Park Place Retail is lacing up for a month-long challenge in support of Sri Lankan girls at risk, culminating in a 22 km trek across 16 London bridges on 16 October. Between 17 September and 16 October 2025, all 12 members of the out-of-town retail agency will collectively clock 2,300
To mark the 100th anniversary of Caterpillar®, Finning has launched its biggest ever competition, giving customers the chance to win a Cat genset or machine – plus more exclusive prizes throughout the year. The first-of-its kind giveaway is free to enter via the Finning website where; to be in with
Watsons, one of the UK’s most respected property firms, is proud to announce it is celebrating 135 years in the property industry. With a rich history that began in Norwich in 1890, the company is marking this significant milestone with a special celebration for employees, clients, and customers on Friday 19th September
International real estate advisor Savills alongside local property experts Prop-Search, has completed the letting of a 15,233 sq ft warehouse at Cabot, Kettering, to Prigmore Haulage Ltd on a 10-year lease. Prigmore Haulage Ltd, a well-established local haulage business, was seeking a modern facility with a large secure yard ready
Choosing a partner for civil work can feel overwhelming. Big stakes, tight schedules, safety rules, and community pressure create a lot of moving parts. We’ve helped teams navigate choices like this many times, and want to share a clear, practical path that helps project leaders pick a partner who delivers
Park Place Retail is lacing up for a month-long challenge in support of Sri Lankan girls at risk, culminating in a 22 km trek across 16 London bridges on 16 October. Between 17 September and 16 October 2025, all 12 members of the out-of-town retail agency will collectively clock 2,300 km — the equivalent distance from the firm’s London office to its most northerly and southerly retail schemes. Every kilometre will count, with the team logging walking, running, cycling and swimming to hit the target before stepping out together for the London 16 Bridges Walk. Funds raised will go to Sparkes Homes Sri Lanka, a charity founded by the family of Park Place Retail’s founding partner, George Stratton, in the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Sparkes Homes provides safe shelter, education and long-term support to hundreds of girls who are poverty-stricken, abused or otherwise at risk, creating pathways to healthier, more secure futures. The bridges route offers a fitting finale: a city-wide showcase that links London’s north and south banks while shining a light on opportunities the charity helps unlock half a world away. With a clear goal, a defined distance and a cause close to the company’s origins, Park Place Retail’s challenge blends team spirit with tangible impact — one kilometre, and one crossing, at a time. Donations to this cause can be made here, all of which will be matched by Park Place Retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
To mark the 100th anniversary of Caterpillar®, Finning has launched its biggest ever competition, giving customers the chance to win a Cat genset or machine – plus more exclusive prizes throughout the year. The first-of-its kind giveaway is free to enter via the Finning website where; to be in with a chance of winning, participants must answer the following question: ‘How would winning a Cat machine or generator help you build something that lasts?’ Entrants have up to the 31st December 2025 to answer and the winner will be given the choice between a Cat DE110E2 genset or a Cat 301.6 excavator and will also be automatically enrolled in a set of monthly prize draws – including a trip to Malaga. Tim Ballard, General Manager Retail and Marketing at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “For 92 years, Finning has been connecting customers with Cat machinery. To celebrate the impact of our combined history, and Caterpillar’s centennial year, we are offering everyone the opportunity to own a part of its heritage, whether by integrating the Cat 301.6 excavator into their operations or utilising a Cat DE110E2 genset to power essential infrastructure. “We are encouraging customers old and new to enter the competition, as well as those that have always admired Cat machines from afar, but have not had the chance to own one yet. The Cat 301.6 excavator is designed for use in a wide range of applications, such as utility installations, residential construction and demolition and will make a versatile asset to someone looking to enhance their operations in construction, landscaping or material handling. “The Cat DE110E2 gensets ensure a reliable power supply across a variety of applications: remote job sites, healthcare and commercial operations, to name a few. The robust design makes it well-suited for standby and prime power needs, and again, would be an incredible asset to the lucky winner of the centennial celebration competition.” Throughout the last century, Caterpillar has had a significant impact on UK industry, establishing major manufacturing facilities, employing thousands, and supplying machines to support multiple sectors including construction, mining and power generation. To commemorate this milestone, Finning is not only reflecting on Caterpillar’s past contributions but also looking ahead to the next century. This forward-looking approach begins with their largest-ever giveaway, designed to make a significant impact on one business. Tim added: “We hope this prize will make a real, tangible difference to a person or business, and we urge those from all backgrounds and applications to enter the competition and become part of Caterpillar’s legacy and reputation for industrial excellence as we step into the next 100 years of our combined history.” Visit http://www.finning.com/winbig to enter for free and share how winning a Cat machine or generator would help you build something that lasts? Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watsons, one of the UK’s most respected property firms, is proud to announce it is celebrating 135 years in the property industry. With a rich history that began in Norwich in 1890, the company is marking this significant milestone with a special celebration for employees, clients, and customers on Friday 19th September 2025. Founded by Edwin Watson and his partner Mr. Sadd, who established Sadd and Watsons Estate Agents on Rampant Horse Street, the company has grown from a local estate agency to a leading multi-disciplinary property group. The firm’s journey is a testament to its enduring commitment to the core values of integrity, professionalism, and a client-focused approach laid down by its founder. “Reaching 135 years in business is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the unwavering trust of our clients,” said Ray Smith, Chief Executive Officer. “Our heritage is the foundation of who we are today. For over a century, we’ve navigated changing markets and evolved our services, but our commitment to providing expert advice and a personal touch has remained constant.” Watsons is an award-winning firm of Chartered Surveyors with a national presence in the property industry working throughout thirty counties across the UK. Regulated by RICS and affiliated with The Property Institute, NAEA, and ARLA, Watsons offers a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services including valuation, surveying, block and estate management, lettings, and property management. The company’s enduring success is built upon a foundation of adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence. The anniversary celebration will both reflect on the company’s journey and look forward to the future. The evening will be dedicated to expressing appreciation, acknowledging the contributions of those who have helped build Watsons’ success across generations. It will also recognise the years of value and support the company has provided as a well-known brand throughout East Anglia, and a local employer with an established Head Office base in Norwich. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International real estate advisor Savills alongside local property experts Prop-Search, has completed the letting of a 15,233 sq ft warehouse at Cabot, Kettering, to Prigmore Haulage Ltd on a 10-year lease. Prigmore Haulage Ltd, a well-established local haulage business, was seeking a modern facility with a large secure yard ready for immediate occupation. The Cabot 15 unit provided the ideal solution. Cabot Kettering comprises two fully refurbished units of 15,000 sq ft and 86,000 sq ft, benefitting from over £2 million of investment following the previous owner entering administration. With Cabot 15 now successfully let, only Cabot 86 remains available, offering a larger secure yard and canopy ideal for occupiers requiring extensive loading and distribution facilities. Situated on Kettering Park Way, Kettering Venture Park,Cabot Kettering is part of a well-established industrial and business location just off Junction 9 of the A14, providing excellent links to the A43, A6, M1 and wider national motorway network. The area is home to a skilled labour pool and is a proven logistics hub serving the East Midlands and beyond. Christian Smith, Industrial Director at Savills Birmingham, commented: “We are pleased to have secured this letting for our client Cabot. This unit has an excellent specification, and we expect the final unit on the site to be popular with occupiers who need large yards, dock doors and canopies – perfect for distribution and 3PLs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Choosing a partner for civil work can feel overwhelming. Big stakes, tight schedules, safety rules, and community pressure create a lot of moving parts. We’ve helped teams navigate choices like this many times, and want to share a clear, practical path that helps project leaders pick a partner who delivers on time, on budget, and with quality. Why partner selection matters Good partners reduce risk. Poor choices create delays, cost overruns, and reputational damage. That’s why an upfront, structured approach saves money and stress later. Use these steps to compare firms honestly and pick a team aligned with goals. Start with clarity: define scope, outcomes, and priorities Before contacting firms, answer three questions together: When scope and priorities stay clear, proposals become comparable. That makes shortlisting easier. Evaluate technical capability and delivery experience Look beyond glossy brochures. Ask for concrete evidence: For example, reading about large-scale urban transformation projects can show how design and delivery teams coordinate on complex sites. Review case studies carefully to understand problem solving under pressure: scope changes, utility clashes, or tricky access. See a recent example of coordinated teams tackling massive transformation here: large-scale urban transformation projects. Check track record: safety, schedule, and claims history Safety and time performance tell a lot. Investigate: Ask previous clients about responsiveness during surprises. Firms that communicate clearly under pressure earn trust. Assess resourcing and supply-chain resilience Availability of equipment, skilled crews, and suppliers often determines success. Verify: Also consider firms with flexible resourcing in nearby regions. They often avoid costly downtime. Sustainability, climate readiness, and long-term performance Regulators and communities expect resilient infrastructure. Prioritize partners who can: For those wanting evidence of strong delivery systems and governance, reviewing project management best practices helps. That gives insight into how teams handle lifecycle risk and asset handover. Explore perspectives on delivery and governance here: project management best practices Quality assurance, testing, and compliance Quality processes matter from day one. Confirm partner can provide: Good handovers reduce future maintenance drama and cost. Communication, culture, and collaboration style Technical skill won’t save a project from poor teamwork. Use interviews to assess culture: Choose partners who match your communication rhythm. That keeps decisions moving. Commercial clarity: pricing, contracts, and incentives Compare proposals on apples-to-apples basis: Commercial fairness encourages innovation while protecting client interest. Local knowledge versus specialist skills Local firms bring regional know-how, permitting networks, and community relationships. National or international specialists offer niche capabilities and deep technical experience. Often, best outcomes come from blended teams that pair local insight with specialist expertise. When a civil specialty becomes essential—say complex piling or wetland restoration—check specialist portfolios and field references. For instance, when earthworks and drainage form project backbone, firms such as Solve Civil show how specialty providers support robust site delivery. Decision checklist: questions to ask final candidates Before awarding contract, confirm these items: Use scorecards to rate responses objectively. That avoids bias. Onboarding: set partnership up for success After selection, run a short onboarding sprint: Early alignment prevents costlier fixes later. Final thoughts Choosing right civil partner shapes project outcome more than any single technical decision. Focus on clarity of goals, proven delivery, resource resilience, and cultural fit. Use structured interviews, scorecards, and targeted reference checks to remove guesswork. When specialized skills matter, linking with experienced civil specialists helps fill gaps without compromising accountability. For teams wanting examples of specialty delivery on earthworks and drainage, consider how external firms integrate with main contractor teams to boost capacity without losing control. If readers want a printable checklist or a sample interview scorecard, we can share one on request. Our goal remains simple: help project leaders choose partners who build durable infrastructure, protect budgets, and earn community trust.