Key updates to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Manchester’s East Village Central will be considered as part of a report to the Council’s executive committee next week (Tuesday 8 July). First approved in 2022, the SRF for the East Village area – which sits within the wider Piccadilly SRF
Temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), in partnership with Balfour Beatty VINCI, played a key role in the construction and repositioning of the A46 Kenilworth Bypass Box Structure, a critical element of the HS2 high-speed rail project. Project Overview The A46 is a major highway connecting Coventry, Kenilworth,
Landlords are already stepping up to meet the ambitions of the government’s consultation on the new Decent Homes 2 standard, with investment in improvement works up 26% in the last year, according to new data from market-leading procurement specialists Procure Plus. Key features of the proposed Decent Homes 2 standard
Jacksons Fencing’s EuroGuard® Mesh system enhances security in time for the summer season As the summer season approaches, Chelmsford City Racecourse, a prominent venue in Essex renowned for its vibrant racing events, has recently unveiled a major enhancement to its grounds with the installation of a high-performance fencing solution from Jacksons
South Staffs Water has successfully prosecuted a company for unauthorised use of a standpipe, thereby illegally taking water from a hydrant. Rugby-based J M Morris Plant Hire Ltd pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred in Wood End Lane, Fradley on 6 September 2024. The company was ordered to pay
As proud suppliers to Network Rail, Stannah is delighted to celebrate with them as the rail industry marks 200 years of rail travel. Following the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, the world’s first public steam railway, the UK railway network grew exponentially opening up travel possibilities
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is taking a stand against poor behaviour in the supply chain. Members working in the housebuilding sector have raised concerns about unfair snagging practices on plaster or tape and jointed walls where LED lights are being used at shallow angles to inspect the finish. This
A new agreement signed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions will enable thousands of people to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector. Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to
One of the UK’s fastest growing principal contractors has pledged to boost spending on its Early Years’ Talent Academy as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, is increasing its investment to £150,000 per year to help fight the growing
Facilities management specialist Bellrock has acquired Summers-Inman Construction and Property Consultants LLP, marking a strategic move to bolster its position within the UK’s property consultancy sector. The acquisition supports Bellrock’s ambition to become one of the UK’s top 15 building consultancy firms. Summers-Inman brings considerable expertise to the table, offering
Key updates to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Manchester’s East Village Central will be considered as part of a report to the Council’s executive committee next week (Tuesday 8 July). First approved in 2022, the SRF for the East Village area – which sits within the wider Piccadilly SRF area – guides investment and development in the emerging city centre neighbourhood behind Piccadilly train station. The 2022 SRF did not give detailed proposals for the 1.6ha former Presbar Diecastings Foundry (‘Diecast’) site, as it was expected to be a later phase of development. This update to the East Village plan will incorporate the site as part of the long-term regeneration aspirations for this neighbourhood. This site has significant potential to deliver 1,400 new homes, significant hotel space, 12,000sqm of workspace, and 6,500sqm of retail, leisure and event space. To note – this SRF update does not include the Stockton’s site within the East Village Central Framework area, which remains governed by the previously agreed 2022 East Village Central SRF document. East Village Central opportunity The update to the SRF, covering the former Diecasting Foundry site, provides the opportunity to deliver new homes and commercial space, with complementary leisure amenities for existing residents in the immediate vicinity. The vision set out within the draft framework is to create a unique, vibrant and green neighbourhood in the city centre supporting a mix of uses to create a welcoming and inclusive space. A distinct character and sense of place will be developed inspired by the history of the area through a sustainable reuse and repurpose approach. Approximately 40% of the site area could be used to create an inclusive green public space that encourages community participation and interaction, including pop up events. The site will improve connectivity through the site and to neighbouring communities through improved walking and cycling routes together with interconnected green spaces. Sustainability will be embedded throughout the lifecycle of development, implementing green practices throughout the process. The site is envisioned as a hub for commerce and community, building on the tech hub already established in the area, new leisure opportunities, and local amenities that will prioritise local suppliers and independent businesses. A new purpose-built building will provide a long-term home for the current Diecast hospitality venue, which will also enable the site to be designed to manage any potential impact on local residents. Development will be coordinated and phased to ensure the venue can continue to operate through the duration of the regeneration of the area. Former Stockton’s Furniture site A planning application for the former Stockton’s furniture site has also now been submitted to the Council with proposals to deliver 758 apartments and 45,000sq ft of office space. This development will be complemented by 55% of the site being developed for new public space. Read the East Village Central SRF report in full Consultation on the SRF update is expected to begin in mid July 2025. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “The neighbourhoods behind Piccadilly train station offer some of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in our city centre to continue our sustainable growth agenda – creating opportunities for new jobs, new homes and new green spaces in the heart of our city. “The East Village Central vision – with new homes, workspace and leisure uses – is an important part this and we have an incredible opportunity to create a vibrant, sustainable destination with a unique sense of place. This area will celebrate the city’s industrial past while creating opportunities for our city’s residents into the future. “And importantly this will be a green neighbourhood with interconnected public spaces that help bring people together, seamlessly connected to the wider city centre, to create a thriving place for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), in partnership with Balfour Beatty VINCI, played a key role in the construction and repositioning of the A46 Kenilworth Bypass Box Structure, a critical element of the HS2 high-speed rail project. Project Overview The A46 is a major highway connecting Coventry, Kenilworth, and Leamington Spa to the M40. To accommodate the new HS2 rail line, a 14,500-tonne box structure was built adjacent to the carriageway before being manoeuvred into place beneath the A46. This approach significantly reduced disruption to road users by eliminating the need for up to two years of extensive roadworks. Spanning 42 metres wide, the structure required extensive planning and engineering to manage its substantial weight. The installation followed a carefully coordinated sequence: first, the construction of the structure itself, followed by meticulous site preparation to ensure the controlled and precise movement of the box into position. Advanced engineering techniques were employed throughout to maintain structural integrity while minimising disruption to local traffic and the surrounding environment. The Challenge This was the heaviest bridge move in the UK. To achieve this, specialist civil and structural engineering company Freyssinet designed a guiding raft and jacking mechanism to push the box at an average speed of 6.5 metres per hour, ensuring accuracy in positioning while safeguarding the structure’s integrity. Adding to the complexity, the project required a continuous supply of temporary works solutions and on-site equipment to facilitate the move. At its peak, over 800 tonnes of equipment were in use, with additional resources mobilised for night shifts to maintain progress and keep the operation on schedule. The Solution To support the structure’s significant weight, Altrad RMD Kwikform developed an innovative temporary works solution, adapting a combination of formwork and falsework supports. This combination of advanced and conventional techniques ensured both safety and efficiency throughout the operation. Superslim Soldiers, known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, provided the primary structural support, ensuring stability in confined spaces and under tight time constraints. Alform beams were also installed in conjunction with the Superslim Soldiers to form a shutter configuration on either side of the structure, offering robust support during each controlled concrete pour. Tubeshor ground shoring props were applied in an inclined orientation at 45-degree angle along the outer edges of the formwork. A total of 22 Tubeshor props – 11 on each side – were deployed to supplement the primary support systems to facilitate landing of precast beams and deck casting. Until the structure was made fully integral, the cast inclined walls were not self-supporting. Throughout the project, a series of concrete pours were meticulously executed to reinforce the structure. These included ten inclined wall pours, six tulip pier pours, four base pours, and one deck pour. A summary total of over 4300m3 of concrete was used during construction of the overbridge. The temporary works solutions ensured stability throughout the curing process, allowing the systems to be removed efficiently upon completion. Altrad RMD Kwikform played a vital role in ensuring a seamless operation by supplying essential equipment around the clock and coordinating timely deliveries. This effort allowed the project to progress smoothly, meeting key milestones while minimising disruption to the local community. Stuart Grant, Senior Sales Representative at Altrad RMD Kwikform, commented: “We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for temporary works solutions. From Superslim Soldiers to Tubeshor, we were able to provide all the essential equipment and expertise under one roof, ensuring we kept to the programme and successfully delivered this highly complex project.” Sharon Liu, Sub Agent at Balfour Beatty VINCI added: “The success of this box push relied heavily on both the engineering expertise and the efficiency of the equipment used. Altrad RMD Kwikform’s ability to deliver and manage the right equipment on a tight schedule, and their hands-on expertise, directly contributed to the success of the offline build and completion of the bridge slide backfill, influencing reopening of the road 30 hours ahead of schedule.” “Working with the team at Altrad RMD Kwikform has been a pleasure. Our collaboration has been highly rewarding and has allowed us to successfully tackle complex challenges using innovative technical solutions, demonstrating the strength of our partnership and shared commitment to excellence.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landlords are already stepping up to meet the ambitions of the government’s consultation on the new Decent Homes 2 standard, with investment in improvement works up 26% in the last year, according to new data from market-leading procurement specialists Procure Plus. Key features of the proposed Decent Homes 2 standard include: Even though the Decent Homes 2 standard remains under consultation, landlords are already taking proactive steps to futureproof their housing stock, focusing on quality, safety, and long-term condition to improve the lives of tenants. In 2024/25 alone, Procure Plus supported landlords in delivering: By using Procure Plus’ procurement frameworks, these upgrades were achieved at costs significantly below market base rates, enabling landlords to reinvest savings into additional works. For example, market prices in 2024/25 saw kitchens cost £6,700 per unit on average, while Procure Plus secured a base price of £4,026 for its clients. Similarly, bathrooms averaged £4,010 per unit on the market, compared to a Procure Plus base price of £2,794. Landlords are also intensifying their focus on damp and mould programmes, with 6,603 ventilation measures installed and 32,470 properties assessed through condition surveys, helping to better prioritise maintenance and target future improvements more effectively. Procure Plus also revealed that 92% of its Decent Homes work was delivered by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and generating local economic and social value. Matt Jarratt, Operations Lead of Procure Plus, said: “Decent Homes 2 sets out a clear vision, and landlords have already started delivering on it. We’re seeing a strong commitment from the sector to make homes warmer, safer and healthier. “This increase in activity shows how cost-effective, transparent procurement frameworks empower landlords to go further, tackling disrepair, damp, and new regulatory standards while also supporting local businesses and generating lasting social value. “Despite ongoing pressures affecting the supply chain this year, from increased shipping costs to uncertainty around American tariffs, Procure Plus remains confident in providing competitively priced solutions, and we’ll continue working closely with suppliers to ensure stability and value for our clients and the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jacksons Fencing’s EuroGuard® Mesh system enhances security in time for the summer season As the summer season approaches, Chelmsford City Racecourse, a prominent venue in Essex renowned for its vibrant racing events, has recently unveiled a major enhancement to its grounds with the installation of a high-performance fencing solution from Jacksons Fencing. Designed to boost both the safety and aesthetic appeal, the upgrade arrived just in time for one of the venue’s busiest periods. To meet the challenge, Chelmsford City Racecourse teamed up with Garden Fencing Essex, an Approved Installer of Jacksons Fencing, to deliver a fencing solution that seamlessly balanced robust security with open, welcoming aesthetics, which is critical for a venue that hosts thousands of spectators at peak events. Flexible trackside barrierThe racecourse required a fencing system that could serve two functions: low-level demarcation to separate general areas without compromising the open atmosphere, and secure fencing to protect restricted zones and sensitive equipment. After careful consideration, the EuroGuard® Flatform mesh fencing system was selected for its clean, unobtrusive design and superior performance. Comprising 656 twin wire mesh panels, featuring 6mm horizontal wires sandwiching a 5mm vertical wire, the system offers exceptional rigidity and longevity, perfectly suited for a bustling venue. To meet the varied security and layout need of Chelmsford City Racecourse, two distinct fencing heights were installed as part of the project. 1.2 metre EuroGuard® Flatform mesh fencing was used for low-level demarcation across public-facing areas of the venue. This height is ideal for subtly guiding foot traffic and separating zones, such as walkways or seating areas, without disrupting the openness of the racecourse. The fencing ensures a clear visual boundary while maintaining an inviting and accessible environment for visitors. In more sensitive areas, 1.8 metre high EuroGuard® Flatform mesh panels were installed to provide enhanced security and access control. These taller panels are used to protect staff zones and essential equipment, acting against unauthorised entry. This increased height offers peace of mind for racecourse management and staff, ensuring that restricted areas remain secure without compromising the venue’s aesthetic continuity. The fencing is finished in a green powder coating which complements the natural surroundings of the racecourse, while also providing enhanced resistance to weathering and corrosion. The tamper-proof fixings ensure the fencing remains secure, even in high-traffic environments. In addition to the fencing, a matching double leaf gate was installed to facilitate vehicle access while maintaining a cohesive visual identity. Constructed to the same high standards, this gate ensures smooth logistics for maintenance and events. Fencing fit for champions Sustainability was a key factor in this project. The EuroGuard® Flatform mesh system is built from premium steel wire and comes with by Jacksons Fencing’s 25-year guarantee. This long-term durability reduces the environmental impact and provides significant savings on maintenance and replacements. Commenting on the successful project, Cris Francis, Commercial Director at Jacksons Fencing, says: “Chelmsford City Racecourse is a landmark venue; not just to the local community, but to people who travel from all over the UK to enjoy the famous races. We’re really proud to support its continued success with a fencing solution that balances performance, sustainability, and style, and enhances the experience for visitors and staff alike. With the EuroGuard® Flatform system, the racecourse gets the best of both worlds – smart, sustainable security without losing its open, friendly atmosphere.” For further information about the EuroGuard® range or to discuss our fencing solutions, please visit www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk. For further information about the project, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Staffs Water has successfully prosecuted a company for unauthorised use of a standpipe, thereby illegally taking water from a hydrant. Rugby-based J M Morris Plant Hire Ltd pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred in Wood End Lane, Fradley on 6 September 2024. The company was ordered to pay a total of £5,130 in fines and legal costs by Dudley Magistrates Court. Mark Jeffries, Lead Water Supplies Officer for South Staffs Water and Cambridge Water, said: “It is illegal to connect to the water supply network without proper authorisation. “Unauthorised connections to our network pose a serious risk to the quality of water we supply to our customers. This could result in contamination of the public water supply, reduction in pressure, disturbance or possibly a mains failure of our network. “Our priority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to our customers, and we take it very seriously when the actions of others impact our ability to do this. We are pleased that this prosecution has taken place and hope it discourages others from acting irresponsibly in the future.” Companies wishing to access water from a hydrant can hire an authorised standpipe from South Staffs Water. Visit https://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/developer/standpipes for more information. If you’re in our Cambridge Water region, visit https://www.cambridge-water.co.uk/developer/standpipes/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As proud suppliers to Network Rail, Stannah is delighted to celebrate with them as the rail industry marks 200 years of rail travel. Following the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, the world’s first public steam railway, the UK railway network grew exponentially opening up travel possibilities for millions. Two hundred years later, over 1.6 billion journeys are made each year on Network Rail and Stannah is pleased to maintain over 1500 lifts and escalators at stations throughout the country, keeping customers moving quickly and conveniently to and from their trains. Stannah’s links to the rail industry go back to the times of founder Joseph Stannah in the Victorian Industrial Revolution. An outstanding engineer with a passion for improvement of both engineering solutions and society, Joseph submitted a number of patents for locomotive parts to improve both safety and efficiency. Today, Stannah specialises in lifts and escalators and has a long standing relationship with Network Rail. As Network Rail’s chosen supplier of lift and escalator services, Stannah is a key enabler in the organisation’s drive to create step free access across its 554 stations. “Stannah’s work for Network Rail aligns perfectly with the values of inclusion and safety that underpin the railway sector,” said Archie Hungwe, Chief Operating Officer at Stannah. “Our collaborative efforts with Network Rail to improve lift equipment performance are testament to our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all passengers, whatever their mobility needs.” As the UK’s railway system evolves, Stannah is continually innovating its business processes to meet the demands of the Network Rail contract and provide optimal performance of the lift equipment. The company’s lift solutions are engineered for reliability, efficiency, and user-friendliness, critical factors in ensuring that passengers can efficiently transition through busy stations. Stannah shares a vision with Network Rail to not only keep railway passengers moving but to make station and platform access convenient for everyone. “Celebrating 200 years of railway history is a momentous occasion for our industry,” added Archie. “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Network Rail to build on that legacy every day and take the UK rail industry into a new era where we can ensure freedom of movement for all.” Stannah is a leading provider of lifting solutions, specialising in the supply, installation, and maintenance of lifts, homelifts and stairlifts. With a history of excellence spanning over 150 years, Stannah is dedicated to innovation, safety, and improving accessibility in buildings and public spaces. For more information on Stannah’s commercial business, please visit www.stannahlifts.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is taking a stand against poor behaviour in the supply chain. Members working in the housebuilding sector have raised concerns about unfair snagging practices on plaster or tape and jointed walls where LED lights are being used at shallow angles to inspect the finish. This improper practice whereby the light is shined close to, or directly against the surface of the wall, highlight surface imperfections which are normally imperceptible to the human eye well within tolerance when industry standard inspection methods are used. On launching the campaign, Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive stated: “We often talk about the culture of construction and that means we need to look at all behaviours and the effect they have. It is clear to us that this over-zealous approach to inspection is creating a lot of bad feeling and straining relationships. Our belief is that the practice has little to do with quality and everything to do with keeping pressure on the supply chain, making sure sub-contractors are operating under commercial tension. In the worst of cases it is being used to delay, reduce or withhold payment and with that all the cashflow and mental health issues that plague SMEs in the supply chain. It can be little more than bullying and has no place in the sector today.” To tackle the problem head on, FIS has published new guidance which members are encouraged to download and share with their clients ahead of starting work. This guidance covers how inspections should be conducted and encourages the classification of the flatness of the plastered finish is agreed along with the level of smooth finishes before work starts. FIS Head of Technical James Parlour said: “We’ve tried for a number of years attacking this problem from purely a technical perspective, but people continue to ignore the standards. Change won’t happen unless we put our heads above the parapet and start to call out bad behaviour. This latest guidance and supporting resources should help align expectation and inspections to the standards and ensures that we avoid glancing light issues in inspection which exaggerate even the smallest of imperfection. “We do appreciate that it can be difficult for individual members to do this directly, but we are also asking members to report to us when they encounter these bad practices and we can pick it up as a collective effort. So the message is clear, if you are inspecting drylining and plaster finishes, use the standards and ensure that your processes are informed, fair and realistic. If you are a specialist contractor and have experienced unfair snagging practices, don’t just put up with it and move on reach out to us in confidence so we can log cases and start to challenge businesses to improve”. FIS is also concerned the effect bad practices have on those looking to start a career in the sector. Young people are being encouraged into the industry but when they are faced with this culture and ruthless nature many leave before they have had chance to really see what a good career the construction industry can offer. To support the campaign FIS will be launching a short video to help showcase the problem and is develop new training to support inspections. You can register on the FIS website to receive free access to the training when it is launched later this summer. For more information visit https://www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/shine-a-light-on-bad-practice-not-walls-campaign/ To report your experiences, email details in confidence to info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new agreement signed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions will enable thousands of people to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector. Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to the agreement, which will mean Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the need of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career. The agreement, signed earlier this week at the newly-launched Green Plant Academy at the Earls Court Skills Centre, is a major step in the Government’s drive to get Britain building and get Britain working as part of its Plan for Change. More than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through a further £100 million from the government, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB. It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister co-chaired the first Construction Skills Mission Board earlier this week with Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council. Alongside Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones, and several CEOs and sector leaders – including CITB CEO Tim Balcon – the Mission Board launched an industry commitment to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the Parliament. This will be a step-change for the construction sector, creating good jobs across the country to deliver on government’s housing and infrastructure commitments, including building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament and delivery of the 10-year infrastructure strategy. Ministers will highlight major reforms to transform Jobcentres as well as the £625 million investment to tackle skills shortages in the construction sector – expected to create up to 60,000 more jobs for engineers, electricians and joiners by the end of the parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Building 1.5 million homes takes investment, skills, and a government that’s ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver. And that is exactly what we are doing. Our Plan for Change commits to delivering the biggest boost for affordable and social housing in a generation, which we’ve backed with a £39 billion investment over ten years. “We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.” Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead. This agreement, alongside our record funding will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work. Our Plan for Change will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities we need to build a stronger and more prosperous Britain.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need. Through our Plan for Change we are determined to break the link between background and success, so that more young people can get on in well paid careers. “The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.” Tim Balcon, CITB CEO, said: “Opportunities in construction are for everybody, whatever their background. By working together, we can widen the talent pool, bring in more diverse voices, and encourage more people to consider a career in construction. “Every year, over 100,000 people receive construction training. I want many more of them to forge lasting careers in the sector. This is why the partnership with DWP is so vital, as it helps ensure individuals are not just trained but truly prepared for careers in construction. “The Government commitment to addressing the housing shortage, improving the country’s infrastructure, and investing in construction skills mean this is a real boom time for our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s fastest growing principal contractors has pledged to boost spending on its Early Years’ Talent Academy as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, is increasing its investment to £150,000 per year to help fight the growing skills gap facing the construction sector. This will encompass an even more comprehensive programme, offering apprenticeships, on-the-job learning, formal qualifications and one-to-one mentoring from its senior leadership team. It has been specially designed to attract individuals into the sector and, importantly, retain existing talent who are being tempted into different opportunities. By offering acceleration of their personal development and career path they can clearly see their future at Inco Contracts. The Early Years’ Talent Academy has been a resounding success so far for the business, with six young people trained from the basics into highly skilled professionals with some already progressing into managerial positions. “Skills are a growing issue for our sector and our ability to grow. Rather than stand still, we decided to take positive action and create our own training programme,” explained Operations Director Sam Norton, who led the MBO with Managing Director David Cotterill in 2020. “This has been a fantastic initiative for attracting young talent to join us as a fledgling contractor and we wanted to further renew our commitment to this. Our 15th anniversary felt like the perfect opportunity to extend it by increasing the funding to £150,000.” He continued: “We provide real project-based experience from day one, setting us apart from our competitors, with a progression pathway aligned with their personal goals. There is also company-funded education at College or University in place to deliver the best all-rounded team member. “Annual growth is running at around 20% and we can’t completely rely on the existing labour pool if we want to maintain this level of expansion. Growing our own talent is the preferred option to address the skills shortage and I’m delighted that we have given our proven scheme an ‘anniversary boost’.” Inco Contracts is a specialist in industrial, commercial and education refurbishment schemes across the UK, completing hundreds of projects every year. These often tend to be turnkey in nature and involve the company working alongside architects, designers, and landlords to bring warehouse, educational establishments and office space back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Services provided range from industrial roof and cladding, dilapidation schemes and external groundwork packages to building services, M&E installations, strip-outs and demolition, not to mention heritage and conservation work. Beyond the Early Years’ Talent Academy, the business also offers CPD for all of its 55-strong workforce as part of a regular 6-month appraisal scheme. This clearly defines a personalised action plan to further support their role and provide upskilling opportunities. Managing Director David Cotterill, added his support: “It’s well documented that the construction industry has been experiencing skills shortage issues for some time, so it’s crucial that we deliver talent from the ground up. “By doing this we’re helping address the ‘gap’ and create opportunities for people who might otherwise be overlooked by the sector. Our goal is to make construction more accessible, modern and rewarding. In a tight labour market, the companies that invest in people will be the ones that continue to thrive.” Harry Merrick was one of the first people to be enrolled into the Inco Contracts’ Early Years Talent Scheme, joining as Trainee Contracts Manager in 2020. He progressed to Assistant Contracts Manager just twelve months later and quickly secured his Level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment, before embarking on a five-year HNC in Construction Management at Birmingham City University. The 21-year-old from Walsall has made equally impressive strides in the workplace, recently leading a tender that secured a near £1m industrial refurbishment project in Nottinghamshire. Harry, who is also hoping to achieve Chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Building, commented: “I’d recommend this scheme to anyone entering construction. I’ve had a clear pathway from day one and lots of mentoring from experienced professionals that has accelerated my practical knowledge. “My sights are now set on the next step in my career, which will be the Contracts Manager role and then who knows…maybe one of the senior management team. Working with an independent contractor has fast-tracked my development in this sector.” Inco Contracts is planning several special events and announcements through the year to tie in with its 15th anniversary, which officially takes place in July. For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Facilities management specialist Bellrock has acquired Summers-Inman Construction and Property Consultants LLP, marking a strategic move to bolster its position within the UK’s property consultancy sector. The acquisition supports Bellrock’s ambition to become one of the UK’s top 15 building consultancy firms. Summers-Inman brings considerable expertise to the table, offering cost management, quantity surveying, project management, and building surveying services across both the public and private sectors. Notable clients include global brands such as Pepsi and McDonald’s. Summers-Inman employs 130 staff across eight regional offices, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Newcastle (head office), and Teesside. Commenting on the acquisition, Carlo Alloni, Chief Executive Officer of Bellrock, said:“Acquiring Summers-Inman marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand Bellrock’s capabilities and accelerate our growth. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service as we strive to be one of the leading property consulting businesses in the industry. I’m delighted to welcome the Summers-Inman team to Bellrock. Together, we will continue to drive success and create unique value for both our clients and teams.” David Cronje, Managing Director of Summers-Inman, added:“This acquisition represents a transformative step for Summers-Inman. By combining our expertise and resources with Bellrock, we are enhancing our capabilities and broadening our service offering nationwide. This partnership opens new avenues for growth, allowing us to better support our clients and strengthen our presence in the market. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and look forward to continued innovation and success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals