The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the launch of a £250,000 pilot programme aimed at boosting safety skills in rainscreen facade installation across the UK. Set to begin in early 2026, the two-year initiative will provide free training to 100 facade system installers and 24 supervisors, with delivery
Construction and civil engineering specialist McLaughlin & Harvey has launched its 2025 YouMatter Health and Wellbeing Roadshow. Starting in Cambridge and ending in Belfast, this year’s new branded bus will visit 19 different sites across the UK throughout August and September, bringing vital health and wellbeing checks to employees, subcontractors
UK-listed companies in the FTSE Construction and Materials sector issued eight profit warnings during H1 2025, four times the number issued during the same period last year and the highest total since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, according to EY-Parthenon’s latest Profit Warnings report. Listed firms in the sector issued
A wave of revolutionary projects is sweeping through the UK construction industry in 2025. From the groundbreaking Lower Thames Crossing in the south to the Eastern Greenlink in the north, these transformative schemes represent the latest developments in cutting-edge engineering and architecture. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, these transformative
Siemens Buildings UK and Ireland has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mark Gutteridge to the position of Area Sales Manager – South, Siemens Buildings Product Sales and Business Development. Gutteridge has been with Siemens for more than 10 years, most recently in the company’s digital industries
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has taken another step forward, as part of its ongoing campaign to tackle the growing complexity of construction contracts, by launching a groundbreaking Simplified Sub-Contract built on the ‘500 Word’ principle. This simplified contract is designed to cut through legal jargon, reduce disputes and
A senior Siemens executive who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport. Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, will take up the role in October, following
Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed seasoned industry leader Gary Martin as Technical Director for its Northern Home Counties region. Bringing nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, Gary will lead the region’s technical function – supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality. His
Birmingham, Thursday 31st July 2025 – Pension Insurance Corporation (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension schemes, and Court Collaboration, a Birmingham-based specialist residential property developer, have confirmed Sectional Completion of Tower B at the hotly anticipated One Eastside BTR development in the city. The completed phase means 140
Mileway, the leading pan-European last mile logistics real estate company, has signed a ten-year lease agreement with Rubies, one of the largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of licensed dress up products in the world, and Smiffys, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of fancy dress costumes, wigs, accessories and make-up,
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the launch of a £250,000 pilot programme aimed at boosting safety skills in rainscreen facade installation across the UK. Set to begin in early 2026, the two-year initiative will provide free training to 100 facade system installers and 24 supervisors, with delivery led by Wigan-based 3B Training—recently acquired by Morson Group and a CITB Approved Training Organisation. The scheme comes as part of the wider push to improve building safety, aligning with the UK Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan, which aims to complete the remediation of unsafe high-rise buildings in government-funded schemes in England by 2029. Similar efforts are also under way in Scotland and Wales, with the Welsh Government introducing the Building Safety (Wales) Bill to formalise responsibilities around building safety. CITB says the pilot will develop new training standards in response to evolving fire safety legislation and recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The course content will focus on best practice for the inspection and installation of facade systems, aligning with the latest safety requirements. Tim Balcon, CITB’s chief executive, said: “Our industry research clearly shows the urgent need to raise capability and competency in facade installation. This programme is a direct response to that need and will ensure that we’re building a workforce ready to meet today’s safety challenges.” Mathew Bewley, managing director at 3B Training, added: “A key recommendation from the Grenfell Inquiry was to make cladding installation training mandatory. We’re proud to be leading this programme and will be forming a specialist steering group to shape the curriculum and uphold the highest standards.” The new training programme represents a collaborative effort between CITB, industry leaders, and government to raise professional standards and ensure that building safety is embedded at every level of construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction and civil engineering specialist McLaughlin & Harvey has launched its 2025 YouMatter Health and Wellbeing Roadshow. Starting in Cambridge and ending in Belfast, this year’s new branded bus will visit 19 different sites across the UK throughout August and September, bringing vital health and wellbeing checks to employees, subcontractors and clients. The inclusive, industry-leading initiative enables participants to access a range of health and wellbeing services, including blood pressure, diabetes, BMI and cholesterol checks, stress-relieving massage, mental health support, appointments with a nurse and healthy eating and lifestyle advice. Launched in response to the barriers on-site workers may face when it comes to accessing healthcare appointments away from home, the Health and Wellbeing Roadshow allows individuals to get a measure of their health and detect any issues before they become too serious. Participants can also find out if certain lifestyle choices are putting them at higher risk of ill-health, encouraging them to think about small changes that can make a huge difference. With the roadshow taking place each summer, those who have previously received a health check can compare their results and track progress. Alistair Lambe, Group SHEQ Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “We’re pleased to be back on the road again, bringing health and wellbeing services to colleagues, clients and contractors across our sites spanning the UK. “At McLaughlin & Harvey, we recognise the barriers construction workers can face to accessing health checks, as well as the hesitancy people may feel when it comes to speaking up about healthcare concerns. The Health and Wellbeing Roadshow was born out of addressing these barriers, providing an informal, real-time opportunity to speak to a professional and access information which can help people live healthier, happier lives. We have even had instances over the years where lives have been saved by healthcare practitioners onboard the bus, and the checks provided, highlighting issues that require urgent attention. “We understand that people’s welfare is our greatest strength, and this extends beyond just our own employees, to our supply chain as well. Raising awareness of and supporting good mental and physical wellbeing is one of our top priorities, so we encourage everyone to ‘Get on Board’ and take the opportunity to prioritise their health.” During the 2024 roadshow, occupational health practitioners met with 707 people at sites across the UK, resulting in 104 referrals. The Health Check Point equipment onboard the bus was used by 819 participants to calculate body composition, including blood pressure and muscle mass. McLaughlin & Harvey is hoping 2025 will see the highest uptake yet, with the contractor set to celebrate 20 years since the initiative began next year. Throughout the tour, McLaughlin & Harvey will also be raising money for the Lighthouse Charity, donating £1 for every kilometre walked on the treadmill. The Health and Wellbeing Roadshow forms part of McLaughlin & Harvey’s wider YouMatter progamme, which aims to raise the profile of health and safety within the business and wider supply chain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK-listed companies in the FTSE Construction and Materials sector issued eight profit warnings during H1 2025, four times the number issued during the same period last year and the highest total since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, according to EY-Parthenon’s latest Profit Warnings report. Listed firms in the sector issued three profit warnings in Q2, down slightly from the five recorded during the first quarter, which already equalled the total for the whole of 2024. The eight warnings issued in H1 means that Construction and Materials was the FTSE sector to issue the third most profit warnings in the first half of the year, behind only FTSE Industrial Support Services (17) and FTSE Software and Computer Services (16). Tim Vance, EY-Parthenon UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring Partner, said: “The latest data shows that the construction sector, which saw some recovery in 2024, supported by repair and maintenance demand, easing costs and infrastructure investment, is under renewed pressure so far this year. Previous gains are being eroded by the return of cost and demand challenges, which are exposing persistent structural weaknesses. Whilst longer-term supply and demand dynamics should support growth in the sector, there are a number of nearer-term challenges that are impacting contractors and the supply chain. “Regulatory complexity, particularly from the Building Safety Act, continues to slow approvals and disrupt delivery, while labour shortages and the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions are also squeezing margins. Access to bonding and trade credit insurance has been tightening and the sector remains susceptible to shocks. A drop off in demand may ease some of these pressures, but this tends to help main contractors more than subcontractors and suppliers, where financial stress has been concentrated. “In this period of heightened economic uncertainty and an ever-evolving construction landscape, companies that can effectively manage risk, drive innovation and cultivate strong partnerships will be best positioned to succeed.” Impact of policy and geopolitical uncertainty takes hold in Q2 Overall, UK-listed companies issued 121 profit warnings in H1 2025, including 59 during the second quarter. The leading factor behind profit warnings in Q2 was policy change and geopolitical uncertainty, cited in nearly half (46%) of warnings. This marked a significant year-on-year increase from just 4% in Q2 2024, and the highest percentage recorded for this cause in more than 25 years of EY’s analysis. The proportion of profit warnings to cite contract and order cancellations or delays in Q2 remained at a record 40%. One in three warnings (34%) cited tariff-related impacts, including weaker demand, supply chain disruption, and exchange-rate volatility. Jo Robinson, EY-Parthenon Partner and UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy Leader, added: “The scale of persistent uncertainty and how heavy it continues to weigh on UK businesses is clear. While this uncertainty has been a recurring theme since mid-2024, it has intensified so far this year – driven largely by geopolitical tensions and policy shifts – compounding pressure on both earnings and forecasts. “Whether the rise in profit warnings is cyclical or structural remains to be seen, and we still expect earnings pressure to ebb and flow with the macroeconomic backdrop. As companies operate in a risk and forecasting environment that is challenging to navigate, they must adopt a measured, scenario-based approach that balances both agility and strategic clarity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A wave of revolutionary projects is sweeping through the UK construction industry in 2025. From the groundbreaking Lower Thames Crossing in the south to the Eastern Greenlink in the north, these transformative schemes represent the latest developments in cutting-edge engineering and architecture. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, these transformative schemes are reshaping the nation’s infrastructure and urban landscapes through innovative thinking and rapid advances in building technology, such as construction ERP software. The following 9 state-of-the-art projects showcase the UK as a leader in design and innovation, while offering fresh opportunities for construction professionals. 1. Lower Thames Crossing A trailblazing project to build the UK’s longest road tunnel received a massive boost in June after the award of £590m of extra government money. The Lower Thames Crossing will connect Essex and Kent via a 14.5-mile route designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the region. Costing an estimated £10bn in total, the government’s recent cash injection signals the go-ahead to secure further private investment, with work expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2032. 2. Sizewell C Nuclear Plant The new Sizewell C nuclear power plant moved a step closer to fruition this year after the government committed £14.2bn of investment. The plant, situated on the Suffolk coastline, will create 10,000 direct jobs and generate enough energy to power six million homes. When construction work begins in the near future, the project could take around 10 years to complete and dramatically reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels in line with Net Zero targets. 3. Viadux 2 Tower An ambitious project to build the UK’s fourth-tallest building received planning approval from Manchester City Council in April 2025. The 246m, 76-storey Viadux 2 tower will contain 452 apartments, a 160-bedroom hotel, plus an adjacent 23-storey tower purely for affordable homes. Construction work is due to start this year, and when complete, Viadux 2 will transform the Manchester skyline and become the UK’s fourth tallest building after The Shard, 22 Bishopsgate and the soon-to-be-built 1 Undershaft. 4. Dundee’s Eden Project (pictured) The £130m Eden Project Scotland entered its final design stage in early 2025, transforming an old gasworks into a green oasis that will attract thousands of visitors each year and give the local economy a massive boost. The project features the complete regeneration of Dundee’s industrial waterfront and will become a landmark destination for green tourism. The scheme, similar to the famous Cornwall site, was granted planning permission in 2024 and will offer a combination of eco-friendly attractions, live music, exhibit, food and more. The charity behind the Eden Project schemes is in the process of raising funds and seeking investment before construction work can begin. 5. Havant Thicket Reservoir Project leaders will be ramping up groundwork and site improvements of the UK’s first new reservoir in decades throughout 2025. The Havant Thicket Reservoir, located in East Hampshire, will store around 8.7 billion litres of water by the time it’s operational in 2029. A joint venture between Portsmouth Water and Southern Water, and costing around £340m, the site covers 160 hectares. When complete, this incredible feat of engineering will supply up to 21 million litres of water to homes across the South of England each day, making it one of the largest schemes of its type anywhere in the world. 6. Eastern Greenlink 2 Construction work is currently underway on the dynamic Eastern Greenlink 2 project, marking one of the biggest changes to the UK’s energy infrastructure for many years. The scheme will create a 505km electrical superhighway between Aberdeenshire and North Yorkshire via a cable laid under the North Sea. When work is completed in 2029, the £4.3bn project will produce clean energy from offshore wind and other natural sources, carry enough electricity to power two million homes, create thousands of jobs and boost the economy. 7. Transpennine Route Upgrade Rail passengers travelling across the Pennines will benefit from a multi-billion-pound electrification project to improve services between Manchester Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Dubbed the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the line between Manchester Victoria station and Stalybridge was electrified earlier this year while construction work on other sections continues to gather pace. Once complete, passengers will benefit from faster journey times of around 40 minutes between Manchester and Leeds and 65 minutes between Manchester and York. Developers say the project will also allow greener trains to operate and reduce carbon emissions by up to 87,000 tonnes each year. 8. Cambridge Children’s Hospital Construction of a new children’s hospital in Cambridge is fast approaching after the tender for main contractors was launched earlier this year. The government committed £100m to the state-of-the-art project, with the rest coming from fundraising and donations. Preparation work on the site is already underway, with completion expected in 2029. The hospital will serve the regions of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. It will be the first of its kind to combine treatment for both physical and mental health in children and young adults. 9. Gate Burton Energy Park Approved in July 2024, work has started on a giant solar farm in Lincolnshire that will provide enough clean energy to power over 160,000 homes in the region. Gate Burton Energy Park spans nearly 1,700 acres and will generate, store and export up to 500MW of electricity. Not only that, but the £300m scheme is expected to save more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year when the project is completed in 2028. Overall, 2025 marks a significant milestone in UK construction and innovation, with a strong focus on renewable energy, sustainability, transport and new housing dominating the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens Buildings UK and Ireland has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mark Gutteridge to the position of Area Sales Manager – South, Siemens Buildings Product Sales and Business Development. Gutteridge has been with Siemens for more than 10 years, most recently in the company’s digital industries business where he was the Solutions Partner Manager for the UK and Ireland. In his new role he will be responsible for both the Fire and the Comfort divisions which fall under the Siemens Buildings portfolio. Commenting on his appointment Gutteridge said – “I’m very much relishing the new challenge. While I have some experience in areas which crossover with building management from my automation and control background – variable speed drives for example – it is essentially a new area for me. I understand the Siemens solutions-orientated philosophy very well from my previous roles and I look forward to applying that same commitment to finding optimal solutions in providing safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient environments for buildings.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has taken another step forward, as part of its ongoing campaign to tackle the growing complexity of construction contracts, by launching a groundbreaking Simplified Sub-Contract built on the ‘500 Word’ principle. This simplified contract is designed to cut through legal jargon, reduce disputes and promote better business relationships across the sector. This initiative forms a key part of FIS’s work to drive fairer procurement and smarter contractual practices through its Responsible No Campaign. Developed in consultation with FIS members and aimed at fit-out and specialist contractors, the new sub-contract was developed by an FIS Working Group led by renowned contract specialist, Sarah Fox. At the heart of Sarah’s philosophy is the belief that simplification works. By streamlining deals and clarifying terms, businesses can save time, build stronger relationships and avoid unnecessary conflict. The newly released contract embodies this principle and is now available to FIS members for free here. Matt Hallam, Divisional Director at Telling Finishings and a participant in the initial development workshop, commented: “For years construction contracts have increased in both content and terms, often adding minor changes and clauses which continue to confuse, conflict and often compromise those required to sign them.” “The need for a shorter and ultimately more simplified contract has never been greater and we at Telling Finishings look forward to rolling out the ‘500-word Contract’, to hopefully give both the comfort and clarity these contracts were originally built to achieve.” To further support members and industry professionals in adopting this new approach, FIS will host a webinar with Sarah Fox on 25 September. Click the link to book your place:Improving Business Relationships and Avoiding Disputes with Simplified Contracts. This session will provide practical insights on how to use the contract effectively and avoid disputes through simplification. FIS is now encouraging all those involved in the industry to download the contract and register for the webinar to learn how simplification can help transform contractual relationships in this sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A senior Siemens executive who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new Chair of Humber Freeport. Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1 billion, will take up the role in October, following his retirement from Siemens. Announcing the appointment, Humber Freeport Acting Chair Professor Neal Juster said: “Finbarr will bring exceptional experience, credibility and connections to the role, as well as an unrivalled perspective, as someone who has overseen major investments into the region from vision to delivery. “He also has a deep passion for the region and commitment to maximising its potential for growth. We look forward to Finbarr taking up his new role and leading the next stage of development for the Freeport.” As one of 12 UK freeports, Humber Freeport is a specially-designated cluster of strategically important sites benefiting from incentives designed to boost investment, economic growth and international trade. Humber Freeport covers three tax sites, in Hull, Goole and Immingham, and a customs site in Grimsby, and offers investors significant advantages related to tax, planning, infrastructure, innovation and customs. More than £1.2bn of investment has already been pledged in the Humber Freeport tax sites. Mr Dowling has worked for global technology giant Siemens for more than 35 years, in a variety of senior and leadership roles. Over the past 12 years he has been focused on leading the delivery of two of the region’s largest and most significant inward investments – Siemens’ developments focused on offshore wind, in Hull, and the rail industry, in Goole. Mr Dowling said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Freeport Board, executive team and partners to realise the many exciting opportunities that freeport status offers. “Having dedicated much of the past 12 years to delivering large-scale on the Humber, I know this region is a great place to invest and do business.” Mr Dowling was the Project Director for Siemens Gamesa’s investment, in partnership with Associated British Ports, in an offshore wind turbine blade factory, assembly and logistics operations at Alexandra Dock in Hull. He was later appointed as Director of Localisation for Siemens Mobility and has driven forward the development of an industry-leading rail centre of excellence in Goole. Prof Juster will continue as Acting Chair until Mr Dowling takes up the role on a permanent basis. Prof Juster has led the Board since the Freeport’s Founding Chair, Simon Bird, stepped down in January, having spearheaded the process of securing freeport status and leading the Board since the organisation was formally established in summer 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent housebuilder Dandara has appointed seasoned industry leader Gary Martin as Technical Director for its Northern Home Counties region. Bringing nearly four decades of housebuilding experience, Gary will lead the region’s technical function – supporting land acquisition, design, planning and delivery with a focus on collaboration, innovation and quality. His appointment comes as Dandara continues to expand across the Northern Home Counties, with several live and upcoming sites in Bedfordshire. Gary began his career as a management trainee at Beazer Homes in Bedford and has held senior technical roles at some of the UK’s largest housebuilders, including Kier, Persimmon, Stamford Homes and Vistry Group. Most recently, he served as Technical Director for Vistry’s East Anglia division, where he played a key role in delivering complex, high-volume developments. Reflecting on his move to Dandara, Gary said: “There’s a real sense of momentum at Dandara – and I wanted to be part of it. From the minute I joined, I was made to feel welcome. There’s a clear commitment to quality, to doing things the right way, and to supporting people across the business. It’s a company with strong values and a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in its continued success. “The housing sector is always evolving, from tighter regulations to shifts in buyer priorities, and technical teams are right at the heart of how we respond. I’m proud to be part of a business that values quality, people and long-term impact.” With a customer-focused approach and consistent 5 Star HBF status, Dandara is known for combining practical design with lasting quality. Gary’s appointment will support the region’s delivery of homes that meet growing local demand, while navigating ongoing industry challenges – from planning delays and regulatory change to skills shortages and rising costs. Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, said: “Gary’s experience speaks for itself – he brings deep technical knowledge, local understanding and a strong team ethos. His track record in delivering high-quality developments will be a real asset as we scale up across the region and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the leadership team.” Gary will oversee Dandara Northern Home Counties’ technical department, working across disciplines to streamline processes, support sustainable design, and ensure a joined-up approach to delivery across the region. For more information about Dandara’s Northern Home Counties developments, visit: www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham, Thursday 31st July 2025 – Pension Insurance Corporation (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension schemes, and Court Collaboration, a Birmingham-based specialist residential property developer, have confirmed Sectional Completion of Tower B at the hotly anticipated One Eastside BTR development in the city. The completed phase means 140 new homes, including one and two-bedroom apartments, will now become available for rent just a stone’s throw from the £1 billion HS2 station at Curzon Street. Once the second phase is completed in 2026, One Eastside will feature a total of 667 high-quality new homes for rent, with state-of-the-art co-working spaces and a range of amenities for residents, including a cinema room, sky lounge, spa and gym. PIC forward funded the £200 million One Eastside development in 2023 and will own it for the long term. Court Collaboration is delivering the development, which at 51 storeys (Tower A) will be the tallest building in Birmingham. PIC’s investment strategy is carefully constructed to deliver robust, index-linked cash flows that match future pensions payments it its policyholders. PIC has invested more than £14 billion in UK infrastructure and housing. These assets are generating social value up and down the country, driving economic growth and job creation. Rob Groves, Chief Investment Officer at PIC, said: “We are proud to have reached another milestone in our One Eastside development, with 140 of the total of 667 high-quality homes made available for rent in the heart of Birmingham. One Eastside will be the tallest building in the city and help pay the pensions of our policyholders for decades to come.” Alex Neale, Chief Executive Officer at Court Collaboration, added: “We’re really proud to see the first homes becoming available at One Eastside, representing another exciting milestone for this development. Huge thanks go to PIC and the vast team of contractors and consultants who have helped us make this scheme a reality. Now it’s onwards and upwards for the remaining sections of the overall project.” The new homes will become available from this summer. Enquiries can be made by emailing leasing@oneeastside.co.uk, calling 07812408381 or for more information, please visit www.oneeastside.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mileway, the leading pan-European last mile logistics real estate company, has signed a ten-year lease agreement with Rubies, one of the largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of licensed dress up products in the world, and Smiffys, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of fancy dress costumes, wigs, accessories and make-up, for 170,000 sq ft (c. 15,700 sqm) of high-quality warehouse and office space at Space 170, 1 Pighue Lane, in Liverpool. Under a Joint Venture agreement, Rubies and Smiffys will transition to the new facility in August 2025. The new space will mark a significant step in improving the company’s operational performance, fulfilment speed and customer service capabilities. This includes being able to optimise the warehouse layout and racking for faster, more efficient order fulfilment, increasing its inventory capacity and enhancing delivery accuracy. To support the company’s growing operational needs, the modern facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) to support real-time inventory tracking, streamlined workflows and improved system reliability. Other features include racking capacity for up to 14,000 pallets, a 9-metre eaves height, 13 dock-level loading doors, three level-access doors, two large secure yard areas, a 500 kVA power supply, and a fully fitted two-storey office and amenities block. Strategically located near the M62 with access to the M57, M6 and Liverpool Ring Road, the property is well connected to the wider Northwest region, including the Port of Liverpool, the JLR factory and the New Mersey Crossing. It also benefits from proximity to key public transport links and local amenities, including the redeveloped Edge Lane Retail Park. “We worked closely with Rubies and Smiffys to meet their specific and tight scheduling requirements, successfully ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum. We look forward to building a long-term partnership as they enter this exciting phase of growth and operational transformation,” said Andrew Jones, Mileway Managing Director UK & Ireland. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of enhanced operational excellence and improved customer service. This strategic move represents our dedication to serving our customers better, especially in time for the Halloween season. The modern facility and upgraded technology will allow us to fulfil orders more efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and increased stock availability,” said Fran Hales, Head of Portfolio and Marketing at Rubies. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this move to our new Liverpool location will ensure an improved and optimised process for every order that leaves our distribution facility. This customised fulfilment centre has been developed with our product range in mind, allowing for an improved service and more efficient order fulfilment. We’re looking forward to heading into our busiest season better equipped than ever to support our customers and meet demands,” said Elliott Peckett, Sales Director at Smiffys. B8 Real Estate served as agents on the deal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals