Homes England has announced the appointment of Eamonn Boylan as its interim Chief Executive, succeeding Peter Denton, who will step down in January 2025. Boylan is set to begin his role on 15 January, bringing over 42 years of experience in significant public sector roles to lead the Agency through
Landsec has taken full ownership of MediaCity in Salford, acquiring Peel Group’s remaining 25% stake in the iconic mixed-use development. The real estate investment trust (REIT) also gained ownership of dock10, MediaCity’s television facility, and the estate’s 218-bed hotel, both previously held by Peel. The transaction, which includes a cash
Cygnus, a leading developer and manufacturer of EN 54 certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm systems, will be showcasing its latest product innovations on stand K20 at this year’s London Build, the UK’s leading & largest construction show. London Build takes place from 20-21 November 2024 at Olympia,
Three new senior roles have been announced within McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division. Operations Director – Luke Arnold, Divisional Director – Darren Harding, and Regional Commercial Director – Adam Craven, have been appointed to positions within the Midlands and North team as part of its continued growth strategy. Luke
Takes Security to the Next Level for Bobcat Customers Bobcat has added a new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature on the company’s Machine IQ telematics platform. The new feature allows customers in Europe to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app. With Remote Engine
Contractor Pilbeam Construction has strengthened its team with three new hires, boosting its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects across Sussex and the South East. Joining Pilbeam, based in Southwick, West Sussex, are Rob Lyons as assistant quantity surveyor, Benjamin Williams as assistant site manager and Sam Burchett as a
Homebuilder Lovell has raised more than £12,000 for a homelessness charity by holding a fundraising golf day. The event was held on Thursday 5 September at Ramside Hall in Carrville, County Durham, in aid of Oasis Community Housing which helps homeless people and works to prevent homelessness across the north
Being marketed as ‘Click Aylesford’ the six-unit development is situated at a strategic development site in Aylesford with three units pre-let ahead of completion . Glencar, a leading UK construction company known for its innovative and sustainable approach and who was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today
GRAHAM has been appointed by global investment, development, and real estate management company, Greystar, as the construction partner for its Stratford Mill scheme. Backed by a £68.5 million debt facility arranged by Societe Generale, the project will regenerate a brownfield site in Stratford, East London, delivering high-quality housing and community
Marks & Spencer is stepping up its store acquisition programme, securing ten new sites in prime locations to boost its retail presence. This expansion comes as the high street staple aims to push forward with its store rotation strategy, allowing the brand to refresh and strategically enhance its store footprint.
Homes England has announced the appointment of Eamonn Boylan as its interim Chief Executive, succeeding Peter Denton, who will step down in January 2025. Boylan is set to begin his role on 15 January, bringing over 42 years of experience in significant public sector roles to lead the Agency through its strategic priorities. Boylan’s impressive career includes senior roles such as Deputy Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Chief Executive of Stockport Council, and Deputy Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, the forerunner of Homes England. His extensive background in public sector leadership, particularly in housing and regeneration, positions him to make a strong impact in advancing the government’s housing and community initiatives. Homes England moved quickly to secure an interim leader, with the appointment approved by the Deputy Prime Minister. Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook expressed confidence in Boylan, stating, “Eamonn brings unparalleled expertise and a successful track record in strategic leadership. I am confident he will drive Homes England’s efforts to boost housing supply and foster place-based regeneration. I look forward to collaborating with him in the new year.” Peter Freeman, Chair of Homes England, added, “Eamonn’s experience in public sector leadership, particularly in housing and community development, makes him an ideal choice to lead during this period. The Board and I are confident that under his leadership, Homes England will continue creating thriving communities that truly enhance people’s lives. We eagerly anticipate welcoming him to the team.” Boylan shared his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the Agency’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes within the current parliamentary term. “I am ready to help tackle the challenges ahead and deliver on the government’s housing ambitions. My focus will be on strengthening partnerships, empowering local leaders, and driving forward housing initiatives that positively impact lives. I am proud to join a talented team, and together with our partners, I am confident we will rise to the task.” Boylan’s leadership is set to steer Homes England through a critical period, reinforcing its role in creating sustainable, vibrant communities across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec has taken full ownership of MediaCity in Salford, acquiring Peel Group’s remaining 25% stake in the iconic mixed-use development. The real estate investment trust (REIT) also gained ownership of dock10, MediaCity’s television facility, and the estate’s 218-bed hotel, both previously held by Peel. The transaction, which includes a cash payment of £22 million and the assumption of £61 million in secured debt, totals £83 million. Landsec secured this at a discount to the latest book value of its existing 75% holding in MediaCity, a reflection of Peel’s surrender of “wrapper” leases and the potential income loss associated with those leases. Factoring in the additional assets of the hotel and dock10 studios, the transaction aligns with the book value of MediaCity, ensuring it remains earnings-neutral in the short term. With this acquisition, Landsec gains full control over the future direction of MediaCity, including the adjacent land that offers substantial development potential. The REIT is now positioned to lead the estate’s next growth phase, with plans to create more residential spaces and attract a mix of innovative businesses to the area. Mike Hood, CEO of Landsec U+I, commented, “MediaCity has immense potential. With our increased ownership, we can fully realise our vision for the area—creating a vibrant community where people come to work, live, and enjoy their lives. We look forward to sharing more about our plans soon.” Earlier this year, Landsec received approval for an expansion of MediaCity that will deliver an additional 800,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and 3,200 new homes. With complete ownership, Landsec is now in an ideal position to drive the continued transformation of this landmark destination in Salford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cygnus, a leading developer and manufacturer of EN 54 certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm systems, will be showcasing its latest product innovations on stand K20 at this year’s London Build, the UK’s leading & largest construction show. London Build takes place from 20-21 November 2024 at Olympia, London and attracts over 30,000 contractors, architects, civil engineers, developers, local councils, house builders/associations and construction professionals. “We are looking forward to being back at London Build,” comments Stephen Marsh, Head of Sales at Cygnus. “At last year’s event we were showcasing the world first EN 54 certified 100% wireless fire detection and alarm system, SmartNet. This year we are back with additional solutions to enhance the range including the Cygnus ALERT remote monitoring and notification platform, the new Cygnus Mesh Analyser and the Portal Programming Unit (PPU). We’ll be demonstrating the capabilities of SmartNet-Pro and SmartNet-100 as well as the Mesh Analyser and Cygnus Config Tool software. It is exciting to have a such a comprehensive range of innovative solutions to share with visitors.” SmartNet is EN 54 certified and a BS5839-1 compliant system, up to twenty times faster to install than wired systems, with minimal disruption. The SmartNet network is built on a combination of radio devices, operating on a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh network with multipath network redundancy utilising channel hopping technology, delivering a reliable and robust solution. SmartNet-Pro offers a scalable solution with the capability for each panel to connect 511 devices and up to 96 zones, with networking of up to 5 panels available via a software release code, providing a combined solution of over 2500 devices. Whilst SmartNet-Pro* caters to the larger scales of application, SmartNet-100** provides all the key benefits of SmartNet-Pro in a more cost-effective solution, designed to support a maximum of 100 devices. Based on this nature, SmartNet-100 is best suited for small to medium sized applications where the scalability of the SmartNet-Pro is not required. The Cygnus team will also be on hand at the event to discuss the recently launched Cygnus ALERT, the perfect remote notification and monitoring complement to Cygnus’ world first, EN 54 certified and 100% wireless SmartNet range of fire detection and alarm systems. Using Cygnus ALERT, installers and site administrators can receive event, fault or mesh information in real-time, enabling swift responses to on-site situations. Cygnus ALERT presents easy user management to view and notify across multiple sites, and a variety of environments. In addition to Cygnus ALERT, the new Cygnus Mesh Analyser will be on display. The Cygnus Mesh Analyser is an enhanced diagnostic and maintenance software tool, delivering a graphical display of mesh signal strengths and connection paths for each device in the system. Furthermore, the Cygnus Mesh Analyser aids the commissioning process of fire safety systems, shows the device history and provides suggestions of how to strengthen the network. The new Cygnus Portal Programming Unit (PPU) has been designed to help with the planning and deployment of the SmartNet system. The PPU allows installers to deliver firmware and configuration updates to devices wirelessly whilst they are on site, making the whole process faster and more efficient for areas that are hard to access. The new Cygnus Site Survey kit allows installers to deploy three bespoke detectors that replicate the mesh network to ensure the suitability of the system for the environment. For more information, visit the Cygnus stand (K20) at London Build, and visit https://www.cygnus-systems.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three new senior roles have been announced within McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division. Operations Director – Luke Arnold, Divisional Director – Darren Harding, and Regional Commercial Director – Adam Craven, have been appointed to positions within the Midlands and North team as part of its continued growth strategy. Luke Arnold will be working alongside managing director, Gary Cramp, to expand the Midlands and North business – developing into new sectors through public sector frameworks, alongside building the current teams to deliver success. He brings 25 years of experience to the role and will be concentrating on building and motivating high performing teams alongside maximising both operational and commercial performance within the region. On his new role, Luke said: “I am extremely proud of my client relationships and my ability to develop long standing relationships with supply chain and customers. With a wealth of experience across many different sectors of the industry, along with strong regional knowledge and long-standing customer and supply chain relationships – it’s exciting to have the opportunity to work with Gary and develop the Midlands and North region and I look forward to bringing new opportunities to the business.” Darren Harding will be responsible for the full day-to-day responsibility of all PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) schemes across the Midlands and North regions, continuing to build on the success of the contractor’s completed schemes, whilst building new high-performing site teams for opportunities in the pipeline. With over 40 years’ experience in the industry – relationship building will be a key focus of Darren’s new role – allowing him to build strong, professional connections to fortify teams and create new streams of work. On his new position, Darren Harding, said: “In my new role I will continue to reinforce my client relationships across the Midlands and North region, whilst pursuing a variety of varied workload opportunities. I thrive on the ‘team building’ aspect of my role by means of listening, nurturing, and encouraging all team members to take full ownership for their roles, which ultimately allows them to grow and develop, whilst allowing me to build professional and high performing teams. The future is looking very positive for the business with a full pipeline of new opportunities.” Regional Commercial Director, Adam Craven, will lead and oversee the commercial function within the regional business. Bringing over 22 years’ experience to the role, his position will include ensuring that consistent commercial performance is delivered across the board within the commercial team, at both pre-construction and delivery stages. Providing key technical skills in commercial governance and control including forecasting discipline, robust contractual knowledge and cash management, Adam will provide commercial and management support to the Regional Director to ensure that the financial performance of the region meets and exceeds profitability targets, as well as supporting the Group Commercial Director in all commercial activities across the region and wider business. Adam said: “I’m really delighted to be here, and excited for the future of the business. I will be pushing to support and develop our people and will be part of continued growth, ensuring it is done so in a sustainable and profitable way. Whilst the business has already demonstrated its success and resilience over many years, what really appealed to me and differentiates Mclaren Construction Midlands & North was the empowerment given to me to influence and make a meaningful difference to an already successful business, as we seek those marginal improvements which will make all the difference. “With the quality of the existing skillset within the business, together with developing the right recruitment strategy, this will enable us to diversify our workload and allow for controlled, sustainable, and profitable growth.” Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are pleased to welcome Luke, Darren and Adam into their respective roles and are confident that their expertise and capabilities will drive the positive change we are spearheading, as part of the division’s growth strategy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Takes Security to the Next Level for Bobcat Customers Bobcat has added a new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature on the company’s Machine IQ telematics platform. The new feature allows customers in Europe to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app. With Remote Engine Disable/Enable, operators and owners can shut down their machine with a few clicks, deterring theft and aiding in quick machine recovery. Machine IQ, launched last year in Europe, allows connected-machine owners to monitor the health of their Bobcat machine and remotely track information that enhances maintenance, security and performance. The new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature represents the first two-way update for the telematics system, allowing operators to both send commands to and receive data from the machine. Remote Engine Disable/Enable via Machine IQ can be activated in Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders, mini-excavators and compact wheel loaders connected to the system. “Enabling advanced theft deterrence provides critical peace of mind for our Machine IQ users, and Remote Engine Disable/Enable allows our European customers to protect their equipment and allow only authorised usage. This feature also demonstrates our ability to interact with machines via two-way communication using telematics. Today marks another major milestone for what Bobcat continues to do – to empower our customers to accomplish more,” said Tomas Plechaty, Machine IQ Senior Program Manager at Bobcat EMEA. Simple and User-Friendly Available with Premium Machine IQ subscriptions, this innovative solution empowers customers to remotely prevent theft and unauthorized use in just a few clicks. If unauthorized use is suspected, customers can log into their Bobcat Owner Portal or Machine IQ app to select the asset, and click ‘Remote Engine Disable/Enable’ in the sidebar. Only administrative users can access this feature, and all Remote Engine Disable/Enable activity is tracked in the asset’s history table. Upon executing the disable command, any attempt to start an engine in an off state will fail. If the machine is in operation, the engine will shift into de-rate mode. Benefits With Machine IQ, customers have 24/7 access to crucial machine information on their smartphones or computers. Equipped with this information, customers can optimize machine use and plan jobs for maximum profitability by keeping idle times to a minimum and tracking fuel consumption. Service planning is made easy with maintenance notifications, saving operators time and money by allowing them to efficiently schedule machine maintenance and manage job sites during planned downtime. Choosing the Right Package Dealers and customers can choose from two options: a Standard package with basic telematics and a Premium package with additional advanced features. According to Tomas Plechaty, the subscription options let users tailor their experiences and access the level of connectivity and insights that best suit their needs. “With a focus on simplicity for the user, we are confident that the packages will meet the needs of customers and dealers across the globe, and help them grow their businesses,” he said. Connecting to Machine IQ Machine IQ comes factory-installed with many equipment models and can easily be installed on compatible Bobcat machines in the field. Customers should contact their local dealer to check compatibility. Bobcat customers can access Machine IQ by visiting my.bobcat.com, creating an account and logging in. Alternatively, the mobile app for Machine IQ can be downloaded from Google Play/Apple Store. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Pilbeam Construction has strengthened its team with three new hires, boosting its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects across Sussex and the South East. Joining Pilbeam, based in Southwick, West Sussex, are Rob Lyons as assistant quantity surveyor, Benjamin Williams as assistant site manager and Sam Burchett as a carpentry apprentice. Pilbeam Construction managing director Alan Corbett said: “This expansion demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for young people and quality craftsmanship. “We’re very happy to welcome Rob, Benjamin and Sam to the Pilbeam family. The skills they acquire with us will strengthen our ability to deliver excellent service across major heritage, healthcare and educational projects in the South East.” Rob Lyons, with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and experience in managing large-scale projects across Dubai and Oman, joins as assistant quantity surveyor. His responsibilities include procurement, contract management and cost control. Rob said: “It was Pilbeam’s reputation for quality and collaboration that initially attracted me. “The company is large enough to manage substantial, exciting projects, yet retains a close-knit culture that encourages teamwork.” Rob’s career began in council housing maintenance, later evolving into international project management – and he’s now eager to bring his expertise to Pilbeam’s diverse portfolio. Benjamin Williams brings a dynamic approach to site management, with expertise in health and safety, resource organisation and quality-focused project delivery. With a technology-driven perspective, Benjamin has already contributed to Pilbeam’s notable regional projects, including the restoration of Newhaven Fort. Currently working towards a Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, Benjamin said: “Pilbeam’s values align with my own. It’s a supportive environment where the company really invests in your professional growth. It took me a while to find my place in construction, but I believe I’ve landed on my feet at Pilbeam.” Sam Burchett, a carpentry and joinery apprentice studying at Brighton Met, has joined Pilbeam after a successful work experience placement. Previously a warehouse operative, Sam’s transition to carpentry and joinery reflects his dedication to mastering hands-on, creative work in a field he’s passionate about. Sam said: “From day one, the team has made me feel welcome and I’m learning so much in an environment that truly values its apprentices. I’ve always loved making things, so this role is the perfect fit for me.” For further information please visit: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homebuilder Lovell has raised more than £12,000 for a homelessness charity by holding a fundraising golf day. The event was held on Thursday 5 September at Ramside Hall in Carrville, County Durham, in aid of Oasis Community Housing which helps homeless people and works to prevent homelessness across the north east and south east of England. The north east region of Lovell became a partner sponsor of the charity last year. Phil Jones, Head of Land and Partnerships for Lovell, said: “Oasis Community Housing does incredible work in this region and beyond to help people who are at risk of or enduring homelessness. There are many reasons why people find themselves facing such a terrible situation and this incredibly worthwhile organisation is there to help. “We are happy to support Oasis Community Housing again this year and our golf event was an especially fun way to do it. There were a range of activities, and it was a great chance for our staff and suppliers to get together. “We are glad to have raised thousands for the cause with our successful golf event and we know that the money will be put to very good use.” Oasis Community Housing has been running for 40 years. Over the past year it has supported more than 1,300 people. More than 230 individuals and families were housed in its Home 24/7 supported accommodation, while its Basis drop-ins provided 1,245 hot showers and helped people rough sleeping or in housing crises on 5,278 occasions. And 87 per cent of women helped by its Empower domestic abuse team said they felt safer afterwards. The golf day raised £12,115 including £8,500 in booking fees alone. The event was booked up in advance and attracted 88 players who made up 22 teams. Those attending included representatives from Lovell and Oasis Community Housing, contractors and suppliers from the construction industry as well as guests and partners. The day included a Stableford competition as well as prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive and putting. A ‘beat the pro’ challenge had a prize of a Mini for the weekend. Presentations took place at the end of the day alongside a barbecue. Extra funds were raised for the cause with a raffle featuring a range of prizes including golf vouchers for courses across the north east. Last year the north east region of Lovell raised over £15,000 for Oasis Community Housing and its 2023 golf day contributed more than £10,000 of that total. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Being marketed as ‘Click Aylesford’ the six-unit development is situated at a strategic development site in Aylesford with three units pre-let ahead of completion . Glencar, a leading UK construction company known for its innovative and sustainable approach and who was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that is has completed construction of a new £32.5M six-unit industrial warehouse development, totalling 302,844 sq. ft, for long-term customer and leading property development company Wrenbridge and its funding partner Bridges at a strategic development site in Aylesford Kent, named ‘Click Aylesford’. The works saw the construction of all six warehouse units simultaneously, with each completed in shell form, including finished open-plan offices at first-floor level. The development took 52 weeks to build, with three units already pre-let before completion. The buildings have been constructed to Net Zero Carbon, are EPC A+ rated, and achieved the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. Speaking about the project, Roy Jones, Glencar Managing Director London and South, said: “We are very happy to once again successfully work with and deliver for our long-term and much esteemed repeat customer, Wrenbridge, on this development. Click Aylesford is an outstanding project where sustainability and strategic location really do ‘click’ together. The development offers contemporary, well-designed buildings built to the highest possible standards to ensure the impact on the environment is minimized. The buildings, by design, will bring over £500,000 per annum savings on energy bills across the entire scheme, equating to a saving of approximately £1.81 per sq. ft per annum. This is hugely significant for potential occupiers, with the new space already much sought after, which is reflected in the fact that three units are already let. I would like to pay special thanks to the excellent team that worked on this development, who have delivered another exceptional result that we can be proud of. We look forward to working together with Wrenbridge again and continuing our strong partnership.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has been appointed by global investment, development, and real estate management company, Greystar, as the construction partner for its Stratford Mill scheme. Backed by a £68.5 million debt facility arranged by Societe Generale, the project will regenerate a brownfield site in Stratford, East London, delivering high-quality housing and community amenities to the area. GRAHAM will lead the construction of 247 apartments, including 42 affordable homes funded by Sovereign Network Group (SNG), with completion expected in autumn 2026. The development will feature buildings ranging from two to twelve storeys, offering a balanced mix of residential and commercial spaces to serve the community. With a focus on quality and accessibility, the project will deliver both market-rate and affordable housing, commercial spaces, landscaped green areas, and modern amenities designed to enhance residents’ wellbeing and foster community connections. The Stratford Mill scheme reflects Greystar’s commitment to improving the provision of housing through sustainable, resident-focused development. Located near Stratford and Stratford International stations, the area provides excellent transport connections, with City Mill Lock and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park within easy reach for residents. The project will feature a mix of amenities designed to promote wellness and a sense of community among tenants, underscoring Greystar’s focus on elevating the living experience. Dan Thompson, UK Managing Director, Development, Greystar, said: “We’re very excited to see our development at Stratford Mill progress, thanks to the debt facility secured from Societe Generale, our contractor GRAHAM and SNG who will forward fund 42 affordable homes. Greystar is dedicated to delivering high-quality housing across multiple communities.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, commented: “Stratford Mill will deliver much-needed homes with a strong emphasis on quality, and we’re thrilled to partner with Greystar on a development that combines smart design with a real focus on community. Our focus will be on delivering a high-quality, sustainable build that meets the demands of modern living while supporting the broader community objectives through affordable housing and green spaces.” For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer is stepping up its store acquisition programme, securing ten new sites in prime locations to boost its retail presence. This expansion comes as the high street staple aims to push forward with its store rotation strategy, allowing the brand to refresh and strategically enhance its store footprint. In its half-year report for the 26 weeks ending 28 September, M&S reported strong momentum, having opened two food halls within full-line stores and three standalone food locations. These new stores, averaging 14,000 sq ft—almost double the size of typical M&S food stores—allow for a wider range of products, and have exceeded sales targets by around 8%. The retailer is also advancing its refurbishment plans, with four completed renewals and another eight scheduled for the second half of the year. M&S’s renewed stores, launched in 2023, saw a 9% sales increase, underscoring the success of its “reshape M&S for growth” strategy. In addition, M&S trialled a smaller 7,000 sq ft store format in Sidcup, showcasing its full range in a more compact space—a pilot that yielded “encouraging” results. The eight new food stores opened in 2024 are projected to bring in annualised sales of £117 million. Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, commented on the positive impact of the strategy: “Both food and clothing have now delivered market share growth for four consecutive years. We’ve seen an increase in customer numbers, sales value, volume, market share, and profitability.” For the reporting period, M&S recorded a 17.2% rise in profit before tax and adjusting items, reaching £407.8 million. However, Machin remains focused on the future, stating, “The easy thing to do would be to celebrate these results, but there’s more opportunity for growth ahead, and that’s what drives us.” With a mix of new openings, store upgrades, and innovative formats, M&S’s latest moves signal a commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing customer experience across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
