Stanmore Contractors, the UK’s leading specialist contractor, has today announced the launch of Stanmore Design House, a new division that will provide RIBA Stage 4 and onwards technical design services to its clients – alongside integrated procurement and construction advice. The new division, which will serve developers, contractors, housing associations,
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a
As the dialogue around sustainable architecture deepens, a quiet material revolution is underway. Thermally modified wood—celebrated for its dimensional stability, rich tonal qualities, and low environmental impact—is fast becoming a staple in the palette of architects seeking both performance and aesthetic appeal. Thermally modified wood, often referred to as thermowood,
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will
Colleagues from Beard Construction’s offices across the South of England have planted more than 130 trees at a woodland near Bristol. At the 194-acre Wrington Warren site owned by the company, more than 70 employees from the firm’s offices in Bristol, Swindon, Guildford, Oxford, and Southampton came together to plant saplings,
Praxis Group has made a significant move back into the retail sector with the acquisition of St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow. The landmark 12-acre scheme, located at the junction of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, spans more than 800,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Anchored by a
Aberdeen Investments, on behalf of the Standard Life Pooled Pension Property Fund, has acquired a major retail park in the West Midlands for £69.6 million. The latest addition to the fund’s portfolio is Sears Retail Park in Solihull, a 136,300 sq ft scheme anchored by high-profile tenants Next and Marks
Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in style last week at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s American Express Stadium. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for initiatives tackling food insecurity across the UK and Ireland. The evening
Maslon’s office design prioritizes health and collaboration, setting a new standard for law firms Perkins&Will Minneapolis studio has partnered with Maslon LLP to set a new benchmark in workplace design, reimagining the law firm’s offices on the 29th and 30th floors of Capella Tower into a model of well-being and sustainability, and making Maslon the
Stanmore Contractors, the UK’s leading specialist contractor, has today announced the launch of Stanmore Design House, a new division that will provide RIBA Stage 4 and onwards technical design services to its clients – alongside integrated procurement and construction advice. The new division, which will serve developers, contractors, housing associations, as well as the wider industry, launches at a time of significant regulatory change in the sector. The new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) regime requires that, alongside submitting technical designs (RIBA Stage 4), developers must now begin tendering, contractor engagement, and preparing detailed contractor designs (RIBA Stage 5) ahead of BSR Gateway 2 submission. Stanmore Design House will offer clients a fully integrated suite of technical design consultancy, procurement services, and contractor-led advice to prepare for BSR Gateway 2 submission in a single place, removing the need to engage a separate, standalone technical design house whose outputs are later passed to contractors for RIBA Stage 5. Stanmore Design House will provide clients with the full suite of RIBA Stage 4 outputs, including elevation drawings, section and plan details, subframe layouts, wind load assessments, thermal analysis, and supplier coordination. Stanmore will also apply its contractor expertise to the design process, ensuring all technical designs are practical and buildable. The new technical design service will be paired with comprehensive procurement and construction support and guidance, including providing multiple supplier options across different price points, assessing material availability, ensuring QA through early factory visits, and considering site logistics and construction needs during the design phase. This end-to-end support will help minimise the risk of late-stage design changes that could trigger BSR resubmission and cause delays. The offering is designed to streamline planning, reduce risk, and ensure designs are ready for real-world construction. Founded in 1958, Stanmore is one of the UK’s leading specialist contractors, with expertise in drylining, facades, glazing, and metalwork. With offices in London, the South West, and the North West, the business has delivered major projects for clients including The Guinness Partnership, Bouygues UK, Wates, and St James. Raj Manak, Managing Director at Stanmore, said: “With the new BSR framework, it’s more important than ever to integrate procurement and construction insight into the technical design stage as early as possible. Stanmore Design House will offer clients exactly that kind of insight-led support. “Our ultimate aim is to make technical design seamless, efficient, and effective. We want to reduce risk, save costs, and deliver solutions that work in practice and not just in theory.” Haman Manak, Head of Procurement at Stanmore, added: “We want to offer our clients the ability to tap into the company’s wider procurement and construction expertise from Day One. “Whether it’s aligning technical design with material availability, supplier pricing, or site logistics, it’s increasingly important that design and delivery go hand in hand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on solutions for heat pump systems, in response to increasing demand across the sector. A not-to-miss product on stand is the IntaKlean Heat Pump Filter with 28mm Reducing Set – a compact, high-flow magnetic filter with an unmatched Kv value of over 17,000 l/h. It delivers powerful corrosion protection without restricting performance, making it a standout choice for both new and retrofit installations. Also featured on stand is the Inta Zero, a next-gen anti-freeze valve that prevents freezing before it starts. With a 3°C trigger, zero-drip outlet, and full R290 compatibility, it offers reliable protection for external pipework. Additionally, the newly launched K Type Ball Valve will also be available on stand, this new design replaces the traditional handle with a removable key type adjuster, enabling the valve to be operated without breaking the insulation seal. Built to last with anti-tamper and anti-vandal features, it’s pressure rated to PN25 and handles temps from -10°C to 90°C. Available in compression sizes from 15mm to 35mm and WRAS-approved, each valve includes both a red and blue cover cap for hot and cold systems. Darran Bougourd, Managing Director at Intatec, comments: “This year is all about innovation for heat pump systems. We’ve listened to what installers need – products that are smart, safe, and simple to fit. From the K Type Ball Valve to the IntaKlean 35mm Filter, everything on the stand has been designed to make working with heat pumps easier and more efficient.” In addition to these products, the stand will also feature ActivTec’s ActivStopLeak, designed to detect leaks as small as 0.1 litres per hour, setting a new benchmark in leak detection and water conservation. Established favourites will also be on stand, including the HIPER II HIU and ActivFlo – each playing a crucial role in improving reliability and efficiency. Zilmet UK will also be showcasing its Zil-B range of Insulated Buffer Vessels – created to reduce cycling and stabilise flow in renewable systems. With premium insulation, wall brackets and optional feet that allow 100% drainage during maintenance, these features make installation and servicing significantly easier. The expanded presence of ActivTec and Zilmet UK further reinforces the group’s commitment to whole-system performance. Visitors to stand 5B60 can expect hands-on product demos and expert advice from the Intatec team across all three days of the show. To find out more about Intatec’s product ranges, visit: https://www.intatec.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a range of global safety challenges, including workplace accidents and injuries. In addition to OSH practitioners and policymakers, the centre aims to support professionals across different high hazard industries, including the construction sector, high-quality and actionable resources and evidence. According to the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, one in five workers globally (18%) experienced harm at work in the last two years, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates this to be the cause of three million deaths annually. The need for such a centre is demonstrated by two reports published today, produced by RAND Europe on behalf of the Foundation. The reports – including a systematic review of OSH intervention reviews, and the findings of a consultation with OSH practitioners in high-risk sectors around the world – highlight a worrying scarcity of reliable, high-quality evidence on the comparative effectiveness of different safety measures, and a need to make evidence more relevant and accessible to practitioners in different global and industrial contexts. Nancy Hey, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “Evidence is critical to improving the safety of people and property; without it, we cannot fully understand the nature and scale of safety challenges faced by people around the world, nor what works to protect them from harm. “However, around the world and across industrial sectors, many professionals, policy and decision-makers who need to consider safety do not have access to sufficient high quality evidence; either because it does not yet exist, or because it has not been collated and communicated to them in an understandable and actionable form.” To address these problems, the new Global Safety Evidence Centre will collate, create and communicate the best available safety evidence from the Foundation, its partners and other sources on the nature and scale of global safety challenges, and what works to tackle them. To kickstart this process, the Centre is inviting researchers and safety practitioners from all over the world to apply for a share of £2 million being made available to support projects that address OSH evidence gaps, as well as broader safety science work, such as how to measure and value safety and prevention, and how to learn from past failures and fatalities. Nancy Hey continued:“We are keen to partner and collaborate with other researchers, analysts and funders, professional and trade bodies, and most of all, safety practitioners, whose knowledge and expertise we need to harness – not just to identify evidence gaps, but as part of the evidence base itself on how to reduce harm.” Martin Cottam, Chair of the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s Expert Advisory Panel and former chair of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee on Occupational Health and Safety Management, added: “I’m delighted to see this important initiative from Lloyd’s Register Foundation coming to fruition. As safety practitioners we are presented with a sometimes bewildering range of tools and methods with which to manage safety risks, but often without much evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness, or evidence of the conditions under which they are more or less effective. The work of the Centre will help safety practitioners navigate this landscape, enabling them to be confident in selecting approaches that have been shown to deliver real safety improvement. “I’m excited to be involved in the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s expert advisory panel, and look forward to working with panel members to help the Centre achieve its objectives for the benefit of the global safety community.” Further outputs due to be published by the Centre this summer include a report on the growing impact of emerging technologies – including virtual reality training, AI and robots – on workplace safety. The Centre will also publish a report on the relationship between climate change and OSH – an important priority for the ILO. Welcoming the launch of the Centre, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, the ILO Branch Chief responsible for occupational safety and health and the working environment, said: “Lack of data remains one of the biggest challenges to improving workplace safety worldwide — it’s the fourth major gap identified in national OSH systems by ILO Member States. In many regions, research on the scale of the problem is also still scarce. The launch of the Global Safety Evidence Centre marks a vital step forward in closing this gap.” As well as offering funding to external organisations, the Global Safety Evidence Centre is currently recruiting data analysts, research (trials and reviews) managers, and project and stakeholder managers to grow its in-house capacity. Qualified candidates with an interest in improving safety are encouraged to apply via the Lloyd’s Register careers platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the dialogue around sustainable architecture deepens, a quiet material revolution is underway. Thermally modified wood—celebrated for its dimensional stability, rich tonal qualities, and low environmental impact—is fast becoming a staple in the palette of architects seeking both performance and aesthetic appeal. Thermally modified wood, often referred to as thermowood, isn’t new—but its role in modern architecture is evolving. At its core, the process takes timber and transforms it using nothing more than heat and steam. The result is a material that behaves with the discipline of engineered timber but maintains the soul of natural wood—a blend that is increasingly in demand in both residential and commercial environments. What Is Thermally Modified Wood? Thermal modification is a bit like baking bread. The process takes place in a specially designed oven – a thermokiln, where sensors send information into computers that are constantly monitored by thermal modification specialists. European manufacturers like Thermory have refined this process to achieve consistent results across wood types, producing materials that are not only technically outstanding but visually compelling. However, all thermal modification producers follow the same principle: within max 48 hours the temperature of the wood is raised up to 215 degrees, reducing the equilibrium moisture content, which is followed by a cooling process. No chemicals are used in the process, only heat and steam. The high heat alters the wood’s cellular structure, reducing its moisture content and eliminating natural sugars that can attract pests and promote decay. Species such as ash, pine, spruce, and oak respond particularly well to thermal modification, gaining a deeper hue and greater durability. A Refined, Stable Material One of the defining qualities of thermowood is its dimensional stability. Unlike untreated timber, it resists cupping, warping, and shrinking—even in climates with dramatic seasonal shifts. This predictability makes it ideal for applications where tight tolerances are non-negotiable: façade systems, louvered screens, or flush-profile decks. Architects working with detail-intensive designs appreciate how thermally modified wood responds to fine joinery and clean lines. Whether laid horizontally along a minimalist cabin or used vertically in large-scale commercial structures, the material maintains visual clarity and structural integrity over time. Private house with Thermory thermo-pine cladding and roofing, thermo-ash decking. Photo: Karl Kasepõld Aesthetic Depth and Patina Visually, thermowood offers more than resilience. Its natural tone darkens during the modification process—ranging from warm caramel to deep coffee brown, depending on the species. Left untreated outdoors, it develops a soft silver patina that brings character to contemporary forms without compromising longevity. While the material can be finished with oils or stains to preserve its tone, many designers choose to let it weather naturally, embracing its slow transformation and organic texture. Thermally modified wood can also be painted or coated to match the architectural brief. Sustainability and Certification Thermowood aligns with key principles of sustainable construction. The thermal modification process uses no toxins or added chemicals, relying instead on high temperatures and steam. As a result, the end product is suitable for eco-conscious buildings and 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Leading manufacturers like Thermory use wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and offer FSC®-certified options. With the growing demand for low-impact materials that don’t compromise on performance, thermowood is a material that supports both aesthetic and environmental goals. Applications Across Projects Thermally modified wood adapts seamlessly across architectural projects. In residential architecture, it’s frequently specified for cladding, decking, and soffits—especially in builds that seek harmony with natural surroundings. Its warm tone and low maintenance needs make it a staple in holiday homes, urban rooftops, and lakeside cabins alike. In commercial and hospitality settings, thermowood lends an approachable elegance to terraces, outdoor seating areas, and façades. It offers the tactile qualities of wood with the durability typically associated with composite or engineered materials—ideal for spaces that welcome heavy footfall. In public architecture, thermally modified ash and pine are often used in benches, boardwalks, and cladding for schools or cultural centers. Thanks to its resistance to moisture, fungi, and insects, it performs reliably even in exposed or coastal conditions. Thermowood is also a popular choice in interior applications, particularly in wellness architecture. Its heat tolerance and low thermal conductivity make it well-suited for saunas, spas, and steam rooms—spaces where both function and comfort are essential.
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will focus on partnership working with Warwickshire County Council as one of its official partners. Stoford has delivered extensive floorspace across Coventry and Warwickshire amounting to over 2 million sq ft of market-leading industrial and office schemes in the area over the last ten years. These schemes have supported local key sectors like automotive and digital creative industries within Spa Park in Leamington Spa through to larger logistics requirements on the A435 between Redditch and Stratford. Within the UKREiiF events Stoford will participate in, Planning Director Jo Russell will comment on the opportunity for growth within Coventry and Warwickshire, how partnership working has directly benefitted Stoford’s schemes to date and what interventions are needed to ensure that future plan making by local authorities is delivering the right amount of land in the right locations. Stoford believe identifying locations for growth that are local to, and complemented by, new investments in railway infrastructure across Warwickshire, such as Rugby Parkway, represent a clear opportunity. Other interventions could range from greater collaboration with the private sector to earlier engagement and feedback on matters raised. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and preceding Ministerial Statement placed sustainable economic growth at the heart of planning. Angela Raynor MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been clear in advising that ‘sustained economic growth is the only route to improving the prosperity of our country and the living standards of working people.’ Stoford is keen to act on a renewed vigour for growth and sees changes made through the NPPF to introduce Grey Belt as another intervention that will assist Warwickshire in meeting the needs of industry. To this end, Stoford will also promote its land portfolio including Brickhill Farm, a circa 5ha Grey Belt land site south of Coleshill. The site is strategically located, accessible from the M6 (junction 4) and the A446 and has quick connections to the A45, M42 and the Birmingham hinterland. Sites like this are seen to embrace the Government’s agenda to support logistics growth, in addition to the role that previously developed land and Grey Belt can play. New jobs in logistics would match the local skill set. Locally within the logistics ‘golden triangle’, 20% of jobs currently held are within this sector. The changing face of logistics towards automation and the use of AI in operations has also resulted in an upgraded skill set and associated salaries. Stoford Director Jo Russell said: “There is a significant window of opportunity for developing land within the Grey Belt, capitalising on the Government’s clear intentions to deliver growth in areas that do not contribute strongly to the purposes of Green Belt and /or are previously developed. “In addition, with the NPPF now in place, and an opportunity through devolution in the next few years, closer working between the Coventry and Warwickshire authorities and the private sector can focus on how economic growth can go hand in hand with locations well served by public transport/rail infrastructure and thereby assist local people in accessing employment. “We are confident that through discussions at UKREiiF, and within the context of partnership working, we can identify a range of benefits to Warwickshire that the development of sites within our portfolio can bring.” Stoford is one of eight organisations across the public and private sectors that Invest Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council’s inward investment team, will partner with at UKREiiF, the UK’s largest real estate event and conference. The partnerships will see each organisation involved in the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ panel discussion that Invest Warwickshire is hosting at UKREiiF, which takes place in Leeds from May 20 to 22. Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre. “UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Council’s Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs. “We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including Stoford, Tritax Big Box Developments and IM Properties to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year.” Stoford started life in 1996 when a small group of professionals saw a gap in the market to launch a pre-let, privately-owned commercial property development company. If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to join the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ event, you can find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318559790829 Stoford will be in the West Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF between 3-4pm on 20th May, and the following morning. To arrange a meeting with Stoford before, during or after UKREiiF, call the main office on 0121 234 6699, email mail@stoford.com or contact their LinkedIn page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colleagues from Beard Construction’s offices across the South of England have planted more than 130 trees at a woodland near Bristol. At the 194-acre Wrington Warren site owned by the company, more than 70 employees from the firm’s offices in Bristol, Swindon, Guildford, Oxford, and Southampton came together to plant saplings, marking the completion of the first phase of a long-term woodland management plan, during which 12,000 new trees were planted. Under the guidance of a forestry expert, colleagues planted native species and learned about the woodland management activities taking place during a guided tour, before coming together to enjoy a hog roast lunch. Purchased in 2022, Beard invested in the woodland to help reduce its environmental footprint through carbon sequestration, as trees store twice as much carbon as they emit. Neil Sherreard, deputy chairman at Beard, said: “Beard’s investment in UK forestry demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental impact over the long-term. Beyond the carbon capture, we recognise the wellbeing benefits of being in nature and bringing regional teams together outside of normal working environments. “World Mental Health Week is the perfect time to have done this and an excellent way to mark the end of this phase of woodland management at Wrington Warren.” Delivering community value This initiative comes as Beard celebrates generating £8.5 million in social value for local communities in 2024 through on- and off-site initiatives. Eleven construction projects completed in 2024 delivered £8.5 million in social and economic value, averaging 24 percent of contract value. Additionally, 33 live projects contributed nearly £200,000. Beard’s central teams, including finance, IT, HR and communications roles, unlocked a further £16,700 in community impact. The company began recording its community impact in January 2024, promoting Paula Baleson to social value manager and developing a tailored framework. Four regional coordinators have been promoted throughout the year from within the company and earlier this month environmental studies graduate Hannah Phillips was appointed as Swindon’s social value coordinator, completing the social value team with a dedicated person in each region. Beard also raised £100,000 for charities and good causes in 2024, including match funding from the Beard Charitable Foundation, putting the firm well on track to meet its charitable goals. Paula Baleson, social value manager, said: “Beard has always been a company with a social conscience but 2024 marked the first year that we formalised and began measuring our efforts. Since establishing our social value team and introducing our tailored framework, colleagues across our regions have really stepped up. “I’m proud of what we have achieved and, with many exciting initiatives being planned, we are looking forward to building on our commitment to communities even further.” For more information about Beard’s approach to social value, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Praxis Group has made a significant move back into the retail sector with the acquisition of St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow. The landmark 12-acre scheme, located at the junction of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, spans more than 800,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. Anchored by a strong tenant line-up including Tesco, WHSmith, Next, JD Sports, HMV, Boots, and Superdry, the centre also benefits from 900 car parking spaces, making it one of the city’s key shopping destinations. This purchase marks Praxis Group’s first major direct investment into the retail market in eight years. The acquisition was made from a consortium of lenders including M&G and Morgan Stanley. James Hewitt, chief operating officer at Praxis, commented: “The purchase of the St Enoch Centre is our first significant balance sheet investment into the retail sector in eight years. We are acquiring the asset against a backdrop of an improving tenant mix, footfall growth and increasing average basket spend throughout the scheme. Praxis has waited patiently to re-enter a sector where we have a market leading track record and we are now seeking to invest at scale into a number of discrete opportunities.” Property consultancy GCW acted as adviser to Praxis Group on the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aberdeen Investments, on behalf of the Standard Life Pooled Pension Property Fund, has acquired a major retail park in the West Midlands for £69.6 million. The latest addition to the fund’s portfolio is Sears Retail Park in Solihull, a 136,300 sq ft scheme anchored by high-profile tenants Next and Marks & Spencer. The site also hosts well-known retailers including TkMaxx, Homesense, Boots, and Mountain Warehouse. This marks the fund’s second retail park acquisition in the past year, following its purchase of the Tandem Centre in Colliers Wood in 2024. David Stewart, fund manager at Aberdeen Investments, commented: “There remain some good opportunities in retail parks where occupational costs have been rebased. Retailer demand for key locations is robust and yields remain relatively attractive. “This asset has all these attributes and reflects our strategy of acquiring prime assets where we can add value through our proven asset management capabilities and strong retailer relationships. It is an excellent addition to the fund’s portfolio.” The acquisition reinforces Aberdeen’s ongoing confidence in the out-of-town retail sector, particularly in strategically located, well-let schemes with potential for future value enhancement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in style last week at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s American Express Stadium. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for initiatives tackling food insecurity across the UK and Ireland. The evening was also an important step forward in Sodexo’s journey toward its ambitious 2030 commitment of supporting over 12.5 million direct and indirect beneficiaries through the Stop Hunger Foundation. Guests not only gave generously but many also pledged their time, signing up to volunteer with the Foundation’s long-standing charity partner, Trussell. The dinner was hosted by Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Stop Hunger Foundation, alongside Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Foundation, and Sodexo Ambassador, and Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson. The event also welcomed special guest speaker Asma Khan, one of the world’s most prominent female chefs and the Foundation’s first-ever patron. Asma, who became patron in January 2025 and is the chef advocate for the UN World Food Programme, brings valuable support and inspiration to the Foundation’s work. She has a shared commitment with the Stop Hunger Foundation, championing initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity, including skills development, resource accessibility, and community empowerment. Asma Khan, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Patron, said: “It was an honour to be part of this special evening celebrating 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation. Food insecurity is a complex issue, but events like this remind us that when people come together with a shared goal, we can make real progress. “I’m proud to work alongside the Foundation in supporting not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions that help empower individuals in communities facing hardship. The passion I saw in the room tonight to raise funds and donate time and expertise gives me real hope for the future.” Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has supported more than 9.6 million beneficiaries through 230 charity partners across over 56 cities and regions, distributing more than £6.4 million in grants. Thanks to Sodexo’s financial support, 100% of the donations made to Stop Hunger are directed towards charitable partners. Launched by Sodexo UK & Ireland in 2005, the Foundation exists to fight food insecurity and build a better tomorrow. As it marks two decades of action, it is strengthening its commitment to sustainable, long-term solutions. One example includes a £150,000 multi-year grant to the Trussell’s award-winning Helpline Through Hardship project, a service that connects people in crisis with financial support, helping them secure, on average, over £2,000 in additional income per year. In addition to raising money, the event also celebrated the contributions of Sodexo colleagues and supply partners who regularly dedicate time to fundraising and volunteering with the Foundation. Three awards were presented during the evening: Recognised for her continued dedication to fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy. Diane has arranged fundraising events and set up a permanent food bank in Sodexo’s London head office which collects around 200kg of food donations every month for charity partner The Switch. Acknowledged for exceeding volunteering targets within Sodexo’s Energy & Resources business, forming impactful charity partnerships, and championing a local volunteering initiative, now supported by the Foundation and commended by the Scottish Parliament. Over the past year, Kimberly Clark has supported Sodexo with innovations that deliver cost savings, waste reduction and improved operational performance. Its bespoke tools and core paper hygiene products reduce waste, enhance hygiene and save paper and CO2 emissions. Kimberly Clark’s paper hand towel recycling at Sodexo sites, along with monthly sustainability impact reports, underscores its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, its Kleenex brand’s partnership with Mind has funded 27,720 enquiries to Mind’s helpline since 2020. Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Foundation, said: “This year’s event was a powerful celebration and a reminder of what can be achieved to support others. I’m incredibly proud of the funds we’ve raised, but even more so of the passion and commitment shown by our clients, colleagues, charity partners, sponsors and supply partners. Together, we’re building a legacy that creates long-term change.” Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Stop Hunger Foundation, added: “As we celebrate 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation, it’s truly inspiring to look back at how far we’ve come and even more exciting to see the momentum we’re building for the future. This Foundation matters. The work it supports is changing lives, creating stronger communities, and laying the groundwork for sustainable solutions to food insecurity. “We also celebrated our incredible employee Stop Hunger charity champions, who are the heart and soul of this mission. Their passion, energy, and dedication – whether through shaping our strategy or encouraging colleagues to volunteer – powers everything we do”. Around 400 guests enjoyed a special dining experience curated by Sodexo Live!, in collaboration with 2013 MasterChef winner Steven Edwards, featuring locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The menu also included dishes by Asma from her latest cookbook Monsoon. Sodexo supply partner, Zeelo – a leading provider of sustainable, tech-enabled staff transportation solutions – supported the event, providing an accessible, carbon-neutral shuttle service and volunteers to help transport guests, ensuring everyone arrived home and comfortably at the venue. The service was operated by Brighton & Hove Buses; a valued operator partner in Zeelo’s network. This hands-on approach reflects Zeelo’s broader commitment to community engagement and positive social impact. Stop Hunger is an employee-led initiative by Sodexo, active in over 73 countries around the world. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maslon’s office design prioritizes health and collaboration, setting a new standard for law firms Perkins&Will Minneapolis studio has partnered with Maslon LLP to set a new benchmark in workplace design, reimagining the law firm’s offices on the 29th and 30th floors of Capella Tower into a model of well-being and sustainability, and making Maslon the first law firm in Minnesota to achieve WELL Certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) at the Gold level. The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. Unlike traditional sustainability certifications that focus primarily on energy and environmental performance, WELL Certification prioritizes the health and well-being of occupants, requiring adherence to rigorous standards across air, water, nourishment, light, movement, and other critical factors that influence workplace experience. By prioritizing employee health and well-being, Perkins&Will helped Maslon redefine what a law office can be, blending innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design to create a workplace that enhances productivity, collaboration, and overall wellness. Designing for Well-Being, Not Just Work Perkins&Will fostered Maslon’s vision for a healthier, more engaging work environment for the firm’s attorneys and professional staff. The office integrates WELL principles through: New Era for Law Office Design Historically, law offices have been characterized by enclosed, hierarchical layouts with limited transparency. Maslon’s new space challenges this traditional model, embracing openness and connectivity. Employees now benefit from glass partitions that maintain privacy while increasing visibility, equitably sized offices, an open work café fostering informal collaboration, and a dynamic, flexible workspace tailored for modern workstyles. “WELL Certification goes beyond sustainability—it’s about creating spaces where people thrive,” said Anne Smith, Senior Interior Designer at Perkins&Will’s Minneapolis studio. “Maslon embraced a revolutionary approach to law office design, prioritizing well-being, collaboration, and flexibility in ways that challenge traditional legal workplaces. We’re proud to have helped bring this forward-thinking vision to life.” A Strategic Investment in Talent and Culture In a competitive talent market, workplace experience plays a critical role in attracting and retaining top professionals. Maslon’s pursuit of WELL Certification was driven by a commitment to creating a workplace that prioritizes its people. This investment has already yielded tangible results: A Leesman survey measuring workplace experience showed a significant jump in employee satisfaction, with scores rising from 71.4 to 86.5—far surpassing the industry benchmark of 66.1. “We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and partners and to create an environment that encourages everyone to come into the office,” said Susan Cyronek, Maslon’s Director of Human Resources. “We wanted a new space to support recruitment efforts by showcasing our collaborative environment, its many amenities, and our artwork, and we’re thrilled with the result.” Pioneering the Future of Workplace Design WELL Certification underscores a broader shift in office design trends. More organizations are recognizing that prioritizing employee well-being isn’t just a benefit—it’s a strategic imperative. Perkins&Will continues to lead this evolution, designing workplaces that blend innovation, sustainability, and human-centric solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
