Marks & Spencer has continued its nationwide investment programme with the opening of 15 new stores over the past year as the retailer pushes ahead with plans to modernise its estate and strengthen long-term growth. In its preliminary results for the year ending 28 March 2026, M&S confirmed it had
A five-unit Grade A industrial and logistics development totalling 192,000 sq ft, designed to deliver high-specification sustainable industrial space in Buckinghamshire. Glencar has been appointed by Newlands to deliver Link, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. The development will comprise five Grade A speculative industrial units totalling approximately 192,000 sq ft and is
The latest insight from property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, has found that utilities, cleaning and gardening are the most common block management requirements, accounting for almost two thirds of all call-outs and maintenance tasks carried out in 2025. Rushbrook & Rathbone’s internal data shines a light on what most frequently
Average rents in Bristol have fallen by 3.8% and rental properties are taking longer to let, according to a new report released as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force. But rental platform Rentaroof has warned the slowdown may only be temporary rather than a sign of lasting affordability, with similar
Securing planning permission is one of the most important stages of any construction project. But new data obtained by Travis Perkins highlights how timelines can vary significantly across different parts of the country, depending on the complexity of applications and wider pressures on the system. Planning guidance also suggests that
JJ Rhatigan has been appointed to deliver the first phase of a major new housing development at the former London Chest Hospital site in Bethnal Green, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited regeneration of the historic East London location. The contractor secured the £32m design and build contract following
More than £24.6 million will be invested in local infrastructure as part of the planning agreement for a community of up to 800 new homes which is set to be built in Water Eaton. Bellway and Christ Church Oxford have worked together on the plans to create a sustainable community
Homes England has launched the search for a development partner to help restart the long-awaited transformation of Nottingham’s former Broad Marsh shopping centre. The government housing agency began preliminary market engagement at UKREiiF as it looks to bring forward a major mixed-use regeneration scheme on one of Nottingham’s most prominent
Maintenance, refurbishment and fit-out contractor Novus Property Solutions has secured a new contract with Aspire Housing to deliver improvements across the housing association’s portfolio of homes in Staffordshire and Cheshire. With many of the windows and doors across the portfolio now more than a decade old, the improvement works are essential to improving building
New platform to support repair services across more than 40,000 homes Housing Maintenance Solutions (HMS), Torus Group’s in-house building and maintenance contractor, has partnered with Totalmobile to enhance housing repair services in the North West. Supporting around 83,000 tenants across more than 40,000 homes, HMS will adopt Totalmobile’s award-winning Field
Marks & Spencer has continued its nationwide investment programme with the opening of 15 new stores over the past year as the retailer pushes ahead with plans to modernise its estate and strengthen long-term growth. In its preliminary results for the year ending 28 March 2026, M&S confirmed it had opened 12 new food stores alongside three new full-line locations as part of its wider store rotation and expansion strategy. The retailer said it is entering the 2026/27 financial year with a renewed focus on three core investment areas — supply chain modernisation, technology transformation and upgrading its store portfolio — with a strong pipeline of larger, high-volume stores now planned. The expansion reflects M&S’s ongoing strategy to reposition its estate around modern retail formats, stronger food-led locations and more efficient, digitally enabled operations designed to improve customer experience and long-term trading performance. Despite challenging market conditions, the business said it remains committed to investing in both quality and value while accelerating the pace of transformation across the company. M&S reported an adjusted pre-tax profit of £671.4m for the year, representing a year-on-year decline of 23.8%. Chief executive Stuart Machin said retailers continue to face a “triple whammy” of pressures, including increased taxation, greater regulation and ongoing global instability. However, he stressed that M&S remains focused on long-term investment and operational improvement rather than short-term challenges. Machin said the company’s priority is to “protect the magic of M&S while modernising the rest”, highlighting the momentum now building across the business. The retailer’s investment programme comes amid wider change across the UK retail property market, where major occupiers are increasingly prioritising modern, high-performing locations capable of supporting omnichannel retailing, operational efficiency and evolving customer expectations. M&S has continued to invest heavily in store upgrades, food hall expansion, digital infrastructure and logistics improvements as part of its long-term growth strategy. The company’s latest openings also reflect continued confidence in physical retail, particularly in high-footfall locations and convenience-led food formats, despite ongoing pressures across the wider retail sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A five-unit Grade A industrial and logistics development totalling 192,000 sq ft, designed to deliver high-specification sustainable industrial space in Buckinghamshire. Glencar has been appointed by Newlands to deliver Link, Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. The development will comprise five Grade A speculative industrial units totalling approximately 192,000 sq ft and is designed to meet growing demand for high-quality industrial and logistics accommodation in the region. Located at Gatehouse Close, Aylesbury, the scheme will provide flexible industrial and warehouse space built to a high sustainability specification. The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, reflecting a strong focus on environmental performance, energy efficiency, and long-term operational sustainability. The project will include associated infrastructure and external works, including service yards, car parking, landscaping, ground improvement works, and extensive Section 278 highway upgrades. The units have been designed to accommodate a range of industrial and logistics occupiers, offering modern specification warehouse and employment space in a strategically located South East logistics market. Roy Jones, Managing Director – South at Glencar, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed by Newlands to deliver Link, Aylesbury. This is a high-quality industrial development that aligns strongly with our expertise in delivering sustainable, best-in-class logistics and industrial schemes across the South of England. “The project’s strong sustainability credentials, including its BREEAM Excellent target and EPC A rating, demonstrate the shared ambition of the wider team to deliver future-focused industrial space that meets the evolving needs of occupiers. We look forward to commencing works and working collaboratively with Newlands and the professional team to bring the development forward successfully.” James Miller, Head of Construction at Newlands Developments, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Glencar again and look forward to delivering this project together as part of our upcoming portfolio of mid box schemes.” The project team includes Rame Consulting as PM / EA / QS, AJA Architects, and Burrows Graham as engineer. Construction is scheduled to commence in May 2026, with completion targeted for May 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest insight from property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, has found that utilities, cleaning and gardening are the most common block management requirements, accounting for almost two thirds of all call-outs and maintenance tasks carried out in 2025. Rushbrook & Rathbone’s internal data shines a light on what most frequently drives costs when it comes to block management, analysing both the volume of works carried out and the share of expenditure attributed to each category during 2025. The data shows that utilities were the single most common block management requirement in 2025, accounting for 30.6% of all call-outs and works undertaken. Cleaning and window cleaning ranked second, accounting for 22.1%, whilst gardening made up a further 12.7%. Together, these three categories accounted for 65.4% of all block management activity across the year. General maintenance ranked fourth, accounting for 6.3% of activity, followed closely by fire risk assessment and health and safety requirements at 6.2%. Electrical services also accounted for 5.0% of all work undertaken. However, the categories that occurred most often were not necessarily those that accounted for the largest share of total expenditure. Gardening accounted for the largest share of block management spend in 2025 at 14.9%, followed by insurance at 14.5%, largely driven by increasing premiums across the market, particularly for older buildings or those with higher risk profiles. Management fees also ranked highly at 14.2%, driven by financial administration, compliance with evolving legislation, contractor management, and resident communication, along with cleaning and window cleaning at 14.1%. Despite accounting for 30.6% of all activity, utilities represented just 7.4% of total expenditure, reflecting the fact that whilst they are by far the most frequent requirement, they are generally lower cost on an individual basis. Susan Feasey, Associate Director – Block Management at Rushbrook & Rathbone, commented: “Many people assume that the biggest costs in block management come from major repairs or emergency works, but in reality it is often the more routine and recurring requirements that have the greatest impact. Utilities, cleaning and gardening may not sound particularly significant in isolation, but because they are required so frequently they account for a huge proportion of both the time and cost involved in managing a building. At the same time, there are categories such as insurance and management fees that occur far less frequently, but still make up a significant proportion of overall expenditure. What this really highlights is the complexity of block management. It is not simply about reacting when something goes wrong, but about coordinating a wide range of ongoing requirements in order to keep a building running safely, smoothly and cost effectively.” Data tables and sources Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Average rents in Bristol have fallen by 3.8% and rental properties are taking longer to let, according to a new report released as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force. But rental platform Rentaroof has warned the slowdown may only be temporary rather than a sign of lasting affordability, with similar reforms in the Netherlands leading to a major reduction in available rental homes after landlords exited the market. Rentaroof says the Q1 2026 figures provide an important baseline for measuring the long-term impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on Bristol’s rental market over the next 12 months, in terms of rental supply, pricing and landlord behaviour. Key findings from the report include: The average monthly rent in Bristol now stands at £1,464, down from £1,522 during the same period in 2025. Apartment and flat rents, which make up Bristol’s largest rental category, recorded the biggest shift, falling by 3.6% (£57) year-on-year to an average of £1,514. In contrast, rents for houses and rooms both increased slightly by 0.6%, with the average house now costing £2,009 per month and rooms averaging £657. Five districts’ prices were analysed in the report and all recorded overall price reductions, with Bristol City Centre experiencing the sharpest fall at 10.9%. Rentaroof says the area’s high concentration of flats appears to have amplified the slowdown within the apartment market. Despite this, the City Centre still commands some of Bristol’s highest rents, reflecting the continued premium attached to central living. As the previous year, Horfield tracked as the most expensive district, with average rents of £1,802. It also recorded the smallest decline at just 1.6%, suggesting demand has remained resilient at the upper end of the market. Fishponds – the third most expensive district – saw rents fall by 8.7%, bringing average monthly costs to £1,437. At the more affordable end of the market, Bedminster recorded an 8.5% drop to £1,171 per month, while Easton saw rents fall 5.2% to an average of £1,103. The average time rental properties remain on the market in Bristol has also increased over the past year, rising from 25 days to 31 days. Redcliffe and Montpelier are currently the city’s fastest-moving areas, with homes letting in around 18 to 19 days on average, while Bristol City Centre has become one of the slowest markets at 43 days. Time-to-let analysis also included Southville (23 days) and Northville (41 days). Despite the slowdown, properties across Bristol are still typically letting within around six weeks, suggesting overall tenant demand remains active. Commenting on the findings, Jasper de Groot, CEO of Rentaroof UK, said: “Britain is heading in the same direction as the Netherlands when it comes to rental reform, and the warning signs are already there. “In the Netherlands, similar changes led to a sharp reduction in rental supply as landlords and investors exited the market. Around 12.5% of the total private rental stock, equating to more than 80,000 homes, were eventually sold off and removed from the sector. “In Bristol, we’re already seeing rents soften and properties taking longer to let, particularly in flat-heavy areas such as the City Centre. “We also expect landlord behaviour to change significantly under the Renters’ Rights Act. In high-demand areas such as Redcliffe and Montpelier, landlords are likely to increase advertised rents upfront because they will no longer be able to rely on above-asking bidding to achieve higher final rents. “The bigger concern is supply. International evidence suggests rental stock is likely to decline over time if landlords continue exiting the market. “The latest English Private Landlord Survey already shows 31% of landlords are planning to reduce their portfolios, suggesting supply pressures could intensify over the coming years. “If supply continues to tighten, today’s softer conditions could eventually reverse and place upward pressure on rents again.” Rent changes impact around a quarter of Bristol’s households, and student-friendly listings now account for 36.6% of Bristol’s rental supply, above the UK average of 31.1%, reflecting the city’s large student population and concentration of shared accommodation. Rentaroof says this also impacts Bristol’s overall rental averages, as a significant proportion of the market is made up of lower-cost room and shared-property stock. Rentaroof is a UK rental search and alert platform designed to help renters find and secure properties in competitive markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Securing planning permission is one of the most important stages of any construction project. But new data obtained by Travis Perkins highlights how timelines can vary significantly across different parts of the country, depending on the complexity of applications and wider pressures on the system. Planning guidance also suggests that delays are not always down to the process itself, with avoidable issues within applications often contributing to longer decision times. In this piece, Travis Perkins looks at the most common mistakes and how to avoid them, helping project teams keep timelines on track and projects moving. Submitting incomplete or incorrect information One of the most common reasons planning applications are delayed is because they are marked invalid at the point of submission. Research from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has found that insufficient or incorrect information is the leading cause of delays to planning applications, highlighting how avoidable administrative issues can significantly slow down the process. Guidance from local planning authorities, including Cotswold District Council, also shows that applications are frequently held up due to missing documents, inaccurate plans or incomplete forms. Common issues include incorrect site location plans, missing ownership certificates and failing to include the correct supporting reports. Even small administrative errors can cause delays. Missing a signature, submitting plans at the wrong scale or failing to include the correct fee can all prevent an application from being validated. When an application is marked invalid, it cannot progress until the required information is submitted, which can add weeks or even months to the process. In some cases, applications may need to be resubmitted entirely, restarting parts of the timeline. Our FOI data shows that even straightforward developments can take between 11 and 22 weeks to determine, meaning delays at validation stage can significantly extend overall timelines. Lee Jackson, Technical Director, Travis Perkins Managed Services at Travis Perkins, says, “Delays often start with relatively small issues at submission stage — missing documents, inconsistent drawings or incomplete supporting information. Taking the time to get the application pack right first time can prevent unnecessary delays further into the programme.” Not aligning with local planning policies Another common mistake is submitting proposals that do not fully consider local planning requirements or wider building regulations at an early enough stage. Each council operates under its own planning policies, covering areas such as design, land use, environmental protection and infrastructure. Applications that conflict with these policies are more likely to be refused or require revisions, which can extend timelines and increase costs. Industry guidance for small developers highlights that overlooking local policy requirements is one of the most frequent reasons schemes run into difficulty, particularly where proposals do not reflect local design standards or community considerations. This is reflected in FOI findings, where some applications were rejected due to concerns around highways, landscape impact and ecology, showing how important it is to consider how a development fits within its surrounding area. In some cases, this can also extend to the materials specified within an application, where elements such as bricks, external finishes or structural components like foundation blocks may need to align with local design and planning policies. Lee Jackson says, “One point that I see all too often is that at the planning stage, current regulations are not always considered as the main focus is on the design. “This is often apparent with Part O, where designs may incorporate large areas of glazing which later need to be reduced during the technical design stage to comply with overheating regulations. This can result in planning consent amendments, adding further time to the process. “Using digital design tools earlier in the process can also help teams assess embodied carbon, test different design approaches and ensure proposals are fully compliant before submission. “Using the regulations to help inform the design from the outset can also support applications with stronger sustainability credentials, particularly when considering factors such as property orientation and the positioning of glazing. “Considering both embodied and in use carbon can also provide valuable supporting information beyond the minimum requirements needed for an application.” For project teams, reviewing local planning policies and technical compliance requirements at an early stage can help reduce the risk of objections, redesigns and amendments later in the process. Factoring in local requirements from the start can lead to a more efficient planning process and improve the chances of securing approval without delays. Failing to engage with neighbours and consultation early Another issue that can delay planning applications is a lack of early engagement with neighbours and local stakeholders. Once an application is submitted, it typically enters a consultation period where nearby residents and interested parties can raise objections or concerns. While not all objections will prevent approval, they can lead to requests for further information or changes to the proposal, which can slow down the decision process. Planning guidance highlights that objections are usually considered based on specific factors such as: • Loss of light or overshadowing• Overlooking or loss of privacy• Increased noise levels• Traffic and access concerns• The scale, height or design of the development Concerns that fall outside of these areas are less likely to influence the outcome, but well founded objections can still result in delays or revisions. This means that even relatively small projects can face setbacks if potential concerns are not addressed early. Jackson comments, “Engaging with neighbours early can help identify potential concerns before an application is submitted. Small changes to a design at an early stage can often prevent more significant issues later on.” For developers and project teams, taking a proactive approach to consultation can help minimise objections and avoid delays once an application is under review. Understanding local sensitivities and addressing concerns upfront can lead to a smoother planning process and improve the chances of approval. Applying for planning permission when permitted development would be enough Another common mistake is applying for full planning permission when the work could fall under permitted development rights. Government guidance
JJ Rhatigan has been appointed to deliver the first phase of a major new housing development at the former London Chest Hospital site in Bethnal Green, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited regeneration of the historic East London location. The contractor secured the £32m design and build contract following a competitive four-way tender process involving Lovell, Graham and Formation Design & Build. The project is being delivered for Bonner Road LLP, linked to Clarion Housing Group’s development arm, Latimer, and forms the opening phase of a wider masterplan that will transform the former hospital site into a new mixed-tenure residential neighbourhood. The initial phase will provide 76 affordable homes across two residential blocks, alongside associated landscaping and public realm works. The homes are expected to focus heavily on social rent provision, forming a key part of the development’s affordable housing strategy. Overall, the wider scheme will deliver 274 homes, with 50% affordable housing measured by habitable room. Construction is expected to commence from June, with works scheduled to continue through to February 2031. Designed by architects AHMM, the masterplan combines new-build housing with the restoration of several important heritage assets on the site, including the Grade II-listed main hospital building, Sanitary Tower and South Wing. All three buildings are currently included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Alongside the refurbishment of the historic structures, the wider regeneration plans include five new residential buildings ranging from five to nine storeys, as well as new community space and extensive landscaping. A key part of the proposals is the opening of the former hospital grounds to the public for the first time in almost a decade. Plans include more than 1,100 sq m of open space, a new public square off St James’ Avenue and the restoration of the site’s historic formal lawn. The development will also protect one of the East End’s most notable natural landmarks — a veteran Mulberry tree believed to be among the oldest in the area — which will remain preserved in its original location. The project represents another major step in East London’s ongoing regeneration pipeline, combining affordable housing delivery with heritage restoration and enhanced public realm investment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than £24.6 million will be invested in local infrastructure as part of the planning agreement for a community of up to 800 new homes which is set to be built in Water Eaton. Bellway and Christ Church Oxford have worked together on the plans to create a sustainable community on land to the east of Oxford Road. The development will provide up to 400 affordable homes and serve as a new gateway to the city of Oxford. Cherwell District Council’s planning committee first gave its backing to the outline plans in June 2024. The formal planning agreement has now been issued, detailing the wider commitments Bellway and Christ Church have made. Financial contributions include £7.74 million for primary education, £5.86 million for secondary education, more than £6.5 million towards roads and transport and more than £2.2 million for sports facilities. The development will enhance biodiversity on the land by more than 20 per cent and has been awarded a Building with Nature design accreditation. Paul Smits, Managing Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “This new community in Water Eaton has been designed to bring benefits to local residents and to the environment. “This requires more than simply building homes. Our plans demonstrate how the foundations will be laid for a new neighbourhood featuring vast areas of parkland, orchards and play areas, a community area and school, as well as new housing, all connected by walkways and cycle paths to encourage green modes of travel. “Wildlife habitats will be created and enhanced, while historic features such as the underground remains of historic barrows will be protected. “The provision of up to 400 energy-efficient affordable homes, as well as the significant financial support for local services, will deliver tangible benefits to people living in this part of Oxfordshire.” Wilf Stephenson, Chief Information Officer for Christ Church, said: “Four hundred affordable homes in Oxford is a significant number, and one that reflects Christ Church’s genuine commitment to the communities around its landholdings. “Sustainability has been central to the design of this development from the outset: our Responsible Ownership Policy for Property sets rigorous standards across ecology, energy, carbon and wellbeing, and those standards have shaped every decision taken at Water Eaton. “We look forward to seeing a community built here that benefits both the people who live in it and the environment around it.” The development will provide land for a new primary school and funding towards land for a secondary school. Financial contributions will also support household recycling, road and transport improvements, and a community development worker. The outline planning consent gives formal approval to the masterplan and core areas of the development. Detailed plans for each area will be prepared by Bellway and submitted to Cherwell District Council for approval before work begins. The first detailed planning application for infrastructure is due to be submitted in the coming weeks, with a residential application to follow soon afterwards. Bellway hopes to start work later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homes England has launched the search for a development partner to help restart the long-awaited transformation of Nottingham’s former Broad Marsh shopping centre. The government housing agency began preliminary market engagement at UKREiiF as it looks to bring forward a major mixed-use regeneration scheme on one of Nottingham’s most prominent city centre sites. The former shopping centre has remained partly demolished since the collapse of retail group intu in 2020, leaving the site in limbo and creating a major gap in the city’s urban fabric. Homes England stepped in last year to acquire the site from Nottingham City Council, including land west of the Green Heart, a multi-storey car park, Severns House and a former college site. The wider Broad Marsh vision is expected to deliver around 1,000 new homes, alongside up to 20,000 sq m of retail, office and community space. The project is also set to include Grade A offices, leisure uses, improved public realm and new green spaces. The latest market engagement is aimed at identifying an experienced master development partner capable of helping to accelerate delivery and unlock the site’s potential as a new city quarter. Demolition works, expected to cost around £30m, are already well underway. The scheme is being brought forward through a collaboration between Homes England, Nottingham City Council and the East Midlands Combined County Authority. The partners hope work on the main redevelopment can begin in 2028. Plans for Broad Marsh focus on reconnecting key city centre destinations and improving routes for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. New public spaces will be shaped around Nottingham’s “green heart”, helping to create a more open, accessible and sustainable part of the city centre. Homes England Executive Regional Director for the Midlands, Jo Nugent, said: “Broad Marsh presents a transformative opportunity for Nottingham. “Our partnership with Nottingham City Council, and now the East Midlands Combined Authority, formalised through our Collaboration Agreement, reflects a unified commitment from the public sector to bring this project to market successfully. “We are now focused on securing an experienced Master Development Partner who shares our vision and will work collaboratively with us to deliver a vibrant, mixed-use city quarter that Nottingham can be proud of for generations to come.” If delivered as planned, the Broad Marsh redevelopment will mark a major step forward for Nottingham’s regeneration ambitions, turning a stalled retail site into a new destination for homes, jobs, leisure and community life. Development timeline Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maintenance, refurbishment and fit-out contractor Novus Property Solutions has secured a new contract with Aspire Housing to deliver improvements across the housing association’s portfolio of homes in Staffordshire and Cheshire. With many of the windows and doors across the portfolio now more than a decade old, the improvement works are essential to improving building efficiency and performance, alongside occupant comfort and safety. As an experienced maintenance and refurbishment contractor, the Novus team will carry out these essential works sensitively to minimise disruption for residents. As the efficiency of homes comes under greater scrutiny en route to net-zero, the improvements carried out by Novus will contribute towards the longevity of social homes within Aspire Housing’s portfolio. “We’re really pleased to be working with Aspire Housing to deliver new windows and doors across their homes,” says David Barnes, Operations Manager at Novus Property Solutions. “Many of their properties are close to our head office, making this a local project for us and an opportunity to make a difference in our own community and beyond. That makes it an opportunity to deliver a high standard of improvement works that make a genuine impact on residents in our local community. “We’d like to thank Aspire Housing for selecting us as one of two contractors for this project, alongside Anglian Windows. Together, we’ll be upgrading windows and doors across approximately 200 properties, making a real difference to occupant comfort while ensuring these homes are fit for purpose for years to come.” Project mobilisation is already underway for the projects, with improvement works due to commence in July. As part of Novus’ commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled workers in the construction industry, an apprentice will work alongside the highly experienced team to deliver works across the project. Aspire Housing has more than 9,500 homes in its portfolio and is committed to putting its 19,000 customers first with the delivery of safe, decent homes. To find out more about Novus Property Solutions and its work in the social housing sector, visit: www.novussolutions.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New platform to support repair services across more than 40,000 homes Housing Maintenance Solutions (HMS), Torus Group’s in-house building and maintenance contractor, has partnered with Totalmobile to enhance housing repair services in the North West. Supporting around 83,000 tenants across more than 40,000 homes, HMS will adopt Totalmobile’s award-winning Field First platform to streamline job tracking and provide real-time updates for its operational teams. Through the partnership, HMS will bring job management, mobile working and real-time operational insight into a single system, giving teams clearer visibility of work in progress, supporting more efficient scheduling and helping ensure repairs are completed more quickly and consistently for residents. David Webb, Managing Director for Housing at Totalmobile, said: “Across the sector, expectations around repairs and maintenance have shifted. Housing providers and their maintenance partners need to be able to see what’s happening in real time, respond quickly and maintain control over increasingly complex operations. Partnerships like this are about putting those foundations in place, so services can be delivered consistently and residents know what to expect.” John Barrow, Managing Director at HMS, said: “By partnering with Totalmobile, we’re building a strong foundation for the future of our repairs and maintenance service. With the Field First platform, we will have full operational visibility, which will help us respond more effectively and keep customers informed as issues are resolved quickly.” As housing providers continue to scale operations and respond to rising expectations, there is an increasing focus on improving efficiency, visibility and service consistency across maintenance delivery. For Totalmobile, the partnership reflects continued growth in supporting housing maintenance organisations responsible for large-scale property operations. For more information about Totalmobile, visit the Field Service Management Hub Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals