The long-vacant former Camelot Theme Park in Lancashire is set to be transformed into a vibrant new residential community after Story Homes secured outline planning permission for a major redevelopment that will deliver up to 350 new homes alongside community facilities and significant environmental improvements. Located in Charnock Richard, near
The latest research from LegalforLandlords has found that landlord possession claims, widely used as a proxy for Section 8 activity, are on course to increase by 6.1% this year as landlords adapt to life after the abolition of Section 21., resulting in 87 letting agent brands signing up for Section 8
Construction of a major new industrial development in the Bristol region is set to commence after Tungsten Properties appointed Magrock Construction as main contractor for its latest logistics and industrial scheme at Filton. The appointment follows the successful completion of a £19m funding package from a private UK family office,
MoreySmith, the award-winning design and architecture studio, has published a new report setting out the kind of office its biggest clients are now asking for: a workplace designed for the age of artificial intelligence, with human connection at its centre. Titled Workplace 3.0: Intentionality, Longevity and the Third Era of
Major improvement works modernising the railway between Morley and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire have taken the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) a step closer to delivering faster, more frequent trains on a more reliable and greener network across the North. Work began on Saturday 30 May and ran until Saturday 27
Jewson colleagues in Norfolk were recently joined by sporting stars Jimmy Bullard and James Wade for a charity fishing day to raise money for a young boy with cerebral palsy. Customers from Jewson Dereham, Watton and Fakenham came together for a day of competitive fishing at East Binley Lakes, with
As41 percent of UK businesses increased their requirement for on-site working, and nearly three-quarters of employers reported a rise in office attendance during the past year, a growing challenge is emerging: workplace noise. While organisations continue to refine their hybrid working strategies, workplace design specialists Prestige Interiors say that many offices have
Multiple Wins and Industry Recognition Highlight POD’s Commitment to People, Service and Excellence in Property Management POD Management is celebrating an exceptional night of success at the prestigious ACE Awards 2026, hosted by The Property Institute (TPI) at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate venue. Widely regarded as one of the residential
Accent, who has head offices in Bradford and Peterborough, is celebrating double success at this year’s Housing Heroes Awards, recognising both its commitment to customer voice and the people-first culture they have built together over the past 18 months. Accent winners included customer Richard Wilkinson, who received the Lifetime Achievement
STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is backing The Regional Building Foundation (RBF), which launched on 8 June, describing the new initiative as “game-changing” for the regional builders who shape Britain’s communities. The Foundation has been created by The Kings Foundation and the University of the Built Environment following a government
The long-vacant former Camelot Theme Park in Lancashire is set to be transformed into a vibrant new residential community after Story Homes secured outline planning permission for a major redevelopment that will deliver up to 350 new homes alongside community facilities and significant environmental improvements. Located in Charnock Richard, near Chorley, the brownfield site has remained largely unused since the closure of the popular theme park more than a decade ago. The approval, granted following a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, marks an important milestone in bringing one of the region’s most recognisable redevelopment opportunities back into productive use. The masterplan has been designed to create a sustainable, well-connected neighbourhood offering a mix of homes suitable for first-time buyers, families and downsizers. Half of all homes will be delivered as affordable housing, making a significant contribution towards meeting local housing demand and supporting the delivery of much-needed homes across the borough. Alongside the residential development, Story Homes will create a dedicated community hub providing flexible space for co-working, meetings, events and activities for local organisations, helping to establish a focal point for both new and existing residents. Environmental enhancement forms a central part of the proposals. The scheme will achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain through the creation and improvement of wildlife habitats, while a section of Syd Brook will be de-culverted to restore its natural watercourse, improving local ecosystems and supporting biodiversity across the site. The development will also deliver substantial investment into local infrastructure through approximately £3 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, alongside a further £1.85 million secured through Section 106 agreements. These contributions will support improvements to playing pitches, public rights of way, public transport services and the long-term maintenance of green spaces, helping to ensure the surrounding community benefits from the wider regeneration. Construction is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, supporting an estimated 240 jobs through local contractors, subcontractors and supply chain partners over the lifetime of the development. The project reflects the growing emphasis on regenerating previously developed land to create sustainable new communities while reducing pressure on greenfield sites. By bringing a prominent derelict site back into use, the redevelopment will not only provide high-quality homes but also deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for the wider Chorley area. With planning now secured, the former Camelot Theme Park is poised to enter an exciting new chapter, transforming a once-iconic leisure destination into a thriving residential neighbourhood that supports long-term growth, community wellbeing and environmental stewardship. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research from LegalforLandlords has found that landlord possession claims, widely used as a proxy for Section 8 activity, are on course to increase by 6.1% this year as landlords adapt to life after the abolition of Section 21., resulting in 87 letting agent brands signing up for Section 8 support in the eight weeks since the RRA came into force. LegalforLandlords analysed the latest possession claim data covering private landlord possession* claims in England. The analysis compares quarterly and annual trends, with private landlord possession claims used as a proxy for Section 8 activity, although some cases may fall outside the Section 8 framework.* A Section 8 notice allows a landlord to seek possession of a property where specific legal grounds exist, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, damage to the property, or other breaches of the tenancy agreement. Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force in May 2026 and removed the Section 21 no-fault eviction route, Section 8 has become the primary mechanism through which landlords can regain possession of their properties where a tenancy issue arises. The latest figures show that Section 8 possession claims from private landlords reached 7,629 in Q1 2026, marking a quarterly increase of 11.1% compared to Q4 2025 and an annual rise of 4%. Based on historic trends up to and including Q1 2026, LegalforLandlords forecasts that private landlord possession claims could reach approximately 30,516 across 2026, representing an annual increase of 6.1%. Agents seek Section 8 expertise The growing importance of Section 8 comes as landlords continue to face lengthy possession timelines. The latest available court data shows that the median time from claim to repossession now stands at 26.4 weeks. As such, in the eight weeks since the RRA came into force, LegalforLandlords has signed partnership agreements with 87 letting agent brands, all of whom are looking explicitly for Section 8 support. Sim Sekhon, Group CEO at LegalforLandlords, commented: “Section 21 has gone and Section 8 is now front and centre of the possession process. What we’re seeing is the market rapidly adapting to that reality. In the eight weeks since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, we’ve welcomed 87 letting agent brands into Section 8 support and professional services partnerships. We don’t believe that’s a short-term spike. It’s a reflection of how quickly agents and landlords are recognising that the rules of the game have changed. This isn’t simply a compliance issue. It’s a landlord protection issue and, increasingly, a landlord retention issue for letting agents. When a tenancy breaks down, landlords don’t want uncertainty. They want clear guidance, the right evidence, the correct process and the confidence that everything has been handled properly. Getting a Section 8 claim wrong can be costly, particularly when possession cases can already take months to progress through the courts. The opportunity for agents is significant. The most successful agents in this new environment won’t simply be those who find tenants. They will be the agents who can protect landlords when problems arise, through better advice, stronger partnerships and a clear understanding of the possession process. Section 8 is no longer just a notice. It has become a core part of landlord protection, and agents are putting the right support in place because they know the old market has gone.” Vital things for landlords to know about Section 8 notices Ultimately, Section 8 remains a powerful possession tool, but one that requires careful preparation, robust evidence and strict compliance with the legal process. Data tables and sources Full data tables can be viewed online here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of a major new industrial development in the Bristol region is set to commence after Tungsten Properties appointed Magrock Construction as main contractor for its latest logistics and industrial scheme at Filton. The appointment follows the successful completion of a £19m funding package from a private UK family office, underlining continued investor confidence in the industrial and logistics market despite wider economic uncertainty. Known as Tungsten Park Filton, the development will provide five Grade A industrial and warehouse units ranging in size from 10,200 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft. The scheme has been specifically designed to address the ongoing shortage of high-quality mid-box industrial accommodation across the Bristol market, where demand from manufacturers, distributors, technology businesses and logistics operators continues to outstrip supply. Situated on a self-contained 4.55-acre site, the development occupies a highly accessible location fronting the A38, with excellent connectivity to Junction 16 of the M5 and Junction 20 of the M4, placing future occupiers within easy reach of the South West, South Wales and the wider national motorway network. Magrock Construction was selected following a competitive tender process and will deliver the project on behalf of Tungsten Properties and its investment partner. The development has been designed with sustainability and long-term operational performance at its core. Each unit will provide modern warehouse accommodation with integrated first-floor office space, generous service yards and enhanced power capacity to support the evolving requirements of advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics occupiers. Environmental performance has been prioritised throughout the scheme, with Tungsten Park Filton targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification alongside an EPC A rating. Sustainability measures will include rooftop photovoltaic solar panels, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems and extensive landscaping designed to improve biodiversity and create an attractive working environment. The project reflects the growing demand for future-ready industrial space capable of supporting businesses as they work towards increasingly ambitious environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives. Ian Dunckley, Development Director at Tungsten Properties, said securing funding for the scheme represented a significant milestone and demonstrated continued confidence in both the Bristol market and the wider mid-box industrial sector. He noted that Bristol remains one of the UK’s most supply-constrained industrial markets and said the development would help address this shortage by delivering high-quality accommodation in a strategically important location. Dunckley also expressed confidence that Magrock Construction would deliver a first-class project for both the funding partner and future occupiers. As industrial demand continues to be driven by advanced manufacturing, e-commerce, technology and last-mile logistics, developments such as Tungsten Park Filton are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting regional economic growth while delivering the sustainable, high-performance industrial space modern businesses require. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MoreySmith, the award-winning design and architecture studio, has published a new report setting out the kind of office its biggest clients are now asking for: a workplace designed for the age of artificial intelligence, with human connection at its centre. Titled Workplace 3.0: Intentionality, Longevity and the Third Era of Workplace Design, the report’s central argument is that two forces have reset the purpose of the office. The pandemic severed the assumed link between employment and the building. Artificial intelligence is now dissolving the link between productivity and human input – automating routine cognitive work, streamlining how teams operate and opening new channels for ideation. As that happens, productivity becomes an insufficient reason for an office to exist. What remains irreducible, MoreySmith argues, is genuine human community: the proximity, mentorship and relationships that remote working cannot replicate. Judgement, taste and serendipity only emerge when people are physically and socially together. The office is not just where people feel connected, it is where original thinking happens. It is why a growing number of organisations are asking employees to spend more time together. This is why the office must now earn that presence through the experience it offers rather than simply expecting it. The report frames this moment as the third era of workplace design. Workplace 1.0 was defined by efficiency: the cellular, corridor-based offices of the twentieth century, where space reflected hierarchy. Workplace 2.0 was a reaction – the open-plan, hot-desking, beanbag-and-slide aesthetic of the Silicon Valley campus, designed, in MoreySmith’s view, to be photographed rather than inhabited. Both, it argues, were built implicitly to be replaced when the next idea arrived. Workplace 3.0 is defined instead by intentionality. The most successful workplaces today feel less like corporate infrastructure and more like human environments, drawing on the design languages of hospitality and residential living: lobbies that encourage people to linger, thresholds that create a sense of arrival, biophilic planting and natural materials, rooftop terraces, and social spaces closer to a members’ club than a corporate common room. MoreySmith calls these “destination buildings” — places people actively choose, because they offer something no screen can. Crucially, the report makes the case that intentional design also endures. Robust, timeless interiors can be refined every ten to fifteen years rather than wholly replaced, allowing a single building to accommodate successive eras of work – a more sustainable and more valuable proposition for owners and occupiers alike. The commercial evidence is drawn from MoreySmith’s portfolio of investor clients. Following its redesign of Two Fitzroy Place in Fitzrovia, rents rose by approximately 50 percent with comparable uplifts recorded across projects for AshbyCapital, J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Lazari – from 45 Pall Mall and 20 Rathbone Place to 23 Savile Row and Maple House – each repositioned into a higher rental bracket while extending its commercial life rather than being replaced. The argument is made most clearly at The Harewood in Mayfair – a building MoreySmith first redeveloped in 2011 and returned to fifteen years later, after J.P. Morgan Asset Management acquired it in 2024. Much of the original work was still standing firm; the new scheme is additive rather than wholesale, with a refined material palette, a reimagined entrance built on foundations laid more than a decade earlier. It reopened in spring 2026 as a 26,000 sq ft boutique office. Linda Morey-Burrows, Founder and Principal Director of MoreySmith, said: “In the age of AI, the office has to offer more than simply being a place people are expected to be. If technology can take on the routine, then the reason to gather must be rooted in something more meaningful: the passing on of knowledge, the rituals of culture and the particular alchemy that happens when people think alongside one another. “For us, the task is to make spaces that hold that possibility. Places with atmosphere, intelligence and soul. Places that slow people down, invite conversation and remind them that their presence is not incidental, but part of something shared and considered. “That same thinking is inseparable from longevity. The projects we value most are those we can return to years later and find they have not only endured, but continued to work beautifully. Truly considered design is not led by trends. It has structure, character and intent. It can be adapted, layered and refined over time, rather than stripped out and replaced. That is where design becomes both more sustainable and more valuable — for our clients, for the buildings themselves, and for the planet.” Lucie Greene, Trends Forecaster and Cultural Strategist, said: “The boundaries between work, leisure and community are dissolving, and the most forward-thinking spaces are already responding. The next generation of workplaces will feel less like offices and more like living environments – places that adapt around people’s rhythms and sustain a sense of community. In a world where individual productivity can happen anywhere, the office has to become something more: a space people genuinely choose, because it gives them something no screen ever can.” MoreySmith argues that the term Workplace 3.0 is gaining traction across business media, HR consultancy and real estate investment, but has not yet been claimed by the design community until now. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major improvement works modernising the railway between Morley and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire have taken the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) a step closer to delivering faster, more frequent trains on a more reliable and greener network across the North. Work began on Saturday 30 May and ran until Saturday 27 June. During this period, teams completed a number of improvements including: The transformation of both Dewsbury and Batley stations are now almost complete – both will offer improved accessibility, extended platforms that can accommodate longer trains with more seats, and enhanced facilities for customers travelling across the North. Jonathan Hepton, project sponsor for TRU, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this latest series of work safely and on time, thanks to the hard work of our teams and the support of our customers and our communities. TRU has made great strides in delivering a more reliable, electrified railway across the Pennines so far this year, with significant station upgrades delivered, too. “By the end of summer, we look forward to unveiling a transformed Batley station with a brand-new footbridge, lifts and platforms, which will greatly improve step-free access around the station. At Dewsbury, we will be introducing better waiting facilities and extended platforms.” “I’d like to say a big thank you to our teams who worked around the clock and throughout the recent very hot weather.” The focus now shifts to a series of weekend works at Huddersfield station across July and August, in preparation for 16 days of improvement works in September. Customers will be kept on the move via diversionary routes and rail replacement buses on the weekends of July 4-5, July 11-12, July 18-19, July 25-26, and August 1-2. Weekday services remain unaffected. Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said: “Over the last month, the Transpennine Route Upgrade has made great progress made in in delivering upgrades between Huddersfield and Leeds. The investment in both the infrastructure and improving customer facilities, including at Batley station where improvements will continue this year, will benefit our customers and communities for years to come. “Working together with partners across the rail industry, we have been able to keep people moving as these works have progressed and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while these works have taken place.” The weekend improvement works at Huddersfield include: Extending the new footbridge and the existing subway Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson colleagues in Norfolk were recently joined by sporting stars Jimmy Bullard and James Wade for a charity fishing day to raise money for a young boy with cerebral palsy. Customers from Jewson Dereham, Watton and Fakenham came together for a day of competitive fishing at East Binley Lakes, with a five-hour tournament followed by a presentation, BBQ and raffle. Football legend Jimmy Bullard, Jewson’s official landscaping ambassador, and darts champion James Wade, who has been sponsored by Jewson since December 2025, joined the community of participants to fundraise for local lad Mason, who needs new mobility equipment. Mason was born weighing just 715g and spent four months in NICU at Norfo sporting stars Jimmy Bullard and James Wade for a charity fishing day to raise money for a young boy with cerebral palsy.lk & Norwich Hospital. He survived against all odds but was later diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy. His parents were told he may never walk independently, and that he would need to be a full-time wheelchair user. Overall, £600 was raised at the fishing event, which will be put towards a new wheelchair more suited to Mason’s current needs. Jason Thurston, Sales Advisor for Jewson, said: “We have some keen fishers across our Norfolk branches, so when the idea of running a competition with the bonus of raising money for a local cause was suggested, the teams jumped at the chance. “What made the day even more special was having Jimmy and James along to encourage the participants and give them some healthy competition. “Mason is such a deserving little boy, and we hope what we managed to raise during the event helps him access the equipment he needs for a more comfortable lifestyle.” Kristien Fletcher, Regional Director for Jewson, added: “It was fantastic to see so many of our customers come together with our Jewson team for such an important cause. We’re always keen to support those in our community, so we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to do for Mason with this event.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As41 percent of UK businesses increased their requirement for on-site working, and nearly three-quarters of employers reported a rise in office attendance during the past year, a growing challenge is emerging: workplace noise. While organisations continue to refine their hybrid working strategies, workplace design specialists Prestige Interiors say that many offices have not aligned with the expectations of a post-pandemic workforce. Years of home working have reset employees’ expectations around concentration, privacy and noise levels, making office acoustics an increasingly important factor in workplace satisfaction and productivity. Research suggests that workplace noise is far more than a minor annoyance. A recent study found that higher sound levels in the workplace were associated with lower levels of work satisfaction, while previous research in open-plan offices identified noise as a significant factor affecting both employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. The findings underline the growing importance of acoustic design in creating workplaces where employees can focus, collaborate, and perform at their best. This suggests that acoustic comfort is not simply a matter of preference, but a measurable factor influencing productivity, concentration, and workplace satisfaction in modern office environments. Fiona MacMillan, Director for Prestige Interiors, thinks that the physical office environment is likely to play a role in whether return-to-office policies succeed. She commented, “We’re seeing a clear shift in how people experience the office after years of hybrid and remote working. Employees have become accustomed to quieter, more controlled environments at home, and returning to open-plan offices can feel overstimulating for many. “Noise is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a wellbeing and performance issue. If organisations want people back in the office regularly, they need to create spaces that actively support focus, not compete with it.” “We are seeing an increased demand for acoustically balanced workspaces, including quiet zones, focus rooms, and flexible layouts that allow employees to choose environments based on task type. The trend reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations, where wellbeing is now viewed as part of office design rather than an optional consideration.” For more information about Prestige Interiors, please visit www.prestigeinteriors.co.uk/services/office-fit-out-and-refurbishment Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multiple Wins and Industry Recognition Highlight POD’s Commitment to People, Service and Excellence in Property Management POD Management is celebrating an exceptional night of success at the prestigious ACE Awards 2026, hosted by The Property Institute (TPI) at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate venue. Widely regarded as one of the residential property sector’s most respected awards programmes, the ACE Awards bring together leading professionals from across the industry to recognise excellence in property management. POD Management was honoured to receive multiple awards and Highly Commended recognitions, reflecting both the organisation’s commitment to excellence and the exceptional talent within its teams. The company was named Winner of the Employee Training and Development Award, recognising its ongoing investment in creating opportunities for professional growth and career progression. POD also received Highly Commended recognition in two other company categories: Managing Agent of the Year (10,001-20,000 units) and Outstanding Customer Service. Individual achievements were also celebrated, with three POD team members taking home top honours. Gemma Dicker was named Unsung Hero, Elena Marian won Wellbeing Champion, and Eloise Stratford was awarded Rising Star. Further success came through additional Highly Commended individual recognitions. Negin Mortazavi and Sara de Sousa were recognised in the On-Site Staff Member category, while Roxanne Steenkamp received Highly Commended for Wellbeing Champion. These accolades reflect the dedication, professionalism and passion demonstrated by POD Management teams every day in delivering exceptional service to clients, residents and communities. Commenting on the success, POD Management CEO David Goldberg said: “This is an amazing achievement, and I am exceptionally proud of everyone at POD who has contributed to our success as a company, especially those team members who have rightly received individual recognition. It demonstrates the breadth of talent across the business and recognises this is a team effort. Being shortlisted alone is no small feat, and every person and team nominated deserves to take a moment to celebrate their contribution. These awards reflect the standards we set ourselves every day – investing in our people, supporting wellbeing, and delivering a consistently high level of service for residents and clients. To be recognised across so many categories is a real credit to the strength, talent and commitment we have across POD. Congratulations to the entire team, and well done to all the other winners and finalists recognised on the night.” The ACE Awards celebrate the very best in property management, offering recognition, visibility and an opportunity to showcase excellence across the sector. For POD Management, this year’s results are a reflection of the company’s values, culture and commitment to raising standards across the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Accent, who has head offices in Bradford and Peterborough, is celebrating double success at this year’s Housing Heroes Awards, recognising both its commitment to customer voice and the people-first culture they have built together over the past 18 months. Accent winners included customer Richard Wilkinson, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Accent’s Culture and People team, who were named Team of the Year (Over 10,000 homes). 72-year-old Richard, from Bradford, is not only a long-standing customer of 35 years, but he was also Accent’s only customer Board member, helping ensure that customers’ voices are heard at the very highest level. His journey with Accent reflects something deeper than tenancy, it is a lifelong commitment to community, fairness and making a difference to his community and the wider sector. Richard said: “I was honoured and humbled to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. I do so really on behalf of hundreds of residents who, over the years, have worked with landlords to improve outcomes for customers and their communities.” Nick Apetroaie, CEO at Accent, added: “I am incredibly proud of everything we’re achieving at Accent. Our investment in people and culture is making a real difference, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised. Congratulations to our Culture and People team on this well-deserved award, and to Richard Wilkinson, whose dedication and contribution to Accent and the wider housing sector have been truly exceptional. I’d also like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists from Accent and across the sector.” Debbie Hinbest, Executive Director of People and Culture, said: “I am beyond proud to see Accent recognised through awards that celebrate the outstanding work taking place across our organisation. These achievements reflect the dedication, passion and commitment of our colleagues and customers, who work every day to make a difference. “Our People Strategy is more than a plan on paper. It is brought to life by leaders and colleagues who care deeply about creating a great place to work, helping people thrive and enabling us to deliver the very best service for our customers. “Accent is a place to grow, belong and make a difference together. A special congratulations to Richard on this well-deserved recognition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is backing The Regional Building Foundation (RBF), which launched on 8 June, describing the new initiative as “game-changing” for the regional builders who shape Britain’s communities. The Foundation has been created by The Kings Foundation and the University of the Built Environment following a government backed Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Its mission is to build a new ecosystem for Place Building, coordinating regional builders, landowners, funders, materials suppliers, and professionals to deliver the walkable, locally distinctive, and resilient communities people want to call home. Through its actions, STARK UK is walking the talk and reflecting a clear commitment from the senior leadership to invest in its regional builder team. Over the last year, the company has built a dedicated taskforce of seven Business Development Directors (BDDs), supported by 14 Key Account Managers (KAMs) in back-office and operational roles. These specialist teams provide a uniquely tailored service that meets each customer’s bespoke needs, taking the time to really understand their businesses. They are developing a community of local suppliers and service providers that can, together with the extensive Jewson branch network, deliver each business solution with precision and care. As part of this commitment, as STARK UK has developed its unique proposition for regional builders, it has also supported its Business Development Director Edwin de Silva’s work to develop the framework of the Regional Building Foundation, and he now sits on its Board. Commenting on the way STARK UK is helping to build and create thriving local communities, Edwin de Silva said: “The concept we have developed for regional house builders is in complete harmony with the Regional Building Foundation; both are game changers for the housebuilding sector and particularly for the smaller and regional builders, who are in dire need of support. “For us, it’s all about understanding that the SME sector is totally unique. These are often family-run businesses who are creating homes in the communities where they live, and that responsibility weighs heavily on them as their name is above the door. Today they face an unprecedented number of challenges, so by helping them to overcome some of those and giving them security of supply, we can play our part in ensuring that not only do these businesses survive but thrive in the years to come.” Kieran Griffin, Jewson’s Divisional Managing Director for Southeast and Central England and Wales, added: “We’ve hand-picked colleagues who are great at looking after regional builders and their businesses, and who know how to lead the operations management needed to create and deliver bespoke solutions for our customers on time, in full, every time. “With the depth and breadth of experience within this taskforce, alongside our great Jewson branch colleagues, who are also very much part of the concept, I’m delighted to see how our customers are responding to a proposition that grows stronger with every regional builder who partners with us.” As the Regional Building Foundation establishes itself, STARK UK’s backing is the latest example of the industry coming together in new ways to demonstrably support and champion the trades, and to promote the benefits of a healthy, thriving and sustainable UK economy and society. Coupled with this, STARK UK, led by its Jewson brand, continues to drive the Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign, a petition aimed at putting the voice of regional builders at the heart of Government and securing the relief and support needed to fund a national pro-building stimulus package. With 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a public, action-focused Parliamentary debate, and a deadline of this November, Jewson is calling on the industry and the general public to get behind a petition that will benefit everyone, through greater affordability, improved planning, skills-building and job creation. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/766641 #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals