A key milestone has been marked in St Helens, as McLaren Construction Midlands and North celebrated the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West – a 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development. Representatives and stakeholders gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of St Helen’s Borough Council, to commemorate
Bankfoot APAM has submitted a planning application to Warrington Borough Council for the regeneration of a key brownfield site at Hawleys Lane. The proposed scheme will deliver a new, high-quality mid-box industrial and logistics development, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of this strategically located employment site. The 14-acre
Ikea has opened the doors to its first small-format store in Harlow, Essex, kicking off a wave of new compact locations designed to bring the brand closer to customers across the UK. Two more stores, in Norwich and Chester, are expected to follow later this year. Situated in retail parks,
A striking new addition to Belfast’s waterfront is on the horizon, as Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC) move forward with plans for the latest phase of the City Quays development. Contractors are now being invited to express interest in the design and construction of City Quays 4 – a landmark 23-storey
The first residents will begin to move in through the summer as This City begins completion phase for its development in the heart of Manchester. The No. 1 Ancoats Green development of 129 low carbon homes – a mix of 119 apartments and 10 town houses – using Council-owned land
RECOM Solutions is on track for a record year with a burgeoning order book as it celebrates a decade in business. The Salford-headquartered business, which undertakes project management consultancy, main contracting and passive fire protection work, is targeting turnover of more than £20m for its current financial year, backed by
In a world grappling with climate imperatives, rising costs, and resource scarcity, one message is becoming increasingly clear from consumers: we want the right to repair. Across the consumer market, we are seeing major brands wake up to a shift in public sentiment. People want products that last longer, and
Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, is pleased to share that its parent company, Travis Perkins plc, has been ranked one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The building materials supplier ranked top in sector and 32nd in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published by
Cushman & Wakefield has named Ben Cullen as the new head of its UK and Ireland business, marking a significant leadership transition for the global real estate services firm. Cullen takes over from George Roberts, who is stepping down after a successful tenure. Having joined Cushman & Wakefield as a
Wagstaff Interiors Group and Umbrella Furniture once again transformed their Clerkenwell showroom into a casino pit, welcoming their suppliers and manufacturers for their annual charity casino night. This year’s event raised over £27,000, supporting Waste to Wonder and Global Orphan Empowerment Academy’s Sustainability Cookery School in Gambia. Held at their
A key milestone has been marked in St Helens, as McLaren Construction Midlands and North celebrated the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West – a 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development. Representatives and stakeholders gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of St Helen’s Borough Council, to commemorate the handover of the high-specification facility, which marks the final phase in the transformation of the wider Omega West scheme. Developed by Miller Developments and forward funded by Indurent, Indurent 420 presents warehousing and office space built to exacting sustainability and operational standards. The event acknowledged the collective efforts of the team and the positive impact the scheme will bring to the local economy. Comprising premium logistics and distribution space – including a two-storey main office, hub office, high-specification warehouse space, car parking, and comprehensive landscaping – Indurent 420, Omega West has been delivered to the highest environmental and operational standards achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC A+. Sustainability was embedded throughout the project, with all site plant and machinery operated on alternative fuels, and construction waste tracked and managed via the Smartwaste platform. Enhanced photovoltaic panels have been installed, and a full cut-and-fill balance was achieved to reuse all excavated cohesive materials on site. The building has been future proofed with natural roof lighting to reduce energy consumption alongside infrastructure to support future EV charging. Externally, the scheme features extensive Landscaping, including a wildflower meadow and new green spaces, enhancing biodiversity and the overall environmental value of the site. McLaren’s commitment to health and safety during the scheme saw over 750 personnel on site and successfully delivered over 139,299 hours without a single reportable incident (RIDDOR). Community engagement has been a cornerstone of McLaren’s delivery approach, with regular communication shared through local newsletters and council updates, alongside outreach events held in partnership with schools and colleges to raise awareness of career opportunities in construction. McLaren delivered a wide range of social value activity aimed at supporting the local community, with the project team engaging with a local collection point to donate timber offcuts and surplus pallets. The site team also actively participated in several careers’ events at Trinity High School, De La Salle School, Cowley College, and Carmel College providing valuable career guidance. The team also supported local employment by hiring a Senior Site Manager from the St Helens community and prioritising the use of local suppliers and materials throughout the programme. Ongoing onsite work experience was given to a Warrington College student throughout the scheme and McLaren also sponsored the Woolton Santos U9 football team and donated laptops to Martin Murray’s local boxing academy. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re very proud to have marked the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West with our partners and stakeholders on site. This development continues McLaren’s strong legacy at Omega and reflects the power of collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to delivering high-performance logistics infrastructure.” David Milloy, Managing Director of Miller Developments, added: “This celebration marks not just the end of a successful build but the continuation of our long-term vision for Omega. McLaren has once again delivered a best-in-class development, and we thank the team for their professionalism, collaboration, and shared ambition.” Councillor Richard McCauley, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council said: “It is fantastic to see the completion of the final phase of development at Omega West. Throughout the planning and construction process there has been a commitment to delivering direct benefits for the local community through the use of local suppliers and meaningful engagement with our young people through local schools, colleges, and community groups. Now complete, Omega West will continue to benefit the residents of St Helens Borough by providing high quality employment opportunities futureproofed for generations to come.” Dan Austin, Director and Head of North – Logistics at Indurent commented: “The successful completion of Indurent 420, Omega West marks a significant milestone for Indurent, as we continue to deliver future-ready logistics space in strategic locations across the UK. Omega West has been a flagship project for us, combining technical excellence, sustainable design and genuine community value and we’re proud to see this vision come to life.” Indurent 420, Omega West builds on McLaren Construction’s successful track record at the business park, following the earlier delivery of Units 2 and 3. The completion further cements the contractor’s role in shaping the future of sustainable logistics infrastructure across the Midlands and North. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bankfoot APAM has submitted a planning application to Warrington Borough Council for the regeneration of a key brownfield site at Hawleys Lane. The proposed scheme will deliver a new, high-quality mid-box industrial and logistics development, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of this strategically located employment site. The 14-acre site, currently occupied by 375,000 sq ft of outdated logistics floorspace, will be reimagined as four energy-efficient, future-ready employment units totalling 295,000 sq ft. Designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers in logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing, the scheme will support long-term employment and sustainable economic development in Warrington. “This is a rare opportunity to regenerate a strategic brownfield employment site with modern logistics space designed for the future economy,” said Andy Day, Senior Director at Bankfoot APAM. “Our proposals have been designed to support local jobs, reduce carbon impact, and enhance the urban environment around Hawleys Lane.” Future-Ready Industrial Space for a Sustainable EconomyKey features of the proposed development include: Supporting Employment and Local GrowthThe redevelopment aligns with the site’s designation as an ‘Existing Employment Area’ under the adopted Warrington Local Plan. With the imminent departure of the existing occupier, Great Bear, the proposals ensure that the site continues to provide high-value employment opportunities in an upgraded, environmentally conscious format. Bankfoot APAM is delivering the project alongside a leading multidisciplinary team, including AEW Architects, Savills, Rihbell, HTS, CWC, Pegasus Group, and Urban Green. Knight Frank and DTRE have been appointed as joint letting agents, bringing their market-leading expertise to support occupier engagement and leasing strategy. Hawleys Lane adds to Bankfoot APAM’s growing national portfolio of regeneration and repositioning projects, focused on de-risking and creating value in our clients’ stranded and complex assets by delivering future-ready real estate across the industrial, residential, and mixed-use sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ikea has opened the doors to its first small-format store in Harlow, Essex, kicking off a wave of new compact locations designed to bring the brand closer to customers across the UK. Two more stores, in Norwich and Chester, are expected to follow later this year. Situated in retail parks, these new stores aim to offer a faster, more convenient shopping experience while maintaining Ikea’s signature inspiration and functionality. Visitors can explore curated roomsets, browse seasonal collections, and get hands-on with small furnishings and home accessories. While the full 12,000-product range isn’t held on site, customers can easily place orders for home delivery or in-store collection. As part of Ikea’s push towards sustainability and customisation, the Harlow store includes planning services for kitchens and bedrooms, a team of advisors ready to help, and the option to exchange pre-owned items for store credit. The beloved range of Swedish snacks and meals is also available, both to dine in and take away. Peter Jelkeby, CEO and CSO of Ikea UK & Ireland, commented: “The opening of Ikea Harlow marks an exciting milestone as we explore new ways to bring Ikea closer to our customers. We are opening our doors just over 100 days after acquiring the lease to the site, having made use of the existing structure to get our store ready at pace. “By continuously reviewing and adapting our store formats, we aim to offer a more personalised and accessible retail experience. These new small-format stores fit seamlessly into our wider omnichannel strategy, ensuring our physical and digital channels work together to meet the diverse needs of our customers.” The Harlow launch is part of a broader UK expansion strategy for Ikea in 2025. The company is also set to open additional Plan and Order Points in Dundee and York, new small-format stores in Norwich and Chester, and a city-centre store in Brighton. This follows recent openings in Hull and on London’s Oxford Street. With its new compact concept, Ikea is reshaping how Britain shops for home essentials—bringing big ideas into smaller spaces, and closer to home. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A striking new addition to Belfast’s waterfront is on the horizon, as Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC) move forward with plans for the latest phase of the City Quays development. Contractors are now being invited to express interest in the design and construction of City Quays 4 – a landmark 23-storey residential tower that will bring 256 apartments to the heart of the city. A formal contract notice has been published, marking the next step in the regeneration of Belfast’s historic docklands. The £50 million scheme will include a 12-storey adjoining element and boast a gross floor area of approximately 20,400 square metres (219,585 sq ft). The design features piled foundations and a reinforced in-situ concrete frame, complemented by glazed windows and external cladding to create a contemporary urban profile. Construction is slated to begin in February 2026, with completion targeted for November 2028. The procurement route will follow a two-stage novated design and build process, beginning with a nine-month pre-construction services agreement (PCSA), followed by a 24-month construction phase. City Quays, a £275 million regeneration initiative, has already delivered three Grade A office buildings – City Quays 1, 2 and 3 – reshaping Belfast’s waterfront with modern workspaces and public realm improvements. The introduction of residential development in phase four marks a major step towards a more mixed-use, vibrant city quarter. With this next tower, Belfast’s skyline – and its ambitions – continue to rise. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first residents will begin to move in through the summer as This City begins completion phase for its development in the heart of Manchester. The No. 1 Ancoats Green development of 129 low carbon homes – a mix of 119 apartments and 10 town houses – using Council-owned land to build the homes that the city needs with a range of sizes from one to four bedrooms. 30% of the homes will be let at the genuinely affordable Manchester Living Rent, which can be covered by the local housing allowance and therefore affordable to as many people in the city as possible. The project started on site in 2023 as the maiden development for This City (the Council’s housing development company) with the aim of increasing the delivery of homes to meet demand using brownfield land, while also improving access to genuinely affordable housing and creating more options for Manchester residents. No. 1 Ancoats Green overlooks a transformed Ancoats Green with the public realm surrounding the homes seamlessly into the new park and through to the Ancoats neighbourhood. The homes have the facilities and attractions of the city centre on their doorstep, serviced by great transport links together with walking and cycling routes. Each of the properties have large triple glazed windows, alongside industry leading air tightness and insulation for energy efficiency to keep the homes cool in the summer and keep running costs down in the winter months. Residents will also have the opportunity to make use of the brand new Ancoats Mobility Hub for cycle storage, electric vehicle charging and car parking. No. 1 Ancoats Green represents the first phase of an exciting pipeline of projects for This City that will see more than 1,500 new homes built in the second phase – delivered in partnership with Greater Manchester Pension Fund. See notes to editors for more information. There will also be an open day taking place on Friday, August 1, at 11am, where members of the public will be able to visit the development and receive a personalised tour of the site, with an opportunity to have their questions answered by a member of the team. Find out more about This City This City is contributing the Council’s ambitious housing strategy that has set an ambitious target to deliver at least 36,000 homes between 2022 and 2032. At least 10,000 will be for social rent, Council and genuinely affordable homes – of which at least 3,000 will be in the city centre. Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig, said: “No. 1 Ancoats Green is the product of a vision we have had since the inception of This City, to use our own land to build the homes we know our residents want and need, to a high specification, and on our own terms. For many years it has been incredibly challenging for Councils to build homes to meet demand, but through This City we are proving that it is possible – while also delivering genuinely affordable housing for our residents. This is only the beginning for This City and through our new joint venture partnership with the GM pension fund, we are scaling up delivery and we have more than 1,500 new homes in the coming years with sites across the city.” Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: “This is an exciting milestone for This City. I’ve been following the progress of this development from the beginning and it’s brilliant to start welcoming the first residents into their new, quality homes. With the Ancoats Green and the city centre on the doorstep, this is surely one of the most attractive developments on offer right now. And importantly, 30% of these homes are genuinely affordable and capped at the Manchester Living Rent meaning as many people as possible in the city can access them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RECOM Solutions is on track for a record year with a burgeoning order book as it celebrates a decade in business. The Salford-headquartered business, which undertakes project management consultancy, main contracting and passive fire protection work, is targeting turnover of more than £20m for its current financial year, backed by a strong pipeline. Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, who met as students at the University of Salford and worked together at Bovis Lend Lease, founded the business in 2015. Their first office was above a fish and chip shop in Trafford Park. Today RECOM owns its three-storey headquarters at Waters Edge Business Park in Salford Quays and has 56 full-time staff. It also employs scores of operatives on passive fire protection schemes, which are designed to limit the spread of fire, smoke and heat within buildings and structures. RECOM moved to its current HQ in 2022 and has since expanded its services into London, Bristol and Birmingham. The development of a senior leadership team has supported this growth. The company, which operates in sectors including healthcare, education, retail, leisure, commercial and residential, was crowned SME of the Year at the North West Regional Construction Awards earlier this month. Flagship project management consultancy schemes over the years have included the award-winning redevelopment of the Old Quadrangle at the University of Manchester, and the disaster recovery operation for the Cancer Research UK Institute Manchester following a fire at The Christie’s Paterson Building. Highlights for its main contracting division have included the £6m transformation of former offices into luxury apartments at a grade II listed building on King Street in Manchester city centre, and the £7m Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Oldham. RECOM has also completed schemes for retail, leisure and hospitality clients such as Pot Kettle Black, Barry’s Bootcamp, Urban Village Bars and Timpson. The company has expanded in the residential sector to complete interrupted schemes across the country where other contractors have become insolvent, including a 56-house development Sandbach, Cheshire, and a 155-unit development in Bristol. RECOM, which has accreditation from the National House Building Council, is currently undertaking an interrupted scheme for 52 homes in Delamere, Cheshire. Its passive fire protection division, established in 2019, has secured national contracts at locations including hospitals, schools and universities, government offices, social housing schemes, apartment blocks, industrial and office buildings. RECOM is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS) for its passive fire protection services, which include the installation and maintenance of fire-resistant walls, doors, ceilings and intumescent coatings to ensure compliance with all relevant fire safety regulations, compartmentation surveys, fire strategy reviews, training, development and support. Earlier this year, RECOM secured a six-figure funding package to support its growth and create jobs. Jason said: “At the outset, we had a vision to raise standards in construction and consultancy, and then to do things better than others in passive fire protection, based on what we had seen in the industry. “We’ve developed three outstanding business units with their own leadership teams, and have prided ourselves on developing talent across the company and giving young people an opportunity in the industry by supporting them through their studies and recruiting apprentices. “Throughout, we’ve sought to become an employer of choice by providing career chances and implementing a market-leading programme of staff benefits.” He added: “In addition, the SMEs we have supported in their expansion over the years have created employment. Our clients and partners have been a big part of our journey, as has our team past and present, who have helped lay the foundations for us to build upon.” Joseph said: “We feel proud of what we’ve achieved, for the business itself and on a wider scale. We have maintained strategic partnerships with national entities, which have stood the test of time. Our pipeline for the next decade will be supported by construction intelligence evolving along with our client base. “We’ve developed the business nationwide and are looking to organically grow our offering and services further, including expanding our client network, while continuing to innovate and improve standards across the sectors in which we currently operate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a world grappling with climate imperatives, rising costs, and resource scarcity, one message is becoming increasingly clear from consumers: we want the right to repair. Across the consumer market, we are seeing major brands wake up to a shift in public sentiment. People want products that last longer, and when they do break, they want to be able to fix them. One of the most compelling examples comes from Philips, which recently launched its “Fixables” programme. This initiative allows customers to download 3D-printable files for select parts of their products, such as a comb attachment for the OneBlade trimmer. Instead of waiting weeks for a minor replacement or discarding a still-functional product, users can print a new part themselves. It’s a simple concept with profound implications: empower the consumer, reduce waste, and prolong product life. Other manufacturers are following suit. Logitech has partnered with the repair-championing website iFixit to provide spare parts and detailed repair guides, making it easier for consumers to fix their devices rather than replace them. Framework, the modular laptop company, has built its entire business model around repairability, offering laptops with easily swappable components. And Fairphone has long been a pioneer in this space, designing smartphones that allow users to replace batteries, screens, and cameras with basic tools. What unites these companies is a recognition of the growing consumer demand for sustainable, repairable products. They see the value in aligning with a circular economy — one that keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and saving resources. And yet, when we turn our attention to the world of industrial equipment, this mindset is still relatively rare. There are manufacturers of industrial equipment who embrace repairability; those designing products with ease of repair as a consideration and improving after-sales support with documentation and spares availability. But the scale of adoption feels, to me, to be behind the consumer space. Cynics might point out that EU Right to Repair legislation, introduced as part of the European Green Deal and reinforced by the EcoDesign Directive, currently applies to a specific set of household and electronic appliances, suggesting this is a driver of the change we are seeing in the consumer space. But while the EU’s Right to Repair legislation has primarily targeted household appliances and consumer electronics, there is a clear trajectory toward including industrial equipment such as electric motors and pumps. At the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT), we work with a wide range of repair specialists who see first-hand how much valuable equipment is discarded simply because it wasn’t designed to be repaired. This is not only wasteful but also expensive. Repairing industrial machinery can be more cost-effective than replacing it, particularly when considering downtime, installation, and integration costs. Designing for repairability in industrial equipment isn’t just about making spare parts available. It’s about embracing modular design principles, improving documentation, and supporting third-party repairers. It means moving away from closed systems that lock out end-users and toward open, collaborative ecosystems. The consumer sector is showing us the way. Philips’ Fixables programme is just one example of what could be a broader transformation in product design and customer support. If individuals can 3D print a replacement part for a personal trimmer, why shouldn’t a maintenance engineer be able to access similar files or guides for a faulty motor coupling or panel component? We must take inspiration from these developments. Industrial equipment manufacturers have an opportunity — and, I would argue, an obligation — to respond. By prioritising repairability, they not only reduce costs for their customers and help the environment but also future-proof their own businesses in an increasingly sustainability-driven world. The right to repair isn’t just a consumer trend. It’s a cultural shift. It’s time our sector caught up. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, is pleased to share that its parent company, Travis Perkins plc, has been ranked one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The building materials supplier ranked top in sector and 32nd in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published by the Department for Education in partnership with apprenticeship review platform RateMyApprenticeship. Travis Perkins was also named the UK’s third best apprenticeship employer in the Construction, Property & Surveying category. Andy Rayner, the Director of Skills and Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins plc, said: “Being named a top UK apprenticeship employer is a testament to Travis Perkins’ deep commitment to nurturing talent. Our proud track record reflects not only the hard work of our colleagues and apprentices, but also the high-quality, impactful experiences we deliver, ultimately building a skilled and loyal workforce for a thriving industry.” The 2025 Top 100 list recognises organisations for: Travis Perkins currently offers over 40 award-winning apprenticeship programmes, from Level 2 to Level 7, delivered through our inhouse LEAP Apprenticeships & Early Careers programmes and through partnerships with Multiverse, Exeter University, BPP and the Open University. Travis Perkins’ apprenticeship scheme has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all assessment areas, with the builder’s merchant currently working on ambitions to bring 10,000 new people into the construction industry through these programmes by 2030. “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to upskill and help build the workforce for the future,” said Andy Rayner. “They offer people from all backgrounds an opportunity into sustainable and meaningful work, while helping businesses to address the growing skills gap.” A recent CV Genius survey found that three in four UK hiring managers questioned said that this skills gap is causing them to struggle to fill roles. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised all companies which made up the 2025 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, commenting: “Congratulations to all the employers recognised for their outstanding apprenticeship programmes. “They are delivering the skilled workforce we need to deliver our number one mission to grow the economy, and breaking down barriers for young people across the country.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cushman & Wakefield has named Ben Cullen as the new head of its UK and Ireland business, marking a significant leadership transition for the global real estate services firm. Cullen takes over from George Roberts, who is stepping down after a successful tenure. Having joined Cushman & Wakefield as a graduate in 2001, Cullen has spent over two decades at the firm, steadily rising through the ranks. He became an international partner in 2016 and most recently served as UK head of offices, where he led high-profile occupier representation deals in London and supported the company’s growth strategy across the region. Cullen is a long-standing member of the UK executive committee and has played a key role in shaping the firm’s trajectory in both the UK and Irish markets. In his new position, he will focus on driving growth, deepening client relationships, and strengthening Cushman & Wakefield’s presence in a highly competitive landscape. Commenting on the appointment, Matthew Bouw, chief executive of APAC & EMEA, said: “Ben’s promotion reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead with energy, insight and a relentless client focus. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our markets, which will be critical as we continue to deliver value for clients across the region.” Cullen added: “I’m proud to take on this role at such an important time for our business. With a talented team and a strong platform, we’re well placed to seize the opportunities ahead and continue delivering world-class advice to our clients.” Andy Tyler will succeed Cullen as UK head of offices, ensuring continuity in the leadership of the division. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wagstaff Interiors Group and Umbrella Furniture once again transformed their Clerkenwell showroom into a casino pit, welcoming their suppliers and manufacturers for their annual charity casino night. This year’s event raised over £27,000, supporting Waste to Wonder and Global Orphan Empowerment Academy’s Sustainability Cookery School in Gambia. Held at their London Showroom in Brewhouse Yard, Clerkenwell, the evening featured casino games, a prize raffle, and a celebration of community spirit. Funds raised will aid in equipping young Gambians with skills in sustainable cooking, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism, to foster education, future employment and food security. The evening featured an impressive array of prizes donated by Wagstaff Interiors. Some favourite prizes amongst the attendees included a Vitra Eames chair, a series of red-letter day experiences, and a selection of Apple and Bose audio products. Building on the impact and success of previous charity initiatives, which included a borewell project in 2023 that provided clean water to 9,000 people, this year’s event underscores Wagstaff’s commitment to sustainable education and community impact in Gambia. With guests getting the chance to roll the dice throughout the night, contributions were made through ticket sales and on-the-night donations which channeled directly into the Sustainability Cookery School in Gambia – a joint effort by Waste to Wonder Worldwide and the Global Orphan Empowerment Academy. Waste to Wonder offers a groundbreaking Ethical Clearance service, ensuring redundant office furniture is reused responsibly rather than wasted. Since its founding, it has diverted tens of thousands of tonnes of equipment from disposal and donated office furniture over 1,300 schools across 32 countries worldwide, all while advancing corporate ESG goals. Matt Clarke, Marketing Director at Umbrella Furniture, reflected on the evening’s success: “Waste to wonder is a charity that is close to our hearts – we’ve been working with them in commercial office clearance for 18 years now. The work they do and the donations – it really changes lives, which we’ve seen first-hand on our trip with them to the Gambia. They are one of our key partners when we are raising money for charity as we truly believe in their work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
