Kenneth Booth
Brabazon to Welcome Landmark Office as YTL Secures Green Light

Brabazon to Welcome Landmark Office as YTL Secures Green Light

The transformation of the former Filton Airfield into one of the South West’s most ambitious new communities has taken another step forward, with YTL winning approval for Brabazon’s first major office building. Construction on the eight-storey, 123,330 sq ft development is expected to begin before the close of 2025, marking

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Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

New facilities will build resilience into UK’s energy systems Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen by EnergyPathways PLC (EPP) to study onshore location sites for EPP’s flagship integrated energy storage and decarbonisation project. Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) is expected to be the UK’s largest integrated energy storage

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Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistency in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regime, even among EU countries, means that a commercial building that receives the highest rating in one country could receive a grade up to four places lower in another, according to Savills in its Impacts research programme. The international real estate advisor says

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Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

SITECH and Collins Earthworks played host to industry visitors at a recent Fly Day event, showcasing the benefits of drone technology for site mapping and data analytics. The event, held at Collins Earthworks Ball Eye Quarry in Matlock, Derbyshire, demonstrated the advanced capabilities of the Trimble® Stratus platform, highlighting improved

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We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

Growing fire safety industry organisation Fire Aware aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care. The expanding industry body is leading the way

Read More »
Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Three-year contract will see Costain deliver engineering expertise to operations at the Kinneil Terminal in Scotland. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has secured a multimillion-pound engineering services contract with INEOS FPS. The contract, covering a minimum of three years, will see Costain deploy its extensive engineering expertise to support the

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Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Sustainable refurbishment specialist, Better Green Living, has been appointed to design the new canalside development at the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2,000 sq ft multi-functional hospitality space will enhance the visitor experience, creating a vibrant social hub for concertgoers, event attendees, and the community.

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

Kenneth Booth

Brabazon to Welcome Landmark Office as YTL Secures Green Light

Brabazon to Welcome Landmark Office as YTL Secures Green Light

The transformation of the former Filton Airfield into one of the South West’s most ambitious new communities has taken another step forward, with YTL winning approval for Brabazon’s first major office building. Construction on the eight-storey, 123,330 sq ft development is expected to begin before the close of 2025, marking the start of a commercial chapter for the emerging neighbourhood. Positioned beside the new Brabazon railway station, the building will serve as both a workplace hub and a gateway for passengers arriving into the development by train. The Brabazon masterplan, overseen by Malaysian-owned YTL Developments, is nothing if not expansive. It promises thousands of homes, student accommodation, and sweeping green spaces, all built across the historic airfield that once saw the Concorde take to the skies. The forthcoming office will be the first of its kind on the site, designed to appeal to businesses seeking premium space without the constraints of Bristol’s city centre. Sustainability is at the heart of the project. Designs by AHR Architects target an EPC A rating and BREEAM Outstanding certification, alongside NABERS 5* and WiredScore Platinum standards for energy efficiency and digital connectivity. The building will also house a ticket office for the adjacent rail station, integrating public transport access directly into its footprint. The rail link itself is a key part of Brabazon’s vision. Work began earlier this year, with completion set for 2026, promising a direct and sustainable connection into Bristol’s core. For companies considering relocation, the combination of modern office space and rail accessibility could prove decisive. Seb Loyn, planning and development director at YTL Developments, believes momentum is now firmly on Brabazon’s side. “We’re creating more than just new homes,” he said. “We’re establishing a place where people can live, work, and connect. This first office building gives Bristol’s businesses a genuine alternative — a sustainable, well-connected space to grow.” With Waitrose already confirmed as an anchor retail tenant and new community amenities under way, Brabazon is rapidly taking shape as a mixed-use destination. Hundreds of homes have been completed and are now occupied, and by 2026 the site will also boast student housing and a repurposed aircraft hangar serving as a community hub. For a city wrestling with a shortage of Grade A office space, the arrival of Brabazon’s first commercial building is timely. It signals not only YTL’s commitment to the project but also the evolving identity of the development — from a residential expansion into a full-scale urban district with a strong business presence. If the project maintains its current pace, Brabazon will soon offer Bristol a rare combination: the quality and amenities of a city-centre location, with the space and transport links of a purpose-built new town. For local businesses looking beyond the confines of central Bristol, that could prove an irresistible proposition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

New facilities will build resilience into UK’s energy systems Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen by EnergyPathways PLC (EPP) to study onshore location sites for EPP’s flagship integrated energy storage and decarbonisation project. Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) is expected to be the UK’s largest integrated energy storage facility, planned to be approximately 15km off the coast of Blackpool. It is designed to support the UK government’s energy strategy for transitioning to clean power by providing long-duration energy storage solutions, combining natural gas, hydrogen, and compressed air technologies. Costain’s front-end engineering and design experts will initially compare possible locations for the onshore process facilities and associated infrastructure. The study will assess the impact of location on connectivity to the gas and electricity networks, review the impact of site selection on construction cost and schedule, and consider the opportunities and risks in reuse of existing infrastructure. The planned MESH onshore facilities will support large-scale natural gas storage and production, compressed air Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES), hydrogen storage, clean hydrogen production, clean ammonia and graphite production, and flexible clean power generation. Grant Johnson, technical director at Costain, commented: “MESH is an ambitious, exciting project that will enhance the UK’s energy resilience, and enable more clean energy generation through large-scale energy storage. “We know just how important it is to make robust choices at the early stages of a project, and we are looking forward to helping EPP with site selection, using our experience in delivering energy storage infrastructure to inform decision-making on aspects such as constructability and sustainability.” Ben Clube, CEO at EnergyPathways said: “We are delighted to have entered into this engagement with Costain, a tier 1 UK-headquartered infrastructure company with extensive engineering knowledge and experience of the North-West region. “Costain’s expertise will be invaluable in optimising the location for the MESH onshore facilities. Costain also brings relevant experience across several important aspects of the MESH project, including salt cavern development and in emerging technologies in the context of the UK government energy policy settings. “This engagement continues the selection by EnergyPathways of world-class strategic partners with the expertise and experience to deliver a large-scale low-carbon integrated energy solution of national significance.” Once operational, MESH will enable natural gas storage in the depleted Marram reservoir, with subsequent development to include Hybrid Compressed Air Energy Storage (H-CAES), which will store energy from offshore wind in the region by compressing air into adjacent salt caverns.  The salt caverns will also be used to store green hydrogen, either derived as part of a decarbonised H‑CAES process or supplied via Project Union, the National Gas initiative that plans to repurpose and extend parts of the existing 5,000-mile gas transmission network to connect hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and industrial consumers. Costain has decades of experience in designing and delivering complex gas storage infrastructure, working across the full project lifecycle, from concept, investment support, project execution planning, front end design, and planning development, to consent, project delivery, and asset and operational support.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Student housing approvals offer boost to London’s housing targets, new research finds

Student housing approvals offer boost to London’s housing targets, new research finds

London has approved more than 26,000 student bedrooms since 2021, according to new research from national planning and development consultancy Lichfields. A recent surge in planning approvals during 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 is providing cause for optimism after several years of under-delivery against the capital’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets. Under the Greater London Authority’s methodology, the PBSA rooms in the pipeline are equivalent in housing need terms to more than 10,500 conventional homes. While not directly an affordable housing total, Lichfields’ analysis shows a growing trend of new PBSA applications incorporating affordable housing provision. With student numbers rising, a constrained rental market and permissions for conventional housing at a ten-year low, PBSA has emerged as one of the few economically viable types of residential development currently coming forward. This growth offers an opportunity to ease pressure on the private rented sector and support London’s wider housing needs. Lichfields’ research also finds that the Greater London Authority’s broad policy support for PBSA has filtered down to borough level, with a flexible approach proving key to enabling schemes to progress. Although there is no set design-led planning framework for PBSA, most schemes follow similar patterns for space, amenity and layout, while preferred locations vary between developers and operators. This market-led approach is helping PBSA remain attractive to investors and providers. Jonathan Hoban, Associate Director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “Purpose-built student accommodation plays a critical role in meeting housing need and supporting London’s global education offer. The research identifies a healthy pipeline of schemes with approval which should translate into deliveries. “Against the poor backdrop for conventional housing in London, the provision of PBSA not only ensures London remains a leading destination for higher education but it could help deliver more affordable homes. It could be a win-win situation for London.” The study concludes that maintaining the current momentum will require the next London Plan, due in 2027, to continue fostering this flexible approach and advocating for new PBSA. Jonathan Hoban added: “This is a real opportunity to bring forward the delivery of much-needed homes across the capital. By maintaining a flexible approach in the next London Plan and continuing to champion well-designed PBSA, we can ensure more schemes continue to come forward, helping to meet both student demand and the wider housing needs of London.” The full report is available at: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/unlocking-london-s-student-housing-potential Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hiab secures a significant frame agreement for loader cranes used in offshore wind parks

Hiab secures a significant frame agreement for loader cranes used in offshore wind parks

Hiab, a leading provider of smart and sustainable on-road load handling solutions, has signed a EUR 23.5 million three-year frame agreement to supply advanced loader cranes for offshore wind parks, extending into 2028. The agreement is expected to be booked as order intake starting from Q4 2025, split between quarters until Q3 of 2028. The deliveries of the first cranes are planned to commence in early 2026 and last until early 2029, depending on the completion of the customer’s projects. The agreement is a continuation of a longstanding relationship and follows an existing agreement. The agreement consists of the supply of HIAB SWP cranes. This crane model is custom-designed for the service operations of offshore wind turbines and excels even in difficult conditions. The cranes will be strategically placed within the nacelles of wind turbines to facilitate essential maintenance, service, and component supply, ensuring continuous operation of the wind farms. “This landmark agreement underscores Hiab’s commitment to creating pioneering solutions that power the future of sustainable energy. They are specifically engineered for unmatched performance in the toughest offshore environments, empowering our customers to maintain critical infrastructure and accelerate the global transition to renewable power with confidence,” said Alexander Gelis, Vice President, Sales & Product Management at Hiab.   The wind parks currently benefiting from this partnership are located across the UK, Taiwan, and the United States, with  further expansion plans for Germany and Denmark. This collaboration underscores Hiab’s commitment to supporting the global renewable energy sector with reliable and efficient lifting solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistency in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regime, even among EU countries, means that a commercial building that receives the highest rating in one country could receive a grade up to four places lower in another, according to Savills in its Impacts research programme. The international real estate advisor says that the lack of standardisation in energy labelling can even vary within countries. In Belgium, the same energy performance (measured in kWh/m²/year) would receive a ‘C’ rating in Flanders but a ‘D’ or ‘F’ in Brussels, owing to stricter rating thresholds in the Brussels-Capital Region. Standards for primary energy consumption in ‘A’-rated offices across Europe also vary, resulting in buildings that would receive a grade of ‘A’ in some countries only receiving a ‘D’ or ‘E’ in others. Savills says that while the EU is implementing a revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which should bring countries within its jurisdiction more into line, there are likely to still be discrepancies within individual countries as local political sensitivities, technical challenges, climate risks and the nature of existing building stock mean that sustainability standards vary considerably from one city to another. Legacy EU country/UK energy label comparison, by country: Chris Cummings, Director, Savills Earth, comments: “The lack of standardisation in energy labelling within the EU, and the UK which also uses EPC as its main measure of building performance, illustrates a wider global problem for cross-border investors and tenants in understanding what constitutes a ‘good’ building: if even within the same bloc there’s disparities, how can they compare across even wider geographies such as APAC or the US? Ideally, investors and occupiers should look beyond the headline EPC grade to examine a building’s actual energy data to get a true picture of its relative performance. If they don’t, they run the risk of excluding buildings which have received a lower rating in countries which exert a ‘tougher’ EPC regime, as they do not fulfil their sustainability objectives, only to go on to take a building in another country which has a higher grade, but ultimately is a poorer performer.” Sarah Brooks, Associate Director, Savills World Research, says: “City-level differences in sustainability standards can again present distinct challenges and opportunities for occupiers and investors. They must account for differences in local policy, market expectations and available incentives in their strategies. Gaining a competitive edge often means exceeding national requirements as well as aligning with city-level expectations and long-term local sustainability plans. Nuanced due diligence is vital.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

SITECH and Collins Earthworks played host to industry visitors at a recent Fly Day event, showcasing the benefits of drone technology for site mapping and data analytics. The event, held at Collins Earthworks Ball Eye Quarry in Matlock, Derbyshire, demonstrated the advanced capabilities of the Trimble® Stratus platform, highlighting improved project accuracy, greater productivity and integration of workflows as some of the ways customers can benefit from the cloud-based software system. Attendees were given a variety of demonstrations and talks including a discussion on drone flight regulations by the Drone Pilot Academy and a live-flight demonstration by SITECH partners Propeller, who collected flight data for an interactive classroom demonstration of Trimble® Stratus platform.  Danielle Barker, Strategic Account Manager at SITECH UK & Ireland said: “As industries across the country continue to evolve it is vital that companies look to utilise technology to enhance their operations and combat challenges. The Fly Day event was about demonstrating the depth of information available to customers through the partnership between Propeller and SITECH. “We were fortunate to partner with Collins Earthworks Ltd which allowed us to perform a drone site survey of Ball Eye Quarry. This gave visitors a real insight into the features of Trimble® Stratus, such as volume calculations, drainage channel monitoring and a visual timeline of site conditions for enhancing monitoring. The SITECH Fly Day is the first of these events this year, with more to be confirmed and delegates from across the construction, civil engineering, aggregates and technology industries are encouraged to attend to discover how Trimble® Stratus, powered by Propeller, can empower teams and minimise information bottlenecks on-site. Cyrus Wania, Director at EM3 Solutions, commented on the event: “The Fly Day was a great opportunity not only to speak to the experts and find out more about how we can enhance our usage of Trimble® and drone technology, but to network with other professionals from across the industry. “We really valued the opportunity to have a tour of the Ball Eye Quarry and then see how accurately the drone flight processed with Trimble® Stratus, was able to present the information that operators would need to maintain site safety and management.  “The event proved invaluable for both newcomers and existing users of technology in construction. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with SITECH experts, posing questions and gaining insights. I highly recommend that individuals seeking to enhance their operations with advanced construction technology and connect with industry colleagues attend the upcoming Fly Day events as they offer genuine industry insight and valuable technical knowledge.” SITECH continues to bolster their commitment to enhancing skills and knowledge across the construction industry. Find out more here: https://www.sitechukandireland.com/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

Growing fire safety industry organisation Fire Aware aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care. The expanding industry body is leading the way by focusing on the moral responsibility of all those working in the fire safety supply chain including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders. Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, said: “We understand the need for competence. But when dealing with an industry that the public relies on to keep them safe, there has to be more. There has to be a commitment to safety. As with a number of other sectors and professions, the fire sector has a wide array of duty holders, but they all share one common requirement, which is to understand they are there primarily to keep the public safe. “We are appealing to the fire safety industry and those with responsibility for making decisions to think about their moral duty from the outset of any project. We know from the feedback we receive from our members that the industry is keen to make this work. We believe in going above and beyond legislation and minimum standards and test regimes. Fire Aware embraces safety through a series of charters according to the type of business of its members. These include main contractors, property developers, building management, designers, local councils, specialist contractors and sub-contractors. It also recognises those outside of the fire sector, who, while holding a duty of care are not specifically part of the fire sector. Gavin Skelly added: “Any environment the public use will hold a duty of care for their fire safety. Fire Aware looks to recognise and identify those who do this with the interests of their end users as a priority. “Members of the Fire Aware community are taking a stand. They have told us they care and want to commit to best practice. Working together, members can contribute to the wider cause of safety in the interests of those people using inhabiting the buildings and spaces we create.” Fire Aware is a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors with a common aim to work and trade responsibly to all best practice standards in the interests of the safety of the general public. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Three-year contract will see Costain deliver engineering expertise to operations at the Kinneil Terminal in Scotland. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has secured a multimillion-pound engineering services contract with INEOS FPS. The contract, covering a minimum of three years, will see Costain deploy its extensive engineering expertise to support the optimisation and utilisation of operations at the Kinneil Terminal – a critical piece of the UK’s energy infrastructure. Costain has already been providing end-to-end engineering services at the Kinneil Terminal for more than ten years, having delivered multidisciplinary front-end studies through to detailed design engineering and procurement services for both onshore and offshore assets since 2014. Costain will service the contract from its new Aberdeen office where it continues to serve a growing customer base in the energy sector in Scotland and across the UK.   Sean Close, energy resilience director at Costain, commented:“We’ll use our engineering expertise and long record of predictable best-in-class delivery to optimise the performance of Kinneil Terminal. This is critical national infrastructure, and our work will build vital resilience into the UK’s energy system with a safer, more efficient and more reliable terminal. “With our strong and growing presence in the region this contract marks the next chapter in our productive and collaborative relationship with INEOS FPS.” Costain’s energy sector delivers innovation, engineering and construction excellence to solve complex problems facing the UK’s energy infrastructure. It has a long track record of delivering infrastructure solutions in Scotland, including front end studies, asset maintenance and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. Costain has also provided technical consultancy services to Storegga (formerly Pale Blue Dot Energy) in support of the Acorn carbon capture and storage project.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Midland Alarms builds recurring revenue stream with HKC’s SecureComm app subscription

Midland Alarms builds recurring revenue stream with HKC’s SecureComm app subscription

Founded in 1987, Midland Alarms is a family-run security business based in the Midlands, specialising in residential alarm systems. Over the years, they have carved out a unique niche, working closely with housebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, and Cala Homes to provide intruder alarms as standard in new-build properties.  With thousands of installations to date, Midland Alarms has built a strong reputation for reliability, customer service, and technical expertise. But in recent years, the company has taken its business model to the next level, using HKC’s SecureComm cloud platform and the introduction of a recurring revenue stream through customer subscriptions. The challenge: Moving beyond bell-only systems For decades, Midland Alarms focused on fitting traditional bell-only systems, often unmonitored and lacking smart features. While these types of systems were the norm, these installations offered no recurring income and minimal long-term customer engagement. Steve Wyer, the founder of Midland Alarms, recognised the limitations: “We’d install a bell-only system and might not hear from that customer again for 20 years. There was no ongoing relationship – and no additional value being built into the business.” As modern security technology evolved, Steve saw an opportunity to pivot, moving away from single-payment jobs and towards a more sustainable, service-based model. The solution: HKC’s SecureComm and SmartLink In 2014, Midland Alarms discovered HKC’s SecureComm platform, which was a game-changing moment for the business. The system’s SmartLink app allowed customers to monitor and control their alarms remotely, while enabling Midland Alarms to offer remote diagnostics and support. “The first time Richard from HKC showed me SmartLink, I was blown away. It connected instantly, worked over Wi-Fi, and just made sense. We knew it was the future.” This allowed Steve to begin offering subscription-based services with real value to customers, rather than a one-off install. Not only could Midland Alarms improve customer experience, but they could also begin building a recurring revenue stream that enhanced the long-term viability and saleability of the business. Building recurring revenue  Midland Alarms launched a tiered subscription model, using GoCardless to streamline monthly direct debits. They offered a range of subscription options for Wi-Fi only monitoring, monitoring with GSM backup, and also a ‘Full Service’ plan that includes monitoring, extended warranty, and battery replacement after 3 years. These services were bundled with value-added support, including remote diagnostics, app access, and customer education, making it an attractive proposition. “Most people don’t want to worry about changing batteries or figuring out alarm settings. With our ‘Full Service’ plan, they know we’ll take care of everything – and that includes remote support via SmartLink.” Scalable and sustainable  The impact of adopting a recurring revenue model has been transformational for Midland Alarms. Customers tend to stay subscribed, not only because app-based control becomes part of their everyday routine, but also because of the added value built into the service, such as the promise of battery replacements after three years. This long-term commitment helps keep customers engaged well beyond the initial installation. Financially, the move to monthly payments has brought a new level of stability to the business. Instead of relying on one-off projects, Midland Alarms now benefits from a steady, predictable income stream. This has smoothed out the peaks and troughs that often characterise traditional installation work. Operationally, the introduction of cloud-connected systems has made the business far more efficient. With remote access through SmartLink, engineers can resolve many issues without needing to visit site, saving both time and resources. Perhaps most significantly, the shift to a service-based model has increased the overall value of the business itself. With hundreds of customers now on subscription plans, Midland Alarms has created an asset that can function independently of its founder. Steve explains: “If I ever wanted to sell the company, a buyer can see the systems work without me, and that the revenue will keep coming in.” Educating the customer A key to success has been demystifying the technology. Steve and his team train customers in simple, relatable terms, often positioning SecureComm as a smart, cost-effective alternative to traditional monitored systems: “We ask customers: would you rather your alarm go off before or after the burglar gets in? HKC’s shock detectors and app connectivity mean it goes off before – and that’s the difference.” Plus, as customers are already accustomed to app subscriptions like Netflix and Sky, the find the monthly fees completely acceptable and the benefits clear. “The app is so user-friendly, we spend minimal time at handover showing them how it works, and that’s usually enough. It’s just a couple of taps to set or unset the alarm, and people are so used to apps these days, they love having that control.” Making the change When asked what advice he would give to installers who are hesitant about adopting cloud-connected systems or recurring revenue, Steve said: “I would encourage any installer to seriously consider making the shift. Too many are still relying on outdated business models that require long hours and offer little long-term security.  “Introducing a service-based approach can improve work-life balance, add measurable value to the business, and create a more sustainable income stream. “The market potential is significant – many homes still don’t have connected alarm systems, so there’s plenty of opportunity for those willing to adapt. It’s about staying ahead of the curve and building a business that’s ready for the future.” For more information on HKC Security, visit www.hkcsecurity.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Sustainable refurbishment specialist, Better Green Living, has been appointed to design the new canalside development at the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2,000 sq ft multi-functional hospitality space will enhance the visitor experience, creating a vibrant social hub for concertgoers, event attendees, and the community. This major contract win marks a pivotal moment in Better Green Living’s expansion within the commercial sector. The company is leading all aspects of project management, contractor coordination, and on-site execution to ensure a smooth and efficient build. Its expertise in commercial and student accommodation retrofitting has established it as a trusted name for sustainable, design-led construction in high-footfall environments. The development is designed to accommodate up to 500 guests and will feature a bar, café, dedicated seating areas, a merchandise store, kitchens and innovative beer walls to streamline service. Breaking from traditional construction methods, the canalside development is a 100% new build using repurposed shipping containers, reflecting Better Green Living’s commitment to sustainability. Every material is carefully sourced for recyclability and environmental provenance, ensuring the structure can be repurposed at the end of its minimum 10-year operational lifespan. The modular, container-based structure provides flexibility in design, creating a dynamic and visually striking hospitality hub. The project will mimic the aesthetic of Co-op Live, featuring a mesh-clad façade and multi-level arrangement, blending seamlessly with the arena’s industrial-chic architecture. Designed as a pre- and post-show destination, as well as a year-round community hub, the development will offer an engaging mix of entertainment, hospitality and retail – ensuring visitors enjoy a world-class experience outside the main arena. Edward Parsons, Co- Founder and Managing Director at Better Green Living, said: “Our ethos focuses on creating innovative spaces that prioritise sustainability without compromising on experience. Designing a venue for Co-op Live is an exciting opportunity to showcase how environmentally conscious construction can go hand-in-hand with exceptional design. As the commercial sector embraces more sustainable ways to build, this project proves that creative solutions can successfully balance function, aesthetics and sustainability while shaping the future of temporary venue spaces.” Better Green Living, part of Better Green Group, is a specialist refurbishment company dedicated to sustainable retrofitting and commercial fit-outs. Known for delivering high-profile refurbishment projects for King’s College London, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in environmentally conscious construction. To find out more, visit: www.better-greenliving.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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