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Milton Park scoops national award for green innovation

Milton Park scoops national award for green innovation

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

Milton Park has been named as one of the country’s most sustainable innovation communities, thanks to its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and maximise biodiversity.  The Environmental Sustainability Award, presented at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference, celebrates the Park’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability

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DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST EVENT IN THE BUILDING CONTROLS SECTOR IN 2025!

Don’t miss the biggest event in the building controls sector in 2025!

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

BCIA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY! Anticipation is building towards the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards 2025. Entries for the 10 award categories are now open, so place your nominations today! Following on from last year’s incredibly successful event and celebrating the best the building controls sector has to

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Edward Architects named as best residential consultancy practice

Edward Architects named as best residential consultancy practice

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

In Residential Property Awards run by Yorkshire Children’s Charity The sustainable, regeneration and innovative residential work in Yorkshire of a Leeds-based architects practice has been recognised in this year’s Residential Property Awards run by the Yorkshire Children’s Charity.   Edward Architects has been named as the Best Residential Consultancy Practice in

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INCA appoints Alsecco’s Mark Weaver as new chairperson

INCA appoints Alsecco’s Mark Weaver as new chairperson

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) has named Alsecco’s Northern Regional Manager Mark Weaver as its new chairperson. In his position at the helm of the leading trade association for the external wall insulation industry in the UK, Mark will champion the sector, raising awareness of its work and

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Hortons to deliver c.200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby

Hortons to deliver c.200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby

Kenneth Booth October 24, 2024

Independent property company, Hortons, has secured planning consent for the redevelopment of a vacant warehouse unit in the UK’s logistics ‘golden triangle’. The project will deliver more than 200,000 sq ft of premium warehouse/logistics accommodation at Saxon Park off Saxon Way West, in Corby. Hortons will extensively redevelop a single

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APM calls for greater focus on project delivery and advises Government to resist urge to start ‘building’ straight away

APM calls for greater focus on project delivery and advises Government to resist urge to start ‘building’ straight away

Kenneth Booth October 24, 2024

On 30th October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the new Government’s first Budget.  Ahead of the Budget, Association for Project Management (APM) calls on government to focus on prioritising early-stage project planning to ensure the success of major capital projects in the pipeline, which are crucial for

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Latest Issue
Issue 342 : Jul 2026

Kenneth Booth

The Townsend Reaches New Heights: Topping Out Ceremony Marks Milestone in Birmingham's Luxury Living

The Townsend Reaches New Heights: Topping Out Ceremony Marks Milestone in Birmingham’s Luxury Living

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

BIRMINGHAM. The skyline of Birmingham’s Central Business District welcomed a new landmark today as developers celebrated the topping out ceremony of The Townsend, a highly anticipated luxury residential development on Church Street. This event marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress, bringing the city one step closer to a new standard in urban living. The Townsend, developed by the visionary Midleton team, offers an exclusive collection of exquisite one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in one of Birmingham’s most sought-after locations. Situated just off Colmore Row, residents will find themselves at the heart of the city’s vibrant business and cultural scene. The development’s prime location on Church Street places future residents in esteemed company, with neighbouring occupiers including The Grand Hotel, Hotel Du Vin, Gaucho, Fazenda, and Isaac’s. This enviable address promises to deliver an unparalleled city centre living experience. In anticipation of the project’s completion, Midleton is pleased to announce the appointment of Knight Frank as the exclusive selling agent for The Townsend. Sales are expected to launch in the coming weeks, offering buyers a chance to secure their place in this exceptional development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Milton Park scoops national award for green innovation

Milton Park scoops national award for green innovation

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

Milton Park has been named as one of the country’s most sustainable innovation communities, thanks to its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and maximise biodiversity.  The Environmental Sustainability Award, presented at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference, celebrates the Park’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability across its 300-acre campus.    The UKSPA award, presented by renowned physicist and author Jim Al-Khalili, highlighted a range of initiatives introduced by Milton Park, many of which originated from its Greener Workplace Forum (GWPF). The GWPF is an independent group of 85 members, comprising 41 occupiers, who convene to share best practice and raise awareness of existing green initiatives around energy use, recycling and travel.   In selecting Milton Park, the judges highlighted the progress made in reducing its single occupancy vehicle use by nearly a third since 2018. As a result, over half of commutes to Milton Park are made through sustainable transport options, supported by initiatives such as the £20 subsidised bus pass scheme for employees living locally, leading to bus usage increasing from 8% in 2018 to 27% in 2023.   Highlighted in the award win was Milton Park’s contribution as a test-bed location for the UK’s first fully electric, autonomous bus trial, providing evidence of the Park becoming a ‘living lab’ and demonstrating how effective collaboration can propel innovation.  The award also acknowledged Milton Park’s work in biodiversity, its zero-to-landfill waste management policy and other green initiatives, which include reducing waste and emissions from science companies, new electric vehicle charging points and improved cycle paths.  Additionally, the Milton Park team is actively engaged with the surrounding community, including local schools and charities, to drive greater awareness towards an inclusive transition to net zero. Explore Milton Park, its schools’ engagement programme, has benefitted over 1,500 local children and, as a founder member of the Didcot Powerhouse Fund, Milton Park has helped to raise over £300K for local charities since 2021.   Commenting on the award, Veronica Reynolds, Sustainability and Community Manager at Milton Park, said: “We’re delighted to receive the award, recognising how the Milton Park innovation community is working together to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges.   “Whether making our buildings more environmentally friendly, encouraging greener travel or creating nature-rich spaces, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. The award provides a timely reminder that greener growth is not only possible, but an exciting opportunity for the science park community to work collaboratively to secure a better future for our planet.”   For more information on Milton Park and sustainability, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/sustainability Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST EVENT IN THE BUILDING CONTROLS SECTOR IN 2025!

Don’t miss the biggest event in the building controls sector in 2025!

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

BCIA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY! Anticipation is building towards the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards 2025. Entries for the 10 award categories are now open, so place your nominations today! Following on from last year’s incredibly successful event and celebrating the best the building controls sector has to offer, the BCIA Awards 2025 will take place on Thursday 1st May 2025 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. As one of the sector’s hottest yearly events, the Awards evening is one not to be missed – there are also plenty of seats and tables available, so make sure to secure your attendance. Recognised as the biggest awards in the building controls and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) industry, the BCIA awards shine a spotlight on the talented professionals that make up the building controls sector. There are ten different categories available to enter, with some sponsorship opportunities also available. These are: Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year (sponsored by Trend Control Systems Ltd) This award recognises the building controls and/or BEMS installer that most demonstrates commitment, professionalism, and understanding of client needs. Engineer of the Year (sponsored by BCIA Operations Ltd) Awarded to individuals working for building controls manufacturers, consulting engineers, installers, or facility management companies who best demonstrate engineering excellence in BEMS and building controls. Young Engineer of the Year  This award is given to the individual aged 35 years or under who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in and completion of the BCIA Technical Training Programme and other building controls educational programmes. Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Group Horizon) An award given to the individual who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in and completion of an approved BEMS or building controls apprenticeship. Energy Management Award (sponsored by Priva UK Ltd) Awarded to a team, installer, or manufacturer in recognition of a project which demonstrates how building controls and/or BEMS have been installed to increase energy efficiency in a building or premises. Best Service & Maintenance Provider (sponsored by Western Automation) An award given to the company that best demonstrates outstanding levels of customer care in the provision of long-term maintenance and service contracts for building controls and BEMS. Technical Innovation of the Year – Products (sponsored by CIBSE) Awarded to the most innovative BEMS/building controls product development launched in the past 12 months. Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects This award is presented to the project team/installer that best demonstrates innovation and the deployment of smart technology to create a sustainable building/complex. Contribution to Training Award An award given to the organisation, company, or individual that has contributed to training on the design, installation, and/or use of BEMS and building controls. Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award (sponsored by BCIA) Unlike previous years and the other awards, this cannot be self-nominated – peers must nominate individuals who they believe have made a significant and consistent contribution to the building controls sector. This individual will have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the building controls and BEMS industry, such as helping to raise awareness of the importance of controls, supporting the BCIA in its work, or helping to raise standards in training and performance for our industry. The Management Committee will be looking for the nominating party to provide a statement, with a minimum of 100 and maximum of 300 words, that explains the clear contribution the nominee has made to the industry as a whole and/or association. This could include any differences or impact the contribution has had, how the individual’s work has changed processes, or how they have innovated or raised the profile of the industry. All award entries can now be entered using the online entry system, which allows you to start, edit, view, and download your entry before submitting it. The closing date for entries is Thursday 23rd January 2025 – there will be no deadline extension. BCIA President Stacey Lucas said: “The BCIA Awards are a fantastic event and a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the talented individuals and organisations in the building controls sector. This year saw some absolutely incredible entries and I’m sure next year’s awards will be no different – the skills, innovation, and expertise shown on a daily basis by building controls engineers and companies continue to move the sector forward in a hugely positive way. “This year’s event took place in a brand-new venue, The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, and we’re delighted to say that the BCIA Awards 2025 will also be held there. Whether you have been a regular attendee of our awards evenings or you’re attending for the first time, it’s sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening – so mark the date in your diary now! “We have tickets and tables on sale, as well as various sponsorship opportunities, so don’t hesitate to get in touch! “If you’re looking for some inspiration for your 2025 entry, a series of case studies featuring this year’s terrific winners can also be found on the BCIA website.” To find out more and enter the BCIA Awards 2025, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Edward Architects named as best residential consultancy practice

Edward Architects named as best residential consultancy practice

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

In Residential Property Awards run by Yorkshire Children’s Charity The sustainable, regeneration and innovative residential work in Yorkshire of a Leeds-based architects practice has been recognised in this year’s Residential Property Awards run by the Yorkshire Children’s Charity.   Edward Architects has been named as the Best Residential Consultancy Practice in the award scheme which celebrates excellence across the region’s residential property sector. The architects firm, which rebranded and relocated to Marshall’s Mill last year to accommodate continued business growth, successfully demonstrated delivery excellence and first rate services for its clients in the residential category. Highlight projects in the region included Massey Fold in Spofforth for Yorkshire Housing where the firm was lead consultant in securing planning consent for a 72-home scheme in the village, which is set in a Conservation Area.  An innovative, carbon efficient 216-home development on Edge Lane in Openshaw for Your Housing also demonstrated the practice’s commitment to sustainable design and community-focused housing solutions.  This scheme also saw the firm collaborate with the University of Liverpool to develop four identical houses with differing specifications, monitored over a year to assess cost, comfort, usability and energy efficiency for future applications. Another key sustainable scheme included a masterplan for the regeneration of the former 73-acre Maltby colliery site in Rotherham for Hargreaves Land, which subsequently led to the firm’s role evolving to deliver the employment units and the outline application for a 200-unit residential housing scheme. The firm’s work in helping to drive forward the ambitious community scheme to transform Holbeck’s iconic viaduct in Leeds into a vibrant green space for the public to enjoy was also lauded, as well as it’s specialism in improving the lives of clients, families and carers through its accessible design work. Yorkshire Children’s Charity was established in 2022 and has already made a huge impact in the region, helping more than 20,650 disadvantaged children in Yorkshire.  The Residential Property Awards put the spotlight on the region’s property talent whilst simultaneously raising vital funds to support the valuable work of the charity. Graham Edward, MD, Edward Architects said; “We are very proud to win this award and it is testament to the hard work of our entire team.  As a business we have seen a 10% growth in turnover despite challenging market conditions and rising costs, so picking up this accolade is a great end to the year as both the housing sector and the modular market are key drivers in this growth and remain active.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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INCA appoints Alsecco’s Mark Weaver as new chairperson

INCA appoints Alsecco’s Mark Weaver as new chairperson

Kenneth Booth October 25, 2024

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) has named Alsecco’s Northern Regional Manager Mark Weaver as its new chairperson. In his position at the helm of the leading trade association for the external wall insulation industry in the UK, Mark will champion the sector, raising awareness of its work and ensuring it has representation on trade bodies and government groups. Having previously served as vice chair, Mark was officially voted in as chair at the association’s Annual General Meeting. As a not-for-profit organisation, INCA is dedicated to promoting high standards, best practice and innovation in the external wall insulation sector. The association plays a crucial role in supporting its members and advancing the industry through technical guidance, training and advocacy. Mark Weaver brings a wealth of experience to the role of INCA chair having worked across the industry for three decades. As the Northern Regional Manager at Alsecco UK, Mark works with developers and contractors across the north and midlands regions in the specification of brick slip and render finished external wall insulation systems offering expert support. He said: “INCA is a great organisation creating a united approach to key issues and opportunities within the external wall insulation (EWI) sector, looking after the interests of both manufacturer and contractor members. “I’m looking forward to continuing the excellent work INCA has been doing and promoting awareness of how members can support the Building Safety Act and the importance of early engagement right across the supply chain. “By fostering collaboration between INCA members and stakeholders, and continuing to increase membership, we can drive the innovation and best practices that will shape the future of external wall insulation in the UK. At the same time, we will protect and grow the interests of all our members and the EWI industry at large, by continuing to lobby the Government on the best strategy to insulate the UK’s buildings.” INCA and Alsecco UK, a leading manufacturer and supplier of external wall insulation systems, have a long-standing relationship. INCA and its members remain committed to addressing challenges and opportunities for the construction industry, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and building safety. Under Mark Weaver’s leadership, the association is poised to continue its vital work in shaping the future of the external wall insulation industry in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Exciting New Chapter for Sutton: Council Selects Partner for Town Centre Regeneration

Exciting New Chapter for Sutton: Council Selects Partner for Town Centre Regeneration

Kenneth Booth October 24, 2024

Sutton Council has appointed Genr8 Kajima Regeneration as its preferred partner to drive the next phase of the town centre’s transformation, focusing on key sites such as the St Nicholas Shopping Centre, civic offices, Gibson Road car park, and the Secombe Theatre. At the heart of the project is the creation of a brand-new civic hub, providing a ‘front door’ for residents to easily access council services. The hub will also include a modern library and flexible community spaces. Scheduled for completion by mid-2029, this development will breathe new life into Sutton’s town centre. Alongside the civic hub, the plans outline the introduction of new retail and leisure spaces to enhance the local experience. These improvements are designed to boost the economy, offering residents and visitors more options while encouraging footfall in the area. A significant highlight of the regeneration is the development of 740 new homes, with 50% set aside as affordable housing, including nearly 300 homes for social rent—a vital contribution to addressing the housing crisis. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Sutton Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project:“This is a key element of our vision for a vibrant and sustainable town centre. Our residents will benefit from a new hub offering improved access to council services, as well as exciting new retail and leisure facilities. Importantly, we are also delivering much-needed social housing for local families.” Councillor Sunita Gordon, lead member for resources, highlighted the council’s forward-thinking approach:“By purchasing the St Nicholas Centre in 2021, we took control of this key site’s future. This project represents a chance to create a smaller, more environmentally efficient civic centre, reducing costs and addressing climate change. Genr8 Kajima Regeneration has the expertise to bring this vision to life.” Mike Smith, partner at Genr8 Kajima Regeneration, shared his excitement:“We are thrilled to collaborate with Sutton Council on this transformative project. Our focus will be on creating a vibrant, sustainable town centre that meets the needs of the community and secures a prosperous future for Sutton.” This ambitious project promises to revitalise Sutton, bringing together new homes, businesses, and community spaces in a development that aims to serve residents for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hortons to deliver c.200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby

Hortons to deliver c.200,000 sq ft industrial redevelopment in Corby

Kenneth Booth October 24, 2024

Independent property company, Hortons, has secured planning consent for the redevelopment of a vacant warehouse unit in the UK’s logistics ‘golden triangle’. The project will deliver more than 200,000 sq ft of premium warehouse/logistics accommodation at Saxon Park off Saxon Way West, in Corby. Hortons will extensively redevelop a single existing building to create two new units, known as Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively. The new units will be refurbished to a high quality specification, and will include secure yard space, integral first floor offices and a power supply of up to 1 MVA, with the ability to increase capacity. Environmental sustainability lies at the heart of the refurbishment, with features such as LED lighting, PV roof panelling and EV charging stations. Both units will target an EPC A+ rating. Hortons acquired Saxon Park in 2023 and has since completed the comprehensive upgrade of Saxon 58, a 58,350 sq ft warehouse/logistics unit, which was pre-let to Russell & Bromley. Saxon 79 and Saxon 129 are expected to be available for occupation from Q3 2025. James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full scale redevelopment programme to create two new high specification warehouse/logistics units, offering enhanced power and sustainability. The project is one of a series of developments we are undertaking at Saxon Park. It will provide occupiers with grade A accommodation in an established and sought after industrial location.” Saxon Park lies on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, four miles southwest of Corby town centre and five miles north of Kettering. It benefits from excellent road accessibility via the A6003 and A14, providing links to the M1/M6 and A1/M11. For more information please contact DTRE and TDB Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vistry partners with Solihull Council to deliver 177 sustainable new homes

Vistry partners with Solihull Council to deliver 177 sustainable new homes

Kenneth Booth October 24, 2024

Solihull Council has struck a development deal with leading homebuilder Vistry Group PLC to build up to 177 affordable new homes for its residents.  The sustainable new development will be built on the site of the former Simon Digby School in Chelmsley Wood. This well connected  spot, located between the Chester Road (A452) and the M6, was originally earmarked for housing development in the adopted 2013  Solihull Local Plan.  Following a thorough tender process Vistry has been chosen to deliver the scheme, which will be up to 100% affordable and includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom family homes as well as one-bedroom maisonettes, reflecting local housing need.  The high-quality new homes will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house and provides maximum energy efficiency helping future residents to cut their fuel bills. Each property will also utilise air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers and will be fitted with integrated solar PV panels to provide additional power. Central to the proposed development will be a focus on creating a distinct sense of place, with exciting plans for a new play area, nature trail and attractive new public spaces. The final scheme will benefit from significant infrastructure investment from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and enjoy cycle lane provision and footpaths connecting residents to local centres and the surrounding Cole Valley landscape. Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “Appointing Vistry as our development partner for this crucial project is a huge step towards utilising the full potential of the former Simon Digby School site. We’ve undertaken a lot of work to set the stage for this and now we can finally crack on with delivering affordable and sustainable homes critical to meeting the borough’s housing needs. “These 177 homes won’t just be a collection of new houses but a thriving, well integrated new community at the heart of Chelmsley Wood, perfectly positioned to benefit from the economic opportunities associated with the arrival of the HS2 interchange and the rest of the UK Central Hub.” Councillor Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Here in Solihull, we’re serious about stepping up to the challenge of building the new homes our residents need while also setting the highest quality threshold for energy efficiency and sustainability. “Mirroring the fantastic work already underway just up the road in Kingshurst, this scheme will help deliver on both our housing targets and climate change commitments.” “Once built, the scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain through key design features such as green landscaping and a dedicated new nature trail.” James Warrington, Divisional Chair for South Midlands and the North at Vistry said: “We are thrilled to be working with Solihull Council on this development which will help meet the housing shortage in the area with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods.   “We’re excited to be a part of Solihull’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.”   Delivery of the scheme is being supported by a £2.97m contribution from WMCA, via its devolved housing and land funds. Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor, said:“We have to start building more homes that local people can genuinely afford. “Working together, including a £3 million contribution from the WMCA, all 177 houses on this site are planned to be affordable meaning more homes for all communities across the region.  “Schemes like this one that use low carbon, factory-built homes are revolutionising the housing landscape. They are quicker to build and easier and cheaper to heat, which means they can make a big difference in addressing the housing crisis.” Initial feasibility work, concept masterplan development and acquisition of land interests has been managed as part of the council’s UK Central Infrastructure Programme and funded by WMCA. It is one of over twenty projects building upon the investment and regeneration planned for the borough, supporting further sustainable and inclusive growth. Vistry will now take the designs to the next stage and carry out a series of consultation activity before submitting their planning application for the scheme later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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APM calls for greater focus on project delivery and advises Government to resist urge to start ‘building’ straight away

APM calls for greater focus on project delivery and advises Government to resist urge to start ‘building’ straight away

Kenneth Booth October 24, 2024

On 30th October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the new Government’s first Budget.  Ahead of the Budget, Association for Project Management (APM) calls on government to focus on prioritising early-stage project planning to ensure the success of major capital projects in the pipeline, which are crucial for driving economic growth and improving infrastructure.  Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Association for Project Management (APM) says:   “Effective project management is key to ensuring these initiatives are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. However, project success begins long before construction starts.   The Government has made a good start in addressing the challenges of successful project delivery. It understands the need to slow down and think, and to focus on the long-term benefits, investing in the planning, design, and strategic management phases of projects – and to ensure that clear objectives, risks, and timelines are understood and accounted for from the outset.  APM’s election manifesto focused on three key asks – respond, reinvent, reform. Everything we’ve seen so far in the Government’s first 100 days in office has delivered on respond, removing the uncertainty that hurts financial and skills investment. But they must now focus on reinvent and reform. Reinventing attitudes to projects entails changing perspectives of what success and failure means − the Chancellor outlined plans to change how the Treasury accounts for capital spending “to reflect its benefits”, which is encouraging. Reforming our approach to projects includes understanding whether the Treasury is set up properly to deliver projects, which still needs to be addressed.   For projects to truly deliver value, the Government needs to shift its focus towards early-stage planning, involving project leaders who can navigate the kind of complex challenges the UK faces. This expertise will help ensure that projects are not only feasible but also sustainable and aligned with the Government’s long-term strategic goals.   The Budget will outline funding for multiple projects that the Government expects to undertake. If they are to be achieved, then the “inherent characteristics of these schemes” (as stated in a recent NIC report on cost drivers) will need to be properly understood and acted upon long before any shovels hit the ground.   By embedding a culture of rigorous project planning and stakeholder engagement, the Government can adapt when it needs to, avoid costly overruns and delays, improve public trust, and drive economic and social benefits.   Only through this approach can the Government ensure that ambitious infrastructure projects translate into tangible, lasting improvements for the UK.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Residential solar CEO reacts to Labour uncertainty on Future Homes Standard

Residential solar CEO reacts to Labour uncertainty on Future Homes Standard

Kenneth Booth October 24, 2024

Mohamed Gaafar, CEO and Co-Founder of GRYD Energy: “The time has come for the new government to take a firm stance on the FHS and commit to making the country’s housing fit for the future. The FHS is a crucial piece of legislation that will raise the environmental standards of new homes and ensure the housing sector’s energy supply is more resilient, affordable and sustainable for all.  “It’s very concerning to see the new Labour government wavering over the strength of legislation proposed about the environmental standards of new homes.  “The previous government delivered so many mixed messages over decarbonisation standards for UK homes. This has caused significant uncertainty for asset owners, landlords and developers and fuelled inaction across the sector.  “The new government’s green growth agenda cannot be realised without an unapologetic commitment to the Future Homes Standard. This will give the property sector the clarity and stability it needs, and deliver a clear message that the future of Britain’s housing will be driven by innovation and no longer plagued by inertia.  “The Future Homes Standard will certainly bring challenges for developers – as new regulatory measures do for any sector – but this is an essential piece of legislation to ensure Britain’s new building stock is futureproofed and primed for a clean, energy efficient future.  “Until now, the government has heavily focussed on the decarbonisation of homes through subsidies for retrofits. This is an important piece of the puzzle, yet with Starmer’s bold ambition to build 1.5 million homes in five years, he must put robust regulatory measures in place to ensure those new homes are built for a net zero future – and won’t have to be retrofitted with the right technology in a matter of years.  “If we don’t build homes today that are futureproofed with low carbon systems, we’ll be retrofitting them in 5-10 years down the line at a much higher cost. Let’s do it once and do it right.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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