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
Scotland’s build-to-rent sector is showing signs of a major recovery after years of stalled development activity, with new legislation expected to unlock thousands of delayed homes and reignite investor confidence. According to new analysis from property consultancy Ryden, part of the Lambert Smith Hampton Group, changes to Scotland’s rent control
EG On The Move has strengthened its UK forecourt presence with the acquisition of MPK Garages, a well-established petrol forecourt operator with a strong regional footprint. The deal includes 27 petrol forecourt sites, most of which are freehold. The sites operate under a mix of Valero, Texaco and Gulf fuel
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, contractors, manufacturers, and training providers, the framework establishes a clear benchmark for the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours required of drylining design engineers. As construction projects grow increasingly complex, the need for qualified and competent design professionals has never been greater. This new framework
The Association for Rental Living has launched a ground-breaking AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide at its inauguralRental Living Tech Conference. A first for the sector, the new guide acknowledges that AI is already embedded in Build to Rent operations, meaning governance, rather than adoption, is now the critical area of focus. Brendan
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
Scotland’s build-to-rent sector is showing signs of a major recovery after years of stalled development activity, with new legislation expected to unlock thousands of delayed homes and reignite investor confidence. According to new analysis from property consultancy Ryden, part of the Lambert Smith Hampton Group, changes to Scotland’s rent control regulations could pave the way for nearly 10,000 build-to-rent homes to move forward. The findings were published as part of Lambert Smith Hampton’s “Live & Kicking” Build to Rent Report 2026. The Scottish market has faced significant disruption since 2022, when emergency rent controls were introduced during the cost-of-living crisis. The measures led to a sharp decline in investor confidence, with many planned developments paused or delayed amid concerns over long-term viability and returns. As a result, there are currently no large-scale build-to-rent developments under construction anywhere in Scotland, despite a substantial pipeline of approved schemes waiting to progress. However, sentiment across the sector has shifted following the introduction of the Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which came into force in April. The new rules confirm that qualifying build-to-rent developments will be exempt from rent control measures, providing developers and investors with greater certainty. Industry experts believe the changes could mark a turning point for Scotland’s residential investment market, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh, where much of the future activity is expected to be concentrated. David Fraser, partner in residential investment and development at Ryden, said the market had effectively ground to a halt after 2022, but the new exemptions had restored the clarity investors needed to commit to projects once again. He added that Scotland had moved from being one of the UK’s most uncertain build-to-rent markets to one of its most compelling opportunities for investment. More than 5,200 build-to-rent homes have been delivered across Scotland so far, largely within Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, this remains significantly behind comparable English cities, where the sector has become a major contributor to housing supply and urban regeneration. The report also highlights growing interest in co-living and single-family rental developments, both of which are expected to play an increasing role in tackling Scotland’s housing shortage. With tenant demand remaining strong and regulatory barriers beginning to ease, the sector is now expected to enter a new phase of growth, with long-delayed schemes finally moving closer to delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EG On The Move has strengthened its UK forecourt presence with the acquisition of MPK Garages, a well-established petrol forecourt operator with a strong regional footprint. The deal includes 27 petrol forecourt sites, most of which are freehold. The sites operate under a mix of Valero, Texaco and Gulf fuel brands, with Nisa-branded retail stores forming part of the customer offer. The acquisition marks another step in EG On The Move’s national growth strategy, taking the group close to 200 locations across the UK. It also increases the company’s presence across the Midlands, where MPK has built a respected and established network. EG On The Move said the purchase provides a strong platform for further investment across the acquired estate. Plans include improving the non-fuel retail offer, with an enhanced foodservice proposition, wider grocery range and broader merchandise selection expected to be introduced across the sites. Zuber Issa, CEO of EG On The Move, said the acquisition represented an important move in the company’s UK expansion plans, describing MPK as a highly respected operator with a strong Midlands presence. Wayne Harrand, CEO of MPK, said the business had invested heavily in its people and estate since 2018. He added that EG On The Move shared a similar approach and was well placed to enhance the customer offer across the MPK sites, while delivering long-term value and improved financial performance across the combined network. The transaction further highlights continued investment in the UK forecourt sector, as operators look to broaden convenience, foodservice and retail services beyond traditional fuel sales. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, contractors, manufacturers, and training providers, the framework establishes a clear benchmark for the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours required of drylining design engineers. As construction projects grow increasingly complex, the need for qualified and competent design professionals has never been greater. This new framework aligns with broader industry initiatives around competency, including post-Grenfell regulatory reforms, and reinforces the importance of robust design processes in ensuring building safety. The framework outlines core competencies across several key areas, including: Commenting on the launch, FIS Technical Director James Parlour said: “Competency frameworks are required urgently across the industry, and we are grateful to our members for helping to identify and fulfil this critical gap where competency in delivering what seems to be a relatively narrow function is holding up the design of the entire interior system due to its wide ranging interfaces with other packages. It is also a prominent area of risk where contractors design portion is often defined and constrained poorly, and competent design management is key to mitigating this risk for the supply chain.” The development of this competency framework reflects FIS’s ongoing commitment to raising standards and driving continuous improvement across the sector. It adds to a growing suite of installer competency frameworks that are already available from FIS, including: The Competency Framework is available to download from the FIS website at https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/competency-frameworks/drylining-design-engineer-competency/ To underpin the Competence Frameworks, CITB, in partnership with Build UK and fire industry experts, have developed a free Fire Safety in Buildings e-learning course to improve an individual’s knowledge of fire safety measures in buildings. The course is suitable for anyone working in the design, construction, or maintenance of buildings, with a specific focus on installers and can be accessed here https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/training-offers-for-members/fis-training-modules/fire-safety-in-buildings/ For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Association for Rental Living has launched a ground-breaking AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide at its inauguralRental Living Tech Conference. A first for the sector, the new guide acknowledges that AI is already embedded in Build to Rent operations, meaning governance, rather than adoption, is now the critical area of focus. Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living – the membership body for all institutionally backed, professionally managed purpose-built rental living sectors – launched the guide following a consultation with the organisation’s membership that began in late 2025. Brendan comments: “From repairs triage and chatbots to pricing and analytics, AI is already influencing resident experiences and operational decisions across the rental living sector. We’ve reached an inflection point in 2026. The Renters’ Rights Act and the EU AI Act high-risk provisions, due in August, along with active CMA enforcement, mean that poorly governed AI now carries immediate legal and reputational risk. In contrast, well-governed, responsible AI has become a competitive advantage” The AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide acknowledges that governing AI has become far more than just a compliance exercise. Operators that govern AI transparently and fairly will be better positioned with residents, investors and regulators than those that treat AI as an unexamined tech add‑on. In recognition of this, AI governance now forms part of sector standards, with new digital, data and AI provisions in the BTR Alliance Code of Practice for BTR Operators, launching later this month, embedding AI oversight into mainstream operational, compliance and verification frameworks. AI is already in use across the rental living sector, with many operators using it was part of their property management, CRM, maintenance and communications software. However, this is often without explicit oversight or board visibility, creating a significant accountability risk. The Association for Rental Living’s Brendan Geraghty comments: “”The AI did it” is not a defence and regulators are explicit that legal responsibility for AI decisions sits with the operator, not the vendor or the algorithm. With the rapid growth of agentic AI, where autonomous AI agents undertake multi-step workflows, the risks (as well as the opportunities) notch up.” The new guide, available to ARL members, makes it clear that proportionate, risk‑based governance is essential. Low‑risk AI use cases (repairs, document intelligence, comms) offer fast, proven returns, but high‑risk AI (screening, affordability checks, arrears scoring, biometrics and pricing) demands enhanced controls, human oversight and formal approval. Without appropriate governance measures in place, the risk of data leakage, consumer law breaches and embedded bias in decision-making amplifies significantly. Brendan continues: “Residents must remain at the centre of AI deployment. To ensure this, the new AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide includes an innovative AI Ladder, offering a four-stage proportionate framework and practical pathway for every operator. It enables organisations of all sizes to progress from basic AI awareness to mature, trusted deployment without over‑engineering and with transparency and explainability at its core.” The guide was launched at the Rental Living Tech Conference in London, organised by the Association for Rental Living and attended by 100+ delegates from across the sector. The first dedicated technology conference for rental living, it included sessions on the role and impact of AI on NOI, operations and customer experience, with live demonstrations and practical insights from expert speakers bringing the content to life. Attended by proptech innovators, tech leaders, operators, investors, digital service providers, and rental living professionals, the conference explored how technology is transforming every aspect of rental housing, from resident experiences to operations, data, AI, connectivity and sustainability. ARL members keen to move from AI hype to disciplined execution can download the new AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide at www.theARL.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals