BDC News Team
Shropshire construction sector to benefit from billion-pound builds

Shropshire construction sector to benefit from billion-pound builds

The multi-billion pound opportunity for the construction sector in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin is the focus for a major event for contractors and the supply chain next month.   Project Pipeline, being held on March 22 in Shrewsbury, is expected to attract companies operating across the industry spectrum – from

Read More »
UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

United Trust Bank (UTB) is supporting award winning developers Stephens + Stephens’ development of 32 luxury apartments in the sought after coastal town of Newquay in Cornwall. Stephens + Stephens was founded by Paul and Helen Stephens in 2008 and combines Paul’s 30 years of experience in construction with Helen’s

Read More »
Costain and Enterprise Flex-E-Rent drive new multi-site electric van project to showcase potential of electric vehicles in construction

Costain and Enterprise Flex-E-Rent drive new multi-site electric van project to showcase potential of electric vehicles in construction

Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has completed one of the UK construction sector’s first pilots to test the use of electric vans on major project sites. The pilot programme, in partnership with Enterprise Flex E-Rent, tested the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in construction projects, with electric vans trialled across

Read More »
Blueprint Interiors Strengthen Pre Construction Team

Blueprint Interiors Strengthen Pre Construction Team

Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has strengthened its pre-construction team following the appointment of Hamzah Khalid as a Pre-Construction Assistant. Khalid, holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management & Property Development from The University of Derby. He was previously a graduate Quantity Surveyor at Prestige Retail

Read More »
WJ marks position as environmental leader

WJ marks position as environmental leader

WJ Group, the leading road marking and highway safety company, has been recognised for its commitment to the environment after winning a Green World Award. The business was awarded for its Driver Behaviour Scheme, which in the first year saw a 40% reduction in road incidents involving its team members.

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

BDC News Team

HS2’s military partnership with BuildForce puts ex-forces personnel on track for new careers

HS2’s military partnership with BuildForce puts ex-forces personnel on track for new careers

Former service personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force are receiving support to transition into new careers on HS2, Britain’s biggest build. 83 former service men and women have already moved into full-time roles on the project, with over 60 more taking up industry placements and hundreds benefiting from mentoring to support their adjustment to life outside of military service. The scale and complexity of HS2’s construction requires a diverse workforce with a broad range of skills and talents. By teaming up with community interest company BuildForce, HS2 has opened the doors to its 350 worksites and given ex-forces personnel an opportunity to apply their transitional skills in a completely different setting. HS2’s civils construction partners have all embraced the partnership with BuildForce, going the extra mile to provide mentors, coaching and wrap around support services to promote mental health and wellbeing. The transitional nature of HS2’s work placement programme, as a stepping stone into employment, has to date seen candidates progress into logistics, engineering, health and safety and project management roles, with some candidates progressing into senior management positions. HS2’s Head of Legacy, Natalie Penrose explains: “We’re committed to supporting our ex-service men and women and value the huge contribution they are already making to the delivery of Britain’s new railway. “As we begin the transition from civils to rail, more new jobs will be created at HS2 and within our supply chain, and we’re confident the ex-forces community will continue to play an important role.” Andrew Mackinnon served in the Royal Air Force as an IT security specialist but on leaving military service, he struggled to find employment that matched his skillset. Andrew approached BuildForce for support and they referred him directly to Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands. Recognising Andrew’s valuable skills, the BBV team offered Andrew a paid work placement, which he began in November 2023.  Now three months into his role, Andrew is a valued member of the BBV Innovation team, where he focuses on implementing new work processes and driving efficiencies across the project.   Andrew commented: “Joining Balfour Beatty VINCI marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in my career, after leaving the Royal Air Force last year. I’m really enjoying working on this iconic infrastructure project, which I feel is the perfect platform to relaunch my career from. The transition has been made much easier thanks to the support I’ve received from Buildforce and BBV throughout this entire process.” Speaking about the HS2 partnership, Caroline Logan, Programme Director at BuildForce said: “The depth of the skillsets within our military community is constantly responding to the changing needs of HS2 and we look forward to the future, supporting more ex-military candidates onto the project.” With three new world-class stations to be built, there are hundreds more career and work placement opportunities to come on HS2. Ex-forces personnel interested in finding out more are invited to attend an exclusive project day at HS2’s giant superhub station in Old Oak Common, West London. HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA is hosting the event, in partnership with BuildForce, to provide a behind the scenes tour and greater understanding of the breadth of careers available. For further information and to register for the event, which takes place on 24 April, visit https://www.buildforce.org.uk/events/buildforce-armed-forces-project-day-with-hs2-joint-venture-balfour-beatty-vinci-systra-bbvs/For information about careers and opportunities on HS2, visit hs2.org.uk/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Shropshire construction sector to benefit from billion-pound builds

Shropshire construction sector to benefit from billion-pound builds

The multi-billion pound opportunity for the construction sector in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin is the focus for a major event for contractors and the supply chain next month.   Project Pipeline, being held on March 22 in Shrewsbury, is expected to attract companies operating across the industry spectrum – from housing developers to sub-contractors and civil engineers to main contractors.    Hosted by Shropshire Constructing Excellence, the Constructing Excellence Midlands Shropshire club, the event at Theatre Severn will hear about opportunities to be involved in a range of projects, such as the regeneration of Shrewsbury’s Riverside area and the flagship Station Quarter development in Telford.  Mark Barrow, chair of Shropshire Constructing Excellence and executive director of place at Shropshire Council, said: “This is an exciting time for the construction industry across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, and we want our local businesses to get their share of the contracts that will be available over the next decade.  “Sometimes, just knowing what’s in the pipeline and when we expect the opportunities to become live, can be the key to getting involved in these major infrastructure projects. We also want to make sure that Shropshire and Telford companies are aware of construction projects being delivered currently and how they and their supply chain can benefit.   “There will also be a chance to network with other construction professionals, meet other organisations which can support construction sector companies to grow, and pick up information on business growth, training and skills.”  Amy Bould, managing director of Be Bold Media and committee member of SCE, is hosting the event which will hear keynotes from both councils about infrastructure projects which aim to develop the economy and prosperity of the region.  Harpreet Rayet, of Cornovii Developments, will give an overview on STAR Housing’s successful retrofit project near Oswestry, sustainability plans and SAP calculations, and Matt Laws from event sponsor Shrewsbury Colleges Group will give a brief update on the latest funded skills and training opportunities available to employers.  Andrew Carpenter, from Constructing Excellence Midlands, will also explain how the organisation works together with SCE for the benefit of construction businesses, and the event will wrap up with a networking lunch.  The Project Pipeline event is aimed at any business involved in construction (main contractors/sub-contractors), residential and commercial property development, retrofit, supply chain, built environment and masterplanning, low carbon and sustainability, construction skills and training, civil engineering and infrastructure, building and facilities management, material and building design and sector support specialists.  Telford is the fastest-growing town in the West Midlands, and the Station Quarter is just one of the major infrastructure projects planned for the next decade. Made up of commercial, residential and education space – including a new campus for Harper Adams University – there is plenty of scope for businesses to get involved.  Shropshire Council has bid for a share of the government’s £4.8 billion Levelling Up fund to support three major schemes – the clearance of the Riverside area of Shrewsbury, a new roundabout and railway bridge on the A49 at Craven Arms, and town centre improvements and a new skate park for Oswestry.   To register for the Project Pipeline event visit https://www.cemidlands.org/event/project-pipelinethe-multi-billion-pound-opportunity-for-construction-in-shropshire-telford-wreki/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
BDA Better With Brick Campaign Celebrates Clay Brick as the Ultimate Contemporary Building Material

BDA Better With Brick Campaign Celebrates Clay Brick as the Ultimate Contemporary Building Material

The Brick Development Association (BDA) is commemorating clay brick’s appeal as a building material for the ages with the launch of its Better with Brick campaign. Packed with facts, stats and blogs featuring expert analysis and insights, Better with Brick proves there is more to clay brick than meets the eye. An historic and reliable building material, clay brick’s outstanding credentials make it the ideal building source for the here and now. It is a viable long-term investment, has excellent availability and a lower carbon footprint compared to many alternative materials. Better with Brick provides a comprehensive look at these benefits and more. So, if you thought you knew everything there was to know about the wonders of clay brick, Better with Brick may give you cause to think again. Keith Aldis, CEO of the BDA said: “With Better with Brick, our goal is clear: to reveal the timeless charm and unwavering reliability of clay brick, a material that has long been the cornerstone for builders, architects, and homeowners. This campaign will highlight why clay brick isn’t just a choice, but the best choice for your building needs. So, please join us in celebrating clay brick; a gift of a building resource that keeps on giving.” Giving a Voice to Clay Brick’s Unsung Qualities  Covering topics that verify clay brick’s vital role in fulfilling our current and future building needs, Better with Brick is a chance to discover fascinating insights into this tried, trusted and beloved building material. Clay brick’s strength, reliability, design-friendly qualities and limitless kerb appeal are among its renowned beneficial traits – but what about its sustainable value aside from its inbuilt long-term weather resistance? Also, have you considered how clay brick could be pivotal to decarbonising construction and contributing to the national effort to achieve net zero? And there’s more: did you know that clay brick’s non-combustible performance is hallmarked by its A1 fire-rating? Better with Brick will outline in full each of these crucial underlying benefits in a series of expert blogs that will also reveal how the Brick Makers Quality Charter manages its credibility in respect of clay bricks.  The BDA encourages you to follow them on social media platforms to hear directly from brick manufacturers, architects, and other industry experts about why clay brick is their preferred choice. Search for @brickdevelopmentassociation on your favorite platforms and join the conversation using the hashtag #betterwithbrick. But the campaign doesn’t stop there! Be sure to watch the launch video here and stay tuned for upcoming interviews and videos that will be posted on their social media channels in the coming weeks and months. “Better with Brick” offers a comprehensive and compelling exploration of this timeless material, revealing its surprising relevance and potential in modern construction. Discover more about the benefits of clay brick and the BDA’s campaign here: https://www.brick.org.uk/better-with-brick. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Cenergist appointed by Fusion21 as part of £820m multi-supplier Heating, Renewables and Electrical framework

Cenergist appointed by Fusion21 as part of £820m multi-supplier Heating, Renewables and Electrical framework

Energy and water efficiency company Cenergist has been appointed by public sector procurement organisation Fusion21 as part of a multi-supplier Heating, Renewables and Electrical framework. The Fusion21 Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework, which is now in its fourth generation, is worth up to £820m over a four-year period. Its aim is to support owners of domestic and non-domestic buildings to ensure they are safe and compliant for their journey to carbon Net Zero. The framework has been designed specifically to support public sector organisations including housing, education and healthcare providers.   Cenergist will supply the framework’s members with commercial heating installations alongside innovative low carbon solutions including ground and air source heat pumps for domestic and commercial settings. Chris McQuillan, Framework Manager at Fusion21 said: “We are delighted to welcome all of the new suppliers onto Fusion21’s Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework, including Cenergist. “The tender process was highly competitive and has identified the best contractors for our members to use for the delivery of a whole range of heating and electrical programmes. “Members accessing this framework will benefit from flexible call-off options, UK-wide coverage, and the option to deliver social value to their communities, aligned to their organisational priorities.” Amongst the supplier framework for ground source heat pump installations in domestic settings (except in Northern Ireland), Cenergist has been ranked as a top provider. Last year, the company completed what it believed was the UK’s first installation of a high temperature air source heat pump in a domestic setting as part of Leeds City Council’s Clustering for Warmth project. Oliver Abrahams, head of energy at Cenergist, commented: “Fusion21 is a well-regarded, impactful public sector procurement support organisation. “To be listed, including as a top supplier for domestic ground source heat pump installations (with the exception of Northern Ireland) is a testament to our innovative, agile thinking in decarbonisation retrofits. “We look forward to working with the framework’s members to help them take meaningful, positive steps on their journey to Net Zero.” Cenergist supports local authorities, social housing providers, commercial clients and water companies to achieve their Net Zero and decarbonisation goals. As well as the UK, Cenergist also operates in Holland, Spain and India.  For more information on Cenergist, visit www.cenergist.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

UTB supports £23m luxury apartment development by Stephens + Stephens

United Trust Bank (UTB) is supporting award winning developers Stephens + Stephens’ development of 32 luxury apartments in the sought after coastal town of Newquay in Cornwall. Stephens + Stephens was founded by Paul and Helen Stephens in 2008 and combines Paul’s 30 years of experience in construction with Helen’s flair for design. Helen is the Founder and Creative Director of award-winning agency Absolute. Stephens + Stephens create desirable design-led properties in stunning locations within the Cornish landscape and describe themselves as offering a ‘perfect combination of skills, vision and experience for a whole new-wave style way of designing Cornwall-located buildings, interiors and surrounding spaces with architectural and style-driven longevity’. The scheme, known as Cliff Edge, is the second phase of the redevelopment of a former hotel site and comprises a new apartment building set over basement, ground and four upper floors. The first phase was completed last year and achieved a strong level of sales from purchasers looking to capitalise on the demand for high quality holiday accommodation in the area and those wishing to live there and enjoy the spectacular Cornish coastline all year round. UTB is providing £15m of funding towards the completion of Phase 2 of Cliff Edge, which offers 32 apartments ranging in price from £250,000 to well over £1m with the majority enjoying spectacular sea views. Buyers can also choose to have the interior of their home designed and furnished by Absolute which offers a turnkey designer interiors service. Paul Stephens of Stephens + Stephens commented: “We are delighted to be working with United Trust Bank on this prestigious development in Cornwall. This is our first project with the Bank, and we have found the whole team approachable, engaged and committed to working in collaboration with us to deliver this project. We are looking forward to the months ahead and working together on future schemes”. Orla Costello, Senior Director – Property Development – United Trust Bank said: “We love working with people who are passionate about property and Paul and Helen are exactly that. They have completed many fabulous developments across Cornwall and picked up several awards for exceptional design along the way. This is the first time UTB has supported a Stephens + Stephens development and I am confident that it will be another success to add to their outstanding track record.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Costain and Enterprise Flex-E-Rent drive new multi-site electric van project to showcase potential of electric vehicles in construction

Costain and Enterprise Flex-E-Rent drive new multi-site electric van project to showcase potential of electric vehicles in construction

Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has completed one of the UK construction sector’s first pilots to test the use of electric vans on major project sites. The pilot programme, in partnership with Enterprise Flex E-Rent, tested the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in construction projects, with electric vans trialled across a range of different teams and workplace scenarios. The three Costain projects included on the pilot were the Preston Western Distributor Road scheme in Lancashire, the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross project near Truro in Cornwall, and the A12 widening scheme near Chelmsford in Essex.  Electric vans were used by Costain’s health and safety, environment and laboratory teams, with the vehicles typically carrying lighter materials and equipment that weigh within electric van payload guidelines. Enterprise fitted the vehicles used for the pilot with technology to capture detailed data and provide insights on the electric vehicle usage. To meet the challenge of long-distance charging, Costain installed banks of up to 25 EV charging points at the three pilot locations to ensure that the teams have easy and safe access to power.  The pilot is a key steppingstone in Costain’s Climate Change Action Plan, with Costain committing to all of its operations, including its supply chain, being net zero carbon by 2035, with zero emissions from the company car fleet by 2030. In 2022, 99% of the cars delivered to Costain staff were ultralow or low emissions vehicles (ULEVs and LEVs). EV charging points are available at all of Costain’s offices and installation of charging points within site compounds is now a mandatory element of site set-up. Mark Ashenden, head of plant and fleet supply chain at Costain, said: “Understanding and reducing the impact of vehicle emissions at our project sites will be key to us reaching our net zero targets. “We wanted to test how electric vans could be deployed as part of an effective and more environmentally friendly working fleet and how they can be a viable vehicle option for major infrastructure projects. After listening to our people’s needs and adopting a flexible approach, we have been able to meet tight budgetary requirements while supporting decarbonisation. “This trial has given our project teams a greater understanding of what commercial EVs can do and helps give them the confidence to utilise EVs where they can. By showing what can be possible, we hope to help create a blueprint for the industry to minimise carbon emissions and pave the way for a greener future for infrastructure.” Danny Glynn, managing director at Enterprise Flex-E-Rent, said: “This pilot is an important step towards understanding how EV vans can best be used in real world scenarios such as construction and infrastructure. It showcases that there are clear applications for electric vans within these and other sectors.” Elsewhere, Costain and its partners are pioneering low carbon solutions across the business’s operations. The HS2 Skanska Costain Strabag Joint Venture named its first diesel-free site at the Canterbury Road ventilation shaft in South Kilburn, through the utilisation of biofuels and renewable energy to power all plant and machinery onsite. In addition, Costain, as part of the SMP Alliance for National Highways, reduced the carbon footprint in both its construction plant and van fleet by 38% on the M6 J21a-26 upgrade project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Green light for key HS2 maintenance depot designed to service high-speed railway

Green light for key HS2 maintenance depot designed to service high-speed railway

Buckinghamshire Council this week gave the green light for HS2’s state-of-the-art maintenance hub, which will bring around 300 jobs to Calvert in Buckinghamshire. Taking its inspiration from the style of local agricultural buildings and the industrial heritage of the area, the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot (IMD) will house the people and equipment that will keep HS2 running smoothly and efficiently, day in, day out. The approval is a major milestone for HS2 – which will almost halve journey times between Britain’s two largest cities, while freeing up space for more local services on the most crowded part of the existing West Coast Main Line. Approved under schedule 17 of the HS2 Act, the depot will be halfway between the villages of Calvert and Steeple Claydon. It will include workshops, offices, storage and training facilities as well as a base for the British Transport Police. The main buildings will be clad with naturally aging red brick – as a nod to the Calvert brickworks which operated throughout most of the twentieth century before closing in 1991. Gently curved roofs, timber and low-reflection metal finishes will also help to reduce the visual impact of the buildings. During the design process, the size of the depot area has been cut by 33% with the track layout reduced and simplified in order to speed up construction and cut disruption for the community. This smaller footprint also means that there will be 600,000 cubic metres less excavation required. Recent design work has also increased the amount of landscaping and new woodland planting that will screen the depot from Steeple Claydon, with around 15,000 trees and 20,000 shrubs set to be planted amid new woodland paths, ponds and other wildlife habitats. Iain Smith, HS2 Ltd’s Systems Delivery Director said: “Once complete, HS2 will dramatically improve journeys between our two largest cities and also free up space on the existing mainline for more local and freight trains. “The maintenance depot at Calvert will be at the heart of the HS2 project – keeping the new railway running smoothly every day and supporting around 300 jobs. It’s great to get the green light for the design, and we look forward to making the vision a reality.”  Sustainability is at the heart of the design. The Calvert IMD will achieve a minimum of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, under the world’s leading sustainability assessment method. Materials have been carefully selected for the building and landscaped areas; for their appearance, low maintenance and longevity, as well as low-carbon, sustainable considerations. The depot will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with landscaping to block noise and light. A fleet of dedicated On-Track Maintenance trains will be based at the depot, accessing the mainline at night – while the HS2 trains are not running – to maintain the track and systems. Connections to East-West Rail (EWR) – which passes to the south of the site – will also allow heavy equipment and materials to be delivered to the depot by rail. To reduce disruption for the community and speed up construction, HS2 contractors also built two bridges, one underpass and 3.4km of adjacent earthworks for EWR where the two projects cross. Addison Road and Gawcott Road are both now reopen. The depot was designed by HS2’s design contractor WSP, working with architects Grimshaw and Grant Associates. The earthworks and landscaping are being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall. A separate contractor will be appointed to build the depot. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Major Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade to start as part of £23m plan to create ‘unique waterfront destination’

Major Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade to start as part of £23m plan to create ‘unique waterfront destination’

A £8.6m Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade is set to start as part of a major project between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Wirral Council to turn the area into a ‘vibrant and unique waterfront destination’. The upgrade is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council, which is currently consulting on a £23m Masterplan to breathe new life into the area. The terminal is set to reopen from summer 2025 following complex engineering work to install a new landing stage and linkspan bridge. It follows a multi-million-pound modernisation of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, supported by a £7m investment from Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority, which completed in October 2022. The Woodside scheme is part of a wider investment to secure the future of the iconic tourist attraction. In December last year, Mayor Rotheram signed a £26m contract with nearby Birkenhead shipyard Cammell Laird to build the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years. Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “The Woodside Ferry Terminal was constructed in 1985, it’s almost 40 years old and in need of modernisation so we’re able to keep up with the needs of a growing and diverse population. This is a great opportunity for us to improve the area for residents however, it’s also a prime time to start encouraging even more tourists to explore the other side of the water by bringing Mersey Ferries back to the area and restoring the service between Woodside and Pier Head, improving the transport links for residents and visitors alike.” Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “We’re excited about the next stage of plans to develop the Woodside Ferry Terminal. This latest regeneration will include developing the space from Argyle Street/Conway Street roundabout down to the Terminal and include improving the landscaping around the area. It will also create more accessible walking and cycling spaces and better connections between the Central Birkenhead retail area and the Waterfront, for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.“In addition to the plans which are to be delivered over the next couple of years, part of the process in drafting the masterplan has been to generate new ideas to be implemented in the longer term such as the extra-large floating pontoon or a historic ship in the dock as part of a visitor attraction. The consultation, which is open now, is giving everyone to the chance to view these proposals and have their say and we’re encouraging everyone to take part.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Blueprint Interiors Strengthen Pre Construction Team

Blueprint Interiors Strengthen Pre Construction Team

Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has strengthened its pre-construction team following the appointment of Hamzah Khalid as a Pre-Construction Assistant. Khalid, holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management & Property Development from The University of Derby. He was previously a graduate Quantity Surveyor at Prestige Retail Ltd where he collaborated with prestigious retail consultancy firms, managing projects for clients such as B&Q and Specsavers. He has helped to successfully deliver projects that included internal fit-outs, new builds, extensions, demolitions, roof work, masonry walls, and installations. In his new role at Blueprint Interiors, Khalid will proactively ensure the programming of works, plan resource allocation for daily operations, and maintain quality standards. This will include the preparation of quotations, purchase orders and site deliveries, site surveys, maintaining subcontractor and supplier relationships and preparation of technical information. Commenting, Hamzah said, “I am delighted to be joining such a forward thinking and growing organisation in which I can see a clear structure for my future career. I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop and excel in an exciting role for a company that clearly has the best interests of employees at the heart of their culture.” Rachel Biddles, Operations Director added, “This year has seen phenomenal interest in our workplace design consultancy, as employers seek to create work spaces that not only attract but retain the best talent. Hamzah will be integral in helping us to ensure the design visual is delivered so that we continue to maintain our quality of service, the finished workspace meets expectations and delivers that all important wow factor.” With a number of new and exciting office fit-out wins already secured, and a strong pipeline of workplace consultancy and design projects underway, 2024 has got off to a great start for Blueprint Interiors who have previously completed projects for a number of the regions larger employers including The Melton Building Society, Futures Housing Group, Gleeds and The East Midlands Chamber. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
WJ marks position as environmental leader

WJ marks position as environmental leader

WJ Group, the leading road marking and highway safety company, has been recognised for its commitment to the environment after winning a Green World Award. The business was awarded for its Driver Behaviour Scheme, which in the first year saw a 40% reduction in road incidents involving its team members. The scheme uses WJ’s vehicle telematics system to accurately review each driver’s performance, encouraging consistently high standards of driving. The company analyses team members’ acceleration, speed, braking, driving style and fuel consumption, with rewards for the safest and most improved drivers. Upon introduction, the average WJ driver performance increased from 87.58% to 95.15%. Notably, WJ recorded a 40% drop in road incidents, as well as a 7.75% reduction in emissions in these early stages. Even more significantly, they have seen a continued increase in MPG, with a yearly average improvement of 21.91%. Competing against more than 500 other nominations, WJ will discover which level of award they have won following the ceremony in Sao Paolo, Brazil, on 25 March. The company’s winning paper will then be published in The Green Book. The awards are organised by The Green Organisation – an international, independent, non-political, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding, and promoting environmental best practice around the world. They are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, and other independent bodies. Scott Logan, WJ Group Fleet and Engineering Director at WJ Group said: “At WJ, we are always looking for ways to be more sustainable, whether through the services we provide or our collaboration with the wider supply chain. The team continues to push boundaries when it comes to thinking about our impact on the environment, so it is fantastic to be recognised by the Green World Awards. “Our Driver Behaviour Scheme is one of the many innovative programmes we have introduced to reduce our emissions. Being successful in the Green World Awards makes us hungrier to continue to find new ways for the UK’s highways industry to become more sustainable.” For more information, please visit www.wj.uk/sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »