July 28, 2025
Mediaworks Launches Whitepaper Unpacking AMP8 Digital Transformation for UK Water Sector

Mediaworks Launches Whitepaper Unpacking AMP8 Digital Transformation for UK Water Sector

Mediaworks, a leading independent digital agency, has published a new whitepaper titled “Making Waves in Customer Satisfaction: Achieving AMP8 Performance Goals Through Smarter Digital Engagement.” The report explores how water companies can meet the UK’s 2025–2030 Asset Management Period (AMP8) performance requirements by embedding digital thinking across customer experience, climate

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Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category

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How frameless glass installations enhance interior spaces

How frameless glass installations enhance interior spaces

Frameless glass installations are transforming modern interior design by maximizing natural light and creating spacious environments. These installations, including large windows and glass doors, enhance aesthetic appeal without sacrificing functionality. The strategic use of frameless glass allows for a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Frameless glass installations have

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Designing the Ultimate Gaming Room: A Construction Guide for Homeowners

Designing the Ultimate Gaming Room: A Construction Guide for Homeowners

As gaming evolves into one of the most popular pastimes worldwide, there’s a growing demand for dedicated spaces that can handle the hardware, connectivity, and immersion required for top-tier gaming. Whether you’re designing a new build, renovating a room, or planning an extension, incorporating a state-of-the-art gaming room into your

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

July 28, 2025

Mediaworks Launches Whitepaper Unpacking AMP8 Digital Transformation for UK Water Sector

Mediaworks Launches Whitepaper Unpacking AMP8 Digital Transformation for UK Water Sector

Mediaworks, a leading independent digital agency, has published a new whitepaper titled “Making Waves in Customer Satisfaction: Achieving AMP8 Performance Goals Through Smarter Digital Engagement.” The report explores how water companies can meet the UK’s 2025–2030 Asset Management Period (AMP8) performance requirements by embedding digital thinking across customer experience, climate resilience and service delivery. Drawing on sector-wide data, regulatory analysis, and insights on behaviour, the whitepaper outlines five critical trends reshaping water management today, including rising public scrutiny, increasing demand for climate preparedness and growing expectations for seamless, self-service digital experiences. The whitepaper emphasises that AMP8 is not just a compliance milestone but a reputational turning point for the water sector. With customer sentiment increasingly shaped by online interactions, digital channels have become central to how trust, transparency, and long-term value are communicated. To support this shift, Mediaworks has developed the Mediaworks Measure of Experience (M-MeX), a proprietary index benchmarking digital performance across visibility, sentiment, accessibility, engagement, and self-serve effectiveness. While Ofwat’s C-MeX and D-MeX scores reflect customer perception, M-MeX provides water companies with a complementary performance measure to identify gaps and digital improvement opportunities. The report benchmarks the digital and customer satisfaction performance of 17 UK water companies. Findings reveal that although some providers excel in digital visibility, many struggle with negative sentiment, weak content coverage, and low engagement. These are all factors that could limit their ability to meet AMP8 customer metrics. Dan Hoggan, Chief Technology Officer at Mediaworks, commented, “In the AMP8 era, customers are not simply service recipients, they are informed, empowered stakeholders. “Water companies that respond with tailored digital services, proactive engagement and inclusive communication will not only meet regulatory demands but also future proof their reputations. “This whitepaper offers the blueprint for water companies to meet that expectation.” The whitepaper is now available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Kent site managers for Barratt David Wilson Homes win national awards for quality

Kent site managers for Barratt David Wilson Homes win national awards for quality 

Four Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes site managers across several Kent developments including Roman Walk, The Poppies, Saxon Fields and Aylesham Park have won a top national award for the quality homes they are building. Neil Johnson at Roman Walk, Mark Dyson at The Poppies, Sarwar Mohamad at Saxon Fields and Mark Fairman at Aylesham Park have won a Pride in the Job Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC). Now in its 45th year the awards are widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the homebuilding industry, showcasing the highest standard of building homes. In total there have been 115 Pride in the Job Quality Achievements awarded to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes site managers, which marks the 21st year in a row that the housebuilder has won more than anyone else. This achievement underlines just how important Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes sees building high quality homes for its customers. The award acknowledges the very best site managers across the country based on their technical expertise, health and safety, consistency, leadership and attention to detail. Each site manager is celebrated for their role in ensuring new homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to the highest standards. Natalie Perry, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “It is fantastic that as a region we have received a high rate of Pride in the Job awards. It goes to show the high quality standards of our homes and the site team that works to provide them. Our division can feel proud that we have contributed to yet another win for the housebuilder, taking first place once again for the 21st year in a row.” The awards closely follow Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes being awarded 5-stars by its customers for satisfaction in the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) new homes survey. This is the 16th year in a row that Barratt Homes and David Wilson customers have rated it as a 5-star housebuilder, with more than 90% of its customers saying they would recommend it to a friend. Barratt David Wilson Kent is selling a selection of three- and four-bedroom homes at Roman Walk, Saxon Fields, The Poppies and Aylesham Park, with prices starting from £307,995. To find out more about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8502 / 0333 3558 503. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We are seeing quite an increase in demand for Category 3 Control cables and we can only stress that if they meet and exceed all standards requirements this can only help in the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces. “Meeting standards is a minimum requirement but going above and beyond these standards will help firefighters in a real-life fire situation.” The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LiGHT 25 Returns Bigger and Better Than Ever with Expanded Format, Unmissable Content, and New Technical Zone

LiGHT 25 Returns Bigger and Better Than Ever with Expanded Format, Unmissable Content, and New Technical Zone

LiGHT 25 – the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification, returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on the 19th and 20th of November 2025, promising its biggest and most inspiring edition yet. Following a record-breaking 2024 event that welcomed over 5,500 visitors, this year’s show continues to evolve with a dynamic new addition to the layout. To reflect the scale and scope of the lighting industry today, LiGHT 25 will be divided into three distinct zones, helping visitors easily explore the vast range of brands, technologies, and innovations on display. One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is the introduction of the Technical Zone, located in the Gallery Hall. Already generating considerable interest, the new zone will showcase brands such as Casambi, Eldoled, Kvant, ProtoPixel, and TM Technologie. With only a handful of exhibitor spaces remaining, the Technical Zone is designed specifically for companies leading the way in urban and commercial lighting, control systems, OEM components, lamps, gear, and emergency lighting. LiGHT 25 is about far more than just product displays. Alongside hundreds of decorative and architectural lighting brands, attendees can enjoy an array of engaging content, including the return of the dedicated two-day [d]arc thoughts talks programme, which, for another year running, is in collaboration with Lutron. With unprecedented interest in speaker slots this year, the upcoming panel discussions and presentations are set to deliver thought-provoking insights and big ideas from the industry’s most influential voices. Topics and speaker announcements are set to be revealed soon, which will also encompass the separate splinter talks programme in the Association’s lounge. The exhibition also offers unrivalled opportunities for networking, branding, and social engagement. Visitors can connect with exhibitors directly on their stands, enjoy late-night welcome drinks on the opening evening, and take part in the much-loved LiGHT Lunch on day two. More informal catch-ups can happen over coffee at Jacks, the on-site gallery-level café, or in the LiGHT WORK lounge – a calm, dedicated space designed for deeper conversations and collaborative meetings. Helen Ankers, Managing Editor at [d]arc media, said: “We are delighted to bring the lighting and design communities together for the most anticipated UK event in the lighting industry for the fourth year running. LiGHT 25 is not just for lighting designers – we value bringing together inspiring leaders and passionate people to share ideas and solutions to grow the future of the entire industry. A common misconception is that trade shows dedicated to lighting specification are just for lighting specialists, yet by bringing together architects, interior designers and other professionals in the community, with innovative brands and suppliers, LiGHT 25 is the perfect opportunity to network and seek inspiration, whatever role you play in a project.” Completely free to attend, LiGHT 25 continues to set the standard for lighting exhibitions in the UK. With exhibitor slots – especially in the Technical Zone – in high demand, now is the time to secure your presence at the industry’s most anticipated event. For more information or to enquire about exhibiting, visit https://www.lightexpo.london. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HoW College and Benniman celebrate regional construction sector with Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire

HoW College and Benniman celebrate regional construction sector with Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire

Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) attended the Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (SWM+W) celebration of the construction sector in the region at the special awards event in support of Benniman Ltd, one of their strategic partners. In her opening speech, Chair of the SWM+W Steering Group, Suzie Branch-Haddow, laid out the opportunities and challenges faced by the construction sector, drawing on the findings of a specially commissioned study on construction sector skills by Whitecap Consulting.  Suzie highlighted the critical role supporting skills development played by the FE sector which comprises 70 providers, employs nearly 10,000 people with 120,000 students participating in post-16 education. However, she also made clear there remains room for improvement with nearly 74% of regional employers not having engaged with post-16 education and training providers in the last five years.  Mo Horan, Vice Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Skills, HoW College, said: “In the construction sector, there are clear opportunities to align education provision with industry demand. Employers have emphasised that they need a workforce equipped not only with technical skills but also with the adaptability and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. These insights will guide how we shape our curriculum and training programmes moving forward.” At the ceremony, Benniman Ltd and a selection of other organisations including; Balfour Beatty VINCI, Orton Group, Speller Metcalfe, and Taylor Wimpey were recognised for their investment in partnering with the further education sector. HoW and Benniman Ltd recently announced their partnership aimed at promoting career opportunities and curriculum development in the construction industry. The collaboration will focus on educating young people about essential roles, skills, and the current skills agenda surrounding sustainability, environmental issues, and health and safety legislation. Working together, this three-year commitment will assist in raising awareness of career pathways within the construction sector. Both organisations recognise the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this vital industry. For more information about HoW College visit www.howcollege.ac.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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How frameless glass installations enhance interior spaces

How frameless glass installations enhance interior spaces

Frameless glass installations are transforming modern interior design by maximizing natural light and creating spacious environments. These installations, including large windows and glass doors, enhance aesthetic appeal without sacrificing functionality. The strategic use of frameless glass allows for a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Frameless glass installations have become a popular choice for those looking to brighten their living and working spaces. By incorporating elements such as large windows and glass doors, you can significantly increase the amount of natural light in any room. Additionally, features like glass partitions allow you to maintain privacy while still enjoying the benefits of an open and airy design. These installations are often complemented by shower screens that add to the modern aesthetic. Benefits of frameless glass installations Frameless glass installations offer a multitude of benefits for both residential and commercial settings. One of the primary advantages is their ability to maximize natural light, which can significantly enhance the ambiance of any space. Large windows and glass doors are commonly used to create bright interiors that feel inviting and expansive. By eliminating traditional frames, these installations provide an unobstructed view, bringing the outdoors inside and allowing natural light to flood the room. The aesthetic appeal of frameless glass cannot be overstated. Its sleek and modern design complements a variety of architectural styles, making it a versatile choice for any project. Whether you’re designing a minimalist office or a cozy home, frameless glass can seamlessly integrate into your vision. Furthermore, these installations offer functional benefits by creating an illusion of larger spaces, which is particularly beneficial in urban environments where square footage is limited. In addition to enhancing visual appeal and functionality, frameless glass installations contribute to energy efficiency. By allowing more natural light to enter, you can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, potentially lowering energy costs. This eco-friendly aspect makes frameless glass an attractive option for those looking to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying beautifully designed interiors. Privacy considerations While maximizing light is a significant benefit, maintaining privacy remains crucial in both residential and commercial spaces. Frameless glass installations achieve this balance through thoughtful design choices such as frosted or textured glass options. These variations allow light to pass through while obscuring visibility from outside, ensuring that your space remains private without compromising on brightness. The placement of frameless glass features also plays a vital role in balancing openness with privacy. Strategic positioning can ensure that sensitive areas are shielded from direct view while still benefiting from ample daylight. This careful planning allows you to enjoy the openness provided by frameless glass without feeling exposed. Moreover, technology advancements have introduced smart glass options that can switch from clear to opaque at the touch of a button. This innovative solution provides flexibility in how you use your space, offering privacy on demand when needed while maintaining an open atmosphere at other times. Such versatility is particularly valuable in multi-functional spaces where different activities require varying levels of privacy. Design versatility The versatility of frameless glass installations extends beyond aesthetics and functionality; they also adapt well to various interior styles and layouts. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary look or something more traditional, frameless glass can be customized to suit your preferences perfectly. This adaptability ensures that your design vision is realized without compromise. Customization options include different types of glass finishes, such as clear, frosted, or tinted varieties that can be tailored to meet specific needs. This flexibility allows you to create unique designs that reflect your personal taste while still benefiting from the inherent advantages of frameless glass installations. Furthermore, these installations are suitable for diverse applications beyond windows and doors. From partitions in open-plan offices to striking enclosures in bathrooms, frameless glass can transform any area into a showcase of modern design excellence. Its ability to blend seamlessly with various materials like wood or metal further enhances its appeal across different settings. Maintenance and durability A key advantage of frameless glass installations is their ease of maintenance and long-term durability. Unlike traditional framed options that may require frequent upkeep due to dirt accumulation in crevices or corrosion over time, frameless designs are simpler to clean and maintain. A quick wipe-down with suitable cleaning agents keeps them looking pristine year-round. Toughened glass is often used in these installations due to its enhanced safety features—making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms where safety is paramount. The durability provided by toughened materials ensures that your investment remains intact over years despite regular use. The combination of low maintenance requirements with robust construction makes frameless glass not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for everyday living environments. Its longevity adds value by reducing replacement costs associated with less durable materials over time—providing peace of mind alongside visual appeal.

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Designing the Ultimate Gaming Room: A Construction Guide for Homeowners

Designing the Ultimate Gaming Room: A Construction Guide for Homeowners

As gaming evolves into one of the most popular pastimes worldwide, there’s a growing demand for dedicated spaces that can handle the hardware, connectivity, and immersion required for top-tier gaming. Whether you’re designing a new build, renovating a room, or planning an extension, incorporating a state-of-the-art gaming room into your home is an investment that delivers both functionality and excitement. In this guide, we’ll cover essential design and construction considerations to ensure your gaming room is up to the task. 1. Optimising Connectivity for Seamless Gaming At the heart of any gaming room is connectivity—without it, even the most powerful setup falls short. Whether you’re streaming, playing multiplayer games, or engaging in resource-heavy applications, having a stable connection is non-negotiable. For construction projects involving a dedicated gaming room, it’s essential to include high-quality Ethernet cables work better as part of your planning. Wired connections are far more reliable than Wi-Fi, reducing lag and providing stability for real-time gaming. Installing these cables during the build or renovation process ensures that the infrastructure is futureproof, especially with new gaming platforms and higher internet speeds becoming standard. Don’t overlook router placement, either. For maximum performance, your router should be centrally located within the room, or better yet, mounted in a way that minimises interference from walls, appliances, and other devices. Custom-built shelving units or cable ducts to hide and protect Ethernet cables can enhance the room’s aesthetic while maximising performance. 2. Constructing a Flexible Gaming and Entertainment Space When designing a gaming room, flexibility is key. A room that can serve multiple functions—gaming, socialising, or even working—adds more value to your home and caters to a wider audience of potential users. If you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing room, consider the ergonomics of the space. In terms of fit-out and furnishings, gaming desks, high-backed chairs, and custom storage for consoles, VR equipment, or PCs should be carefully integrated into your room design. A well-planned layout allows for easy access to devices and provides ample space for gaming controllers, keyboards, and other tech. When planning the construction of your gaming room, also account for acoustic insulation. Soundproofing materials, such as acoustic panels or soundproof plasterboard, can ensure that external noise doesn’t disturb your gaming experience. Furthermore, controlling sound can be crucial in preventing noise pollution, especially if you have neighbours close by. 3. Managing Power and Storage Needs A gaming setup can require multiple power sources—high-performance PCs, large monitors, gaming consoles, and additional accessories all need reliable power. When designing a gaming room, make sure the electrical installation is up to code, with enough power outlets placed conveniently for your needs. A professional electrical contractor should be consulted to ensure that your room is ready to handle the demands of high-powered gaming equipment. Storage is also essential. Custom-built cabinets or shelves can house games, controllers, cables, and VR headsets. But with the increasing popularity of combo systems that take ages to master, a dedicated storage system for these accessories ensures everything is kept neat, organised, and accessible. 4. Choosing the Right Equipment and Layout for Performance It’s not just about the space itself—it’s about the gear you put in it. When it comes to gaming modes or demanding titles like first-person shooters or open-world adventures, the equipment in your gaming room is just as important as the construction of the space itself. For high-end gaming, you’ll need a powerful PC or console, large screens with high refresh rates, and fast response times. Your gaming room layout should allow for optimal viewing, ensuring that the TV or monitor is placed at the right height and distance for comfort. Adjustable stands, tilt-able screens, and space for multi-monitor setups are great additions. When constructing a room specifically for gaming, think about sound and lighting too. Recessed lighting, adjustable LED strips, or even custom-built lighting that syncs with your game’s visual elements can take your experience to the next level. Don’t forget to factor in acoustic treatments to reduce echo and enhance the soundscape during gameplay. 5. A Space That Grows With You Gaming is an evolving experience, and your gaming room should grow with it. As new games, consoles, and technologies emerge, the room’s design should allow for upgrades and adjustments over time. Incorporating futureproofing into your design means having enough space for new equipment and ensuring that your tech infrastructure, such as power outlets and Ethernet cables, can handle increased demand. Whether you want to explore UK non GamStop gambling or take on the latest game with high-definition graphics, a well-designed gaming space will accommodate the next generation of gaming technology with ease. Conclusion Building a gaming room within your home is more than just adding a few gadgets—it’s about creating an environment that elevates your gaming experience. From smart design choices that optimise power and storage to ensuring high-speed connectivity with Ethernet cables, every detail of the room contributes to performance and comfort. As you plan your gaming room fit-out, consider future expansion and technological advancements. With careful construction and thoughtful design, your gaming space can stay ahead of the curve, providing a high-performance, immersive environment for years to come.

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