Statom Group has reported record turnover and a secured order book of more than £617m, following a period of investment and strategic expansion across its specialist engineering operations. The Essex-based contractor, which was founded as a concrete specialist in 2020, increased revenue by 15% to £184m in the year to
As the New Hospital Programme moves into its delivery phase, the programme’s leaders will be hosting a dedicated morning at UKREiiF this May, digging into detail on future ambitions for the programme and how delivery for the first wave of schemes is being implemented. Taking place in the Pagabo Local
Catella APAM, the integrated UK real estate investment and asset manager, today announces it has promoted Victoria Morgan to Director. She joins founder and Executive Director Simon Cooke and Managing Director Melissa Baldwin on the firm’s senior leadership team. Rhys Williams and William Grenfell have been promoted from Associate Director
Building envelope solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has achieved independent Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment for their Roof Tiles & Fittings product set. This latest assessment builds on wienerberger’s milestone from Spring 2025, when it became the first UK manufacturer to secure CCPI assessment for its UK-manufactured
Marks & Spencer has begun construction on its new state‑of‑the‑art automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire, marking a major milestone in the company’s £340 million investment to modernise and future‑proof its food supply chain. To mark the start of the build, Michelle Elliman, from M&S Rugby store joined Kevin
Plans have been submitted for a major £100m-plus regeneration of The Springs shopping centre in Buxton, paving the way for a new residential-led neighbourhood in the heart of the Derbyshire town. Developer Capital&Centric is working with High Peak Borough Council to bring forward the transformation, which would replace the existing
Shaftesbury Capital has announced the signing of streetwear brand Eme Studios, set to open at 57 Carnaby Street. The arrival will mark the brand’s UK debut and its first permanent store outside of Spain. Eme Studios was born in Spain in 2018, inspired by modern streetwear aesthetics and culture. The brand currently operates physical locations in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, and trades online in over
Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Caerphilly County Borough Council (Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili) on the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, a fully consented 20MW solar project located near Caerphilly, South Wales, to Fuse Energy, one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy suppliers, for an undisclosed sum. The project
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is preparing to launch a major £500m housing works programme, aimed at improving homes, strengthening compliance and delivering long-term investment across its residential estate. The east London council has placed contractors on alert ahead of a formal procurement process expected to begin this summer.
Study Inn has been named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at the Property Week RESI Awards 2026, widely regarded as one of the most distinguished accolades in the UK’s residential property market. The award highlights operators who are truly setting the standard, delivering exceptional resident experiences, driving innovation, and
Statom Group has reported record turnover and a secured order book of more than £617m, following a period of investment and strategic expansion across its specialist engineering operations. The Essex-based contractor, which was founded as a concrete specialist in 2020, increased revenue by 15% to £184m in the year to 30 November 2025. Growth was supported by rising activity across infrastructure, civil engineering, specialist foundations, ports and energy projects, helping to offset slower conditions in the residential market. The group said its £617m order book is equivalent to around 3.3 times annual revenue, providing strong visibility into 2026 and early 2027. The performance reflects Statom’s continued move away from historic reliance on residential work and towards more technically complex, engineering-led sectors. Pre-tax profit, however, fell to £6.8m from £8.7m in the previous year, as the business absorbed significant investment in management systems, technical staff, new offices, plant and machinery. Operating margin also eased from 6.6% to 4.9%, with the company citing changes in workload mix and inflationary pressure on key materials. Statom Group Chief Executive Stan Nikudinski said the investment was necessary to support substantial growth during the year and position the business for further expansion in 2026. During the period, the group strengthened its in-house technical capability through the integration of Apex Core Engineering, Franki Foundations and Slipform Technology. These divisions now sit alongside Statom’s civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, and remediation teams, enabling the contractor to take on more complex schemes with reduced reliance on third-party delivery partners. Nikudinski said: “During the year, the integration of Apex Core Engineering, Franki Foundations, and Slipform Technology within the wider group further strengthened our in-house technical capability and lifecycle delivery capacity. “These divisions, supported by our civil, MEP, and remediation teams, enable Statom to deliver complex engineering-led projects with minimal reliance on third-party contractors. “This self-delivery approach has proven particularly valuable on major regeneration, energy, and infrastructure programmes, where technical collaboration and design assurance are critical to success.” Despite the dip in profit, Statom ended the year with net assets rising to £29m, up from £25.5m. Cash reduced to £21.3m from £27.9m following a £25.7m capital investment programme. The results underline Statom’s transition into a broader specialist engineering contractor, with a growing focus on infrastructure, energy and complex regeneration work. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the New Hospital Programme moves into its delivery phase, the programme’s leaders will be hosting a dedicated morning at UKREiiF this May, digging into detail on future ambitions for the programme and how delivery for the first wave of schemes is being implemented. Taking place in the Pagabo Local Growth Pavilion, the sessions will be hosted by Sypro, a contract management solutions provider for construction and infrastructure projects. The day will kick off with an introduction from Chief Programme Officer Natalie Forrest, who will outline the ambition, scale and long-term delivery of the NHP, setting the scene for the following panel sessions. Throughout the morning, three key panel sessions will roll into each other – focusing on collaboration driving the success of the Hospital 2.0 Alliance, how industrialisation is transforming hospital delivery through offsite manufacturing and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), and the role of digital innovation in shaping future healthcare delivery. Speakers will include wide representation from the New Hospital Programme, along with contractors appointed to the Hospital 2.0 Alliance Framework, and partner NHS Trusts delivering hospital schemes on a national scale. Attendees will also be invited to actively contribute to the discussion through an open-chair opportunity on the day. Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer at the New Hospital Programme, said: “It’s great to be back at UKREiiF and to build on the conversations we started last year. What matters now is that we turn ambition into delivery, and this session is about being open on how we’re doing that. “We’re bringing together the people who are directly involved in delivering these hospitals, from our construction partners to our NHS trusts – to share what’s working, where we’re learning, and how we’re approaching things differently. “We are creating a consistent and efficient way of delivering healthcare infrastructure that brings together long-term investment, skills development, and real social value for our communities. The Hospital 2.0 Alliance approach makes this possible, and why it’s such an important shift for the future of the NHS and our healthcare infrastructure.” The New Hospital Programme morning will take place from 10:15am to 12:30pm on Wednesday 20 May in the Pagabo Local Growth Pavilion at UKREiiF, with the programme including natural breaks for networking among attendees around the talks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM, the integrated UK real estate investment and asset manager, today announces it has promoted Victoria Morgan to Director. She joins founder and Executive Director Simon Cooke and Managing Director Melissa Baldwin on the firm’s senior leadership team. Rhys Williams and William Grenfell have been promoted from Associate Director to Senior Principal. Victoria, previously Head of Asset Management, will retain strategic oversight of the firm’s £1.6 billion portfolio and continue to lead on client servicing and key relationships, while contributing to the broader leadership and direction of the business. Victoria joined Catella APAM in July 2023, initially leading asset management for the southern region before being promoted to Head of Asset Management with full UK oversight. She brings over 19 years of experience across complex and diverse portfolios in the UK and Europe. Victoria has a track record spanning industrial, logistics, office and specialist asset classes at institutions including CapitaLand, where she held responsibility for £1.8 billion in AUM, and M7 Real Estate, where she managed a 3.6 million sq ft national commercial portfolio. Since joining, Victoria has led the structural transformation of Catella APAM’s asset management function, integrating the asset management and portfolio management teams and bringing together analytical and asset-level expertise. Under her leadership, the team manages 5.4 million sq ft across residential, industrial, office and retail. William joined Catella APAM in 2015 and brings over 20 years of post-qualification experience to the role. He is the client lead on the firm’s mandate for Danish pension fund Britannia Invest A/S, overseeing asset management of a regional UK office portfolio, including the delivery of the c.60,000 sq ft One Friary redevelopment in Temple Quay, Bristol, on track for practical completion in summer 2026. Rhys has been with the firm since 2014 and is the client lead on Catella APAM’s mandate for the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, overseeing asset management of a mixed-sector portfolio that includes Chantry Place shopping centre in Norwich, the Grade II-listed Morgan Quarter in Cardiff, and major industrial holdings at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale and Leeds Valley Park, where the team has set record rents for the West Yorkshire industrial market. In their new positions, Rhys and William will take on increased responsibility for client management, business development and people leadership, acting as second-in-command to Victoria within the asset management team. Simon Cooke, Founder and Executive Director of Catella APAM, said: “We’re really proud to announce these senior promotions, which not only highlight the exceptional quality of our people but also our commitment to developing talent from within. “Victoria’s promotion to Director is thoroughly deserved and a reflection of the extraordinary contribution she has made to this business. Her leadership, commercial instinct and genuine commitment to her people make her an integral part of this business, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact she will have for our clients. “Will and Rhys are exactly the kind of people this business is built on – experienced and deeply client-focused. These promotions recognise their outstanding individual performance.” Victoria Morgan, Director at Catella APAM, said: “I’m delighted to join the senior leadership team and help share the next phase of the business at such an exciting point for Catella APAM. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the team over the past three years and am proud of the progress we’ve made in building an integrated asset management platform. It’s also great to see Rhys and William recognised for their continued impact and leadership.”
Building envelope solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has achieved independent Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment for their Roof Tiles & Fittings product set. This latest assessment builds on wienerberger’s milestone from Spring 2025, when it became the first UK manufacturer to secure CCPI assessment for its UK-manufactured bricks and pavers. With more product groups now progressing through the assessment process, the business continues to advance its ambition to be the trusted expert partner for clients, specifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The CCPI framework is designed to raise standards across construction product information and marketing, ensuring the industry moves toward product data that is accurate, consistent, accessible, and easy to understand. In addition to driving consistency in product information, CCPI assessment helps manufacturers stay aligned with forthcoming regulatory requirements, ensuring they remain agile as the industry continues to evolve. As wienerberger prepares to put additional product groups from its wall, roof, heating, and water management portfolio forward for assessment, the business continues to prioritise independently validated product information as part of its commitment to supporting responsible decision-making for those designing, supplying, and building with its solutions. Paul Instrell, Chief Commercial Officer at wienerberger UK & Ireland, said: “Since achieving CCPI assessment for our UK-manufactured bricks and pavers last year, we’ve continued to see growing interest in adoption across our customer base. Extending CCPI assessment to our roof product portfolio is an important step in demonstrating our dedication to clarity, transparency, and trust in product information. The CCPI plays a critical role in raising standards and we are pleased to be part of that progression.” For more information about wienerberger UK & Ireland, please visit www.wienerberger.co.uk. To learn more about the CCPI and how to achieve verification, visit www.cpicode.org.uk or contact enquiries@cpicode.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer has begun construction on its new state‑of‑the‑art automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire, marking a major milestone in the company’s £340 million investment to modernise and future‑proof its food supply chain. To mark the start of the build, Michelle Elliman, from M&S Rugby store joined Kevin Bennett, CEO of Gist (M&S Food’s logistics arm), Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and Prologis for an on-site for a steel‑signing ceremony. The steel‑signing event recognised the start of construction on the 1.3 million sqft facility, celebrating the largest supply chain investment in M&S history and a major step toward doubling the size of the Food business. The site will significantly increase capacity, reduce long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability for customers. Over 200 M&S Food stores will be serviced by the new DC, supporting colleagues with faster deliveries and simpler stock and fill processes, so they can spend more time with customers on the shop floor. Kevin Bennett, who leads M&S Food’s logistics arm said: “Starting the build on this site marks a major step in transforming M&S into a true destination for the weekly shop, with a modernised supply chain at the heart of that ambition. This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability so customers get the right products in the right place at the right time. “With construction underway, this new site strengthens our network and puts us ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better food business. By deploying the latest proven automation, we’re future‑proofing our operations and UK retail logistics, while creating 1,000 permanent jobs on site.” Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “I welcome the investment by Marks & Spencer into the new distribution centre in Daventry. It was great to visit the impressive site and meet the people involved and learn about the future plans for the centre. This area has for a long time been at the heart of the UK’s logistic network and this investment shows confidence in the local people and businesses.” James Hemstock, Vice President of Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, said:“This construction milestone reflects the incredible strength of collaboration behind this project. Working closely with M&S, Gist, Winvic and West Northamptonshire Council, this project from the outset has been shaped by a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and long-term value.” The new NDC will use advanced automation to boost efficiency, accuracy and ease of restocking, including pallet cranes, high‑speed shuttles and hands‑free picking. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with sustainability features such as recycled materials, rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, EV charging and a dedicated vehicle maintenance unit. This investment supports M&S’ supply chain transformation, store rotation and renewal, and digital and technology plans, aiming for 420 larger Food stores and a more productive set of 180 full‑line stores by 2027/28. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for a major £100m-plus regeneration of The Springs shopping centre in Buxton, paving the way for a new residential-led neighbourhood in the heart of the Derbyshire town. Developer Capital&Centric is working with High Peak Borough Council to bring forward the transformation, which would replace the existing shopping centre with a mixed-use scheme designed to reconnect the town centre, improve public space and support long-term investment. The proposals include 332 homes for rent, made up of a mix of townhouses and apartments. The development will also provide space for bars, shops and cafés, helping to create a more active and vibrant destination for residents, visitors and local businesses. A key part of the scheme is the improvement of routes through the town centre, including a better pedestrian connection from Buxton railway station. Plans also include new public squares, riverside spaces, additional greenery and a feature lift serving the station entrance, making the area more accessible and welcoming. Capital&Centric said the latest plans have been shaped to include a wider housing mix, more landscaping and two new public toilet blocks. Residents will also have access to shared amenities including a gym, mini cinema and co-working space, reflecting the developer’s focus on creating neighbourhoods that combine homes, community and lifestyle. The design approach takes inspiration from Buxton’s historic character, with colonnades, bay windows, limestone and gritstone proposed to echo the town’s architectural heritage while delivering a modern new quarter. John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “There’s a real opportunity here to create something that celebrates Buxton’s heritage and character while also giving the town centre the revitalisation it deserves. “We can’t wait to get spades in the ground and make this vision a reality.” High Peak Borough Council previously acquired The Springs shopping centre after securing £6.6m from the Government’s Future High Street Fund and committing £4.2m of its own funding. If approved, the scheme would mark a significant step forward for Buxton, delivering new homes, stronger town centre connections and a renewed public realm designed to support the town’s future growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shaftesbury Capital has announced the signing of streetwear brand Eme Studios, set to open at 57 Carnaby Street. The arrival will mark the brand’s UK debut and its first permanent store outside of Spain. Eme Studios was born in Spain in 2018, inspired by modern streetwear aesthetics and culture. The brand currently operates physical locations in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, and trades online in over 100 countries. The new 1,500 sq ft Carnaby Street store will feature a refined collection of men’s, women’s, and unisex pieces, including knitwear, jackets, and other apparel. The chic and timeless interior will translate the brand’s signature aesthetic, fostering a sense of exclusivity. The brand’s decision to enter the UK market with a first-ever bricks-and-mortar store reflects Eme Studios’ strategic expansion, targeting Soho for its reputation as a world-famous shopping and cultural hub, and successful launchpad. Eme Studios follows in the footsteps of several international brands that started their UK journey in Soho, including the likes of Adidas Originals, Axel Arigato, Autry, and Alohas. William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Carnaby Street is a timeless, iconic destination that offers the ideal environment for digitally native brands to start physical retail journeys in the UK. Eme Studios complements our existing brand mix at the southern gateway into Carnaby Street, with its culture-driven clothingmatching consumer demand. Given the success of Edikted, TALA, Sheep Inc, and other digitally native brands, it is clear why Carnaby Street and Soho continue to be first-choice for these best-in-class retailers.” Gabriel Morón, Co-Owner of Eme Studios, commented: “Expanding into the UK has always been a goal for us, so securing a location that aligned with our vision was crucial. Carnaby Street offers a global platform and attracts the type of audience that resonates with our uniqueaesthetic. The success we have seen both online and in Spain has demonstrated the brand’s long-term potential, and establishing a presence in Soho is instrumental in solidifying our position in one of the most competitive retail markets.” Eme Studios will sit at the Southern gateway of Carnaby Street, joining other high-calibre brands, Farm Rio, TALA, and the recent addition of Edikted. The new 4,800 sq ft store for the latter also marked a UK debut, and first location outside of the US, bringing its signature street-style and runway-inspired womenswear to the heart of Soho. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Caerphilly County Borough Council (Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili) on the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, a fully consented 20MW solar project located near Caerphilly, South Wales, to Fuse Energy, one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy suppliers, for an undisclosed sum. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2026, with the potential to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually. Cllr Amanda McConnell, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, says, “This agreement is an important step in tackling the climate emergency and increasing renewable energy in Caerphilly. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm could power around 6,000 homes with clean electricity, while supporting a more flexible and resilient energy system. We’re pleased to be working with Fuse Energy to bring this project forward and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits for our communities.” Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, comments, “We’re pleased to have supported the Local Authority with this transaction. Investor appetite for solar remains strong as these projects continue to play a critical role in accelerating the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy system.” The acquisition expands Fuse Energy’s growing renewable portfolio with a current 1GW pipeline across solar and wind projects. It follows the company’s strategy to integrate generation, infrastructure, and supply under one roof, aimed at reducing costs passed onto the consumer and improving energy system efficiency. Fuse Energy plans to develop Cwm Ifor using in-house engineering, procurement and construction. A previous solar project was recently completed by the company at a 30% lower cost per MW peak than industry average. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm project marks a significant step in scaling Fuse Energy’s renewable generation portfolio and advancing a lower-cost energy system in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is preparing to launch a major £500m housing works programme, aimed at improving homes, strengthening compliance and delivering long-term investment across its residential estate. The east London council has placed contractors on alert ahead of a formal procurement process expected to begin this summer. The programme will support Tower Hamlets’ wider capital investment plans and is set to cover a broad range of major works, including housing refurbishments, fire safety improvements and essential building upgrades. The council plans to divide the programme into eight major contracts, creating a substantial pipeline of work for contractors with experience in residential refurbishment, compliance-led improvements and estate renewal. The scope is expected to include fire-prevention installations, electrical upgrades, plumbing works and wider overhaul projects across the borough’s housing stock. Initial contracts are expected to run from October 2027 to November 2031. However, the framework could be extended in phases through to 2041, creating the potential for a 14-year delivery programme. This would provide Tower Hamlets with a long-term route to procure planned investment works while giving the market greater visibility over future opportunities. Tower Hamlets is expected to use the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. The approach allows more flexibility in the procurement process, including scope for dialogue and negotiation with bidders during the tender stage. This could help the council shape contract delivery around its estate requirements, compliance priorities and value-for-money objectives. A procurement launch briefing has been scheduled for 10.30am on 16 June at Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel. The event will give interested firms an overview of the proposed procurement structure, the council’s housing stock profile and the indicative scope of the contracts. The formal tender notice is currently expected to be issued on 3 August. The programme represents a significant opportunity for contractors operating in housing maintenance, retrofit, fire safety and refurbishment. It also underlines the scale of investment required by local authorities as they work to improve ageing housing stock, meet evolving safety standards and provide better homes for residents. Once underway, the Tower Hamlets programme is expected to play a central role in delivering safer, more efficient and better-maintained council housing across the borough. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Study Inn has been named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at the Property Week RESI Awards 2026, widely regarded as one of the most distinguished accolades in the UK’s residential property market. The award highlights operators who are truly setting the standard, delivering exceptional resident experiences, driving innovation, and going beyond expectations in an increasingly competitive market. The judges commented: “Study Inn truly sets the benchmark in student accommodation, delivering exceptional service backed by outstanding resident satisfaction scores. With an innovative all-inclusive model and a market-leading wellbeing offer, they have created a best-in-class student experience.” Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations at Study Inn, commented: “We continually evolve our offering to meet the needs of our guests, and this award is an endorsement of our intense focus on making sure every resident feels safe, supported and truly at home. It’s a testament to our team’s commitment in delivering our brand standards.” The RESI Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and leadership across the UK residential property industry, recognising developers, investors, and operators who are making a meaningful impact. For Study Inn, this recognition reinforces its position as the leading serviced accommodation operator in the student sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals