STANDFIRST / PfP Thrive is a new initiative from Places for People, the UK’s largest social enterprise. Drawing on its extensive insight into the UK housing sector, Places for People has identified skill gaps in key trades and developed a range of training programmes to address them. These programmes aim
Jason Davenport has been promoted to director of traffic and transportation at East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting. He takes over from one of the founding directors of BSP Consulting, Mark Rayers, who is stepping back to become a part-time consultant to the business. Jason, who was
SITECH® UK & Ireland has appointed a new Head of Business and launched a new internal sales division to meet the increasing demand for digitalisation in the construction industry. Alex Gadd has been appointed the new Head of Business at SITECH. With a comprehensive background in business development in the construction sector,
Renowned Corporate Lawyer and Law Firm Leader will Bring Extensive Transactional Expertise, with Emphasis on the Life Sciences, Health Care and Infrastructure Sectors Hamid Yunis, a standout corporate lawyer known for helping global clients navigate highly complex transactions, will join Pillsbury’s London office as partner. Yunis will join the firm’s
ASSA ABLOY and Lorient are excited to announce their debut at the UK’s fastest-growing fire safety exhibition, the Fire Safety Event, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 8th to 10thApril 2025. Located at stand 4/G30, these industry leaders will exhibit a complete range of fire door hardware and sealing
Caddick is building its placemaking pipeline in Birmingham with its appointment to deliver the first phase of Cole Waterhouse’s flagship regeneration project, Upper Trinity Street in Digbeth. The 182,986 sq. ft residential project inaugurates a wider regeneration of the Upper Trinity Street scheme in Digbeth, and will comprise 211 apartments
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading rapid-charging network, has been chosen by one of Europe’s largest asset management companies – Legal & General – as the provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its ReAssure Funds. Working closely with advisor Knight Frank, the two companies are bringing reliable, ultra-rapid charging
Spanish fashion giant Mango is accelerating its UK expansion with plans to open 20 new stores in 2025, further strengthening its presence in key locations across the country. The latest openings are part of the retailer’s ambitious 2024-26 growth strategy, which aims to increase Mango’s footprint and bring its total
Whitbread Plc, the parent company of Premier Inn, has secured the freehold of 35 Red Lion Square, WC1, with plans to transform the site into a hub by Premier Inn hotel. Situated at the junction of Theobalds Road, Drake Street, and Red Lion Square, the prominent eight-storey, 47,500 sq ft
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private
STANDFIRST / PfP Thrive is a new initiative from Places for People, the UK’s largest social enterprise. Drawing on its extensive insight into the UK housing sector, Places for People has identified skill gaps in key trades and developed a range of training programmes to address them. These programmes aim to futureproof the industry by equipping individuals with new skill sets while creating employment opportunities for local communities. PfP Thrive provides the essential, in-demand skills of today that will help shape successful futures tomorrow. Its offerings include apprenticeships, technical and future skills programmes, organisational development, and housing qualifications. Among Places for People most recent apprentice cohorts is Samantha Turner, who, after a decade in hospitality, was eager to make a career change. Today, Samantha is on the verge of completing her apprenticeship with PfP Thrive, with her End Point Assessment fast approaching. In this article, she reflects on her experiences over the past two years and explains why she would wholeheartedly recommend the programme to others. “It was the best feeling in the world!” I’m very lucky to be where I am today and getting my job with PfP really was the best feeling in the world! I’m in a very different place than when I started. I spent the last ten years working in hospitality – a sector that honestly wasn’t for me! I was itching for change, so when I saw the PfP advert I decided to take the plunge. I knew straight away that an apprenticeship would be perfect; I’ve always been very hands-on. I love painting, decorating, mending things, and fixing things and have always been drawn to that over a more academic path. I began the apprenticeship in 2022, at 30 years old, and I think I was one of the oldest to do it, but I’ve felt so welcome. It’s a reminder that apprenticeships are for everyone, not just those leaving school. Mentored by the Best My journey so far has been great. It began with a week of online learning, covering health and safety and standard procedures. Then came the practical elements, for which I was lucky to be paired with Dave Ure, an incredibly well-established joiner who’s given me the best experience I could wish for. Dave’s worked in the industry for years and knows everything there is to know about joinery – teaching me pretty much everything I know today. As a responsive worker, his department focuses on tenant homes, so I quickly got used to interacting with customers, which has been a valuable experience. Dave is methodical and hardworking, and I’ve adopted this approach in my own work. I’ve always been proactive and taken pride in what I do, but when it’s something you love, it feels amazing. I think having the contrast of ten years of work I didn’t enjoy makes me grateful every day that I’m doing what I love. Places for People is a fantastic company to work with, and the apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to learn with a supportive and efficient team. Throughout the programme, I had three monthly check-ins with Brittney from the Skills Academy, and monthly ‘Toolbox Talks’ with my line manager Derek, along with the freedom to speak to him whenever I needed. You’re well looked after here. A Day in the Life What’s so great about this job is the variety of work. It covers such a broad range of skills. One day I could be painting, the next I might be replacing floors or hanging doors. My absolute favourite task is fitting kitchens and transforming a blank canvas into something amazing makes me feel incredibly proud. You can see the progress with every fixture, and I absolutely love it. After a few months with Dave, I moved to the Voids department to work with Barry Horne, who’s also been a brilliant mentor. He’s taught me a lot about plumbing and shared so much knowledge with me and really helped me get to where I am today. Voids is slightly different because the homes are empty, so we sometimes spend a bit more time doing multiple jobs at once. It’s less pressured than working in homes with customers, which allowed me to get more hands-on. Both experiences have been fantastic and have given me the skills to work in either department. As time went on, I was able to take on more responsibility, even completing jobs with another apprentice on our own. This really boosted my confidence, although it was a bit daunting at times! These experiences remind me how capable I am and that this is what I want to continue doing in the future. A Bright Future I’ll soon take my End Point Assessment, so my focus is on that right now. I’m not sure what will come after, but I’d love to continue working here as a joiner or take a Level 3 qualification in advanced joinery. I’m open to where the journey takes me, but I know I’m on the right track, doing what I love every day and learning all the time. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this apprenticeship to anyone interested in joinery. It’s a fantastic platform to learn everything you need to know and hopefully start a fulfilling career. There’s also a new apprenticeship that covers both joinery and carpentry, so there are plenty of options for anyone keen to work in the industry. For anyone looking to create apprenticeships for people who want to pursue a career in joinery, PfP Thrive offers a range of packages to support businesses in bringing new talent into the sector. Find out more here: https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jason Davenport has been promoted to director of traffic and transportation at East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting. He takes over from one of the founding directors of BSP Consulting, Mark Rayers, who is stepping back to become a part-time consultant to the business. Jason, who was previously associate director of transportation at BSP Consulting, joined the company as a transport engineer just a month after it was founded in 1999 and has been a key member of the team ever since. His expertise includes transport planning, travel plans, transport assessment, access strategy, noise assessments and safety audits. Jason’s experience ranges across all sectors, having worked on schemes at airports and universities through to supermarkets and housing developments. BSP MD Carl Hilton said: “We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Davenport to director of traffic and transportation at BSP Consulting. “Our ethos is to promote from within wherever possible, which provides our team with opportunities to progress their careers and also enables smooth succession planning for the business. “Jason has been a loyal, experienced, and valued part of the team at BSP right from the start and his promotion is very well deserved. “As one of the founding directors of BSP Consulting, Mark has played a pivotal role in the success of BSP – helping the company to grow to become one of the largest independent civil and structural engineering businesses in the East Midlands. “We are very pleased that he is staying with us as a part-time consultant and continuing to support the extensive network of clients that we have built up since the business began more than 25 years ago.” Throughout his time at BSP, Jason has held positions as transport engineer, senior transport engineer, associate and associate director. His appointment as director of traffic and transportation began on 1st February 2025. He said: “Under Mark Rayers, the traffic and transportation department at BSP Consulting has earned an excellent reputation as a professional and skilled team that provides outstanding service to clients. “I have worked with Mark for 28 years in total, having met him before he became a founding director at BSP, and I am proud to have been appointed to head up the team going forward and to continue the good work that BSP has become renowned for.” Jason, who lives in Gedling, Nottingham, is based in BSP’s head office in Nottingham but heads up the traffic and transportation team across the group. Mark Rayers is one of the original four founders of BSP Consulting, which was launched in Oxford Street, Nottingham in 1999. The company has since expanded with offices in Pride Park, Derby and De Montfort Street, Leicester, as well as an office in South Yorkshire, on Smithy Wood Crescent, Sheffield. He has stepped down in his role as a director but will remain a part-time consultant to BSP Consulting, working one day a week. BSP is an award-winning firm that operates across the UK, offering civil engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, geotechnical, and environmental engineering. BSP works across all sectors including housing, student accommodation, commercial, industrial, health, education, senior living, retail and heritage. For more information about BSP Consulting visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SITECH® UK & Ireland has appointed a new Head of Business and launched a new internal sales division to meet the increasing demand for digitalisation in the construction industry. Alex Gadd has been appointed the new Head of Business at SITECH. With a comprehensive background in business development in the construction sector, Gadd brings a wealth of experience in sales, operations, product and aftermarket. In addition to Alex’s sales and operational expertise he brings solid strategic experience which will support the continued growth of the company’s on and off machine technology solutions provision. Along with this new appointment SITECH UK & Ireland, the UK leading connected construction technology specialist and UK authorised dealer for Trimble® machine control systems, has launched a new internal sales division. The division will support the company’s growth as demand increases for digital solutions. The new team also incorporates an internal promotion, with this person responsible for connecting with new customers, developing key relationships and cultivating sales across the UK and Ireland to support increasing demand in the industry. Current projections estimate that the construction industry in the UK and Ireland is on track to grow by 8% in 2025, and by 10% in 2026. However, the shortage of skilled workers combined with this growth means it is vital for the industry to diversify to meet demand, according to Gadd. Gadd said: “My role is to build on the existing success of SITECH and ensure that the company continues to be at the forefront of providing connected technology solutions. Given the projected growth in the industry and shortage of skilled workers, we are seeing our customers looking at new ways to increase on-site efficiencies. “By launching the new internal sales division, we are expanding our capability to ensure customers can bridge the gap between demand and engineer. With support from SITECH it is possible for skilled engineers to focus on more complex tasks. For instance, Trimble® technology can complete surveys reliably and efficiently – a process which would otherwise require multiple on-site engineers. “I am looking forward to collaborating with the rest of the SITECH team to provide an unrivalled customer technology solution to our customers, ensuring they are able to adapt to the changing landscape of the construction industry today.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renowned Corporate Lawyer and Law Firm Leader will Bring Extensive Transactional Expertise, with Emphasis on the Life Sciences, Health Care and Infrastructure Sectors Hamid Yunis, a standout corporate lawyer known for helping global clients navigate highly complex transactions, will join Pillsbury’s London office as partner. Yunis will join the firm’s Corporate practice from McDermott Will & Emery, where he had previously served as the London Office Managing Partner for five-and-a-half years and head of the London Health Care group, having been a key part of the team responsible for significantly growing the office’s headcount and revenue. “Hamid operates a sizeable, multifaceted practice that spans Life Sciences & Digital Health, Health Care, Infrastructure, and Private Wealth—areas that align with Pillsbury strengths, increasing client needs and global trends,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “He will add new dimensions to our growing London office, expand our substantial cross-border M&A team, and bring valuable connections internationally, especially across the Middle East region.” Yunis operates a diverse transactional practice, advising clients on mergers & acquisitions, private equity investments, projects and corporate finance matters in jurisdictions around the world. He is recognised by Chambers UK for his work on corporate and commercial healthcare matters and has an established track record of bringing innovative joint venture, public-private partnership, and funding structures to market. He also has deep connections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—where Pillsbury recently announced its intentions to build upon decades of work in the country by opening an office in Riyadh, in partnership with AlArfaj & Partners—the United Arab Emirates, and the wider Middle East region, regularly advising sovereign wealth funds on health, infrastructure and other investments and transactions. “Hamid joining our Firm will present material benefits to Pillsbury’s global clientele,” said Jeffrey Delaney, Pillsbury’s global Co-head of Corporate & Securities. “His proven ability to achieve ‘trusted advisor’ status with those he represents is a testament to his vast legal knowledge, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to clients. We are thrilled that he will soon be on our team.” “Our ability to attract someone of Hamid’s stature onboard is a reflection of Pillsbury’s reputation for excellence, in London and globally,” noted Matthew Oresman, Managing Partner of the Firm’s City office. “Hamid has a wealth of expertise in the dynamic Life Sciences and Health Care sectors and a global profile that fits with the London office’s role as a nexus for international clients. His robust network and successful experience as a London law firm leader position Hamid well to further accelerate Pillsbury already impressive growth in London.” With English and U.S. law capabilities, Pillsbury’s London office helps clients navigate high-stakes and cross-border disputes, transactions and regulatory issues across Europe and throughout the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Over the past year, the London office has welcomed four partners and nearly a dozen lawyers in total, reinforcing its market leading practices in the office and affording additional depth to meet growing client needs. Recent notable arrivals include Laurence Lieberman, a cross-border disputes partner with deep connections to the Indian and Israeli markets; partner Audrey Koh, with a leading Corporate Investigations & White Collar Defence practice; Korea-focused International Trade partner Sungbum Lee, who splits time between Washington, DC, and London; and Gawain Hughes, an investment funds partner with a standout reputation for work on secondary and co-investment deals. Like Yunis, both Lee and Hughes are Chambers-ranked in their respective practice areas. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ASSA ABLOY and Lorient are excited to announce their debut at the UK’s fastest-growing fire safety exhibition, the Fire Safety Event, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 8th to 10thApril 2025. Located at stand 4/G30, these industry leaders will exhibit a complete range of fire door hardware and sealing system solutions. Spanning an impressive 84SQM, the stand will highlight the critical role of door hardware and intumescent sealing systems in fire safety, showcasing how these components safeguard lives and property. Engaging Experiences and Live Demonstrations Experience the power of fire safety in action! Watch compelling fire test footage that vividly demonstrates the critical importance of properly specified and installed intumescent sealing systems. See firsthand the dangers posed by unprotected ironmongery and inadequate seals with mini burnt doors on display. Attendees can also witness the transformative reactions of various intumescent materials and discover their suitability for different fire safety applications. Interactive Zones and Product Showcases Visitors will embark on a journey through ASSA ABLOY and Lorient’s comprehensive fire door solutions guided by their highly experienced teams. Full-sized door models will showcase real-world applications of rigorously tested and certified products, highlighting the latest innovations designed to meet the diverse needs of various sectors. Interactive zones on the stand will provide attendees with a hands-on experience; and feature samples and miniature door models from a broad range of products such as: A key highlight at the event will be ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio®, an award-winning software solution featuring a powerful, asset tag-enabled, fire door inspection app. This end-to-end Golden Thread Solution streamlines the entire building lifecycle, from design and construction to ongoing compliance, maintenance, and future inspections. Insightful Seminars at the Innovation & Compliance Theatre During the event, ASSA ABLOY and Lorient will host two engaging seminars: Join Us at the Fire Safety Event Visit ASSA ABLOY and Lorient at stand 4/G30 during the Fire Safety Event 2025 to view the latest advancements in fire safety and building compliance. Lorient is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick is building its placemaking pipeline in Birmingham with its appointment to deliver the first phase of Cole Waterhouse’s flagship regeneration project, Upper Trinity Street in Digbeth. The 182,986 sq. ft residential project inaugurates a wider regeneration of the Upper Trinity Street scheme in Digbeth, and will comprise 211 apartments in total, 115 of which will be one-bedroom and 96 two-bedroom apartments. Construction will commence imminently following demolition and enabling works by Caddick. Caddick’s contract will include the design and build of the apartments, amenities space, external works and the development of a shared courtyard area, as well as management and fit-out. Due for completion in Spring 2027, the development spans three individual blocks, the tallest of which is 10 storeys high. Ray O’Sullivan, Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction Midlands, comments: “Cole Waterhouse has visualised an ambitious and impressive masterplan to create a thriving creative and cultural hub at Upper Trinity Street, and we’re proud to have been appointed to bring this vision to life in phase one. Caddick has built its extensive expertise delivering high-quality residential projects across the North, and as we take on new and exciting projects in the Midlands, we look forward to bringing our skillset to Upper Trinity Street for our valued client, Cole Waterhouse.” Damian Flood, CEO at Cole Waterhouse commented: “Entering into a contract with Caddick enables us to undertake this exciting project with Taurus, Housing Growth Partnership and BGO. This is our first Joint Venture with the professional team at Housing Growth Partnership and we are all excited to bring forward the first phase of UTS, which will be one of the catalysts for the further regeneration of Digbeth, demonstrating our confidence in delivering much needed housing in this key part of the City.” The project marks Caddick’s second major regeneration development in the Midlands, adding to the nearby Port Loop scheme, which has seen Caddick build 58 new-build apartments on behalf of Urban Splash and Places for People. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading rapid-charging network, has been chosen by one of Europe’s largest asset management companies – Legal & General – as the provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its ReAssure Funds. Working closely with advisor Knight Frank, the two companies are bringing reliable, ultra-rapid charging facilities to premium retail and leisure parks across the UK. A first site is already live at Festival Heights Retail Park in Stoke-on-Trent, with four rapid charge points. Two 16-bay ultra-rapid hubs are in construction at Highbridge Retail Park, Waltham Abbey, Essex, and at Woodside Leisure Park, Watford. Conveniently situated just off the M25 and M1 respectively, these locations offer drivers an ideal opportunity to recharge their vehicles and enjoy a break from their journey. In total, six sites from L&G’s ReAssure portfolio will benefit from ultra-rapid charging. The planned rollout spans England, from the South East to the North West, and collectively delivers 72 state-of-the-art charge points. L&G’s EV charging strategy shows its commitment to future-proofing its assets while enhancing long-term value for tenants and retail customers alike. David Goatman, Partner, Department Head, Global Head of Energy and Sustainability at Knight Frank, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Legal & General on this successful rapid EV charging partner selection. This kind of innovative procurement process will help to deliver crucial low carbon infrastructure across the portfolio and add to the on-site amenity offer for occupiers.” Andrew Nosworthy, Commercial Director at Osprey Charging, said: “We’re proud to work with L&G’s ReAssure portfolio, providing the ultra-rapid charging infrastructure that is crucial for the UK’s expanding EV market. By installing reliable, high-powered charging hubs, we’re making EV ownership more convenient and accessible for drivers across the country, whilst making these excellent retail parks even more attractive to tenants and customers. With over 1,300 charging bays, we are the UK’s third largest open rapid charging network and committed to further expansion with high quality landowners like L&G.” Easy to use and powered by 100% renewable energy, Osprey chargers accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and payments through all major third-party methods including fleet fuel cards. Osprey’s in-house software, Osprey Iris, enables market-leading levels of reliability and fleet integrations. As a result, Osprey is a multi-award-winning network and a Zap-Map ‘Driver Recommended Network’ for satisfaction for the fifth consecutive year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spanish fashion giant Mango is accelerating its UK expansion with plans to open 20 new stores in 2025, further strengthening its presence in key locations across the country. The latest openings are part of the retailer’s ambitious 2024-26 growth strategy, which aims to increase Mango’s footprint and bring its total number of UK stores to over 90. Following a successful year of expansion in 2024, the brand is set to make an even bigger impact in the coming months. Major Openings in London and Beyond Six of the new stores will be in London, including a second flagship store on Oxford Street. Other prime locations include Kensington High Street and Long Acre in Covent Garden, reinforcing Mango’s commitment to high-visibility retail spaces in the capital. Beyond London, the expansion will extend across the UK and Ireland, with new stores opening in Birmingham, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Belfast, Craigavon, and Cardiff. These locations reflect Mango’s strategy of reaching a wider customer base and strengthening its presence in major shopping destinations. A Strong Commitment to Growth Mango, which currently operates in around 70 locations across the UK, is continuing its push to become a leading fashion retailer in the market. The brand has seen strong demand for its stylish, contemporary collections, and its store expansion is designed to enhance the in-person shopping experience for customers. Daniel López, Director of Expansion and Franchising at Mango, commented: “The UK remains one of our priority markets for international growth. Our 2025 expansion plan builds on the success of our store openings in 2024, allowing us to increase our reach and bring the Mango experience even closer to our customers.” With a growing presence in key retail hubs and a focus on delivering high-quality fashion in prime locations, Mango’s expansion signals confidence in the UK market. As the brand continues to invest in physical retail, shoppers can expect even greater access to its latest collections in stylish, well-designed stores nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread Plc, the parent company of Premier Inn, has secured the freehold of 35 Red Lion Square, WC1, with plans to transform the site into a hub by Premier Inn hotel. Situated at the junction of Theobalds Road, Drake Street, and Red Lion Square, the prominent eight-storey, 47,500 sq ft building was purchased from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) for an undisclosed sum. The property has served as the organisation’s headquarters since 2006. As part of its ongoing London expansion strategy, Whitbread sees strong potential for a 150-bedroom hub by Premier Inn at this prime location. Jonathan Langdon, Senior Acquisitions Manager at Whitbread, commented:“hub by Premier Inn has been a tremendous success since its launch in 2014. We now offer guests 18 fantastic locations—15 of which are in London—and see huge growth potential for the brand.” “The first site we ever opened was an office-to-hotel conversion in Covent Garden, and we’ve successfully delivered many similar projects since. We plan to bring this experience to 35 Red Lion Square, transforming it into a high-quality hotel in a sought-after location.” “Converting underused office buildings into hotels has enabled us to establish hub by Premier Inn in some of London’s most vibrant areas while aligning with Whitbread’s Force for Good sustainability strategy. With this latest acquisition, we look forward to working closely with Camden Council to develop plans that benefit both visitors and the local community.” Expanding in the Capital Whitbread’s purchase of 35 Red Lion Square is part of its wider commitment to growing Premier Inn’s presence across London, where a significant portion of its future development pipeline is focused. The company is actively searching for 40 new locations for Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels within the M25. Designed for high-demand city locations, hub by Premier Inn offers a compact yet stylish format that allows for affordable stays in prime areas while delivering strong long-term returns. Hotel sizes vary, from the 60-bedroom hub by Premier Inn at Bank to the upcoming 690-room flagship hub at 5 Strand, set to open in 2028. Whitbread was advised on the acquisition of 35 Red Lion Square by Frame Real Estate Partners, while the Royal College of Anaesthetists was represented by Newmark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private sector housing and reduce energy costs for millions. Newly released figures from the English Housing Survey (EHS) show that, for the first time, over 50% of homes in England now meet at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C rating—a significant milestone in improving home energy efficiency. While social housing has made notable progress, privately owned and rented properties remain a major challenge, requiring large-scale interventions to create healthier, low-carbon, and cost-efficient homes. Tackling Energy Inefficiency in Private Homes The Warm Homes Plan has already introduced Local Grant funding to combat fuel poverty, and the £1bn-a-year ECO programme—which supports low-income households—is set to continue until 2026. However, BRE’s analysis of the latest government data highlights that wider-reaching support is needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets. A key concern is that the burden of improving inefficient homes (those rated below EPC band C) is overwhelmingly a private sector issue, with 90% of these properties either owner-occupied or privately rented. Some of the least efficient homes include: Cold Homes Costing the NHS £500 Million a Year Poor energy efficiency in homes isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a major public health concern. According to separate research by BRE, cold homes are the single largest housing-related cost burden to the NHS. In 2023, it was estimated that over £500 million was spent treating cold-related illnesses caused by homes in the lowest EPC bands F and G. To address this, BRE is urging the government to ensure the Warm Homes Plan includes targeted retrofit advice, particularly for the over-65s, who own more than 40% of the owner-occupied homes that fall below EPC band C. The plan should also include support for accessing finance to help households fund essential improvements. By tackling energy inefficiency across the full spectrum of housing stock, the government can make significant progress towards net zero while protecting households from high energy bills and the health risks associated with cold homes. Jane Goddard, Managing Director of Building Performance Services and Deputy CEO of BRE, said: “We have made encouraging progress to date on retrofitting our existing housing stock, with over half of English homes now meeting the reasonable EPC C standard. “However, our approach to the remaining energy inefficient homes will require consideration to ensure the Warm Homes Plan can target a much wider group of households with effective support. “Local authorities will be crucial in this journey and require the necessary data, capacity, funding and powers to deliver energy efficiency improvements to homes most in need. The upcoming English Devolution Bill will hopefully mark a welcome step in this process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
