Heightened speculation surrounding property taxation ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget has prompted UK landlords to actively evaluate their long-term portfolio strategies, according to new research from CIA Landlords. Analysis of Google Trends data reveals a surge in property owners seeking information across multiple operational paths ahead of potential financial
Selected stone wool render systems now offer a 50-year assessed life expectancy above and beyond the 30-year industry standard, with no additional system costs. ROCKWOOL Wall Systems has announced that four selected stone wool external wall insulation render systems now have a 50-year assessed life expectancy under new Kiwa certification.
Liverpool’s ambitious waterfront regeneration plans have taken a significant step forward after the city council approved legal agreements with Urban Splash and igloo, paving the way for the transformation of the former International Garden Festival site into a major new residential neighbourhood. The development partnership is progressing plans to deliver
Landsec has suspended plans for its £1.5 billion transformation of Lewisham Shopping Centre, dealing a major setback to one of south east London’s largest residential-led regeneration projects amid rising construction costs, development viability pressures and disagreements over affordable housing provision. The developer has confirmed that it no longer sees a
HBC Construction has officially commenced work on the £18 million redevelopment of Dewsbury Market in West Yorkshire, marking a major milestone in Kirklees Council’s ambitious programme to regenerate the town centre and revitalise one of its most important historic landmarks. The project will see the existing market hall undergo a
HG Construction has secured £225 million of construction contracts from developer FEC to deliver four new residential buildings in Manchester, marking a major step forward in the transformation of the Red Bank neighbourhood within the ambitious Victoria North regeneration programme. The appointment will see HG Construction deliver a total of
Construction has started on the first phase of new homes in the council’s transformation of New Park Village estate. Keon Homes, the council’s chosen construction partner, has completed intensive underground surveys, the complex process of redirecting water, gas, electricity and telecommunications supplies across the site and other enabling works, including
wienerberger UK & Ireland has announced that Simon Nevitt will succeed Keith Barker as Chief Operating Officer from 1 November 2026, following Keith’s planned retirement. Keith will remain with the business until the end of December to support the final stages of the transition and ensure a smooth handover. Simon
Huws Gray, a national building materials supplier providing end-to-end solutions to tradespeople and the DIY market, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Bunting as Managing Director for its Southern region as part of its continued focus on leveraging its national presence. Jamie is an experienced multi-site leader with
The BBC’s latest investigation into illegal working has exposed the lengths some will go to circumvent the UK’s enforcement system. The investigation uncovered a solicitor allegedly offering to make a £45,000 illegal-working fine disappear by arranging for an individual overseas to declare themselves the owner of a mini-market facing a
Heightened speculation surrounding property taxation ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget has prompted UK landlords to actively evaluate their long-term portfolio strategies, according to new research from CIA Landlords. Analysis of Google Trends data reveals a surge in property owners seeking information across multiple operational paths ahead of potential financial changes. Searches for “transfer property to limited company”[1] and “property SPV”[2] (Special Purpose Vehicle) both increased by over 5,000% in the past month, compared with the preceding month, while searches for “buy to let limited company”[3] were up more than 5,000% on the same period last year. Interest in tax and selling also climbed over the same period. Searches for “landlord tax change”[4] recorded a breakout rise of more than 5,000%, as did “sell buy to let”[5] and “selling rental property”[6]. Taken together, the data suggests landlords are considering a range of options, from restructuring how they own their properties to scaling back. These search trends reflect exploration rather than confirmed decisions or transactions. But whichever route landlords are considering, changes to ownership can affect how a property needs to be insured, and CIA Landlords is encouraging property owners to check their cover before making any major moves. Ensuring protection after incorporation Transferring a property into a Limited Company or SPV changes who legally owns it, and therefore who needs to be insured. A policy taken out in a landlord’s personal name will no longer be valid once the title deed has been transferred. Therefore, landlords will need to take out a new policy, issued under their new registered company name to remain compliant. Landlords with more than one property should also check that each one is covered under the right policy and the right name, particularly if only some of their portfolio is being moved. Navigating the void period during potential sales Selling remains an option that some landlords are considering, and with the average time to sell a home sitting at 5 months[7] landlords need to be aware of any potential void periods and ensure they’re properly protected. Most standard landlord insurance policies contain specific unoccupancy terms. If a property remains empty for more than a set period of time – often 30 to 60 consecutive days – owners may require specialist unoccupied property cover. Otherwise, they could find themselves unprotected against risks such as escape of water, fire, or accidental damage. Terms vary between insurers, so it’s worth checking the policy wording or speaking to your insurer early. Nick Long, Managing Director of CIA Landlords, comments: “Our research shows that speculation before the Autumn Budget is driving property owners to look at their portfolios and evaluate their options. What’s important to understand is that if a landlord moves a property into a limited company or SPV, it’s usually the company, not the landlord personally that will need to be named on the insurance policy. To avoid coming into complications down the line, it is better to have this arranged with your insurance broker or insurer before the transfer than to find out afterwards that something has been missed.” “This also applies to properties that are between tenants or are on the market. Landlord insurance policies typically have conditions around how long a property can be empty, so it’s important to check the wording of the policy. Whether a landlord decides to move a property into a limited company or sell up, they should speak to qualified financial advisor and their insurance broker or insurer to ensure that they are covered.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Selected stone wool render systems now offer a 50-year assessed life expectancy above and beyond the 30-year industry standard, with no additional system costs. ROCKWOOL Wall Systems has announced that four selected stone wool external wall insulation render systems now have a 50-year assessed life expectancy under new Kiwa certification. Available for registered projects, the certification gives architects, specifiers, contractors and building owners additional evidence to support long-term façade decisions. For projects requiring a system life expectancy beyond the 30-year benchmark, these selected systems offer a 50-year assessed life expectancy—an additional 20 years, or a 66.7% increase—with no additional system investment required as a result of the extended assessment. The certification covers masonry and direct-fix steel frame systems incorporating stone wool insulation with HECK 4S Silicone Render or A1 Mineral Render finishes. Further assessment supports long-term confidence The milestone follows an in-depth assessment of hygrothermal and freeze-thaw testing, examining how the systems respond to cycles of heat and moisture, and repeated freezing and thawing. The new Kiwa certification supports a 50-year life expectancy for the specified system configurations, subject to its scope and conditions. For an industry making decisions that affect buildings for decades, this provides additional durability evidence to consider alongside thermal performance, fire classification and suitability for the project. Joe Ragdale, Technical Director at ROCKWOOL Wall Systems, said: “When specifying an external wall insulation system, confidence in its long-term performance matters. This new Kiwa certification supports a 50-year life expectancy for four of our stone wool render systems, giving project teams stronger evidence to support their decisions. “There are no additional system costs or installation steps arising from the extended assessment. That is a significant benefit for customers considering durability and long-term value in their next project.” Meeting longer-term specification requirements at no additional system cost. For projects requiring a system life expectancy beyond the 30-year benchmark, our selected systems offer a 50-year assessed life expectancy under new Kiwa certification. This represents an additional 20 years—a 66.7% increase—with no additional system costs arising from the extended assessment. The specified products and installation method remain unchanged, with no additional installation steps required. For architects and specifiers, this provides additional evidence to support longer-term durability requirements when selecting a complete wall insulation system. For contractors and installers, the 50-year assessed life expectancy is available on eligible projects, provided the requirements of the new certification are followed. For housing associations, local authorities and building owners, it supports informed investment decisions, asset planning and consideration of whole-life value. Supporting a longer-term approach to buildings Durability also has a role in responsible resource use. Keeping suitable building systems in service for longer can help avoid or delay replacement materials and associated works. Any resulting cost or environmental benefits depend on the individual project, its maintenance and replacement assumptions. Four eligible system configurations The 50-year assessed life expectancy is available for using the following configurations covered by the new Kiwa certification: The assessed life expectancy is subject to the scope and conditions of the relevant Kiwa certification, including requirements for design, installation, inspection and maintenance. To discuss an eligible new project or request the relevant certification, contact ROCKWOOL Wall Systems at www.wall-systems.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool’s ambitious waterfront regeneration plans have taken a significant step forward after the city council approved legal agreements with Urban Splash and igloo, paving the way for the transformation of the former International Garden Festival site into a major new residential neighbourhood. The development partnership is progressing plans to deliver approximately 800 homes across the 27-acre Festival Gardens site, with around 440 properties proposed for the first phase of construction. The agreement represents a major milestone for one of Liverpool’s most prominent regeneration opportunities, bringing the prospect of residential development closer following years of challenges surrounding the site’s redevelopment. Urban Splash and igloo were selected as preferred development partners in August 2025, securing the opportunity ahead of competing proposals from Muse, Vistry and CERT Property. With the legal agreements now approved, the developers will advance detailed design work and community consultation ahead of submitting a planning application by the end of 2027. The proposals will seek to establish a diverse residential community, offering a broad range of housing types and tenures designed to accommodate different household requirements and stages of life. More than 30 house types are being considered, including social rented accommodation, traditional family housing, retirement living and opportunities for self-build homes. This mixed-tenure approach is intended to create a varied residential environment rather than a conventional single-format housing development, reflecting the growing emphasis on inclusive neighbourhood planning and long-term community development. A consortium of delivery partners will support the regeneration, with Urban Splash and igloo undertaking elements of the construction programme themselves alongside housing and development organisations including Alpha Living, Regenda Homes, TOWN and Starship. Six architectural practices are involved in shaping the proposals, bringing together different design approaches to establish a distinctive new neighbourhood within the waterfront setting. The development will follow a substantial programme of site preparation and environmental remediation, which has already addressed one of the principal barriers to bringing Festival Gardens back into productive use. Vinci previously undertook a £53 million remediation programme to tackle contamination across the former International Garden Festival site, preparing the land for future redevelopment. The extensive clean-up was an essential enabling stage, overcoming environmental constraints that had complicated earlier proposals and delayed progress on the site. Liverpool City Council originally acquired Festival Gardens for £6 million in 2015, with the intention of securing its long-term regeneration. Previous development ambitions had envisaged the construction of up to 1,500 homes, although the scale of the proposals has subsequently been reduced to approximately 800 properties under the current development strategy. The revised approach places greater emphasis on a varied residential offer, with different housing types and development partners contributing to the overall scheme. Jonathan Falkingham, Co-founder of Urban Splash, welcomed the latest milestone and highlighted the combined experience of the two development organisations. “With Urban Splash and igloo working in partnership, we’re combining decades of experience to turn this large-scale regeneration project into a community Liverpool can be proud of,” he said. The Festival Gardens project represents another important opportunity for Liverpool to unlock previously developed land for new housing while strengthening the relationship between the city’s residential neighbourhoods and its waterfront. For the construction and development sectors, the scheme also demonstrates the importance of major remediation investment, coordinated masterplanning and partnerships between local authorities, private developers and housing providers in bringing complex regeneration sites forward. The involvement of multiple architects and delivery partners is expected to contribute to the development of a varied housing offer, while the phased construction strategy will allow the neighbourhood to emerge progressively as individual elements receive approval. The next stage will see Urban Splash and igloo intensify design development and consultation, working towards the submission of a formal planning application before the end of 2027. Subject to securing the necessary consents, construction will then proceed in phases, beginning the transformation of the former festival site into a new residential destination. With legal agreements now approved and the major remediation works completed, Festival Gardens is moving closer to realising its potential as one of Liverpool’s significant new housing and waterfront regeneration schemes, bringing hundreds of homes to a site that has remained a longstanding development opportunity for the city. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec has suspended plans for its £1.5 billion transformation of Lewisham Shopping Centre, dealing a major setback to one of south east London’s largest residential-led regeneration projects amid rising construction costs, development viability pressures and disagreements over affordable housing provision. The developer has confirmed that it no longer sees a sufficiently certain route to delivering the ambitious mixed-use scheme, which would have replaced the existing 1970s shopping centre with a new retail district, residential towers, student accommodation and extensive public amenities. Construction had been expected to commence in 2027, with the masterplan proposing buildings rising to 35 storeys and a substantial new residential neighbourhood in the heart of Lewisham. The redevelopment would have delivered 1,744 homes, alongside 660 purpose-built student accommodation beds and 445 co-living rooms, creating a high-density mixed-use destination combining residential, retail, leisure and cultural facilities. Plans also included a 500-capacity music venue and a rooftop meadow, introducing new green space and community facilities as part of a comprehensive redesign of the town centre. However, the project’s delivery depended on securing additional land, including the neighbouring former Citibank office building, Lewisham House. Landsec had sought support from Lewisham Council to progress the necessary land assembly arrangements, but the borough’s new Green administration declined to support the next stage without a substantial increase in affordable housing. Although the redevelopment had secured planning approval under the previous Labour administration, the new leadership has maintained that the proposed level of social rented accommodation was insufficient. The consented scheme included 98 social rent homes and 231 discounted rental properties intended for key workers, forming part of the wider 1,744-home residential development. Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava, who had previously supported a campaign opposing the proposals, reiterated the administration’s position on affordable housing. “This administration is laser focused on delivering genuinely affordable housing and I’ve consistently said the level of social rent homes in this scheme needed to increase,” he said. However, the Mayor also acknowledged the wider challenges affecting major regeneration projects. “The fact is the conditions for such projects are simply not favourable right now.” For Landsec, the requirement to substantially revise the housing mix comes against an increasingly challenging economic backdrop for large-scale development in London. The company pointed to higher interest rates, construction cost inflation and additional building regulatory requirements as significant factors affecting the financial viability of the redevelopment. Increasing the affordable housing provision would require material changes to the approved proposals, introducing further uncertainty around project costs, funding and delivery. In a statement, Landsec said: “This position, combined with the exceptionally difficult economic conditions, mean that we no longer see a sufficiently certain route to delivery and have taken the difficult decision to deprioritise the redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre.” The decision highlights the difficulties facing major urban regeneration schemes, particularly those combining substantial residential development with the replacement of existing retail infrastructure. Projects of this scale frequently depend on complex land assembly arrangements, substantial upfront investment and a carefully balanced development mix to make construction financially viable. In Lewisham, the proposed transformation would have represented a fundamental change to the existing shopping centre, introducing a new urban district designed around residential growth, commercial activity and public space. The scheme had already begun influencing the existing retail environment, with Boots relocating in preparation for the anticipated redevelopment and NatWest also announcing plans to move. Despite shelving the regeneration proposals, Landsec has confirmed that it will continue operating and investing in Lewisham Shopping Centre, which it has owned for more than two decades. The existing retail destination will therefore remain operational while the developer reassesses its longer-term options for the site. For the wider construction and property development sectors, the decision underlines the growing pressures surrounding the delivery of major mixed-use schemes in London, where affordable housing requirements, construction inflation and increasingly complex regulatory obligations must be balanced against commercial viability. While the £1.5 billion masterplan has been deprioritised rather than permanently abandoned, there is currently no confirmed timetable for restarting the redevelopment. The future of the Lewisham site will now depend on whether a financially deliverable regeneration strategy can be established that satisfies both the developer’s investment requirements and the Council’s ambitions for increased affordable housing. The setback leaves one of south east London’s most prominent town centre regeneration opportunities facing an uncertain future, despite the scale of residential, commercial and community investment originally envisaged. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HBC Construction has officially commenced work on the £18 million redevelopment of Dewsbury Market in West Yorkshire, marking a major milestone in Kirklees Council’s ambitious programme to regenerate the town centre and revitalise one of its most important historic landmarks. The project will see the existing market hall undergo a comprehensive restoration and modernisation, preserving its distinctive architectural character while creating an improved retail and community destination designed to support local businesses and attract more visitors. Scheduled for completion in early 2028, the redevelopment forms a central part of the Dewsbury Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s long-term regeneration strategy aimed at transforming the town centre through investment in public spaces, commercial facilities and key community assets. A major focus of the construction programme will be the sensitive restoration of the market hall’s historic fabric, including its iconic glazed roof structure and distinctive metal architecture. These features are integral to the building’s identity and will be carefully preserved and enhanced as part of the wider refurbishment, ensuring that the market retains its heritage character while being adapted to meet the requirements of modern traders and visitors. The project represents an important investment in Dewsbury’s traditional retail infrastructure at a time when town centres across the UK are increasingly looking to reposition historic markets as vibrant destinations for shopping, leisure and community activity. To maintain trading activity throughout the construction period, a temporary market has been established across Market Place, Longcauseway and Foundry Street. The temporary arrangements will enable existing businesses and traders to continue operating while the main market hall undergoes its transformation, helping to minimise disruption to the local economy. Lee Powell, Managing Director of HBC Construction, welcomed the start of work and highlighted the importance of the scheme to Dewsbury’s wider regeneration ambitions. “It’s always exciting to get the first spades in the ground and start bringing a project to life,” he said. “A huge amount of work and planning goes into getting developments to site, and we’re really looking forward to working closely with Kirklees Council and local partners to deliver a new anchor destination for Dewsbury.” Alongside the physical redevelopment, HBC Construction has committed to delivering wider social and economic benefits through a programme focused on local employment, skills development and community engagement. The contractor intends to work with local partners throughout the construction phase, ensuring that the investment generates opportunities beyond the restoration of the market building itself. Powell added: “As with all our projects, we are committed to delivering wider social and economic benefits throughout construction. We have developed a strong social value and employment programme and are keen to leave a lasting legacy in Dewsbury, just as we have in other towns and communities across Yorkshire.” The Dewsbury scheme will be HBC Construction’s third major market redevelopment project in Yorkshire over the past decade, reinforcing the contractor’s experience in delivering complex public sector regeneration and retail refurbishment schemes. The company previously delivered Barnsley Markets as part of The Glass Works regeneration programme, which transformed a substantial area of Barnsley town centre into a modern retail and leisure destination. HBC Construction is also currently undertaking the regeneration of Rotherham Markets, another major investment in traditional market infrastructure and town centre renewal. These projects demonstrate the growing role of historic markets within wider urban regeneration strategies, where local authorities are seeking to combine heritage preservation with modern commercial facilities and improved public environments. For Dewsbury, the £18 million redevelopment represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the town’s retail offer, support independent traders and reinforce the market’s position as a focal point for the local community. The restoration will also contribute to the wider objectives of the Dewsbury Blueprint, which seeks to encourage investment, improve the town centre environment and create a more attractive destination for residents, businesses and visitors. With construction now underway and completion targeted for early 2028, the redevelopment marks another important step towards delivering a renewed town centre, combining the preservation of Dewsbury’s architectural heritage with investment in its future economic and community life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HG Construction has secured £225 million of construction contracts from developer FEC to deliver four new residential buildings in Manchester, marking a major step forward in the transformation of the Red Bank neighbourhood within the ambitious Victoria North regeneration programme. The appointment will see HG Construction deliver a total of 895 new homes across two development plots, NT02 and NT03, supporting the continued expansion of one of Manchester’s most significant residential regeneration areas. The contracts represent a substantial investment in the next phase of Red Bank, where FEC is progressing plans to establish a new residential neighbourhood north of Manchester city centre, supported by improved infrastructure, public spaces and green amenities. At plot NT02, HG Construction will deliver a 34-storey residential tower comprising 316 apartments. The development will represent FEC’s first build-to-rent (BTR) scheme within the neighbourhood, introducing professionally managed rental accommodation to the emerging residential district. Construction at NT02 is scheduled to commence immediately, with completion anticipated by 2029. The second contract covers plot NT03, where three residential buildings named Falcon, Kingfisher and Midrise will provide a further 579 homes. Construction of these buildings is expected to begin in early 2027, subject to securing Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator under the Building Safety Act framework. Together, the four buildings will make a substantial contribution to housing delivery within Victoria North, while adding further density and architectural variety to the evolving Red Bank skyline. The Gateway 2 process remains an important consideration for major residential developments, requiring detailed regulatory approval before construction can commence on higher-risk buildings. For developers and contractors, successfully navigating these requirements is increasingly central to maintaining project programmes and progressing high-rise residential schemes through to delivery. The latest appointments follow significant investment by FEC in the infrastructure and public realm needed to support the wider Red Bank neighbourhood. These improvements are helping establish the foundations for a connected residential community, with new homes being introduced alongside landscaped spaces and infrastructure intended to support long-term growth. Anthony Payne, Operations Director at FEC, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the progress being made across the regeneration programme. “With HG Construction on board we’re ready to deliver the exciting next phase of Red Bank,” he said. “Following significant investment in infrastructure and public realm, the neighbourhood is really taking shape, with new homes, green spaces and the next phases of development now coming forward.” For HG Construction, the £225 million package represents a major addition to its residential construction portfolio, with the contractor drawing on its in-house delivery capabilities to support the programme. The company plans to utilise its self-delivery expertise, including offsite-manufactured bathroom and utility pods, to improve construction efficiency, programme certainty and quality control across the developments. The use of offsite manufacturing techniques is becoming increasingly important in high-density residential construction, where standardised components can help streamline installation, reduce on-site activities and support consistent building quality. Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer at HG Construction, said the company’s integrated construction approach would be central to delivering the four buildings. “Our in-house self-delivery capabilities, including offsite bathroom and utility pods, allow us to mobilise efficiently while maintaining greater control over programme execution, quality and safety from the outset,” he said. “We look forward to working with FEC to deliver high-quality homes and help create a thriving new neighbourhood.” The Red Bank developments form part of the wider Victoria North regeneration programme, which is reshaping substantial areas to the north of Manchester city centre through residential development, infrastructure investment and the creation of new neighbourhoods. The introduction of FEC’s first build-to-rent development at NT02 also reflects the continued importance of professionally managed rental housing within Manchester’s expanding residential market. With construction on the first tower due to commence and the remaining three buildings progressing towards regulatory approval, the £225 million programme will establish another major phase of residential delivery at Red Bank. Once completed, the four developments will provide 895 additional homes, reinforcing Victoria North’s role in accommodating Manchester’s growing population and supporting the long-term regeneration of the city’s northern districts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has started on the first phase of new homes in the council’s transformation of New Park Village estate. Keon Homes, the council’s chosen construction partner, has completed intensive underground surveys, the complex process of redirecting water, gas, electricity and telecommunications supplies across the site and other enabling works, including the installation of a new road and turning head. It follows last year’s demolition of the first blocks of out-dated 1960s maisonettes, paving the way for 179 brand new highly energy-efficient homes, with an EPC rating of B, to be developed over two phases. Phase one will see 98 new homes built over the next 24 months before the remaining maisonettes are demolished in phase two and a further 81 new properties delivered. Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, added: “It is always fantastic when the first bricks are laid on a scheme that will support a local community in Wolverhampton. “New Park Village is a landmark housing regeneration development, which will create hundreds of high-quality, energy efficient homes. These properties will generate new opportunities for local people and families, as well as bringing important parts of the city back to life.” As per the Local Lettings Plan, the new homes will firstly be allocated to existing tenants on the estate and, if any additional properties become available, then to local residents currently on the housing list. The regeneration will provide a mix of new one, two, three and four-bedroom council homes for rent, as well as increased car parking, improved public open space at the heart of the estate, including a children’s play area, green gym and seating, and a brand-new housing office for the New Park Village Tenant Management Cooperative (TMC). Earlier this year, seven new two-bedroom wheelchair accessible council bungalows on Longford Road were completed and handed over to residents as part of the overall New Park Village estate masterplan. The £42million programme is being funded from the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital budget and supported by grant funding through the Homes England Social and Affordable Housing Programme. Val McKean, Chair of New Park Village Committee and Resident Steering Group Member, said: “I’ve lived here for about ten years, and this place is going to be amazing when it’s finished. “This is where the excitement starts – seeing the new homes going up to replace the old and cold flats we’re currently in will be great. “It will be similar to Heath Town where the residents are so thrilled by the improvements.” Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets, said: “This is a major milestone that means we will soon start seeing top-quality new council homes for affordable rent coming out of the ground where out-dated 1960s maisonettes once stood. “We are continuing to invest heavily in new and replacement council housing across the city, and it is all about creating better connected communities where people can enjoy brighter futures. “In the long-term, the redevelopment will improve living conditions for local residents through the provision of highly energy-efficient new homes, better play areas and green space creating an environmentally friendly estate.” The New Park Village redevelopment scheme is being phased over several years to minimise disruption to residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
wienerberger UK & Ireland has announced that Simon Nevitt will succeed Keith Barker as Chief Operating Officer from 1 November 2026, following Keith’s planned retirement. Keith will remain with the business until the end of December to support the final stages of the transition and ensure a smooth handover. Simon Nevitt takes on the role as part of a long-planned succession, after eight years with the business, having served as both Operations Director and Chief Development Officer. The appointment marks the next chapter in wienerberger’s evolution, providing continuity for customers, suppliers and employees while bringing fresh perspectives as the business responds to changing customer needs and market demands. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead wienerberger UK & Ireland,” said Simon Nevitt. “Thanks to the work of Keith and our colleagues, together we have built a more resilient business, expanded our capabilities and created exciting opportunities across wall, roof, water and heating. While the construction industry continues to navigate challenging market conditions, working alongside a talented executive team, my focus will be on supporting our customers, investing in our people and continuing to build for what’s next.” Keith Barker retires after more than 16 years with wienerberger UK & Ireland, including nine years spent at the helm. During his tenure, the company underwent significant transformation through strategic investment, diversification and acquisitions. The acquisition of Building Product Design strengthened the company’s wall and roof offering, while FloPlast, Cork Plastics and Maincor expanded the business and formed the foundations of today’s water and heating division. “One of the greatest strengths of any successful organisation is knowing when it is the right time to pass the baton,” said Keith Barker. “This transition has been part of our long-term plans, and Simon was the natural choice to lead the business forward. He understands our business, our people and our customers, and he has played an important role in helping shape the organisation we are today. I have every confidence in his ability to build on everything we have achieved together.” “I leave knowing the business is in a strong position, with a clear strategy and a talented leadership team. When I reflect on my time with wienerberger, what makes me proudest is not any individual achievement, but the strength of the business and the people within it. It has always been our colleagues who have made the difference.” To find out more about wienerberger UK & Ireland, visit www.wienerberger.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Huws Gray, a national building materials supplier providing end-to-end solutions to tradespeople and the DIY market, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Bunting as Managing Director for its Southern region as part of its continued focus on leveraging its national presence. Jamie is an experienced multi-site leader with considerable experience across a number of retail sectors. Jamie joins Huws Gray after a 12-year tenure with B&Q, most recently as Head of TradePoint, B&Q’s trade focused business. In this role, he played a key part in delivering consistent LFL revenue growth each year. Jamie also oversaw the development of the TradePoint BDM role. Whilst also with B&Q, Jamie strengthened its small format programme, and spent 7 years as Regional Manager running East Anglia and London. In his role, Jamie will oversee 75 stores within Huws Gray’s national estate. Bringing considerable experience leading regional teams and enhancing customers’ in-store experiences, Jamie is perfectly placed to lead Huws Gray’s Southern region and drive the ongoing focus on operational excellence and supporting Huws Gray’s long-term growth ambitions. Jamie Bunting, Southern Managing Director at Huws Gray, commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Huws Gray at such a pivotal moment in its journey. It is a business that I have long admired, and there is a real opportunity to deliver a best-in-class service, enhance our offering and drive meaningful growth. In my career, I have always focused on putting colleagues and customers first and creating environments where close collaboration with stakeholders will deliver successful outcomes, I look forward to continuing this at Huws Gray.” Shaun Allen, Chief Operating Officer of Huws Gray, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jamie to Huws Gray. His extensive background in regional development speaks for itself, and I look forward to seeing how he utilises his strong focus on delivery as we look to build on and substantiate our existing presence across the South of England.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The BBC’s latest investigation into illegal working has exposed the lengths some will go to circumvent the UK’s enforcement system. The investigation uncovered a solicitor allegedly offering to make a £45,000 illegal-working fine disappear by arranging for an individual overseas to declare themselves the owner of a mini-market facing a penalty for employing an illegal worker. In response, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a review of the way these fines are issued and collected. For the construction industry, the investigation should serve as a stark warning. As new legislation extends liability through contractual chains and enforcement activity increases, principal contractors face growing financial and reputational exposure if they cannot demonstrate effective oversight of their supply chains. Robert Brent, CEO of construction workforce management solutions provider MSite, warns of the growing financial and reputational risks facing principal contractors as tougher illegal-working legislation and increased enforcement place greater scrutiny on construction supply chains. “The BBC’s investigation exposes a much wider problem. Illegal working is not always the result of an overlooked document or an administrative error. It can involve deliberate attempts to circumvent the very systems designed to prevent it. “For construction, where thousands of workers can operate across multiple subcontracting tiers, this raises serious questions about how effectively businesses understand and oversee their supply chains. “Principal contractors must wake up to the risks within their supply chains before the financial and reputational consequences threaten their ability to operate. “The reality is that many principal contractors have limited visibility of who is actually delivering work beyond their immediate subcontractors. With the legislative changes introduced on 1 October extending accountability further up the chain, that lack of oversight now carries significant risk, particularly as the Home Office and HMRC enforcement intensifies, and the consequences of non-compliance become increasingly severe. “Under Section 48 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, the Right to Work regime has expanded to cover additional working arrangements. While direct employers remain responsible for conducting the prescribed checks, new extended-liability provisions mean civil penalties can reach further up the contractual chain, including principal contractors who do not directly employ the individuals involved. “The financial implications are substantial. Civil penalties can reach £45,000 per illegal worker for a first breach and £60,000 for repeat breaches. Across major construction projects, even a handful of breaches could have devastating consequences for a contractor’s bottom line and reputation. “Enforcement is already intensifying. During the first six months of 2026, the Home Office carried out 268 illegal-working visits on construction sites, a 150% increase on the same period in 2025. Arrests also rose by 29%. “These figures make one thing clear: construction businesses can no longer afford to rely on paperwork and compliance checks alone to protect themselves from illegal working risks. “Most responsible contractors already have compliance processes established. The challenge is whether those processes provide a reliable picture of what is happening beyond their immediate subcontractors. “A worker passing a Right to Work check does not, on its own, demonstrate that a principal contractor has the necessary controls in place to address its wider legal exposure. “Contractors need to understand who employs or engages each worker, where those relationships sit within the contractual chain, whether the approved supply chain reflects what is happening on site, and what evidence exists to demonstrate effective oversight. “That requires greater coordination between procurement, HR, legal, commercial and operational teams. Each holds part of the picture, but effective assurance depends on connecting that information and demonstrating that the appropriate controls are working. “The BBC investigation is an uncomfortable reminder that declared business relationships and paperwork alone cannot always be relied upon to reveal the reality. “Contracts establish how a supply chain should operate. Assurance requires evidence of how it actually operates. “For an industry built on complex, multi-tier arrangements, this represents a significant shift. It is about understanding the wider supply chain, identifying the risks before they escalate and demonstrating that appropriate safeguards are in place. “With legislation tightening and enforcement increasing, principal contractors have an opportunity to address potential gaps before they become costly consequences.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals