120 teammates from Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland successfully completed the Cumbrian Challenge in the Lake District, held across Friday 15th – Saturday 16th May, raising £19,000 to date for Walking With The Wounded. As headline sponsor of the charity’s flagship fundraising event, the business joined organisations, businesses and individuals
Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite), an award-winning manufacturer renowned for its quality and innovation, has appointed Paul Stephens as its new National Account Director to support the continued growth of its housebuilder division in the UK. With over 20 years of experience across the housebuilder sector, Paul brings a strong
Bradstone, a member of Holcim UK, has launched a major new whitepaper, Promoting Safety in the Public Realm, calling for a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to designing and managing safer public spaces across the UK. It is the first output from a new working group assembled by Bradstone, comprising landscape
NATIONAL procurement specialist Pagabo is inviting suppliers yesterday – 11 May – to bid for places on its next-generation National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes, which has a total anticipated value of up to £26bn. Compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, the unique procurement offering will support public
Winvic Construction Ltd has officially launched a major new ESG whitepaper at UKREiiF 2026, calling for stronger regulatory alignment to support the delivery of net zero carbon aligned buildings across the UK built environment. Published in conjunction with the Westminster body, The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the whitepaper – From Commitment to
More than half (51%) of planned US data centre projects worth $670bn are being built in states at high risk of severe convective storms (SCS), according to research by specialty Lloyd’s insurer MS Amlin. The analysis of more than 670 data centre projects under construction or planned across the US
Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire, has unveiled plans to enable substantial investment in its estate over the next 10 years to enhance its masterplan vision to foster a connected, dynamic and sustainable community for automotive and aviation experience brands to thrive, alongside the introduction of new and
STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK) has launched a digital delivery tracking and notification service providing real-time updates on orders. Launched as part of STARK UK’s ‘trusted deliveries’ strategy, the new service firstly informs customers of a two-hour delivery window before sending a second update, narrowing it to a one-hour
Two Yorkshire businesses have expanded into new premises at Logistics Hub at Howley Park Estate in Morley, taking more than 17,000 sq ft of industrial space as they grow operations within West Yorkshire. The lettings, completed by J Pullan & Sons Ltd (Pullans), reflect continued demand for well-located industrial accommodation
June is officially National Homeownership Month, but for many, it feels more like a month of window shopping. With the average deposit required to buy a home skyrocketing out of reach for most, first time buyers are having to get seriously creative with how they secure their first rung on
120 teammates from Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland successfully completed the Cumbrian Challenge in the Lake District, held across Friday 15th – Saturday 16th May, raising £19,000 to date for Walking With The Wounded. As headline sponsor of the charity’s flagship fundraising event, the business joined organisations, businesses and individuals to take on the challenge in support of veterans and their families. Now in its 6th year of participation, Sunbelt Rentals continues to demonstrate its commitment to the armed forces community through this event. Colleagues from across the business took on one of three routes: Across all routes, teams navigated challenging terrain and conditions, demonstrating strong collaboration and determination throughout. The Cumbrian Challenge brings participants together each year for a team-based event in the Lake District, raising funds to support veterans as they transition back into civilian life. Funds raised contribute to employment support, mental health services and care coordination. Leanne Casey, Project Lead Cumbrian Challenge, said:“It’s been a privilege to lead such a committed and collaborative team at the Cumbrian Challenge. Working alongside Walking With The Wounded, colleagues have not only taken on a physical challenge but also made a meaningful contribution to a cause that truly matters – an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. A huge thank you to everyone involved for your dedication, teamwork and support in making this such a success.” Joel Oxberry, Chief Operating Officer, Walking With The Wounded, said:“The support shown by Sunbelt Rentals throughout this year’s Cumbrian Challenge has been nothing short of outstanding. Not only did they come on board as headline sponsors, but they also brought an incredible 30 teams to the event and helped raise nearly £20,000 in support of veterans and their families across the UK. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the Armed Forces community was visible throughout the weekend, and we are hugely grateful for the partnership, generosity and team spirit they continue to show Walking With The Wounded.” Participants supported one another throughout, with a strong sense of camaraderie from start line to finish. Sunbelt Rentals is proud to support Walking With The Wounded and the work they do to help veterans and their families move forward, and looks forward to supporting the challenge again in the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite), an award-winning manufacturer renowned for its quality and innovation, has appointed Paul Stephens as its new National Account Director to support the continued growth of its housebuilder division in the UK. With over 20 years of experience across the housebuilder sector, Paul brings a strong background of sales leadership, national account management and strategic business development. Paul joins Keylite following a successful career with Kingspan, SIG Distribution, SIG Energy Management and Miller Pattison where he held senior positions. In his new role, Paul will lead the development of Keylite’s housebuilder offering, supporting national and regional developers to deliver compliant and high-performance new build homes. A key focus will be driving awareness and adoption of Keylite’s ModuLite System, recently recognised with a Housebuilder Product Award for Best Building Fabric Product. Paul’s appointment comes at a critical time for the industry, as housebuilders continue to navigate evolving regulations and the demands of the Future Homes Standard. Working closely with key customers, Paul will help ensure Keylite continues to meet the changing demands of both large-scale developments and smaller self-build projects. Paul commented: “Keylite has built a strong reputation within the housebuilder sector through its customer focus, innovation and long-standing industry relationships. I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such a crucial time and look forward to helping strengthen our offering, support our customers and drive continued growth across the housebuilder market.” The appointment follows a period of sustained growth for the housebuilder team, with investment in the graduate sales programme increasing regional customer support and sector-focused initiatives such as the Keystone Group Innovation Day helping strengthen relationships across the industry. Jim Blanthorne, Managing Director at Keylite, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to the team. His extensive experience, industry knowledge and strong relationships within the sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow the Keylite brand and expand our support for housebuilders.” For more information on Keylite Roof Windows, visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com. To find out more about career opportunities within the Keystone Group, visit Keystone Group Careers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bradstone, a member of Holcim UK, has launched a major new whitepaper, Promoting Safety in the Public Realm, calling for a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to designing and managing safer public spaces across the UK. It is the first output from a new working group assembled by Bradstone, comprising landscape architects, academic partners, NGOs and industry professionals to examine how safety is understood, experienced and delivered in the built environment. The whitepaper pulls in recent research from the University of Leeds and West Yorkshire Combined Authority which reveal that fences and walls around park edges make parks feel less safe due to reducing escape routes, while busier parks feel safer due to passive surveillance from other people. Meanwhile, stats from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 37% of women stop walking in quiet places after dark due to safety concerns. Contributors to the whitepaper include Jo Roberts (Holcim UK), Dr Anna Barker (University of Leeds), Romy Rawlings (Landscape Institute / Deep Green), Ben Gill (One Planet), and Iwonan Kossek (Ask for Angela). Together, they argue there is a growing urgency to tackle safety in public spaces as, despite having a direct influence on each, the issue continues to receive less attention than other urban issues, such as decarbonisation, regeneration and public health. A central theme of the whitepaper is the need for a shared, cross-sector understanding of what ‘safety’ actually means. The working group emphasises the distinction between actual safety (objective risk) and perceived safety (subjective experience), noting that perception often shapes behaviour more strongly than reality. Jo Roberts, Head of Product Management at Holcim UK, said: “We are now reaching a point where familiar ideas of ‘safety’ are being re-examined – not only as a matter of physical design but as a measure of how people feel and belong in the places they share with others. This whitepaper is about creating a shared language, grounded in evidence, that helps the industry design environments where everyone feels safe, connected and confident to move freely.” Also identified in the paper are barriers that currently impede progress – from the sheer volume of unstructured guidance to persistent misconceptions, such as the belief that safety is solely about crime reduction or that more lighting or CCTV are always the most effective solutions. Drawing on successful work across the country, the report sets out a suite of practical, evidence-based interventions for landscape architects, planners and local authorities. These include clearer sightlines, passive surveillance, typology-specific design, improved wayfinding, and co-production with communities – particularly groups who may feel excluded or unsafe. Alongside this, it emphasises the importance of robust data, pointing to emerging tools such as the Safer Parks Dashboard, which brings together spatial and safety data to help practitioners prioritise interventions. Jo said: “Improving safety in the public realm is essential for healthier communities, stronger local economies and more inclusive cities. We’re calling for closer collaboration between industry, academia and the public sector to ensure that safety becomes a core pillar of built-environment decision-making.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL procurement specialist Pagabo is inviting suppliers yesterday – 11 May – to bid for places on its next-generation National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes, which has a total anticipated value of up to £26bn. Compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, the unique procurement offering will support public sector bodies with securing transformative development work through compliant procurement routes over a closed four-year period from 19th October 2026. Following the formation of a 10-year strategic delivery partnership that will see resources, reputation and expertise combined to establish a new benchmark for construction and development procurement, this is one instalment in a series of new frameworks being brought to market by Pagabo and YPO in 2026. YPO is the centralised procurement authority for the framework, while Pagabo is the framework manager responsible for design, delivery and ongoing management. Suppliers will be appointed to provide a range of developer-led scheme related services including consultancy, legal support and development types. Within each lot, SME inclusivity is embedded, and for the first time, development consultants and legal providers have been added to offer clients a turnkey procurement solution that provides ongoing support, full compliance, reduced risk, cost savings, greater collaboration and broader project outcomes. The framework will be available to all public sector bodies, from local authorities and education providers through to NHS trusts and housing associations. The framework is divided into seven lots. Lots 3 to 6 each include eight development types, and each lot, as well as those containing development types, is further divided into eight geographic areas. The geographical areas that the national framework covers includes the north, midlands, southwest, and southeast of England, London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The lots include: Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “The Framework for Developer-Led Schemes has seen extensive use UK wide due to its substantial impact on client ambitions and built environment development. The existing framework supports clients with very prominent challenges in the market, such as compliance, viability and risk, with the new offering designed to do exactly the same and more – while conforming with updated procurement regulations set out within the Procurement Act. “We’ll continue to work closely alongside YPO, appointed suppliers and interested clients to offer effective procurement solutions and support throughout schemes. As well as wanting to see the framework continue contributing to major development and growth across the UK, the framework’s characteristics will ensure value for money, collaboration and impactful social value are prioritised in every procurement.” To date, the successful first iteration of the Developer-Led Framework has delivered projects with a total value of £7.8bn. Throughout the process of renewing the framework, priority has been given to premarket engagement and creating fair and transparent opportunities for suppliers, aligning with the principles at the centre of the Procurement Act 2023 which is now shaping new procurement activity. Jonathan continued: “As the Developer-Led offering has become more popular, we’ve been able to grow our dedicated team at Pagabo, welcoming experienced professionals with both sector specific and regional knowledge that benefits both suppliers and clients. This is an exciting time for Pagabo and YPO, and we both look forward to seeing this second iteration of the framework come to life.” Operating a digital-first, end to end delivery model, the national procurement specialist’s Pagabo+ system will be used as a central platform through which all framework activity will be managed. The single environment will play host to information on and management of new opportunities, call-off activity, performance monitoring and reporting, as well as compliance assurance. Supporting with enhancement of the full lifecycle of procurement and project delivery, appointed suppliers will also be able to use Pagabo Group’s social value and contract management platforms Loop and Sypro. To view the full tender document and submit a bid before the deadline at 12pm on 3 July, visit https://in-tendhost.co.uk/pagabo/aspx/ProjectManage/1279 For more information about Pagabo, visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has officially launched a major new ESG whitepaper at UKREiiF 2026, calling for stronger regulatory alignment to support the delivery of net zero carbon aligned buildings across the UK built environment. Published in conjunction with the Westminster body, The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the whitepaper – From Commitment to Compliance: Why the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Needs Regulatory Backing – argues that the industry is now ready to move beyond ambition towards measurable, verified operational performance, but requires policy and regulatory support to enable consistent adoption at scale. The paper explores the opportunities and challenges surrounding the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS), which launched earlier this year following extensive industry collaboration. Drawing on insights from a Westminster roundtable and interviews with representatives across development, investment, construction, planning, sustainability and policy makers the report sets out practical recommendations for government, industry and investors to accelerate delivery. Contributors and participants include the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Building Research Establishment (BRE), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), BWB Consulting, Firethorn Trust, Panattoni, Ridge and Partners, Royal London Asset Management, UMC Architects, Wordsworth Excavations, Lord Gary Porter CBE and Lancaster City Council. The whitepaper identifies regulatory alignment as the single greatest enabler of market-wide adoption, highlighting that the barriers to net zero delivery are no longer primarily technical. Key recommendations include embedding the UKNZCBS into national planning and regulatory frameworks, mandating operational performance verification, aligning financial mechanisms with verified carbon outcomes, and improving consistency across ESG and carbon reporting standards. The publication was formally launched during UKREiiF at the ‘Winvic and Partners Pavilion’, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of net zero policy, delivery and accountability across the built environment. The launch forms part of Winvic’s wider presence at UKREiiF during its milestone 25th year in business. Alongside the whitepaper launch, the contractor is hosting a programme of panel discussions and collaborative sessions focused on sustainability, planning reform, social value, industrial and logistics development, data centres and build-to-rent. Arun Thaneja, Technical Services and Sustainability Director at Winvic, said: “The publication of this whitepaper marks a defining moment for the built environment sector. With the launch of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, the industry now has a credible and consistent framework to measure real operational performance, but turning ambition into measurable impact at scale will require far greater alignment across policy, regulation and delivery. “Developed through collaboration with organisations from across the built environment, the whitepaper sets out both the significant opportunities ahead and the critical barriers that we must still overcome. The sector has shown it is ready to move beyond aspiration and into accountability and our hope is that these recommendations will help accelerate the next phase of practical, measurable and scalable net zero delivery across the UK.” For further information or to request a copy of the whitepaper, please visit the Winvic and Partners Pavilion at the Pavilion Avenue and Courtyard or contact sustainability@winvic.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than half (51%) of planned US data centre projects worth $670bn are being built in states at high risk of severe convective storms (SCS), according to research by specialty Lloyd’s insurer MS Amlin. The analysis of more than 670 data centre projects under construction or planned across the US found 320 facilities located in states classified as being at high risk of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds. Existing data centres in high-risk states for SCS are valued at almost $20bn, the study found, suggesting that future AI infrastructure in storm-exposed regions could be nearly 40 times the value of existing facilities. SCS has become a major driver of insured losses. Last year, SCS events generated $52bn in insured losses in the US – making it the costliest region and peril globally. Swiss Re reports insured losses from such storms have grown by roughly 8% a year since 2008. MS Amlin’s analysis found: The findings underline the scale of investment flowing into states at risk of natural catastrophes as development of new hyperscale facilities shifts to southern regions where land and power are more favourable. Martin Burke, MS Amlin’s Chief Underwriting Officer, said: “These numbers highlight both the opportunity and the risk. Hundreds of billions of dollars of new digital infrastructure are being directed towards regions at higher risk of potentially destructive severe convective storms. When assets of this scale cluster in hazard prone regions, the potential loss severity from a single storm event can rise very quickly. This is a growth opportunity for the specialty insurance market, but the risks must be properly managed and understood.” Data centres are typically insured through multiple business lines including property, cyber and credit and political risk. Without careful oversight, insurers can unknowingly accumulate exposure to the same facility across multiple policies. To address the risk, MS Amlin has developed a proprietary aggregation monitoring database to track data centre exposures across its underwriting portfolios. Burke added: “As AI investment accelerates, insurers must adopt more advanced ways to manage aggregation risk. If the industry is slow to address this challenge, it could restrict the deployment of capital and roll out of AI infrastructure. “Our proprietary database of hundreds of US data centre projects lets us capture the risk not just from tightly clustered facilities but also from supporting infrastructure like power generation. This provides a far more accurate picture of overall exposure. “This visibility allows us to deploy capacity responsibly to support the sector’s growth while maintaining underwriting discipline. The ability to monitor aggregation risk is becoming increasingly important as this class continues to grow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire, has unveiled plans to enable substantial investment in its estate over the next 10 years to enhance its masterplan vision to foster a connected, dynamic and sustainable community for automotive and aviation experience brands to thrive, alongside the introduction of new and affordable apartments and its strengthened plans for a hotel. Bicester Motion was established in 2013 when the 444-acre former RAF site was acquired to create a world-leading mobility cluster for like-minded mobility manufacturers, artisans, engineers, innovators and change-makers who have a shared passion to deliver the future mobility solutions society needs. Bicester Motion has previously secured a number of major planning consents bringing its total areas of active business space and consents to total circa one million sq ft (92,903 sq m). These include Bicester Heritage, The Hangars, The Command Works, The Rushes, The Ranges and The Hotel. The first five years of ownership focused on regenerating the award-winning technical site to create Bicester Heritage, which has evolved into the mobility-focused and award-winning new build development home to eight buildings forming The Command Works in 2020 and The Ranges’ first HQ with the first phase completed in 2026. Today, the estate hosts a diverse range of businesses in the automotive and aviation sector and is supported by a range of amenities on site that includes cafés, overnight accommodation, vehicle valeting and storage, specialist retail, insurance, events and apprenticeship training. More than £100 million has already been invested to re-purpose the estate, bringing it to new life as a hub for innovation, home to more than 50 companies, the majority of which were new to Bicester employing more than 500 people and training 200 apprentices per year. The cluster currently boosts the economy by circa £500 million in gross value added per annum. Future mobility automotive and aviation brands such as Audi Revolut F1 Team, Polestar, Motorsport UK, Skyports Infrastructure and record-breaking synthetic fuel manufacturer Zero have recently arrived at the estate. TeamSport is also set to open its new indoor e-karting centre later in the year, while Mercedes-Benz-owned electric motor technology company YASA will this summer move into a new HQ at The Ranges bringing with them 400 skilled employees. This activity has demonstrated a strong demand from businesses seeking to be part of Bicester Motion’s community and benefit from its strategic location in the heart of Motorsport Valley. Bicester Motion’s proposed enhanced masterplan will draw upon its experience to deliver distinct and connected areas of its estate by their unique character to enable an additional circa one million sq ft (92,903 sq m) of offices and technical workspace for pioneering companies accelerating the world’s adoption of future mobility technology. It also plans to create a place where people can live, work and thrive, supported by a wider ambition to create in the region of 200 one to three-bedroom new and affordable apartments, while the hotel will support new lodges and include a clubhouse for people to visit and stay. With ecology and biodiversity initiatives already in place, the proposed masterplan will further invest in the landscape and enhancements to deliver 10% biodiversity net gain to enrich its environment through mindful design and development. The plans will foster employment opportunities and career pathways within the traditional and pioneering businesses based on the estate and across its construction programme. As a destination for automotive enthusiasts through its annual events programme, which includes its sold-out Scrambles and attracts circa 150,000 per year visitors from all over the UK and world, the ten year vision is designed to boost growth, bolster the local economy, UK PLC and generate enduring opportunities for people to live, work, and flourish. Also, it will ensure Bicester Motion is further cemented as a proud part of the Bicester community. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion said: “As custodians of the estate, we’re proud of the world-leading mobility cluster we have created by investing in Bicester and Oxfordshire, creating skilled jobs, remarkable opportunities and unique experiences. We remain driven to deliver a dynamic and inclusive environment, with thoughtful design, community wellbeing and long-term sustainability all coming together to shape a vibrant place for generations to enjoy. We now look ahead to the next 10 years and welcome people’s feedback as we look to further invest in and enhance this unique place.” A four week public consultation has opened on Thursday 28 May 2026 and will run until Thursday 25 June 2026. A public exhibition will be held at Bicester Motion on Friday 12 June from 2pm to 7pm. To view the public consultation, please visit: https://consultation.bicestermotion.com/ Ridge, Edgars, Nicholsons, Stantec, Motion, Auroch Ecology, Worlledge Associates and LDA Design acted on behalf of Bicester Motion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK) has launched a digital delivery tracking and notification service providing real-time updates on orders. Launched as part of STARK UK’s ‘trusted deliveries’ strategy, the new service firstly informs customers of a two-hour delivery window before sending a second update, narrowing it to a one-hour slot. Alongside this, a live tracking link allows the customer to monitor the driver’s route in real time. Customers must simply add their mobile telephone number when making an order to ensure they benefit from the service. Following development, STARK UK undertook an extensive six-month customer trial period of the software, which received positive feedback from pilot users and enabled the business to fine-tune its capabilities ahead of launch. So far, the service has been rolled out to Jewson, Minster, and Frazer customers and will soon be expanded across other STARK UK businesses, including Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) and Major Build Solutions (MBS) in coming months. Ian Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer for STARK UK, said: “Real-time delivery updates have become part of everyday life, and customers increasingly expect the same level of visibility and convenience from their builders’ merchant. Our new service has been designed to bring that experience into the construction supply chain, giving customers clearer communication, greater confidence around delivery times, and improved visibility from dispatch through to arrival. “The feedback throughout the trial period was extremely positive, with customers welcoming improved visibility and communication around deliveries. Several pilot users commented that this level of service feels special for a builders’ merchant, and over time we expect it will also help reduce the need for customers to contact branches to check on delivery times or order status, letting them focus more of their time on their projects. “This is another example of how we continue to invest in customer experience across STARK UK, and we’ll be developing the platform further to ensure it continues to meet and exceed expectations in the future.” The launch of STARK UK’s new digital delivery and tracking service comes alongside its #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW petition, which calls on the government to get Britain’s building and construction sector out of crisis and into positive economic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two Yorkshire businesses have expanded into new premises at Logistics Hub at Howley Park Estate in Morley, taking more than 17,000 sq ft of industrial space as they grow operations within West Yorkshire. The lettings, completed by J Pullan & Sons Ltd (Pullans), reflect continued demand for well-located industrial accommodation across the region, particularly from occupiers seeking larger operational bases with room to expand and units featuring large service yards. Total Resource (UK) Limited has taken 8,586 sq ft at Unit 7 on a 10-year lease, expanding from its previous Leeds depot. The company supplies traffic management and maintenance equipment across the UK and will use the premises as a combined storage, servicing and office facility. Bespoke office accommodation was constructed by Pullans within the unit to support the company’s operational requirements and future growth plans. At neighbouring Unit 6, comprising 8,488 sq ft, Thermo King UK Limited has expanded and relocated from South Kirkby. The business specialises in the servicing and maintenance of refrigerated units for commercial vehicles and has fitted out the premises to provide workshop space, secure external parking and improved customer vehicle handling facilities. Both businesses cited the estate’s accessibility, extensive yard provision and proximity to Junction 28 of the M62 motorway as key factors in their decision to relocate to Morley. Bruce Strachan, Property Director at Pullans, said:“It’s encouraging to see Yorkshire businesses continuing to invest and expand within the region. Demand remains strong for industrial space that can support a range of operational requirements while also giving occupiers the flexibility to adapt and grow over time. Both businesses were looking for practical facilities that could support day-to-day operations as well as their future plans, and we are pleased that the Logistics Hub units at Howley Park were able to provide that.” James Proctor, Regional Manager at Thermo King UK said:“The facility has proven to be an excellent fit for our business. The combination of workshop space and external parking allows us to respond quickly to customer demand across the region, while also providing a secure and accessible environment for customer vehicles. We also found that having a landlord who understood our operational requirements and could respond quickly during the relocation process made a significant difference in helping us get established smoothly in the new facility.” Laura Winfield, Area Manager at Total Resource (UK) Ltd added:“Howley Park offers the combination of unit size and yard space that we were looking for as part of our expansion. The motorway access supports our distribution operations across Yorkshire and beyond, while the office accommodation provides a professional environment for both staff and visitors. The move gives us the flexibility and capacity needed to support the next stage of our growth.” Strategically located just outside Leeds adjacent to the M61/M621, Howley Park Estate extends to around 170 acres and provides more than 700,000 sq ft of industrial and commercial accommodation, supporting a broad range of regional and national occupiers including Asda, Currys, DPD, Stax Trade Centres and Walkers Transport. CBRE and Carter Towler are joint agents for the estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
June is officially National Homeownership Month, but for many, it feels more like a month of window shopping. With the average deposit required to buy a home skyrocketing out of reach for most, first time buyers are having to get seriously creative with how they secure their first rung on the property ladder. Instead of waiting for a miracle, savvy buyers are rewriting the rulebook. Owning a stake in your home, whether that’s through a 25% Shared Ownership property or by exercising your Right to Buy your council home, is infinitely better than owning 0% of a rental home. From hunting down bargain-priced ‘doer-uppers’ at auction to utilising alternative lending, it’s time to stop waiting for the ‘perfect’ 100% traditional mortgage dream and start looking at the alternative routes that can get you the keys to your first home. Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together, the specialist mortgage lender, shares his top tips to help hopeful renters and FTBs get on the property ladder this summer: The biggest mistake first-time buyers make is looking at the total property price and panicking. When you’re trying to save while renting, huge house prices can make homeownership feel totally out of reach. For example, if a house is £300,000, you don’t need a massive £30,000 upfront. Through Shared Ownership, you buy a portion you can actually afford—usually 25% to 75%—and pay a subsidised rent on the rest. This means a 10% deposit on a 25% share of that £300K home is slashed to just £7,500. Best of all? This isn’t just ‘part-renting’ forever. It unlocks a process called ‘staircasing’ where, as your salary grows, you can buy more shares until you can potentially own the whole property. You’re building your own long-term wealth and turning those monthly payments into an investment in your own future instead of someone else’s. For those willing to be a bit more adventurous, and who want to bypass the fierce competition of the traditional first-time buyer market, the auction room can uncover hidden gems. You might think houses under the hammer are all run-down “problem properties,” but they often offer a golden chance for newbies to secure a home way below market value and create a unique space entirely to your taste. There is also a clever investment play here; by flipping the property—renovating it and selling it on—you can potentially make a serious profit that provides a larger deposit for your ultimate forever home. However, auctions are a high-stakes “sprint” finish that can catch first-timers off guard. When the hammer goes down, you have effectively exchanged contracts and are legally obliged to complete. You’ll need a 10% deposit on the day and typically only 28 days to pay the balance in full. If you miss that deadline, you lose your deposit and the property, which is a nightmare scenario. That’s why having specialist “auction finance” ready to go is the only way to step into the auction room and bid with absolute confidence. When you are trying to buy alone, the numbers can feel incredibly restrictive. But who says you have to do it solo? Savvy buyers are increasingly pooling their resources. Some specialist lenders will allow up to four applicants to join forces on a single mortgage, meaning you could buy with friends or siblings to get that first crucial foothold on the ladder. If you’ve been renting from a local authority, council, or housing association, you could be sitting on a major discount without even realising it. The Right to Buy scheme is one of the most overlooked shortcuts to homeownership for current renters. Depending on how long you’ve lived there, you could qualify for a substantial discount on the property’s actual market value. The real game-changer here? Specialist lenders can often use that built-in council discount as your deposit. This means you could potentially buy the very roof over your head with zero cash deposit required upfront. You get to keep the home you already know, entirely skip the stress and cost of moving day, and instantly swap paying rent for building your own equity. Many “Generation Renters” don’t even bother applying for a mortgage because they think their situation is too “complex” to ever be accepted. This could mean you’re a freelancer, a side-hustler with two part-time jobs, or carrying a minor credit blip from years ago. When you’re trying to buy your first home, high-street banks use rigid computers that love to say “no,” especially when an applicant doesn’t match their ‘one size fits all’ standard. But don’t give up hope. On the other hand, specialist lenders, like Together, look at the real human behind the paperwork and support first-time buyers keen to make the next step. Don’t let a ‘non-standard’ life stop you from landing the keys to your very first place. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals