Aggreko has received the “Net Zero Heroes” award alongside the other Scottish Business Climate Collaboration (SBCC) members at the CeeD 2025 Awards for contribution to the coalition’s Climate Action Hub. The accolade recognises the benefits of collaborative working and helps to raise the profile of the Climate Action Hub, a
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions
A new MILWAUKEE® study finds the construction sector remains reliant on petrol-powered tools and equipment, despite worker calls to move to battery-powered alternatives. Almost all European construction workers say they’d feel safer working on-site if their employer replaced petrol-powered equipment with battery-powered alternatives. A new report, commissioned by industry-leading manufacturer
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means
Regal has successfully secured a £58.6 million investment loan from lender Firma Partners to refinance The Clarendon Works, its newly completed, sustainable office development in Watford. The 12-storey office scheme is the largest of its kind in Watford, offering nearly 140,000 square feet of high-quality workspace, complete with modern amenities.
British Land has appointed Bam to lead a £100m transformation of Broadgate Tower, a landmark office building near Liverpool Street in London. The project will see the addition of a three-storey extension, including a 6,200 sq ft terrace at the front of the building. Tower floors and Broadgate Plaza will
Following its 5-mile drive underneath the capital, HS2 lifted Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Sushila’ out of the ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford, West London. The cutterhead, front and middle shield, weighting 850 tonnes, were lifted from the vent shaft in one piece on Saturday, March 15, using a
A fast-growing Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support a prestigious £5.8 million state-of-the-art Porsche centre in the West Country. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to provide quantity surveying and employers agent services to the creation of a cutting edge new Porsche dealership in Exeter. The
Cadogan announces the first retail tenants at The Gaumont, a landmark £235 million development, and the creation of its ‘creative quarter’. The new retail signings are independent businesses New Forms, BookBar and Art Play, bringing an exciting blend of art, music, and literature to the King’s Road, enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy and continued legacy
Aggreko has received the “Net Zero Heroes” award alongside the other Scottish Business Climate Collaboration (SBCC) members at the CeeD 2025 Awards for contribution to the coalition’s Climate Action Hub. The accolade recognises the benefits of collaborative working and helps to raise the profile of the Climate Action Hub, a tool created by the SBCC to enable SMEs to accelerate their low carbon transitions. The Hub is a free to use service to assist companies, large and small, to understand what net zero means, to offer tools to calculate their own carbon footprints and to develop action plans to support a net zero strategy. It brings together learnings and expertise from the SBCC’s member’s Aggreko, Diageo, EY, FirstGroup, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Power, Scottish Water, and Wood Group, drawing on insight from the different sectors they operate in. As rising costs continue to pose a challenge to SMEs[1], finding practical solutions that deliver a commercially viable and successful energy transition are even more important to avoid smaller organisations being left behind. Initiatives like The Climate Action Hub are a vital part of providing the resource to smaller businesses to be able to meet ESG targets. For larger businesses, Aggreko’s recent research also revealed rising costs impacting net zero timescales, with 95% of the 400 CEOs surveyed stating they have changed their net zero timescales in light of energy supply and pricing issues. Presented in the report Rebalancing the Energy Transition, the research also highlights the importance of supply chain collaboration to find the right solutions to balance cost, efficiency and sustainability in line with targets. Supporting businesses across various sectors in accelerating their energy transition, Aggreko leverages its teams’ expertise and the Greener Upgrades™ portfolio of technologies. This effort is a central part of Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change™.” This is especially important as energy intensive industries such as manufacturing, data centres, petrochemical refinery, utilities across the globe look for practical solutions that balance cost and efficiency with sustainability. Dawn Demellweek, Director of ESG & Compliance at Aggreko, said: “As a global organisation, we have a responsibility not only to make our own energy transition, but also to support businesses through our value chain with their energy transitions. With the insight and data we have gained from working on projects across different sectors on a global scale, we are able to be a strategic supply chain partner to businesses, advising on and implementing solutions that deliver maximum energy and cost efficiency while lowering emissions. “Through our work on the Climate Action Hub, we have also been able bring together our insight, expertise and learnings with those of other leading Scottish businesses and make it available for free to smaller businesses to help them understand how they can implement a net zero strategy. The success of the energy transition relies on close collaboration between businesses, and by creating these types of resource, we can make sure every organisation, no matter their size or means, has the resources they need to accelerate their transition to a low carbon world.” For more information on Aggreko’s Energising Change™ framework, visit www.aggreko.com/en/about-us/energising-change Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain vital work experience in their specialist subject area during the summer holidays. There are 30 places on this year’s programme and to qualify, undergraduates must live, or study, in the Midlands. All placements will begin in July and include opportunities at BBV’s construction sites and offices in Birmingham, and North and South Warwickshire. Placements are open to candidates studying a broad range of subjects, with opportunities in the following business areas: Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the region said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for talented undergraduates who want to get a head start in their career and play a part in building Britain’s new railway. “Prioritising places for those who live locally, or study in the region, helps to retain local talent and for those who excel, the summer programme has led to long-term careers on HS2.” BBV began its undergraduate summer scheme in 2022 and has provided paid work placements to 30 students every year thereafter. Placements allow undergraduates to put the theoretical element of their degree into practice and can be a real opportunity for candidates to shine. In previous years, stand-out students have gone on to secure full-time employment with BBV paying the remainder of their university fees so they could continue their studies whilst working. Naomi Bates, Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Our summer placement programme is a great way for university students to earn money and learn new skills which are relevant to their future careers. “There are a limited number of places available for students who live or study in the Midlands, so I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to grab this opportunity with both hands, as soon as possible.” Expressions of interest for the 2025 programme are open now, and prospective candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure one of 30 places. 22 year-old Aniqa Malik from Bordesley Green, Birmingham joined the 2022 summer programme while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham. During the eight-week course, Aniqa was exposed to a range of work areas but especially enjoyed her time with the design team. Subsequently, Aniqa decided to stay on the project and successfully gained a place as a graduate design coordinator, based at HS2’s Delta Junction. Aniqa said: “My summer placement with Balfour Beatty VINCI back in 2022 was an invaluable learning opportunity. I was able to hone my technical abilities, collaborate with professionals in the field, and gain a true understanding of the scope and significance of the HS2 project. “My decision to return as a full-time employee was made simple by the encouraging atmosphere and growth prospects. Anyone wishing to expand their professional network, get practical experience, and be a part of something truly special should consider this placement.” For more information about BBV’s undergraduate placement programme, and details on how to apply, visit the HS2 jobs board and search ‘summer placement’. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 4th April 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real PM Limited, a leading project and programme management consultancy, has announced a strategic leadership transition to strengthen its service offerings and drive growth. Barry Fowler has been appointed Managing Director, Philip Soleil assumes the role of Director of Project Management, and Steve White and Martin Clark step into positions as Directors of Planning. Founders Jeremy Ruff and Geraint Roberts will remain actively engaged as Project Executive and Executive Planner, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity for clients and partners. With deep expertise in delivering complex projects across the built environment, Real PM has built a strong reputation for delivery of project management and planning solutions in commercial, residential, hospitality, education, infrastructure, retail, and mixed-use developments. The company is expanding its service offerings into emerging sectors such as research and technology, energy, and sports and stadia facilities. Barry Fowler said: “Maintaining strong relationships and delivering exceptional value is at the heart of Real PM. By integrating our planning, logistics, and project management expertise, we offer a uniquely comprehensive service, ensuring efficiency, certainty, and value for our clients across diverse markets.” Jeremy Ruff said: “Real PM’s success is rooted in its open, collaborative approach and deep industry expertise. This new structure ensures we continue to provide high-quality project delivery and is a significant next step for the business and for our clients.” Abrar Sheriff, President of Turner, said: “I am excited to see even more opportunities for our people as Real PM expands in our current and growing markets. Real PM supports Turner’s strategy to expand our technical service offerings in Europe and our collaboration across the Turner company gives Real PM the scale and coverage to deliver services to a wide range of clients.” As part of Turner, HOCHTIEF and the ACS Group, Real PM combines a boutique consultancy approach with access to global expertise, technical innovation, and extensive project delivery experience. This strategic positioning enables Real PM to scale its services and bring added value to a broader client base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new MILWAUKEE® study finds the construction sector remains reliant on petrol-powered tools and equipment, despite worker calls to move to battery-powered alternatives. Almost all European construction workers say they’d feel safer working on-site if their employer replaced petrol-powered equipment with battery-powered alternatives. A new report, commissioned by industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, equipment, accessories and hand tools, MILWAUKEE®, has uncovered the persistent and widespread use of petrol-powered tools and equipment across European construction sites. This is despite the well-known operational and health risks these products carry, and the knowledge that safer alternatives are available on the mainstream market. The whitepaper, Building a Safer Future, draws on the findings of a Europewide survey of 3,200 construction professionals across 14 countries. It specifically asked them about their attitudes to working with petrol-powered equipment, conclusively revealing that most respondents want to see an end to fossil fuel use for on-site activities. Putting European construction in petrol-powered peril The level of constant exposure to petrol-related emissions was shocking. Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents highlighted they were exposed to petrol-powered equipment and machinery for the majority of the working week, with more than a quarter (27%) for the whole of it. No wonder a similar number also flagged pollution as one of the most significant dangers to their health and wellbeing when working on site. With the long-term health risks well documented, from heart disease to various forms of cancer, the persistent use of petrol on sites is contributing to shorter life expectancies amongst construction professionals. It’s also an issue that concerns the majority of those surveyed (65%). However, more disturbing was the finding that the remaining (35%) appeared less concerned about the short and long-term impact of regularly inhaling toxic emissions. This worrying stat shows a distinct lack of awareness or ignorance of the considerable hazard posed by petrol-powered equipment and machinery, and that more education is needed around why this fuel type needs to be phased out as soon as possible. Workers want to make the switch There are mainstream alternatives, particularly high-performance, battery-powered equipment and the appetite for this solution is healthy. Almost all respondents (92%) felt they would feel safer if their employer switched to battery-powered tools, equipment and machinery. Around half (45%) also indicated that doing so would make them feel more secure on site, in conjunction with better tools and equipment (54%) and higher-quality, comfortable PPE (48%). Making the change This research serves to highlight that sticking with the petrol-prolific status quo is no longer acceptable and it’s up to construction employers to take the lead, protecting their workers by putting an end to the use of fossil fuels for powering tools and equipment. The good news is battery-powered alternatives are now prolific and the technology that underlies them has come on leaps and bounds in the past decade, particularly concerning run-time. MILWAUKEE understands many on-site workers are rightly concerned; however, it remains concerning that a significant minority appear indifferent or unphased about the serious health implications of constant exposure to petrol fumes. Upfront, it indicates site teams need to ensure that, if they are still relying on petrol, their workforce is adequately protected. However, it’s only a temporary measure as the safest approach is to swap this dangerous fuel source out for good. To find out about Milwaukee’s award-winning range of tools, equipment and PPE, including the groundbreaking MX Fuel and OPE ranges, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means investing not only in the next generation of engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and carpenters, as the Chancellor highlights, but also in upskilling the existing workforce. We are keen to learn more about how the £600 million in skills funding will be distributed and hope it presents opportunities for partnerships with organisations like ours to help train the skilled workers we need. The focus on skills boot camps is promising, particularly as it aligns with our own goals of reskilling the workforce to adopt new construction techniques and materials. Additionally, the emphasis on foundation apprenticeships is encouraging, as we are already collaborating with organisations across the sector to help them utilise the apprenticeship levy to address the skills gap. However, challenges remain – particularly the upcoming National Insurance increase, which could dampen the appetite for apprenticeships. We hope this announcement signals a broader commitment to addressing such barriers, ensuring we are in a strong position by 2029. Together, we can build a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering not only the 1.5 million homes needed in this Parliament, but also the crucial housing projects and upgrades that will follow. Tom Arey is director at PfP Thrive, an organisation delivering comprehensive bespoke training programmes for the UK housing and construction sectors, as well as compliance training, trade skills apprenticeships and leadership development to meet evolving workforce needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regal has successfully secured a £58.6 million investment loan from lender Firma Partners to refinance The Clarendon Works, its newly completed, sustainable office development in Watford. The 12-storey office scheme is the largest of its kind in Watford, offering nearly 140,000 square feet of high-quality workspace, complete with modern amenities. With almost 80% of the space already let, major tenants include National Lottery operator Allwyn, which has taken 63,527 square feet across six floors, and global technology firm Epson UK, occupying 30,530 square feet. Interest remains strong in the two remaining floors of this premium-grade workspace, which has been designed to rival central London office standards. The deal marks another milestone for Firma Partners, a newly launched real estate lender. This is only its second transaction following last month’s support for McGrath Group’s £40 million acquisition and development project in West London. Victor Librae, chief executive of Firma Partners, commented: “We are pleased to provide Regal with an investment loan to refinance The Clarendon Works, a development that has set a new standard for office space in Watford and the wider South East. This highly sustainable, amenity-rich workspace has already attracted leading tenants, demonstrating its strong market appeal. “Firma Partners is committed to supporting innovative developers and investors in delivering top-tier real estate projects. The facility we are providing for The Clarendon Works aligns with our approach to backing high-quality developments with long-term potential.” Firma Partners specialises in flexible capital solutions for mid- to large-scale real estate investments and developments. Its focus spans across the living sector, including residential, mixed-use, build-to-rent, student accommodation, co-living, later living, hospitality, and hotels.
British Land has appointed Bam to lead a £100m transformation of Broadgate Tower, a landmark office building near Liverpool Street in London. The project will see the addition of a three-storey extension, including a 6,200 sq ft terrace at the front of the building. Tower floors and Broadgate Plaza will also undergo significant refurbishment, with the scheme expected to complete by late 2026. Originally built in 2008, the 34-storey tower is set for a major refresh aimed at enhancing workspaces while improving environmental performance. The redevelopment is targeting top sustainability certifications, including BREEAM Outstanding, an EPC A rating, and WELL certification pre-conditions. Circular economy principles will be applied to reduce embodied carbon, featuring a hybrid pavilion structure incorporating reused steelwork and cross-laminated timber. Kim Sides, construction director at Bam, commented: “With this upgrade, Broadgate Tower will become one of London’s most desirable office destinations, offering flexible, modern workspaces with outstanding facilities. We are thrilled to work with British Land to bring its sustainability vision to life, delivering long-term value for businesses and communities.” David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, added: “We are excited to be repositioning Broadgate Tower, creating high-quality, sustainable office space that meets the evolving needs of today’s occupiers. This project, following our commitment to 2 Finsbury Avenue last year, marks another key milestone for Broadgate and the City as we deliver sought-after modern office space in a competitive market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following its 5-mile drive underneath the capital, HS2 lifted Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Sushila’ out of the ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford, West London. The cutterhead, front and middle shield, weighting 850 tonnes, were lifted from the vent shaft in one piece on Saturday, March 15, using a 750 tonne gantry crane. The TBM – with a cutterhead spanning 9.48 metres in diameter – was launched from West Ruislip in October 2022 and completed its journey in December 2024. TBM Sushila excavated over 1.2 million tonnes of earth and installed 4,217 tunnel rings. TBM Sushila was used to construct part of the Northolt Tunnel – an 8.4-mile tunnel being built by four TBMs which will take HS2 trains from Old Oak Common Station to the outskirts of the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A fast-growing Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support a prestigious £5.8 million state-of-the-art Porsche centre in the West Country. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to provide quantity surveying and employers agent services to the creation of a cutting edge new Porsche dealership in Exeter. The development, in Matford Park Road, includes the demolition of an existing dealership, a new large vehicle showroom, new high quality workshop areas, servicing and testing bays and a wet and dry valeting building . The development also includes drainage and civils installation, landscaping and extensive parking areas. The project is due for completion early next year. TCC has been involved since the initial project feasibility stage. As employers agents, TCC will have responsibility for acting on behalf of Ryland Automotive and Dealership Developments Ltd to see the project through to completion. TCC director Gareth Powell said, “We are delighted to have been appointed to this prestigious project which involves combining premium design and advanced technology into a space which embodies the Porsche brand and reflects Porsche’s high status and luxury.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cadogan announces the first retail tenants at The Gaumont, a landmark £235 million development, and the creation of its ‘creative quarter’. The new retail signings are independent businesses New Forms, BookBar and Art Play, bringing an exciting blend of art, music, and literature to the King’s Road, enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy and continued legacy as a hub for creative innovation. All are set to open in late spring 2025. This marks the first phase of openings for The Gaumont, a 220,000 sq. ft mixed-use building, delivering Cadogan’s long-term vision to create a new commercial and cultural anchor for the King’s Road. It features flagship retail, a revitalised independent cinema, creative and office spaces, hospitality venues including a rooftop bar with panoramic views and pub theatre, and a significant public art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood. A new destination is taking shape as part of this development, focused on its return elevation along Chelsea Manor Street. Curated in response to community feedback, which highlighted a resounding call for more independents focused on the arts, music, and literature, a cluster of subsidised small spaces have been dedicated to nurturing young creative enterprises. The initial signings are: BookBar will take a 1,242 sq. ft unit for its independent bookshop, wine, and coffee bar, cultivating a vibrant literary scene through author talks, book clubs, and events, while also providing a welcoming space for late night browsing and drinking four days a week. New Forms will occupy 1,045 sq. ft as a vinyl café and boutique record shop curated by the team behind Next Door Records. It will serve as a hub for vinyl culture and social connection, while also featuring a music-led bar that regularly hosts events and collaborations with artists and musicians. Art Play will initially establish itself at 20a Chelsea Manor Street before relocating to a larger 2,200 sq. ft space at 5 Chelsea Manor Street. Originally founded in Shoreditch, Art Play’s Chelsea expansion will offer a dynamic space for artists and art lovers alike. With an emphasis on creative engagement, it will provide workshops, exhibitions, and a collaborative environment for the local art community. Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, said: “The Gaumont is a new landmark that celebrates the community, heritage, and artistic spirit of Chelsea. From the outset, we have collaborated closely with local residents to shape a development that reflects their vision, celebrating Chelsea’s cultural heritage, while supporting its thriving creative scene. Welcoming BookBar, New Forms, and Art Play will establish Chelsea Manor Street as a dynamic day-to-night destination for both locals and visitors. We look forward to seeing these businesses thrive and contribute to the continued evolution of King’s Road as a world-class cultural and retail destination.” Chelsea Manor Street’s creative quarter will strengthen the King’s Road’s reputation as a place where creators, innovators, and artists can flourish. With a strong emphasis on independent, community-driven offerings, these occupiers mark an exciting step toward the evolution of a new cultural landmark in Chelsea. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
