A conference hailed as ‘the south’s biggest property show’ will be giving university students free access in a bid to connect them with future employers. South Coast CPS, which is to be held at St. Mary’s Stadium on Thursday 13th November, will be opening its doors to students between 2pm
Transformers are the backbone of reliable power for utilities, industrial sites and large construction projects. When a substation upgrade or emergency replacement is on the line, two things matter greatly — price and how fast a supplier can deliver. In a tight North American market where lead times stretch into
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has been officially awarded Building a Safer Future (BSF) Champion status, recognising its outstanding commitment to safety leadership and culture across the built environment. Following the successful completion of both Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture)and Stage 2 (Corroborating Elements) of
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Logistics Capital Partners (LCP)to deliver a new depot for Carlsberg Britvic at West Midlands Interchange (WMI). The depot will be the first
OP has been appointed to deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of accounting firm Cooper Parry’s new London headquarters. Cooper Parry is relocating from their existing Holborn offices, having outgrown their current space as their London operations expand. Following an extensive property search with building tours across multiple locations and test fit
Waitrose is committing millions to refresh and expand its London estate, underscoring the capital’s importance to the grocer’s growth plans as it opens its 62nd store in the city. The latest arrival is Little Waitrose & Partners at Wandsworth New Acres, a 2,500 sq ft convenience shop set within a
Sustainable energy solutions are being integrated into the fabric of a school being rebuilt under a flagship government project. Architectural consultant Pick Everard has designed Penwortham Girls’ School to be net zero carbon in operation, meaning any carbon generated through its day-to-day running will be offset. This will be achieved
Northern Ireland based contractor Henry Brothers has started work on a major refurbishment scheme at Wolverhampton Central Police Station. The renovation on the Bilston Street site will take 16 months to complete. The station will remain open to the public throughout. Once the work is complete, the site will have
Baxi is proud to be headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025, the dedicated event for built environment professionals responsible for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in commercial and large-scale residential projects. With a full stand on C20 showcasing its low carbon heating and hot water solutions, Baxi’s heat experts are
Duke Street, a European mid-market investor, announces it has agreed to acquire McAvoy (“McAvoy”), a provider of high-quality modular buildings and social infrastructure. The acquisition follows five years of majority ownership by Blantyre Capital (“Blantyre”), an independent investment manager specialising in mid-market equity and debt. Founded in 1972, McAvoy designs,
A conference hailed as ‘the south’s biggest property show’ will be giving university students free access in a bid to connect them with future employers. South Coast CPS, which is to be held at St. Mary’s Stadium on Thursday 13th November, will be opening its doors to students between 2pm and 5pm with entry completely free of charge. Set to welcome more than 1,500 attendees, South Coast CPS unites the south’s property, planning and investment sector for a day of learning, panel discussions, networking and more. Students will benefit from exposure to big names in the property industry such as Morgan Sindall Construction, Vail Williams and CBRE to name a few. Graduate Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis Georgia Turner will also be hosting one of the conference’s panel discussion on attracting and retaining top young talent, sharing her experience of progressing from university to a graduate role. Director of South Coast CPS Lucy Richmond said: “I’d encourage any university student to start looking into their post-graduation options as early as they can, even if they’re not sure what path they want to take yet. Not only this, students will be able to listen and learn at our range of panel discussions led by the region’s experts. “The conference is a great opportunity for them to meet potential future employers, find out about the options available to them and expose them to the industry they’ll become a part of. I’m looking forward to welcoming students to the conference once again this year and I hope they’ll come away with plenty of new insights and new connections.” To claim this offer, students must register in advance here: https://guestevent81304rpgf9zElpiIaQRBYYmgm.eventify.io/t2/tickets/9474AA To find out more about South Coast CPS and its upcoming flagship conference on Thursday 13th November, visit its website: https://www.southcoastcps.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Transformers are the backbone of reliable power for utilities, industrial sites and large construction projects. When a substation upgrade or emergency replacement is on the line, two things matter greatly — price and how fast a supplier can deliver. In a tight North American market where lead times stretch into months, buyers need vendors with real inventory, transparent pricing and logistics muscle to hit commercial operation dates. What to Look for in a High-Quality Transformer Procurement teams should benchmark manufacturers on compliance, engineering depth, life cycle cost and delivery readiness. Look for IEEE/ANSI compliance, UL listing where applicable and documented factory test routines. Ask about core steel grades, winding design, tap changer options, and monitoring packages like dissolved gas analysis, bushing monitors and hot-spot temperature sensors for predictive maintenance. Pricing ranges in the United States vary by spec and size. For example, a common pole-mounted distribution transformer will cost less than a typical three-phase pad-mounted unit for commercial service. At the fleet level, the total cost of ownership comes down to efficiency class, cooling design, fluid choice and warranty support. Why is fast delivery a challenge for many transformer manufacturers? According to Wood Mackenzie, U.S. demand for power transformers has surged 116% since 2019, while demand for distribution transformers increased 41% — driven mostly by rising electricity use and grid projects. The same research agency expects 2025 supply deficits of about 30% for power transformers and 10% for distribution units. Imports are expected to supply approximately 80% of U.S. power transformers and 50% of distribution units in 2025. These dynamics push prices up and extend lead times, which is why suppliers with inventory or accelerated programs stand out. 10 Top Providers of Affordable New Transformers Large power transformers average $500,000 to $3 million, depending on voltage class, rating and options. That capital outlay is tough for many smaller utilities and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) teams, so providers that blend competitive pricing with quick ship capacity reduce schedule and budget risks. 1. Sunbelt Solomon Sunbelt Solomon is one of North America’s most visible transformer suppliers with nationwide service coverage and a strong inventory. The company maintains Quick-Ship stock for pole-mount and pad-mount distribution units, and it highlights immediate shipment on select models. Sunbelt also supplies new components alongside surplus and reconditioned options, which helps match budgets and schedules across different project scopes. Products include liquid-filled and dry-tape padmounts, along with field services for commissioning and maintenance. For buyers racing against a deadline, the quick-ship landing page and “available for immediate shipment” options help preserve project timelines. Coverage is national through multiple field teams and facilities. Sunbelt Solomon is frequently used for emergency replacements, capital upgrades and temporary bypass service during substation work. Quotes often include freight timing and coordination with site receiving, so crews can plan with confidence. 2. GE Vernova For engineered power transformers, GE Vernova Grid Solutions covers everything from medium to ultra-high voltage with ratings from 5 mega-volt amperes (MVA) to 2,750 MVA, including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and phase-shifting variants. Designs emphasize digital monitoring and high-efficiency cooling to cut losses. While large units are typically made to order, GE Vernova announced recent U.S. factory investments aimed at capacity growth and delivery performance — welcome news for schedule-sensitive projects. Buyers seeking utility-grade generator step-up or auto transformers will value the breadth and installed base of these products. Engineering teams can support custom impedance, loss and noise targets for sensitive sites. A broad installed base with utilities and independent power producers helps procurement benchmark life cycle performance. 3. ELSCO Transformers ELSCO Transformers focuses on the emergency replacement of pad-mount and dry-type distribution transformers, offering fast delivery through its Quick-Ship program. If the right unit is in stock, it can ship within 24 to 48 hours. ELSCO says it maintains 95% availability of dry-type units with popular voltage ratings, such as 2400, 4160, 12470, 13200 and 13800. It also runs a rapid response team for outage situations. This offering is suited for plants, campuses and municipalities that need a fast, like-for-like medium-voltage unit. Stock is concentrated on common kilovolt-amperes (kVA) sizes with standard accessories to simplify interchangeability. Clear datasheets and test reports can speed up internal approvals during emergency outages. 4. Daelim Transformer Daelim Transformer manufactures ANSI/IEEE-compliant distribution and substation transformers and has taken steps to shorten delivery times to U.S. customers. In mid-2025, it announced the pre-positioning of over 500 UL-listed pad-mounted transformers across the country for urgent applications, targeting data centers and high-load sites. For standard pad-mount ratings, Daelim also markets swift production timelines and expertise in North American standards. This mix of U.S.-stocked inventory and factory capacity can help hit tight in-service dates while keeping unit costs competitive. Units arrive configured with U.S. practices, including tamper-proof cabinets and common bushing layouts. Buyers who standardize a narrow set of ratings often use Daelim to stabilize costs across various projects. 5. MGM Transformers MGM Transformers is a major U.S. distribution transformer manufacturer with an explicit expedited program. The Bull Rush program offers fast solutions in as little as five working days on select models — backed by a broad catalog that includes liquid-filled and dry-type units for commercial and industrial applications, battery energy storage systems, and renewables. For projects with near-term energization, Bull Rush is a concrete path to reduce schedule risk without sacrificing spec compliance. Requests for special taps or enclosure variations can be reviewed under the expedited window case by case. The company’s North American footprint helps reduce shipping uncertainty during peak seasons. 6. Evernew Transformer Evernew Transformer is a long-standing Chinese transformer manufacturer exporting oil-filled and dry-type units worldwide, including Canada and the U.S. Its portfolio spans pole-mount, tabletop, substation and power transformers up to high-voltage classes. Buyers often consider Evernew for factory-direct pricing on new builds, then plan around freight to meet their schedules. For U.S. projects, confirm UL and IEEE/ANSI alignment on the exact model and build, taking customs lead time into account when comparing the landed cost against domestic quick-ship options.
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has been officially awarded Building a Safer Future (BSF) Champion status, recognising its outstanding commitment to safety leadership and culture across the built environment. Following the successful completion of both Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture)and Stage 2 (Corroborating Elements) of the BSF Champion assessment, United Infrastructure has demonstrated sustained excellence in safety performance and a proactive approach to embedding best practices across all of its operations. Operating across the utility infrastructure and social infrastructure sectors, United Infrastructure’s achievement sets a powerful benchmark for the wider industry. The BSF Champion process allows organisations to measure themselves against sector-leading practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement plans to advance leadership and culture in relation to building safety. Sean Luchmun, Chief SHEQ and People Officer at United Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to achieve BSF Champion status. This award demonstrates our sustained commitment to building safely and the highest standards of safety leadership behaviours and culture. I would like to extend my thanks to Building a Safer Future for their partnership and to every United Infrastructure employee for their support in achieving this award.” Steve Elliot, Non-Executive Chair of Building a Safer Future, commented: “I am delighted to confirm United Infrastructure as our latest BSF Champion. Since receiving Stage 1 certification in December 2024, the business has made exceptional progress. This reflects a deep commitment to safety leadership and culture, alongside sustained excellence in performance across all areas. Congratulations to United Infrastructure on achieving BSF Champion status.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Logistics Capital Partners (LCP)to deliver a new depot for Carlsberg Britvic at West Midlands Interchange (WMI). The depot will be the first constructed at the development and was celebrated with an official groundbreaking ceremony. The drinks company previously announced that it will be the first occupier at WMI – a transformative £2 billion national logistics hub at Junction 12 of the M6 near Wolverhampton, which is being developed by global real estate investor, developer and manager Oxford Properties and LCP. Building on Winvic’s success as the design stage delivery partner on WMI, since 2023 the team has delivered new road infrastructure and works to the existing road and public rights of way network, along with the reconfiguration and undergrounding of energy infrastructure, and the earthworks required to create development plots and landscape zones. As part of those works, Winvic and Active Tunnelling completed tunnelling beneath the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, marking a significant milestone for the development. This involved the use of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which operated at a depth of 10 metres and drilled a length of 25 metres as part of the site-wide drainage works. Honouring tradition, the industry organisation CECA Midlands, named the TBM and chose ‘Red Emma’ in honour of Emma Sproson – a pioneering working-class political figure from the Black Country. Now awarded the contract to deliver the first industrial unit on the development, a new 220,000 sq ft depot for Carlsberg Britvic, Winvic has commenced the 37-week build programme, with completion due in Spring 2026. The two-storey depot, which will include 11,408 sq. ft of office space, is being purpose-built to Carlsberg Britvic’s requirements and will feature state-of-the-art facilities to support the company’s growing logistics needs. Designed with a focus on energy efficiency and building performance, the depot is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A+, and alignment with the Net Zero Framework Definition principles supporting the Net Zero Carbon Building Pilot Standard, aiming to achieve Net Zero in Operation. In addition, it will include high efficiency heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and effective implementation of ecological measures throughout design, construction and handover, while the roofs will be 100% optimised for PV panels. As part of the infrastructure phase, Winvic’s social responsibility team developed a bespoke Employment Skills and Training Plan to maximise opportunities for local communities and leave a lasting legacy across Staffordshire, South Staffordshire and Wolverhampton. The contractor has facilitated 18 industry placements, including T Level, work experience and Year-in-Industry students, totalling 186 weeks of learning, and supported five apprentices. Training initiatives in collaboration with supply chain partners, such as Roller Driver training, have helped local residents to gain formal qualifications, enhance employability skills and secure successful employment outcomes. Working closely with the dedicated WMI Brokerage (Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service), new opportunities are cascaded to local employment partners, with 41% of the project workforce living within a 30-mile radius. Winvic also launched the site’s first Careers Lead Encounter Day, in partnership with the Careers and Enterprise Company, inviting local school careers leads for site tours and in-depth insights into roles in engineering, planning, and design. Building on its success, Winvic hosted a Teacher Encounter Day to showcase real life examples of how science and geography link to construction careers. During the construction of the new Carlsberg Britvic depot, Winvic will continue its commitment by continuing to deliver an Employment and Skills Plan, building on the relationships established during the infrastructure phase to further enhance opportunities and outcomes for local communities. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Distribution at Winvic, said: “During our early contractor involvement and delivery of significant civils and infrastructure works, we have built collaborative relationships with Oxford Properties and LCP, so we are perfectly placed to deliver the first depot at one of the UK’s largest and most environmentally conscious intermodal logistics parks. “Our team brings extensive experience of delivering similar sustainable, rail served sites and by working with our client, supply chain partners and the local authorities, WMI will give local people access to construction skills and employment, bringing significant economic benefit to the region and nationally.” David Bodily, Property & Facilities Director at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “The West Midlands Interchange will play an important role in Carlsberg Britvic’s logistics network, as the home to our West Midlands Depot serving customers throughout the region from Q4 2026. This is a very special moment for the development as work begins, and we are proud to take part and mark the occasion. Our new depot will provide a fantastic long-term hub for our people and reinforces the West Midlands role as a key centre for logistics in the UK, helping to drive growth and excellence.” Robin Everall, Head of Development at Oxford Properties, added: “This groundbreaking ceremony at the West Midlands Interchange is an important milestone in the development of the UK’s foremost logistics hub, with its multi-modal transport connectivity and highly sustainable specifications attracting blue chip occupiers looking for bespoke warehouse space. We look forward to working with Carlsberg Britvic on the delivery of their new facility and welcoming them to the site once it’s completed next year.” James Markby, Managing Partner at LCP, said:“We are extremely happy to have taken this major step forward for the West Midlands Interchange development. We were very proud to secure Carlsberg Britvic as our first occupier recently, and seeing work begin on Unit 5030 is another substantial event in our long-term ambitions. The WMI site is set to become the country’s most significant rail served logistics development and will become a crucial component of the UK’s strategic freight network. It will be key to decarbonising UK logistics and supporting the country’s wider net zero aspirations. It will also make a significant contribution to the local economy, creating 8500 direct jobs and boosting opportunities for people in South Staffordshire, the Black Country, the West
OP has been appointed to deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of accounting firm Cooper Parry’s new London headquarters. Cooper Parry is relocating from their existing Holborn offices, having outgrown their current space as their London operations expand. Following an extensive property search with building tours across multiple locations and test fit studies, OP developed the full design concept to create their new London hub. The office interior design consultancy will transform 18,000 sq ft across the fifth floor of the building at 5 Appold Street, Broadgate, London creating a dynamic workplace that establishes Cooper Parry’s expanded foothold in the capital. The 9-week project will see OP develop a hospitality-led workspace that redefines traditional office environments. The transformation will evolve the existing space from conventional rows of desks with a large breakout area into a more dynamic, multi-faceted environment that balances focused work with collaborative opportunities. Central to the design concept is the building’s unique heritage as the fondly-named ‘flower pot building’, celebrated for its distinctive terracotta facade that resembles a terracotta flower pot. This narrative became the anchor for the entire design approach, with OP weaving storytelling elements throughout the space, including the naming conventions and thematic choices such as the ‘greenhouse’ social area, creating a cohesive identity that connects the workspace to its architectural character. The centrepiece ‘greenhouse’ social space provides additional collaboration opportunities while serving as a versatile venue for client events and company gatherings. OP’s approach prioritises retaining as much of the existing architecture as possible, reusing existing desks, meeting rooms and task seating while minimising disruption and waste. This sustainable design philosophy supports Cooper Parry’s environmental objectives while reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint. The design incorporates multiple purpose-built zones to support different working styles. Key features include a welcoming business lounge positioned as the first impression for visitors and clients, incorporating flexible work settings alongside a sophisticated meet-and-greet area. A multifunctional training space doubles as a library, maximising the building’s flexible workspace opportunities. Claire Stant, Creative Director at OP, said: “We’re rebelling against traditional office space and creating a hospitality-led aesthetic that combines the practical requirements of day-to-day work with an exceptional experience as you move through the space. Every space tells a story, and the design celebrates the building’s unique character while delivering a workplace that truly supports collaboration and growth.” Jo Giles, Head of Facilities at Cooper Parry, said: “We’re delighted to be working with OP to create our new London headquarters. This move represents a significant investment in our London presence and demonstrates our commitment to providing our team with an inspiring workplace. The design perfectly captures our vision of a space that supports both our people and our clients, creating an environment where our business can continue to flourish – a crafted solution to take our business forward.” The project is scheduled for completion in October 2025, enabling Cooper Parry to establish their enhanced London operations ahead of their planned transition from their Holborn offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Waitrose is committing millions to refresh and expand its London estate, underscoring the capital’s importance to the grocer’s growth plans as it opens its 62nd store in the city. The latest arrival is Little Waitrose & Partners at Wandsworth New Acres, a 2,500 sq ft convenience shop set within a new neighbourhood development. It follows recent London refurbishments in Marylebone and Clerkenwell and marks the next step in a programme of targeted upgrades and small-format openings designed to bring the brand closer to dense residential catchments. As part of the investment, Waitrose will renew its convenience shops in Crouch End and Old Brompton Road and upgrade its Coulsdon store before the end of the year, with further transformations scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The focus is on modernising high-street footprints and improving day-to-day experience for local shoppers, while aligning formats to the evolving mix of commuter, family and home-working missions across the capital. “From our roots in Acton where we opened our very first shop, to Streatham which saw our first supermarket, and now our newest convenience shop in Wandsworth, London has always been home to Waitrose and central to our success,” said Tina Mitchell, interim managing director of Waitrose. “Today, as we open our 62nd store in the capital, we’re committing to investing millions to expand and refresh our portfolio. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and by continually listening to what our customers want and need, we are well positioned for future growth in London and across the UK.” The London push sits within a wider estate strategy. The retailer says it is investing in every shop nationwide, combining refurbishments with new openings to optimise coverage and format mix. In the Bristol area, Waitrose opened a new convenience store last week at The Arches and announced its first regional distribution centre, strengthening last-mile capability for both full-line and convenience shops. The pipeline also includes the first new full-line Waitrose supermarket in seven years, due to open in 2027 at Brabazon, a major new town being created on the former Filton Airfield in Bristol. For London specifically, the programme reflects how grocers are threading smaller, well-specified stores into mixed-use schemes and established high streets, supporting footfall and everyday services in walkable neighbourhoods. While the Wandsworth opening showcases the compact Little Waitrose model embedded in new residential development, the upcoming works in Crouch End, Old Brompton Road and Coulsdon signal continued investment in existing assets to lift presentation, convenience and efficiency. With a balance of targeted refurbishments and selective new shops, Waitrose’s multimillion-pound commitment is framed as an estate-wide upgrade that builds on the brand’s long London heritage while preparing for the next phase of urban growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainable energy solutions are being integrated into the fabric of a school being rebuilt under a flagship government project. Architectural consultant Pick Everard has designed Penwortham Girls’ School to be net zero carbon in operation, meaning any carbon generated through its day-to-day running will be offset. This will be achieved through a combination of renewable energy technologies, design strategies to maximise the use of natural light and shade, and an enhanced building fabric to reduce energy consumption. The Lancashire high school was included in round three of the Department for Education’s £1 billion School Rebuilding Programme and work has now started on the three-storey, 800-place state-of-the-art learning centre. The existing school, which dates back to the 1950s, will remain in operation while the development takes place. The transformative project includes a new sports hall, six science laboratories featuring cutting-edge facilities, a drama studio and large library. Support for students with social, emotional and mental health needs will also be strengthened. Joe West, architecture associate at Pick Everard, said: “Rather than relying on conventional systems, the building will utilise more environmentally efficient solutions for energy generation and storage, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and passive ventilation. “The considered design manages thermal gain and daylighting, balancing the benefits of natural light and heating sources with strategies for visual comfort and healthy room temperatures. “Penwortham Girls’ School wanted a nurturing environment for 11 to 16-year-olds that promotes learning as well as personal growth and development. Working with main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, as well as our delivery partners, we have created a high-performance building with fresh and inviting surroundings to encourage productivity. We have also designed indoor and outdoor spaces with flexibility in mind, enabling out-of-hours use, improved connections to the natural environment and inclusive learning experiences.” Paul Skyes, Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as the construction partner for Penwortham Girls’ High School and are incredibly proud to be working on a project that has sustainability at the core of its design and delivery. We look forward to providing the school and local community with state-of-the-art facilities whilst being part of something that makes a lasting difference.” Active travel is also being promoted with the creation of 30 cycle parking and storage spaces, as well as safe and convenient school pick up and drop off points. The 71,000 sq ft new school building is due to be completed by winter 2026, with the final handover of the site expected to take place the following summer. The programme of works has been designed to minimise disruption to students and staff. Dijon Marples-Wall, senior carbon consultant at Pick Everard, said: “Technology is improving, this is what is going to make Net Zero achievable. We need finance to enable it, education in how to use it and benefit from it, unlocking the data we need to evidence the achievement. “Net zero is being realised, thanks to design features built into construction projects like the new Penwortham Girls’ School.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northern Ireland based contractor Henry Brothers has started work on a major refurbishment scheme at Wolverhampton Central Police Station. The renovation on the Bilston Street site will take 16 months to complete. The station will remain open to the public throughout. Once the work is complete, the site will have better victim facilities, provide officers with a modern workplace and safeguard the long-term future of the city centre building. Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “We are very pleased to be starting work on this scheme to refurbish Wolverhampton Central police station, as we take great pride in working alongside our bluelight clients. The creation of a more modern police station will provide improved facilities for West Midlands Police and allow officers to better service the local community.” Henry Brothers will employ a number of local people including apprentices on the refurbishment scheme, ploughing money back into the local economy. Speaking about the refurbishment, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, said: “These essential works represent a major investment in policing in Wolverhampton and this iconic building. “Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy. “Policing has changed considerably since the station opened 33 years ago, especially our focus on victims – which is more important now than ever. The work which is underway includes improvements to victim care facilities as well as staff areas.” The building – which has not been updated since it was opened by Princess Diana on 31 July 1992 – requires substantial essential work including replacing windows, installing a new heating/cooling system, repairing leaks and damp, creating new victim care rooms, insulating the building, installing solar panels and LED lighting to reduce energy and more. Safety and security systems will be upgraded while an employee café will be built on site and managed by a local non-profit organisation. The aim is for the charity to provide training and work for people who have historically been excluded from the local job market, including people who have experienced homelessness, disabled people and people with no formal qualifications. It’s a model which has been successfully implemented in other areas of West Midlands Police and proven popular with officers. Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, responsible for policing across the whole of Wolverhampton, said: “I’ve been really clear that operational policing must not be affected while the refurbishment takes place. Our brilliant officers and staff will be going out of their way to make that happen. “To minimise disruption, some teams have been temporarily moved to Wednesfield and Bilston police bases, where they continue to serve the city’s communities while the remainder continue to work from Wolverhampton Central.” Cash for the £9 million critical works has come from making better use of West Midlands Police’s estate, reducing energy consumption and other cost savings that have made the service more efficient and more effective, such as the introduction of robotics to automate administrative processes and artificial intelligence to answer all non-emergency calls. Money for the works can only be spent on buildings and equipment, and not officers. Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I am pleased that we have secured the long-term future of Wolverhampton police station through this vital investment. This is a clear indication of my commitment to neighbourhood policing, to ensure officers and staff have the facilities they need, to provide the public with an effective and efficient police service. “By modernising the police station, we are not only improving working conditions for our hard-working police officers and staff but also enhancing the service we provide to victims of crime and the wider community. “This investment is part of my wider strategy, to ensure that West Midlands Police is fit for policing in the 21st century, with an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, based in the communities it serves – preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.” Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Baxi is proud to be headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025, the dedicated event for built environment professionals responsible for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in commercial and large-scale residential projects. With a full stand on C20 showcasing its low carbon heating and hot water solutions, Baxi’s heat experts are looking forward to meeting fellow professionals from across the industry at what is set to be an inspiring show on 19 to 20 November at London ExCel. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see up close: The Baxi team is looking forward to discussing the complete engineered solutions the company provides, backed with strong technical support from pre-contract design services through to commissioning and servicing. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about Baxi’s CIBSE-approved series of CPD courses, designed to support professionals in maintaining and improving competence and expertise. Baxi’s Director of External Affairs & Policy Jeff House and Head of Technical Solutions Andy Green will be among the experts offering actionable insights into decarbonisation at a series of panel sessions at the show. The first, Decarbonising Heat in Schools: Challenges and Opportunities will take place at 2:45pm on 19 November at the Climate Solutions Theatre, where the pair will be joined by Oakes Energy Services MD Nik Smith and Jim Kirby, Energy Consultant at The Priory Federation of Academies Trust. The panel will discuss existing barriers hampering progress in decarbonising UK schools, as revealed by a recent Baxi survey, and draw on experience and insight to suggest solutions and best practice approaches to accelerate uptake of heat pump deployment. For the second session, Andy Green will be joined by David Coulter, Certified Passivhaus Designer at BakerHicks to reflect on the importance of the hot water design strategy in low energy designs. The role of point of use water heaters in meeting Passivhaus principles will use the design for Scotland’s first Passivhaus-accredited primary school, which uses Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia point of use water heaters, as a case study for achieving best practice energy performance. This session will take place at 11:25am on 20 November at the CIBSE Build2Perform Synergy Theatre. Shane Suter, Commercial Business Director at Baxi, will join the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) led panel Why Inclusion Matters: Building a Better Future in Construction at 4:20pm on 19 November in the CIBSE Influence Theatre. Baxi is one of the founding members of the CIC, and Shane is passionate about driving sustainability and decarbonisation while championing inclusive leadership and greater diversity within the industry. Shane said: “It’s well established that a shift towards low carbon heating solutions like air source heat pumps and heat networks will be essential to keep the UK on track with 2050 net zero. Yet the reality is that commercial buildings are currently not being retrofitted at the pace or scale necessary to meet our critical milestones. “ElementalLONDON will bring together like-minded industry professionals under one roof to share successful techniques and come up with achievable strategies to the heat decarbonisation challenge. That’s what makes the show such an important event and why we at Baxi are so proud to be this year’s headline sponsor. We’re looking forward to showcasing our range of low carbon heating and hot water solutions, as well as to lively debates on our stand and at our panel discussions. We can’t wait to network and talk net zero!” Further information on Baxi’s range of commercial hot water and heating solutions is available at https://www.baxi.co.uk/commercial. Baxi is headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025 and will be exhibiting on Stand C20. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Duke Street, a European mid-market investor, announces it has agreed to acquire McAvoy (“McAvoy”), a provider of high-quality modular buildings and social infrastructure. The acquisition follows five years of majority ownership by Blantyre Capital (“Blantyre”), an independent investment manager specialising in mid-market equity and debt. Founded in 1972, McAvoy designs, builds, and rents premium space solutions, ranging from temporary modular buildings to fully bespoke permanent buildings. McAvoy has extensive experience in supplying to the health, education, pharmaceutical, and commercial sectors throughout the UK and Ireland. McAvoy provides complete turnkey solutions that adhere to the same regulations as traditional buildings but can be delivered up to 50% faster. Its modern, custom-built modules are typically more than 70% complete before leaving McAvoy’s 70,000 square-foot purpose-built manufacturing facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. This facility has the capacity to design and manufacture up to 1,200 modules annually, making McAvoy one of the largest modular building providers in the UK. Headquartered in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, McAvoy has over 160 employees and offices in Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol, and London. During Blantyre’s ownership, McAvoy experienced substantial growth and profitability improvements, reflecting increased demand in the UK modular rental and sales market for premium, cost-effective, and sustainable buildings that are flexible and easy to deploy. Particular growth has come from McAvoy’s rental division, which removes the need for customers to make substantial capital investments and provides them with ongoing maintenance and support. Duke Street’s investment in McAvoy will increase the size and quality of McAvoy’s rental fleet, enabling McAvoy to continue offering its customers premium, high-quality buildings delivered at pace and without the need for capital outlay. Joe Thompson, Partner at Duke Street, says: “McAvoy is a sustainable, well-capitalised and market-leading business that has a strong reputation for building premium modular solutions. In the last few years, the exceptional management team, led by CEO Ron Clarke, has successfully taken to market a new and differentiated modular product, SmartSpace, that exceeds building regulation requirements. Duke Street’s acquisition of McAvoy complements our long-held investment focus in essential social infrastructure services that provide the backbone to the economy.” Duke Street has a long and successful track record of investing across the UK, Ireland, and Mainland Europe. The buyout of McAvoy is the second acquisition by Duke Street in social infrastructure, following its 2024 buyout of AGITO Medical, a provider of mobile rental medical imaging equipment to the healthcare industry. AGITO was a carve-out from Philips. Johann Scheid, Investment Director at Blantyre, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Ron and his outstanding team at McAvoy. Over the past five years, McAvoy has undergone a transformational period, successfully launching SmartSpace and expanding its modular rental fleet while delivering a broad range of new permanent modular buildings across education, healthcare, and other key sectors. We are confident that McAvoy has found an excellent new home in Duke Street for its next chapter of growth. We wish the company, its management, staff, and new shareholders every success in the future.” Ron Clarke, CEO of McAvoy, said: “Securing the backing and support of Duke Street, one of Europe’s most well-respected investors, underscores the strength of our proposition. They join at a critical time in the modular building industry, when the need for high-quality solutions has never been higher. Our company is uniquely positioned for further growth with a model that combines operational excellence, sophisticated design and deep sector expertise. We thank Blantyre for their commitment and support over the past five years. Together, we have achieved significant growth, establishing McAvoy as a trusted provider of high-quality, adaptable modular buildings across the UK and Ireland.” The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals