The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation is pleased to announce that the 2025 BiKBBI Installation Awards programme is now open for entries. The BiKBBI Awards, which recognises the talent, contributions and achievements of businesses and individuals in the KBB installation sector and has seen significant growth, attracting
Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation,
Siemens has appointed Susanne Seitz as CEO of the Buildings Business Unit, which is part of Smart Infrastructure. The unit is a newly formed business unit which brings together all Siemens’ buildings-related businesses into one entity, effective October 1, 2024. With a combined portfolio of products, software and services, the
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has secured approval for its ambitious £200 million expansion, marking a major development in the history of the Wimbledon Championships. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given the go-ahead for the project, which will see the construction of 39 new tennis courts and
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Planning Committee last night approved plans for the redevelopment of the Former Royal Mail Sorting Office site, at Maidstone East, for mixed-use development which is predominantly residential. The development will include 180 apartments, 1,863 square metres of commercial and/or community space and around one acre of
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the winners for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. The awards ceremony, which celebrates and honours the outstanding individuals within the sector, took place on 30 September at Birmingham’s Burlington Hotel at the start of UK
Construction is now underway on 189 low-energy affordable homes for local people at Deptford Landings in southeast London. The fully affordable development will include 130 homes for social rent and 59 homes for shared ownership, providing housing opportunities for local people, including those on the council’s waiting list. Residents will
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site. Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the
Yotel has announced plans to open its first hotel in Belfast as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The £17 million investment will see a 165-bedroom hotel developed in the heart of the city, at Shaftesbury Square, with an expected opening date in 2026, pending planning approval and timely
The latest JLL report details how energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy strategies create significant economic value. In real-world cases, AI-based platforms support each of those strategies for better results. Recently, JLL has revealed a report titled “Low carbon buildings create economic value,” focusing on the dual benefits of energy-efficient
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation is pleased to announce that the 2025 BiKBBI Installation Awards programme is now open for entries. The BiKBBI Awards, which recognises the talent, contributions and achievements of businesses and individuals in the KBB installation sector and has seen significant growth, attracting more than 300 entries since it launched in October 2021. The BiKBBI Awards are free to enter, and businesses and individuals can nominate themselves, their business, a colleague, business associate or a company that they work with via a dedicated online platform. Entries can be submitted from Tuesday 1 October 2024 and more information on the entry criteria, the submission process and key dates can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk. The 2025 categories are: BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented “Following the launch of the BiKBBI Awards back in 2021, the continued year-on-year growth we see, in both entry numbers and support, demonstrates just how important the recognition and reward of installation is, not just to installers themselves, but to the wider KBB industry who rely on this vital workforce. Each year, as well as being delighted by the number of entries we receive, we also get to see and hear about the talented and hardworking businesses and individuals that make up our sector – from installers and apprentices to installation businesses and installation managers. The great thing about the BiKBBI Awards is that it provides a platform for all areas of the sector to get involved and celebrate the achievements of their installation communities.” The BiKBBI Awards 2025 winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner ceremony at London’s prestigious QEII Centre, Westminster, on Tuesday 4 February 2025, in conjunction with event partner, InstallerSHOW, and in support of BiKBBI’s chosen charity partner, Band of Builders. Walters continued “These awards are only possible thanks to our awards sponsors and those that support the programme by entering either themselves or someone else. It was great to see so many businesses come together in recognition of KBB installation at the 2024 Awards, and to be joined on stage by many worthy winners on the night. We hope to exceed the number of entries this year and to honour even more examples of excellence in our sector.” More information on the BiKBBI Awards 2025 can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk . For information on remaining sponsorship opportunities, please email comms@bikbbi.org.uk or call 01375 219 199, option 6. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation, including Asset and Project Delivery Director, where she was responsible for the adoption of digital asset management and driving further innovation across the business. Most recently, Louise has held the role of Interim Managing Director at CPS focusing on further digital transformation, predictable delivery and long term maintenance decision making across the business. Louise was instrumental in introducing the digital twin of the M25 in 2020 – a ground-breaking technology which produces highly accurate geo-referenced 2D and 3D outputs, providing over 23 billion data points in the process. The digital mapping of 120 miles of road provides Connect Plus Services with more detailed information to aid planning and decision-making, ultimately reducing the need for physical surveys to be carried out in a live highways environment; therefore improving safety too. Prior to joining Connect Plus Services she enjoyed a successful career at Costain, the Environment Agency and National Highways, working on schemes including The Hungerford Bridge in London and the Folkestone to Cliff Edge Coastal Protection Scheme in Kent. Today’s announcement is testament to Connect Plus Services commitment to attracting, training, and retaining its employees to harness the creativity and innovation of a diverse range of people. Louise Haining, Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, said: “I am delighted to take the helm as Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, leading an incredibly talented team on the M25 – one the UK’s busiest motorways. “My focus will remain on data as a strategic imperative to prioritise decision making so that we keep the M25 safe and fit for purpose, whilst also continuing to identify ways of reducing delays and improving journey time reliability for the travelling public.” Phil Clifton, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Highways business said: “Louise has worked with us for many years and has demonstrated time and again, the leadership qualities she possesses. “I look forward to seeing her flourish in her new role as Managing Director and seeing her wealth of knowledge and expertise drive our asset management capability to deliver value through more predictable and safer journeys.” Connect Plus Services brings together the collective expertise from Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis, with responsibility for operating and maintaining the 250-mile M25 motorway network, including routine maintenance, winter maintenance, and managing the whole-life requirement of the network including five tunnels and 2,500 structures such as bridges, culverts, and overhead gantries. Connect Plus Services operates and maintains the network on behalf of Connect Plus – a consortium including Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Investments Partners – which has a 30-year contract with National Highways through a private finance initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens has appointed Susanne Seitz as CEO of the Buildings Business Unit, which is part of Smart Infrastructure. The unit is a newly formed business unit which brings together all Siemens’ buildings-related businesses into one entity, effective October 1, 2024. With a combined portfolio of products, software and services, the Buildings Business Unit is a technology partner for digital transformation, focused on reliable and cost-efficient building operations, decarbonization and energy efficiency, as well as successful business operations for customers across wide-ranging industries. “Making existing and new buildings more sustainable has never been more urgent. After all, buildings generate more than 40 percent of annual global CO2 emissions and we have a responsibility to drive their decarbonization,” said Matthias Rebellius, managing board member and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “Smarter buildings bring value to their owners, users, operators and to the world around them. I am confident in the newly-formed leadership team. Together with the combined expertise of almost 30,000 people globally, we can take our leadership position in the buildings market to the next level and pave the way to smart buildings of the future.” The Buildings Business Unit works with customers and with an expanding ecosystem of partners across more than 60 countries and in key industries, including healthcare, data centers, higher education, commercial real estate, pharmaceutical and life science, and food and beverage. The business unit’s portfolio includes products for building control, fire safety and security, automation and operation, data-driven services, decarbonization programs and software, including Building X, Siemens’ scalable digital building platform to digitalize, manage and optimize building operations. “I am excited to have the opportunity to grow this dynamic business. With innovative technology we can accelerate the transformation of buildings to make them smarter, self-adaptive and more autonomous, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence, IT/OT convergence and digital services. This supports our customers in reducing their emissions and costs while improving user experience in buildings,” said Seitz. Based in Zug, Switzerland, Seitz previously served as the Head of Sales and Marketing at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, leading the transformation towards digital sales and marketing globally. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President EMEA at Landis+ Gyr and Member of the Group Executive Management. For some 16 years preceding this, Seitz held different positions at Siemens, including Head of Strategy and M&A, Head of Security, Vice President for the global buildings systems and solutions business. She is a Swiss native and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Technology from ETH Zurich and an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has secured approval for its ambitious £200 million expansion, marking a major development in the history of the Wimbledon Championships. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given the go-ahead for the project, which will see the construction of 39 new tennis courts and a state-of-the-art 8,000-seat show court on the former site of Wimbledon Park Golf Club. The decision, signed off by Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, highlights the project’s potential to enhance local infrastructure and boost the economy. The expansion will nearly triple the size of Wimbledon’s existing grounds, offering much-needed space for the world-famous tournament to grow. One of the key components of the plan is the addition of a new venue for Wimbledon’s qualifying matches, which are currently held off-site in Roehampton. The new courts will allow up to 10,000 spectators to attend the qualifying rounds, centralising the event and elevating the overall spectator experience. A standout feature of the development is the creation of a 23-acre public park, designed to echo historical landscape aesthetics. This new green space will be open year-round, except during the Championships, and will include a boardwalk and enhanced waterways, providing the local community with a much-needed recreational area. However, the expansion has stirred significant controversy. Campaign groups, including Save Wimbledon Park, have raised concerns about the impact on protected land, arguing that the development risks turning the area into a “huge industrial tennis complex”. Local politicians and residents have also voiced opposition, urging the AELTC to explore alternative solutions that preserve more of the open space. Despite the pushback, the GLA believes the benefits outweigh the concerns, with promises of economic growth, improved facilities, and enhanced public amenities. The AELTC is now moving forward with the next phase of planning and construction, although potential legal challenges from opponents may cause delays. As construction progresses, the iconic Wimbledon Championships look set to expand, securing its future as a premier global sporting event while also promising new public benefits for the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Planning Committee last night approved plans for the redevelopment of the Former Royal Mail Sorting Office site, at Maidstone East, for mixed-use development which is predominantly residential. The development will include 180 apartments, 1,863 square metres of commercial and/or community space and around one acre of open green space town centre park which will be owned and managed by the Council. Cllr Stuart Jeffery, Leader of MBC said: “This redevelopment will form part of the Council’s ambitious housebuilding programme. These are very exciting times for the Council, and the town itself. We believe the project will be transformational to that area of Maidstone, bringing genuinely excellent new homes to the town centre. I am also pleased to see a large new open green space included in the design, it will play an important role in the wellbeing of the new residents and businesses.” MBC has been working on the makeup of the site for the past few years, the demolition of the various buildings is almost complete making way for the new development. Cllr Simon Wales, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at MBC added: “MBC will be acting as lead developer on the site and has already secured £2.1m of Brownfield Land Release Fund monies from the Department for Local Government Homes & Communities, which has helped fund some of the remedial works to prepare it for redevelopment. “Now that the planning permission is in place, the Council can approach Homes England as to the availability of Social Housing Grant monies to help fund much needed affordable housing on the site. We are also discussing the inclusion of a health facility with the local NHS” Simon continued: “The next steps are to procure a contractor for the works, and to refine and finalise the tenure mix for the project, with a view to the build getting under way in around twelve months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is delighted to announce the winners for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024. The awards ceremony, which celebrates and honours the outstanding individuals within the sector, took place on 30 September at Birmingham’s Burlington Hotel at the start of UK Construction Week. The Awards Ceremony was hosted by National Federation of Builders, and showcased the influential women that work in construction, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible to inspire others, and demonstrating that the sector is open to everyone. The category winners were: The Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction were also unveiled at the awards with the UK’s Most Influential Overall accolade awarded to Katherine Evans from Bold as Brass. Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, England at CITB, said: “Congratulations to our award winners and to all of those who were shortlisted for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. We are delighted to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry. “The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while inspiring others and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field. We are proud to showcase those who are leading in our industry and hope to see more even more applicants next year.” Richard Beresford, Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “It was a privilege to attend the Top 100 Most Influential Awards event and celebrate the outstanding women and allies that have gone above and beyond this year. It is testament to the positive changes taking place in the industry and we must build on its success and continue to empower and support our women in construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is now underway on 189 low-energy affordable homes for local people at Deptford Landings in southeast London. The fully affordable development will include 130 homes for social rent and 59 homes for shared ownership, providing housing opportunities for local people, including those on the council’s waiting list. Residents will enjoy high-quality living spaces across three eight-storey buildings, complete with private balconies, a central landscaped courtyard, and large roof terraces on two of the blocks. The development, led by Peabody with Higgins Partnerships, will not only help to address the urgent need for affordable housing but also be built to Passivhaus standards. The energy needed to heat and cool Passivhaus buildings can be 90 percent lower than that of other buildings, and more than 75 percent lower than typical new buildings. This will provide energy-efficient homes for residents, with drastically reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and enhanced air quality. The project is part of the ongoing regeneration of the former industrial site at Deptford Landings, led by Lendlease. The plan includes 1,500 new homes, 382 student beds, commercial spaces, and public areas, creating a lively community for living, working, and leisure. The first phase of the project was completed in 2020. On Wednesday 18 September, representatives from Peabody, Higgins and their partners gathered to officially mark the start of construction of this latest phase, following the completion of initial preparation works on site. Simon Barry, Managing Director, Development at Peabody, said: “This project represents a significant investment of more than £75 million, including grant funding from the Greater London Authority, at a time when building affordable homes in London is increasingly difficult. These new homes will not only be fully affordable but also built to Passivhaus standards, benefiting both residents and the environment. We’re excited to see this development come to life and we very much look forward to welcoming new residents.” Dominic Higgins, Chief Operating Officer at Higgins Group, said: “This ground-breaking marks a significant milestone in the delivery of 189 much needed Passivhaus homes. Our commitment goes beyond building new homes. We are focused to making a lasting, positive impact within the local community by offering apprenticeships, work placements and nurturing future talent through our work with local schools, ensuring the development contributes to the area’s long-term growth and success.” Tom Copley, the Deputy Mayor of Housing and Residential Development, said: “I’m delighted by the progress at Deptford Landings, using funding from the Mayor of London to bring 189 genuinely affordable and low-energy homes to the local area. We are proud to have delivered millions of pounds in City Hall funding to help drive this regeneration, as part of plans which will ultimately deliver 1,500 new, high-quality homes as well as new student accommodation, offices and public spaces, in line with our mission to build a better and fairer London for everyone.” Colin Murphy, Lendlease Project Lead at Deptford Landings, said: “This affordable housing development is a cornerstone of the Deptford Landings masterplan, and in partnership with Peabody, will provide affordable, sustainable housing for the local Deptford community. The delivery of 189 high-quality, energy-efficient homes makes a significant contribution to this vision and the development’s long-term plan to create a vibrant community hub for living, working, and leisure.” Laura Stephenson, Director at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the architects who designed the development, said: “We are very pleased that work has started on site at Deptford Landings, which is AHMM’s first residential Passivhaus project. Working with Peabody and Higgins Partnerships, we look forward to delivering much needed high quality affordable homes for Lewisham and for London.” Andrew Leiper, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) Engineering Director and Managing Partner at Max Fordham LLP, said: “Over the last decade at Max Fordham we have delivered many exemplar Passivhaus projects in the UK, including several pioneering schemes. Working with our long-term clients, Peabody, on their first major Passivhaus project makes us very proud. It’s great to be part of their move into the ultra-low energy standard for homes.” Jeremy Spill, Partner at RLB, added: “Being involved in a sustainable project that adds social value to its community is always a privilege and pleasure, but it was particularly great for the RLB team to be involved in the new Deptford Landing project with Peabody, as employer’s agent, principal designer, and cost managers. Delivering nearly 200 affordable, low energy homes in southeast London to Passivhaus certification, will not only help reduce running costs for the residents but also support our industry’s drive for net zero.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site. Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the Pagabo Medium Works framework – the enhancements will provide local residents and visitors with a new state-of-the-art building, with lettable space for retail, sea view café and restaurant, along with transformative facilities including toilets and new exhibition space. Additional seating areas and recreational space will also be created in the former Pleasure Gardens alongside a large sea view deck, new beach huts and dedicated artisan studio spaces for pop up events and markets. Improved promenade access will connect the promenade via a link bridge to the new building and there will be planting and community gardens together with the creation of additional walkways. Popular nearby existing features will be retained, which include the paddling pool, tennis court and the anchor water feature. Works are progressing well on site with the steelwork and main drainage complete, alongside the ground and first floors installed. The blockwork has been completed and the installation of the structural steel frame is now underway. The scheme is part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal which has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs match funded directly by East Lindsey District Council. The revitalisation of the area will provide new inward investment to the town, and residents alongside the Lincolnshire coast. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be involved in the significant redevelopment of this landmark cultural tourist attraction for Sutton-on-Sea, encouraging further investment into the Eastern coastline. “Our team have worked closely with all sub-contractor partners to carefully manage the enhancement of the existing structure with transformative elements that will deliver tangible benefits to the local residents and visitors to the town. We are moving forward at good pace and we are in a good position to deliver on schedule.” Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “We are delighted with the continued positive progress on the colonnade site, and seeing G F Tomlinson leading the construction process that will ensure the new facilities will be delivered to the highest quality of workmanship and suitable for its unique, scenic coastal surroundings. “When completed it will bring new tourism and income for the town, create new jobs and opportunities, and provide residents and visitors with a place to enjoy our stunning Eastern coastline from.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yotel has announced plans to open its first hotel in Belfast as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The £17 million investment will see a 165-bedroom hotel developed in the heart of the city, at Shaftesbury Square, with an expected opening date in 2026, pending planning approval and timely construction. The hotel will feature a variety of amenities, including a food and beverage (F&B) offering, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and versatile public spaces, aimed at providing a modern and innovative experience for both business and leisure travellers. Rohan Thakkar, Chief Development Officer at Yotel, expressed excitement about the project: “We are delighted to bring Yotel to Belfast, a city that shares our unwavering passion for innovation and creativity. Yotel Belfast represents a significant milestone in our global franchise strategy, marking our 35th signed hotel and increasing our total key count to nearly 8,000. We’re thrilled to partner with Andras Hotels, one of the region’s leading operators.” Rajesh Rana, Director of Andras Hotels, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the project’s impact on the local economy: “We’re excited to bring this development to a landmark site in Belfast. The £17 million investment will offer modern accommodation for global visitors while creating high-quality jobs in the community. This project will not only be a major asset to the city’s growing tourism sector but also contribute to the regeneration of Shaftesbury Square. Our architects have designed a building that is both contemporary and respectful of its local surroundings. We’re now in the planning phase and look forward to consulting with the community ahead of development starting in 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest JLL report details how energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy strategies create significant economic value. In real-world cases, AI-based platforms support each of those strategies for better results. Recently, JLL has revealed a report titled “Low carbon buildings create economic value,” focusing on the dual benefits of energy-efficient buildings – sustainability and economic value. With up to 65% of office buildings globally at risk of becoming obsolete by 2030 if they fail to decarbonize, the report highlights three key areas of focus: energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy. The report has compiled data from over 46,600 buildings across 14 global cities. It highlights that energy-efficient upgrades can deliver significant financial benefits. “The JLL report makes it clear – energy efficiency is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ feature for commercial real estate; it’s essential for both sustainability and financial health,” said Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, a company that develops AI-based tools for energy waste reduction. “In our case studies, focusing on office buildings, we’ve seen how energy-efficient tech translates into savings, not just in operational costs but also in asset value. We put it a simple way – if you’re not adopting these strategies, you’re falling behind.” Energy efficient platforms showcase immediate impact Before the AI-boom, IEA has noted that energy efficiency has the potential to deliver the second-largest contribution to cutting down CO2 emissions globally. Accelerated innovation, digitalization, and system optimization were outlined as having the highest potential to increase energy performance. Now, JLL report claims that energy retrofits can deliver up to 40% energy savings depending on building type, translating into €2,6 billion in operational savings globally. Research studies showcase how energy waste can be reduced firsthand through AI platforms, which optimize HVAC systems based on real-time data. “AI allows us to uncover hidden inefficiencies that manual systems can’t detect. In one case, we reduced energy waste by 20% in a commercial building in Poland. Those savings equated to €80,000 in less than a year,” Karčiauskas explained. “But what’s really transformative is the scalability. Whether you’re managing a single building or a portfolio of properties, from office buildings to shopping centers or hotels, AI ensures consistent, measurable savings.” AI solutions aim to integrate into electrification and clean energy The JLL report also emphasizes the role of electrification, including electric heat pumps, which are up to 4.5 times more efficient than traditional gas systems. Combined with clean energy sources like solar, electrification presents a significant opportunity for reducing emissions. “Electrification is where the real leap happens,” Karčiauskas stated. “AI plays a crucial role here, too. In buildings equipped with renewable energy sources like solar panels, our platform can optimize energy use in real-time. By shifting consumption to times when solar output is highest, AI can further reduce reliance on the grid, lowering both emissions and energy costs.” Similar AI solutions have already shown results in reducing energy consumption and emissions. While currently, such solutions improve energy efficiency by integrating and interpreting the data from thousands of sensors, Karčiaukas shares that it can easily include clean energy data into building operations as well, demonstrating the economic and environmental potential of AI-driven strategies. “As the report suggests, the buildings that act now will be the ones to thrive,” concluded Karčiauskas. “Those who delay these transitions risk facing regulatory pressures and financial setbacks. AI offers the agility that traditional retrofitting solutions don’t – allowing buildings to adapt in real-time to fluctuating energy prices, carbon taxes, and environmental regulations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals