With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction.
United Living Group has reported record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, underlining the company’s strengthened position as a key provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure. The Group, which received backing from Apollo-managed funds in August 2023, has continued to scale its operations and broaden
Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an
MGF is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Whitworth to the Executive Board, marking a significant milestone in his career and a strategic step forward for the business. Chris began his journey with MGF in 2010, joining on a six-week work experience placement. Following his graduation from university, he
Property developer StudioHIVE has been given the green light to build 434 new homes at the major Silverthorne Lane urban regeneration scheme in Bristol. Bristol City Council has granted consent for The Iron Works (Plots 2 and 3) of the wider Silverthorne Lane project, which will provide a mix of
Rituals has celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its 100th UK store, located in St Albans. The wellbeing brand, known for its luxury home and body products, has steadily grown its retail footprint across the country with stores already trading in key cities including London, Belfast, Swansea, Manchester,
One of the UK’s leading fit-out and joinery specialists, EE Smith Contracts, has been awarded the prestigious 52 Avenue Road contract to deliver the fit-out of 12 super-prime houses near London’s Regent’s Park. Following the completion of the concrete frame and basement by a specialist contractor, EE Smith Contracts will deliver the envelope and full
Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has been appointed to the LHC £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework, securing a place on all four workstreams: permanent modular buildings (education, offices and community buildings), healthcare facilities, rental of temporary modular buildings and provision of refurbished buildings. This marks McAvoy’s third consecutive term on the
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has marked a standout year of progress with the release of its second Annual Momentum Contribute Report. Momentum Contribute underpins The Momentum Group’s business activities, and the report highlights a string of achievements that demonstrate the business’s commitment to people, places,
Redical has announced that Belstaff, the British menswear brand, is to make its city debut in Victoria Leeds, its premium lifestyle destination, this September. Belstaff will open a 2,259 sq ft space in the historic Victoria Quarter, and is an addition that extends the destination’s menswear offer alongside the likes
With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction. Leja, a Sixth Form student, took part in a work experience week at the development, where she shadowed several members of the Sales & Marketing team. During the week, she gained insight into client interactions, plot inspections and the general day-to-day role of sales advisors. The experience offered a practical look at what a career in the industry can involve, with guidance in the next steps of Leja’s career in the sector. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting work experience programmes that help bridge the employment gap in construction, the housebuilders have previously offered work experience opportunities at Clipstone Park. In the past two years, local students from Vandyke Upper School and Aylesbury Grammar School had the chance to both work on-site at North Thames developments, as well as work at the housebuilder’s Head Office in Watford. All students gained valuable insights in the housebuilding industry, working across its Sustainability, Sales & Marketing and Legal teams to inspire future careers. Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director at Barrat David Wilson North Thames, said: “It was a delight to host Leja this summer at Clipstone Park and support her first steps into the world of housebuilding. We hope that Leja found the week useful and helped her to understand that a career in construction is much more than just bricks and mortar. Work experience opportunities like this are vital for young people as they give opportunities to inspire future talent and tackle the construction skills shortage head on.” Leja added: “My work experience week with the Sales & Marketing team at Clipstone Park has been vital in understanding what opportunities are available to me. The experience allowed me to learn more about the construction industry and the variety of roles available within it. I would like to thank the entire team at Clipstone Park for such an insightful week, and for all their support in guiding me in the beginnings of my career in construction.” Clipstone Park currently has a selection of three and four-bedroom homes, with prices starting from £370,000 for a three-bedroom home. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames or Clipstone Park, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/ https://www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8501. [2] https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/insights-tools/the-uk-construction-skills-shortage/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Living Group has reported record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, underlining the company’s strengthened position as a key provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure. The Group, which received backing from Apollo-managed funds in August 2023, has continued to scale its operations and broaden its capabilities, reporting a 14.5 per cent increase in revenues to £718 million, up from £627.2 million in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 33.4 per cent to £68.5 million, while cash profit before tax climbed to £38.5 million. United Living ended the year with gross cash reserves of £70.2 million, alongside a secured order book worth £3.2 billion. The company also signed new contracts worth £920 million during the year. Notably, this included a £250 million project to deliver a CO₂ pipeline for Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage, a key element of the UK’s net zero ambitions that will bring significant investment to communities across the North West and North Wales. Other contract wins included a £150 million ten-year framework with United Utilities, appointment to the Southern Water AMP8 Capital Infrastructure Framework, a £40 million repairs and maintenance agreement with the London Borough of Harrow, and a £36 million responsive repairs and voids contract with Sovereign Network Group across London and the South of England. In addition to strong organic performance, United Living accelerated its growth strategy through a series of acquisitions across critical markets. These included the purchase of AFECO, PiLON, GTEC Training, Thormer Solutions, Jones, Peter Duffy Ltd, and most recently a majority stake in Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions. The acquisitions have expanded the Group’s capabilities across power distribution, water infrastructure, property services, digital solutions for energy efficiency, and specialist engineering services. Neil Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of United Living Group (pictured), said the results demonstrated both resilience and growth potential. “We are pleased to announce another record financial result for United Living Group, ending the year with a robust cash position and a significant forward order book that reflects sustained growth across our business.“Our sectors continue to benefit from powerful long-term drivers from critical infrastructure investment linked to decarbonisation, resilience, digital connectivity and demand for safe, sustainable living environments. These trends are creating increasing demand for the services United Living is well placed to deliver.“Since the Apollo Impact’s investment in August 2023, we have accelerated our strategy by making six strategic acquisitions, with two post-period-end, that strengthen our expertise and broaden our capabilities across critical markets, including power distribution, water infrastructure, engineering services, and digital solutions for net zero.“United Living’s diverse and resilient platform means the Group is well positioned to drive continued organic growth and deliver further value through targeted acquisitions, supporting the UK’s essential critical infrastructure.” The Group’s performance highlights its ability to align with national priorities around sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience, while securing new opportunities to support both public and private sector clients. Looking ahead, United Living is expected to continue leveraging its strong order book, financial position, and expanded expertise to reinforce its role as a key partner in the delivery of the UK’s most vital infrastructure programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an impressive creative punch. The venue spans two levels, with a traditional ground floor pub leading to an experimental first-floor cocktail bar offering the UK’s first sub-zero cocktails and next-generation carbonated creations. Up North Architects was tasked with ensuring guests felt an immediate transition from the classic pub environment to the innovative cocktail bar above – the solution for which was colour. The practice discovered the perfect shade at Crown Paint’s stand at Material Source Studio – a hub for northern architects to collaborate and interact with partners and suppliers. Patrick Thomas, Director at Up North Architects said: “We were looking for a ‘candy’ style shade to reflect The Morris’ playful, vibrant cocktail menu. We knew instantly that Crown’s ‘Quick Kiss’ was right for the project. It’s vivid, fun and it announces the cocktail bar’s presence in an unforgettable way.” Quick Kiss is part of Crown Paints’ Co palette, one of five Colour Insights 25/26 palettes designed to influence the creation of harmonious spaces, bringing a balance that can foster both productivity and relaxation. The full Colour Insights report was curated by Crown Paints to support architects and designers with evidence-based colour forecasting rooted in social and design shifts. Despite the venue’s compact scale, the colour was used strategically to make a bold statement, wrapping around the staircase to signal the magical experience awaiting up the stairs and continuing into the cocktail bar itself. The paint was specified in Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt, a premium, stain-resistant emulsion. The paint allows for stains to be wiped away with ease, which is ideal for a busy bar environment. It can also withstand regular cleaning, whilst maintaining its rich colour and clean finish– ultimately reducing maintenance costs. Richard Bailey, Architectural and Design Consultant at Crown Paints, said: “Quick Kiss is a fantastic example of how impactful colour can be in transforming a space. Our Colour Insights palettes are designed to help architects and designers feel confident making bold, future-focused decisions, and it’s brilliant to see Up North Architects bringing this to life so vividly at The Morris. “We always encourage creatives to visit us at Material Source Studio, where they can be inspired by our paints up close. Our stand features installations like our painted bench, for hands-on inspiration. It’s also a great opportunity to pick and choose from our Pure Paint Samples to support the development of moodboards and colour schemes.” Crown Paints has a dedicated presence at Material Source Studio in both Manchester and Glasgow, where architects and designers can gain inspiration, explore the full palette, and pick up a fan deck or Pure Paint Samples for their projects. Crown also regularly hosts events at both locations, including RIBA and BIID-approved CPDs to support professional development. For more information on the Crown Paints Colour Insights, please visit: Crown Trade paints visit: www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/colour/insights Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MGF is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Whitworth to the Executive Board, marking a significant milestone in his career and a strategic step forward for the business. Chris began his journey with MGF in 2010, joining on a six-week work experience placement. Following his graduation from university, he formally joined the company in 2012 as a Management Trainee. Since then, Chris has built an impressive career, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every area of the business. Over the past 13 years, Chris has worked in the yards, loaded and unloaded wagons, tested and maintained equipment, and held roles in hire desk, depot management, sales, purchasing, transport, and operations. His deep understanding of the business has been shaped by the guidance of experienced mentors and a commitment to continuous development. A key highlight of Chris’s career has been his instrumental role in developing MGF’s people and leading the development of new divisions within the group. His work has been central to the successful launch and growth of Lifting & Safety, Exports, and most recently, Structural Support, each now a vital part of MGF’s offering to the construction industry. Chris’s promotion to the Executive Board reflects his dedication, leadership, and strategic vision. His appointment strengthens MGF’s commitment to investing in talent and driving innovation across the business. Simon Littlewood, Managing Director, commented:“Chris’s journey is a testament to the opportunities available at MGF for those who are forward-thinking, driven, and committed to making a difference. His promotion is well deserved, and we’re excited to see the impact he’ll continue to make at board level.” MGF congratulates Chris on this achievement and looks forward to the continued growth and evolution of the business under his leadership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property developer StudioHIVE has been given the green light to build 434 new homes at the major Silverthorne Lane urban regeneration scheme in Bristol. Bristol City Council has granted consent for The Iron Works (Plots 2 and 3) of the wider Silverthorne Lane project, which will provide a mix of studio, one, two and three-bed build to rent homes near Bristol Temple Meads station. The scheme also includes new workspace, plus bars and restaurants sited around a public space, a new water taxi stop for Bristol Ferry Boats and a waterside walkway beside the Feeder Canal. The scheme is expected to be complete in 2029. The Iron Works forms part of the 12-acre Silverthorne Lane mixed use development in the heart of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone (TQEZ). This comprises new homes, offices and student accommodation plus Oasis Academy Temple Quarter – a new 1,600 place comprehensive secondary school and sixth form – and new academic and office space for the University of Bristol. StudioHIVE is working in partnership with Woh Hup and Atlas Land, who acquired the site in June 2023 as part of the wider Silverthorne Lane masterplan. James Howard, development director at StudioHIVE, said: “Silverthorne Lane represents the biggest regeneration of a brownfield site in Bristol for some time, one which will provide huge social value benefits in a previously neglected part of the city. “At a time of considerable economic uncertainty we’re very proud to be delivering hundreds of much-needed new homes in the city centre, alongside employment and leisure opportunities for the people of Bristol and beyond. “The city council’s decision means we can now press on with this exciting project with a view to delivery in around four years’ time.” Sophie White, head of Lichfields’ Bristol office, which is providing planning consultancy on the project, added: “Lichfields is delighted with the planning committee’s decision on this landmark housing scheme. Securing consent follows close collaboration with Bristol City Council, StudioHIVE and the wider design team. “As one of the first residential projects in Bristol Temple Quarter, it will play a key role in shaping an exciting future for this part of the city.” The StudioHIVE team is based at The Temperance House in Wraxall, North Somerset, a Grade II listed building which was formerly The Battleaxes pub. Plans for a business centre, serviced accommodation, community hub and new homes at the site have also been approved by North Somerset Council with the support of Wraxall & Failand Parish Council. StudioHIVE is also involved in several other high-profile projects in the South West, including the development of the Weston-super-Mare Rugby Football Club site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rituals has celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its 100th UK store, located in St Albans. The wellbeing brand, known for its luxury home and body products, has steadily grown its retail footprint across the country with stores already trading in key cities including London, Belfast, Swansea, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Annemarie Forsyth, managing director of Rituals UK & Ireland, said: “We’re excited to continue to thoughtfully expand our presence across the UK and Ireland, two markets which are hugely important to us. Helping us reach more communities while staying rooted in our values remains a focus.” Alongside the new opening, Rituals is preparing to launch its first ‘Mind Oasis’ on Oxford Street in London later this year. The new concept is designed to offer customers a space to recharge and reconnect, strengthening the brand’s positioning in wellbeing-led retail. Further expansion is also planned in Ireland, with two additional stores due to open before the end of the year. By then, Rituals expects to operate 113 UK stores and 18 Irish locations, bringing its combined footprint across the two markets to 137 stores, including travel hubs, in 2025. Recommendation: Use St Albans as a showcase launch to reinforce the brand’s UK growth story.Next step: Position the Mind Oasis concept as a flagship example of Rituals’ evolving customer experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading fit-out and joinery specialists, EE Smith Contracts, has been awarded the prestigious 52 Avenue Road contract to deliver the fit-out of 12 super-prime houses near London’s Regent’s Park. Following the completion of the concrete frame and basement by a specialist contractor, EE Smith Contracts will deliver the envelope and full fit-out of the 52 Avenue Road project, which is being developed by Domvs London in a joint venture with Select Group Ltd. The contract value is expected to be in excess of £60m. The super-luxury residential scheme comprises three terraces of four five-storey homes, each featuring winter gardens on the roof terraces with private lift access, boasting spectacular views over Regent’s Park and Central London. The development also includes a basement with world-class health and wellness amenities for residents, including a 25m swimming pool, gym, treatment rooms and residents’ lounge. Completion is expected in Q4 2026. Neil Bottrill, Managing Director of EE Smith Contracts, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Domvs on this prestigious scheme. “This gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase our skills at the very top end of the fit-out industry and to develop a long-term, collaborative relationship with our new client. “It also gives further vindication of the investment into the London office which we launched last year in order to provide a base for our Project-based staff and to further support the organic growth of the business over the coming years. “We continue to see many opportunities in the high-end fit out market and we are very well placed to take advantage of that.” Jon O’Brien, Principal and Founder of Domvs, added: “We are delighted to have secured the services of EE Smith following a long tender and evaluation process. “The quality of their team, from top down, and the standard of their final product aligned perfectly with our ‘best in class’ values. We are excited to deliver this scheme with EE Smith.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has been appointed to the LHC £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework, securing a place on all four workstreams: permanent modular buildings (education, offices and community buildings), healthcare facilities, rental of temporary modular buildings and provision of refurbished buildings. This marks McAvoy’s third consecutive term on the LHC Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework, which helps public sector clients to access modern methods of construction. McAvoy has successfully delivered several projects under previous iterations of the framework, including Kelmscott School, Lister Community School, and North Birkbeck Family Resilience and High Needs Centre. Stephen Clayton, Preconstruction Director at McAvoy, commented: “Securing a place on all four workstreams across all regions of LHC MB3 is a fantastic achievement and a clear endorsement of our commitment to quality, innovation and customer service. We’re proud to be recognised as a trusted delivery partner for public sector clients—bringing certainty, sustainability and modern methods of construction to the heart of every project.” Public sector clients can now access McAvoy’s full suite of modular services through the LHC MB3 Framework. For more information about McAvoy’s framework partnerships visit: www.mcavoygroup.com/who-we-are/frameworks-collaboration/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has marked a standout year of progress with the release of its second Annual Momentum Contribute Report. Momentum Contribute underpins The Momentum Group’s business activities, and the report highlights a string of achievements that demonstrate the business’s commitment to people, places, the planet and professionalism, including: Chris Bliss, Co-founder and Director of The Momentum Group, commented: “This year, we’ve made significant strides in both social and environmental impact, from becoming a B Corp certified business, to being recognised as one of the best places to work. These achievements are not just milestones, but markers on our path to becoming an even more responsible and sustainable business. Looking ahead, we’re committed to doing more – including launching our Carbon Reduction Plan and the Momentum Group Academy next year.” Health, safety and well-being also remained a cornerstone of Momentum’s approach. Guided by its ‘Safe First’ principle, the Group reported: Chris Renshaw, Co-founder and Director of The Momentum Group, added: “Safe First is not just a motto – it’s embedded in how we operate. These results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to keeping our people and partners safe and continually raising the bar, and underscore The Momentum Group’s growth and dedication to driving positive impact across all areas of the business.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Redical has announced that Belstaff, the British menswear brand, is to make its city debut in Victoria Leeds, its premium lifestyle destination, this September. Belstaff will open a 2,259 sq ft space in the historic Victoria Quarter, and is an addition that extends the destination’s menswear offer alongside the likes of Barbour, Hawes & Curtis, and Ralph Lauren. Inspired by the longstanding tradition of motorcycling, the revered British heritage brand’s Leeds store will feature its tailored range of menswear, which includes high-quality outerwear, essentials, and accessories. The store will also include Belstaff’s womenswear range. Rachel Bradburn, Head of Leasing at Redical, commented: “Belstaff is a very strong addition to our menswear offer at Victoria Leeds, bringing even greater variety and diversity to our guests’ shopping experience. Belfstaff choosing Victoria Leeds for its city debut further cements our reputation as the prime retail destination in the region, and highlights our continued commitment to delivering the best-of-the-best, time and time again.” Kerry Byrne, CEO of Belstaff, added: “The signing at Victoria Leeds marks the next step in our significant expansion strategy, with the historic architecture of Victoria Quarter complementing our timeless and elegant menswear collection. Victoria Leeds stands as one of the north’s most premium retail destinations, and we are proud to add Belstaff to the leading tenant mix.” The signing is another significant milestone in Redical’s ‘transformation through accumulation’ strategy to grow Victoria Leeds’ performance since it bought the asset in 2022, with Belstaff following the luxury activewear brand, Alo Yoga, in joining Victoria Leeds. Reaffirming the destination’s leading position in the UK, Alo Yoga’s new store will stock the brand’s highly coveted collections across women’s and men’s categories that include activewear, outerwear, accessories, and wellness. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals