New Government data of fire and rescue service incidents analysed by HETAS for Chimney Fire Safety Week (CFSW), reveals that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to 181 chimney fires over the last year, the most out of all counties in England. Dorset and Wiltshire follow in close
Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to
Jacobs has appointed Richard Sanderson as the company’s new General Manager for Europe and U.K., effective September 29, 2025. Richard brings more than 30 years of experience with Jacobs to his new role. A transport planner by background, he has built a career that spans technical delivery, operational management, sales,
When talking about the trends that will shape kitchens in the next decade, it’s not necessarily about whether dark or light cabinets will be popular in 2030. Aesthetic appeal is important, but we need to focus more on investing in durable, adaptable, and smart infrastructure. Design trends come and go,
Within this digital revolution we have seen banking go online and businesses turn to AI to answer phone calls. This is also relevant for the American construction industry. Technology has reshaped how projects are planned, build and delivered. In 2025, US construction spending is projected to top $2.15 trillion –
New Government data of fire and rescue service incidents analysed by HETAS for Chimney Fire Safety Week (CFSW), reveals that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to 181 chimney fires over the last year, the most out of all counties in England. Dorset and Wiltshire follow in close second with a combined 113 chimney fires; Hereford and Worcester are third with a combined 95; North Yorkshire follows in fourth with 90; and Norfolk fifth with 86 chimney fires reported between April 2024 and March 2025. During this period, there were 2,019 chimney fires in England, 5% less than the year before and accounting for 0.33% of the total fires in the country. While chimney fires are steadily decreasing, recent data shows that more than 1.5 million stoves are currently installed across just over 60% of UK households – a number which is steadily increasing. The Government fire statistics, reviewed by HETAS as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s annual CFSW – a national campaign in partnership with the Government’s Fire Kills campaign, Industry, and fire and rescue services to promote positive safety messages to consumers – align with HETAS’ own national research into consumer burning habits. Also released today, HETAS’ data delves into the potential causes of chimney fires throughout the UK. It found that across all 88 counties surveyed in the UK, nearly 1 in 10 wood-burning stove owners leave it two or more years to sweep their chimney or never get it swept at all, whilst a fifth have either never serviced their appliance or are unsure if they have. Calvin May, Head of Technical & Certification at HETAS, said: “Our latest data reveals some interesting insights into the potential causes of these chimney fires, reiterating the need for our annual awareness campaign; we even discovered that some stove owners weren’t aware their appliance needs regular, ongoing maintenance. Regularly servicing your solid fuel appliance and sweeping your chimney is essential to help reduce these annual chimney fire figures even further. “No matter what type of chimney you have or whether it is lined or not, wood-burning stove owners are advised by industry to have their chimneys swept twice a year if they burn wood, and at least once every 12 months if using smokeless fuels. Appliances should be installed by a competent professional and serviced annually, using a HETAS registered servicing engineer for continued safety and compliance. “If a chimney isn’t regularly swept then a sticky, tar-like substance called creosote builds up on the inner walls of the chimney flue – building much more rapidly if the appliance is poorly maintained or the wood isn’t properly seasoned – which can ignite and cause a chimney fire to rapidly spread.” Jon Quinn, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Home Safety Committee said: “Chimney Fire Safety Week is an important reminder that regular sweeping and maintenance are essential in reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. “The National Fire Chiefs Council also urge households to fit and test smoke alarms as they provide early warning of a fire and save lives. We also recommend installing a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to poisonous leaks. Smoke and Carbon monoxide alarms should be tested at least once a month to make sure they are working. By taking these simple steps, families can stay warm and safe as we move into the colder months.” Dr Nicki Harvey founder of Dr Sweep, a chimney and stove service company based in the West Midlands, who also suffered from CO poisoning from a faulty gas fire in her first home, also adds: “It’s so important to get your chimney and your appliance checked and swept regularly, and to test your smoke and CO alarm. By doing so, the stove will work better and more efficiently, it will be cleaner, and most importantly, it will be safer for you and your family. “An experienced sweep can offer advice on how best to burn fuel or to use your stove controls. They can also spot and fix any issues early on, giving you peace of mind when using and enjoying your stove.” HETAS’ findings revealed that a small percentage of consumers, over 1 in 10, either do not check if their fuel is certified ‘Ready to Burn’ or only check sometimes. Furthermore, 1 in 5 stove users nationally reported growing their own wood rather than buying it in person or online, with a small number (4%) of respondents voicing concerns around the cost of living. Calvin continues: “With the recent energy price cap increase announced by Ofgem, homeowners are continuing to look for cost-effective ways to heat their homes, but when buying fuel for your stove you must remember to prioritise the safety of your home. “In England, there are strict government regulations that any wood sold in volumes under 2m³ must be certified as ‘Ready to Burn’, meaning it has a moisture content of 20% or less and that Manufactured Solid Fuels contain less than 2% sulphur content. “Both are critical to ensure that these fuels burn efficiently, safely and cleanly – both for the environment and stove users. This not only benefits the lifespan of your appliance but also reduces the risk of chimney fires when burned in a sufficiently maintained stove and alongside a regularly swept chimney.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property and even lives, supporting critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Category 1 cables guarantee 30 minutes of defence against flames, making them ideal for emergency lighting, while Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of fire protection and are commonly used for alarm systems. For firefighting, additional time is required and Category 3 cables are able to withstand up to 120 minutes of exposure to fire, providing enhanced emergency power to assist firefighters. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “In the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces we are recommending these cables because they meet all compliance requirements. This provides specifiers, installers and asset owners peace of mind when considering cabling for new and existing buildings.” The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jacobs has appointed Richard Sanderson as the company’s new General Manager for Europe and U.K., effective September 29, 2025. Richard brings more than 30 years of experience with Jacobs to his new role. A transport planner by background, he has built a career that spans technical delivery, operational management, sales, and market solutions. Beyond transportation, Richard has worked extensively with clients across infrastructure, energy, water, environment, and urban development, consistently driving innovation, resilience, and positive outcomes for communities. Throughout his career, he has contributed to some of Jacobs’ most complex and high-profile programs, demonstrating a unique ability to integrate engineering, consulting, and program management expertise. Most recently, he served as Head of Sector for Transportation in Europe, where he strengthened client partnerships and advanced strategic priorities, while also championing cross-sector collaboration and sustainability. Jacobs Executive Vice President Keith Lawson commented: “Richard is a highly respected leader with deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of collaboration, building strong teams and lasting client relationships. His leadership style, strategic mindset, and ability to inspire will be invaluable as we continue to grow and deliver impact across Europe and the U.K.” Jacobs incoming General Manager for Europe and U.K. Richard Sanderson added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Jacobs and it’s a privilege to lead such a talented team. We will continue to work with our clients, partners, and the wider industry to bring together Jacobs’ hallmarks of engineering excellence, consulting insight, and program management experience to deliver sustainable, technology-enabled solutions across multiple sectors and markets.” At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we’re creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When talking about the trends that will shape kitchens in the next decade, it’s not necessarily about whether dark or light cabinets will be popular in 2030. Aesthetic appeal is important, but we need to focus more on investing in durable, adaptable, and smart infrastructure. Design trends come and go, but a smart layout that can adapt to new technologies without losing functionality and appeal is the best you can offer future homebuyers, restaurant owners, or food manufacturers. This approach ensures a kitchen remains functional and valuable, especially in a future that might involve advanced cooking robots. In light of these aspects, let’s see what it means to truly future-proof kitchen fit-outs. Adaptability and Modular Design Flexibility is key in the food industry, making modular design a crucial element for both residential and commercial kitchens of the future. We’re talking about a kitchen that can evolve with the user’s needs. This is where prefabricated and reconfigurable layouts come in, with scalable designs that can expand or contract based on needs. Elements like modular cabinet systems, movable islands with integrated utilities, and flexible storage solutions will be a must-have in the near future. Prefabricated modules reduce installation time and lower construction costs, but also allow a space to be reconfigured for a new owner or a change in lifestyle. This kind of adaptability helps future-proof investments, ensuring that spaces can pivot to new food trends without requiring a complete rebuild. But modular and flexible doesn’t mean flimsy and easily replaceable. Durability will also be a key factor in future kitchens. Since the kitchen area may have to endure heavy use across multiple tenants, its surfaces, floors, and fixtures must withstand constant turnover. Smart and Sustainable Equipment and Infrastructure The future is clearly technology-driven, and the kitchen is not exempt. In fact, we’re already seeing smart appliances designed for lower energy consumption, with better safety features. One great example comes from induction stoves, which are better for the environment and for users than traditional gas ones. If you have a look at current equipment suppliers’ offers (such as Restaurant Supply pro kitchen equipment catalogue), you already see a trend toward scalable, future-ready tools that can handle the demands of multi-concept operations. However, to ensure future kitchens can adapt to new tools and appliances, many of which don’t even exist yet, contractors and designers must approach smart technology as a core part of the infrastructure. This means moving beyond a single Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerator and instead building an integrated, adaptable system. This involves providing dedicated circuits to support future appliances and installing built-in USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging pads to power a growing number of smart kitchen devices like tablets and smart thermometers. A strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal is a given, but a truly future-proof kitchen should also have Ethernet ports. Hardwired connections are more secure, reliable, and faster, which is essential for things like remote monitoring, smart appliance management, and streaming media. Automation, AI, and Data-Driven Kitchens Yes, the future will most likely put artificial intelligence in kitchens. Although it may seem like a bit of a stretch, automation is already part of the food industry, and can boost kitchen functionality at home as well. Big, industrial kitchens already use IoT sensors in commercial refrigerators and pantries to track inventory in real-time. This automated process can alert managers when supplies are low and predict usage patterns to minimize waste. Ovens, fryers, and grills are equipped with sensors and smart controls that can automatically adjust temperature and cooking time based on the specific food item. This way, we reduce the risk of human error and limit the spread of foodborne illness. In residential kitchens, we now have touchless faucets that use motion sensors to turn on and off. This is great for both hygiene reasons and conserving water. Next, smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on time of day or occupancy, which is great for energy efficiency. The Kitchen of the Future The trends show that home kitchens will stop being a collection of disparate appliances and instead, turn into a central hub of efficiency, health, and creativity. The entire room will function as a single, interconnected system. We might even have robotic arms, discreetly integrated into a kitchen island, handling tasks like chopping vegetables or kneading dough. The induction cooktop will be able to adjust the temperature automatically, and smart vent hoods will regulate air quality and ventilation in real-time. We may even have an AI system that analyzes each family’s nutritional needs and dietary preferences, suggesting personalized meal plans and automatically ordering groceries when supplies are low. This way, cooking at home will no longer take up at least an hour of your day, and it will become a pleasurable activity instead of a chore. In the food industry, the kitchen of the future will be a high-tech ecosystem optimized for speed, precision, and safety. Human chefs will be able to exercise their full creativity and thirst for innovation, while AI and robotics will handle the repetitive, high-volume tasks. There will also be AI-powered systems continuously monitoring every aspect of the operation, from the temperature of ingredients to the cleanliness of the cooking surfaces, ensuring that every dish meets the highest standards of safety and consistency. Wrap Up In simple terms, kitchens will soon become ecosystems of technology, sustainability, and adaptability. This means that kitchens built today need to align with future operational demands, shifting consumer trends, and ever-stricter environmental regulations.
Within this digital revolution we have seen banking go online and businesses turn to AI to answer phone calls. This is also relevant for the American construction industry. Technology has reshaped how projects are planned, build and delivered. In 2025, US construction spending is projected to top $2.15 trillion – and digital tools like AI, drones and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are as key to this growth as cement mixers and cranes. For example, drones that were once a novelty gadget and now being credited with boosting industry safety standards by 55% and improving measurement accuracy by 61%. And companies that use commercial property prospecting tools are pulling ahead of those stuck in the old ways of relying on word-of-mouth. Industry experts predict that firms that are slow to adapt to the new high-tech world will be edged out. Current Technological Advancements We’re already a long way from relying on a labourer with a shovel. BIM is now the foundation of all digital build planning in America. It’s the standard tech that underpins workflows and integrates with new tools like drones and AI analysis. Drones themselves have become standard tools for surveys, inspections and progress tracking, while autonomous robotic excavators often move earth without an on-board operator. AI isn’t just for call-centres and Google. It’s common in construction too. It provides expert help with scheduling, quality control and risk management. Competition now often hinges on how constructors use tech, not just on their craftsmanship. How Tech Is Adapted for Construction Traditional construction tools endure dust, bad weather, uneven terrain and work in areas that may have low connectivity. The new generation of tools must do the same. That’s why tech like drones must be made much more rugged for construction use. Digital systems are often operated through Cloud platforms to allow offline work anywhere. This allows robotic systems to operator, for example, autonomous bulldozers and tractors. Amongst this heavy-duty tech, it’s data that is the vital fuel. Information from sensors, AI and BIM systems feed into platforms that optimize the use of materials and construction timetables. Companies also use data to improve their bidding processes, reduce waste and improve safety. That’s why, in recent one survey, 95% of large US contractors admitted to now using at least one digital tool. Trending Tech Driving Results AI-powered safety is the latest use of construction tech. It involves a system of live feeds that flag hazards instantly. Advanced companies are also using augmented reality systems to overlay blueprints onto live views. It is claimed this results in a 25% fall in reworking projects. Many excavating operations are using robotics too. The machines themselves are fitted with autonomous systems to operate with no human on board at all hours even in the harshest conditions. As these uses of AI and automation grow, sustainability remains another target. Digital tools can model a constructor’s energy use and guide a more eco-friendly sourcing of materials. Tech like this is providing faster builds, safer sites and better margins. Embracing the Digital Age for Growth So, in 2025, going digital is key for companies whose clients require speed, safety and precision. That’s why AI investment is surging in the construction world – it is forecast to grow from $4.9 billion in 2025 to $22.7 billion by 2032. In this multi-trillion-dollar market, digital-first firms are increasingly expected to win more work – and build better long-term businesses. Conclusion – Building the Future Like much of the commercial world, the US construction sector has been transforming fast. Unlike other industries, digital advancements are not replacing talent and hard work and is instead a set of tools to empower it. The tech in this age is being used to boost speed, safety and profitability. Companies that are using these technologies are gaining ground thanks to the lowering of costs, faster deliveries and much happier clients. The digital revolution when it comes to construction businesses is underway and the future is likely to be built by those who best embrace the change.
