GMI Construction Group has completed the steel framework of a £15.7m waste to energy facility in the North East ahead of schedule. To mark the milestone in the delivery of the 75,000 sq. ft development, Gary Oates, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director, and Ian Jones, Joint Managing Director of Fornax Environmental
That’s according to a study conducted by digital PR company Reboot Online, who analysed data from Companies House to uncover the number of failed businesses in the UK in 2024. Highlights from the study: Top 10: The Industries with the Highest Percentage of Failed Businesses in 2024: # Sector Number
Vistry Group is celebrating the launch of a new construction skills academy at its Fairways residential development in Salford, further building on its commitment to inspiring the next generation of tradespeople and addressing the industry’s skills shortfall. The Brackley Village Skills Academy has been opened in collaboration with local education
Balfour Beatty Flannery, a partnership between Balfour Beatty and Flannery Plant Hire, has trained its 1,000th student at its Operator Skills Hub – showcasing its commitment to diversity and inclusion, transforming lives and bridging the construction skills gap. With over 250,000 additional workers needed in the construction industry by 2028,
Leading decentralised energy consultancy HermeticaBlack have appointed Jason Robinson as Strategic Director for Real Estate and Regeneration. Aligning with HermeticaBlack’s industry leadership in the investment, development and asset management of energy and infrastructure, Jason will boost the company’s real estate practice in embedding net zero into development planning and delivery. Jason
Bellway has won a prestigious award for its strategy to reduce carbon emissions across the business as it helps lead the housebuilding industry towards net zero. The company, which is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and builds homes across England, Scotland and Wales, scooped the prize for Best Carbon Reduction Innovation or
Thought leader and ambassador for change Paul Tinker, 48, has really set himself a difficult and challenging problem that exists in the UK today. Former solider and bricklayer Paul has made it his mission to lead change in how construction projects are delivered in the United Kingdom and has set
Plans for a £70 million sustainable build-to-rent (BTR) development in Manchester city centre have been unanimously approved by Manchester City Council. The 23-storey residential scheme, proposed by property investment and development company Zephyr X, will be located at the corner of Carnarvon Street and Cheetham Hill Road. The project will
Knowsley Council has approved funding for the first phase of an ambitious 10-year redevelopment plan that will reshape Huyton town centre. The transformative project includes a new council headquarters, a 130-room hotel, and 72 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments, laying the foundation for a revitalised community hub. Set to inject
Sephora is making a bold statement in the UK with ambitious plans to open at least 20 stores across the country within the next two to three years. CEO Guillaume Motte shared the cosmetics giant’s vision in an interview with The Times, emphasising the brand’s confidence in physical retail despite
GMI Construction Group has completed the steel framework of a £15.7m waste to energy facility in the North East ahead of schedule. To mark the milestone in the delivery of the 75,000 sq. ft development, Gary Oates, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director, and Ian Jones, Joint Managing Director of Fornax Environmental Solutions, performed a steel signing ceremony. Work on the high temperature thermal treatment facility in County Durham began in June and is due for completion by April 2025, after which it will undergo a three- month commissioning period. Developed for Fornax Environmental Solutions, it will process up to 10,500 tonnes annually of hazardous and clinical waste produced by the industrial and healthcare sectors, largely within the region. Using advanced rotary kiln combustion technology, the energy and heat generated will be made available to neighbouring businesses, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The facility, located on Millennium Way, is the second development at Merchant Park in Newton Aycliffe, a £90m, 65-acre scheme that includes Hitachi Rail Europe. Creating 75 construction jobs and a further 27 permanent roles, the facility aims for a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC grade B, depending on fit outs. The building will feature first-floor offices, high eave heights, advanced warehouse floor loadings, secure yards, and EV charging stations. Gary Oates, GMI’s Regional Director, said: “This milestone marks an exciting chapter for the project and highlights the incredible progress we’ve made. Completing the steel framework ahead of schedule highlights the dedication, skill, and teamwork of our staff and delivery partners and reaffirms our commitment to providing high-quality industrial facilities in the North East.” Ian Jones, Joint Managing Director of Fornax Environmental Solutions, added: “The completion of the steel framework is a significant step toward fulfilling our mission of delivering this sustainable waste management solution. “We are investing in a critically underfunded sector within the UK, addressing the limited capacity for the disposal of clinical and hazardous waste. Instead of exporting it offshore, we’re offering a local solution to a local problem. “However, this facility will also provide energy to local businesses. Many have already expressed interest in the heat offtake, helping them reduce their reliance on carbon-based fossil fuels for heating and electricity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
That’s according to a study conducted by digital PR company Reboot Online, who analysed data from Companies House to uncover the number of failed businesses in the UK in 2024. Highlights from the study: Top 10: The Industries with the Highest Percentage of Failed Businesses in 2024: # Sector Number of Businesses Number of Active Businesses Number of Failed Businesses Percentage of Failed Businesses 1 Mining & Quarrying 49 1 47 95.9% 2 Agriculture & Fishing 71 11 58 81.7% 3 Accommodation & Food Services 285,148 241,568 9,579 3.4% 4 Water & Waste Management 17,545 15,700 501 2.9% 5= Construction 567,656 507,160 15,002 2.6% 5= Manufacturing 243,237 219,705 6,410 2.6% 7 Admin & Support Services 434,956 391,950 9,106 2.1% 8 Electricity & Gas Supply 18,101 16,847 368 2.0% 9 Transport & Storage 161,575 138,251 3,046 1.9% 10 Finance & Insurance 203,359 192,027 3,444 1.7% The full dataset can be accessed here: Mining & Quarrying has the highest percentage of failed businesses Reboot Online can reveal that the UK’s Mining & Quarrying sector has the highest percentage of failed businesses, with 96% closing. Out of 49 new businesses in the sector, 47 failed, leaving just one active business. This exceptionally high percentage highlights the challenges faced by this sector, which often contends with falling commodity prices, rising operational costs, and environmental regulations.2 While the total number of businesses in this sector is small compared to others in the data, the near-total collapse reflects a sector struggling to maintain viability in an increasingly competitive and regulated environment. The Agriculture & Fishing sector follows in second place, with 82% (58) of new businesses in this sector failing this year, despite having a higher absolute number of failures than the Mining & Quarrying sector. This sector has dealt with many setbacks, especially from the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union affecting workforce shortages and administrative challenges, which has affected farmer’s profits and trades.3 In third place is the Accommodation & Food sector, which experienced 9,579 new business closures in 2024, equating to a 3.4% failure rate. Despite the relatively low percentage compared to smaller sectors like Mining & Quarrying or Agriculture, the sheer volume of failures underscores the challenges faced by this industry. Factors such as energy prices, falling demand for goods and services, and taxation have likely contributed to the strain.4 Despite this sector having the 13th-highest economic output in the UK last year, and the third-highest number of businesses (285,000), it is still one that continues to navigate significant pressures.5 The Water & Waste Management sector has the fourth-highest number of failed businesses (2.9%). Out of 17,545 companies, 501 have failed, leaving 15,700 active companies. While the percentage is lower than industries like Mining & Quarrying or Agriculture & Fishing, it still represents significant challenges for companies as the sector has struggled with high operational costs, lack of fresh water supply and a lack of proper regulation.6 In joint fifth place with a 2.6% failure rate are the Construction and Manufacturing sectors. In the Construction sector, 15,002 businesses out of 567,656 failed, leaving 507,160 active companies. This highlights the scale of the industry, which, despite its low percentage of failures, faces challenges such as a drop in planning approvals, particularly in office and retail projects.7 Despite this, the UK’s Construction sector saw a 0.8% rise in growth in Q3, showing its resilience, which is evident in its large number of active businesses, emphasising its vital role in supporting economic development through infrastructure and housing projects.8 The Manufacturing sector experienced 6,410 failures out of 243,237 businesses, with 219,705 still active. The sector has faced pressures in recent years such as rising inflation and labour costs, barriers to trade relationships and supply chain continuity between the UK and the EU.9 Despite these obstacles, Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the economy, contributing to exports and industrial innovation. The joint low failure rate outlines the importance of these sectors in maintaining economic stability and growth. In 10th place is the Finance & Insurance sector, with 1.7% (3,444) failed businesses, with 192,027 still active. This low percentage highlights the sector’s strong stability, despite facing challenges such as economic conditions and the ever-growing presence of cybersecurity threats. However, the UK’s financial regulators have recently introduced new rules to strengthen the resilience of technology and third-party services used by financial firms, aiming to mitigate risks to financial stability caused by disruptions or failures of critical third-party providers, which may make it easier for businesses in the future.10 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group is celebrating the launch of a new construction skills academy at its Fairways residential development in Salford, further building on its commitment to inspiring the next generation of tradespeople and addressing the industry’s skills shortfall. The Brackley Village Skills Academy has been opened in collaboration with local education and training providers to introduce learners of all ages to the skills needed to thrive in a construction career. Based within a custom-built facility at Vistry’s Fairways development in Little Hulton, the Skills Academy is expected to inspire hundreds of learners as work continues on construction of new homes on the former Brackley Golf Club site over the next two years. The Fairways will feature 345 homes: 138 available for rent and managed by Sigma, 41 will be affordable and managed by Great Places, while the remaining 166 will be marketed for sale by Countryside Homes, part of Vistry Group. The Brackley Village Skills Academy launch was attended by local dignitaries and representatives of the training and education organisations collaborating with Vistry on the initiative, including the Salford Skills and Work Board, Ionic Community Connections and Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC. According to the UK Trade Skills Index 2024, 1.3 million new recruits and 350,000 apprentices are needed in the construction sector over the next decade if it is going to keep up with targets for new homes and reach net zero targets. It is hoped that the Brackley Village Skills Academy can provide inspiration to people of all ages who are not currently in education, employment or training, or who are considering a career change. In particular, those attending the launch heard that the academy could inspire young people who missed out on periods of classroom education during the global Covid 19 pandemic. Many have found it more difficult than previous generations to set their sights on a specific career path. Officially opening Brackley Village Skills Academy, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford City Council, Cllr Tanya Burch, said it was vitally important that people seeking skills and employment can share in the opportunities presented by construction of new homes in the city. Cllr Tanya Burch, Ceremonial Mayor, Salford City Council, said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy is a fantastic initiative that reflects the strong partnership between local education providers and the construction industry here in Salford. This academy opens doors to exciting career opportunities, ensuring that people of all ages in our city can gain the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future for themselves and for Salford.” Joe Turner, Managing Director, Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy can play a vital role in inspiring local people to consider a career in construction, opening the door to incredibly rewarding career opportunities and helping to alleviate the talent shortage facing the construction sector. We are incredibly grateful to the training and education partners who have been working hard with Vistry Group to make this possible.” First launched by Vistry in 2017, the Vistry Skills Academy initiative is an innovative training programme designed to encourage more people to enter construction while combating the skills shortage affecting the sector. Delivered nationwide, each Academy provides onsite training, mentoring, and skills development, creating opportunities for local people to gain work experience and vocational qualifications. Each Academy is delivered in partnership with local authorities, schools, colleges, and the local supply chain. The combined Brackley Golf Club site, which encompasses a further 345 homes to be delivered by Bellway, is poised to significantly contribute to Salford City Council’s housing targets. As well as enhanced transport connections and education provision, Vistry is investing in Amblecote playing fields – including building a new changing room facility. Furthermore, Vistry aims to enhance the public realm and contribute to off-site open spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty Flannery, a partnership between Balfour Beatty and Flannery Plant Hire, has trained its 1,000th student at its Operator Skills Hub – showcasing its commitment to diversity and inclusion, transforming lives and bridging the construction skills gap. With over 250,000 additional workers needed in the construction industry by 2028, Balfour Beatty Flannery’s Operator Skills Hub is key in addressing the sector’s significant skills shortage and providing trainees with a direct path into employment – with an 80% job conversion rate, far exceeding the national average of 36%. Established in 2021 and supported by the UK Government’s Skills Bootcamp initiative,the Hub offers innovative training and apprenticeship schemes in plant operations. It aims to attract new talent to the sector while upskilling existing operators, with over 60% of graduates being made up of, or being, women (5%), young people (13%), the previously unemployed (27%), people with disabilities (12%), ex-offenders (4%), and veterans (5%). In addition, the purpose-built facility in Birmingham provides 200 supplementary courses for current plant operators to further upskill and prepare them for the modern-day, digitally enabled construction site. Balfour Beatty Flannery’s 1,000th student, Abigail Cleverley, achieved the nationally recognised accreditation through the Skills Bootcamp initiative to operate articulated dumper trucks and rollers. She has since secured a role at Balfour Beatty VINCI – HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands. Talking about her experience, Abigail Cleverley, Operator Skills Hub Graduate, said: “Completing my training at the Operator Skills Hub has been an incredible experience. The hands-on approach and state-of-the-art equipment gave me the confidence and skills I need to succeed in this industry now and in the future. “Thanks to the training, I’ve not only gained a nationally recognised qualification but also secured a role with Balfour Beatty VINCI on HS2 – one of the most exciting infrastructure projects in the UK. I can’t wait to be part of such a transformative scheme and to contribute to building the UK’s future infrastructure.” Abigail received her certificate from Andy Ormerod, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Asset & Technology Solutions and Patrick Flannery, Managing Director of Flannery Plant Hire. Discussing the Operator Skills Hub, Andy, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing here in partnership with Flannery. Together, we’re opening doors to meaningful careers for people from all backgrounds—many of whom might never have seen construction and infrastructure as an exciting career path until they joined us. “As we look ahead to the future, we’re committed to continuing our work to close the industry’s skills gap, creating a diverse and inclusive culture in our sector and providing a skilled and resilient workforce that can deliver for the UK in the future.” Patrick, said: “The Operator Skills Hub has allowed us to provide an opportunity to both new entrants into the industry and those existing plant operators looking to upskill through our Skills Bootcamp in Plant Operations. “Along with a diverse array of learners from career changers to veterans we have engaged with over 50 employers to secure meaningful and sustainable employment benefiting the wider industry”. With dedicated training sites across the UK, like the Operators Skills Hub and its Overhead Line Training Facility, as well as numerous apprenticeships and placements programmes, Balfour Beatty continues to upskill the next generation of skilled workers. Watch the highlights from the day and hear from those involved in our video showcasing the milestone achievement here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading decentralised energy consultancy HermeticaBlack have appointed Jason Robinson as Strategic Director for Real Estate and Regeneration. Aligning with HermeticaBlack’s industry leadership in the investment, development and asset management of energy and infrastructure, Jason will boost the company’s real estate practice in embedding net zero into development planning and delivery. Jason joins HermeticaBlack from his role as Director of Special Projects at London’s largest new regeneration scheme at Old Oak Common. While at Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), he led the commercialisation and preparation for delivery of a new district heating network that will capture low carbon heating from data centres. The project has recently been named as one of the Government’s six new UK heat network zones and HermeticaBlack are key advisers. Across a successful career in the property sector, Jason has played an intrinsic role in leading large urban regeneration projects, including the successful environmental and social legacies of two Olympic Games – most recently the trailblazing regeneration scheme in Stratford that accompanied London 2012. He has also led the delivery of major regeneration projects in Australia and the Middle East. He will use this expertise to support HermeticaBlack’s clients across the real estate and infrastructure sectors, in embedding decarbonisation into their development and asset management strategies. His work will allow them to translate broad net zero objectives into effective and practical development approaches, whilst navigating their implications on project strategy and delivery. Jason’s appointment comes alongside a period of expansion for HermeticaBlack as they support increased decarbonised energy activity in the real estate and investment markets, and respond to the growth of higher standards in sustainable investment and adoption of net zero policy. Chris Holmes, Managing Director at HermeticaBlack said of Jason’s appointment: “We’re thrilled to have someone with Jason’s expertise, commitment and background delivering world-class urban developments join the HermeticaBlack team. “Jason’s passion for high quality urban design alongside decarbonising the property industry aligns with HermeticaBlack’s leading position in developing and delivering energy efficient projects, and we’re looking forward to seeing him bring his considerable skillset to bear.” Jason Robinson, Strategic Director for Real Estate and Regeneration at HermeticaBlack said: “It’s fantastic to be joining HermeticaBlack, whose commitment to decarbonisation in the real estate sector and more widely, aligns with my own dedication to high quality regeneration and delivering social and environmental value alongside the economic. “With the new UK Government coming in full of ambition for the low carbon energy and housing sectors, it’s clear the future of real estate and regeneration is to bring high quality development in line with net zero and social aims from the very outset – something I saw first-hand at OPDC. “For me, HermeticaBlack is the ideal organisation at which to progress this ethos and exercise my expertise in originating, planning and delivering large-scale regeneration. Exciting times lie ahead and I look forward to leveraging my expertise to help our industry solve our net zero challenges.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway has won a prestigious award for its strategy to reduce carbon emissions across the business as it helps lead the housebuilding industry towards net zero. The company, which is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and builds homes across England, Scotland and Wales, scooped the prize for Best Carbon Reduction Innovation or Practice at the 2024 Building Innovation Awards. The award was presented at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held at The Hilton Deansgate in Manchester on Thursday (17 October). Carbon reduction is central to Bellway’s Better with Bellway sustainability strategy, which aims to put people and the planet first. The company has taken an all-encompassing approach to the delivery of low-carbon homes – through pioneering research, collaboration with the energy industry, and sharing findings and knowledge with the wider housebuilding industry. Bellway has also made highly significant progress towards science-based carbon reduction targets, which have been independently validated by the SBTi. Simon Park, Group Head of Sustainability for Bellway, said: “Carbon reduction forms one of the three key priorities of our over-arching Better with Bellway sustainability strategy and we are delighted that our industry-leading work in the drive towards net zero has been recognised at the Building Innovation Awards. “The ability to deliver carbon reduction at scale is an essential part of Bellway’s low-carbon strategy – in fact, scaling up is the very purpose of it, to ensure the industry can meet the challenges faced by climate change. “We are taking the lessons learned from the experimental Future Home we have built in a climate chamber at The University of Salford – where pioneering research is being conducted on a range of low-carbon technologies – and rolling out this knowledge to live development sites across the country. “Homes heated by air source heat pumps are now being built by each of our divisions and we’re the first national housebuilder to partner with energy provider Octopus on low-carbon Zero Bills homes. “We have also created a Future Hub within four Future Home exemplar plots at our Barton Quarter development in Bolton to provide training for our employees and other small and medium-sized housebuilders on Future Home technologies. This is spreading knowledge and expertise more widely, to help deliver the changes required to meet net-zero targets.” The first results from Bellway’s Future Home at The University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 facility were published in January this year, showing that the fabric of the house closely reflects the proposed Future Homes Standard. Bellway has also started construction at several ‘no gas’ developments, where air source heat pumps will be installed at every plot. These are at Springstead Village in Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, Ivy Hill in Bacton, Suffolk, and The Willows in Ancaster, Lincolnshire. Meanwhile, Bellway’s first Zero Bills homes have been builtat Victoria Gate in Stafford. Each property features roof-integrated solar panels, a domestic battery and an air source heat pump, alongside Octopus Energy’s Kraken energy management platform. To find out more about Bellway’s sustainability strategy, visit https://sustainability.bellwayplc.co.uk/carbon-reduction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thought leader and ambassador for change Paul Tinker, 48, has really set himself a difficult and challenging problem that exists in the UK today. Former solider and bricklayer Paul has made it his mission to lead change in how construction projects are delivered in the United Kingdom and has set about this change through powerful events and training being delivered globally. Having delivered over £300M worth of local authority funded construction projects, he sought change after the stress, the booze and working conditions in the industry needed a desperate shake-up. Paul’s project management expertise was weaponised by tier 1 main contractor employers to win, to win the battle of project management. The war that exists between client and contractor. Paul was deployed when the hammer needed to be dropped to win the battle and end the war. When one side wins, inevitably, one side also loses. And this is the change that Paul so desperately wants to see in the industry. Holding a firm belief that there is room on the market for a collaborative way of working to ensure both sides get the results that they are looking for through effective communication, collaboration and negotiation. Recently back from a talk he delivered in Coimbra, Portugal on these challenges that the industry faces, he was facing an uphill battle with getting his message across and grabbing attention from his peers and from industry. Speaking at industry specific networking events up and down the UK, spreading his message, he decided to make a bold move by hosting and funding his very own first National Event hosted at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. Partnering with industry sponsors and ticket holders to make the event financially viable and become a reality, he delivered an impressive 2-day conference at the Exhibition space where he was joined by 16 other thought leaders from the space who were all singing from the same hymn sheet. Another stand-out talk from the event was delivered by Paul’s wife, Lisa Tinker, 43, who shared her career story of discrimination in the industry and how she has been unfairly treated throughout her career, which included unfair dismissal, sexual discrimination, unfair pay and her career defining moment where she used this abuse to fight back. To fight back against these industry dinosaurs to be more inclusive, to build more inclusively and ultimately attract a wider array of people into our struggling industry. Guests and speakers flew in from Dubai, Belfast, Portugal, Cyprus and came from all 4 corners of the UK to hear and support spread this message of collaboration will always beat conflict. Recently partnering with the CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board on a recent project to deliver this message to a conference of school children as it’s Paul’s firm belief that this is where the grass roots and next generation of construction professionals will come from and therefore the charge needs to be led from the back. That message is clear and can be seen and heard throughout the message he is driving across social media, the press, his events and now through this National Conference recently delivered. Following this noise that he has been making, Paul has now been approached by Doncaster University to deliver the message of change to graduates about to enter their paid profession with an unfamiliar perspective to leave their formal, academic education with which Paul hopes will improve their results and the industry at large if implemented. Paul, having delivered this most recent event so successfully decided to take on the even bigger challenge of doubling the audience size and taking it to the nation’s capital for 2025. So in November 2025, Paul will do it all again in London with the mission of changing the way in which construction projects are delivered in the UK, bridging the gap that exists between two adversarial industries – the property developer and construction industries. One side always setting up to beat the other with some contractual clause or trick up their sleeve. Openness, transparency and collaboration are always going to beat conflict, secrecy and competition and will always yield better results – so why do we seemingly always opt for the latter? Likely answer to this question is “Because that just how the industry is” Well Paul is here to change this…. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a £70 million sustainable build-to-rent (BTR) development in Manchester city centre have been unanimously approved by Manchester City Council. The 23-storey residential scheme, proposed by property investment and development company Zephyr X, will be located at the corner of Carnarvon Street and Cheetham Hill Road. The project will feature 237 high-quality one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside a ground-floor commercial space, and is expected to break ground next year. Zephyr X Managing Director Graham Haydon-White expressed his gratitude to the council, saying: “Our development represents an exciting opportunity to support the ongoing regeneration of this vibrant corner of Manchester, addressing the strong demand for premium city-centre accommodation. We are eager to appoint contractors and commence work on site next year.” Designed by award-winning Manchester architects Hawkins\Brown, the building aims to add an elegant touch to the city’s skyline. It will complement the growing cluster of developments in the Great Ducie Street, Green Quarter, and Red Bank areas, blending sustainability with modern design. Known for its expertise in BTR and healthcare facilities, Zephyr X continues to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art living spaces that prioritise cutting-edge design and advanced technology. This latest project is set to play a key role in Manchester’s urban regeneration, enhancing the area’s appeal for residents and businesses alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Knowsley Council has approved funding for the first phase of an ambitious 10-year redevelopment plan that will reshape Huyton town centre. The transformative project includes a new council headquarters, a 130-room hotel, and 72 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments, laying the foundation for a revitalised community hub. Set to inject up to £50 million into the local economy, the redevelopment is expected to create approximately 1,700 new jobs. The project spans over seven acres, replacing outdated 1970s council buildings with modern, purpose-built infrastructure that reflects the needs of a growing and dynamic population. The council’s masterplan doesn’t stop there. Future phases could include additional office spaces and up to 300 new homes, cementing Huyton’s place as a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. With this bold initiative, Huyton town centre is poised to become a modern and thriving focal point for the region, ensuring a bright future for its community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sephora is making a bold statement in the UK with ambitious plans to open at least 20 stores across the country within the next two to three years. CEO Guillaume Motte shared the cosmetics giant’s vision in an interview with The Times, emphasising the brand’s confidence in physical retail despite challenges in the sector. The global beauty powerhouse, owned by luxury conglomerate LMVH, already boasts over 3,000 stores in 35 countries. Sephora returned to the UK’s high streets last year after an 18-year absence and has since established a foothold with six locations, including Westfield Stratford, Westfield London, Manchester, two stores in Newcastle, and most recently, Birmingham, which opened last week. Looking ahead, the retailer plans to open stores in Bluewater this winter and Liverpool ONE in early 2025, signalling its commitment to growing its presence in prime UK shopping destinations. Reflecting on the state of retail, Motte told The Times, “I know that sometimes we hear retail, especially in the UK, described as doom and gloom. My response is always: ‘boring retail is dead, but exciting retail is alive and thriving.’” Sephora’s journey in the UK has been a rollercoaster. The brand first entered the market in 2000 with a store in Kent but withdrew five years later due to soaring rents and fierce competition from domestic players like Boots. Rumours of a comeback surfaced in 2019 but didn’t materialise. However, Sephora’s £132 million acquisition of FeelUnique in 2021 laid the groundwork for its triumphant return. With its sights set firmly on growth, Sephora is poised to reshape the UK beauty retail landscape, bringing its signature blend of luxury and innovation to more customers nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
