Mace has been appointed as construction manager for the £1.1 billion redevelopment of the British Library’s iconic St Pancras site in London. The major cultural and commercial scheme will see the library expanded and modernised to meet growing public demand while providing extensive new facilities. The appointment was made by
Aldi has announced ambitious plans to open an average of one store every week for the remainder of 2025, alongside a major refurbishment programme aimed at modernising its existing estate. The German-owned discount supermarket, which has been steadily increasing its footprint in the UK, will also revamp 35 of its
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has secured consent from Camden Council to refurbish 26 Red Lion Square, its 106,584 sq ft (NIA) speculative office development in Holborn. Railpen’s plans involve upgrading eight floors of office space to a Grade A standard, enhancing the amenity
Italy has confirmed plans to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland in Calabria, with completion targeted for 2032. Final approval for the long-discussed Strait of Messina Bridge project has been granted by the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS), marking a decisive
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed
Maintaining site safety is a core responsibility for the construction manager. As part of this duty, understanding the regulatory framework for confined space rescue is absolutely essential so, in this article we explore the key legal requirements, the practical implications for busy sites, and best-practice how-to steps. What Counts as
Partnership has already delivered multi million-pound savings through faster customer issue resolution, reduced ODI penalties, and smarter asset lifecycle management Vyntelligence (Vyn®), the market-leading Agentic Video Intelligence platform, today announces a major expansion of its partnership with Northumbrian Water (NWG), one of the UK’s largest holding companies for water supply,
Off the back of Storm Floris, energy solutions and temperature control specialist Aggreko is urging site managers to adopt more robust dehumidification and heating strategies in the face of high-risk weather in order to minimise damage to materials. Storm Floris recently brought 90mph winds and torrential rain to the UK,
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David
Mace has been appointed as construction manager for the £1.1 billion redevelopment of the British Library’s iconic St Pancras site in London. The major cultural and commercial scheme will see the library expanded and modernised to meet growing public demand while providing extensive new facilities. The appointment was made by the British Library’s development partner SMBL, a subsidiary of Japanese property group Mitsui Fudosan. Working under the direction of development manager Stanhope, Mace will bring its construction expertise to the procurement and delivery stages of the ambitious project. At the heart of the scheme is a 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) extension designed to enhance the library’s public services. The plans include new exhibition galleries, learning facilities, and events spaces, alongside more than 600,000 sq ft (55,742 sq m) of commercial space. The development has been designed by leading architects RSHP, with engineering input from Arup. Construction is expected to commence in 2026 once the detailed design process is complete and all planning conditions are met. The build programme is anticipated to take around six years. Jason Millett, chief executive of Mace Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, describing the British Library scheme as a high-profile project of international significance. “Our long-standing experience in delivering major and complex developments places us in a strong position to ensure this transformation meets the highest standards,” he said. The redevelopment marks a significant step in the library’s ongoing evolution, aiming to deliver improved public access, better facilities for research and education, and enhanced opportunities for cultural engagement. The addition of large-scale commercial space is also expected to boost the local economy and support the long-term sustainability of the institution. With its combination of cultural ambition and commercial opportunity, the British Library’s St Pancras transformation is set to become one of London’s most significant construction projects of the decade. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi has announced ambitious plans to open an average of one store every week for the remainder of 2025, alongside a major refurbishment programme aimed at modernising its existing estate. The German-owned discount supermarket, which has been steadily increasing its footprint in the UK, will also revamp 35 of its current stores before the end of the year. The dual strategy forms part of a £650 million nationwide investment to enhance accessibility, customer experience, and the overall quality of its retail spaces. Planned new store locations include Deeside in Wales, Market Harborough in Leicestershire, Fulham Broadway in London, Eastbourne in East Sussex, Treharris in Wales, Waterbrook in Kent, Shoreditch in London, Houghton le Spring in Tyne and Wear, Meadowfield in Durham, Litherland in Liverpool, and Brimington in Chesterfield. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said the strategy is about more than simply expanding geographically. “At Aldi, our goal is to make sure people across the UK have access to affordable, high-quality food, and opening new stores is key to making that happen. We’re now opening an average of one new store a week for the rest of 2025, showing just how ambitious our plans are to build a store network that will help us reach millions of new customers. But it’s not just about openings – it’s also about making sure we have the best-paid teams in place to run them.” The expansion drive comes amid a highly competitive grocery market, where discount retailers continue to gain market share as shoppers seek better value in the face of ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Aldi’s focus on frequent openings is expected to increase its presence in both urban and rural locations, making its low-price, quality-focused offer accessible to more communities. The refurbishment element of the programme will see older stores upgraded to meet modern retail standards, with improved layouts, updated interiors, and more energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems. This reflects Aldi’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing operational energy consumption. With its latest investment, Aldi is positioning itself for sustained growth while reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands. For shoppers, the promise is clear – more stores, better facilities, and the same commitment to value that has underpinned the retailer’s success. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has secured consent from Camden Council to refurbish 26 Red Lion Square, its 106,584 sq ft (NIA) speculative office development in Holborn. Railpen’s plans involve upgrading eight floors of office space to a Grade A standard, enhancing the amenity space on the ground floor, and constructing new roof terraces with panoramic views of St Paul’s and the West End. The completed development will be repositioned as a new HQ targeting major occupiers and fostering a sense of community for future occupiers. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, Railpen’s proposals include new and improved external façades on Theobolds Road and Red Lion Square to promote high quality design in Holborn, and new retail and F&B units on Theobalds Road. Railpen is targeting BREEAM “Outstanding” for the project by demonstrating a reduction of on-site energy use and water consumption. This is in addition to the embodied carbon savings that will be achieved through the refurbishment of an existing building. The consent is timely, given Holborn’s growing appeal as a location among occupiers and investors, driven in part by its equidistant position between Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon Elizabeth Line stations. Various developments are underway in the area, including the transformation of nearby Sicilian Avenue and the recent purchase by Whitbread of 35 Red Lion Square. Holborn has also experienced a surge in co-working providers opening in the area, with Runway East and Uncommon joining WeWork in creating flagship sites. Complementing the growing demand from occupiers and investors, Camden Council is proposing a series of major enhancements to Red Lion Square and the surrounding streets, improving the public realm and enhancing the square as a key green space in Holborn. Emily Atkinson, Asset Manager at Railpen, said: “We welcome the Council’s decision, which facilitates our plans to deliver a high-quality sustainable refurbishment of a significant office building that will help address the growing demand from occupies for Grade A space in Holborn. This is an exciting time for the area, and 26 Red Lion Square will make an important contribution to its ongoing transformation as a prime choice for office occupiers.” The refurbishment is the latest in a series of office initiatives by Railpen in central London. The company will shortly complete the refurbishment of 101 Bayham in Camden, and has several office projects proposed and underway in the City, including the redevelopment of 12 Smithfield, plans for which are due to be submitted later this year. These are in addition to its significant office-led mixed-use portfolio in Cambridge, where Railpen has a pipeline of over 1.5m sq ft of development on-site or in planning. Railpen’s advisory team comprises Savills and Farebrother’s (leasing), Stiff + Trevillion (architect), and Ridgelift (development management). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Italy has confirmed plans to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland in Calabria, with completion targeted for 2032. Final approval for the long-discussed Strait of Messina Bridge project has been granted by the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS), marking a decisive step forward after decades of debate. The project will be delivered by the Eurolink contracting consortium, led by Italian construction giant Webuild, working alongside Japan’s IHI – known for building the Akashi Bridge – and Spain’s Sacyr, which partnered with Webuild on the Panama Canal expansion. Danish engineering consultancy Cowi will lead the design team. The ambitious structure will stretch 3,666 metres, with a central suspended span of 3,300 metres – setting a new world record. Its deck will measure around 60 metres in width, accommodating three vehicle lanes in each direction, two railway tracks, and two service lanes. Capable of handling up to 200 trains a day and 6,000 vehicles an hour, the bridge is expected to transform connectivity between the island and mainland Italy. Steel towers rising to 399 metres will support a suspension system of four massive cables, each 1.26 metres in diameter and 5,320 metres in length. The combined cable weight is estimated at 170,000 tonnes. The deck will clear the water by 72 metres, allowing uninterrupted shipping traffic across a 600-metre width beneath the span. The project is more than just the bridge itself. Plans include over 40 kilometres of new roads and railways, three underground train stations, 10 viaducts, and multiple tunnels. The bridge will link to the Palermo–Catania–Messina rail network and the planned Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed railway. Excavations of 12 million cubic metres of earth in Sicily and 4.5 million in Calabria will help form new infrastructure and restore parts of the Tyrrhenian coastline. The €10.6 billion contract addendum between Eurolink and Stretto di Messina, the concessionary company, will come into effect once the CIPESS approval is published in Italy’s Official Gazette. Webuild chief executive Pietro Salini hailed the decision as a transformative moment for the country. “The bridge will stimulate growth, create jobs and showcase Italian engineering expertise on the global stage,” he said. “It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for young professionals to work on one of the most challenging projects in the world – here at home.” If successful, the Strait of Messina Bridge will stand not only as a feat of engineering but as a powerful symbol of Italy’s ambition and unity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the UK’s leading voices in fire safety will gather for one of the sector’s most anticipated events – FIRE2025. Taking place at the QEII Centre in London, with the option to join online, this dynamic one-day conference promises to deliver vital insights, foster collaboration, and provide actionable solutions for an industry that continues to evolve at pace. Developed in partnership by the Fire Protection Association (FPA), Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Sector Confederation (FSC), FIRE2025 will bring together over 400 professionals from across the fire, construction, insurance, risk management, local authority, and property sectors. With legislative changes, sustainability requirements, and the push for ever higher safety standards shaping the built environment, FIRE2025 offers an opportunity to hear from industry experts at the forefront of these developments. A full programme of keynote presentations, seminars, and breakout sessions will explore how organisations can meet building safety expectations, adapt to new regulations, and embrace innovation in fire safety technologies. Why Attend?Beyond the speaker sessions, FIRE2025 is designed to be a hub for high-quality networking. Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with peers and suppliers during the dedicated exhibition periods – covering registration, breaks, lunch, and the informal evening drinks reception. Exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services, and solutions, providing hands-on demonstrations and in-depth advice. For professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, the conference offers six hours of IFE-accredited CPD, ensuring attendees not only gain insights but also tangible career benefits. Who Will You Meet?The event attracts a broad and influential audience – from chief fire officers, directors, and chartered building surveyors to fire engineers, risk managers, insurers, architects, and consultants. Whether you’re looking to connect with decision-makers, share best practice, or explore potential collaborations, FIRE2025 brings together the right people in the right setting. A Hybrid ExperienceWith both in-person and online options, FIRE2025 is accessible to professionals across the UK and beyond. The hybrid format ensures those unable to attend in London can still benefit from the knowledge, networking, and exposure the event offers. Be Part of ItWhether you attend as a delegate, showcase your solutions as an exhibitor, or take advantage of the exclusive partnership opportunities, FIRE2025 is a must-attend date in the fire safety calendar. It’s where strategic thinking meets practical application – and where the industry comes together to influence the future of fire protection. For further details, visit fireconference2025.eventbrite.co.uk or contact the event team at events@thefpa.co.uk. Also, to see the Event PDF with further details, please click the below button. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed to build better. Modern construction demands towering skyscrapers rise from the ground with inch-perfect precision – driven by efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, making the need for competent, safety-conscious operatives ever greater. Improving site safety and operational efficiency in the UK’s system formwork and scaffolding sectors is Terry Hall’s top priority. Terry is a field services manager at PERI UK, providing accredited, hands-on training and support to both novice and experienced professionals. “PERI UK is the only company currently offering accredited formwork training of this kind,” Terry states. “And it’s long overdue that the industry catches up.” The man behind the mission With over three decades of experience in formwork carpentry, supervision, and instruction, Terry embodies a blend of deep practical knowledge and a strong commitment to improving industry practices. His journey from apprentice carpenter to a twice-nominated CONSTRUCT Unsung Hero spearheading PERI’s accredited training programme reveals both a dedication to systemic safety and a sharp understanding of the risks involved in formwork and scaffolding. Terry’s goal is to ensure that only individuals with a recognised, formal qualification are authorised to erect temporary works systems. This commitment is reflected in his efforts to introduce clear competency measures in the areas of formwork and falsework. He believes that by introducing mandatory, regulated training, the industry can make meaningful strides in reducing serious accidents and injuries. “There’s no other construction activity where you can use specialist equipment without any formal training,” says Terry. “Electricians can’t work without qualifications, and site operatives shouldn’t use complex, multi-tonne climbing systems for formwork and scaffolding without ever being shown the right way to do it. It’s dangerous.” Bridging the industry’s skills gap PERI UK’s training programme was developed in response to this challenge. PERI UK is now an approved centre by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) for formwork and has accreditation from the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) for system scaffolding. PERI UK offers bespoke formwork and falsework training, accredited by UK industry body AIM, according to necessity and related to working at height, plus scaffolding courses from basic erector to advanced scaffolder and inspection. The courses are delivered by a team of experts and can be carried out at any PERI UK depot, PERI’s Brentwood training facility, or other designated location. Successful participants receive certification from an awarding body and have the qualification linked to their CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, providing instant proof of competence on-site. “When a site manager scans your CSCS card, they can see immediately that you’ve had proper training,” explains Terry. Straight from the classroom Terry believes training should be grounded in real-world experience and delivers all of his courses with this approach. Having worked hands-on with PERI’s systems as a site supervisor for five years before stepping into his managerial role, he understands the challenges that only practical experience can reveal. “I always assume learners have never used the systems before,” Terry says. “Some have, some haven’t, but I treat every session as a blank slate to make sure nothing is missed.” Training figures continue to rise each year, with 2024 marking a record high for PERI UK, up 50% from the previous year. In total, Terry has trained nearly 600 individuals in his career, but the impact goes beyond numbers: “The most rewarding thing is when someone who’s been in the industry for years comes up to me after a course and says, ‘I never knew that, thank you.’ That’s when I know we’re making a difference.” A typical course spans a minimum of two days with additional tailored support available on request. PERI’s courses blend hands-on instruction with theory-based workbooks. With new systems constantly being introduced, Terry also regularly trains alongside designers and engineers from PERI’s global teams to remain ahead of industry evolution, and is consistently involved in meetings held by CONSTRUCT, the organisation which acts as an interface between member contractors, clients and suppliers to improve safety and efficiency and identify best practice and buildability. PERI’s training is increasingly being built into projects from the outset. As Terry explains, major contractors are beginning to require proof of competence before permitting operatives on high-risk tasks such as climbing formwork assembly. “On many projects PERI is involved in, training is embedded into the package,” Terry explains. “We’re supplying the equipment, the drawings, the supervision, and the accredited training. That gives our client confidence that everyone knows what they’re doing and why.” Driving change, one trainee at a time While PERI advocates for wider industry adoption of accredited formwork training, it currently remains the only provider offering this level of formal instruction. In an industry that can be slow on the uptake, Terry and PERI are proving that transformation doesn’t always begin at the top. Sometimes, it starts with someone on the ground, quietly raising the bar until the rest of the industry has no choice but to catch up. Beyond the manuals and lifting diagrams, Terry sees each session as a way to embed safer habits across the industry. Whether teaching apprentices or experienced operatives on cutting-edge hydraulic systems, each training session is a chance to build safer habits. “PERI UK is leading the way, but we shouldn’t be the only ones,” says Terry. “This kind of training needs to become mandatory across the board.” “But it’s not about pointing fingers,” he adds. “It’s about keeping sites and people safe.” And the industry is listening. Several contractors have gone from post-incident training to proactive upskilling across their workforce. The long-term benefits speak for themselves: fewer accidents, more efficient builds, and improved reputation. Looking ahead As construction projects become more complex, Terry and the PERI training team’s role evolves. They are currently involved in training
Maintaining site safety is a core responsibility for the construction manager. As part of this duty, understanding the regulatory framework for confined space rescue is absolutely essential so, in this article we explore the key legal requirements, the practical implications for busy sites, and best-practice how-to steps. What Counts as a Confined Space? According to the UK’s Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, a confined space is any enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed for continuous human occupancy, where there is a foreseeable risk of serious harm such as lack of oxygen, toxic gas exposure, drowning, or explosion. Examples include tanks, silos, manholes, tunnels, sewers, boiler interiors, shafts, vaults, and basements. Key Legislation Construction Managers Must Know 1. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 2. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 & Management Regulations 1999 These set the wider framework requiring competent risk assessment, supervision, planning, and provision of safe systems including training, PPE, and emergency planning. Why Delegation and Preparedness Matter HSE guidance makes clear that relying on external emergency services is inadequate in confined space incidents as response times are often too slow, and access for uniformed crews may be difficult. A dedicated rescue team needs to be immediately available on‑site or nearby. Safe rescue starts well before need arises through hazard assessments, drills, equipment maintenance, and clear communication protocols. Supervisors and rescuers alike must hold appropriate certification including City & Guilds qualifications such as 6160‑03 for high‑risk spaces and 6160‑08 for rescue team members. Look for experienced training providers that offer a wide range of confined space training courses. Practical Checklist for Construction Managers Step Action Risk Assessment Identify confined spaces on your site. Use the HSE-approved Code of Practice L101 to guide assessment. Avoid Entry if Possible Wherever feasible, carry out work from outside. If entry is unavoidable, ensure it follows a robust system of work. Develop Rescue Plan Prepare rescue arrangements before entry (Regulation 5). This must include whether self-rescue, non-entry rescue, or entry rescue is viable. Appoint Competent Personnel Ensure site leaders and safety supervisor are trained in confined space oversight and rescue protocols. Ensure Equipment Readiness Confirm ventilation, atmospheric monitoring, breathing apparatus, harnesses, tripods, winches, lighting, communication tools are all functional. Train & Drill Regularly Ensure entrants, attendants and responders regularly rehearse rescue procedures. Consider mobile training units or experienced third‑party providers for practice scenarios. Audit and Review Conduct periodic reviews of confined space plans, equipment servicing, rescue performance and incident lessons. Real Consequences When Preparedness Lapses Numerous real-world incidents have underlined the danger and according to various studies, about two‑thirds of confined space fatalities occur not to the initial victim but to would-be rescuers entering without proper planning or equipment. By contrast, companies that embed trained rescue teams, regular drills and documented rescue systems improve outcomes significantly, and reduce liability, downtime and risk exposure. Final Thought For construction managers, confined space regulations aren’t just administrative burdens, they’re life-critical frameworks. Understanding Regulations 1997 (especially Regulations 4 & 5), taking proactive steps to minimise entry, appointing competent teams, and establishing ready rescue arrangements are essential. It’s not about promotion it’s about responsibility and informed leadership. Setting a high bar for rescue readiness, training and compliant systems ensures safer worksites, fewer incidents and peace of mind when high-risk jobs arise.
Partnership has already delivered multi million-pound savings through faster customer issue resolution, reduced ODI penalties, and smarter asset lifecycle management Vyntelligence (Vyn®), the market-leading Agentic Video Intelligence platform, today announces a major expansion of its partnership with Northumbrian Water (NWG), one of the UK’s largest holding companies for water supply, sewerage, and wastewater industries. The collaboration will scale across NWG’s North East Network operations, achieving total asset optimisation with video intelligence. This comes at a time when the UK water industry prepares for its most fundamental regulatory period in decades. The AMP8 cycle, supported by Ofwat’s £104bn investment framework, presents the water sector with the challenge to push innovation across environmental standards, water supply security, asset resilience, and customer service, all while maintaining cost efficiency and regulatory compliance. Success in this ambitious period hinges on addressing two key opportunities: people and data. The industry is facing workforce challenges from an aging population and skills shortages, plus fragmented data systems continue to force reactive rather than predictive asset management. Resolving these challenges can unlock millions in operational inefficiencies and optimise existing asset lifecycles. By incorporating Vyntelligence into its workflows, NWG will be positioned to synergise people and data, pushing innovation across the AMP8 period. Vyntelligence replaces complex data interfaces with the most natural one: video. Field teams and customers document issues, asset maintenance needs and conditions through simple “show and tell” videos. These videos are processed using Agentic AI to extract actionable insights, trigger appropriate responses, and track resolution in near real-time. Vyntelligence and NWG will work together to achieve total asset optimisation with a focus on predictive maintenance, enhanced safety protocols, and intelligent resource allocation. Together, they have already demonstrated transformative impact over the last five years, achieving multimillion-pound savings through faster customer issue resolution, reduced ODI penalties, and smarter asset lifecycle management. “Vyntelligence are a valued partner who have helped us to transform the digital capabilities used daily by our field colleagues. Vyn assists our front-line teams to easily capture high-quality information in the field through their intelligent video workflow tool. Vyn’s embedded AI converts these video workflows into insights, and combined with data in our asset management systems, it creates a deeper understanding of our work and assets. Using video to capture to produce insights in this way has enabled field teams more time to focus on delivering the work for our customers, created opportunities for more innovative ways of working, and helped to ensure the safety of our colleagues. We are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership with Vyntelligence into AMP8 and expanding the use of the platform to support our ambitious asset investment programme,” said Martin Jackson, CIO at the Northumbrian Water Group. “Our long-standing partnership with Northumbrian Water is a testament to the transformative impact of Video Intelligence in solving the critical people and data challenges facing the UK water industry. We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with innovators like NWG, enabling total asset optimisation, empowering frontline teams to drive smarter decisions, faster fixes, and superior outcomes for AMP8 and beyond,” said Kapil Singhal, CEO at Vyntelligence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Off the back of Storm Floris, energy solutions and temperature control specialist Aggreko is urging site managers to adopt more robust dehumidification and heating strategies in the face of high-risk weather in order to minimise damage to materials. Storm Floris recently brought 90mph winds and torrential rain to the UK, posing significant disruption to operations across the north of England and Scotland.