Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as a finalist in three categories at the INCA Awards 2024, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector. The company has been shortlisted for its work on the landmark Manchester development Victoria House, Eastbourne Harbour’s The Boardwalk, and Sheffield regeneration project The
Housing developer Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has been recognised by the prestigious UK Property Awards, beating strong competition from national companies to win the five-star award for the ‘Best Developer Website in the UK’ for the third year running. The builder also collected the national award
Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new
Milton Park has been named as one of the country’s most sustainable innovation communities, thanks to its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and maximise biodiversity. The Environmental Sustainability Award, presented at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference, celebrates the Park’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability
BCIA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY! Anticipation is building towards the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards 2025. Entries for the 10 award categories are now open, so place your nominations today! Following on from last year’s incredibly successful event and celebrating the best the building controls sector has to
In Residential Property Awards run by Yorkshire Children’s Charity The sustainable, regeneration and innovative residential work in Yorkshire of a Leeds-based architects practice has been recognised in this year’s Residential Property Awards run by the Yorkshire Children’s Charity. Edward Architects has been named as the Best Residential Consultancy Practice in
The National Home Decarbonisation Group, in partnership with Futurebuild and Innovate UK, has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge, a bold new competition aimed at unearthing game-changing solutions in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to showcase their innovations in front of key
The new government’s net zero priorities and the impact of a Trump presidency on global climate action will be top of the agenda at Net Zero Festival 2024 next week (October 22-23 at the Business Design Centre in London). The UK’s leading event dedicated to accelerating the net zero transition
As work begins on site near Woodstock, Blenheim Estate Homes’ innovative community Hill Rise has already picked up a prestigious design award for its architects, Pollard Thomas Edwards (PTE). The community, by Blenheim Estate Homes, will be built by their build partner, Pye Homes and has been named as one
FLEXI-job apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures continues to lead the way in supporting construction apprenticeships, rising top of the podium at last week’s Construction Apprenticeship Awards. A division of Efficiency North Holdings, the service was named Construction Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in nurturing the next
Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as a finalist in three categories at the INCA Awards 2024, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector. The company has been shortlisted for its work on the landmark Manchester development Victoria House, Eastbourne Harbour’s The Boardwalk, and Sheffield regeneration project The Ironworks. Victoria House is in the running for ‘New Build: Residential – High Rise’, with Alsecco recognised alongside Complete Wall Solutions, with The Ironworks also shortlisted in the same category. The Boardwalk is a finalist in the ‘Refurbishment: High Rise’ category. All three projects are also nominated for the ‘Judges Choice: Architectural Design – High Rise’ award. Run by the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA), the awards celebrate the highest standards in external wall insulation (EWI), with submissions across a variety of categories to highlight excellence in a range of building projects. For Victoria House, Alsecco supplied its Ecomin 400 cladding system with Meldorfer lightweight brick slips to provide external wall insulation and a brick-effect finish to support efficient construction. The colourful exterior on The Boardwalk saw the use of Alsecco’s Ecomin 300 external insulated render system, which met the unique challenges of a marine environment, with extra precautions taken onsite to minimise the risk of water pollution. The Ironworks project featured Alsecco’s Ecomin 400 clay brick slip system to create an aesthetic indistinguishable from a traditional brick skin that provided faster construction, reduced requirement for material storage space, and less complex construction processes. Dean Broughton, Managing Director of Alsecco, said: “The INCA Awards do a fantastic job of shining a spotlight on the excellent work that takes place in the external wall insulation and cladding industry, and we are delighted to have been shortlisted. “Alsecco is committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the highest standards as well as to support efficiency in the delivery of construction projects. The projects shortlisted for Alsecco are an excellent demonstration of this. “We’re proud to work closely with INCA and its members to drive innovation and best practices in external wall insulation and wish everyone the best of luck.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housing developer Story Homes is delighted to announce that it has been recognised by the prestigious UK Property Awards, beating strong competition from national companies to win the five-star award for the ‘Best Developer Website in the UK’ for the third year running. The builder also collected the national award for ‘Best Residential Interior for a Show Home’ for its Fulshaw Manor development in Wilmslow, triumphing over show homes from other housebuilders across the country. The Carlisle-headquartered business also collected a further two regional 5-star accolades for its Fulshaw Manor development, with the scheme receiving the awards for the ‘Best Residential Interior for a Show Home’ in Cheshire, as well as the accolade for ‘Best Residential Development’ in Cheshire. Story Homes was presented with the four awards at a ceremony on 25 October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. As winners of four 5-star awards, the builder will be entered into the European Property Awards, which determine Europe’s finest property companies. Now in its 31st year, the UK Property Awards are the most demanding and rigorous in the property sector. The awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts, focussing on design, quality, service, innovation, originality and commitment to sustainability. Colin Wood, CEO at Story Homes, said: “We are so proud to be recognised once again at the UK Property Awards, which is a very prestigious accolade within the housebuilding industry. To walk away with three 5-star awards for our Fulshaw Manor development, plus a further 5-star award for our website for the third year running, was a fantastic achievement and demonstrates our commitment to quality and design. “We are passionate about investing in our website to showcase our unique product offering and provide the most seamless and user-friendly experience for our customers, and we are therefore delighted to be acknowledged by the industry for leading the way in digital innovation.” Fulshaw Manor is a beautiful development of high quality homes located in the aspirational area of Wilmslow in Cheshire. This exclusive development offers Story Homes’ ‘Signature Collection’ of one to five-bedroom homes, carefully designed throughout, with a high specification included. Since its official launch in February this year, the development has been extremely popular with customers and Story Homes continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers who are delighted with the quality of their home and level of service received. For more information, please visit www.storyhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading engineering specialist, Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam. Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new and sustainable alternative to ground beam installation. By combining precise off-site fabrication, alignment and interlocking sections with secure fastening, this joint design ensures a robust, reliable and efficient way to connect precast ground beams. Following significant investment, including the creation of a state-of-the-art fabrication facility at Akela’s headquarters near Glasgow, ABeam has been specifically designed to offer housebuilders greater efficiencies in delivery of new homes. NHBC Accepts enables a more efficient assessment of a home for warranty and reduces the risk to the builder of delays in their project. Jermaine Medina, Accepts Technical Operations Manager at NHBC: “As the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, we’re pleased to welcome Akela Ground Engineering to NHBC Accepts with its ABeam pre-cast ground beam system. Systems with NHBC Accepts certification give developers faith and confidence in the quality of the products they are building with.” Will Payne, Manager Director at Akela Ground Engineering, said: “Our new ABeam precast system offers significant advantages in terms of construction install, performance and overall project quality. Designed and manufactured at our purpose-built facility at Thornliebank, near Glasgow, our expert team has the capability to fabricate the product in a controlled environment to ensure quality and production output. “We are proud to have achieved NHBC Accepts certification and believe this is a testament to the quality and expertise employed to deliver a robust and industry-leading pre-cast product.” For further information on NHBC Accepts or to view our accepted systems, please visit www.nhbc.co.uk/accepts Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Park has been named as one of the country’s most sustainable innovation communities, thanks to its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and maximise biodiversity. The Environmental Sustainability Award, presented at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference, celebrates the Park’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability across its 300-acre campus. The UKSPA award, presented by renowned physicist and author Jim Al-Khalili, highlighted a range of initiatives introduced by Milton Park, many of which originated from its Greener Workplace Forum (GWPF). The GWPF is an independent group of 85 members, comprising 41 occupiers, who convene to share best practice and raise awareness of existing green initiatives around energy use, recycling and travel. In selecting Milton Park, the judges highlighted the progress made in reducing its single occupancy vehicle use by nearly a third since 2018. As a result, over half of commutes to Milton Park are made through sustainable transport options, supported by initiatives such as the £20 subsidised bus pass scheme for employees living locally, leading to bus usage increasing from 8% in 2018 to 27% in 2023. Highlighted in the award win was Milton Park’s contribution as a test-bed location for the UK’s first fully electric, autonomous bus trial, providing evidence of the Park becoming a ‘living lab’ and demonstrating how effective collaboration can propel innovation. The award also acknowledged Milton Park’s work in biodiversity, its zero-to-landfill waste management policy and other green initiatives, which include reducing waste and emissions from science companies, new electric vehicle charging points and improved cycle paths. Additionally, the Milton Park team is actively engaged with the surrounding community, including local schools and charities, to drive greater awareness towards an inclusive transition to net zero. Explore Milton Park, its schools’ engagement programme, has benefitted over 1,500 local children and, as a founder member of the Didcot Powerhouse Fund, Milton Park has helped to raise over £300K for local charities since 2021. Commenting on the award, Veronica Reynolds, Sustainability and Community Manager at Milton Park, said: “We’re delighted to receive the award, recognising how the Milton Park innovation community is working together to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges. “Whether making our buildings more environmentally friendly, encouraging greener travel or creating nature-rich spaces, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. The award provides a timely reminder that greener growth is not only possible, but an exciting opportunity for the science park community to work collaboratively to secure a better future for our planet.” For more information on Milton Park and sustainability, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/sustainability Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BCIA AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY! Anticipation is building towards the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards 2025. Entries for the 10 award categories are now open, so place your nominations today! Following on from last year’s incredibly successful event and celebrating the best the building controls sector has to offer, the BCIA Awards 2025 will take place on Thursday 1st May 2025 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. As one of the sector’s hottest yearly events, the Awards evening is one not to be missed – there are also plenty of seats and tables available, so make sure to secure your attendance. Recognised as the biggest awards in the building controls and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) industry, the BCIA awards shine a spotlight on the talented professionals that make up the building controls sector. There are ten different categories available to enter, with some sponsorship opportunities also available. These are: Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year (sponsored by Trend Control Systems Ltd) This award recognises the building controls and/or BEMS installer that most demonstrates commitment, professionalism, and understanding of client needs. Engineer of the Year (sponsored by BCIA Operations Ltd) Awarded to individuals working for building controls manufacturers, consulting engineers, installers, or facility management companies who best demonstrate engineering excellence in BEMS and building controls. Young Engineer of the Year This award is given to the individual aged 35 years or under who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in and completion of the BCIA Technical Training Programme and other building controls educational programmes. Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Group Horizon) An award given to the individual who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in and completion of an approved BEMS or building controls apprenticeship. Energy Management Award (sponsored by Priva UK Ltd) Awarded to a team, installer, or manufacturer in recognition of a project which demonstrates how building controls and/or BEMS have been installed to increase energy efficiency in a building or premises. Best Service & Maintenance Provider (sponsored by Western Automation) An award given to the company that best demonstrates outstanding levels of customer care in the provision of long-term maintenance and service contracts for building controls and BEMS. Technical Innovation of the Year – Products (sponsored by CIBSE) Awarded to the most innovative BEMS/building controls product development launched in the past 12 months. Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects This award is presented to the project team/installer that best demonstrates innovation and the deployment of smart technology to create a sustainable building/complex. Contribution to Training Award An award given to the organisation, company, or individual that has contributed to training on the design, installation, and/or use of BEMS and building controls. Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award (sponsored by BCIA) Unlike previous years and the other awards, this cannot be self-nominated – peers must nominate individuals who they believe have made a significant and consistent contribution to the building controls sector. This individual will have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the building controls and BEMS industry, such as helping to raise awareness of the importance of controls, supporting the BCIA in its work, or helping to raise standards in training and performance for our industry. The Management Committee will be looking for the nominating party to provide a statement, with a minimum of 100 and maximum of 300 words, that explains the clear contribution the nominee has made to the industry as a whole and/or association. This could include any differences or impact the contribution has had, how the individual’s work has changed processes, or how they have innovated or raised the profile of the industry. All award entries can now be entered using the online entry system, which allows you to start, edit, view, and download your entry before submitting it. The closing date for entries is Thursday 23rd January 2025 – there will be no deadline extension. BCIA President Stacey Lucas said: “The BCIA Awards are a fantastic event and a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the talented individuals and organisations in the building controls sector. This year saw some absolutely incredible entries and I’m sure next year’s awards will be no different – the skills, innovation, and expertise shown on a daily basis by building controls engineers and companies continue to move the sector forward in a hugely positive way. “This year’s event took place in a brand-new venue, The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, and we’re delighted to say that the BCIA Awards 2025 will also be held there. Whether you have been a regular attendee of our awards evenings or you’re attending for the first time, it’s sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening – so mark the date in your diary now! “We have tickets and tables on sale, as well as various sponsorship opportunities, so don’t hesitate to get in touch! “If you’re looking for some inspiration for your 2025 entry, a series of case studies featuring this year’s terrific winners can also be found on the BCIA website.” To find out more and enter the BCIA Awards 2025, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In Residential Property Awards run by Yorkshire Children’s Charity The sustainable, regeneration and innovative residential work in Yorkshire of a Leeds-based architects practice has been recognised in this year’s Residential Property Awards run by the Yorkshire Children’s Charity. Edward Architects has been named as the Best Residential Consultancy Practice in the award scheme which celebrates excellence across the region’s residential property sector. The architects firm, which rebranded and relocated to Marshall’s Mill last year to accommodate continued business growth, successfully demonstrated delivery excellence and first rate services for its clients in the residential category. Highlight projects in the region included Massey Fold in Spofforth for Yorkshire Housing where the firm was lead consultant in securing planning consent for a 72-home scheme in the village, which is set in a Conservation Area. An innovative, carbon efficient 216-home development on Edge Lane in Openshaw for Your Housing also demonstrated the practice’s commitment to sustainable design and community-focused housing solutions. This scheme also saw the firm collaborate with the University of Liverpool to develop four identical houses with differing specifications, monitored over a year to assess cost, comfort, usability and energy efficiency for future applications. Another key sustainable scheme included a masterplan for the regeneration of the former 73-acre Maltby colliery site in Rotherham for Hargreaves Land, which subsequently led to the firm’s role evolving to deliver the employment units and the outline application for a 200-unit residential housing scheme. The firm’s work in helping to drive forward the ambitious community scheme to transform Holbeck’s iconic viaduct in Leeds into a vibrant green space for the public to enjoy was also lauded, as well as it’s specialism in improving the lives of clients, families and carers through its accessible design work. Yorkshire Children’s Charity was established in 2022 and has already made a huge impact in the region, helping more than 20,650 disadvantaged children in Yorkshire. The Residential Property Awards put the spotlight on the region’s property talent whilst simultaneously raising vital funds to support the valuable work of the charity. Graham Edward, MD, Edward Architects said; “We are very proud to win this award and it is testament to the hard work of our entire team. As a business we have seen a 10% growth in turnover despite challenging market conditions and rising costs, so picking up this accolade is a great end to the year as both the housing sector and the modular market are key drivers in this growth and remain active.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Home Decarbonisation Group, in partnership with Futurebuild and Innovate UK, has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge, a bold new competition aimed at unearthing game-changing solutions in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to showcase their innovations in front of key industry players and get their ideas to the market. The innovations that come through the competition should aim to either directly address central challenges to the sector or improve wider processes for the delivery of projects that help consumers live in healthier homes, tackling issues such as exposure to damp and mould and alleviating fuel poverty. The judges are looking for innovations that go beyond just products, including new systems, approaches, solutions, and processes that contribute to creating healthier homes. Entries are open to UK-registered businesses that have an annual turnover of £15 million or less, with priority being given to less established organisations. The submitted solutions must be suitable for retrofitting or renovating existing homes or non-residential properties. While solutions designed for new builds are also welcome, they must demonstrate applicability to retrofit projects as well. Six shortlisted winners will have the chance to pitch their solutions on stage at Futurebuild’s National Retrofit Conference, and attend a networking morning to showcase their innovation to NHDG members with each winner having allocated slots to network directly with its members. Winners will also be given the exciting opportunity to discuss with NHDG members the potential of piloting their technology on a live decarbonisation scheme, accelerating their path to market and turning ideas into reality. It offers shortlisted winners a unique opportunity to actively work with the private sector to deliver retrofit. Paul Rogers, National Decarbonisation Manager at CLC Group, and member of the National Home Decarbonisation Group who are managing The Big Retrofit Challenge on behalf of the team, said: “By collaborating on the Big Retrofit Challenge, we are supporting the discovery and implementation of solutions that address the urgent need for greener, healthier homes. This competition will help unlock innovations that reduce fuel poverty, improve living conditions, and advance the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.” Mat Colmer from Innovate UK, and Senior Innovation Lead for Construction and Net Zero Heat at UK Research and Innovation, also commented on the competition: “Innovation is key to solving the complex challenges we face in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge provides a crucial opportunity for cutting-edge solutions to be tested and scaled, ultimately helping the UK meet its net zero targets while improving the quality of housing for consumers.” Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, said: “The Big Retrofit Challenge is about turning bold ideas into impactful solutions. We are excited to partner with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group to create a powerful platform where innovators can showcase their game-changing technologies that will accelerate the decabonisation of homes across the UK.” The Big Retrofit Challenge is an inspiring step towards transforming the UK’s housing sector and achieving net zero goals. By fostering bold innovation and collaboration, the competition aims to deliver real-world solutions that will make an impact on the environment and communities across the country. Enter now for your chance to make a real impact. Further criteria and guidelines are found on the application form. The competition will close at 11am on Thursday 28th November 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new government’s net zero priorities and the impact of a Trump presidency on global climate action will be top of the agenda at Net Zero Festival 2024 next week (October 22-23 at the Business Design Centre in London). The UK’s leading event dedicated to accelerating the net zero transition will bring together 2,000 business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and campaigners across two days to showcase the best of the UK’s green economy and explore strategies for turbocharging decarbonisation. New Labour MP and environmental campaigner Polly Billington, green entrepreneur and Labour donor Dale Vince and Google’s sustainability lead Adam Elman are among the more than 150 expert speakers leading keynotes, panel discussions and workshops during the event. Other speakers will include: Now in its fifth year, the CPD accredited event remains free to attend, and will this year feature keynotes, presentations, panel discussions, and workshops across four stages: Inspiration, Action, Engage, and Showcase. Meanwhile visitors can upgrade their ticket to gain access new arena, the BusinessGreen Intelligence stage, which will provide a series of deep-dive sessions, offering exclusive insights into how to develop a best-in-class net zero strategy. James Murray, co-founder of Net Zero Festival and editor-in-chief of BusinessGreen said: “Action on climate change is more critical than ever, so this year’s Net Zero Festival promises to be our most impactful yet. “We’ve seen an incredible surge in interest in this year’s event, reflecting the urgency and importance of the net zero agenda and how serious it is being taken by our new government. Our focus now is to convert this enthusiasm into actionable collaboration during the festival and so we are bringing together a diverse group of leaders to collaborate on tangible solutions for a sustainable future.” Keynotes, panel discussions and workshops will include: To secure your place at the Net Zero Festival 2024, register at netzerofestival.com/register. Attendees can upgrade their free tickets to access the BusinessGreen Intelligence Stage for specialised content tailored to sustainability executives and green business leaders. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As work begins on site near Woodstock, Blenheim Estate Homes’ innovative community Hill Rise has already picked up a prestigious design award for its architects, Pollard Thomas Edwards (PTE). The community, by Blenheim Estate Homes, will be built by their build partner, Pye Homes and has been named as one of the big winners in the 2024 Housing Design Awards. Hill Rise is an innovative low-carbon development, where Blenheim Estate Homes has full planning permission to build 48 homes, 57 sqm of community space and a parking barn. The Oxfordshire housebuilder is also preparing a Reserved Matters Application for the outline permission of up to 132 homes. Key features at Hill Rise include: Roger File, Managing Director of Real Estate at Blenheim Estate Homes said: “Hill Rise sets new standards for low-carbon housing, and we are rightly proud of the scheme to have already won an award before even a single home has been built.” PTE partner and project masterplanner Alexis Butterfield said: “We had a refreshingly unusual brief; to imagine a different relationship with private cars. The resulting dramatic change from car-shaped roads to landscaped, sociable streets hints at what we could deliver nationwide if this cultural shift could be embraced more widely.” He added: “The benefits of reduced road infrastructure are, put simply, more green space. Having easy access to quality green spaces is a key part of a healthier lifestyle. More green spaces contribute to improved mental and physical health, air quality and temperature control, as well as providing vital habitat for nature.” In addition to Blenheim Estate Homes’ Hill Rise, build partner Pye Homes is also continuing to develop its greener community, Church Farm, in Radley, with homes for sale now, as well as a final spacious and family friendly home at Temple Gate in Marcham. Both locations offer a lifestyle centred around commitment to quality, heritage, community, and sustainable living that defines Pye Homes. To enquire about Hill Rise, contact the Blenheim Estate Homes team at Hillrise@pyehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FLEXI-job apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures continues to lead the way in supporting construction apprenticeships, rising top of the podium at last week’s Construction Apprenticeship Awards. A division of Efficiency North Holdings, the service was named Construction Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in nurturing the next generation of talent across the built environment sector. To enhance its already impressive accolades, two of EN:Able Futures’ apprentices were also recognised at the ceremony. Lauren Raynor, who is hosted by Alan Wood & Partners, was awarded Level 3 Construction Apprentice of the Year, while Liam Mansbridge, hosted by Termrim Construction, won Level 4 Construction Apprentice of the Year. These wins continue a proud tradition for the agency, as the team has previously celebrated success at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards through its apprentices, who received individual awards in 2022 and 2023. Julie Deeley, director of operations at EN:Able Futures, said: “Winning Construction Apprenticeship Employer of the Year is a testament to our apprentices’ hard work, host employers, and our team’s dedication alike to deliver opportunities that translate into job-ready skills, while steering the trajectory of our sector. “Seeing Lauren and Liam excel in their roles is what drives us to continue serving talented individuals to thrive and fast track their professional growth. Once again, we are proud to show that apprenticeships are not just an alternative path to higher education, but a powerful tool for transforming the workforce development and future of construction.” EN:Able Futures has a proven track record in creating pathways for young people across the north of England by providing routes for development along the construction industry. To date, the agency has supported more than 500 apprentices to prepare for the workforce, providing high-quality training and steadfast support while addressing the industry’s critical skills shortage. The construction industry continues to face a workforce gap, with 250,000 additional skilled workers required by 2027, according to the latest CITB figures. Apprenticeships like those facilitated by EN:Able Futures are key to unlocking opportunities that can address this shortfall. In 2023 alone, only 22,310 apprenticeships were started in the construction sector, despite the growing demand for trained professionals. EN:Able Futures has earned multiple accolades this year, to only name a few: SME Employer of the Year at the East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, and Apprenticeship Employer of the Year at the Yorkshire and Humber regional apprenticeship and skills awards. The latter, organised by the Department for Education, has secured the service a place in the national finals, which will take place in London on 27 November. These achievements reflect the agency’s commitment to excellence and success as apprenticeship delivery provider, paving the way to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. For more information about EN:Able Futures, visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/futures Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals