Balfour Beatty, in partnership with National Highways, has reopened the M25 seven hours ahead of schedule, following the completion of the latest stage of improvement works for the Junction 10 improvement scheme. The M25 between Junction 10 and 11 was closed at 9pm on Friday 12 July until around 11pm on
A new chief executive officer has been appointed to lead Aggregate Industries UK, part of the global Holcim group. Earlier this year it was announced that current CEO, Dragan Maksimovic, had been appointed as Region Head West Europe overseeing the leadership of the Holcim businesses in the UK, France, Belgium,
Expanding UK property and construction specialist Watts Group has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Rob Burke as Lead Director of its Commercial Building Surveying team in London. Following a spell with another surveying firm, he is re-joining Watts where he previously spent 15 years, rising from
Pulse Fibre is thrilled to announce the launch of its cutting-edge wholesale platform, now available to all internet service providers (ISPs). The platform provides ISPs with access to incremental properties beyond existing Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks. This new wholesale platform is designed to empower ISPs, enabling them to expand their service
Marks & Spencer is set to invest in its £1bn convenience business, with the retailer planning to open 10 new stores in 2024. The retailer will also ‘renew’ a further 50 convenience stores this year. M&S stated that by the end of the year, it will have a presence in
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2026. The key takeaway from this Forecast, which focuses on the next three years (2024-2026), is that the construction industry will face near-term challenges including slow economic growth and persistently high
Clowes Developments have successfully purchased a 31-acre site at Harrier Park, Hucknall from Rolls-Royce via their Development manager Muse. The business park has been fully serviced by Muse and has the benefit of planning permission for circa 500,000 sq ft of warehouse/industrial space across six buildings. The site is located
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has released research confirming that nearly nine in ten UK commercial landlords (87%) surveyed feel that installing public EV charging at their sites is important for attracting new; and retaining existing customers (86%). After polling 500 commercial landlords across the
Apollo Fire is the second occupier to take up home at the development’s first phase XLB and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of some of its clients, advised by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), have let the second of four units at the first phase of Langstone Park
Balfour Beatty, in partnership with National Highways, has reopened the M25 seven hours ahead of schedule, following the completion of the latest stage of improvement works for the Junction 10 improvement scheme. The M25 between Junction 10 and 11 was closed at 9pm on Friday 12 July until around 11pm on Sunday 14 July, marking the third closure of the M25 since the beginning of this year. During the closure, Balfour Beatty successfully installed 72 concrete beams which will form the second of the new Junction 10 gyratory bridges and lifted two new gantries into place – one being a 45 metre superspan gantry, spanning the entire width of the M25 carriageway. Howard Williams, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “Another great achievement for Balfour Beatty and National Highways, as we reopen the M25 to the travelling public ahead of schedule following another complex weekend of works. “I would like to extend my thanks to my colleagues and our supply chain partners who have worked tirelessly to make this latest closure a roaring success, and to the public who listened to the advice and followed the diversion routes.” Balfour Beatty will now turn its attention to the construction of the next modular bridge, which will take place offsite. The bridge will then be wheeled into place on a self-propelled modular transporter later this year. The Junction 10 improvement scheme is due to complete in Summer 2025. For more information about the project and the latest updates including the closures, please visit: M25 junction 10 – National Highways Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new chief executive officer has been appointed to lead Aggregate Industries UK, part of the global Holcim group. Earlier this year it was announced that current CEO, Dragan Maksimovic, had been appointed as Region Head West Europe overseeing the leadership of the Holcim businesses in the UK, France, Belgium, Germany and Spain. Holcim group has now announced Lee Sleight as the new CEO of Aggregate Industries UK. He will take up his position on 1 August 2024. Lee joined the business in 2021 as Managing Director of the readymix concrete division and in his time there transformed the business. Last year he moved to take up the role as Managing Director of the aggregates division. Lee has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry holding various senior leadership positions. Outgoing CEO and Holcim Region Head West Europe Dragan Maksimovic, said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Lee on his appointment. He will make an excellent CEO. “I have worked closely with him for the last few years and he has a proven track record in leading and transforming businesses. I am confident he will continue to drive the business forward while delivering on our ambitious plans of decarbonisation and green growth.” Lee Sleight, Aggregate Industries UK new CEO, said: “It is a very proud moment for me to be chosen to lead this fantastic business. Having been with the company for a number of years I know first-hand how amazing the people who work here are. “I am now really looking forward to working with our teams around the country in order to deliver on our ambition to be the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and to keep progressing on our journey to a net zero future.” Kaziwe Kaulule will succeed Lee as Managing Director of the company’s aggregates division. Kaziwe joined AIUK in October 2023 as Director of Strategic and Commercial Growth, having previously been CEO of Holcim’s South Africa and Zimbabwe businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Expanding UK property and construction specialist Watts Group has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Rob Burke as Lead Director of its Commercial Building Surveying team in London. Following a spell with another surveying firm, he is re-joining Watts where he previously spent 15 years, rising from associate to director. Watts Group’s Chairman, Trevor Rushton, said: “This is an exciting appointment. As a well-known figure in the industry, Rob will play a key role in developing the team, growing the business and providing sustainable property and construction advice. This reflects our commitment to providing the right workplace as well as a trusted and valued service.” Rob commented: “Increasingly, we are seeing clients seeking out specialists, and Watts is well placed to meet that need as an established, forward-thinking business. It is great to be part of a profitable, innovative firm with highly skilled and motivated experts. I look forward to helping the business to grow, to expand our service portfolio and to continue to deliver quality advice around the built environment and ESG.” In a career spanning more than two decades, Rob Burke has been involved in multiple aspects of the property sector. His track record includes adding value and saving costs on projects, carrying out technical due diligence on landmark buildings, advising and settling large dilapidations claims, monitoring large complex developments and delivering a variety of projects. He also brings a wealth of experience on teambuilding and ESG. Rob is a Fellow of RICS, a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers and a member of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. During his previous tenure at Watts, he played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and building its reputation. Married with two children, he is a keen road and cross-country runner, and has completed two ultra-marathons. He also enjoys cycling, climbing, sailing, skiing and gardening. Rob’s appointment comes at a time of growth and expansion for Watts Group, as the firm continues to strengthen its position in the competitive property and construction market. With his leadership, the Commercial Building Surveying team is well-positioned to capitalise on new opportunities and drive sustained growth in the years ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pulse Fibre is thrilled to announce the launch of its cutting-edge wholesale platform, now available to all internet service providers (ISPs). The platform provides ISPs with access to incremental properties beyond existing Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks. This new wholesale platform is designed to empower ISPs, enabling them to expand their service offerings and reach a broader customer base with greater efficiency and flexibility. By leveraging Pulse Fibre’s infrastructure, ISPs can now tap into new markets and provide high-speed internet services to previously underserved areas. “We are excited to introduce this platform after years of development and consultation, to bridge the gap between service providers and network operators. We look forward to bringing the Pulse Fibre benefits to a wider audience.” Said Sean Pearman, Technical Director at Pulse Fibre. “All of our ISPs will be able to provide day one connectivity to new homeowners and symmetrical speeds up to 10Gb.” ISPs interested in utilising this platform can access it through the Pulse Fibre website. With a user-friendly interface and comprehensive support, Pulse Fibre ensures a smooth onboarding process for all ISPs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer is set to invest in its £1bn convenience business, with the retailer planning to open 10 new stores in 2024. The retailer will also ‘renew’ a further 50 convenience stores this year. M&S stated that by the end of the year, it will have a presence in over 40 UK train stations, including Ealing Broadway, where it opened last month, and in Belfast, where it will open in October. This development follows the reopening of its Liverpool Street Station Mezzanine store, the first ever M&S convenience store at a mainline railway station, which has been updated in partnership with SSP. The store has been enhanced with an additional entrance, revamped chilled and floral sections, as well as the inclusion of freshly baked bakery products. New payment points have also been introduced, with additional self-service tills installed to reduce customer waiting times. First opened in November 2001, the Liverpool Street Mezzanine store remains a testament to M&S’s partnership with SSP. The group specialises in running travel food and drink outlets and currently operates 55 franchised M&S convenience stores across rail and air locations, as well as in some hospitals. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: “Our renewal programme is all about making sure we have the right stores in the right place and with the right space, and this applies to our convenience stores as well. These stores offer the perfect range for customers on the move looking for sandwiches, salads, and snacks to eat now, as well as meals for dinner, such as our renowned Dine In offers. “The convenience channel complements our wider business and provides a halo effect, so it’s important that customers have the same fantastic shopping experience. The new renewal format for our convenience stores maximises these small spaces to deliver the M&S Foodhall experience for the missions our customers are shopping for as they travel. By renewing and growing our convenience estate, we’ll continue to deliver for our customers however, whenever, and wherever they want to shop with us.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2026. The key takeaway from this Forecast, which focuses on the next three years (2024-2026), is that the construction industry will face near-term challenges including slow economic growth and persistently high interest rates. These factors are expected to further constrain private-sector investment and delay public-sector projects. However, the outlook brightens as the forecast period progresses. The new Government, which has a substantial majority, is already reducing political uncertainty and rallying markets. Policy decisions around construction projects will likely be made at a faster pace, boosting performance. This points to a strengthening economy expected to boost consumer spending and investor confidence in the back-end of 2024. This signals recovery in the not-so-distant future, with a modest increase in project-starts predicted in the latter half of 2024 lifting starts by 3% this year. As the economy picks up further in 2025, Glenigan forecasts 7% growth, and 6% in 2026. Disruption stifles short-term growth Construction starts have remained sluggish during the first six months of 2024, as high interest rates and a weak economic outlook dented investor and consumer confidence. The General Election has also affected the pipeline of public-sector construction projects. The purdah period has disrupted the progress of public-funded projects, while decisions will also be delayed post-election as the new Labour government reviews existing programmes such as the Lower Thames Crossing. Starts on the up However, an easing in borrowing costs and improved economic conditions – with the UK economy forecast to grow around 0.8% in 2024 – together with greater political certainty, should help to lift investor confidence from the second half of 2024 and into next year. Despite a tough start, renewed growth in project-starts is forecast for H2 2024. The gradual easing of interest rates is also expected to feed through to lift housing market activity from the second half of this year. Further, the Spending Review will set out the new government’s funding commitments and priorities and is expected to strengthen public sector construction activity during the second half of the forecast period. Commenting on the Forecast, Glenigan’s Economic Director Allan Wilen says, “There are signs of growth, signalling a gradual recovery. For example, in the private housing sector, we anticipate starts will pick up in the latter half of this year, driven by improved affordability and brighter economic prospects. Similarly, we’re forecasting improved activity in consumer-related verticals such as retail and hotel & leisure, as a gradual easing in price inflation is set to provide a boost to households’ spending power. Elsewhere, structural changes are expected to create new opportunities in office refurb and fit-out, while logistics is poised for renewed investment fuelled by online retail growth. However, he acknowledges the seismic results of the recent General Election will have a significant upfront impact on industry performance, particularly in the public sector, “No one could have predicted a landslide of such large proportions and, whilst the uncertainty during the pre-Election period hinted at a slower pace of recovery, we could easily see an acceleration as the Labour Government removes barriers to getting shovels in the ground from easing planning restrictions to embarking on major capital projects. It will be interesting to return to our predications in November, when the new administration has had time to make its mark, announce its autumn budget and publish its keenly anticipated Spending Review. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments have successfully purchased a 31-acre site at Harrier Park, Hucknall from Rolls-Royce via their Development manager Muse. The business park has been fully serviced by Muse and has the benefit of planning permission for circa 500,000 sq ft of warehouse/industrial space across six buildings. The site is located just on the edge of Hucknall being within a 10-minute drive between junction 26 and 27 of the M1 Via the A611. East Midlands Airport, East Midlands Parkway Train Station and the cities of Derby and Nottingham are all accessible within a half an hour drive from the business park. Harrier Park sits outside the Nottingham workplace parking levy. The site, aptly named Harrier Park, has a wealth of industrial history and a legacy of innovative engineering. The land was formerly used as an aerodrome associated with the development of the famous Rolls-Royce Merlin engine during World War II followed by the world’s first successful vertical take-off in the 1950’s with technology which in turn led to the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ being developed. Hence the name, Harrier Park. Sarah Day, Senior Land Manager at Clowes Developments commented on the deal, “There are a considerable number of off-market opportunities being presented to Clowes currently, we are running appraisals daily, occasionally we find a site that ticks all our boxes and Harrier Park certainly does that. The site has the potential to develop just over 500,000sq ft of industrial use facilities in a prime location with great connections across the East Midlands. We look forward to working with the local planning authority, Ashfield District Council, to bring forward a business park which will enhance the economy and provide employment opportunities locally.” Clowes Developments have been heavily developing existing land banks across England and Scotland, more recently, the group have been driving the purchase of development sites. The announcement of the purchase of Harrier Park comes less than a week after the group shared the news that they purchased a 35-acre, mixed use site at Pleasley Hill in Mansfield. The groups ongoing investment demonstrates Clowes’ commitment to growth, ensuring a healthy pipeline of future developments for years to come. Clowes Developments is one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations, dedicated to a simple aim: to build a legacy of strong, sustainable places that will enable future generations to prosper. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments will now look to firm up the site’s masterplan with their newly appointed design team. Fisher German represented Clowes on the purchase of the site and together with FHP Property Consultants have been appointed to market the site’s ‘design and build’ opportunities for occupiers to buy or rent premises at Harrier Park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support. In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a joint venture to create a new iteration of Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system – the first combined masonry support system combining four critical components in one easy-to-fit design. Ahead of launch – and in a bid to give the industry confidence in the product – ACS invested £65,000 in advanced testing of Intex™ something that recently culminated in certification from Kiwa, a renowned global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification. The Kiwa mark solidifies the product’s credentials and will help developers secure warranties in the future as ACS managing director David Flannery explained: “Intex™ is a game-changing product for the sector; combining masonry support, cavity tray and wall ties, in one, with an added intumescent cavity fire barrier mechanically fixed to the cavity tray for exceptional fire protection. “It has been created to overcome challenges around cavity congestion, incompatible parts and incorrect installation. Intex™4-in-1 Masonry Support is over 40% faster to install than traditional methods such as masonry support, cavity tray, cavity fire barrier and wall ties which means significant labour cost savings – with projections of 29% cost savings on labour and 4% overall. The product is ergonomically designed, making it easy for installers to handle and fit, with the added bonus of reducing deliveries and storage space onsite by up to 32% as well as reducing congestion by up to 60%. This gives complete peace of mind that components are compatible and every one of them is doing its job.” The news comes a year after Intex™ was first launched to market and specified on several schemes, including residential projects in London. ACS has since invested £350,000 across R&D, now collaborating with Tenmat to evolve the product and share best practice. Each business has a longstanding track record, with ACS celebrating its 40th year in business and Tenmat bringing 100 years’ experience in working with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications. Mark Davies, Sales Director of Tenmat added: “Unlike many new product development projects, where there are often challenges and setbacks to overcome, the two teams came together and maintained open and honest communication to keep a focus on the end goal. “Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system represents an industry first of utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide an integrated cavity barrier solution to a masonry support bracket and cavity tray. “We are delighted to partner with ACS to bring this product to market having both identified an acute need for something new and innovative. Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system and its Kiwa certification will help the industry and represents a market-first for utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide a pioneering solution.” David concluded: “This partnership was born not just out of respect and shared expertise, but of a real desire to assimilate our collective experience to take the industry forward. “We each bring different skills, experience and strengths to the partnership which makes for a great synergy; our two teams are united by a shared focus on innovation and developing solutions that simplify complex industry challenges with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications.” Find out more about Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support System here: https://acsstainless.co.uk/products/4-in-1-masonry-support-system/intex-4-in-1-masonry-support/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has released research confirming that nearly nine in ten UK commercial landlords (87%) surveyed feel that installing public EV charging at their sites is important for attracting new; and retaining existing customers (86%). After polling 500 commercial landlords across the UK, Osprey found that the vast majority think that providing public EV chargers brings numerous commercial benefits. An overwhelming 86% said that it is important for retaining customers, while over four fifths (84%) said that it increases their chances of being able to rent their space out to businesses, decreasing void rates. Similarly, 85% believe that EV charging is important for ensuring their site is an in-demand space in the future whilst three-quarters (75%) said that it leads to longer dwell times from visitors, and 72% think that it leads to increased total customer footfall. The survey also found that commercial landlords agree on the environmental and health benefits of EV charging. Four in five (80%) believe it supports local decarbonisation efforts, with 78% agreeing it leads to better air quality, and three-quarters (75%) saying it reduces noise pollution on site. With the roll-out of public EV chargers continuing at a rapid rate, installing EV charging at commercial spaces continues to remain a priority for UK commercial landlords. Nearly three-quarters (72.4%) currently offer public EV charging at up to half of their spaces. Jake Goldby, Head of Acquisitions at Osprey Charging, said: “Installing public EV charging is becoming an essential requirement for UK commercial landlords who want to stay competitive and meet customer demands. From the financial benefits of higher customer footfall and greater future renting opportunities to the environmental benefits, this research has provided us with fascinating insights into why more and more are offering EV charging on their sites. “Partnering with commercial landlords has been integral for Osprey in allowing us to increase the roll-out of our charging infrastructure, which now has over 1,000 public high-powered EV chargers in rural and urban locations across the UK. We’re delighted to see that this research shows that they remain committed to supporting the roll-out of public charging infrastructure across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Apollo Fire is the second occupier to take up home at the development’s first phase XLB and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of some of its clients, advised by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), have let the second of four units at the first phase of Langstone Park in Havant, Hampshire. This success was achieved in the same week as the scheme won ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ at this year’s South Coast Property Awards. Apollo Fire, a specialist manufacturer of fire detection and alarm devices, has taken the 40,429 sq ft Unit 3 on a 10-year lease. This acquisition forms part of Apollo’s expansion strategy and will be home to multiple business operations. Apollo is part of Halma PLC, a global group of life-saving technology companies that provide innovative products and services. Halma is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100. The first phase comprising four purpose-built units for R&D and industrial & logistics occupiers is complete and future phases will see the park comprehensively redeveloped, providing new, sustainable and high-quality business units and industrial floorspace aimed at accommodating a range of uses – all within highly energy efficient buildings, which will be capable of operating as net zero carbon. The buildings have achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+. Stephen Wormald, partner at XLB comments: “We are aware of the depth of demand for quality R&D, manufacturing and logistics accommodation within the region and have responded with a contemporary new scheme offering best in class, sustainable buildings alongside best-in-class amenities. We look forward to welcoming Apollo Fire on site and they will be a vital part of the growing and thriving community at Langstone Park”. Dan Rawlings, Director – Industrial & Logistics at LSH said: “Langstone Park is meeting a clear and urgent need from occupiers in the South Coast market. This recent deal adds to the goring momentum and reinforces its status as a leading cluster for life sciences, manufacturing and light industrial businesses within the region”. Langstone Park is a 40-acre site, which is a former IBM manufacturing facility, and is now subject to a major redevelopment that will see it become the largest concentration of commercial floorspace within the borough. The park is home to a thriving community of office, laboratory, data centre and R&D community. The site is fully managed with 24/7 security, an on-site café, gym, cycle and shower facilities. In addition to the exciting letting and award for Commercial Development of the Year on phase I, XLB and AIMCo are nearing conclusion of the main contractor tender process on phase II of the 680,000 sq. ft masterplan, a 3-unit new sustainable scheme ranging from 26,113 to 56,456 sq ft. The industrial warehouses will benefit from the same ESG specification benefits as phase I with the addition of green roofs which will further enhance the property benefits to occupiers. LSH and JLL are the joint agents on the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
