Kenneth Booth
Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistency in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regime, even among EU countries, means that a commercial building that receives the highest rating in one country could receive a grade up to four places lower in another, according to Savills in its Impacts research programme. The international real estate advisor says

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Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

SITECH and Collins Earthworks played host to industry visitors at a recent Fly Day event, showcasing the benefits of drone technology for site mapping and data analytics. The event, held at Collins Earthworks Ball Eye Quarry in Matlock, Derbyshire, demonstrated the advanced capabilities of the Trimble® Stratus platform, highlighting improved

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We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

Growing fire safety industry organisation Fire Aware aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care. The expanding industry body is leading the way

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Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Sustainable refurbishment specialist, Better Green Living, has been appointed to design the new canalside development at the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2,000 sq ft multi-functional hospitality space will enhance the visitor experience, creating a vibrant social hub for concertgoers, event attendees, and the community.

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West Wickham Leisure Centre set for £22m transformation

West Wickham Leisure Centre set for £22m transformation

The long-awaited transformation of West Wickham Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with a revised planning application submitted for a partial rebuild of the popular facility. The London Borough of Bromley has appointed Alliance Leisure to oversee the £22 million modernisation, with Etec Group confirmed as the main

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POP MART to unveil biggest UK store at Liverpool ONE

POP MART to unveil biggest UK store at Liverpool ONE

International toy retailer POP MART is preparing to open its largest UK store yet at Liverpool ONE, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Located on Upper South John Street, close to KENJI and MINISO, the new 6,200 sq ft store will showcase POP MART’s extensive range of collectable blind

Read More »
Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

The capabilities of Siemens Cerberus PRO to perform effectively in harsh environmental conditions is being demonstrated in a project to protect one of North London’s busiest recycling facilities. Islington Waste Recycling Centre is operated by Islington Council and is one of seven refuse and recycling sites in North London which

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Premium homebuilder expands Bespoke Collection with site acquisition in Edgbaston

Premium homebuilder expands Bespoke Collection with site acquisition in Edgbaston

Award-winning homebuilder Spitfire Homes has acquired a prominent 1.28-acre site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the latest addition to its expanding Bespoke Collection of high-specification residences. Planning permission has been secured to redevelop the site into a collection of design-led, sustainable homes. Site clearance and demolition works will begin immediately, with construction

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Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

Kenneth Booth

Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistent EPC standards mean investors and occupiers need to look beyond grades to examine a building’s actual energy performance – Savills

Inconsistency in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regime, even among EU countries, means that a commercial building that receives the highest rating in one country could receive a grade up to four places lower in another, according to Savills in its Impacts research programme. The international real estate advisor says that the lack of standardisation in energy labelling can even vary within countries. In Belgium, the same energy performance (measured in kWh/m²/year) would receive a ‘C’ rating in Flanders but a ‘D’ or ‘F’ in Brussels, owing to stricter rating thresholds in the Brussels-Capital Region. Standards for primary energy consumption in ‘A’-rated offices across Europe also vary, resulting in buildings that would receive a grade of ‘A’ in some countries only receiving a ‘D’ or ‘E’ in others. Savills says that while the EU is implementing a revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which should bring countries within its jurisdiction more into line, there are likely to still be discrepancies within individual countries as local political sensitivities, technical challenges, climate risks and the nature of existing building stock mean that sustainability standards vary considerably from one city to another. Legacy EU country/UK energy label comparison, by country: Chris Cummings, Director, Savills Earth, comments: “The lack of standardisation in energy labelling within the EU, and the UK which also uses EPC as its main measure of building performance, illustrates a wider global problem for cross-border investors and tenants in understanding what constitutes a ‘good’ building: if even within the same bloc there’s disparities, how can they compare across even wider geographies such as APAC or the US? Ideally, investors and occupiers should look beyond the headline EPC grade to examine a building’s actual energy data to get a true picture of its relative performance. If they don’t, they run the risk of excluding buildings which have received a lower rating in countries which exert a ‘tougher’ EPC regime, as they do not fulfil their sustainability objectives, only to go on to take a building in another country which has a higher grade, but ultimately is a poorer performer.” Sarah Brooks, Associate Director, Savills World Research, says: “City-level differences in sustainability standards can again present distinct challenges and opportunities for occupiers and investors. They must account for differences in local policy, market expectations and available incentives in their strategies. Gaining a competitive edge often means exceeding national requirements as well as aligning with city-level expectations and long-term local sustainability plans. Nuanced due diligence is vital.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

Collins Earthworks Ltd hosts-live drone flight for SITECH Fly Day

SITECH and Collins Earthworks played host to industry visitors at a recent Fly Day event, showcasing the benefits of drone technology for site mapping and data analytics. The event, held at Collins Earthworks Ball Eye Quarry in Matlock, Derbyshire, demonstrated the advanced capabilities of the Trimble® Stratus platform, highlighting improved project accuracy, greater productivity and integration of workflows as some of the ways customers can benefit from the cloud-based software system. Attendees were given a variety of demonstrations and talks including a discussion on drone flight regulations by the Drone Pilot Academy and a live-flight demonstration by SITECH partners Propeller, who collected flight data for an interactive classroom demonstration of Trimble® Stratus platform.  Danielle Barker, Strategic Account Manager at SITECH UK & Ireland said: “As industries across the country continue to evolve it is vital that companies look to utilise technology to enhance their operations and combat challenges. The Fly Day event was about demonstrating the depth of information available to customers through the partnership between Propeller and SITECH. “We were fortunate to partner with Collins Earthworks Ltd which allowed us to perform a drone site survey of Ball Eye Quarry. This gave visitors a real insight into the features of Trimble® Stratus, such as volume calculations, drainage channel monitoring and a visual timeline of site conditions for enhancing monitoring. The SITECH Fly Day is the first of these events this year, with more to be confirmed and delegates from across the construction, civil engineering, aggregates and technology industries are encouraged to attend to discover how Trimble® Stratus, powered by Propeller, can empower teams and minimise information bottlenecks on-site. Cyrus Wania, Director at EM3 Solutions, commented on the event: “The Fly Day was a great opportunity not only to speak to the experts and find out more about how we can enhance our usage of Trimble® and drone technology, but to network with other professionals from across the industry. “We really valued the opportunity to have a tour of the Ball Eye Quarry and then see how accurately the drone flight processed with Trimble® Stratus, was able to present the information that operators would need to maintain site safety and management.  “The event proved invaluable for both newcomers and existing users of technology in construction. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with SITECH experts, posing questions and gaining insights. I highly recommend that individuals seeking to enhance their operations with advanced construction technology and connect with industry colleagues attend the upcoming Fly Day events as they offer genuine industry insight and valuable technical knowledge.” SITECH continues to bolster their commitment to enhancing skills and knowledge across the construction industry. Find out more here: https://www.sitechukandireland.com/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

We need to go beyond legislation for safety, says Fire Aware

Growing fire safety industry organisation Fire Aware aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care. The expanding industry body is leading the way by focusing on the moral responsibility of all those working in the fire safety supply chain including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders. Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, said: “We understand the need for competence. But when dealing with an industry that the public relies on to keep them safe, there has to be more. There has to be a commitment to safety. As with a number of other sectors and professions, the fire sector has a wide array of duty holders, but they all share one common requirement, which is to understand they are there primarily to keep the public safe. “We are appealing to the fire safety industry and those with responsibility for making decisions to think about their moral duty from the outset of any project. We know from the feedback we receive from our members that the industry is keen to make this work. We believe in going above and beyond legislation and minimum standards and test regimes. Fire Aware embraces safety through a series of charters according to the type of business of its members. These include main contractors, property developers, building management, designers, local councils, specialist contractors and sub-contractors. It also recognises those outside of the fire sector, who, while holding a duty of care are not specifically part of the fire sector. Gavin Skelly added: “Any environment the public use will hold a duty of care for their fire safety. Fire Aware looks to recognise and identify those who do this with the interests of their end users as a priority. “Members of the Fire Aware community are taking a stand. They have told us they care and want to commit to best practice. Working together, members can contribute to the wider cause of safety in the interests of those people using inhabiting the buildings and spaces we create.” Fire Aware is a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors with a common aim to work and trade responsibly to all best practice standards in the interests of the safety of the general public. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Midland Alarms builds recurring revenue stream with HKC’s SecureComm app subscription

Midland Alarms builds recurring revenue stream with HKC’s SecureComm app subscription

Founded in 1987, Midland Alarms is a family-run security business based in the Midlands, specialising in residential alarm systems. Over the years, they have carved out a unique niche, working closely with housebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon Homes, Redrow, and Cala Homes to provide intruder alarms as standard in new-build properties.  With thousands of installations to date, Midland Alarms has built a strong reputation for reliability, customer service, and technical expertise. But in recent years, the company has taken its business model to the next level, using HKC’s SecureComm cloud platform and the introduction of a recurring revenue stream through customer subscriptions. The challenge: Moving beyond bell-only systems For decades, Midland Alarms focused on fitting traditional bell-only systems, often unmonitored and lacking smart features. While these types of systems were the norm, these installations offered no recurring income and minimal long-term customer engagement. Steve Wyer, the founder of Midland Alarms, recognised the limitations: “We’d install a bell-only system and might not hear from that customer again for 20 years. There was no ongoing relationship – and no additional value being built into the business.” As modern security technology evolved, Steve saw an opportunity to pivot, moving away from single-payment jobs and towards a more sustainable, service-based model. The solution: HKC’s SecureComm and SmartLink In 2014, Midland Alarms discovered HKC’s SecureComm platform, which was a game-changing moment for the business. The system’s SmartLink app allowed customers to monitor and control their alarms remotely, while enabling Midland Alarms to offer remote diagnostics and support. “The first time Richard from HKC showed me SmartLink, I was blown away. It connected instantly, worked over Wi-Fi, and just made sense. We knew it was the future.” This allowed Steve to begin offering subscription-based services with real value to customers, rather than a one-off install. Not only could Midland Alarms improve customer experience, but they could also begin building a recurring revenue stream that enhanced the long-term viability and saleability of the business. Building recurring revenue  Midland Alarms launched a tiered subscription model, using GoCardless to streamline monthly direct debits. They offered a range of subscription options for Wi-Fi only monitoring, monitoring with GSM backup, and also a ‘Full Service’ plan that includes monitoring, extended warranty, and battery replacement after 3 years. These services were bundled with value-added support, including remote diagnostics, app access, and customer education, making it an attractive proposition. “Most people don’t want to worry about changing batteries or figuring out alarm settings. With our ‘Full Service’ plan, they know we’ll take care of everything – and that includes remote support via SmartLink.” Scalable and sustainable  The impact of adopting a recurring revenue model has been transformational for Midland Alarms. Customers tend to stay subscribed, not only because app-based control becomes part of their everyday routine, but also because of the added value built into the service, such as the promise of battery replacements after three years. This long-term commitment helps keep customers engaged well beyond the initial installation. Financially, the move to monthly payments has brought a new level of stability to the business. Instead of relying on one-off projects, Midland Alarms now benefits from a steady, predictable income stream. This has smoothed out the peaks and troughs that often characterise traditional installation work. Operationally, the introduction of cloud-connected systems has made the business far more efficient. With remote access through SmartLink, engineers can resolve many issues without needing to visit site, saving both time and resources. Perhaps most significantly, the shift to a service-based model has increased the overall value of the business itself. With hundreds of customers now on subscription plans, Midland Alarms has created an asset that can function independently of its founder. Steve explains: “If I ever wanted to sell the company, a buyer can see the systems work without me, and that the revenue will keep coming in.” Educating the customer A key to success has been demystifying the technology. Steve and his team train customers in simple, relatable terms, often positioning SecureComm as a smart, cost-effective alternative to traditional monitored systems: “We ask customers: would you rather your alarm go off before or after the burglar gets in? HKC’s shock detectors and app connectivity mean it goes off before – and that’s the difference.” Plus, as customers are already accustomed to app subscriptions like Netflix and Sky, the find the monthly fees completely acceptable and the benefits clear. “The app is so user-friendly, we spend minimal time at handover showing them how it works, and that’s usually enough. It’s just a couple of taps to set or unset the alarm, and people are so used to apps these days, they love having that control.” Making the change When asked what advice he would give to installers who are hesitant about adopting cloud-connected systems or recurring revenue, Steve said: “I would encourage any installer to seriously consider making the shift. Too many are still relying on outdated business models that require long hours and offer little long-term security.  “Introducing a service-based approach can improve work-life balance, add measurable value to the business, and create a more sustainable income stream. “The market potential is significant – many homes still don’t have connected alarm systems, so there’s plenty of opportunity for those willing to adapt. It’s about staying ahead of the curve and building a business that’s ready for the future.” For more information on HKC Security, visit www.hkcsecurity.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Better Green Living secures landmark canalside project at CO-OP Live Manchester

Sustainable refurbishment specialist, Better Green Living, has been appointed to design the new canalside development at the UK’s largest live indoor arena, Co-op Live in Manchester. The 2,000 sq ft multi-functional hospitality space will enhance the visitor experience, creating a vibrant social hub for concertgoers, event attendees, and the community. This major contract win marks a pivotal moment in Better Green Living’s expansion within the commercial sector. The company is leading all aspects of project management, contractor coordination, and on-site execution to ensure a smooth and efficient build. Its expertise in commercial and student accommodation retrofitting has established it as a trusted name for sustainable, design-led construction in high-footfall environments. The development is designed to accommodate up to 500 guests and will feature a bar, café, dedicated seating areas, a merchandise store, kitchens and innovative beer walls to streamline service. Breaking from traditional construction methods, the canalside development is a 100% new build using repurposed shipping containers, reflecting Better Green Living’s commitment to sustainability. Every material is carefully sourced for recyclability and environmental provenance, ensuring the structure can be repurposed at the end of its minimum 10-year operational lifespan. The modular, container-based structure provides flexibility in design, creating a dynamic and visually striking hospitality hub. The project will mimic the aesthetic of Co-op Live, featuring a mesh-clad façade and multi-level arrangement, blending seamlessly with the arena’s industrial-chic architecture. Designed as a pre- and post-show destination, as well as a year-round community hub, the development will offer an engaging mix of entertainment, hospitality and retail – ensuring visitors enjoy a world-class experience outside the main arena. Edward Parsons, Co- Founder and Managing Director at Better Green Living, said: “Our ethos focuses on creating innovative spaces that prioritise sustainability without compromising on experience. Designing a venue for Co-op Live is an exciting opportunity to showcase how environmentally conscious construction can go hand-in-hand with exceptional design. As the commercial sector embraces more sustainable ways to build, this project proves that creative solutions can successfully balance function, aesthetics and sustainability while shaping the future of temporary venue spaces.” Better Green Living, part of Better Green Group, is a specialist refurbishment company dedicated to sustainable retrofitting and commercial fit-outs. Known for delivering high-profile refurbishment projects for King’s College London, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in environmentally conscious construction. To find out more, visit: www.better-greenliving.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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West Wickham Leisure Centre set for £22m transformation

West Wickham Leisure Centre set for £22m transformation

The long-awaited transformation of West Wickham Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with a revised planning application submitted for a partial rebuild of the popular facility. The London Borough of Bromley has appointed Alliance Leisure to oversee the £22 million modernisation, with Etec Group confirmed as the main contractor. Plans include a brand-new café, modernised gym, upgraded reception area, refurbished changing rooms and a state-of-the-art competition-length swimming pool. The centre was closed last year after initial structural assessments identified significant issues. Enabling works, including asbestos removal, have already been completed, paving the way for demolition to begin in the coming weeks, subject to final planning approval. Approval for the works was granted at a council meeting in July. Alongside the rebuild, refurbishment is continuing on the rest of the centre, with particular attention given to the learner pool. Councillor Yvonne Bear, executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing, said: “We are in a fairly unique position among local authorities of being able to press ahead with a substantial investment in our leisure provision, and I know many residents will be excited to see further progress on site shortly as we secure this centre for many years to come.” The revised plans were developed after further structural inspections, made possible by the asbestos removal, revealed that part of the building was beyond economic repair. This section will now be demolished and rebuilt to modern standards. Although the updated schedule means the centre is expected to reopen in early 2028, the council says the investment will provide greater long-term certainty and help reduce future maintenance costs, ensuring West Wickham Leisure Centre continues to serve the community for decades to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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POP MART to unveil biggest UK store at Liverpool ONE

POP MART to unveil biggest UK store at Liverpool ONE

International toy retailer POP MART is preparing to open its largest UK store yet at Liverpool ONE, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Located on Upper South John Street, close to KENJI and MINISO, the new 6,200 sq ft store will showcase POP MART’s extensive range of collectable blind boxes, featuring exclusive characters and popular lines such as The Monsters, widely known as ‘Labubus’. Rob Deacon, director of asset management at Liverpool ONE, Landsec, commented: “With regular sell-out product launches, POP MART has proven a viral sensation, and the store is set to appeal to a wide range of consumers across the North West. The brand launching its biggest UK store yet will provide yet another distinct point of difference to the destination, reinforcing Liverpool ONE’s position as a go-to location for globally renowned brands and one of the leading retail and entertainment destinations in the UK.” The opening adds to a strong run of new signings and store launches at Liverpool ONE, which is enjoying its busiest year for retail additions since 2008. Recent openings include MINISO, Sephora, TFG London, and Uniqlo. In 2025, the destination is set to welcome over 25 brands, covering more than 100,000 sq ft in total. CBRE, Colliers, and Time Retail Partners acted on behalf of Liverpool ONE, while Cushman & Wakefield represented POP MART. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

The capabilities of Siemens Cerberus PRO to perform effectively in harsh environmental conditions is being demonstrated in a project to protect one of North London’s busiest recycling facilities. Islington Waste Recycling Centre is operated by Islington Council and is one of seven refuse and recycling sites in North London which collectively manage 820,000 tonnes of waste and recycling each year. Such facilities present their own specific challenges in terms of effective fire detection, with the scale of the problem illustrated by what are referred to as 300 ‘significant fires’ attended throughout the UK by the fire and rescue services annually.[1] Waste sites process mixed recyclable waste which is collected, sorted, stockpiled and processed from a number of materials including plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber. Many are highly combustible and susceptible to potential ignition from the processing machinery through which they are handled. The Islington Waste Recycling Centre had an existing 20-year-old fire detection system which required a significant upgrade to meet the new challenges of waste management, including the proliferation of disposable vapes and the threat of battery fires which are proving a more recent addition to the fire risk. TP Fire and Security is a long-standing provider of fire detection and alarm services to the Islington Council. From its three offices in Norfolk, London and the Midlands, TP offers a nationwide service in the design, installation and maintenance of fire safety systems. The company has been part of the Siemens approved partner programme for a year, having identified the opportunity to work with Siemens when Tom Warner joined the business as a fire safety engineer. Tom had previous experience of partnering with Siemens and when the Islington project came up, he recognised the potential for employing the Cerberus PRO system. One of the challenges of the waste site was the inevitable dusty environment. Siemens ASA (advanced signal analysis) detectors match the conditions of a particular site through their application-specific ASA parameter function. This allows the detectors to distinguish between a real fire and deceptive phenomena such as dust, thereby providing immunity from false alarms. Kevin Harris is Technical Design Manager at TP Fire and Security. Commenting on the project he said – “The Cerberus Pro system was perfect for this environment, with the detectors’ particular capability to operate in such a dusty environment. The project went very well, taking some seven days to complete, all while the waste facility was open and operational.” Three Cerberus PRO panels are operating across the site, interfacing with Siemens ASA detectors and call-points through the existing compliant cabling. 69 ASA detectors are located in the basement, 38 on the ground floor, 52 on the first and second floors (including the plant room), 74 in the tipping hall and 42 in the offices. Siemens has extensive experience of protecting similar waste processing facilities worldwide and worked closely with TP Fire and Security to develop a comprehensive solution which meets all fire safety regulations and standards. The Cerberus PRO system provides quick and reliable protection in the small window that exists to react and prevent a small fire becoming a potentially major incident in such a harsh and hazardous environment. [1] NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please seewww.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Premium homebuilder expands Bespoke Collection with site acquisition in Edgbaston

Premium homebuilder expands Bespoke Collection with site acquisition in Edgbaston

Award-winning homebuilder Spitfire Homes has acquired a prominent 1.28-acre site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the latest addition to its expanding Bespoke Collection of high-specification residences. Planning permission has been secured to redevelop the site into a collection of design-led, sustainable homes. Site clearance and demolition works will begin immediately, with construction expected to begin later this year.  The scheme will feature a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside four-bedroom semi-detached townhouses, reflecting Spitfire’s signature approach to thoughtful design and contemporary living. A selection of properties will be delivered through the First Homes Scheme to support local housing needs. As part of the scheme, Spitfire will also contribute more than £100,000 towards local community infrastructure.  Matt Vincent, Operations Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Our decision to return to Edgbaston is a strategic one, building on the success of our previous scheme at Beaufort and the growing demand for high-quality, design-led homes. This latest acquisition strengthens our commitment to expanding our Bespoke Collection in the region’s most desirable postcodes, delivering contemporary living with exceptional architectural detail. We see strong, long-term potential in Birmingham’s premium suburbs and are actively seeking new opportunities across the Midlands that align with the vision of our growing portfolio.” Adrian Willet from Furlong Land Limited added: “Harrison’s Road is an outstanding brownfield site on one of Edgbaston’s most prestigious roads, and the planning permission secured by Calthorpe Estates earlier this year has unlocked its full potential. Furlong Land was proud to act as selling agent, and we’re pleased to see the site now in the hands of Spitfire Homes. With their track record for delivering distinctive, high-specification schemes, we’re confident they will create a truly exceptional development that reflects the quality of this location.” Located within walking distance of Edgbaston Village and Harborne High Street, the new scheme will offer residents a rare opportunity to buy in one of Birmingham’s most prestigious postcodes known for its top-rated schools, independent restaurants and local parks. The site also benefits from excellent transport links into Birmingham city centre. For more information on Spitfire Homes, visit: https://spitfirehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Forging a Greener Future: Tata Steel’s Groundbreaking Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot

Forging a Greener Future: Tata Steel’s Groundbreaking Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot

Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, are one of the leading envelope and structural flooring and decking manufacturers in the country.  With a mission to ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’ – Building Systems UK recognises that the decarbonisation of construction products in the UK is essential to our sector and the country.  That objective took a significant step forward last month with the ground breaking ceremony on our new £1.25 billion Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot steelworks – the centrepiece of Tata Steel UK’s green steelmaking programme. The event was attended by Tata Sons and Tata Steel Chairman Mr N. Chandrasekaran and Tata Steel CEO & MD Mr T.V. Narendran.  The UK government was represented by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade who addressed the ceremony:  “This is a hugely ambitious transformation. We should acknowledge the difficult times, but also use that as fuel for future success.” “This government is committed to a bright future for our steel industry, which is why we provided £500 million of funding to make this project possible. Our modern Industrial Strategy will set out how we’ll back the sector even further to drive growth and create well-paid jobs across the country, as part of our Plan for Change.”  The new EAF, set to be one of the biggest in the world, will melt recycled steel scrap to make new steel and is set to be commissioned at the end of 2027.  It is expected to reduce Port Talbot’s carbon emissions by approximately 90%, equivalent to 5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, with a corresponding 50% reduction in the product carbon footprint, while securing high-quality sustainable steel production, and supporting 5,000 UK jobs directly. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Chandrasekaran said: “This is an important day for Tata Group, Tata Steel and for the UK. Today’s groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of a new Electric Arc Furnace, but a new era for sustainable manufacturing in Britain.  Members of the ground breaking ceremony included Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, Trade Unions representatives and employees. The Port Talbot EAF will be one of the largest in the world, melting UK-sourced scrap steel to produce 3 million tonnes of steel per year. As part of Tata Steel UK’s broader decarbonisation strategy, the project also includes new ladle metallurgy facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships with leading technology providers such as Tenova, ABB and Clecim with construction being led by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine. New low emissions construction products manufactured from our EAF steel, such as our ComFlor® Structural Steel Decking and our Trisomet® insulated panel systems will help Building Systems UK play its part in the transformation of the UK construction sector – and ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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