Business : Awards, Trade Shows & Events News
United Infrastructure awarded Building a Safer Future Champion status

United Infrastructure awarded Building a Safer Future Champion status

United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has been officially awarded Building a Safer Future (BSF) Champion status, recognising its outstanding commitment to safety leadership and culture across the built environment. Following the successful completion of both Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture)and Stage 2 (Corroborating Elements) of

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Caledonia shortlisted across four categories at prestigious industry awards

Caledonia shortlisted across four categories at prestigious industry awards

Caledonia Housing Association (CHA) has received four shortlist nominations at leading industry awards. CHA has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Awards. The CIH Awards, which recognise the creativity, passion and innovation of housing organisations and individuals across the sector in Scotland, have

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Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE honoured with lifetime achievement award by the London Irish Centre in the UK

Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE honoured with lifetime achievement award by the London Irish Centre in the UK

The London Irish Centre has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, the distinguished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and industry trailblazer renowned for her transformative impact on the waste management and construction sectors. The award, presented by his excellency the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Martin Fraser, recognises

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Five Talks Empowering Women in Construction at UK Construction Week

Five Talks Empowering Women in Construction at UK Construction Week

UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, will champion women in the construction industry at its upcoming Birmingham show with a dedicated programme of panel discussions, skills workshops and networking opportunities. Taking place at the NEC from 30 September to 2 October, this year’s event

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Spotlight on Retrofit at UK Construction Week Birmingham

Spotlight on Retrofit at UK Construction Week Birmingham

UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham has joined forces with the National Retrofit Hub to deliver a dedicated seminar programme on retrofit. Visitors can expect insightful sessions covering topics such as upgrading and decarbonising the nation’s housing stock, driving innovation in retrofit practices, and exploring how retrofitting is an essential strategy

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Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

Business : Awards, Trade Shows & Events News

Royal red letter day as Integra Buildings is presented with The King’s Award

Royal red letter day as Integra Buildings is presented with The King’s Award

Integra Buildings has been formally presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise as it proudly flies the flag for modular construction. Integra welcomed His Majesty The King’s representative for the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lord-Lieutenant Jim Dick OBE, to its site in Paull, near Hull, to receive the royal accolade. The Lord-Lieutenant’s role dates back to Tudor times and the holder of the post represents The King within the region, supporting and visiting voluntary, charity, and business organisations who are doing great things in the local community. After a special ceremony, attended by many of Integra’s 180-strong team, the Lord-Lieutenant and two Deputy Lieutenants were shown around the business’ production facilities, meeting team members and hearing about the company’s work as a leader in the modular construction sector. The Lord-Lieutenant said: “I’m very proud for Integra and what they have achieved. The King’s Award is a hugely prestigious accolade, and is not easily won. “I’m pleased that the region is represented by such a strong business. It is recognition of all of the employees at Integra, under Gary’s leadership, and I congratulate each and every one of them.” In May, Integra was announced as one of just 27 recipients nationally of The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025. Regarded as the country’s most prestigious business honour, The King’s Award recognises Integra as a trailblazer and a pioneer in sustainable construction, demonstrating that modular can lead the way in addressing climate challenges while delivering commercial success. Integra SHEQ Director and Co-owner, Paul Tansey, said: “It was a huge honour to host the Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants to our site, and to show them around our production facilities so they could see first-hand the work we do. “In receiving The King’s Award, we have demonstrated that modular has a key role to play in the future of sustainable construction, producing buildings which are exceptional in quality and in environmental standards. “We’re extremely proud to be recognised as one of the country’s most forward-thinking, sustainable businesses. This is a day that will live long in the memory for all of our colleagues.” As the only modular construction company named as a 2025 King’s Award recipient, Integra was commended for “challenging the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable construction through bespoke design and offsite manufacturing”. Whether it’s through the buildings it delivers, the development of its team or making responsible decisions across its supply chain, sustainability is rooted in Integra’s values. The company has cut gas consumption by 22 per cent since 2022, with plans to remove it altogether by 2028, and has installed more than 1,000 rooftop solar panels on office and production facilities to generate 380,000KW of clean electricity capacity. An impressive waste reduction programme has seen materials sent to landfill cut from 70 per cent to 1.2 per cent in just three years, and Integra’s evolution into a multi-disciplinary, full turkey construction company has significantly increased project efficiency and sustainability. After being announced as a 2025 King’s Award winner, Integra’s CEO Gary Parker was invited to a royal reception at Windsor Castle, where he had the honour of meeting His Majesty The King, speaking to King Charles about the importance of modular as a construction method. Integra’s innovative approach was also recently highlighted at the 2025 Offsite Awards – considered the “Oscars” of the modular industry – when Integra was crowned Offsite Pioneer of the Year. Integra Managing Director Chris Turner said: “To receive not one, but two, major awards this year reflects a total commitment across our operations to set new standards and push boundaries in what modular construction can achieve. “We’ve invested significantly, not only in sustainability, but in our own operations and our people, which positions us for future growth and success. “On this special day, the Directors would like to express our thanks to our brilliant team. They have all played their part in securing these prestigious awards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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South’s biggest property show rolls out free entry for university students

South’s biggest property show rolls out free entry for university students

A conference hailed as ‘the south’s biggest property show’ will be giving university students free access in a bid to connect them with future employers. South Coast CPS, which is to be held at St. Mary’s Stadium on Thursday 13th November, will be opening its doors to students between 2pm and 5pm with entry completely free of charge. Set to welcome more than 1,500 attendees, South Coast CPS unites the south’s property, planning and investment sector for a day of learning, panel discussions, networking and more. Students will benefit from exposure to big names in the property industry such as Morgan Sindall Construction, Vail Williams and CBRE to name a few. Graduate Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis Georgia Turner will also be hosting one of the conference’s panel discussion on attracting and retaining top young talent, sharing her experience of progressing from university to a graduate role. Director of South Coast CPS Lucy Richmond said: “I’d encourage any university student to start looking into their post-graduation options as early as they can, even if they’re not sure what path they want to take yet. Not only this, students will be able to listen and learn at our range of panel discussions led by the region’s experts. “The conference is a great opportunity for them to meet potential future employers, find out about the options available to them and expose them to the industry they’ll become a part of. I’m looking forward to welcoming students to the conference once again this year and I hope they’ll come away with plenty of new insights and new connections.” To claim this offer, students must register in advance here: https://guestevent81304rpgf9zElpiIaQRBYYmgm.eventify.io/t2/tickets/9474AA To find out more about South Coast CPS and its upcoming flagship conference on Thursday 13th November, visit its website: https://www.southcoastcps.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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United Infrastructure awarded Building a Safer Future Champion status

United Infrastructure awarded Building a Safer Future Champion status

United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, has been officially awarded Building a Safer Future (BSF) Champion status, recognising its outstanding commitment to safety leadership and culture across the built environment. Following the successful completion of both Stage 1 (Leadership and Culture)and Stage 2 (Corroborating Elements) of the BSF Champion assessment, United Infrastructure has demonstrated sustained excellence in safety performance and a proactive approach to embedding best practices across all of its operations. Operating across the utility infrastructure and social infrastructure sectors, United Infrastructure’s achievement sets a powerful benchmark for the wider industry. The BSF Champion process allows organisations to measure themselves against sector-leading practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement plans to advance leadership and culture in relation to building safety. Sean Luchmun, Chief SHEQ and People Officer at United Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to achieve BSF Champion status. This award demonstrates our sustained commitment to building safely and the highest standards of safety leadership behaviours and culture. I would like to extend my thanks to Building a Safer Future for their partnership and to every United Infrastructure employee for their support in achieving this award.” Steve Elliot, Non-Executive Chair of Building a Safer Future, commented: “I am delighted to confirm United Infrastructure as our latest BSF Champion. Since receiving Stage 1 certification in December 2024, the business has made exceptional progress. This reflects a deep commitment to safety leadership and culture, alongside sustained excellence in performance across all areas. Congratulations to United Infrastructure on achieving BSF Champion status.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Headline sponsor Baxi to showcase low-carbon heating and hot water solution expertise at elementalLONDON 2025

Headline sponsor Baxi to showcase low-carbon heating and hot water solution expertise at elementalLONDON 2025

Baxi is proud to be headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025, the dedicated event for built environment professionals responsible for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in commercial and large-scale residential projects. With a full stand on C20 showcasing its low carbon heating and hot water solutions, Baxi’s heat experts are looking forward to meeting fellow professionals from across the industry at what is set to be an inspiring show on 19 to 20 November at London ExCel. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see up close: The Baxi team is looking forward to discussing the complete engineered solutions the company provides, backed with strong technical support from pre-contract design services through to commissioning and servicing. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about Baxi’s CIBSE-approved series of CPD courses, designed to support professionals in maintaining and improving competence and expertise. Baxi’s Director of External Affairs & Policy Jeff House and Head of Technical Solutions Andy Green will be among the experts offering actionable insights into decarbonisation at a series of panel sessions at the show. The first, Decarbonising Heat in Schools: Challenges and Opportunities will take place at 2:45pm on 19 November at the Climate Solutions Theatre, where the pair will be joined by Oakes Energy Services MD Nik Smith and Jim Kirby, Energy Consultant at The Priory Federation of Academies Trust. The panel will discuss existing barriers hampering progress in decarbonising UK schools, as revealed by a recent Baxi survey, and draw on experience and insight to suggest solutions and best practice approaches to accelerate uptake of heat pump deployment. For the second session, Andy Green will be joined by David Coulter, Certified Passivhaus Designer at BakerHicks to reflect on the importance of the hot water design strategy in low energy designs.  The role of point of use water heaters in meeting Passivhaus principles will use the design for Scotland’s first Passivhaus-accredited primary school, which uses Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia point of use water heaters, as a case study for achieving best practice energy performance. This session will take place at 11:25am on 20 November at the CIBSE Build2Perform Synergy Theatre. Shane Suter, Commercial Business Director at Baxi, will join the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) led panel Why Inclusion Matters: Building a Better Future in Construction at 4:20pm on 19 November in the CIBSE Influence Theatre. Baxi is one of the founding members of the CIC, and Shane is passionate about driving sustainability and decarbonisation while championing inclusive leadership and greater diversity within the industry. Shane said: “It’s well established that a shift towards low carbon heating solutions like air source heat pumps and heat networks will be essential to keep the UK on track with 2050 net zero. Yet the reality is that commercial buildings are currently not being retrofitted at the pace or scale necessary to meet our critical milestones. “ElementalLONDON will bring together like-minded industry professionals under one roof to share successful techniques and come up with achievable strategies to the heat decarbonisation challenge. That’s what makes the show such an important event and why we at Baxi are so proud to be this year’s headline sponsor. We’re looking forward to showcasing our range of low carbon heating and hot water solutions, as well as to lively debates on our stand and at our panel discussions. We can’t wait to network and talk net zero!” Further information on Baxi’s range of commercial hot water and heating solutions is available at https://www.baxi.co.uk/commercial.  Baxi is headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025 and will be exhibiting on Stand C20. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Caledonia shortlisted across four categories at prestigious industry awards

Caledonia shortlisted across four categories at prestigious industry awards

Caledonia Housing Association (CHA) has received four shortlist nominations at leading industry awards. CHA has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Awards. The CIH Awards, which recognise the creativity, passion and innovation of housing organisations and individuals across the sector in Scotland, have shortlisted CHA in the Housing Organisation of the Year category. In addition, CHA has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Accessibility and Inclusion category for the Better Homes, Brighter Futures project. The shortlisting recognises CHA’s focus on maintaining connections, responsiveness, and trust while designing and maintaining homes for all ages, abilities, and circumstances – enabling people to live well, independently, and with dignity in communities they are proud to call home. CHA has also received two shortlist nominations at this year’s HR Network National Awards which recognise, acknowledge and reward the champions of the Scottish HR profession. The People Team have been shortlisted in Leading with Kindness category while Angie Merrilees, Caledonia Organisational Development Business Partner, has been shortlisted for Business Partner of the Year. Barry Johnstone, Executive Director of People and Governance, Caledonia Housing Association, said: “We are pleased to receive nominations for four categories in these two leading industry awards. At Caledonia Housing Association, our focus is on making life better for thousands of people across eight local authority areas, providing homes to over 5,700 tenants and factoring services to 2,300 homeowners. This recognition is a real tribute to the passion and dedication of our people, who strive every day to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.” The winners of the HR Network National Awards will be revealed on Thursday, 13th November. The winners of the CIH awards will be revealed on Friday, 14th November 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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From Post-Grenfell to product standards, UK Construction Week Birmingham puts safety first

From Post-Grenfell to product standards, UK Construction Week Birmingham puts safety first

As the doors to the UK’s biggest event for the built environment prepare to open, building safety will be high on the agenda at this year’s UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham. With a wide range of exhibitors and a dedicated programme of talks, the award-winning show will spotlight best practice, compliance and the importance of meeting the highest safety standards, as well as ensuring the safety of the buildings under construction. Leading voices in the construction industry will be sharing their expertise and the latest regulatory updates, including fire safety; product regulation; working at heights; and Digital Skills Passports for workers. Taking place at the NEC from September 30th to October 2nd, UKCW Birmingham will be a bustling networking hub for all tier 1 and tier 2 contractors; housebuilders and developers; local authority and housing associations; architects; buyers and procurement experts. To help attendees get the most out of the show, UK Construction Week has launched its handy web-based app. Visitors can quickly build a personalised itinerary of talks, book meetings and navigate the floorplan all from the palm of their hand. The programme of talks on building safety includes: Tuesday September 30th Product Safety and Standards: Next Steps in Regulatory Reform Main Stage, 12.20pm With the Green Paper consultation period concluded, this session offers a timely look at the future of construction product regulation. Featuring insights from the CCPI, Construction Products Regulator and senior voices from MHCLG as well as major product users, the panel will explore what reforms are coming, how the industry should prepare, and what it means for accountability, responsibility, and compliance. Join us for a critical discussion on rebuilding trust and raising standards across the construction product supply chain. Speakers: ● Amanda Long, CEO, Code for Constructions Products Information ● Duncan Johnson, Deputy Director – Construction Product Regulation, Office for Product and Safety Standards ● Gary Neal, Head of Fire Risk Management, Skanska ● Louise Barr, Deputy Director – Construction Products Reform, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Post-Grenfell: Turning Regulation into Reality – One Year On Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub, 1.15pm A year after the final phase of the Grenfell Inquiry, the construction sector is moving from reflection to implementation, as new regulations reshape responsibilities, competency frameworks, and safety culture. This session offers updates on legislative progress, enforcement, and how businesses are adapting on the ground to meet the demands of integrity and accountability. Speakers: ●  Kevin McKeown, Chartered Fire Engineer, Pillar Fire ●  Paul Scott, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins LLP ●  Rachael Hobbis, Partner & Head of Birmingham Office, Trowers & Hamlins LLP ●  Richard Cymler, Director Registered Building Inspector Class 4 3G/H Technical Manager & Specialist Building Inspector RBCP04038R1D at Sweco Building Control Limited Wednesday October 1st Competence in Construction: The Role of CSCS cards and the Digital Skill Passport Culture Change & Skills Hub, 10.30am As expectations around safety, transparency, and accountability grow, workforce competence is becoming a central focus in construction. This panel will explore how the industry is defining, measuring, and demonstrating competence at every level, and the practical steps being taken to meet these evolving demands. It will also examine how digital tools like Digital Skills Passports and smart verification systems are transforming the way capability is evidenced across sites. Speakers: ●  Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, National Officer, GMB Union ●  Colin Marrs, Editor-in-Chief, Construction News ●  Faye Burnett, Super Sector Programme Director, Mace ●  Mark Blundy, Group Director Health & Safety, Bowmer & Kirkland Group Raising the Standard: Improving Process Control in Roofing, Cladding, and Insulation Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub, 11.30am Roofing, cladding, and insulation installations often face challenges due to inconsistent processes, unclear guidance, and a lack of shared understanding across the supply chain. This session will highlight how adopting structured methodologies – such as Construction Product Quality Planning (CPQP) – can improve quality, safety, and confidence in delivery. Drawing on real-world examples, we’ll explore how manufacturers and contractors can work together to embed clarity, consistency, and accountability at every stage of the build. Speaker: ●  Krish Parmar, CEO, Elevate Building Safety Thursday 2 October The Building Safety Act and Low-Rise Housing: Clarity, Compliance, and Consequences Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub, 11.50am While the Building Safety Act has largely focused on high-rise buildings, its implications for low-rise developments are increasingly coming into focus. This panel will unpack what the Act means for low-rise residential projects – from design accountability and compliance to resident engagement and duty-holder responsibilities. Join experts from across the sector to explore how to navigate these changes and ensure proportionate, practical implementation that doesn’t stall delivery. Speakers: ● Huw Wilkins, Senior Associate, Fenwick Elliot LLP ● Krish Parmar, CEO, Elevate Building Safety ● Nia Stewart, Partner, Burges Salmon LLP ● Olivia Jenkins, Senior Associate, Trowers & Hamlins LLP ● Tom Weller, Head of Group Building Safety, Persimmon Homes Working at Height – Risks and Compliance Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub, 1.30pm Discussion around the risks of working at height, the associated statutory requirements and how standards and training drive competency, safety and compliance. Speaker: ● Mark Collinson, Head of Technical, National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “As new legislation and regulations demand greater accountability, the focus on building safety could not be more important. At UK Construction Week (UKCW), we provide a platform to ensure safety remains at the heart of every project and corner of the construction industry.” UKCW Birmingham attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe, and will showcase a host of international exhibitors from the likes of China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey. Amongst those already confirmed are Lanes Group; Build Warranty; Reader Cement; Unibond; Xpedeon; Cure It Composites; Don & Low; Metador; and Licata. Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars and talks across five stages. To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-birmingham-2025​/cab-pr To download the show app, visit

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Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE honoured with lifetime achievement award by the London Irish Centre in the UK

Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE honoured with lifetime achievement award by the London Irish Centre in the UK

The London Irish Centre has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, the distinguished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and industry trailblazer renowned for her transformative impact on the waste management and construction sectors. The award, presented by his excellency the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Martin Fraser, recognises Jacqueline’s outstanding contribution to the Irish community in London, where she has long been a leading advocate, mentor, and supporter. Jacqueline’s career has been marked by exceptional leadership and innovation. As one of the most influential women in the construction and waste management industries, she has not only broken barriers but also championed sustainable practices, safety standards, and opportunities for others to thrive. Her remarkable achievements have been recognised on both sides of the Irish Sea. She was previously honoured by President Michael D. Higgins with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for her extraordinary commitment to the Irish diaspora, and in King Charles III’s 2023 Birthday Honours she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding contribution to recycling, safety, and industry. Speaking about the award, Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE said: ‘It is an incredible honour to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the London Irish Centre. I am deeply proud of my heritage, and it has always been important to me to give back to the Irish community in London, which has played such a vital role in my own journey. To be recognised in this way, and by the Irish Ambassador, is truly humbling.” A respected role model for women in business, Jacqueline continues to inspire future generations with her unwavering dedication to community, innovation, investment and leadership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Five Talks Empowering Women in Construction at UK Construction Week

Five Talks Empowering Women in Construction at UK Construction Week

UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, will champion women in the construction industry at its upcoming Birmingham show with a dedicated programme of panel discussions, skills workshops and networking opportunities. Taking place at the NEC from 30 September to 2 October, this year’s event will address the sector’s ongoing challenges of representation and retention, while showcasing the development opportunities available for women to drive greater diversity in the construction industry. Now in its 10th year and with a theme of ‘where decisions are made’, UKCW Birmingham will be celebrating the impact of women shaping the built environment. The programme of talks and workshops include sessions intended to inspire leadership, drive cultural change, and create meaningful connections across the industry.  Talk highlights include: Wednesday 1st October Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub, 10.30am Unlock the Power Within: A Leadership Activation  An energising session with Natalie Baksheieva, Executive Coach and Trainer. Discover practical strategies to build clarity, confidence, and leadership skills for every stage of your career.  Digital Construction Hub, 3.30pm Crafting Business Brilliance – Women in BIM Panel  Hear from Women in BIM experts on how generative AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and agility in construction. Speakers include Emma Rees, Wates Smartspace; Hadeel Saadoon, Turner & Townsend; Lilian Ho, Aecom; and Mairead Gallager-Morgan, Grimshaws.   Digital Construction Hub, 4.15pm Women in BIM Networking Session  Connect directly with Women in BIM experts, exchange insights, and share experiences in an informal, one-to-one setting. This is expected to be a popular event, therefore seats are reserved on a first come first served basis. Visitors can easily book their seat using UKCW’s dedicated show app.  Thursday October 2nd Culture Change & Skills Hub, 1.15pm – 3.15pm Building Connections: Meet Women Who Shape Construction  Join a dynamic networking session moderated by Monique Wintle-Camp with panellists Siu Mun Li, director at Siu-lutions; Holly Kattenhorn, Senior Construction Manager at L.A. Kattenhorn & Partners; Renee Preston, CEO at Gallaway Construction & Founder, Construction for Women; and Sam McCabe, Sustainable Buildings Lead Scotland & Passive House Designer at WSP & Women in Property, who all volunteer for NAWIC (The National Association of Women in Construction). Engage in practical networking exercises, small group reflections, and conversations that explore challenges and opportunities for women in construction, and how to build a stronger, more inclusive industry. Whether you’re new to the sector or a seasoned professional, come along to share, learn, and expand your network in a supportive environment. This long format session will feature the following: Round Table at the Build Connect Lounge, 11am Women Leaders in Construction – Beyond Allyship: Conversations for Leaders Who Want to Get It Right  Bringing together a small group of industry leaders for a closed-door roundtable on lived experiences, leadership, and building inclusive cultures. Led by Monique Wintle-Camp, MD at Wintle-Camp Coaching, hear directly from women in construction about their lived experiences and reflect on what that means for your leadership, culture, and company.  Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “It was important for us to put women’s voices and experiences at the forefront of this year’s show – not just to spotlight the fantastic leaders already making waves in the built environment, but to also challenge the industry to do more. It needs to move faster on diversity and cultural change to ensure retention and inspire more women to consider a career in construction. This year’s programme has been designed to inspire reflection and action to ensure the next decade of UKCW reflects a more inclusive and dynamic community.”  UKCW Birmingham attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe, and will showcase a host of international exhibitors from the likes of China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey. Amongst those already confirmed are Lanes Group; Build Warranty; Reader Cement; Unibond; Xpedeon; Cure It Composites; Don & Low; Metador; and Licata. Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars and talks across five stages.  To help attendees get the most out of the show, UK Construction Week has launched its handy web-based app. Visitors can quickly build a personalised itinerary of talks, book meetings and navigate the floorplan all from the palm of their hand.  To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-birmingham-2025​/cab-pr To download the show app, visit https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/ukcw-app. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Spotlight on Retrofit at UK Construction Week Birmingham

Spotlight on Retrofit at UK Construction Week Birmingham

UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham has joined forces with the National Retrofit Hub to deliver a dedicated seminar programme on retrofit. Visitors can expect insightful sessions covering topics such as upgrading and decarbonising the nation’s housing stock, driving innovation in retrofit practices, and exploring how retrofitting is an essential strategy in the race to Net Zero. On Day Two (Wednesday 1 October), the focus on the Housing Action Hub turns to retrofit’s role in reducing whole-life carbon emissions and strengthening climate resilience, with expert-led seminars. In addition, a number of other stages at the three day event will feature Retrofit focused talks and seminars. Once again, UKCW Birmingham will place itself at the heart of this critical national conversation. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, UKCW Birmingham (30 September – 2 October, NEC) returns under the theme “where decisions are made.” Across three days, visitors will experience an unmissable line-up of big-name speakers, CPD-accredited talks, live demonstrations, product launches, technical workshops, and unrivalled networking opportunities. The programme of talks on retrofit includes: Main Stage Wednesday October 1st, 10.30am Retrofit Revolution: Meeting Citizen Demand for Warmer, Greener Homes  At this session, you’ll learn about the latest research and insights on what drives demand for retrofit and decarbonisation. We’ll discuss the critical role householders play in enabling the transformation to low-carbon, low-cost, healthy homes, and how we all can better work with citizens to increase uptake and grow the retrofit sector. Speakers: Housing Action Hub Wednesday October 1st, 12.15pm Enabling Retrofit Innovation : RetroNetZero This seminar will present tools and resources published by the project that can help innovators and specifiers alike. We’ll explore regulatory pathways, discuss where innovators need to go to test and demonstrate their solutions and consider how regulation can better realise the health co-benefits of retrofit.  Speakers: Wednesday October 1st, 1.15pm Retrofit Connect: Birmingham & Stoke Update on Street Demos A panel of experts will showcase pioneering stories from the Retrofit Connect programme – part of the National Retrofit Hub’s strategy to enable equitable, locally led retrofit at scale. Speakers: Wednesday October 1st, 2.15pm Retrofit and Whole Life Carbon: What’s the Consensus? The UKCW panel dives into practical strategies for transforming existing structures into climate-resilient, low-carbon assets—from smart energy upgrades to sustainable materials. Join experts to explore how retrofitting can drive environmental impact, meet rising tenant demands, and future-proof the built environment. Speakers: Net Zero Hub Wednesday October 1st, 2pm Building a Sustainable Future: Retrofitting for Climate Resilience This session will bring together those behind some of the big standards, campaigns and solutions for reducing whole life carbon emissions, particularly in the retention and retrofit of existing buildings. The conversation will be far-reaching and consider policy, materiality, economics, and community needs. Speakers: To help attendees get the most out of the show, UK Construction Week has launched its handy web-based app. Visitors can quickly build a personalised itinerary of talks, book meetings and navigate the floorplan, including viewing the Net Zero Trail, all from the palm of their hand.  Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “Retrofitting buildings has never been a more crucial part of construction and the pursuit of Net Zero, hence why we’re dedicating so many hours of UKCW seminars to discuss and dissect this important topic.” Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of seminars and talks across five stages – all of which are CPD accredited. Visitors will also be able to hear from a stellar line-up of speakers across the Culture Change & Skills Hub, Net Zero Hub, Housing Action Hub, and Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub.  Visitors to UKCW can also elevate their experience with an exclusive VIP Pass for just £99 per day. The pass allows VIP guests to skip the queues with fast-track entry, relax in the exclusive VIP Lounge with complimentary coffee, a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a dedicated Wi-Fi network throughout the day. Free parking at the venue is also included in the purchase of the ticket.  To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-birmingham-2025​/cab-pr To download the show app, visit https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/ukcw-app. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pilbeam Construction wins Sussex Heritage Trust award for Newhaven Fort restoration

Pilbeam Construction wins Sussex Heritage Trust award for Newhaven Fort restoration

Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction has been honoured with a prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Award for its outstanding work on the £7.5 million restoration of Newhaven Fort, funded by UK Government. Pilbeam marked the occasion by presenting a commemorative plaque to Newhaven Fort, which is now proudly displayed on site for visitors to see. The 12-month project, delivered in close collaboration with Historic England, transformed the Scheduled Monument into a vibrant visitor destination to attract wider audiences.  Andrew Arrow, director of Pilbeam Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this award in the Public and Community category recognising the restoration of Newhaven Fort, which was a complex and rewarding project. “It required careful liaison with Historic England and with multiple specialist contractors. “Since the Fort reopened this year, we hear it is now so popular at weekends and during the holidays that visitors are being advised to book in advance.”  Pilbeam’s specialist team, which has extensive experience in restoring heritage buildings, tackled serious damp issues, restored 18 casemates (vaults), and upgraded facilities to create welcoming exhibition and event spaces. The project involved more than 30 different elements, including removing 300 cubic metres of soil to install drainage and prevent water ingress, repointing and masonry repairs to casemate frontages, recladding the Romney Hut to create a flexible event space and repairing WWII gun emplacements and canopies. Accessibility improvements and upgrades to handrails and edge protection were also completed, along with specialist concrete and steelwork repairs using hydro demolition and sprayed concrete techniques. Pilbeam’s site manager Simon Hepworth, a Newhaven resident, brought local insight and personal passion to the project. Two of the restored casemates are now available for venue hire, helping the site expand its appeal beyond military history enthusiasts. Duncan Kerr, chief executive at Wave Active, which operates Newhaven Fort, on behalf of Lewes District Council said: “This award is a testament to the incredible work carried out by Pilbeam and the wider team. Their efforts have safeguarded a vital community asset and helped put Newhaven on the map as a heritage destination.” Project partners included Pritchard Architecture, HOP Consulting, IWA M&E Consulting Engineers, MEA and many others, who worked together to preserve and enhance the fort for future generations. Ryan Stock from heritage specialists Pritchard Architecture added: “We’re so proud our work has secured this prestigious award. “The project broke new ground in the preservation of fortifications, setting a precedent that has since inspired similar efforts by other organisations and our radical interventions will secure the future of the fort for future generations.” The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards have been running for nearly 30 years and are designed to recognise and reward the highest quality conservation, restoration and design of newly built projects, while encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts. Councillor Johnny Denis, cabinet member for arts, culture and tourism and leisure at Lewes District Council said: “With its rich history, Newhaven Fort is a unique local landmark and through this extensive preservation work, many of its key features have been safeguarded for the future. I am delighted that the project has been recognised with this award, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.” For further information visit: www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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