Finning has helped leading waste management company Powerday bolster their sustainability goals by facilitating the rebuild of two Cat® 966M wheel loaders. London-based waste management and recycling services company Powerday, has saved money while also reducing its carbon and material consumption by commissioning the rebuild of two of their Cat
Meadfleet Ltd, a leader in open space management, is proud to announce the launch of its Buzz and Flutter Campaign, as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Building on the success of their award-winning Bee Friendly Campaign, this new initiative expands Meadfleet’s commitment to biodiversity by supporting not only
The partnership will enhance urban connectivity across three major cities in the UK this year, with Oxford as the first city of deployment, enabled by Dense Air’s neutral host platform Signify, the world leader in lighting, has partnered with Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, and Dense Air, a
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools and equipment, is proud to announce its recognition as a Climate Leader for the third consecutive year by the Financial Times. This prestigious accolade underscores Speedy Hire’s continued commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in driving positive environmental change within the
With the UK construction industry facing mounting cost pressures, tightening legislation, and accelerating decarbonisation targets, plant hire is fast becoming the preferred route for accessing vital equipment, according to new research. Barbour ABI found that the UK plant hire market will reach a value of £3.56 billion in 2025, growing
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a key priority for UK lower mid-market construction businesses, with 19% identifying it as one of their top three core growth strategies over the next three years, according to new research from business advisory group Dow Schofield Watts. As firms navigate an increasingly competitive landscape,
HiiLIFE, a bespoke technology provider for the construction sector, has appointed Willie Robertson as Contracts Manager to spearhead business development across the firm’s construction channels. Willie’s role is a newly created position, and he will focus on expanding HiiLIFE’s footprint in Build to Rent (BTR), Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA),
Cheyne Capital has acquired City Link House in East Croydon, a vacant office building set to undergo a £210 million transformation into a modern co-living development. The scheme will deliver 485 co-living units alongside 84 affordable homes, while retaining space for flexible commercial and community use. This large-scale project aims
A planning application has been submitted for the first phase of the transformative £1 billion Northern Gateway development, one of the largest employment-led projects ever proposed in the North of England. The scheme is being delivered by the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle – a partnership between Harworth Group and Russell
Partnership aims to position Nemetschek as an AI-first industry leader, drive market expansion and enhance sustainability. The Nemetschek Group, a global leader in digital solutions for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AEC/O) and media industries, today announced a major partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate AI-driven innovation, expand into
Finning has helped leading waste management company Powerday bolster their sustainability goals by facilitating the rebuild of two Cat® 966M wheel loaders. London-based waste management and recycling services company Powerday, has saved money while also reducing its carbon and material consumption by commissioning the rebuild of two of their Cat 966M wheel loaders. Finning UK and Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and aftermarket services, utilised workshop and engineer expertise to rebuild the machines from the ground up. This marks the first 966M rebuilds Finning has completed specifically for the waste industry. The World Steel Association calculates that the steel industry generates between 7 and 9% of global emissions, and on average 1.92 tonnes of Co2 are emitted for every tonne of steel produced. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Powerday commissioned Finning to rebuild two wheel loaders instead of buying new, saving on the Co2 emissions that would result from manufacturing a new machine. In recent years, the transition of the UK waste and recycling industry from a linear to a circular economy has been widely discussed, emphasising reusing materials to reduce the dependency on landfill sites and Co2 emissions. Finding innovative ways to integrate a circular economy has been at the forefront of their sustainability mission at Powerday. The rebuild options and processes at Finning align with both the wider call for sustainability in the waste and recycling industry, and Powerday’s own sustainability strategy. Nick Savvides, Corporate Account Manager at Finning UK and Ireland said: “Cat machines are designed to be rebuilt, maximising the original investment for our customers. By opting to have their Cat 966M wheel loaders rebuilt as opposed to buying new, Powerday has not only saved money but has underlined its strong commitment to sustainability. “The rebuild process restores machines to like-new condition but saves on the material consumption and carbon emissions that go into building a brand-new machine. By reducing waste and conserving resources, our rebuilds are an attractive proposition for companies looking to meet their sustainability targets, maximise the machines lifespan and save on capital expenditure. “We were also able to save the company money on the overall purchase price by offering Cat Finance at 0% hire purchase, which included machine warranty.” Cat certified rebuilds are designed to maximise the life cycle of machines and enhance their capabilities. In the process of rebuilding the Cat 966M’s, Finning were able to upgrade the machines with the latest technology. Tara Crossan, Associate Director at Powerday said: “Having the rebuilds commissioned was not only an opportunity to make our machines like-new, but to enhance them with all the latest technology that will continue to support our sustainability strategy. “Finning guided us through the process, demonstrating how the latest telematics software can optimise fleet efficiency, conserve fuel and reduce operational emissions. We are pleased to have underlined our commitment to creating a sustainable future for the waste industry by having our machines rebuilt, and we are excited to utilise the newly integrated technology to support our move towards a low-carbon future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Meadfleet Ltd, a leader in open space management, is proud to announce the launch of its Buzz and Flutter Campaign, as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Building on the success of their award-winning Bee Friendly Campaign, this new initiative expands Meadfleet’s commitment to biodiversity by supporting not only bees but also butterflies and birds. As the company celebrates three decades of green space management, the campaign focuses on providing additional habitats and food sources to help reverse a decline in wildlife numbers. David King, Managing Director of Meadfleet Ltd, said: “To help us celebrate 30 years of open space management, we’re launching the Buzz and Flutter Campaign to support bees, butterflies, and birds. Our goal is to boost populations across the open spaces we manage, creating vibrant, nature-rich areas for wildlife and local communities.” The decline in wildlife numbers is largely due to a loss of habitats. As a leader in open space management, with over 350 developments in its management, Meadfleet Ltd is uniquely positioned to address this challenge by enhancing spaces where these species can thrive. Bees, butterflies, and birds play a vital role in the ecosystem—bees and butterflies are key pollinators essential to our food supply, while birds contribute to biodiversity through pest control, seed dispersal, and pollination. Beyond their ecological importance, living in nature-rich environments has been shown to significantly improve mental health and overall well-being for residents. The campaign reflects Meadfleet’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and delivering a legacy of biodiverse open spaces that support the wellbeing of its customers. The management company will cover all costs of the initiative helping to ensure a brighter future for wildlife and communities. Key targets include: As part of the Buzz and Flutter Campaign, Meadfleet Ltd is supporting three leading wildlife charities: Butterfly Conservation, Buglife, and Actions for Swifts. These organisations are at the forefront of protecting and nurturing wildlife. David King concluded, “Together, we can make a meaningful difference. We encourage everyone to learn more about the work of these charities and contribute to wildlife protection.” For more information about the Buzz and Flutter Campaign, please visit https://www.meadfleet.co.uk/buzzandflutter/ https://butterfly-conservation.org/ https://www.actionforswifts.com/ https://www.buglife.org.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The partnership will enhance urban connectivity across three major cities in the UK this year, with Oxford as the first city of deployment, enabled by Dense Air’s neutral host platform Signify, the world leader in lighting, has partnered with Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, and Dense Air, a leading neutral host platform-as-a-service provider, to transform street lighting infrastructure into a platform of scalable multi-operator connectivity. This first-of-its-kind partnership will launch in Oxford, creating a shared network for mobile operators that leverage existing light points to seamlessly expand wireless coverage and capacity, enabling instant connectivity in dense urban areas. Using street lighting, Signify’s BrightSites solution provides connectivity for 4G and 5G, IoT applications such as CCTV cameras, Internet services via Wi-Fi, and other high bandwidth applications, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure and resetting the economic model on how mobile operators deliver service. Dense Air’s multi-operator cellShare® platform enables Cornerstone to provide neutral host services to UK mobile network operators, adhering to Joint Operator Technical Specifications (JOTS). The technology optimizes network capacity by leveraging small cell technology specifically designed for public spaces. Khalid Aziz, SVP and Managing Director of BrightSites by Signify: “By harnessing the power of 5G and IoT through our lighting technology, we not only illuminate streets but also pave the way for a more connected and sustainable future. In partnership with Cornerstone and Dense Air, Signify will enable our partners to tap into existing lighting infrastructure as a wireless network, bringing a new era of smart city solutions.” Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These new small cells offer an excellent connectivity solution, and it’s exciting to see a sustainable option that works in both urban and rural areas. Enhanced digital infrastructure supports the council’s strategic objectives by providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. Small cells, being only the size of a shoebox, minimise street clutter and seamlessly integrate into our surroundings.” Miranda van Gestel, Chief Customer Officer at Cornerstone: “At Cornerstone, we are leading the way in transforming the UK’s digital landscape with innovative solutions such as our Small Cell Coverage Solution. By integrating state-of-the-art technology into existing infrastructure, we’re not only addressing the growing demand for seamless connectivity but also empowering local authorities, MNOs, and communities to thrive in the digital age. Our approach ensures faster, more sustainable deployments that enhance everyday life, drive economic growth, and set the standard for