Henry Boot has secured outline planning consent for a major 5.5m sq ft industrial and logistics scheme in Goole, marking a significant boost for manufacturing and distribution across the Humber region. The development, known as FREEPORT 36, is being brought forward by Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in partnership with
Following Clowes Developments acquisition of the 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, work has commenced on an extensive multi-million-pound programme of site preparation and enabling works to prepare the historic location for its next chapter as a major commercial hub. The brownfield site, formerly associated with the development of the
J Pullan & Sons has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as main contractor for the Joseph’s Well student tower, launching a bold new chapter for the historic site. Full planning consent has been granted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Joseph’s
The UK construction sector enters 2026 facing a challenging mix of cost pressures, labour shortages, and regulatory change, but also opportunities to adapt through technology, sustainability, and operational resilience. “This year will be defined less by headline growth and more by how firms manage risk and deliver reliably,” says Laura
Developer and investor P3 Logistics Parks is set to appoint British Land chief executive Simon Carter, following confirmation that he is stepping down from his role after five years at the helm of the UK-listed property company. Carter, who first joined British Land in 2004 and has spent a total
A man-made mountain of more than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material has been transported across Edinburgh as part of an innovative scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness. The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of inert building rubble recycled from a city centre development site
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is now inviting entries for its 2026 BREEAM Awards – a celebration of the projects, people and organisations leading the way in sustainable building design, development, operation and management. This year’s awards introduce eight new categories, reflecting BREEAM’s commitment to recognising forward-thinking approaches to sustainability
– AI-Powered Technologies, Advanced Displays and Modular Batteries Designed to Revolutionise Compact Construction Equipment – Bobcat, a global leader in compact construction equipment, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026 to transform how work gets done. Engineered for simplicity and productivity, these innovations aim to make equipment operation
Nationwide Platforms has donated almost £10,000 to charitable causes and local community initiatives over the past year, continuing its commitment to supporting colleagues, families, and communities across the UK. The UK’s leading powered access provider donated a total of £9,785 during 2025, supporting 25 charitable causes and 10 local club
Molson Equipment has appointed Simon Causier as sales director, bolstering its senior leadership team as the business looks ahead to further growth in 2026. Causier joins the plant and machinery supplier following the collapse of Warwick Ward Machinery, where he held the role of commercial director. He spent 18 years
Henry Boot has secured outline planning consent for a major 5.5m sq ft industrial and logistics scheme in Goole, marking a significant boost for manufacturing and distribution across the Humber region. The development, known as FREEPORT 36, is being brought forward by Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in partnership with landowner St John’s College, Cambridge. The approval clears the way for the creation of a 300-acre industrial and manufacturing park capable of accommodating a wide range of occupiers. Plans provide flexibility for buildings ranging in size from 40,000 sq ft to more than 1m sq ft, enabling the scheme to cater for advanced manufacturing, logistics and large-scale industrial users. Detailed proposals will now be prepared, with the development team targeting a start on site before the end of the year. Once fully built out, FREEPORT 36 is expected to support around 3,000 jobs in Goole itself and approximately 5,500 jobs across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region, delivering a substantial economic uplift. The site benefits from a highly strategic location adjacent to Junction 36 of the M62, offering direct access to Goole Docks, the M18 and the wider Humber Ports complex. This connectivity is expected to be a major draw for occupiers seeking efficient national and international supply chain links. FREEPORT 36 forms part of the Humber Freeport Goole tax site, which has been formally designated following approval from HM Treasury and HMRC. As a result, occupiers will be able to benefit from a range of freeport incentives designed to support long-term investment and growth. Tim Roberts, chief executive of Henry Boot, said the scheme will play a key role in supporting the expansion of manufacturing and logistics across Yorkshire, adding that freeport status further strengthens the location’s appeal to occupiers looking for scale, connectivity and long-term certainty. With outline consent now in place, the project is set to move into its next phase as one of the largest industrial developments in the north of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following Clowes Developments acquisition of the 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, work has commenced on an extensive multi-million-pound programme of site preparation and enabling works to prepare the historic location for its next chapter as a major commercial hub. The brownfield site, formerly associated with the development of the iconic Harrier “Jump Jet” and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation. Drawing on its proud engineering heritage, Harrier Park is benefiting from substantial investment to remediate the land and deliver up to 500,000 sq ft of high-quality modern industrial and warehouse space. Located on the outskirts of Nottingham in a prime East Midlands location, future occupiers will join established neighbours, including RM Resources, which currently occupies a 200,000 sq ft facility on the site. The extensive preparation and enabling works are being delivered by lead contractor TanRo and represent the first major phase of investment within Clowes Developments’ long-term strategy for Harrier Park. Remediation works are nearing completion, with the majority of key groundworks successfully finished across both Plot 1 and Plot 2. Overall progress has exceeded 90%, with practical completion anticipated at the end of January. On Plot 1, substantial progress has been achieved. A 134-metre retaining wall has been fully installed, comprising 64 steel columns and 127 concrete infill panels. Major storm drainage works and high-voltage diversion ducting are complete, while all existing surfacing and underground obstructions have been removed. The formation of the future access road is in place, and bulk earthworks are largely complete, with only minor works remaining. Plot 2 has also seen significant advancement. The storm drainage diversion has been completed, and a screening bund to the south of Plot 2D has been formed. Bulk earthworks are nearing completion, with only small sections remaining to achieve plateau levels. Despite encountering several challenges, the project team has successfully managed them with no material impact on the overall programme. A key achievement was the connection of a new manhole into the existing storm drainage network on Dorey Way, delivered over a four-week period while maintaining a live traffic lane throughout. Furthermore, the discovery of previously unknown underground features required careful re-sequencing of works. This was effectively managed through close collaboration with the local authority, Ashfield District Council, and specialist advisors Pegasus Group, who undertook a programme of building recording for the unlisted buildings, enabling works to proceed without delay. Clowes Developments is working in partnership with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site. The site has permission for units ranging from 64,000 sq ft to 117,000 sq ft. Units can be combined (subject to planning) should occupiers need a bigger footprint, and they are available on both freehold and leasehold design-and-build bases. For further information, please contact Tim Gilbertson, tim@fhp.co.uk at FHP Property Consultants or Rob Champion, rob.champion@fishergerman.co.uk at Fisher German. Agents, Tim Gilbertson and Rob Champion, commented: “The very early signs for 2026 are promising, the phone is ringing and enquiries are coming in from national operators looking to invest in the area, delivering significant economic benefits, including job creation. We are now progressing these discussions and look forward to bringing the site forward for construction, supported by a swift 36-week delivery programme. To put this into context, both plots will be construction-ready by the end of January, meaning occupiers could be operational in their units before the end of the year an exceptional turnaround for both freehold and leasehold occupiers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
J Pullan & Sons has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as main contractor for the Joseph’s Well student tower, launching a bold new chapter for the historic site. Full planning consent has been granted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre, marking the most significant transformation of the estate in over 45 years. The 14-storey development, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 high-quality student bedrooms in a mix of studios and cluster apartments, alongside premium communal and amenity spaces designed to support student wellbeing, collaboration and long-term operational performance. Christophe Demoulin, Contracts Manager at Pullans, said: “This consent marks a major milestone for Pullans. The Tower is the single largest investment in our 140-year history and reflects our long-term commitment to Joseph’s Well and the city of Leeds.” Alongside McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, the wider project team comprises Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Andrew Beaumont, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, said: “This appointment represents a pivotal milestone for our Yorkshire and North East region and reinforces our strategic commitment to building a sustainable and relationship-driven business. With our broad experience and skilled team, we are well placed to deliver this landmark project for Pullans in the heart of Leeds city centre.” Located within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and the city centre, the scheme responds to Leeds’ growing demand for professionally managed, high-quality student living, helping to support the city’s continued status as one of the UK’s leading university destinations. Designed with sustainability at its heart, the building will incorporate modern, energy-efficient systems and a carefully balanced mix of social, study and relaxation spaces, enhancing the student experience while making a positive contribution to the wider Joseph’s Well estate and surrounding neighbourhood. Patrick Evers, Director at Cunniff Design, added: “We have been involved with this project from the very start, so it is incredibly rewarding to see our vision one step closer to being realised on site. Its efficient, contextual approach and commitment to technical innovation and build quality make it a fitting addition to the long history of this important site.” Joseph’s Well has played an important role in Leeds’ business landscape for nearly half a century. Acquired by Pullans in 1979, the former factory and mill was first converted into office space before a purpose-built headquarters was developed for Hammond Suddards in 1990. This latest phase represents a significant diversification of uses for the estate – the first major change since its original conversion some 45 years ago – signalling an exciting new chapter for this iconic Leeds destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction sector enters 2026 facing a challenging mix of cost pressures, labour shortages, and regulatory change, but also opportunities to adapt through technology, sustainability, and operational resilience. “This year will be defined less by headline growth and more by how firms manage risk and deliver reliably,” says Laura Capper, Head of Construction at NatWest Group. Public projects anchor the market Infrastructure, healthcare, education, and energy projects continue to provide a stable foundation for construction activity. While private housing and industrial sectors are recovering, commercial demand remains uneven. “Government commitments give firms a pipeline, but converting this into work on site requires flexibility and careful planning,” Capper explains. This balance between public stability and private sector caution will shape investment, scheduling, and workforce planning throughout 2026. Cost pressures remain elevated Rising labour, material, and energy costs continue to challenge firms. Contractors are embedding contingencies into contracts and improving cost management to maintain margins. “Managing inflation isn’t just about pricing,” Capper notes. “It’s about planning, risk management, and execution on site.” Long-duration projects are particularly exposed to cost fluctuations, making accurate forecasting and early-stage procurement more important than ever. Workforce and skills under the spotlight Labour shortages remain a structural issue. Skilled trades, technicians, and supervisory roles are in short supply, with demographic trends and reduced migration inflows intensifying competition. “A future-ready workforce combines technical ability with flexibility,” says Capper. “Apprenticeships, retraining, and flexible working are essential to keep projects on track.” Retention and succession planning will be crucial for SMEs and larger contractors alike, ensuring continuity in delivery and operational performance. Digital and AI tools support delivery Technology is being adopted pragmatically, with BIM, digital twins, drones, IoT monitoring, and AI-assisted planning helping firms reduce risk, improve safety, and enhance efficiency. “Technology is about smarter delivery, not growth,” Capper explains. “Firms that use digital tools effectively can make better real-time decisions and avoid costly rework.” Digital integration across design, planning, procurement, and on-site operations is gradually becoming a differentiator. Sustainability as a delivery requirement Carbon reduction, energy efficiency, circular design, and whole-life carbon assessment are increasingly embedded in project planning. “Sustainability is now part of operational delivery,” says Capper. “Low-carbon materials, energy-efficient designs, and retrofit initiatives are expected by clients and increasingly enforced by regulators.” This is particularly true in public sector and infrastructure projects, where environmental compliance is closely monitored. Client expectations are evolving Clients are demanding more transparency, reliability, and speed. Contractors who can deliver on time, on budget, and with reduced environmental impact will stand out. “Predictable outcomes, strong communication, and responsiveness will define success in 2026,” Capper adds. Collaboration with supply chains and digital reporting tools are helping contractors meet these expectations while managing risk. Looking ahead 2026 is set to be a year of practical resilience, not headline expansion. Firms that combine strong planning, workforce development, digital adoption, and sustainability compliance are best positioned to navigate uncertainty. “Adaptability is the sector’s greatest strength,” Capper concludes. “Those who focus on delivery, risk management, and operational performance will maintain stability and reputation in a challenging year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer and investor P3 Logistics Parks is set to appoint British Land chief executive Simon Carter, following confirmation that he is stepping down from his role after five years at the helm of the UK-listed property company. Carter, who first joined British Land in 2004 and has spent a total of 18 years with the business across two periods, will take up a similar senior leadership position at P3. He is subject to a 12-month notice period, during which British Land will begin the process of identifying his successor. During his tenure as chief executive, Carter oversaw a period of strategic repositioning for British Land, strengthening its focus on London office campuses and retail parks. The company said he leaves the business with a strong management team in place and a platform well positioned to benefit from rental growth in supply-constrained markets. William Rucker, chairman of British Land, thanked Carter for his contribution, noting that he has played a central role in shaping the company’s direction and preparing it for its next phase of growth. He said the board wishes Carter well in his new role at P3 Logistics Parks. Reflecting on his departure, Carter said British Land has been a defining part of his professional life and described it as a privilege to have led the business. He thanked the board, executive committee and colleagues for their support and commitment to delivering the company’s strategy over the past five years. Carter added that decisions taken in the period following the pandemic have positioned British Land for long-term success, particularly across its core London and retail park assets. While acknowledging there is never a perfect time to move on, he said he leaves the business with market-leading positions and a strong outlook. His move to P3 Logistics Parks marks a high-profile leadership change within the UK and European property sector, bringing extensive experience of large-scale real estate investment and development to the logistics specialist. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A man-made mountain of more than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material has been transported across Edinburgh as part of an innovative scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness. The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of inert building rubble recycled from a city centre development site to form the foundations of a new Social Bite Village, located along the capital’s Granton waterfront. Charity Social Bite teamed up with regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate to relocate building material which remained following the demolition of the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road, making way for Artisan’s spectacular homes-led redevelopment of the site in 2026. The recycled rubble is now being used to create level groundwork as part of the ongoing construction of the Social Bite Village which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have been affected by homelessness. The new waterfront community will provide seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’, together with existing homes converted into single occupancy based on resident feedback. The new community will also include a communal area for residents to cook, gather and relax, together with gardens and space to grow fruit and vegetables. “This is a superb example of how clever collaboration in the building industry can help improve the world around us,” says Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater. “As part of Artisan’s stated commitment to sustainability, we always ensure that as much material as possible can be reused or recycled following demolition. And for this commitment to allow us to help such a life-empowering movement as the creation of a new Social Bite Village means that this really is a perfect development partnership.” The new Social Bite Village is a relocation of the existing temporary village site, less than one mile away in Granton. The charity’s Edinburgh village model has so far helped more than 100 residents who, at the end of their stay, are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. Many have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes. Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, adds: “It’s very exciting to see our new project taking shape on a stunning seafront location, and we are delighted to be partnering with Artisan to provide such a firm foundation for the site. “The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other projects that we are planning. Its design offers people affected by homelessness, living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing, a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start. With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are proud that our village projects can demonstrate a better alternative that also makes use of innovative construction methods.” Artisan will start construction of its Ferry Road site, known as 525 Park View in early 2026, in partnership with REInvest Asset Management S.A. The development will create a low-carbon residential-led community providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing. Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is now inviting entries for its 2026 BREEAM Awards – a celebration of the projects, people and organisations leading the way in sustainable building design, development, operation and management. This year’s awards introduce eight new categories, reflecting BREEAM’s commitment to recognising forward-thinking approaches to sustainability – from resilience and digital innovation to social value and sustainable cities. The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 30 September at the BREEAM-certified Peninsula London hotel, bringing together industry leaders and innovators from across the globe to celebrate the transformative power of buildings in shaping a sustainable future. BREEAM has been the world-leading sustainability assessment method for planning projects, infrastructure and buildings for over 30 years, with over 2.9 million buildings now BREEAM-registered. This year’s award categories are: The 2026 awards will be the first to incorporate BREEAM New Construction Version 7, which introduces an updated framework integrating whole-life carbon, resilience, and biodiversity metrics in line with growing market demand. Industry practitioners across the globe are invited to submit nominations for projects, organisations and individuals that push the boundaries of sustainability and accelerate the transition to net zero. The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2026. Tom Wilson, Director of Building Performance Services at BRE, said: “The 2026 BREEAM Awards introduce new categories that recognise leadership in areas such as climate resilience, digital sustainability, social value, and sustainable cities — where data, technology and community impact are central to delivering measurable outcomes. “By showcasing projects setting new benchmarks in these areas, the awards reaffirm BREEAM’s role in driving innovation across the built environment. “We look forward to seeing entries that demonstrate how organisations are shaping a more sustainable future.” Travel accreditation company ActiveScore will mark its third year as headline sponsor of the awards, with sustainability consultants JWA and agradblue sponsoring the In-Use Performance and Climate Resilience Excellence categories respectively. Further sponsorship opportunities are available. Entries to the BREEAM Awards 2026 can now be made here. Full descriptions of the BREEAM Awards categories are as follows: For further information about the BREEAM Awards 2026, please see here. All BREEAM certifications can enter the awards, including Infrastructure, Communities and New Construction V7. Where relevant, projects must have been certified between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2026 for a valid entry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
– AI-Powered Technologies, Advanced Displays and Modular Batteries Designed to Revolutionise Compact Construction Equipment – Bobcat, a global leader in compact construction equipment, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026 to transform how work gets done. Engineered for simplicity and productivity, these innovations aim to make equipment operation more intuitive, empowering operators to accomplish more with confidence. The new solutions integrate artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomy and connectivity into a scalable system of solutions designed to support operators, technicians and fleet owners alike. “For nearly 70 years, Bobcat has led the compact equipment industry by solving real problems for real people,” said Scott Park, CEO and Vice Chairman of Doosan Bobcat. “Today, as workforce needs change and jobsites become more complex, we’re responding with intelligent systems that empower people to accomplish more, faster and smarter. These innovations aren’t concepts for the distant future; they’re advancements that are shaping how work gets done right now.” Bobcat Jobsite Companion: The Industry’s First AI-Enabled Feature for Compact Construction Equipment At the centre of Bobcat’s CES 2026 announcement is Bobcat Jobsite Companion, a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled feature for compact construction equipment. This prototype technology will provide real-time support and automation for everyday machine tasks. Operators can simply ask a question or state a command, and the system responds through voice and display interactions—adjusting attachment settings based on environment, offering operational recommendations and automating more than 50 functions without taking hands off the controls. Powered by Bobcat’s proprietary AI large language model, Jobsite Companion runs entirely onboard the machine, enabling real-time responsiveness without reliance on cloud connectivity. This ensures full functionality even in remote or connectivity-limited jobsites, a critical requirement for construction environments. This technology redefines the machine-operator relationship, delivering the most significant interface evolution in nearly two decades. “Jobsite Companion lowers the barrier to entry for new operators while helping experienced professionals work faster and more precisely,” said Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “It’s not just smarter technology; it’s a smarter experience that puts expert-level guidance directly in the cab.” Service.AI: AI-Powered Support for Faster Repairs and More Uptime Bobcat also announced Service.AI, an AI-powered service and support platform designed to minimise equipment downtime by giving dealers and technicians instant access to Bobcat’s full repair expertise. With Service.AI, Bobcat dealers and technicians can instantly retrieve repair manuals and warranty details, receive real-time diagnostic guidance, and leverage Bobcat’s extensive archive of historical cases for faster troubleshooting. This prototype technology delivers the expertise of a master technician—providing step-by-step guidance to streamline the service process and complete repairs efficiently. By simplifying complex diagnostics, Service.AI not only accelerates repair timelines but helps to address the ongoing labour shortage. Collision Warning and Avoidance System: Purposeful Innovation for Jobsite Confidence Bobcat showcased its prototype Collision Warning and Avoidance System, the first and only system in development for the compact equipment industry designed to actively slow or stop a machine before a collision occurs. Using advanced imaging radar, the system tracks the position, direction and speed of surrounding objects in real time. If a potential hazard is detected, the machine will automatically alert and even slow down or stop the machine. Designed to assist operator awareness without adding complexity, the system is already being cited through customer testing as a differentiating factor for choosing Bobcat equipment. Advanced Display Technology: A Smarter View into the Jobsite Bobcat also highlighted its Advanced Display Technology, a MicroLED, transparent, auto-tint, touch-enabled display concept seamlessly integrated into the cab door or machine window. The system overlays critical operational data directly onto the operator’s field of view, allowing them to see both the jobsite and machine insights simultaneously. Integrated features include: “It’s not just a screen,” Honeyman said. “It’s a smarter window into the work, delivering clarity, control and confidence.” RogueX3: The Next Evolution of Autonomous, Electric and Modular Equipment Bobcat is pushing the boundaries of innovation with RogueX3, its most advanced concept machine to date. Fully electric and autonomous, RogueX3 takes modularity to the next level, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of jobsite needs. The version showcased at CES features an electric powertrain and can operate remotely or autonomously without a cab. However, RogueX3 was engineered for ultimate flexibility. Its modular design allows interchangeable components—cab or no cab, wheels or tracks, configurable lift arms and more—so users can tailor the machine to specific tasks. Looking ahead, the machine could be built and powered in multiple ways, including electric, diesel, hybrid or even hydrogen. Building on insights from RogueX and RogueX2, RogueX3’s innovative design has already generated multiple pending patents that will shape the future of Bobcat’s product lineup. Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP): Modular Power for an Electric Future Powering Bobcat’s electric future is the Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP), a fast-charging, modular battery system engineered for rugged jobsite conditions. BSUP units are: By enabling flexible, cleaner and quieter operations, BSUP will serve as a foundational building block for the next generation of electric construction equipment. Together, Bobcat Jobsite Companion, Service.AI, Collision Warning and Avoidance, Advanced Display Technology, RogueX3 and BSUP form an integrated system of solutions set to redefine what’s possible on the modern jobsite. “We’re not just imagining the future — we’re engineering it,” Park said. “By combining AI, autonomy, electrification and connectivity, Bobcat is creating technology that empowers people, simplifies work and sets a new standard for the industry.” Products and technologies featured at CES are showcased as prototypes or concept models, highlighting the innovation shaping the future. While not commercially available at present, several are advancing toward commercialisation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide Platforms has donated almost £10,000 to charitable causes and local community initiatives over the past year, continuing its commitment to supporting colleagues, families, and communities across the UK. The UK’s leading powered access provider donated a total of £9,785 during 2025, supporting 25 charitable causes and 10 local club sponsorships. Of the total donated, £6,811 was given to national and local charities, with a further £2,974 supporting grassroots sports clubs and youth organisations. Causes supported ranged from cancer and dementia charities to food banks, Christmas raffles, and disability support initiatives. The single largest donation of £2,075 was made to a JustGiving page set up by colleague Jason Butlin, Business Development Manager for the Midlands region, to help fund a specialist purple wheelchair for his daughter Isabelle, who lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Alongside colleague-led fundraising, Nationwide Platforms supported a number of high-profile charities throughout the year, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer’s Society, Action Bladder Cancer UK, and The British Heart Foundation. Charitable giving was further driven by physical challenges undertaken by employees in aid of causes close to their hearts. These included a 26-mile Peak District Mighty Hike completed by Matthew Barnett, Marketing and Communications Specialist, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support; a 100-mile walk across Lady Anne’s Way by Blackburn-based Depot Support Operative Ollie Smith and his partner Heather to raise funds for Action Bladder Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK; and Ann-Marie Pease’s climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, which began on 2 January in support of Alzheimer’s Society. Local community support also formed a significant part of the 2025 donations. Nationwide Platforms sponsored seven junior football clubs, one local sporting club, a Muay Thai gym, and a youth club, helping to fund club kits, facility set-up costs, and travel expenses to ensure young people from lower-income backgrounds could access opportunities otherwise out of reach, including international sporting travel to the USA. Reflecting on the year’s giving, Nationwide Platforms said the donations highlight the power of colleague-led initiatives and the importance of supporting causes rooted in local communities. “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and that extends far beyond the workplace,” said Karen Maguire, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms. “Whether it’s supporting a colleague’s family, backing life-saving research, or helping local clubs keep going, these donations reflect the compassion and generosity that exists across Nationwide Platforms.” Nationwide Platforms will continue to support colleague-nominated charities and community initiatives into 2026, building on a year that has seen hundreds of lives positively impacted through collective action. For more information about Nationwide Platforms, visit:https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Molson Equipment has appointed Simon Causier as sales director, bolstering its senior leadership team as the business looks ahead to further growth in 2026. Causier joins the plant and machinery supplier following the collapse of Warwick Ward Machinery, where he held the role of commercial director. He spent 18 years with the business and played a key role in launching and developing a range of equipment brands across the UK construction, recycling and aggregates sectors. Warwick Ward Machinery entered administration in December 2025 after more than five decades of trading, bringing Causier’s long tenure with the business to an end. His move to Molson marks a continuation of his career in the heavy equipment market, where he has built extensive experience and strong industry relationships. Speaking about his appointment, Causier said his career has been shaped by a focus on understanding customer needs and delivering high-quality aftersales support. He added that Molson’s customer-led ethos and reputation within the sector were key factors in his decision to join the company. Molson Group chief executive Robin Powell said the appointment comes at a challenging time for the UK market but described the recruitment of experienced leaders as critical to the company’s long-term strategy. He said Causier brings significant knowledge, expertise and connections, which will help position Molson for continued growth. Causier said he has long admired Molson’s approach to the market, pointing to the company’s strong growth and professional operation. He added that he is looking forward to contributing his experience to the sales team and supporting the next phase of the business’s development. The appointment underlines Molson Equipment’s confidence in its future direction, as it continues to invest in people and leadership despite wider market pressures. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals