Leading paving and building products manufacturer, AG, has made a series of substantial investments totalling over £5.4 million to enhance its manufacturing facilities. The latest upgrades, exceeding £400k will boost production efficiency to help meet soaring demand for AG’s hard landscaping and building products while simultaneously reducing the company’s environmental
The development provides 134,500 sq ft of flexible light industrial space over six storeys and sets a new benchmark for modern industrial space for innovative businesses. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, yesterday announced the completion of a new urban, multi-level
BGEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering firms driving the energy transition, has been awarded a £84million project by GE Steam Power Systems to provide electrical and instrumentation solutions to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset. When complete, Hinkley Point C is expected to deliver 7% of
A recent report commissioned by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and conducted by Savills reveals impressive growth within the warehousing sector, indicating sustained expansion and a continuous surge in demand. Since 2015, the sector has witnessed a remarkable 61% growth, with total warehousing space nearing the 700 million sq ft
Leading Magherafelt-based contractor Henry Brothers has been appointed onto the University of Manchester Construction Framework for the first time. The company has won four contracts to deliver developments at the university over the past few years and this appointment onto the framework opens up a pipeline of future projects. The
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election,
It’s often difficult to navigate the changes in the real estate market, but what if you had a compass that could predict the shifts before they happen? Artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) emerging role in real estate development is that compass, guiding developers and investors effectively. Whether it’s crafting personalized experiences for
Building on our Retrofitting Offices report, published in January, UKGBC’s Non-Domestic Retrofit: Retail and Logistics project seeks to explore how we can best decarbonise the retail and logistics sectors through effective retrofit planning and delivery. Retrofitting non-domestic property will play a crucial role in achieving our net zero targets. According
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in
Leading paving and building products manufacturer, AG, has made a series of substantial investments totalling over £5.4 million to enhance its manufacturing facilities. The latest upgrades, exceeding £400k will boost production efficiency to help meet soaring demand for AG’s hard landscaping and building products while simultaneously reducing the company’s environmental footprint. Focused on modernising its factories, equipment, and technology with the construction of a new £3 million factory and £2 million wash plant revamp, the firm has announced their latest improvements which include the installation of two state-of-the-art crushers. Integral to both the production and quality of AG’s market leading products, the inclusion of crushers in its manufacturing process enables the company to harness locally sourced materials from both its Pomeroy plant and on-site quarry in Fivemiletown, ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply chain. In alignment with AG’s environmental commitment, which includes its Climate Action Pledge to decrease Scope 1 and 2 emissions by a minimum of 30% by 2030, the new crushers will optimise aggregate production across the company whilst reducing energy consumption. The cutting-edge machinery will match the output of its predecessors whilst consolidating the crushing circuits at the company’s Fivemiletown and Pomeroy sites, yielding significant carbon emission savings for AG. In addition, AG has introduced new product moulds, upgraded packaging machinery and new wrapping processes to improve performance efficiency and mitigate the company’s carbon impact across their four sites. “At AG, we are committed to delivering superior products while prioritising sustainability and innovation,” remarked Stephen Acheson, CEO. “Our latest investments underscore our proactive approach to create products that make construction better, faster and safer. By modernising our machinery infrastructure and embracing cutting-edge technologies, we are poised to meet the soaring demand the business is experiencing across commercial and domestic markets, while championing sustainable practices.” In tandem with its investment initiatives, AG has strengthened its workforce by creating new job opportunities, including the appointment of James Jack as GB Sales Director. This strategic expansion reinforces its commitment to driving sales across the UK & Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The development provides 134,500 sq ft of flexible light industrial space over six storeys and sets a new benchmark for modern industrial space for innovative businesses. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, yesterday announced the completion of a new urban, multi-level development for SEGRO and St George at , SEGRO V-Park Grand Union, in Park Royal. The project, one of its kind in the UK, offers 134,500 sq. ft. of flexible light industrial space over six storeys, presenting an innovative concept for delivering multi-storey light industrial property. With a unique design, it aims to maximise employment space and accessibility on the 1.7-acre plot, supporting up to 500 jobs and apprenticeships during construction. This initiative forms part of Grand Union, a new canal-side destination developed by St George. Grand Union boasts 10.2 acres of publicly accessible landscaped gardens, achieving a net biodiversity gain of 240%. The development also includes a community centre, health centre, local supermarket, and a variety of on-site amenities. The ground and first floors of the development feature over 100 parking spaces, along with incorporated electric vehicle charging points. The flexible industrial space spans four upper levels, offering individual units of various sizes ranging from 1,712 to 32,250 sq. ft. These spaces are complemented by shared meeting rooms, breakout areas, and wellness spaces, including a green roof terrace. Speaking about the project Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy said: “As we stand here today against the backdrop of this incredible new building, it is with an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment that we can admire what Glencar and our exceptional team have delivered. Being the first multi-storey urban logistics building of its kind to be developed in the UK, Glencar is honoured to have been entrusted by esteemed clients St George and SEGRO to successfully deliver this project. As we continue to engage with an increasing number of urban logistics developments and last-mile projects in London and the Southwest, we are leveraging our exceptional skillset to maintain our position at the forefront of Industrial & Logistics construction in the UK. This building sets a new benchmark for modern industrial space, catering to innovative businesses. Its construction quality, sustainability measures, and flexible design are pioneering, maximising collaboration across multiple levels and featuring contemporary amenities. We eagerly anticipate seeing the building in action, and I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the exceptional team who worked tirelessly to deliver this outstanding outcome.” To read more about SEGRO V-Park Grand Union and access media visit https://www.segro.com/countries-repository/united-kingdom/segro-v-park-grand-union Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BGEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering firms driving the energy transition, has been awarded a £84million project by GE Steam Power Systems to provide electrical and instrumentation solutions to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset. When complete, Hinkley Point C is expected to deliver 7% of the UK’s CO2-free energy for the next 60 years. The plant is projected to generate 3.2+ GW to the grid – that’s enough to power 6million homes, whilst saving 9million tons of CO2 emissions a year. GE Steam Power will supply the two conventional power islands for HPC, which include the Arabelle steam turbine, generator and other critical equipment. The Arabelle produces 2% more power output than a traditional configuration, has a 99.96% reliability rate and will be the largest ever to be built – and each capable of each producing 1,770 MW of electrical power. BGEN’s remit includes the design, supply and installation of electrical and instrumentation packages for Unit 1 and Unit 2 Turbine Halls of the nuclear power plant. Standing at 50 metres high, each will house one of the world’s largest Arabelle steam turbines, along with a generator and other critical equipment. In terms of electrical scope, BGEN’s turnkey project solution include the installation of the Isolated Phase Busducts (IPBs), design verification, seismic qualification, supply and installation of structural support and containment systems, the installation of electrical equipment and cables, in addition to termination and testing. BGEN’s project scope for instrumentation engineering includes the design and seismic qualification of instrument frames and canopies, the fabrication and final assembly of instrumentation and associated equipment, the supply and installation of structural support and containment systems and instrument tubing, the installation of field instruments and associated equipment, as well as cable installation, termination and testing. Zied Ben-Chabaane, Site Director at GE Steam Power Systems, said: “We are delighted to sign the subcontractor agreement, for the electrical and instrumentation and control package at Hinkley Point C, with our preferred bidder, UK electrical subcontractor BGEN. “In doing so, we mark a very important milestone in our subcontracting journey, which will support our Hinkley Point C project execution plan. Our agreement is the result of effective collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie amongst our teams at GE Steam Power Systems, BGEN, as well as the support from our client and EDF Energy subsidiary, NNB GenCo. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved for their great work and dedication to be able to reach this achievement. We are very confident that together with BGEN, this project will be a great success.” Robin Whitehead, CEO of BGEN said: “This contract that we’ve secured with GE Power Systems is our latest prestigious win within the nuclear energy sector. It’s testament to our proven collaborative approach and ability to deliver turnkey solutions in a highly regulated environment.” For further information on BGEN visit https://b-gen.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A recent report commissioned by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and conducted by Savills reveals impressive growth within the warehousing sector, indicating sustained expansion and a continuous surge in demand. Since 2015, the sector has witnessed a remarkable 61% growth, with total warehousing space nearing the 700 million sq ft mark. Furthermore, the development of warehouses exceeding 1 million sq ft has surged by an astonishing 345% over the past decade, paralleled by an 813% increase in occupancy by online retailers. At the recent UKWA National Conference, the unveiled report underscores the pivotal role of warehousing in supply chains, the UK economy, and our daily lives, according to UKWA CEO Clare Bottle. It paints a vivid picture of sustained growth and the sector’s adaptability in response to evolving social and supply chain dynamics, including the surge in online shopping and nearshoring trends. Highlighting the growing significance of warehouses, the report asserts, “The role of the warehouse has never been more important, and the demand for warehouse space continues to rise.” Warehouses now serve as central hubs for supply chain activities, encompassing tasks traditionally handled by manufacturers and retailers, including managing returns, repairs, and recycling, thereby becoming integral to the circular economy. The escalating demand for warehouse space is driven by a confluence of factors, including the need for increased space, manpower, and technological advancements. Moreover, global geopolitical events have underscored the vulnerabilities of lengthy supply chains, prompting manufacturers to maintain higher inventory levels closer to consumer markets to enhance supply chain resilience. Consequently, there has been a surge in warehouse proliferation, accompanied by a trend towards larger warehouse units. Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) continue to dominate warehouse occupancy in 2024, with online retailers witnessing the most significant surge in occupancy. This underscores the necessity for strategically located warehouses near population centres and along motorway corridors to meet the escalating demands of online consumers. Geographically, there has been a notable shift, with the East Midlands retaining its position as the largest market for warehouse inventory, witnessing a 66% rise. However, other core markets, including the West Midlands, South East, Yorkshire, and the South West, have also experienced substantial growth. The North West, while exhibiting a comparatively lower growth rate of 41%, faces limitations in future growth due to inadequate allocated development land, as highlighted by Savills land supply data. Kevin Mofid, head of industrial & logistics research at Savills, remarks, “The growth of the UK logistics property market reflects its critical importance to manufacturing and retail supply chains. However, the changing geographical landscape poses challenges in meeting future demand.” In conclusion, Clare Bottle emphasises the acute shortage of high-quality buildings and development land, urging for government recognition and support for the warehousing sector’s vital role in the national economy. As the nation approaches a general election in 2024, it becomes imperative to effectively communicate the sector’s significance and advocate for necessary support and infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Magherafelt-based contractor Henry Brothers has been appointed onto the University of Manchester Construction Framework for the first time. The company has won four contracts to deliver developments at the university over the past few years and this appointment onto the framework opens up a pipeline of future projects. The four-year framework is for schemes from £5m to £20m and Henry Brothers is one of five contractors that have been awarded a place on it. Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are proud to have been appointed onto the University of Manchester Construction Framework and look forward to supporting the university as it continues to improve its estate and facilities. “Henry Brothers initially began working with the university in early 2022 on the first phase of the refurbishment of its Chemistry Building, and we are currently now delivering the second phase of this extensive project. “Since then, we have also been appointed to undertake two further schemes at the university, so we are very pleased to be cementing our partnership with The University of Manchester by being awarded a place on the university’s construction framework. “This appointment will support us as we continue to expand our North West office, which opened in Manchester in 2022, and has already relocated to larger office space in the city. “Henry Brothers has wide-ranging experience of working with universities in the East Midlands, West Midlands and the North West, supporting our partners to invest in their buildings and facilities. This latest framework appointment is great news for the company.” Henry Brothers 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 clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has appointed a new Sustainability Director as part of the company’s ongoing mission to decarbonise the construction industry. The leading UK building materials suppliers has announced the arrival of Anna Baker into the post. She brings with her 20 years of sustainability expertise in the construction industry and will be part of the company’s Executive Committee. Anna’s most recent role at Kier saw her lead the sustainability strategy for the UK-wide construction division. Previous to this she established the sustainability function at Sir Robert McAlpine, where she won Environmental Contractor of the Year. Her experience spans the client, main contractor and subcontractor value chain making her ideally placed to understand the challenges and opportunities available to the business in its vision to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Commenting on her new role, Anna said: “Aggregate Industries is a future focused and innovative company with sustainability at the heart of its vision. “I’m thrilled to be joining this business and look forward to working alongside the talented teams here to deliver an ambitious sustainability agenda that will add real value for our customers and communities.” Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Decarbonising our operations and the wider industry is central to our vision and strategy as a company. “So it is great to have Anna joining us at this exciting time. She has an established track record in sustainability within a construction setting and understands the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to her continuing to take us forward on our journey.” Aggregate Industries launched its first Sustainability Strategy: Building Progress for a Sustainable Future in May 2022 and last year it released its ambitious plan to achieve zero carbon emissions before 2050 through its Our Journey to Net Zero strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election, CIAT’s document focuses on three core issues; low carbon and retrofit, building safety, and skills shortages and recognition. The Institute is calling for greater collaboration within the sector to address these critical areas, to ensure that we can create sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities for future generations. CIAT President, Eddie Weir PCIAT, said: “We present this three-point plan to the next UK Government, outlining key areas of focus to build a sustainable future for our nation. This will require a coordinated effort from Government, the sector, and communities to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.” The document can be accessed and downloaded here: https://architecturaltechnology.com/about/ciat-recommendations-improved-built-environment.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
It’s often difficult to navigate the changes in the real estate market, but what if you had a compass that could predict the shifts before they happen? Artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) emerging role in real estate development is that compass, guiding developers and investors effectively. Whether it’s crafting personalized experiences for homebuyers or streamlining management processes, AI is reshaping how we approach building communities and investing in them. 5 Ways AI Plays a Role in the Future of Real Estate Development AI is quickly becoming a cornerstone in real estate development, offering tools that revolutionize how we build, market, and manage properties. Here are five ways AI is shaping the future. 1. Predictive Analytics for Investment Insights In real estate development, making informed decisions can mean the difference between a lucrative investment and an underperforming asset. This is where predictive analytics comes into its own, offering a powerful tool for gaining nuanced insights that guide future investments. By processing vast datasets, including historical property data, current market trends, demographic shifts, and economic indicators, AI uncovers patterns impossible for humans to discern unaided. And according to a McKinsey&Company report, companies that use big data and analytics in their operations are more productive and 5 to 6% more profitable. For you in real estate development, leveraging predictive analytics means you’re no longer relying on gut feelings or linear projections. Instead, you receive sophisticated forecasts about neighborhood growth trajectories or the ebb and flow of market prices. 2. Virtual Staging AI for Property Marketing In today’s dynamic real estate market, capturing the attention of potential buyers is crucial. That’s where the concept of AI-powered virtual home staging comes into play, revolutionizing property marketing with cutting-edge technology. By employing virtual staging AI tools for property marketing, agents and developers can create compelling visual narratives from their computer screens. Agents no longer have to lug around furniture to and from the property. Not only that, but a HomeLight survey shows that 83% of agents agree that a staged home will sell faster than a non-staged home. Agents will also save a lot of money and time and have the option to instantly change the furniture of their property to the buyer’s preferences. 3. Enhanced Customer Service with Chatbots In the real estate arena, responsiveness can be the difference between closing a deal and losing a client. That’s where AI chatbots come into the picture, offering an unrivaled enhancement to customer service. These smart assistants provide immediate communication any time of day or night, ensuring that potential clients always feel heard and aided. Here are some standout benefits of integrating chatbots: An Intercom report found that, while it’s true that 87% of consumers prefer to speak to a human, AI chatbots increased sales by an average of 67%. This proves that when chatbots are used appropriately, they can increase your profit margin and enhance customer service simultaneously. 4. Efficient Property Management Through Automation Property management is evolving rapidly with the advent of AI automation, significantly simplifying the complexities involved in managing real estate assets. By incorporating this technology, property managers can boost their efficiency, cut down on errors, and free up time to focus on more strategic tasks that demand a human touch. Now, they’ll be less busy. Here’s how automation aids in honing property management: Considering that businesses leveraging automation have seen a 14.5% increase in sales productivity and a 12% reduction in marketing overheads, applying these tools to property management boosts your operational competence and positively impacts your bottom line. 5. Tailored Recommendations for Buyers and Renters In today’s real estate landscape, personalization is the key to capturing attention and closing deals. As both buyers and renters wade through an ocean of choices, what they truly crave are recommendations that feel handpicked for their unique needs and lifestyles. The use of sophisticated algorithms allows AI to analyze vast amounts of data on user preferences, past behavior, and even financial criteria to present highly tailored suggestions. It’s not surprising, then, that 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. For people in real estate development or sales, this means employing AI can help predict which properties will work best with your clients. These systems will learn, based on previous data, exactly what buyers and renters want and need. Anticipating Market Shifts Keeps You Ahead Embrace the power of predictive analytics, virtual staging, and chatbot efficiency to unlock new possibilities and propel your investments forward. The future is beckoning to those ready for innovation in property management and development. So why wait? Take the leap into AI integration today. It could be the decision that shapes your success in the market of tomorrow.
Building on our Retrofitting Offices report, published in January, UKGBC’s Non-Domestic Retrofit: Retail and Logistics project seeks to explore how we can best decarbonise the retail and logistics sectors through effective retrofit planning and delivery. Retrofitting non-domestic property will play a crucial role in achieving our net zero targets. According to UKGBC’s Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, the non-domestic building stock is responsible for 23% of the UK built environment’s operational emissions, with the retail and logistics sectors being the primary drivers of operational emissions. With around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already built, we need to deliver rapid improvements in the energy efficiency of our current building stock if we are to achieve our net zero ambitions. This is why UKGBC has been delivering a workstream covering the retrofit of these energy intensive non-domestic buildings. This next phase will focus on buildings in the retail and logistics sectors and aims to explore the operational energy performance improvements that can be achieved, alongside the consequent cost and embodied carbon impacts. This is intended to inform planned upgrades to existing assets and help overcome common challenges and to meet the likely ambition behind emerging net zero carbon performance limits, such as those being developed by the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. In addition, the report will collate real-world examples of retrofit measures to illustrate what these projects can look like and the lessons learned from implementation. UKGBC is pleased to share that six organisations from across the built environment sector have come together to support this project and make this much needed analysis possible. These organisations are: AtkinsRéalis, Federated Hermes, Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), Mitsubishi Electric, Ridge and Partners, and SEGRO. Formed of experts in retrofitting retail & logistics buildings from across our Advancing Net Zero programme partners, project partners and wider UKGBC membership, the task group will work closely with the UKGBC team to undertake this research over the next year. The Task Group are: This project forms part of UKGBC’s work on Advancing Net Zero, learn more about this overarching programme and our previous work on non-domestic retrofit here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event takes place during a momentous year for both Arco and the health and safety industry, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Arco’s 140th anniversary. Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found in Hall 4, Stand 4/G100 and has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the hierarchy of control, emphasising the importance of a joined-up approach to safety management. With a focus on consultancy, training, expert advice, compliance and sustainability, Arco aims to demonstrate its unparalleled safety expertise. Visitors to the Arco stand can expect immersive experiences, including virtual reality demonstrations where they will be placed in realistic environments, highlighting hazards within working at height and confined spaces. The stand will also showcase Arco’s award-winning Responsible hi-vis and Responsible workwear product ranges, as well as its product-assurance process and independent UKAS-accredited laboratory. Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in four categories for the 2024 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: BSIF Product Innovation Award Safety Product Category (Non-PPE), Campaign of the Year, Distributor of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as sponsoring and judging this year’s inaugural Sustainable Company of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event. Gareth Wray, Marketing Director at Arco, commented: “We are thoroughly excited to be attending The Health & Safety Event during such a special year for Arco and the industry. We have gone above and beyond to create a truly engaging experience for visitors, showcasing our expertise not only in sourcing and delivering quality and compliant products, but in driving forward sustainable practices and offering joined-up safety solutions. “We look forward to interacting with the many attendees and sharing our expertise to drive positive change in safety practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals