Construction contracts increased again in July with new work valued at £7.5 billion, according to analysis from Barbour ABI. The uptick places awards close to their highest level so far this year, marking a 10% rise on June and surpassing both the 2024 and 2025 monthly averages. The positive figures
Urban Splash UK Residential LLP (The Fund) has published its annual results for the financial year ending March 2025, reporting a period of significant growth and continued operational success. The Fund was established by SURE Capital Partners in 2017 to acquire design-led, sustainable homes in urban regeneration areas across the
Warringtonfire, part of the Element Materials Technology group, has issued a critical reminder to industry professionals responsible for emergency exit and external panic units to check they have the achieved the correct level of third-party certification. The leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services warns that many these doorsets,
Sustainability is achieved in many places at TRUMPF. But that is only possible with many dedicated employees. Three of them tell their story. CO2-neutrality with energy manager Sean Lin Sean Lin smiles contentedly as he strolls through the pro duction hall. The thing that makes him smile, is the view
The looming changes to the UK Apprenticeship Levy are causing ripples across industries. For the construction sector, which often relies on Level 7 apprenticeships to address leadership skills gaps and attract younger talent, these changes are particularly significant. “With Levy funding for new Level 7 apprenticeship starters aged 22 and
A new programme is helping offenders to build a new life – and a career in construction – once they are released from prison. Industry-approved health and safety training is being offered by PLIAS Resettlement and funded by Ealing Council. It is specifically for borough residents who are currently serving
The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) is proud to reaffirm its ongoing commitment to championing engineering excellence across the pump sector through its highly regarded and long-standing annual awards programme. The 2026 Pump Industry Awards are now open for entries, and the BPMA is calling on the industry to get
The LK Group, a ground investigation and environmental consultancy, has appointed Mark Worsfold as Associate Director within its Project Management team. Mark brings over 20 years of experience in retail and leisure development as part of wider town centre regeneration initiatives, with a strong focus on community, inclusivity, and well-being.
London has approved more than 26,000 student bedrooms since 2021, according to new research from national planning and development consultancy Lichfields. A recent surge in planning approvals during 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 is providing cause for optimism after several years of under-delivery against the capital’s purpose-built student
Hiab, a leading provider of smart and sustainable on-road load handling solutions, has signed a EUR 23.5 million three-year frame agreement to supply advanced loader cranes for offshore wind parks, extending into 2028. The agreement is expected to be booked as order intake starting from Q4 2025, split between quarters
Construction contracts increased again in July with new work valued at £7.5 billion, according to analysis from Barbour ABI. The uptick places awards close to their highest level so far this year, marking a 10% rise on June and surpassing both the 2024 and 2025 monthly averages. The positive figures are driven by a resurgence in infrastructure, education and commercial projects. Infrastructure rose by 21% to £2.6 billion, the highest since February, buoyed by headline schemes like the £400 million Thameside Energy Recovery Facility. Commercial and retail projects climbed 47% to £1.1 billion, largely attributed to the Botanic Place mixed-use development in Cambridge. Planning approval value also increased in July by 38% to £15bn with all sectors seeing a boost from the previous month. Notably, education recovered well after a poor June increasing 132%, helped by the approval of 14 projects over £10 million. Planning applications, however, are down by 16% to £7.67 billion. This decline in early-stage proposals suggests a lack of confidence to future work which is reflected in the S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), which has now recorded seven consecutive months below the 50 ‘no change’ mark. While current projects are progressing, this softening in applications hints at potential challenges in the pipeline. “The positive figures in contracts and approvals shows that the market today remains active and competitive, with work happening now and demand remaining strong in key sectors like infrastructure and education,” says Barbour ABI head of business and client analytics, Ed Griffiths. “The concern is that with fewer planning proposals are coming forward, and with the PMI still signalling contraction, there’s a risk that the flow of new projects could slow in the months ahead. Winning work in the second half of the year may become tougher if confidence at the planning stage does not recover.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban Splash UK Residential LLP (The Fund) has published its annual results for the financial year ending March 2025, reporting a period of significant growth and continued operational success. The Fund was established by SURE Capital Partners in 2017 to acquire design-led, sustainable homes in urban regeneration areas across the UK, and recorded a 9.9% increase in portfolio value to £102.6 million (2024: £93.3 million), alongside a 14.9% rise in turnover to £5.5 million. Operating profit reached £2.8 million, reflecting a 21.3% year-on-year increase, while Net Asset Value grew to £94.4 million (2024: £93.4 million). Like-for-like rental growth for the period was 4.6%, with financial occupancy holding steady at 95% and rental collection at 99%. This performance has been underpinned by a sound investment strategy and a continued focus on delivering high-quality rental homes across UK cities. During the reporting period, the fund entered into a significant new partnership with sustainable developer Citu, formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth £200 million. The partnership has already resulted in the acquisition of 28 homes during the financial year, with a further 24 homes secured post-year end – a combined investment of £19.5 million. Post-year end in May 2025, the Fund also announced a new £50 million revolving credit facility (RCF) with Barclays, expanding upon a previous £20 million facility secured in 2023. This increased capacity positions the fund to capitalise on future growth opportunities and support further acquisition activity. Commenting on the results, Akeel Malik, Partner at SURE Capital Partners LLP, the Fund’s investment advisor, said: “FY25 has been another significant year of growth for us, marked by the establishment of a major strategic partnership with the award-winning developer Citu, with an initial pipeline of 600 homes. “It means we now own and operate 450 homes with a total investment value of £102.6 million. Our differentiated rental offer now spans multiple urban centres including Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Bristol, Cambridge, Bradford and, most recently, Leeds.” Established in 2017, the Fund has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality rental experiences that also prioritise ESG and community impact. The Fund’s bespoke community app – Ark –connects tenants to local businesses through curated discounts and events. These initiatives, Malik added, are a core part of the fund’s broader social and environmental strategy: “They align with our belief that sustainable living should be both accessible and rewarding – and they support long-term value creation for both our residents and our investors.” For further information, please contact Akeel Malik at akeelmalik@sure-capital.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Warringtonfire, part of the Element Materials Technology group, has issued a critical reminder to industry professionals responsible for emergency exit and external panic units to check they have the achieved the correct level of third-party certification. The leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services warns that many these doorsets, which are safety critical construction products, may not have the right level of third-party certification meaning they are non-compliant and as such, illegal. The warning follows recent scrutiny from industry bodies such as the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), who have been informed of the situation by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). This means that building owners, facilities managers, specifiers, architects, construction professionals, and other relevant stakeholders need to ensure the doorsets they are specifying, purchasing and installing have been third-party certified by an accredited laboratory. While it is the responsibility of manufacturers to confirm their products are correctly certified and have a Certificate of Constancy of Performance (CoCoP), industry professionals have a responsibility to select third-party certified products. Receiving a CoCoP allows the product to then obtain a conformity marking (CE or UKCA). Without this, doors cannot be legally sold on the market, posing significant financial and reputational risks to industry professionals who purchase them, as well as putting people at risk. “Simply having third-party certification for individual elements and hardware of the panic or emergency exit doors is insufficient,” warns Michael Skelding, DHF’s General Manager & Secretary. “It is the responsibility of professionals in this industry to make certain that manufacturers have certified the entire doorset to meet compliance standards. Without this, they risk repercussions from the OPSS such as building closures, along with severe reputational damage. “While the DHF and GAI have noted that many doorsets are non-compliant, we recognise that the majority are not deliberately breaking the law – it is more an issue of lack of awareness. It is now essential that the word is spread so that industry professionals can ensure they select products from manufacturers who have obtained third-party certification.” Mark West, Principal Product Assessor at Warringtonfire, states: “Ensuring the doorsets you purchase and install are fully certified is not only a legal obligation but also a commitment to safety and quality. Demanding to see evidence of certification means that you will be providing safe, compliant doorsets to your projects, protecting building users and your professional reputation.” For more information on third-party certification with Warringtonfire or to schedule an audit, please visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/ce-marking Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainability is achieved in many places at TRUMPF. But that is only possible with many dedicated employees. Three of them tell their story. CO2-neutrality with energy manager Sean Lin Sean Lin smiles contentedly as he strolls through the pro duction hall. The thing that makes him smile, is the view high up under the hall roof: LEDs, everywhere. Over the past five years, Sean Lin and his team have converted all the lights in the production areas of TRUMPF China to LED and installed an intelligent control system. This has been his most effective measure as an energy manager to date, as artificial lighting used to account for 30 percent of the electricity bill. TRUMPF China is now saving 550,474 kWh per year – roughly equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 250 Chinese households. Quite an achievement: Sean Lin will exceed his energy saving target of 48,000 kWh for 2023 by a almost 80 percent. His gaze wanders back to the machinery. There is still a lot to do. For 2024, he has set himself an even higher energy saving target and is now focusing on production processes and building technology to achieve greater energy efficiency. In the future, he and his team will mainly be tackling compressed air and air conditioning. The team is also working on a systematic energy saving plan for a new building. In all of this, what drives Sean Lin is transparency, as this is key to identifying significant energy users (SEUs) and energy-saving opportunities. This year, his team created a platform that displays every to the energy consumption of each department and every piece of high-power equipment. TRUMPF China is the first site to be fully powered by renewable energy. 1.5 MW of photovoltaic power was installed in TRUMPF China as early as 2021, and another 0.4 MW will be added soon. TRUMPF China will then produce 25 percent of its own electricity using photovoltaics – and if Sean Lin and his team have their way, it will be even more in the future. The machine healer Robin Veneberg Robin Veneberg proudly points to the TruLaser 3030 standing in the middle of the workshop. “Shines like new,” says the service technician happily. Appearances can be deceptive as the 2D laser cutting machine had previously been in service with a customer for eight years. Two weeks ago, it found its way back to TRUMPF. At the TRUMPF Resale Center in the Netherlands, Robin Veneberg and a total of eight employees refurbish disused machines Veneberg has been working for TRUMPF for four years, bringing disused TRUMPF machines back to life. He takes care of the entire reconditioning process, from cleaning to replacing parts that are no longer functional. As soon as a machine has been successfully reconditioned, TRUMPF sells it again through its normal sales channels. In this way, more than 2,000 disused machines have already found new owners.“I’m very pleased that my work is helping to make pro duction more climate-friendly,” says Veneberg. This is because when TRUMPF sells a used machine instead of a new one, particularly energy-intensive components such as the steel machine body no longer need to be manufactured. To put this in context: a machine like the TruLaser 3030 weighs around 12 metric tons. Depending on the process, the production of one ton of steel generates almost 1.4 tons of CO2. Just by recycling the machine body, the company can save almost 16 tons of CO2. In addition, the carbon footprint of a reconditioned machine is remarkably low compared to that of a new machine, coming in at less than 0.5 percent of the latter. The battery-recycler Max Rettenmeier The laser hums quietly as it cuts apart the electric car battery. The protective door of the laser cell slides upwards and Max Rettenmeier, Industry Manager at TRUMPF Laser Technology, looks at the battery with satisfaction. Recycling used or faulty electric car batteries using laser technology could revolutionize the battery industry, as dismantling electric car batteries is currently time-consuming and even dangerous for workers. Until now, it has not been uncommon for kilometers of coated foil to end up as waste. Rettenmeier is working on changing this. As the demand for e-batteries is huge. In Europe alone, the industry will have to recycle 570,000 metric tons of battery material every year from 2030. Powered by green electricity, electric cars produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions. But without valuable raw materials such as cobalt and lithium, no electric car batteries. The extraction of these raw mate rials is often costly and unsustainable, an aspect currently exacerbated by the skyrocketing prices of battery materials. In addition, manufacturers must contend with long and uncertain supply chains. The valuable raw materials travel to battery factories around the world – their transport causes considerable greenhouse gas emissions. What’s more, the EU stipulates a recycling rate of up to 95 percent for certain battery materials. It therefore not only makes economic and environmental sense to recycle every gram of the raw materials in the batteries, but is also politically necessary. In order to recycle batteries on an industrial scale, Rettenmeier and his colleagues from the Laser Application Center in Ditzingen are working with customers to develop innovative laser applications. This means that car manufacturers, battery producers and recyclers can now recycle batteries from electric cars on an industrial scale for the first time. The laser systems can safely cut open the used batteries and remove the valuable raw materials from the battery foil. In doing so, Rettenmeier and his colleagues can draw on the TRUMPF´s extensive expertise in laser welding and cutting for the production of electric car batteries. TRUMPF has been working with all the leading car and battery manufacturers for years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The looming changes to the UK Apprenticeship Levy are causing ripples across industries. For the construction sector, which often relies on Level 7 apprenticeships to address leadership skills gaps and attract younger talent, these changes are particularly significant. “With Levy funding for new Level 7 apprenticeship starters aged 22 and over ending in January 2026, construction firms need to act swiftly to capitalise on current funding opportunities before the December cut-off,” explains Steven Hurst, Director of Corporate Learning, at Arden University. Here, Steven explores the potential impact of these changes, highlights the opportunities still available and proposes practical solutions to ensure construction companies can maximise the remaining funding to future-proof their workforce. Why do level 7 apprenticeships matter in construction? Level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to postgraduate qualifications, have become an invaluable tool for the construction sector. They fill critical skills gaps, upskill existing talent and develop leaders who are equipped to tackle the industry’s challenges. For instance, the senior leader apprenticeship has helped construction organisations to address issues such as: However, with the government’s impending restrictions on Level 7 funding, the construction industry faces a narrowing window to maximise these benefits. Funding challenges and the narrow window of opportunity From January 2026, government Levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships will no longer be available for new starters aged 22 and over, which is likely to cause a key pain point for those wanting to formally upskill more senior staff. However, there’s a silver lining for organisations that act quickly, as businesses can still utilise the Levy funding for new level 7 learners, as long as they’re enrolled before the 31 December deadline. This urgency presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Left unchecked, skills gaps and leadership deficits may exacerbate already critical workforce shortages, but organisations that proactively plan can not only mitigate these risks but also strengthen their position for the future. To make the most of the remaining Level 7 funding, construction firms should consider these four key actions: 1. Audit skills needs and workforce requirements Conduct a thorough assessment of the current workforce to identify skills gaps and forecast future needs. For example, consider areas like leadership and digital transformation, where advanced training will be essential. Use this information to prioritise staff who are ready to enrol in Level 7 apprenticeships while funding is still available. 2. Accelerate recruitment for cohorts With the December cut-off fast approaching, ramping up recruitment efforts for apprenticeships is crucial. Partnering with education providers now can help to ensure smoother enrolment processes. 3. Focus on age-eligible candidates With the age cap for funding set to change, targeting talent before the end of the year, who will be ineligible to access funding from 2026, makes strategic sense. Prioritise candidates aged 22 and over for enrolment this year, ensuring that funding supports this group before eligibility shifts. 4. Explore Level 6 apprenticeships as alternatives For organisations where Level 7 funding may no longer be feasible from 2026 due to budget restrictions, Level 6 apprenticeships remain a valuable alternative. Equivalent to degree-level qualifications, these programmes still deliver high-quality training while addressing workforce diversity and retention goals. Addressing broader apprenticeship challenges in construction While the funding restrictions may signal a shift in apprenticeship opportunities, they also highlight the importance of future-proofing workforce development strategies. Employers committed to investing in apprenticeships can take steps such as: Proactively adopting these strategies can ensure that construction businesses maintain access to vital skills and leadership development in the years ahead. The clock is ticking for construction businesses to make the most of current Level 7 apprenticeship funding. Acting decisively over the next few months can help secure the training and leadership development necessary to address workforce challenges and prepare for future demands. “While the government’s decision to restrict funding may create some obstacles, it also presents an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate resilience and adaptability,” advises Steven. “By planning strategically and taking immediate steps to optimise remaining resources, the construction sector can continue to build the skilled and diverse workforce it needs to thrive. “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Begin your workforce audit, accelerate apprentice recruitment and explore alternative opportunities today to maximise the value of your Apprenticeship Levy funding.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new programme is helping offenders to build a new life – and a career in construction – once they are released from prison. Industry-approved health and safety training is being offered by PLIAS Resettlement and funded by Ealing Council. It is specifically for borough residents who are currently serving a prison sentence in HMP Wormwood Scrubs. The scheme is part of the council’s commitment to invest £1million to train and support those excluded from the jobs market, with a particular focus on groups like ex-offenders who face barriers to employment. It aims to ensure that they can get a second chance and fill a useful role in society, in an industry which continues to face a notable labour shortage. Based in Park Royal, PLIAS Resettlement is a criminal justice charity that helps people with criminal records get their lives back on track. As part of the programme, PLIAS offers serving prisoners with help to prepare for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card exam. This is an important step to finding a well-paid job in construction. Since starting work with Ealing Council in October 2024, more than 80 people have taken the course. Follow-up “through the gate” support is provided on release to ensure a smooth transition from in custody back into the community. Tom Chandler is the PLIAS resettlement director. He said: “We visit the prison every month. We target prisoners who are due for release within the next 3 months, as they need more timely help. We explain what we are doing and how it can benefit them. If they are interested in a career in construction, we put them forward for our training programme. We usually have 8-10 people attending per course.” The programme aims to help people to make a successful transition into the community and get them ready for work. He added: “Once people get released, we invite them to our fully equipped IT centre which they can come to as many times as they want. We want them to successfully pass their CSCS test and move into employment, so they get unlimited practice and revision materials. We know that people who are employed in jobs with prospects are less likely to re-offend. “While people are preparing for the test, we help them with writing their CV, interview techniques, and how best to disclose a criminal conviction to an employer.” After people get their CSCS card, Ealing Council’s construction skills advisor is helping them to find work on construction sites in the borough. The CSCS card is a physical card and proof that a construction worker has the required training, qualifications, and knowledge of health and safety to work on a UK construction site safely. The cost of the health and safety training, CSCS preparation and test is included in the programme. Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes said: “Creating opportunities for people in prison is helping us reach our ambition of supporting 2,000 residents with the toughest barriers to employment. “Once they have paid their debt to society, it is vital that we offer ex-offenders the help they need to become contributing members of society. Our lives don’t always follow a straight line, and everyone should have an equal chance to find a good job. That’s why it is important that we, as a council, provide opportunities and funding to help residents overcome obstacles which would otherwise stand in the way of their route to a good, well-paid job.” Help with training and employment can be found on the council’s website. If you are interested in a career in construction, email workealing@ealing.gov.uk to learn about vacancies and training programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) is proud to reaffirm its ongoing commitment to championing engineering excellence across the pump sector through its highly regarded and long-standing annual awards programme. The 2026 Pump Industry Awards are now open for entries, and the BPMA is calling on the industry to get involved and celebrate the innovations, individuals, and initiatives that continue to power this vital sector. Set to take place on Thursday 19th March 2026 at the prestigious Hilton at St. George’s Park, Burton upon Trent, the gala awards evening will once again provide a unique platform to recognise, reward, and promote the outstanding achievements that continue to shape the UK pump industry. With a strong heritage of acknowledging technical excellence, sustainability, innovation, and service, the Pump Industry Awards programme plays a key role in supporting professional recognition while delivering superb promotional value for all participating companies and individuals. Shortlisted entries and winners alike benefit from high-profile exposure before, during, and after the event—across trade media, online platforms, and through sector-wide engagement. Entries Now Open – Don’t Miss the Deadline If you, your team, your company, or your innovations have made a difference in the pump industry over the past 18 months, now is the time to step forward. The entry deadline is Friday 28th November 2025, and submitting a nomination is a clear statement of pride in your work and a strategic opportunity to raise your industry profile. The online entry forms are available at www.pumpindustryawards.com and are designed to make the process simple and accessible. Submissions should relate to activities and achievements within the 18-month period leading up to the deadline. Award Categories Include: Product of the Year – Sponsored by Plant & Works Engineering Project of the Year – Sponsored by World Pumps Environmental Contribution of the Year – Sponsored by SPP Pumps Manufacturer of the Year – Sponsored by WEG UK Distributor of the Year (<£3M & >£3M) – Sponsored by Calpeda & Caprari Supplier of the Year – Sponsored by Wilo Contribution to Skills & Training – Sponsored by ABB Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Innomotics Sustainable Contribution for a Better World – Sponsored by AESSEAL The BPMA is once again honoured to have the continued support of leading industry names, who understand the importance of recognising excellence across this essential sector. Additional thanks go to Brook Crompton for sponsoring the Drinks Reception, and to Apex Pumps for supporting the always-popular Survivors Breakfast. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for companies looking to align themselves with the very best in pump engineering and innovation. Wayne Rose, Director and CEO of the BPMA, commented: “Pumps and related systems underpin so many of the essential services we all rely on—from water and energy to food production and transportation. The BPMA is proud to support an awards programme that celebrates the expertise, creativity, and dedication driving this crucial sector forward. I strongly encourage all those involved in the pump industry to submit their entries and help showcase the best of our profession.” For more information on the 2026 Pump Industry Awards, including how to enter or become a sponsor, please visit www.pumpindustryawards.com or contact Event Director, Andrew Castle, on 07785 290034 or via andrew@touchwavemedia.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The LK Group, a ground investigation and environmental consultancy, has appointed Mark Worsfold as Associate Director within its Project Management team. Mark brings over 20 years of experience in retail and leisure development as part of wider town centre regeneration initiatives, with a strong focus on community, inclusivity, and well-being. He has also played a pivotal role in leading the private sector response to Grenfell by developing robust cladding systems and conducting rigorous testing for high-rise residential buildings. His expertise extends to ensuring compliance with new legislation under the Building Safety Act, including submitting Building Safety Cases, Mandatory Occurrence Reporting procedures, and Resident Engagement Strategies to the Building Safety Regulator, as well as developing complementary Golden Thread management systems. In his new role, Mark will play a vital role in delivering project management for key town centre regeneration projects across Bury, Rugby, Tameside, St Helens and other Councils across the northwest, while also supporting The LK Group’s wider business development efforts. Conor Leyden, Managing Director at The LK Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to our expanding team. His extensive industry expertise is a great fit as we continue to grow our project management offering and take on more ambitious regeneration projects. His appointment supports our wider strategic growth plans, and he will play a key role in strengthening delivery and helping us to scale our impact across major schemes.” Mark Worsfold said: “The LK Group already has a deserved strong reputation for excellence in the industry. I look forward to further enhancing the project management capabilities across the team and to support the successful delivery of complex regeneration projects for our clients. The team already has some fantastic projects lined up that I can’t wait to get started on, including supporting regeneration schemes that will make a real positive difference at the heart of communities and shape the landscape for their future.” Earlier this year, The LK Group bolstered its senior team with several key hires including Director Nick Riding, Associate Director for Flood Risk and Drainage Matthew Bell, Remediation Manager Will Fitzpatrick, and Andy Kuehl, who joined as Director of LK Structures, a dedicated structural survey solution. This latest appointment sees The LK Group grow its team to more than 45 experts operating across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London has approved more than 26,000 student bedrooms since 2021, according to new research from national planning and development consultancy Lichfields. A recent surge in planning approvals during 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 is providing cause for optimism after several years of under-delivery against the capital’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets. Under the Greater London Authority’s methodology, the PBSA rooms in the pipeline are equivalent in housing need terms to more than 10,500 conventional homes. While not directly an affordable housing total, Lichfields’ analysis shows a growing trend of new PBSA applications incorporating affordable housing provision. With student numbers rising, a constrained rental market and permissions for conventional housing at a ten-year low, PBSA has emerged as one of the few economically viable types of residential development currently coming forward. This growth offers an opportunity to ease pressure on the private rented sector and support London’s wider housing needs. Lichfields’ research also finds that the Greater London Authority’s broad policy support for PBSA has filtered down to borough level, with a flexible approach proving key to enabling schemes to progress. Although there is no set design-led planning framework for PBSA, most schemes follow similar patterns for space, amenity and layout, while preferred locations vary between developers and operators. This market-led approach is helping PBSA remain attractive to investors and providers. Jonathan Hoban, Associate Director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “Purpose-built student accommodation plays a critical role in meeting housing need and supporting London’s global education offer. The research identifies a healthy pipeline of schemes with approval which should translate into deliveries. “Against the poor backdrop for conventional housing in London, the provision of PBSA not only ensures London remains a leading destination for higher education but it could help deliver more affordable homes. It could be a win-win situation for London.” The study concludes that maintaining the current momentum will require the next London Plan, due in 2027, to continue fostering this flexible approach and advocating for new PBSA. Jonathan Hoban added: “This is a real opportunity to bring forward the delivery of much-needed homes across the capital. By maintaining a flexible approach in the next London Plan and continuing to champion well-designed PBSA, we can ensure more schemes continue to come forward, helping to meet both student demand and the wider housing needs of London.” The full report is available at: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/unlocking-london-s-student-housing-potential Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hiab, a leading provider of smart and sustainable on-road load handling solutions, has signed a EUR 23.5 million three-year frame agreement to supply advanced loader cranes for offshore wind parks, extending into 2028. The agreement is expected to be booked as order intake starting from Q4 2025, split between quarters until Q3 of 2028. The deliveries of the first cranes are planned to commence in early 2026 and last until early 2029, depending on the completion of the customer’s projects. The agreement is a continuation of a longstanding relationship and follows an existing agreement. The agreement consists of the supply of HIAB SWP cranes. This crane model is custom-designed for the service operations of offshore wind turbines and excels even in difficult conditions. The cranes will be strategically placed within the nacelles of wind turbines to facilitate essential maintenance, service, and component supply, ensuring continuous operation of the wind farms. “This landmark agreement underscores Hiab’s commitment to creating pioneering solutions that power the future of sustainable energy. They are specifically engineered for unmatched performance in the toughest offshore environments, empowering our customers to maintain critical infrastructure and accelerate the global transition to renewable power with confidence,” said Alexander Gelis, Vice President, Sales & Product Management at Hiab. The wind parks currently benefiting from this partnership are located across the UK, Taiwan, and the United States, with further expansion plans for Germany and Denmark. This collaboration underscores Hiab’s commitment to supporting the global renewable energy sector with reliable and efficient lifting solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals