Customers have once again put Reapit at the top of the industry at the ESTAS, the UK’s largest residential property awards, with its automated client accounting solution, PayProp, among the night’s big winners. PayProp was named Best in Sector – Payment Services again in 2026, extending its extraordinary run to nine consecutive ESTAS titles. Unlike many industry awards, ESTAS winners are determined by verified customer reviews collected throughout the year. For Reapit, the awards represent recognition from the people who use its technology every day. Nine years at the top Nine consecutive ESTAS victories is a milestone few PropTechs can claim. For Reapit’s PayProp client accounting platform, it reflects a continued focus on helping letting agents reduce manual payment admin, protect client money and operate more efficiently. In a sector facing growing operational and regulatory pressures, agents continue to rely on the PayProp platform to automate one of the most important functions within their business. The industry’s biggest celebration As the headline partner of the ESTAS Awards, Reapit also welcomed customers and industry leaders to the event, hosting three VIP tables during one of the property sector’s biggest annual gatherings.  The evening brought together agents, suppliers and industry experts from across the sector and highlighted the important role customer feedback continues to play in shaping products, services and standards across the industry. “First and foremost, thank you to our customers. Awards decided by industry panels are always welcome, but recognition from the people who use your technology every day carries a different weight,” said Steve Richmond, Reapit’s General Manager. “For our PayProp platform to secure a ninth consecutive ESTAS title is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the consistency, expertise and commitment of our team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

From how investors assess opportunities to how cities are designed and experienced, Cityscape Qatar 2026 will put the questions shaping Qatar’s real estate market at the centre of the 4th Qatar Real Estate Forum. Powered by Cityscape, the Forum will take place from 27–29 October at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC), bringing together leading voices from Qatar and around the world. Headline speakers include H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company; H.E. Sheikh Nasser Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, CEO of Qetaifan Projects; H.E. Sheikh Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO of Ariane Projects; and Eng. Ahmad Mohamad Al-Tayeb, Group CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group. International speakers include Jan Vapaavuori, Chairman of Finnvera, Finland’s export credit agency, former Mayor of Helsinki and member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cities; Nikki Greenberg, CEO of Real Estate of the Future; and Professor Carlos Moreno of IAE Paris-Sorbonne, creator of the ‘15-Minute City’ concept. Alexander Heuff, Group Director, Cityscape, said: “Strong real estate markets need to work for both investors and the people who use them every day. Investment decisions may begin with confidence in the market, but long-term performance is ultimately tested by whether a place continues to attract people, businesses and activity. That is why this year’s Forum looks at investment and the way cities are planned and experienced as part of the same conversation. Bringing those perspectives together gives visitors a fuller understanding of what can sustain opportunity over time, rather than looking at individual projects in isolation.” The programme will open on 27 October with a focus on Qatar’s investment outlook and the market’s next phase of growth. Senior leaders from Qatari Diar, Qetaifan Projects and Barwa will discuss the priorities behind some of the country’s largest developments, how projects move from masterplan to delivery and what international investors now look for before committing capital. Technology will also take the spotlight, with Nikki Greenberg exploring how AI and smart infrastructure are changing the way investors assess markets and assets across the Gulf. Professor Carlos Moreno will then examine how cities work for the people who live in them, looking at how access to work, education, healthcare, retail and public space within a neighbourhood can strengthen its appeal and resilience over time. Day one will also examine regulation and the investment environment, with perspectives from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat), alongside sessions on Qatar’s economic diversification, sustainable development and the changing role of retail and hospitality. The day will conclude with the Qatar Real Estate Awards ceremony. Across the following two days, the focus will move to investment decisions. Sessions will cover how investors evaluate opportunities, diversify portfolios and secure financing, alongside real estate tokenisation and what first-time buyers in Qatar should understand before investing. The programme will also look ahead to the next generation of development in Qatar, examining how wellness, healthcare, education, connectivity and community design are influencing where people choose to live and where investment follows. Under the theme ‘Where Vision Meets Investment’, Cityscape Qatar 2026 and the 4th Qatar Real Estate Forum will connect the projects and opportunities across the event with the wider market conversations shaping Qatar’s real estate sector. Visitor passes are free for all three days, with registration now open here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Pensdown has been named ECA Contractor of the Year – in the category up to £5 million turnover – at the 2026 ECA Industry Awards, recognising the company’s achievements in electrical contracting, engineering innovation and sustainable technology installation. The awards ceremony took place at Hilton London Bankside on Friday 9th October, bringing together businesses and individuals from across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry, an event that formed part of the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (ECA) 125th anniversary celebrations. Pensdown’s entry highlighted its delivery of a 765kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installation and 0.5MW battery storage system at a large distribution facility in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, during 2024/25. The project demonstrated Pensdown’s ability to undertake technically demanding work within a live operational environment, combining electrical engineering expertise with bespoke design solutions and a rigorous approach to health and safety. The Lutterworth installation involved fitting 1,512 solar panels across a large industrial rooftop while the distribution facility remained operational. The work required careful coordination of logistics, installation activities and safety measures, with Pensdown reporting no incidents throughout the project. To achieve the required precision when positioning the mounting brackets, the team designed and fabricated a bespoke timber template rig. This supported the setting-out and installation of 4,356 individual brackets, helping ensure accuracy across the rooftop arrays. The project also presented a challenge below the roof. With limited wall space available for the solar PV infrastructure, Pensdown designed and constructed a bespoke, freestanding modular steel-framed structure known as the PV Pod. Using a Sikla system, the solution accommodated the required infrastructure within the available plant area. A second phase introduced 0.5MW of battery storage. Associated works included preparing a concrete base for a new GRP enclosure, installing distribution switchgear to connect the battery storage container to the building’s main low-voltage panel and fitting Armco barriers to provide physical protection around the container. The phased energisation of the systems enabled the project to progress in line with the programme and the availability of the building’s new electrical supplies. Safety and quality at the centre of delivery Working at height across an extensive industrial roof required a structured approach to managing risk. Pensdown installed and maintained scaffold access stairs, an electric materials hoist and skylight protection systems throughout the project. Daily reviews of risk assessments and method statements, alongside toolbox talks, formed part of the site team’s working practices. Quality assurance checks were also carried out at each stage of the mounting system installation, including verification that fixings were tightened to the manufacturers’ specified torque requirements. The project provided an example of how detailed planning, practical engineering and consistent safety procedures can support the delivery of complex electrical installations in operational environments. The award entry also highlighted Pensdown’s wider work in sustainable technologies and energy efficiency. Alongside its growing involvement in commercial solar PV and battery storage, the company also completed a significant LED lighting retrofit project in Edinburgh during the same period. The installation incorporated bespoke Zumtobel LED luminaires and Helvar intelligent lighting controls to support lighting and energy optimisation. It demonstrated that Pensdown’s services extend beyond conventional electrical installation to include structured cabling, audio-visual systems, EV charging, LED lighting and renewable energy technologies. This broad, predominantly in-house capability enables the business to coordinate multiple disciplines through a single contractor. The company’s approach also includes the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the reuse of existing infrastructure where appropriate. Pensdown’s award reflects the contribution of its team to delivering complex projects while maintaining a focus on quality, safety and client requirements. The Lutterworth installation demonstrated the scale and technical complexity of projects that can be delivered through specialist knowledge, careful planning and resourceful engineering. Winning the ECA Contractor of the Year Award provides industry recognition for Pensdown’s work and its continued development across electrical contracting, renewable energy and integrated building technologies. For more information: www.pensdown.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Reynaers Aluminium UK has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s prestigious G-Awards, recognising both the innovative projects its systems help deliver and the support it provides to customers. Reynaers has been recognised in the G Awards shortlist in the Commercial Project of the Year category for its involvement in the landmark Greenheys life science building, and for Sales & Marketing Initiative of the Year, for its Building Safety Act Campaign. Working closely with long-standing partner RED Systems, Reynaers provided approximately 5,000m2 of its ConceptWall 50 (CW 50) curtain walling for the £60m Greenheys development at Manchester Science Park. The six-storey, 131,000 sq ft building is the new headquarters for UK Biobank and the most scientifically capable building in Bruntwood SciTech’s portfolio. Designed by BDP and delivered by contractor Willmott Dixon, the building features a full wrap-around curtain wall with curved-on-plan glazing, an anodised finishes and bespoke vertical and horizontal feature fins. Reynaers’ Building Safety Act campaign – Compliance from the Ground Up – was launched to support architects, specifiers and fabricators in navigating regulatory change from concept through to completion. At the centre of the campaign is Reynaers’ RIBA-accredited CPD: Mastering the Building Safety Act that has reached more than 1,000 architects to date. Reynaers also became a GQA-accredited training centre and introduced DigiTrace product passports to provide transparent and traceable information. Samantha Hill, Head of Marketing at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s G-Awards, recognising both the projects our systems helped to deliver and the support we provide to customers. “Greenheys shows what is possible when a system supplier, fabricator and project team work together from the earliest stages and Compliance from the Ground Up reflects our decision to invest in expertise, education and practical support at a time when the industry has faced real pressure and change. I’d like to thank the G-Awards team and wish everyone shortlisted the very best of luck.” Now in its 22nd year, the G-Awards are a leading accolade in the glass and glazing industry, recognising innovation and excellence across 14 categories. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday 27 November 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

This autumn Sodexo UK & Ireland has been recognised at a number of industry awards covering its leadership in driving social mobility, commitment to nurturing talent and delivering exceptional experiences for its clients across different sectors. Sodexo won the Leadership of the Year award at the annual Social Mobility Awards, held on 6 October. It was recognised for embedding inclusive recruitment and progression into its core business model using the scale of 30,000 colleagues to both deliver impact and reshape employer practice. Through initiatives such as Starting Fresh and inclusive talent pathways, Sodexo is creating direct access to employment and progression for underrepresented groups. Sodexo’s Culinary Academy was highly commended at the awards in the Progressive Programme category. Sodexo also celebrated with two wins at the 2026 Foodservice Cateys, Sodexo Live! group executive development chef Ian Page won Chef of the Year and Laura Moorcroft, regional support manager for Sodexo at Colchester Garrison was awarded the Extra Mile award for developing a partnership with Essex Cares, a local charity which supports people with learning disabilities, autism and other neurodivergent conditions and creating positive, inclusive and enriching workplace experiences for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, providing them with genuine routes to employment. Last week Gary Broadhurst, contract retail development chef at Colchester Garrison won Higher Apprentice of the Year at the East of England regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards. Gary now progresses into the National final. Over the last month Sodexo teams have received recognition for delivering operational excellence for the company’s clients. This has included: Bill Buchan, HR Director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “At Sodexo, our people are our greatest strength, and these awards showcase the impact they make every day. From helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and progression, to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service for our clients, our teams consistently live our values in action. Their commitment to improving quality of life, supporting communities and creating better everyday experiences for those we serve is what makes recognitions like these so meaningful. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

the international Built Influence Awards programme for 2027 is officially launched and open for entries. Led by Senior Leader in the Built Environment sector, Gill Parker, the Built Influence Awards have been established with one clear purpose; to celebrate the people raising the standard of communications, championing the skill, judgement and creativity that elevates the companies they work with and for, as well as the entire Built Environment sector. The skill of communication has never been more challenging and complex, with more platforms, more noise and more ways to spend, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine impact. Whilst big budgets and impressive social numbers may catch the eye, but they do not always tell the full story with integrity. Great communications is about more than visibility, it is about relevance, influence and the value of expertly curated editorial in a crowded media landscape. The Built Influence Awards will shine a light on the true skill and talent in the built environment sector, across key sectors and disciplines. The carefully selected judging panel comprises key experts, including journalists and senior marketing professionals who are tasked with identifying the truly talented teams out there. Gill Parker, President of the Built Influence Awards and Chair of the judges comments: “I am incredibly excited to be launching this new and unique awards programme to recognise the talent within our sector. I began my career in marketing before moving into senior leadership within UK architecture and the wider built environment sector, as a result of which I have always advocated for marketing representation at the board level. Accurate and compelling storytelling is vital to driving business strategy, building trust, and unlocking an organization’s full potential. While our sector has not always been known for its marketing communications, we have witnessed monumental leaps forward in creativity and style. Marketing professionals are often the unsung heroes of our industry, and the Built Influence Awards provide a dedicated moment to recognise and celebrate this abundant excellence.” The experienced panel have a collective understanding on the different sectors and geographies, as well as being accomplished communicators, working for outstanding businesses. Closing date for entries is 20th November 2026, with judging taking place in January 2027. Winners will be announced in early March 2027. Please visit www.builtinfluenceawards.com and start planning your entry today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has been awarded an EcoVadis Platinum medal with an overall score of 88 out of 100, its highest score to date. Signify also received 100 out of 100 in the Environment theme. The Platinum medal places Signify among the top 1% of companies rated by EcoVadis during the preceding 12 months and marks the company’s seventh consecutive year of Platinum recognition. The overall score increased from 84 in the previous assessment. “Achieving a score of 100 for Environment is a result our teams can truly be proud of. It reflects the work taking place across Signify, from advancing energy-efficient LED lighting and connected systems that help customers reduce emissions to embedding circularity into product design through Signify Circle. Customers increasingly want clear evidence of how their partners manage sustainability. The EcoVadis assessment gives them greater transparency while helping us identify where we need to improve further,” said Maurice Loosschilder, Head of Sustainability at Signify. Signify’s Environment score reflects its comprehensive approach to climate action and circularity. The assessment highlighted Signify’s strengths in setting science-based environmental targets, improving energy efficiency, while using 100% renewable electricity and advancing circularity. It also recognized its strong environmental governance and product lifecycle programs that support repair, reuse, take-back and recycling. EcoVadis evaluates the quality of a company’s sustainability management system across 21 criteria, grouped into four themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The overall score is based on the company’s policies, actions, and reported results, supported by documented evidence and external information. More than 150,000 businesses use EcoVadis’ sustainability ratings and related tools. The Platinum medal is awarded to companies ranked in the top 1% of all businesses rated by EcoVadis during the preceding 12 months. Full details of Signify’s EcoVadis recognition are available here: https://recognition.ecovadis.com/GRra9rOSlkSl5MhfgklKmA For more information about sustainability at Signify, please visit: https://www.signify.com/global/sustainability Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lawson took charge of the family business in the early 1950’s at just 20 and remains actively involved at the age of 94. John Lawson, who has dedicated more than 70 years to his family’s business, builders’ merchant Lawsons, has been named the winner of the 2026 National Lifetime Achievement Award by Family Business United. John also received a Regional Lifetime Achievement Award at Family Business United’s annual Family Business Dinner in London, where ten individuals were recognised for their longstanding contribution to their family businesses. John was selected as the overall national winner and received a standing ovation from the family business community as he collected his award John took charge of Lawsons at the age of just 20 and has worked in the business for more than 70 years. He remains actively involved today at the age of 94. Lawsons was founded in 1921 as a timber merchant in Whetstone, north London, and is now the  largest independent timber, building materials, fencing and landscaping merchants in London and the South East, employing more than 700 people across around 35 branches. The judges selected John as the national winner from the regional recipients. A factor in their decision was a significant governance change made in April 2026, when John gifted his majority shareholding into an independent non-family employee benefit trust. The move reflected the family values that have shaped the business throughout John’s leadership and was designed to protect Lawsons’ independence and ensure its continuity for future generations. John Lawson, Founder and Director, Lawsons, said: “I am extremely honoured to receive this award. Lawsons has never been about one person. Everything we have achieved over the years has been possible because of the people who have worked alongside us and their families who have supported them. The mutual responsibility and interaction between the family and the business fosters relationships and lifelong friendships. Protecting that for the future and our people is very important to me, and I hope Lawsons will continue to provide opportunities and serve its customers and communities for many generations to come.” Paul Andrews, Managing Director, Family Business United, said: “John’s story stood out to the judges as an exceptional example of what building a family business is all about. His commitment to the people around him, the values that have guided Lawsons and the steps he has taken with his gift to fully preserve that legacy for Lawsons’ People and future generations embody the very spirit of this award. John is an inspirational figure in the family business community and a hugely deserving winner of the National Lifetime Achievement Award.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sempra Homes are delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted in the Project of the Year category at the Government Property Awards, alongside Basildon Council, recognising the successful delivery of 166 new homes across three combined developments at Chapelgate, Broadmayne and Tyefields, in Basildon. Delivered through a strong public-private partnership, the developments have transformed underutilised brownfield sites to provide much-needed mixed tenure housing, alongside investment and improvements that benefit the wider local community. Melanie Keys, Services Manager for Sempra Homes, said: “Being shortlisted for a Government Property Award is a fantastic recognition of what has been achieved through these developments and the strength of the partnership behind them. “The success of these schemes demonstrates what can be achieved when partners work together to unlock challenging sites and deliver much-needed homes for local people alongside wider benefits to borough residents and businesses through the use of local supply chains, opportunities for local labour, training and apprentice placements.” Across the three developments, all affordable rent and shared ownership homes are now occupied, while more than 60% of private sale homes have been reserved or sold, demonstrating strong demand across the different tenures. The collaborative approach between Sempra Homes, Basildon Borough Council, Homes England, One Public Estate, South Essex Councils and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, The Hill Group and Site Ready Solutions has been central to bringing the three projects forward. Government funding helped unlock infrastructure, enabling the schemes to progress and provide a range of housing opportunities for local people. In addition, improvements to the wider community include the provision of new play and picnic areas, new footpaths and cycle lanes and improvements to open space areas with new tree and wildflower planting and biodiversity improvements. The Government Property Awards shortlist recognises projects that demonstrate excellence across the public sector property industry. The winners will be announced later this year. For further information, visit www.semprahomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals