The long-awaited transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for the landmark redevelopment, with main contractor Morgan Sindall expected to begin work before the end of the year. The extensive refurbishment will revitalise the iconic 15-hectare sporting venue,
Kier has been appointed main contractor for the landmark redevelopment of 10 Piccadilly, as The Crown Estate continues to progress its long-term transformation of London’s West End through a series of high-profile mixed-use regeneration projects. The appointment marks the next phase of The Crown Estate’s ambitious development pipeline, alongside the
Kier has secured almost £100 million of new education work after being appointed to deliver two major school redevelopment projects, including one of the Department for Education’s flagship low-carbon GenZero pathfinder schools. The contractor has been confirmed as main works contractor for the £45 million redevelopment of Wellfield Academy in
A brand-new neighbourhood is coming to life in Wembdon as construction continues at Centenary Heights. The 109-home development, being delivered by South West housebuilder Cavanna Homes in partnership with Martin Grant Land, will welcome its first prospective buyers when homes are released to registered customers in August 2026. As construction
Portakabin has strengthened its position in the public sector construction market after being appointed as an approved supplier to Place Group’s Everything Estates framework, providing public sector organisations with faster access to modular building solutions through a compliant procurement route. The appointment will enable local authorities, education providers, NHS trusts
London Build, the UK’s largest and most influential construction and design show, is delighted to announce BAM UK & Ireland as the Headline Sponsor of the Sustainability Arena at London Build 2026, taking place on 25–26 November at Excel London. Created in collaboration between London Build and elementalLONDON, the Sustainability
Ten years after launching its pioneering “Inspector” app, Siderise has unveiled the next generation of this digital tool. Named “Siderise Inspection App,” it has been developed to help installers verify the quality of passive fire protection and acoustic installations, maintain robust records of competency and meet their obligations under the
Premier regional infrastructure support specialist Azteca Facilities Management (also widely known as Azteca Security) has officially solidified its presence in Merseyside with the launch of its dedicated city-centre hub at the iconic Exchange Flags. Operating from the Regus Business Centre inside Horton House, the expansion places the firm directly at
For many people, the word “apprentice” still brings to mind a school leaver entering the workplace for the first time, with their school tie and blazer only just going into retirement. However, apprenticeships are increasingly being explored by people in their 30s, 40s and beyond as a way to change
NG Bailey is working with Webfleet, Bridgestone’s advanced fleet management solution, to support a major fleet transformation programme focused on improving safety, operational performance, sustainability and compliance. As one of the UK’s leading power, engineering and infrastructure services businesses, NG Bailey operates a fleet of more than 600 light commercial
The long-awaited transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for the landmark redevelopment, with main contractor Morgan Sindall expected to begin work before the end of the year. The extensive refurbishment will revitalise the iconic 15-hectare sporting venue, modernising its facilities while carefully preserving the heritage and architectural significance of one of the UK’s most recognisable sports complexes. The redevelopment has been designed to create a modern, sustainable and accessible destination capable of supporting everyone from grassroots participants to elite athletes, securing the centre’s future as a leading sporting and community asset for London. Morgan Sindall will lead the construction programme, delivering a comprehensive upgrade that balances contemporary sporting requirements with the conservation of the site’s historic features. The project also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring the refurbished centre meets modern environmental standards while extending the lifespan of the existing buildings. A multidisciplinary consultant team has been assembled to deliver the scheme, bringing together sports masterplanning specialists WOO Architects, architects FaulknerBrowns, decarbonisation and sustainability consultants Max Fordham, structural engineers and heritage conservation experts Alan Baxter Associates, together with Employers Agent and commercial advisers Currie & Brown. For the construction and built environment sectors, the project highlights the growing importance of breathing new life into existing public assets through sensitive refurbishment rather than wholesale redevelopment. The scheme combines heritage conservation, sustainable construction and specialist sports facility design, demonstrating how major public infrastructure can be modernised to meet future demands while respecting its architectural legacy. Alongside the physical improvements, Morgan Sindall has already begun delivering social value initiatives linked to the project, including education, training and skills programmes for local schools and communities. These initiatives are intended to leave a lasting legacy beyond the construction works by creating employment opportunities and encouraging greater participation in the built environment and construction industries. Richard Dobson, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in London, said: “We can’t wait to start delivering the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre renovation now that planning has been approved, as we know this project is going to unlock incredible benefits for so many people in the South London area. “The design for the revitalised centre is a real showcase for what can be achieved when ambitious, innovative planning for a sustainable sports centre is combined with considerate, insightful collaborations with the people, athletes and stakeholders that are going to be most affected by this transformative development.” He added: “I’m also incredibly proud of the social value work the team has already implemented, with a long list of training and upskilling opportunities provided for local schools and communities. This underlines the capacity for this project to change lives, and I can’t wait to see all the ways this momentum is going to be carried forward now that planning has been approved.” With construction expected to commence later this year, the redevelopment will restore one of Britain’s most historic sporting venues, ensuring Crystal Palace National Sports Centre continues to serve future generations while reinforcing its status as a flagship destination for sport, recreation and community activity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has been appointed main contractor for the landmark redevelopment of 10 Piccadilly, as The Crown Estate continues to progress its long-term transformation of London’s West End through a series of high-profile mixed-use regeneration projects. The appointment marks the next phase of The Crown Estate’s ambitious development pipeline, alongside the refurbishment of 21–29 Glasshouse Street, where BAM is serving as principal contractor. Together, the two schemes will deliver approximately 169,300 sq ft of high-quality office, retail and hospitality accommodation within one of London’s most prestigious commercial districts. Located at the gateway to Piccadilly Circus, 10 Piccadilly occupies one of the West End’s most recognisable heritage buildings, completing the iconic curve of Regent Street. The Grade II listed property has played a significant role in London’s retail history, having originally housed the famous Swan & Edgar department store before becoming home to Tower Records during the 1980s. Kier will deliver a comprehensive refurbishment of the 90,800 sq ft building, carefully preserving its historic character while creating a contemporary mixed-use destination designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers and visitors. The redevelopment will provide approximately 62,700 sq ft of premium office accommodation, alongside a 26,400 sq ft hospitality offering spread across the basement, ground and first floors. A further 1,700 sq ft of retail space fronting Regent Street will reinforce the building’s presence within one of the UK’s premier shopping destinations. For the construction and property sectors, the project highlights the continued demand for high-quality retrofit and heritage-led regeneration across central London. Rather than replacing existing buildings, the scheme demonstrates how historic assets can be sensitively adapted to deliver modern, sustainable commercial space while preserving their architectural significance. The development also forms part of The Crown Estate’s wider strategy to enhance its 10 million sq ft London portfolio through long-term investment in mixed-use destinations that combine offices, retail, hospitality and improved public spaces. In parallel with the building projects, The Crown Estate is working in partnership with Westminster City Council to deliver major public realm improvements across Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus, creating a more attractive and accessible environment for businesses, workers, residents and visitors. Kristy Lansdown, Managing Director of Development at The Crown Estate, said: “These developments mark the next step in our long-term vision for the West End, redeveloping historic buildings to reinvigorate an equally historic place. “By taking an estate-wide view, we can invest in the places and experiences that help the West End succeed on the global stage – places such as 10 Piccadilly and 21–29 Glasshouse Street, where we are sensitively bringing heritage assets into their next chapter, creating outstanding new office, retail and hospitality spaces for London. “Our ambition is to shape a destination that continues to attract world-class businesses and visitors, while strengthening the city’s future resilience. Through long-term planning and investment, we are working to deliver a West End that will thrive for generations to come.” The appointment of Kier marks another significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the West End, where heritage conservation, sustainable retrofit and mixed-use development continue to reshape one of the world’s most iconic commercial and retail destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has secured almost £100 million of new education work after being appointed to deliver two major school redevelopment projects, including one of the Department for Education’s flagship low-carbon GenZero pathfinder schools. The contractor has been confirmed as main works contractor for the £45 million redevelopment of Wellfield Academy in Leyland, Lancashire, alongside the £53 million replacement of the Anglo European School in Ingatestone, Essex, further strengthening its position in the UK’s education construction sector. The Wellfield Academy project will deliver a new 6,540 sq m secondary school, designed to showcase the next generation of ultra-low carbon educational buildings through the Department for Education’s pioneering GenZero programme. Designed by Kier Design, the new campus will comprise a three-storey teaching block connected at first-floor level to a two-storey central commons building, while retaining the existing sports hall. Construction will be carefully phased to minimise disruption, beginning with the demolition of an existing building to make way for the new commons facility before the remaining teaching accommodation is replaced. Sustainability sits at the heart of the development, with the new school incorporating a cross-laminated timber structural frame, ground source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation and enhanced airtightness measures to significantly reduce both embodied and operational carbon emissions. The scheme will also feature extensive landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and outdoor learning environments, creating a campus that promotes wellbeing alongside environmental performance. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2028. Meanwhile, in Essex, Kier will deliver a £53 million replacement school for the Anglo European School following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which led to the closure of the school’s sixth form centre in 2023. Planning permission has already been granted for the redevelopment, which will provide a new three-storey teaching building alongside a canopy, multi-use games area, amphitheatre, car parking and extensive hard and soft landscaping. The new school has been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation while delivering significantly enhanced teaching facilities that support the school’s internationally recognised curriculum and specialist educational ethos. For the construction and education sectors, the two projects reflect the continued investment being made in modernising the UK’s school estate through sustainable design, low-carbon construction and future-ready learning environments. The Wellfield Academy scheme, in particular, is expected to help shape future education projects by testing innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions across both construction and long-term building operation. Together, the two developments represent a significant addition to Kier’s education portfolio, demonstrating the growing emphasis on delivering high-quality, environmentally responsible schools that not only improve educational outcomes but also contribute to the UK’s wider net zero ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand-new neighbourhood is coming to life in Wembdon as construction continues at Centenary Heights. The 109-home development, being delivered by South West housebuilder Cavanna Homes in partnership with Martin Grant Land, will welcome its first prospective buyers when homes are released to registered customers in August 2026. As construction progresses, the development is already delivering benefits beyond the homes themselves, with more than £971,000 being invested into the local area to support schools, transport and community infrastructure across Bridgwater and Wembdon. The investment includes at least £595,574 towards primary education, £93,743 for early years provision, £96,889 to support local bus services, £139,767 for off-site highways improvements and £10,496 to enhance Public Rights of Way. Land has also been set aside for a new primary school, neighbourhood centre and extensive play areas, helping to create a thriving new community alongside the new homes. Located on the edge of Wembdon, Centenary Heights will offer a collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes, carefully designed to complement the character of the local area while making the most of its setting between Bridgwater and the Somerset countryside. Infrastructure and groundwork are now well underway, with the development steadily taking shape as construction continues towards its first sales launch later this summer. Hannah Newnes, Sales and Marketing Director at Cavanna Homes, said: “There’s a real sense of momentum on site now. It’s always exciting when you reach the stage where people can begin to picture what a new community will become, and that’s exactly what’s happening at Centenary Heights. “We know there’s strong demand in this part of Bridgwater from people who want to stay local but are looking for a high-quality new home. One of the real strengths of this development is the range of homes available, giving first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers genuine choice in one location. “Just as importantly, it’s about creating a place that will serve the community for years to come. Alongside the new homes, there’s significant investment in schools, transport and local infrastructure, as well as land for future community facilities, helping to ensure the development makes a positive contribution to the wider area. “We’re looking forward to welcoming our first visitors later this August and giving them the opportunity to see everything Centenary Heights has to offer.” Further details, including house types, pricing and launch dates, will be announced in the coming weeks. To register interest and be among the first to hear about the launch, visit cavannahomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Portakabin has strengthened its position in the public sector construction market after being appointed as an approved supplier to Place Group’s Everything Estates framework, providing public sector organisations with faster access to modular building solutions through a compliant procurement route. The appointment will enable local authorities, education providers, NHS trusts and other public sector bodies to procure both temporary and permanent modular buildings without the need for lengthy tendering processes, helping accelerate the delivery of new facilities and estate improvements. Everything Estates is designed to simplify procurement by allowing organisations to either directly appoint approved suppliers or undertake a streamlined mini competition, reducing timescales while ensuring compliance with public sector procurement requirements. For the construction and built environment sectors, the framework offers a practical route for delivering projects where speed, flexibility and value are critical. It supports organisations responding to increasing demand for services, replacing ageing infrastructure or delivering additional accommodation quickly and efficiently. Portakabin’s inclusion on the framework reinforces the growing role that modular construction continues to play across the public estate, where off-site manufacturing is increasingly being adopted to minimise disruption, improve programme certainty and deliver sustainable, high-quality buildings. Keith Rayner, Head of Frameworks at Portakabin, said: “Joining the Everything Estates framework reinforces our commitment to making it easier for public sector organisations to access high-quality modular building solutions, for both temporary and permanent requirements. “Whether responding to growing demand, replacing ageing facilities or delivering new accommodation at pace, the framework provides customers with a compliant and streamlined procurement route that saves valuable time, while ensuring excellent value.” Claire Delaney, Managing Director of Everything Estates, added: “Everything Estates gives control to our clients by allowing customers to obtain the best value for money based upon their requirements and not those that are pre-determined by the framework operator. It removes unnecessary bureaucracy and creates a time efficient route for procurement, which delivers enhanced return on investment for all parties.” As demand continues to grow for flexible and efficient estate solutions, the appointment highlights the increasing importance of framework agreements in supporting the rapid delivery of public sector projects, while providing clients with greater choice, improved procurement efficiency and access to trusted construction partners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Build, the UK’s largest and most influential construction and design show, is delighted to announce BAM UK & Ireland as the Headline Sponsor of the Sustainability Arena at London Build 2026, taking place on 25–26 November at Excel London. Created in collaboration between London Build and elementalLONDON, the Sustainability Arena will host two days of discussion on the industry’s biggest sustainability challenges and opportunities. Sessions will explore topics including decarbonisation, nature recovery, energy efficiency, building performance, climate resilience and the delivery of net zero goals. As one of the event’s flagship conference stages, the Sustainability Arena will welcome thousands of professionals from across the built environment, with expert speakers, practical case studies and networking opportunities focused on accelerating sustainable change across the built environment. As Headline Sponsor, BAM UK & Ireland will highlight the progress made during the first year of its strategic partnership with the Eden Project, demonstrating how nature recovery can be embedded into construction projects. On Thursday 26 November, BAM UK & Ireland and the Eden Project will host a joint panel discussion, Nature Recovery in Construction: One Year On, exploring lessons from the partnership and discussing how nature-positive approaches can help deliver better outcomes for communities and for nature. John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer at BAM UK & Ireland, said: “The challenges facing our industry – from decarbonisation and climate resilience to nature recovery – can only be tackled through collaboration. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Sustainability Arena and work alongside London Build to create a platform for conversations and collaboration. As we approach the first anniversary of our partnership with the Eden Project, we’re looking forward to sharing what we’ve learned about putting nature recovery at the heart of construction.” Dan James, Development Director at the Eden Project, said: “The built environment has a vital role to play in restoring nature, not just reducing its impact. Our partnership with BAM demonstrates how nature recovery can be embedded into the way we design, build and manage places, creating healthier environments for people alongside thriving ecosystems. We’re looking forward to sharing what we’ve learned over the past year and exploring how collaboration across the sector can help make nature-positive construction the norm.” The Sustainability Arena forms part of the extensive CPD-accredited conference programme across London Build and elementalLONDON, featuring more than 900 speakers across 17 dedicated stages. Together, the events provide one of the UK’s largest platforms for knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation across the built environment. Panels in the Sustainability Arena include: Thought Leaders Speaking in the Sustainability Arena Include: London Councils Whether you’re looking to discover the latest sustainable materials, hear from the organisations delivering some of the UK’s most ambitious projects or connect with fellow professionals committed to building a greener future, the Sustainability Arena is a must-visit feature at London Build and elementalLONDON 2026. Take a look at the full line-up here. The UK’s Most Influential Built Environment Event London Build continues to be the UK’s largest and most influential construction festival, bringing together more than 25,000 industry professionals, 650+ exhibitors, and 900+ speakers across two days of content, networking, entertainment, and business opportunities. Attendees can also expect Meet the Buyers sessions, Architect’s Hub, Government Hub, start-up showcases, live entertainment, and industry-led networking events designed to connect decision-makers across the sector. Co-located with London Build, elementalLONDON connects the specification and contracting community with the technologies, products and expertise needed to improve energy performance across commercial, industrial and large-scale residential buildings. Join us on 25-26 November at Excel London. Get in touch via www.londonbuildexpo.com or marketing@londonbuildexpo.com. To find out more about how BAM UK & Ireland and the Eden Project are reimagining the built environment visit: https://www.bam.co.uk/eden-project Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ten years after launching its pioneering “Inspector” app, Siderise has unveiled the next generation of this digital tool. Named “Siderise Inspection App,” it has been developed to help installers verify the quality of passive fire protection and acoustic installations, maintain robust records of competency and meet their obligations under the Building Safety Act. Gateway 3 requires contractors to demonstrate that they have carried out installations competently and in accordance with the plans, specifications and documents approved at Gateway 2. In practice, this means embedding evidence-gathering into the construction process from the outset. The Siderise Inspection App enables users to document installations in real time using mobile devices. Captured photographs and key project data are then compiled into structured reports that are reviewed by Siderise’s technical team, to confirm alignment with manufacturer installation guidelines. This not only reduces the time spent waiting for in-person inspectors but also ensures any remedial actions are identified early in the construction process, preventing issues either being missed or repeated across multiple areas of the project. The reports can also be incorporated as part of the Golden Thread of information and as evidence of installations being carried out in accordance with manufacturer guidance, as required in Gateway 3 compliance reports. “Before developing the Siderise Inspection App, we undertook a comprehensive research programme to better understand the challenges our customers face on site every day,” explained Lee Nichols, Technical Director at Siderise Group. “Those insights have directly influenced its functionality, creating a truly unique tool that is not only easier to use in busy site environments, but also integrates seamlessly with wider project documentation and workflows. “All interactions with Siderise through the new App now feed directly into our wider project management system, enabling us to generate comprehensive reports where required and identify customer-specific trends, such as recurring installation issues. This allows us to take a more proactive approach to support, whether through targeted training, additional site inspections or provide feedback to the Principal Contractor about installation team competency. Available to download for free from Google Play and Apple App Stores, The Siderise Inspection App is part of the technical support ‘wrapper’ that surrounds the manufacturers’ highly tested product ranges, including technical advice, in-person inspection services, product, application and installation training, benchmark installations and more. This holistic support makes it easier for all Siderise customers to demonstrate their competence and assist them in delivering high-quality outcomes at every project stage and Gateway. For more information, visit Fire safety – Inspection app | Siderise or email app.support@siderise.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Premier regional infrastructure support specialist Azteca Facilities Management (also widely known as Azteca Security) has officially solidified its presence in Merseyside with the launch of its dedicated city-centre hub at the iconic Exchange Flags. Operating from the Regus Business Centre inside Horton House, the expansion places the firm directly at the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district. The strategic move is designed to support the region’s booming hospitality, retail, and corporate property sectors with a comprehensive suite of bespoke security, maintenance, and asset management services. Already recognized across the North West for its high-caliber security operations, Azteca’s integrated facilities management framework streamlines multi-site operations for commercial landlords and business owners—handling everything from routine property maintenance to round-the-clock rapid response security. Andrew Shields, Director at Azteca Facilities Management, commented: “Establishing our base at Exchange Flags is a massive milestone for Azteca Facilities Management. Liverpool’s commercial and hospitality sectors are moving at an incredible pace, and businesses need a reliable, agile partner to keep their operations safe, efficient, and compliant. “By embedding ourselves right here in the heart of the city, our team is perfectly positioned to deliver the responsive, high-quality, and localized support that our clients expect. We’re incredibly excited to deepen our roots in the Liverpool business community and help local venues and commercial spaces thrive.” The city-centre expansion follows a string of high-profile project wins for Azteca Facilities Management across Liverpool, including working alongside well-known leisure and hospitality operator, JSM Group, on a number of upcoming developments. In addition, Azteca has been appointed to oversee the installation and security of luxury residential amenities at the Strand Plaza development in the heart of Liverpool city centre, working in partnership with Carrick and Reid. Finally, Lovell, the well-known housebuilding specialist, has also retained Azteca’s services across several of its new housing developments in the North West of England. John Muscart, Director at Azteca Facilities Management, added: “What sets Azteca apart is our commitment to a premium, boutique level of client care—we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all contracts. Having a physical, central presence in Liverpool allows us to be completely hands-on with our clients across Merseyside. “Our plans are focused entirely on raising the benchmark for facilities management in the region. We are building a highly trained, elite team capable of managing everything from prestigious office complexes to high-stakes corporate assets, ensuring that safety, compliance, and operational excellence are handled seamlessly under one roof.” The Azteca Facilities Management team is now fully operational at Horton House, Exchange Flags, and available for immediate regional consultation. For more information see: Azteca Security – Facilities Management Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
For many people, the word “apprentice” still brings to mind a school leaver entering the workplace for the first time, with their school tie and blazer only just going into retirement. However, apprenticeships are increasingly being explored by people in their 30s, 40s and beyond as a way to change industries, develop new skills and gain qualifications while continuing to earn. In England, more than half of apprenticeship starts are now made by people aged 25 and over. Mature apprentices are no longer a minority; they are a significant part of the workforce. In a working life that may span four or five decades, taking time to retrain should not be viewed as a step backwards. For many people, it can be one of the most valuable investments they make in themselves. Mature apprentices may be new to a role or industry, but they are rarely new to work. They bring transferable skills, reliability, resilience and experience of managing responsibilities. They also often have a clear understanding of why they are making a change and what they want to achieve. At United Infrastructure, Craig Lloyd’s career journey demonstrates just how effective a mature apprenticeship can be. Craig was in his late 30s, living locally in Wolverhampton, working full-time and regularly taking on overtime to support his family. Despite the additional hours, he was still living from payday to payday, with little opportunity to progress in his role as a salvage yard operative. More importantly, the extra hours were taking him away from his wife and children at a time when he felt they were growing up far too quickly. He was missing important moments in their lives, from his sons first steps, and trips to the local park, family days out, and homework with his older children, to the everyday bedtime routines that mattered just as much. Craig commented: “This situation motivated me to look for a new career path that would offer better prospects and a more rewarding future.” His route into construction began unexpectedly during improvement works to his kitchen. A conversation with the site manager overseeing the works led Craig to explore an apprenticeship opportunity at United Infrastructure. Craig said: “I wanted to create a better life for my wife and children. At the time, I felt stuck financially and mentally. I couldn’t see any opportunities for progression or personal development, and the overtime meant I was missing important moments with my family.” Making the change required Craig to accept an initial pay cut and return to the classroom for the first time in 25 years. Having left school with poor grades, he was nervous about returning to education and learning alongside people much younger than himself. However, the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and prove what he was capable of became one of his greatest motivations. Craig’s experience highlights one of the most important qualities mature apprentices can bring to a business – determination. Adults changing careers may have mortgages, families and significant financial responsibilities. Choosing to begin again is rarely an easy decision. Those who make that leap often bring a strong sense of purpose and a genuine commitment to making the opportunity work. They also bring skills developed through previous roles and life experience. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving and accountability are all valuable qualities that can transfer between industries, even when technical knowledge still needs to be developed. This does not mean employers should choose mature apprentices instead of younger people. Industries such as construction and infrastructure need both. Young apprentices bring energy, fresh perspectives and the opportunity to develop skills from the beginning of their working lives. Mature apprentices bring broader experience, established workplace behaviours and a different outlook on learning and development. The strongest teams make space for people of different ages, experiences and backgrounds to learn from one another. However, attracting mature apprentices requires more than simply advertising an attractive vacancy. Employers must recognise the barriers adults can face when considering a career change. Returning to education can be daunting, particularly for someone who did not enjoy school or has spent decades believing academic qualifications are beyond their reach. Apprentice salaries may also be difficult for people with significant and already established financial commitments. It is also important to recognise the level of commitment an apprenticeship requires. Apprenticeships are full-time roles, with adult apprentices typically working around 30 hours a week, including time spent completing their training. Many will also need to study for assessments outside those hours. Depending on the role and qualification, an apprenticeship can take between one and four years to complete. They are not an easy alternative to traditional employment or education; they demand hard work, discipline and a sustained commitment to learning. Businesses like United Infrastructure are therefore providing clear progression routes, supportive managers and an environment in which people feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes and building their confidence. For Craig, that support helped him overcome challenges both inside and outside the classroom. During his first three months with United Infrastructure, he climbed to the top of scaffolding and walked across the roof of a 21-storey block of flats in central Wolverhampton. Before beginning his apprenticeship, his fear of heights meant he would not climb beyond the third step of a stepladder. Craig has since completed his Level 4 qualification, begun studying for a Bachelor of Science with Honours, in Construction Management and been promoted to Assistant Site Manager within the Heath Town Estate redevelopment in Wolverhampton. The change has given him far more than a new job. He now has a clear career path, greater responsibility and opportunities to continue developing, while also having more time for one more bedtime story with his children. “I’m much happier now, and that’s something my wife and family have noticed,” Craig said. “I’m able to spend more time with them and make the most of family life. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about the opportunities still ahead.” As the UK works
NG Bailey is working with Webfleet, Bridgestone’s advanced fleet management solution, to support a major fleet transformation programme focused on improving safety, operational performance, sustainability and compliance. As one of the UK’s leading power, engineering and infrastructure services businesses, NG Bailey operates a fleet of more than 600 light commercial vehicles, supporting critical customer services nationwide. In recent pilot trials, the solution helped the company significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by improving fuel economy by 3% and reducing wasted fuel by 25%. Lee Jackson, Group Fleet Manager at NG Bailey, said: “Our investment in Webfleet is about much more than telematics. It is helping us create a safer working environment for our colleagues, improve operational performance and make more informed decisions about the future of our fleet. “The platform supports NG Bailey’s long-standing ‘Safety First & Foremost’ culture, but equally important is giving our managers and drivers better information, reducing unnecessary administration and supporting our journey towards a more sustainable fleet.” Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360 driver performance monitoring provides real-time insight into driving behaviours, allowing NG Bailey to deliver targeted coaching, support and development opportunities for drivers. During the pilot phase, harsh driving events fell by 25%, speeding by 26%, idling by 5% and camera-triggered safety incidents by 35%. Integrated AI-enabled safety cameras are providing additional protection for both drivers and the wider public by identifying high-risk behaviours and providing objective evidence when incidents occur. “This helps us protect our drivers, challenge fraudulent claims and ensures we can make fair, informed decisions based on facts,” said Jackson. The technology is also supporting Zenith, NG Bailey’s fleet management partner, to provide a more proactive approach to maintenance. Automated vehicle inspections, fault reporting and maintenance alerts are all helping to identify issues earlier, reduce downtime and ensure vehicles remain safe and roadworthy. “By identifying issues earlier and using real-time vehicle data, we can reduce disruption, improve maintenance planning and maximise vehicle availability for operational teams,” said Danni Fearon, Strategic Programme Lead at Zenith. The platform is also supporting NG Bailey’s long-term sustainability ambitions. Using real-world vehicle utilisation, mileage and route data, the business is assessing where electric vehicles can be successfully introduced. Live vehicle tracking, digital driver identification and utilisation reporting are helping improve workforce planning, fleet utilisation and customer service delivery across several business divisions. “One of the most important aspects of this programme has been the partnership approach,” said Jackson. “Webfleet has worked alongside NG Bailey and Zenith to understand our long-term objectives and help shape a solution that delivers real value. Together we are building a safer, smarter and more sustainable fleet that supports both our people and our customers.” Alex Crane-Robinson, Regional Director UK & Ireland at Webfleet, added: “By combining driver safety, vehicle compliance, operational efficiency and sustainability into a single connected platform, NG Bailey is creating a future-ready fleet capable of supporting its ambitious business objectives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals