Balfour Beatty VINCI has announced a significant milestone at HS2’s Long Itchington Wood Tunnel in Warwickshire – the first deep tunnel on the high-speed route to complete its civil engineering phase. The development at the one-mile-long twin-bore tunnel – which will carry the railway into the West Midlands – sees
Housebuilder Story Homes is delighted to announce exchange of contracts for a new site for residential development on Dialstone Lane in Offerton, Stockport. Proposals for the site would see the delivery of 112 high quality homes, including 50% affordable housing, which would contribute positively towards meeting Stockport’s recognised housing need.
Zutec, a leading provider of construction and property management software solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announced it has acquired Operance, as part of its ongoing growth strategy and commitment to the UK market. The acquisition provides a complementary fit in terms of customers, solutions and remit, solidifying the company’s
Akela Ground Engineering, part of the Akela Group, has appointed precast piling manufacturing expert, John Ward, to support expansion of its precast manufacturing operations in England. With over 35 years of industry experience and a wealth of operational insight from roles with Aarsleff Ground Engineering UK, Centrum Pile Ltd and
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, announces the completion of a bespoke built-to-suit (BTS) 621,000 sq ft facility and its occupation by Tesco, the UK’s leading retailer, at Panattoni Park Aylesford. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in supporting supply chain efficiency for Tesco, enabling
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, has released its latest Voice of the Property Manager report for the EMEA region. The findings reveal key insights into AI adoption, technology satisfaction, and training priorities that will impact the sector’s future. Ongoing economic pressures, regulatory changes, and
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has commenced construction on the new Nairn Academy school, having been awarded the £61 million contract by The Highland Council at the end of 2025. The company will be responsible for the design and construction of the new 9,767 square meter school and new 3G
Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its first sustainability centre within its newly refurbished branch in Cringleford, Norwich. The sustainability centre contains a dedicated Building for the Future product range, including everything tradespeople and builders need to comply with the upcoming Future Homes Standard, such as
GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, has launched its new Hoist Services Brochure, showcasing an expanded range of lifting solutions designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity on construction sites. With demand for reliable hoisting solutions at an all-time high, GAP has strengthened its offering with a
Plumbing and Heating Federation warns funding delays and high electricity costs are stalling Scotland’s decarbonisation progress The Plumbing and Heating Federation has raised concerns over the slow pace of heat pump installations following newly released Freedom of Information figures. Data from the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme
Balfour Beatty VINCI has announced a significant milestone at HS2’s Long Itchington Wood Tunnel in Warwickshire – the first deep tunnel on the high-speed route to complete its civil engineering phase. The development at the one-mile-long twin-bore tunnel – which will carry the railway into the West Midlands – sees vital elements, including three cross passages, concrete finishing works and base slabs, and emergency and maintenance walkways complete. It comes before the internal fitting out of the tunnel with the complex systems needed to operate the high-speed line including the power, track and signalling. The tunnel is the first of five twin-bore tunnels on the HS2 project to reach this vital stage. In all, 27.4 miles of the route between London and the West Midlands are in deep, twin-bore tunnels. Work to create the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel initially began in June 2020. The 125-metre-long tunnel boring machine used to excavate the tunnel was named ‘Dorothy’ – after Dorothy Hodgkin who was the first British woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The machine was launched in December 2021 and finished excavating both bores of the tunnel by March 2023. The complex process to fully excavate two tunnel drives and the entrance sections produced around 750,000 tonnes of material, which has since been reused to build embankments along the route of the railway. Since the breakthrough almost two years’ ago, work has been ongoing to fit out the tunnels with its vital structural components. The tunnel is being built by HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI, which is constructing 56 miles of HS2 between Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Staffordshire. Jules Arlaud, Tunnelling Director for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “The scale of this achievement is enormous. A dedicated workforce of around 380 people have worked tirelessly over the past five years to reach this latest phase of construction, where the tunnels are now fitted with three cross-passages and the concrete finishing works, base slabs, and walkways are also complete. “Throughout this project, our expert tunnelling team have installed a total of 1,582 concrete rings across both tunnels, with each ring made from eight two-metre-wide segments, each weighing up to 8 tonnes.” Doug Barnett, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “It’s a small part of HS2 but it’s been four and a half years of my life in which I’ve seen this construction go from its very embers to nearing completion – a really proud moment for me personally. “Long Itchington Wood Tunnel is a tremendous feat of engineering and would not have been possible without a huge amount of continuous work put in over the past five years – I’d like to thank everyone involved working both onsite and behind the scenes for their support.” In total, 380 people have supported the Long Itchington Wood tunnelling project since construction work began. This includes recent engineering graduate Alfie Ward who used his new-found design knowledge and surveying skills to help HS2 engineers successfully complete the tunnel’s cross passage work safely and efficiently. Alfie Ward, Engineering Graduate at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “Working as a young engineering graduate on the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel was the perfect platform to launch my career from. This experience at such an early stage in my career meant I was able to learn lots of new skills, which I’m now applying at Bromford Tunnel, as a site engineer.” Long Itchington Wood Tunnel has been designed to minimise the impact of construction, with local land topography a key factor in the design and delivery process. At 30 metres below ground level, the tunnel preserves an ancient woodland above and avoids local villages. Construction of HS2 continues between the West Midlands and London, with the programme now supporting over 31,000 jobs. When complete, HS2 services will run between London and the West Midlands on a dedicated high-speed line before reaching destinations further north – creating economic growth and freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. In recent weeks, construction progress in the West Midlands has seen HS2 complete its first viaduct at HS2’s Delta Junction in North Warwickshire. HS2 has also revealed the latest progress on a new green bridge set to cross the high-speed railway near Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder Story Homes is delighted to announce exchange of contracts for a new site for residential development on Dialstone Lane in Offerton, Stockport. Proposals for the site would see the delivery of 112 high quality homes, including 50% affordable housing, which would contribute positively towards meeting Stockport’s recognised housing need. Located on Dialstone Lane between Brooklyn Road and Hornbeam Close, the land is owned by Stockport Grammar School and was historically used by the school for playing sports. However, due to numerous issues including safeguarding challenges and a lack of facilities, the space has not been in active use by the school since 2015. Rather than remaining unused, the school has been exploring options to give the site a new future. A planning application for the new residential development will be submitted to Stockport Council imminently and follows on from a public consultation event which took place in February last year, which sought feedback from local residents to help shape plans for the new scheme. As part of the new development, Story Homes will work with the Council to agree a package of community measures and contributions to benefit new and existing local residents, including a sports mitigation scheme, in line with the Section 106 Agreement.* Martin Nugent, Head of Land and Planning for Story Homes North West, said: “We are pleased to have exchanged contracts on this land which could see the delivery of 112 new homes in Stockport. It is very important to us that we deliver a sustainable community that benefits new and existing residents alike, and so we were pleased to be able to engage with the local community, taking on board their feedback on our plans and working together to bring this vision for a new development to life. “In line with our commitment to the local community, our plans include dedicated public open spaces and play areas that will be accessible for both current and future residents. The new homes will be set within a green and leafy development which will support local wildlife and biodiversity and help to alleviate pressure on Stockport’s green belt zone.” This new residential development would also create benefits for the local economy during the construction phase as a result of direct and indirect employment opportunities through the sub-contractor and supply chains, as well as an increased demand for local services when the new homes are occupied. Hazel Tritschler, Chair of Governors at Stockport Grammar School, said: “We are delighted to partner with Story Homes on this residential development, which will provide benefits for both the school and the local community. “The proceeds from this transaction will significantly increase the school’s bursary program, thereby further expanding opportunities for local children, and maintain the 537 year ethos of providing education. Additionally, a substantial portion of the funds generated will be invested in upgrading the school’s existing facilities, helping to offset rising costs of maintaining our historic buildings and investing in measures to improve the environmental performance of the campus.” The housebuilder will aim to commence works on this site in late 2025, subject to approval of the planning application. For more information, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zutec, a leading provider of construction and property management software solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announced it has acquired Operance, as part of its ongoing growth strategy and commitment to the UK market. The acquisition provides a complementary fit in terms of customers, solutions and remit, solidifying the company’s position as the leading player in Handover and Building Safety Act compliance solutions for contractors, developers, housebuilders and asset owners in the UK market. By combining forces, the two companies will drive new growth opportunities by integrating customer bases, solutions, and expertise, supporting the building life cycle to accelerate digital transformation and ensure compliance. “As we continue investing in businesses as part of our acquisition strategy, Operance fitted our strategic objectives perfectly, with close alignment with our vision and an exciting addition to our business. We believe this collaboration will open up new opportunities for us to expand and better serve existing and new customers, setting the stage for future innovations in the construction and property technology space. We are thrilled to welcome the Operance team into Zutec and look forward to what we can deliver together in the future,” commented, Gustave Geisendorf, CEO at Zutec. Ian Yeo, CEO at Operance, said: “Having built up the Operance business, and with a shared growth ambition, we welcome being part of Zutec. As a profitable, fast-growing business primarily focused on the UK and Ireland, this partnership with Zutec will allow us to accelerate our progress faster and provide even more value to the construction and property digital ecosystem as one company.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Akela Ground Engineering, part of the Akela Group, has appointed precast piling manufacturing expert, John Ward, to support expansion of its precast manufacturing operations in England. With over 35 years of industry experience and a wealth of operational insight from roles with Aarsleff Ground Engineering UK, Centrum Pile Ltd and Green Piling, John joins Akela Group as Precast Manager and will be based between the Swadlincote and Glasgow offices. As well as managing the Glasgow facility, a key focus for John will be to source an English manufacturing base to increase capacity for Akela’s groundbreaking ABeam precast system, which was launched to market in early 2024. Currently manufactured at the company’s purpose-built facility near Glasgow, ABeam is a unique precast concrete beam system that uses a specially designed mechanical joint, allowing foundation ground beams to be installed in just a few hours. Not dependent on weather conditions, ABeam has been met with a positive reception from housebuilders in Scotland who have made significant time savings and efficiencies. Akela Ground Engineering is keen to grow the roll-out of the product across the UK and Ireland. In January the company announced its new Irish base in Co. Armagh and appointment of Barry Christy as Operations Manager for Akela Ground Engineering Ireland. Will Payne, Managing Director of Akela Ground Engineering, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome John to the team. His knowledge and expertise will play an important role in our strategic expansion plans in England. “Since launching to the Scottish market in early 2024, we have worked hard to roll out our ABeam system, with leading housebuilders seeing success at sites across the central belt. John will play a key part in our plans to create a manufacturing base in The Midlands which will enable us to offer this service to customers across England.” Speaking of his appointment, John Ward said: “I have been aware of Akela Group’s significant growth over the last few years and have been impressed with the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovative operations. The future of the construction industry will hinge on companies investing in innovative solutions and skills development and Akela Group has demonstrated its focus in these areas. “The launch of ABeam in 2024 was an exciting step change in our industry and I am looking forward to supporting its introduction and adoption by developers in England.” Leading housebuilders have praised ABeam for achieving significant efficiencies and helping to increase the number of homes built on their sites across Scotland. The system has received NHBC Accepts certification and the UKCA mark for its production facility, reinforcing Akela Group’s commitment to quality and reliability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, announces the completion of a bespoke built-to-suit (BTS) 621,000 sq ft facility and its occupation by Tesco, the UK’s leading retailer, at Panattoni Park Aylesford. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in supporting supply chain efficiency for Tesco, enabling enhanced logistics and operational capabilities. The new facility was designed in close collaboration with Tesco to meet the company’s specific operational needs. It features a 300,000 sq ft chilled section, a 100,000 sq ft freezer area, and extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support Tesco’s transition to an electric HGV fleet. The state-of-the-art buildings will play a crucial role in Tesco’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of its supply chain and bolster its capacity to meet customer demand, integrating advanced technologies to optimise logistics operations while supporting sustainability initiatives. This landmark project marks a major milestone in delivering sustainable logistics infrastructure and driving significant economic growth in the region. The facility is expected to support Tesco’s operations while contributing to the local economy and generating new jobs. Panattoni’s focus on sustainability is illustrated by achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification and EPC ‘A’ rating on Tesco’s. Tony Watkins, Head of Development: South East & London at Panattoni said: “The 621,000 sq ft facility is the culmination of our vision for the project to deliver cutting-edge operational capabilities for Tesco, creating jobs and generating benefits for Kent. This facility will also bring amenities such as retail, dining, and services, while driving investment in logistics and local businesses. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This development showcases our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration with tenants such as Tesco, the local community, and stakeholders. Together, we have delivered a facility that sets a new benchmark for modern logistics.” Stuart Moffat, Head of Development – Distribution at Tesco said: “We have worked with Panattoni over the past few years to develop a bespoke facility that meets our operational needs while supporting our distribution and sustainability goals. Panattoni has proven to be such an efficient and proactive developer, and a fantastic partner in delivering this project at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This built-to-suit facility is particularly vital for us, incorporating cutting-edge ESG features, including 90,000 sq metres of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure that we have invested in to support our vehicles and staff.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, has released its latest Voice of the Property Manager report for the EMEA region. The findings reveal key insights into AI adoption, technology satisfaction, and training priorities that will impact the sector’s future. Ongoing economic pressures, regulatory changes, and shifting tenant and owner expectations have tightened profit margins and created challenges for property management professionals, highlighting the need for operational efficiencies. “Property managers work long hours to navigate ongoing economic pressures, regulatory changes, and shifting tenant and owner expectations,” said Marcus Scholes, Managing Director, EMEA Commercial Property Management Solutions[MM2] [CJ3] [JM4] at MRI Software. “AI-powered technology offers unprecedented opportunities to address these challenges through increased automation, efficiency, and insights.” Key findings from the EMEA Voice of the Property Manager report: “The Voice of the Property Manager survey paints a picture of a committed and resilient group of professionals who are ready to tackle the challenges ahead,” concluded Scholes. “While many are investing in new technology and training, there is still further opportunity for efficiency and optimisation—particularly in leveraging AI and ensuring better system integration. As the industry evolves, property managers must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive.” To watch the webinar recording and pre-register for the report, visit https://www.mrisoftware.com/uk/resources/voice-of-the-property-manager/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has commenced construction on the new Nairn Academy school, having been awarded the £61 million contract by The Highland Council at the end of 2025. The company will be responsible for the design and construction of the new 9,767 square meter school and new 3G artificial grass sports pitch, which will replace the existing Nairn Academy secondary school and accommodate 745 students. The school will become Balfour Beatty’s second Passivhaus certified school building in Scotland – a quality assurance certification for the design and construction of low energy buildings – having been awarded the contract to design and build a new campus for Liberton High School in Edinburgh. To achieve Passivhaus certification, Balfour Beatty will install high-performance windows and doors as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and reduce energy demand. In addition, as part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty is working with the Construction Industry Training Board and Inverness College UHI – a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands – to create ten new apprenticeships positions for local young people. Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this latest new school, further enhancing our legacy in delivering state-of-the-art, sustainable educational facilities across Scotland. “With works now underway, we are working closely and collaboratively with the Highland Council to successfully deliver this new school which will provide an exciting and inspirational learning environment for hundreds of students and teachers, serving both current and future generations.” Works commenced at the start of 2025 and the campus is expected to be complete in 2026. At construction peak, the project will employ 170 people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading national builders’ merchant Jewson has opened the doors to its first sustainability centre within its newly refurbished branch in Cringleford, Norwich. The sustainability centre contains a dedicated Building for the Future product range, including everything tradespeople and builders need to comply with the upcoming Future Homes Standard, such as low-carbon materials, energy efficient systems and renewable energy solutions. As well as an expanded product range covering over 1,500 SKUs from more than 30 suppliers, the Cringleford branch has dedicated sustainability ambassadors who can provide resources, training and expertise on a range of sustainability topics. The launch presents another significant milestone on its transformation journey to bring the UK’s hard-working professional tradespeople what they need to grow their own businesses and to become the leading builders’ merchant in the UK. As part of its parent company STARK Building Materials UK’s ‘Trust in Better’ strategy, Jewson is implementing a comprehensive investment programme to optimise its branch network across the nation, including major refurbishment projects and investments in sustainability centres, such as the Cringleford branch. Matthew Handley, Category Innovation Manager at Jewson, says: “We know sustainability can be a daunting topic for many of our customers, but it also presents an opportunity to upskill and work towards a greener future for the industry. We’re making it easy for customers to meet requirements such as the Future Homes Standard, by offering a wide range of products and by sharing our own knowledge. “Our in-house sustainability ambassadors have been specially trained to guide our customers through everything, from material selection to installation advice. We are also partnering with our suppliers to deliver expert-led sessions and practical workshops from the sustainability centre, helping our customers to build sustainably, with confidence.” Connor Laskey, Branch Manager at Jewson, says: “I’m proud to be launching Jewson’s first sustainability centre from the Cringleford branch, bringing the region’s builders everything they need for a greener future, right here in Norwich. I’m looking forward to welcoming local tradespeople, businesses and partners to the new-look branch, where our expert team is on hand to talk through the latest products and services for a more sustainable future.” The sustainability centre is open now at Newmarket Road, Cringleford, Norwich, from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on a Saturday. Jewson’s Building for the Future product range – formerly known as the Making Better Homes range – is also available nationwide via www.jewson.co.uk/building-for-the-future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, has launched its new Hoist Services Brochure, showcasing an expanded range of lifting solutions designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity on construction sites. With demand for reliable hoisting solutions at an all-time high, GAP has strengthened its offering with a comprehensive selection of GEDA construction hoists capable of lifting up to two tonnes or transporting up to seven people. These high-performance hoists provide construction teams with the power, precision, and reliability needed for modern projects, ensuring seamless vertical transportation while reducing downtime and enhancing site safety. GAP’s specialist hoisting division operates nationwide, providing full installation, maintenance, and expert support to meet the varied demands of construction sites across the UK. Karen Greenshields, Managing Director – Technical and Environmental Services, commented, “This is another exciting development for GAP Hire Solutions. We own more than 100 of our depots nationally and remain family-owned. This allows us to plan for the long term with the flexibility to continue to diversify and meet our customers’ demands, which is unique in our industry. Hoist Services is the latest example of GAP’s commitment to investment in people, premises and products. We have been delivering lifting and up to 850kg hoisting solutions for over 10 years, so bringing a fleet of new Goods and Passenger Hoists up to 2T into the market is exciting for both our customers and our expanding Hoist Services Team.” Explore GAP’s brand-new Hoist Services Brochure here. For more details, contact GAP on 03330 094 096 or email hoist.services@gap-group.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plumbing and Heating Federation warns funding delays and high electricity costs are stalling Scotland’s decarbonisation progress The Plumbing and Heating Federation has raised concerns over the slow pace of heat pump installations following newly released Freedom of Information figures. Data from the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme and the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Landlord Loan Scheme reveal that fewer than 9,000 heat pumps have been installed since 2019. Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Plumbing and Heating Federation, said: “While it is encouraging to see growing numbers of homeowners and landlords making the switch to clean heating solutions, the Scottish Government’s ambition of over one million homes converted to low or zero-emission heat by 2030 is simply not achievable under current conditions. The data highlights the urgent need for clearer policy direction, greater financial certainty and stronger industry support.” Financial strain on installers must be addressed The Federation has also raised serious concerns over the Home Energy Scotland scheme’s payment structure, which places a heavy financial burden on installers. Many installers must absorb substantial upfront costs, leading to cash-flow pressures and administrative challenges that threaten business sustainability. “Installers are at the heart of Scotland’s green heating transition, but they need a stable, transparent funding framework to remain viable. Addressing cash-flow pressures and streamlining payments is critical to scaling up heat pump adoption at the pace required.”, said Hodgson She added: “Today’s CBI report highlights the significant economic benefits of investing in the net zero economy. In Scotland alone, the sector contributes £9.1 billion, 4.9% of the country’s total GV, and supports nearly one in 25 Scottish workers. However, the financial strain of this transition cannot fall solely on already stretched businesses, especially as they face mounting pressures, including the upcoming National Insurance hike.” ‘Spark gap’ must be closed to drive consumer uptake and confidence Beyond funding and administrative hurdles, the Federation is calling for urgent action on the wider policy challenge of energy pricing. The significant disparity, known as the ‘spark gap’, between electricity and gas costs remains a major barrier to heat pump adoption. Fiona Hodgson, concluded: “Even with various funding schemes, the fundamental cost imbalance between electricity and fossil-fuel heating remains a deterrent for households. Closing the spark gap will require close coordination between Westminster and the devolved administrations. “Only by working together can we provide the financial incentives and market certainty needed to boost consumer confidence and achieve Scotland’s net-zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals