Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is set to break ground on the second phase of its Springhill Farm development and create 295 new homes in Shotts, North Lanarkshire. Representing a £51 million investment into the local area, the additional homes follow the success of phase one at the site, which
A SIGNIFICANT refurbishment to a c.190,000 sq ft industrial unit in Northampton has been completed by leading fit out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst, transforming the building into a more sustainable, efficient and community-connected industrial space through an ambitious reuse-first delivery model. The multi-million-pound project for Aviva involved upgrading the warehouse and office spaces through new M&E installations, polished concrete flooring, new finishes and repairs to
Morgan Sindall Group plc, one of the UK’s leading construction and regeneration businesses, has appointed Novuna Vehicle Solutions as its new fleet and mobility partner. The partnership will see Novuna Vehicle Solutions take responsibility for managing Morgan Sindall’s 3,000-vehicle company car fleet, alongside supporting the continued development of its wider mobility
PERI UK has revealed the engineering behind one of the Hinkley Point C project’s most demanding phases: the formation of the geometrically complex reactor domes. Faced with the challenge of pouring concrete for structures that curve in multiple directions – without the ability to use traditional through-ties – PERI UK engineers
Despite being one of the most popular housing types in the city, private renting has for many years been largely unregulated, putting some renters at risk of bad practice and poor conditions…But the new Renters Rights rules mean things are changing. The Renters Right Act is now in place and is designed to make
Housing association L&Q has strengthened its long-term housing improvement strategy with the appointment of Cardo as a new delivery partner on its major works investment programme. The move forms part of L&Q’s ambitious 15-year, £3bn programme aimed at upgrading homes across its portfolio and ensuring properties continue to meet the
The Gym Group is ramping up its nationwide expansion plans, with ambitions to open 75 new locations over the next three years as demand for affordable fitness and wellness facilities continues to grow across the UK. The operator, which already runs more than 260 gyms nationwide, says it is actively
Derwent London is moving forward with two significant office developments in central London as confidence returns to the capital’s commercial property market following a strong rise in leasing activity and rental growth. The developer has already begun demolition works at Holden House on Oxford Street, where a major retained-façade redevelopment
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest hire company, brought together customers, partners, suppliers and industry voices for One – The Sunbelt Experience, a one-day event, on Thursday 7th May, centred on the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the industry. Focused on innovation, technology, safety and sustainability, the event
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: Bringing British Steel under public ownership may help secure a strategically important industry, but the cost of doing so is obviously a major concern. UK steelmakers continue to face some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, while energy market volatility is
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is set to break ground on the second phase of its Springhill Farm development and create 295 new homes in Shotts, North Lanarkshire. Representing a £51 million investment into the local area, the additional homes follow the success of phase one at the site, which delivered 104 new homes. Due to be completed in 2032, the second phase will deliver a variety of two, three and four bed family homes, terraces, semi-detached and detached products – creating much needed homes for local people. Ron and Maria bought their home at phase one of the Springhill Farm scheme in 2023 after moving from a rented flat in Glasgow. Ron explains: “From our very first visit to Bertramfarm, we fell in love with the area. “Being surrounded by the countryside and enjoying the fresh air has made such a difference to our day-to-day lives. It took us a couple of attempts to find the right home, but it was absolutely worth it. “We love everything about our house – the sense of space, the layout, and how bright and welcoming it feels. Our neighbours are friendly and peaceful, which makes it even more special. We’re excited about the next phase and look forward to welcoming new neighbours to the community.” Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland, added: “We’re excited to launch the next phase of this much needed Shotts development, as the area has had little investment into new housing stock. “At Keepmoat, we are proud to deliver top quality, open market homes designed for the future. The development is well connected with easy access to the Shotts train station, which offers direct access to Glasgow and Edinburgh.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK. To date, almost 60 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A SIGNIFICANT refurbishment to a c.190,000 sq ft industrial unit in Northampton has been completed by leading fit out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst, transforming the building into a more sustainable, efficient and community-connected industrial space through an ambitious reuse-first delivery model. The multi-million-pound project for Aviva involved upgrading the warehouse and office spaces through new M&E installations, polished concrete flooring, new finishes and repairs to existing access doors, alongside the installation of five new 22kW dual-head electric vehicle chargers. A large-scale rooftop solar PV system was also installed, comprising 678 panels and delivering a total capacity of 400kWp. The system is expected to generate around 312,000 kWh of electricity annually, saving approximately 60 tCO2e per year. As part of the works, the existing gas utility was fully removed, with the building now operating on all-electric systems supported by on-site renewable generation. These improvements support the building’s strong environmental performance and have enabled the property to achieve an EPC A rating. Central to the refurbishment was a strategy focused on retaining and reusing materials wherever possible. Pexhurst worked closely with circular economy consultancy Reusefully to embed reuse principles from an early stage, helping to identify opportunities to retain materials on site, redirect surplus items into reuse systems and maximise environmental and social values throughout the programme. Pexhurst established a dedicated reuse area on site to safeguard items inherited from earlier works, allowing a significant proportion of sanitaryware, ceiling tiles, carpet tiles and timber skirting boards to be reinstated within the building, including the reuse of existing carpet and ceiling tiles within the staircases. In total, 158 m² of carpet tiles and 62 m² of ceiling tiles were retained in situ, while a further 550 m² of carpet tiles were collected by Urban Miners for reuse within the industry, ensuring materials remained in circulation rather than being discarded. Combined with the reuse of existing materials, the approach delivered a significant saving when compared with installing new products. Charlie Hazeltine, contracts manager at Pexhurst, said: “This project shows what can be achieved when sustainability sits at the centre of a refurbishment programme. With the right team and supply chain partners, materials that are often considered disposable can be reused, repaired or rehomed to extend their lifecycle. It demonstrates how early design-stage planning and careful coordination can achieve meaningful environmental and financial benefits while maintaining the quality of the finished space for clients and future occupiers.” Alongside this reuse activity, the team procured more than 600 litres of sustainably sourced HVO to power site plant, delivering an estimated carbon saving of 1.6 tCO₂e compared with traditional diesel. This saving is equivalent to the emissions from around 4,000 miles driven by an average petrol vehicle. Vinyl offcuts were collected for closed-loop recycling, allowing them to be remanufactured into new flooring rather than downcycled, while redundant lighting equipment was sent to Recolight for specialist recycling. 262 pallets in total were returned through the Pallet Loop scheme to be repaired and reintroduced into commercial circulation, avoiding an estimated 54 cubic metres of waste – equivalent to six 12-yard skips. A key sustainability gain came from a major change in ceiling tile specification, replacing the original product – which offered no viable end-of-life route – with a Rockfon tile supported by a full closed-loop recycling system. In addition, all major new refurbishment materials were supported by the creation of material passports. The collated datasheets, responsible sourcing documentation, EPDs and end-of-life pathways were incorporated into the operation and maintenance manual to equip future occupiers with the information needed to make circular, low-waste decisions throughout the building’s lifecycle. To support occupier wellbeing and encourage social interaction, the project also delivered a new external amenity space, featuring outdoor seating, table tennis tables and extensive new landscaping and planting. This enhanced outdoor environment provides future tenants with dedicated space for breaks, informal meeting and recreation. Alongside the construction programme, Pexhurst delivered a range of community initiatives that strengthened local connections and enhanced the project’s social value legacy. The team partnered with Pineham Barns Primary School to run a ‘draw your favourite building’ competition involving 30 pupils. Three winners received Amazon vouchers and all of the 30 entries were collaged and displayed on the Heras fence covers around the site for the children to see. Pexhurst also strengthened its links with local education by providing work experience opportunities to two students. Additional activity included food bank donations and a volunteering day at Restore Northampton, where members of the Pexhurst team, together with project partners from Leslie Clark and Spring Building Consultancy, supported donation sorting and parcel packing. A community litter pick, delivered in collaboration with circular economy consultancy Reusefully, further contributed to improving the surrounding area, while surplus materials such as paint have been directed into additional reuse schemes, including Dulux’s Community RePaint initiative, ensuring they continue to benefit local groups. Similarly, several leftover basins were donated to Phoenix Resource Centre for use in community projects in Kenya. Hazeltine added: “Our work on this project shows how a refurbishment can combine environmental performance with genuine community impact. By maximising material reuse and collaborating with local organisations, we’ve helped ensure the project delivers benefits that reach far beyond the building itself and its future users.” To learn more about Pexhurst, visit www.pexhurst.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Group plc, one of the UK’s leading construction and regeneration businesses, has appointed Novuna Vehicle Solutions as its new fleet and mobility partner. The partnership will see Novuna Vehicle Solutions take responsibility for managing Morgan Sindall’s 3,000-vehicle company car fleet, alongside supporting the continued development of its wider mobility strategy. Operating across construction, infrastructure, fit out, property services, housing and regeneration, Morgan Sindall has a large and decentralised workforce. The partnership with Novuna is designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve driver support and deliver a consistent experience across its fleet. Under the six-year agreement, Novuna will manage the company car fleet as a commercial asset, delivering enhanced operational support, faster response times and dedicated resources across operations and customer services. A central priority is ensuring drivers remain mobile, supported and able to carry out their roles effectively across the business. In addition, Novuna will support the ongoing evolution of Morgan Sindall’s Salary Sacrifice scheme, extending access to a broader group of employees and helping to shape a flexible and future-ready mobility offering. As part of its wider decarbonisation support, Novuna has also delivered electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Morgan Sindall sites, including the installation of 30 twin chargers (60 sockets) at a newly refurbished office location. Supporting close to 1,000 charging sessions per month, the infrastructure is helping to futureproof facilities, support the transition to electric vehicles and reduce overall fleet emissions. This is complemented by Novuna’s broader charging and energy capability, including its MyNovuna Charging platform, which will support ongoing optimisation and management of charging infrastructure as the partnership evolves. The partnership also introduces key supplier relationships, including tyre provision, alongside a strengthened service model designed to improve the overall driver journey. Jonathan Hall, Plant Director at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said:“Partnering with Novuna Vehicle Solutions marks an important step in how we support our drivers and manage our fleet. Their focus on operational excellence, driver experience and sustainable mobility aligns closely with our priorities, and we look forward to working together to deliver an efficient and future-ready approach.” Jon Lawes, Managing Director at Novuna Vehicle Solutions, added:“We’re proud to be working with Morgan Sindall to support such a dynamic and important organisation. By combining our expertise in fleet management with a strong focus on driver experience and sustainability, we’re helping to deliver a smarter, more connected mobility solution that meets the needs of their workforce today and in the future.” The partnership reflects a shared commitment to operational efficiency, enhanced driver experience and long-term sustainability, supported by a fully integrated fleet and infrastructure solution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PERI UK has revealed the engineering behind one of the Hinkley Point C project’s most demanding phases: the formation of the geometrically complex reactor domes. Faced with the challenge of pouring concrete for structures that curve in multiple directions – without the ability to use traditional through-ties – PERI UK engineers developed a bespoke, non-standard solution. The system allowed for the successful completion of the Unit 1 inner dome in late 2025 and has significantly accelerated works on the Unit 2 outer dome, where the entire platform solution was installed in under 14 days. “Because of this project’s uniqueness, the design solution had to be created from scratch,” explains Gabriel Constantin, major projects lead at PERI UK Infrastructure. “From the onset and throughout the development of the solution, we calculated where the challenges may arise later. These initial stages were marked by, and successful because of, close collaboration and support which continued throughout implementation.” Curves in multiple directions PERI UK VARIO formwork was selected for its adaptability, with 199 bespoke panels fabricated specifically for the dome works. Earlier transition sections from the vertical reactor walls up to level 13 incorporated RUNDFLEX circular wall formwork panels before progressing fully into the dome curvature. Building without ties The challenge extended well beyond geometry. The formwork had to operate approximately 45 m above ground level and support significant construction loads without relying on conventional tie systems. The reactor structure did not allow implementation of traditional through-ties, due to the interior airtight 6mm steel shell. To overcome this, PERI UK engineers developed, from scratch, a unique, non-standard solution that combined several systems. The design incorporated SCS Starter Brace with 550 Strongbacks and load-bearing SB platforms suspended horizontally around the perimeter of the reactor building combined with a single special component – 45-degree anchor adapters – for transferring the concrete loads back into the structure in the absence of ties. While SB platforms are typically used vertically for single-sided wall construction, at Hinkley Point C they were reconfigured to create platforms approximately 5 m wide to facilitate the curved concrete pour, around 5 m in height, with the special design of the platforms able to support the complex formwork, fresh concrete pressure, and heavy equipment and live loads of the operatives on site. Designing the solution digitally From an engineering perspective, the design required extensive modelling. Initial proposals began as 2D engineering drawings before progressing into 3D CAD and digital models to better visualise the interaction between the formwork, platforms, reinforcement, and surrounding structures. In addition, the PERI digital system was able to quickly produce kit lists for procurement on site. Because the configuration fell outside standard system parameters, the PERI UK engineering team developed a full structural model to verify loads, connections, and anchor forces. Load paths were carefully designed so that forces transferred through steel RCS rails rather than through the timber deck, ensuring the system could safely resist the pressure of large concrete pours. Learning, adapting, and accelerating The dense reinforcement within the reactor walls presented further constraints. Anchor positions had to be carefully coordinated around tightly spaced rebar grids and embedded components. During construction, slight deviations in anchor positioning required sections of the system to be redesigned on site. To avoid any issues when the formwork installation was mirrored on the reactor dome for Unit 2, the PERI UK engineering team supported the site team with precise anchor placement and simplifying platform installation. “PERI’s digital engineering approach not only played a key role in planning and risk reduction, particularly through rapid generation of procurement-ready kit lists, but it enabled the effective transfer of lessons learned from Unit 1 to Unit 2, directly supporting our target of achieving a 20% improvement in both time and cost,” explains a project engineer involved in the delivery of the reactor building. Prefabrication also played a key role in efficiencies and speed of the installation. Many elements were assembled before delivery, reducing work at height and allowing platforms to be installed rapidly once on site. Throughout the project, close collaboration between PERI UK engineers and the construction team at Hinkley Point C ensured challenges could be addressed quickly. “We believe early involvement of the supply chain will be vital in meeting future UK energy and infrastructure demands,” says the project engineer. “Refining and building on proven methods from the outset, projects can achieve substantial improvements in both cost efficiency and delivery timelines. “Working alongside a highly experienced reactor construction team, PERI UK’s solutions are a clear benchmark. It makes complete sense to integrate these systems into future nuclear projects from the earliest planning stages.” The result has seen unique formwork solution that demonstrates the adaptability of PERI UK systems when applied through detailed engineering and strong project integration, on a scheme that is critical to the UK’s future infrastructure. Learn more about PERI UK products Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Despite being one of the most popular housing types in the city, private renting has for many years been largely unregulated, putting some renters at risk of bad practice and poor conditions…But the new Renters Rights rules mean things are changing. The Renters Right Act is now in place and is designed to make renting fairer, safer and more secure. This new law will strengthen private renter’s rights, raise housing standards and create a fairer balance between landlords and tenants. For tenants with an assured shorthold tenancy, which most tenants have, the Act provides the following protection: New funding from Government will be used to create a Renter’s Rights Resolution Team who will support tenants and landlords to get the right information and guidance. How we are supporting private rented tenants We have set up a new Renter’s Right Resolution Team that will support tenants who believe their tenancy is at risk under the new rules covered by the Act. By supporting residents as early as possible to understand their rights and options we will be helping avoid homelessness and provide security and peace of mind. Working with teams across the Council we will be able to signpost residents to the right places to escalate issues and to find resolutions. Where to get for information and guidance If a private rented tenant is impacted by any of the above, they can access information at support via www.manchester.gov.uk/renters-rights What will this mean for landlords? It is vital that landlords are aware of the Act and comply with the new rules. The Act means that the Council has enhanced powers to investigate including entering premises and gathering evidence. Fines can be up to £7,000 for minor or initial non-compliance, and up to £40,000 for repeat offences. Compliance services such as the Housing Compliance and Enforcement team and Trading Standards will investigate these offences. Further guidance can be found at Private landlords How we are supporting landlords We will provide guidance and support to landlords so that they understand the changes and their responsibilities and where possible work to reduce disputes and prevent escalation into homelessness or enforcement. We will be in touch with landlords who have provided their contacts details to make them aware of the changes and the action they must take. Including directing to Government online guidance including the Renters’ Right Information Sheet, which all landlords should’ve already issues to their tenants before the new rules came into effect on 1 May 2026. Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “For many years we have been urging successive governments to strengthen the protections and support available for people living in privately rented homes. “For too long this sector has felt under regulated, putting tenants at risk of homelessness because of no fault evictions or in retaliation for raising concerns about their home. “We know that section21 evictions are one of the main causes of homelessness in the city, so this is a bold move by Government to put the rights and wellbeing of renters first – making renting a home safer and more protected than ever before.” Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This new law will give renters some reassurance that they have the backing of the law, and there are now new expectations and regulations that landlords have to legally comply with. Tenants should feel safe and secure in their home and it’s really welcome that this government has done what’s right to protect our residents living in the private rented sector. “We’ve also set up a new dedicated team to support both residents and landlords through the new changes – and where issues do arise, we would encourage people to get in touch and get our help.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housing association L&Q has strengthened its long-term housing improvement strategy with the appointment of Cardo as a new delivery partner on its major works investment programme. The move forms part of L&Q’s ambitious 15-year, £3bn programme aimed at upgrading homes across its portfolio and ensuring properties continue to meet the Decent Homes Standard, while also improving safety, sustainability and resident wellbeing. Cardo, which operates across the UK and Ireland, specialises in repairs, planned maintenance, compliance, fire remediation and energy efficiency works within the social housing sector. Under the partnership, the company will support a range of planned improvement projects across L&Q’s homes over the next 12 years, beginning with fire remediation works during 2026 and 2027. L&Q’s investment programme is one of the largest of its kind in the housing sector and covers all rented homes, alongside communal areas within mixed-tenure developments that include shared ownership and leasehold properties. The programme includes upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, roofs and windows, alongside wider estate improvements, redecorations, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and major fire safety works. A significant focus is also being placed on energy efficiency improvements, including insulation and retrofit measures designed to help all homes achieve a minimum EPC C rating. More than 21,000 homes have already been improved through the programme, with further large-scale investment planned across London and the South East over the coming years. The appointment comes as L&Q continues to progress a number of major housing and regeneration developments during 2026, including new affordable housing delivery, estate renewal projects and mixed-use neighbourhood schemes designed to support long-term housing supply across key urban areas. Cardo joins nine existing programme partners, including Kier Places, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Wates Property Services and Equans UK & Ireland. The latest appointment reflects the increasing scale of investment being channelled into housing safety, retrofit and long-term asset management as housing providers continue to modernise ageing stock and respond to evolving regulatory standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gym Group is ramping up its nationwide expansion plans, with ambitions to open 75 new locations over the next three years as demand for affordable fitness and wellness facilities continues to grow across the UK. The operator, which already runs more than 260 gyms nationwide, says it is actively pursuing opportunities across a wide range of property sectors, with flexibility remaining central to its growth strategy. Speaking about the company’s expansion plans, chief property officer Hamish Latchem said The Gym Group is “open to as many opportunities as we can find” as it looks to increase its rate of new openings. The business opened 16 new sites last year, up from 12 in 2024, and is targeting between 20 and 22 further openings during 2026 as part of its accelerated rollout programme. Working alongside retained property adviser Savills, The Gym Group is searching for units across the UK ranging from 5,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft, with both leasehold and freehold opportunities under consideration. Latchem said the operator’s flexible model allows it to work across retail parks, mixed-use schemes and alternative commercial spaces, with all formats performing strongly within the current portfolio. While retail parks remain attractive, limited availability has encouraged the business to consider other opportunities, including industrial space. According to Savills, speculative industrial developments that have struggled to secure occupiers are increasingly providing opportunities for gym operators with strong covenant strength. Carlene Hughes, director in Central London retail at Savills, said The Gym Group’s reliability and operational certainty make it an attractive occupier for landlords. The expansion comes amid continued growth across the wider fitness and wellness market. According to Leisure DB’s State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2025, the number of gyms across the UK exceeded 7,200 last year, marking a strong recovery towards pre-pandemic levels. Industry trends are also shaping the operator’s latest gym format. The Gym Group has increased its focus on strength-based training areas, introducing more plate-loaded and pin resistance equipment, alongside improved lighting, finishes and enhanced zoning layouts. Latchem said customer data shows growing demand for strength-focused fitness, particularly among younger members, while additional features such as Hyrox-style functionality are also becoming increasingly important. Recent openings, including Stamford Hill and Norwich Sweet Briar, have showcased the group’s evolving design approach, with larger-format gyms allowing for a broader range of fitness zones and equipment. The company said future sites will ideally be located in highly visible areas with strong transport links or easy access to parking, as it continues to expand its footprint across the UK leisure and retail property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Derwent London is moving forward with two significant office developments in central London as confidence returns to the capital’s commercial property market following a strong rise in leasing activity and rental growth. The developer has already begun demolition works at Holden House on Oxford Street, where a major retained-façade redevelopment will deliver around 133,500 sq ft of new office-led space opposite the Dean Street Elizabeth line station. Kier has been appointed under a pre-construction services agreement to oversee the main construction phase of the project, with completion targeted for the second half of 2028. At the same time, Derwent has confirmed it will progress the redevelopment of 50 Baker Street in London’s West End. Demolition works on the scheme are expected to begin in the coming months, with contractor Multiplex understood to be lined up to deliver the £150m project. Designed by architects AHMM, the Baker Street development will provide approximately 236,000 sq ft of new space within one of London’s strongest office markets. The decision to move ahead with both schemes follows what Derwent described as a strong period of leasing activity across its portfolio. This includes the successful pre-letting of its recently completed Network building, where rental levels reportedly exceeded expectations. Alongside its development programme, Derwent has also made significant progress with its asset disposal strategy. The company confirmed it has exchanged contracts on £278m worth of property sales as part of a wider three-year target to dispose of £1bn in assets. Chief executive Paul Williams said the business had experienced strong momentum driven by leasing success and rental growth across key London locations. He added that progress on disposals had enabled the company to proceed with the redevelopment of 50 Baker Street, where strong rental performance is expected to support future profitability and earnings. Derwent also confirmed it is continuing to advance plans for another major scheme at Old Street Quarter EC1. A planning application is expected to be submitted towards the end of 2026 for a large mixed-use campus on the 2.5-acre former Moorfields Eye Hospital site close to Silicon Roundabout. The proposed development is expected to become one of the company’s next major regeneration projects as demand continues to strengthen for high-quality office and mixed-use space in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest hire company, brought together customers, partners, suppliers and industry voices for One – The Sunbelt Experience, a one-day event, on Thursday 7th May, centred on the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the industry. Focused on innovation, technology, safety and sustainability, the event created a space for practical conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From AI and equipment intelligence to digital tools, operational insight and lower-carbon solutions, the event programme explored how change is being applied in real-world settings across the industry. Across three theatres focused on covering, technology and innovation, customer, and people, attendees heard from speakers and experts on the topics driving transformation across multiple sectors and industries. Sessions explored how data, connected equipment, safety solutions and new ways of working are helping businesses improve performance, strengthen customer experience and support teams on the ground to work as one team. The event also featured live demonstrations, interactive displays and opportunities to connect directly with specialists from across Sunbelt Rentals and its supply chain partners, giving attendees practical insight into the solutions, services and thinking helping shape the next chapter for the industry. Title sponsor, JCB, showcased hydrogen solutions during the event, highlighting a shared commitment to practical innovation and technologies that support the transition to low and zero-carbon ways of working. Phil Parker, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals, said: “One – The Sunbelt Rentals Experience was designed to bring together the conversations that matter most to our customers and our business – how we deliver more consistent, joined-up outcomes as one team. We welcomed our customers, partners, and colleagues to Liverpool to experience how Sunbelt Rentals is evolving – not just in what we offer, but in how we operate. As customer expectations continue to shift towards more integrated, accountable delivery, our focus is on making it easier to do business with us – through one connected experience, clearer ownership, and solutions delivered at scale. The event brought that to life, showcasing the strength of our capability, the breadth of our offering, and how we are advancing our 4.0 strategy to deliver better outcomes for our customers and the sectors we support.” The event forms part of Sunbelt Rentals’ wider focus through their five-year growth strategy, Sunbelt 4.0, focused on being equipped for success by sharing practical insight, strengthening customer conversations and bringing together the technologies and expertise that will shape the future of the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: Bringing British Steel under public ownership may help secure a strategically important industry, but the cost of doing so is obviously a major concern. UK steelmakers continue to face some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, while energy market volatility is pushing production costs higher. For example, fabricated structural steel prices, according to the Department for Business and Trade’s producer price index for the product, rose by more than 8% in the year to March 2026. The government’s wider steel strategy, including tighter import quotas and 50% tariffs on some overseas steel from July, is intended to support domestic production, but it also risks adding further cost pressure across construction supply chains. Ministers have already agreed to review the policy following industry concerns over steel availability and project costs. In the near term, while energy markets and global trade conditions remain unpredictable, maintaining a competitive and secure UK steel industry is likely to require significant government support. It is crucial this intervention succeeds. Failure would risk undermining both domestic steel production and the wider construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals