Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the August 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of July 2025, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with
The UK shopping centre investment market is showing encouraging signs of resilience and strategic evolution, according to the latest research from Savills. After a strong 2024, which saw transaction volumes hit £2 billion — the highest annual total since 2017 and 54% above the eight-year average — 2025 has so
Leading flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has expanded its London based portfolio with the launch of a brand-new office space at 1 Fetter Lane. Positioned just off Fleet Street, the property sits at the crossroads of London’s rich legal and literary heritage and joins 16 other prime locations within
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the launch of a £250,000 pilot programme aimed at boosting safety skills in rainscreen facade installation across the UK. Set to begin in early 2026, the two-year initiative will provide free training to 100 facade system installers and 24 supervisors, with delivery
Construction and civil engineering specialist McLaughlin & Harvey has launched its 2025 YouMatter Health and Wellbeing Roadshow. Starting in Cambridge and ending in Belfast, this year’s new branded bus will visit 19 different sites across the UK throughout August and September, bringing vital health and wellbeing checks to employees, subcontractors
UK-listed companies in the FTSE Construction and Materials sector issued eight profit warnings during H1 2025, four times the number issued during the same period last year and the highest total since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, according to EY-Parthenon’s latest Profit Warnings report. Listed firms in the sector issued
Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed seasoned industry leader Gary Martin as Technical Director for its Northern Home Counties region. Bringing nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, Gary will lead the region’s technical function – supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality. His
A senior Siemens executive who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport. Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, will take up the role in October, following
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has taken another step forward, as part of its ongoing campaign to tackle the growing complexity of construction contracts, by launching a groundbreaking Simplified Sub-Contract built on the ‘500 Word’ principle. This simplified contract is designed to cut through legal jargon, reduce disputes and
Siemens Buildings UK and Ireland has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mark Gutteridge to the position of Area Sales Manager – South, Siemens Buildings Product Sales and Business Development. Gutteridge has been with Siemens for more than 10 years, most recently in the company’s digital industries
Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the August 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of July 2025, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The August Index, whilst registering a more modest increase than the July edition, is indicative of a sector which is steadily recovering lost ground. Start on site performance rose by 9% on both a quarter-by-quarter basis and compared to last year. This continued season in the sun was predominantly influenced by a consistent month-on-month increase in residential construction activity, where project starts surpassed the previous three months by 10%, up by a quarter (25%) against 2025 results. Whilst Non-residential construction starts rose 7% when measured against the preceding three months, they were down 1% on the previous year; however, this small blip wasn’t enough to resist the overall rise recorded. Commenting on the August Index, Allan Wilen, Glenigan’s Economic Director, says, “The industry will find much to be pleased about in the August Index. Despite not seeing the dramatic rises we witnessed in July, the general picture is a positive one, particularly in the residential sector, which is experiencing a spell of significantly increased activity. When taken in conjunction with the spike in commercial office starts, it suggests that private investment is returning to the market, despite persistent geopolitical uncertainty. Whilst other areas of non-residential saw mixed performance, with the exception of healthcare, more funding for energy infrastructure and water upgrades should help to lift starts in the second half of the year.” He continues, “Looking at the bigger picture, these figures support the predictions made in Glenigan’s Spring/Summer Forecast 2025, which expects the industry to grow by 3% by the end of the year, suggesting recovery is, at long last, stepping up a gear.” Sector Analysis – Residential The residential sector was, once more, the standout performer. However, this growth (highlighted above) was solely driven by Private Housing, with starts 24% up on the previous three months, to stand 40% higher than 2024 levels. Social housing, on the other hand, which posted an increase in July’s Index, declined 33% in comparison to the preceding quarter and 24% on a year ago. Sector analysis – Non-residential Performance in the non-residential sectors was inconsistent. Office starts had a strong performance, having increased 39% in the three months to July, standing 64% up on a year ago. A key contribution factor for this impressive figure was ‘The Republic’ office development, a key part of Manchester’s Mayfield scheme, worth £98.8 million. Health projects also resurged, with projects starting on site grew 11% quarter-on-quarter to stand 20% higher than 2024 figures. While growth in hotel & leisure was more modest, it also experienced a strong period, with construction starts 2% up on the previous three months and 9% higher than last year. Education continues to struggle, despite growing 6% against the previous three months, which wasn’t enough to put the sector above 2024 levels. Finally, civil engineering work starting on-site increased 15% compared to the preceding three months but decreased 21% to the previous year. Infrastructure drove growth, rising sharply by 27%, in contrast to the more modest 1% increase in utility starts. Whilst these results are not at the levels expected post Spending Review, they highlight that pace is gradually picking up in these verticals, with the promise of more work later in Q.3 and into Q.4 2025. Regional Performance Regional performance was strong in the three months to July; however, the picture was mixed compared with last year. The West Midlands was the standout performer, rising 40% against the preceding three months to stand 79% up on the previous year. The South East also did well during the Index period, leading in value terms, growing by over a fifth (+22%) against the previous three months and 9% on a year ago. Likewise, The North West also posted strong results, with a 27% quarterly increase to stand 18% higher than last year. Not to be outdone, the East of England also saw an uplift, rising 16% against the preceding three months and 47% year-on-year, and Yorkshire registered a 10% increase compared with the previous quarter and stood 12% up on last year’s levels. Whilst London rose 13% against the preceding three months, it finished 10% down against the previous year. Similarly, performance was mixed in Northern Ireland, with the remaining regions experiencing a weak period both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK shopping centre investment market is showing encouraging signs of resilience and strategic evolution, according to the latest research from Savills. After a strong 2024, which saw transaction volumes hit £2 billion — the highest annual total since 2017 and 54% above the eight-year average — 2025 has so far presented a more subdued picture. In the first half of the year, just £483 million was transacted across 11 deals, marking a 40% decline compared to the same period in 2024. However, Savills believes the fundamentals remain sound. Investor appetite for prime and super prime retail assets remains steady, and the borrowing landscape has improved significantly. Enhanced loan-to-value ratios and falling borrowing costs have made leverage increasingly attractive, helping to bolster confidence. Despite some uncertainty in the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, Savills’ outlook for the remainder of 2025 is optimistic. More than £3.5 billion worth of high-quality shopping centre assets are either on the market or expected to become available within the next 12 months. This pipeline includes around 15 schemes, signalling a potential uptick in activity. That said, Savills notes a word of caution around possible oversupply, which could result in a few processes falling short of expectations. Mark Garmon-Jones, director of retail investment at Savills, commented: “We’re witnessing a real change in how investors approach the market. High-net-worth individuals and institutional buyers are now making more targeted acquisitions, often independent of broader market sentiment. This signals the rise of a conviction-led investment mindset, particularly in the core-plus space, and renewed appetite from US investors despite the wider global uncertainty.” Sam Arrowsmith, director of research at Savills, added: “While the first half of 2025 hasn’t matched last year’s momentum, there’s no doubt that the sector’s underlying strength remains intact. A combination of supportive debt conditions, persistent investor interest, and a robust stock pipeline suggests that the market is adjusting — not retreating. For investors ready to act strategically, the second half of the year could prove especially rewarding.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading flexible office space provider, Canvas Offices, has expanded its London based portfolio with the launch of a brand-new office space at 1 Fetter Lane. Positioned just off Fleet Street, the property sits at the crossroads of London’s rich legal and literary heritage and joins 16 other prime locations within the Canvas portfolio. The site has undergone a full-scale refurbishment, reimagined entirely by Canvas Offices in-house design team and their ‘homeification’ philosophy, to deliver a workspace that blends comfort, style, and flexibility. The result is a striking, design-led space spanning five floors, with 26 private offices for teams of 4 – 30. On top of this, the building also offers five meeting rooms and private phone booths. 1 Fetter Lane now stands ready to meet the demands of modern businesses when it officially opens its doors this September, whether they be start-ups, unicorns or established industry leaders. Handily located within walking distance of Chancery Lane, Holborn and the bustling energy of Farringdon, the building is particularly attractive to employees with its emphasis on natural light, and thoughtfully curated lounge, kitchen areas and wellness zone. Yaron Rosenblum, Co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, commented: “The opening of our offices on 1 Fetter Lane marks an exciting milestone for Canvas. This new location captures the essence of our brand – tailored, high-quality workspaces that act like a home away from home for the workforce, whilst also meeting the evolving needs of modern businesses. Our continued expansion is a testament to the ambition and dedication of our team and reinforces our position as one of London’s leading providers of flexible office space” Founded in 2018, Canvas Offices has grown to 16 prime locations across Central London including Shoreditch, Farringdon, Holborn and Mayfair. Its spaces are home to hundreds of thriving businesses, including leading brands such as Rough Trade, Patchwork, Malin+Goetz, and Augustinus Bader. For more information about Canvas Offices and its new Fetter Lane space, visit canvasoffices.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the launch of a £250,000 pilot programme aimed at boosting safety skills in rainscreen facade installation across the UK. Set to begin in early 2026, the two-year initiative will provide free training to 100 facade system installers and 24 supervisors, with delivery led by Wigan-based 3B Training—recently acquired by Morson Group and a CITB Approved Training Organisation. The scheme comes as part of the wider push to improve building safety, aligning with the UK Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan, which aims to complete the remediation of unsafe high-rise buildings in government-funded schemes in England by 2029. Similar efforts are also under way in Scotland and Wales, with the Welsh Government introducing the Building Safety (Wales) Bill to formalise responsibilities around building safety. CITB says the pilot will develop new training standards in response to evolving fire safety legislation and recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The course content will focus on best practice for the inspection and installation of facade systems, aligning with the latest safety requirements. Tim Balcon, CITB’s chief executive, said: “Our industry research clearly shows the urgent need to raise capability and competency in facade installation. This programme is a direct response to that need and will ensure that we’re building a workforce ready to meet today’s safety challenges.” Mathew Bewley, managing director at 3B Training, added: “A key recommendation from the Grenfell Inquiry was to make cladding installation training mandatory. We’re proud to be leading this programme and will be forming a specialist steering group to shape the curriculum and uphold the highest standards.” The new training programme represents a collaborative effort between CITB, industry leaders, and government to raise professional standards and ensure that building safety is embedded at every level of construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction and civil engineering specialist McLaughlin & Harvey has launched its 2025 YouMatter Health and Wellbeing Roadshow. Starting in Cambridge and ending in Belfast, this year’s new branded bus will visit 19 different sites across the UK throughout August and September, bringing vital health and wellbeing checks to employees, subcontractors and clients. The inclusive, industry-leading initiative enables participants to access a range of health and wellbeing services, including blood pressure, diabetes, BMI and cholesterol checks, stress-relieving massage, mental health support, appointments with a nurse and healthy eating and lifestyle advice. Launched in response to the barriers on-site workers may face when it comes to accessing healthcare appointments away from home, the Health and Wellbeing Roadshow allows individuals to get a measure of their health and detect any issues before they become too serious. Participants can also find out if certain lifestyle choices are putting them at higher risk of ill-health, encouraging them to think about small changes that can make a huge difference. With the roadshow taking place each summer, those who have previously received a health check can compare their results and track progress. Alistair Lambe, Group SHEQ Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “We’re pleased to be back on the road again, bringing health and wellbeing services to colleagues, clients and contractors across our sites spanning the UK. “At McLaughlin & Harvey, we recognise the barriers construction workers can face to accessing health checks, as well as the hesitancy people may feel when it comes to speaking up about healthcare concerns. The Health and Wellbeing Roadshow was born out of addressing these barriers, providing an informal, real-time opportunity to speak to a professional and access information which can help people live healthier, happier lives. We have even had instances over the years where lives have been saved by healthcare practitioners onboard the bus, and the checks provided, highlighting issues that require urgent attention. “We understand that people’s welfare is our greatest strength, and this extends beyond just our own employees, to our supply chain as well. Raising awareness of and supporting good mental and physical wellbeing is one of our top priorities, so we encourage everyone to ‘Get on Board’ and take the opportunity to prioritise their health.” During the 2024 roadshow, occupational health practitioners met with 707 people at sites across the UK, resulting in 104 referrals. The Health Check Point equipment onboard the bus was used by 819 participants to calculate body composition, including blood pressure and muscle mass. McLaughlin & Harvey is hoping 2025 will see the highest uptake yet, with the contractor set to celebrate 20 years since the initiative began next year. Throughout the tour, McLaughlin & Harvey will also be raising money for the Lighthouse Charity, donating £1 for every kilometre walked on the treadmill. The Health and Wellbeing Roadshow forms part of McLaughlin & Harvey’s wider YouMatter progamme, which aims to raise the profile of health and safety within the business and wider supply chain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK-listed companies in the FTSE Construction and Materials sector issued eight profit warnings during H1 2025, four times the number issued during the same period last year and the highest total since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, according to EY-Parthenon’s latest Profit Warnings report. Listed firms in the sector issued three profit warnings in Q2, down slightly from the five recorded during the first quarter, which already equalled the total for the whole of 2024. The eight warnings issued in H1 means that Construction and Materials was the FTSE sector to issue the third most profit warnings in the first half of the year, behind only FTSE Industrial Support Services (17) and FTSE Software and Computer Services (16). Tim Vance, EY-Parthenon UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring Partner, said: “The latest data shows that the construction sector, which saw some recovery in 2024, supported by repair and maintenance demand, easing costs and infrastructure investment, is under renewed pressure so far this year. Previous gains are being eroded by the return of cost and demand challenges, which are exposing persistent structural weaknesses. Whilst longer-term supply and demand dynamics should support growth in the sector, there are a number of nearer-term challenges that are impacting contractors and the supply chain. “Regulatory complexity, particularly from the Building Safety Act, continues to slow approvals and disrupt delivery, while labour shortages and the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions are also squeezing margins. Access to bonding and trade credit insurance has been tightening and the sector remains susceptible to shocks. A drop off in demand may ease some of these pressures, but this tends to help main contractors more than subcontractors and suppliers, where financial stress has been concentrated. “In this period of heightened economic uncertainty and an ever-evolving construction landscape, companies that can effectively manage risk, drive innovation and cultivate strong partnerships will be best positioned to succeed.” Impact of policy and geopolitical uncertainty takes hold in Q2 Overall, UK-listed companies issued 121 profit warnings in H1 2025, including 59 during the second quarter. The leading factor behind profit warnings in Q2 was policy change and geopolitical uncertainty, cited in nearly half (46%) of warnings. This marked a significant year-on-year increase from just 4% in Q2 2024, and the highest percentage recorded for this cause in more than 25 years of EY’s analysis. The proportion of profit warnings to cite contract and order cancellations or delays in Q2 remained at a record 40%. One in three warnings (34%) cited tariff-related impacts, including weaker demand, supply chain disruption, and exchange-rate volatility. Jo Robinson, EY-Parthenon Partner and UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy Leader, added: “The scale of persistent uncertainty and how heavy it continues to weigh on UK businesses is clear. While this uncertainty has been a recurring theme since mid-2024, it has intensified so far this year – driven largely by geopolitical tensions and policy shifts – compounding pressure on both earnings and forecasts. “Whether the rise in profit warnings is cyclical or structural remains to be seen, and we still expect earnings pressure to ebb and flow with the macroeconomic backdrop. As companies operate in a risk and forecasting environment that is challenging to navigate, they must adopt a measured, scenario-based approach that balances both agility and strategic clarity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed seasoned industry leader Gary Martin as Technical Director for its Northern Home Counties region. Bringing nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, Gary will lead the region’s technical function – supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality. His appointment comes as Dandara continues to expand across the Northern Home Counties, with several live and upcoming sites in Bedfordshire. Gary began his career as a management trainee at Beazer Homes in Bedford and has held senior technical roles at some of the UK’s largest housebuilders, including Kier, Persimmon, Stamford Homes and Vistry Group. Most recently, he served as Technical Director for Vistry’s East Anglia division, where he played a key role in delivering complex, high-volume developments. Reflecting on his move to Dandara, Gary said: “There’s a real sense of momentum at Dandara – and I wanted to be part of it. From the minute I joined, I was made to feel welcome. There’s a clear commitment to quality, to doing things the right way, and to supporting people across the business. It’s a company with strong values and a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in its continued success. “The housing sector is always evolving, from tighter regulations to shifts in buyer priorities, and technical teams are right at the heart of how we respond. I’m proud to be part of a business that values quality, people and long-term impact.” With a customer-focused approach and consistent 5 Star HBF status, Dandara is known for combining practical design with lasting quality. Gary’s appointment will support the region’s delivery of homes that meet growing local demand, while navigating ongoing industry challenges – from planning delays and regulatory change to skills shortages and rising costs. Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, said: “Gary’s experience speaks for itself – he brings deep technical knowledge, local understanding and a strong team ethos. His track record in delivering high-quality developments will be a real asset as we scale up across the region and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the leadership team.” Gary will oversee Dandara Northern Home Counties’ technical department, working across disciplines to streamline processes, support sustainable design, and ensure a joined-up approach to delivery across the region. For more information about Dandara’s Northern Home Counties developments, visit: www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A senior Siemens executive who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport. Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, will take up the role in October, following his retirement from Siemens. Announcing the appointment, Humber Freeport Acting Chair Professor Neal Juster said: “Finbarr will bring exceptional experience, credibility and connections to the role, as well as an unrivalled perspective, as someone who has overseen major investments into the region from vision to delivery. “He also has a deep passion for the region and commitment to maximising its potential for growth. We look forward to Finbarr taking up his new role and leading the next stage of development for the Freeport.” As one of 12 UK freeports, Humber Freeport is a specially-designated cluster of strategically important sites benefiting from incentives designed to boost investment, economic growth and international trade. Humber Freeport covers three tax sites, in Hull, Goole and Immingham, and a customs site in Grimsby, and offers investors significant advantages related to tax, planning, infrastructure, innovation and customs. More than £1.2bn of investment has already been pledged in the Humber Freeport tax sites. Mr Dowling has worked for global technology giant Siemens for more than 35 years, in a variety of senior and leadership roles. Over the past 12 years he has been focused on leading the delivery of two of the region’s largest and most significant inward investments – Siemens’ developments focused on offshore wind, in Hull, and the rail industry, in Goole. Mr Dowling said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Freeport Board, executive team and partners to realise the many exciting opportunities that freeport status offers. “Having dedicated much of the past 12 years to delivering large-scale on the Humber, I know this region is a great place to invest and do business.” Mr Dowling was the Project Director for Siemens Gamesa’s investment, in partnership with Associated British Ports, in an offshore wind turbine blade factory, assembly and logistics operations at Alexandra Dock in Hull. He was later appointed as Director of Localisation for Siemens Mobility and has driven forward the development of an industry-leading rail centre of excellence in Goole. Prof Juster will continue as Acting Chair until Mr Dowling takes up the role on a permanent basis. Prof Juster has led the Board since the Freeport’s Founding Chair, Simon Bird, stepped down in January, having spearheaded the process of securing freeport status and leading the Board since the organisation was formally established in summer 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has taken another step forward, as part of its ongoing campaign to tackle the growing complexity of construction contracts, by launching a groundbreaking Simplified Sub-Contract built on the ‘500 Word’ principle. This simplified contract is designed to cut through legal jargon, reduce disputes and promote better business relationships across the sector. This initiative forms a key part of FIS’s work to drive fairer procurement and smarter contractual practices through its Responsible No Campaign. Developed in consultation with FIS members and aimed at fit-out and specialist contractors, the new sub-contract was developed by an FIS Working Group led by renowned contract specialist, Sarah Fox. At the heart of Sarah’s philosophy is the belief that simplification works. By streamlining deals and clarifying terms, businesses can save time, build stronger relationships and avoid unnecessary conflict. The newly released contract embodies this principle and is now available to FIS members for free here. Matt Hallam, Divisional Director at Telling Finishings and a participant in the initial development workshop, commented: “For years construction contracts have increased in both content and terms, often adding minor changes and clauses which continue to confuse, conflict and often compromise those required to sign them.” “The need for a shorter and ultimately more simplified contract has never been greater and we at Telling Finishings look forward to rolling out the ‘500-word Contract’, to hopefully give both the comfort and clarity these contracts were originally built to achieve.” To further support members and industry professionals in adopting this new approach, FIS will host a webinar with Sarah Fox on 25 September. Click the link to book your place:Improving Business Relationships and Avoiding Disputes with Simplified Contracts. This session will provide practical insights on how to use the contract effectively and avoid disputes through simplification. FIS is now encouraging all those involved in the industry to download the contract and register for the webinar to learn how simplification can help transform contractual relationships in this sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens Buildings UK and Ireland has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mark Gutteridge to the position of Area Sales Manager – South, Siemens Buildings Product Sales and Business Development. Gutteridge has been with Siemens for more than 10 years, most recently in the company’s digital industries business where he was the Solutions Partner Manager for the UK and Ireland. In his new role he will be responsible for both the Fire and the Comfort divisions which fall under the Siemens Buildings portfolio. Commenting on his appointment Gutteridge said – “I’m very much relishing the new challenge. While I have some experience in areas which crossover with building management from my automation and control background – variable speed drives for example – it is essentially a new area for me. I understand the Siemens solutions-orientated philosophy very well from my previous roles and I look forward to applying that same commitment to finding optimal solutions in providing safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient environments for buildings.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
