The largest logistics real estate developer in Europe, Panattoni, has broken ground on one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK, which will initiate the flow of a £900m investment into the economy over the next decade. Panattoni Park Swindon will comprise of 11 net zero carbon buildings totalling
Recognising Excellence in Employee Satisfaction and Engagement Employees from top Construction, Engineering & Real Estate companies such as Strata, McCarthy & Stone and Cameron Homes are amongst the 250,000 UK personnel who surveyed with Great Place to Work® UK. Using the data gathered from the research-backed and anonymous employee experience
Costain, the UK infrastructure business, has been selected by Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) as one of nine specialist partners for a landmark carbon capture scheme with a combined value of around £4bn. NZT Power and NEP are joint ventures involving the global
Balfour Beatty today announces that, alongside Technip Energies and GE Vernova, it has received a Letter of Intent from bp, on behalf of NZT Power Limited, to progress with the next phase of the Net Zero Teesside Power project. Net Zero Teesside Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor,
The UK government’s plans for new gas power stations as back up for renewables should prompt high energy users to consider decentralised solutions to balance security of supply against the need for greener energy, according to a sector expert. The government says the new gas power stations, which will be
Goodman’s London Brentwood Commercial Park is set to become the new headquarters for Wayland Games, Europe’s largest independent retailer for tabletop hobbies, with construction underway for 50,000 sq ft of high-quality warehouse space. The start on site was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony as Goodman and construction partner, Magrock, launched
As part of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the runway at Rothera Research Station has successfully been resurfaced by construction company BAM, and the design completed by Ramboll. The station is a major hub for international science in Antarctica, and this significant achievement is a
Headline numbers: New analysis shows that building and construction manufacturers have rebounded from the supply chain challenges of 2022, with a jump in profitability. Mid-sized firms in the sector have benefitted from demand for products and stabilising supply chains, according to the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index, compiled quarterly by inventory management software brand
Nathan Emerson, CEO Propertymark comments… Propertymark are extremely concerned to see reports within the news of a rumoured £300m attack on landlords within the budget, all at a time when many have already left the sector and many more are just about holding on. Just like traditional homeowners, inflation and
Network Rail is actively seeking construction and engineering partners for its ambitious £1.4 billion Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, a transformative project poised to reshape rail travel in the heart of England. Embark on a journey into the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, an extraordinary initiative set to revolutionise rail connectivity and
The largest logistics real estate developer in Europe, Panattoni, has broken ground on one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK, which will initiate the flow of a £900m investment into the economy over the next decade. Panattoni Park Swindon will comprise of 11 net zero carbon buildings totalling 7.2 million sq ft, of brand new advanced real estate space, fit for logistics, manufacturing and data centre uses. The formal ground breaking ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, Swindon’s Members of Parliament, Rt Hon Robert Buckland MP and Justin Tomlinson MP, and Panattoni CEO for Europe and India and Co-Founder, Robert Dobrzycki, Managing Director for UK, Matthew Byrom, and Head of Development, Southern England & London, James Watson. Speaking at the event, Mr Sunak said: “What we are able to celebrate today is one of the largest investments in the south, one of the largest development sites in the south, that is going to create thousands and thousands of jobs and that is fantastic for the local area. A huge vote of confidence, not just in the UK economy but in the local area in particular. I don’t think this would have happened without the efforts of everyone involved including our two MPs here and what it means is that everyone here can look forward to a brighter future. The economy has been through, of course, a tough couple of years but I believe we have turned a corner and announcements like this show that our plan is working.” Panattoni Park Swindon is committed to its environmental responsibility, achieving net zero carbon in construction, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, EPC A+ and 10% net gain biodiversity. The site benefits from detailed planning consent for a single unit of 1.25 million sq ft and outline planning permission for the whole park. The proposals will generate thousands of new employment opportunities, including up to 7,000 new jobs on site and 9,000 indirect jobs in the supply chain over the next 10 years. Speaking on behalf of Panattoni, Matthew Byrom, Managing Director, said: “It was great to welcome the Prime Minister today to unveil the ground breaking of Panattoni Park Swindon. What our commitment today of $1.15bn (£900m) into this project demonstrates, is that the UK post-Brexit remains a highly attractive place to invest; with its stable economy and political backdrop, it gives our capital certainty that our investment is secure. We are confident that this significant level of inward investment will lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs and have a substantive ‘ripple out’ effect to both the local and regional economy. Panattoni Park Swindon will deliver around 7,500 new jobs which is twice the number afforded by the site when it was closed by Honda in July 2021. There are also likely to be many additional opportunities for primary and secondary suppliers. By any measure, this project is a huge vote of confidence for the region and the fundamentals that underpin the UK economy.” Infrastructure and demolition works have commenced and the construction for the speculative phase of development will begin later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Recognising Excellence in Employee Satisfaction and Engagement Employees from top Construction, Engineering & Real Estate companies such as Strata, McCarthy & Stone and Cameron Homes are amongst the 250,000 UK personnel who surveyed with Great Place to Work® UK. Using the data gathered from the research-backed and anonymous employee experience surveys, Great Place To Work has announced its annual UK’s Best Workplaces™ list. Construction, Engineering & Real Estate companies featured in this year’s list include: Each entered business is studied against a thorough and rigorous criteria, to rank and reveal which workplaces earn a place on the 2024 list revealed last night at Grovesnor House by comedian Katherine Ryan. Taking into account both culture audits and employees’ perspectives from a whole variety of industries and company sizes, respondents covered all levels of the workforce – from frontline workers to CEOs. Each person shared confidential feedback with Great Place To Work UK about what it’s really like to work for their organisation, their leaders, and with their colleagues – and what exactly makes these employers the best of the best. The Construction, Engineering & Real Estate companies included in the survey scored 88% overall against the survey statement ‘Our executives fully embody the best characteristics of our company’, this is 35% higher than the UK average reported in a 2023 UK population study by Great Place to Work UK. McCarthy & Stone (who rank 41 out of 50 companies in the Super Large category) saw 89% of employees agree with the statement ‘Taking everything into account, I would say this is a great place to work’, beating the typical UK construction, engineering & real estate company by 16%. Overall, the survey data told Great Place To Work® UK that employers shouldn’t underestimate the power of fun at work! Fun along with great management are key factors to them when rating their workplace. Analysis of employee survey responses overall highlights the key conditions that, according to staff, set the best workplaces apart: Fun is more than fluff: Employees are warning organisations not to underestimate the power of fun and its impact on their job satisfaction, advocacy, loyalty and retention. Best Workplaces don’t just hire a good culture fit and hope for the best – they actively work to advance social connections and a solid sense of fellowship amongst colleagues across all teams and levels of seniority. At Best Workplaces, 86% of employees agree theirs “is a fun place to work” (vs. the UK average of only 65%). Great management is key to employees’ wellbeing and intent to stay: Employees who believe management shows a genuine interest in them as people, and not just employees, are 7X more likely to recommend the organisation to family and friends as ‘a great place to work’ than those whose managers fail to do so. They’re also 7X more likely to feel the organisation is a psychologically and emotionally healthy place to work, which significantly impacts their wellbeing and intent to stay with the company – and, in turn, the business’ overall performance. Culture is a key predictor of financial success: E.g. DHL Express – ranked third in the Super Large size category on this year’s List; was the No. 2 World’s Best Workplace™; and ranked 20 on the Fortune 500 Europe. The logistics giant is proof that great culture can be achieved even in a massive corporation within an industry widely perceived to be high-stress and low-fun for its frontline workers. “Every company says that people are at the centre of everything they do,” says John Pearson, Global CEO of DHL Express. “But only if you live that out authentically, and can point to dozens of proof points that demonstrate it, then they’re not just words.” Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director, Great Place To Work UK, said: “Merging purpose and profit in a people-centric culture will become even more critical to organisational success in 2024. Increasingly, UK employees are demanding more flexibility, more fun, and more opportunities for growth at the places they work. This is more than just a trend: our year-long evaluation of over 250,000 anonymous employee surveys, and countless business trends, proves it is a powerful shift towards more organisations adopting this holistic approach to business. Market leaders are recognising that success can no longer be measured merely in financial terms – the wellbeing, engagement, and trust of every individual is what truly drives an organisation forward. “In Best Workplaces, employees agree that every individual is seen not only as an asset, but also as a valued contributor. Their voice is not just heard, it’s actively sought. Feedback is assessed, addressed, and promises are delivered. These are not just great workplaces for some, they’re for all.” These companies also have the chance of being celebrated in the upcoming UK’s Best Workplaces in Construction, Engineering & Real Estate™ list this September, for more information of how to apply visit: https://www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/best-workplaces/construction To see best practices, insider interviews and the full list of the Best Workplaces™ 2024 please visit: www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/uks-best-workplaces Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the UK infrastructure business, has been selected by Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) as one of nine specialist partners for a landmark carbon capture scheme with a combined value of around £4bn. NZT Power and NEP are joint ventures involving the global energy leader, bp. Costain’s involvement with NZT Power, NEP and their partners is to oversee and manage the engineering procurement and construction of the onshore CO2 gathering system and associated utilities serving the East Coast Cluster. Costain is a recognised leader in energy infrastructure and in shaping energy transition solutions through its leading process design and programme management expertise. It has been involved in carbon capture projects since the 1960s and recently completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) for important elements of the landmark Teesside decarbonisation project. Sam White, managing director for natural resources at Costain, added: “This award is a testament to Costain’s position as a leading infrastructure solutions provider for the UK’s energy transition goals. Having completed delivery of the FEED stage, we continue to support bp as it progresses the wider decarbonisation of the local energy supply and pursues innovative carbon capture and storage solutions. “We are committed to improving critical infrastructure in the North-East of England and we are creating jobs and developing skills across the region. This includes delivering major upgrades to the region’s highways, as well as our recent AMP8 award with Northumbrian Water Group to upgrade both its wastewater and water treatment infrastructure that will improve people’s lives while safeguarding the environment.” NZT Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor, could generate up to 860 megawatts of flexible, low-carbon power equivalent to the average electricity requirements of around 1.3m UK homes. Up to 2m tonnes of CO2 per year would be captured at the plant, and then transported and securely stored by the NEP in subsea storage sites beneath the North Sea. NEP, a joint venture between bp, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, is the CO2 transportation and storage provider for the East Coast Cluster (ECC). The Teesside onshore NEP infrastructure would serve the Teesside-based carbon capture projects – NZT Power, H2Teesside and Teesside Hydrogen CO2 Capture – that were selected for first connection to the ECC by DESNZ in March 2023 as part of the UK’s cluster sequencing process for carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS). It is anticipated that around 4m tonnes of CO2 per year from these projects would be transported and stored from 2027. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, commented: “This is a transformational project that will have an enormously positive impact on the region. The successful delivery of the project will require a tremendous team effort, and we are looking forward to contributing our unique expertise in engineering and delivery. Teesside will gain an outstanding, integrated decarbonisation system, with the East Coast Cluster set to be the pioneer as schemes are rolled out across the UK.” Ian Hunter, managing director Net Zero Teesside Power, said: “The selection of contractors is a major step forward for Net Zero Teesside Power. We have selected world-class partners who have the experience and capability needed to deliver. We aim to take final investment decision in September 2024 or before, after which we’d look forward to working with our EPC partners through the construction phase.” Chris Daykin, general manager, Northern Endurance Partnership, said: “The selection of contractors is a clear signal of momentum within the East Coast Cluster. The Northern Endurance Partnership’s CO2 pipelines are essential to connect carbon intensive projects to offshore storage and would play an important role in helping the region pursue its net zero plan.” The contracts are all subject to the receipt of regulatory clearances and final investment decisions (FID) being taken in September 2024 or earlier. Following FID, the projects would be aiming for commercial operations from 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces that, alongside Technip Energies and GE Vernova, it has received a Letter of Intent from bp, on behalf of NZT Power Limited, to progress with the next phase of the Net Zero Teesside Power project. Net Zero Teesside Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor, is poised to become one of the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power stations with carbon capture, expected to capture up to 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year. The project is set to provide flexible, dispatchable low-carbon power equivalent to the average electricity requirements of around 1.3 million UK homes. In partnership with Technip Energies and GE Vernova, Balfour Beatty will construct a highly efficient combined-cycle plant, integrated with a state-of-the-art carbon capture plant using Technip Energies’ Canopy by T.ENTM solution powered by the Shell CANSOLV® CO2 capture technology. Balfour Beatty will bring its deep domain knowledge and unique, end-to-end multidisciplinary capabilities to deliver this landmark project, including the company’s industrial mechanical and electrical (M&E) heritage, utilising modular construction techniques to build the M&E equipment and plant rooms off-site, in a controlled factory setting. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement takes us a step closer to realising one of the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power stations with carbon capture. It’s a significant milestone in delivering the critical infrastructure needed to transition the UK to Net Zero. “Balfour Beatty’s market leading capabilities, underpinned by our unrivalled experience and proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, means we are perfectly positioned to support the delivery of this critical project alongside Technip Energies and GE Vernova – proving on the world-stage that the UK is primed and ready to lead the way in decarbonising our industrial footprint.” Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, commented, “Our selection for the Net Zero Teesside Power project is a testament to Technip Energies growing leadership position as an integrated state-of-the-art CCUS solutions provider. By capturing up to 2 million tonnes of CO2 at a large power plant, we collectively rise to the challenge of scale by providing sustainable and available energy at a large scale. With our partners GE Vernova and Balfour Beatty, we are honoured to contribute to this flagship project that supports bp and the UK in their goal of developing one of the first decarbonised industrial clusters in the world.” Maví Zingoni, CEO, Power at GE Vernova commented: “The development of Net Zero Teesside Power, one of the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power stations with carbon capture, marks a huge step towards supporting the UK government’s commitment to fully decarbonise its power system by 2035. GE Vernova will help bring proven expertise in natural gas combined cycle plant engineering, operability, and full-scale integration to support carbon abatement for this project. We believe post-combustion carbon capture can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and ensuring dispatchable power in the future.” Balfour Beatty’s selection follows the recent granting of the Development Consent Order by the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero with the project shortlisted for UK Government funding. Final contract award will be subject to receipt of regulatory clearances and final investment decisions (FID) being taken in September 2024 or earlier. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK government’s plans for new gas power stations as back up for renewables should prompt high energy users to consider decentralised solutions to balance security of supply against the need for greener energy, according to a sector expert. The government says the new gas power stations, which will be capable of operating for as little as one to two hours, are needed to meet demand on days when renewables such as solar and wind cannot deliver. “These plans underscore the looming energy shortages facing the UK’s power network as the energy mix rightly shifts towards renewable sources, which are inherently vulnerable to unfavourable weather conditions,” said Chris Rason, Managing Director of Aggreko Energy Services. “This issue is most acute for high energy users such as manufacturing facilities and data centres, which must maintain resilience while achieving tough voluntary and statutory decarbonisation targets. “Coupled with well-documented challenges relating to grid capacity and connection delays, it is unsustainable for high energy users to wait for centralised solutions from government. These will take many years to come to fruition, following site selection, design, planning permission and construction, and may not be ready when needed by energy intensive industries. As a result, a move towards decentralised generation is crucial.” The short-term decentralised options offered by Aggreko include battery energy storage solutions (BESS) combined with low emission, high performance Stage V generators, supporting or working independently of existing grid supply, with the option to scale to meet increased demand resulting from future expansion. Beyond this, Aggreko is also offering long term renewable solutions on a permanent basis. Chris added: “Adopting decentralised solutions gives control back to high energy users, assuring them of their ability to maintain uptime despite increasing challenges for the security of supply from the grid, while offering the ability to scale up or down depending on grid performance and operational needs.” Aggreko’s support for the energy transition is reflected in its recently launched sustainability framework, Energising Change. The framework allows Aggreko and the organisations it works with to embed low-carbon power technologies in their operations. At the heart of Energising Change are investments that give high energy users access to cleaner and greener energy sources, such as the expansion of its fleets of small, mid and large-size BESS, which builds on $140m earmarked over the last two years to expand Aggreko’s Greener UpgradesTM fleet, including new boilers, Stage V generators, batteries and chillers. To find out more, visit: www.aggreko.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Goodman’s London Brentwood Commercial Park is set to become the new headquarters for Wayland Games, Europe’s largest independent retailer for tabletop hobbies, with construction underway for 50,000 sq ft of high-quality warehouse space. The start on site was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony as Goodman and construction partner, Magrock, launched the development’s second phase. Located just three miles from Junction 29 of the M25, the purpose-built facility will provide space for Wayland Games to meet growing customer demand and enhance operational efficiency. The increased warehouse capacity will allow the retailer to stock more products, streamline its operations and use the latest technology to optimise inventory management, order fulfilment, and e-commerce logistics. To enable the company’s continued expansion, a sizeable mezzanine will provide office space and a dedicated production area, including a new creative studio for the company’s own brand Warcradle Studios. The building will also feature a communal space for the local gaming community to meet and play their favourite games. In line with Goodman’s focus on sustainability, the high-specification unit will be built to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification and will target an A+ rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Other features include solar PV to help contribute to the building’s power needs, innovative SolarWall® technology for heating office areas, and rainwater harvesting. Richard Lawford, Managing Director at Wayland Games, said: “Construction of this new facility marks a significant moment in our history. The purpose-built space will allow us to drive greater operational efficiencies while catering for future business growth. As part of our commitment to sustainability, it will also help us lower our energy use and continue to support us in reducing our carbon footprint.” Chris Beamer, Associate Director – Development at Goodman, added: “London Brentwood Commercial Park is already proving popular and has seen aviation supply chain specialist, Farsound, and global 3PL, OMLog, basing their UK operations here. We’re excited to be working with Wayland Games to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will support the company’s expansion and help meet growing customer demand.” Goodman’s London Brentwood Commercial Park provides access to world-class multimodal infrastructure, combined with excellent connectivity to UK, European and global markets. Logistics and distribution businesses can benefit from proximity to the major east coast sea ports, six port-side rail freight terminals and fast access to the M1, A1(M), M11 and M2. Phase 2 will see the completion of a further two units of 22,090 sq ft each, available for customers in Q4 this year. Each property will benefit from a ‘best in class’ specification, 1Gbps of diverse fibre for business continuity and future-proofing, and significant power availability to cater to a variety of businesses and technology requirements. Richard Brewer, Managing Director at Magrock, said: “We are delighted to be Goodman’s construction partner in delivering the next phase of development at London Brentwood Commercial Park. Working with Goodman, we will be creating sustainable and state-of-the-art facilities for its customers. Each new unit will feature market-leading specifications, including on-site renewables to maximise clean energy generation.” Agents marketing the scheme are Colliers, Knight Frank and Savills. To find out more about London Brentwood Commercial Park, please visit the website for further details. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), the runway at Rothera Research Station has successfully been resurfaced by construction company BAM, and the design completed by Ramboll. The station is a major hub for international science in Antarctica, and this significant achievement is a pivotal moment for BAS and the UK’s future polar research capabilities. Originally constructed in 1990, the runway is important infrastructure that enables the delivery of science in the deep-field of Antarctica. The newly resurfaced runway and new runway lighting delivers improved safety features for aircraft using the infrastructure with the project being completed over the course of two Antarctic seasons. This is a result of collaborative planning between the AIMP partnership and BAS’ Operations teams to manage the associated impact and enable its successful delivery within the planned timescales. In support of effective ongoing operations and maintenance at Rothera, measures were introduced to improve drainage performance along the runway. A turning circle has been created at the South end to improve overall efficiency. In keeping with BAS’ longer-term net zero and sustainability aims, the runway was resurfaced using existing materials, preventing the need to import materials and their associated carbon impact. It has since been used to facilitate trials of pilotless planes in support of scientific research and exploration, which will contribute to a future reduction in carbon emissions. Elen Jones, AIMP Programme Director, British Antarctic Survey, said: “The completion of the runway resurfacing and lighting project at Rothera Research Station is an important milestone in the delivery of AIMP and is testament to the dedication and expertise of our collective teams across two seasons in Antarctica. The enhancements delivered will greatly support our strategic aim to provide and operate world-leading research infrastructure enabling scientists from the UK, and colleagues from other nations, to work safely and effectively in the polar regions.” Natalie Wathen, Framework Manager at Ramboll, said: “Congratulations to the team for completing such a milestone project at Rothera. The upgrades to the runway’s surface and lighting will be greatly beneficial to how Rothera operates going forward. Through the increased drainage, the new surface will reduce the risk of floods and ice build-up. This will in turn lessen the time to clear the runway surface in preparation to accept aircraft.” Graham Hopper, Project Director, BAM, said: “The benefits of the project have a wider impact than operations; safety has been enhanced on the runway for precision landing approaches. The energy efficient end lighting will clearly define the runway location in relation to sea ice, which will increase assistance to pilots. We have also built in additional ducting capacity beneath the runway for future infrastructure requirements where a runway crossing may be required such as for the Rothera Renewable Energy Project, part of our strategy towards net zero carbon.” The AIMP is a long-term programme to support the UK’s polar research capabilities. Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), AIMP will enable the UK to continue to deliver cutting-edge climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation in Antarctica. AIMP is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll and Sweco. Together with the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, AIMP represents the largest Government investment in polar science infrastructure since the 1980s. Find out more: https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/antarctic-infrastructure-projects/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Headline numbers: New analysis shows that building and construction manufacturers have rebounded from the supply chain challenges of 2022, with a jump in profitability. Mid-sized firms in the sector have benefitted from demand for products and stabilising supply chains, according to the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index, compiled quarterly by inventory management software brand Unleashed. The report reveals data on GMROI (gross margin return on inventory) – a measure of the profits made on inventory costs – across 16 manufacturing categories. Manufacturers were also surveyed to gain first-hand insights into the specific challenges and opportunities they face. Building and construction made an average of £2.51 for every pound invested in inventory, up from £1.80 in the previous quarter. Like most of the manufacturing categories analysed, it achieved a higher GMROI compared to Q4 2022 when it stood at £1.76. The index shows it lagged behind industrial machinery, raw materials and equipment manufacturers, which generated £2.72 for every pound invested in inventory in Q4 2023. But this category only saw a marginal gain of 0.11p between Q3 and Q4. Jarrod Adam, Head of Product, at Unleashed, said: “Manufacturers in the buildings and construction sector performed well in the final quarter of last year. Although this category appeared in the bottom half of our table – 10 out of 16 – the year-on-year, and quarter-on-quarter, improvements are a sign that firms are on a more stable footing for the year ahead. “Overall, the businesses we surveyed across different manufacturing categories were optimistic about 2024, with almost three-quarters saying they expect demand to grow this year.” Bigger picture: manufacturing sector returns to health Overall, the report showed that the UK’s manufacturing sector has made a dramatic recovery – recording its best performance in more than two and a half years during the final quarter of 2023. Firms made an average of £2.33 for every pound invested in inventory, up from £1.98 the previous quarter and £2.05 in the same period of 2022. All but four of the manufacturing categories analysed saw an uplift in profitability during Q4, with clothing manufacturers and the energy chemicals sector storming ahead with £4.53 and £3.30 respectively. At the other end of the scale, the most dramatic fall was in plastics and rubber, which saw its profits on inventory drop to £1.16 from £2.65. Health and medical manufacturers, and cosmetics and personal care were both down by 16p and 8p. Industry category Gross Margin Return on Inventory, Q3 2023 Gross Margin Return on Inventory, Q4 2023 Clothing, Footwear, Accessories £ 2.85 £ 4.53 Energy, Chemicals £ 2.15 £ 3.30 Furniture, Fixtures, Home Furnishing £ 2.50 £ 2.77 Office Equipment and Supplies £ 1.72 £ 2.73 Industrial Machinery, Raw Material and Equipment £ 2.61 £ 2.72 Electronics, Telecommunication £ 1.54 £ 2.69 Electrical and Electronic Components £ 1.85 £ 2.68 IT Products and Services £ 2.18 £ 2.63 Cosmetics & Personal Care £ 2.64 £ 2.56 Building and Construction £ 1.80 £ 2.51 Health, Medical Supplies and Equipment £ 2.29 £ 2.13 Sport, Entertainment, Recreation £ 1.64 £ 1.69 Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) £ 1.40 £ 1.51 Automotive and Automotive Supplies £ 0.94 £ 1.47 Food £ 1.44 £ 1.44 Plastic and Rubber Products £ 2.65 £ 1.16 “The improvements in profitability show how well mid-sized manufacturers in the UK have rallied following the seemingly endless economic and supply chain uncertainty of the past few years,” said Adam. “In navigating the supply chain and economic challenges they’ve faced, many firms have embraced technology to refine their inventory management processes, enabling them to achieve better margins on their inventory spend.” For more information and for the full research, visit: www.unleashedsoftware.com/industry/manufacturing-inventory-management/manufacturinghealthindex Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nathan Emerson, CEO Propertymark comments… Propertymark are extremely concerned to see reports within the news of a rumoured £300m attack on landlords within the budget, all at a time when many have already left the sector and many more are just about holding on. Just like traditional homeowners, inflation and interest rates have hit landlords with force and there needs to be recognition from the UK Government that to provide high quality homes, whether they be short term lets or longer-term housing, the system must be workable. It is unacceptable there is constant aim being taking at landlords to the point the viability of the entire system is becoming seriously questionable for both existing landlords and future investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail is actively seeking construction and engineering partners for its ambitious £1.4 billion Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, a transformative project poised to reshape rail travel in the heart of England. Embark on a journey into the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, an extraordinary initiative set to revolutionise rail connectivity and economic prosperity across the region. Explore the key advancements and innovations that promise to bring unprecedented efficiency and growth. Picture a future where the pulse of England resonates with the smooth glide of trains along modernised tracks, fostering connectivity and driving economic expansion. Network Rail is set to realise this vision through a monumental £1.4 billion project that aims to overhaul the railway infrastructure in the Midlands. The Midlands Rail Hub Alliance represents a pivotal moment in the region’s transportation evolution, heralding an era of elevated connectivity and economic advancement. A Revolutionary Partnership More than just an infrastructure endeavour, the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance is a bold initiative reshaping the future of rail travel in the Midlands. Network Rail, in collaboration with a consortium of multidisciplinary partners, leads this ambitious venture. Together, they are crafting a series of enhancements, including new platforms and sidings, the introduction of up to two new chords into Birmingham Moor Street, and the expansion of an existing viaduct. But the transformation doesn’t end there. Upgrades to the power supply, new freight loops, and the implementation of new overhead line equipment (OLE) are also on the agenda. These changes, coupled with comprehensive signalling works, promise to optimise operations like never before. Innovative Collaboration through Alliance Contracts At the heart of this monumental undertaking is a commitment to collaboration and efficiency, epitomised by the use of a modified NR35 alliance contract. Built on the NEC4 alliance contract framework, this strategic move aims to cultivate a sense of cooperation and shared responsibility among all involved parties. By entering into a single alliance contract, Network Rail and its partners commit to working together, ensuring precision and harmony in every aspect of the project. This innovative approach not only sets a new standard for project management but also underscores the collective dedication to achieving a common goal: a revitalised and thriving Midlands rail network. Navigating Towards Progress As the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance gains momentum, the project’s impact extends beyond the tracks. This endeavour is about more than just enhancing railway infrastructure; it’s about unlocking the region’s full potential. Improved connectivity signifies more than just reduced travel times; it represents strengthened local economies, increased accessibility for communities, and a greener, more sustainable mode of transportation. By laying the foundation for a modernised rail system, Network Rail and its allies are not just reshaping the Midlands landscape; they’re paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future. The road ahead is marked with challenges and opportunities, but one thing is certain: the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance serves as a beacon of progress and innovation. As we gaze towards the horizon, the commitment to a revitalised rail network inspires hope and anticipation for the transformative future that lies ahead. For more details on this groundbreaking project and its mission to redefine travel in the Midlands, please visit the official Network Rail website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals