STARK Building Materials UK has won the prestigious HR Excellence Award for Best HR Technology Strategy, in partnership with AdviserPlus. The Award was made in recognition of the successful collaboration between STARK UK, one of the UK’s leading group of builders’ merchants and materials distributors, and technology partner AdviserPlus, who together delivered a bespoke digital Employee Relations (ER) solution to support the company’s branch managers to self-serve people matters. Over the past two and a half years, STARK UK has been undertaking a comprehensive organisation transformation to provide the form of modern merchant proposition that general builders and the professional trades need. Central to the company’s improvements has been simplifying the organisation to put branch teams at the heart of its now highly efficient operations so that they are in the best position to support customers with their business and project needs. Providing branch teams with the right technology solutions has helped make line managers’ people management tasks easier and quicker to complete. Giving managers a technology-enabled approach to ER has also boosted their capability and confidence, as part of a transformed colleague experience. Carol Kavanagh, STARK UK’s HR Director said: “Focusing on the things that service our branch colleagues is core to our HR transformation strategy. Increasingly, we are working in partnership with branch teams to make sure the solutions we develop match their needs. There’s still lots to do and I am hugely proud of how the team continues to deliver at pace, engaging the business and always with our colleagues and customers in mind.” Simon Fowler, CEO of AdviserPlus and Empowering People Group, added: “This award is a brilliant recognition of the power of combining technology and partnerships that align with business goals. Working with STARK UK to build a solution that genuinely empowers their managers and transforms their employee experience perfectly aligns with our mission. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and trust come together to simplify complex HR challenges.” With 70% of employee relations tasks now manager-led, the outsourced ER advice has helped to ensure that HR support can be focused on the other important people areas that will help branch managers the most. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The comprehensive redevelopment of the iconic Television Centre site in White City, West London—the former headquarters of the BBC—has progressed significantly as Mitsui Fudosan celebrated the topping out of its Phase 2 structures. The buildings structurally completed are The Ariel, a 25-storey residential tower providing 167 homes designed by AHMM, and Scenery House, a mid-rise residential block containing 180 homes designed by dRMM. The milestone was observed with a traditional Japanese Sake Barrel Breaking Ceremony, known as ‘kagami-biraki’. Adhering to this custom, representatives from the client, Mitsui Fudosan, the development manager, Stanhope, and the main contractor, Multiplex, used a wooden mallet to break open the lid of the sake barrel before raising a celebratory toast to the progress achieved on site. Once finished, these two developments will collectively deliver 347 new homes, which range from studio apartments to larger townhouses intended for local families, totalling 470,000 sq ft of residential space. Both buildings are currently scheduled for completion during Q3 2027 and introduce the distinct creative visions of two Stirling Prize-winning architectural firms to the White City area. These join the recently completed Macfarlane Place, which was delivered at the end of 2024 and provides 142 affordable homes for Peabody across two buildings, having been designed by Maccreanor Lavington, who is also a recipient of the Stirling Prize. The overall scheme, which will ultimately deliver nearly 1.5 million sq ft of development across the former BBC site, represents one of Mitsui Fudosan’s most significant and ambitious projects globally. The masterplan, conceptualised by AHMM, is fundamentally focused on the reinvention of the iconic Grade II listed Television Centre building and its immediately recognisable rotunda, complemented by the creation of new outdoor spaces by landscape architects Gillespies. The buildings forming Phase 2 of the masterplan have been consciously designed to possess unique character while complementing both each other and the structures already established throughout the wider estate. These specific buildings will finalise the masterplan and further integrate the site with the local community by creating a new pedestrian connection through interlinking streets leading directly to Hammersmith Park. Takeshi Iwama, Chief Executive of Mitsui Fudosan UK, commented: “The topping out of Phase 2 of the Television Centre masterplan marks a significant milestone in both the realisation of the original masterplan for the site and the wider White City regeneration area vision to deliver homes throughout the area. Television Centre is part of a regeneration project which includes Westfield shopping centre, White City Place (formerly the BBC’s headquarters) and Imperial College London which seeks to bring together a rich mix of communities across the area. It demonstrates Mitsui Fudosan’s continuing commitment to London, the living sector, quality design and sustainable construction.” The expansive 14-acre Television Centre site is held by a joint venture partnership between Mitsui Fudosan and AIMCo, with Stanhope acting as the asset manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

2025 has become one of the most significant years of recognition for the Study Inn Brand, as the high quality serviced student accommodation provider secures wins on both the National and European stage, including best private hall in four top UK Cities and Best in Class Resident Wellbeing Programme in Europe. Study Inn achieved exceptional results in the Student Crowd Awards 2025, where winners were selected from 22,179 verified student reviews across 37 UK locations. Study Inn Bristol; Study Inn Exeter; Study Inn Leeds; and Study Inn Loughborough were each awarded Best Property in their respective cities. These awards are especially meaningful as they reflect real student sentiment, highlighting consistent excellence in service, safety, facilities, location, value for money, experience, and overall satisfaction. Study Inn was awarded Best Resident Wellbeing Programme 2025 at The Class Foundation’s Best in Class Awards, held in Lisbon. In a highly competitive field of leading UK and pan-European operators, the judges recognised Study Inn’s commitment to creating a student living experience that prioritises mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. The Group’s sector-first wellness spas, meditation rooms, housekeeping service, free English lessons, vibrant events calendar, and 24/7 on-site teams played a significant part in securing the accolade. Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations, commented: “Winning these awards is an incredible honour and a true reflection of our teams’ passion and dedication. It demonstrates that our focus on wellbeing, service, community and value for money is making a very real difference for our residents, and that is where it matters most.” Study Inn continues its momentum at the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards 2025 next month, where the Group is shortlisted for five national awards; Operator of the Year; Best Student Experience in Accommodation; Developer of the Year; Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative; and Halls of Residence Awards. This follows last year’s national success, where Study Inn won Best Student Wellbeing Programme 2024 at the same event. Since its formation in 2009, Study Inn has continued to elevate the student accommodation experience through a hotel-style service model that includes 24/7 on-site staff and concierge, regular housekeeping, wellness spas, meditation rooms, yoga studios, gyms, cinema rooms, superfast Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, secure key-card access, and a curated social programme that helps residents build community. With major award wins now spanning local, national, and European levels, it reinforces Study Inn’s position as one of the leading operators in the student accommodation sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Clegg Construction bid manager Cian Webb has received a shining accolade after being highlighted as a Rising Star at the Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards. Cian, 24, who joined Clegg Construction six years ago as an apprentice, received his award at a gala evening held at the Natural History Museum in London. MD of Clegg Construction Michael Sims said: “In his time at Clegg Construction, Cian has made a remarkable impact that sets him apart as a potential future leader in the construction industry. “He exudes the energy, curiosity and integrity that define a true rising star. He inspires others through his work ethic and commitment to excellence. It’s rare to find someone who combines talent, humility and drive the way Cian does. “We’re thrilled that he has been recognised in the national Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards as a Rising Star and congratulate him on his success.” After joining Clegg Construction’s Nottingham head office, Cian undertook a fully funded part-time Construction Management degree course at Nottingham Trent University. He quickly progressed from construction trainee to assistant site manager before making the move into the pre-construction department as an assistant bid manager. Following completion of his undergraduate degree in 2024, he was promoted to bid manager. Since then, Cian has contributed to all aspects of Clegg Construction’s tender submissions, working closely with key specialists in his team to develop robust and transparent tender proposals. Over the past 12 months he has been involved in successful bids totalling more than £100m. Clegg Construction pre-construction director Christian White said: “Since I have known Cian, he has poured himself into every opportunity and grown into someone we all rely on. His bids are always delivered to the highest standard and his natural drive to win sets him apart. Promoting Cian wasn’t just recognition of his skills – it was recognition of his character. I’m proud to see how far he has come and to have him on our team.” The Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards recognise exceptional companies and individuals who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation, and contributions to the construction industry. Actor Stephen Mangan hosted the CCS gala awards. With its headquarters in the Lace Market, Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a comprehensive range of sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

In 2026, dare to think bigger just like the dramatist turned architect did, as Blenheim Palace announces an all-new immersive visual experience for visitors. The Blueprints of Power exhibition will run from 14th February until 10th April next year, marking the tercentenary of the death of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726). The significant new experience will shine a light on Sir John Vanbrugh’s brilliant mind, his rivalries and ambitions and take visitors on an interactive journey from his early life and theatrics as playwright all the way to his high-stakes partnership with Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough. Blueprints of Power will combine immersive visual experiences with rare archival material, recognisable outfits and costumes and the dramatic stories behind them. Visitors will be able to step back in time and discover how this flamboyant architect’s ties to high society helped define an age. From a building site in the early 1700s to Britain’s Greatest Palace as we know it today, the tailor-made exhibition will span the Palace encompassing the Great Hall, China Anteroom, Dining Room, Drawing Rooms, State Rooms, Saloon and more, right up to the rooftop. Often described as ‘The Rockstar of English Baroque’, Vanbrugh was one of the most prominent architects of his time and is celebrated for his design of Blenheim Palace and his many other achievements including his work as a dramatist and political activist.  Blueprints of Power forms part of the national celebration coordinated by the Georgian Group that will take place in 2026, his tercentenary year. This national collaboration benefits from a £193,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. Vanbrugh 300 will feature a variety of events, exhibitions and activities at six of the architect’s most significant creations including Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard, Seaton Delaval Hall, Grimsthorpe Castle, Kimbolton Castle and Stowe House.  For more information about the upcoming Blueprints of Power exhibition, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/blueprints-of-power.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bellrock’s team and its data-driven Concerto CAFM solution improves transparency and maintenance response times  Facilities management industry disruptor Bellrock has triumphed in the 2025 IWFM Awards, picking up the IWFM Impact Award for Workplace Experience: Non-office/Corporate Environment, for the deployment of its integrated CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management system), Concerto, with the London Fire Brigade (LFB).  In presenting the award, the judges said: “This entry stood out for its exceptional management of complex FM (Facilities Management) environments, making a tangible difference for the front-line teams.” When Bellrock began working with the LFB in 2021, their growing property portfolio was becoming increasingly challenging to manage. With a real estate of 102 fire stations and one river station across the capital – 63% of which were over 50 years old – there was a constant and substantial maintenance requirement, alongside friction among service personnel at the way the process was managed by the incumbent operator. Through partnering with Bellrock, LFB stakeholders recognised an opportunity to better maintain their buildings, freeing up their time to focus on the job in hand – saving lives.  Bellrock deployed its data-driven CAFM system, Concerto, across the LFB estate, and embedded a dedicated Bellrock team within LFB’s own team to ensure the system would align with operational realities. The solution includes a web portal where all LFB employees can request new work, track the progress of ongoing jobs, flag any issues with suppliers working on projects, and access a 24/7 helpline. The portal also includes video and user guides, and a roadmap showing how smart technologies can be used to manage buildings more efficiently, and support carbon reduction goals. The solution has been constantly developed and iterated since it was first deployed. Recent enhancements include Escalation Tags to enable personnel to see which jobs need to be escalated; Tiles, which enables jobs in any defined category such as “Urgent” or “Attended but incomplete” to be grouped in one view; and Customised Dashboards, which enable personnel to create their own views of ongoing projects.  The portal has created transparency between LFB employees and FM operations. It has also improved customer satisfaction, and reduced administrative overheads and a reliance on phone and email to raise and track issues.  As one LFB Borough Commander puts it: “Historically, most of the gripes from staff were about property problems and the systems we had in place to send up faults. The portal has put an end to all this. Officers can track and trace jobs and see exactly what’s happening. It’s cut down massively on repetitive work and frustration for station-based staff.” Between 1st April 2021, when Concerto was deployed, and 1st March 2025, LFB employees have raised 207,044 Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) requests, as well as 47,270 reactive work orders. They have also reviewed 11,345 quotes, and raised 2,576 recalls. In that time, the platform has delivered £1.6m in savings on approved quotes, and the pass rate for PPM Certificates on initial submission has risen from 70% to 92%. Claire Page, Head of Property at LFB, and her team, have demonstrated the successful initiative to multiple other fire services and agencies across the country, including Essex, Kent, County Durham and Darlington fire services and the Ministry of Defence. “This award is testimony to the efficiencies and improvements that Concerto brings to the FM arena,” said Mark Tyson, Managing Director of Bellrock’s Intelligent Asset Care division. “London Fire Brigade employees can now see for themselves how their buildings are functioning, track the progress of repairs and other projects, and easily raise new tickets when they come across a problem that needs addressing. The feedback we have had suggests this has had a positive effect on morale across the service, freeing firefighters up to do what they do best, which is to save lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction Ltd has been recognised for its industry-leading approach to collaboration and project delivery, with the Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement project winning the Judges’ Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s National Highways Asset Community East (ACE) “Better Together” Awards. Delivered through National Highways’ Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) in the East Region, the project exemplified Winvic’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, customer excellence, and health and safety leadership. The vital scheme addressed the urgent replacement of deteriorated expansion joints on the A14 Orwell Bridge – a critical transport link connecting the Port of Felixstowe to the wider UK road network. Despite the complex technical and logistical challenges, the project was delivered safely on time, and within budget. From the earliest planning stages, close collaboration between Winvic, National Highways, WSP, Chevron, Maurer, and Roocroft was central to its success. Innovative techniques such as hydro demolition safeguarded the bridge’s structure, bespoke engineering solutions resolved complex design issues, and advanced traffic modelling minimised disruption for road users. The judges selected the Orwell Bridge project for its exemplary demonstration of collaboration, customer focus, and stakeholder engagement at every stage – from early planning through to delivery. They commended the extensive communication and engagement efforts carried out before any works began, ensuring public awareness, customer confidence, and minimal disruption. This partnership-driven approach reduced the construction programme from a potential 175 days to just 37 days, saving £9 million, while also achieving outstanding results in environmental performance, community engagement, and social value. Local suppliers were engaged throughout the project to strengthen the regional economy and reduce environmental impact. The team delivered a range of community initiatives, including school visits to promote safety awareness to over 120 pupils at Morland Primary School, volunteering at St. Elizabeth’s Hospice’s pop-up shop in Ipswich, and participating in public engagement events such as the Suffolk Show and Buttermarket Centre to promote road safety and raise awareness of the scheme. The award was presented by Paul Bowman, Chair of Asset Community East and representative from Colas. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure said:“Winning the Judges’ Outstanding Achievement Award for the Orwell Bridge project is a proud moment for everyone involved. This success highlights how collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to safety and customer focus can turn complex challenges into industry-leading results. It’s an honour to see our project team and supply chain partners recognised for delivering excellence on such an important piece of infrastructure.” Winvic was also shortlisted in multiple categories – including Customer Experience of the Year, Project/Team of the Year, and Collaborative Project/Team of the Year – and continues to champion best practice across the sector. As both a finalist and a sponsor of this year’s awards, Winvic reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the UK’s highways network. Rob Barron, National Highways Supplier Relationship Manager East said:“The Orwell Bridge project has been recognised for exemplifying the Asset Community East’s ethos of “Better Together”. The Judges commended the initiative for its outstanding collaboration, customer-centric approach, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement throughout every phase – from early planning through to successful delivery. This Award honours all those involved for their unwavering commitment to partnership and collaborative working. The Judges were particularly impressed with the proactive communication and engagement strategies deployed before any physical works began. These efforts ensured good public awareness, built customer confidence, and minimised disruption – setting a benchmark for infrastructure projects across the region.” Richard Salter, WSP’s Technical Director said: “The Orwell scheme was a shining example of the collaboration that can be achieved through a mature and experienced supplier relationship on the Scheme Delivery Framework. Working together on numerous schemes such as M20 Medway and Allington, A404 Bisham Brook and M3 Bramley Wood enabled WSP and Winvic to build a trusting partnership enhancing our ability to succeed on such a complex and high-profile scheme as Orwell. I look forward to continuing this pattern of success through the remainder of the framework.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Join National Highways Asset Community East on LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Galliford Try’s refurbishment of the Stonebow Unit has received high praise, earning a ‘Highly Commended’ recognition in the Refurbishment Project of the Year category at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Management (IHEEM) Awards. The £12.6 million project, delivered by Galliford Try Building West Midlands and South West for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, has significantly upgraded facilities for adult, older adult, and dementia patients. The refurbishment created 39 single en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, providing patients with easy access to outdoor gardens, while freeing up the first floor for improved staff welfare spaces. The refurbishment, designed by Design Buro, incorporated the latest innovations in care, presenting adaptable, interlinked wards tailored to patients’ needs and aligning with the Modernising the Mental Health Act 2018. The regulation aims to eliminate dormitory-style accommodation, supporting staff in creating spaces to meet the varied needs of adults, older adults, and those living with dementia. Galliford Try delivered the scheme using its Millimetres Matter approach, a rigorous standard for quality, safety, and functionality in mental health environments. Key features include anti-ligature fittings, tamper-proof lighting, coordinated lighting and CCTV for better visibility, and Knauf Shaft Wall systems that maximise corridor space without compromising structural integrity. The design also prioritised sustainability, with passive energy-saving measures such as solar control glazing, roof-mounted photovoltaics, and high thermal efficiency to reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of the UK’s leading testing specialists is celebrating after landing its largest ever distribution agreement. Staht has joined forces with Leach’s to broaden its reputation in the scaffolding sector and provide new routes to market for the firm’s products that are delivering new digital pull testing and proof loading technology. The breakthrough deal comes after the Black Country-based firm sealed Product of the Year 2025 at the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards in Manchester. Its t25 Digital Pull Tester impressed a high-profile judging panel for its innovation and impact on site safety, not to mention the way the company’s technology is reshaping scaffolding practices across the UK. Compact, cloud-connected and built for rigorous verification of anchors and safety eyebolts up to 25 kN, the product is replacing analogue gauges and paper records with a streamlined digital workflow. Each test is instantly captured and securely logged, ensuring traceability, compliance, and faster documentation on every job. “This award is a milestone for the team and our customers,” explained Staht Managing Director Rob Hirst, who collected the prize in front of hosts Clare Balding and Alex Jones and guests Leigh Francis and Mike Tindall. “The t25 makes tie testing faster, clearer and properly documented, which means safer scaffolds, fewer revisits and immediate proof of compliance on every job. We are proud to see digital testing becoming the new standard in scaffolding.” The recognition reinforces Staht’s role in advancing the industry from manual gauges and paperwork to digital, verifiable reporting that supports compliance with BS 8539, BS 7883, and NASC TG4 guidance. With every test automatically logged and tamper proof, scaffolders can show clear evidence of safety and professionalism. “It has been a real breakthrough year for the business, with the recent Leach’s distribution agreement and ongoing work with 360 Degrees Consultancy, which publicly uses the t25 and t60 for rigorous pull testing,” added Rob. “We are on course to pass the £1m barrier in 2026 and, in order to build on this, we have increased our team to six people with a new marketing specialist joining to help us tell our story.” David Bezant, Marketing Manager at Leach’s, concluded: “The t25 is revolutionising the market and our distribution agreement with Staht marks an exciting chapter for both companies. “The feedback we have had already is fantastic and it’s a true testament to the hard work Rob and the team have put in to create world-class, industry leading products.” For further information, please visit www.staht.com or follow the company across its social media channels Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals