The UK construction industry is set to benefit from a significant pipeline of work, as the government pushes forward with a £2.3 billion prison expansion programme aimed at creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. According to industry analysts Glenigan, the Ministry of Justice’s Prison Capacity Strategy offers substantial secured
4.7 acre Bromley-by-Bow industrial park is the biggest industrial site within three miles of the City Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson announces that it has acquired Bromley-by-Bow Industrial Park, a strategically located East London development site with planning consent for the creation of a highly sustainable, best in
SevenCitiesLdn, a new property investment, development and asset management venture based in central London, has launched with the backing of leading UK property development and investment group SevenCapital. Backed by £100million in capital, the new business is dedicated to acquiring and repositioning value-add real estate opportunities across London, the South
The global delivery consultants and construction experts, Mace have been appointed by JP Morgan Asset Management to deliver 65 Gresham Street – one of the largest building reuse projects in the City of London – with over 36,800m² of Grade A office, retail and ancillary spaces. Prioritising a reuse first
Manchester City Council has approved a planning application submitted by Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, to develop the second phase of its Viadux scheme in central Manchester. Phase Two of the Viadux will see the construction of two new towers: A 76-storey tower will house a 160-bedroom
Plans to create a brand-new state-of-the-art Acoustics building as part of Crescent Salford’s innovation zone have been accepted by Salford City Council. The University of Salford submitted the plans to create a world-class facility to house the research, commercial and teaching activities of its globally recognised acoustics group at the
London Gatwick Airport has taken a significant step in advancing its long-term growth plans by appointing 16 expert design firms to a refreshed design services framework, marking the start of a new chapter in its capital investment strategy. The newly established framework is designed to accelerate the delivery of design
CBRE has announced the appointment of Denis McGowan as Executive Managing Director within its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Financial & Professional Services Sector, reinforcing the company’s global leadership with seasoned expertise. In his new role, McGowan will lead enterprise accounts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well
Kiverco recently welcomed Invest Northern Ireland’s Chief Executive Kieran Donoghue to its headquarters, alongside Anne Beggs, Executive Director of International Business and Skills, Kate Gilmore, International Trade Adviser, and Denzil Morrow, Client Executive. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss and showcase Kiverco’s ambitious 10-year growth strategy, which includes digitalising
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, and plant hire services, has unveiled the industry’s most advanced Carbon Reporting Tool – a transformative step in helping construction companies reach their decarbonisation goals faster and more efficiently. Developed as part of Speedy Hire’s wider strategy to enable customers to
The UK construction industry is set to benefit from a significant pipeline of work, as the government pushes forward with a £2.3 billion prison expansion programme aimed at creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. According to industry analysts Glenigan, the Ministry of Justice’s Prison Capacity Strategy offers substantial secured opportunities for contractors across the country. The ambitious strategy will see four new prisons constructed over the next seven years, delivering 6,500 new places for offenders. In addition to the new builds, a further 6,400 places will be created via new blocks within existing prison estates. An extra 1,000 places are planned through the installation of rapid deployment cells, while over 1,000 existing cells will undergo refurbishment. To support the long-term functionality of the prison system, the government has also allocated an additional £500 million for maintenance across the prison and probation estates. Fast-Tracking Delivery In a move to avoid the planning delays that have previously hindered prison developments, the government will reclassify prisons as ‘sites of national importance’. This change is designed to accelerate the planning process. Additional land acquisitions are also planned to accommodate future expansion. Sector Growth Backed by Data Recent data highlights a notable surge in prison-related construction activity. Glenigan reports that the value of prison project starts rose to £164 million in the three months to January 2024—almost fourteen times the value recorded a year prior. These projects represented approximately 38% of all construction activity within the communities and amenities sector during that period. A major driver of this increase was the £101.5 million refurbishment of a detention centre in Gosport, alongside several other Ministry of Justice projects currently at various stages of development. Key Projects Across the UK Among the most prominent schemes is a £116 million development at HMP Lancaster Farms, due to begin this summer. The project includes new houseblocks, workshops, and storage facilities over nearly 5,000 sq m, with Kier Construction appointed as the main contractor for the 17-month build. Elsewhere in the North West, HMP Hindley near Wigan is undergoing a £93 million expansion. The 40-month project, led by Wates Smartspace, involves constructing two accommodation blocks and support facilities totalling nearly 25,000 sq m. Work is scheduled to commence this spring. In the South of England, a substantial £300 million new-build prison is planned at HMP Grendon Springhill near Aylesbury, spanning up to 67,000 sq m. Further south, a £75 million development is planned at HM Ford Open Prison in West Sussex. The scheme will include seven three-storey houseblocks and various supporting facilities over 17,000 sq m, with work expected to begin later this year, though a main contractor has yet to be appointed. Additional developments in the south include projects at HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire and HMP Standford Hill in Kent, both currently in the pre-tender phase. Opportunities in Smaller Schemes The expansion programme also includes a range of smaller projects. For example, at HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire, a £3.52 million scheme involving two two-storey houseblocks and associated facilities has received detailed planning approval. Construction is due to start this spring and run for 12 months. Looking ahead, one of the most significant projects in the pipeline is the £236.4 million HMP Wymott 2 development in Chorley, Lancashire. Outline planning permission has been granted and tenders submitted. The project will deliver nearly 75,000 sq m of new facilities adjacent to two existing prisons, with construction set to begin next summer and span two years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
4.7 acre Bromley-by-Bow industrial park is the biggest industrial site within three miles of the City Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson announces that it has acquired Bromley-by-Bow Industrial Park, a strategically located East London development site with planning consent for the creation of a highly sustainable, best in class ultra urban industrial scheme with a GDV of circa £100 million, from Fabrix. Located on a 4.7 acre area, the site was assembled and master planned by Fabrix following a series of land purchases which took place over several years. It subsequently achieved planning consent for the regeneration of the site in September 2024, doubling the current space for a scheme which will deliver 135,000 square feet of highly desirable and sustainable industrial space. Situated within only three miles of the City of London in a prime distribution location, the site benefits from fast access to Central London, a critical consideration for many high-value industrial occupiers, and the rest of the city by virtue of its excellent access to key arterial roads. As one of only two Strategic Industrial Locations in Tower Hamlets, Fabrix designed the redevelopment to set a new standard for how industrial space can be sensitively integrated within the urban fabric and be a positive neighbour to both adjacent industrial estates and residential communities, with a design that significantly improves the appearance, efficiency and sustainability of the site. It was this approach that helped to unlock the regeneration of the most centrally located, undeveloped large-scale industrial site in London, in an area where much of the existing stock of industrial space is being lost to other uses. The site proposals comprise a new-build central block of industrial units arranged in two linear terraces around a central yard (consisting of 10 units of varying sizes from 600 square metres – 1800 square metres), and a re-purposed small brick MOT warehouse building, positioned at the west entrance, designated for use as the Affordable Workspace & a Circular Economy Hub, totaling 11,976 square metres (GIA) of floorspace. The scheme, which will be developed by Kennedy Wilson to EPC ‘A’, and BREEAM ‘Excellent’, is expected to be attractive to a range of future occupiers, but particularly those operating in ‘last mile’ delivery. Fabrix will retain a role as a consultant for Kennedy Wilson during the initial stages of development to drive forward ESG and community initiatives through the partnerships it has generated with local organisations. This latest acquisition expands Kennedy Wilson’s UK industrial platform, which totals nearly 9 million square feet and represents circa $1.6 billion of AUM. “This transaction represented a rare opportunity to acquire a highly desirable industrial scheme in a location with strong underlying fundamentals,” said Mike Pegler, President, Kennedy Wilson Europe. “We are always looking for opportunities to invest capital into industrial assets in thriving urban locations and this is particularly attractive where schemes, such as Bromley-by-Bow, will offer leading sustainability credentials to its future occupants.” Louis Duffield, Partner and Head of Investment at Fabrix said: “Fabrix’s consented scheme for the regeneration of Bromley-by-Bow Industrial Park is a project that will deliver super prime-quality space for ultra urban industrial and logistics uses, and secure genuine benefits for the community in Tower Hamlets. Kennedy Wilson’s purchase of the site will not only realise the value created by this vision, but also means that Fabrix can advance with our plan to rationalise our activity around the living and office sectors, marking an exciting new phase of work. Fabrix developed this project over many years of relationship building with the community and stakeholders, and we look forward to collaborating with Kennedy Wilson in a consultant role to drive forward ESG and community initiatives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SevenCitiesLdn, a new property investment, development and asset management venture based in central London, has launched with the backing of leading UK property development and investment group SevenCapital. Backed by £100million in capital, the new business is dedicated to acquiring and repositioning value-add real estate opportunities across London, the South East and key regional cities. It will initially target assets between £5m and £30m, across multiple sectors, including commercial, residential, student accommodation, retail, hospitality and leisure. SevenCitiesLdn is led by Giles Hoare and Cameron Mitchell, both RICS qualified and former Thackeray Group directors, who together have a combined 25 years’ experience and over £500m worth of real estate transactions across multiple sectors. The newly formed team at SevenCitiesLdn will have a clear mandate to identify and execute deals that unlock value through strategic asset management, repositioning and development, capitalising on evolving market conditions and shifting occupier demands. Damien Siviter, Group Managing Director at SevenCapital Group said: “At SevenCapital, we pride ourselves on our ability to both identify and nurture new investment, development and business opportunities. Embracing modern advances in technology, new ways of working, and employing emerging industry talent are key ingredients to the future success of our business, the property market and indeed the urban landscapes within which we operate. “SevenCitiesLdn is an exciting new venture, with an enterprising vision and approach to transforming the built environment that both aligns with our values and adds a new dynamic to the SevenCapital Group. I look forward to supporting and developing the business as it establishes itself and grows over the coming months and years.” Giles Hoare, Director at SevenCitiesLdn, added: “The UK real estate market continues to offer compelling opportunities for those with the vision and agility to act decisively. With the backing of SevenCapital, we have the firepower and platform to make a meaningful impact. We look forward to collaborating with investors, occupiers, and stakeholders to deliver transformative projects.” Cameron Mitchell, Director at SevenCitiesLdn, added: “SevenCitiesLdn brings a fresh and ambitious approach to real estate investment and development. We are combining SevenCapital’s established expertise with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial mindset to identify and unlock value in the market. With significant capital available, we are dedicated to acquiring and developing real estate that caters to the evolving urban landscape and needs of modern business and communities.” Prior to forming SevenCitiesLdn, Giles Hoare worked as Investment Director at Thackeray Group, which he joined in 2018. He previously worked for London & Cambridge Properties Ltd and Cushman & Wakefield. Cameron Mitchell leaves his role as Development Director at Thackeray Group, having joined in 2019, prior to which he worked as a surveyor for CBRE. SevenCitiesLdn is actively sourcing opportunities in London and key cities across the UK and welcomes discussions with agents, brokers, investors and joint venture partners across the sector. To get in touch email: enquiries@sevencitiesldn.com or visit our website: sevencitiesldn.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The global delivery consultants and construction experts, Mace have been appointed by JP Morgan Asset Management to deliver 65 Gresham Street – one of the largest building reuse projects in the City of London – with over 36,800m² of Grade A office, retail and ancillary spaces. Prioritising a reuse first approach, the project will retain more than 70% of the existing building’s structure, with 95% of materials recycled or reused on-site, targeting a 66% reduction in whole-life carbon. Fossil fuel free during construction and operation, the building will incorporate air source heat pumps for heating, cooling and hot water generation. The redevelopment will feature four new lightweight floors added to the existing eight-storey structure, external terraces and inset balconies will provide outdoor space on every floor, while expanded entrances and relocated retail space will activate the streetscape. Extensive greening initiatives will increase biodiversity net gain by over 100%. Ged Simmonds, Managing Director Private Sector, Mace Construct: ‘’This ambitious retrofit project exemplifies Mace’s commitment to sustainable construction, showcasing innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and set the standard for the next generation of sustainable offices. “In the past five years we’ve seen a growing trend in the City of London for sustainability-driven, reuse focussed office developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council has approved a planning application submitted by Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, to develop the second phase of its Viadux scheme in central Manchester. Phase Two of the Viadux will see the construction of two new towers: A 76-storey tower will house a 160-bedroom hotel, restaurant and 452 branded residences, delivered in partnership with luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality, to help meet growing demand for high-quality accommodation for the international city’s residents and visitors. These branded residences mark Nobu Hospitality’s debut in the UK’s luxury real estate market. Like the adjacent 40-storey tower built during Viadux’s first phase, the 76-storey tower is hugely architecturally ambitious. To be known as Nobu Manchester, the tower will be elevated above ground with its foundations built under a retained Victorian archway. Standing at 246 metres, the tower will become the UK’s tallest building outside of London. A second (yet to be named) building on Great Bridgewater Street, will stand at 23-storeys tall and will create 133 new apartments aimed at the affordable homes market in a hugely well-connected and desirable part of Manchester. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted with the Council’s decision to approve our plans to complete the Viadux masterplan. Viadux promises to deliver a neighbourhood of high-quality, design-led homes that meet Manchester’s substantial need for accommodation at a range of price points and tenure types, while bringing to the Manchester cityscape a truly crowning feature. “Once completed, the Viadux scheme will have entirely regenerated an 80,000 sq ft brownfield site, in easy walking distance of all of Manchester’s central business, retail and leisure districts, and added almost 1,000 brand new homes to a coveted and popular location for the city’s professional population. “Manchester is a fast-expanding city that is quickly and emphatically achieving its ambitions to become a global leader in business, sport, leisure and academia. It’s a belief that we’ve long held that Manchester deserves to be home to architectural and engineering feats that before now have been the preserve of other global cities. “As the location of not just the tallest tower outside London but a large number of high quality affordable homes, Viadux has the potential to become a symbol of this city’s aspirations and confidence in itself. Viadux now promises to shape not only Manchester’s skyline for years to come, but the city’s sense of identity on the global stage.” Since plans were first drawn up in 2017, the full Viadux scheme has been designed by Manchester-born architects, SimpsonHaugh, with culturally and historically sensitive regeneration always front of mind. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality: “We’re thrilled to see the Viadux 2 development move forward with planning approval. Manchester is a vibrant, world-class city, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will bring the Nobu experience to this destination through a truly exceptional mixed-use project. Alongside our signature Nobu Hotel and Restaurant, the Nobu Residences will offer a unique opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle. Viadux 2 represents the kind of visionary development we seek—integrated, design-led, and rooted in cultural and community connection.” Ian Simpson, Co-Founder, SimpsonHaugh: “Viadux’s phased development has required vision, a pioneering approach, and innovation to bring life back to an urban area in Manchester City Centre on a challenging site that incorporates the restoration of a Grade II listed brick viaduct. Viadux Phase 2 will see the development of a beautiful and elegant mixed-use building that will define the Manchester skyline, providing high-quality private and affordable homes and an amazing world-class hotel.” Viadux’s first phase – a 40-storey tower comprising 370 apartments and a wealth of quality resident amenities – was completed on time, on budget and fully sold out. This tower is now known as Viadux. Salboy’s construction partner Domis expects to commence work on the site this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to create a brand-new state-of-the-art Acoustics building as part of Crescent Salford’s innovation zone have been accepted by Salford City Council. The University of Salford submitted the plans to create a world-class facility to house the research, commercial and teaching activities of its globally recognised acoustics group at the start of the year. Today Salford City Council announced that plans for the 1,300m2 building have been accepted and it is expected work will begin on site this summer, taking around 18 months to complete. The site is a key part of the University of Salford’s multi-million pound Campus Connectivity Plan, which is the most ambitious redevelopment of research, teaching and public spaces that the University has ever undertaken. The new facility represents an investment into acoustics of international scale, drawing together an impressive range of testing equipment of the highest technical specification to underpin the most rigorous acoustic measurements. Each space in the new building will enable active research by one of the largest acoustics groups in the world, supported by the hands-on expertise of specialist technical staff. The University of Salford