[1] Chiming with this, Aggreko’s latest report, Building in Resilience: Weather-Proofing European Construction in a Changing Climate, found that damage to materials was the top concern regarding high-risk weather among UK construction managers, with almost 40% also stating that they had faced major delays, missed deadlines, and financial penalties as a result of high-risk weather. Chris Smith, Head of Temperature Control at Aggreko, is emphasising the need for site managers to bolster their approach to dehumidification and heating in order to minimise the financial impact of both Floris and future storms. He said: “As last year’s storm season evidenced, extreme weather is becoming all the more common in the UK, though volatile supply chains and rising material costs mean that the potential financial impact is greater than ever. As such, there is a renewed need for construction managers to deploy effective dehumidification and heating solutions to minimise damage to materials and ensure that sites are able to weather the storm.” ‘Storm season’ saw a record-breaking 12 named storms hit the UK between September 2023 and August 2024,[2] with the Met Office also forecasting that winters will be up to 30% wetter by 2070.[3] More recently, a report from QBE Insurance Group, developed in collaboration with Control Risks, found that the construction sector is already facing surging material costs due to geopolitical developments, with copper, steel, aluminium, and timber all spiking, and some reaching all-time highs.[4] Chris concluded: “With material costs on the rise, site managers must do all they can to safeguard their stocks against water damage, or pay the price. Copper, steel, aluminium, and timber – as well as wider materials such as concrete and insulation – are all susceptible to the effects of water ingress and damp, so an all-encompassing dehumidification and heating strategy is key. “Bringing in solutions from a temperature control specialist can help materials to dry out quicker, allowing damage that may otherwise render them unusable to be avoided. While the worst of Storm Floris may have passed, it is certainly not the last of the UK’s wet weather, particularly as we approach the autumn and winter months, so I urge site managers to engage with these contacts ahead of time to get wet weather ready.” Read Aggreko’s full report, Building in Resilience: Weather-Proofing European Construction in a Changing Climate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has appointed David Dunbar as National Director of Architecture. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in architecture, multi-disciplinary design and project management, the appointment strengthens Pick Everard’s commitment to driving positive change through high impact projects across the UK and beyond. A chartered architect, David joins from RPS Consulting Services, part of Tetra Tech, where he served as chief executive officer, having previously led design teams on multiple commercial, industrial, rail and aviation projects, ranging from a business park in Abu Dhabi to the design of the UK’s first gigafactory in Sunderland. David said: “I am really enjoying getting to know our architecture teams based throughout the UK and the projects we are delivering. “Our people and our clients are the cornerstones of Pick Everard’s future success. Working together across our services, we will foster closer collaborative working methods and grow future joint business opportunities.” Pick Everard is recognised for successfully leading the design and delivery of high quality projects across a wide range sectors including education, culture and heritage, healthcare and residential. As part of his role, David will use his experience of managing projects overseas to leverage new growth opportunities. In October 2024 Pick Everard joined Artelia, one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary consultancy, engineering and project management companies. David’s appointment supports the potential for Pick Everard to further enhance and diversify its offer by working together with colleagues across the Artelia group. “I am keen to develop relationships within the wider Artelia business, recognising the prospective openings to promote architecture and design services internationally,” said David. “Pick Everard is known for its design capabilities, and commitment to quality and social value, which it delivers across a vast range of products. I am looking forward to working closely with the team to encourage their growth and business development initiatives while supporting the executive team in the delivery of business objectives. “Together we can build on the strong architectural legacy within Pick Everard, initially connecting as a national team but also across the Artelia business to leverage new opportunities.” Commenting on the appointment, David Harris, Executive Director for Design Services at Pick Everard, said: “David has joined with a strong vision and a keen eye for detail and accuracy. His natural leadership and extensive experience in leading highly performing teams will not only drive our ongoing growth, but his architectural expertise will add significant value to our business. “These qualities will allow us to continue building our reputation of delivering sustainable, purposeful design and architecture able to secure positive and lasting legacies through the work we deliver across the UK and beyond, and I look forward to seeing what David achieves as part of the Pick Everard team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
