NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes a landmark government announcement that will prohibit the use of retentions in construction contracts and deliver sweeping reforms to payment legislation. The announcement represents the most significant overhaul of the UK’s payment regime in over 25 years and will help to address the cash
International reach enables UK-based architects and manufacturers to collaborate seamlessly across markets Today, NBS (part of Hubexo), the platform for connected construction information, announces further international expansion of its specification and product information platforms, known outside the UK as Lattira Spec and Lattira Source. The Lattira product suite is built
Developer Charterpoint Group has appointed Claire Weatherston as Acquisitions Manager, to support its continued growth. Claire’s career to date has included roles in land buying and property consultancy. Most recently prior to joining Charterpoint Group, Claire was a land manager for retirement living provider McCarthy Stone and brings with her
Expert Insight by Christian Rowe The government’s Infrastructure Pipeline sets out 780 projects worth £530 billion over the next ten years, covering transport, energy, education and healthcare. For UK construction firms, this represents a significant pipeline of opportunity. However, the sector recorded more insolvencies than any other UK industry in
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has appointed Nick Cripps as Head of International Capital Markets, reflecting the continued expansion of its global investment platform and the increasing importance of coordinated capital deployment. The appointment comes at a point of significant scale for the business. Panattoni
The bedroom should be your calm, clutter-free retreat where you can properly unwind after a long day. Yet for many of us, it ends up as the room where everything accumulates: spare bedding, out-of-season clothes, shoes, books, and all the bits and pieces that do not quite have a home
Window treatments used to come late in the process. That is changing fast. Today, they affect comfort, energy use, privacy, glare control, and the final look of a space. Because of that, developers and designers now treat them as part of the design strategy, not a final accessory. This shift
NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes a landmark government announcement that will prohibit the use of retentions in construction contracts and deliver sweeping reforms to payment legislation. The announcement represents the most significant overhaul of the UK’s payment regime in over 25 years and will help to address the cash flow crisis that has long crippled NFRC members and other specialist contractors across the construction industry. NFRC Group CEO James Talman said, “This outcome is one our industry has been campaigning for years to achieve. “ “For too long, specialist contractors have been forced to operate under a system that allowed larger firms to withhold their money, delay payment, and use their cash as free working capital. “Today, the Government has shown that it has listened, and we could not be more pleased.” The measures will be subject to a two-year implementation period, and dependent on the parliamentary timetable. This gives industry time to prepare, while providing a clear and firm direction of travel. NFRC will work with our Members and government during this transition period to ensure the incoming legislation is appropriate and effective. We will also continue to advocate on behalf of Members who are exploited by the current laws, which are now conclusively recognised to be unfair. YEARS OF WORK, FINALLY REWARDED NFRC has been advocating for reform of payment practices and the abolition of retentions for nearly a decade. In 2021, NFRC estimated that £300 million of roofing and cladding subcontractors’ cash was held in retention at any one time. In 2023, 86% of NFRC Members reported difficulties recovering retention payments on local authority contracts. And in 2025, 80% of contractor Members said retentions were still affecting their business. NFRC has taken every opportunity possible to advertise these facts and advocate for reform. “Our Members are passionate about this issue, not just because it affects their bottom line, but because it affects their people, their livelihoods, and their ability to grow and deliver for the UK,” said Talman. “The hours our team and our Members have put into this consultation speak for themselves.” The UK has a critical need for housebuilding, retrofit, clean energy infrastructure, and public sector construction. None of these issues will be adequately tackled if the specialist contractors at the coal face are being strangled by cash flow problems. CREDIT WHERE DUE NFRC wishes to acknowledge the Department for Business and Trade for bringing these proposals forward with seriousness and urgency. The consultation process was well-designed, accessible, and genuinely engaged with industry. The government has listened to the evidence industry presented and acted on it. “We are grateful to the Department for Business and Trade for the rigour and openness they have brought to this process,” said Talman. “Good consultation deserves recognition, and today’s announcement is evidence of what happens when industry engages and government listens. “We also want to acknowledge the many industry partners, trade bodies, and our own Members who contributed to this collective effort. Special thanks to the CLC taskforce on this important topic headed by Steve Bratt.” The government has confirmed it will proceed with many of the measures proposed in the consultation, including: – Removing the ability to contract out of the statutory charge of 8% interest on late payment. – Boards or audit committees of persistently late-paying large companies will be required to publish explanations for poor payment performance and the actions they are taking to address it. – Banning retention clauses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International reach enables UK-based architects and manufacturers to collaborate seamlessly across markets Today, NBS (part of Hubexo), the platform for connected construction information, announces further international expansion of its specification and product information platforms, known outside the UK as Lattira Spec and Lattira Source. The Lattira product suite is built on the established technological framework of the NBS Chorus and Source platforms, providing a robust approach to project specification and construction product research for architects, engineers and other construction professionals. As part of the expansion, specification content tailored to the USA has been developed, bringing added value for UK practices with projects in these regions. Building on Lattira Spec’s successful US market entry in February 2026, Lattira Source will roll out across the Nordics throughout the first half of this year, with Lattira Spec and Source launching in Australia and New Zealand later on. This expansion addresses a key challenge the industry faces globally: balancing standardised design approaches with local market realities. Lattira brings together trusted specification content and verified data in one clear, structured platform. As with NBS Chorus and NBS Source, the suite works as a unified system. Manufacturers can upload construction product information through Source, making products instantly discoverable for specifiers using Spec. This approach helps to keep products up to date across the entire platform with real-time updates. Empowering architects with localised specification tools Lattira Spec is the first global specification writing platform with integrated, region-specific content. It enables design teams to write specifications with locally relevant standards and product information, regardless of project location. Key benefits for specifiers: Connecting manufacturers with design professionals globally Lattira Source connects construction product manufacturers directly with specifiers and architects across multiple markets, enabling them to showcase their products to design professionals worldwide through a single platform. Key benefits for manufacturers: Connecting UK expertise with global opportunities The Lattira suite is built on international data standards and years of proven expertise in digital construction information management. It creates a global ecosystem that connects markets, streamlines workflows and drives stronger collaboration among professionals, suppliers and manufacturers worldwide. Commenting on this milestone Joakim Percival, Chief Product Officer at Hubexo said: “Lattira Spec and Source are driving Hubexo’s ambition to create the world’s first global specification writing platform with fully integrated content. “Lattira is changing the game in how the construction industry collaborates across borders. For UK-based NBS subscribers, this expansion means the ability to work on international projects with the same confidence they have domestically. Meanwhile, global manufacturers gain direct access to design teams across multiple markets, creating an interconnected ecosystem for the construction industry. When our teams across continents work together, it’s about transforming how construction professionals communicate and work together, regardless of where they’re based.” With more than 50 years of history, NBS is a trusted specification system used by UK architects, engineers and manufacturers. In the UK, the platforms will continue to operate under the established NBS Chorus and NBS Source branding. Inclusion in regional markets requires a separate subscription. For further information, please contact NBS. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Charterpoint Group has appointed Claire Weatherston as Acquisitions Manager, to support its continued growth. Claire’s career to date has included roles in land buying and property consultancy. Most recently prior to joining Charterpoint Group, Claire was a land manager for retirement living provider McCarthy Stone and brings with her a wealth of experience in the later living sector. In this newly created role, Claire will be responsible for identifying and securing development opportunities for potential care home sites, neighbourhood centres and other strategic development projects by proactively building and managing relationships with landowners, agents, developers and local authorities. Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint Group said: “As part of our wider growth plans, we’re excited to welcome Claire to the Charterpoint team to help us grow the pipeline of potential sites, maximise land values for the partners we work with and deliver viable acquisitions. We’re confident that the experience, relationships and ambition she brings to this new role will be a great driving factor for success.” On her appointment, Claire commented: “I bring a wealth of experience in the later living and housing industry and I am eager to dive into the world of care homes and mixed used development. I’m really excited to be working closely with colleagues at Charterpoint – it will be such a great learning experience, especially as Charterpoint projects create such significant assets within their local communities.” Giles Nursey, Charterpoint Managing Director adds: “We are really pleased to welcome Claire on board to strengthen the team and further support us in finding new sites with potential for later living provision, such as care homes or the development of mixed-use neighbourhood centres that add value to their local communities.” Charterpoint, which is based at Edwalton near Nottingham, specialises in developing first-class senior living accommodation, mixed-use and sustainable housing schemes, as well as primary care premises. For more information about Charterpoint Group, visit https://www.charterpointgroup.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Expert Insight by Christian Rowe The government’s Infrastructure Pipeline sets out 780 projects worth £530 billion over the next ten years, covering transport, energy, education and healthcare. For UK construction firms, this represents a significant pipeline of opportunity. However, the sector recorded more insolvencies than any other UK industry in 2025, with almost 4,000 firms collapsing. This contrast highlights a critical point: a strong pipeline does not guarantee commercial viability. With construction costs forecast to rise by 15 per cent over the next five years and tender prices expected to increase alongside them, successful contractors will be those who balance opportunity with disciplined pricing and robust risk management. Experts at Executive Compass, a bid and tender writing specialist, examine how construction firms can evaluate opportunities and identify which contracts are commercially viable. Rising Costs are Eating into Every Tender The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) forecasts construction costs to rise by 15 per cent over the next five years, with tender prices expected to follow at 16 per cent. Labour remains the primary pressure point, with employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage driving the BCIS Labour Cost Index upwards. Skills shortages are compounding the issue, and demand from the booming data centre sector is adding further strain on mechanical and electrical contractors. While the volume of available work is growing, the cost of delivering it is growing faster. For firms operating on tight margins, this significantly reduces tolerance for error. The Hidden Danger of Bidding Too Aggressively “The sizeable pipeline is very positive for the sector, and the long-term visibility it provides is something the industry has needed for years,” said Christian Rowe, CEO at Executive Compass. “However, visibility alone does not make a contract viable. We are seeing firms bid aggressively to secure work, only to find that cost inflation erodes margin before delivery is complete.” The Procurement Act 2023 introduces greater accountability for contract performance. Suppliers that fail to meet required standards risk exclusion from future opportunities through the public debarment regime. “Bid/no-bid decisions need to be made objectively,” Rowe added. “That means assessing whether you have the cost base, workforce and supply chain resilience to deliver. It is not just about whether you can win.” How to Identify Genuine Commercial Opportunities in the Pipeline With £285 billion of the pipeline funded by the public sector, there is real work to be won. But Rowe urges construction businesses to apply a structured evaluation before committing resources to any tender, “Start by asking whether the contract aligns with your strategic direction and whether you have a genuine competitive advantage such as local presence, specialist skills or delivery track record.” “Then look hard at the risk profile,” adds Rowe. “If price weighting is high and you are competing against national contractors with greater buying power, you need to be realistic about whether you can compete without undercutting yourself into difficulty.” It’s also very important to gain an understanding of the full cost picture before submitting a price. “With tender prices forecast to climb and material costs subject to increasing volatility as infrastructure output grows, firms that price on today’s costs for contracts beginning in 12 to 18 months risk building in losses from day one,” warns Rowe. Seeking Support with Bid/No-Bid Decisions While the infrastructure pipeline brings the construction sector some much needed certainty, firms that use it wisely, with realistic cost forecasting, careful bid decisions and a solid delivery model, have a real opportunity to grow. But for those that chase volume of bids without checking whether their numbers stack up properly, it could mean more contracts ending in financial difficulty. “The pipeline gives the sector the roadmap it has been asking for,” advises Rowe. “The key is selecting the right opportunities, not simply pursuing more of them.” Specialist bid support can assist firms in evaluating opportunities and making informed bid/no-bid decisions, reducing exposure to commercial risk and improving long-term outcomes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has appointed Nick Cripps as Head of International Capital Markets, reflecting the continued expansion of its global investment platform and the increasing importance of coordinated capital deployment. The appointment comes at a point of significant scale for the business. Panattoni has deployed approximately €60 billion of capital globally since inception in 1986, including more than €28 billion across Europe, UK and India since 2005 through over 750 investments. The company has delivered approximately 271 million sq ft across Europe, the UK and India with 28 million sq ft under construction, operating across 18 countries and 47 offices. This scale has been built on a model that combines global sources of capital with local execution. Panattoni works with a wide range of investor types across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, providing direct access to logistics and industrial real estate investments tailored to a diverse set of investment strategies. Its ability to deploy capital flexibly across geographies and asset types, and respond quickly to evolving markets, has enabled the business to grow consistently through market cycles. Nick joined Panattoni five years ago as Head of UK Capital Markets and has played a central role in building and scaling these relationships. During this time, he has established joint ventures with some of the world’s leading investors and supported the deployment of capital across multiple jurisdictions and investment strategies. His role has focused on both the formation of new capital partnerships and the execution of investment mandates built around evolving occupier trends and supply dynamics. This reflects Panattoni’s approach of deploying capital where supply chain activity is strongest and where long-term fundamentals support development at scale. In his new role, Nick will lead Panattoni’s international capital markets strategy across 18 markets spanning Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and India. His focus will be on strengthening institutional partnerships, enhancing coordination across regions, and ensuring consistent execution of capital strategies across the platform that will allow Panattoni to continue to be fully responsive to the evolving needs of our clients Robert Dobrzycki, CEO and Co-Owner of Panattoni Europe, UK, Middle East and India, said: “As our platform continues to scale across multiple markets, the ability to align capital with opportunity is increasingly important. Nick has been instrumental in building the relationships and structures that underpin our growth, and this expanded role ensures we can continue to deploy capital effectively across our international business.” Nick Cripps, Head of International Capital Markets at Panattoni, added: “We have built a platform that provides investors of all types with access to one of the world’s most dynamic real estate sectors, combining broad geographic reach with the agility to respond to evolving market conditions and global supply chain dynamics. As we enter the next phase of our growth, I am excited to lead our international capital markets platform, with a focus on delivering consistent excellence across all markets, while further broadening and strengthening our strategic capital relationships through solution-oriented, results-driven partnerships.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The bedroom should be your calm, clutter-free retreat where you can properly unwind after a long day. Yet for many of us, it ends up as the room where everything accumulates: spare bedding, out-of-season clothes, shoes, books, and all the bits and pieces that do not quite have a home anywhere else. The good news is that with a little creative thinking, even the most modest bedroom can be transformed into a wonderfully organised space. Whether you are tackling a compact flat or simply want to make better use of a larger room, these smart storage solutions will help you reclaim your bedroom and keep it looking its best. 1. Look Under Your Bed First The space beneath your bed is one of the most underutilised areas in any bedroom. It is essentially a large, hidden cupboard that most of us completely ignore. Low-profile storage boxes and rolling drawers are an easy starting point, but if you are looking for something a little more seamless, a storage bed is well worth considering. Ottoman-style beds, in particular, are a brilliant option. The entire base lifts up to reveal a generous cavity ideal for storing bulkier items such as duvets, pillows, and luggage. What makes this mechanism so smooth and easy to use is the bed gas strut that uses controlled gas pressure to support the weight of the mattress and base, allowing it to rise and lower with very little effort. It is a genuinely practical feature that turns under-bed storage from a chore into a pleasure. 2. Make the Most of Vertical Space When floor space is tight, look upwards. Walls offer a surprising amount of untapped storage potential, and using vertical space well can make a room feel more open rather than more cluttered. Fitted wardrobes that extend all the way to the ceiling are one of the most effective solutions. The upper sections can house items used less frequently, while everyday essentials remain at eye level. For those who prefer a more flexible approach, modular shelving systems can be configured in countless ways and adjusted as your needs change over time. Floating shelves above a headboard or beside the bed also tick two boxes at once: they provide storage and act as a design feature, giving the room a more considered, finished look. 3. Choose Furniture That Works Twice as Hard In a bedroom where space is limited, every piece of furniture should justify its presence. Multi-functional pieces are the key to keeping things feeling spacious without sacrificing practicality. Consider a blanket box at the foot of the bed that provides a handy spot to sit when pulling on shoes, and doubles as useful hidden storage. Similarly, a bedside table with drawers or shelves will keep your nighttime essentials tidy without adding to surface clutter. If you have the room for a dressing table, look for one with built-in storage drawers rather than a simple flat surface. Even a window seat can be given a practical purpose: benches with hinged lids and hollow bases are a stylish way to store throws, toys, or seasonal accessories, particularly in rooms with a bay window. Make upholstered beds and storage furniture work together. 4. Rethink Your Wardrobe Storage A wardrobe that is well organised inside can effectively double its usable capacity. Often, the issue is not a lack of wardrobe space but a lack of structure within it. Start by adding an extra hanging rail to divide the space into short and long sections, freeing up a column of space beneath shorter garments. Drawer inserts, stackable boxes, and hanging organisers for shoes and accessories can all make a significant difference. If your wardrobe has a high shelf, make use of it with stackable storage boxes clearly labelled for seasonal items, spare bedding, or anything else that only gets used occasionally. Slim velvet hangers rather than bulky plastic ones can also free up a surprising amount of rail space — a small change that makes a noticeable difference. 5. Keep Surfaces Clear with Clever Small Storage Cluttered surfaces are one of the fastest ways to make a bedroom feel chaotic, no matter how tidy the rest of the room might be. Dedicating a little thought to small-scale storage goes a long way. A tray on the bedside table creates a visual boundary that encourages tidiness and contains everyday items such as a reading lamp, a book, and a glass of water without things spreading. Wall-mounted hooks beside the wardrobe or on the back of the door offer a practical home for bags, dressing gowns, and tomorrow’s outfit. Cable management is often overlooked, but trailing wires from phones and lamps can instantly make a tidy space feel messy. Desk-tidy style solutions or a bedside table with a built-in charging point can keep things neat behind the scenes. 6. Edit Regularly and Be Ruthless No amount of clever storage will make a lasting difference if the bedroom continues to fill up with things that are no longer needed. A regular edit of clothing, bedding, and accessories is just as important as the storage solutions themselves. A simple rule to keep in mind: if something has not been used in over a year, it is unlikely to be missed. Donating, recycling, or responsibly disposing of unused items frees up space and makes the storage you do have far more effective.
Window treatments used to come late in the process. That is changing fast. Today, they affect comfort, energy use, privacy, glare control, and the final look of a space. Because of that, developers and designers now treat them as part of the design strategy, not a final accessory. This shift matters in both residential and commercial work. Larger glazing areas are common. Open layouts are common, too. Clean lines still matter, but performance matters more than before. A space must look sharp and work well all day. That is where current window treatment trends become important. The strongest options now do more than cover glass. They help shape how a room feels, functions, and ages. Performance Now Sits Next to Style One of the biggest changes is simple. Clients no longer choose treatments by appearance alone. They ask how a product handles heat, daylight, and privacy. They also want smoother daily use. That means the design conversation starts earlier. A south-facing office needs glare control. A multi-family unit needs privacy without killing natural light. A hospitality space may need softness, acoustics, and a polished finish. The right choice depends on the use of the room, not only the palette. This trend has pushed shades, blinds, and shutters into a more technical role. Designers now compare openness, fabric type, insulation value, and control systems. Those details matter because large windows can create just as many problems as benefits when treatment planning is left too late. Clean Lines Still Lead, but the Look Is Smarter Minimal interiors still shape many projects. That has kept roller shades, solar shades, and streamlined blinds in strong demand. The difference now is that the clean look often comes with more function built in. A sleek shade system may now handle glare, preserve views, and support automation. That wider focus reflects how solar gain through windows can affect building comfort and why shading choices now matter earlier in the design process. Dual systems are also gaining ground. One layer manages daylight during the day. A second layer adds privacy or blackout control when needed. This gives the room more flexibility without adding visual clutter. For projects that need a modern finish and practical light control, many teams review modern shade options in Scottsdale to see how current systems balance appearance, privacy, and daily use in high-sun environments. Motorization Is Moving Into the Mainstream Motorized systems are no longer a niche upgrade. They are showing up in more homes, offices, and mixed-use projects because they solve real problems. Large windows are harder to manage by hand. Hard-to-reach glazing needs a better answer. Clients also expect more convenience than before. Automation supports that demand. Scheduled operation helps control light during the day. That is one reason automated shading systems are getting more attention in design-led projects that need better daylight control without added glare. App control adds ease. Voice control appeals to users who want smart-home features built into the project from day one. This trend also helps designers protect the look of a room. A motorized setup avoids tangled cords and inconsistent shade positions. The space feels more ordered. That matters in premium interiors, show units, and client-facing workspaces. Solar Control Is Getting More Attention Developers and designers are under more pressure to think about comfort and efficiency together. Window treatments can help with both. That is especially true in areas with strong sun exposure and large spans of glass. Solar shades, layered systems, and energy-focused fabrics are now part of broader performance planning. They help reduce glare on screens. They can limit heat build-up near glazing. They can also make a room easier to use throughout the day. This does not mean every project needs the same solution. A west-facing office may need stronger solar control than a shaded bedroom. A lounge area may need softer filtering. A healthcare setting may need privacy and daylight at the same time. Modern products are improving because they respond to these different needs more precisely. Residential and Commercial Trends Are Overlapping Another major shift is the crossover between sectors. Homeowners want commercial-style polish. Commercial clients want more warmth and comfort. As a result, product choices are starting to overlap. In residential work, clients now ask for cleaner lines, motorization, and better glare control. In commercial work, there is more interest in texture, layered finishes, and softer light. This crossover gives designers more room to create spaces that feel refined without becoming cold.