Kenneth Booth
National Retrofit Conference and Expo: Bigger and more impactful for 2025

National Retrofit Conference and Expo: Bigger and more impactful for 2025

The National Retrofit Conference returns for its second year in 2025 with an exciting new expansion, the launch of a dedicated Expo, making it bigger and more engaging than ever before.  Taking place alongside Futurebuild 2025, this enhanced and immersive three-day event will bring together visionaries and industry leaders. Attendees

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Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the

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Morgan Sindall Celebrates Record-Breaking Year with Strong Growth

Morgan Sindall Celebrates Record-Breaking Year with Strong Growth

Morgan Sindall Group has reported an impressive performance for 2024, achieving double-digit growth in both revenue and profit, marking another record-breaking year for the construction and regeneration giant. For the year ending 31st December 2024, the company’s revenue rose by 10% to £4.55bn (2023: £4.12bn), while pre-tax profit surged by

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62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

How can the government attract private investment to improve UK infrastructure? The Institution of Civil Engineers has published a new policy paper, Paying for Britain’s Infrastructure System, with key findings for government and decision makers to improve public perception of infrastructure projects, increase value for money, and achieve better outcomes

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Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa engineering, a global leader, has acquired ADP Consulting, a leading sustainability-focused engineering consultancy. This deal marks Ayesa’s entry into Australia and further bolsters its UK presence. Founded in 2011 by Laurent Deleu and Jason Afford, ADP Consulting is recognised for its strength in enabling clients to transition to a

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Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three

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Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre, a leading provider of next-generation broadband, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s recent legislation requiring all new homes to be gigabit broadband-ready, calling it a vital step forward in ensuring homes are equipped for the demands of modern living. “This requirement should have already been standard,” said Robert Buckingham,

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East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects.

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Latest Issue
Issue 326 : Mar 2025

Kenneth Booth

National Retrofit Conference and Expo: Bigger and more impactful for 2025

National Retrofit Conference and Expo: Bigger and more impactful for 2025

The National Retrofit Conference returns for its second year in 2025 with an exciting new expansion, the launch of a dedicated Expo, making it bigger and more engaging than ever before.  Taking place alongside Futurebuild 2025, this enhanced and immersive three-day event will bring together visionaries and industry leaders. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge solutions and actionable strategies for tackling retrofit challenges head-on. National Retrofit Conference The National Retrofit Conference, sponsored by Sustainable Building Services, centres on Scaling the Ambition and Delivering the Promise with Retrofitting with its main theme of Regenerating Our Cities and Regions. Curated by the Retrofit Academy CIC and the National Retrofit Hub, the conference will deliver practical, actionable solutions that attendees can implement to advance their retrofit programmes. Tuesday 4th March: Leadership, Innovation, and Skills This day explores how strong leadership, policy direction, and a skilled workforce are vital in accelerating retrofitting across the UK. Highlights include: “Pioneering a Net Zero Future for a Global City”Megan Life, Associate Director of Environment and Energy at Greater London AuthorityMegan will outline London’s strategy for achieving net zero, setting an example for urban centres worldwide. “Delivering Labour’s Net Zero Vision: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities”Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Energy ConsumersA deep dive into Labour’s commitment to net zero and how policy will shape the future of retrofit and energy efficiency. Panel Debates and Discussions: The Warm Homes Plan: Examining Successful Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency Strategies – hear from Caroline Withey, Programme Director at DFESNZ and Shaun Garvey, also Programme Director at DFESNZ State of the Nation – Retrofitting for a Sustainable Future Leadership in Retrofitting – Driving Change Across Cities and Regions Skills and Workforce Development for the Retrofit Revolution Wednesday 5th March: Retrofit Done Right at Scale Scaling up retrofit efforts efficiently and effectively is crucial to meeting the UK’s decarbonisation targets. This day will focus on the technical, financial, and logistical aspects of delivering retrofit at scale. Highlights of the day include: “Is Retrofit Investible?”Andrew Sutton (Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer – SERO), Ryan Jude (Built Environment Programme Director – Green Finance Institute),  Jeremy Barker (Banking & Investment Director – National Wealth Fund), Chris Brown (Managing Director – Climatise) and Dr Zack Gill (Net Zero Technical Analyst – Energiesprong UK)A panel discussion on economic models and financing strategies to make retrofit attractive to investors, with input from Green Finance Institute, National Wealth Fund, Climatise, and Energiesprong UK. “Driving Standards and Volume in Large Scale Retrofit Markets”Simon Ayers, Chief Executive at TrustMarkGain insights into balancing efficiency, affordability, and performance to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets. “Retrofit Our Buildings, or Our Brains?” Science, History and Giving People Agency to Improve Health, Comfort and Carbon.”Dr Bill Bordass, Research and Policy Advisor at Usable Buildings and Dr Robyn Pender, Director at WhethergaugeExplore the human-centred approach to retrofitting, with strategies for creating healthy, comfortable living environments. Thursday 6th March: Community-Led Retrofit – Building from the Bottom Up This day, curated by the National Retrofit Hub, focuses on grassroots-led solutions and financial innovations making retrofit more accessible. Key sessions include: “EPC Reform – Perspectives on Change in Action”Hosted by Rachael Owens, National Retrofit Hub Co-DirectorWith speakers from Which?, MHCLG, Elmhurst, and Ecology Building Society. “Community-Led Retrofit – Redefining Retrofit at Scale”Hosted by Sara Edmonds, National Retrofit Hub Co-Director and Head of Citizen Engagement at BE-STFeaturing BE-ST Retrofit Scotland, Footwork Trust and Ecological Building Systems. National Retrofit Expo New for 2025, the Expo expands the National Retrofit Conference, featuring a dedicated exhibition with leading exhibitors such as Parity Projects, E.ON, Corksol, Trustmark, q-bot, and more. Attendees can explore innovative products, solutions, and technologies to tackle retrofit challenges and deliver impactful projects. The Big Retrofit Challenge A key highlight is The Big Retrofit Challenge, presented in partnership with NHDG and Innovate UK. This dynamic competition culminates in a live-finale, showcasing shortlisted groundbreaking innovations designed to address the toughest challenges in retrofit.   Attendees will witness contestants pitch cutting-edge tools, materials, and systems to a panel of experts, providing actionable insights to accelerate the decarbonisation of buildings across the UK.   The Retrofit Academy Awards The Retrofit Academy Awards, held during the National Retrofit Conference, celebrate excellence in retrofitting across the industry. Recognising outstanding achievements and rising stars, these awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions in this vital and fast-evolving sector. David Pierpoint, Founder and CEO at the Retrofit Academy commented: “The National Retrofit Conference & Expo marks a pivotal point for the retrofit sector. By expanding with a dedicated exhibition, we are creating an even more dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions. This event is about turning ambition into action and empowering industry professionals to scale up retrofit efforts and progress towards decarbonisation across the UK’s built environment.” Rachael Owens, Co-Director at the National Retrofit Hub, is also looking forward to the event: “The National Retrofit Conference & Expo embodies the ambition and collaboration needed to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: retrofitting our building stock. As part of this vital event, the National Retrofit Hub is proud to support the industry by addressing challenges, offering practical solutions, and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful progress.” The National Retrofit Conference & Expo embodies the ambition and collaboration needed to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: retrofitting our building stock. As part of this vital event, the National Retrofit Hub is proud to support the industry by addressing challenges, offering practical solutions, and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful progress. To find out more about the National Retrofit Conference and Expo visit the website Register for your free ticket today Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage Intacct Construction launches in the UK, empowering businesses with real-time financial insights and efficiency gains

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the UK launch of Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud-native financial management and operations solution designed specifically for the construction industry. This expansion builds on the success of Sage Intacct Construction in the United States, Canada and Australia and marks a significant step in Sage’s strategy to deliver industry-specific solutions to new verticals. Built on the foundation of 50 years of experience in the construction sector, Sage Intacct Construction brings a cloud-native solution to the UK market. This provides developers, builders, main contractors, residential builders, and specialty contractors with an advanced financial management and operations system tailored to their needs. Addressing an unmet need in the UK construction industry The UK construction industry has great potential to grow but it has faced important headwinds in recent years. For example, workforce shortages, supply chain issues and an aging workforce is driving demand for increased automation, increased visibility of data, and changing expectations for how technology is used. Yet, the sector has long lacked a robust cloud-native financial management solution.   Sage Intacct Construction fills this gap by offering a purpose-built solution that enables construction businesses to: “Sage Intacct Construction is a significant development for the UK market,” said Julie Adams, Senior Vice President, Construction & Real Estate, Sage: “We are building on a heritage of 50 years of trust and innovation that has helped tens of thousands of customers in other regions. This expertise will empower construction businesses in the UK with real-time insights, automation, and financial management tools to drive profitability and efficiency and position themselves for sustainable growth.” Supporting the future of construction with cloud technology Sage’s construction cloud solutions extend beyond financials to include operations and preconstruction software. Integration with Sage Construction Management delivers a seamless end-to-end cloud solution that covers all aspects of project management. This connectivity enhances collaboration across field, office, and external teams, streamlining budgeting, staffing, and subcontractor management. With real-time reporting and visibility, businesses can track performance, compare historical data, and make informed decisions quickly. Sage Business Partners will play a crucial role in bringing this offering to market.  Steve Masters, Managing Director, Accord Consulting: ” We’re excited for the introduction of Sage Intacct Construction to UK businesses. The construction industry has long needed a cloud-native financial management solution tailored to its challenges. While specialised solutions and mobile apps have helped address some of the industry’s connectivity needs, many businesses still struggle with a lack of integration that results in data silos and double data entry. Having an end-to-end cloud system helps construction firms improve efficiency and profitability in an increasingly complex market.” Debbie Mitchell-Ball, Group Finance Manager, 3R Group said: “We chose Sage Intacct Construction because it was the only technology that could meet our needs – from managing leads and quotations to project completion in one system. It streamlines spend and can track profit and loss per project, it consolidates documents and eliminates the need for multiple spreadsheets. We also have real-time, integrated data at our fingertips, which means we can now generate reports in minutes instead of hours.”  Sage Intacct Construction is now available for UK construction businesses. To learn more, visit link. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Morgan Sindall Celebrates Record-Breaking Year with Strong Growth

Morgan Sindall Celebrates Record-Breaking Year with Strong Growth

Morgan Sindall Group has reported an impressive performance for 2024, achieving double-digit growth in both revenue and profit, marking another record-breaking year for the construction and regeneration giant. For the year ending 31st December 2024, the company’s revenue rose by 10% to £4.55bn (2023: £4.12bn), while pre-tax profit surged by 19% to £171.9m (2023: £143.9m). The group’s financial position remained strong, with net cash standing at £492m, up from £461m the previous year. The standout performer was Overbury, the fit-out division, which saw operating profit soar by 38% to £99m (2023: £71.8m) on an 18% rise in revenue to £1.3bn. Morgan Sindall Construction also delivered a strong performance, with a 19% increase in operating profit to £30.9m and revenue climbing by 8% to £1.04bn. The division’s secured order book grew 20% year-on-year to £952m, with an additional £1.18bn of work at preferred bidder stage. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure also expanded, with an 18% increase in revenue to £1.05bn. However, operating profit remained steady at £38.5m, with a slightly reduced margin of 3.7%, attributed to the timing of project starts and completions. Despite this, the division’s order book rose by 11% to £1.88bn, with 98% of projects secured through frameworks. The group’s housing divisions also saw positive results. Partnership Housing (Lovell) increased operating profit by 18% to £36.1m, while revenue grew to £861m. Meanwhile, Mixed Use Partnerships (Muse) recorded a more modest operating profit of £1.5m, down from £14.8m in 2023, but saw its secured order book more than double to £4.1bn. Chief executive John Morgan reflected on the company’s success, crediting the strength of its diverse operations and dedicated workforce. He highlighted the group’s ability to support the government’s affordable housing and social infrastructure plans, leading to upgraded medium-term targets for four of its six divisions. Looking ahead, Morgan acknowledged ongoing economic uncertainty but remained optimistic about 2025. With a growing and high-quality order book spanning multiple sectors, the company is confident in its ability to continue delivering strong results and sustainable growth in the coming year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

62% of the public think infrastructure projects are poorly communicated – they want more information

How can the government attract private investment to improve UK infrastructure? The Institution of Civil Engineers has published a new policy paper, Paying for Britain’s Infrastructure System, with key findings for government and decision makers to improve public perception of infrastructure projects, increase value for money, and achieve better outcomes for the public. Ahead of the Spending Review and the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, these findings give the government clear priorities to focus on. These include clarifying its infrastructure investment plans, improving delivery and project skills within government, and communicating the benefits of infrastructure investment to the public. What does the public think? Public support for infrastructure investment is key. However, polling commissioned by the ICE found that: While the public believes the government should pay for most major infrastructure projects, it does not trust the government to deliver. The public understand that infrastructure investment can deliver benefits, despite low trust. There’s a clear desire for more information, especially about how projects are funded. Why private finance? With limited public funds available and a commitment to spark economic growth through infrastructure investment, the government wants to leverage private finance to improve the UK’s transport, water, and energy systems after decades of underinvestment. However, there’s strong, global competition for private finance and many investors see the UK as a high-risk environment compared to similar countries. To develop its insights, the ICE sought views from infrastructure professionals on alternative funding models, what the government should do to make the UK an attractive place to invest, and what requirements should be in place to ensure the best outcomes for the public. Julie Wood, ICE Vice President and chair of the steering group for the paper said, “The ICE’s findings give the government clear levers to pull to spark growth through infrastructure investment. Modification to, or new funding models aren’t the answer, rather, the government needs to focus clarifying its plans, prioritising projects, and improving delivery to boost investors’ confidence. There’s also a clear desire from the public to get more information about why projects are needed, how they will be paid for, and what the benefits will be. This information should be at the heart of all infrastructure project communication.” Polling was conducted by Opinium Research with a nationally representative sample of 2,007 UK adults in February 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa Engineering Acquires Australian & UK based firm ADP Consulting

Ayesa engineering, a global leader, has acquired ADP Consulting, a leading sustainability-focused engineering consultancy. This deal marks Ayesa’s entry into Australia and further bolsters its UK presence. Founded in 2011 by Laurent Deleu and Jason Afford, ADP Consulting is recognised for its strength in enabling clients to transition to a net zero carbon future. This led the company to bring its expertise to the UK by opening an office in London in 2023. Founded nearly 60 years ago, Ayesa provides multidisciplinary services across 80 technical disciplines and operates in key sectors, including energy, buildings, water, and transportation. Currently ranked #11 among the UK’s top ground engineering consultants, Ayesa has a proven track record in major infrastructure projects such as London’s Silvertown Tunnel, HS2 and One Mayfair, and is ranked globally as the top 24 for transportation and the top 20 for water infrastructure. This acquisition strengthens Ayesa’s expertise in sustainable design within the built environment. It forms part of Ayesa’s growth strategy for its Engineering division in English-speaking markets, where it already has a strong presence with 8 offices in the UK and 3 in Ireland. By joining forces, ADP Consulting’s specialised expertise will complement Ayesa’s global reach and capabilities. Together, their combined strengths in sustainability, renewable energy, transportation, data centres, and innovative building practices will drive smarter, more sustainable development worldwide. John Byrne, Country Manager of Ayesa UK and Ireland, commented: “ADP Consulting brings a proven track record in delivering award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health systems, as well as sustainable design, including retrofitting and repurposing existing infrastructure. Their expertise strengthens Ayesa’s offering in the UK and Ireland, enhancing our end-to-end capabilities.” Daniel Johnson, Director of ADP Consulting in the UK; said “This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver integrated engineering solutions with a full in-house capability for the built environment. Together, we’ll help UK developers navigate the complexities of creating high-performance, environmentally responsible buildings that meet stringent regulatory requirements and stand the test of time.” Growth strategy The acquisition of ADP Consulting marks the latest in a series of strategic moves by Ayesa´s Engineering Division, following the 2022 purchase of the Irish-UK based engineering firm ByrneLooby and the recent acquisition of CORE (Spain) in January. In total, this represents the eleventh corporate transaction of the group—following A&M Capital Europe’s majority investment in 2022—to strengthen its technological capabilities, geographic reach, and sector diversification. This approach has driven historic growth, with Ayesa’s revenue reaching nearly €800 million in 2024 and backlog exceeding €1.5 billion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates Expands Portfolio with Longbridge Acquisition

Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three storeys of office space. Notable tenants include Costa Coffee and Greene King Brewing. Situated around six miles south of central Birmingham, Park Point is a key part of the wider Longbridge town centre regeneration project. Joe O’Keefe, co-founder of Evolve Estates, highlighted the appeal of the site: “We were attracted to the mixed-use nature of Park Point, the income profile, location, and the variety of tenants across different sectors. “Longbridge is one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes, with further investment planned to bring new jobs to the area. Its excellent transport links and strong local services make it a strategic location. With our expertise in managing diverse assets, this acquisition represents an exciting opportunity.” Avison Young advised Evolve Estates on the deal, while Savills represented the vendor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre welcomes new gigabit broadband requirements for Scottish homes

Pulse Fibre, a leading provider of next-generation broadband, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s recent legislation requiring all new homes to be gigabit broadband-ready, calling it a vital step forward in ensuring homes are equipped for the demands of modern living. “This requirement should have already been standard,” said Robert Buckingham, Operations Director from Pulse Fibre. “When similar laws came into effect in England in December 2022, the opportunity to establish a nationwide standard was missed. However, this is an important step in ensuring that new homes across Scotland are prepared for the digital future.” The rise of smart homes and technology-reliant lifestyles has highlighted the need for robust broadband infrastructure. Pulse Fibre, already deploying 10Gb full-fibre broadband, not only complies with current regulations but also futureproofs developments, ensuring they can support technological advancements for years to come. Challenges and Opportunities for Developers and Providers Pulse Fibre acknowledges that developers and broadband providers may face challenges in implementing the new regulations. Installing high-speed infrastructure, especially in rural areas, can be costly and logistically complex. Developers must also balance upfront investment costs with ensuring that broadband infrastructure remains adaptable to future technological needs. To support developers, Pulse Fibre offers unique solutions like its Construction Mode, enabling developers to prepare smart homes with full broadband functionality before homeowners move in. Additionally, Day One Connectivity ensures that new homes are internet-ready from the moment they are occupied, setting a new benchmark for convenience and reliability. Pulse Fibre emphasises that collaboration between developers and broadband providers is critical to achieving these standards effectively. This includes early engagement, leveraging government incentives, efficient construction coordination, and embracing open network models that allow multiple service providers to operate on shared infrastructure, driving competitive pricing for homeowners. The new regulations promise an enhanced digital world for homeowners, with gigabit broadband providing better reliability and performance, empowering homeowners to support internet-heavy lifestyles, including smart home technology and streaming services. However, Pulse Fibre is advocating for further regulatory reforms to streamline gigabit broadband deployment. These include improving open network access and addressing high infrastructure fees that can slow progress. “Pulse Fibre is ready to partner with developers to meet these new standards, offering innovative and scalable broadband solutions that enhance connectivity while ensuring long-term adaptability,” Robert Buckingham added. “Together, we can build communities that are ready for the digital future.” For more information visit: www.pulsefibre.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Businesses set for windfall at Manchester Airport’s Meet The Buyers event

Businesses set for windfall at Manchester Airport’s Meet The Buyers event

Small and medium sized businesses from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire will have the opportunity to connect with key prospective clients at Manchester Airport’s annual Meet the Buyers event next month. More than 300 attendees representing over 150 companies are expected to be at the event on Thursday 13 March, including procurement teams from major names in the aviation, hospitality and construction industries like Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Holiday Inn & ibis budget, Bethell, Arup, and AmcoGiffen. Meet the Buyers will once again be hosted at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park. Last year’s event at the same venue saw more than £6m-worth of deals struck and organisers are hoping to see a similar windfall for local businesses this year. A waiting list is currently in operation for prospective suppliers, who will get guaranteed face-to-face time with buyers’ procurement teams as part of the organised event schedule. Guest speakers and a range of workshops and presentations are scheduled throughout the day, parallel to the exhibition in the Runway Visitor Park’s main hangar. These include talks and interactive workshops delivered by representatives from MAG and Manchester City Council. Marcella M’Rabety – Group Head of Social Sustainability, Manchester Airport says… Our Meet the Buyers event is back by popular demand this year, following the success of last year’s event. We know how much small and medium sized businesses from across our region value the opportunity to meet face -to-face with large prospective purchasers, including Manchester Airport. We are very proud of our role as a key economic enabler, not just for Greater Manchester but the wider region, and this event is an important part of how we achieve that.” Councillor John Hacking – Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, Manchester City Council – says… “Manchester City Council is delighted to support the successful Manchester Airport Meet the Buyers event. This event is more than just a commercial opportunity; it’s a vital platform for fostering community connections and empowering local businesses, including SMEs. “By facilitating meaningful interactions between Manchester-based businesses and a diverse range of suppliers, the event helps to strengthen the local economy and promote inclusive growth. It’s a key part of our City’s Economic Strategy – Investing in Success, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are felt by all members of our community.” Interested parties can register here: https://www.manchestermtb.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping the operational framework for EWR as the project continues to develop. “We are very excited to welcome Ben to East West Rail. Ben will play a key role within the company, and his proven track record in the rail industry will be invaluable as we continue to refine our plans.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Ben will join later this year to oversee operational planning, ensuring the railway delivers a seamless and efficient service. Engineering, Technical and Safety Director Appointment EWR has also appointed Andrew Went as its new Engineering, Technical and Safety Director. Currently Head of Rail Engineering at Arup and a Board Member of the Railway Industry Association, Andrew brings extensive expertise in rail infrastructure. “With consistent backing from consecutive governments, we are progressing with detailed designs for the railway. Andrew’s unparalleled experience will be vital as we continue to develop and refine our plans to reconnect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Andrew will take up his role in the spring, leading EWR’s design and engineering work ahead of the upcoming Statutory Consultation and Development Consent Order submission. A Transformational Project for the Region East West Rail is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance connectivity across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. By providing a fast, sustainable, and affordable transport solution, the project is set to drive economic growth, with forecasts suggesting it could boost the local economy by £6.7 billion per year by 2050. These appointments mark a crucial step forward in ensuring EWR delivers long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the wider region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Understanding the Significance of Pressure Calculations in Construction and Engineering

Understanding the Significance of Pressure Calculations in Construction and Engineering

It is difficult to overstate the fundamental role that pressure plays in construction and engineering applications – and therefore, the importance of carrying out relevant and accurate pressure calculations. After all, when it comes to all manner of processes in these fields – such as designing foundations on soil, plumbing systems, deep excavations, pipelines, and concrete formwork – the structural integrity and stability of a given project can be greatly impacted by the fluid pressure exerted upon it. Inevitably, then, there is routinely a need across such operations to not only account for pressure factors, but also to undertake quick and accurate calculations and conversions of units of pressure. So, let’s outline some of the vital things to know about the contribution pressure calculations make to construction and engineering processes. What Do We Mean By ‘Pressure’, Anyway? Let’s start from the very beginning. As explained by BBC Bitesize to a KS3 physics audience, pressure can be defined as “a measure of how concentrated (or spread out) a force is.” This source further explains that “the amount of pressure exerted on an object depends on the force applied and the surface area it is spread over.” An Introduction to The Units Used to Calculate Pressure As construction and engineering professionals are more than familiar with, various units can be used to calculate pressure. Indeed, it doesn’t take much effort to perform a quick Google search and find an online pressure conversion calculator for bar, psi, and more. So, let’s take a look at some of those units: In What Ways, Then, Are Pressure Calculations Applied in Engineering and Construction? The following are examples of situations in which the ability to rapidly and precisely calculate pressure can be hugely important: Pressure calculations and conversions, then, are far from a merely “nice to do” across a broad range of specialised and demanding engineering and construction applications. Instead, these calculation processes must be regarded as no less than critical to the success, longevity, and safety of all manner of projects.

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