Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025. Acknowledging organisations that have consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing in the UK, The Momentum Group is one of 187 medium sized businesses in the UK to
HEM is the new government methodology for assessing energy performance of UK homes Sustenic, in partnership with Quidos, has been awarded a high-profile contract by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to develop and maintain the core software engine for the Home Energy Model (HEM), the new
By Rob Norton, UK Director at PlanRadar The stark truth is, as it stands, there’s nowhere else for us to go. This isn’t just an environmental rallying cry, but a fundamental principle that underpins increasingly rigorous regulations to mitigate impact on the delicate balance of our planet. The upgraded Part
Marks & Spencer is pressing ahead with a major expansion of its food retail footprint by transforming 12 former Homebase units into modern grocery stores. The move is part of the retailer’s broader store rotation and renewal strategy, which is focused on opening 420 larger food outlets and developing a
The Natural History Museum has officially appointed Mace to lead the construction of its new state-of-the-art collections, research, and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, in a project valued at £100 million. This major development marks a pivotal step in the Museum’s ambition to safeguard and enhance
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), is proud to mark its 90th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation in the temporary works industry. Founded in 1935, the company has been at the forefront of the construction industry, consistently setting industry standards in delivering efficient, reliable, and
Work has started on a new housing development that will provide more affordable homes in Gloucester. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has begun work at its site in West Lodge Drive in the city, where it will be providing 35 new homes. The site is the former home of Holly House
KFC UK & Ireland is set to supercharge its expansion strategy with a record-breaking £1.49 billion investment plan over the next five years, aiming to further solidify its place as a leader in the UK’s fast-growing quick-service restaurant sector. The fried chicken giant, which already operates over 1,000 outlets across
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025. Acknowledging organisations that have consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing in the UK, The Momentum Group is one of 187 medium sized businesses in the UK to have made the list this year. Achieving a 90% overall wellbeing score and 88% for job satisfaction, The Momentum Group scored highly across employee satisfaction and workplace excellence. Key results include: Chris Renshaw, Co-Founder and Director of The Momentum Group, commented: “Being recognised as one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work this year is a brilliant achievement for The Momentum Group. A business is only as good as its people we are committed to not only creating an exceptional team, but ensuring that everyone feels valued, empowered, and engaged in the future success of themselves, their colleagues, and the company as a whole. “To achieve this, we want to hold ourselves to account, and so securing this prestigious recognition is fantastic third-party validation of our approach, and a testament to the commitment shown by everyone in the team to making the Momentum Group a very special place to work.” Last year, saw the launch of ‘Young Momentum’, a programme to get together all team members under 30 years old to discuss their experiences working for The Momentum Group and gather ideas for the future. Hosted by the two Directors, Young Momentum meets quarterly. The recognition as one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025 follows The Momentum Group’s gaining B Corp™ certification, achieved through the business’ ongoing commitment to people, places, the planet, and professionalism. The company’s commitment to the community is further supported by its philanthropic arm, the Momentum Foundation, which aids numerous local charities and The Group’s volunteering programme which has seen Momentum Build providing pro bono support to various local charities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HEM is the new government methodology for assessing energy performance of UK homes Sustenic, in partnership with Quidos, has been awarded a high-profile contract by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to develop and maintain the core software engine for the Home Energy Model (HEM), the new government calculation methodology for assessing the energy performance of homes in the UK. HEM will support energy efficiency improvements in a wide range of new and existing housing types in the UK, aligning with the upcoming Future Homes Standard and reformed Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). By offering a more accurate assessment of building energy performance, it will help to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions in the journey towards net zero. Sustenic will draw on its many years of experience developing and implementing energy calculation methodologies to lead the development of the HEM engine, and maintain the underlying Python codebase. Quidos will play an important role in feature development and maintenance, leveraging its experience in developing energy assessment software and its 20 years expertise in assessing the energy efficiency of dwellings. Work will begin immediately on a consultation version of the core engine. Jose Ortiz, Director at Sustenic, said: “This contract award marks an important milestone in the evolution of building energy modelling in the UK. Our team brings unparalleled expertise in energy modelling methodologies and software development, having previously played central roles in developing SAP, SBEM, and the initial phases of HEM. We’re looking forward to working closely with Quidos, DESNZ and the MHCLG to deliver this critical project successfully and assist in the UK’s net zero ambitions.” Chris Barrington, CTO at Quidos, said: “Improving the energy performance of the UK’s homes is crucial to achieving carbon emission reduction objectives. Our established reputation in energy efficiency software and assessment will be invaluable in the development of the HEM’s core software engine, together with Sustenic’s deep methodological expertise. Together we will ensure that HEM is a reliable, user-friendly tool that supports industry professionals in delivering energy-efficient dwellings.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Rob Norton, UK Director at PlanRadar The stark truth is, as it stands, there’s nowhere else for us to go. This isn’t just an environmental rallying cry, but a fundamental principle that underpins increasingly rigorous regulations to mitigate impact on the delicate balance of our planet. The upgraded Part L is a strong foundation, outlining the minimum acceptable energy performance standards a new building must achieve. However, simply meeting these specified standards is no longer sufficient. Construction firms must also adhere to these regulations, and demonstrably prove compliance, directly contributing to a tangible reduction in their carbon footprint. The limitations of traditional compliance methods For far too long, the processes involved in evidencing Part L compliance have been characterised by inefficiency and potential for oversight. Reliant on nebulous paper-based documentation, manual data collection, and the inherent vulnerabilities of human error, these traditional methods struggle to provide the robust assurance demanded in today’s environmentally conscious landscape. In an era where transparency and accountability are leading priorities, this outdated approach is no longer fit for purpose. We urgently require a more streamlined, reliable, and efficient system to meticulously track and document the energy performance measures implemented on construction sites. The power of digital solutions This is where the transformative potential of digital solutions enters the equation. Construction management platforms, for instance, present an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionise and significantly strengthen the entire process of evidencing Part L compliance. Picture a scenario where every critical stage of the build that directly relates energy performance, is comprehensively documented with high-resolution photographic evidence, including: the precise installation of insulation materials, the meticulous fitting of energy-efficient windows and the accurate detailing of airtightness measures. This is then directly, and irrefutably, linked to specific locations within the building and precise project timelines. This isn’t a distant, futuristic concept, but an accessible reality that sophisticated digital platforms empower construction teams to achieve today. Building a digital audit trail of compliance By strategically using platform features like intuitive photo/video documentation, customisable digital forms, and real-time tracking, construction teams can seamlessly build a comprehensive, auditable record of Part L compliance throughout each project phase. This simplifies the often-arduous final handover process and provides a clear and organised compilation of all relevant evidence. It also offers irrefutable proof of compliance should any queries arise or inspections occur. Enhancing collaboration and communication Furthermore, these integrated digital platforms are powerful catalysts for enhanced communication and seamless collaboration across diverse project teams. Creating a centralised repository for all compliance-related information, they ensure that energy performance considerations are seamlessly integrated into every stage of the building process, from initial design specifications through to final sign-off. This helps to shape a culture of shared responsibility, ensuring all stakeholders are working from the same accurate and up-to-date information. Gaining valuable insights for future sustainability The benefits of adopting digital solutions extend beyond basic regulatory compliance. By establishing a clear, accurate, and easily accessible understanding of the specific energy-efficient measures implemented within each project, construction firms gain invaluable insights into their own operational practices. The rich data captured by these platforms can be meticulously analysed to inform future projects, enabling organisations to identify areas for potential improvement, optimise their material selection processes, and further reduce their overall environmental impact. In a market increasingly driven by sustainability considerations, data-backed energy efficiency can serve as a substantial competitive advantage, attracting eco-conscious clients and partners. A collective responsibility for a sustainable future The urgent journey towards a truly net-zero future demands a concerted, collective effort across all sectors. Part L of the Building Regulations represents a vital piece of this intricate puzzle, setting essential standards for energy performance. However, the true and lasting impact of these regulations ultimately lies with our collective ability to effectively evidence and verify compliance with accuracy and transparency. Digital solutions offer a powerful and readily available pathway to achieve this critical objective. They can equip construction firms with the necessary tools to meet current regulatory requirements and meaningfully contribute to the creation of a more sustainable built environment. After all, as there’s no planet B, embracing digital innovation within the construction industry is no longer a positive add-on, but a crucial and responsible step in safeguarding the planet. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer is pressing ahead with a major expansion of its food retail footprint by transforming 12 former Homebase units into modern grocery stores. The move is part of the retailer’s broader store rotation and renewal strategy, which is focused on opening 420 larger food outlets and developing a more efficient network of 180 full-line stores. The ambitious programme aims to have half of M&S’s store estate operating under the new format by 2027/28. The first wave of openings will see new M&S Foodhalls launched in Abingdon, Cannock, Farnham, Godalming, and Northampton, with doors expected to open between late 2025 and summer 2026. Each site will be designed to meet evolving customer expectations, offering larger car parks, expanded frozen food sections, wider aisles, and new in-store bakeries. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with the stores adopting LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants. Chief executive Stuart Machin said the programme is central to the company’s wider transformation efforts: “Investing in new and renewed stores is one of our key transformation priorities. Securing these highly desirable sites in priority locations will accelerate this strategy, drive further growth in our M&S food business and most importantly give our customers the best possible M&S shopping experience.” The sites became available after Homebase, once a staple of the UK’s DIY scene, entered administration last year. Since then, several major retailers including The Range, Ikea, Sainsbury’s, and Wickes have moved to acquire key former Homebase properties. For M&S, the opportunity aligns with its ongoing effort to modernise its estate, reposition itself in the competitive food retail sector, and better serve growing demand in key regional hubs. As more locations are confirmed, the retailer is expected to continue making strategic site acquisitions to ensure it delivers on its modern retail vision across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Natural History Museum has officially appointed Mace to lead the construction of its new state-of-the-art collections, research, and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, in a project valued at £100 million. This major development marks a pivotal step in the Museum’s ambition to safeguard and enhance access to its globally significant collections. Once complete, the 25,000 sq metre facility—equivalent in size to three football pitches—will house approximately 28 million specimens, representing around one third of the Museum’s total holdings. The centre is being developed as part of the NHM Unlocked Programme, which is supported by £201 million in government funding aimed at advancing the UK’s science, research, and innovation capacity. Construction is set to begin shortly, with completion expected in 2027 and full operational readiness anticipated by 2031. The new facility will serve as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research and technology. It will feature advanced imaging and digitisation suites, state-of-the-art laboratories for molecular biology and ancient DNA analysis, cryo-storage for tissue samples, as well as conservation and quarantine labs. Rob Lemming, Managing Director for Public Sector and Life Sciences at Mace, described the project as both a cultural and scientific milestone. “This centre will be more than a repository for priceless specimens—it will be a beacon for innovation and collaboration, offering the scientific community world-class tools to tackle urgent challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.” The design team for the project includes Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios as lead architects and engineering consultancy Ramboll. Mace will oversee construction and procurement, supported by CPC Project Services for project management and Arcadis for cost consultancy. The facility will also become home to several specialist collections including fossilised mammals and invertebrates, marine life such as corals and crustaceans, and the Museum’s valuable molecular and micropalaeontological archives. The transfer of these materials to Shinfield is expected to be the largest move of natural history specimens ever undertaken worldwide. Situated within the innovation campus of the University of Reading, the development is poised to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in bioscience, environmental research, and digital innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing Waitrose store and adjacent car park, will deliver 428 new homes, along with a public square, community facility and commercial space. Initially submitted in mid-2023, the application was stalled by delays in the local planning process, prompting JLP to appeal on grounds of ‘non-determination’ in summer 2024. That appeal has now been upheld by a government planning inspector, clearing the path for development to proceed. The approval comes amid renewed national efforts to meet housing targets, with the government recently reaffirming its goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes within five years. Under the latest update to the National Planning Policy Framework, greater weight is being given to brownfield development within established urban areas—an approach that has benefited the West Ealing proposal. JLP views the project as part of a long-term strategy to make better use of its property assets while contributing to the delivery of much-needed rental housing. The new homes will be brought forward under the build-to-rent model, with the aim of fostering long-term community engagement alongside reliable returns. Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, welcomed the decision, describing it as a multi-million-pound opportunity to reinvigorate a site that has served the local community for decades. “The inspector’s decision reinforces national policy support for well-located brownfield regeneration,” she said. “We look forward to working with local stakeholders to ensure the development is delivered responsibly and reflects the needs of the community.” The project is being developed in partnership with investment firm Aberdeen Group through a £500 million joint venture. Svitlana Gubriy, head of indirect real assets at Aberdeen, said the initiative reflects wider momentum in the build-to-rent sector, where long-term social value and community cohesion are becoming central to investor priorities. Construction is expected to begin following further engagement with the community and the completion of detailed designs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday Inn Express adjacent to North Acton Underground station. The plans form part of the broader North Acton Town Centre Cluster masterplan aimed at revitalising the area into a vibrant neighbourhood hub. The approved project includes a 31-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower with 609 beds, and a separate 17-storey build-to-rent (BTR) block offering 59 residential units. The scheme also incorporates 35% affordable housing and 255 sqm of commercial space at ground level. Residents will benefit from outdoor amenity areas, though no on-site parking is planned. Downing submitted revised proposals in September 2024 following extensive collaboration with the local authority. The updated designs aim to contribute positively to the evolving townscape of North Acton while addressing housing demand. The taller PBSA tower will feature anodised aluminium rainscreen cladding combined with panels of clear and patterned glazing, delivering a modern visual identity. Meanwhile, the smaller BTR building will be clad in terracotta with blue anodised aluminium detailing and clear-framed windows. Martin Fenlon, associate projects director at Downing, highlighted the strategic importance of the location: “Situated just outside of the city centre, North Acton is becoming a hotbed of regeneration. Its vibrant community, excellent transport links and close proximity to leading universities make it the ideal location for high-quality student accommodation and rental housing.” Fenlon added that the development will help meet growing demand for housing among both domestic and international students attending nearby institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of West London and the University of the Arts. The project represents a significant investment in West London’s future and reflects growing interest in the area’s regeneration potential. Downing’s scheme is expected to play a key role in shaping North Acton’s identity as a thriving, mixed-use district over the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), is proud to mark its 90th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation in the temporary works industry. Founded in 1935, the company has been at the forefront of the construction industry, consistently setting industry standards in delivering efficient, reliable, and safe temporary works solutions to support construction projects worldwide. Evolving from its early days as a British scaffolding business to a global leader in above and below-ground temporary works today, Altrad RMD Kwikform is well known for its industry expertise. The company’s history is a rich tapestry of pioneering engineering, innovation, and strategic growth. Altrad RMD Kwikform’s roots stem from two pioneering firms: Mills Scaffolding (Kwikform) and The Douglas Group (RMD), two brands that have been fundamental in shaping who they are today. Mills Scaffolding, founded in 1935, became known for its innovative and safety-focused scaffolding solutions. After being acquired by GKN plc in 1983, it was rebranded as GKN Kwikform and introduced the iconic Kwikstage modular scaffolding system, revolutionising construction site efficiency. Later acquired by Bandt Plc in 1995, it became Kwikform UK Ltd. Meanwhile, the Douglas Group (formally known as R.M. Douglas Holdings Ltd), founded in the 1930s by Sir Robert McCallum Douglas OBE, a distinguished engineer and industrialist, excelled in temporary works solutions through its subsidiary R.M. Douglas Construction Ltd, which engineered an innovative steel shuttering system in response to post-war timber shortages. This development led to the formation of Rapid Metal Developments Ltd (RMD) in 1948. RMD expanded globally and developed renowned products such as Rapid Ply, Superslim Soldiers, and Megashor, earning industry recognition which led to the business receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award to Industry for engineering excellence in 1975. In 1999, RMD and Kwikform UK Ltd merged to create RMD Kwikform, combining their expertise to focus on comprehensive temporary works solutions. The company expanded globally throughout the 2000s and introduced 3D visualisation technologies in 2013 to enhance customer support. In 2015, RMD Kwikform entered the ground shoring market, broadening its capabilities even further. In 2021, RMD Kwikform was acquired by the Altrad Group, strengthening its global presence. Now operating as Altrad RMD Kwikform, the company remains a trusted provider of above and below ground temporary works solutions for projects of all scales worldwide. Mark Pickard, UK Managing Director for Altrad RMDK explained: “For nearly a century, RMD Kwikform has been at the forefront of engineering excellence, providing trusted solutions for projects across diverse sectors such as transport and highways, ground works and utilities, commercial and residential developments, to name just a few. “Celebrating 90 years is a remarkable achievement, and our journey has been defined by our dedication to pushing boundaries and the trust we’ve built with our partners and customers globally. We are proud to be a trusted name in the temporary works industry – recognised for engineering excellence, reliability and innovation. We owe our success to our employees, past and present, who have driven our mission to deliver world-class solutions with integrity and expertise. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to driving innovation through digital solutions, sustainable practices, and collaborative partnerships to continue delivering the highest quality of service to the construction industry. We will also continue to build on our strong foundations and maintain our well-established reputation as a trusted leader in temporary works.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has started on a new housing development that will provide more affordable homes in Gloucester. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has begun work at its site in West Lodge Drive in the city, where it will be providing 35 new homes. The site is the former home of Holly House NHS care home but has laid empty since the buildings were demolished in 2013. The housing association was granted permission for the development last year and its in-house construction team started work on the new homes this month. The new homes will be a mixture of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, all of which will be for social rent, the most affordable form of social housing rent. Bromford has been the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes over the past five years. Project Manager Louisa Fryer said: “It’s fantastic to see work getting underway on our latest development in Gloucestershire. These 35 affordable homes will make a real difference for local families and individuals who are looking for quality, secure housing in Gloucester who may have been priced out of the private rental market. We’re proud to be providing these much-needed affordable rental homes and look forward to welcoming customers into their new homes when they’re completed next year.” This month Bromford announced it had secured a site in Gloucester city centre where it will be building 113 affordable homes, while earlier in the year the housing association purchased an 11-acre site on the outskirts of Gloucester to build 95 homes. Bromford is the largest housing association in Gloucestershire with more than 10,000 homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KFC UK & Ireland is set to supercharge its expansion strategy with a record-breaking £1.49 billion investment plan over the next five years, aiming to further solidify its place as a leader in the UK’s fast-growing quick-service restaurant sector. The fried chicken giant, which already operates over 1,000 outlets across the UK and Ireland, has confirmed ambitious plans to open 500 new restaurants by 2034. A significant portion of the investment – approximately £466 million – will be dedicated to acquiring and developing new sites across both urban centres and drive-thru hotspots, reflecting changing consumer behaviours post-pandemic. This property-focused strategy builds on a period of steady growth over the past five years. Since 2019, KFC has opened dozens of new locations each year, often focusing on drive-thru formats and food courts within retail parks – a trend accelerated by demand for convenience and off-premise dining. At the same time, the company has leaned into refurbishing its existing footprint, with over 200 restaurants earmarked for upgrades under the new investment plan. Key to KFC’s growth is its franchise-first model. Around 95% of its UK sites are run by local franchisees, who will be supported by this new wave of investment. The upgrades will include digital ordering enhancements, modernised kitchen equipment, and sustainable building improvements to meet growing environmental expectations. Rob Swain, general manager of KFC UK & Ireland, said: “We’ve never seen such demand for freshly prepared fried chicken as we’re seeing today. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to the UK and Ireland with a major investment into our restaurants and in the suppliers who have been so crucial to our success.” This investment also signals a strategic counter to increased competition in the UK chicken market. Newcomers such as Popeyes, Wingstop, and Slim Chickens have captured attention in key urban areas, creating pressure for established brands to innovate and invest. KFC’s planned expansion and estate upgrades not only aim to strengthen its market leadership but also promise a positive ripple effect on local economies, with job creation and supply chain growth expected as part of the programme. As KFC celebrates its 60th anniversary in the UK, this latest move underscores its long-term confidence in the British market and its appetite for sustainable, modern growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
