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

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

Boost Your Business and Drive the Retrofit Revolution at the West Midlands Retrofit Summit – Part of Retrofit Action Week!  Housing providers, construction professionals, and all stakeholders in domestic housing retrofit are urged to register now for the West Midlands Retrofit Summit, a pivotal online event taking place over the mornings of on May 13th, 14th, and 15th. Hosted by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), this summit forms a key part of the wider Retrofit Action Week in the West Midlands, a region-wide initiative dedicated to accelerating the transition to energy-efficient homes and reducing fuel poverty.  This essential summit offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights, forge crucial connections, and unlock business growth within the rapidly expanding retrofit market. Tailored content across three focused mornings will address the most pressing needs and opportunities for those working across the domestic retrofit landscape, including:  The West Midlands Retrofit Summit is a cornerstone of Retrofit Action Week, a dynamic program featuring a range of events designed to raise awareness, share best practices, and drive action on home energy efficiency. Alongside the summit, the week includes in-person events like Birmingham Green Doors Open Homes, advice drop-in sessions with Act on Energy – RAW West Midlands 2025 Community Partner, Solihull Council and Kenilworth Eco Fair, as well as online resources and webinars addressing specific retrofit challenges like tackling underfloor heat loss.  Don’t miss this crucial opportunity to:  Register for the West Midlands Retrofit Summit free here Retrofit Action Week, West Midlands takes place from May 10-18, 2025. For full details and event registration, visit www.actionretrofit.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

As businesses across the South West adapt to new hybrid working models, Gloucester’s £107 million Forum development is becoming the region’s go-to destination for modern, flexible workspaces. Led by Gloucester City Council in partnership with Reef + Partners, Forum is redefining what office life can look like in a post-pandemic world—offering sustainable, high-spec environments tailored to innovation, wellbeing and collaboration. The first major tenant to occupy the space is Fasthosts, the internet services and web hosting provider, which relocated its 250-strong team to Forum in December 2024. The company now occupies all 19,000 sq ft of No 2 Cathedral Walk, spanning five floors. The firm has seen office attendance rise since the move, with staff embracing the mix of hot-desking, breakout areas, soundproof booths, and wellness features including multi-faith rooms, kitchenettes on every floor, and a communal kitchen and breakfast area on the top floor. To further foster a positive culture, the company also runs gaming sessions, art nights and lunch clubs. With flexible work models now the norm, 88% of UK workers were required to attend the office at least part-time in 2024, Forum’s blend of design and functionality positions it as a hub for forward-thinking businesses. Forum offers: Alongside its commercial offering, Forum includes Whitefriars, a residential development of 19 award-winning energy-efficient apartments, with another 24 units planned for completion by 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals