Winvic Construction has begun work on a 250,000 sq ft warehouse development at Coton Park in Rugby for Newlands Developments, deploying innovative enabling works to tackle complex site conditions. The 60-week programme marks Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the contractor previously delivered two units on plots 2 and 3.
Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the September 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of August 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise
Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated. One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’
The Octagon, Birmingham’s tallest building and world’s first pure octagonal residential skyscraper, has marked its practical completion, bringing to an end the three-year construction programme which has seen the building come to dominate the city’s skyline. The £110 million Built to Rent building is backed by global real estate investor,
Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo, marking a milestone for the retailer’s expanding interiors offering. The new two-storey, 12,000 sq ft store showcases an extensive homeware range, including bedding, throws, decorative items, and storage solutions. A mezzanine floor also houses Primark’s
Bouygues UK has been appointed by UPP as the lead contractor for the ambitious West Park development at the University of Exeter, following financial close. The project will redefine student accommodation, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency while providing modern, purpose-built living spaces. Bouygues UK will partner with UPP, the
Places for People is to extend its affordable living portfolio into Hunstanton, Norfolk, with the development of 61 brand-new independent living apartments for people aged 55 and over at Lavender View. The leading social enterprise, which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes across the UK, celebrated the development alongside
The formation of a representative organisation for the real estate sector, Real Estate: UK (RE:UK) will move ahead following an overwhelming vote in favour across all three member organisations. 100% of AREF members; 99.5% of BPF members and 92% of IPF members who voted expressed their support for the merger.
Accidents remain one of the UK’s most preventable tragedies, yet thousands of lives are lost every year, with tens of thousands of people suffering from serious injuries due to a lack of coherent national action. Just last month, the government released statistics on workplace safety and fatalities in the workplace.
The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and
Winvic Construction has begun work on a 250,000 sq ft warehouse development at Coton Park in Rugby for Newlands Developments, deploying innovative enabling works to tackle complex site conditions. The 60-week programme marks Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the contractor previously delivered two units on plots 2 and 3. This prior experience of the site’s infrastructure is expected to play a key role in the successful delivery of the latest phase. The single-storey facility will incorporate 15,000 sq ft of office space and will be built using a structural steel, multi-span portal frame, with a clear internal height of 15 metres. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC rating of A/A+, underlining its sustainability credentials. One of the most significant enabling works undertaken so far has been the installation of a 34-metre ex-Ministry of Defence tank bridge to span a 457mm high-pressure gas main. The 350-tonne crane lift was a critical step in providing safe access to the development site. To further mitigate the risks posed by the gas infrastructure, Winvic is also constructing a Filcor (polystyrene) road to wrap around a 54-metre-long culvert measuring 4m by 2m. Traditional construction techniques such as cement and compacted fill were deemed unsuitable, as the imposed loads would have compromised the gas main. Winvic is working closely with Cadent Gas to ensure that the solutions not only protect the integrity of the utility but also safeguard operatives during construction. Danny Nelson, managing director of industrial, distribution and logistics at Winvic, commented:“Working with partners, our solution to overcome the complex challenges of this site brought by the gas main highlights our commitment to safety and a collaborative culture.” The project reflects both the scale and complexity of modern warehouse development, where careful planning, innovative engineering and collaboration with infrastructure stakeholders are essential to delivering facilities that meet occupier and sustainability demands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the September 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of August 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise stated). All figures are 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 September Index reveals that the high hopes for an industrywide recovery, forecast through a steady increase in activity during Q.2, were premature, with the value of work starting on-site dipping by 4% in the three months to the end of August, standing 6% lower than 2024 figures during the same period. The uptick in residential activity observed during the spring and summer, which drove the majority of the recent impressive growth, is starting to slow as Autumn starts. This is giving way to general decline, with starts-on-site falling 18% on the preceding three months, and 16% year-on-year, as persistent international socioeconomic pressures and unpopular Government policies erode investor and consumer confidence. However, the overall drop in performance was somewhat mitigated in the non-residential sector, which experienced a relatively positive period, registering a 13% increase on the preceding three months to stand 11% up on the previous year. Commenting on the results, Glenigan Economist Drilon Baca says, “Many contractors and subcontractors will be deeply frustrated by the apparent ‘false start’ performance-wise, especially within the residential verticals. However, as the numbers show, the sector is still in a far stronger position than it was during last winter, holding relatively steady overall when compared like-for-like against last year’s figures, with a modest dip in the single figures. He continues, “However, we need to be cautious. There remains a high degree of uncertainty. In the lead up to the widely-rumored Autumn Budget Statement, the sector will not be helped by persistent international pressures and, closer to home, ongoing speculation around property tax increases.” Taking a closer look at the Index results… Sector Analysis – Residential The residential sector faced pronounced headwinds. Overall starts were down 18% in the three months to the end of August compared to the previous 3-month period, finishing 16% below 2024. Private housing fell 16% during the Index period and 16% compared to the previous year. Social housing fared even worse with activity slashed by almost a quarter (-24%) to stand 17% lower year-on-year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Performance was generally subdued in non-residential sectors, however, there were some very impressive results within individual verticals. Activity within offices was outstanding. Starts surged 103% during the Index period and were 232% up on the previous year. These extraordinary figures can be attributed to shovels going into the ground on a number of major developments, including the retrofit of 30 Finsbury Square in London. It was a mixed bag elsewhere. Industrial project starts edged up by 1% compared to the preceding three months, but were still 11% below 2024 levels. Likewise, health sector activity grew 7%, but was 5% lower compared to last year’s figures. Elsewhere, community and amenity project starts were down 26% compared to the previous 3 months but saw a 35% increase compared to 2024. Hotel & leisure starts, in turn, dipped 5% but were 4% higher year-on-year. Civil engineering work inched up 2% on the preceding three months but remained 22% below year-ago levels. Infrastructure project starts rose 12% against the Index period, although they were down 17% year-on-year. Utilities construction declined 9% to finish 27% lower than last year. The retail and education verticals were the biggest losers. The former took a significant hit, falling 23% compared to the previous 3 months and were down 34% compared to last year. The latter experienced significant setbacks, dropping 14% compared to the preceding three months and 37% when measured against 2024 levels. Regional Performance London outperformed other regions, with project starts reaching £2,973 million, up a whopping 39% compared to the preceding three months, and a staggering 36% compared to the same period last year. Not to be outdone, the North East experienced strong growth, rising 61% against 2024 results and increasing by almost a third (+29%) against the preceding three months. The West Midlands also posted robust results, up 21% on the previous three months and 36% year-on-year. In contrast, the South East and South West both registered sizeable declines; the former fell by 15% compared to the previous 3 months, and 21% on the year; the latter dropped 29% and 32%, respectively. The North West slipped 5% on the preceding three months and 12% compared to last year. North of the border, Scotland declined 29% against the previous year and 16% on the preceding three months. Find out more about Glenigan here: www.glenigan.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated. One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’ by RIBA’s judges. Submitted for entry by Purcell – consultant architect on the project – the conservation was the most extensive and complex in the building’s history, combining traditional skills and crafts with cutting-edge upgrades that made the building fit for the 21st century. Chris Elliot, Managing Director of UK Parliament’s Strategic Estates team, said: “This nomination celebrates the successful restoration of the UK’s most photographed landmark, achieved through close collaboration with our architects, Purcell, alongside our exceptional supply chain. As custodians of a UNESCO World Heritage site, we are proud to have maintained and preserved the Elizabeth Tower as a symbol of our national heritage.” Running from 2017-2022, the project safeguarded the architectural integrity of the Elizabeth Tower and ensured that Big Ben could continue to ‘bong’ for decades to come. Prior to the restoration, the landmark suffered from many of the issues seen in buildings of its age, including crumbling stones, rusty ironwork, leaking roofs and, in this case, an aging clock. Repairing problems that could not be fixed while the clock was in action, the project also conserved key elements of Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin’s design, including stone carvings, the clock dials and the gilded spire. The restoration works repaired and redecorated the interior, renewed the building services, and made improvements to health and safety and fire protection systems. The works also improved energy efficiency, reducing the Elizabeth Tower’s environmental impact, as well as providing better access for maintenance and emergency services. A wide range of specialist companies and tradespeople from across the UK were involved in the programme, including from: Other areas involved include the North West England (building and M&E design), South East England and London (stone restoration and glass designers), South Yorkshire (stone replacements and cast-iron repairs) amongst others. The conservation of the UK’s most iconic landmark has already earned widespread recognition, including a RIBA National Award, RIBA London Award, AABC Conservation Award, Michael Middleton Civic Trust Award and Digital Construction Project of the Year Award. Parliament’s Strategic Estates team has also been nominated for the RIBA Client of the Year award, acknowledging their role in championing excellence throughout the project. Members of the public can find out more about the restoration through guided tours – and take home a piece of Big Ben memorabilia from the Houses of Parliament Shop. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Octagon, Birmingham’s tallest building and world’s first pure octagonal residential skyscraper, has marked its practical completion, bringing to an end the three-year construction programme which has seen the building come to dominate the city’s skyline. The £110 million Built to Rent building is backed by global real estate investor, City Developments Ltd of Singapore (CDL), and developed by MEPC, the specialist development management arm of Federated Hermes, working with main contractor and high-rise specialist Midgard, part of the JRL Group, to deliver the building. Managed by Allsop, the 49-storey, 155 metre tower, features 370 spacious new homes with incredible views across the city – and beyond – and will welcome its first residents from early September. An elegant and true landmark on the city’s skyline, The Octagon has been sustainably designed by Birmingham-based award-winning architect practice Howells and has been built to the same ethos, drawing heavily on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and lean production methods throughout the build. The building is an integral part of the city’s £1.2 billion Paradise estate which has been developed by MEPC, the specialist development arm of Federated Hermes on behalf of its clients. As a mixed-use destination with contemporary new restaurants and leisure amenities as well as unrivalled connectivity, Paradise has become an essential destination for the city and region. The Octagon’s 360-degree design ethos openly addresses each part of the city and offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, all of which enjoy spectacular views through the 10.5m wide windows on each elevation. The dedicated residents-only amenities of the lower and upper ground floors include features designed to enrich everyday life, including a stylish resident’s lounge, a private dining area, co-working spaces and a fully equipped gym, together with concierge services and a retail unit. Neil McGinty, director at CDL, said: “Today is another key chapter in the story of The Octagon. Our original investment was recognised as one of the largest Foreign Direct Investments made in the UK regions in recent years, and that investment has now come to fruition as we prepare to welcome our first residents. This moment underlines our commitment to Birmingham as a world-class, international destination with a strong regional economy and an exceptional future. “The Octagon is moving Birmingham into a new era of city centre homes in terms of both quality and location. We’re offering some of the finest city centre homes ever seen in the UK and establishing a powerful narrative for the city. With a world-first design and highly sustainable ethos, The Octagon is already an important part of the city’s skyline.” The original Paradise masterplan always envisaged a tall building at the northern apex of the site, which The Octagon fulfils with flair. Ross Fittall, Commercial Development Director at MEPC, said: “The practical completion of The Octagon marks another milestone moment not just for this building, but for the wider Paradise estate. Welcoming new residents to Paradise is a key achievement for all of us dedicated to creating a true mixed-use destination in the heart of the city. “After more than three years of hard work, led by main contractor Midgard with a long list of local sub-contractors as well as a specialist supply-chain and professional team, including project managers Quantem, we can all now see how impactful The Octagon is to the city. “Providing much-needed high-quality city centre homes and offering a range of spacious residences from one bed to three beds, The Octagon has wide appeal. Visible from many miles away due to its location on the Birmingham Ridge, it is and will remain an icon for the city, as well as a great place to live.” The construction of The Octagon has involved hundreds of specialist workers achieving class-leading quality and finish to the final product. Kevin Keegan, director of main contractor Midgard, said: “Everyone who has worked on The Octagon is proud to have delivered this iconic landmark for the city. From utilising Modern Methods of Construction, supporting the local supply chain and working extensively with apprentices and trainees, this project has been a great example of collaborative working across the design, delivery and construction teams.” With the input of Howells as both Paradise masterplanners and designers of The Octagon, the estate is benefiting from both the practice’s wealth of expertise and its local background. Dav Bansal, partner at architects Howells, said: “This milestone moment for The Octagon underscores the building’s journey from just a bold idea that challenged the norm to becoming a superlative new home for hundreds of people in the civic heart of Birmingham. We are incredibly proud of the meticulous work we have put into this building and every innovation that has gone into delivering it. Paradise is about adding to the life and vitality of the city centre, and by providing 370 new healthy and spacious homes, we’re making the most of what the city has to offer.” The Octagon apartments are available to rent for a minimum of twelve months with rents starting at £1,400 per month for a one bed, £1,995 per month for a two bed/two bathroom and £4,925 per month for a three bed/three bathroom penthouse. For further information on the apartment rentals, contact the lettings team on 0330 236 9810 visit https://www.theoctagonbirmingham.co.uk/ or email info@theoctagonbirmingham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo, marking a milestone for the retailer’s expanding interiors offering. The new two-storey, 12,000 sq ft store showcases an extensive homeware range, including bedding, throws, decorative items, and storage solutions. A mezzanine floor also houses Primark’s travel collection, with luggage and travel accessories available for shoppers. Alongside the debut Home store, Primark has invested in its existing Trafford Palazzo branch. The store has undergone a significant makeover, featuring an expanded womenswear department, upgraded fixtures across health and beauty, and the introduction of a new beauty studio. Leandra Dwyer, asset manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said:“Trafford Palazzo is fast establishing itself as the UK’s leading destination for new flagship retail and leisure concepts. The launch of Great Britain’s first standalone Primark Home store at Trafford Palazzo is a fantastic example of how Peel Retail & Leisure partners with major brands to create vibrant spaces where retail and leisure thrive and where consumers want to be. We are looking forward to seeing the progression of this exciting new store evolve.” The new concept complements Primark’s existing stores across Greater Manchester and follows the earlier launch of a standalone Primark Home in Belfast. The move highlights the retailer’s growing commitment to expanding its homeware range as part of its wider strategy to diversify its product offer and enhance the shopping experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has been appointed by UPP as the lead contractor for the ambitious West Park development at the University of Exeter, following financial close. The project will redefine student accommodation, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency while providing modern, purpose-built living spaces. Bouygues UK will partner with UPP, the UK’s leading provider of on-campus student accommodation infrastructure, to deliver this innovative project for the University of Exeter. As the appointed lead contractor, Bouygues UK will spearhead the construction efforts, ensuring the creation of modern, energy-efficient student residences to Passivhaus standards. The West Park development includes the construction of six new student accommodation blocks and the refurbishment of one existing block within the University’s Streatham campus. Designed to accommodate 1,849 students, the development promotes interactive social lives with central social facilities on the main campus. The project’s design, led by Willmore Iles Architects and Architype, is to Passivhaus standards, an internationally recognised standard for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Additionally, the development will be accredited to the WELL Community standard, ensuring a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents. Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, commented, “We are delighted to lead the construction for the Passivhaus West Park development, a project that symbolises innovation and sustainability in student accommodation. Bouygues UK is committed to delivering exemplary projects that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and resident wellbeing and we are grateful for the trust of our client. We look forward to collaborating with UPP to bring this vision to life.” Elaine Hewitt, UPP CEO said, “We are delighted to reach financial close on this major project and to be working with Bouygues UK on the delivery of such an innovative scheme.” Bouygues UK is excited to contribute to a project that sets a new benchmark for university accommodation across the country and is committed to fostering a transformative student experience at the University of Exeter. The first tranche of students is expected to be welcomed into the new accommodation in September 2027, with full occupation in 2028. The project is scheduled for completion over a three-year period. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Places for People is to extend its affordable living portfolio into Hunstanton, Norfolk, with the development of 61 brand-new independent living apartments for people aged 55 and over at Lavender View. The leading social enterprise, which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes across the UK, celebrated the development alongside its partners on Tuesday 2 September with a traditional ‘topping-out’ ceremony – held to mark the construction reaching its highest point. Attendees included Cllr Thomas and Cllr Jamieson from Norfolk County Council, Cllr Rust from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council, Teresa Snaith, Business Development Director of Lovell Later Living, Deepesh Patel, Executive Director of Radis Community Care and Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director of Lovell Partnerships. The event was facilitated by Ben Ruston, Director of Developments – South East Region at Places for People. Places for People is collaborating with partners including Norfolk County Council – which has provided £2.9m capital funding to support the scheme as part of its Independent Living programme, Homes England – which has provided £5.7m in grant funding for the scheme, alongside developer Lovell Later Living, building contractor Lovell Partnerships and care provider Radis Community Care. The development of this new community designed by Langtry Langton Architects will deliver 61 one and two bedroom affordable-rent apartments by the end of summer 2026. The Radis Community Care team will provide on-site care and support 24/7 at Lavender View, enabling individuals to remain independent in a home of their choice. It has aptly been named Lavender View after the rich and vibrant lavender fields established since 1932 and located three miles south of Hunstanton. The new community is being developed in the Hunstanton area of Norfolk and will bring much-needed independent living accommodation to people over 55 living here. Neil McKay, Head of Commercial. Quality and Growth at Places for People, said: “Tackling the housing crisis means providing homes that meet everyone’s needs. Lavender View is a vital development, offering people the right environment to live happy, independent lives. We are delighted to see progress on site and look forward to welcoming the first residents next year.” Lavender View will also offer residents an onsite café, an activity room for healthy and positive living, impressive communal areas including a main lounge and landscaped gardens, on-site hairdressing, a spa room, mobility scooter storage and on-site parking for residents and their visitors. Lavender View is due for completion in late summer 2026. Cllr Alison Thomas, cabinet member for Adult’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “This topping out ceremony marks an exciting moment for Hunstanton as we move another step closer to providing residents with an accessible, safe new home in a vibrant community as they age. “Norfolk County Council remain committed to investing in schemes just like Lavender View that prioritise independence, but with the added peace of mind of on-site care and support when they need it.” Kate Collins, Senior Manager for Provider Management at Homes England, said: “Increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions. “Lavender View is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners like Places for People to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The formation of a representative organisation for the real estate sector, Real Estate: UK (RE:UK) will move ahead following an overwhelming vote in favour across all three member organisations. 100% of AREF members; 99.5% of BPF members and 92% of IPF members who voted expressed their support for the merger. RE:UK will serve as a unified convenor and voice for the whole of the real estate sector, comprising institutional and private investors, property companies, developers, asset owners, managers and advisers. Its activities will be based around six key pillars: advocacy; research and data; thought leadership and innovation; networking and events; upskilling and training; and standards and guidance. Following the endorsement from members, the Chairs of the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF), the British Property Federation (BPF) and the Investment Property Forum (IPF) will work together to appoint a Chair who will lead the first RE:UK Board and a Chief Executive for RE:UK. RE:UK will launch on 1 January 2026. Initially members will have dual membership and 2026 will be a transitional year as the organisations are fully integrated. Anne Breen, Chair AREF , said: “The response from the memberships of AREF, BPF and IPF has been overwhelmingly positive and a strong endorsement of our vision for a single, amplified voice for the real estate sector.” Simon Carter, President BPF, said: “I am delighted that BPF members have expressed their overwhelming support for the creation of RE:UK. I look forward to working with AREF and IPF over the next few months to turn our shared vision for a new powerful body for the sector into reality.” Clare Thomas, Chair IPF, said: “On behalf of the IPF board, I would like to thank IPF members for taking the time to consider the proposal and then giving the merger their strong support. This is the culmination of significant work across all three organisations, and we look forward to the launch of RE:UK in 2026 as an important step forward for the real estate industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Accidents remain one of the UK’s most preventable tragedies, yet thousands of lives are lost every year, with tens of thousands of people suffering from serious injuries due to a lack of coherent national action. Just last month, the government released statistics on workplace safety and fatalities in the workplace. The report revealed that there were 124 deaths in the workplace between March 2024-2025. Steve Terry, Managing Director of Astutis, one of the UK’s leading workplace health and safety training providers, urges the government to appoint a dedicated minister for accidental prevention and adopt a cross-departmental strategy. This call comes after the recent House of Lords debate on RoSPA’s (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) National Accident Prevention Strategy proposal for an accident prevention minister, which failed to go through. While ministers acknowledged the scale of the problem, the idea of a dedicated leader was rejected, and instead, they chose to maintain a piecemeal system thinly spread across multiple departments. Steve Terry comments: “This is a hugely missed opportunity, and a dangerous one. Accident prevention cuts across health, construction, transport, housing, education and more. Without clear leadership at the Cabinet level, lives will continue to be lost and families will continue to lose loved ones. Prevention shouldn’t just be an option; it’s a national imperative.” RoSPA’s recent report Safer Lives, Stronger Nation exposed the lack of strategic focus within government, highlighting how responsibility for accident prevention is diluted across agencies, leading to gaps, duplication, and wasted opportunities. Over 20.00 lives are lost annually due to accidents in the UK, and this figure has risen over 40% in a decade. Not only that, accidents cost the NHS millions of bed days and almost £6 billion. Steve Terry also comments: “The report identifies a critical issue. Accident prevention efforts are fragmented, spread unevenly across numerous government departments and agencies, none of which have clear ownership or the authority to set a unified direction. This fragmentation inevitably results in patchy policies, gaps in action, duplication of effort, and ultimately, missed opportunities to save lives.” The Health and Safety Executive’s 10-year strategy shows progress is possible when coordination exists, but without overarching leadership, these successes remain limited. Terry added: “The human, social and economic costs of accidents run into billions every year. Beyond the numbers are devastated families and lost potential. By failing to appoint a minister and publish a national strategy, the government is effectively choosing to let preventable accidents continue. That is not acceptable.” Astutis has also released a 2025 Learner Report to showcase findings in workplace health and safety. One of the key stats that the report revealed is that 50% of employees were skipping essential HSE training due to time constraints. For the full report, you can download it here: https://www.astutis.com/astutis-hub/news/learner-report-2025 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and longest-running industry skills competition in the UK and has become a prestigious showcase for those in construction. This year, over 1,000 students battled it out across 10 construction trade categories during 16 Regional Qualifiers, each one day long, in which participants were assigned a task relevant to their trade. Eight students – the highest scorers in each category – will go head-to-head in the National Final at the Arena MK, Milton Keynes on 19–20 November, where the 10 winners will be crowned top of their trade. The three-day final will consist of competitors constructing a project within 18 hours, with an expert panel of judges assessing them on a number of characteristics – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. With CITB’s annual industry forecast highlighting that 47,860 extra workers are needed per year from 2025–2029, SkillBuild continues to be an important platform to spotlight the industry and the opportunities available. Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “Congratulations to all of the competitors progressing through to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final – it’s truly a great achievement for them. “In a time when construction skills are in high demand, it is more important than ever to spotlight the next generation of construction talent. SkillBuild continues to further this mission and is proud to demonstrate the value that a trainee or apprentice provides to their team. “The quality of participants never ceases to amaze me – I’m excited to see this year’s National Final and wish all the competitors the best of luck!” Josh Thompson, Painting and Decorating Judge, said: “Having been a former contestant myself, I know first-hand just how amazing a competition SkillBuild is, and I intend to pass on any words of wisdom I can do all the competitors. It’s so encouraging to see the enthusiasm from trainees and apprentices across the industry coming from all corners of the country. Good luck to everyone participating in the Final later this year!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors, supporters and strategic partners of this year’s SkillBuild competitions:BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Crown Paints, Festool, FIS, Institute of Carpenters, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SPAX, Stablia, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
