GRAHAM has been appointed by the University of Bath to progress plans for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at its Claverton Down campus. The scheme, which is being procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), will see GRAHAM work in partnership with the University under a two-stage
University of Staffordshire has opened bookings for its £100 million Student Village, marking a major milestone in a development set to transform the student experience and support the continued regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent. The scheme will provide around 1,000 rooms across a mix of new and refurbished accommodation and represents one
AstraZeneca has received planning approval for a significant new office and conference building at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, marking the latest phase in the continued expansion of one of Europe’s leading life sciences clusters. Designed by Jestico + Whiles, the six-storey development will deliver the 12,000 sq m of high-quality
Top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat will cut site carbon emissions by more than a thousand tonnes per year as its telehandlers and generators transition from diesel to HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) biofuel. The switch will apply to both telehandlers and new generator hires by the housebuilder, fulfilling its commitment to achieve
Located at the entrance to Trafford Park, No.1 Old Trafford comprises two striking residential towers of 15 and 18 storeys. Surrounded by local landmarks including the Manchester Ship Canal, Old Trafford Stadium, and Hotel Football, the twin-tower development demanded a visually united mortar finish and a supply solution capable of
Prologis UK has secured a 10-year lease with Cainiao, a global ecommerce logistics provider and part of Alibaba Group, marking a significant expansion of its UK operations. Prologis Apex Park DC4’s recent refurbishment was delivered with a strong focus on sustainability, featuring advanced LED lighting, a solar PV array and EV
BW Interiors Limited, the trading name of BW: Workplace Experts (BW), has reported a 132% increase in pre-tax profit to £13.9 million for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025. The London office fit out and design and build specialists are now targeting £500 million turnover by 2030. BW attributes
Last Mile, a leading multi-utility infrastructure provider, today announces it has reached 1 million utility connections; a landmark milestone that signals the company’s sustained growth, resilience and the financial strength of its growing asset portfolio. The figure comprises live connections across electricity, gas, water, wastewater and heat networks, managed by
For decades, waste was seen as an endpoint — something to be burned or buried. Today, waste is considered an overlooked resource waiting to be unlocked, and a wave of innovation is making this transformation possible. New technologies are moving the U.S. toward a truly circular economy, where materials are
Finning has revealed the two winners of its ‘Win Big’ competition, each receiving brand-new Cat® excavators to help power their projects forward. Finning UK & Ireland launched the free-to-enter competition, organised to mark Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary, with one winner in mind, however the high calibre of entries led to Finning
GRAHAM has been appointed by the University of Bath to progress plans for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at its Claverton Down campus. The scheme, which is being procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), will see GRAHAM work in partnership with the University under a two-stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to help shape and develop the design ahead of construction. Once complete, the development will deliver 960 student bedrooms alongside a range of associated facilities designed to support student wellbeing and campus life, including communal kitchens and social spaces, study areas, a games room, laundry facilities, and flexible spaces for use throughout the academic year. Located on the eastern edge of the University’s campus, the accommodation will comprise a mix of en-suite cluster flats and townhouse-style living, creating a diverse and high-quality residential offering. The project will support the University’s ambition to create a healthy, sustainable and inclusive campus environment, with GRAHAM bringing its expertise in low-carbon construction and energy-efficient design to the scheme. The buildings are targeting high sustainability standards, including certification to Passivhaus principles, which will support reduced energy demand, improved thermal comfort and enhanced indoor air quality for residents. Measures such as air source heat pumps and a fabric-first approach will further contribute to lowering operational carbon and supporting the University’s wider net zero ambitions. The development will play a key role in increasing on-campus accommodation capacity for first-year students, helping to meet growing demand while enhancing the University’s wider residential offering. Rod McMullan, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: Securing this appointment with the University of Bath marks an important step in progressing a high-quality student accommodation scheme that responds to the growing demand for on-campus living. We look forward to working closely with the University and wider project team to shape a design that prioritises sustainability, operational efficiency and, importantly, the overall student experience. This collaborative approach will be key to ensuring the development is well-positioned for successful delivery. Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr, Chief Operations Officer at University of Bath, said: This scheme is a landmark investment for the University in the year we celebrate our 60th birthday. We look forward to working with GRAHAM as our construction partner. GRAHAM demonstrated their alignment with our values and ambitions to create a high-quality scheme which will enable us to build on our global reputation for providing excellent student facilities. The appointment further strengthens GRAHAM’s track record in delivering high-quality student accommodation projects across the UK, supporting universities in creating modern, sustainable living environments that respond to evolving student needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University of Staffordshire has opened bookings for its £100 million Student Village, marking a major milestone in a development set to transform the student experience and support the continued regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent. The scheme will provide around 1,000 rooms across a mix of new and refurbished accommodation and represents one of the most significant investments in student experience at the University in recent years. It also forms part of a wider programme of regeneration across the city, contributing to economic growth and strengthening Stoke-on-Trent as a place to live, study and work. Designed to offer modern, high-quality living, the Student Village, opening in September 2026, will feature en-suite accommodation across a range of formats including cluster blocks and townhouses. It will support a diverse student population, including undergraduates, postgraduates and returning students, with a focus on helping students feel settled, supported and part of a community from the outset. At the centre of the development will be a Village Hub, providing shared space for socialising, study and wellbeing. The Hub will host events and student-led activity, contributing to a vibrant and connected campus environment supported by the University’s ResLife team. Christina Matthews, Executive Director of Student Life at University of Staffordshire, said: “This is a major investment in the student experience and reflects our commitment to creating an environment where students can truly thrive. “The Student Village has been designed around the reality of student life, not just where students live, but how they build friendships and feel part of a community from day one. At the same time, it reflects the important role the University plays in the ongoing regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent.” The Student Village is located at the heart of the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus, close to teaching facilities, the nature reserve and transport links. It has been designed with safety and accessibility in mind, incorporating 24/7 security, controlled access and the SafeZone app. The development sits alongside other major investments in the city, including the £60 million Goods Yard development, the revitalisation of the historic Spode Works, and a £29 million programme to transform the railway station and surrounding gateway. Together, these developments are reshaping the city and reinforcing its appeal to students, residents and businesses. A student who has seen the development, Lucy Hughes, said: “The accommodation looks amazing and it feels like everything has been designed with students in mind. The University already has a great community feel, and this is only going to make that stronger. “It’s easy to imagine settling in quickly, meeting people and feeling part of something from the start.” To find out more about the accommodation, visit staffs.ac.uk/accommodation Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AstraZeneca has received planning approval for a significant new office and conference building at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, marking the latest phase in the continued expansion of one of Europe’s leading life sciences clusters. Designed by Jestico + Whiles, the six-storey development will deliver the 12,000 sq m of high-quality floorspace, including offices for more than 700 staff. The scheme also incorporates a 200-person conference centre, a 450-seat auditorium and a 110-cover restaurant, creating a flexible environment geared towards collaboration, events and knowledge sharing. The building will be located on Francis Crick Avenue, positioned just south of AstraZeneca’s landmark headquarters designed by Herzog & de Meuron, which was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize. The project forms part of a wider masterplan for the campus, with Herzog & de Meuron acting as masterplan and design architect, supported by landscape architect Gillespies. The scheme is intended to support AstraZeneca’s long-term strategy of consolidating its Cambridge-based operations, bringing together research, commercial and partner teams within a single, integrated campus environment. By enhancing connectivity between disciplines, the development aims to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the organisation. A multidisciplinary consultant team has been assembled to deliver the project, including Ramboll on civils, structures, MEP and transport, Bidwells on planning, MFS on façades and The Fire Surgery on fire engineering. The site, spanning approximately 2.2 hectares, is currently used as a temporary car park and construction support area for the neighbouring Rosalind Franklin building, designed by Hawkins\Brown and being delivered by Mace. The new development will sit around 150 metres from the forthcoming Cambridge South station, further enhancing accessibility to the campus. While earlier outline consent for a commercial building on the site formed part of a wider application submitted in 2010, the approval had lapsed in 2021. As a result, AstraZeneca brought forward the current proposals as a standalone application, while still adhering to the overarching principles of the original masterplan. The project represents a further investment in high-specification, research-led commercial space, reinforcing Cambridge’s position as a global hub for life sciences and innovation-led development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat will cut site carbon emissions by more than a thousand tonnes per year as its telehandlers and generators transition from diesel to HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) biofuel. The switch will apply to both telehandlers and new generator hires by the housebuilder, fulfilling its commitment to achieve a 51 percent reduction in direct emissions by 2032. HVO is a renewable diesel that delivers up to 99 percent lower carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel and is fully compatible with plant machinery, enabling immediate adoption across live developments without changing existing equipment or infrastructure. On a typical site, the switch is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 21.9 tonnes per year per telehandler, making a significant contribution to Keepmoat’s science-based targets. Karl Wiseman, Group Production Director at Keepmoat said: “At Keepmoat, we’re focused on driving innovation and sustainability across everything we do, working closely with our partners and supply chain to deliver lower-carbon homes and communities. “From 1 May 2026, we’ll roll this out across our sites as existing diesel supplies are used up. We’ll also specify HVO fuel for all new generators hired, helping us deliver a smooth yet rapid transition across the business. With telehandlers and generators being the biggest contributors to direct on-site emissions, this is a clear opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact.” Keepmoat is a leading partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 60 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Located at the entrance to Trafford Park, No.1 Old Trafford comprises two striking residential towers of 15 and 18 storeys. Surrounded by local landmarks including the Manchester Ship Canal, Old Trafford Stadium, and Hotel Football, the twin-tower development demanded a visually united mortar finish and a supply solution capable of meeting the demands of a constrained urban site. Project at a glance section The brief Domis Construction tasked long‑term brickwork partner Kinlan Brickwork to deliver the external brickwork on the project, who in turn contacted Holcim Mortars due to the strong history of partnership between the companies across multiple North West high‑rise schemes. From the outset, the team required a consistent, aesthetically aligned mortar that would complement the chosen Heritage brick, meet architect expectations on colour accuracy and remain in keeping with buildings in the local area. With limited ground-level space and bricklayers working continuously at height, the site also needed a mortar solution that enabled efficient lifting, storage and next‑day use without risk of downtime. Challenges The project presented several logistical and operational obstacles. Dual carriageways on one side and the canal on the other restricted space for material storage. Mortar also needed to arrive in the afternoon, be moved directly into tubs, lifted up onto mast climbers, and remain workable for bricklaying first-thing in the morning. This meant there was no tolerance for delivery delays, with any missed drops halting bricklayers working at height and creating costly disruption. As a building that will be seen daily by thousands of commuters and residents travelling football fans, even minor colour variation would have been noticeable and therefore unacceptable. This added an extra layer of importance to the mortar colour, which not only had to be in keeping with the chosen Heritage brick, but also had to remain consistent in its pigmentation. The solution Holcim provided GM4 Eco 132 ready-to-use (RTU) mortar to the No.1 Old Trafford project, selected from an on‑site colour showcase and approved by the architects for its warm, light straw‑brown tone that complemented the Heritage brick palette. To ensure uninterrupted progress, RTU mortar was supplied with a 36–72-hour retarder, guaranteeing prime workability when lifted to upper floors.Deliveries were made using Holcim’s pod truck fleet, where the coloured mix is stored in an isolated compartment to protect against contamination and maintain colour consistency. Daily coordination between Holcim’s internal office team and Kinlan’s project managers ensured precise batching, proactive communication, and no missed morning or afternoon delivery windows. Continuous supply was made from Holcim’s Ellesmere Port plant, strategically located to serve Manchester’s construction corridor. These deliveries supported a smooth build sequence and enabled Kinlan’s bricklayers to work efficiently at height during summer and winter seasons. Overall operational discipline — including exact pigment dosing and meticulous pod cleaning — ensured a flawless exterior finish across both towers. Over the 18‑month programme, Holcim supplied nearly 600m³ of RTU mortar, which equates to coverage of approximately 17.5 km² of brickwork. Sustainability considerations Holcim incorporated several measures that supported reduced waste and efficiency throughout the project. Pod trucks, for example, enabled multi‑site “milk runs”, reducing the number of single‑purpose vehicle movements. The retarder also ensured full utilisation of each batch, minimising wasted material and avoiding the mortar from prematurely setting off. In addition, consistent batching eliminated the risk of rejected loads or colour mismatch, reducing remediation and embodied carbon associated with rework. What we achieved in numbers Outcome Ben Douglas, senior project manager at Kinlan Brickwork, said: “The No.1 Old Trafford project was delivered to an exceptional quality, with seamless colour consistency across both towers and zero disruption to the brickwork programme. The collaborative working relationship between Holcim, Kinlan and Domis proved instrumental in ensuring smooth logistics and a flawless finish on one of Trafford Park’s most prominent residential developments.” Steven Howitt, Area Sales Manager for Mortar and Screed at Holcim UK, said: “This project is a stellar example of what can happen when teamwork really comes to fruition. Timings, logistics and organisation were all critical factors in making sure the build ran smoothly and to plan. “Today, No.1 Old Trafford stands as a stunning visual example of efficient supply planning, technical precision and close contractor collaboration — seen by thousands of people each week as they enter the iconic Trafford Park.” To find out more about Holcim UK’s mortar offering, please visit https://www.holcim.co.uk/products/mortar Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK has secured a 10-year lease with Cainiao, a global ecommerce logistics provider and part of Alibaba Group, marking a significant expansion of its UK operations. Prologis Apex Park DC4’s recent refurbishment was delivered with a strong focus on sustainability, featuring advanced LED lighting, a solar PV array and EV charging infrastructure, resulting in an EPC A rating and supporting lower carbon operations. The 150,911 sq ft DC4 enables rapid operational ramp-up with the installation, through Prologis Essentials, of wide aisle racking providing 20,028 pallet capacity. This allows Cainiao to move in quickly and handle high-volume operations from day one. Sun Beibei, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Cainiao, said: “By signing a 10-year lease at Prologis Apex Park, we are making a clear, long-term commitment to the UK market. This significant investment reflects our confidence in continued growth and reinforces the stability and reliability of the logistics services we deliver to customers across the region. Prologis Apex Park offers the location, specification and flexibility we need to support our continued growth in the UK. The ability to move quickly through leasing and into a facility that is already optimised for high-volume operations was a key factor in our decision. We look forward to working with Prologis as we expand our network.” Tom Price, Leasing Director at Prologis UK, said: “Cainiao’s decision to locate at Prologis Apex Park reflects the strength of the Midlands as a core logistics location, as well as continued investment from Chinese ecommerce businesses into the UK. As an existing global customer, we were able to move quickly on commercial terms, enabling this transaction to complete” The letting brings Prologis Apex Park to full occupancy, following the recent leasing of DC3 to DHL. The park is home to major global customers including CEVA Logistics, XPO Logistics, Cummins and Hankook, reinforcing its position as one of the Midland’s premier logistics locations with strong connectivity and access to an established labour pool within the Midlands’ ‘golden triangle’. A final opportunity remains at the park, with DC11 offering a 91,000 sq ft build-to-suit unit with full planning consent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BW Interiors Limited, the trading name of BW: Workplace Experts (BW), has reported a 132% increase in pre-tax profit to £13.9 million for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025. The London office fit out and design and build specialists are now targeting £500 million turnover by 2030. BW attributes its record performance, with turnover increasing by a third to £326.7 million up from £244 million in 2024, to its strong client partnerships and high-quality delivery, supported by a strong central London office market. Companies across the capital are increasingly investing in high-quality workplace fit out as more implement return-to-office strategies. This market strength is reflected in BW’s own financial position as its net assets remain strong at £18 million, and year-end cash reserves stood at £57 million. BW came into 2026 with over £210 million in secured work for the current period and is on target to achieve £375 million turnover in 2026. £42 million has been secured for 2027 to date. The company recently completed one of its largest projects to date, a £63 million office for a tech firm in London and continues to focus on delivering projects of varying sizes, while planning to increase the number of larger schemes over the next five years across its key markets of commercial workplace and higher education, with sustained strength across the legal, tech and private equity sectors. In March 2026, BW moved into its new 16,500 sq ft office at The Carter, close to St Paul’s Cathedral, further reflecting its growth and expansion in the City of London. The BW team has grown from 65 people in 2016 to close to 320 employees this year. Steve Elliott, CEO at BW: Workplace Experts, said: “2025 was our 25th year in business and our strongest financial performance to date, a reflection of the incredible pace of growth over the past decade, where we have gone from a £60 million turnover business to £326.7 million, making BW the UK’s number two fit out contractor by brand. “We have strong ambitions for the next phase of growth and clear plans to deliver them. With turnover on target for £375 million in 2026 and £500 million by 2030, we remain focused on delivering exceptional, defect-free workplace fit out and design and build solutions across our core markets, offering our unique personable, and innovative approach to deliver high specification workplaces that people enjoy going to work at.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last Mile, a leading multi-utility infrastructure provider, today announces it has reached 1 million utility connections; a landmark milestone that signals the company’s sustained growth, resilience and the financial strength of its growing asset portfolio. The figure comprises live connections across electricity, gas, water, wastewater and heat networks, managed by Last Mile at residential, commercial and industrial developments since its inception in 2002. From being granted the very first Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) licence in Great Britain for electricity, to adding multi-award-winning low carbon solutions to its offering and attracting blue-chip investor backing, Last Mile has a long history of hitting significant milestones. “Reaching 1 million connections is a significant moment for us, and it is thanks to the dedication of the people across our business who have made it possible,” said Richard Thomas, Last Mile CEO. “Every one of those connections is the result of designers, engineers, operational colleagues, asset managers, and many others delivering reliable utility networks to our customers across the country, who put their trust in us for their projects. I’m incredibly proud of what our colleagues have achieved, in true partnership with our customers, and this momentum should give us real confidence as Last Mile looks ahead to its next chapter of growth.” The 1 millionth connection was made at a service station in the West Midlands, with Last Mile adopting the infrastructure powering rapid EV charge points. Last Mile operates as an end-to-end independent multi-utility provider, with capabilities in both infrastructure delivery and long-term network ownership. Alongside its live connections, the company has an order book of 710,000 new connections that it is designing, building and adopting. Recent flagship projects include: the multi-award-winning Welborne garden village in Hampshire, where it is delivering the UK’s first water-source heat network using reservoir water to heat and cool up to 6,000 homes; the Michaelston College redevelopment in Cardiff, the Welsh capital’s first housing project to use a ground source heat network; and Brabazon, in Bristol, one of the government’s seven designated new towns where it is delivering multi-utility connections. The organisation’s ongoing growth is underpinned by blue-chip investors, Infracapital and Macquarie Asset Management, providing the financial platform for Last Mile to offer developers and ICPs innovative asset finance models and to invest in the long-term operation and management of multi-utility connections. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
For decades, waste was seen as an endpoint — something to be burned or buried. Today, waste is considered an overlooked resource waiting to be unlocked, and a wave of innovation is making this transformation possible. New technologies are moving the U.S. toward a truly circular economy, where materials are kept in use for years beyond their typical “expiration dates.” The Driving Forces Behind the Waste Revolution Experts predict that global municipal solid waste generation will increase from 2.1 billion tons in 2023 to 3.8 billion tons by 2050. The alarming quantities are not going unnoticed. Modern consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. Around 65% want to buy eco-friendly products, showing a clear market preference for sustainability. This high demand is putting pressure on brands to adopt greener practices, for everything from product design to packaging choices. Federal grants help drive the circular economy in America, like the $275 million for solid waste infrastructure for improvements in recycling and waste management. Another example is the RECYCLE act, which provides up to $15 million for waste management education and initiatives. The Technologies Turning Trash Into Resources America has a 32% recycling rate, and the goal is to reach 50% by 2030. Here are some of the innovations that can help the country hit that mark. 1. AI-Powered Sorting and Robotics Imagine a modern sorting facility where conveyor belts move waste under high-speed cameras. AI software identifies different materials — such as PET and HDPE plastics — in milliseconds and directs robotic arms or jets of air to separate them. This results in much higher purity in recycled materials, making them more desirable to manufacturers. It also helps sort items that are difficult for humans to separate quickly and safely. 2. IoT Sensors and Intelligent Route Optimization IoT sensors placed in public and commercial trash cans can monitor fill levels in real time. They can send a signal to a central software platform, which will automatically reroute the nearest collection vehicle and add the stop to its optimized route. This keeps bins from overflowing, reduces unnecessary collections of half-empty bins, and lowers fuel consumption and emissions. Route optimization can also ease urban traffic congestion. 3. Advanced Chemical Recycling Unlike shredding, melting and other mechanical recycling methods, chemical recycling breaks down complex plastics into their original molecules or feedstock. This output is identical to the kind derived from oil. That means it can be used to repeatedly create new, food-grade quality plastic products. 4. Data and Software for a Greener Footprint A waste management company can use software solutions to track how much waste is collected, where it goes and how much is recycled and sent to landfills. The associated carbon footprint of these activities can also be monitored. Accurate reporting capabilities can help organizations comply with environmental impact regulations and demonstrate sustainability improvements to stakeholders. 5. Turning Waste Into Watts Modern anaerobic digestion facilities can process organic waste, such as food scraps, by breaking it down in an oxygen-free environment. This produces biogas — which is burned to generate electricity — and a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as agricultural fertilizer. Modern incinerators can burn residual waste that can’t be recycled to generate steam, which powers turbines that create electricity and heat for local homes and businesses. 6. Digital Waste Marketplaces Many online platforms now connect businesses producing a specific type of refuse, like wood offcuts and textiles, with others that can use that waste as raw material. This creates a B2B circular economy, turning disposal costs into revenue. For example, a furniture maker with a regular supply of wood cuts can list them on a marketplace. A local artist who needs small wood pieces for sculptures can purchase this waste, creating value for both parties. Responsible Disposal for Every Item A complete smart waste system empowers individuals and businesses to properly manage items that don’t belong in the main recycling stream. For example, improper disposal of chemicals containing heavy metals and other hazardous elements can lead to soil and water contamination. Consider automotive products, such as refrigerant canisters. To keep them out of landfills, check if the retailer has a take-back program or determine the disposal methods recommended by local waste management providers. A New Era for Waste Management Powerful new technologies are rising to meet the challenges of waste. Smart management is the thread connecting all aspects, from AI-driven industrial plants to the responsible choices of a single person. With each innovation, America takes a step closer to a future where the circular economy is the norm.
Finning has revealed the two winners of its ‘Win Big’ competition, each receiving brand-new Cat® excavators to help power their projects forward. Finning UK & Ireland launched the free-to-enter competition, organised to mark Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary, with one winner in mind, however the high calibre of entries led to Finning naming two winners: the Colin Burt Reserve for Wildlife Conservation and Valley Veterans. Both winners were invited to Finning UK & Ireland headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire to celebrate their win with the Finning team. During the day Finning provided training on mini excavators, as well as tutorial on how the new machine owners can get the very best from their new excavators with telematics. The Colin Burt Reserve, in Killin in the central Highlands of Scotland, opened in 2005 in memory of keen conservationist Colin Burt who died aged 38 following a motorcycle accident. The 50 acre site was a poor-quality piece of waste wet land and is now a diverse nature reserve open to all. The project has won a Cat 301.6 excavator to continue its development. Valley Veterans, a charity based in the Rhondda Valley, was founded more than 20 years ago as an informal support group for PTSD sufferers and is now a vibrant hub with more than 140 active participants. Its Equi-Grow project includes the development of a purpose-built equine and horticultural space for activities supporting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of veterans. It has won a Cat 301.5 excavator to help get groundwork underway. To mark Caterpillar’s centenary year in 2025, Finning hosted the giveaway on its website, asking participants: ‘How would winning a Cat machine or generator help you build something that lasts?’ Gary Megarrell, Managing Director at Finning UK and Ireland, said the high quality of the entries meant it was impossible to select just one winner. He said: “The 100th anniversary of Caterpillar provided the perfect opportunity to gift our winners with the equipment they need to take their projects forward. “The answers from the Colin Burt Reserve and Valley Veterans truly embodied the values we share at Finning around safety and inclusivity. Caterpillar’s centenary and Finning’s desire to have a positive impact within the community “We are delighted both organisations are now the owners of mini excavators, and that this will make a real, tangible difference to their projects and to their visitors. This prize-giving has been a fantastic way to mark what has been a very memorable year celebrating the Finning partnerships.” The winners were given the choice between a Cat 301.6 excavator or a Cat DE110E2 genset as their prize. They were also automatically enrolled in a set of monthly prize draws – with rewards up for grabs including a trip to Malaga. Ashley Pearson of the Colin Burt Reserve, said: “We encourage participation in practical conservation tasks and wildlife habitat improvements, and our work includes carrying out regular maintenance and projects to promote increased biodiversity. “Winning this Cat excavator means we can progress our development plans so that even more visitors can experience being in the outdoors.” Valley Veterans was last year honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It has been presented with the centenary celebration Cat machine that was on display at Finning’s headquarters in Cannock during the anniversary year. Nigel Locke, Secretary at Valley Veterans, said: “This recognition from Finning comes on the back of a remarkable year for us, and inspires us to keep working to make a difference to veterans and their families. “The Equi-Grow project will allow Valley Veterans to vastly increase capacity to train and mentor existing members as well as extending the offer to a far wider veteran and community cohort in the South Wales Valleys region. “Having the new excavator means we can focus on delivering the project and support more veterans to combat the challenges resulting from isolation and loneliness.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals