With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction.
Over 1,000 hours of planning went into supporting Kiruna Church’s two-day journey to its new home Mammoet has completed the safe and successful relocation of the iconic Kiruna Church, one of Sweden’s most treasured architectural landmarks. The operation, which took place over two days, marks a historic moment for the
United Living Group has reported record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, underlining the company’s strengthened position as a key provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure. The Group, which received backing from Apollo-managed funds in August 2023, has continued to scale its operations and broaden
Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an
MGF is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Whitworth to the Executive Board, marking a significant milestone in his career and a strategic step forward for the business. Chris began his journey with MGF in 2010, joining on a six-week work experience placement. Following his graduation from university, he
Procurement is the beating heart of construction. But for many UK organisations, it still runs on spreadsheets, siloed systems, and countless phone calls. And that inefficiency comes at a price. Research reported by PBC Today shows construction projects in the UK run, on average, 46 percent over budget, with procurement
The global construction market value is estimated at over $15 trillion USD, and this value is expected to rise to over $16 trillion USD by 2030. Rising demands mean that companies in the construction sector are facing serious challenges such as material shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, and a growing need for real-time
Customer expectations are at an all-time high. As cashless payments become more prevalent, having the right card reader for your business is essential for streamlining transactions and improving the customer experience. Selecting the best card reader can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the
With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction. Leja, a Sixth Form student, took part in a work experience week at the development, where she shadowed several members of the Sales & Marketing team. During the week, she gained insight into client interactions, plot inspections and the general day-to-day role of sales advisors. The experience offered a practical look at what a career in the industry can involve, with guidance in the next steps of Leja’s career in the sector. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting work experience programmes that help bridge the employment gap in construction, the housebuilders have previously offered work experience opportunities at Clipstone Park. In the past two years, local students from Vandyke Upper School and Aylesbury Grammar School had the chance to both work on-site at North Thames developments, as well as work at the housebuilder’s Head Office in Watford. All students gained valuable insights in the housebuilding industry, working across its Sustainability, Sales & Marketing and Legal teams to inspire future careers. Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director at Barrat David Wilson North Thames, said: “It was a delight to host Leja this summer at Clipstone Park and support her first steps into the world of housebuilding. We hope that Leja found the week useful and helped her to understand that a career in construction is much more than just bricks and mortar. Work experience opportunities like this are vital for young people as they give opportunities to inspire future talent and tackle the construction skills shortage head on.” Leja added: “My work experience week with the Sales & Marketing team at Clipstone Park has been vital in understanding what opportunities are available to me. The experience allowed me to learn more about the construction industry and the variety of roles available within it. I would like to thank the entire team at Clipstone Park for such an insightful week, and for all their support in guiding me in the beginnings of my career in construction.” Clipstone Park currently has a selection of three and four-bedroom homes, with prices starting from £370,000 for a three-bedroom home. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames or Clipstone Park, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/ https://www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8501. [2] https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/insights-tools/the-uk-construction-skills-shortage/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over 1,000 hours of planning went into supporting Kiruna Church’s two-day journey to its new home Mammoet has completed the safe and successful relocation of the iconic Kiruna Church, one of Sweden’s most treasured architectural landmarks. The operation, which took place over two days, marks a historic moment for the town of Kiruna and showcases the power of precision engineering and collaboration. Built in the early 20th century and once voted Sweden’s most beautiful building, Kiruna Church is one of the country’s largest wooden structures. Its relocation became necessary due to the expansion of LKAB’s Kiruna mine, which required several buildings to be moved to a newly developed city center five kilometers away. Commissioned by civil engineering firm Veidekke and LKAB, Mammoet was entrusted with transporting the 713-tonne wooden church in one piece—a task that demanded over 1,000 hours of meticulous planning and engineering. The move, dubbed “The Great Church Walk,” drew thousands of spectators, including the King of Sweden, and was carried out with exceptional care to preserve the integrity of the fragile structure. To ensure the church’s safety, Mammoet worked closely with Veidekke and Swedish wood engineering specialists to model and test the building’s response to lifting and transport. The operation was timed for August to avoid adverse weather conditions that could jeopardize the move. The church was jacked up to a height of 1.3 meters and placed on steel beams supported by two trains of 28 axle lines of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs). A custom monitoring system developed in-house ensured the structure remained stable throughout the journey, allowing for a maximum tilt of just 7.5 cm between sides. The route was carefully analyzed and prepared, including temporary road widening and compacting work. Mammoet advised on these civil works and conducted road tests using SPMTs loaded with counterweights to simulate the church’s axle load. The relocation took place during daylight hours on August 19 and 20, with the church arriving safely at its new location. Once in place, the SPMTs lowered the structure onto its new concrete foundations, completing a move that will be remembered for generations. In the coming days, Mammoet will also relocate the church’s 90-tonne belfry using a different SPMT configuration, further contributing to the preservation of Kiruna’s cultural heritage. “This project exemplifies the importance of detailed engineering and planning in executing unique and meaningful moves,” said William Soeters, Project Manager at Mammoet. “We’re proud to have played a key role in safeguarding this historic building for future generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Living Group has reported record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, underlining the company’s strengthened position as a key provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure. The Group, which received backing from Apollo-managed funds in August 2023, has continued to scale its operations and broaden its capabilities, reporting a 14.5 per cent increase in revenues to £718 million, up from £627.2 million in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 33.4 per cent to £68.5 million, while cash profit before tax climbed to £38.5 million. United Living ended the year with gross cash reserves of £70.2 million, alongside a secured order book worth £3.2 billion. The company also signed new contracts worth £920 million during the year. Notably, this included a £250 million project to deliver a CO₂ pipeline for Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage, a key element of the UK’s net zero ambitions that will bring significant investment to communities across the North West and North Wales. Other contract wins included a £150 million ten-year framework with United Utilities, appointment to the Southern Water AMP8 Capital Infrastructure Framework, a £40 million repairs and maintenance agreement with the London Borough of Harrow, and a £36 million responsive repairs and voids contract with Sovereign Network Group across London and the South of England. In addition to strong organic performance, United Living accelerated its growth strategy through a series of acquisitions across critical markets. These included the purchase of AFECO, PiLON, GTEC Training, Thormer Solutions, Jones, Peter Duffy Ltd, and most recently a majority stake in Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions. The acquisitions have expanded the Group’s capabilities across power distribution, water infrastructure, property services, digital solutions for energy efficiency, and specialist engineering services. Neil Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of United Living Group (pictured), said the results demonstrated both resilience and growth potential. “We are pleased to announce another record financial result for United Living Group, ending the year with a robust cash position and a significant forward order book that reflects sustained growth across our business.“Our sectors continue to benefit from powerful long-term drivers from critical infrastructure investment linked to decarbonisation, resilience, digital connectivity and demand for safe, sustainable living environments. These trends are creating increasing demand for the services United Living is well placed to deliver.“Since the Apollo Impact’s investment in August 2023, we have accelerated our strategy by making six strategic acquisitions, with two post-period-end, that strengthen our expertise and broaden our capabilities across critical markets, including power distribution, water infrastructure, engineering services, and digital solutions for net zero.“United Living’s diverse and resilient platform means the Group is well positioned to drive continued organic growth and deliver further value through targeted acquisitions, supporting the UK’s essential critical infrastructure.” The Group’s performance highlights its ability to align with national priorities around sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience, while securing new opportunities to support both public and private sector clients. Looking ahead, United Living is expected to continue leveraging its strong order book, financial position, and expanded expertise to reinforce its role as a key partner in the delivery of the UK’s most vital infrastructure programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an impressive creative punch. The venue spans two levels, with a traditional ground floor pub leading to an experimental first-floor cocktail bar offering the UK’s first sub-zero cocktails and next-generation carbonated creations. Up North Architects was tasked with ensuring guests felt an immediate transition from the classic pub environment to the innovative cocktail bar above – the solution for which was colour. The practice discovered the perfect shade at Crown Paint’s stand at Material Source Studio – a hub for northern architects to collaborate and interact with partners and suppliers. Patrick Thomas, Director at Up North Architects said: “We were looking for a ‘candy’ style shade to reflect The Morris’ playful, vibrant cocktail menu. We knew instantly that Crown’s ‘Quick Kiss’ was right for the project. It’s vivid, fun and it announces the cocktail bar’s presence in an unforgettable way.” Quick Kiss is part of Crown Paints’ Co palette, one of five Colour Insights 25/26 palettes designed to influence the creation of harmonious spaces, bringing a balance that can foster both productivity and relaxation. The full Colour Insights report was curated by Crown Paints to support architects and designers with evidence-based colour forecasting rooted in social and design shifts. Despite the venue’s compact scale, the colour was used strategically to make a bold statement, wrapping around the staircase to signal the magical experience awaiting up the stairs and continuing into the cocktail bar itself. The paint was specified in Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt, a premium, stain-resistant emulsion. The paint allows for stains to be wiped away with ease, which is ideal for a busy bar environment. It can also withstand regular cleaning, whilst maintaining its rich colour and clean finish– ultimately reducing maintenance costs. Richard Bailey, Architectural and Design Consultant at Crown Paints, said: “Quick Kiss is a fantastic example of how impactful colour can be in transforming a space. Our Colour Insights palettes are designed to help architects and designers feel confident making bold, future-focused decisions, and it’s brilliant to see Up North Architects bringing this to life so vividly at The Morris. “We always encourage creatives to visit us at Material Source Studio, where they can be inspired by our paints up close. Our stand features installations like our painted bench, for hands-on inspiration. It’s also a great opportunity to pick and choose from our Pure Paint Samples to support the development of moodboards and colour schemes.” Crown Paints has a dedicated presence at Material Source Studio in both Manchester and Glasgow, where architects and designers can gain inspiration, explore the full palette, and pick up a fan deck or Pure Paint Samples for their projects. Crown also regularly hosts events at both locations, including RIBA and BIID-approved CPDs to support professional development. For more information on the Crown Paints Colour Insights, please visit: Crown Trade paints visit: www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/colour/insights Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MGF is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Whitworth to the Executive Board, marking a significant milestone in his career and a strategic step forward for the business. Chris began his journey with MGF in 2010, joining on a six-week work experience placement. Following his graduation from university, he formally joined the company in 2012 as a Management Trainee. Since then, Chris has built an impressive career, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every area of the business. Over the past 13 years, Chris has worked in the yards, loaded and unloaded wagons, tested and maintained equipment, and held roles in hire desk, depot management, sales, purchasing, transport, and operations. His deep understanding of the business has been shaped by the guidance of experienced mentors and a commitment to continuous development. A key highlight of Chris’s career has been his instrumental role in developing MGF’s people and leading the development of new divisions within the group. His work has been central to the successful launch and growth of Lifting & Safety, Exports, and most recently, Structural Support, each now a vital part of MGF’s offering to the construction industry. Chris’s promotion to the Executive Board reflects his dedication, leadership, and strategic vision. His appointment strengthens MGF’s commitment to investing in talent and driving innovation across the business. Simon Littlewood, Managing Director, commented:“Chris’s journey is a testament to the opportunities available at MGF for those who are forward-thinking, driven, and committed to making a difference. His promotion is well deserved, and we’re excited to see the impact he’ll continue to make at board level.” MGF congratulates Chris on this achievement and looks forward to the continued growth and evolution of the business under his leadership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Procurement is the beating heart of construction. But for many UK organisations, it still runs on spreadsheets, siloed systems, and countless phone calls. And that inefficiency comes at a price. Research reported by PBC Today shows construction projects in the UK run, on average, 46 percent over budget, with procurement and supply chain inefficiencies playing a major role. Meanwhile, a study commissioned by procurement software provider Ivalua found that UK procurement professionals spend nearly a third of their working hours on manual processes. A new wave of AI-powered digital tools, aligned with the principles of Procurement 5.0 (a term suggested by McKinsey), is starting to change this landscape. Intelligent document processing, demand forecasting, smart supplier evaluation, and real-time tracking are already helping teams work faster and with more certainty. One of the most exciting developments is the use of optical character recognition (OCR) and large language models (LLMs) to “read” engineering drawings and blueprints, extracting specifications and pushing them directly into procurement workflows. Add AI agents that can manage orders, chase suppliers, and flag risks instantly, and the result is a smarter, leaner, more resilient supply chain. The future of procurement in UK construction isn’t decades away — it’s happening now. Five Procurement Challenges Construction is Facing Today Before we look at how AI and Procurement 5.0 can transform your organisation, it’s worth taking stock of the obstacles that UK construction leaders are up against. 1. Fragmented supplier visibility. Many firms manage hundreds of suppliers with no single, consistent record of performance, compliance, or pricing. This can lead to duplication, missed opportunities, and a lack of leverage when negotiating. 2. Budget overruns. According to PBC Today, UK construction projects overshoot budgets by an average of 46 percent, with supply chain inefficiencies playing a major role. 3. Slow decision cycles. Procurement decisions can take weeks when project deadlines demand hours, largely because data is scattered across systems or trapped in paper documents. 4. Compliance pressures. New sustainability regulations and modern slavery legislation place additional reporting requirements on procurement teams, increasing admin workloads. 5. Manual processes. The Ivalua study found that procurement professionals spend around 31 percent of their time on repetitive, non-strategic tasks. That’s valuable labour that could be redirected towards supplier innovation and risk management. These challenges are more than operational headaches — they directly affect margins, project delivery, and a company’s ability to compete. Business Benefits of AI-powered Procurement Tools For all the excitement about new technology, most construction leaders ultimately want to know one thing: will it deliver measurable returns? Early adopters of AI-powered procurement tools, in line with Procurement 5.0 thinking, are already seeing results that translate directly to the bottom line. Among them are: Shorter cycle times Research from McKinsey shows AI-enhanced procurement can reduce inventory by 20 to 30 percent, logistics costs by 5 to 20 percent, and procurement spend by 5 to 15 percent, meaning critical materials arrive sooner and projects avoid costly delays. Cost savings According to Accenture, organisations implementing AI in procurement typically reduce direct material costs by 5 to 10 percent, driven by better demand forecasting and supplier competition. Fewer compliance breaches Automated risk checks and document analysis have helped some UK firms cut contract compliance issues by over 25 percent, as reported in Supply Management magazine. Improved staff productivity – The Ivalua study found that automation can reclaim nearly a third of procurement professionals’ time, freeing them to focus on strategic supplier relationships. Efficiency and savings uplift – The Hackett Group finds AI-driven procurement outsourcing delivers a 23 percent average improvement in purchase cost savings and cost avoidance, and an 83 percent overall satisfaction rating for service experience and value. These aren’t abstract benefits. Real companies are already seeing results from their pilots and preparing for wider rollouts. The real question is whether your company will be among the pioneering adopters. 5 Key Steps to Implement AI-powered Procurement in Your Organisation For many business leaders in the construction sector, the main challenge isn’t understanding the value of AI but knowing how to start. The key is to approach AI-powered procurement implementation as a business transformation rather than a tech project. Step 1: Define clear objectives Identify the procurement process pain points you want to address first, such as reducing lead time, improving supplier risk assessment, or speeding up contract reviews. Step 2: Pilot with a valuable use case Start small, for example, by using OCR and LLMs to extract specifications from engineering drawings and feed them into your ordering system.AI consulting experts can help you scope, test, and refine your pilot so it aligns with your business goals. Step 3: Integrate with the existing system Ensure AI tools can be connected with your enterprise resource planning (ERP) or procurement management platforms, avoiding duplicate data entry. Step 4: Upskill your team Provide targeted training so staff can interpret the AI solution output, adjust forecasting, and manage AI agents effectively. Step 5: Measure the success and iterate Set measurable KPIs such as cycle time reduction or supplier performance improvements, track results, and scale the AI use once its value is proven. By treating AI as a business goals driver, rather than an innovative add-on, you create the conditions for sustained efficiency gains and competitive advantage for your organisation. Future Outlook: What’s Next for Construction Procurement? In the next few years we will see construction procurement move from reactive buying to proactive, data-led decision-making. Several trends are already taking shape: Trend 1: AI agents with multi-role capabilities Beyond order management, these systems will handle supplier onboarding, performance tracking, and early risk detection without human prompting. Trend 2: Integration of digital twins Connecting procurement platforms with project digital twins will allow teams to model material needs in real time, adjusting orders dynamically as designs or schedules change. Trend 3: Blockchain for contract transparency Distributed ledgers can record supplier agreements and transactions securely, reducing disputes and enabling faster verification of compliance. Trend 4: Sustainability metrics in procurement Environmental performance data will increasingly be built
The global construction market value is estimated at over $15 trillion USD, and this value is expected to rise to over $16 trillion USD by 2030. Rising demands mean that companies in the construction sector are facing serious challenges such as material shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, and a growing need for real-time data integrations. The logistics sector must adapt to these needs through a multifaceted approach that includes strategic planning, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability. In terms of reducing carbon footprints and costs, smart management of less-than-truckload (LTL) freights is key, as route optimization is vital to reduce time, expense, and freight damage. Creating a Smart Logistics Plan Construction products require well-structured logistics plans that cover aspects such as coordinated delivery, workforce schedules, and compliance with local regulations. Studies show that improper material handling can increase project costs by up to 10%. Site layout planning is key; construction logistics managers must optimize the design and placement of work areas, material storage, and access routes, to reduce the likelihood of bottlenecks. Material management is another key goal. Sophisticated setups need to be set up to control inventory, ensure timely deliveries, and receive, store, and distribute material as required. Managers must also take time to coordinate transportation, allocate and track equipment efficiently, and train employees to respond quickly to necessary procedural changes. Embracing Top Industry-Specific Technology In the digital age, smart transport management involves a reliance on technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), GPS tracking, and advanced project management to monitor materials and equipment in real time. The case study of Midwest Construction Solutions (MCS) reveals the extent to which technology can help bridge gaps and lower costs. MCS relied on IoT-enabled RFID tags on high-value materials in 12 job sites. The system, which tied to automated storage and mobile dashboards resulted in a 32% reduction in material waste, 45% faster project delivery, 85% drop in material theft, and 65% fewer labor hours spent on inventory tracking. Caterpillar, meanwhile, uses IoT telematics on its excavators and bulldozers to monitor engine health (including vibrations, temperature, and operational hours) to identify maintenance needs before breakdowns. The company PCL Construction is yet another organization that is leveraging the power of technology. It recently implemented wireless concrete sensors in a 70-story tower project for real-time tracking of strength maturity. Drone and aerial visual monitoring is another technology that is enhancing processes via remote monitoring. Utilizing LTL Fright Brokers LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight brokers are key partners in many construction projects, as they allow companies to consolidate smaller shipments, reduce transportation costs, and improve delivery efficiency. Using an LTL freight broker can be seen as a vital strategy when it comes to enhancing operational efficiency. For instance, a case study by Resilient Freight showed that using LTL services for transporting construction materials resulted in a 20% reduction in shipping costs and a 30% improvement in delivery times. LTL brokers also offer flexibility in scheduling and routing, which is good news for managers of projects that may have frequently changing demands. Improving Sustainability A report by the World Economic Forum shows that adopting green logistics practices can lead to a 10-15% reduction in transportation-related emissions. Current construction managers are embracing numerous measures to reduce their carbon footprints. One company in Lima, Peru, used a Construction Consolidation Centre (CCC) combined with just-in-time delivery kitting (pre-assembled kits of components). This decision resulted in reduced transport demands and improved cost savings and environmental benefits. Another company in Linz, Austria, showed that bundling deliveries into a single truck (instead of multiple runs) lowered fuel consumption by 28% and CO₂ emissions by 34%. Other key measures companies should consider adopting include eco-efficient routing with AI and machine learning, and the use of electric rather than fuel-based vehicles. Smart transport strategies are vital for efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability in the rapidly growing global construction market. Companies can achieve these goals by integrating advanced technologies, leveraging LTL freight brokers, and embracing green logistics. An openness to replacing outdated systems with smart technology can also help boost efficiency, safety, and speed.
Customer expectations are at an all-time high. As cashless payments become more prevalent, having the right card reader for your business is essential for streamlining transactions and improving the customer experience. Selecting the best card reader can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the market. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right card reader to meet your business needs. Understanding the Different Types of Card Readers There are several types of card readers available on the market, each designed to suit different business needs. The most common types include countertop card readers, mobile card readers, and integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems. Countertop card readers are typically used in brick-and-mortar stores where transactions happen at a fixed point, such as a retail counter. These card readers offer stability and reliability, making them ideal for businesses that deal with high transaction volumes. Mobile card readers are compact and portable, allowing businesses to accept payments on the go. These card readers connect to a smartphone or tablet, making them a great option for businesses like food trucks, pop-up shops, or service providers that need to process payments in different locations. Integrated POS systems combine hardware and software, offering a comprehensive solution for managing transactions, inventory, and customer data. These systems are perfect for businesses looking to integrate their payment processing with other operational aspects, such as stock management or customer loyalty programs. It’s important to assess the nature of your business and its specific needs before deciding on the type of card reader that will best support your operations. Features to Consider When Choosing a Card Reader When selecting a card reader, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure it aligns with your business requirements. Here are the main features you should look for: Making The Final Decision Selecting the right card reader for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs. While affordability is often a key factor, it’s essential to look beyond the initial cost and focus on the long-term benefits. A high-quality, feature-rich card reader can improve the overall efficiency of your business and make transactions smoother for both you and your customers. When choosing a card reader, consider your business’s size, the volume of transactions, and your mobility requirements. Look for a solution that fits your business model, supports multiple payment methods, and offers a user-friendly experience. Providers like Clover have flexible, integrated solutions designed to meet the demands of modern businesses, helping you stay ahead of the competition. With the right card reader, you can ensure that your business stays connected, efficient, and prepared for the future.
