A much-needed £11.9m ‘Extra Care’ development in Shropshire has been completed and handed over to The Wrekin Housing Group – eight months ahead of schedule. Keon Homes, which is working on similar schemes at William Farr House in Shrewsbury and Streethay in Lichfield, highlighted the unprecedented achievement at a special
BUILT environment professionals have led the calls for depoliticising the planning system during a roundtable hosted by SLR Consulting. The event, held in Birmingham, saw attendees from disciplines across the sector, discuss reforms to the planning system, and the need for clear process and policy to ensure that sustainable development
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on
A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF). This new edition, issue No. 5, is the first revision in more than
Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Shetland Girls & Women’s Football Club, providing new kits for more than 140 players and donations to fund the Club’s place at the 2025 Orkney Island Games. As the first club in Shetland to achieve the Scottish Football
Managing a construction crew is no small feat. It’s a complex landscape filled with dynamic teams working on diverse projects, each with its unique requirements. Construction employee management involves various tasks, from assigning roles to ensuring that everyone is on the same page. When you combine these challenges with the
Cambridge Business Park is set to contribute to a new innovation ecosystem in Northeast Cambridge, providing a variety of office and lab spaces for start-ups and established businesses, alongside a residential, leisure and cultural offer for the wider community. It will greatly support the UK’s science, innovation, and technology ambitions.
SEGRO, a leading developer and investor in industrial and logistics spaces, has secured planning approval for two cutting-edge urban logistics developments in Hackney Wick and Deptford. These projects represent SEGRO’s innovative approach to sustainable warehousing, blending modern design with local character to meet the demands of a 24/7 city while
North West-based property services firm, The Momentum Group, has proudly achieved B Corporation (B Corp) Certification, joining an exclusive global network of businesses committed to high social and environmental standards. The certification, awarded by B Lab, evaluates companies across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The Momentum
British Land, a leading property investor and developer, has made significant strides in its strategy to focus on high-performing sectors, demonstrating robust operational and financial growth. The company’s strategic investments in retail parks and campus developments are delivering strong returns, underpinned by rising demand for cost-efficient and sustainable spaces. Key
A much-needed £11.9m ‘Extra Care’ development in Shropshire has been completed and handed over to The Wrekin Housing Group – eight months ahead of schedule. Keon Homes, which is working on similar schemes at William Farr House in Shrewsbury and Streethay in Lichfield, highlighted the unprecedented achievement at a special open day for existing and future clients. The affordable homes and social housing specialist has taken just twenty months to build the 70-strong mix of one and two-bed apartments, with private gardens and a communal café. Ideally situated just a ten-minute walk into the market town of Newport, Queenswood will provide high quality living space and wraparound care and support for people over the age of 55. Speaking at the event Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, said: “Although we have a team that are experienced in terms of Extra Care, this is our first foray into the market as a company. And what a success it has been, with the site handed over to the highest standards and eight months early…that’s unheard of in this sector. “Queenswood has been a remarkable story from the very start, where we worked together with a master developer to unlock a complex parcel of land for this type of development. In turn, it meant the entire site could be built out.” He continued: “This approach is something we are rolling out to other open market housebuilders. Many don’t want to construct Extra Care schemes as they aren’t their ‘bread and butter’, but increasingly the big masterplans call for older people’s accommodation to be present. In essence, we can work with them to get an operational partner in line and solve a problem.” More than 50 people were present at the special open day, enjoying a guided tour of the landscaped gardens and the new apartments and communal spaces at the Queenswood scheme. They heard how Keon Homes has used a mix of traditional and modern construction methods in the build, including concrete floor plans manufactured offsite and 200mm think hollow core floor plans throughout the building, all topped with an acoustic Isorubber layer. This approach achieved the dual benefit of reducing build time by eight months and providing an EPC ’A’ energy rating through the communal areas. IP-based assistive technology has also been incorporated throughout the building, including warden call systems, fall alarms, wandering alarms and door access controls. Matt went on to add: “The strength of our relationship with The Wrekin Housing Group was paramount to the speed of completion, with both parties working in partnership to build the highest quality Extra Care space for the people of Newport. “We also wanted the development to have a real ‘local’ impact, with 50% of the entire project spend directed to suppliers within a 20-mile radius. “Other notable achievements, include 16 apprentices being employed on site throughout the duration of the build and 162 work placement hours completed, giving young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience of a possible career working in construction.” Simon Thompson, Director of Development at Wrekin Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted that works have been completed at Queenswood, our new extra care scheme delivered in partnership with Keon Homes. “We have made a firm commitment to deliver quality homes that people can be proud of and there is a clear demand for affordable housing for the over 55s in Newport and the wider Telford and Wrekin area. “This has been a great project to work on, from initial planning to handover, and I’d like to thank our partners at Keon Homes for their hard work in helping us to bring it to fruition. We’re now looking forward to welcoming our new tenants over the coming weeks.” Queenswood was recognised earlier this year in the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, with Keon Homes’ Matt Wilkes named as the overall Regional Winner for the West in the Multi-Storey Builder category, following earlier securing the Quality and Seal of Excellence titles. For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BUILT environment professionals have led the calls for depoliticising the planning system during a roundtable hosted by SLR Consulting. The event, held in Birmingham, saw attendees from disciplines across the sector, discuss reforms to the planning system, and the need for clear process and policy to ensure that sustainable development is at the forefront of every local authority. Attendees included representatives from the housebuilding, ecology, logistics and minerals sectors, as well as representation from the Home Builders Federation. This first in a planned series of quarterly discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving planning landscape. Elle Cass, head of strategic built environment growth and instigator of the roundtable said: “With development now a top priority following recent governmental changes, we wanted to bring together leading industry voices for a discussion that covered topics such as land release, the classification of ‘grey belt’ sites, and how these differ from the protected greenbelt. “While the consensus is largely positive, there remains significant work to be done, particularly in understanding deliverability challenges related to Biodiversity Net Gain, nutrient neutrality, and addressing the skills shortage in the labour market.” Sam Stafford, planning director at the Home Builders Federation added: “1.5 million new homes within the parliamentary term is a bold and ambitious target, but the government is taking steps in not only reversing the 2023 NPPF changes, but making changes too to the standard method and the way greenbelt is looked at is bending national policy towards meeting it. “The challenge will be matching that ambition locally and then dealing with development management challenges such that the hoped for uptick in planning applications can be processed quickly and efficiently.” The landscape is challenging on many levels, however, the initial assessments that have to be carried out to assess a sites viability are still required. Environmental management, permitting and compliance technical director at SLR Consulting, Chris Berryman, added: “Sustainable development requires early engagement with planning considerations, such as securing permits, conducting thorough assessments, and incorporating long-term masterplanning strategies. “Specific attention must be given to issues such as suspected land contamination, the risk posed by mineral sites, and the achievement of sustainability objectives. Earlier engagement must take place between developers and local authorities to optimise the speed of getting planning applications through to committee.” Though more will be revealed in the upcoming National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which is due to be released before the end of the year, Tamsin Almeida, senior planning manager at Hayfield Homes said: “More needs to be done to promote and deliver amenity-rich environments which genuinely cater for people’s needs – this includes offering a mix of houses and tenure types, supporting infrastructure, biodiverse rich environments that stimulate people’s well-being, and placemaking that puts legacy at the centre of developments for future generations to enjoy.” Richard Hickman, senior planning director at Indurent, specialising in logistics, added; “While addressing the housing shortfall is essential under the newly elected government, we must remember the wider type of development that is needed to make local communities a success – this includes providing employment land, which in turn provides work opportunities – something that can easily be overlooked when headlines call for more housing, but not employment.” Elle Cass concluded: “We are being heard. More progress has been made now than in the past 14 years, however, these expected changes will need to see overhaul to the current structures and systems that have previously let people down, adding to a housing crisis and in turn not supporting development for all. Now is the time to remove politics from planning to get Britain building.” The roundtable was hosted by Tom Snee of Cartwright Communications, and was attended by Elle Cass, Jonathan Salter, Andrea Wilcockson, Chris Berryman, Mike Reeve, Daniel Watson, Tim Colles, Nick Billington (all SLR Consulting), alongside Samuel Stafford (Home Builders Federation), Ellie Liggins-Hughes (St. Modwen Homes), Tamsin Almeida (Hayfield Homes), Richard Hickman (Indurent), Simon Wingate (Lovell Partnerships), Kirsten Cunningham (Aggregate Industries UK), and Nigel Simkin (Highgate Land and Development). If you’re interested in finding out more about SLR consulting, its services or how you could be involved in the next roundtable, visit www.slrconsulting.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on identifying mispricing within the UK listed real estate sector. Simon Cooke, industry veteran and founding shareholder of Catella APAM, and Ben Kennedy, Head of Investment and Research at Catella APAM, will lead the Fund’s investment strategy, supported by Catella APAM’s senior asset and development management teams, which has advised on over £4.5 billion of assets within the UK and Ireland since its inception. Cooke and Kennedy designed the Fund’s strategy to target undervalued UK listed real estate companies, where underlying asset values have been impacted by recent macroeconomic challenges and shifting demand patterns. The Fund is the Group’s first fundamentals focused product investing in the listed markets following the launch of Catella Systematic Property Fund in 2022, a Swedish UCITS fund targeting Nordic listed property companies through a systematic investment approach. Kennedy commented: “The real estate sector has become more operationally intensive and complex, as asset owners begin to acknowledge their role in providing a service to customers rather than just passively holding assets. This is likely to create a more disparate distribution of returns as the gap between winners and losers widens. Our access to actionable, real-time asset data and hands-on expertise gives the Fund a predictive edge in assessing companies’ current and future value trajectory. Adopting a value investment approach in UK listed equities after a period of re-pricing should offer strong risk-adjusted returns to our investors.” Cooke, who has worked closely with equity fund managers throughout his career, particularly at Deutsche Asset Management throughout the 1990s, added: “I believe the listed sector is often undervalued compared to the wider market, as is the strategy, assets, and management teams, particularly following economic downturns. The sector currently trades at a significant discount to NAV, dragged down by recency bias and consolidated by the backward-looking valuation process. This has been a long journey, and I’m proud that we are now launched and mandated to unlock this embedded value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF). This new edition, issue No. 5, is the first revision in more than a decade, and represents a significant update and consolidation of previous guidelines to reflect the very latest legislative requirements and best practices in the industry. It provides an essential reference and resource for a broad spectrum of construction industry professionals including architects, building control officers, fire officers, responsible persons, duty holders, manufacturers, specifiers, and suppliers of building hardware and fire doors. GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson said: “The primary goal of this Code of Practice is to ensure that key stakeholders throughout the construction industry have access to the most current and comprehensive advice on selecting hardware that meets the stringent requirements for fire safety and escape routes. “While the Code is advisory, it is designed to provide robust guidance that aligns with the latest legal standards. “While compliance with the Code does not confer immunity from legal, local authority or insurance requirements, it will significantly enhance the safety and reliability of fire-resisting and escape door assemblies.” The Code addresses a wide range of legislative requirements, including: • Construction Products Regulations in both the EU and UK. • Building Regulations throughout the UK and Ireland, including the Building Regulations 2010 (England & Wales), Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, and Building Regulations 1997-2021 (Ireland). • Workplace Fire Safety Legislation across the UK and Ireland, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. • Equality Legislation applicable in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, the Code considers third-party certification schemes and declarations of conformity with relevant standards, ensuring that the guidance provided is both comprehensive and up to date. The Code applies to building hardware used on timber fire doors with up to two hours of fire resistance and steel fire doors with up to four hours of fire resistance. The hardware items covered are categorised into essential items necessary for the successful operation of the doors (such as pivots and hinges, door closing devices, latch or locks, intumescent and smoke seals, and panic bolts), and optional (non-essential) items that could potentially cause door failure if not properly selected or installed. As a part of this revision there are several new sections relating to electric locking and access control, which are of increasing importance in the world of building hardware. Issue 5 of the Code replaces the previous issue 4, as well as all previous codes of practice published by both the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers (now DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, all of which have been withdrawn to ensure that professionals are working with the most current and relevant information. DHF general manager Michael Skelding said: “This revision is the result of more than two years work by the teams at the DHF and GAI in conjunction with technical specialists at the leading companies in our industry. “The result should be seen as an essential reference document for anyone involved in the selection, installation and testing of building hardware and furniture for fire and escape doors.” Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors edition 5 can be downloaded for free at www.firecode.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Shetland Girls & Women’s Football Club, providing new kits for more than 140 players and donations to fund the Club’s place at the 2025 Orkney Island Games. As the first club in Shetland to achieve the Scottish Football Association Quality Mark Bronze Award this year, Shetland Girls & Women’s FC has teams ranging from under nine years old up to the adult team, which recently secured a spot at the 2025 Orkney Island Games. Jewson’s sponsorship deal will help towards the cost of attending the Games, as well as ongoing running costs and a new kit for all players. Wayne Uren, Branch Manager at Jewson Lerwick, says: “As an active member of the Shetland community, we are always looking for new ways to give something back, ranging from product donations to lending our time and expertise to construction projects in the region. “We’ve been following the journey of Shetland Girls & Women’s FC for some time and we are all incredibly proud of their recent achievements, so it felt like the right time to step up our support and agree the sponsorship deal that will provide vital funds to the club over the next three years.” Kay Anderson, Club Chairperson at Shetland Girls & Women’s FC, said: “We are very grateful to Jewson Lerwick for their generous sponsorship deal, which will enable us to continue reaching our ambitious goals for the club and look ahead to the 2025 Orkney Island Games. “The club was formed in 2017 with just a handful of players and we now have more than 140 girls and women playing with us, as well as almost 50 volunteers. We recently appointed a new management team and feel confident that – with the support of our sponsors – we have a bright future ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Managing a construction crew is no small feat. It’s a complex landscape filled with dynamic teams working on diverse projects, each with its unique requirements. Construction employee management involves various tasks, from assigning roles to ensuring that everyone is on the same page. When you combine these challenges with the traditional methods of managing employees, it can lead to confusion and inefficiencies. However, with advancements in technology, particularly in construction employee management software, you can simplify these processes dramatically. One standout solution is Connecteam’s construction employee management software, which helps keep your team engaged, connected, and aligned. In this article, we will explore how effective construction employee management can elevate your business and the myriad ways technology can facilitate this. Why Construction Employee Management Matters Properly managing your construction crew is vital for several reasons. Here are some of the most important aspects: Navigating Common Hurdles in Management Even with the importance of construction employee management in mind, many organizations encounter hurdles. These include high employee turnover, constantly shifting project requirements, and fraught scheduling situations. Many companies also continue to rely on outdated practices like paper logs, which can exacerbate problems. Despite its importance, construction employee management poses several challenges. The construction industry often faces issues related to high employee turnover rates, frequent changes in project scope, and scheduling conflicts. Additionally, many companies still rely on outdated methods such as paper logs and manual scheduling, which can lead to inefficiencies. The Impact of Technology on Employee Management Advancements in technology have made a world of difference when it comes to managing construction employees. Construction employee management software offers a plethora of features that can help streamline your workflow significantly. Connecteam’s Construction Crew Management Software is tailored to meet the unique demands of the construction industry. Here’s how it helps improve management processes: 1. Streamlined Communication One of the standout benefits of using construction employee management software is its ability to facilitate seamless communication. Connecteam allows team members to send messages and receive notifications quickly. This centralizes communication and ensures everyone stays informed, reducing the risk of miscommunication. 2. Smart Scheduling and Time Tracking With so many moving parts in construction projects, effective scheduling is essential. Connecteam makes it easy for managers to create and share work schedules in real-time. Employees can view their schedules anytime via the app, which minimizes confusion around shifts. The time-tracking feature makes payroll management smoother and helps keep labor costs in check. 3. Enhancing Task Management Being a construction manager means more than just assigning tasks; it’s about tracking progress and ensuring quality. The task management capabilities of construction employee management software allow managers to assign tasks directly and monitor their completion. This accountability helps keep projects on schedule. 4. Simplified Document Management Construction projects require lots of paperwork, from contracts to blueprints. Connecteam offers a secure space to store and share documents, which minimizes miscommunication regarding important project details. Your team can easily access all necessary documentation from their mobile devices, enabling smoother project execution. 5. Engaging Employees Keeping employees engaged is essential for high morale and productivity. Connecteam includes features like surveys, polls, and acknowledgment tools that boost employee participation and foster a culture of appreciation. When workers feel recognized, they are more invested in their jobs, which is a cornerstone of effective construction employee management. Getting Started with Construction Employee Management Software Integrating a robust employee management software like Connecteam into your business doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you seamlessly adopt this technology: 1. Identify Your Needs Before selecting software, it’s crucial to assess your specific business requirements. Consider the challenges you currently face in managing your construction crew and what problems you want the software to solve. 2. Explore Available Features Each software solution comes with its set of functionalities. Investigate the features that different platforms offer and identify those that align with your needs—look for options like messaging, scheduling, time tracking, and document management. 3. Set Up the Platform After you’ve chosen the right construction employee management software, take the time to set it up according to your organizational needs. Customizing features for your specific crew dynamics will help streamline processes further. 4. Equip Your Team Training is crucial for smooth adoption. Ensure that all team members understand how to navigate and utilize the software effectively. With user-friendly interfaces, Connecteam also provides resources to help facilitate this training phase. 5. Evaluate and Enhance After you’ve implemented the software, continue evaluating its impact on your employee management processes. Collect feedback from your team and be open to making necessary adjustments to optimize its use. Final Thoughts The construction industry faces unique challenges in employee management that can be tackled effectively with the right tools. Effective management is not only vital for completing projects successfully but also crucial for employee satisfaction and safety. By leveraging construction employee management software like Connecteam, you have the potential to create a more efficient and engaging work environment for your team. This investment in technology will pay dividends as your construction crew becomes more productive, aligned, and committed to delivering high-quality work. Elevate your construction employee management strategy today and position your business for future success!
Cambridge Business Park is set to contribute to a new innovation ecosystem in Northeast Cambridge, providing a variety of office and lab spaces for start-ups and established businesses, alongside a residential, leisure and cultural offer for the wider community. It will greatly support the UK’s science, innovation, and technology ambitions. Led by The Crown Estate, the mixed-use regeneration project worth £1.5bn will support the Government’s focus on keeping the UK at the forefront of global innovation. This builds further on The Crown Estate’s recent partnerships with Great British Energy to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, and with Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprise to deliver a new 100,000sq ft life sciences, technology and innovation space in the heart of Oxford. As a major national landowner, The Crown Estate has a proven track record of enabling innovation and generating long-term social value, and is driven by its remit to create economic, social, and environmental value for the nation. Through redeveloping Cambridge Business Park, it intends to create an inclusive destination; connecting ideas, people, and industries that facilitate important science innovations with tangible social impact. This is part of The Crown Estate’s wider long-term ambition to invest up to £1.5 billion in the science, technology, and innovation sectors nationally over the next 15 years. Supported by the creation of a globally significant Innovation District in Northeast Cambridge, the proposals will nurture homegrown skills and enable businesses to scale up in the UK and attract investment. Cambridge is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth and support investment in innovation. Today it is firmly established as Europe’s largest technology cluster, with more than 60,000 people employed by around 5,300 knowledge intensive businesses in the area. With a raft of science and R&D-focused spaces within Cambridge, the curation of a national, innovation focused ecosystem will help to contribute to this growth and create further opportunities for Cambridge, the wider region, and the UK. The Crown Estate aims to deliver a scheme that will fulfil a wider mission-led purpose, fuelling meaningful social, environmental and economic change for the public good that connects top talent, research and funding to address urgent global challenges. The Crown Estate is well-positioned to play a key role in UK innovation through its unique combination of assets, customers, and partners which it intends to leverage for the benefit of the sector. Initial proposals for the transformation of Cambridge Business Park will be shared as part of public consultation, due to commence later this month. Dan Labbad, CEO at The Crown Estate, comments: “The Crown Estate is investing where it can have the most meaningful impact in addressing areas of national need, meeting local challenges and realising opportunities. Our vision for Cambridge Business Park is to create an inclusive and connected place that is industry leading in terms of sustainable and innovative workspace. “Working with government and our partners, we intend to contribute to the UK’s science, technology and innovation sectors’ success on the global stage, acting as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth, while delivering a community of socially-conscious and environmentally-focused business leaders. “We are confident Cambridge Business Park will play a pivotal role not only in enabling SMEs to scale up, but also in connecting and convening the brightest minds and organisations to innovate with impact, and support our wider aims of improving planetary health.” The Crown Estate has a diverse national footprint, proven ability to bring together the public and private sectors, and a unique structure compelling it to act in the long-term national interest. It has identified science, technology and innovation as key sectors where it can have a meaningful impact to support regional economic growth. The redevelopment of Cambridge Business Park is still in its infancy, with the new masterplan in very early stages of design and a wider public consultation planned for later this month to inform proposals. The site currently comprises 12 buildings across 20 acres, providing in the region of 325,000 sq ft of commercial office space only. The developing masterplan intends to create a thriving and biodiverse innovation-led destination comprising a mix of retail and leisure spaces, a brand-new high street, ‘science on show’ focused lab buildings and office space and homes. Central to proposals will be a ‘no borders’ ethos through the opening up of the site, creating improved accessibility and connectivity to Cambridge North station and surrounding science parks, as well as opportunities for young people and the local community to enjoy the facilities and access STEM focused educational opportunities. Subject to planning, construction at Cambridge Business Park is anticipated to begin in 2026 through a phased approach, with the new destination open and operational by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO, a leading developer and investor in industrial and logistics spaces, has secured planning approval for two cutting-edge urban logistics developments in Hackney Wick and Deptford. These projects represent SEGRO’s innovative approach to sustainable warehousing, blending modern design with local character to meet the demands of a 24/7 city while supporting the decarbonisation of supply chains. Transforming Inner-City Logistics The schemes, situated in London’s Zone 2, aim to enhance urban logistics infrastructure while aligning with SEGRO’s commitment to sustainable growth. Sustainability at the Core Both developments aim for BREEAM Excellent ratings and will include green features such as EV charging points, solar PV installations, and extensive landscaping to improve local wellbeing. SEGRO’s focus on sustainable urban assets helps reduce carbon footprints while cutting operational costs for occupiers. Community Investment and Innovation SEGRO is actively contributing to the local community. A £25,000 donation to the Textile Reuse Hub in Hackney Wick supports circular fashion training and business growth. Partnerships with organisations such as the Hackney Wick and Fish Island Community Development Trust further underscore SEGRO’s commitment to fostering local skills and opportunities. Expanding Urban Warehousing Strategy These projects join SEGRO’s wider strategy in inner London, which includes planned schemes at Wapping and Clapham. With over 450 clients in London—including Amazon, Tesco, DHL, and Ocado—SEGRO is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable, efficient urban logistics spaces. Bonnie Minshull, SEGRO’s Head of London, commented: “Our developments in Hackney Wick and Deptford represent the future of urban warehousing, offering flexible and sustainable solutions for businesses. By integrating innovative design and a focus on community, we are helping redefine inner-city logistics for a modern, greener London.” SEGRO will showcase its latest innovations at the UKREiiF event, engaging with stakeholders and reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable urban development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
North West-based property services firm, The Momentum Group, has proudly achieved B Corporation (B Corp) Certification, joining an exclusive global network of businesses committed to high social and environmental standards. The certification, awarded by B Lab, evaluates companies across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The Momentum Group excelled in the ‘community’ category, with its philanthropic arm, the Momentum Foundation, recognised for supporting numerous charities. This milestone places the company among just 3,124 UK businesses with B Corp status—less than 0.06% of all UK firms—and one of fewer than 20 certified organisations in the Liverpool City Region. Co-founders Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw celebrated the achievement: “Becoming B Corp Certified is a significant milestone for us. This reflects the dedication of everyone in The Momentum Group to uphold socially and environmentally responsible practices. We are immensely proud to stand alongside other pioneering businesses championing these values.” The certification crowns a transformative year for the firm, marked by strides in sustainability and employee wellbeing. In August, it published the first annual report for Momentum Contribute, its dedicated arm focusing on people, places, the planet, and professionalism. The company also hosted Liverpool City Region’s second sustainability conference, building on the success of its inaugural event. In addition to its charitable work, The Momentum Group has calculated its carbon footprint, providing a baseline for future environmental initiatives. With this B Corp status, the firm sets a benchmark for how businesses can minimise their impact while maximising their contribution to society and the planet. Chris Bliss added: “Every business has a responsibility to contribute positively to the world, and B Corp Certification ensures we are held accountable to the highest standards.” This recognition highlights The Momentum Group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and making a lasting difference in its community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land, a leading property investor and developer, has made significant strides in its strategy to focus on high-performing sectors, demonstrating robust operational and financial growth. The company’s strategic investments in retail parks and campus developments are delivering strong returns, underpinned by rising demand for cost-efficient and sustainable spaces. Key Achievements and Strategic Focus Simon Carter, Chief Executive of British Land, highlighted the company’s momentum: “Strong leasing levels, disciplined cost management, and focused investments have enabled us to grow profits and drive future growth despite a challenging environment. Our conviction in retail parks is paying off, with valuations and rental growth outperforming other subsectors.” Since April 2024, British Land has disposed of £456m of non-core assets and invested £711m into retail parks, increasing its portfolio exposure to this sector from 15% in 2021 to 32% today. These parks are benefiting from robust retailer demand for cost-effective out-of-town spaces to support online operations, driving both rental and valuation growth. Similarly, the company’s super-prime campus developments are capitalising on a severe shortfall of high-quality space, particularly in the City, where a 5 million sq ft gap is projected over the next four years. This imbalance is pushing strong rental growth at the premium end of the market. Financial Highlights British Land has reported a solid financial performance, including: The company raised £301m through an equity placing in October 2024, contributing to its ability to fund acquisitions and maintain liquidity, with £1.6bn in undrawn facilities and cash. Operational and Sustainability Milestones British Land’s operational achievements include leasing 1.7m sq ft of space at rents 8% ahead of estimated rental value (ERV). Retail and logistics spaces alone accounted for 759k sq ft of leases, reflecting the strong demand for modern, efficient spaces. Sustainability remains central to the company’s vision, with 64% of its portfolio now rated EPC A or B, an increase from 58% in FY24. The portfolio achieved a 5-star GRESB rating, with developments scoring a perfect 100/100. Outlook and Market Positioning Despite external challenges, including geopolitical risks and market volatility, British Land’s portfolio is well-positioned to navigate market cycles. The company expects 3-5% rental growth across its portfolio and forecasts FY25 underlying earnings per share of 28.1p, reflecting accretive acquisitions and sustained leasing success. Simon Carter concluded: “With continued strength in occupational markets and our strategic focus on conviction sectors, British Land is set to generate attractive returns while driving long-term value through disciplined investments and sustainable growth.” By leveraging its expertise in high-demand sectors, British Land is reaffirming its position as a leader in innovative and sustainable property development, ready to meet the evolving needs of tenants and investors alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
