Lighting is playing an ever-increasingly important role in the circular economy. Luminaires are no longer seen as part of the disposable society, thanks to a recognition that they can be upgraded and refurbished to extend their lifetime. Responsible manufacturers are integrating this approach into the design of luminaires from the
Offsite housing specialist TALO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Darren Pace as its new Head of Operations. He joins TALO as part of its continued expansion to further accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy housing across the UK. His role is to enhance the client journey
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy
Be First, the regeneration delivery agency for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has appointed Andrew Savege as its new Development Director. Andrew joins from Wates Residential, where he played a key role in delivering major regeneration projects and forming long-term public-private partnerships. With over two decades of experience
Multi-disciplinary engineering contractor Spencer Group has been recognised for its dedication to employee wellbeing, social responsibility and fostering young talent. Spencer Group claimed the award for Best Place to Work – Contractor in the prestigious New Civil Engineer Awards 2025. The award recognises a business that has implemented exemplary initiatives
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects is proud to announce the shortlisting of seven awards at this year’s prestigious ‘Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards’ (IWCE). The shortlist celebrates both individual
Wingstop has continued its rapid UK expansion with the launch of a new restaurant at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq ft venue offers seating for over 136 diners and marks another significant step in the fried chicken chain’s strategic growth across
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, launches Puzzle – the first luminaire of its kind to combine striking, continuous light with office compliance, task-ready performance and a breakthrough in sustainable design using 75% recycled PET material. This first Puzzle lighting product launches in July and is tailored to
SGS UK Retail, TDL Media and XPE have launched a strategic partnership to align the marketing, management and leasing of Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite, the adjacent regional leisure destination. Called Braehead Ambition, the partnership will add value for visitors, retailers and operators, working in collaboration to deliver
AER Rents has placed a significant order with Chinese construction equipment manufacturer SANY, securing 50 new machines for its UK and Irish operations. The deal will see a mix of telehandlers and excavators delivered over the summer to support AER-owned businesses: MPH Hire & Sales, DHS Complete Hire, and Chippindale
Lighting is playing an ever-increasingly important role in the circular economy. Luminaires are no longer seen as part of the disposable society, thanks to a recognition that they can be upgraded and refurbished to extend their lifetime. Responsible manufacturers are integrating this approach into the design of luminaires from the outset, providing greater convenience to sustainability. David Goddard, Head of UK Projects from LEDVANCE explores this principle. For many years the lighting industry faced the challenge of reducing electronic waste. The barrier to achieving this was the limited lifespan that traditional light sources, and even early generation LEDs, offered. To address this, responsible manufacturers have adopted manufacturing practices that enable luminaires to be part of the circular economy. At its heart, the circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves reusing, repairing, refurbishing existing products for as long as possible. The lifecycle of products is subsequently extended and is a move away from the linear economic model society had become reliant on. The unsustainable linear model is one which involves large quantities of cheap, and therefore rapidly disposable, products. These are never recycled or upgraded and ultimately end up being sent to landfill on an all too frequent basis. One example of the circular economy in practice is LEDVANCE’s EVERLOOP approach. This principle enables the replacement of individual light sources and drivers in a convenient way, rather than having to replace luminaires in their entirety. The purpose behind EVERLOOP is that it is integrated into the LED from the offset, allowing for the straightforward upgrade with new drivers and new LED light sources at any time. This means the luminaires have an almost unlimited lifespan. The ease of replacement is key to the success of this sustainability practice. Having the ability to change the driver and light source embedded into the luminaire offers a convenient choice for many across the industry. This includes installers, planners, and facilities managers, among others wanting to secure sustainable efficiency of industrial and office applications, as well as public buildings. The EVERLOOP approach is one way that LEDVANCE is contributing to the EU’s plan to reduce electronic waste. As well as meeting legislative requirements and targets, it also represents how lighting manufacturers are demonstrating efforts and measures that go above and beyond to address sustainability matters. There are many reasons why focusing on the reduction of electronic waste is crucial. Firstly, the re-use of existing products slows down the use of natural resources and raw materials. This means a reduction in landscape and habitat disruption as materials do not need to be mined. A circular economy further protects the natural environment by lowering the amount of waste that is sent to landfill, or disposed of through burning. Figures from the World Resources Institute show that each year, 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced globally. This is in addition to 54 million tonnes of electronic waste. Designing products that can be used for much longer will reduce waste levels, and therefore pressure on the environment. Adding to this, creating more efficient and sustainable products from the beginning of its lifecycle helps to lower energy and resource consumption. This is because, according to research published by the European Parliament, it is estimated that more than 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase. To put this into context, data shows that around 45% of global greenhouse gas comes from product use and manufacturing. By implementing circular economy strategies that reduce this need to keep producing more and more, will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. This has the ability to reduce and potentially reverse some of the negative implications of climate change. The circular economy also secures benefits that go beyond the individual products themselves. A reduction in the number of new products also lowers the associated packaging that needs to be disposed of. By upgrading the products that are in situ, there is less packaging for the replacement products – only what is needed to transport and store them safely. This in turn lowers the amount of waste, that in too many cases is still non-recyclable, that will be sent to landfill. The role of lighting in the circular economy is clear to see, especially when there is an easy solution to challenging the outdated and detrimental linear model. The move to refurbishing and upgrading luminaires is becoming increasingly commonplace, and LEDVANCE is proud to be part of this movement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Offsite housing specialist TALO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Darren Pace as its new Head of Operations. He joins TALO as part of its continued expansion to further accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy housing across the UK. His role is to enhance the client journey post-planning, including offsite manufacturing and site installation. Darren brings around 30 years of experience to his new role, having worked in both timber-framed construction and MMC for a number of industry leaders. Most recently, he led the construction of luxury homes in the Cotswolds for a global developer, which used timber offsite technology. At TALO, Darren will lead all aspects of project delivery, working closely with developer clients and housebuilders, their design teams, and TALO’s offsite manufacturing and logistics operations to ensure seamless project delivery to exceptional standards. Bengt Magnussen, Commercial Director at TALO: “Darren’s deep operational knowledge of all types of housing delivery, together with his passion for improving outcomes, is exactly what we need to help scale TALO’s impact. With his project leadership and a series of other new appointments, we are strengthening the entire product lifecycle – from design to delivery – and ensuring our clients benefit from an integrated, high-quality experience that lends itself very well to repeat business.” Darren Pace, Head of Operations at TALO: “TALO is doing something genuinely different. I have worked extensively with a number of different timber-framed systems for three decades, and the standard way of doing things has barely changed in that time. The housebuilding industry still uses wet timber and so has to accept shrinkage, cracking and weather-related delays. But that shouldn’t be the norm. TALO’s entirely dry, high-performance system avoids all of that. It is about speed, consistency, and quality. I am excited to help our clients deliver better homes, more quickly – ultra-low energy homes that exceed Passivhaus standards, and that aren’t handed over with snag lists. I also feel passionately about TALO’s wider vision to eradicate fuel poverty.” TALO’s panelised timber superstructure is currently manufactured in Finland using slow grown, dry Nordic timber. The system arrives on site complete with insulation, triple glazing, and internal plaster boarding. This dry, closed-panel solution ensures homes are watertight within days – not weeks – enabling faster fitout and higher performance for air tightness and insulation. As Head of Operations, Darren will work closely with TALO’s commercial and design teams to ensure a seamless transition from project inception to handover. Together, they will give housebuilding clients a streamlined pathway to achieve better quality, ultra-low energy housing with less risk, cost efficiency, fewer trades on site, shorter build times, faster return on investment and earlier occupation. TALO partners with residential developers, housebuilders and architects to deliver homes that radically exceed UK Building Regulations and the new Future Homes Standard – at no cost premium. Applications include homes for market sale, private rent, shared ownership and affordable housing. TALO’s solutions for low rise housing include the highly engineered timber superstructure, energy package and standardised foundations to enhance build quality, and deliver outstanding energy performance, verified by independent testing. For more information about TALO’s timber offsite solutions for housebuilders and property developers, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, the phase-out of fossil heating systems, zero-emission standards for new buildings and digital building models for every project. Many people are now asking themselves: Are our existing processes and products still sufficient? What specific requirements will we face? And when? If you wait too long, you run the risk of being left out of tenders, authorisations or financing. The good news is that those who deal with the new requirements in good time can not only avoid risks, but also gain competitive advantages. The revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024) came into force on 28 May 2024. It forms the regulatory framework for the decarbonisation of the European building sector. The EPBD 2024 sets binding targets, minimum standards and verification obligations. All member states must transpose the requirements into national law within 24 months. The aim of the directive is to make the EU’s building stock climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest. The pressure to act is high: buildings currently account for around 40 per cent of energy consumption and 35 per cent of CO₂ emissions. Three quarters of existing buildings are considered energy inefficient and the annual refurbishment rate is just one per cent. The EPBD 2024 aims to significantly improve these values. The directive requires specific measures to be taken over the entire life cycle of a building: from planning, construction and operation through to dismantling and disposal. The decisive factor here is not just the energy requirement during operation, but the overall balance of all emissions. Overview of the five core areas of the EPBD Directive 2024 The EPBD 2024 not only places new requirements on buildings, but also restructures the rules for planning, construction and operation. The focus is on five central requirements: From 2030, new buildings must no longer have any CO₂ emissions caused on site. This will already apply to new public buildings from 2028. Energy requirements must be low and covered by renewable sources. At least 16 per cent of non-residential buildings with the worst efficiency class must be renovated by 2030, and as many as 26 per cent by 2033. National reduction targets for primary energy consumption apply to residential buildings. From 2025, subsidies for new fossil fuel boilers will be cancelled. The complete phase-out is to take place by 2040 at the latest. Member states can issue national installation bans. From 2028, the global warming potential of new buildings with more than 1,000 m² must be shown in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. The entire life cycle is assessed. BIM models, digital verification systems and automated monitoring solutions are becoming mandatory. They serve as the basis for planning, operation, verification and funding. Why the EPBD Directive 2024 is also changing building technology With the EPBD 2024, technical building equipment is also moving to the centre of the CO₂ assessment for the first time. In future, pipework systems, insulation materials and distribution systems will have to demonstrate their environmental impact over their entire life cycle: from production to dismantling. Grey energy is particularly relevant here – i.e. the emissions generated during the manufacture, transport, installation, maintenance and disposal of a building product. In energy-efficient new buildings, it often accounts for more than 50 per cent of total emissions. From 2028, the corresponding data must be included in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. This also changes the role of products. Systems with verified environmental product declarations (EPD) and digital interfaces for BIM models and carbon footprints are required. How aquatherm contributes to the achievement of objectives with documented pipe systems aquatherm piping systems are documented in accordance with the future requirements of the EPBD. All relevant environmental data is available in the form of verified environmental product declarations (EPDs). The aquatherm EPDs are based on a cradle-to-gate approach and cover the life cycle from raw material extraction to the factory gate. In addition, the aquatherm environmental product declarations also include modules C (disposal phase) and D (next product system) in accordance with the requirements of EN 15804+A2. The environmental product declarations are not only the basis for CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, but also for sustainability certificates such as LEED, BREEAM and DGNB. Roadmap in several phases The EPBD 2024 is more than just a technical specification. It is a roadmap with clear deadlines, binding targets and specific requirements. It will be implemented in several phases. The new aquatherm white paper, which can be downloaded at https://info.aquatherm.de/en/whitepaper-epbd-directive, also provides all the important details on the EPBD 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Be First, the regeneration delivery agency for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has appointed Andrew Savege as its new Development Director. Andrew joins from Wates Residential, where he played a key role in delivering major regeneration projects and forming long-term public-private partnerships. With over two decades of experience and more than £5 billion of investment negotiated, Andrew has worked with local authorities, developers, NHS trusts, and universities to unlock complex housing and mixed-use schemes. As Development Director at Be First, he will lead the acceleration of new home development and unlock strategic opportunities across the borough. Andrew Savege said: “I’m excited to be joining Be First, one of the UK’s most unique regeneration and development companies. The team’s ambition and purpose are clear, and I’m looking forward to supporting the borough’s long-term vision to deliver much-needed homes, social value, and investment for inclusive growth.” Caroline Harper, Interim Managing Director at Be First, added: “Andrew’s arrival will bring significant expertise and refreshed energy to our Development team at a critical time. His experience in building strong partnerships and getting projects off the ground will be invaluable as we work to deliver for the borough and London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary engineering contractor Spencer Group has been recognised for its dedication to employee wellbeing, social responsibility and fostering young talent. Spencer Group claimed the award for Best Place to Work – Contractor in the prestigious New Civil Engineer Awards 2025. The award recognises a business that has implemented exemplary initiatives to improve the wellbeing of its employees, both personally and professionally. Colleagues from Spencer Group were presented with the accolade during a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Bankside in London. Spencer Group’s entry for the award carried the slogan “Hard Hats, Soft Hearts”, summarising the company’s commitment to building a culture where everyone belongs. Spencer Group is committed to employee wellbeing and has a business model that places equal opportunities and inclusivity at its core. Employees say they feel cared for and supported by the business, with over 90 per cent saying they are satisfied working for the organisation and they know how they need to progress in order to be considered for promotion, in the latest employee survey. The company fosters an open and inclusive culture, where employee wellbeing is prioritised through initiatives such as Mental Health First Aiders, the Time to Talk Day pledge and family-friendly policies including flexible working hours and additional family leave. As a Founding Partner of Hull’s employer-led Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in its home city of Hull, Spencer Group is passionate about helping to shape the future of the next generation of young people entering the workforce. Since the partnership’s inception, the business has recruited over 60 apprentices from the school, ensuring a continuous pipeline of young talent. Spencer Group also sets a strong example for other businesses by prioritising long-term, local talent development and creating a culture where employees are provided with the tools to succeed from an early age. The company also actively promotes from within, providing clear career progression through apprenticeships and training programmes, enabling the next generation to flourish. As a champion of female talent in a traditionally male-dominated sector, Spencer Group also actively supports organisations such as Women in Manufacturing and Engineering, to engage with women and showcase the exciting career opportunities available in engineering and helping fuel their passion for the industry. Listening to employees and making changes to meet their needs is also a top priority for Spencer Group. The company has recently implemented a new tool to provide greater insights into employee needs and ensure the company is always improving and adapting. The PRINT® tool includes a combination of customised reports, insightful workshops and team/individual coaching that reveal the unconscious motivators behind employee behaviours and actions. The initiative promotes open dialogue between employees and management, allowing for a personalised approach to leadership. It ensures that staff are placed in roles and projects that align with their strengths, improving job satisfaction and productivity. PRINT® results are also incorporated into Spencer Group’s Personal Development Review (PDR) process, enabling employees to track their growth and receive targeted development support. Spencer Group is also committed to leaving a lasting and positive impact on the communities in which it works having raised over £61,000 for various charities over the last decade through employee driven initiatives. The business has supported numerous causes which are close to the hearts of employees including Teenage Cancer Trust, Mind, The Trussell Trust and many more. The combination of Spencer Group’s extensive employee initiatives has led to significant positive changes in employee engagement, retention and satisfaction, creating a lasting impact on both individual careers and the overall company culture. Yvonne Moir, HR Director said: “We’re delighted that our commitment to being an outstanding employer has been recognised in the New Civil Engineer Awards. “We have a clear understanding that our people are the key to our success and we prioritise their wellbeing at every level. “We pride ourselves on being a modern employer in a traditional sector, placing people at the heart of everything we do. We strive to listen to our employees and are constantly evolving to meet their needs. “This award reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire workforce, and without their support this award would not be possible.” The awards judges noted how impressed they were with Spencer Group’s commitment to developing and supporting its employees. In the award citation, they said: “We were wowed by the results of the staff survey that showed how successful this company’s personalised development approach is. The company is a founder of the local University Technical College that helps young people to stay local and provides a pipeline of talent. The panel particularly liked the strapline: Hard Hats, Soft Hearts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects is proud to announce the shortlisting of seven awards at this year’s prestigious ‘Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards’ (IWCE). The shortlist celebrates both individual excellence and Winvic’s company-wide commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in the built environment. Among the impressive ‘Rising Star’ shortlisted entries are four members of the Winvic team: Winvic is also thrilled to announce that Heidi Salmons, Director of Marketing, Business Development, and Social Responsibility, has been individually shortlisted in the ‘Inspirational Leader – Contractor’ category, recognising women in leadership positions who have used their influence to inspire and engage the workforce to improve outcomes for customers and their business. Heidi has transformed Winvic’s marketing, business development and social value functions, developing her team from three to 13, while fostering a learning culture with people development at its heart. Her inspiring leadership engages colleagues at all levels and builds collaborative partnerships with clients, consultants and the supply chain, to improve business outcomes and deliver tangible impact for clients and communities. As a Board Member, she drives innovation through strategic Social Value, ESG, brand and business development initiatives, empowering others and shaping a more inclusive, purpose-led organisation. The company has further been recognised for its industry-leading workplace culture with two company-led entries shortlisted for ‘Company of the Year’ and ‘Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing’. The ‘Company of the Year’ category recognises organisations making outstanding contributions to inspiring women within the construction and engineering sector, demonstrating commitment to an excellent working environment and encouraging diversity through specific initiatives and policies. Winvic actively supports female recruitment, retention, and career growth through a range of impactful initiatives, including the Winvic Enrichment Programme (WEP), which gives young women hands-on experience of construction roles, alongside building strong relationships with education partners to tailor engagement to the needs of female students, supporting their career research and aspirations. On site, inclusivity is promoted through dedicated welfare facilities, free period products and female-specific PPE. Winvic’s industry-leading, enhanced maternity policy of 24 weeks’ full pay and 15 weeks’ half pay, further supports long-term career progression, and has contributed to a 40% increase in female employees in the last five years. The ‘Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing’ award celebrates teams and companies that have gone above and beyond to promote mental health support and wellbeing. Winvic shines a spotlight on both physical and mental health through a range of impactful initiatives, communications and its partnership with Mates in Mind, the UK based construction charity. A culture of speaking up and championing physical activity is evident through Mental Health First Aider courses, an Employee Assistance Programme, a yearly 24-hour National Fitness Day fundraiser and other challenges engaging hundreds of colleagues every month – contributing to an enviable staff retention rate, alongside growing participation in the company’s wellbeing programmes. Commenting on the nominations, Rebecca Schwarz – Director of People & Resources said: “These nominations are a true reflection of the exceptional talent we have at Winvic and the inclusive culture we’ve built together. From rising stars to senior leaders, and our company-wide commitment to fostering inclusivity, supporting mental health, and spearheading positive change within our sector, we’re immensely proud to be recognised across so many categories. These awards showcase how our people-first approach continues to shape a high-performing environment where individuals thrive and demonstrate the vital role of equity, opportunity, and strong leadership in shaping the future of our industry.” All shortlisted individuals and organisations will now take part in a dedicated workshop followed by a final stage judging process. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday 16th September at the Royal Lancaster London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wingstop has continued its rapid UK expansion with the launch of a new restaurant at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq ft venue offers seating for over 136 diners and marks another significant step in the fried chicken chain’s strategic growth across the capital. It follows the brand’s global flagship opening at Westfield Stratford City last year. The Westfield London branch serves Wingstop’s signature selection of wings, tenders, and burgers, complemented by an array of sides, milkshakes, desserts, and beers. Chris Sherriff, CEO of Wingstop UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to open at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, the UK’s largest shopping centre. This launch builds on the success of our Stratford flagship and represents the next milestone in our London expansion. With demand for our flavours at an all-time high, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. A huge thank you goes out to our loyal customers and our teams for making this possible.” Wingstop first entered the UK market in 2018 and has rapidly grown its presence. Earlier this year, the brand announced its most ambitious pipeline to date, with plans to launch over 20 new sites across the UK in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, launches Puzzle – the first luminaire of its kind to combine striking, continuous light with office compliance, task-ready performance and a breakthrough in sustainable design using 75% recycled PET material. This first Puzzle lighting product launches in July and is tailored to provide task lighting at desks, meeting rooms and other office environments. Available in a 4 and 5 feet linear pendant size, Puzzle is designed with a soft seamless glow that helps to improve focus while working2 and elevate and enrich workspace design. Puzzle integrates seamlessly with smart systems, such as Signify’s Interact, providing access to energy-saving features, including occupancy detection and daylight harvesting. Puzzle allows for sensors to be integrated or external, allowing flexibility depending on the ceiling design. Pendants are available in different lumen outputs with wired and wireless control options. The linear components are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. Designed by Florent Coirier and brought to life through Signify’s cutting-edge 3D-printing technology, Puzzle also sets a new benchmark for circular lighting design. All printed parts are made from 75% recycled PET, drawn from a range of materials including bottles, carpet, polyester clothing and eye glasses. The use of 3D printing also helps minimize waste, resulting in a more efficient production process. The Puzzle range is available for customers in Europe. Further extensions will be launched next year, and are designed to create bold, layered ceiling compositions in different environments, including hospitality spaces with height and character. Bart Maeyens, Head of Signify myCreation: “At Signify myCreation, we focus on creating spaces where people want to be and love to work, while living our own purpose: leading in sustainability on the journey and designing our lighting solutions to be truly circular.” “Office requirements in terms of functionality, performance, and smart operating systems in lighting have become a standard. We sought to push the performance boundaries and, in parallel, create a new aesthetic language in the functional office category. That is what we did with Puzzle. We puzzled together function, performance, sustainability and aesthetic elegance.” Florent Coirier, designer of Puzzle said, “My design inspiration was the way pieces fit together in a jigsaw puzzle, where individual components integrate seamlessly to form one cohesive whole. The Puzzle range features clear, elegant shapes and a structure composed of square cells, reflecting the interplay of light and structure.” “Working with Signify technology has enabled us to create a piece of art that is functional and helps to create a welcoming environment in which to work.” 1 Office compliant lighting meets specific standards and regulations (EN 12464-1) designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and productive work environment. 2 The product complies with the Unified Glare Rating (UGR19). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SGS UK Retail, TDL Media and XPE have launched a strategic partnership to align the marketing, management and leasing of Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite, the adjacent regional leisure destination. Called Braehead Ambition, the partnership will add value for visitors, retailers and operators, working in collaboration to deliver a consistent and clear approach to the customer experience across the extensive Braehead estate. Reporting to a board comprising SGS UK Retail, TDL Media and XPE Group Plc, the asset management and operational team includes Pradera Lateral, Savills, BWP Group, Lunson Mitchenall, BGP, and Metis. The owners and their advisors will work as one team to enhance and evolve the assets, and visitors, retailers, and operators can look forward to an even more enlivened, coherent and compelling experience, amplifying and expanding the natural trading synergy between adjacent ownerships. Totalling 1,450,000 sq ft and attracting a combined 16.3 million visitors a year (which is expected to grow to 17.6 million by the end of 2026), Braehead Shopping Centre, XSite and The Arena offer shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment, along with live events, exhibitions, sport and extensive free parking. As well as the local population, the destination serves a loyal and growing catchment of 2.2 million people with over £6.3 billion of available retail and leisure spend. Braehead Ambition will ensure Braehead is always the destination of choice for consumers, and for retail and leisure businesses looking to open in Glasgow. Commenting on the creation of the partnership, Claire Barber, CEO of SGS UK Retail, said: “The scale and diversity of Braehead Ambition’s offer means the destination is more relevant to more consumers more of the time. The partnership will position Braehead as a lifestyle choice, creating even higher levels of loyalty and engagement that will drive the commercial performance of the individual assets, and the wider social and economic prosperity of the area.” Barry Cox, Non-Exec Director at XPE Group Plc, commented: “This partnership celebrates a shared commitment to offer consumers a unique destination, one whose total is greater even than the sum of the parts. As consumers are becoming ever more discerning as to where and how they spend their time and money, bringing together the strength of our individual assets to create the strongest destination of scale in Glasgow makes total sense for our customers, our business partners, and for Renfrew.” Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Finance, Resources and Customer Services at Renfrewshire Council and Chair of Renfrew Local Partnership, also welcomed the initiative, adding: “I welcome the creation of this strategic partnership between Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite. Individually, each is very popular and very successful, but together they create a destination unrivalled in Scotland. This collective approach creates more choice, scale and opportunity, and I am confident the partnership will fuel further success for Braehead and bring additional benefits to the local area through community engagement.” All the assets in Braehead Ambition are benefiting from ongoing programme of enhancement, with over £12 million being invested by XPE Group Plc in XSite, and anchored around the recently announced K1 go karting attraction. Similarly, SGS UK Retail has secured several new brands, upsizes and renewals at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Braehead Arena, which is now owned by TDL Media, has received upgrades that increase its flexibility as a 5,200-seat multi-purpose events and sports venue. In addition to Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite, the area has become established as a hub for premium automotive brands, such as Ferrari, Land Rover, Mercedes, BMW, Harley Davidson and Ducati, and is also home to IKEA and Sainsbury’s. Alongside the significant growth in housing, public realm enhancements to Renfrew Riverside and major infrastructure investment, including the recently opened Renfrew Bridge spanning the River Clyde, are adding value to local residents and businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AER Rents has placed a significant order with Chinese construction equipment manufacturer SANY, securing 50 new machines for its UK and Irish operations. The deal will see a mix of telehandlers and excavators delivered over the summer to support AER-owned businesses: MPH Hire & Sales, DHS Complete Hire, and Chippindale Hire & Sales. Prior to placing the order, AER Rents executives travelled to SANY’s manufacturing facility in China to assess the company’s quality management processes first-hand. “This is more than just a fleet refresh – it’s a clear signal of our ambition,” said Gavin Pitt, Chief Executive of AER Rents. “We’re expanding, partnering with the best, and placing performance, safety, and sustainability at the core of everything we deliver to our customers.” Distribution of the equipment will be handled by SANY’s regional dealer network. Banner Equipment will supply the majority of the order to Chippindale Hire & Sales. SANY UK’s direct sales team will deliver to MPH Hire & Sales in the southeast, while Sleator Plant will manage deliveries to DHS Complete Hire in Ireland. Rob Gowling, General Manager of Banner Equipment, commented: “This fleet expansion is fantastic news for all parties involved. It’s especially rewarding to see our long-standing relationship with Chippindale Hire & Sales extend across the wider AER Rents Group and into the broader SANY UK & Ireland network. SANY has firmly established itself in the construction sector, and this partnership strengthens that reputation further.” AER Rents Group, part of Ireland’s O’Flaherty Holdings, acquired Mr Plant Hire (now MPH) in 2014 and Chippindale Plant in 2022. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals