Kenneth Booth
Students now learning the key points of Renters' Rights Act 2025

Students now learning the key points of Renters’ Rights Act 2025

Students at New College Durham Learn About Major Renters’ Rights Reforms and what Landlords need to Know. From 1 May 2026, sweeping changes to the private rental sector have been in effect under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, fundamentally reshaping how tenancies are managed across England. The new legislation introduces

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The Most Common Planning Permission Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The Most Common Planning Permission Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Securing planning permission is one of the most important stages of any construction project. But new data obtained by Travis Perkins highlights how timelines can vary significantly across different parts of the country, depending on the complexity of applications and wider pressures on the system. Planning guidance also suggests that

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Shawbrook Launches Dedicated PBSA Finance Proposition

Shawbrook Launches Dedicated PBSA Finance Proposition

Shawbrook has launched a dedicated Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) proposition, responding to growing broker and investor demand for specialist finance in the sector. The bank has already completed a number of PBSA transactions and is now offering dedicated pricing and criteria for experienced landlords operating in the sector. The launch

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Expert shares 5 practical ways to improve sustainability in the timber industry

Expert shares 5 practical ways to improve sustainability in the timber industry

Sustainability continues to become a greater priority across the construction and manufacturing sectors, with the timber industry improving their working models with this goal. While responsibly sourced materials are important, adopting more sustainable working practices throughout the production process is equally as vital. The UK is the third largest importer

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Whitbread Faces Break-Up Pressure as Major Investor Demands Sale

Whitbread Faces Break-Up Pressure as Major Investor Demands Sale

Hospitality giant Whitbread PLC is facing mounting pressure after activist investor Corvex Management LP called on the company to launch a formal sale process, claiming it is the “only credible path” to unlocking shareholder value. Corvex, which holds an economic interest in more than 11.8 million Whitbread shares – representing

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Pagabo opens bidding for next-generation £26bn developer-led framework

Pagabo opens bidding for next-generation £26bn developer-led framework

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

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Latest Issue
Issue 341 : Jun 2026

Kenneth Booth

Students now learning the key points of Renters' Rights Act 2025

Students now learning the key points of Renters’ Rights Act 2025

Students at New College Durham Learn About Major Renters’ Rights Reforms and what Landlords need to Know. From 1 May 2026, sweeping changes to the private rental sector have been in effect under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, fundamentally reshaping how tenancies are managed across England. The new legislation introduces stronger protections for tenants while placing clearer legal responsibilities on private landlords. The reforms apply to individuals renting privately under assured or assured shorthold tenancies. They do not generally affect those living in social housing or lodgers sharing accommodation with a resident landlord. One of the most significant changes is the abolition of so-called “no-fault” evictions, previously issued under Section 21. From May, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid legal reason. Instead, all evictions must be based on specific and lawful grounds for possession. Paul Bandeen of New College Durham emphasised the importance of awareness and education as the changes take effect:“The reforms are a significant shift in the private rental sector. It’s crucial that both tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities under the new legislation. We are committed to providing clear, accessible information and guidance at New College Durham.” The Act also brings an end to fixed-term assured tenancies. All qualifying tenancies will automatically become rolling (periodic) agreements, continuing indefinitely unless ended by either party in line with the new legal framework. Existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies will transition seamlessly into Assured Periodic Tenancies, ensuring continuity for tenants. Further changes relate to how and when rent can be increased. Rent review clauses written into tenancy agreements will no longer be valid. Instead, landlords must follow a standardised legal process under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. This limits rent increases to once per year and requires at least two months’ formal notice using a prescribed form. Any increase must reflect the current market rate, with tenants given the right to challenge excessive rises through a tribunal. As the new rules come into force, tenants and landlords alike are encouraged to review their current agreements and seek advice where needed to ensure compliance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Most Common Planning Permission Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The Most Common Planning Permission Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Securing planning permission is one of the most important stages of any construction project. But new data obtained by Travis Perkins highlights how timelines can vary significantly across different parts of the country, depending on the complexity of applications and wider pressures on the system. Planning guidance also suggests that delays are not always down to the process itself, with avoidable issues within applications often contributing to longer decision times.  In this piece, Travis Perkins looks at the most common mistakes and how to avoid them, helping project teams keep timelines on track and projects moving. Submitting incomplete or incorrect information One of the most common reasons planning applications are delayed is because they are marked invalid at the point of submission. Research from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has found that insufficient or incorrect information is the leading cause of delays to planning applications, highlighting how avoidable administrative issues can significantly slow down the process. Guidance from local planning authorities, including Cotswold District Council, also shows that applications are frequently held up due to missing documents, inaccurate plans or incomplete forms. Common issues include incorrect site location plans, missing ownership certificates and failing to include the correct supporting reports. Even small administrative errors can cause delays. Missing a signature, submitting plans at the wrong scale or failing to include the correct fee can all prevent an application from being validated. When an application is marked invalid, it cannot progress until the required information is submitted, which can add weeks or even months to the process. In some cases, applications may need to be resubmitted entirely, restarting parts of the timeline. Our FOI data shows that even straightforward developments can take between 11 and 22 weeks to determine, meaning delays at validation stage can significantly extend overall timelines. Lee Jackson, Technical Director, Travis Perkins Managed Services at Travis Perkins, says, “Delays often start with relatively small issues at submission stage — missing documents, inconsistent drawings or incomplete supporting information. Taking the time to get the application pack right first time can prevent unnecessary delays further into the programme.” Not aligning with local planning policies Another common mistake is submitting proposals that do not fully consider local planning requirements or wider building regulations at an early enough stage. Each council operates under its own planning policies, covering areas such as design, land use, environmental protection and infrastructure. Applications that conflict with these policies are more likely to be refused or require revisions, which can extend timelines and increase costs. Industry guidance for small developers highlights that overlooking local policy requirements is one of the most frequent reasons schemes run into difficulty, particularly where proposals do not reflect local design standards or community considerations. This is reflected in FOI findings, where some applications were rejected due to concerns around highways, landscape impact and ecology, showing how important it is to consider how a development fits within its surrounding area. In some cases, this can also extend to the materials specified within an application, where elements such as bricks, external finishes or structural components like foundation blocks may need to align with local design and planning policies. Lee Jackson says, “One point that I see all too often is that at the planning stage, current regulations are not always considered as the main focus is on the design. “This is often apparent with Part O, where designs may incorporate large areas of glazing which later need to be reduced during the technical design stage to comply with overheating regulations. This can result in planning consent amendments, adding further time to the process. “Using digital design tools earlier in the process can also help teams assess embodied carbon, test different design approaches and ensure proposals are fully compliant before submission. “Using the regulations to help inform the design from the outset can also support applications with stronger sustainability credentials, particularly when considering factors such as property orientation and the positioning of glazing. “Considering both embodied and in use carbon can also provide valuable supporting information beyond the minimum requirements needed for an application.” For project teams, reviewing local planning policies and technical compliance requirements at an early stage can help reduce the risk of objections, redesigns and amendments later in the process. Factoring in local requirements from the start can lead to a more efficient planning process and improve the chances of securing approval without delays. Failing to engage with neighbours and consultation early Another issue that can delay planning applications is a lack of early engagement with neighbours and local stakeholders. Once an application is submitted, it typically enters a consultation period where nearby residents and interested parties can raise objections or concerns. While not all objections will prevent approval, they can lead to requests for further information or changes to the proposal, which can slow down the decision process. Planning guidance highlights that objections are usually considered based on specific factors such as: • Loss of light or overshadowing• Overlooking or loss of privacy• Increased noise levels• Traffic and access concerns• The scale, height or design of the development Concerns that fall outside of these areas are less likely to influence the outcome, but well founded objections can still result in delays or revisions. This means that even relatively small projects can face setbacks if potential concerns are not addressed early. Jackson comments, “Engaging with neighbours early can help identify potential concerns before an application is submitted. Small changes to a design at an early stage can often prevent more significant issues later on.” For developers and project teams, taking a proactive approach to consultation can help minimise objections and avoid delays once an application is under review. Understanding local sensitivities and addressing concerns upfront can lead to a smoother planning process and improve the chances of approval. Applying for planning permission when permitted development would be enough Another common mistake is applying for full planning permission when the work could fall under permitted development rights. Government guidance

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Shawbrook Launches Dedicated PBSA Finance Proposition

Shawbrook Launches Dedicated PBSA Finance Proposition

Shawbrook has launched a dedicated Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) proposition, responding to growing broker and investor demand for specialist finance in the sector. The bank has already completed a number of PBSA transactions and is now offering dedicated pricing and criteria for experienced landlords operating in the sector. The launch comes amid continued investor appetite for high-quality student accommodation, driven by local demand, changing student expectations and a need to modernise supply across a number of key UK university cities. The proposition includes loans from £500k to £35m, with rates starting from 5.99%, up to 75% LTV on interest-only facilities and terms of up to 25 years. Larger transactions above £2.5m will be supported by Shawbrook’s Structured Real Estate team, recognising the more specialist structuring requirements often associated with PBSA developments and investments. Daryl Norkett, Director of Real Estate Proposition at Shawbrook, said: “We’ve seen increasing demand from brokers and professional investors financing PBSA assets – particularly where borrowers need a lender that genuinely understands how these deals work. Every transaction in this sector is different, and the financing requirements are often more nuanced than in traditional property lending. A dedicated proposition means we can give brokers and their clients the certainty and expertise they need from the outset” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Expert shares 5 practical ways to improve sustainability in the timber industry

Expert shares 5 practical ways to improve sustainability in the timber industry

Sustainability continues to become a greater priority across the construction and manufacturing sectors, with the timber industry improving their working models with this goal. While responsibly sourced materials are important, adopting more sustainable working practices throughout the production process is equally as vital. The UK is the third largest importer of wood and timber products across the world* and we are slowly moving to a better approach to create sustainable timber. Below, Emily Green, garden maintenance expert at Howarth Timber, shares 5 ways timber suppliers can become more sustainable in 2026. Creating a clear waste strategy can help timber companies better understand exactly how much waste is being produced and where it is coming from. By monitoring waste more efficiently, timber businesses can identify areas for future improvement, reduce unnecessary material loss and set better measurable targets.  Introducing an energy management system allows timber businesses to track utility usage more accurately across operations and sites. This data can then be used to establish intensity metrics, improve efficiency and set realistic long-term sustainability targets for reducing energy consumption and emissions.  Sourcing materials and services locally can help reduce transport emissions while supporting regional businesses. Shorter supply chains can also lead to faster delivery times, improved transparency and a lower overall environmental impact.  Making operational changes such as introducing EV vehicles, upgrading to LED lighting and investing in solar panels can help businesses significantly reduce their carbon footprint. These improvements can also lower long-term energy costs while supporting wider environmental commitments.  Instead of discarding leftover materials and sending them to landfill, timber companies can repurpose offcuts for secondary products, packaging or supply them to other businesses that can reuse the materials. Finding ways to extend the lifecycle of timber wherever possible helps reduce waste and supports a more circular approach to production.  Final thoughts: “Creating a more sustainable future within the timber industry requires businesses to look beyond responsible sourcing and also focus on reducing waste and making better use of resources throughout the production process. From implementing waste and energy management systems to upcycling materials, even small operational changes can make a meaningful difference. “By adopting more sustainable working practices, timber companies can not only reduce their environmental impact, but also build a more resilient and efficient industry for the future. As sustainability expectations continue to grow across construction and manufacturing, businesses that prioritise practical, long-term improvements will be best placed to meet changing industry demands.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Housing Applications Surge as Commercial Property Investment Slows Across the UK

Housing Applications Surge as Commercial Property Investment Slows Across the UK

New figures from planning and property sector analysts have revealed a mixed picture for the UK’s built environment market, with housing planning applications climbing to their strongest level since 2022 while commercial property investment activity slowed sharply during the opening months of 2026. Data released by TerraQuest shows that residential development activity across England outside London has remained resilient despite ongoing viability challenges and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, separate analysis from Real Estate:UK and CoStar Group highlights a notable cooling in overseas investment into UK commercial property following a record-breaking 2025. According to TerraQuest’s latest planning application index, developers submitted applications for 71,028 housing units during the first quarter of 2026, making it the strongest opening quarter for housing applications since Q1 2022. Affordable housing also recorded a particularly strong start to the year. The data revealed that 4,225 affordable homes were submitted through planning applications during the quarter, marking the highest start-of-year figure for affordable housing applications since the beginning of the decade. The figures suggest that demand for new housing delivery remains relatively strong across much of England, despite mounting challenges facing developers and contractors. However, the picture in London proved less positive. Housing unit submissions within the capital fell to 9,346 during the first quarter, representing the weakest quarterly performance since Q2 2023 and a significant decline compared with the same period last year. Industry analysts suggest the divergence between planning activity and actual delivery increasingly reflects wider structural challenges within the planning and construction sectors rather than a lack of development appetite. TerraQuest noted that post-approval delays, infrastructure limitations, rising construction costs and ongoing inflationary pressures continue to hinder schemes progressing beyond the planning stage. Broader economic uncertainty and site viability concerns are also affecting developers’ ability to move projects into construction. Alongside the housing market data, the latest investment figures from Real Estate:UK and CoStar Group point to a more cautious commercial property investment environment during the opening quarter of the year. Total UK commercial property investment reached £9.7bn in Q1 2026, almost 40% below the five-year average for the first quarter. Overseas capital accounted for £3.6bn of activity, with inflows from the United States easing considerably following exceptionally strong levels recorded throughout 2025. Analysts suggest the weaker US dollar, elevated financing costs and ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty have all contributed to a more cautious approach from international investors towards UK assets. Despite the overall slowdown, the office sector emerged as one of the more resilient asset classes during the quarter. Offices attracted £2.9bn of investment, accounting for around 30% of all commercial property activity, with much of the investment concentrated in London and a select number of major regional cities. Industrial property, by contrast, recorded its weakest quarterly performance in almost six years, reflecting softer investor sentiment following several years of exceptionally strong logistics and warehouse demand. Retail investment activity also remained subdued as investors continued to prioritise more defensive or operationally driven sectors. The softer first quarter follows a particularly strong 2025 for UK commercial property investment. Overseas investment volumes rose by 33% year-on-year to reach £27.2bn last year, making it the fourth strongest year on record and accounting for a record 56% share of all UK commercial property investment activity. Healthcare proved to be one of the standout sectors throughout 2025, driven by long-term demographic demand and continued investor appetite for operational real estate assets capable of generating resilient income streams. Build-to-rent also continued its strong upward trajectory, attracting a record £5.6bn of investment as international investors increasingly targeted professionally managed rental housing schemes across major UK cities. Investor appetite also remained strong for operational real estate sectors including data centres, healthcare, life sciences and professionally managed residential assets, where long-term structural demand drivers continue to support growth despite wider market uncertainty. The latest figures underline how the UK property and development landscape remains increasingly divided between resilient long-term growth sectors and areas facing short-term economic and viability pressures. While planning activity suggests developers remain committed to delivering new housing, ongoing delivery constraints and a more cautious investment environment continue to shape the pace and direction of the market in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Whitbread Faces Break-Up Pressure as Major Investor Demands Sale

Whitbread Faces Break-Up Pressure as Major Investor Demands Sale

Hospitality giant Whitbread PLC is facing mounting pressure after activist investor Corvex Management LP called on the company to launch a formal sale process, claiming it is the “only credible path” to unlocking shareholder value. Corvex, which holds an economic interest in more than 11.8 million Whitbread shares – representing around 7% of the business – issued a strongly worded letter to Whitbread’s board and shareholders criticising the company’s long-term strategy and financial performance. The investment firm argued that Whitbread’s current five-year growth plan continues to pursue “value-destructive” policies, despite concerns previously raised with the board in December 2025. Corvex claims the company has failed to respond to worsening market conditions and shareholder frustrations. At the centre of the criticism is Whitbread’s proposed expansion strategy, which includes plans to add around 14,000 non-AGP hotel rooms across the UK and Germany over the next five years. Corvex also opposed the company’s increased sale-and-leaseback target of approximately £1.5bn, arguing that monetising valuable freehold assets to fund future growth carries significant risk. The investor highlighted Whitbread’s recent share price struggles, noting the stock is currently trading at a 13-year low of around £23 per share and at less than eight times pre-tax profit. According to Corvex, the valuation implies the market is assigning little or no value to parts of Whitbread’s wider business portfolio, including its German hotel operations and development pipeline. Corvex further stated that Whitbread has delivered double-digit negative returns across one, three, five and ten-year investment periods, blaming what it described as persistent structural complexity and poor capital allocation decisions. The firm is now urging Whitbread to appoint an independent investment bank and commit publicly to a comprehensive sale process. It also called for an immediate pause on non-AGP growth expenditure and future sale-and-leaseback deals while strategic options are explored. Corvex warned that if the board refuses to pursue a sale, it is prepared to nominate a new slate of directors in an attempt to force strategic change at the company. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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120 Sunbelt Rentals teammates complete Cumbrian Challenge in support of veterans

120 Sunbelt Rentals teammates complete Cumbrian Challenge in support of veterans

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

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Keylite strengthens housebuilder focus with appointment of new National Account Director

Keylite strengthens housebuilder focus with appointment of new National Account Director

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

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New whitepaper from Bradstone reveals extent of challenges in creating safe public realm spaces

New whitepaper from Bradstone reveals extent of challenges in creating safe public realm spaces

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

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Pagabo opens bidding for next-generation £26bn developer-led framework

Pagabo opens bidding for next-generation £26bn developer-led framework

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

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