The natural stone-effect concrete blocks have been manufactured at the Aberdeenshire site since the 1950s Production has evolved from manual batching to automated and computerised systems during seven decades at Kemnay Breedon Group plc (“Breedon”) has reached a major milestone at its Kemnay Quarry in Aberdeenshire, with Fyfestone now having
Northeast independent contractor increases profits by 26%, invests in new headquarters and strengthens its platform for continued growth Brims Construction has delivered its fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, achieving record turnover of £70 million and a 26% increase in pre-tax profits as it continues to build its reputation as
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings’ Interpon D Futura 2026–2029 Collection has won the Finishes + Surfaces – Paint & Coating category in The Architect’s Newspaper’s 2026 Best of Products Awards, recognizing a forward-looking collection designed to give architects and designers freedom to create distinctive spaces with durable, expressive finishes. Selected by a
The natural stone-effect concrete blocks have been manufactured at the Aberdeenshire site since the 1950s Production has evolved from manual batching to automated and computerised systems during seven decades at Kemnay Breedon Group plc (“Breedon”) has reached a major milestone at its Kemnay Quarry in Aberdeenshire, with Fyfestone now having been manufactured at the site for 70 years. First developed in the 1950s as an alternative to traditional granite, Fyfestone is designed to replicate the look and finish of natural stone and has since been used on projects across the UK, including Balmoral Castle, Devonport Docks and Manchester’s Malmaison Hotel. It is made by mixing granite aggregates with cement to produce a concrete mix. The concrete is then placed into moulds before being compressed under around 400 tonnes of pressure, creating a dense and durable product designed to closely resemble natural stone. Jeremy Edinborough, General Manager at Breedon, said: “Producing Fyfestone at Kemnay for 70 years is something we’re incredibly proud of. The product has stood the test of time, and its longevity is testament to the quality of the material and the expertise of the people who have produced it over the years. “While the fundamentals of Fyfestone have remained consistent, the way we manufacture it has continued to evolve. The introduction of automation, computerised systems and robotics has helped us modernise production while retaining the characteristics that have made the product so enduring.” Few people have seen that transformation as closely as Operations Manager Andy Henderson, who joined Kemnay Quarry in 1986 and has now spent 40 years working at the site. Andy followed in the footsteps of his father, Joe, who was previously General Manager at Kemnay. His own connection to the quarry began much earlier, having grown up in a family home on site while his father worked there. After joining the business as a general labourer, Andy progressed through the ranks and is now responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations, managing staff and meeting production targets. Andy said: “It’s quite something when you think about it. We’ve been caretakers for two generations and I feel quite proud to be involved in something that’s going to outlast me.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northeast independent contractor increases profits by 26%, invests in new headquarters and strengthens its platform for continued growth Brims Construction has delivered its fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, achieving record turnover of £70 million and a 26% increase in pre-tax profits as it continues to build its reputation as a trusted construction partner across the North East. The independently owned contractor reported turnover of £70.01 million for the year ended 31 March 2026, up from £64.43 million, with pre-tax profit rising to £5.31 million. With a workforce averaging 200 people, year-end cash balances of £19.37 million and no bank debt, Brims combines the resources to deliver major projects with the personal approach and long-term relationships of an independent business. That approach continues to attract new and returning clients. Secured future workload stood at £89.46 million at the end of August 2026, providing a strong foundation for the year ahead. Commercial Director Ian Clift said: “These results demonstrate the strength of Brims and the confidence our clients place in us. Five consecutive years of revenue growth, alongside increased profitability, reflect the hard work of our people and a clear focus on delivering projects well. “For our clients, financial strength matters. They need confidence that their contractor has the people, resources and resilience to see a project through. Our strong cash position and absence of bank debt allow us to plan for the long term, invest in the business and support our supply chain. “We are ambitious for Brims. Our focus is on building a business that clients want to work with again, talented people want to join and suppliers can depend on.” The results follow a busy year of project delivery across education, commercial property, industry and specialist facilities. Among the projects completed was the £15.6 million Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy at Riverside Sunderland. Combining the restoration of a former engine shed with a substantial new extension, the scheme demonstrates Brims’ ability to deliver technically demanding projects that support the region’s future. Other completions included a £4.5 million refurbishment and fit-out for Barbour, a new sixth form centre in Northumberland and an office and factory refurbishment incorporating a specialist remotely operated vehicle test tank for subsea engineering company, SMD. Brims also delivered works at Newcastle International Airport and civil engineering projects at Wilton, Teesside. Operations Director Jason Wood said: “Our strength is the combination of our people, our technical experience and the relationships we build with clients. We take time to understand what each project needs and bring the right team together to deliver it safely and to a high standard. “Repeat business is particularly important to us. When a client chooses Brims again, it is a strong endorsement of the service our team has provided. “Our experience across different sectors gives us a broad base of expertise, while our selective approach to new work helps us maintain the attention and commitment that every client deserves.” The year also saw Brims complete its move to Ravensworth House on Team Valley in September 2025, investing in a new headquarters to support the next stage of its development. Director Richard Wood said: “Our new headquarters represents our confidence in the future of Brims and our commitment to the North East. It gives our people a modern working environment and a strong base from which to support clients across the region and beyond. “Behind these results is a team that really cares about the quality of its work. Their knowledge, professionalism and commitment are what turn opportunities into successful projects and first-time clients into long-term partners. “With a strong secured workload and the capacity to invest in our future, we are well placed to build on that success.” Brims also achieved the Fair Payment Code Bronze Award, recognising payment of at least 95% of invoices within 60 days and reinforcing its commitment to its supply chain. Looking ahead, the company will continue to pursue sustainable, profitable growth through carefully selected projects, investment in its people and lasting client relationships. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings’ Interpon D Futura 2026–2029 Collection has won the Finishes + Surfaces – Paint & Coating category in The Architect’s Newspaper’s 2026 Best of Products Awards, recognizing a forward-looking collection designed to give architects and designers freedom to create distinctive spaces with durable, expressive finishes. Selected by a jury of practicing architects, designers and critics, The Architect’s Newspaper’s Best of Products Awards celebrate solutions that are shaping the built environment. The superdurable Interpon D2525 Futura 2026–2029 Collection brings together enduring design influences and emerging architectural trends in a contemporary toolkit for architects and designers. It is designed to support commercial, residential, institutional and public projects – from understated facades to bold design statements. The collection is organized around two complementary palettes: Together, the palettes give architects and designers flexibility to create distinctive spaces for work, leisure and relaxation. For more than two decades, Futura has helped shape architectural approaches to color and finish, and the 2026–2029 Collection builds on that legacy through updated color forecasting and architectural research. Being a superdurable Interpon D2525 range, the collection sits within the Interpon Eco+ portfolio of advanced sustainable powder coatings, with sustainability built in as standard. In Europe and North America*, the range includes 15 Low-E colors, supporting curing at lower temperatures or faster line speeds, helping to reduce energy use and improve operational efficiency. Bio-attributed raw materials are also utilized, helping customers make lower carbon choices without needing to specify a specialist or premium option. Futura 2026-2029 includes 50 superdurable bonded metallic powder coatings compliant with AAMA 2604, offers warranties of up to 20 years and is supported by Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), which provide transparent, independently verified information about the environmental impacts of the relevant products across their life cycle. “Winning this recognition from The Architect’s Newspaper is a proud moment for everyone involved in the Futura Collection,” said Jeff Jirak, Business Unit Director, AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. “It validates the way Futura brings together design leadership, practical performance and sustainability. For architects and designers, the collection offers the confidence to specify expressive, durable finishes that are designed to perform for the long term.” The award strengthens AkzoNobel Powder Coating’s position as a partner for architects and designers looking to balance creative freedom, durability and more responsible material choices across the built environment. To learn more about the Interpon D Futura 2026–2029 Collection, visit: Interpon D Futura Collection | Interpon Read The Architect’s Newspaper’s announcement of the 2026 Best of Products Award winners here. *Interpon D Powder Coatings formulated with Low-E technology and bio-attributed raw materials are imported from Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals