Business : Awards, Trade Shows & Events News
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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SEGRO goes double platinum for world-firsts in digital excellence

SEGRO goes double platinum for world-firsts in digital excellence

SEGRO V-Park Grand Union has become the first industrial and logistics building in the world to achieve WiredScore Platinum certification Located in Park Royal, SEGRO V-Park Grand Union is a six-storey urban logistics development that has been recognised for its outstanding digital infrastructure. Awarded following a rigorous assessment, the WiredScore

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Business : Awards, Trade Shows & Events News

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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SUFFOLK CONSULTANTS IN RUNNING FOR NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CONSTRUCTION AWARD

Suffolk consultants in running for national healthcare construction award

An Ipswich-based construction consultancy is in the running for a national award for its work in delivering the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Newmarket Community Hospital.  Castons Artelia has earned a place on the shortlist in the New Build Project of the Year category at the Healthcare Estates Awards after project managing and quantity surveying for the centre’s construction last year in collaboration with partners KLH Architects, JSH, Morgan Sindall, Sweco and the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) The CDC has proven an instant success for WSFT, seeing more than 6,000 patients and completing almost 8,900 examinations in its first 100 days alone. Adam Fuller, Senior Project Surveyor at Castons, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. “The Newmarket Hospital CDC is a project we are truly proud of, bringing together our local partners to deliver a healthcare facility that is already making waves in the way it is revolutionising community healthcare.  “Of course we are hoping for a win – but regardless, the real winners are the people living in and around Newmarket who now have access to first-class diagnostic facilities right on their doorstep, delivered by their incredible local NHS teams.”  The CDC uses equipment at the forefront of technology to provide the highest quality care while tackling waiting times and optimising patient experience. Features include MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound scanners, alongside equipment to provide both heart and lung scans. For MRI patients specifically, the centre helped reduce the Trust’s waiting list by 37% in just six months. Nicola Booth, Head of Estates and Development at WSFT, said: “We are delighted that our new Community Diagnostics Centre has been nominated for this award. “It is thanks to the hard work and collaborative efforts of everyone involved that we were able to deliver this project on time, under budget, exceeding exceptional carbon reduction targets in the design and construction.  “We are seeing that this facility is making a real difference, and has helped us improve waiting times and ensure patients get the care they need much more quickly, in a high quality, modern facility.” Hosted every year, the Healthcare Estates Awards recognise excellence in the delivery of healthcare facilities, awarding businesses for their work which showcase originality, innovation and quality.  Representatives from Castons Artelia will join their fellow shortlisted businesses at the awards ceremony in Manchester on October 21.  More information on Castons Artelia and its services can be found at www.castons.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Devon and Somerset have the highest number of chimney fires in England

Devon and Somerset have the highest number of chimney fires in England

New Government data of fire and rescue service incidents analysed by HETAS for Chimney Fire Safety Week (CFSW), reveals that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to 181 chimney fires over the last year, the most out of all counties in England.   Dorset and Wiltshire follow in close second with a combined 113 chimney fires; Hereford and Worcester are third with a combined 95; North Yorkshire follows in fourth with 90; and Norfolk fifth with 86 chimney fires reported between April 2024 and March 2025.    During this period, there were 2,019 chimney fires in England, 5% less than the year before and accounting for 0.33% of the total fires in the country. While chimney fires are steadily decreasing, recent data shows that more than 1.5 million stoves are currently installed across just over 60% of UK households – a number which is steadily increasing.   The Government fire statistics, reviewed by HETAS as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s annual CFSW – a national campaign in partnership with the Government’s Fire Kills campaign, Industry, and fire and rescue services to promote positive safety messages to consumers – align with HETAS’ own national research into consumer burning habits.   Also released today, HETAS’ data delves into the potential causes of chimney fires throughout the UK. It found that across all 88 counties surveyed in the UK, nearly 1 in 10 wood-burning stove owners leave it two or more years to sweep their chimney or never get it swept at all, whilst a fifth have either never serviced their appliance or are unsure if they have.    Calvin May, Head of Technical & Certification at HETAS, said: “Our latest data reveals some interesting insights into the potential causes of these chimney fires, reiterating the need for our annual awareness campaign; we even discovered that some stove owners weren’t aware their appliance needs regular, ongoing maintenance. Regularly servicing your solid fuel appliance and sweeping your chimney is essential to help reduce these annual chimney fire figures even further.  “No matter what type of chimney you have or whether it is lined or not, wood-burning stove owners are advised by industry to have their chimneys swept twice a year if they burn wood, and at least once every 12 months if using smokeless fuels. Appliances should be installed by a competent professional and serviced annually, using a HETAS registered servicing engineer for continued safety and compliance.   “If a chimney isn’t regularly swept then a sticky, tar-like substance called creosote builds up on the inner walls of the chimney flue – building much more rapidly if the appliance is poorly maintained or the wood isn’t properly seasoned – which can ignite and cause a chimney fire to rapidly spread.”   Jon Quinn, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Home Safety Committee said: “Chimney Fire Safety Week is an important reminder that regular sweeping and maintenance are essential in reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.  “The National Fire Chiefs Council also urge households to fit and test smoke alarms as they provide early warning of a fire and save lives. We also recommend installing a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to poisonous leaks. Smoke and Carbon monoxide alarms should be tested at least once a month to make sure they are working.  By taking these simple steps, families can stay warm and safe as we move into the colder months.”  Dr Nicki Harvey founder of Dr Sweep, a chimney and stove service company based in the West Midlands, who also suffered from CO poisoning from a faulty gas fire in her first home, also adds: “It’s so important to get your chimney and your appliance checked and swept regularly, and to test your smoke and CO alarm. By doing so, the stove will work better and more efficiently, it will be cleaner, and most importantly, it will be safer for you and your family.   “An experienced sweep can offer advice on how best to burn fuel or to use your stove controls. They can also spot and fix any issues early on, giving you peace of mind when using and enjoying your stove.”   HETAS’ findings revealed that a small percentage of consumers, over 1 in 10, either do not check if their fuel is certified ‘Ready to Burn’ or only check sometimes. Furthermore, 1 in 5 stove users nationally reported growing their own wood rather than buying it in person or online, with a small number (4%) of respondents voicing concerns around the cost of living.  Calvin continues: “With the recent energy price cap increase announced by Ofgem, homeowners are continuing to look for cost-effective ways to heat their homes, but when buying fuel for your stove you must remember to prioritise the safety of your home.  “In England, there are strict government regulations that any wood sold in volumes under 2m³ must be certified as ‘Ready to Burn’, meaning it has a moisture content of 20% or less and that Manufactured Solid Fuels contain less than 2% sulphur content.   “Both are critical to ensure that these fuels burn efficiently, safely and cleanly – both for the environment and stove users. This not only benefits the lifespan of your appliance but also reduces the risk of chimney fires when burned in a sufficiently maintained stove and alongside a regularly swept chimney.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SEGRO goes double platinum for world-firsts in digital excellence

SEGRO goes double platinum for world-firsts in digital excellence

SEGRO V-Park Grand Union has become the first industrial and logistics building in the world to achieve WiredScore Platinum certification Located in Park Royal, SEGRO V-Park Grand Union is a six-storey urban logistics development that has been recognised for its outstanding digital infrastructure. Awarded following a rigorous assessment, the WiredScore Platinum rating, reflects the building’s high-speed fibre connectivity, strong mobile signal, secure telecoms spaces and future-ready features such as rooftop installation capacity and AV-enabled meeting rooms. It also incorporates sustainability-focused technology like EV charging stations and real-time energy monitoring. The building scored an impressive 91 out of 100, placing it among the best-connected industrial spaces in the UK. Hand in hand with this recognition, SEGRO has achieved Platinum Partner status within the global BCS partner network. This reflects the company’s continued investment in digital expertise and the professionalisation of its Digital function across the organisation. Fewer than 75 organisations worldwide have earned this distinction and SEGRO is the only property company to have reached this level of excellence. Rich Corbridge, Chief Information Officer, at SEGRO, said: “The WiredScore Platinum certification at SEGRO V-Park Grand Union is a powerful recognition of the investments we’re making in digital excellence, ensuring our spaces are not only future-ready but also deliver exceptional connectivity for our customers. “Alongside this, we have also become the first commercial property company to be recognised by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, as a Platinum status partner. These achievements, both ‘platinum firsts’, underline our commitment to digital transformation, sustainability and supporting our colleagues with professional development opportunities that keep SEGRO at the forefront of the industry.” William Newton, CEO, WiredScore said:  “Industrial and logistics real estate is undergoing a transformation and at WiredScore, our mission is to accelerate that evolution by setting the global benchmark for digital connectivity and future-readiness. With SEGRO, we’ve found a partner that shares that vision; investing in technology and infrastructure that ensure industrial spaces can meet the demands of modern commerce and urban living. “Achieving WiredScore Platinum at SEGRO V-Park Grand Union is not just a world first for industrial real estate, but a signal of SEGRO’s leadership. The building’s integrated approach to connectivity and sustainability demonstrates what best-in-class looks like.” About SEGRO SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses, industrial property and data centres. It owns or manages 10.8 million square metres of space (116 million square feet) valued at £21.4 billion serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries.  For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing, located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive.  A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO’s purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing low-carbon growth, Investing in local communities and environments and Nurturing talent.  Striving for the highest standards of innovation, sustainable business practices and enabling economic and societal prosperity underpins SEGRO’s ambition to be the best property company. See www.SEGRO.com for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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