Loungers has taken a major step in its expansion by opening its first-ever restaurant within a covered shopping mall at Merry Hill, further enhancing the vibrant leisure quarter at the popular Dudley destination. The new 3,200 sq ft restaurant, named Toledo Lounge, offers an extensive all-day menu featuring everything from
Tritax Big Box REIT plc (“Tritax Big Box” or “the Company”) has recently purchased a 74-acre site at Heathrow, London within the Slough Availability Zone, a key FLAP-D prime EMEA data centre location (the “Manor Farm site”). Simultaneously, the Company has acquired a 50% share in a joint venture (“the
To mark New Homes Week (3rd- 9th February) and its theme of Communities, Close Brothers Property Finance and the Home Builders Federation (HBF) have released a video series highlighting the vital role played by SME housebuilders in creating sustainable communities – built around the health and wellbeing of residents as
Strong financial results presented with a focus on balance and consolidation, during a time of economic and industry upheaval, together with diversification into new and fast emerging sectors including Data Centres, Life Science, Ports, Civils, Infrastructure and Commercial. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking
Lovell has officially broken ground on its latest eco-conscious housing development in Hessle, marking the start of construction on 54 new homes. Valued at £19 million, this mixed-tenure development will feature cutting-edge air source heat pumps, making it entirely gas-free, a significant step toward sustainable living in East Yorkshire. Situated
Allegion UK, a pioneer in fire safety hardware and manufacturer of ‘Briton’ door controls, has expanded its library of customer support materials with new installation videos for its highly popular 2003 and 2003V surface mounted door closers. Allegion’s newly published video series provides customers with an illustrative set of installation
On behalf of contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, leading procurement specialist Pagabo has released Prior Information Notices (PINs) to request participation in preliminary market engagement for the renewal of two of its largest frameworks – the Major Works Framework and Developer Led Framework. The lot structure
Ideal Heating is accelerating its diversification into the heat pumps market, building on its deep understanding and experience of heating millions of British homes and businesses for more than 100 years. The UK market leader is at the forefront of the decarbonisation of heating, working with the Government, industry bodies,
The Hill Group has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Alex Woolmore as its new Head of Planning, a move set to drive the company’s expansion and support its ambitious housing delivery targets. In her new role, Alex will provide expert guidance on planning matters, ensuring the smooth
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today issued a statement responding to the recently published Government review, Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast. Farmer, a previous speaker at BiKBBI’s annual conference, has once again highlighted critical issues facing the construction
Loungers has taken a major step in its expansion by opening its first-ever restaurant within a covered shopping mall at Merry Hill, further enhancing the vibrant leisure quarter at the popular Dudley destination. The new 3,200 sq ft restaurant, named Toledo Lounge, offers an extensive all-day menu featuring everything from indulgent brunches to evening tapas, fresh salads, and hearty burgers. This latest addition complements the £12 million investment made into Merry Hill’s leisure quarter over the past three years, joining a stellar line-up of dining and entertainment brands such as Hollywood Bowl, ASK Italian, Wagamama, and Wingstop. Alistair Winning, asset manager at Sovereign Centros, commented on the milestone: “Merry Hill’s leisure quarter continues to thrive, with record-breaking performance and an outstanding collection of casual dining experiences. The arrival of Toledo Lounge strengthens our food and beverage offering, creating an inviting space that enhances our vision for a vibrant, all-day destination.” John English, head of community at Loungers, shared his enthusiasm for the launch: “We’re thrilled to bring our ‘home-from-home’ experience to Merry Hill. Toledo Lounge is designed to be a welcoming, relaxed space for everyone, including families, with games, colouring books, and more. We’re looking forward to becoming a key part of this dynamic community.” The opening of Toledo Lounge follows a series of new signings and reinvestments across Merry Hill’s lower retail park, covering nearly 79,000 sq ft and reinforcing the centre’s position as a leading destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tritax Big Box REIT plc (“Tritax Big Box” or “the Company”) has recently purchased a 74-acre site at Heathrow, London within the Slough Availability Zone, a key FLAP-D prime EMEA data centre location (the “Manor Farm site”). Simultaneously, the Company has acquired a 50% share in a joint venture (“the JV”) with a leading European renewable and low carbon energy power generator (“the JV Partner”). The JV enables accelerated power delivery to the Manor Farm site using pre-existing grid connection agreements. The acquisition of an interest in the JV constitutes a related party transaction for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules, further details of which are set out below. Subject to receiving planning consent, the acquisition of the land and stake in the JV facilitates an accelerated timeline to the potential delivery of up to 147 Megawatts (“MW”) of power to support the development of a major data centre scheme at Manor Farm. In addition, Tritax Management LLP (“Tritax Management” or “the Manager”), working with the JV partner, has created a further pipeline of potential data centre opportunities in key locations within the UK utilising power availability of c.1 gigawatt (“GW”). A prime location for a latest generation data centre of significant scale Targeting exceptional returns and accelerated timeline with 9.3% yield on cost and significant development profits Tritax Management has created a potential data centre pipeline of up to 1 GW An attractive market at a key inflection point, underpinned by long-term demand drivers and scarcity of powered land Contractual arrangementsThe land at Manor Farm is being acquired from Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust (“AIPUT”). The JV stake is being acquired from Tritax Management. All return related figures in this announcement are presented net of the following consideration and fees payable to AIPUT and Tritax Management as outlined below: Aubrey Adams, Chairman of Tritax Big Box, commented“This is a decisive and exciting first step for the Company in the very attractive data centre market which the Manager has unlocked with its power and real estate capabilities. This gives the Company a considerable competitive advantage in capturing the growing demand for data centre infrastructure. The combination of Manor Farm’s prime London location and accelerated access to critical grid connection agreements creates the opportunity to develop quickly one of the UK’s largest data centres and deliver exceptional returns for our shareholders. “Over the past four years, the Manager has independently developed and invested in its power capabilities, securing a joint venture arrangement with one of Europe’s largest major renewable and low-carbon energy generators which the Company is now acquiring at Manor Farm. This provides accelerated access to power in this prime data centre location, where a lack of power has significantly restricted the development of these nationally critical infrastructure projects. Having taken extensive and independent professional advice, the Board of Tritax Big Box has successfully negotiated preferential access and terms for this opportunity, which generates exceptional returns and complements our logistics development pipeline. The Board has also negotiated a right of first refusal with the Manager for all future data centre opportunities with up to c.1 GW of power capacity.” [1] Source: McKinsey & Company [1] AIPUT is an independently owned Jersey Property Unit Trust managed by Tritax Management LLP which, for the avoidance of doubt does not form part of the Manager’s group, and therefore, is not a related party of the Company for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules. The independent unit holders of AIPUT approved the sale of land at Manor Farm to the Company via a vote. [1] AIPUT will receive 30% of the real estate and battery storage related profits equivalent to 21% of total Phase 1 profits. [1] The development management fee is payable by reference to different milestones, with 3.5% payable in quarterly instalments contingent and commencing from the grant of satisfactory planning permission and 1.5% payable following the later of the date of grant of satisfactory planning permission and the date of exchange of an acceptable pre-letting agreement. [1] The Phase 1 profit in respect of the above contingent profit share arrangements is calculated as the fair value of the asset base at the time of completion (as confirmed by an independent valuer) less all associated costs. [1] Subject to a 12 month lock up arrangement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
To mark New Homes Week (3rd- 9th February) and its theme of Communities, Close Brothers Property Finance and the Home Builders Federation (HBF) have released a video series highlighting the vital role played by SME housebuilders in creating sustainable communities – built around the health and wellbeing of residents as well as safeguarding the natural world. The videos illustrate how SMEs are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes, which enrich people’s lives while improving local infrastructure and wildlife habitats. The SMEs who feature in the series are: SME housebuilders make a valuable contribution to the local economies where they build, hiring local contractors, skilled tradespeople and apprentices to deliver housing schemes. Unlike PLC builders, who typically use centralised supply chains, SMEs support local suppliers and businesses. Many SMEs build in areas where they have personal connections, giving them greater insight into the types of homes and amenities that best serve existing communities in that area. Their smaller size means that they can be agile and adapt projects in line with feedback from the community. Despite the important role SMEs play, their numbers have dwindled in recent decades due to challenging economic conditions; an increasingly bureaucratic planning system and process and regulatory environment that adds significant cost and delays. At the same time, the lack of housing associations in the market to buy the affordable homes that SME housebuilders are required to provide as part of the planning permission is preventing them from delivering developments at all. .. A report from the House of Lords Built Environment Committee shows that the proportion of new homes built by SMEs in England plummeted from 39% in 1988 to just 10% in 2020. The HBF and Close Brothers Property Finance call upon the Government to offer greater support to SME housebuilders. First-time buyers have increasingly struggled to get on the housing ladder. With the close of Help to Buy last year it is the first time in decades there is no Government support scheme in place to help buyers, and Stamp Duty relief on properties up to £425,000 ends later this year, exacerbating the problem still further. With inflation largely under control, interest rate cuts would help boost the sector, both by cutting costs for SME housebuilders and making borrowing more affordable for buyers. Close Brothers Property Finance and the HBF, along with Travis Perkins, have produced the State of Play report for the last five years which shines a spotlight on the challenges facing SME housebuilders. For each of the years that the report has been produced, planning has consistently been identified as the biggest obstacle to SME housebuilders. Phil Hooper, Chief Executive Officer of Close Brothers Property Finance, says: “SMEs are the backbone of local housing markets. As predominantly family-run businesses operating in the locations where they live, they take a huge amount of pride in the quality and attention to detail of every home they build. But successive failures to address issues within the planning system and current fiscal market conditions mean that these businesses aren’t getting the support that they need, and we now risk losing even more of these companies. Reforming the planning system is certainly a step in the right direction, but we also need to consider how we can level the playing field for SMEs to ensure they can access the same land, infrastructure and financial opportunities as their larger counterparts and finally reverse the years of decline.” Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive Officer of the Home Builders Federation, says: “SMEs are the lifeblood of all industries, but in house building we have seen them disappear at an alarming rate as a result of the incredibly difficult environment within which they are operating. Small builders bring choice to the market in terms of the type of homes they build and the locations. It is vital we address the challenges they face to operating their businesses such that they can continue to provide customers with high quality options to buy.” For further information on New Homes Week, visit: https://new-homes.co.uk/new-homes-week/ THE VIDEO SERIES This New Homes Week we have partnered with the Home Builders Federation to create a series of short films featuring SME Housebuilders across the UK, and the work they are doing to build and support local communities. Monday Today we hear from Colin Palmer at 3West Group, South-West based housebuilder, at their development in Exmouth. Colin talks about employing local suppliers and sub-contractors and how this has equated to around £50m being injected into the South West economy. Tuesday This video shows Mark White of Bargate Homes, talking about the work they are doing to encourage wildlife at their development of sustainable homes in Hampshire. Mark also discusses supporting the elderly community and children with SEN needs, win the community. Wednesday Today we hear from Laura and Richard Ellam of Pivot Developments. Laura and Richard met over 20 years ago whilst working on a Scottish oil rig, wanting to leverage their experience in engineering and technology, they set up Pivot Developments in 2020 and since then have been creati low carbon, energy-efficient homes. Thursday Hear Paul Moran, of Cavanna Homes talk about building “homes, not just houses”, with sensory gardens, play areas, allotments and open spaces they are proud to provide for the community, at this development near Exeter. Friday The last video in our New Homes Week series features the fantastic Lorraine Thomas, founder of View from my Window. Lorraine is a housebuilder, mentor, coach and property investor, based in South London. Lorraine’s mission is to make property accessible and life-changing, for her local community, and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Strong financial results presented with a focus on balance and consolidation, during a time of economic and industry upheaval, together with diversification into new and fast emerging sectors including Data Centres, Life Science, Ports, Civils, Infrastructure and Commercial. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences & Pharma, Data Centres, Commercial, Ports, Film Studios & Leisure and Civils, has today announced its annual results for the period ended 30th September 2024. The results demonstrate a strong improvement in all financial metrics with improved profitability, net asset value, and cash. This has been achieved through a commitment to doing the right kind of work, alongside further investment to deliver best in class processes. Repeat business and long-standing customer relationships accounts for a significant percentage of turnover, with current retention levels exceeding 80%. Meanwhile, expansion into new markets and targeted new opportunities continues, particularly in the Life Sciences and Data Centre sectors. To enable sustained growth and efficiency, significant ongoing investment in head office and core business support functions has been implemented and Glencar has positioned itself within the market to take on upcoming opportunities with the availability and mobility of the right people and teams. Amongst the highlights include : 2024 2023 Secure project pipeline 2025 – £350M 2024 – £300M Revenue £406.8M £405.9M Profit before tax £4.8M £2.2M Gross Profit 5.7% 5.1% Average contract value £18.7M £16.9M Project completions 32 28 Average considerate contractor score (CCS) of 50 43 43 Commenting on the results Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy said: “We have continued to respond to the rapidly evolving and changing customer expectations and the needs of the market. We retain a key focus and true specialisation in Industrial & Logistics and have delivered important and high-profile developments in the period. We are seen as a trusted delivery partner and achieve extremely high levels of customer retention and repeat business. Through this our exceptional teams and delivery partners continue to push the boundaries in terms of design, delivery, materials and processes. We have reevaluated our commercial strategy, ensuring we focus on the right type of work in order to deploy our resources efficiently, whilst effectively managing risk. We look forward to the year ahead with a sense of optimism and confidence with a strong order book and an exceptional team. We have already secured a robust order book of £350 million for 2025, with strong project margins and well-established delivery teams. At the same time, our commitment to innovation and the integration of smart processes and technology is accelerating, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of industry trends. We are targeting 10% revenue growth in the next financial year, followed by 10% in the following year. This ambitious goal is underpinned by our strategy of cultivating repeat business with our key client base while actively exploring strategic opportunities with new clients and in emerging markets. A core focus for us remains the sustained improvement of profit margins, whilst all the while maintaining the high standards of service delivery that our clients expect. We are dedicated to achieving this delicate balance and ensuring that our growth does not compromise the excellence of our services. Recognising that our success is intrinsically linked to our people, we are committed to investing in our workforce. This investment will involve increasing the number of team members and expanding our comprehensive training company-wide. Simultaneously, we will direct our investment towards fortifying our internal systems and processes, ensuring their resilience to provide both our customers and supply chain partners with the best possible service”. To watch a video the summarises our highlights throughout the period please visit our YouTube page: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell has officially broken ground on its latest eco-conscious housing development in Hessle, marking the start of construction on 54 new homes. Valued at £19 million, this mixed-tenure development will feature cutting-edge air source heat pumps, making it entirely gas-free, a significant step toward sustainable living in East Yorkshire. Situated in the picturesque town of Hessle, known for its Humber Bridge Country Park and tranquil atmosphere, the development aims to reflect the natural beauty of its surroundings. The homes will showcase a blend of red brick and silver pearl render, accented by grey and terracotta roof tiles, offering elegant designs that integrate seamlessly into the local landscape. This groundbreaking project represents the developer’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. By incorporating air-source heat pumps into every home, the development will provide residents with energy-efficient and future-ready living solutions while supporting the UK’s transition to greener housing standards. The development will include 28 open-market homes with options ranging from four to five bedrooms, as well as four two-bedroom First Homes available through the First Homes Scheme. Affordable housing will also be available through a partnership with Together Housing, ensuring that this new community is both inclusive and diverse. In addition to the new homes, Lovell has committed over £360,000 in contributions to support local services, education, and healthcare, reinforcing its dedication to enhancing the surrounding community. Groundbreaking marks the beginning of a construction phase that will conclude in Summer 2026. The first homes will be available for sale in early 2025, offering buyers the opportunity to secure modern, eco-friendly homes in a serene and convenient location. Robert Adams, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “Breaking ground on this development in Hessle is an exciting milestone. It’s a chance to bring modern, sustainable living to a beautiful and serene environment while contributing meaningfully to the local community.” To find out more about Lovell and the upcoming Hessle development, visit here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Allegion UK, a pioneer in fire safety hardware and manufacturer of ‘Briton’ door controls, has expanded its library of customer support materials with new installation videos for its highly popular 2003 and 2003V surface mounted door closers. Allegion’s newly published video series provides customers with an illustrative set of installation and adjustment instructions for door mount pull, transom mount and parallel arm mount fixings across its leading product lines. With each video, Allegion aims to improve the accuracy of door closer fittings by delivering a comprehensive walkthrough of the 2003 and 2003V installation process, from the product unboxing to its fixing methods and measurements, as illustrated by Briton’s unique self-adhesive Accufit template system. With plans to further develop the video library to include step-by-step installation guidance for the Briton 2130B overhead closer, Allegion will shortly complete a suite of digitally curated support materials, which includes technical datasheets, product certifications, fixing templates and downloadable service and maintenance instructions. Speaking on the amibitions behind the new installation videos, John Fairhurst, business development manager at Allegion UK, commented: “Where the safety of buildings and their occupants is reliant on fire door hardware, we too often identify inaccurate installation as a leading cause for inadequate product performance. In order to prioritise fire safety, we believe it’s crucial to eliminate the issues assocated with incorrect hardware installation, and in adding short and engaging video content to our resources, we can further support our customers in this area. “Driven by our ongoing commitment to improving fire door safety standards, and following the success of our updated Accufit system for the 2003 and 2003V, we have also developed a new Accufit template for the Briton 2130B, which is available now and will feature in a standalone series of installation videos set to launch later this year.” To view the latest series of installation support videos from Allegion UK, visit: https://briton.co.uk/en/documentlibrary/installation_videos.html. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On behalf of contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, leading procurement specialist Pagabo has released Prior Information Notices (PINs) to request participation in preliminary market engagement for the renewal of two of its largest frameworks – the Major Works Framework and Developer Led Framework. The lot structure for both frameworks will be developed in line with market requirements informed by preliminary market engagement and will be fully confirmed prior to the call for competition scheduled for June 2025. The current iteration of the Major Works Framework gives access to 25 contractors for large-scale construction projects valued above £5m. Initially launched in 2020 to run for a term of up to six years, the framework has seen over 75 projects procured, alongside over 100 opportunities for suppliers at a total value of £2bn. Notable schemes procured through the framework include the Lakes Estate renewal scheme in Milton Keynes, The Manchester College’s City Campus extension, and the Innovation Matrix in Swansea for University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Meanwhile, the Developer Led Framework is a unique market offering – emphasising the early engagement between developers and clients that drives impactful placemaking and improved development viability. The current iteration of the framework went live at the end of 2020 and gives clients access to 21 pre-approved developers. 46 schemes with a total combined value of more than £5bn have been procured through the current iteration of the framework, with more than £7bn in the pipeline. The framework has enabled more than 15,000 homes to be built, along with thousands of square feet of commercial, retail and public space. Notable schemes include Bradford City Village, Great Western Hospital, High Peak District Council City Centre Regeneration and Derby City Council Cultural Heart Development. Jason Stapley, chief procurement officer at Pagabo, said: “These two frameworks have been completely transformative for the sector over recent years, driving real value for clients and transformational placemaking for communities. We know that there’s so much more to unlock, so we’re really pleased to be working with Contracting Authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust to bring the next generation of each offering to the market. “With imminent procurement reform also seeking to further enhance the transparency agenda and deliver fully maximised value for money, it’s important to keep innovating and ensure that frameworks are developed in a way that works for clients and suppliers when they come to market. That’s why preliminary market engagement is so central to the way we develop the framework offerings we manage – gaining the insights from those organisations that will ultimately utilise the framework. “We welcome insights from any contractor, developer or contracting authority that is considering participating in the opportunity, or may utilise the new frameworks. These insights are vital to support in designing a solution that works for everyone.” Preliminary market consultations are underway, and all interested contractors and developers can register to the e-tendering portal In-Tend to express their interest and complete a pre-market engagement survey for the relevant framework. These surveys will remain open for input until 28 February 2025. A version of the survey is also available for contracting authorities, please contact info@pagabo.co.uk to gain access to a survey for completion. The tender process for both frameworks is expected to launch in June 2025. For further information on the Developer Led Framework PIN go to, https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003511-2025?origin=SearchResults&p=1 and for the Major Works Framework PIN, go to https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003515-2025?origin=SearchResults&p=1 For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ideal Heating is accelerating its diversification into the heat pumps market, building on its deep understanding and experience of heating millions of British homes and businesses for more than 100 years. The UK market leader is at the forefront of the decarbonisation of heating, working with the Government, industry bodies, installers and customers to support the drive to net zero and playing a leading role in the transition to heat pumps as a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers. In 2025, Ideal is ramping up its focus on heat pumps, including the launch of a new proposition setting the standard for heat pump adoption in the UK. “Setting a new standard for heat pumps” is based on Ideal’s unrivalled heat pump product warranty, coupled with a market-leading service offering that stretches from pre to post installation and support. Ideal is also investing in large-scale heat pump production, will open an industry-leading research and development facility for heat pumps and other renewable heating solutions this year, and is training thousands of installers to become low-carbon heating engineers. Mark Derbyshire, Ideal Heating’s Managing Director (Domestic), said: “As the market leader in our industry, we recognise the crucial role we play in the decarbonisation of heating, which is essential to the UK’s drive to net zero. “It means we have to look beyond the product and how we support our customers at every touchpoint in the journey. “It’s why we’re making significant investments right across our business as we transition from manufacturing and supplying gas boilers to low-carbon heating solutions. “Heat pump installation rates are growing rapidly and we’re committed to leading the way in this field, while setting a new standard for the wraparound package of product, warranty, service and support for heat pumps in the UK.” Companies focused on heat pump installations have testified to the strength of Ideal’s proposition. Andrew Folan, Managing Director of Heat Pump Installers UK, which has fitted hundreds of heat pumps over the past eight years, said: “We’ve been impressed with how easy Ideal’s heat pumps are to install and set up. “The heat pump controls are easy for the customer to use. Nothing is overly complicated and the efficiency you get from the product is great. “For me, it’s the complete package of product, service and support you get with Ideal that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere. Having dealt with different manufacturers over the years, nothing else comes close to what Ideal offers.” Ideal has been awarded significant Government funding to support an investment totalling just over £12m to establish large-scale heat pump production in the UK, while also investing £19m in a UK Technology Centre, largely focused on research and development of heat pumps, which is due to open this year at the company’s headquarters site in Hull. Ideal’s Expert Academy training arm also offers the industry’s most extensive facilities and provision to equip boiler installers with the skills and qualifications to install, service and maintain heat pumps. For more information on Ideal’s heat pump range and customer support, go to www.idealheating.com/products/heat-pumps Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Hill Group has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Alex Woolmore as its new Head of Planning, a move set to drive the company’s expansion and support its ambitious housing delivery targets. In her new role, Alex will provide expert guidance on planning matters, ensuring the smooth progression of existing projects and the successful promotion of the group’s strategic land portfolio. She will also play a key role in identifying and acquiring new sites, helping Hill continue its growth and deliver much-needed new homes. Bringing over 16 years of experience, Alex joins from Related Argent, where she was instrumental in the planning strategies for major regeneration projects, including King’s Cross and Tottenham Hale. A qualified lawyer and seasoned planning expert, she is passionate about placemaking, with a strong focus on creating vibrant public spaces and essential infrastructure. She is also well-acquainted with Hill’s work through her role as a board member at Poplar HARCA, the East London housing association partnered with Hill on the Teviot Estate regeneration. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, welcomed the appointment: “Alex’s extensive experience and passion for placemaking make her a fantastic addition to our team. Her leadership will be instrumental as we pursue our strategic land ambitions and unlock new opportunities under the evolving National Planning Policy Framework. Hill is well-positioned to continue delivering award-winning, community-focused developments, and Alex’s expertise will be key to shaping our future growth.” Alex’s arrival comes as The Hill Group prepares to roll out its new five-year business plan (2025-2030), with a focus on expansion in high-demand areas such as Essex, Cambridge, and Oxfordshire. This aligns with the government’s broader vision for sustainable new towns and thriving communities, addressing the UK’s growing need for quality housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today issued a statement responding to the recently published Government review, Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast. Farmer, a previous speaker at BiKBBI’s annual conference, has once again highlighted critical issues facing the construction industry. The review assesses the effectiveness of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). It aims to determine if these boards should continue to exist, and if so, in what form and function. Key Findings: Strategic Recommendations: Operational Recommendations: Governance and Accountability: Conclusion: The review concludes that a transformed ITB model is essential to address the critical workforce challenges facing the construction and engineering construction sectors. The proposed changes aim to create a more competent, productive, and resilient workforce capable of meeting future demands. BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, expressed his continuing concern regarding the findings of the review, particularly the ongoing labour shortage that continues to plague the industry. “Despite numerous efforts and initiatives, our industry has yet to resolve the labour shortage issues that threaten our capacity to support future economic and industry growth,” said Walters. “The ageing workforce and the struggle to accommodate new entrants are significant challenges that require immediate and coordinated action.” Walters went on to say: “There is no shortage of interest from the younger generation to take up a career in KBB installation, despite popular belief. There is a misconception that all youth want to do is become TikTok famous, but I can assure you that this is simply not the case. BiKBBI has engaged thousands of education leavers and there is a pipeline of talent waiting for an opportunity. The issue we have is that our part of the industry is dominated by micro-SME’s and these businesses either lack an appetite to take on an apprentice, or more importantly aren’t supported enough to do so. The Apprenticeship Levy and changes to how this can be spent may just unlock the potential, but the Government must stop nodding and start the process of change”. The review’s recommendations for a radical overhaul of the Industry Training Board model is welcomed by BiKBBI, and the institute is committed to working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to implement these changes. “We must modernise our approach to training and workforce development to ensure we can meet the demands of the future,” Walters added. BiKBBI remains dedicated to improving standards and efficiency within the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom installation sector and will continue to advocate for solutions that address the workforce challenges identified in the review. The full version of Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer can be accessed- HERE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals