Construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed as the main contractor for Fabrica, a £180 million, five-storey commercial development in the heart of Oxford designed to support the city’s growing science and innovation ecosystem. Set to begin in May 2025, the 180,000 sq ft scheme will provide high-specification laboratory
A new worldwide survey conducted by global delivery consultants and construction experts, Mace, for its latest report titled State of Sustainable Assets reveals that while 97% of asset managers feel able to keep pace with environmental regulations and reporting requirements, 80% are not yet implementing strategies or thereby achieving sustainable
The Drummond Estate and Inverock have agreed a sale of an 82-acre site adjacent to the M1 and M69 in Leicester. Together they secured outline planning permission for circa 106,500 sq m of advanced warehouse and distribution space at the site, known as Enderby Logistics Hub, in September 2024. Royal
The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has relaunched its Sustainability Champions initiative for a second consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to delivering a more environmentally responsible event. As part of this initiative, UKREiiF has introduced a mandatory Sustainability Pledge for all exhibitors and pavilion partners. This pledge
Finning has helped leading waste management company Powerday bolster their sustainability goals by facilitating the rebuild of two Cat® 966M wheel loaders. London-based waste management and recycling services company Powerday, has saved money while also reducing its carbon and material consumption by commissioning the rebuild of two of their Cat
Meadfleet Ltd, a leader in open space management, is proud to announce the launch of its Buzz and Flutter Campaign, as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Building on the success of their award-winning Bee Friendly Campaign, this new initiative expands Meadfleet’s commitment to biodiversity by supporting not only
The partnership will enhance urban connectivity across three major cities in the UK this year, with Oxford as the first city of deployment, enabled by Dense Air’s neutral host platform Signify, the world leader in lighting, has partnered with Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, and Dense Air, a
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools and equipment, is proud to announce its recognition as a Climate Leader for the third consecutive year by the Financial Times. This prestigious accolade underscores Speedy Hire’s continued commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in driving positive environmental change within the
With the UK construction industry facing mounting cost pressures, tightening legislation, and accelerating decarbonisation targets, plant hire is fast becoming the preferred route for accessing vital equipment, according to new research. Barbour ABI found that the UK plant hire market will reach a value of £3.56 billion in 2025, growing
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a key priority for UK lower mid-market construction businesses, with 19% identifying it as one of their top three core growth strategies over the next three years, according to new research from business advisory group Dow Schofield Watts. As firms navigate an increasingly competitive landscape,
Construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed as the main contractor for Fabrica, a £180 million, five-storey commercial development in the heart of Oxford designed to support the city’s growing science and innovation ecosystem. Set to begin in May 2025, the 180,000 sq ft scheme will provide high-specification laboratory and office space on Botley Road, within Oxford’s West End innovation district. The project is being led by Mission Street, a specialist in science and innovation developments, in partnership with real estate investment manager BGO. Fabrica is positioned as a game-changer for the UK’s science property market. It aims to be the first commercial science building in the country to achieve BREEAM Outstanding status, a globally recognised benchmark for sustainability in construction. In addition, the building will be Oxford’s first Living Wage-certified workplace, ensuring all employees working on-site are paid at or above the Living Wage. This major development follows successful groundworks and site preparation completed by Colemans, with overall project completion targeted for early 2027. Bowmer & Kirkland’s appointment comes after a fast-tracked procurement process and adds to their growing involvement in the UK’s science and technology sector. The company is also supporting early-stage work on District East, a major 23-acre science scheme in Cambridge led by the same developer-partnership. Colin Brown, development director at Mission Street, commented: “Fabrica represents the most significant UK science construction start of 2025 so far. The scheme reflects strong demand from science and tech firms seeking centrally located, highly connected spaces in Oxford, particularly with the future East West Rail link on the horizon.” The development forms the second phase of Oxford’s Central Science District, building on the completion of the Inventa scheme in 2024. The Mission Street and BGO joint venture continues to expand its influence across key innovation hubs, with a pipeline of over 1.5 million sq ft of projects spanning Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol. Neil Brook, group construction director at Bowmer & Kirkland, added: “We approached this project with a collaborative mindset from the outset, enabling us to complete the tender process in just ten weeks. We’re excited to start work on site with a 96-week build programme ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new worldwide survey conducted by global delivery consultants and construction experts, Mace, for its latest report titled State of Sustainable Assets reveals that while 97% of asset managers feel able to keep pace with environmental regulations and reporting requirements, 80% are not yet implementing strategies or thereby achieving sustainable outcomes. Conducted by Censuswide[1], the research of over 4,000 building portfolio and asset managers across the UK, USA, UAE and Hong Kong, working across 14 sectors, including architecture & engineering, residential real estate, retail & leisure and infrastructure, was conducted by Mace to gain a better understanding of how asset managers are meeting the climate challenge. With recent developments all but confirming that the world will exceed the Paris Climate Agreements 1.5-degree target, and the built environment accounting for 40% of global emissions, the study highlights there is much more that needs to be done. The report details the broad value creation when it comes to sustainable assets, being strengthened resilience, competitive advantage, reduced operational costs, increased asset value and improved risk management. What seems incongruous is that over half of respondents recognise that more sustainable assets are also crucial to unlocking financing for their business and are becoming a standard mandate from outside investors. When asked ‘what, if anything, is your key motivator for creating more sustainable assets’, aside from it being the right thing to do, the report details the main reason being finance (54%), followed by investor mandates (19%), regulatory compliance (15%) and occupant expectation (10%). When looking specifically at the UK, finance is a motivator that rises to 65% of asset managers, with the most important areas of investment to deliver sustainable portfolios being data and AI (36%), ahead of standardisation of reporting frameworks (22%), decarbonisation technologies (21%) and green skills and talent (18%). Of the sectors included in the research, it is Local Authorities that are ahead of the curve on their sustainability journey, with 32% saying they are in the implementation phase, compared to 20% for Infrastructure, 19% for Real Estate and Retail & Leisure and just 13% for Architecture & Engineering. Commenting on the survey results, James Low, Global Head of Responsible Business, Mace Group, states: “It is imperative businesses have sustainable assets and with many making net zero carbon commitments for 2030 and 2050, asset managers have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of our growing urban environments. “This study has found that sustainable solutions can combine environmental and financial advantages, however, most asset managers have only just started their journey when it comes to implementing their strategies. “But with asset managers now able to keep pace with current environmental regulations and reporting requirements, it’s time to enact their strategies with tactics that can be implemented and measurement systems needed to get them off the mark.” With legislation clearly not doing enough to prompt consolidated action, though enabling businesses to meet minimal requirements, the report references that in future organisations are likely to witness the adoption of global frameworks to rationalise reporting across geographies and encourage greater action. To deliver measurable outcomes, the report highlights that asset managers should consider prioritising sustainable skills to tap into a digitally enabled approach, linking strategic thinking with technology to unlock the most far-reaching outcomes for greener portfolios. Whilst not enough strategies are yet to be successfully implemented, the positive news for optimists is that asset managers are in a unique position between tenants and owners to advocate for sustainability and swift and bold action now will create a healthier built environment in the future. For more information and to access the full report, please visit our website here. [1] Research conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 4002 building portfolio space / asset managers between 29.11.24 and 12.12.24 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Drummond Estate and Inverock have agreed a sale of an 82-acre site adjacent to the M1 and M69 in Leicester. Together they secured outline planning permission for circa 106,500 sq m of advanced warehouse and distribution space at the site, known as Enderby Logistics Hub, in September 2024. Royal London Asset Management Property, partnering with Canmoor, plans to speculatively develop 1.2 million sq ft of prime logistics space with an estimated GDV of £300m. Strategically located in the heart of the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle,’ the site sits at junction 21 of the M1 and junction 3 of the M69 on the outskirts of Leicester. The development will also feature a flagship 500,000 sq ft unit to address strong occupational demand. Ultimately, Enderby Logistics Hub will help to meet the region’s pressing need for employment space and would create some 2,000 new jobs, boosting the local economy. Martin Ward, on behalf of The Drummond Estate, said: “The site offers an exceptional location, adjacent to the M1 and at the heart of the UK’s logistics golden triangle. We had an extremely high level of interest as expected and following a competitive tender process have selected Royal London Asset Management Property and Canmoor, both of which have extensive track records of high-quality developments around the country.” Mather Jamie and Cushman & Wakefield acted for the vendors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has relaunched its Sustainability Champions initiative for a second consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to delivering a more environmentally responsible event. As part of this initiative, UKREiiF has introduced a mandatory Sustainability Pledge for all exhibitors and pavilion partners. This pledge outlines key environmental commitments that all participants must adhere to, including: In addition to meeting these baseline requirements, exhibitors and pavilion partners can qualify as official UKREiiF Sustainability Champions by providing evidence of at least three of the following optional actions: Fahmida Nisa, UKREiiF Event Manager, commented: “As event organisers, we are mindful of the environmental footprint that an event of UKREiiF’s scale can create. That’s why we are committed to delivering the forum in the most sustainable way possible. A key part of this commitment is engaging our partners and contractors to join us on this journey. Through this initiative, we aim to not only lead by example but also empower others to make small operational changes that collectively lead to significant environmental impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning has helped leading waste management company Powerday bolster their sustainability goals by facilitating the rebuild of two Cat® 966M wheel loaders. London-based waste management and recycling services company Powerday, has saved money while also reducing its carbon and material consumption by commissioning the rebuild of two of their Cat 966M wheel loaders. Finning UK and Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and aftermarket services, utilised workshop and engineer expertise to rebuild the machines from the ground up. This marks the first 966M rebuilds Finning has completed specifically for the waste industry. The World Steel Association calculates that the steel industry generates between 7 and 9% of global emissions, and on average 1.92 tonnes of Co2 are emitted for every tonne of steel produced. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Powerday commissioned Finning to rebuild two wheel loaders instead of buying new, saving on the Co2 emissions that would result from manufacturing a new machine. In recent years, the transition of the UK waste and recycling industry from a linear to a circular economy has been widely discussed, emphasising reusing materials to reduce the dependency on landfill sites and Co2 emissions. Finding innovative ways to integrate a circular economy has been at the forefront of their sustainability mission at Powerday. The rebuild options and processes at Finning align with both the wider call for sustainability in the waste and recycling industry, and Powerday’s own sustainability strategy. Nick Savvides, Corporate Account Manager at Finning UK and Ireland said: “Cat machines are designed to be rebuilt, maximising the original investment for our customers. By opting to have their Cat 966M wheel loaders rebuilt as opposed to buying new, Powerday has not only saved money but has underlined its strong commitment to sustainability. “The rebuild process restores machines to like-new condition but saves on the material consumption and carbon emissions that go into building a brand-new machine. By reducing waste and conserving resources, our rebuilds are an attractive proposition for companies looking to meet their sustainability targets, maximise the machines lifespan and save on capital expenditure. “We were also able to save the company money on the overall purchase price by offering Cat Finance at 0% hire purchase, which included machine warranty.” Cat certified rebuilds are designed to maximise the life cycle of machines and enhance their capabilities. In the process of rebuilding the Cat 966M’s, Finning were able to upgrade the machines with the latest technology. Tara Crossan, Associate Director at Powerday said: “Having the rebuilds commissioned was not only an opportunity to make our machines like-new, but to enhance them with all the latest technology that will continue to support our sustainability strategy. “Finning guided us through the process, demonstrating how the latest telematics software can optimise fleet efficiency, conserve fuel and reduce operational emissions. We are pleased to have underlined our commitment to creating a sustainable future for the waste industry by having our machines rebuilt, and we are excited to utilise the newly integrated technology to support our move towards a low-carbon future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Meadfleet Ltd, a leader in open space management, is proud to announce the launch of its Buzz and Flutter Campaign, as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Building on the success of their award-winning Bee Friendly Campaign, this new initiative expands Meadfleet’s commitment to biodiversity by supporting not only bees but also butterflies and birds. As the company celebrates three decades of green space management, the campaign focuses on providing additional habitats and food sources to help reverse a decline in wildlife numbers. David King, Managing Director of Meadfleet Ltd, said: “To help us celebrate 30 years of open space management, we’re launching the Buzz and Flutter Campaign to support bees, butterflies, and birds. Our goal is to boost populations across the open spaces we manage, creating vibrant, nature-rich areas for wildlife and local communities.” The decline in wildlife numbers is largely due to a loss of habitats. As a leader in open space management, with over 350 developments in its management, Meadfleet Ltd is uniquely positioned to address this challenge by enhancing spaces where these species can thrive. Bees, butterflies, and birds play a vital role in the ecosystem—bees and butterflies are key pollinators essential to our food supply, while birds contribute to biodiversity through pest control, seed dispersal, and pollination. Beyond their ecological importance, living in nature-rich environments has been shown to significantly improve mental health and overall well-being for residents. The campaign reflects Meadfleet’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and delivering a legacy of biodiverse open spaces that support the wellbeing of its customers. The management company will cover all costs of the initiative helping to ensure a brighter future for wildlife and communities. Key targets include: As part of the Buzz and Flutter Campaign, Meadfleet Ltd is supporting three leading wildlife charities: Butterfly Conservation, Buglife, and Actions for Swifts. These organisations are at the forefront of protecting and nurturing wildlife. David King concluded, “Together, we can make a meaningful difference. We encourage everyone to learn more about the work of these charities and contribute to wildlife protection.” For more information about the Buzz and Flutter Campaign, please visit https://www.meadfleet.co.uk/buzzandflutter/ https://butterfly-conservation.org/ https://www.actionforswifts.com/ https://www.buglife.org.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The partnership will enhance urban connectivity across three major cities in the UK this year, with Oxford as the first city of deployment, enabled by Dense Air’s neutral host platform Signify, the world leader in lighting, has partnered with Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, and Dense Air, a leading neutral host platform-as-a-service provider, to transform street lighting infrastructure into a platform of scalable multi-operator connectivity. This first-of-its-kind partnership will launch in Oxford, creating a shared network for mobile operators that leverage existing light points to seamlessly expand wireless coverage and capacity, enabling instant connectivity in dense urban areas. Using street lighting, Signify’s BrightSites solution provides connectivity for 4G and 5G, IoT applications such as CCTV cameras, Internet services via Wi-Fi, and other high bandwidth applications, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure and resetting the economic model on how mobile operators deliver service. Dense Air’s multi-operator cellShare® platform enables Cornerstone to provide neutral host services to UK mobile network operators, adhering to Joint Operator Technical Specifications (JOTS). The technology optimizes network capacity by leveraging small cell technology specifically designed for public spaces. Khalid Aziz, SVP and Managing Director of BrightSites by Signify: “By harnessing the power of 5G and IoT through our lighting technology, we not only illuminate streets but also pave the way for a more connected and sustainable future. In partnership with Cornerstone and Dense Air, Signify will enable our partners to tap into existing lighting infrastructure as a wireless network, bringing a new era of smart city solutions.” Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These new small cells offer an excellent connectivity solution, and it’s exciting to see a sustainable option that works in both urban and rural areas. Enhanced digital infrastructure supports the council’s strategic objectives by providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. Small cells, being only the size of a shoebox, minimise street clutter and seamlessly integrate into our surroundings.” Miranda van Gestel, Chief Customer Officer at Cornerstone: “At Cornerstone, we are leading the way in transforming the UK’s digital landscape with innovative solutions such as our Small Cell Coverage Solution. By integrating state-of-the-art technology into existing infrastructure, we’re not only addressing the growing demand for seamless connectivity but also empowering local authorities, MNOs, and communities to thrive in the digital age. Our approach ensures faster, more sustainable deployments that enhance everyday life, drive economic growth, and set the standard for smart city innovation.” As the world leader in lighting, Signify is well-placed to transform existing light points into city-wide wireless network grids, enabling seamless connectivity at scale. Starting in Oxford, the project will later deploy across three major cities in 2025, setting the foundation for future expansion and innovation across the UK in the field of smart city infrastructure. Learn more about BrightSites by Signify at https://www.signify.com/global/innovation/brightsites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools and equipment, is proud to announce its recognition as a Climate Leader for the third consecutive year by the Financial Times. This prestigious accolade underscores Speedy Hire’s continued commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in driving positive environmental change within the hire industry. The Climate Leader recognition comes as Speedy Hire recently launched its first PAS2080 verified carbon management system, reinforcing its dedication to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability across its operations. Additionally, the company has achieved an A- rating in CDP’s climate change scores, further demonstrating its leadership in climate action and environmental transparency. Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, commented: “Being recognised by the Financial Times for a third year is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team in advancing our sustainability goals. Our recent achievements, including the launch of our PAS2080 carbon management system and our strong CDP score, are vital milestones in our journey to becoming a net-zero business. We’re proud to not only help our customers but also support our suppliers on their sustainability journeys. This recognition fuels our continued efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future for the industries we serve.” This recognition highlights Speedy Hire’s proactive approach to sustainability and reinforces its position as a recognised global leader in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the UK construction industry facing mounting cost pressures, tightening legislation, and accelerating decarbonisation targets, plant hire is fast becoming the preferred route for accessing vital equipment, according to new research. Barbour ABI found that the UK plant hire market will reach a value of £3.56 billion in 2025, growing nearly 24% since 2020 – despite a backdrop of economic stagnation and inflation. Researchers found that contractors and developers are increasingly turning away from asset ownership in favour of flexible, on-demand access to machinery. The shift is being driven by a need to reduce capital expenditure, avoid compliance risks, and accelerate the adoption of greener, more efficient technologies. “Hiring gives firms the ability to scale up quickly for major infrastructure or energy projects, while avoiding the financial and legislative burden of plant ownership,” said Barbour ABI’s chief analyst Ed Griffiths. “With emissions regulations tightening and net zero targets looming, firms are under pressure to modernise fleets faster than ever, and plant hire offers a route to do that affordably.” Barbour’s reporting highlights that earthmoving and lifting equipment alone account for 68% of plant hire value, with demand being supercharged by major projects like HS2, The Great Grid Upgrade, and the upcoming AMP8 water infrastructure investment plan. Plant hire companies are also investing in low-emission, battery-electric and hydrogen-powered machinery, helping contractors meet new environmental standards without costly investment. With rental penetration in the UK already around 75%, the trend away from ownership looks set to continue well beyond 2025. “As we look toward 2029, we expect the plant hire market to continue its upward trajectory, supported by a projected £700 – £775 billion in UK infrastructure investment and a growing push for low-emission equipment,” said Griffiths. “With rental penetration already sky high and sectors like renewable energy, data centres, and utilities driving demand, hire is no longer just a cost-saving choice – it’s a strategic one. The shift to smart, sustainable, and flexible solutions will define how construction firms operate over the next five years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a key priority for UK lower mid-market construction businesses, with 19% identifying it as one of their top three core growth strategies over the next three years, according to new research from business advisory group Dow Schofield Watts. As firms navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, M&A is seen as a critical tool for expanding market share, diversifying offerings, and strengthening resilience. The UK Growth Census, which surveyed 500 businesses with annual turnover between £10m and £150m, highlights a clear appetite for dealmaking, with 21% of construction firms saying their primary motivation in pursuing a merger or acquisition would be to enter new geographic markets, 21% to increase valuation ahead of a future exit, and 19% to acquire new talent and capabilities acquire new talent and capabilities. For many, M&A is not just a route to scale, it is a strategic imperative to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. However, construction businesses face significant challenges when pursuing M&A opportunities. Identifying suitable targets is the most frequently cited barrier (34%), followed by cultural alignment with targets (33%), and competition for attractive targets (33%). Securing financing remains another key hurdle for the construction industry, with 33% of respondents citing access to funding as a primary concern. Other critical challenges include navigating regulatory and legal hurdles (31%), valuation and price negotiations (26%), and post-merger integration (22%). Overall for construction businesses, 52% say that international trade or collaboration is a growing priority, and 33% state that it is a core focus and key part of their growth plans. Harry Walker, corporate finance partner at Dow Schofield Watts, commented: “The M&A landscape is evolving, and businesses are recognising that strategic acquisitions offer a powerful means of accelerating growth. With increased competition, rising valuations, and the complexities of post-merger integration, success requires a clear plan. Businesses that approach M&A with a well-defined strategy – balancing ambition with careful execution – are the ones best positioned to create long-term value.” Beyond M&A, businesses are investing in multiple avenues to drive long-term success. Digital transformation (41%) is the most widely cited strategic priority, while improving customer experience (37%) and new product development (32%) are also high on the agenda. With businesses facing an uncertain economic landscape, many are balancing growth ambitions with strategic cost-cutting (29%) and efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience (25%). Download the full UK Growth Census report here: https://dswcapital.com/uk-growth-census-2025/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals