Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Stoford and Epta Development Corporation (EDC) to deliver a new 390,000 sq. ft logistics facility for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Plot
A major overhaul of Maidenhead town centre has moved a step closer after councillors approved London developer Areli’s long awaited plans to demolish the outdated Nicholson Centre and replace it with a new high rise mixed use quarter. The hybrid planning application, endorsed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and
Frasers Group has acquired the 1.1 million square foot Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow from SGS UK Retail, in a deal believed to be worth around £220 million. The seller, SGS UK Retail, which also owns the Victoria Centre in Nottingham and Harlequin Watford, has overseen a major transformation programme
Birmingham City Football Club has unveiled dramatic plans for a new 62,000 capacity stadium featuring twelve chimney like structures supporting a fully retractable roof. Designed by Heatherwick Studio in partnership with United States stadium specialist Manica, the proposed ground would form the centrepiece of a new Birmingham Sports Quarter in
Winvic Construction has been appointed main contractor for a £130 million build to rent development in Birmingham, as developers McLaren Living and Heim Global Investor press ahead with their latest joint venture. The scheme, known as Oasis, will bring 456 new rental homes to Kent Street in Birmingham city centre.
A major new waterfront neighbourhood is taking shape in Salford after developer Bentry Capital completed a £12 million acquisition of the Irwell Gardens site. Its in-house construction firm, Mellior Group, is set to begin work in the first quarter of next year, starting with 50 three and four bedroom townhouses.
Manchester City Council is set to welcome around major investment into key growth areas for the city – part of the £1bn Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund announced by the GMCA this week. The funding package is set to be approved by Cllr Bev Craig, the portfolio Leader for Good Growth, and the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy
Construction intelligence specialists predict renewed activity following false-start over the summer. Today, Glenigan | powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Autumn Forecast 2026-2027. Predominantly focused on underlying starts (<£100m in value), unless otherwise stated, it contains
In 2026, dare to think bigger just like the dramatist turned architect did, as Blenheim Palace announces an all-new immersive visual experience for visitors. The Blueprints of Power exhibition will run from 14th February until 10th April next year, marking the tercentenary of the death of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726). The significant
New data signals a sector reset as contractors face easing wage pressures but growing uncertainty over workforce and project pipelines. The UK construction sector is showing clear signs of a cooling labour market, according to a report by Southern Construction Framework, leading construction procurement framework delivered by the public sector for
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Stoford and Epta Development Corporation (EDC) to deliver a new 390,000 sq. ft logistics facility for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Plot 5, Axis Works, Avonmouth. The appointment underscores Winvic’s proven track record in the design and delivery of complex industrial and logistics projects, including temperature-controlled and food storage facilities for major retailers and developers across the UK. The high-specification facility, which is expected to complete by summer 2026, has been pre-let to M&S on a 20-year lease and is being forward funded by LondonMetric for £74 million, forms a key part of the retailer’s investment in its national food supply chain. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, the building will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A with embodied carbon performance evaluated in line with the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) Second Edition methodology. Sustainability features will include rainwater harvesting, a roof-mounted PV system, LED lighting, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), EV charging infrastructure and green roof cycle shelters, supporting M&S’s long-term environmental objectives. Internally, the building will accommodate extensive temperature-controlled environments, comprising a 900m² freezer section operating at -18°C to -20°C, and 20,000m² of chiller chambers maintaining temperatures between +1°C and +3°C. These areas will feature PIR Cold box panels box within a box, insulated wall and ceiling panels, high-density insulated floors with electric heater mats, and airtight composite seals. The facility will be equipped with GEA temperature monitoring and control systems linked to a monitoring station, with data logging and alarm functions for compliance. Two on-site generators will provide backup power to protect stock during outages, while ventilation systems, rapid-rise doors, air curtains and pressure relief vents minimise frost ingress. Insulated docks, inflatable shelters, and overhead evaporator and condenser units will maintain the cold chain throughout loading and storage operations. The project also incorporates significant civil engineering works, including the installation of three culverts to carry an existing drainage channel (Rhine) beneath a newly constructed access road. This ensures continued water flow and provides vehicle access across land managed by the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board. On-site engineering innovations include the use of Prefabricated Vertical Drainpiles and a Menard piling solution to optimise foundation performance. Located within the 101-acre Axis Works site at Central Park, South Gloucestershire, the scheme sits at the heart of the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area – one of the UK’s landmark logistics locations. Once complete, Axis Works will deliver approximately 2 million sq. ft of industrial, warehouse, and logistics space. Winvic has completed 27 Net Zero Carbon in Construction projects to date, totalling 72 individual facilities, with a further nine underway, alongside 12 low carbon projects, with seven more underway. Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial and Logistics at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “Our appointment to deliver the new M&S logistics facility at Axis Works builds on Winvic’s strong expertise and reputation for constructing complex temperature-controlled environments, as well as large-scale, sustainable logistics hubs for leading retailers and developers across the UK. “We’re proud to be working collaboratively with Stoford, LondonMetric and Epta Development Corporation (EDC), for the build, which will prioritise efficiency and sustainability in the food supply chain. Avonmouth continues to be a critical logistics location, and this scheme reflects both market confidence and the strength of our specialist industrial and logistics expertise.” Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford, said: “We’re pleased to appoint Winvic to deliver this significant new logistics facility for M&S at Axis Works. Their expertise in delivering high-quality industrial and logistics developments will help us bring this next phase of the scheme to life. “The project is the result of more than two years of close collaboration with EDC and demonstrates confidence in Avonmouth as one of the UK’s most important distribution locations. It will provide LondonMetric and M&S with a facility that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major overhaul of Maidenhead town centre has moved a step closer after councillors approved London developer Areli’s long awaited plans to demolish the outdated Nicholson Centre and replace it with a new high rise mixed use quarter. The hybrid planning application, endorsed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s planning committee, clears the way for 856 new homes spread across buildings up to 20 storeys tall, along with 55 new shops and commercial units. A ten storey car park providing 452 spaces is also included in the proposals. The scheme involves demolishing almost the entire 1960s shopping centre, with only two existing buildings retained. Four new residential towers of 10, 13, 17 and 20 storeys will take its place. Most of the new homes will be one bedroom apartments, with 100 allocated for residents aged over 75. None of the units will be affordable. Designed by architect JTP, the wider Nicholson Quarter masterplan also introduces a new civic plaza intended to act as the town’s central gathering space. The updated approval replaces an earlier consent granted in 2021 and reflects market changes, including a significant reduction in office space and a drop from the previous 25 storey height peak. Final sign off is subject to a Section 106 agreement, which includes contributions towards local car park improvements. Construction is hoped to begin in the first quarter of next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Frasers Group has acquired the 1.1 million square foot Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow from SGS UK Retail, in a deal believed to be worth around £220 million. The seller, SGS UK Retail, which also owns the Victoria Centre in Nottingham and Harlequin Watford, has overseen a major transformation programme at Braehead since completing a restructuring process in 2024. This work has helped secure a series of new tenants, including the first SuperPark in the United Kingdom, an indoor leisure and recreation attraction due to open early next year. Other recent arrivals at the centre include Miniso, Snowflake Gelato and BPerfect. Claire Barber, chief executive of SGS UK Retail, said:“The sale of Braehead was always part of our strategic plan and, through active management, we have delivered substantial value enhancement and successfully stabilised the asset, attracting new brands and increasing its relevance and appeal to customers. We have created a strong platform from which Frasers Group can continue to drive growth, leveraging its retail expertise to further unlock Braehead’s potential as one of Scotland’s leading retail destinations.“In light of strong leasing performance and the significant progress made in discussions with brands, we continue to see major value creation opportunities across the Group’s remaining three assets.” Michael Murray, chief executive of Frasers Group, said:“This acquisition is an important step in delivering our property ambitions and accelerating the Elevation Strategy. It strengthens the Group’s position as a leading operator and supporter of physical retail destinations while creating more opportunities to serve communities with the best brands, environments and experiences possible.” Frasers Group was advised by CBRE, while JLL acted for SGS UK Retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Football Club has unveiled dramatic plans for a new 62,000 capacity stadium featuring twelve chimney like structures supporting a fully retractable roof. Designed by Heatherwick Studio in partnership with United States stadium specialist Manica, the proposed ground would form the centrepiece of a new Birmingham Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green. Known as the Birmingham City Powerhouse Stadium, the project is expected to cost around £1.2 billion to deliver. Its design features a steep, compact bowl creating a continuous 360 degree wall of supporters, with acoustics engineered to heighten noise and atmosphere. The twelve chimney formed towers take inspiration from the brickworks that once occupied the site. Beyond their visual impact, they will provide essential structural support for the roof while housing lifts, staircases and ventilation systems. One of the chimneys is set to contain a lift leading to what would be the highest bar in the city, offering panoramic views and an immersive experience celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage. At ground level, the Championship club aims to create a seven day destination rather than a venue used only for matchdays. Plans include food markets, cafés, children’s play areas and new public spaces intended to open up an area of East Birmingham that has long been closed off. Tom Wagner, Knighthead co chief executive and Birmingham City chairman, said the club aims to have the stadium open for the 2030–31 season, with public engagement on the project beginning in 2026.“This is a huge milestone for Birmingham City Football Club, creating a home that reflects our ambition to compete at the highest level. More than that, the iconic design is a statement of intent for the city and the West Midlands, testament to a region on the rise.“The stadium draws upon the proud heritage of the West Midlands — a heritage of industry, ingenuity and growth.” Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said:“Too often stadiums feel like spaceships that could have landed anywhere, sterilising the surrounding area.“Ours grows from Birmingham itself — from its brickworks, its history of a thousand trades, and the craft at the core of its culture. Our goal is to capture the spirit of the city and play it back to Birmingham.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction has been appointed main contractor for a £130 million build to rent development in Birmingham, as developers McLaren Living and Heim Global Investor press ahead with their latest joint venture. The scheme, known as Oasis, will bring 456 new rental homes to Kent Street in Birmingham city centre. It is being forward funded by Heim Global Investor, with McLaren Living leading development and Winvic overseeing construction. This marks the second collaboration between Heim and McLaren Living, following their ongoing Water Lane project in Leeds’ South Bank regeneration area, where a 375 home build to rent development is currently under construction and scheduled to complete in 2027. Oasis will comprise one and two bedroom apartments within an eleven storey building, supported by a range of resident amenities including a gym, lounge and co working space. Outdoor facilities will feature a landscaped courtyard and roof terraces. The development is expected to complete in 2029. McLaren Living managing director Matthew Biddle said:“Following our successful collaboration with Heim on Water Lane in Leeds, we are delighted to build on our trusted partnership and add to our strong pipeline of projects across the UK’s best locations and cities. Oasis, with its city centre location, local amenities and strong transport links, is a great addition to our portfolio. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Heim and collaborating on developments where we share a clear vision.” Heim Global Investor director David Peacock said:“We are pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Living, alongside Winvic Construction, to deploy further capital for our UK build to core fund. This development fits perfectly with our strategy of delivering mid market rental homes across the UK’s key cities with experienced partners. We remain very active in the market and have a strong pipeline of opportunities as we continue to expand our presence in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new waterfront neighbourhood is taking shape in Salford after developer Bentry Capital completed a £12 million acquisition of the Irwell Gardens site. Its in-house construction firm, Mellior Group, is set to begin work in the first quarter of next year, starting with 50 three and four bedroom townhouses. This will mark the launch of phase one of the £80 million development. The three acre brownfield site off Regatta Street, which sits along the River Irwell, is earmarked for 100 modern townhouses and 100 apartments to be delivered across two phases. Mellior is now progressing the planning application for phase two, which will bring forward a further 50 houses and 100 flats once approved. Phase one is expected to take around 18 months to complete and will cost approximately £35 million to build. The deal bolsters Bentry Capital’s expanding £500 million UK residential pipeline and follows the success of its nearby Willow Court project, a 119 apartment scheme where the final homes are now being handed over to owner occupiers. Located close to Salford Quays, MediaCity and the University of Salford, the Irwell Gardens site also overlooks the historic location of a 1944 Lancaster bomber crash, which continues to be commemorated by the local community. David Cain, co founder and chief development officer at Bentry Capital, said:“Mellior Group is excellently placed to lead the construction of Irwell Gardens, and we look forward to starting on site in the new year. Despite wider market challenges, we have delivered premium quality homes at nearby Willow Court, and this trusted, experienced team will now bring the Irwell Gardens vision to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council is set to welcome around major investment into key growth areas for the city – part of the £1bn Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund announced by the GMCA this week. The funding package is set to be approved by Cllr Bev Craig, the portfolio Leader for Good Growth, and the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at a meeting of the Combined Authority next week. The first tranche of the pioneering funding model will deliver £400m investment for 30 projects across the city region making sure that the whole of Greater Manchester will benefit. For Manchester, the investment will focus on delivering major residential projects – with a keen focus on social housing and genuinely affordable tenures – along with transformative investment in key projects that will unlock major commercial and office space, and significant employment and skills opportunities for local people. New Housing and Affordable Homes Victoria North This City Wythenshawe Town Centre Commercial Space Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Manchester is leading the way in trying to both supercharge our economy to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, while also creating new opportunities for our residents and building homes everyone can afford. Our mission is clear, good growth that creates a world class city, a thriving economy and a place where everyone benefits. “This groundbreaking GM Good Growth Fund will supercharge our ambitions, backing schemes that create jobs and the homes we need for everyone’s benefit. It will unlock and deliver major new sustainable housing investment that meets the needs of our residents, building excellent communities and town centres that our residents are proud to call their own – and, crucially, unlock projects that can deliver genuinely affordable and Council homes that make sure these developments are open and available to as many Mancunians as possible. “We also know that the whole of the Northwest, and the rest of Greater Manchester, needs Manchester City Centre to do well – attract growth, investment and opportunity for the whole region. That’s why the Greater Manchester investment in commercial office development is so important. And despite the commercial challenges elsewhere in the country, Manchester can forge ahead with making sure our commercial pipeline meets the huge demand we see for new space in the city. It will also help a range of globally significant projects to move forward, while creating the conditions for our key growth sectors to thrive in digital, life sciences, research and innovation. “The Good Growth Fund represents an unprecedented level of investment in key sectors and homes across our city region. We have thought carefully about how we can best inject money into the right locations and this fund is a major shot in the arm for economic growth, job creation, skills and infrastructure – translating directly into new jobs and opportunities for our residents to play their part in the city’s success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction intelligence specialists predict renewed activity following false-start over the summer. Today, Glenigan | powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Autumn Forecast 2026-2027. Predominantly focused on underlying starts (<£100m in value), unless otherwise stated, it contains a comprehensive overview of the future of the construction industry. The key takeaway from the Autumn Forecast, which focuses on the two years 2026-2027, is that, despite the aggressive geopolitical and socioeconomic headwinds which have picked up during Q.3 and Q.4 this year, the sector is still on course for recovery in 2026 and 2027. A Show of Strength Growth has been re-forecast. Following a period of international turbulence and domestic uncertainty, 2025 and 2026 figures have been revised down, with the former now in negative numbers (-6%) and the latter adjusted down a couple of percent since the spring (+8%). However, these relatively disappointing results are offset by predictions for 2027, where Glenigan’s Economic Unit foresee a 13% activity boost. Whilst the industry will be frustrated that a reversal of fortune will not come as quickly as thought back in May/June 2025, there will be a collective sigh of relief that the negative impact of international conflict, trade wars and policy speculation has not done more damage. Overall, the UK construction sector has done well to weather what has become a persistent storm, punctuated by aggressive peaks and troughs in activity, and is positioning itself to kickstart activity following next week’s Budget. Positive signals are making themselves heard within a variety of different quarters, with certain ‘verticals to watch’ emerging from amongst the present gloom. An atmosphere of anticipation The Glenigan Economics Unit foresees a rise in both private and public sector starts, with residential construction returning to positive figures after a blip over the summer and autumn of 2025. Likewise, the golden period experienced within the commercial office space over Q.3 and Q.4 is likely to continue into next year as more refurbishment work comes online. Equally, as consumer confidence (hopefully) resurges following the Chancellor’s upcoming Budget, we’ll see an uptick in discretionary spending, catalysing a boost for industrial projects as online shopping increases and more logistics and warehouse facilities are required. Hotel & leisure will also likely benefit as improved confidence and a rise in disposable income boosts consumers’ discretionary spending. In the public space, the Government will be hoping to kickstart a number of capital projects, especially around renewables, as well as deliver on its social housing commitments and promised increases in funding for health and education. More broadly, a renewed commitment to delivering Net Zero across state-owned assets by 2050 will present ample opportunity for contractors and subcontractors to seize on. Accordingly, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen says, “As with any Forecasts, it’s difficult to foresee unpredicted and spontaneous political and economic issues until they suddenly land, often completely changing the situation. The ‘will they/won’t they’ attitude that the professional and consumer landscape has taken towards trailed Government policy has done nothing to inspire confidence in the latter part of 2025. This is borne out by the dramatic performance decreases we’ve seen across our own Indexes since the summer, dashing any hopes of recovery by the end of this year. “However, the Chancellor has a real opportunity within this Budget to rebalance the situation and ensure that a kick-start into 2026 is not the false start we witnessed in the Spring of this year. There are some very encouraging signs already across different verticals and it will be up to the industry to take advantage of them and, in some cases, that might mean diversifying to meet more niche demands around low-carbon construction and commercial fit-out or even different building approaches and services; for example, addressing the changing needs of an ageing population. So, whilst we’re experiencing short-term struggles, we’re still confident of a brighter long-term picture.” **** Taking a more detailed look at the Forecast… Private Residential: Housing Market Holds Firm Following a very positive outlook predicted in June, figures have been reassessed, following a softening in market confidence and a drop in property transactions during Q.2/Q.3 2025. The initial rise in private housing starts during the first four months of 2025 proved short-lived. Following April’s stamp duty increase, starts fell back during the second half of the year. Apartment projects were especially weak as slow building safety regulator (BSR) approval delayed project starts. However, despite these setbacks, housing market activity has been broadly stable during the second half of the year. This has been supported by rising household incomes, with the number of mortgage approvals for house purchases close to their pre-pandemic average. The outlook remains positive. Stronger economic growth is expected to lift housing market activity over the next two years. Rising real incomes and further interest rate cuts are expected to lift house-buyers’ confidence from 2026. Furthermore, supply-side restraints are also expected to ease as the BSR reduces the backlog of projects awaiting approval, and planning reforms are expected to help release additional sites for development, supporting sector growth during the latter stages of the forecast. Private Non-Residential Verticals: A wealth of opportunity awaits Renewed growth is anticipated in 2026 and 2027, despite many verticals slipping back during 2025. Whilst the industrial sector suffered from a drop in manufacturing projects, this was offset by a spurt in warehousing starts. This growth neatly anticipates higher consumer spending and sustainable increases for this type of project. This, in turn, will likely see further demand for logistics and light industrial space from online retailers and third-party carriers. However, bricks and mortar retail will be slower to recover as operators face increased cost pressures from NI increases and the rise in the minimum wage. An overhang of empty retail premises is also deterring investment in new premises. Although, in the spirit of adapting to survive, this situation may also prompt landlords to refresh and repurpose existing excess retail space. As ever, supermarkets remain a
In 2026, dare to think bigger just like the dramatist turned architect did, as Blenheim Palace announces an all-new immersive visual experience for visitors. The Blueprints of Power exhibition will run from 14th February until 10th April next year, marking the tercentenary of the death of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726). The significant new experience will shine a light on Sir John Vanbrugh’s brilliant mind, his rivalries and ambitions and take visitors on an interactive journey from his early life and theatrics as playwright all the way to his high-stakes partnership with Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough. Blueprints of Power will combine immersive visual experiences with rare archival material, recognisable outfits and costumes and the dramatic stories behind them. Visitors will be able to step back in time and discover how this flamboyant architect’s ties to high society helped define an age. From a building site in the early 1700s to Britain’s Greatest Palace as we know it today, the tailor-made exhibition will span the Palace encompassing the Great Hall, China Anteroom, Dining Room, Drawing Rooms, State Rooms, Saloon and more, right up to the rooftop. Often described as ‘The Rockstar of English Baroque’, Vanbrugh was one of the most prominent architects of his time and is celebrated for his design of Blenheim Palace and his many other achievements including his work as a dramatist and political activist. Blueprints of Power forms part of the national celebration coordinated by the Georgian Group that will take place in 2026, his tercentenary year. This national collaboration benefits from a £193,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. Vanbrugh 300 will feature a variety of events, exhibitions and activities at six of the architect’s most significant creations including Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard, Seaton Delaval Hall, Grimsthorpe Castle, Kimbolton Castle and Stowe House. For more information about the upcoming Blueprints of Power exhibition, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/blueprints-of-power.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New data signals a sector reset as contractors face easing wage pressures but growing uncertainty over workforce and project pipelines. The UK construction sector is showing clear signs of a cooling labour market, according to a report by Southern Construction Framework, leading construction procurement framework delivered by the public sector for the public sector in the South of England. The report found that in Q3 2025, employment increased by a modest average of 0.1%, compared to 1.5% in Q3 2024. Across the trades, drylining decreased by the largest amount (-4.0%), with concrete frame (+1.0%) and windows (+1.6%) all seeing modest increases. This is being driven by multiple forces according to the report, including regulatory burdens, cost pressures, and skills shortages. The news comes as an ONS report found that construction employment sunk to a 24-year low to 1.3% in the third quarter to 2.05 million. This marks a 15% collapse in capacity since a peak just before Covid. While this is easing cost pressures on contractor project budgets, with wage growth slowing to 3.9%, down from 6.4% in March, it is indicative of weak project pipelines. In an extreme case, SCF’s report found that a South West drylining provider has experienced a -34.3% drop in employment in a strategic effort to revise their strategies and downsized operations. The survey of over 150 subcontractors found that average tender workload across all regions was +1.5% during Q3 2025, significantly lower than Q3 2021 which saw a quarterly movement of +5.71%. Janara Singh, Assistant Framework Manager at SCF, said: “SCF contractors have reported noticeable shifts in behaviour across the supply chain, reflective of insecurities in the marketplace. Contractors and suppliers alike are reassessing their strategies, with many adjusting their tendering approaches, cost structures, and workforce planning to remain competitive in a volatile environment.” The regulatory landscape continues to be a defining factor in shaping tender activity and project delivery timelines, having a particularly negative effect on the London housing market. The implementation of the Building Safety Act (BSA) Gateway 2 has introduced significant delays in high-rise residential developments, contributing to a -1.9% decline in window-related tenders in the capital. This bottleneck has created uncertainty for contractors and developers, with many projects stalled awaiting compliance approvals. While a recovery is anticipated, over the next year with the report predicting a 3.7% increase in tender workload, the current environment has forced suppliers to adapt their strategies. This shift is evident in the South West, where curtain walling and carpentry & joinery have seen notable increases in tender volumes, suggesting a shift toward façade and fit out work in areas with fewer regulatory hurdles. The lack of good-quality labour is also adding time to projects, as contractors struggle to secure skilled subcontractors. In response to ongoing skills shortages in the sector, the government has published its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, pledging to invest £100 million over the next 4 years to expand Construction Skills Bootcamps. Adrienne Turner, Framework Manager, said: “To successfully navigate today’s construction landscape, public sector organisations must prioritise early planning, proactive collaboration, and strategic investment in talent. Building resilience means engaging supply chain partners early, leveraging digital tools for compliance, and focusing on high-quality subcontractors. With labour market cooling and skills shortages persisting, visibility and certainty of project pipelines are essential for effective workforce management.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals