LiGHT 25 – the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification, returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on the 19th and 20th of November 2025, promising its biggest and most inspiring edition yet. Following a record-breaking 2024 event that welcomed over 5,500 visitors, this year’s show
Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) attended the Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (SWM+W) celebration of the construction sector in the region at the special awards event in support of Benniman Ltd, one of their strategic partners. In her opening speech, Chair of the SWM+W Steering Group, Suzie Branch-Haddow, laid
The Crown Estate has continued to enhance its West End portfolio with the acquisition of the headlease of 100 Regent Street from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate, for a purchase price of £95 million. The vehicle is jointly owned by a client of Federated Hermes Real Estate
Biomel, the UK’s number one plant-based gut health brand, is expanding its operations with an innovation hub and production facility at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. The move marks a major step in the company’s growth strategy as it scales production, expands its product range and accelerates its presence across the
Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and mixed-tenure homes, has received planning approval for the final phase of its major residential development in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Under the plans approved by Rother District Council, the latest phase will deliver 354 new homes, including 87 affordable homes
New figures released today by Midlands Connect and Natalie Fleet MP show that within three miles of Junction 28 of the M1, strategic companies collectively support over 43,000 jobs and generate more than £10.5 billion in annual turnover. Midlands Connect’s Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said investment in road upgrades
WJ Group has unveiled what it believes to be the world’s first fully electric thermoplastic road marking truck – a significant leap forward for sustainability in the highways sector. The £500,000 investment has seen the road safety specialist transform an Iveco chassis into a bespoke electric vehicle, developed in partnership
Kier has been awarded a £139 million contract by Severn Trent Water to deliver a substantial upgrade of the Wanlip sewage treatment works in Leicestershire – the third-largest facility of its kind in Severn Trent’s network. The extensive programme is designed to future-proof the site by increasing capacity and resilience
Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. The 360,926 sq ft Mountpark Bristol 360 will serve as the retailer’s
Construction is set to begin on a new £25m community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Nottingham city centre, with Henry Brothers appointed as the main contractor. Located on Lister Gate, the Broad Marsh CDC will provide crucial medical imaging and diagnostic services to help tackle NHS waiting lists across the region.
LiGHT 25 – the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification, returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on the 19th and 20th of November 2025, promising its biggest and most inspiring edition yet. Following a record-breaking 2024 event that welcomed over 5,500 visitors, this year’s show continues to evolve with a dynamic new addition to the layout. To reflect the scale and scope of the lighting industry today, LiGHT 25 will be divided into three distinct zones, helping visitors easily explore the vast range of brands, technologies, and innovations on display. One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is the introduction of the Technical Zone, located in the Gallery Hall. Already generating considerable interest, the new zone will showcase brands such as Casambi, Eldoled, Kvant, ProtoPixel, and TM Technologie. With only a handful of exhibitor spaces remaining, the Technical Zone is designed specifically for companies leading the way in urban and commercial lighting, control systems, OEM components, lamps, gear, and emergency lighting. LiGHT 25 is about far more than just product displays. Alongside hundreds of decorative and architectural lighting brands, attendees can enjoy an array of engaging content, including the return of the dedicated two-day [d]arc thoughts talks programme, which, for another year running, is in collaboration with Lutron. With unprecedented interest in speaker slots this year, the upcoming panel discussions and presentations are set to deliver thought-provoking insights and big ideas from the industry’s most influential voices. Topics and speaker announcements are set to be revealed soon, which will also encompass the separate splinter talks programme in the Association’s lounge. The exhibition also offers unrivalled opportunities for networking, branding, and social engagement. Visitors can connect with exhibitors directly on their stands, enjoy late-night welcome drinks on the opening evening, and take part in the much-loved LiGHT Lunch on day two. More informal catch-ups can happen over coffee at Jacks, the on-site gallery-level café, or in the LiGHT WORK lounge – a calm, dedicated space designed for deeper conversations and collaborative meetings. Helen Ankers, Managing Editor at [d]arc media, said: “We are delighted to bring the lighting and design communities together for the most anticipated UK event in the lighting industry for the fourth year running. LiGHT 25 is not just for lighting designers – we value bringing together inspiring leaders and passionate people to share ideas and solutions to grow the future of the entire industry. A common misconception is that trade shows dedicated to lighting specification are just for lighting specialists, yet by bringing together architects, interior designers and other professionals in the community, with innovative brands and suppliers, LiGHT 25 is the perfect opportunity to network and seek inspiration, whatever role you play in a project.” Completely free to attend, LiGHT 25 continues to set the standard for lighting exhibitions in the UK. With exhibitor slots – especially in the Technical Zone – in high demand, now is the time to secure your presence at the industry’s most anticipated event. For more information or to enquire about exhibiting, visit https://www.lightexpo.london. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) attended the Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (SWM+W) celebration of the construction sector in the region at the special awards event in support of Benniman Ltd, one of their strategic partners. In her opening speech, Chair of the SWM+W Steering Group, Suzie Branch-Haddow, laid out the opportunities and challenges faced by the construction sector, drawing on the findings of a specially commissioned study on construction sector skills by Whitecap Consulting. Suzie highlighted the critical role supporting skills development played by the FE sector which comprises 70 providers, employs nearly 10,000 people with 120,000 students participating in post-16 education. However, she also made clear there remains room for improvement with nearly 74% of regional employers not having engaged with post-16 education and training providers in the last five years. Mo Horan, Vice Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Skills, HoW College, said: “In the construction sector, there are clear opportunities to align education provision with industry demand. Employers have emphasised that they need a workforce equipped not only with technical skills but also with the adaptability and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. These insights will guide how we shape our curriculum and training programmes moving forward.” At the ceremony, Benniman Ltd and a selection of other organisations including; Balfour Beatty VINCI, Orton Group, Speller Metcalfe, and Taylor Wimpey were recognised for their investment in partnering with the further education sector. HoW and Benniman Ltd recently announced their partnership aimed at promoting career opportunities and curriculum development in the construction industry. The collaboration will focus on educating young people about essential roles, skills, and the current skills agenda surrounding sustainability, environmental issues, and health and safety legislation. Working together, this three-year commitment will assist in raising awareness of career pathways within the construction sector. Both organisations recognise the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this vital industry. For more information about HoW College visit www.howcollege.ac.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has continued to enhance its West End portfolio with the acquisition of the headlease of 100 Regent Street from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate, for a purchase price of £95 million. The vehicle is jointly owned by a client of Federated Hermes Real Estate and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments). Situated in the heart of Regent Street, the Grade II-listed building comprises over 53,000 sq ft of prime retail and office space. The Crown Estate already owns the freehold as part of The Regent Street Partnership; its longstanding joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). The acquisition enables the partnership to take direct control of the entire building, supporting a long-term strategy to invest in and evolve Regent Street. Plans will include enhancing the office accommodation, curating the retail offer, and improving the building’s environmental performance. This long-term strategy also includes The Crown Estate’s ambitious development pipeline, which it continues to progress across the West End. Dominic Packwood, Investment Manager at The Crown Estate, said: “This important acquisition marks a key step in delivering our long-term vision for Regent Street and the wider West End. Direct ownership of 100 Regent Street will help us to realise our ambitious plans across our portfolio, including the delivery of our development pipeline and public realm investment, alongside our wider goal to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable West End.” Today’s announcement follows the recent news that The Crown Estate, alongside its partners at Westminster City Council, has launched its latest proposals for the future of the public space across Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus. It acts as another example of how the business is taking a holistic approach to how it best strengthens its London portfolio, which grew in value over the last financial year, as reported in its 2024/25 Annual Report. Savills acted for The Crown Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Biomel, the UK’s number one plant-based gut health brand, is expanding its operations with an innovation hub and production facility at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. The move marks a major step in the company’s growth strategy as it scales production, expands its product range and accelerates its presence across the UK, Europe, and online. The 20,547 sq. ft. building, leased from Prologis UK, will allow Biomel to significantly increase output of its gut health products and continue developing science-led innovations to support digestive health, immune health, and mental performance. Founded in 2017, Biomel has grown from a startup into one of the UK’s fastest-growing health & wellness brands. Its plant-based gut health products are sold in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Boots and Whole Foods, alongside a growing Direct-to-Consumer channel. The business has recorded triple-digit annual growth and is now expanding its footprint in European markets, whilst planning to build a 100-person team across its London headquarters and Hemel based Innovation & Production Hub. Janett Lozano, Co-Founder of Biomel Gut Health, said: “Our new Innovation & Production Centre facility marks an important milestone. It not only allows us to increase production to meet growing demand, but also brings together the space, location, and infrastructure we need to create market-leading products and scale efficiently. Producing our own products has been critical to our success and positions Biomel at the forefront of innovation to better meet consumers’ evolving needs in this dynamic market. Hemel Hempstead gives us the ideal base – uniting our core team under one roof, tapping into strong regional talent, and placing us close to key retail and logistics networks.” DC11 is equipped with best-in-class energy-efficient systems designed to minimise waste and environmental impact. The building features a rooftop solar array estimated to generate 49,000 kWh annually. It has achieved an EPC A+ rating and BREEAM Outstanding certification, underlining Biomel’s commitment to sustainability. Prologis Essentials will deliver a full turnkey fit-out, including production facilities, frozen and chilled storage, and new racking in the ambient warehouse. Simon Perks, Capital Deployment Director at Prologis UK, added: “With the expansion at Hemel Hempstead complete, Biomel is a much-welcomed addition to this established park. The brand’s innovative products and growth trajectory perfectly complement our mission to provide flexible, sustainable facilities for pioneering businesses.” Located just off the M1 and close to the M25, Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead offers excellent access to Greater London, the Midlands, and the South East. The park sits within the Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter (IQ), an enterprise zone for future-facing businesses, just 30 minutes from London. Hertfordshire IQ brings together the brightest minds in agri-tech, smart construction, bioscience, gene technology, AI, robotics, and big data. Further units ranging from 34,000 sq ft to 66,000 sq ft are available at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. Prologis UK was represented by Brasier Freeth, and Biomel was represented by Hanway Commercial. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and mixed-tenure homes, has received planning approval for the final phase of its major residential development in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Under the plans approved by Rother District Council, the latest phase will deliver 354 new homes, including 87 affordable homes – comprising 31 for affordable rent and 56 for shared ownership – which have been forward sold to CBRE Investment Management’s UK Affordable Housing Fund. The remaining 267 homes will be for open market sale and delivered under Vistry’s Bovis and Linden Homes brands. Enabling and infrastructure works for the final phase are due to begin later this year, with the first homes expected to be completed in 2026. The development will offer high-quality housing across a range of tenures, designed to meet local needs. A strong focus has also been placed on green infrastructure and placemaking, with access to existing and new open spaces, walking and cycling routes, and connections to local services. Located to the east of Bexhill, the wider strategic development will now provide a total of 1,001 homes. It forms part of a long-term plan to support housing growth across the region and contribute to the creation of a sustainable new community. Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Kent, commented: “Securing planning for the final phase of our Bexhill development is a landmark moment for our team. This scheme has already made a significant contribution to meeting housing demand in East Sussex, and this final phase will bring even more high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the area. We’re proud to be delivering a mixed-tenure community that supports local people, in partnership with CBRE Investment Management.” Andrew Davey, Fund Manager, UK Affordable Housing Fund at CBRE Investment Management, added: “This latest acquisition of 87 affordable homes builds on the 153 homes we secured in Bexhill last year, reinforcing our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing in the local community. Through our UK Affordable Housing Fund, we are proud to be deploying institutional capital to address the chronic undersupply of affordable homes, while generating long-term, stable returns for our investors. We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Vistry on this important scheme, which aligns with our ambition to create sustainable, inclusive communities across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New figures released today by Midlands Connect and Natalie Fleet MP show that within three miles of Junction 28 of the M1, strategic companies collectively support over 43,000 jobs and generate more than £10.5 billion in annual turnover. Midlands Connect’s Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said investment in road upgrades could help ‘boost’ the area’s economic growth. Advanced Manufacturing and Retail are the dominant sectors, accounting for the largest shares of employment and economic output. This sector alone contributes over £1.6 billion in turnover and employs more than 10,000 people, highlighting the area’s role as a hub for manufacturing and supply chain activity. Retail also plays a major role, contributing nearly £6.7 billion in turnover and supporting 16,900 jobs, showing how the corridor also serves regional consumer markets. The concentration of logistics and business services shows the importance of fast, reliable links to the wider motorway network. This concentration of industry and retail sector hubs underscores the need for reliable connectivity to sustain business operations, freight logistics, and access to skilled labour. Data released today in May showed that by 2035, due to the economic success of the area, there could be 81,830 extra trips a week using Junction 28, even though the junction is at 107% capacity in the morning rush hour. Midlands Connect, Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said: “With over 43,000 jobs and £10.5 billion turnover concentrated within just 3 miles, junction 28 enables national and international connectivity for key industries. “Investment to address congestion, improve journey reliability, and unlock capacity will support manufacturing competitiveness, supply chain efficiency, and enable planned growth in housing and employment in the region.” Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet, the Parliamentary Champion for Junction 28, said: “These figures show how critical making improvements at junction 28 is for employment and the economy. “People in Bolsover and beyond need to be able to travel to and from their jobs in this area without sitting in congestion and businesses need to get goods in and out of their sites without unnecessary delays. “I will continue to push for the improvements that we need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ Group has unveiled what it believes to be the world’s first fully electric thermoplastic road marking truck – a significant leap forward for sustainability in the highways sector. The £500,000 investment has seen the road safety specialist transform an Iveco chassis into a bespoke electric vehicle, developed in partnership with Electra Commercial Vehicles. The innovative truck is the result of extensive in-house modification, which included removing the internal combustion engine and replacing it with an electric motor, supported by a lightweight aluminium framework to maximise range. A standout feature of the vehicle is its fully electric heating system, which replaces traditional gas burners to warm thermoplastic road marking materials to the required temperature. WJ has also created custom electric applicator prams to ensure consistent product temperatures during on-site application. The truck is now entering the final stages of testing before full deployment onto UK roads. Wayne Johnston, chief executive of WJ Group, said: “By launching the world’s first fully electric thermoplastic road marking truck, we’re providing a genuinely innovative solution that puts sustainability at the forefront of our industry. When paired with our bio-based thermoplastic materials, local authorities can dramatically cut emissions and align more closely with their net zero commitments.” “This vehicle is a major milestone towards a fully electric fleet,” he added. “It marks the beginning of a new era for highways maintenance, where environmental responsibility and technological innovation go hand in hand.” The electric truck forms part of WJ Group’s wider commitment to decarbonising road infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting the UK’s broader push toward greener transport solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has been awarded a £139 million contract by Severn Trent Water to deliver a substantial upgrade of the Wanlip sewage treatment works in Leicestershire – the third-largest facility of its kind in Severn Trent’s network. The extensive programme is designed to future-proof the site by increasing capacity and resilience while meeting more stringent environmental standards. Once complete, the upgraded facility will be capable of handling a 24% increase in dry weather flow and around 20% more full flow to treatment, addressing the demands of a growing population and improving water quality across the region. This milestone follows an early contractor involvement (ECI) phase, during which Kier completed enabling works and developed the detailed design in close collaboration with Severn Trent. Full-scale construction is now under way and is expected to conclude by 2028. Key elements of the scheme include: James Jesic, Severn Trent’s capital delivery and commercial director, commented: “It’s exceedingly rare for us to award contracts of this size and it really speaks to the scale of these upgrades at Wanlip and our commitment to improving our infrastructure, delivering a reliable high-performing service for our customers, and protecting the environment.” Andy Lingham, managing director of water at Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks, added: “This is a significant project for Severn Trent, and we’re pleased to be bringing our expertise to help deliver it. Our relationship spans more than 20 years, and this is one of many projects we’ll be delivering in this AMP8 cycle. Collaboration will be key to making it a success, with all parties co-located in our new welfare village, working together to ensure safe, efficient, and successful delivery.” The project forms part of Severn Trent’s wider capital investment plan for AMP8 and highlights Kier’s continued role in helping the water company enhance its critical infrastructure across the Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. The 360,926 sq ft Mountpark Bristol 360 will serve as the retailer’s fifth regional distribution centre. Set to be operational by autumn 2026, the facility will enhance delivery efficiency to approximately 50 existing Waitrose stores across the south west, while also offering the capacity to support future store openings. The facility has been rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and holds an EPC A+ certification. Its roof is equipped with 1,200 solar panels, generating 625 kVA of power, supported by 118 kW of Tesla battery storage. Designed with sustainability and employee wellbeing in mind, Mountpark Bristol 360 includes features such as a roof terrace, landscaped gardens, and extensive ribbon glazing to maximise natural light to the warehouse marshalling areas. Once operational, Waitrose expects the site to help it cut supply chain emissions by 2,225 tonnes of CO₂ per year, contributing to its goal of becoming fossil fuel free by 2030 and net zero carbon by 2035. Bart Holt-Smith, Director, Capital Markets and Development for Mountpark said: “Waitrose’s selection of Bristol 360 is a strong endorsement of our ability to deliver buildings that meet the evolving needs of modern logistics from commercial performance to environmental responsibility. We’re proud to be working with a brand of Waitrose’s calibre and delighted that our shared commitment to sustainability and quality aligns so closely. We look forward to welcoming this iconic British retailer and supporting its continued success in the region.” Strategically located with direct access to the M49, M4, M5 and key regional freight corridors, Mountpark Bristol 360 will play a central role in servicing Waitrose’s future ambitions. The retailer is working on plans to open new convenience and full-line stores throughout the UK. Last month, it announced that a shop will be built at Brabazon in north Bristol, which is expected to open in 2027, and later this year a new convenience store will open in The Arches, Bristol. Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s Supply Chain Director, said; “This multi-million-pound investment is an important step in modernising our supply chain and setting us up to build the capacity needed for our growth plans. It will also enable us to better serve our customers in the region, more efficiently supply our existing shops and reduce our operating costs and carbon emissions. The modern and sustainable features of Mountpark Bristol 360 make it an excellent fit for our business.” Mountpark Bristol 360 is part of Mountpark’s expanding UK portfolio of Grade A logistics developments and is located at Central Park, Avonmouth, one of the South West’s most strategically significant distribution hubs. The forthcoming M49 Junction 1 will further enhance connectivity, providing Bristol 360 with improved access to the UK’s motorway and freight networks, and reinforcing its long-term value as a distribution base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is set to begin on a new £25m community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Nottingham city centre, with Henry Brothers appointed as the main contractor. Located on Lister Gate, the Broad Marsh CDC will provide crucial medical imaging and diagnostic services to help tackle NHS waiting lists across the region. Enabling works are now under way following the signing of contracts between Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), which will run the facility, and Homes England, the site’s new landlord. The project forms part of the wider regeneration of the Broad Marsh area and is scheduled to open before the end of 2026. CDCs play an increasingly important role in providing quicker, more convenient access to services such as MRI and CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and heart and lung function tests – all without the need to visit a hospital. Henry Brothers, headquartered in Northern Ireland with a regional office in Beeston, will deliver the facility alongside Arup as structural and civil engineers and Leonard Design as architects. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “This is an exciting project that will bring real health benefits to people across Nottingham. We’re proud to be playing a part in the transformation of Broad Marsh and to be contributing to the delivery of vital public sector infrastructure.” Design and planning for the site – previously owned by Nottingham City Council – was made more complex by its integration with the wider Broad Marsh structure and the presence of asbestos. But with these issues resolved, work is now progressing. Mark Simmonds, deputy medical director at NUH, added: “This centre will be vital in diagnosing conditions earlier and helping patients get the care they need without needing to travel far from home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals