. Customers are increasingly seeking food that isn’t wrapped in plastic – something fresh, tasty and baked daily. We’re ready to bring our distinctive offering to more communities, and I’m thrilled to welcome Jeremy at such a pivotal time to lead this exciting phase of expansion.” With a growing appetite for artisan bakery experiences and a brand built on quality and authenticity, Cornish Bakery is positioning itself as a major player on the UK food-to-go scene. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PfP Thrive, part of Places for People, has announced partnerships with the UK’s leading housing associations to deliver bespoke training programmes designed to address the critical skills shortage in the housing and construction sectors. With demand for skilled workers at an all-time high, PfP Thrive is delivering tailored and comprehensive training modules for the UK housing and construction sectors and now, it has announced a new collaboration with 26 major industry names, including Havebury Housing, Amulius Housing, Futures Housing Group, Thrive Homes, Saffron Housing, Wates Group, Peabody Housing, East Midlands Homes (EMH), Alpha Living, Platform HG, Plymouth Community Homes, Novus Property Solutions, Gilmartin’s Group, Breck Group, Flagship Group, Notting Hill Genesis, The Guinness Partnership, Alpha Living, Derventio Housing Trust, Anchor , Riverside, Nottingham Community Housing, Warrington Housing Association, and West Kent Housing. Learning partners have also come on board, with the Retrofit Academy, City and Guilds, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Study Academy supporting training and accreditation moving forward. By working together, the partnership will rapidly train new and existing colleagues within the housing sector, ensuring the sector has the expertise needed to maintain homes, meet retrofit targets, and deliver ambitious housebuilding programmes. The initiative will focus on traditional trades, emerging skills and Housing specific learning ensuring the workforce is futureproofed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. In addition to technical training, PfP Thrive will also offer compliance courses, apprenticeships, and leadership development programmes, helping to create a pipeline of skilled professionals at all levels. Tom Arey, Director of PfP Thrive, said: “The skills shortage is one of the greatest challenges facing the housing and construction sectors today. The only way to solve it is through genuine cross-industry collaboration, and that’s exactly what we’ve built with these partnerships and look forward to supporting more organisations across our sector. “By working together, we can equip both the existing and new housing workforce with the skills, knowledge and behaviours the sector needs to thrive. This is about securing the future of our sector, our workforce, and ultimately, the homes we build and maintain.” Operating from 20 sites nationwide, PfP Thrive aims to train over 100 apprentices in its first year, with a new academy and central hub in Derby welcoming its first intake this autumn. For more information about the organisation and its training programmes, visit: https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fairham Business Park, Nottingham, developed and managed by Clowes Developments, is set to welcome a major new occupier: global technology leader ABB. The 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art standalone building, designed by IMA Architects, and built by TanRo will accommodate ABB’s growing demand for Furse® earthing and lightning protection solutions. It incorporates advanced technology, flexible automation, R&D and testing capabilities, and digital systems to increase production capacity, improve efficiency, and support sustainable manufacturing. More than 100 employees will relocate to the new site from ABB’s existing Nottingham premises, continuing the company’s deep local heritage—Furse was founded in Nottingham in 1893, and ABB has operated in the city for over a century. Situated within Fairham, a 606-acre flagship mixed-use neighbourhood just minutes from Nottingham city centre, Fairham Business Park offers outstanding connectivity. The site is close to Junction 24 of the M1, East Midlands Airport, and is adjacent to the NET Tram Park & Ride. Notably, it lies outside the Nottingham Workplace Parking Levy, making it an attractive option for employers and employees alike. The business park includes over one million square feet of commercial space, with more than half already developed. ABB’s new facility is built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, featuring photovoltaic rooftop panels, electric vehicle charging points, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reduction processes. Inside, the building promotes collaboration, training, and advanced research and development. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments and Fairham Business Park, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome ABB to Fairham Business Park. Their investment validates the site’s exceptional location, diverse occupier mix, and top-tier industrial units. As we launch the next phase of development, we look forward to delivering even more opportunities.” He also thanked Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants, who facilitated the deal: “Tim’s insight into ABB’s needs proved instrumental in bringing this exciting opportunity to life.” Tim Gilbertson, FHP Property Consultants, added: “This is a landmark deal for Nottingham. ABB needed a first-class, future-ready facility close to the city but outside the parking levy. Fairham offered the ideal solution. We’re proud to have supported ABB’s continued growth in the region.” Fairham Business Park has been designed with sustainability and economic growth at its core. Spanning 200 acres of landscaped infrastructure, it offers a vibrant environment that blends commercial and residential development. With phase one now largely sold or let, phase two is ready to begin. It will offer flexible space for manufacturing, distribution, offices, hotel and leisure facilities, alongside roadside retail and trade counters—creating a dynamic ecosystem for business and community. Charles Warrack, Fisher German, commented: “The success of Fairham has positioned Phase 2 as a truly unique offering. It can accommodate a wide range of occupiers—including education, health, gym, hotel, and office users—through bespoke, high-specification design and build projects. The integration of industrial and residential spaces will benefit both residents and employees.” With direct access to dedicated cycle routes, pedestrian pathways, and robust public transport links, Fairham Business Park offers an ideal location for forward-thinking businesses to thrive and attract local talent. For more information on development opportunities and updates, visit: www.fairhambusiness.co.uk To enquire about commercial opportunities, contact the site’s agents: FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The four-storey steel frame of Bradford College’s new £17 million building is now in place—marking a key step in transforming the Thornton Road site. Led by Morgan Sindall, the new Junction Mills building will offer students specialist training in motor vehicle, advanced electrical, hybrid and hydrogen technologies, vital in supporting the growth of low-carbon skills capabilities within West Yorkshire. The building’s framework incorporates 232 tonnes of hot-rolled steel (manufactured at high temperatures to allow the steel to be easily shaped into larger sizes). The heaviest pieces of the structure are two nine-tonne beams which support the first-floor workshop area. Precast elements such as lift shafts and stairs have been manufactured off-site using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – innovative building techniques that improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability in construction. Metal decking and concrete floor slab works will now commence. Sustainability is central to the project. A peer review of the RIBA Stage 3 foundation and steel frame design found efficiencies that decreased steel and concrete usage, resulting in a 56-tonne reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). Work on the cladding and internal walls saved a further 126 tonnes. This work brings the total CO₂e saved so far to 182 tonnes – the equivalent of heating 67 UK homes annually. Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: “It’s exciting to see our latest capital project take a step forward — purpose-built to deliver cutting-edge automotive training for the future. With space for up to 650 students, this new facility represents a significant leap in how we equip young people with the skills needed for a low-carbon economy. It is also fitting that a building dedicated to low-carbon skills should be constructed with sustainability at its core.” The project was made possible thanks to £15 million funding from the Department for Education Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), boosted by a £2 million College contribution. Once completed in 2026, the Bradford College automotive department will relocate from Bowling Back Lane to the new premises. Morgan Sindall is leading the construction of the state-of-the-art building. Following a recent monitoring visit, the Considerate Constructors Scheme rated Morgan Sindall’s performance level as ‘Excellent’ for respecting the community, caring for the environment, and valuing its workforce. Ben Hall, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Yorkshire business, added: “We’re thrilled to deliver what will be a game-changing new facility for Bradford. As part of our delivery of this project, we look forward to undertaking social value initiatives that benefit the people of Bradford, ensuring this new facility has a positive impact on the city way ahead of opening.” Over the last three years, Bradford College has secured nearly £40 million in funding. This substantial investment is helping the College reshape and rebuild aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford. The Junction Mills building is central to the ambitious estates strategy, designed to nurture inspiring careers in sectors that support regional economic growth. Other recent Bradford College capital projects include the opening of Garden Mills – a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students, made possible by £5.8m funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund. The College also remodelled new T Level training facilities for business, media, catering, and hair and beauty students, which opened following a £3.5m investment from the Department for Education. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SUPPORTING national infrastructure and accelerating project efficiency, contract management software specialist Sypro has announced the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Transport for Wales (TfW). Now entering its third term, the four-year agreement will see TfW using Sypro’s contract management software – a project oversight and collaboration hub designed to streamline contract management in real time – in support of its National Delivery Plan. This long-term plan is focused on enhancing capability and reliability across the rail, bus, and active travel networks in Wales. By providing greater transparency and control, the renewed partnership will help reduce risk, minimise delays on future infrastructure projects, and uphold robust governance throughout the lifecycle of each contract. To date, Sypro’s software has supported 180 projects worth more than £615 million, including major transport initiatives in Wales such as the Core Valley Lines transformation in 2020, the opening of Bow Street station in 2021, and the delivery of the Cardiff Bus Interchange in June 2024. Simon Hunt, strategic account director at Sypro, said: “Working with an organisation like TfW is a major vote of confidence – not just in our platform, but in the wider adoption of digital tools that can meaningfully enhance project delivery. “In a climate where delays and cost overruns can undermine public trust, our technology helps ensure infrastructure projects stay on track – figuratively and literally. Whether it’s a major build or a routine maintenance contract, supporting public infrastructure and protecting public investments is central to our mission at Sypro.” Sypro’s system is designed to support contractors, consultants, and clients by simplifying contract management. So far, TfW and its partners have logged more than 42,000 communications through the software, helping to drive efficient, transparent project delivery. This includes supporting 186 TfW users, with 854 collaborators from 35 partner organisations operating on live construction projects. Sypro’s software also operates across a range of contract types, including New Engineering Contract (NEC), Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT), and custom agreements. So far, TFW has utilised a range of NEC contracts, including the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) for major works, the Professional Services Contract (PSC) for consultancy, the Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC) for simpler projects, and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) stages to strengthen pre-construction planning. This flexibility ensures consistent, contract-compliant support across TfW’s varied programmes – from track renewals and station refurbishments to new infrastructure developments. Andrew Dix, head of commercial infrastructure at Transport for Wales, said: “What sets Sypro apart is not only the flexibility of the platform but also the responsive support that comes with it. “As part of the National Delivery Plan, our goal is to create a more accessible, sustainable, and efficient transport system for Wales. Achieving that requires timely, coordinated delivery of infrastructure projects – and Sypro’s system plays a crucial role in helping us manage these with clarity and confidence. “Its ability to streamline complex processes while providing full project visibility has been a game-changer. We’re excited to continue this partnership as we invest in the future of Wales’ transport network across rail, bus, and active travel.” For more information on Sypro and its contract management software, visit https://sypro.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Qflow (Qualis Flow) – the award-winning construction technology company whose instant on-site data capture delivers transformative industry insight – has been honoured with the King’s Award for Innovation, the UK’s most prestigious recognition for pioneering excellence in business. Founded in 2018 to solve one of construction’s most pressing blind spots; real-time visibility into materials and waste on live projects, Qflow has grown into a critical data platform now deployed on £15 billion of construction value across the UK and US, including major infrastructure projects such as HS2. The platform has quickly become essential to some of the world’s largest contractors, delivering a new level of accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency across project portfolios. “Winning the King’s Award for Enterprise is an incredible honour. The construction industry has a critical role in shaping a sustainable future, and it’s great for this award to recognise that. Construction is one of the oldest and most foundational industries in the world, and it must now become one of the most progressive. At Qflow, we are proud to be driving that transformation by equipping project teams with the tools they need to make more sustainable, data-led decisions every day. This award is a powerful reminder that sustainable change is not only possible, but profitable — and we’re just getting started.” Brittany Harris, CEO, Qflow. Qflow’s innovation lies in its ability to automate data capture and analysis directly from the construction site. With just a quick photo from a mobile phone, the platform digitises and verifies critical information on materials and waste, providing real-time insights into their quality, cost and carbon footprint that help teams make faster, smarter decisions. This tracking and unprecedented visibility provided has helped project teams avoid over ¼ million tonnes in embodied carbon emissions and 100,000 tonnes of waste. The historically complex, time-consuming tasks of capturing, digitising, auditing and analysing thousands of delivery slips have been simplified into a simple, transparent workflow. By giving teams instant access to accurate site data, Qflow helps prevent costly rework, delays and potentially life-threatening mistakes. Qflow customers have reported savings of over £220,000 per project per year, through avoided fines, rework, time spent chasing records and by removing waste, both material and process, from their operations. The platform supports all types of construction projects from residential developments and commercial high-rises to major infrastructure works and data centres for clients like Vinci, Bouygues, Berkeley Homes, Morgan Sindall and Galliford Try, to name a few. “It’s humbling to be recognised for this award. This industry is one which is close to our hearts, and we’ve only scratched the surface in terms of the level of positive impact we want to see in the built environment. I’d like to use the opportunity to thank our customers, the organisations we work with and the team who are delivering this vision. Without this collaboration, none of this impact could be delivered, and there’s a lot more to come.” Jade Cohen, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Building on this strong track record in the UK, Qflow are now making waves in the US with customers like Suffolk Construction and Graycor already on board. The announcement of the King’s Award comes as Qflow reaches a major milestone in its journey — the platform has now helped the construction industry avoid over a quarter of a million tonnes of CO₂e. This prestigious recognition highlights the level of excellence within Qflow, solidifying its position as an industry leader. As the company continues to grow and expand into new markets, this award opens exciting new opportunities, further fuelling its future success and solidifying its reputation in the global construction technology space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civil engineers dig deep into their pockets to raisecash for Scotland’s worthiest causes The big-hearted teams from East Kilbride-based civil engineers Dougall Baillie Associates not only know how to dig into their pockets for Scotland’s worthiest causes, some of them also know how to dig deep into their physical and psychological reserves. They turned out in their droves for a challenging and hugely successful 40th Anniversary Quiz Night at the Revolution night spot in Glasgow and raised £2,300 for the Beatson Cancer Charity, which delivers a unique, patient-focused approach to change the lives of those affected. In the same week, DBA’s Sean McBride and Daniel Cooke pushed themselves to the limit to complete the Adidas Manchester Marathon, the 2nd largest in the UK and the 4th largest in Europe, raising over £2,000 for Alzheimer’s charities. The quiz, which was hosted by legendary “Lord of Quiz” Sir James, saw 22 teams fighting it out for the title, which was once again taken by a strong cohort from engineering service company Stantec. Sean and Daniel ran the gruelling 26-mile 385-yard course through the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester along with a record 36,000 other participants from all over the world and in front of more than 140,000 supporters. Fergus Adams, Managing Director of Dougall Baillie Associates, said: “We feel very proud of our great team at Dougall Baillie Associates, who work very hard and very professionally in their day jobs, but still find time to raise much-needed cash for those less fortunate than themselves. “The quiz night marked our 40th year of operations in a highly competitive field and we were delighted that so many of our colleagues, friends, customers and suppliers supported us in raising this splendid sum for the Beatson. “Congratulations to Sean and Daniel, who trained hard for what must be one of the toughest challenges in sport, and did themselves and DBA proud. These achievements will inspire the whole team to continue their fundraising efforts.” The DBA teams raised a similar sum for charity last year with a combination of events, including walking, cycling and running. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK manufacturer of high-quality timber door sets, JELD-WEN UK, has underlined its commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and employee development with a volunteer day at Sheffield charity hospice, St Lukes. Ten members of the JELD-WEN team spent a day volunteering for St. Lukes, a palliative care hospice specialising in supporting patients and their families. The hospice is charity run and relies on donations and support from the local community, with government funding making up only 25% of the £20m it takes to deliver its services. The JELD-WEN team attended the central donation and sorting hub for the charity, and helped sort through public donations of books, toys, furniture and bric-a-brac to be sold in St. Luke’s charity shops. This activity not only delivers a vital source of income for the hospice but provided the JELD-WEN team with an opportunity to work together in a new environment. Sallyann Charlton, Interim Head of HR at JELD-WEN said: “It was interesting to find out about the vital services that St. Luke’s provides to our community. We were pleased to see an enormous amount of public donations for the charity and we enjoyed the opportunity to spend the day helping to sort products that will go on to provide an essential income for the charity. “As a company we are committed to the growth and development of our team. Volunteering together nurtures continuous improvement and a positive workplace culture across the company, to the benefit of the local community.” Courtney Hunt Volunteer Coordinator from St. Luke’s Hospice said: “The team from JELD-WEN were a massive help in sorting through the tonnes of donated items that the public had generously donated. These products will go on to generate vital income to support the patient support services and care that St. Luke’s provides. We are grateful to the JELD-WEN team for giving their time to support the charity and the community in this way.’ Through investment in training and pastoral opportunities, JELD-WEN continues to underline its commitment to the development and growth of its team, delivering on its promise of ensuring reliability and quality in their products and relationships, with an emphasis on continuous improvement. Find out more about JELD-WEN here. Find out more about the work of St.Luke’s hospice here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
James Tootle Joins from Bruntwood CBRE has appointed James Tootle as Director in its Northern Retail team to work across the firm’s northern business. James joins after ten years at Bruntwood where he was Head of Retail & Leisure for town centres and consumer brands at Bruntwood Works. At CBRE, James will be joining the northern retail team which covers the firm’s Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds offices, led by Stephen Proudley, Head of Northern Retail. Proudly said: “With the continued growth of the northern cities and the mix of uses being delivered through super prime assets, we work closely with our office, leisure and build to rent teams to offer an exceptional service to our clients. The expertise that James has in the city centre market brings an exciting dimension to our team, and continues our commitment to providing an unrivalled service in the north.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
