October 16, 2025

Osprey Strengthens Onshore Wind Capabilities with New 800-Tonne Mobile Crane

Osprey is expanding its heavy-lift fleet with the addition of the Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1, an 800-tonne all-terrain mobile crane arriving in November. This investment increases Osprey’s capability to deliver complex lifting operations for onshore wind, civil infrastructure, bridges, ports, and highways projects. To date, Osprey has contributed to projects delivering

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E.ON’s Green Funding Solutions team (GFS) has been awarded the prestigious ISO 45001 accreditation

ISO 45001 safety accreditation strengthens E.ON’s commitment to safety and quality

E.ON’s Green Funding Solutions team (GFS) has been awarded the prestigious ISO 45001 accreditation, the global benchmark for workplace health and safety. The achievement highlights E.ON’s unwavering commitment to protecting its people, customers, and communities while delivering high-quality, reliable energy solutions that help make energy more affordable for everyone. ISO

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Diamond Pro® Air

AG Introduces Lightweight Retaining WallSolutionforStreamlined Design and Build

AG, a third-generation, UK manufacturer of low-carbon paving and building products, has launched Diamond Pro® Air, a lightweight retaining wall solution engineered to streamline construction and maximise site efficiency. Designed with the practical pressures of housebuilders and contractors in mind, Diamond Pro® Air helps optimise labour, build schedules, and land

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WOW! Stuff

GNR8 Gets the Wow! Factor

RO Group is delighted to announce that WOW! Stuff, the multi-award-winning toy innovation company, has opened a new office, GNR8 at 49 Clarendon Road, Watford. Founded in 2006 by Richard North, Kenny McAndrew and Dr. Graeme Taylor, WOW! Stuff creates unique products partnering with tier 1 entertainment brands including Disney,

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Gorton Town Centre

Council unlocks long term investment into Gorton Town Centre

The east Manchester suburb has been a key focus for regeneration in recent years and now a new report being heard by the Council’s executive committee this week announces tens of millions of pounds further investment in the neighbourhood. Gorton has welcomed a number of major projects recently, including the Gorton

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Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

October 16, 2025

Winvic achieves Net Carbonzero certification making the contractor a Carbon Neutral business

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 announced it has achieved Net Carbonzero certification through the Achilles Climate Impact Programme, following verification under ISO14064 Part 3. Now operating as a Carbon Neutral business, Winvic has reduced its overall carbon footprint by 71% in compliance with the Part 3 requirements. The announcement highlights the contractor’s ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and the quality and transparency of its auditing through globally recognised and verified scheme, Achilles. An early adopter to measuring emissions, Winvic began its carbon reduction journey 13 years ago. In that time the contractor has implemented a range of measures to reduce its impact on the environment and embed sustainability across all operations – from investing in renewable energy, battery back-up generators, alternative fuels and energy sources, to waste reduction initiatives and creating its Green Supply Chain (GSC) Forum. Establishing its Sustainability Strategy in 2020, using the pillars of People, Innovation, Planet and Community, these pillars gave Winvic a roadmap to work towards its sustainability goals, including that of being a Carbon Neutral business and directly support seven of the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2012, Winvic has been monitoring and measuring its Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, committing to accountable and transparent carbon reporting which is demonstrated by Winvic achieving the Achilles Carbon Reduce Programme Certification in line with ISO 14064-1 annually since 2022, adding to a wider portfolio of ISO accreditations. This globally recognised certification is aligned with Science Based Target initiatives (SBTis) and industry best practice for carbon emission measuring and reporting. Winvic reports operational data from its sites and head office operations and has been reducing its operational carbon footprint during construction and throughout the lifecycle of the buildings and assets it creates for its clients. As part of Winvic’s steps to reduce Scope 3 emissions and reach carbon neutrality, in 2021 it launched the GSC Forum, a platform designed to educate and collaborate with supply chain partners on sustainability, decarbonisation, and social value. Through bi-annual workshops, one-to-one support, and monthly communications, Winvic engages its 80 GSC partners providing them with the relevant knowledge on ESG principles and decarbonisation, as part of its commitment for a Net Zero future. Winvic also plays an active role in shaping the future of sustainable construction and ESG policy at a national level. It is a project partner of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) on a number of decarbonisation initiatives. These include updating the initial Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, which laid the foundation for defining Net Zero carbon buildings, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Testing Programme, helping to shape aligned metrics and targets, the Advancing Net Zero Workstream, to help facilitate an accelerated pathway to decarbonisation and the Supply Chain Forum, a community of peers within UKGBC to share challenges and discuss solutions. In 2024, Winvic was invited to join the Advisory Board of the Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), as the sole main contractor representing the construction industry in Westminster. Arun Thaneja, Technical Services and Sustainability Director at Winvic, said: “We want to raise the bar for delivering sustainable buildings and infrastructure for our clients, while also leaving a lasting social, environmental and economic legacy. Our newly achieved Carbon Neutral status is testament to that ambition and the progress we have made to decarbonising our operations. “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the certification, and we continue on our carbon reduction journey while supporting and encouraging our GSC partners and clients on their own pathways to a Net Zero future.” Rob Cook, Managing Director – Civils & Infrastructure at Winvic, said: “Achieving Carbon Neutral status reinforces our responsibility as an industry leader to set the standard for sustainable construction and infrastructure delivery. “This certification and milestone on our journey to Net Zero is not only important to Winvic, but it enables us to support our clients, including National Highways and other public sector partners, who place strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact and achieving Net Zero targets across their programmes. “It’s a milestone we’re proud of, but it’s also a platform to go further, working collaboratively with our clients, partners, and supply chain to deliver low-carbon solutions that make a real and lasting difference.” Winvic has completed 27 Net Zero Carbon projects totalling 96 individual facilities, with a further seven underway, and 12 low carbon projects with seven more underway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Osprey Strengthens Onshore Wind Capabilities with New 800-Tonne Mobile Crane

Osprey is expanding its heavy-lift fleet with the addition of the Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1, an 800-tonne all-terrain mobile crane arriving in November. This investment increases Osprey’s capability to deliver complex lifting operations for onshore wind, civil infrastructure, bridges, ports, and highways projects. To date, Osprey has contributed to projects delivering over 5,000 megawatts of clean energy, installing hundreds of onshore wind turbines and handling major offshore components. The company’s heavy-lift experience extends from turbine erection and maintenance to the testing and transport of next-generation nacelles and blades, reinforcing its role in the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy. Dean Graham, Heavy Lift Director at Osprey, explains: “The LTM 1750-9.1 adds real flexibility to our operations. It’s quick to set up, easy to move, and efficient to run. For clients, that means we can shorten programmes, reduce vehicle movements, and complete lifts in tighter spaces.” Efficient Set-Up and Mobility The LTM 1750-9.1 features a 52-metre telescopic boom, a maximum hoist height of 152 metres and a maximum working radius of 116 metres. Its self-rigging design allows it to be ready for work in approximately four to five hours, without the need for a separate rigging crane, depending on the selected configuration. With nine axles, the crane spreads its load over a larger footprint, reducing ground pressure and allowing access to areas where heavier crawler cranes or eight-axle models might struggle. “It rigs itself using its own boom and can move between pads while part-rigged,” says Graham. “That makes it well suited to turbine maintenance or construction work where space is limited.” The crane is supplied with the full complement of components, enabling multiple boom and luffing jib configurations as well as the Y guy system to brace the boom to increase lifting capacity to meet a wide range of heavy lift requirements. This flexibility allows Osprey to optimise the crane setup for each project, maximising lifting capacity, improving efficiency, and ensuring the right configuration is available for every site condition. Reduced Environmental Impact The crane is fitted with the latest Euro-compliant engines and is HVO-ready, allowing it to run on renewable fuels. Liebherr’s ECOdrive and ECOmode systems optimise fuel use and lower emissions, supporting Osprey’s goal to make heavy lifting operations cleaner and more efficient. Improving Onshore Wind Delivery The new crane is particularly relevant for onshore wind sites, where equipment needs to be both powerful and mobile. The ability to rig quickly and travel between turbines without full de-rigging can save several days per project, helping turbines generate power sooner and reducing local disruption. “It’s a practical addition to the fleet,” Graham adds. “As sites become more congested and access gets tighter, we need cranes that can do more with less time, less space, and lower ground loadings.” Osprey has a long history supporting the UK’s renewable energy sector, delivering logistics for offshore wind and tidal power projects both in the UK and internationally. Osprey has transported every major offshore wind farm component, including jackets, monopiles, nacelles, and blades using Osprey-owned cranes, self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), and barges. Civils Construction Sites With increasingly congested sites and tightly managed delivery schedules, the reduced rigging times of the LTM 1750-9.1 enable Osprey to meet demanding programme requirements and meet tight deadlines. Its ability to self-rig and work within confined areas makes it particularly well suited to urban civil engineering projects, where minimising disruption to the public and surrounding infrastructure is essential. This addition strengthens Osprey’s existing fleet of heavy mobile and crawler cranes, extending the company’s capability across complex bridge and infrastructure installations. Osprey’s heavy-lift teams are known for engaging early with clients to refine lift plans, reduce risk, and shorten build times. Osprey has applied the same engineering approach across a wide range of civil infrastructure projects, including the A45 Whitley South Bridge, M1 Kegworth Bypass and M4 Monkey Island Lane The company has also supported Network Rail on several bridge installations and replacements notably at Gipsy Patch Bridge, Penstone Bridge, Warrington Bridge, and Whaley Bridge, where precise heavy-lift coordination and minimal disruption were critical to project success. Complementary Services: Port Marshalling and Freight Forwarding The LTM 1750 complements Osprey’s existing offering of heavy mobile and heavy crawler crane fleet, including port marshalling and freight-forwarding operations. At the Port of Blyth, Osprey has delivered over 1,000 heavy lifts, supporting modular construction and offshore wind projects. Using cranes such as the Liebherr LG 1750 and Tadano CC3800, together with modular SPMTs, the company’s teams have managed complex manoeuvres and tight schedules across confined portside environments. These port operations form part of Osprey’s integrated approach to project delivery, combining heavy-lift engineering, transport planning, and marine logistics. This ensures clients benefit from safer, more efficient operations for large-scale renewable and infrastructure projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Seal of Excellence for site manager of development at historic country estate in County Durham

A prestigious construction industry award has been presented to the site manager at Bellway’s Hedworths Green at Lambton Park development in County Durham. Anthony Church has been awarded the Seal of Excellence in the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job awards – one of 16 site managers in the North East region to be recognised in this way for the excellence of their work. The Pride in the Job North East regional awards ceremony took place on Friday 3 October at Royal Armouries New Dock Hall in Leeds. More than 8,000 building sites were considered in the first stage of the Pride in the Job competition, with Quality Awards presented nationwide to the top five per cent of site managers. Those winners were then considered for the Seal of Excellence – awarded to the top one per cent nationally. Anthony, 37, who lives in Newton Aycliffe, said: “A Seal of Excellence is an immense accolade, and I am so proud to receive it. “Managing construction at Hedworths Green at Lambton Park, which is a historic site, requires exceptionally high standards and clear communication. My assistant site manager Daniel Brown and trainee assistant site manager Sophie Curtis have worked very hard with me to set and maintain those high standards and to ensure precise communication with everyone on site at every stage. “Winning a Quality Award is a significant achievement in itself, so being recognised as a site manager who excels and goes even beyond that high standard to receive a Seal of Excellence is immensely satisfying.” Anthony, who entered the construction industry as an apprentice joiner at the age of 17, previously won a Quality Award for his work at Bellway’s Abbey Heights development in Callerton, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in 2022. Bellway Durham Head of Construction Dan Ferguson said: “We are creating a development of 145 thoughtfully designed luxury homes within a historic country estate at Hedworths Green at Lambton Park, featuring 87 different elevations and 17 house styles. The construction of this development requires an exceptional site manager and in Anthony Church we have exactly that. “Congratulations go to Anthony and his team who have worked so hard to reach the standards required to achieve a Seal of Excellence.” To find out more about the homes being built by an award-winning site manager at Hedworths Green at Lambton Park, see https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham/hedworths-green-at-lambton-park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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E.ON’s Green Funding Solutions team (GFS) has been awarded the prestigious ISO 45001 accreditation

ISO 45001 safety accreditation strengthens E.ON’s commitment to safety and quality

E.ON’s Green Funding Solutions team (GFS) has been awarded the prestigious ISO 45001 accreditation, the global benchmark for workplace health and safety. The achievement highlights E.ON’s unwavering commitment to protecting its people, customers, and communities while delivering high-quality, reliable energy solutions that help make energy more affordable for everyone. ISO 45001, developed by independent international standards committees, sets the highest standard for occupational health and safety. In securing the accreditation, GFS passed the rigorous audit with flying colours and was also recognised as an industry leader in process safety excellence. Since 2020, E.ON’s GFS team has installed more than 28,000 energy efficiency measures such as solar panels, heat pumps and insulation; improving more than 19,000 homes nationwide through partnerships with local authorities and housing associations – from the Isle of Wight to Northumberland. As part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 programme, GFS was responsible for installing almost half (49%) of all UK solar panels in 2023-24, helping to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions for thousands of households. “Making affordable, sustainable energy accessible to everyone is our priority – and a significant part of that is health and safety of our installations, along with offering customers the highest quality,” said Jamie Brookes, Director of Green Funding Solutions at E.ON.  “This accreditation reflects the strength of our processes and systems, our relentless focus on safety, and our level of experience in making homes more comfortable and cheaper to run. We’re proud our customers trust us to deliver dependable, high-quality energy efficiency upgrades for their homes. Making affordable sustainable energy accessible to everyone is our priority at E.ON.” This milestone further cements E.ON’s role as a pioneer in improving energy efficiency in homes across the country. Working with local authorities, housing associations and government bodies, GFS delivers large-scale domestic programmes that create warmer, more comfortable homes which are cheaper to run and better for the environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Diamond Pro® Air

AG Introduces Lightweight Retaining WallSolutionforStreamlined Design and Build

AG, a third-generation, UK manufacturer of low-carbon paving and building products, has launched Diamond Pro® Air, a lightweight retaining wall solution engineered to streamline construction and maximise site efficiency. Designed with the practical pressures of housebuilders and contractors in mind, Diamond Pro® Air helps optimise labour, build schedules, and land use, while offering versatile solutions for plot divisions, split-level sites, landscaped areas, and boundary walls. Each block weighs just 24.5kg, making it AG’s lightest 200mm high segmental retaining wall block. Despite its reduced weight, it supports gravity walls up to 1 metre and engineered walls up to 3.6 metres. The range’s mortarless construction allows walls to be built in all weathers, avoiding delays common with traditional mortar-based systems. Diamond Pro® Air features a split-face design and natural texture in three warm earth-tone shades – Basalt, Cashel, and Canelletto, perfectly complementing AG’s wider walling portfolio for cohesive styling across sites. For walls over 3.6 metres or requiring BBA/HAPAS approval, AG’s Vertica range is available. The blocks feature a near-vertical batter of less than 4 degrees, enabling developers to make the most of every plot. Unlike steeper competitor products, this profile preserves garden and building space, maximising flexibility across even the tightest or most complex sites.  Installation is straightforward and efficient. Diamond Pro® Air’s built-in handholds and locator lugs enable precise positioning, while its lightweight design allows for one-person lifting. Delivered right side up on pallets, the blocks can be moved directly to the wall, reducing double handling and simplifying on-site assembly. Large internal voids in the blocks reduce material use, provide drainage, and align during construction to strengthen the wall. Lightweight design allows up to 20 bales per curtain-sided lorry, cutting transport needs and easing site congestion. From concept to completion, AG provides an end-to-end support system. Clients can use AG’s licensed software for self-service planning and estimation, or take advantage of the family-run company’s complimentary in-house Retaining Wall Design Service to produce preliminary layouts tailored to each development. Diamond Pro® Air is produced at AG’s Fivemiletown facility using 100% renewable energy and harvested rainwater. The product mix incorporates aggregates from AG’s own quarry and secondary sources and, combined with reduced material use, helps reduce embodied carbon while upholding the company’s rigorous sustainability benchmarks. Complementing AG’s wider walling, paving, and brick portfolio, Diamond Pro® Air allows multiple high-quality materials to be sourced from a single supplier. With AG’s ‘good, better, best’ range, consistent aesthetics and quality can be maintained across projects, while simplifying procurement and logistics. Commenting on the company’s latest innovation, Stephen Acheson, CEO of AG, said: “Diamond Pro® Air was developed to address the day-to-day pressures faced on construction sites, from limited land and tight schedules to labour constraints. Its near-vertical profile maximises usable space, while the lightweight, mortarless design makes walls quicker and easier to build, even on split-level sites. Large internal voids, pallet-ready right-side-up delivery, and low-carbon production save time, reduce handling, and support both our ambitious sustainability goals and those of the wider industry. Combined with our design service, distinctive finishes, and broader product portfolio, Diamond Pro® Air provides a complete, practical solution that keeps projects on track and maximises value per plot.” To learn more about Diamond Pro® Air and AG’s wider offering visit ag.uk.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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WOW! Stuff

GNR8 Gets the Wow! Factor

RO Group is delighted to announce that WOW! Stuff, the multi-award-winning toy innovation company, has opened a new office, GNR8 at 49 Clarendon Road, Watford. Founded in 2006 by Richard North, Kenny McAndrew and Dr. Graeme Taylor, WOW! Stuff creates unique products partnering with tier 1 entertainment brands including Disney, Marvel, Universal, and Warner Bros. With a mission of delivering toys that create that signature ‘wow’ moment, the company has built a global reputation for unprecedented innovation in toy development and manufacture. WOW! Stuff’s products span multiple categories, and they lead one of the fastest growing emerging toy categories, ‘Puppetronics’ where their Disney Stitch Puppetronic by RealFX led to WOW! Stuff becoming the first British company to win the overall TOTY (USA Toy of the Year) in 2025. GNR8 has recently undergone a contemporary refurbishment programme designed to offer more amenity and wellbeing features to its occupiers. The building comprises four floors with a remodelled reception and ground floor amenity space offering open plan workstations, quiet zones, informal meeting booths, bookable meeting rooms, and outdoor amenity areas. Occupiers also benefit from secure bike storage, shower and changing facilities, a nursing room, and a Fitwel 3-star rating, which is the highest accreditation for healthier workplace environments.  Ed Davidson, Asset Management Director at RO Real Estate, commented: “We are delighted to welcome WOW! Stuff to GNR8. Their creativity and global reach make them a perfect fit for the dynamic, collaborative community we are building here. GNR8’s refurbishment reflects RO’s wider commitment to investing in our portfolio and maintaining the highest standards of workspace, including achieving a prestigious Fitwel 3-star rating, the very highest level of accreditation for healthier workplaces. Combined with its exceptional amenities, central Clarendon Road location, and excellent transport links, the building is a great example of how Watford continues to attract ambitious companies.” The RO was advised by Osborne Clarke and Brasier Freeth, while WOW! Stuff lease negotiation was led by Managing Director Dawn Lavalette and advised by The Wilkes Partnership Solicitors LLP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Gorton Town Centre

Council unlocks long term investment into Gorton Town Centre

The east Manchester suburb has been a key focus for regeneration in recent years and now a new report being heard by the Council’s executive committee this week announces tens of millions of pounds further investment in the neighbourhood. Gorton has welcomed a number of major projects recently, including the Gorton Hub – a one-stop-shop for a wide range of community services – in 2024, before a new £1.4m public square was unveiled earlier this year.   The projects, alongside a significant pipeline of new social and genuinely affordable homes, have looked to create a destination high street for the community while driving up footfall to support local businesses, including the Gorton Market – which will now see a further £1.1m investment, on top of a new roof project that is currently under construction.  Delivering for Gorton   New housing will be key to support the ongoing success of Gorton, helping to attract new residents and support economic growth.  The Council is currently creating a number of investment partnerships to deliver hundreds of new homes, with a focus on affordability across a range of tenures from social rent homes to options for local people to access the housing ladder.   Clarion Housing, a national provider of affordable homes, are the preferred bidder to build more than 400 new homes across around 17 sites over the next 10 to 15years. These homes will be available for social rent and shared ownership, alongside a small number of market homes for sale and rent that will support the viability of the developments.   Clarion’s first project will redevelop the former library site on Garrett Way where around 70 high quality homes will be built overlooking the new Gorton town centre square. The project will offer a mix of sizes and tenures, including apartments and family homes, as well as wheelchair accessible properties. A planning application is due to come forward early 2026, starting on site later next year.   And 35 new affordable independent living homes that will provide housing support for Manchester care leavers aged 18 to 25 will be built on the site of a long-derelict basketball court on Chapman Street near the town centre. The homes will be available to young people in work or training and supported by Centrepoint offering wrap around pastoral care and education advice. A planning application for this scheme will be submitted later this year with a view to being onsite in autumn 2026.  Following the completion of the new town square earlier this year, the investment plan looks to extend the square using a £300k grant through the Governments Local Growth and Place fund that will introduce more child friendly play features. This will include play equipment and playground games, such as snakes and ladders – alongside more planting and seating – that will encourage local people to spend time in the town centre. Works are due to start later this year and open to the public in the spring of 2026.  As an important resource for the local community, the Gorton Market hall is lined up for a £1.1m improvement programme, again funded through the Government’s Local Growth and Place grant.   The investment will open up an entire side of the existing market, creating a link between the building and the extended town square and the welcoming terraced seating area. This will be complemented by a new food and drink offer and a beauty zone, with longer opening hours that will accommodate later evenings and both indoor and outdoor events.   The Council is currently working closely with the traders to relocate all of them within the existing market building while this work is undertaken with a view to opening fully by summer 2026, providing a much-improved base for the traders to thrive into the future.   Read the Executive Committee report in full Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:  “Our high streets and districts centres are at the very heart of our communities. They are where we shop, meet friends, visit the doctors and spend time. We know how important these places are to our residents, and we are investing in our local neighbourhooods across the city.   “Gorton has been one of our focus areas for investment for some time, beginning with the Hub and public square, and we have already started work to the market hall roof – and this plan sets out not just the next phases of these projects but a home building plan for the next decade and more – with most capped at social rent, along with opportunities for our residents to get on the property ladder.   “This neighbourhood is a place full of potential, and we are already seeing the fruits of this potential come to life. Now it’s about a long-term investment plan that will see Gorton go from strength to strength.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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