Throughout 2025 Ashe Construction has been looking for ways to reduce avoidable waste across its sites and has been asking for the support of subcontractors to achieve this. During the tendering process, clients often ask contractors how they are going to reduce the amount of waste through the delivery of
BPF advancing merger with AREF and IPF to create new representative body to be called Real Estate: UK Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land, today becomes President of the British Property Federation (BPF), succeeding Jessica Hardman, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Aboria Capital, who served as BPF President from
James Latham provides HIMACS® bringing style and strength to Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s stunning new ticket desk and bar areas The show begins long before the curtain rises at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. First impressions matter, and the theatre’s public spaces play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s experience. So, when architectural
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling systems, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Sonify range has been awarded the internationally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD 2025. The award, a global symbol of design excellence, is presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, one of the world’s oldest and
Lighting is playing an ever-increasingly important role in the circular economy. Luminaires are no longer seen as part of the disposable society, thanks to a recognition that they can be upgraded and refurbished to extend their lifetime. Responsible manufacturers are integrating this approach into the design of luminaires from the
Offsite housing specialist TALO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Darren Pace as its new Head of Operations. He joins TALO as part of its continued expansion to further accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy housing across the UK. His role is to enhance the client journey
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy
Be First, the regeneration delivery agency for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has appointed Andrew Savege as its new Development Director. Andrew joins from Wates Residential, where he played a key role in delivering major regeneration projects and forming long-term public-private partnerships. With over two decades of experience
Multi-disciplinary engineering contractor Spencer Group has been recognised for its dedication to employee wellbeing, social responsibility and fostering young talent. Spencer Group claimed the award for Best Place to Work – Contractor in the prestigious New Civil Engineer Awards 2025. The award recognises a business that has implemented exemplary initiatives
Wingstop has continued its rapid UK expansion with the launch of a new restaurant at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq ft venue offers seating for over 136 diners and marks another significant step in the fried chicken chain’s strategic growth across
Throughout 2025 Ashe Construction has been looking for ways to reduce avoidable waste across its sites and has been asking for the support of subcontractors to achieve this. During the tendering process, clients often ask contractors how they are going to reduce the amount of waste through the delivery of a contract. Contractors must prove that they are actively achieving the outcomes set out in their Net Zero target, and in turn reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Throughout the construction phase, waste can be reduced in a variety of ways, from minimising packaging waste and the use of single-use plastics, to reducing the environmental impact around disposing of materials left at the end of each work package. Ashe’s head of sustainability, James Bisco said: “We have a focus on seeing a 25% reduction in avoidable waste throughout 2025 as declared in roadmap to Net Zero. But this is an industry-wide issue and it’s not simple to fix so one of the ways we’re tackling the problem is by raising awareness of the wider impacts of construction waste and of disposal of materials which are fit to be reused elsewhere. This is why it’s so important to get the support of our subcontractors.” During recent trials of Ashe’s new sustainability audit process, James visited Shipston School where Ashe was carrying out a £2m refurbishment. James was struck by the amount of waste he saw in one skip on the site that was loaded with full lengths of construction products and with some still in their wrapping. He explains: “Construction traditionally generates a good deal of avoidable waste; these are generally over ordered materials which are thrown away once the contract package is complete. It is standard practice, everyone does it, the products have been paid for and ‘out of sight -out of mind’, but they could so easily be reused on another project. “I’m really interested in finding out how we can reduce waste. Could we more accurately estimate the amount of materials needed, for example, and could we reduce costs if more accurate material estimates were possible?” James asked the procurement team for Shipston School to contact contractor SEC MEP to find out if there was any way they could reduce their waste on the project. Lea Kane, sales director at SEC MEP arranged for the surplus materials on the project to be assessed. A toolbox talk with their team was quickly arranged resulting in the materials fit for purpose to be brought back to their head office stores to be reused on another project or returned to the wholesaler for a credit. Ashe’s question also triggered a senior management review of materials stored at SEC’s headquarters along with a full stock take of returned materials. Lea said: “The value of the items in our stores equated to £8.2k and we now have a comprehensive list of materials that can be used across our sites. We have put in place a new procedure for using the stores procurement schedule, as part of our overall procurement and waste management control in line with our ISO procedures. “We will always have some surplus materials like part cable drums, containment, pipe and consumables at the end of each project, and these can either be brought back to our stores or if some quantities are one-offs, they’ll get skipped for recycling.” SEC endeavours to return any larger quantities to the wholesaler for credits providing the packaging is not damaged. But one of the main concerns the company has currently is failure rates on products with manufacturers sometimes asking for faulty units to be returned or they write them off and are disposed of in a skip. Lea continues: “At SEC, we have contract reviews on all our projects to monitor costs and to review procurement schedules to ensure we are not over ordering and buying within our budgets. Therefore, the project managers have financial control including a three-quote system to obtain “best product and best buy” and we don’t have comfort for surplus materials on site or wastage. SEC also finds that clients changing their minds with variations can leave contracts with surplus materials and once paid for, wholesalers and manufactures are very reluctant to take them back, often charging a handling fee for a return if agreeable. Lea added: “SEC fully supports Ashe’s approach to its Road Map to Net Zero campaign, and we foresee ourselves providing evidence and KPIs to ensure the collaborative approach is met and fully supported across all our sites.” James concludes: “Contractors may not be able to influence wholesalers and manufacturers to make it easier to return unused items, but we’ve changed the way one of our subcontractors thinks about waste and if we can have this influence on all our projects, we’ll go a long way towards our target of a 25% reduction in avoidable waste on our sites.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BPF advancing merger with AREF and IPF to create new representative body to be called Real Estate: UK Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land, today becomes President of the British Property Federation (BPF), succeeding Jessica Hardman, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Aboria Capital, who served as BPF President from July 2024. Simon has been a member of the Board of British Land since 2018, first as Chief Financial Officer and as Chief Executive since 2020, where he oversees a diverse portfolio including mixed-use London campuses, retail parks and urban logistics, as well as the regeneration of a 53-acre site at Canada Water. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Logicor and prior to that Finance Director of Quintain. Simon, who has been a BPF Board Member since 2023, will work closely with BPF Vice President Jo Allen (Chief Executive of Frogmore) and Melanie Leech, BPF Chief Executive, to champion the role of real estate in driving economic growth and regeneration and lead engagement with government to shape policy that supports long-term investment. Simon’s appointment also comes at a pivotal moment as the BPF, the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) and the Investment Property Forum (IPF) prepare to ask their members to vote on a proposal to merge and create a new representative body for the industry. It is announced today that the new organisation would be named Real Estate: UK (RE:UK). Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land and BPF President, said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of President of the British Property Federation. Our industry plays a vital role in shaping places and supporting communities across the country, and makes an enormous contribution to the UK economy in creating jobs, unlocking investment and enabling innovation. “Under Jessica’s leadership the BPF has seen significant success in securing crucial policy interventions and support that will unlock investment into UK real estate. I look forward to building on that strong foundation to ensure the Government fully harnesses the power of our sector. “I hope that our members will endorse our vision to build an even more powerful new industry body in RE:UK, and look forward to taking the baton from Jessica to oversee that transition during my Presidency.” Melanie Leech, Chief Executive, British Property Federation, said: “This is a critical time for our industry as we work with Government to deliver the homes, workspaces and infrastructure needed to reboot the economy and drive growth. “Simon’s extensive experience and knowledge across finance and development will be invaluable as we manage the twin challenges of helping to shape policy that will unlock investment and accelerate delivery, and – if our members agree – transitioning to a new organisation building on the strengths of the BPF, AREF and IPF. “I would also like to thank Jessica for her dedication and outstanding leadership over the past year as we have developed and refined our plans for a new body that will represent the full breadth of the real estate sector and amplify our voice.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
James Latham provides HIMACS® bringing style and strength to Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s stunning new ticket desk and bar areas The show begins long before the curtain rises at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. First impressions matter, and the theatre’s public spaces play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s experience. So, when architectural practice Design Unlimited was tasked with redesigning the venue’s busy box office and bar area, two of the venue’s most high-traffic spaces, they needed a solution that was both visually striking and built to last. To meet the challenge, the team partnered with Medlock FRB and James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of timber, panels and decorative panels. Together, they chose HIMACS, an advanced solid surface known for its design flexibility and durability, to bring their vision to life. Let’s take a closer look behind the scenes at how this transformative project came together… The essential warm-up act The Garrick’s bold brand colours, including vibrant yellows, blues, greens, and pinks, meant any new addition to the space needed to hold its own, but not compete. To balance the scheme, Designs Unlimited opted for a calm, neutral backdrop for the new box office. At the heart of this vision was a sculptural reception desk specified to be understated yet impactful. For this, Designs Unlimited was set on using HIMACS in Arctic White. Sourced through James Latham and crafted in collaboration with Medlock FRB the solid surface material was key to realising their concept. HIMACS’s ability to be seamlessly joined and its thermoformable properties made it possible to create a fluid, continuous surface, allowing for a subtle dropped section to accommodate wheelchair users. This thoughtful detail blends effortlessly into the overall design, reflecting the theatre’s commitment to inclusivity without drawing attention to accessibility features. As Jo Heyse-Moore, lead interior designer on the project explains, “The box office is the first stop for most visitors, so we wanted it to be instantly recognisable, which is why we used plain tones that contrast with the expressive colours that feature elsewhere. The ability to cut, bend, twist, and shape the HIMACS sheets meant that we could be far more playful with the furniture’s structure, giving it its own identity. It immediately stands out as a prominent feature, performing an artistic purpose as well as a functional one, much like material itself.” HIMACS Bar None HIMACS wasn’t just chosen for its sleek aesthetic, it ticked every box when it came to performance. With excellent impact and scratch resistance, a non-porous surface, and the ability to seamlessly join sheets, it’s hygienic, durable, and easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for the bustling bar areas of the theatre. Designs Unlimited selected HIMACS in Ebony Concrete for the back-of-bar workspaces, where the surface must withstand constant use, from food prep, and drink spills, to the occasional broken glass. Its durability is matched by long-term value, too, thanks to a 15-year limited warranty that extends the refurbishment cycle, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. “Designing for bar areas is a unique challenge,” explains Heyse-Moore. “They need to look inviting to customers, but the working areas behind the bar see heavy use and require frequent cleaning. That puts pressure on the materials we specify, especially for surfaces.” She adds, “Stainless steel is a popular choice, but it scratches and dents easily. Timber is beautiful but needs a lot of upkeep to stay that way. HIMACS offered the best of both worlds – robust performance with a premium finish. And the colour range is impeccable. While we stuck to neutrals for this space, the bold shades open up exciting possibilities for future projects.” To find out more about HIMACS, click here. To find out more about James Latham and its extensive catalogue of premium décors click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling systems, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Sonify range has been awarded the internationally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD 2025. The award, a global symbol of design excellence, is presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, one of the world’s oldest and most respected independent design organisations. The Sonify innovation won in the Product Discipline, Building Technology Category, distinguishing itself from nearly 11,000 entries submitted from 66 countries. This prestigious recognition affirms Zentia’s dedication to innovation, functionality, and aesthetic excellence in architectural design. Sonify by Zentia redefines the possibilities in acoustic ceiling solutions. At its core is a patented fastening system that delivers unprecedented precision in rafts and baffles alignment while reducing installation time by up to 50%. This design breakthrough ensures a faster, more efficient construction process without compromising design quality. Sonify empowers architects and designers with complete planning reliability, from concept to completion. Produced in the North East of England, the system offers exceptional lead times and a wide range of customisable shapes and colour options, allowing for total creative freedom. Whether for educational, commercial, or cultural environments, Sonify adapts to diverse architectural needs while maintaining acoustic performance and visual impact. “Winning the iF Design Award 2025 is a tremendous honour and a proud moment for everyone at Zentia,” said Gert Van Doormalen, Managing Director, at Zentia. “Sonify represents our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, innovation,acoustic performance and ease of installation. From its inception, our goal was to create a system that not only meets technical requirements but elevates the sensory experience of a space, how it sounds, how it feels, and how it inspires. Receiving this recognition is a proud milestone for our team, whose hard work, creativity, and belief in what Sonify could achieve has truly paid off. What’s even more exciting is seeing Sonify already in use on a diverse range of real-world projects, bringing dynamic, design-led acoustic solutions to life. This award is more than a celebration; it’s a validation of our vision and a powerful motivator as we continue to support architects and designers across the UK and beyond in rethinking what ceilings can do.”” The international jury, composed of 131 independent design experts from across the globe, praised Sonify’s blend of technical sophistication, user-focused design, and architectural versatility. The award reinforces Zentia’s position at the forefront of ceiling innovation and celebrates its ongoing commitment to elevating interior environments through smart, sustainable solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lighting is playing an ever-increasingly important role in the circular economy. Luminaires are no longer seen as part of the disposable society, thanks to a recognition that they can be upgraded and refurbished to extend their lifetime. Responsible manufacturers are integrating this approach into the design of luminaires from the outset, providing greater convenience to sustainability. David Goddard, Head of UK Projects from LEDVANCE explores this principle. For many years the lighting industry faced the challenge of reducing electronic waste. The barrier to achieving this was the limited lifespan that traditional light sources, and even early generation LEDs, offered. To address this, responsible manufacturers have adopted manufacturing practices that enable luminaires to be part of the circular economy. At its heart, the circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves reusing, repairing, refurbishing existing products for as long as possible. The lifecycle of products is subsequently extended and is a move away from the linear economic model society had become reliant on. The unsustainable linear model is one which involves large quantities of cheap, and therefore rapidly disposable, products. These are never recycled or upgraded and ultimately end up being sent to landfill on an all too frequent basis. One example of the circular economy in practice is LEDVANCE’s EVERLOOP approach. This principle enables the replacement of individual light sources and drivers in a convenient way, rather than having to replace luminaires in their entirety. The purpose behind EVERLOOP is that it is integrated into the LED from the offset, allowing for the straightforward upgrade with new drivers and new LED light sources at any time. This means the luminaires have an almost unlimited lifespan. The ease of replacement is key to the success of this sustainability practice. Having the ability to change the driver and light source embedded into the luminaire offers a convenient choice for many across the industry. This includes installers, planners, and facilities managers, among others wanting to secure sustainable efficiency of industrial and office applications, as well as public buildings. The EVERLOOP approach is one way that LEDVANCE is contributing to the EU’s plan to reduce electronic waste. As well as meeting legislative requirements and targets, it also represents how lighting manufacturers are demonstrating efforts and measures that go above and beyond to address sustainability matters. There are many reasons why focusing on the reduction of electronic waste is crucial. Firstly, the re-use of existing products slows down the use of natural resources and raw materials. This means a reduction in landscape and habitat disruption as materials do not need to be mined. A circular economy further protects the natural environment by lowering the amount of waste that is sent to landfill, or disposed of through burning. Figures from the World Resources Institute show that each year, 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced globally. This is in addition to 54 million tonnes of electronic waste. Designing products that can be used for much longer will reduce waste levels, and therefore pressure on the environment. Adding to this, creating more efficient and sustainable products from the beginning of its lifecycle helps to lower energy and resource consumption. This is because, according to research published by the European Parliament, it is estimated that more than 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase. To put this into context, data shows that around 45% of global greenhouse gas comes from product use and manufacturing. By implementing circular economy strategies that reduce this need to keep producing more and more, will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. This has the ability to reduce and potentially reverse some of the negative implications of climate change. The circular economy also secures benefits that go beyond the individual products themselves. A reduction in the number of new products also lowers the associated packaging that needs to be disposed of. By upgrading the products that are in situ, there is less packaging for the replacement products – only what is needed to transport and store them safely. This in turn lowers the amount of waste, that in too many cases is still non-recyclable, that will be sent to landfill. The role of lighting in the circular economy is clear to see, especially when there is an easy solution to challenging the outdated and detrimental linear model. The move to refurbishing and upgrading luminaires is becoming increasingly commonplace, and LEDVANCE is proud to be part of this movement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Offsite housing specialist TALO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Darren Pace as its new Head of Operations. He joins TALO as part of its continued expansion to further accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy housing across the UK. His role is to enhance the client journey post-planning, including offsite manufacturing and site installation. Darren brings around 30 years of experience to his new role, having worked in both timber-framed construction and MMC for a number of industry leaders. Most recently, he led the construction of luxury homes in the Cotswolds for a global developer, which used timber offsite technology. At TALO, Darren will lead all aspects of project delivery, working closely with developer clients and housebuilders, their design teams, and TALO’s offsite manufacturing and logistics operations to ensure seamless project delivery to exceptional standards. Bengt Magnussen, Commercial Director at TALO: “Darren’s deep operational knowledge of all types of housing delivery, together with his passion for improving outcomes, is exactly what we need to help scale TALO’s impact. With his project leadership and a series of other new appointments, we are strengthening the entire product lifecycle – from design to delivery – and ensuring our clients benefit from an integrated, high-quality experience that lends itself very well to repeat business.” Darren Pace, Head of Operations at TALO: “TALO is doing something genuinely different. I have worked extensively with a number of different timber-framed systems for three decades, and the standard way of doing things has barely changed in that time. The housebuilding industry still uses wet timber and so has to accept shrinkage, cracking and weather-related delays. But that shouldn’t be the norm. TALO’s entirely dry, high-performance system avoids all of that. It is about speed, consistency, and quality. I am excited to help our clients deliver better homes, more quickly – ultra-low energy homes that exceed Passivhaus standards, and that aren’t handed over with snag lists. I also feel passionately about TALO’s wider vision to eradicate fuel poverty.” TALO’s panelised timber superstructure is currently manufactured in Finland using slow grown, dry Nordic timber. The system arrives on site complete with insulation, triple glazing, and internal plaster boarding. This dry, closed-panel solution ensures homes are watertight within days – not weeks – enabling faster fitout and higher performance for air tightness and insulation. As Head of Operations, Darren will work closely with TALO’s commercial and design teams to ensure a seamless transition from project inception to handover. Together, they will give housebuilding clients a streamlined pathway to achieve better quality, ultra-low energy housing with less risk, cost efficiency, fewer trades on site, shorter build times, faster return on investment and earlier occupation. TALO partners with residential developers, housebuilders and architects to deliver homes that radically exceed UK Building Regulations and the new Future Homes Standard – at no cost premium. Applications include homes for market sale, private rent, shared ownership and affordable housing. TALO’s solutions for low rise housing include the highly engineered timber superstructure, energy package and standardised foundations to enhance build quality, and deliver outstanding energy performance, verified by independent testing. For more information about TALO’s timber offsite solutions for housebuilders and property developers, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, the phase-out of fossil heating systems, zero-emission standards for new buildings and digital building models for every project. Many people are now asking themselves: Are our existing processes and products still sufficient? What specific requirements will we face? And when? If you wait too long, you run the risk of being left out of tenders, authorisations or financing. The good news is that those who deal with the new requirements in good time can not only avoid risks, but also gain competitive advantages. The revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024) came into force on 28 May 2024. It forms the regulatory framework for the decarbonisation of the European building sector. The EPBD 2024 sets binding targets, minimum standards and verification obligations. All member states must transpose the requirements into national law within 24 months. The aim of the directive is to make the EU’s building stock climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest. The pressure to act is high: buildings currently account for around 40 per cent of energy consumption and 35 per cent of CO₂ emissions. Three quarters of existing buildings are considered energy inefficient and the annual refurbishment rate is just one per cent. The EPBD 2024 aims to significantly improve these values. The directive requires specific measures to be taken over the entire life cycle of a building: from planning, construction and operation through to dismantling and disposal. The decisive factor here is not just the energy requirement during operation, but the overall balance of all emissions. Overview of the five core areas of the EPBD Directive 2024 The EPBD 2024 not only places new requirements on buildings, but also restructures the rules for planning, construction and operation. The focus is on five central requirements: From 2030, new buildings must no longer have any CO₂ emissions caused on site. This will already apply to new public buildings from 2028. Energy requirements must be low and covered by renewable sources. At least 16 per cent of non-residential buildings with the worst efficiency class must be renovated by 2030, and as many as 26 per cent by 2033. National reduction targets for primary energy consumption apply to residential buildings. From 2025, subsidies for new fossil fuel boilers will be cancelled. The complete phase-out is to take place by 2040 at the latest. Member states can issue national installation bans. From 2028, the global warming potential of new buildings with more than 1,000 m² must be shown in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. The entire life cycle is assessed. BIM models, digital verification systems and automated monitoring solutions are becoming mandatory. They serve as the basis for planning, operation, verification and funding. Why the EPBD Directive 2024 is also changing building technology With the EPBD 2024, technical building equipment is also moving to the centre of the CO₂ assessment for the first time. In future, pipework systems, insulation materials and distribution systems will have to demonstrate their environmental impact over their entire life cycle: from production to dismantling. Grey energy is particularly relevant here – i.e. the emissions generated during the manufacture, transport, installation, maintenance and disposal of a building product. In energy-efficient new buildings, it often accounts for more than 50 per cent of total emissions. From 2028, the corresponding data must be included in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. This also changes the role of products. Systems with verified environmental product declarations (EPD) and digital interfaces for BIM models and carbon footprints are required. How aquatherm contributes to the achievement of objectives with documented pipe systems aquatherm piping systems are documented in accordance with the future requirements of the EPBD. All relevant environmental data is available in the form of verified environmental product declarations (EPDs). The aquatherm EPDs are based on a cradle-to-gate approach and cover the life cycle from raw material extraction to the factory gate. In addition, the aquatherm environmental product declarations also include modules C (disposal phase) and D (next product system) in accordance with the requirements of EN 15804+A2. The environmental product declarations are not only the basis for CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, but also for sustainability certificates such as LEED, BREEAM and DGNB. Roadmap in several phases The EPBD 2024 is more than just a technical specification. It is a roadmap with clear deadlines, binding targets and specific requirements. It will be implemented in several phases. The new aquatherm white paper, which can be downloaded at https://info.aquatherm.de/en/whitepaper-epbd-directive, also provides all the important details on the EPBD 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Be First, the regeneration delivery agency for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has appointed Andrew Savege as its new Development Director. Andrew joins from Wates Residential, where he played a key role in delivering major regeneration projects and forming long-term public-private partnerships. With over two decades of experience and more than £5 billion of investment negotiated, Andrew has worked with local authorities, developers, NHS trusts, and universities to unlock complex housing and mixed-use schemes. As Development Director at Be First, he will lead the acceleration of new home development and unlock strategic opportunities across the borough. Andrew Savege said: “I’m excited to be joining Be First, one of the UK’s most unique regeneration and development companies. The team’s ambition and purpose are clear, and I’m looking forward to supporting the borough’s long-term vision to deliver much-needed homes, social value, and investment for inclusive growth.” Caroline Harper, Interim Managing Director at Be First, added: “Andrew’s arrival will bring significant expertise and refreshed energy to our Development team at a critical time. His experience in building strong partnerships and getting projects off the ground will be invaluable as we work to deliver for the borough and London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary engineering contractor Spencer Group has been recognised for its dedication to employee wellbeing, social responsibility and fostering young talent. Spencer Group claimed the award for Best Place to Work – Contractor in the prestigious New Civil Engineer Awards 2025. The award recognises a business that has implemented exemplary initiatives to improve the wellbeing of its employees, both personally and professionally. Colleagues from Spencer Group were presented with the accolade during a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Bankside in London. Spencer Group’s entry for the award carried the slogan “Hard Hats, Soft Hearts”, summarising the company’s commitment to building a culture where everyone belongs. Spencer Group is committed to employee wellbeing and has a business model that places equal opportunities and inclusivity at its core. Employees say they feel cared for and supported by the business, with over 90 per cent saying they are satisfied working for the organisation and they know how they need to progress in order to be considered for promotion, in the latest employee survey. The company fosters an open and inclusive culture, where employee wellbeing is prioritised through initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders, the Time to Talk Day pledge and family-friendly policies including flexible working hours and additional family leave. As a Founding Partner of Hull’s employer-led Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in its home city of Hull, Spencer Group is passionate about helping to shape the future of the next generation of young people entering the workforce. Since the partnership’s inception, the business has recruited over 60 apprentices from the school, ensuring a continuous pipeline of young talent. Spencer Group also sets a strong example for other businesses by prioritising long-term, local talent development and creating a culture where employees are provided with the tools to succeed from an early age. The company also actively promotes from within, providing clear career progression through apprenticeships and training programmes, enabling the next generation to flourish. As a champion of female talent in a traditionally male-dominated sector, Spencer Group also actively supports organisations such as Women in Manufacturing and Engineering, to engage with women and showcase the exciting career opportunities available in engineering and helping fuel their passion for the industry. Listening to employees and making changes to meet their needs is also a top priority for Spencer Group. The company has recently implemented a new tool to provide greater insights into employee needs and ensure the company is always improving and adapting. The PRINT® tool includes a combination of customised reports, insightful workshops and team/individual coaching that reveal the unconscious motivators behind employee behaviours and actions. The initiative promotes open dialogue between employees and management, allowing for a personalised approach to leadership. It ensures that staff are placed in roles and projects that align with their strengths, improving job satisfaction and productivity. PRINT® results are also incorporated into Spencer Group’s Personal Development Review (PDR) process, enabling employees to track their growth and receive targeted development support. Spencer Group is also committed to leaving a lasting and positive impact on the communities in which it works having raised over £61,000 for various charities over the last decade through employee driven initiatives. The business has supported numerous causes which are close to the hearts of employees including Teenage Cancer Trust, Mind, The Trussell Trust and many more. The combination of Spencer Group’s extensive employee initiatives has led to significant positive changes in employee engagement, retention and satisfaction, creating a lasting impact on both individual careers and the overall company culture. Yvonne Moir, HR Director said: “We’re delighted that our commitment to being an outstanding employer has been recognised in the New Civil Engineer Awards. “We have a clear understanding that our people are the key to our success and we prioritise their wellbeing at every level. “We pride ourselves on being a modern employer in a traditional sector, placing people at the heart of everything we do. We strive to listen to our employees and are constantly evolving to meet their needs. “This award reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire workforce, and without their support this award would not be possible.” The awards judges noted how impressed they were with Spencer Group’s commitment to developing and supporting its employees. In the award citation, they said: “We were wowed by the results of the staff survey that showed how successful this company’s personalised development approach is. The company is a founder of the local University Technical College that helps young people to stay local and provides a pipeline of talent. The panel particularly liked the strapline: Hard Hats, Soft Hearts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wingstop has continued its rapid UK expansion with the launch of a new restaurant at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq ft venue offers seating for over 136 diners and marks another significant step in the fried chicken chain’s strategic growth across the capital. It follows the brand’s global flagship opening at Westfield Stratford City last year. The Westfield London branch serves Wingstop’s signature selection of wings, tenders, and burgers, complemented by an array of sides, milkshakes, desserts, and beers. Chris Sherriff, CEO of Wingstop UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to open at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, the UK’s largest shopping centre. This launch builds on the success of our Stratford flagship and represents the next milestone in our London expansion. With demand for our flavours at an all-time high, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. A huge thank you goes out to our loyal customers and our teams for making this possible.” Wingstop first entered the UK market in 2018 and has rapidly grown its presence. Earlier this year, the brand announced its most ambitious pipeline to date, with plans to launch over 20 new sites across the UK in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
