Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Logistics Capital Partners (LCP)to deliver a new depot for Carlsberg Britvic at West Midlands Interchange (WMI). The depot will be the first
OP has been appointed to deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of accounting firm Cooper Parry’s new London headquarters. Cooper Parry is relocating from their existing Holborn offices, having outgrown their current space as their London operations expand. Following an extensive property search with building tours across multiple locations and test fit
Waitrose is committing millions to refresh and expand its London estate, underscoring the capital’s importance to the grocer’s growth plans as it opens its 62nd store in the city. The latest arrival is Little Waitrose & Partners at Wandsworth New Acres, a 2,500 sq ft convenience shop set within a
Sustainable energy solutions are being integrated into the fabric of a school being rebuilt under a flagship government project. Architectural consultant Pick Everard has designed Penwortham Girls’ School to be net zero carbon in operation, meaning any carbon generated through its day-to-day running will be offset. This will be achieved
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has been officially awarded Building a Safer Future (BSF) Champion status, recognising its outstanding commitment to safety leadership and culture across the built environment. Following the successful completion of both Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture)and Stage 2 (Corroborating Elements) of
Northern Ireland based contractor Henry Brothers has started work on a major refurbishment scheme at Wolverhampton Central Police Station. The renovation on the Bilston Street site will take 16 months to complete. The station will remain open to the public throughout. Once the work is complete, the site will have
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced a series of key leadership appointments and promotions as it continues to build on a strong track record of project delivery and regional growth. The strengthening of the leadership team underscores the contractor’s long-term ambitions and reflects its commitment to internal progression, market
Integra Buildings has been formally presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise as it proudly flies the flag for modular construction. Integra welcomed His Majesty The King’s representative for the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lord-Lieutenant Jim Dick OBE, to its site in Paull, near Hull, to receive the royal accolade.
One of the UK’s leading fit-out and joinery specialists has taken on seven new members of staff after they successfully completed an apprenticeship programme with the business – which saw them all pass with a Distinction. EE Smith, based in Leicester, has appointed Fenton Williams, Oscar Allen, Adam Ball, Chris
Baxi is proud to be headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025, the dedicated event for built environment professionals responsible for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in commercial and large-scale residential projects. With a full stand on C20 showcasing its low carbon heating and hot water solutions, Baxi’s heat experts are
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Logistics Capital Partners (LCP)to deliver a new depot for Carlsberg Britvic at West Midlands Interchange (WMI). The depot will be the first constructed at the development and was celebrated with an official groundbreaking ceremony. The drinks company previously announced that it will be the first occupier at WMI – a transformative £2 billion national logistics hub at Junction 12 of the M6 near Wolverhampton, which is being developed by global real estate investor, developer and manager Oxford Properties and LCP. Building on Winvic’s success as the design stage delivery partner on WMI, since 2023 the team has delivered new road infrastructure and works to the existing road and public rights of way network, along with the reconfiguration and undergrounding of energy infrastructure, and the earthworks required to create development plots and landscape zones. As part of those works, Winvic and Active Tunnelling completed tunnelling beneath the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, marking a significant milestone for the development. This involved the use of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which operated at a depth of 10 metres and drilled a length of 25 metres as part of the site-wide drainage works. Honouring tradition, the industry organisation CECA Midlands, named the TBM and chose ‘Red Emma’ in honour of Emma Sproson – a pioneering working-class political figure from the Black Country. Now awarded the contract to deliver the first industrial unit on the development, a new 220,000 sq ft depot for Carlsberg Britvic, Winvic has commenced the 37-week build programme, with completion due in Spring 2026. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by representatives from Winvic, LCP, Oxford Properties, Carlsberg Britvic, Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire District Council marked the milestone of works starting for the first occupier at WMI. The two-storey depot, which will include 11,408 sq. ft of office space, is being purpose-built to Carlsberg Britvic’s requirements and will feature state-of-the-art facilities to support the company’s growing logistics needs. Designed with a focus on energy efficiency and building performance, the depot is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A+, and alignment with the Net Zero Framework Definition principles supporting the Net Zero Carbon Building Pilot Standard, aiming to achieve Net Zero in Operation. In addition, it will include high efficiency heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and effective implementation of ecological measures throughout design, construction and handover, while the roofs will be 100% optimised for PV panels. As part of the infrastructure phase, Winvic’s social responsibility team developed a bespoke Employment Skills and Training Plan to maximise opportunities for local communities and leave a lasting legacy across Staffordshire, South Staffordshire and Wolverhampton. The contractor has facilitated 18 industry placements, including T Level, work experience and Year-in-Industry students, totalling 186 weeks of learning, and supported five apprentices. Training initiatives in collaboration with supply chain partners, such as Roller Driver training, have helped local residents to gain formal qualifications, enhance employability skills and secure successful employment outcomes. Working closely with the dedicated WMI Brokerage (Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service), new opportunities are cascaded to local employment partners, with 41% of the project workforce living within a 30-mile radius. Winvic also launched the site’s first Careers Lead Encounter Day, in partnership with the Careers and Enterprise Company, inviting local school careers leads for site tours and in-depth insights into roles in engineering, planning, and design. Building on its success, Winvic hosted a Teacher Encounter Day to showcase real life examples of how science and geography link to construction careers. During the construction of the new Carlsberg Britvic depot, Winvic will continue its commitment by continuing to deliver an Employment and Skills Plan, building on the relationships established during the infrastructure phase to further enhance opportunities and outcomes for local communities. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Distribution at Winvic, said: “During our early contractor involvement and delivery of significant civils and infrastructure works, we have built collaborative relationships with Oxford Properties and LCP, so we are perfectly placed to deliver the first depot at one of the UK’s largest and most environmentally conscious intermodal logistics parks. “Our team brings extensive experience of delivering similar sustainable, rail served sites and by working with our client, supply chain partners and the local authorities, WMI will give local people access to construction skills and employment, bringing significant economic benefit to the region and nationally.” David Bodily, Property & Facilities Director at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “The West Midlands Interchange will play an important role in Carlsberg Britvic’s logistics network, as the home to our West Midlands Depot serving customers throughout the region from Q4 2026. This is a very special moment for the development as work begins, and we are proud to take part and mark the occasion. Our new depot will provide a fantastic long-term hub for our people and reinforces the West Midlands role as a key centre for logistics in the UK, helping to drive growth and excellence.” Robin Everall, Head of Development at Oxford Properties, added: “This groundbreaking ceremony at the West Midlands Interchange is an important milestone in the development of the UK’s foremost logistics hub, with its multi-modal transport connectivity and highly sustainable specifications attracting blue chip occupiers looking for bespoke warehouse space. We look forward to working with Carlsberg Britvic on the delivery of their new facility and welcoming them to the site once it’s completed next year.” James Markby, Managing Partner at LCP, said:“We are extremely happy to have taken this major step forward for the West Midlands Interchange development. We were very proud to secure Carlsberg Britvic as our first occupier recently, and seeing work begin on Unit 5030 is another substantial event in our long-term ambitions. The WMI site is set to become the country’s most significant rail served logistics development and will become a crucial component of the UK’s strategic freight network. It will be key to decarbonising UK logistics and supporting
OP has been appointed to deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of accounting firm Cooper Parry’s new London headquarters. Cooper Parry is relocating from their existing Holborn offices, having outgrown their current space as their London operations expand. Following an extensive property search with building tours across multiple locations and test fit studies, OP developed the full design concept to create their new London hub. The office interior design consultancy will transform 18,000 sq ft across the fifth floor of the building at 5 Appold Street, Broadgate, London creating a dynamic workplace that establishes Cooper Parry’s expanded foothold in the capital. The 9-week project will see OP develop a hospitality-led workspace that redefines traditional office environments. The transformation will evolve the existing space from conventional rows of desks with a large breakout area into a more dynamic, multi-faceted environment that balances focused work with collaborative opportunities. Central to the design concept is the building’s unique heritage as the fondly-named ‘flower pot building’, celebrated for its distinctive terracotta facade that resembles a terracotta flower pot. This narrative became the anchor for the entire design approach, with OP weaving storytelling elements throughout the space, including the naming conventions and thematic choices such as the ‘greenhouse’ social area, creating a cohesive identity that connects the workspace to its architectural character. The centrepiece ‘greenhouse’ social space provides additional collaboration opportunities while serving as a versatile venue for client events and company gatherings. OP’s approach prioritises retaining as much of the existing architecture as possible, reusing existing desks, meeting rooms and task seating while minimising disruption and waste. This sustainable design philosophy supports Cooper Parry’s environmental objectives while reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint. The design incorporates multiple purpose-built zones to support different working styles. Key features include a welcoming business lounge positioned as the first impression for visitors and clients, incorporating flexible work settings alongside a sophisticated meet-and-greet area. A multifunctional training space doubles as a library, maximising the building’s flexible workspace opportunities. Claire Stant, Creative Director at OP, said: “We’re rebelling against traditional office space and creating a hospitality-led aesthetic that combines the practical requirements of day-to-day work with an exceptional experience as you move through the space. Every space tells a story, and the design celebrates the building’s unique character while delivering a workplace that truly supports collaboration and growth.” Jo Giles, Head of Facilities at Cooper Parry, said: “We’re delighted to be working with OP to create our new London headquarters. This move represents a significant investment in our London presence and demonstrates our commitment to providing our team with an inspiring workplace. The design perfectly captures our vision of a space that supports both our people and our clients, creating an environment where our business can continue to flourish – a crafted solution to take our business forward.” The project is scheduled for completion in October 2025, enabling Cooper Parry to establish their enhanced London operations ahead of their planned transition from their Holborn offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Waitrose is committing millions to refresh and expand its London estate, underscoring the capital’s importance to the grocer’s growth plans as it opens its 62nd store in the city. The latest arrival is Little Waitrose & Partners at Wandsworth New Acres, a 2,500 sq ft convenience shop set within a new neighbourhood development. It follows recent London refurbishments in Marylebone and Clerkenwell and marks the next step in a programme of targeted upgrades and small-format openings designed to bring the brand closer to dense residential catchments. As part of the investment, Waitrose will renew its convenience shops in Crouch End and Old Brompton Road and upgrade its Coulsdon store before the end of the year, with further transformations scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The focus is on modernising high-street footprints and improving day-to-day experience for local shoppers, while aligning formats to the evolving mix of commuter, family and home-working missions across the capital. “From our roots in Acton where we opened our very first shop, to Streatham which saw our first supermarket, and now our newest convenience shop in Wandsworth, London has always been home to Waitrose and central to our success,” said Tina Mitchell, interim managing director of Waitrose. “Today, as we open our 62nd store in the capital, we’re committing to investing millions to expand and refresh our portfolio. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and by continually listening to what our customers want and need, we are well positioned for future growth in London and across the UK.” The London push sits within a wider estate strategy. The retailer says it is investing in every shop nationwide, combining refurbishments with new openings to optimise coverage and format mix. In the Bristol area, Waitrose opened a new convenience store last week at The Arches and announced its first regional distribution centre, strengthening last-mile capability for both full-line and convenience shops. The pipeline also includes the first new full-line Waitrose supermarket in seven years, due to open in 2027 at Brabazon, a major new town being created on the former Filton Airfield in Bristol. For London specifically, the programme reflects how grocers are threading smaller, well-specified stores into mixed-use schemes and established high streets, supporting footfall and everyday services in walkable neighbourhoods. While the Wandsworth opening showcases the compact Little Waitrose model embedded in new residential development, the upcoming works in Crouch End, Old Brompton Road and Coulsdon signal continued investment in existing assets to lift presentation, convenience and efficiency. With a balance of targeted refurbishments and selective new shops, Waitrose’s multimillion-pound commitment is framed as an estate-wide upgrade that builds on the brand’s long London heritage while preparing for the next phase of urban growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainable energy solutions are being integrated into the fabric of a school being rebuilt under a flagship government project. Architectural consultant Pick Everard has designed Penwortham Girls’ School to be net zero carbon in operation, meaning any carbon generated through its day-to-day running will be offset. This will be achieved through a combination of renewable energy technologies, design strategies to maximise the use of natural light and shade, and an enhanced building fabric to reduce energy consumption. The Lancashire high school was included in round three of the Department for Education’s £1 billion School Rebuilding Programme and work has now started on the three-storey, 800-place state-of-the-art learning centre. The existing school, which dates back to the 1950s, will remain in operation while the development takes place. The transformative project includes a new sports hall, six science laboratories featuring cutting-edge facilities, a drama studio and large library. Support for students with social, emotional and mental health needs will also be strengthened. Joe West, architecture associate at Pick Everard, said: “Rather than relying on conventional systems, the building will utilise more environmentally efficient solutions for energy generation and storage, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and passive ventilation. “The considered design manages thermal gain and daylighting, balancing the benefits of natural light and heating sources with strategies for visual comfort and healthy room temperatures. “Penwortham Girls’ School wanted a nurturing environment for 11 to 16-year-olds that promotes learning as well as personal growth and development. Working with main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, as well as our delivery partners, we have created a high-performance building with fresh and inviting surroundings to encourage productivity. We have also designed indoor and outdoor spaces with flexibility in mind, enabling out-of-hours use, improved connections to the natural environment and inclusive learning experiences.” Paul Skyes, Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as the construction partner for Penwortham Girls’ High School and are incredibly proud to be working on a project that has sustainability at the core of its design and delivery. We look forward to providing the school and local community with state-of-the-art facilities whilst being part of something that makes a lasting difference.” Active travel is also being promoted with the creation of 30 cycle parking and storage spaces, as well as safe and convenient school pick up and drop off points. The 71,000 sq ft new school building is due to be completed by winter 2026, with the final handover of the site expected to take place the following summer. The programme of works has been designed to minimise disruption to students and staff. Dijon Marples-Wall, senior carbon consultant at Pick Everard, said: “Technology is improving, this is what is going to make Net Zero achievable. We need finance to enable it, education in how to use it and benefit from it, unlocking the data we need to evidence the achievement. “Net zero is being realised, thanks to design features built into construction projects like the new Penwortham Girls’ School.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has been officially awarded Building a Safer Future (BSF) Champion status, recognising its outstanding commitment to safety leadership and culture across the built environment. Following the successful completion of both Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture)and Stage 2 (Corroborating Elements) of the BSF Champion assessment, United Infrastructure has demonstrated sustained excellence in safety performance and a proactive approach to embedding best practices across all of its operations. Operating across the utility infrastructure and social infrastructure sectors, United Infrastructure’s achievement sets a powerful benchmark for the wider industry. The BSF Champion process allows organisations to measure themselves against sector-leading practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement plans to advance leadership and culture in relation to building safety. Sean Luchmun, Chief SHEQ and People Officer at United Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to achieve BSF Champion status. This award demonstrates our sustained commitment to building safely and the highest standards of safety leadership behaviours and culture. I would like to extend my thanks to Building a Safer Future for their partnership and to every United Infrastructure employee for their support in achieving this award.” Steve Elliot, Non-Executive Chair of Building a Safer Future, commented: “I am delighted to confirm United Infrastructure as our latest BSF Champion. Since receiving Stage 1 certification in December 2024, the business has made exceptional progress. This reflects a deep commitment to safety leadership and culture, alongside sustained excellence in performance across all areas. Congratulations to United Infrastructure on achieving BSF Champion status.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northern Ireland based contractor Henry Brothers has started work on a major refurbishment scheme at Wolverhampton Central Police Station. The renovation on the Bilston Street site will take 16 months to complete. The station will remain open to the public throughout. Once the work is complete, the site will have better victim facilities, provide officers with a modern workplace and safeguard the long-term future of the city centre building. Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “We are very pleased to be starting work on this scheme to refurbish Wolverhampton Central police station, as we take great pride in working alongside our bluelight clients. The creation of a more modern police station will provide improved facilities for West Midlands Police and allow officers to better service the local community.” Henry Brothers will employ a number of local people including apprentices on the refurbishment scheme, ploughing money back into the local economy. Speaking about the refurbishment, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, said: “These essential works represent a major investment in policing in Wolverhampton and this iconic building. “Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy. “Policing has changed considerably since the station opened 33 years ago, especially our focus on victims – which is more important now than ever. The work which is underway includes improvements to victim care facilities as well as staff areas.” The building – which has not been updated since it was opened by Princess Diana on 31 July 1992 – requires substantial essential work including replacing windows, installing a new heating/cooling system, repairing leaks and damp, creating new victim care rooms, insulating the building, installing solar panels and LED lighting to reduce energy and more. Safety and security systems will be upgraded while an employee café will be built on site and managed by a local non-profit organisation. The aim is for the charity to provide training and work for people who have historically been excluded from the local job market, including people who have experienced homelessness, disabled people and people with no formal qualifications. It’s a model which has been successfully implemented in other areas of West Midlands Police and proven popular with officers. Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, responsible for policing across the whole of Wolverhampton, said: “I’ve been really clear that operational policing must not be affected while the refurbishment takes place. Our brilliant officers and staff will be going out of their way to make that happen. “To minimise disruption, some teams have been temporarily moved to Wednesfield and Bilston police bases, where they continue to serve the city’s communities while the remainder continue to work from Wolverhampton Central.” Cash for the £9 million critical works has come from making better use of West Midlands Police’s estate, reducing energy consumption and other cost savings that have made the service more efficient and more effective, such as the introduction of robotics to automate administrative processes and artificial intelligence to answer all non-emergency calls. Money for the works can only be spent on buildings and equipment, and not officers. Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I am pleased that we have secured the long-term future of Wolverhampton police station through this vital investment. This is a clear indication of my commitment to neighbourhood policing, to ensure officers and staff have the facilities they need, to provide the public with an effective and efficient police service. “By modernising the police station, we are not only improving working conditions for our hard-working police officers and staff but also enhancing the service we provide to victims of crime and the wider community. “This investment is part of my wider strategy, to ensure that West Midlands Police is fit for policing in the 21st century, with an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, based in the communities it serves – preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.” Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced a series of key leadership appointments and promotions as it continues to build on a strong track record of project delivery and regional growth. The strengthening of the leadership team underscores the contractor’s long-term ambitions and reflects its commitment to internal progression, market diversification, and operational excellence – while building on the strength of McLaren’s robust industrial and logistics portfolio. Rejoining the business in the new role of Regional Strategic Director, Adrian Barnes plays a key role in the team and will support the business’s continued diversification across sectors. He will also enhance the region’s strategic approach to frameworks, two-stage procurement, and public sector opportunities. Adrian brings extensive experience across complex public-sector projects and local authority engagement, aligning with McLaren’s goal to strengthen and expand beyond its core industrial and logistics market. His appointment supports the region, which is renowned for its robust delivery model and high repeat business rate within this sector. Alongside Adrian’s appointment, several significant internal promotions demonstrate the business’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within. Luke Arnold has been promoted to Regional Director, bringing a wealth of experience and a long-standing professional relationship with Managing Director Gary Cramp. Since joining the business last year, Luke has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing the Midlands and North business alongside Gary. His contributions have been instrumental in the successful delivery of high-profile developments, and he will play a key role in strengthening and expanding McLaren’s presence across a diverse range of markets, leading the Midlands and North business with Gary. Guy Smith has been promoted to Commercial Director having played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding the commercial portfolio. Joel Casstles has stepped into the role of Operations Director, following a series of successful project completions and Paul Johnson has been promoted to Operations Director after joining the business in 2024, bringing 25 years’ experience leading high-performing delivery teams. These appointments have contributed significantly to the success of the region and reflect the business’s belief in developing and investing in its people. Several key project leaders across the business have also stepped into more senior roles – Harry Marles has been promoted to Senior Quantity Surveyor, John Hobson to Managing Quantity Surveyor, and Jonathan McGarry, Lee Brown and Oliver Cramp to Senior Site Managers, further strengthening delivery capability at site level. In addition, Tommy Bordicott, Trainee Planner and a current apprentice, has been shortlisted for a national award, highlighting McLaren’s continued focus on developing the next generation of construction professionals. McLaren Construction Midlands and North is now entering its next stage of growth, with a reinforced leadership team, a solid pipeline of secured work, and a growing portfolio of complex, high-quality projects across multiple sectors. The region continues to deliver major projects across industrial and logistics, student accommodation and retail sectors, and recently completed schemes including Project Phoenix, Box Four at Manchester Airport, Omega West, Matrix 49 Plot 3, Longwood Place, Talbot Street, Horizon 29 Phase 2, and St Gabriel’s – a flagship student accommodation development. These projects, delivered for both new and repeat clients, are testament to the team’s ability to consistently meet high standards of quality and performance – with the region now delivering 85% of its projects through repeat business. New projects currently on site include major industrial and commercial developments for TJ Morris and Panattoni, along with the Birmingham England Temple and the landmark redevelopment of Wrexham AFC. The region also continues to work with high profile clients in the retail sector and is delivering the Plot 4 development at the Matrix 49 site in Avonmouth. Within the student accommodation and multi-room sectors, the Midlands and North region have now delivered 2,200 rooms and is currently constructing a further 1,374, reinforcing its expertise and scale in this growing market. With further projects in the pipeline, McLaren is well-positioned to expand its offering across other sectors, leveraging both its regional knowledge and national reach. Looking ahead, McLaren’s growth strategy is focused on broadening its offering across frameworks and public sector procurement, while maintaining its position as a leader in the industrial and logistics space. Adrian Barnes will play a central role in this strategy, alongside the leadership team, to develop new opportunities and strengthen relationships with local authorities, and drive value through frameworks, two-stage and PCSA-led schemes. The regional strategy complements the wider Group’s national growth plans, where strong year-end results have laid the foundation for continued success into the next financial year. Adrian Barnes, Regional Strategic Director, said: “I’m excited to join rejoin McLaren Construction in a region that’s already performing exceptionally well, but also has huge untapped potential. My focus is to support the team in building on this foundation, bringing in opportunities through frameworks and tapping into wider public sector pipelines, while continuing to deliver the high-quality projects McLaren is known for.” Luke Arnold, Regional Director, said: “We’re in a great place – we have strong leadership, a brilliant team on the ground, and clear direction. The business is growing fast and we’re focusing on consistency, care for our people and a clear view of what our clients need.” Gary Cramp, Managing Director of Midlands and North, said: “McLaren’s strength lies in the quality of our people and the relationships we continue to build. These appointments and promotions are more than just new titles – they represent the journey we are on as a region and the confidence we have in the future. We’re growing as a business, but doing so with the right structure, talent, and a clear strategy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Integra Buildings has been formally presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise as it proudly flies the flag for modular construction. Integra welcomed His Majesty The King’s representative for the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lord-Lieutenant Jim Dick OBE, to its site in Paull, near Hull, to receive the royal accolade. The Lord-Lieutenant’s role dates back to Tudor times and the holder of the post represents The King within the region, supporting and visiting voluntary, charity, and business organisations who are doing great things in the local community. After a special ceremony, attended by many of Integra’s 180-strong team, the Lord-Lieutenant and two Deputy Lieutenants were shown around the business’ production facilities, meeting team members and hearing about the company’s work as a leader in the modular construction sector. The Lord-Lieutenant said: “I’m very proud for Integra and what they have achieved. The King’s Award is a hugely prestigious accolade, and is not easily won. “I’m pleased that the region is represented by such a strong business. It is recognition of all of the employees at Integra, under Gary’s leadership, and I congratulate each and every one of them.” In May, Integra was announced as one of just 27 recipients nationally of The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025. Regarded as the country’s most prestigious business honour, The King’s Award recognises Integra as a trailblazer and a pioneer in sustainable construction, demonstrating that modular can lead the way in addressing climate challenges while delivering commercial success. Integra SHEQ Director and Co-owner, Paul Tansey, said: “It was a huge honour to host the Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants to our site, and to show them around our production facilities so they could see first-hand the work we do. “In receiving The King’s Award, we have demonstrated that modular has a key role to play in the future of sustainable construction, producing buildings which are exceptional in quality and in environmental standards. “We’re extremely proud to be recognised as one of the country’s most forward-thinking, sustainable businesses. This is a day that will live long in the memory for all of our colleagues.” As the only modular construction company named as a 2025 King’s Award recipient, Integra was commended for “challenging the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable construction through bespoke design and offsite manufacturing”. Whether it’s through the buildings it delivers, the development of its team or making responsible decisions across its supply chain, sustainability is rooted in Integra’s values. The company has cut gas consumption by 22 per cent since 2022, with plans to remove it altogether by 2028, and has installed more than 1,000 rooftop solar panels on office and production facilities to generate 380,000KW of clean electricity capacity. An impressive waste reduction programme has seen materials sent to landfill cut from 70 per cent to 1.2 per cent in just three years, and Integra’s evolution into a multi-disciplinary, full turkey construction company has significantly increased project efficiency and sustainability. After being announced as a 2025 King’s Award winner, Integra’s CEO Gary Parker was invited to a royal reception at Windsor Castle, where he had the honour of meeting His Majesty The King, speaking to King Charles about the importance of modular as a construction method. Integra’s innovative approach was also recently highlighted at the 2025 Offsite Awards – considered the “Oscars” of the modular industry – when Integra was crowned Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Integra Managing Director Chris Turner said: “To receive not one, but two, major awards this year reflects a total commitment across our operations to set new standards and push boundaries in what modular construction can achieve. “We’ve invested significantly, not only in sustainability, but in our own operations and our people, which positions us for future growth and success. “On this special day, the Directors would like to express our thanks to our brilliant team. They have all played their part in securing these prestigious awards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading fit-out and joinery specialists has taken on seven new members of staff after they successfully completed an apprenticeship programme with the business – which saw them all pass with a Distinction. EE Smith, based in Leicester, has appointed Fenton Williams, Oscar Allen, Adam Ball, Chris Burnett, Mark Cluer, Jack Mullings and Padraig Taylor as Bench Hand Joiners. It comes after they all successfully completed a two-year Furniture Manufacturing apprenticeship with EE Smith through delivery partner Leicester College. They were the first cohort to use EE Smith’s dedicated learning centre which was opened two years ago and provides a specialist area for apprentices to hone their skills. It marked a significant milestone for the company’s investment in training and skills development after all seven apprentices passed with a Distinction. The apprenticeship programme sees students spend 80 per cent of their time on-site, which is split between the learning centre where they are taught by dedicated trainers and the main production workshop where they are paired with a qualified Bench Hand Joiner, and 20 per cent at Leicester College. They also hold an awards ceremony to highlight the achievements of the apprentices, with the 2025 Apprentice of the Year Award presented to Fenton Williams and the Rising Star Award presented to first year apprentice Alice Musgrove. EE Smith’s 2025 intake sees a further 8 new Apprentices and 3 trainees joining the Leicester programme, along with 2 new London Apprentices and four already within the business who have just moved into their second year. Claire Noble, HR Manager at EE Smith, said: “It is fantastic to welcome seven extremely talented Bench Hand Joiners to the business as permanent members of the team as a result of their exceptional achievements. “We are very proud of our apprenticeship programme, and it is clear that the investment in our dedicated learning centre is already paying dividends. “The new dedicated learning centre provides a more structured approach and we have some very committed in-house trainers supporting them. “We work on some extremely prestigious projects, and it really gives us the opportunity to develop talent from the ground up. “We have been based in Leicester from more than 125 years, and we always try to give back to our community by striving to recruit and train local people, with a third all of employees starting their careers at EE Smith Contacts as apprentices “We are also aware that many of our apprentices join us between the ages of 16 and 18, so we do everything we can to help them settle into working while they study. “This includes holding a special welcome event for the new starters and their parents just before they join, providing free lunches before their first pay day and regular wellbeing checks throughout their apprenticeship. “It is also wonderful to be able to give recognition to our apprentices at our annual awards ceremony, and it was excellent to see Alice, who is our only female apprentice, receive the Rising Star Award. “We look forward to continuing to support our current apprentices to progress.” Fenton added: “I am very pleased to join EE Smith as a Bench Hand Joiner. The business has provided me with a wealth of experience and the opportunity to develop high-quality skills which will stand me in good stead to have a successful career in the industry. “It was also excellent to be named Apprentice of the Year 2025 in recognition of my achievements.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Baxi is proud to be headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025, the dedicated event for built environment professionals responsible for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in commercial and large-scale residential projects. With a full stand on C20 showcasing its low carbon heating and hot water solutions, Baxi’s heat experts are looking forward to meeting fellow professionals from across the industry at what is set to be an inspiring show on 19 to 20 November at London ExCel. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see up close: The Baxi team is looking forward to discussing the complete engineered solutions the company provides, backed with strong technical support from pre-contract design services through to commissioning and servicing. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about Baxi’s CIBSE-approved series of CPD courses, designed to support professionals in maintaining and improving competence and expertise. Baxi’s Director of External Affairs & Policy Jeff House and Head of Technical Solutions Andy Green will be among the experts offering actionable insights into decarbonisation at a series of panel sessions at the show. The first, Decarbonising Heat in Schools: Challenges and Opportunities will take place at 2:45pm on 19 November at the Climate Solutions Theatre, where the pair will be joined by Oakes Energy Services MD Nik Smith and Jim Kirby, Energy Consultant at The Priory Federation of Academies Trust. The panel will discuss existing barriers hampering progress in decarbonising UK schools, as revealed by a recent Baxi survey, and draw on experience and insight to suggest solutions and best practice approaches to accelerate uptake of heat pump deployment. For the second session, Andy Green will be joined by David Coulter, Certified Passivhaus Designer at BakerHicks to reflect on the importance of the hot water design strategy in low energy designs. The role of point of use water heaters in meeting Passivhaus principles will use the design for Scotland’s first Passivhaus-accredited primary school, which uses Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia point of use water heaters, as a case study for achieving best practice energy performance. This session will take place at 11:25am on 20 November at the CIBSE Build2Perform Synergy Theatre. Shane Suter, Commercial Business Director at Baxi, will join the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) led panel Why Inclusion Matters: Building a Better Future in Construction at 4:20pm on 19 November in the CIBSE Influence Theatre. Baxi is one of the founding members of the CIC, and Shane is passionate about driving sustainability and decarbonisation while championing inclusive leadership and greater diversity within the industry. Shane said: “It’s well established that a shift towards low carbon heating solutions like air source heat pumps and heat networks will be essential to keep the UK on track with 2050 net zero. Yet the reality is that commercial buildings are currently not being retrofitted at the pace or scale necessary to meet our critical milestones. “ElementalLONDON will bring together like-minded industry professionals under one roof to share successful techniques and come up with achievable strategies to the heat decarbonisation challenge. That’s what makes the show such an important event and why we at Baxi are so proud to be this year’s headline sponsor. We’re looking forward to showcasing our range of low carbon heating and hot water solutions, as well as to lively debates on our stand and at our panel discussions. We can’t wait to network and talk net zero!” Further information on Baxi’s range of commercial hot water and heating solutions is available at https://www.baxi.co.uk/commercial. Baxi is headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025 and will be exhibiting on Stand C20. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals