Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025. Acknowledging organisations that have consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing in the UK, The Momentum Group is one of 187 medium sized businesses in the UK to
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will
Hull City Council’s ambitious East Bank Urban Village project continues to take steps forward with ECF today being confirmed as lead developer partner. The council will sign a 15-year development agreement with ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse, for the master planning, development and construction of the
THE PROCUREMENT specialists at Pagabo are inviting the market to in-person engagement sessions at UKREiiF next week – focusing on the re-procurement of the Developer-Led Framework. Managed by Pagabo on behalf of contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust, the framework is a unique market offering. It exists
A Midlands property company hopes to further increase its visibility as a market leader in best-in-class, large-scale sustainable development at a major real estate forum. Solihull-based IM Properties aim to connect and engage with key stakeholders to showcase its existing and proposed development pipeline at UKREiiF, as one of the
Six of the UK’s metro mayors have been announced to go head-to-head on the decks for an iconic night of musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. At only £20 a ticket, concertgoers at the Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will be the first to witness battles between: Powered by Capital &
From cutting-edge sustainability to inclusive design and wellbeing-focused spaces, this year’s British Council for Offices (BCO) Regional Awards have showcased the very best in workplace innovation across the South of England, South Wales, Midlands, and Central England. Across two ceremonies—one held at We The Curious in Bristol and the other
Winvic Construction Ltd has announced its pavilion programme at UKREiiF next month and has a new partnership with Leeds-based charity, Zarach. The pavilion, ‘Winvic and Partner’s Hub’, will be a place for thought leadership and dynamic industry collaboration, with panel discussions and interactive sessions addressing the most pressing challenges and
Leading North West property services company, The Momentum Group, has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025. Acknowledging organisations that have consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing in the UK, The Momentum Group is one of 187 medium sized businesses in the UK to have made the list this year. Achieving a 90% overall wellbeing score and 88% for job satisfaction, The Momentum Group scored highly across employee satisfaction and workplace excellence. Key results include: Chris Renshaw, Co-Founder and Director of The Momentum Group, commented: “Being recognised as one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work this year is a brilliant achievement for The Momentum Group. A business is only as good as its people we are committed to not only creating an exceptional team, but ensuring that everyone feels valued, empowered, and engaged in the future success of themselves, their colleagues, and the company as a whole. “To achieve this, we want to hold ourselves to account, and so securing this prestigious recognition is fantastic third-party validation of our approach, and a testament to the commitment shown by everyone in the team to making the Momentum Group a very special place to work.” Last year, saw the launch of ‘Young Momentum’, a programme to get together all team members under 30 years old to discuss their experiences working for The Momentum Group and gather ideas for the future. Hosted by the two Directors, Young Momentum meets quarterly. The recognition as one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025 follows The Momentum Group’s gaining B Corp™ certification, achieved through the business’ ongoing commitment to people, places, the planet, and professionalism. The company’s commitment to the community is further supported by its philanthropic arm, the Momentum Foundation, which aids numerous local charities and The Group’s volunteering programme which has seen Momentum Build providing pro bono support to various local charities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Intatec, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating and plumbing products, is returning to the Installer Show 2025 – joined on stand 5B60 by group brands ActivTec and Zilmet UK. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th –26th of June, this year’s exhibit puts the spotlight firmly on solutions for heat pump systems, in response to increasing demand across the sector. A not-to-miss product on stand is the IntaKlean Heat Pump Filter with 28mm Reducing Set – a compact, high-flow magnetic filter with an unmatched Kv value of over 17,000 l/h. It delivers powerful corrosion protection without restricting performance, making it a standout choice for both new and retrofit installations. Also featured on stand is the Inta Zero, a next-gen anti-freeze valve that prevents freezing before it starts. With a 3°C trigger, zero-drip outlet, and full R290 compatibility, it offers reliable protection for external pipework. Additionally, the newly launched K Type Ball Valve will also be available on stand, this new design replaces the traditional handle with a removable key type adjuster, enabling the valve to be operated without breaking the insulation seal. Built to last with anti-tamper and anti-vandal features, it’s pressure rated to PN25 and handles temps from -10°C to 90°C. Available in compression sizes from 15mm to 35mm and WRAS-approved, each valve includes both a red and blue cover cap for hot and cold systems. Darran Bougourd, Managing Director at Intatec, comments: “This year is all about innovation for heat pump systems. We’ve listened to what installers need – products that are smart, safe, and simple to fit. From the K Type Ball Valve to the IntaKlean 35mm Filter, everything on the stand has been designed to make working with heat pumps easier and more efficient.” In addition to these products, the stand will also feature ActivTec’s ActivStopLeak, designed to detect leaks as small as 0.1 litres per hour, setting a new benchmark in leak detection and water conservation. Established favourites will also be on stand, including the HIPER II HIU and ActivFlo – each playing a crucial role in improving reliability and efficiency. Zilmet UK will also be showcasing its Zil-B range of Insulated Buffer Vessels – created to reduce cycling and stabilise flow in renewable systems. With premium insulation, wall brackets and optional feet that allow 100% drainage during maintenance, these features make installation and servicing significantly easier. The expanded presence of ActivTec and Zilmet UK further reinforces the group’s commitment to whole-system performance. Visitors to stand 5B60 can expect hands-on product demos and expert advice from the Intatec team across all three days of the show. To find out more about Intatec’s product ranges, visit: https://www.intatec.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the global safety charity, has today announced the launch of its new Global Safety Evidence Centre, backed by a £15 million investment over 10 years. The Centre will serve as a hub for anyone who needs to know ‘what works’ to make people safer in the face of a range of global safety challenges, including workplace accidents and injuries. In addition to OSH practitioners and policymakers, the centre aims to support professionals across different high hazard industries, including the construction sector, high-quality and actionable resources and evidence. According to the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, one in five workers globally (18%) experienced harm at work in the last two years, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates this to be the cause of three million deaths annually. The need for such a centre is demonstrated by two reports published today, produced by RAND Europe on behalf of the Foundation. The reports – including a systematic review of OSH intervention reviews, and the findings of a consultation with OSH practitioners in high-risk sectors around the world – highlight a worrying scarcity of reliable, high-quality evidence on the comparative effectiveness of different safety measures, and a need to make evidence more relevant and accessible to practitioners in different global and industrial contexts. Nancy Hey, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “Evidence is critical to improving the safety of people and property; without it, we cannot fully understand the nature and scale of safety challenges faced by people around the world, nor what works to protect them from harm. “However, around the world and across industrial sectors, many professionals, policy and decision-makers who need to consider safety do not have access to sufficient high quality evidence; either because it does not yet exist, or because it has not been collated and communicated to them in an understandable and actionable form.” To address these problems, the new Global Safety Evidence Centre will collate, create and communicate the best available safety evidence from the Foundation, its partners and other sources on the nature and scale of global safety challenges, and what works to tackle them. To kickstart this process, the Centre is inviting researchers and safety practitioners from all over the world to apply for a share of £2 million being made available to support projects that address OSH evidence gaps, as well as broader safety science work, such as how to measure and value safety and prevention, and how to learn from past failures and fatalities. Nancy Hey continued:“We are keen to partner and collaborate with other researchers, analysts and funders, professional and trade bodies, and most of all, safety practitioners, whose knowledge and expertise we need to harness – not just to identify evidence gaps, but as part of the evidence base itself on how to reduce harm.” Martin Cottam, Chair of the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s Expert Advisory Panel and former chair of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee on Occupational Health and Safety Management, added: “I’m delighted to see this important initiative from Lloyd’s Register Foundation coming to fruition. As safety practitioners we are presented with a sometimes bewildering range of tools and methods with which to manage safety risks, but often without much evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness, or evidence of the conditions under which they are more or less effective. The work of the Centre will help safety practitioners navigate this landscape, enabling them to be confident in selecting approaches that have been shown to deliver real safety improvement. “I’m excited to be involved in the Global Safety Evidence Centre’s expert advisory panel, and look forward to working with panel members to help the Centre achieve its objectives for the benefit of the global safety community.” Further outputs due to be published by the Centre this summer include a report on the growing impact of emerging technologies – including virtual reality training, AI and robots – on workplace safety. The Centre will also publish a report on the relationship between climate change and OSH – an important priority for the ILO. Welcoming the launch of the Centre, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, the ILO Branch Chief responsible for occupational safety and health and the working environment, said: “Lack of data remains one of the biggest challenges to improving workplace safety worldwide — it’s the fourth major gap identified in national OSH systems by ILO Member States. In many regions, research on the scale of the problem is also still scarce. The launch of the Global Safety Evidence Centre marks a vital step forward in closing this gap.” As well as offering funding to external organisations, the Global Safety Evidence Centre is currently recruiting data analysts, research (trials and reviews) managers, and project and stakeholder managers to grow its in-house capacity. Qualified candidates with an interest in improving safety are encouraged to apply via the Lloyd’s Register careers platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A leading property developer plans to showcase exciting new land promotion in Warwickshire to influencers and stakeholders at a major event next week. Stoford, a specialist in occupier-led development and strategic land promotion within the main commercial sectors, will participate in roundtable sessions at UKREiiF, including a panel that will focus on partnership working with Warwickshire County Council as one of its official partners. Stoford has delivered extensive floorspace across Coventry and Warwickshire amounting to over 2 million sq ft of market-leading industrial and office schemes in the area over the last ten years. These schemes have supported local key sectors like automotive and digital creative industries within Spa Park in Leamington Spa through to larger logistics requirements on the A435 between Redditch and Stratford. Within the UKREiiF events Stoford will participate in, Planning Director Jo Russell will comment on the opportunity for growth within Coventry and Warwickshire, how partnership working has directly benefitted Stoford’s schemes to date and what interventions are needed to ensure that future plan making by local authorities is delivering the right amount of land in the right locations. Stoford believe identifying locations for growth that are local to, and complemented by, new investments in railway infrastructure across Warwickshire, such as Rugby Parkway, represent a clear opportunity. Other interventions could range from greater collaboration with the private sector to earlier engagement and feedback on matters raised. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and preceding Ministerial Statement placed sustainable economic growth at the heart of planning. Angela Raynor MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been clear in advising that ‘sustained economic growth is the only route to improving the prosperity of our country and the living standards of working people.’ Stoford is keen to act on a renewed vigour for growth and sees changes made through the NPPF to introduce Grey Belt as another intervention that will assist Warwickshire in meeting the needs of industry. To this end, Stoford will also promote its land portfolio including Brickhill Farm, a circa 5ha Grey Belt land site south of Coleshill. The site is strategically located, accessible from the M6 (junction 4) and the A446 and has quick connections to the A45, M42 and the Birmingham hinterland. Sites like this are seen to embrace the Government’s agenda to support logistics growth, in addition to the role that previously developed land and Grey Belt can play. New jobs in logistics would match the local skill set. Locally within the logistics ‘golden triangle’, 20% of jobs currently held are within this sector. The changing face of logistics towards automation and the use of AI in operations has also resulted in an upgraded skill set and associated salaries. Stoford Director Jo Russell said: “There is a significant window of opportunity for developing land within the Grey Belt, capitalising on the Government’s clear intentions to deliver growth in areas that do not contribute strongly to the purposes of Green Belt and /or are previously developed. “In addition, with the NPPF now in place, and an opportunity through devolution in the next few years, closer working between the Coventry and Warwickshire authorities and the private sector can focus on how economic growth can go hand in hand with locations well served by public transport/rail infrastructure and thereby assist local people in accessing employment. “We are confident that through discussions at UKREiiF, and within the context of partnership working, we can identify a range of benefits to Warwickshire that the development of sites within our portfolio can bring.” Stoford is one of eight organisations across the public and private sectors that Invest Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council’s inward investment team, will partner with at UKREiiF, the UK’s largest real estate event and conference. The partnerships will see each organisation involved in the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ panel discussion that Invest Warwickshire is hosting at UKREiiF, which takes place in Leeds from May 20 to 22. Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre. “UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Council’s Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs. “We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including Stoford, Tritax Big Box Developments and IM Properties to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year.” Stoford started life in 1996 when a small group of professionals saw a gap in the market to launch a pre-let, privately-owned commercial property development company. If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to join the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ event, you can find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318559790829 Stoford will be in the West Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF between 3-4pm on 20th May, and the following morning. To arrange a meeting with Stoford before, during or after UKREiiF, call the main office on 0121 234 6699, email mail@stoford.com or contact their LinkedIn page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hull City Council’s ambitious East Bank Urban Village project continues to take steps forward with ECF today being confirmed as lead developer partner. The council will sign a 15-year development agreement with ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse, for the master planning, development and construction of the site, which is expected to see a mix of uses including up to 850 new homes. Located to the east of the River Hull, opposite the old town, the scheme will comprise high quality new homes and infrastructure in the heart of the city, transforming a forgotten part of Hull into a vibrant and exciting contemporary urban village. The regeneration is backed by £9.875m of secured Levelling Up Partnership funding and will be a long-term investment into the city. East Bank Urban Village will significantly contribute to meeting the council’s City Plan aspiration for 2,500 new dwellings within Hull city centre. The new homes will be developed alongside ground floor commercial uses and an interconnected network of streets, plazas and green spaces to promote a pedestrian and family friendly atmosphere. ECF brings together Homes England’s ambition to deliver more affordable housing, L&G’s proficiency and experience in investing in transformative real estate and infrastructure, and Muse’s expertise delivering urban regeneration. Together, ECF has a strong track record of delivering complex and award-winning urban regeneration schemes nationally. Initial discussions regarding East Bank Urban Village between the council and ECF took place at UKREiiF in 2024 In February, the council’s cabinet agreed to begin the acquisition process for several land parcels currently held by third parties which are crucial to the development of East Bank along with essential site enabling works in close collaboration with ECF. ECF, through the development manager Muse, will now begin to action site enabling works for the scheme including structural repairs to Trinity Buoy Shed and adjacent river walkway. Alongside this, preparations are underway to design the East Bank Urban Village in more detail, ready for a hybrid planning application to be lodged in 2026. Cllr Mike Ross, leader of the council, said: “The council is delighted to be finalising our partnership with ECF. “East Bank Urban Village is one of Hull’s largest ever regeneration projects and will act as a catalyst for further urban renewal and help to increase investor confidence in the city with all the economic benefits that will arise. “Initial discussions with ECF too place at UKREiiF in 2024, so it’s fitting that we can sign the contract for the project at the event this year.” Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of ECF, added: “East Bank is a new neighbourhood that supports Hull’s wider city centre vision, and is a perfect example of how this resilient city is using its industrial and maritime past to build a bright future for generations to come. “We look forward to working closely with Hull City Council and local communities, drawing on the combined skills of our partners to realise the potential of this regeneration for the city. This includes creating new homes, boosting local employment, and driving inclusive economic growth. “We’re delighted to be working with our partners on East Bank Hull and, with the quality of the waterfront site and the impact it will make on the city, it’s an incredibly exciting project to be involved in.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE PROCUREMENT specialists at Pagabo are inviting the market to in-person engagement sessions at UKREiiF next week – focusing on the re-procurement of the Developer-Led Framework. Managed by Pagabo on behalf of contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust, the framework is a unique market offering. It exists to facilitate the early engagement between developers and clients that drives transformative development and positive social impact outcomes. The current iteration of the framework has become a key route to development for public sector bodies and developers up and down the country. Growing momentum since its introduction, it has seen almost £6 billion in schemes already awarded, with a further £7 billion of development value in the pipeline before the framework expires. Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “The development value numbers from the current framework are impressive – but even more important is what they represent. It’s 15,000 new homes being built, along with thousands of square feet of commercial, retail and public space. It’s new community hubs, and truly transformative placemaking to deliver places for people – and places with purpose. “That’s why market engagement on the re-procurement is vital. We want to take learnings forward from the current iteration and make it even better – thereby allowing it to generate even more widespread transformation. A key area of focus is creating a full turnkey solution through the framework, embedding early work with consultants and legal professionals into the lot structure to create a quicker and clearer route to development wrapped up in an effective procurement process. “Making the new framework as effective as possible comes from market feedback – so please come and see us at the Pagabo Live Pavilion at UKREiiF where we can talk about how to together deliver collaborative and strategic partnerships between public sector organisations, developers, and the wider delivery supply chain.” Pagabo will be running a dedicated breakfast session at 9.15am on Wednesday 21 May where developers, investors, consultants, legal advisers and public sector representatives can engage with the team directly to shape the new version of the framework. The rest of the week will also feature scheme announcements from Pagabo and developers on the framework. Following UKREiiF, the lot structure will be finalised for the forthcoming re-procurement, with the invitation to tender expected in early July. For more information about Pagabo and the current Developer-Led Framework, visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Midlands property company hopes to further increase its visibility as a market leader in best-in-class, large-scale sustainable development at a major real estate forum. Solihull-based IM Properties aim to connect and engage with key stakeholders to showcase its existing and proposed development pipeline at UKREiiF, as one of the largest privately-owned property, development and investment companies in the UK. IM Properties will team up with Invest Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council’s inward investment team, as one of its official partners at the event in Leeds. The firm hopes its second appearance at the annual forum will help it to reach an audience interested in locating itself along the M42 Corridor, where it has established a reputation for legacy projects that deliver positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for surrounding communities. Birch Coppice, Blythe Valley Park, Fore Business Park, Peddimore and Mercia Park provide a near 40-year timeline of commercial investment along the M42 in the West Midlands. Looking ahead, IM Properties is progressing key projects including Stratford 46 – a 65-acre employment park offering logistics, office and roadside premises – plans submitted for the expansion of Mercia Park and proposals for Thrive, an ambitious employment park at Junction 9 of the M42 to support advanced manufacturers, R&D start-ups and high-value logistics businesses. David Smith, Director of Planning and Communities at IM Properties, said: “We welcome the opportunity to partner with Invest Warwickshire on our continued journey of investment in the West Midlands. “From our beginnings nearly 40 years ago at Haseley Manor, we have grown to become one of the largest investors along the M42 corridor and within the region, bringing forward close to 14 million sq ft of commercial space and supporting over 14,000 jobs, with a further 8,000 jobs in the pipeline. “With an ambition to deliver both social and economic impact, our reach extends beyond the boundaries of our schemes to support surrounding communities, ensuring we create legacy projects aligned with our Sustainable Futures framework of People, Planet, and Place. “Our commitment translates into real impact—developing skills, employment opportunities, and investment in local people and projects that create positive change.” IM Properties is one of eight organisations across the public and private sectors that Invest Warwickshire will partner with at UKREiiF. which has grown to become the UK’s largest real estate event and conference. The partnerships will see each organisation involved in panel discussions and “Developer Spotlight” presentations that Invest Warwickshire is hosting at UKREiiF, taking place from May 20 to 22. David Smith will be speaking at the Warwickshire Creating Places event on Wednesday, May 21 in the Midlands Engine Pavilion. Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre. “UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Council’s Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs. “We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including IM Properties, Tritax Big Box and Stoford to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year.” Further to IM Properties’ development ambition, the company is currently helping to facilitate innovative, landmark projects in Warwickshire including a man-made surfing lagoon at Coleshill Manor, which is set to become the largest Wave Park in the UK. IM Properties will be in the Midlands Engine Pavilion at UKREiiF. To arrange a meeting with IM Properties before, during or after UKREiiF, email enquiries@improperties.co.uk or contact David Smith or Planning Director Matthew Fox through their LinkedIn pages. If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to join the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ event, you can find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318559790829 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Six of the UK’s metro mayors have been announced to go head-to-head on the decks for an iconic night of musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. At only £20 a ticket, concertgoers at the Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will be the first to witness battles between: Powered by Capital & Centric, the first Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will take place at the O2 Academy Leeds, one of the country’s most popular music venues, on 21 May 2025. For one night only, the mayors will deliver spinbacks not speeches, and the only fiery debate will be whether house is better than techno. After the regional rivalries have been tested, each Mayor will return to deliver the most crucial performance of their life: a final track followed by a crowd-powered vote, for the audience will decide which of the mayors is worthy of following in the footsteps of The Stone Roses, The Killers, and Robbie Williams in taking to the O2 Academy stage. This landmark event will raise money for UKREiiF’s official charity partner Regeneration Brainery. All monies raised from ticket sales will go towards Regeneration Brainery’s continuing support of more than 6,000 young people from under-represented backgrounds, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in the property and regeneration industry. Regeneration Brainery’s national social mobility programme offers in-depth insights into the property industry, through workshops, work experience, and opportunities to connect with inspirational mentors. “Brainees” develop crucial employability skills, with over a third of participants now in the industry. Ticketholders can expect a dazzling production, an all-star lineup of mayors-turned-DJs, and an electrifying clash of styles, from disco anthems to indie classics. This will be an evening where politics takes a backseat, and the musical talents of the nation’s regional leaders are revealed. Tim Heatley, Co-Founder of Capital & Centric, said: “I’m buzzing to be teaming up with Regeneration Brainery and the Metro Mayors for the first ever Multi Metro Mayor DJ Battle! Its an epic venue, an even better cause, and with Capital & Centric involved, you know it’s going to be a proper party. Huge thanks to the various businesses backing the event to make sure its absolutely epic. Expect thrills, spills and some unexpected DJ skills on the night” Michele Steel, Chief Executive of Regeneration Brainery, said: “I cannot wait for what will be a truly iconic night, to see our headliners seriously impress us with their unexpected musical talents, whilst raising money for an amazing organisation. An evening of classic tunes and great dance moves all created by our Metro Mayors is not one to miss. This really will be the most unique debate of their lives, and I can’t wait to find out who is voted the winner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
From cutting-edge sustainability to inclusive design and wellbeing-focused spaces, this year’s British Council for Offices (BCO) Regional Awards have showcased the very best in workplace innovation across the South of England, South Wales, Midlands, and Central England. Across two ceremonies—one held at We The Curious in Bristol and the other at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham—14 outstanding office projects were celebrated for redefining what it means to design a workplace fit for the future. Whether delivering high-performance refurbishments or ground-breaking new builds, each project stands as a testament to the evolving needs of occupiers, blending technology, ESG credentials, and employee-centric features. People-first design leads the way Across both regions, a strong theme emerged: offices are no longer just places to work—they are environments that foster connection, productivity and wellbeing. This shift was clear in projects like Dojo’s Bristol HQ, which won Best Fit Out Workplace in the South. The 54,770 sq ft space features barista bars, graffiti by local artists, and biophilic elements, underlining a clear commitment to employee experience and sustainability. Meanwhile, in the Midlands, Project Arden in Coventry scooped the same accolade, recognised for its flexible hybrid-ready layout and SKA Gold certification achieved through carbon-conscious fit-out choices. The project impressed judges for its teamwork and user-focused design, creating a truly collaborative space for Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Heritage meets innovation Creative reuse also took centre stage, with judges awarding multiple prizes to exceptional refurbishments and conversions. The Entopia Building in Cambridge—winner of the Refurbished/Recycled Workplace award—transformed a 1930s telephone exchange into a globally pioneering sustainability hub, achieving EnerPHit Classic, WELL Gold and BREEAM Outstanding ratings. In the South, BLOK Bristol was similarly applauded for turning a dated 1980s office into a vibrant, carbon-conscious workplace. Its lively communal lounge, coffee shop and flexible leasing options made it a model for futureproof urban workspaces. And in Shrewsbury, history took a new lease of life at Flaxmill Maltings. Once dubbed the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, the restored 18th-century mill now hosts workspaces, a café and community hub—earning it the Innovation award for the Midlands and Central region. Sustainability takes centre stage Sustainability was not a side note in this year’s awards—it was a core differentiator. In Reading, ONE Station Hill stood out for its BREEAM Outstanding, all-electric, net-zero carbon design. Its pre-letting to firms such as PepsiCo and PwC highlights the demand for future-ready buildings that also elevate the employee experience with fitness suites and rooftop terraces. Unusual HQ in Northampton took things a step further—designed for full disassembly, built from reclaimed materials and generating more energy than it consumes, it was hailed as a “pioneering achievement” by BCO judges. Meanwhile, Unity Place in Milton Keynes, Santander UK’s new HQ, was praised for its community-first design, solar panels offsetting 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and inclusive internal streets hosting independent shops and shared spaces. Small but mighty projects Even projects under 2,500m² made a significant impact. Englefield Estate Yard in Reading transformed a derelict Grade II listed sawmill into a biophilic, low-carbon hub using local materials and renewable energy systems. Similarly, JLL’s new Birmingham office proved that a compact footprint can still deliver excellence in ESG, flexibility and wellbeing, with a standout biophilic interior and acoustic-sensitive layouts. Looking ahead Harry Allen, Director at Savills in Bristol and Judging Chair for the South of England and South Wales, summed up the mood: “This year’s entries reflect the very best of a changing office landscape, where wellbeing, sustainability and flexibility are fundamental to workplace design.” Rob van Zyl, Chairman of the BCO Midlands Committee, echoed the sentiment: “These exemplar projects show how design can go beyond aesthetics to make a real contribution to communities, employees and the environment.” All regional winners will go on to compete at the BCO National Awards in London on 7 October 2025, where the country’s most forward-thinking offices will be crowned. The BCO Awards are sponsored by AET Flexible Space, with support from AECOM, Glamox, Troup Bywaters + Anders, Overbury, Quantem and Willmott Dixon. The awards are held in association with Estates Gazette. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has announced its pavilion programme at UKREiiF next month and has a new partnership with Leeds-based charity, Zarach. The pavilion, ‘Winvic and Partner’s Hub’, will be a place for thought leadership and dynamic industry collaboration, with panel discussions and interactive sessions addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry. Partners joining Winvic in the pavilion include Ridge, UMC Architects and Maber, who alongside industry and government representatives, will bring expertise together to drive conversation and action on key topics such as Net Zero, ESG and social value, the housing crisis, the Building Safety Act, and the growth of data centres. As part of its UKREiiF attendance, Winvic will be proudly supporting Zarach, a Leeds-based charity helping children living in poverty by providing beds to those without a safe, comfortable place to sleep. The ‘Beds for Beds’ programme will see the contractor fundraising in the run up to and throughout the event, by inviting its clients, supply chain and partners to join them in making a meaningful impact. With a target of 24 bed bundles – a bed, mattress, bedding and pyjamas – which symbolises the contractors 24 storeys at its Lisbon Street multi-room scheme in Leeds, Winvic will match-fund the number of bed bundles pledged during the event via a QR Code in the pavilion. Winvic is also proud to be working with Leeds-based social enterprise Shine for its catering. Heidi Salmons, Director of Marketing, Business Development and Social Responsibility at Winvic, said: “We’re thrilled to be a pavilion partner at UKREiiF 2025. Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do, from industry-wide knowledge sharing to supporting grassroots initiatives that make a real difference. Our sessions will explore key topics and insights into the latest industry trends and challenges, shaping the future of construction and the built environment. “Guided by our ’Doing It Right’ ethos and The Winvic Way values, our partnership with Zarach reflects our commitment to balancing commercial endeavour with positive community impact during UKREiiF and beyond. It means a great deal to us to be supporting such a dynamic and effective charity, which puts the wellbeing and educational needs of children in Leeds at its heart. We hope our partners and wider network embrace the opportunity to make a difference and support our ‘Beds for Beds’ fundraising campaign.” Arun Thaneja, Sustainability and Technical Services Director at Winvic, said: “What was clear from the panel session we hosted at UKREiiF last year, is that taking inspiration from others and collaborative ideas will help the construction and property sectors reach its environmental, sustainability and social value goals more efficiently. Having recently joined the Advisory Board of the Westminster Policy Liaison Group on ESG as the Voice of Construction, we are eager to share our expertise and help advance the industry’s ESG journey. Our primary goal at UKREiiF is to help accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational buildings and infrastructure assets.” Ellie McGrath, Fundraising and Supporter Engagement Manager at Zarach, said: “Zarach is delighted to partner with Winvic and we are grateful that their contribution to our mission will enable us to lift many more children out of bed poverty. We believe that every child deserves a good night’s sleep and a bed to call their own, and partnerships like this have an impact that lasts a childhood.” Nathan Spencer, Managing Director at UKREiiF, said: “We are thrilled to have Winvic on board as a pavilion partner for our 2025 event. Their expertise and reputation in the construction industry make them a perfect fit for UKREiiF, where we aim to showcase the best of the UK’s real estate, infrastructure, and investment sectors. Winvic’s participation underscores the importance of innovation and sustainability in the built environment, and we look forward to the insights and contributions they will bring to the forum.” Recognised as the nation’s leading ‘shed specialist,’ Winvic recently celebrated the construction of 100 million sq ft of industrial space. In addition, Winvic has built a strong reputation for complex civil engineering and infrastructure projects, with over 125km of highways works and six Rail Freight Terminals built to date. As a prominent player within the build-to-rent and student accommodation sector, it has delivered over 12,000 beds. For more information on Winvic, its plans at UKREiiF or the company’s latest project news and job vacancies, please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (Formally Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
