Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go
By Robert Oates, CEO of leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech Having spent the last few weeks providing responses to the Government’s Planning Reform working paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ both in writing and in person at the House of Lords, one opportunity we keep pressing is the need for greater
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, announces a significant increase to its Foreign Direct Investment in Croydon & Sutton, reaching over $250 million with expansion currently underway at Prologis Park Beddington. Investing in market-leading Industrial Logistics facilities Prologis’ investments in the boroughs include eight Industrial Logistics
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend
Covering the full spectrum James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent timber, panel and decorative surface distributors recently provided Valchromat for the refurbishment of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab, its interactive gallery for children. This pioneering MDF was selected as the primary material for a rainbow-themed installation in the gallery’s
With rising pressure to meet sustainability targets, renewable energy consultancy warns asset managers of the risks of third-party solar deals. Commercial landlords and property managers under pressure to meet sustainability targets are increasingly turning to third party leases that are sold as attractive alternatives for landlords or tenants who don’t
A major government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester alongside a new urban park have been given planning consent to be built in Ancoats. Manchester Digital Campus The campus will be a state-of-the-art hub constructed on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats after the city’s planning
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff,
The Institution of Fire Engineers’ Engineering Council register has now surpassed 1,000 registrants, showcasing the commitment to competence and ethical practice from IFE members. As part of the registration process, applicants must demonstrate their competence and commitment via peer review against the UK Standard for Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC).
NHBC has announced renowned broadcaster, journalist and author Louise Minchin as its host for its upcoming BEYOND ‘25 LIVE event in March, with entrepreneur Deborah Meaden as a keynote speaker. With 20 years of presenting BBC Breakfast, Minchin will guide over 1,200 delegates through an action-packed agenda of expert speakers,
Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go ranges. The revamp will also introduce simpler layouts, improved fixtures, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Shoppers can expect further in-store enhancements, including upgraded bakery sections, revamped health and beauty aisles, and improved CO2 refrigeration systems. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “Aldi’s £67 million investment is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering an even better shopping experience for our customers across Britain. “Building on the success of our previous upgrades, we’re enhancing store layouts as part of our dedication to providing customers with more sustainable stores, convenience, and an improved shopping experience nationwide.” This announcement follows Aldi’s recent pledge to invest £650 million in opening new stores across the UK in 2025. Locations set to benefit from new stores include Fulham Broadway in London, Billericay in Essex, and Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Robert Oates, CEO of leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech Having spent the last few weeks providing responses to the Government’s Planning Reform working paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ both in writing and in person at the House of Lords, one opportunity we keep pressing is the need for greater knowledge sharing and the exploitation of technology to drive decision quality. Any new measures to assist the process of simplifying the ecology workstream for developers to speed up housing delivery will depend heavily on the readiness of accurate data, and AI certainly has a part to play. Having worked with tens of thousands of developers around the UK for the past 20 years, we know that it’s not necessarily the requirement for ecological assessments that causes frustration, but rather the delays and uncertainty that often accompanies the processing of assessments once they have been submitted. In order for the right decisions to be made there has to be detailed baseline data across planning authorities so that the impacts of a particular development can be accurately assessed. Presently, Ministers are claiming that bats and newts are “blockers” to development, but there is a lack of clarity on where that information is coming from. In the last five years there have been almost 2,000,000 planning applications made. That is a colossal amount of data, all in the public domain, that is completely untapped. This data could be used to help drive up the quality of decision making and speed up policy reform. By having a model with all the data linked to particular planning applications, a ‘super baseline’ could be created to understand the matrix of species and habitats within each LPA, using the best available evidence. At Arbtech, we have existing proprietary data (taken from 12,000 planning applications in 2024 alone) that could be made available to speed up the creation of the new super-baseline understanding for decision makers; an essential pre-requisite for any change, let alone radical reforms. This is where AI will be a game changer. For example, it could be mandated that all ecology reports contain a strictly formatted summary appendix that a machine learning tool could easily exploit the constant stream of fresh data as it is generated by the sector. This would greatly assist data collection. In fact, at Arbtech we are developing an AI application to translate all our data into actional insights for the public and private sectors in the hope that this will speed up the planning process and avoid preventable outcomes such as the irreversible decline of habitats and species. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, developer and investor, announces a significant increase to its Foreign Direct Investment in Croydon & Sutton, reaching over $250 million with expansion currently underway at Prologis Park Beddington. Investing in market-leading Industrial Logistics facilities Prologis’ investments in the boroughs include eight Industrial Logistics distribution centres spanning 650,000 sq. ft., home to national and international businesses, including Royal Mail, Amazon, Oddbox, EasyShipping and Unitrunk. Expanding on this investment, Prologis UK is developing a further four additional market-leading units, covering 93,935 sq. ft as a second phase to Prologis Park Beddington on Beddington Lane. Completion is expected in May 2025, offering four BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rated units ranging between 15,000 to 46,000 sq. ft. Details of available units can be found here. Once complete, the new development is expected to support approximately 270 full-time jobs, providing a substantial boost to local employment. Beyond job creation, the latest phase of development is projected to generate c£1.5 million in Business Rate revenue whilst aiming to deliver meaningful social impact to the local community. Simon Perks, Director of Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, said: “From the outset, our goal was to deliver real value to the communities of Croydon & Sutton. By combining employment opportunities and education outreach, we’re creating a development that will have a lasting positive impact. It’s exciting to see the social value we envisioned coming to life.” Over the past year, Prologis UK, in partnership with Winvic Construction, has led skills development sessions and educational visits for young people from Sutton, where the latest development is located. Students from local schools and training providers have toured the construction site at Prologis Park Beddington, whilst learning about careers in property, construction and logistics. Building Futures: Inspiring the Next Generation Development sessions, for recent school leavers, have included supporting people in understanding career pathways and developing their CV in preparation for job applications. To date, two apprentices have been hired by Winvic through Prologis UK’s Construction Skills Programme. Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial at Winvic, said: “Our work at Prologis Park Beddington has been about more than just construction – it’s about creating opportunities and leaving a positive legacy. Through initiatives like apprenticeships and work insights, we’re helping to nurture future talent while delivering lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for the local area.” Cassie Davis, Assistant Principal – Director of 6th Form at Harris Academy Sutton said: “Visiting Winvic’s live construction site was an eye-opening experience for our students, showcasing the diverse career opportunities and pathways into the industry. They gained real-world insight into large-scale projects and were especially engaged in learning about roles beyond engineering. Many left feeling inspired, with some even expressing interest in work experience – a fantastic outcome from an insightful and engaging visit.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) regrets to announce that Duncan Rudall is stepping down from the position of CEO. Duncan has spent much time away from home and travelling on behalf of the NFDC. After his wife’s cancer treatment, he has made the decision that he must spend more time at home with his family, where he’s needed most. Duncan has worked tirelessly to modernise the Federation, support current members, and remove barriers to make it more accessible to new members, which has been successful. He has built greater ties and bonds with other industry representations, including the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the National Demolition Association (NDA), and the European Demolition Association (EDA), as well as regulators, in the push for transparency and better levels of competence. Duncan will be in post until the 21st of May 2025 and will remain an active participant in the NFDC but in a lesser role. The NFDC would like to express its deep gratitude to Duncan for his dedication, leadership, and the transformative impact he has had during his tenure. His contributions have strengthened the Federation’s position as a leading voice in the demolition industry and paved the way for continued growth and progress. The NFDC will provide further updates in due course. John Lynch NFDC President Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Covering the full spectrum James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent timber, panel and decorative surface distributors recently provided Valchromat for the refurbishment of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab, its interactive gallery for children. This pioneering MDF was selected as the primary material for a rainbow-themed installation in the gallery’s ‘Colour Room,’ where its ability to successfully blend aesthetics, durability, and versatility, whilst doing so safely and sustainably, made it a go-to choice. A popular material for leisure, attraction, and retail fit-outs, this project showcases Valchromat’s performance and visual appeal; especially how it gives specifiers and fabricators creative freedom to realise even the most ambitious briefs. Taking a closer look at the project… True colours The Science Museum is one of the UK’s best-loved cultural destinations for adults and children alike, with a focus on inspiring futures and making science accessible for everyone. This overarching goal comes to life in Wonderlab, an interactive hands-on experience developed to ignite scientific curiosity and fuel the imagination. Originally opened in 2016, by 2023 its popular Colour Room, an immersive space designed to communicate the science of colour, was due a refurbishment. A core object of the refresh involved replacing worn fittings with new ones and reinvigorating the space with a vibrant landscape mural, incorporating a prominent rainbow feature that would help show how the colours of the rainbow appear under monochromatic light. Golden opportunity The type of material chosen for the rainbow feature was important. Not only did it need to be structurally robust, able to withstand the rigours of a high-footfall environment and deliver the visual impact stipulated within the design brief, it also had to meet a set of regulatory requirements unique to public attractions. The feature would be subject to constant physical interaction from visitors of all ages, so every aspect of the fit-out has to meet strict safety and sustainability standards, including non-toxicity. Furthermore, it had to be easy to clean to ensure the highest levels of hygiene. It was a delicate balance for the museum’s Spatial & Exhibitions Designer, Laurence Deane, to strike, working with fabricator Hadley Interiors and its long-time distribution partner James Latham. Out of the blue Once the brief had been shared with James Latham’s expert specification team, one material immediately leapt out as a clear front-runner: Valchromat. A pioneering, lightweight MDF panel, available in a wide spectrum of colours, its balance of form and function immediately impressed Laurence who chose seven different shades to faithfully represent a rainbow. His team was also particularly impressed by the consistency of colour running through the entire body of each panel as well as its ultra-smooth finish. Pushing the visual dial even further, to ensure each colour popped, James Latham recommended treating each Valchromat sheet used with pigmented oils from specialist manufacturer Koate. This treatment not only added extra tonal depth and higher contrast, it also protected the feature making it easier to maintain. Simple to work, Valchromat is also a fabricator firm favourite, as it can be cut to almost any shape, from an expansive arch to a tiny tile. Even better, as demonstrated in the rainbow display, Valchromat can be bonded, planed, or sculpted to create 3-D decorative features. With flying colours The results speak for themselves, with visitors seeing this vision in Valchromat as soon as they enter the room. In Laurence’s words, “The Koate-treated Valchromat leaps out as soon as you enter the room, providing an important visual anchor. The vivid, matt tones also perfectly achieve the objective of the piece: demonstrating how colours appear under monochrome light. A huge thanks to James Latham for their consultancy on the project, we look forward to working with them in the future.” James Latham is one of Valchromat’s most trusted distributors, possessing the largest range of the product in the UK. There are over 10 colours to choose from and it’s available in the following board sizes: 2500mm x 1850mm/1250mm, in 8mm, 12mm, 25mm, or 30mm thicknesses. To find out more visit https://www.lathamtimber.co.uk/products/panels/mdf/valchromat. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With rising pressure to meet sustainability targets, renewable energy consultancy warns asset managers of the risks of third-party solar deals. Commercial landlords and property managers under pressure to meet sustainability targets are increasingly turning to third party leases that are sold as attractive alternatives for landlords or tenants who don’t have the capital to invest in rooftop solar themselves. But according to Anthony Maguire, Managing Director at Longevity Power, these deals often aren’t as lucrative as they seem, with many landowners overlooking the potential associated risks. Third party solar PV agreements involve the provision of a building roof for a solar PV system that is owned by a third party and leased to an asset manager over a set period (typically 20-30 years). “Tenant demand, a pressing need to reduce emissions, and an increasing lack of grid capacity means that landlords are turning to third-party owned solar PV systems without necessarily knowing what they are signing up to,” said Maguire. “As a result, landlords and tenants become trapped in lengthy and expensive contracts that are even more costly and time-consuming to get out of.” The recent European Renewables Market Overview Report further highlights the impact of market saturation and grid congestion as hinderances to greater renewable adoption and meeting established sustainability targets. Maguire points to the apparent convenience of the deals as a key reason that so many are turning to them. “Property managers and landlords typically turn to these types of deals for two reasons,” he explained. “First, an unwillingness to part with the capital due to a sense that they are unlikely to make a good return on investment over the hold period of the asset: second, in some markets, the tax implications associated with a commercial landlord selling electricity preclude them from installing solar.” “Despite having the best of intentions, asset managers find themselves in contracts that can last more than 20 years and include complex and unclear commercial terms. “These contracts can often be hugely damaging long-term as they will likely stipulate that the landlord must pay for any loss of income in the event that the system needs to be switched off or disrupted for any period longer than a few days. “If an entire rooftop has to be replaced, this means potentially compensating the third-party for loss of revenue for several months, which depending on the system size, could run into the hundreds of thousands. “Withdrawing from a lengthy solar contract is also a famously tall order. Long leases mean landlords often face extremely high buy-out costs, and if an asset needs to be sold, they can lead to a host of added legal costs. “Signing up to terms without fully understanding the consequences can cause major headaches long-term. This is why it’s vital that asset managers take the time to rigorously analyse the potential financial implications before signing on the dotted line.” Maguire contends that third party deals aren’t inherently bad but are instead largely misunderstood and can leave some asset managers trapped on a long-term basis. “Solar leases can be the right solution but it’s important to understand the characteristics of the system, the fund, the market and the tenant when determining whether it works for you. “If you find yourself in a bad deal you need to review your terms now. Carefully look over the lease to understand your potential financial liability and understand the costs payable at contract-end. It’s crucial that landlords perform a proper tender and rigorously assess the proposed terms of the lease. “Some contracts have a residual value of zero at the end of the contract whereas others must be bought at fair market value and others might include a renewal obligation. Understand who is liable for the removal of the panels and making good the roof at the end of the contract.” “The alternative for anyone considering solar PV is the option of investing in a rooftop PV system directly. Owning the system means enjoying the full financial benefits and also having the flexibility to develop the system and surrounding areas over the coming years. “The landlord also has a greater degree of certainty over the costs associated with future roof works and essential maintenance, and doesn’t have potentially large financial liabilities in the event of a vacancy or a roof replacement. In any case, it’s crucial that landlords have a clear understanding of the long-term implications of undertaking any kind of solar PV installation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester alongside a new urban park have been given planning consent to be built in Ancoats. Manchester Digital Campus The campus will be a state-of-the-art hub constructed on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats after the city’s planning committee approved the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) scheme at Manchester City Council planning committee yesterday (Thursday 20 February) The campus will bring together a number of Civil Service departments with a focus around digital skills and create significant employment opportunities and economic benefits in the region. The state-of-the-art campus will bolster Manchester’s digital and tech sector, driving economic growth and new employment opportunities for the city. New City Centre Park Alongside the new campus, the new park will improve access to quality green space in Manchester city centre, creating a connection to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and through to Ancoats and New Islington. The park space has been designed in collaboration with landscape architects Planit-IE following public consultation. A central lawn and plaza will create a green buffer to Great Ancoats Street, with various tiered gardens navigating the different level changes across the site, alongside play areas, paths and tranquil areas to escape the noise of the city. The park has been designed to make sure that it is fully accessible. The site will accommodate new walking and cycling routes, helping to link to other city centre active travel investment in Ancoats, Northern Quarter and out towards the Etihad Campus. Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the GPA, said: “We are delighted with the decision and are grateful for the support of the many stakeholders in Manchester. The GPA team is proud to be working on this exciting project in support of the Government’s growth mission.” The GPA exchanged contracts to acquire five-and-a-half acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from the city council in May last year with a view to constructing a state-of-the-art digital campus. Both the agency and Manchester City Council have been working together on the plans for Ancoats, culminating in a parallel proposal for the digital campus and an adjacent public park. The council and the GPA held a joint consultation around emerging plans for the former retail site in August and September last year, inviting local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to help guide proposals to create the new government digital campus – delivered by the GPA – and a new city centre park space, delivered by the council. Mark added: “We are pleased to be working with Manchester City Council on these regeneration plans, and look forward to creating fantastic and sustainable workplaces to support the transformation of the Civil Service. “This proposed development, builds on the work MCC and the GPA undertook last year in putting in place an updated Strategic Regeneration Framework, and the shared ambition to regenerate the Ancoats former retail site, creating employment and wider business opportunities, supported by the digital campus.” Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Gaining planning approval for both the GPA’s digital campus and the latest city centre park is the launchpad for the transformation of this site. “Our ambition has long been to bring the former retail park back into active use and working in partnership with the GPA we are delivering a quality, low carbon development that will bring 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester in the coming years. “The new digital campus plays to Manchester’s strengths. We have fostered one of the fastest growing tech and digital communities in the UK, with a growing international reputation. The transformation of this brownfield site supports our ongoing growth in the sector, which translates into quality employment and development opportunities for our residents. “We stand ready to work with this Government to bring forward other ambitious investments in Manchester that can continue our path of sustainable economic growth, supporting our residents to thrive. “At the same time, the new park is a welcome addition to our city centre green spaces and a reimagining of the former retail site that has for many years acted only as a barrier to the community behind – and an eyesore in one of the most exciting parts of our city.” Find out more about the redevelopment of the former retail site. Read the planning applications here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SafeSite Facilities and sister company SafeSite Security Solutions are building on their growth and sector leadership with a key promotion and strategic new hire. Paul Goossens has been promoted from operations manager to operations director at SafeSite Facilities. With a strong track record of driving operational improvements and mentoring staff, Paul has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Paul said: “My focus will be on streamlining processes, enhancing operational efficiency and creating a culture of continuous improvement,” said Paul. “I’m also looking forward to mentoring future leaders within the company, so we have a strong foundation for future success.” As operations director, Paul will lead efforts to refine operational structures, identify skills gaps and implement targeted training programmes. He will also take an overview of the company’s financial performance, overseeing cost-saving initiatives while enhancing productivity. In addition to Paul’s promotion, SafeSite Security Solutions is welcoming Shane Hall as its new business development manager. Shane brings a decade of sales experience, with a strong background in commercial cleaning, pest control and security services. He specialises in guarding, CCTV, temporary alarm systems and physical security solutions. His appointment will strengthen SafeSite Security Solutions’ relationships within the social housing sector in particular, and his expertise in client relations and problem-solving will support the company’s expanding reach. “My goal is to drive business growth by building strong client relationships,” said Shane. “Coming from a large organisation, I’m looking forward to working in a close-knit team where collaboration and innovation thrive. I’m eager to bring my industry knowledge and experience to SafeSite Security Solutions to help support it’s ambitious growth plans.” For further information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/ and https://www.safesitesecuritysolutions.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Institution of Fire Engineers’ Engineering Council register has now surpassed 1,000 registrants, showcasing the commitment to competence and ethical practice from IFE members. As part of the registration process, applicants must demonstrate their competence and commitment via peer review against the UK Standard for Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC). The commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) ensures ethical practice is being maintained and a continuing dedication to public safety. Professional registration with the Engineering Council demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that an individual’s competency has been independently assessed and verified, supporting personal career progression and elevating the profession. It also assures the public and stakeholders that the registered professionals have met the high standards of practice and ethical conduct required by the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for engineering in the UK. Over 1,000 IFE Engineering Council registrants now carry globally recognised post-nominals, symbolising their commitment to excellence, competence, and ethical standards across the fire sector. This milestone also underscores the growing recognition of fire engineering as a critical and dynamic field that plays a vital role in public safety, infrastructure, and resilience. “This reflects the dedication of our members in upholding the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct,” said Steve Hamm, CEO of the IFE. “Fire engineers are not only highly skilled but also committed to the ongoing development and ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the profession.” The IFE is licensed by the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the UK engineering profession who set and maintain internationally recognised standards of professional competence and commitment. Fire engineering continues to evolve, and it’s apparent that IFE members are enhancing their skills and contributing to the new phase in fire safety. CEO of the Engineering Council, Paul Bailey said: “Ensuring competence and safe, ethical practice isvital throughout the whole engineering profession. It is encouraging to see the increasing number offire engineers choosing to become professionally registered and demonstrating their commitmentto develop and apply their skills to protect people and planet at this time of rapid social andtechnological change. “We welcome this announcement as we prepare to join the IFE and other engineering institutions inmarking Chartered Week, running from 24 to 28 February, which will be celebrating theachievements of professionals and organisations that inspire public trust in engineering andbeyond.” For further information on Engineering Council registration please visit: Engineering Council registration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHBC has announced renowned broadcaster, journalist and author Louise Minchin as its host for its upcoming BEYOND ‘25 LIVE event in March, with entrepreneur Deborah Meaden as a keynote speaker. With 20 years of presenting BBC Breakfast, Minchin will guide over 1,200 delegates through an action-packed agenda of expert speakers, industry insights and cutting-edge discussions on the future of house building, as NHBC takes over the CBS Arena in Coventry. The brand new construction industry event will see Minchin joined by celebrated entrepreneur Deborah Meaden in a fireside chat diving into a host of hot topics including sustainability, innovation, resilience, leadership, adapting to change, the environment and women in construction – advancing opportunities across the industry. Boasting a full exhibition, dedicated networking space and a variety of workshops and training sessions, the event will also bring over 50 guest speakers covering best practice, skills, innovation, regulation, housing regeneration and customer care. The must-attend, future-focused event will reflect the ever-changing nature of the house-building industry, issues affecting the sector and explore the opportunities and challenges the construction industry faces in everything from innovation to sustainability. Paul Edwards, NHBC senior regional director said “We are delighted to announce both Louise Minchin and Deborah Meaden to BEYOND ‘25 LIVE and see them bring their energy, passion and insights to our delegates in a packed agenda. It’s an event not be to missed for those in the industry and attendees can expect fresh ideas and new insights from some of the leading voices in housebuilding. I am immensely proud that we have been able to cover so many topics at this event and I am confident there will be a wealth of information, presentations and discussions relevant to everyone involved in the building of new homes.” Speakers at the event include: The Rt Hon. Lord Gavin Barwell -Former MP and Housing Minister, and Chairman of the NHBC Foundation and NHBC Foundation’s Expert Panel, Gavin will cover ‘The public policy and geo-political trends impacting UK house building’. Ian Workman, Chief Customer Officer from Homes England – With over 30 years’ experience in the banking industry, including roles at Barclays, Recognise Bank and the Yorkshire Building Society, Ian will discuss Homes England’s role in delivering key initiatives that will drive innovation across the sector as part of his keynote address ‘Accelerating housing growth – building the future together’. Nigel Cates, Chief Ombudsman at the New Homes Ombudsman – Nigel will take an in-depth look at the Buildmark policy in his session, ‘Understanding NHBC Buildmark warranty and insurance: obligations, dispute resolution, effective claims management’. Breaking down the key stages and providing practical insights into how to navigate its requirements. For more information, to exhibit, view the full agenda and to book your tickets visit nhbc.co.uk/beyond Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals