Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, is pleased to share that its parent company, Travis Perkins plc, has been ranked one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The building materials supplier ranked top in sector and 32nd in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published by
Cushman & Wakefield has named Ben Cullen as the new head of its UK and Ireland business, marking a significant leadership transition for the global real estate services firm. Cullen takes over from George Roberts, who is stepping down after a successful tenure. Having joined Cushman & Wakefield as a
Wagstaff Interiors Group and Umbrella Furniture once again transformed their Clerkenwell showroom into a casino pit, welcoming their suppliers and manufacturers for their annual charity casino night. This year’s event raised over £27,000, supporting Waste to Wonder and Global Orphan Empowerment Academy’s Sustainability Cookery School in Gambia. Held at their
Mediaworks, a leading independent digital agency, has published a new whitepaper titled “Making Waves in Customer Satisfaction: Achieving AMP8 Performance Goals Through Smarter Digital Engagement.” The report explores how water companies can meet the UK’s 2025–2030 Asset Management Period (AMP8) performance requirements by embedding digital thinking across customer experience, climate
Four Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes site managers across several Kent developments including Roman Walk, The Poppies, Saxon Fields and Aylesham Park have won a top national award for the quality homes they are building. Neil Johnson at Roman Walk, Mark Dyson at The Poppies, Sarwar Mohamad at Saxon
Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category
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
Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, is pleased to share that its parent company, Travis Perkins plc, has been ranked one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The building materials supplier ranked top in sector and 32nd in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published by the Department for Education in partnership with apprenticeship review platform RateMyApprenticeship. Travis Perkins was also named the UK’s third best apprenticeship employer in the Construction, Property & Surveying category. Andy Rayner, the Director of Skills and Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins plc, said: “Being named a top UK apprenticeship employer is a testament to Travis Perkins’ deep commitment to nurturing talent. Our proud track record reflects not only the hard work of our colleagues and apprentices, but also the high-quality, impactful experiences we deliver, ultimately building a skilled and loyal workforce for a thriving industry.” The 2025 Top 100 list recognises organisations for: Travis Perkins currently offers over 40 award-winning apprenticeship programmes, from Level 2 to Level 7, delivered through our inhouse LEAP Apprenticeships & Early Careers programmes and through partnerships with Multiverse, Exeter University, BPP and the Open University. Travis Perkins’ apprenticeship scheme has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all assessment areas, with the builder’s merchant currently working on ambitions to bring 10,000 new people into the construction industry through these programmes by 2030. “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to upskill and help build the workforce for the future,” said Andy Rayner. “They offer people from all backgrounds an opportunity into sustainable and meaningful work, while helping businesses to address the growing skills gap.” A recent CV Genius survey found that three in four UK hiring managers questioned said that this skills gap is causing them to struggle to fill roles. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised all companies which made up the 2025 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, commenting: “Congratulations to all the employers recognised for their outstanding apprenticeship programmes. “They are delivering the skilled workforce we need to deliver our number one mission to grow the economy, and breaking down barriers for young people across the country.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cushman & Wakefield has named Ben Cullen as the new head of its UK and Ireland business, marking a significant leadership transition for the global real estate services firm. Cullen takes over from George Roberts, who is stepping down after a successful tenure. Having joined Cushman & Wakefield as a graduate in 2001, Cullen has spent over two decades at the firm, steadily rising through the ranks. He became an international partner in 2016 and most recently served as UK head of offices, where he led high-profile occupier representation deals in London and supported the company’s growth strategy across the region. Cullen is a long-standing member of the UK executive committee and has played a key role in shaping the firm’s trajectory in both the UK and Irish markets. In his new position, he will focus on driving growth, deepening client relationships, and strengthening Cushman & Wakefield’s presence in a highly competitive landscape. Commenting on the appointment, Matthew Bouw, chief executive of APAC & EMEA, said: “Ben’s promotion reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead with energy, insight and a relentless client focus. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our markets, which will be critical as we continue to deliver value for clients across the region.” Cullen added: “I’m proud to take on this role at such an important time for our business. With a talented team and a strong platform, we’re well placed to seize the opportunities ahead and continue delivering world-class advice to our clients.” Andy Tyler will succeed Cullen as UK head of offices, ensuring continuity in the leadership of the division. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wagstaff Interiors Group and Umbrella Furniture once again transformed their Clerkenwell showroom into a casino pit, welcoming their suppliers and manufacturers for their annual charity casino night. This year’s event raised over £27,000, supporting Waste to Wonder and Global Orphan Empowerment Academy’s Sustainability Cookery School in Gambia. Held at their London Showroom in Brewhouse Yard, Clerkenwell, the evening featured casino games, a prize raffle, and a celebration of community spirit. Funds raised will aid in equipping young Gambians with skills in sustainable cooking, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism, to foster education, future employment and food security. The evening featured an impressive array of prizes donated by Wagstaff Interiors. Some favourite prizes amongst the attendees included a Vitra Eames chair, a series of red-letter day experiences, and a selection of Apple and Bose audio products. Building on the impact and success of previous charity initiatives, which included a borewell project in 2023 that provided clean water to 9,000 people, this year’s event underscores Wagstaff’s commitment to sustainable education and community impact in Gambia. With guests getting the chance to roll the dice throughout the night, contributions were made through ticket sales and on-the-night donations which channeled directly into the Sustainability Cookery School in Gambia – a joint effort by Waste to Wonder Worldwide and the Global Orphan Empowerment Academy. Waste to Wonder offers a groundbreaking Ethical Clearance service, ensuring redundant office furniture is reused responsibly rather than wasted. Since its founding, it has diverted tens of thousands of tonnes of equipment from disposal and donated office furniture over 1,300 schools across 32 countries worldwide, all while advancing corporate ESG goals. Matt Clarke, Marketing Director at Umbrella Furniture, reflected on the evening’s success: “Waste to wonder is a charity that is close to our hearts – we’ve been working with them in commercial office clearance for 18 years now. The work they do and the donations – it really changes lives, which we’ve seen first-hand on our trip with them to the Gambia. They are one of our key partners when we are raising money for charity as we truly believe in their work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mediaworks, a leading independent digital agency, has published a new whitepaper titled “Making Waves in Customer Satisfaction: Achieving AMP8 Performance Goals Through Smarter Digital Engagement.” The report explores how water companies can meet the UK’s 2025–2030 Asset Management Period (AMP8) performance requirements by embedding digital thinking across customer experience, climate resilience and service delivery. Drawing on sector-wide data, regulatory analysis, and insights on behaviour, the whitepaper outlines five critical trends reshaping water management today, including rising public scrutiny, increasing demand for climate preparedness and growing expectations for seamless, self-service digital experiences. The whitepaper emphasises that AMP8 is not just a compliance milestone but a reputational turning point for the water sector. With customer sentiment increasingly shaped by online interactions, digital channels have become central to how trust, transparency, and long-term value are communicated. To support this shift, Mediaworks has developed the Mediaworks Measure of Experience (M-MeX), a proprietary index benchmarking digital performance across visibility, sentiment, accessibility, engagement, and self-serve effectiveness. While Ofwat’s C-MeX and D-MeX scores reflect customer perception, M-MeX provides water companies with a complementary performance measure to identify gaps and digital improvement opportunities. The report benchmarks the digital and customer satisfaction performance of 17 UK water companies. Findings reveal that although some providers excel in digital visibility, many struggle with negative sentiment, weak content coverage, and low engagement. These are all factors that could limit their ability to meet AMP8 customer metrics. Dan Hoggan, Chief Technology Officer at Mediaworks, commented, “In the AMP8 era, customers are not simply service recipients, they are informed, empowered stakeholders. “Water companies that respond with tailored digital services, proactive engagement and inclusive communication will not only meet regulatory demands but also future proof their reputations. “This whitepaper offers the blueprint for water companies to meet that expectation.” The whitepaper is now available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Four Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes site managers across several Kent developments including Roman Walk, The Poppies, Saxon Fields and Aylesham Park have won a top national award for the quality homes they are building. Neil Johnson at Roman Walk, Mark Dyson at The Poppies, Sarwar Mohamad at Saxon Fields and Mark Fairman at Aylesham Park have won a Pride in the Job Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC). Now in its 45th year the awards are widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the homebuilding industry, showcasing the highest standard of building homes. In total there have been 115 Pride in the Job Quality Achievements awarded to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes site managers, which marks the 21st year in a row that the housebuilder has won more than anyone else. This achievement underlines just how important Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes sees building high quality homes for its customers. The award acknowledges the very best site managers across the country based on their technical expertise, health and safety, consistency, leadership and attention to detail. Each site manager is celebrated for their role in ensuring new homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to the highest standards. Natalie Perry, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “It is fantastic that as a region we have received a high rate of Pride in the Job awards. It goes to show the high quality standards of our homes and the site team that works to provide them. Our division can feel proud that we have contributed to yet another win for the housebuilder, taking first place once again for the 21st year in a row.” The awards closely follow Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes being awarded 5-stars by its customers for satisfaction in the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) new homes survey. This is the 16th year in a row that Barratt Homes and David Wilson customers have rated it as a 5-star housebuilder, with more than 90% of its customers saying they would recommend it to a friend. Barratt David Wilson Kent is selling a selection of three- and four-bedroom homes at Roman Walk, Saxon Fields, The Poppies and Aylesham Park, with prices starting from £307,995. To find out more about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8502 / 0333 3558 503. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We are seeing quite an increase in demand for Category 3 Control cables and we can only stress that if they meet and exceed all standards requirements this can only help in the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces. “Meeting standards is a minimum requirement but going above and beyond these standards will help firefighters in a real-life fire situation.” The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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