has been delivering world-leading research in acoustics for over six decades, working with some of the biggest brands in manufacturing to ensure their products emit acceptable levels of noise. Salford’s research has fed into the development of products that companies make and sell worldwide, as well as regulations and standards used in the UK and internationally. Most recently, Salford’s experts have worked on projects to manage drone noise, develop e-scooter alarm noises and make forklift trucks safer in a work environment. The new centre will see an increase in the research, innovation and development that the University of Salford Acoustics team will be able to offer. The Acoustics building will also sit in Crescent Innovation, which forms part of the wider £2.5bn, 240-acre Crescent Salford masterplan being delivered by the Crescent Partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse. The 29-acre Crescent Innovation area lies north of the University’s Peel Park campus and the building will be located on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street. It will build on existing research and development capabilities to drive further economic growth in Salford and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research and business. The Acoustics building marks the next step in the creation of Crescent Innovation, after work began on Salford Rise last September. Morgan Sindall Construction is working on the building, having previously collaborated with the University on the creation of multiple new learning environments including the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, which is also within Crescent Innovation. Director of the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology at the University of Salford, Claire Lomax said: “The whole acoustics team at Salford are thrilled planning consent has been granted for this globally unique building. Every person on earth is affected by what they can or cannot hear, which is why acoustics as a science is so significant. “To have this facility in Salford shows the University’s commitment to innovation to enrich lives – in this case through pioneering research, impacting policy and industry standards, and shaping products sold worldwide.” In line with the latest sustainability standards, the all-electric building will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and utilise low-energy and low-carbon technologies to minimise energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the building. Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said: “With plans now approved for the Acoustics building, we’re looking forward to this state-of-the-art facility coming to life and bringing world-class research potential to Crescent Innovation. “The highly sustainable building will function as a training hub for the next generation of acoustics experts, offering cutting-edge research facilities aimed at enhancing quality of life by reducing the harm caused by noise. Bringing industry and education together, it will further cement Salford as a leader in this field. “With Salford Rise on site and work on Willohaus set to complete next year, the approval of plans for the Acoustics building marks an exciting next step in the creation of the Crescent Salford masterplan. As momentum builds, the vision is becoming a reality.” Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the North West said: “We’re very proud to be part of the team that will deliver another world-class facility for Salford University and the wider Crescent Salford innovation zone. We can’t wait to get started in the summer. “In our delivery of other projects on campus, we have developed a close, collaborative working relationship with the University. On this latest scheme, we will again ensure our presence brings wider benefits to the University’s students as well as the wider Salford community.” Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “This state-of-the-art Acoustics building will be an incredible addition to the growing Crescent Innovation zone, building on the completed North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and Salford Rise, which is due to complete next year. This new development will reinforce our city’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and development and aligns perfectly with the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives, by driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for skills development. By investing in world-class facilities like this, the University are not only supporting our local economy, but contributing to global advancements in acoustics, that will improve lives for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Gatwick Airport has taken a significant step in advancing its long-term growth plans by appointing 16 expert design firms to a refreshed design services framework, marking the start of a new chapter in its capital investment strategy. The newly established framework is designed to accelerate the delivery of design work across the airport’s upcoming projects by enabling faster engagement of consultants under pre-agreed terms. It spans a broad range of specialisms including architecture, civil and structural engineering, baggage handling systems, and fire safety engineering. Structured across five key lots, the framework includes both large and small multi-disciplinary teams to ensure flexibility and expertise across every scale of project. The selected firms include a mix of global engineering giants and innovative SMEs, reflecting Gatwick’s ambition to blend experience with agility. Firms appointed under the Large Multi-Disciplinary lot include Arcadis, AtkinsRealis, Baker Hicks, Jacobs UK, Ramboll, and WSP UK. The Airfield category sees AtkinsRealis, Jacobs UK, Ramboll and WSP UK return, while the Baggage lot welcomes IDOM, Principal Projx, Typsa, and Vlogix. Supporting innovation and diversity, the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Multi-Disciplinary lot brings together Hulley & Kirkwood, Lyndon Goode Architects, Pascall & Watson, Pellings, Pod Architects, and Webb Yates. Meanwhile, Jacobs UK and WSP UK have also been appointed under the Fire Engineering lot. Alasdair Scobie, Capital Programmes Director at London Gatwick, commented:“This refreshed design framework is a key enabler for delivering London Gatwick’s ambitious capital investment plan, ensuring high quality design incorporating more sustainable solutions delivered through a capable and competitive supply chain. “This is the first step in a broader construction supply chain strategy as we bring in the best designers, consultants and contractors to support the airport’s growth. It’s a crucial time for us, and we’re excited to begin this next phase in partnership with such a strong and diverse team.” The announcement underlines Gatwick’s commitment to sustainability, smart design, and inclusive development as the airport continues to evolve to meet future travel demands and customer expectations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE has announced the appointment of Denis McGowan as Executive Managing Director within its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Financial & Professional Services Sector, reinforcing the company’s global leadership with seasoned expertise. In his new role, McGowan will lead enterprise accounts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well as the Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions. McGowan joins CBRE from international property development firm Osborne+Co, where he oversaw major client relationships with global banking giants such as Santander, Citi and Wells Fargo, alongside partnerships with forward-thinking operators like BoB W. His deep industry knowledge was honed over a 14-year tenure as Global Head of Property at Standard Chartered Bank, where he oversaw workplace strategies for more than 85,000 employees across over 60 markets. This strategic hire signals CBRE’s continued investment in delivering end-to-end real estate solutions that respond to the evolving needs of financial and professional services clients. McGowan will partner closely with Paul Hubbard-Brown, recently named Head of Financial & Professional Services Sector within CBRE’s UK Advisory business, to strengthen integration across service lines and geographies. Reporting to Mike Hart, Sector President for GWS Financial & Professional Services, McGowan is poised to drive forward CBRE’s mission to deliver tailored, insight-led solutions that address both global complexity and local context. “Client needs are quickly evolving, and it is more important than ever that we deliver integrated value propositions,” said Mike Hart. “Denis’s experience and expertise make him uniquely qualified to help clients navigate industry-specific challenges. His appointment, coupled with the strengthening of our Advisory Financial & Professional Services Sector expertise, means our clients can be sure our teams are well positioned to deliver the best possible solutions.” With a reputation for bridging strategy with execution, McGowan’s arrival adds significant momentum to CBRE’s global ambitions. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting clients with their transformation journeys, real estate optimisation and workplace evolution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kiverco recently welcomed Invest Northern Ireland’s Chief Executive Kieran Donoghue to its headquarters, alongside Anne Beggs, Executive Director of International Business and Skills, Kate Gilmore, International Trade Adviser, and Denzil Morrow, Client Executive. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss and showcase Kiverco’s ambitious 10-year growth strategy, which includes digitalising its manufacturing processes and extending its global reach. In order to deliver this strategy Kiverco is investing in infrastructure, people and digital transformation, underpinned by a companywide focus on sustainability. In 2024, Kiverco expanded its manufacturing facility to 40,000 sq. ft, significantly increasing production capacity, enabling the company to meet forecast growth in market demand and positioning it for long-term scalability and success. In 2025 the whole manufacturing facility was fitted with solar panels, with support from Invest NI, as part of its journey to net zero. People are at the heart of Kiverco, and the company is committed to creating exciting opportunities to attract new talent and to facilitating the career development of existing employees through upskilling to meet future requirements. Invest NI support for training and new roles has been vital in helping Kiverco deliver this key part of its strategy. Kiverco’s digital transformation is focused equally on developing digital technology to enhance its product range as it is on adopting digital technology to improve efficiency and productivity throughout its operation. Collaborations with the Queen’s University Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) and most recently becoming the lead SME on an Invest NI supported digital Cluster Acceleration Programme, Smart Industry Next, ensure that Kiverco is benefitting as a company but also contributing to the wider Northern Ireland manufacturing innovation ecosystem. Kiverco’s Managing Director and Chair of the AMIC Industry Advisory Board, John Irwin commented: “Digitalising manufacturing and incorporating smart designs are at the core of our business growth strategy, helping us to compete globally with a sustainable focus. With over 400 plants worldwide, we play a key role in cleaning up the world’s waste, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to a cleaner, circular economy. Committed to innovation and expanding into new markets, our recent progress in the Middle East and Australia presents exciting opportunities. With enhanced production capabilities and digital advancements, we are poised for continued domestic and export market growth, thanks to our partnership with Invest NI.” Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive of Invest NI, stated:“Invest NI has worked with Kiverco for more than 15 years, supporting it to accelerate innovation and skills, improve supply chain resilience, and export its products around the world. We are delighted to support Kiverco’s growth strategy as it invests in productivity and digitalisation. “Our in-market India, Middle East and Africa team has been instrumental in supporting Kiverco’s growth in the Middle East, introducing the company to major stakeholders, providing one to one business development support, events and inward visits. We are delighted to support Kiverco as it scales up and makes a significant impact on the global recycling industry.” Based in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, Kiverco is a trusted leader in the design and manufacture of recycling plant solutions. With a focus on building lasting customer relationships, the company delivers bespoke solutions tailored to specific client needs. Known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, Kiverco provides cutting-edge recycling equipment that contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment, and plant hire services, has unveiled the industry’s most advanced Carbon Reporting Tool – a transformative step in helping construction companies reach their decarbonisation goals faster and more efficiently. Developed as part of Speedy Hire’s wider strategy to enable customers to achieve their sustainability goals, the Carbon Reporting Tool benchmarks the operational performance of thousands of products, providing customers with detailed emissions reporting and reduction strategies. It represents a major innovation for the hire sector and a critical tool in the construction industry’s transition to Net Zero by 2050. The construction sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions, particularly from the operational fuel use of plant and equipment. In response, Speedy Hire, who are recognised as a UK leader in sustainability, are enabling the move from assumption-based data to actual performance metrics – setting a new standard for carbon transparency and accountability. Matthew Pygott, Head of Net Zero at Speedy Hire, said:“At Speedy Hire, we recognise the critical role we play in supporting the construction industry’s transition to Net Zero. We are seeing increasing demand for carbon quantification in tenders and contract performance. With our Carbon Reporting Tool, we provide customers with the insights needed to make more sustainable choices, reducing both carbon emissions and costs.” The tool has already been adopted by leading infrastructure and construction businesses. One of the first to trial it was Amey, a key client of Speedy Hire. Sam Taylor, Environment & Sustainability Business Partner at Amey, commented:“Speedy’s newly developed tool promises to give us greater visibility of our carbon emissions through plant and tool use and will help us drive behaviours to improve this. For example, live tracking of uptake of ‘eco’ products as an alternative to standard offerings, and the level of resolution of this data promises to help us review decisions made at an account and depot level and therefore drive behaviours with regards to plant and tool hire across the sector.” As the first UK & Ireland hire company to implement a PAS2080:2023 carbon management system, this tool will enable our customers to baseline, assess, and optimise their construction carbon footprint, aligning with their decarbonisation goals. Speedy Hire’s tool is designed to work seamlessly with its broader carbon management ecosystem. It will be independently audited under the company’s existing contract with sustainability consultancy Auditel. As part of its ‘Decade to Deliver’ strategy, Speedy Hire aims to ensure that 70% of its core fleet consists of eco-products by 2027, while driving eco-revenue and progressing towards its Scope 3 carbon reduction targets by 2030. With the launch of the Carbon Reporting Tool, Speedy Hire continues to demonstrate its position as a market leader in sustainable hire solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
