Aberdeen City Council has taken ownership of its new £29 million New Riverbank School, built using a cross laminated timber (CLT) frame, following successful delivery by Robertson Construction Eastern. The 6,784m² (73,000ft²), three-stream school provides a high-quality learning environment for up to 651 primary-age pupils, alongside early learning and nursery
RSK Group is continuing to support major UK carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects with eight RSK businesses appointed to contribute to the delivery of CO₂ transportation and storage infrastructure designed to facilitate the HyNet CO₂ pipeline. The RSK businesses have been appointed by United Living Group. Its subsidiary, United
A bold new proposal for what would be the UK’s largest data centre development has emerged, with plans submitted for a £7.6 billion hyperscale AI campus in North Lincolnshire. Located at the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield near Scunthorpe, the ambitious Elsham Tech Park project would span 176 hectares and
Aldi is pressing ahead with its bold growth strategy for 2025, announcing plans to open 10 new stores across the UK this summer as part of a wider £650 million investment in its property portfolio. The new openings will take place over the next 14 weeks, reinforcing Aldi’s long-term ambition
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is investing more than £102 million into a housing regeneration scheme at the former Boots site in Nottingham, now named Beeston Canalside, following a partnership with Platform Housing Group. The multi-million pound site will deliver new, energy-efficient and affordable homes, transforming the disused brownfield land.
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, welcomes new customer Top Cloud Logistics Ltd (TopCloud) to Prologis Park Midpoint in Birmingham. The Chinese e-tailer has signed a 15-year lease on DC6, a new 164,103 sq. ft. logistics facility in the North East of the city, joining JLR,
Two proposed reservoir schemes by Anglian Water in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire have officially been designated as nationally significant infrastructure projects, allowing them to bypass the local authority planning system and seek direct approval from the Planning Inspectorate. The move means both schemes will now be subject to a Development Consent
HS2 yesterday revealed the first section of platform to be installed for Britain’s new high-speed railway. In the underground box at HS2’s Old Oak Common station, engineers have begun installing the platform slabs which passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future. Six platforms are being
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as
Aberdeen City Council has taken ownership of its new £29 million New Riverbank School, built using a cross laminated timber (CLT) frame, following successful delivery by Robertson Construction Eastern. The 6,784m² (73,000ft²), three-stream school provides a high-quality learning environment for up to 651 primary-age pupils, alongside early learning and nursery provision for up to 60 children. Facilities include a gym hall, dance studio, dining hall, staff and administration areas, and student support spaces. Robertson led the construction phase of the two-storey school including the design, engineering and build of the frame structure using primarily CLT*. The use of CLT delivered a 2,510 tCO₂e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) reduction in embodied carbon, placing the project as a sector-leading example of low-carbon design. The school has a draft Energy Performance Rating of A. The use of CLT also supported the diversion of 100% of construction waste from landfill. CLT panels are formed by gluing layers of timber at right angles, creating a robust, airtight structure that enhances thermal performance and contributes to consistent indoor comfort. This reduces heat gains and losses throughout the building. The use of natural materials is also associated with improved wellbeing, offering a calmer and more relaxing learning environment for pupils. Extensive soft and hard landscaping was carried out to reduce the visual impact of the two-storey building and integrate it with the existing site topography. A 3G sports pitch, outdoor play and learning spaces were delivered alongside garden areas. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “At Robertson, we are committed to creating sustainable, innovative spaces that inspire and support the next generation. The new CLT school at Riverbank Primary is a testament to this vision, and to the commitment shown by the Council to deliver a warm, natural environment that enhances wellbeing and has been proven to enhance attainment. “Working with the Council to deliver this facility, we’ve not only reduced the environmental impact but also provided pupils and staff with an educational setting where they can truly learn, play, and achieve together.” Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I am pleased that we have now received the keys to our new Riverbank School and that council staff are working hard to ensure pupils can access the building from next month. “The new school will provide top-class facilities for all of its pupils including a 3G sports pitch and external outdoor play. It will be a fantastic learning facility for pupils at the start of their learning journey.” Built on the site of the former Tillydrone Infant School and on part of the former St Machar Primary School site, the New Riverbank opened in mid-May allowing pupils of the existing Riverbank to decant to the new school before summer recess. *3159.13 m3 CLT plus 91.01 m3 Glulam. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RSK Group is continuing to support major UK carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects with eight RSK businesses appointed to contribute to the delivery of CO₂ transportation and storage infrastructure designed to facilitate the HyNet CO₂ pipeline. The RSK businesses have been appointed by United Living Group. Its subsidiary, United Living Energy Limited, part of its infrastructure services business (ULIS), has been selected by Liverpool Bay CCS Limited (LBCCS), a member of the global energy tech company Eni, as one of the primary contractors to deliver CO₂ transportation and storage (T&S) infrastructure. The ULIS project is worth approximately £250 million over a three-year period and will create 300 roles across the supply chain. United Living has said that the facility will be instrumental in enabling the landmark HyNet CO₂ pipeline, which aims to unlock a low carbon economy for North West England and North Wales. The pipeline will be the first step in unlocking the benefits and ambitions of the wider HyNet North West project and achieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050. The project comprises 34 km of new pipeline (with the additional repurposing of an existing 24 km) running from Ince, Cheshire, near RSK’s head office at Helsby, to Point of Ayr in North Wales. RSK’s support of this project follows the recent completion of another carbon capture initiative involving 12 group businesses. These RSK companies supported Heidelberg Materials UK’s successful planning application for the company’s Padeswood CCS project in North Wales – the first carbon capture enabled cement works in the UK. Speaking about the new Liverpool Bay CCS project, RSK Environment Director Rob Domeney explained that the HyNet CO₂ pipeline would take CO₂ captured by industrial emitters across the region and transport it through new and repurposed infrastructure to permanent storage in depleted natural gas reservoirs under the seabed in Liverpool Bay. RSK’s work began in September 2024 and is expected to continue until the completion of construction in June 2027. Rob said: “This project is incredibly exciting for RSK. The group has been working on pipeline and related projects for more than 30 years and has a long history of working at sites across the North West, including at Protos Ince, Stanlow and Padeswood. “We are also contributing to a large number of CCS projects nationwide at all phases of development, from optioneering, feasibility and consents strategy, through consenting, development consent order (DCO) and environmental impact assessment (EIA), to pre-construction and construction support. With this project, we are delivering against a series of deadlines with various DCO requirements and secondary consents, protected species licences and other inputs required before construction can commence. But this is where the teams’ experience really comes into its own and our ability as a group to pool our multidisciplinary resources is very effective.” He confirmed that RSK has been contracted to provide pre-construction and construction environmental support to the project. The wider RSK team includes environmental management staff seconded into the project to help deliver construction environmental management plans and related documentation and secondary consents such as environmental permits and to coordinate the various environmental teams involved. Rob added: “In addition, the project will use more than 50 RSK colleagues across the group to provide ecological surveys, licences and mitigation, archaeological mitigation, advice and support on ground contamination, mining, groundwater and surface water, flood risk planning, landscape design and management and noise, air quality and arboriculture inputs. “RSK Group companies supporting the project include RSK Biocensus (ecology), Headland Archaeology, RSK Geosciences (coal mining, contamination, surface water/groundwater monitoring and materials management plans), LDE (flood risk and hydrology), ADAS (arboriculture and soil survey), Stephenson Halliday (landscape design), RSK Acoustics and Ian Farmer Associates. “The project is in its early stages, with a number of survey teams on-site and ecological and archaeological mitigation in progress, as well as a comprehensive ground investigation programme. Headland Archaeology has 2 teams of archaeologists working on the project and expects its work will involve 276 archaeological trial trenches. Once the initial phases of our work are complete, we look forward to supporting the ULIS team into full construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A bold new proposal for what would be the UK’s largest data centre development has emerged, with plans submitted for a £7.6 billion hyperscale AI campus in North Lincolnshire. Located at the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield near Scunthorpe, the ambitious Elsham Tech Park project would span 176 hectares and deliver over 1.5 million square metres of data centre floorspace. The masterplan includes 15 high-capacity data halls, a major new energy centre, and supporting infrastructure designed to position Lincolnshire at the forefront of the UK’s digital and AI revolution. The development, led by Elsham Tech Park Ltd, seeks to support an IT load of 1,000MW—one of the highest targets ever proposed for a UK-based digital campus. It is designed to serve the exponential growth in demand for artificial intelligence processing, cloud computing, and high-volume data storage. Alongside the tech infrastructure, the campus is also being pitched as a green energy innovation hub. Plans include an on-site energy centre capable of generating up to 49.9MW, a large-scale battery storage compound, substations, a district heating facility, and flexible commercial space. A particularly novel element is the integration of heat reuse: surplus heat from server operations could be redirected to energy-intensive greenhouse agriculture, creating year-round food production opportunities and circular energy efficiencies. The proposed site would include new spine roads linking the 15 data zones, each capable of standalone delivery, offering flexibility in construction sequencing and operational rollout. Access would be via a primary route from the Flarepath industrial estate. Buildings are planned to range from 7 to 23 metres in height and would be visually softened by bunds up to 10 metres high and new woodland planting to help the project blend with the surrounding landscape. Construction is expected to span a 10-year period, creating between 2,600 and 3,600 full-time equivalent jobs annually across on-site and off-site activity. While the capital build cost is estimated at £7.6 billion, this figure excludes the high-value IT infrastructure that will be installed within the data halls. Breakdown of major cost areas includes: North Lincolnshire Council is actively seeking government recognition of the area as an AI Growth Zone—a designation that would fast-track planning, infrastructure delivery, and energy support. If successful, Elsham could soon become a key node in the UK’s digital infrastructure network. Should the scheme receive planning approval, the Elsham Tech Park would not only redefine Lincolnshire’s role in the digital economy but also mark a significant milestone in the UK’s race to build the next generation of AI-ready infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi is pressing ahead with its bold growth strategy for 2025, announcing plans to open 10 new stores across the UK this summer as part of a wider £650 million investment in its property portfolio. The new openings will take place over the next 14 weeks, reinforcing Aldi’s long-term ambition to operate 1,500 stores nationwide. The discount supermarket chain currently has over 1,050 stores across the UK and is rapidly gaining ground on its traditional rivals. As part of its expansion plans, Aldi is also investing in the modernisation of 30 existing stores, bringing them in line with the retailer’s latest layout and design standards. These refreshes are aimed at improving customer flow, enhancing product displays, and making stores more energy-efficient. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “At Aldi, our goal is to ensure everyone has access to high-quality food at unbeatable prices, and we’re committed to achieving that with our ambitious store opening plans. With new stores, refreshed layouts, and a growing presence in urban and suburban areas alike, we’re making sure more shoppers across the UK can benefit from our offer.” The new stores set to open this summer are located in: These locations reflect Aldi’s strategy to target a mix of urban centres, commuter towns, and underserved regions, ensuring a broad geographical spread. The retailer continues to actively search for new freehold sites of around 1.5 acres, suitable for stores of 20,000 sq ft with 100 parking spaces—ideally situated near main roads with good visibility and access. In addition to store openings, Aldi is ramping up its logistics and supply chain infrastructure, with plans for further regional distribution centre enhancements to support its expanding network. As competition intensifies in the UK grocery sector, Aldi’s aggressive expansion and property investment underline its commitment to long-term market disruption and value-driven retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is investing more than £102 million into a housing regeneration scheme at the former Boots site in Nottingham, now named Beeston Canalside, following a partnership with Platform Housing Group. The multi-million pound site will deliver new, energy-efficient and affordable homes, transforming the disused brownfield land. The large-scale regeneration project will see Keepmoat deliver 604 high quality, multi-tenure new homes, with construction due to complete in 2029. Of the new homes, more than half will be delivered by Platform Housing Group for affordable rent and shared ownership, with 157 allocated for affordable rent and 162 for shared ownership. Adam Sharpe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat East Midlands, said: “At Keepmoat, we’re proud to be a brownfield specialist housebuilder and we’re passionate about working to transform sites that have been previously developed and left unused. “We’re extremely proud to play our part in unlocking one of the most significant land deals in the last decade. We’re also thrilled to be continuing our fantastic work with Platform Housing Group to deliver high quality, sustainable homes set to regenerate this flagship site.” Keepmoat has also recently announced its partnership with P3, a charity that supports individuals and families affected by homelessness and hardships within the Nottinghamshire region. The housebuilder will donate surplus materials, to be used in the properties managed by the charity – reducing waste whilst supporting those in need. Paula Heatley, New Homes Delivery Director at Platform Housing added: “Sites like this will go a long way in helping the sector address the housing crisis and deliver quality, sustainable places for the people who will eventually get to call them home. “This is a great example of how key partnership working is and will continue to be as we strive to deliver more affordable homes than ever before and I want to thank all the teams involved in not just the deal to get the site off the ground but also those who are now helping us develop what will be a flagship scheme.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/beeston-canalside Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, welcomes new customer Top Cloud Logistics Ltd (TopCloud) to Prologis Park Midpoint in Birmingham. The Chinese e-tailer has signed a 15-year lease on DC6, a new 164,103 sq. ft. logistics facility in the North East of the city, joining JLR, DHL and DP World who currently operate from the location. TopCloud, an emerging force in global e-commerce, specialises in consumer products, ranging from fashion accessories to fitness equipment and baby care. The company’s UK expansion is driven by increasing demand and a focus on strengthening local fulfilment capabilities. DC6 provides TopCloud with a prime Midlands location, offering fast access to the M6 and national motorway network. The facility was designed with sustainability in mind, achieving an EPC A+ rating and BREEAM “Excellent” certification. Prologis has also taken steps to reduce the complexities and cost of fit-out, installing LED lighting and Fire Alarm helping TopCloud to get its operations up and running faster. This latest partnership reflects a growing trend of Asian e-commerce businesses snapping up UK logistics space to serve maturing online markets. Recent insights from Prologis Research found that Chinese retailers are responding to increased consumer expectations and delivery demands by establishing direct-to-consumer distribution hubs across Europe. In a further sign of market confidence, Prologis UK can also confirm a recent letting at nearby Prologis Park Bromford Gate. A leading high-tech vertical farming company has taken DC1 (62,537 sq ft) on a 10-year term. The leasing reinforces the location’s appeal to a wide range of occupiers including advanced manufacturing, logistics and retail occupiers. James Hemstock, Director in the Capital Deployment team at Prologis UK, said: “The latest leasing to TopCloud at DC6 brings the Park to full occupancy and it’s a pleasure to welcome them to the Prologis family. Their choice to move to Midpoint underscores the strength of our portfolio and the Midlands’ status as a strategic gateway for growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two proposed reservoir schemes by Anglian Water in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire have officially been designated as nationally significant infrastructure projects, allowing them to bypass the local authority planning system and seek direct approval from the Planning Inspectorate. The move means both schemes will now be subject to a Development Consent Order (DCO) process, with final approval resting with the relevant Secretary of State, rather than local planning committees. Despite headlines from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs suggesting that the government is “stepping in to build the first major reservoirs in 30 years”, it’s important to note that the schemes will remain under the control of Anglian Water and its delivery partners. In fact, the Havant Thicket Reservoir, currently under construction by Portsmouth Water in Hampshire, is already underway—making the department’s claim somewhat misleading. Anglian Water’s Lincolnshire Reservoir is proposed for land south of Sleaford, with a target operational date of 2040. It is designed to deliver up to 166 million litres of water daily, supplying around 500,000 homes. Meanwhile, the Fens Reservoir, a joint venture between Anglian Water and Cambridge Water, is planned for a site between Chatteris and March, aiming to come online by 2036. It will deliver up to 87 million litres of water per day to support around 250,000 homes. These developments are especially critical given the location—eastern England is the driest region of the UK and under growing pressure from climate change, population growth, and agricultural demand. Both projects are now moving into the consultation phase, where feedback will be gathered from local communities, stakeholders, and environmental groups to help shape final proposals. Sian Thomas, Anglian Water’s Director of Strategic Asset Management, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a great first step in recognising the scale and importance of these major infrastructure builds. But it will require even further innovation and change in regulation to deliver major infrastructure on the scale needed for the UK—for example, developing appropriate infrastructure financing, funding, and procurement models, further reviewing planning reform, and achieving greater regulatory alignment.” The reservoirs form part of Anglian Water’s long-term strategy to futureproof water supply across the region, improve resilience against drought, and support wider environmental goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 yesterday revealed the first section of platform to be installed for Britain’s new high-speed railway. In the underground box at HS2’s Old Oak Common station, engineers have begun installing the platform slabs which passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future. Six platforms are being built at the super-hub station in West London for high-speed services. Each will be served by HS2’s fleet of 400-metre trains. These are being built in advance of a further eight surface-level platforms for Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services. All six high-speed platforms are being installed at the same time, with construction taking place from either end of the station box. They are laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks. The platforms are the first to be unveiled anywhere on Britain’s new high-speed railway and give a glimpse of what future passengers can expect when services begin running. To construct the platforms, 1.59m high walls, known as invert walls, have been poured. 1,960 pre-cast concrete slabs, measuring up to 4m by 2m, are then lifted into place on top. The platforms have a void below, allowing for services, such as electricity, to be installed within. The pre-cast concrete slabs are being made offsite by Explore Manufacturing in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, an example of how Britain’s manufacturing industry is building for the nation’s future. The station is being constructed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA (BBVS JV), which began permanent work after the Transport Secretary gave the thumbs up to the station in June 2021. The structure of the huge 850m long underground station box at Old Oak Common was completed this year, including the 45,000 sq/m base slab. Despite recent progress, HS2 is currently undergoing a fundamental reset led by Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, to make sure the railway can be delivered efficiently and for the lowest feasible cost. Huw Edwards, Delivery Director for stations and placemaking at HS2 Ltd, said: “The installation of the first passenger platforms represents a real step forward in taking HS2 from purely a construction project to the future of Britain’s railways. “Whilst there is still much more to work to do, standing where passengers will alight HS2 services is a reminder of what this railway will achieve – creating connections between people and places, that will benefit generations to come.” Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said: “The installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common marks a defining moment in the delivery of HS2. It’s a powerful symbol of progress, not just in terms of engineering, but also highlights the change in project focus from the current civil phase of the works to the building, fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health phase of the works. Our teams at BBVS are proud to be laying the foundations of what will become one of the UK’s most important interchange transport hubs.” Later this year, HS2 will begin installation of the eight platforms that will be used by conventional rail services – the Great Western, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express. When complete, the station will be one of the best connected in the UK, with the potential to reach over 100 stations in the UK and being the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line. The BBVS JV team is also working a level above the base slab where the platform construction is taking place to construct the ground floor level of the station. From there the superstructure of the station can be built, creating the vibrant station environment. Tunnelling work to connect the station to the HS2 network is being undertaken by HS2’s London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV. In the eastern section of the underground box, the team are preparing to launch two giant tunnelling machines towards Euston. In the western side of the box, the team will excavate a short tunnel connecting the station to the Victoria Road Crossover Box nearby using the sprayed concrete lining method. From there the new high speed line will run through the Northolt Tunnel. Economic research, published by HS2 earlier this year, shows that HS2 is spearheading a £10bn boost in the areas surrounding its new station site in West London. Within 1.5 miles of Old Oak Common Station, HS2 will be responsible for generating over 22,00 homes, 693,000 square metres of commercial floorspace, and 18,782 jobs, the research, conducted by Arcadis, found. HS2’s new station sits within the economic development zone where the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is delivering its masterplan for a new district in west London. Established by the Mayor in 2015, OPDC covers an area of 650 hectares and is working to maximise the regeneration opportunities, creating a positive legacy for communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real estate using best in class EcoStruxure™ solutions, software and services. These include EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, EcoStruxure Building Data Platform and Planon Integrated Workplace Management. The interconnectivity of these solutions will drive sustainability, resilience and efficiency as well as improved occupant experience, demonstrating how the combination of electrification and digitalisation—termed ‘Electricity 4.0’ by Schneider Electric—can transform sites into next-generation buildings. The NEST, Schneider Electric’s new office in Dubai, UAE, is over 10,000sqm, catering to more than 1,000 employees and is home to Dubai’s first Schneider Electric Global Innovation Hub, an immersive experience area, where customers can have a hands-on demonstration of EcoStruxure™ solutions. It will also host a dedicated Training Centre for customers and partners and will focus on youth empowerment by developing local talent and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to drive the region’s clear energy future. The NEST expects an energy consumption reduction of 37% compared to the previous local site and provides a targeted saving of 572 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent to the annual electrical power consumed by around 77 homes [1]. With buildings accounting for 37% of global carbon emissions, Schneider Electric is setting a benchmark by showcasing to customers and partners the intelligent, sustainable spaces its technology can create. The Impact Buildings Program will roll out across additional new sites well as existing buildings by retrofit over the next 18 months, creating a model for next-generation buildings. Manish Kumar, Executive Vice President, Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, said: “We are walking the talk and creating the vision of what’s possible by transforming our own sites to show that buildings must evolve to meet tomorrow’s business needs. Now is the time to rethink buildings. We are shaping a future where buildings don’t just stand—they intelligently adapt and seamlessly connect to your business, your people, and your purpose. With EcoStruxure™ and Planon enterprise software, we are redefining building operations.” Commenting on the building launch in Dubai, Olivier Blum, Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric added: “The NEST is more than a building. It is a statement of intent. We are honored to have inaugurated this landmark project in the UAE, which demonstrates how digitalisation and electrification can accelerate national net zero goals while creating world-class environments for people to collaborate, innovate, and grow. This new Dubai hub is the first of Schneider Electric’s Global Impact Buildings program and showcases how smart, connected technologies can revolutionise the built environment, setting new standards for innovative and sustainable commercial spaces while prioritising occupant well-being.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as the gender pay gap and employment levels. It shows that women’s worsening unemployment and participation in the workforce has pulled the UK to a shameful 27th out of 33 OECD’s most important economies. This is at a time when British construction is attempting to juggle the simultaneous needs of rapidly increasing output while experiencing chronic labour supply issues. If the construction sector is to move past these challenges, it must stop merely talking about the need for greater gender diversity and make concrete steps to changing the composition and culture of the sector. Last week, at UKREiiF where representatives from across the built environment industry came together to debate the most pressing issues facing the sector, sentiment suggested that the skills crisis remains the industry’s biggest and most pressing obstacle to growth. With so many highly skilled female professionals either under employed or having left the sector, urgent action in this space is needed if we are to support a thriving industry. Ceri Moyers, Director of The Circle Partnership, an organisation supporting businesses from across the built environment to combat the skills crisis through retaining their existing female talent commented: “Businesses continue to see gender diversity as a ‘specialist’ priority – and one that can be dumped in favour of more critical issues depending on international sentiment or other market pressures. We have to wake up to the role that gender diversity has to play as a direct means of addressing the chronic skills shortage – and this has to start with businesses investing in retaining their existing female talent. Companies are spending £100,000s on staff churn and on recruiting new staff and this is money that could be better spent in keeping the women they already have.” Current statistics show that 49% of women leave the built environment sector before the age of 34 – figures that are playing into these global gender equality rankings. This talent drain also means that economy is missing out on the some £15-22bn that Blackrock calculate would be delivered through unleashing women’s full potential. Failing to focus on initiatives to retain their existing diversity means that businesses are also actively hampering their future talent pipeline: 87% of GenZ consider the DEI of a workplace. 56% will not work for a business without a diverse leadership. Ceri Moyers adds, “Our industry requires some 100,000 new roles per year for next five years to simply sustain growth. Ensuring we’re investing in keeping the diverse talent we already have must be seen as an urgent priority – not only to keep the wheels turning, but to ensure that businesses remain competitive and attractive to potential future talent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals