The BT Tower has been sold to MCR, which plans to transform the 620-foot structure into a luxury hotel. In a deal valued at £275 million, MCR Hotels has agreed to purchase the tower from the BT Group. They intend to collaborate with Heatherwick Studio to establish the Grade II
As the use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites increases, so does the need for effective fire safety measures to handle the unique challenges they present. Here, Daniel Robins, projects director at CheckFire, explores the increasing risk of lithium-ion battery fires and the appropriate safety measures construction managers need to
Together Housing has been named ‘housing association of the year’ at the Yorkshire and Humberside Energy Efficiency Awards 2024. The award reflects the social housing landlord’s ambitious plan to move over 30,000 of its homes across Yorkshire and Lancashire away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and lead the way
Colliers EMEA has bolstered its Facilities Management Advisory service to Occupiers by appointing Denise Hoogendoorn as Director of Strategic Consulting. Hoogendoorn joins the EMEA Enterprise FM Advisory team from her previous role leading Colliers’ Occupier Consultancy Service in the Netherlands. In her new position, she will continue to work with
New data analysis from Yopa, the full-service estate agents, has revealed that while the East of England has been the most active region of the housing market over the last five years, four of the five most active local authorities are found within London. Yopa analysed the total number of completed
A new online PV Configurator from BMI Redland is set to streamline the solar PV project design process as the UK continues to see a record growth in installations. The Redland PV Configurator has been developed to address a growing need for support in cutting through complexity and getting accurate
The Science Based Targets Initiative officially validates Nordic’s ambitious emission reduction targets. Nordic Semiconductor, a leading provider of low power wireless IoT connectivity solutions, today announces that its ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In its validation letter, the
Forza Doors Ltd, the market-leading manufacturer of high-quality commercial and residential doors and timber products, today announced a major expansion with the addition of a new state-of-the-art door manufacturing facility. The new 16,000 square foot factory, located on the Star Road Industrial Estate in Partridge Green, West Sussex represents a
Inco Contracts has capped a record twelve months by being named the best company in the Black Country, Staffordshire and North Worcestershire. The fast-growing principal contractor beat off competition from 50 of the region’s finest firms to land the Express & Star Business Awards’ Business of the Year in front
GRAHAM has surpassed the £1bn turnover milestone for the second consecutive year as revenue increased to £1.125bn. The headline figure from recently published accounts (year ending 31st March 2024) is a 2.8% increase on the Group’s 2023 results (£1,093.7bn). The leading national contractor and developer also recorded profit before tax
The BT Tower has been sold to MCR, which plans to transform the 620-foot structure into a luxury hotel. In a deal valued at £275 million, MCR Hotels has agreed to purchase the tower from the BT Group. They intend to collaborate with Heatherwick Studio to establish the Grade II listed building as “an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.” The communications tower, inaugurated in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, has served as a hub for the UK’s communication networks and a key global interchange point for live television. With the shift to cloud-based services, BT Group will now relocate to more “modern and efficient premises.” The top floor of the BT Tower was open to the public as a restaurant until 1971, but has since been used exclusively for BT’s corporate and charity events. The tower’s “infoband” screen, known for displaying adverts and messages, was notably utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic to convey public health messages. Simplifying BT Group’s Portfolio The sale of the BT Tower aligns with BT’s strategy to reduce the number of offices in its estate from over 300 to around 30, streamlining its property footprint. Brent Mathews, Property Director of BT Group, commented: “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984. It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means. This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.” MCR anticipates that it will take several years for the BT Group to completely vacate the premises. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites increases, so does the need for effective fire safety measures to handle the unique challenges they present. Here, Daniel Robins, projects director at CheckFire, explores the increasing risk of lithium-ion battery fires and the appropriate safety measures construction managers need to take to ensure property and lives are protected. With the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries in modern devices, the risk of fire incidents has become a pressing concern. This type of battery can power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, and industrial equipment – including that found on construction sites, where rechargeable electric devices are commonly used and stored.In the UK, fire services responded to 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 compared to 2022. This surge underscores the urgency for construction sites to be adequately prepared to address these fires. As set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), all responsible person(s) have a legal duty to provide and maintain satisfactory fire precautions – including the consideration of lithium-ion batteries in all fire risk assessments. Lithium-ion battery fires are typically caused by thermal runaway and catastrophic battery failure. Overcharging, overheating, physical damage, or internal malfunctions can all trigger these dangerous events. Once a battery ignites, the fire rapidly propagates across all the cells and results in explosion, causing significant property damage and posing serious risks to lives. To mitigate these risks, construction managers must implement robust fire safety protocols tailored to the unique nature of lithium-ion battery fires. Implementing fire safety measures First and foremost, staying up-to-date with the latest safety standards and regulations is essential. Construction managers should engage with fire safety experts to continually refine their protocols and ensure compliance with legal requirements. This proactive approach can help prevent incidents and minimise the impact of any fires that do occur. There are an endless number of fire risks that could present on construction sites depending on what and where the project is. Regulation 29 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) states: Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the risk of injury to a person during the carrying out of construction work arising from – (a) fire or explosion; (b) flooding; or (c) any substance liable to cause asphyxiation. This requires the principal contractor to set reasonable safety measures to avoid the harm of those working onsite. For example, flammable materials should not be stored near an ignition source, appropriate fire extinguishers must be clearly visible and accessible, and high-risk tasks should be performed by a qualified person. Each class of fire has to be tackled by a fire extinguisher specifically designed to address its unique causes and characteristics. Alongside putting out the flames, a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher should be endothermic, drawing out the heat from the battery in order to halt thermal runaway in its infancy, preventing other cells from heating and exploding. This type of fire extinguisher should also boast high Class A ratings to help protect from any secondary fires that could be caused by the exploding battery. Collaborating with local fire services Finally, working closely with local fire services is crucial, as they can provide valuable insights and assistance in developing effective fire safety strategies. Regular consultations and drills can help ensure construction teams are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a fire. And – as with any other setting – users of the area must all be made aware of plans and tasks should a fire break out. Everyone should be clear on escape routes, fire exits and assembly points. Emergency signage is crucial in helping people off the site and directing them to safety, and site workers should be aware of the location of fire extinguishers to aid their escape. The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites necessitates a proactive and informed approach to fire safety. By adhering to current safety standards, implementing specialised lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, and collaborating with local fire services, construction organisations can protect both property and lives from the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires. Recognising the fire industry’s need for specialist lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers. CheckFire, a leading specialist in fire safety solutions, launched its LFX range as part of its ‘The Green Range’ in 2024. These revolutionary fire extinguishers get to work instantly, removing a large amount of excessive heat, rapidly reducing the temperature, and cocooning the fuel of a lithium-ion battery fire in its infancy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Together Housing has been named ‘housing association of the year’ at the Yorkshire and Humberside Energy Efficiency Awards 2024. The award reflects the social housing landlord’s ambitious plan to move over 30,000 of its homes across Yorkshire and Lancashire away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and lead the way in greener social housing. This plan is part of Together Housing’s decarbonisation strategy supporting the drive to net zero. Through all its actions, products and services, the organisation is minimising its carbon footprint by reducing waste, cutting vehicle mileage and moving to an electric fleet. In Together Housing’s approach, each home has an initial survey and ventilation assessment to check the home is suitable for energy efficiency improvements. Then, depending on the measures needed to make the home warmer and cheaper to heat, additional insulation is added along with fitting an air source heat pump and solar power system. Jon Schofield, Assistant Director of Property (Net Zero) at Together Housing, said: “I’m delighted our decarbonisation programme has been recognised in these prestigious awards. Moving towards energy efficient and greener social housing is vital to ensure a sustainable future for all our residents. “As well as improving the energy performance of our existing housing stock and helping our most vulnerable residents to live in warmer, more comfortable homes, we’re also leading the way to deliver more environmentally friendly communities across the north of England. We plan to share our lessons learnt with other housing associations so they can follow our example.” The prestigious awards recognise the great innovators and achievements in the energy efficiency industry. Energy Efficiency Awards chairman Gary Braybrooke said: “This is our 10th anniversary, and we think it’s more important than ever that we continue to honour companies and individuals working in the energy efficiency industry, carrying out some of the most vital work in the UK today. The work that they do – helping people save energy, reduce bills and help the environment – is key to all our futures.” Together Housing was also commended in the ‘large scale project of the year’ category for the landlord’s carbon retrofit booster scheme improving the energy efficiency of 581 homes in Calderdale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers EMEA has bolstered its Facilities Management Advisory service to Occupiers by appointing Denise Hoogendoorn as Director of Strategic Consulting. Hoogendoorn joins the EMEA Enterprise FM Advisory team from her previous role leading Colliers’ Occupier Consultancy Service in the Netherlands. In her new position, she will continue to work with clients across all sectors and global markets, spearheading the strategic development and growth of innovative delivery models that incorporate dynamic FM solutions tailored to occupiers’ varying operating models and occupancy strategies. Nicholas Marsh, Head of Enterprise Consulting, EMEA Occupier Services, stated: “We’re delighted to have Denise onboard. Over the last 10 years, she has been a driving force behind the development and success of our FM business in the Netherlands. Her unique skills and experience will further strengthen our strategic FM consulting capabilities – both regionally and globally – and extend our support to even more organisations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New data analysis from Yopa, the full-service estate agents, has revealed that while the East of England has been the most active region of the housing market over the last five years, four of the five most active local authorities are found within London. Yopa analysed the total number of completed residential transactions over the last five years* compared to the percentage of owner occupied housing stock in each area of the nation*, to reveal where England’s most active housing markets are. The research shows that just under 3.9m homes have sold across England over the last five years, equating to 23.9% of total owner occupied housing stock. The most active region has been the East of England where total sales over the last five years equate to 24.5% of all owner occupied homes, whilst the West Midlands has seen the lowest level of activity at 23.1%. However, at local authority level, six of the top 10 most active markets are found in London. Across the London Borough of Tower Hamlets some 16,483 property transactions have taken place over the last five years, equating to 43.1% of all owner occupied properties within the borough – the highest level of market activity across the nation. Hackney ranks second at 34.8%, followed by Lambeth (34.8%) and Wandsworth (33.3%), whilst Southwark (31%) sits at number six, with Hammersmith and Fulham (29.9%) in eighth spot. Outside of the capital, Norwich has seen the highest level of market activity and the fifth highest in the nation, with 9,739 homes sold over the last five years equating to 31.2% of all owner occupied homes. Hastings (30.9%), South Derbyshire (29.7%) and Milton Keynes (29.5%) also rank within the top 10. In contrast, the London Boroughs of Brent, Harrow, and Redbridge have seen the least active markets with homes sold in the last five years equating to just 16.5% of all owner occupied homes in each of the three districts. Yopa’s National Franchise Director, Steve Anderson, commented: “England’s housing market is very much a local affair. Looking at the top level regional data, we see a fairly uniform turnover of stock in the past five years, varying by little more than one percent between the most and least active areas. But the local authority analysis shows us just how different the situation really is on a more granular level. In some areas we’re seeing a churn of 43%, and others as low as 16%. Home sellers are wise to learn as much as they can about their hyper local market to best understand what kind of value their home has based on what kind of buyer demand there is. Because while Tower Hamlets and Redbridge, for example, are only a few miles apart in the same city, there’s a world of difference in just how active their respective housing markets are.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new online PV Configurator from BMI Redland is set to streamline the solar PV project design process as the UK continues to see a record growth in installations. The Redland PV Configurator has been developed to address a growing need for support in cutting through complexity and getting accurate technical information for projects – such as how the shape of the roof impacts the size of the array and the layout required, and how this relates to the desired power output. The tool is free to access on the BMI website, giving anyone planning solar PV work an easy-to-use method of producing technical designs and specifications. Damien Pooley, Portfolio Manager for Pitched Roofing at BMI, explains: “The new configurator will help to reduce overall project time. We’ve designed it to be intuitive and easy to use, and it creates a comprehensive report which clearly lists out all the component parts required for the PV InDaX Adapt system to work in an easy-to-understand specification pack. “The use of solar PV is growing rapidly in the UK – figures from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) show a rise in installations of nearly 30% last year alone. That means greater demands on the construction industry to deliver solar PV across a growing range and volume of projects. We want to help to do this efficiently, with the planning phase often cited as a bottleneck, given the technical information that must be obtained and checked. “The Redland PV Configurator has been developed specifically for ease of use so that projects aren’t held up by needless complexity at the design stage. With just a few clicks to enter project information, users can receive a bespoke Project Pack with technical details of the specific PV array requirements, and a complete list of the components needed to get started.” The new configurator is just the latest way in which Redland is making it easier to complete high quality solar PV installations. The Redland PV InDaX Adapt in-roof system itself consists of just 12 component parts and is therefore straightforward to install in comparison with many other systems. The MCS 012 and MCS 005 approved system also offers a 25-year power output guarantee and 10-year product warranty for peace of mind. When designed and built in accordance with a Redland specification, roofs using PV InDaX Adapt can also be covered by the Redland SpecMaster 15-year whole roof guarantee for design liability. Damien concludes: “Here at Redland, we have over 100 years of roofing knowledge and expertise, and we’re delighted to put this to good use in helping simplify solar PV projects. Ultimately, this helps to offer a more efficient route to full roof confidence, given all Redland products are designed to work together and backed by our expert technical team.” To find out more about the PV InDaX Adapt system, go to bmigroup.com/uk/indax or to use the new PV Configurator visit bmigroup.com/uk/pv Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Science Based Targets Initiative officially validates Nordic’s ambitious emission reduction targets. Nordic Semiconductor, a leading provider of low power wireless IoT connectivity solutions, today announces that its ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In its validation letter, the SBTi commends Nordic Semiconductor’s net-zero target by 2050, which is currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process. “Receiving validation from the SBTi is a significant achievement for Nordic Semiconductor,” says Ola Bostrøm, Senior Vice President of Quality, Nordic Semiconductor. “It confirms that our climate strategy and commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction are in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The SBTi validated targets provide a clear, science-based path to what level we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in both our own operations, and in our value chain.” In the near-term, Nordic Semiconductor commits to reduce its direct and indirect GHG emissions from energy usage (‘Scope 1’ and ‘Scope 2’) by 60 percent by 2030, with 2019 being its base year. Nordic will also reduce its emissions intensity (emission by value added) for other indirect emission (‘Scope 3’) by 60% percent by 2030, with 2019 being its base year. Nordic aims to achieve this by reducing energy consumption and increasing renewable energy in its own operations, while engaging with stakeholders in the value chain. In the longer-term, Nordic Semiconductor commits to a 2050 net-zero target, meaning any residual GHG emission in its value chain will be neutralized at that point in line with SBTi criteria. Further detailed information on Nordic’s commitment to its SBTi and GHG emission reduction targets is included in the company’s latest Annual Report 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Forza Doors Ltd, the market-leading manufacturer of high-quality commercial and residential doors and timber products, today announced a major expansion with the addition of a new state-of-the-art door manufacturing facility. The new 16,000 square foot factory, located on the Star Road Industrial Estate in Partridge Green, West Sussex represents a £3 million investment by Forza Doors and is expected to create 40 new jobs in the area. This expansion will increase Forza’s production capacity by 60%, allowing the company to meet growing demand for its premium door products whilst maintaining its market-leading turnaround times. “This new facility marks an exciting chapter in Forza’s growth,” said Will Hunnam, Managing Director of Forza Doors. “It will enable us to better serve our customers, introduce innovative new product lines, and contribute to the local economy. This light, bright and clean space is a real showcase for our future.” The new factory features expanded high-quality office areas, advanced automation for increased efficiency, as well as the inclusion of solar power to improve Forza Door’s sustainable environmental impact. The facility is finished and already producing ahead of the busy summer period to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Inco Contracts has capped a record twelve months by being named the best company in the Black Country, Staffordshire and North Worcestershire. The fast-growing principal contractor beat off competition from 50 of the region’s finest firms to land the Express & Star Business Awards’ Business of the Year in front of 350 people at The Halls in Wolverhampton. Judges were impressed with how the management team of Sam Norton and Dave Cotterill had instilled a deep-rooted commitment to customer service and carved a growth plan that has put it on course to achieve £40m in revenue this year. Part of this ambitious expansion has been the creation of satellite offices in the North West and South of England, providing national coverage that has seen it deliver high-profile office and industrial refurbishment projects for Anchorage in Salford, Manchester Airport, Eurolinks, Woodside Industrial Estate and Barlow Road in Coventry. “This is a massive win for Inco Contracts as we continue our journey to be the best principal contractor in the UK,” explained Sam Norton, Operations Director. “There were so many excellent companies we were competing with, doing amazing things and helping put the region on the map. To come out on top and be named the ‘Business of the Year’ is a massive honour and one that our staff richly deserve.” David Cotterill, Managing Director, continued: “You can sometimes get too consumed with figures. We know how important our people are and we do everything we can to offer them development opportunities so we can retain the best talent. This accolade is testament to their skill, hard work and commitment to often go above and beyond.” Inco Contracts, which has recently relocated its Head Office to Cannock, received its prize from Express & Star Editor Mark Drew. The Awards evening was the highlight of the publisher’s 150th anniversary of bringing news to the people of the Black Country, Staffordshire and North Worcestershire. For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has surpassed the £1bn turnover milestone for the second consecutive year as revenue increased to £1.125bn. The headline figure from recently published accounts (year ending 31st March 2024) is a 2.8% increase on the Group’s 2023 results (£1,093.7bn). The leading national contractor and developer also recorded profit before tax of £14.8m and maintained its robust balance sheet position with cash at bank and in hand of £151m. This “strong performance” in the face of well documented inflationary pressures and significant economic and geopolitical headwinds followed the successful delivery of major projects in each of its core market sectors (building, civil engineering, interior fit-out, facilities management and development management). Across the wider industry, higher borrowing costs and the evolving regulatory and legislative environments have led to a slow down in planned start dates for major construction projects while impacting upon contractor profitability. To offset many of these challenges, the Group has focussed on a sustainable growth model built on the platform of strategic supply chain management and selective work winning. This approach has resulted in a record pipeline of secured work in excess of £2bn. Commenting on the latest accounts, Andrew Bill, GRAHAM Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “The latest published accounts for the Group are pleasing and underline the strong performance of each our divisions within our core market sectors. We prioritise robust governance and commercial management which are the backbone of our sustainable growth model. Significantly, the continued success of the Group has been achieved despite global economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures. The market has been challenging but our consistent focus on quality delivery and commitment to securing repeat business through the development of collaborative client relationships have allowed us to grow sustainably over the past year. Looking forward, we have developed a significant pipeline of opportunity to allow us to positively approach the next 12 months, and beyond, with energy and optimism.” Breadth of delivery The scale, scope and variety of GRAHAM’s national portfolio have been central to its continued strong financial performance. Projects such as Candleriggs, a 346 unit Build to Rent development in Glasgow (£81.5m), improvement works to the M25 Junction 28 in Essex (£154m), the interior fit-out of BT’s new 76,000 sq. ft. offices in Dundee and the restoration of the historic Cathays Grade II Listed Library for Cardiff Council underline the breadth of its expertise. At Lord’s Cricket Ground, the iconic home of cricket, the company has also been named as the preferred bidder for an iconic redevelopment project encompassing the Tavern and Allen Stands, while it recently secured planning consent for a transformative regeneration project at Meadowbank in Edinburgh that will see the development of over 700 much-needed homes – over 35% of which will be affordable – across a five-hectare site that will create one of the city’s “greenest neighbourhoods”. Environmental, Social and Governance Beyond the balance sheet figures, GRAHAM’s track record for “delivering lasting impact” is evidenced in the £538.4m Social Return on Investment (SROI) it has delivered for communities across the UK and Ireland. As a responsible, sustainable business, the Group’s drive to Net Zero has also resulted in a 19% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and the achievement of a 98% rate for the diversion of construction waste from landfill. GRAHAM continues to make substantial investments in the skills and development of its people and supply chain with a robust training program that provides five days of training per person each year. Notably, GRAHAM was the first UK organisation to achieve Investors in People (IIP) “We invest in Wellbeing Platinum” status this year. Additionally, IIP reaccredited GRAHAM with “We invest in People Platinum” for the third time—an achievement attained by only 5% of organisations across all industries. Most recently, GRAHAM earned the “Investor in Diversity Gold” award and secured the 29th position among the Top 100 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion companies in the UK. Attributing the continued success of the business to the concerted efforts of the 2,500-strong workforce, Andrew, added: “The ongoing growth of GRAHAM is due to the hard work and dedication of our people, both on site and those in central support services. Individually and collectively they embody ‘The GRAHAM Way’ which is the unique culture that sets us apart. On a daily basis they continue to build lasting relationships with clients, innovate in our approach to delivery, and strive for excellence, which, as a package, is the bedrock behind the strong financial figures published within these latest accounts.” For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