smart city innovation.” As the world leader in lighting, Signify is well-placed to transform existing light points into city-wide wireless network grids, enabling seamless connectivity at scale. Starting in Oxford, the project will later deploy across three major cities in 2025, setting the foundation for future expansion and innovation across the UK in the field of smart city infrastructure. Learn more about BrightSites by Signify at https://www.signify.com/global/innovation/brightsites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools and equipment, is proud to announce its recognition as a Climate Leader for the third consecutive year by the Financial Times. This prestigious accolade underscores Speedy Hire’s continued commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in driving positive environmental change within the hire industry. The Climate Leader recognition comes as Speedy Hire recently launched its first PAS2080 verified carbon management system, reinforcing its dedication to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability across its operations. Additionally, the company has achieved an A- rating in CDP’s climate change scores, further demonstrating its leadership in climate action and environmental transparency. Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, commented: “Being recognised by the Financial Times for a third year is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team in advancing our sustainability goals. Our recent achievements, including the launch of our PAS2080 carbon management system and our strong CDP score, are vital milestones in our journey to becoming a net-zero business. We’re proud to not only help our customers but also support our suppliers on their sustainability journeys. This recognition fuels our continued efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future for the industries we serve.” This recognition highlights Speedy Hire’s proactive approach to sustainability and reinforces its position as a recognised global leader in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the UK construction industry facing mounting cost pressures, tightening legislation, and accelerating decarbonisation targets, plant hire is fast becoming the preferred route for accessing vital equipment, according to new research. Barbour ABI found that the UK plant hire market will reach a value of £3.56 billion in 2025, growing nearly 24% since 2020 – despite a backdrop of economic stagnation and inflation. Researchers found that contractors and developers are increasingly turning away from asset ownership in favour of flexible, on-demand access to machinery. The shift is being driven by a need to reduce capital expenditure, avoid compliance risks, and accelerate the adoption of greener, more efficient technologies. “Hiring gives firms the ability to scale up quickly for major infrastructure or energy projects, while avoiding the financial and legislative burden of plant ownership,” said Barbour ABI’s chief analyst Ed Griffiths. “With emissions regulations tightening and net zero targets looming, firms are under pressure to modernise fleets faster than ever, and plant hire offers a route to do that affordably.” Barbour’s reporting highlights that earthmoving and lifting equipment alone account for 68% of plant hire value, with demand being supercharged by major projects like HS2, The Great Grid Upgrade, and the upcoming AMP8 water infrastructure investment plan. Plant hire companies are also investing in low-emission, battery-electric and hydrogen-powered machinery, helping contractors meet new environmental standards without costly investment. With rental penetration in the UK already around 75%, the trend away from ownership looks set to continue well beyond 2025. “As we look toward 2029, we expect the plant hire market to continue its upward trajectory, supported by a projected £700 – £775 billion in UK infrastructure investment and a growing push for low-emission equipment,” said Griffiths. “With rental penetration already sky high and sectors like renewable energy, data centres, and utilities driving demand, hire is no longer just a cost-saving choice – it’s a strategic one. The shift to smart, sustainable, and flexible solutions will define how construction firms operate over the next five years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a key priority for UK lower mid-market construction businesses, with 19% identifying it as one of their top three core growth strategies over the next three years, according to new research from business advisory group Dow Schofield Watts. As firms navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, M&A is seen as a critical tool for expanding market share, diversifying offerings, and strengthening resilience. The UK Growth Census, which surveyed 500 businesses with annual turnover between £10m and £150m, highlights a clear appetite for dealmaking, with 21% of construction firms saying their primary motivation in pursuing a merger or acquisition would be to enter new geographic markets, 21% to increase valuation ahead of a future exit, and 19% to acquire new talent and capabilities acquire new talent and capabilities. For many, M&A is not just a route to scale, it is a strategic imperative to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. However, construction businesses face significant challenges when pursuing M&A opportunities. Identifying suitable targets is the most frequently cited barrier (34%), followed by cultural alignment with targets (33%), and competition for attractive targets (33%). Securing financing remains another key hurdle for the construction industry, with 33% of respondents citing access to funding as a primary concern. Other critical challenges include navigating regulatory and legal hurdles (31%), valuation and price negotiations (26%), and post-merger integration (22%). Overall for construction businesses, 52% say that international trade or collaboration is a growing priority, and 33% state that it is a core focus and key part of their growth plans. Harry Walker, corporate finance partner at Dow Schofield Watts, commented: “The M&A landscape is evolving, and businesses are recognising that strategic acquisitions offer a powerful means of accelerating growth. With increased competition, rising valuations, and the complexities of post-merger integration, success requires a clear plan. Businesses that approach M&A with a well-defined strategy – balancing ambition with careful execution – are the ones best positioned to create long-term value.” Beyond M&A, businesses are investing in multiple avenues to drive long-term success. Digital transformation (41%) is the most widely cited strategic priority, while improving customer experience (37%) and new product development (32%) are also high on the agenda. With businesses facing an uncertain economic landscape, many are balancing growth ambitions with strategic cost-cutting (29%) and efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience (25%). Download the full UK Growth Census report here: https://dswcapital.com/uk-growth-census-2025/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HiiLIFE, a bespoke technology provider for the construction sector, has appointed Willie Robertson as Contracts Manager to spearhead business development across the firm’s construction channels. Willie’s role is a newly created position, and he will focus on expanding HiiLIFE’s footprint in Build to Rent (BTR), Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and hotel sectors. He brings with him over 50 years’ experience in sales and procurement, including a distinguished 16-year career at Samsung Electronics Ltd. Here he led the company’s commercial domestic appliance division to forge strategic partnerships with major construction clients such as Quintain Living, Moda Living, and Cortland Partners. Willie said: “After over half a century in sales and procurement roles, most recently within the construction industry, I’m delighted to join the HiiLIFE team. We offer a comprehensive range of products and services for many types of building projects, including Build to Sell, Build to Rent, and purpose-built student accommodation. I’m looking forward to working with brands such as Samsung as we deliver an affordable and smart proposition that covers climate solutions, audio-visual systems, digital signage, and domestic appliances.” This appointment marks a significant step in HiiLIFE’s ongoing strategy to enhance its profile within the construction sector and establish long-term value through experienced leadership and trusted partnerships. Tom Brittain, Managing Director at HiiLIFE, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Willie to the HiiLIFE team as Contracts Manager. His success in building long-standing partnerships with industry leaders highlights the calibre of experience he brings, which will be an invaluable asset to our team. He is a highly respected figure in the industry and will play a key role in driving our expansion in the BTR, PBSA, and hotel sectors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cheyne Capital has acquired City Link House in East Croydon, a vacant office building set to undergo a £210 million transformation into a modern co-living development. The scheme will deliver 485 co-living units alongside 84 affordable homes, while retaining space for flexible commercial and community use. This large-scale project aims to support the continued regeneration of Croydon, offering a new form of urban living that prioritises affordability, convenience, and community engagement. City Link House is the latest in a series of strategic investments by Cheyne Capital in the UK’s growing flexible-living sector. Previous projects include notable redevelopments in Canary Wharf and Central London, underscoring the firm’s commitment to redefining urban housing solutions. Matt Floyd of Cheyne Real Estate commented: “We are proud to support a project that will contribute to the revitalisation of Croydon and enhance its appeal as a place to live and work. This development reflects our ongoing focus on high-quality, flexible-living solutions that respond to evolving urban lifestyles.” The transaction was facilitated on behalf of the seller by advisory firms acting for Wittington Investments and its development partner, Fifth State. A representative involved in the deal added: “This acquisition demonstrates the sustained demand for premium, purpose-built shared living schemes across the capital. Co-living offers an attractive proposition for a wide range of residents seeking a balance of independence, community, and urban connectivity.” The development marks another step in the broader shift towards alternative housing models across London, as developers respond to rising demand for innovative, space-efficient and sociable living environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A planning application has been submitted for the first phase of the transformative £1 billion Northern Gateway development, one of the largest employment-led projects ever proposed in the North of England. The scheme is being delivered by the Northern Gateway Development Vehicle – a partnership between Harworth Group and Russell LDP – and represents a major milestone in the regeneration of Greater Manchester. Spanning approximately 500 acres, the first phase alone proposes up to 6.5 million sq ft of employment space, targeting advanced manufacturing, logistics, robotics, AI, and research and development. The ambitious development is strategically located at the junction of the M60, M62 and M66 motorways and falls within the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone. Once fully built, the wider Northern Gateway site has the capacity to support up to 20,000 jobs and contribute an estimated £630 million annually in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the regional economy. The outline proposals submitted to Bury and Rochdale councils include flexible employment units, as well as plans for a hotel, leisure and retail facilities, green open spaces, and a connected network of walking and cycling routes. These features are designed to support a sustainable and inclusive employment hub that attracts both domestic and international investment. The site also benefits from long-term strategic planning, having been designated within Greater Manchester’s “Places for Everyone” spatial development plan. A supplementary planning document has already been approved, helping to shape a masterplan focused on innovation, sustainability and connectivity. Helen Hartley, planning associate director at Russell LDP, said: “This is a major milestone in delivering a nationally important employment destination in the North West. Northern Gateway is a transformative opportunity that will create thousands of jobs and bring long-term benefits to the region through high-quality workspace and integrated infrastructure.” Lynda Shillaw, chief executive of Harworth Group, added: “Northern Gateway will act as a catalyst for growth in the North West. By focusing on emerging sectors and high-quality industrial space, we’re creating a platform for regional expansion and global investment.” Further plans for residential development adjacent to the employment zone are also being prepared and will be subject to future public consultation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Partnership aims to position Nemetschek as an AI-first industry leader, drive market expansion and enhance sustainability. The Nemetschek Group, a global leader in digital solutions for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AEC/O) and media industries, today announced a major partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate AI-driven innovation, expand into new markets, and enhance digital workflows across its portfolio. Through this collaboration, Nemetschek will leverage Google Cloud’s advanced AI and cloud technologies at a group-level and across its portfolio reinforcing the commitment to innovation and collaboration. The partnership will further accelerate Nemetschek’s growth into new markets, such as Saudi Arabia and India, while reinforcing its presence in Europe, the USA and APAC. “Our partnership with Google Cloud marks a pivotal moment in our mission to redefine how digital solutions drive efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability in the AEC/O industry,” said Charlie Timmermann, Group VP of Strategic Alliances at the Nemetschek Group. “The best innovations often emerge through partnerships. Growing alongside Google Cloud further strengthens Nemetschek as a leader in the digital transformation of the AEC/O industry.” “We are proud to partner with the Nemetschek Group, a leading provider in the AEC/O and media industry, to accelerate its AI-driven innovation and integration,” said Dr Marianne Janik, Vice President, EMEA North, Google Cloud. “With a trusted AI platform that is easy to use, offers choice and extends to an ecosystem of partners, we provide customers solutions that set them up for success in today’s competitive environment. As we share values with Nemetschek around customer centricity and innovation, we see this global partnership as a natural step for us.” A Three Pillar Partnership The collaboration between Nemetschek and Google Cloud is built on three key pillars: driving AI-powered innovation and simplification, accelerating global market expansion, and enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The first pillar focuses on AI and cloud innovation and simplification, with the Nemetschek Group advancing its AI-first strategy through its cloud initiatives. This is a strategic move towards a multi-cloud, AI layered ecosystem designed to strengthen collaboration and automation across design and construction workflows within the groups’ strong brands. As part of the first pillar, Nemetschek is integrating Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to enhance productivity and creativity for architects, engineers, and construction teams. One of Nemetschek’s BIM authoring brands, Graphisoft, has a longstanding collaboration with Google Cloud, which has played a pivotal role in scaling its cloud-based solutions such as its collaboration platform BIMcloud. Over the years, the collaboration has enabled Graphisoft to achieve substantial growth, not only in user adoption and engagement but also through ongoing enhancements and the introduction of new innovations. The adoption of geospatial integration with Google Maps and Earth will furthermore enable the BIM authoring brands of the Nemetschek Group, such as ALLPLAN and Vectorworks, to optimise planning and resource allocation. The Nemetschek AI implementation will be guided by three core principles: privacy and data governance, protecting IP rights and creativity, and business integrity, ensuring responsible and transparent adoption. The second pillar centres on business growth, with Nemetschek integrating its solutions within the Google Cloud Marketplace and Google Workspace Marketplace ecosystems to increase Workspace integration, expand market reach and unlock new revenue opportunities. This includes a series of initiatives with for example the Nemetschek brands Bluebeam, GoCanvas, Spacewell and Vectorworks, aimed at accelerating digital adoption to increase collaboration and broaden customer access. The Workspace and Marketplace initiatives will benefit both small and medium-sized architects, engineers and construction companies as well as large enterprises. Sustainability is a core focus in the third pillar, with the Nemetschek Group and Google Cloud collaborating to establish Nemetschek as a leader in sustainability technology for AEC/O. Google Cloud’s AI-powered solutions will help the industry meet sustainability goals such as reducing carbon footprints, assessing lifecycle impacts, and improving energy efficiency. Brands like ALLPLAN, Graphisoft and Vectorworks are embedding AI-driven services to facilitate sustainable design and regulatory compliance, while Spacewell is advancing smart facility management solutions to enhance energy efficiency in the operation phase of the building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
