Leading Magherafelt-based contractor Henry Brothers has been appointed onto the University of Manchester Construction Framework for the first time. The company has won four contracts to deliver developments at the university over the past few years and this appointment onto the framework opens up a pipeline of future projects. The
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election,
It’s often difficult to navigate the changes in the real estate market, but what if you had a compass that could predict the shifts before they happen? Artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) emerging role in real estate development is that compass, guiding developers and investors effectively. Whether it’s crafting personalized experiences for
Building on our Retrofitting Offices report, published in January, UKGBC’s Non-Domestic Retrofit: Retail and Logistics project seeks to explore how we can best decarbonise the retail and logistics sectors through effective retrofit planning and delivery. Retrofitting non-domestic property will play a crucial role in achieving our net zero targets. According
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in
Commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial has today unveiled plans for a £14 million warehouse development in the West Midlands after acquiring a high-quality site in an off-market deal. Barberry plans to deliver a 70,000 sq ft Grade A ‘best in class’ distribution and logistics unit on the last
ADDING to a bursting CV that demonstrates why it is the UK’s leading housing decarbonisation specialist, Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has taken home two accolades from The Retrofit Academy Awards. Dubbed by many as the ‘Oscars of the decarbonisation sector’, The Retrofit Academy Awards recognise the effort, talent,
The tunnel will be used to carry power cables for HS2’s Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) set to build the high-speed rail line to Euston. UK Power Networks is providing HS2 with 45MVA of electricity supply to facilitate the construction of the high-speed railway. Three new high voltage cable circuits around
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within supply chains, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new distinguished members to its Board of Directors. The new appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will strengthen the School’s mission of
Leading Magherafelt-based contractor Henry Brothers has been appointed onto the University of Manchester Construction Framework for the first time. The company has won four contracts to deliver developments at the university over the past few years and this appointment onto the framework opens up a pipeline of future projects. The four-year framework is for schemes from £5m to £20m and Henry Brothers is one of five contractors that have been awarded a place on it. Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are proud to have been appointed onto the University of Manchester Construction Framework and look forward to supporting the university as it continues to improve its estate and facilities. “Henry Brothers initially began working with the university in early 2022 on the first phase of the refurbishment of its Chemistry Building, and we are currently now delivering the second phase of this extensive project. “Since then, we have also been appointed to undertake two further schemes at the university, so we are very pleased to be cementing our partnership with The University of Manchester by being awarded a place on the university’s construction framework. “This appointment will support us as we continue to expand our North West office, which opened in Manchester in 2022, and has already relocated to larger office space in the city. “Henry Brothers has wide-ranging experience of working with universities in the East Midlands, West Midlands and the North West, supporting our partners to invest in their buildings and facilities. This latest framework appointment is great news for the company.” Henry Brothers is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and will be part of the company’s Executive Committee. Anna’s most recent role at Kier saw her lead the sustainability strategy for the UK-wide construction division. Previous to this she established the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine, where she won Environmental Contractor of the Year. Her experience spans the client, main contractor and subcontractor value chain making her ideally placed to understand the challenges and opportunities available to the business in its vision to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Commenting on her new role, Anna said: “Aggregate Industries is a future focused and innovative company with sustainability at the heart of its vision. “I’m thrilled to be joining this business and look forward to working alongside the talented teams here to deliver an ambitious sustainability agenda that will add real value for our customers and communities.” Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Decarbonising our operations and the wider industry is central to our vision and strategy as a company. “So it is great to have Anna joining us at this exciting time. She has an established track record in sustainability within a construction setting and understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to her continuing to take us forward on our journey.” Aggregate Industries launched its first Sustainability Strategy: Building Progress for a Sustainable Future in May 2022 and last year it released its ambitious plan to achieve zero carbon emissions before 2050 through its Our Journey to Net Zero strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election, CIAT’s document focuses on three core issues; low carbon and retrofit, building safety, and skills shortages and recognition. The Institute is calling for greater collaboration within the sector to address these critical areas, to ensure that we can create sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities for future generations. CIAT President, Eddie Weir PCIAT, said: “We present this three-point plan to the next UK Government, outlining key areas of focus to build a sustainable future for our nation. This will require a coordinated effort from Government, the sector, and communities to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.” The document can be accessed and downloaded here: https://architecturaltechnology.com/about/ciat-recommendations-improved-built-environment.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
It’s often difficult to navigate the changes in the real estate market, but what if you had a compass that could predict the shifts before they happen? Artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) emerging role in real estate development is that compass, guiding developers and investors effectively. Whether it’s crafting personalized experiences for homebuyers or streamlining management processes, AI is reshaping how we approach building communities and investing in them. 5 Ways AI Plays a Role in the Future of Real Estate Development AI is quickly becoming a cornerstone in real estate development, offering tools that revolutionize how we build, market, and manage properties. Here are five ways AI is shaping the future. 1. Predictive Analytics for Investment Insights In real estate development, making informed decisions can mean the difference between a lucrative investment and an underperforming asset. This is where predictive analytics comes into its own, offering a powerful tool for gaining nuanced insights that guide future investments. By processing vast datasets, including historical property data, current market trends, demographic shifts, and economic indicators, AI uncovers patterns impossible for humans to discern unaided. And according to a McKinsey&Company report, companies that use big data and analytics in their operations are more productive and 5 to 6% more profitable. For you in real estate development, leveraging predictive analytics means you’re no longer relying on gut feelings or linear projections. Instead, you receive sophisticated forecasts about neighborhood growth trajectories or the ebb and flow of market prices. 2. Virtual Staging AI for Property Marketing In today’s dynamic real estate market, capturing the attention of potential buyers is crucial. That’s where the concept of AI-powered virtual home staging comes into play, revolutionizing property marketing with cutting-edge technology. By employing virtual staging AI tools for property marketing, agents and developers can create compelling visual narratives from their computer screens. Agents no longer have to lug around furniture to and from the property. Not only that, but a HomeLight survey shows that 83% of agents agree that a staged home will sell faster than a non-staged home. Agents will also save a lot of money and time and have the option to instantly change the furniture of their property to the buyer’s preferences. 3. Enhanced Customer Service with Chatbots In the real estate arena, responsiveness can be the difference between closing a deal and losing a client. That’s where AI chatbots come into the picture, offering an unrivaled enhancement to customer service. These smart assistants provide immediate communication any time of day or night, ensuring that potential clients always feel heard and aided. Here are some standout benefits of integrating chatbots: An Intercom report found that, while it’s true that 87% of consumers prefer to speak to a human, AI chatbots increased sales by an average of 67%. This proves that when chatbots are used appropriately, they can increase your profit margin and enhance customer service simultaneously. 4. Efficient Property Management Through Automation Property management is evolving rapidly with the advent of AI automation, significantly simplifying the complexities involved in managing real estate assets. By incorporating this technology, property managers can boost their efficiency, cut down on errors, and free up time to focus on more strategic tasks that demand a human touch. Now, they’ll be less busy. Here’s how automation aids in honing property management: Considering that businesses leveraging automation have seen a 14.5% increase in sales productivity and a 12% reduction in marketing overheads, applying these tools to property management boosts your operational competence and positively impacts your bottom line. 5. Tailored Recommendations for Buyers and Renters In today’s real estate landscape, personalization is the key to capturing attention and closing deals. As both buyers and renters wade through an ocean of choices, what they truly crave are recommendations that feel handpicked for their unique needs and lifestyles. The use of sophisticated algorithms allows AI to analyze vast amounts of data on user preferences, past behavior, and even financial criteria to present highly tailored suggestions. It’s not surprising, then, that 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. For people in real estate development or sales, this means employing AI can help predict which properties will work best with your clients. These systems will learn, based on previous data, exactly what buyers and renters want and need. Anticipating Market Shifts Keeps You Ahead Embrace the power of predictive analytics, virtual staging, and chatbot efficiency to unlock new possibilities and propel your investments forward. The future is beckoning to those ready for innovation in property management and development. So why wait? Take the leap into AI integration today. It could be the decision that shapes your success in the market of tomorrow.
Building on our Retrofitting Offices report, published in January, UKGBC’s Non-Domestic Retrofit: Retail and Logistics project seeks to explore how we can best decarbonise the retail and logistics sectors through effective retrofit planning and delivery. Retrofitting non-domestic property will play a crucial role in achieving our net zero targets. According to UKGBC’s Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, the non-domestic building stock is responsible for 23% of the UK built environment’s operational emissions, with the retail and logistics sectors being the primary drivers of operational emissions. With around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already built, we need to deliver rapid improvements in the energy efficiency of our current building stock if we are to achieve our net zero ambitions. This is why UKGBC has been delivering a workstream covering the retrofit of these energy intensive non-domestic buildings. This next phase will focus on buildings in the retail and logistics sectors and aims to explore the operational energy performance improvements that can be achieved, alongside the consequent cost and embodied carbon impacts. This is intended to inform planned upgrades to existing assets and help overcome common challenges and to meet the likely ambition behind emerging net zero carbon performance limits, such as those being developed by the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. In addition, the report will collate real-world examples of retrofit measures to illustrate what these projects can look like and the lessons learned from implementation. UKGBC is pleased to share that six organisations from across the built environment sector have come together to support this project and make this much needed analysis possible. These organisations are: AtkinsRéalis, Federated Hermes, Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), Mitsubishi Electric, Ridge and Partners, and SEGRO. Formed of experts in retrofitting retail & logistics buildings from across our Advancing Net Zero programme partners, project partners and wider UKGBC membership, the task group will work closely with the UKGBC team to undertake this research over the next year. The Task Group are: This project forms part of UKGBC’s work on Advancing Net Zero, learn more about this overarching programme and our previous work on non-domestic retrofit here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event takes place during a momentous year for both Arco and the health and safety industry, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Arco’s 140th anniversary. Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found in Hall 4, Stand 4/G100 and has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the hierarchy of control, emphasising the importance of a joined-up approach to safety management. With a focus on consultancy, training, expert advice, compliance and sustainability, Arco aims to demonstrate its unparalleled safety expertise. Visitors to the Arco stand can expect immersive experiences, including virtual reality demonstrations where they will be placed in realistic environments, highlighting hazards within working at height and confined spaces. The stand will also showcase Arco’s award-winning Responsible hi-vis and Responsible workwear product ranges, as well as its product-assurance process and independent UKAS-accredited laboratory. Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in four categories for the 2024 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: BSIF Product Innovation Award Safety Product Category (Non-PPE), Campaign of the Year, Distributor of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as sponsoring and judging this year’s inaugural Sustainable Company of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event. Gareth Wray, Marketing Director at Arco, commented: “We are thoroughly excited to be attending The Health & Safety Event during such a special year for Arco and the industry. We have gone above and beyond to create a truly engaging experience for visitors, showcasing our expertise not only in sourcing and delivering quality and compliant products, but in driving forward sustainable practices and offering joined-up safety solutions. “We look forward to interacting with the many attendees and sharing our expertise to drive positive change in safety practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial has today unveiled plans for a £14 million warehouse development in the West Midlands after acquiring a high-quality site in an off-market deal. Barberry plans to deliver a 70,000 sq ft Grade A ‘best in class’ distribution and logistics unit on the last site at Quinton Business Park, Ridgeway, Birmingham, after acquiring the land for an undisclosed sum. The company – one of the UK’s leading developers of mid-box industrial units – exchanged contracts within two weeks of instructing solicitors and completed the deal earlier this month, according to development director Jon Robinson. “Our acquisition of this prime site at Junction 3 of the M5 Quinton Business Park is the latest significant investment by Barberry. The acquisition demonstrates the strong financial position of the company, our ability to transact quickly and our continued commitment to the mid-box industrial and logistics sector in key strategic locations. “Importantly, the development of a best-in-class 70,000 sq ft unit will help to address the ongoing shortage of new, high quality mid-box industrial/logistics accommodation in the West Midlands. Our building will be designed to enable businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and deliver financial savings across their operations. Barberry strives to help create flexible space to work while promoting staff wellness, delivering quality accommodation that local, regional and national businesses need in order to expand their operations within the Midlands, delivering new jobs and attracting investment,” said Jon. The site is already allocated for employment uses and Barberry intends to submit a detailed application to Birmingham City Council in May for planning permission for a c:70,000 sq ft unit with a focus on sustainability, built to exceptional ESG standards, targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent accreditation including electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, green initiatives and wildlife walks around the site. Jon added: “We are excited at the prospect of delivering another high quality warehouse and distribution unit. The building will be available for occupiers’ requirements on either a freehold or leasehold basis.” Agents Savills and M1 Agency will be the retained agents acting for Barberry. Quinton Business Park is an established and prestigious business park situated adjacent to junction 3 of the M5 and on a main arterial route (A456) five miles south-west of Birmingham city centre. It hosts a range of corporate occupiers including Wates Construction, Highways Agency, Police Complaints Commission, VTG Rail, ADT, Lindner Prater and Serco. Barberry has a 2.4 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £395 million. The company has 500 acres of strategic residential and employment development land across 12 sites under its control and a growing income producing commercial and residential portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ADDING to a bursting CV that demonstrates why it is the UK’s leading housing decarbonisation specialist, Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) has taken home two accolades from The Retrofit Academy Awards. Dubbed by many as the ‘Oscars of the decarbonisation sector’, The Retrofit Academy Awards recognise the effort, talent, and commitment to excellence across the industry. SBS has for a second year in a row been named Retrofit Contractor of the Year, as well as securing the win for Best Retrofit Employer award for the first time. Both awards further solidifying its reputation as the leading expert in delivering social change through its actions. The Retrofit Contractor of the Year award endorses excellence, meeting PAS 2035 principles, consistent delivery of high-quality resident engagement, innovation, high-quality whole house retrofit projects, and providing career pathways within the retrofit sector. Derek Horrocks, owner and chair at SBS, said: “We’re blown away to win two categories at the decarbonisation sector’s most prestigious awards. To me, it confirms that our approach to retrofit decarbonisation is the recipe for success. Putting people first – both in regard to our own team and the thousands of residents and client homes we’ve worked on in the past year – is key to the delivery of a high-quality service, which is at the heart of our ethos. “Since last year’s award win, we haven’t rested on our laurels either. Instead, we’ve put almost all members of our team through The Retrofit Academy’s accredited training programmes to further educate and upskill them – seeing us upskill and train every single member of our team. “Our core goal is to provide some of the most vulnerable in society with a warm, comfortable and healthy home. Through our work, we have achieved this for thousands of families over the past year. Our retrofit decarbonisation measures improve the residents’ health, wellbeing, and finances in one coordinated approach with the changes we see in communities following installation being night and day. These awards are symbolic that we’re doing well, but it by no means we will slow our momentum.” The Best Retrofit Employer category exists to recognise companies that are leading the way in people investment, skills and professional development. The category focuses on upskilling opportunities and the quality of organisational culture, seeking to recognise not just what has been delivered, but the employee satisfaction in company culture and standards. Gary Lawson, managing director at SBS, said: “Entering these awards allowed us to really take stock of the huge progress made in skills and training for our team – and wider supply chain – in the past year alone. Along with this award, we achieved Investors in People Silver accreditation, along with upskilling our whole workforce and supporting more subcontractors and partners to achieve retrofit NVQs and qualifications. “Meanwhile, we have built up our apprenticeship levels to 12% of the business – well above the industry average and with aims to increase this further. We haven’t stopped with our own team and have also provided training opportunities to the wider supply chain through CITB funding and Think Construction. “It’s a testament to the profound commitment, passion, and high-quality delivery of our team that we have been named Retrofit Contractor of the Year two years in a row. SBS has grown rapidly, and with it the extent of the societal change we’re now able to create. It’s an honour to be at the forefront the mission to solve fuel poverty and the climate crisis, working closely with The Retrofit Academy to inspire the next generation to follow in our footsteps.” To discover more about Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd’s mission to change lives through housing decarbonisation, go to https://www.sustainablebuildinguk.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The tunnel will be used to carry power cables for HS2’s Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) set to build the high-speed rail line to Euston. UK Power Networks is providing HS2 with 45MVA of electricity supply to facilitate the construction of the high-speed railway. Three new high voltage cable circuits around 3km in length will be energised to the Distribution Network Operator’s nearby substation which feed into the network that will power the manned TBMs. Each of the Euston TBMs weigh over 2,000 tonnes and measures 140m in length. They will be delivered to HS2’s Old Oak Common station site later this year and assembled ready for launch in the underground box. To connect the circuits to its Old Oak Common substation, UK Power Networks appointed civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale to drive a 125m long tunnel beneath the Grand Union Canal, reaching the company’s substation on Atlas Road. 6m diameter and 15m deep caissoned launch and reception shafts were constructed before an Akkermann TBM was deployed to drive the 120m long tunnel beneath the canal. The 1500mm concrete tunnel was constructed from pipe jacked, pre-cast concrete sections. The completion of the micro tunnel is a significant milestone for UK Power Networks and HS2 allowing for the final section of the 33,000-volt cable route to be completed. Works are expected to be completed in spring 2024. Pamela Ali, programme manager, Capital Programme at UK Power Networks, said: “It has been a huge achievement to successfully and safely construct the micro-tunnel which will enable to install our circuits across the Grand Union Canal. A huge thank you to the HS2 and the Canal & River Trust for their support throughout.” Niki French, head of utilities, HS2, said: “The delivery of this power tunnel is a critical part of our programme to build the new high-speed railway into the heart of London. Through close collaboration and great teamwork, we have worked together to ensure the HS2 programme is maintained. It has been a pleasure working with the dedicated UK Power Networks team, who are always professional, helpful, and genuinely do care.” Barhale’s regional manager Ovi Frunza said: “This microtunnelling project is another key piece in the HS2 jigsaw. “We are pleased to be able to continue to play our part in the continuing construction of HS2. We are involved in works at several sites along the route, including essential diversionary work at Ruislip and enabling works at the London terminus. “This will be the first time that we have worked with UK Power Networks and we are delighted to have secured the contract for this essential work. We are looking forward to building a long-term relationship.” Jaione Echeveste, SCS Utilities, said: “HS2, UK Power Networks, and their contractors have been working collaboratively and relentlessly with key stakeholders to design and deliver this scheme. “The commitment and responsibility demonstrated by all parties throughout the project have stood out which have allowed us to achieve successfully this critical outcome.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within supply chains, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new distinguished members to its Board of Directors. The new appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will strengthen the School’s mission of enabling a sustainable built environment through knowledge and collaboration. Joining the board are: Aled commented, “I am honoured to join the Supply Chain Sustainability School Board. Their compelling vision to deliver a more sustainable built environment is inspirational. I am eager to contribute towards shaping a more productive, innovative and sustainable sector; catalysing more engagement and partners.” Mandy commented on her appointment: “Having been an active Partner in the Supply Chain Sustainability School for the last eight years, I’m honoured to be joining the Board. With a passion for all things sustainability and bringing SME perspective, I aim to support increased engagement from the smaller companies, who make up a large part of the supply chain.” Ben commented, “Being appointed to the board of the Supply Chain Sustainability School is a privilege. It’s a great opportunity to weave my passion for sustainability into the fabric of the construction industry. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, collaborate with fellow visionaries, and drive meaningful change towards a future where every link in the chain reflects our commitment to our people, our places and our planet.” The Supply Chain Sustainability School is dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient and environmentally responsible supply chains. The addition of these individuals to the Board of Directors underscores the School’s commitment to driving meaningful progress in sustainability practices. “We are thrilled to welcome Aled, Mandy and Ben to our Board of Directors,” said Hilary Hurrey, Head of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. “Their diverse backgrounds and deep expertise will be invaluable as we continue to empower our members and Partners to integrate sustainability into their operations.” For more information about the Supply Chain Sustainability School, explore the website here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals