Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an
By BCO Media London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. Those were some of the key takeaways from the recent BCO NextGen London & South
Simon Shaw, Head of Property and Construction, Duncan & Toplis Cash flow issues can present themselves in any industry, but few are as exposed as the construction sector with every project juggling multiple costs. Here, tight deadlines, long supply chains and vast project timelines can cause stumbling blocks for businesses
Sustainability is achieved in many places at TRUMPF. But that is only possible with many dedicated employees. Three of them tell their story. CO2-neutrality with energy manager Sean Lin Sean Lin smiles contentedly as he strolls through the pro duction hall. The thing that makes him smile, is the view
Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, are one of the leading envelope and structural flooring and decking manufacturers in the country. With a mission to ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’ – Building Systems UK recognises that the decarbonisation of construction products in the UK is essential to our
Today’s offices and homes can be complicated. With plumbing, wiring, insulation, and other systems, an entire world exists beneath the surface of an apparently simple property. Many people are unaware how the buildings, they live or work in, function the way they do. They simply hope that they work the
With major infrastructure projects such as HS2 driving demand, rail improvement sites across the UK are under pressure to deliver safely, efficiently and without delay. Behind the scenes it’s the logistics, planning and safety solutions that keep everything moving. Here are seven top tips from Paul Goossens, operations director at
Maintaining site safety is a core responsibility for the construction manager. As part of this duty, understanding the regulatory framework for confined space rescue is absolutely essential so, in this article we explore the key legal requirements, the practical implications for busy sites, and best-practice how-to steps. What Counts as
Off the back of Storm Floris, energy solutions and temperature control specialist Aggreko is urging site managers to adopt more robust dehumidification and heating strategies in the face of high-risk weather in order to minimise damage to materials. Storm Floris recently brought 90mph winds and torrential rain to the UK,
A wave of revolutionary projects is sweeping through the UK construction industry in 2025. From the groundbreaking Lower Thames Crossing in the south to the Eastern Greenlink in the north, these transformative schemes represent the latest developments in cutting-edge engineering and architecture. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, these transformative
Newly-opened Manchester bar The Morris has unveiled an eye-catching design scheme created by Up North Architects, which elevates its cocktail bar concept inspired by Crown Paints’ vivid Quick Kiss. Located on Thomas Street at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, The Morris occupies a compact site but packs an impressive creative punch. The venue spans two levels, with a traditional ground floor pub leading to an experimental first-floor cocktail bar offering the UK’s first sub-zero cocktails and next-generation carbonated creations. Up North Architects was tasked with ensuring guests felt an immediate transition from the classic pub environment to the innovative cocktail bar above – the solution for which was colour. The practice discovered the perfect shade at Crown Paint’s stand at Material Source Studio – a hub for northern architects to collaborate and interact with partners and suppliers. Patrick Thomas, Director at Up North Architects said: “We were looking for a ‘candy’ style shade to reflect The Morris’ playful, vibrant cocktail menu. We knew instantly that Crown’s ‘Quick Kiss’ was right for the project. It’s vivid, fun and it announces the cocktail bar’s presence in an unforgettable way.” Quick Kiss is part of Crown Paints’ Co palette, one of five Colour Insights 25/26 palettes designed to influence the creation of harmonious spaces, bringing a balance that can foster both productivity and relaxation. The full Colour Insights report was curated by Crown Paints to support architects and designers with evidence-based colour forecasting rooted in social and design shifts. Despite the venue’s compact scale, the colour was used strategically to make a bold statement, wrapping around the staircase to signal the magical experience awaiting up the stairs and continuing into the cocktail bar itself. The paint was specified in Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt, a premium, stain-resistant emulsion. The paint allows for stains to be wiped away with ease, which is ideal for a busy bar environment. It can also withstand regular cleaning, whilst maintaining its rich colour and clean finish– ultimately reducing maintenance costs. Richard Bailey, Architectural and Design Consultant at Crown Paints, said: “Quick Kiss is a fantastic example of how impactful colour can be in transforming a space. Our Colour Insights palettes are designed to help architects and designers feel confident making bold, future-focused decisions, and it’s brilliant to see Up North Architects bringing this to life so vividly at The Morris. “We always encourage creatives to visit us at Material Source Studio, where they can be inspired by our paints up close. Our stand features installations like our painted bench, for hands-on inspiration. It’s also a great opportunity to pick and choose from our Pure Paint Samples to support the development of moodboards and colour schemes.” Crown Paints has a dedicated presence at Material Source Studio in both Manchester and Glasgow, where architects and designers can gain inspiration, explore the full palette, and pick up a fan deck or Pure Paint Samples for their projects. Crown also regularly hosts events at both locations, including RIBA and BIID-approved CPDs to support professional development. For more information on the Crown Paints Colour Insights, please visit: Crown Trade paints visit: www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/colour/insights Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By BCO Media London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. London continues to outperform, sustainability and employee experience matter most and supply remains a critical issue. Those were some of the key takeaways from the recent BCO NextGen London & South East Committee and Carter Jonas hosted Q2 Market Update webinar. The session, which took place on 12 August, offered a detailed analysis of the Central London office market from the occupier’s perspective, focusing on demand dynamics, supply constraints, and future outlook. The panel was hosted by Carter Jonas’s Lucy Atkins (BCO NextGen London & South East Committee member) and feature expert insights from research associate Sophie Davidson, head of research Daniel Francis, and head of tenant representation Michael Pain. Francis presented a macroeconomic overview, noting that while UK growth remains subdued, London continued to outperform. He highlighted that London’s economic growth had historically averaged 2.5% annually, compared with 2% for the UK as a whole. “London’s resilience is underpinned by strong infrastructure investment, population growth, and a robust office-based employment forecast,” said Francis. He projected 460,000 new office-based jobs in Greater London over the next decade, driven by professional services and tech sectors. Pain said that while demand for office space was strong, occupiers were focused on three key drivers: sustainability, employee experience, and talent attraction. Businesses are increasingly relocating to Grade A buildings with strong environmental credentials, he said, using high-quality office space to foster collaboration and support recruitment. Pain also noted the rise of landlord-funded fit-outs, which offer tenants turnkey solutions and reduce upfront capital expenditure. Supply, of course, remains a critical issue, said Carter Jonas. The market is experiencing a shortage of new and refurbished Grade A space, exacerbated by rising development costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory pressures. This imbalance has led to significant rental growth, particularly in the West End, where headline rents have reached £167.50 per sq ft, with some deals exceeding £215 per sq ft. Rent-free periods have remained stable, as landlords prioritise headline rents to support investment valuations. Davidson, said there had been a 6% rise in net effective rents across central London, led by the West End, which reported a 8.1% rise and the City, up by 7.5%. Net effective rents take into account rent free periods. Districts such as Marylebone and Mayfair saw the strongest growth, driven by limited availability and pre-letting activity. The panel also discussed the impact of upcoming EPC regulations and their influence on lease lengths and investment risk. Davidson noted that 80% of London’s office stock could become non-compliant by 2030, prompting tenants to secure long-term leases in sustainable buildings now. What was clear from the data presented was London’s enduring appeal and adaptability for both occupiers and investors. “London’s ability to consistently outperform the UK economy is not accidental,” concluded Francis, “It’s the result of strategic investment, global connectivity, and a dynamic workforce. That growth story is far from over.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals News from the British Council for Offices news site.
Simon Shaw, Head of Property and Construction, Duncan & Toplis Cash flow issues can present themselves in any industry, but few are as exposed as the construction sector with every project juggling multiple costs. Here, tight deadlines, long supply chains and vast project timelines can cause stumbling blocks for businesses and developers. For example, delays in receiving payments from clients can lead to reduced reserves, which in turn can lead to a lack of funds to buy materials, pay employees and cope with unexpected issues like soil problems or hidden utilities. And the chances of this having a knock on effect on the overall delivery of the project are high. Construction businesses are frequently tasked with fronting a lot of the project cost before an invoice has even been sent to the customer. As a result, effective cash flow management is a critical element of running a successful project in the sector. Failure to do your due diligence when it comes to cash flow can be catastrophic – not just for the project you are working on, but for your business future as a whole. Late payments can reduce the opportunity to secure future contracts, and it also threatens project completion. Ensuring that all relevant parties are paid on time should be an absolute priority for construction businesses – but it is important to understand why. Why is cash flow important in construction? In construction, cash flow takes on a particular importance, with multiple areas of funding required to balance a project smoothly. These costs include paying for labour, subcontractors, material deliveries and permits, and all of these overheads can be due at different stages of the development process, so need to be allocated and managed as part of the project plan early on. Most construction projects rely on finances from external sources such as lenders or investors, and over the last few years there have been consistent concerns around inflation spikes that drive the price of projects up. This makes costing a development even more difficult, and can result in problems if late payments are made to disrupt your cash flow. Lenders can impose penalties if they don’t see returns on their investment in suitable time, and interest costs can soon see your final bill skyrocket beyond initial expectations, putting the overall project in jeopardy. Monitoring cash flow also enables you to flag any potential risks that could arise in upcoming projects, prepare for smoother outcomes in the future and ultimately grow your business. Common cash flow issues in construction Problems around cash flow can be rife in construction if you are not savvy early on, and they can take on many different forms. High upfront costs is an early hurdle to overcome when mapping out a construction project, as contractors and developers are often asked to provide significant payments towards labour and equipment before a spade has even entered the ground. This can set you on the wrong foot immediately if not handled correctly and promptly, and create further issues down the road. Some of these issues can be out of your control, such as delayed payments from clients. This is why it is important to ensure your cash flow management includes reserves to anticipate and prepare for delayed income. Late payments can affect project timelines, but can also affect the funding of your project on a day-to-day basis, with subcontractors to pay, equipment to buy and hire, and deliveries to order. How you can improve cash flow For every obstacle to overcome with cash flow, there are solutions you can adopt to mitigate and minimise the risk. It is important that all parties to the contract understand and acknowledge the agreed payment terms, as well as details around approval and appeals processes, and terms outlining when final payment will be made. Another administrative change that proves effective is setting up a clear schedule for invoicing, so paperwork does not delay your positive cash flow. Don’t be afraid to charge for late payments; as this can easily derail your project. Effective cash flow management is the cornerstone of any successful business regardless of industry. While the construction of a building is your responsibility in this industry, it cannot be achieved without strategic planning around cash flow and the management of funds coming in and out of the business’ pot. Put simply, if there are cash flow problems within your construction business, it will inevitably impact your ability to complete the project, pay your employees and operate as a successful, profitable company in the sector. Duncan & Toplis provides accounting and business services to property and construction companies across the UK. To learn more about how we can help with cash flow management, and many other business challenges, visit www.duncantoplis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainability is achieved in many places at TRUMPF. But that is only possible with many dedicated employees. Three of them tell their story. CO2-neutrality with energy manager Sean Lin Sean Lin smiles contentedly as he strolls through the pro duction hall. The thing that makes him smile, is the view high up under the hall roof: LEDs, everywhere. Over the past five years, Sean Lin and his team have converted all the lights in the production areas of TRUMPF China to LED and installed an intelligent control system. This has been his most effective measure as an energy manager to date, as artificial lighting used to account for 30 percent of the electricity bill. TRUMPF China is now saving 550,474 kWh per year – roughly equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 250 Chinese households. Quite an achievement: Sean Lin will exceed his energy saving target of 48,000 kWh for 2023 by a almost 80 percent. His gaze wanders back to the machinery. There is still a lot to do. For 2024, he has set himself an even higher energy saving target and is now focusing on production processes and building technology to achieve greater energy efficiency. In the future, he and his team will mainly be tackling compressed air and air conditioning. The team is also working on a systematic energy saving plan for a new building. In all of this, what drives Sean Lin is transparency, as this is key to identifying significant energy users (SEUs) and energy-saving opportunities. This year, his team created a platform that displays every to the energy consumption of each department and every piece of high-power equipment. TRUMPF China is the first site to be fully powered by renewable energy. 1.5 MW of photovoltaic power was installed in TRUMPF China as early as 2021, and another 0.4 MW will be added soon. TRUMPF China will then produce 25 percent of its own electricity using photovoltaics – and if Sean Lin and his team have their way, it will be even more in the future. The machine healer Robin Veneberg Robin Veneberg proudly points to the TruLaser 3030 standing in the middle of the workshop. “Shines like new,” says the service technician happily. Appearances can be deceptive as the 2D laser cutting machine had previously been in service with a customer for eight years. Two weeks ago, it found its way back to TRUMPF. At the TRUMPF Resale Center in the Netherlands, Robin Veneberg and a total of eight employees refurbish disused machines Veneberg has been working for TRUMPF for four years, bringing disused TRUMPF machines back to life. He takes care of the entire reconditioning process, from cleaning to replacing parts that are no longer functional. As soon as a machine has been successfully reconditioned, TRUMPF sells it again through its normal sales channels. In this way, more than 2,000 disused machines have already found new owners.“I’m very pleased that my work is helping to make pro duction more climate-friendly,” says Veneberg. This is because when TRUMPF sells a used machine instead of a new one, particularly energy-intensive components such as the steel machine body no longer need to be manufactured. To put this in context: a machine like the TruLaser 3030 weighs around 12 metric tons. Depending on the process, the production of one ton of steel generates almost 1.4 tons of CO2. Just by recycling the machine body, the company can save almost 16 tons of CO2. In addition, the carbon footprint of a reconditioned machine is remarkably low compared to that of a new machine, coming in at less than 0.5 percent of the latter. The battery-recycler Max Rettenmeier The laser hums quietly as it cuts apart the electric car battery. The protective door of the laser cell slides upwards and Max Rettenmeier, Industry Manager at TRUMPF Laser Technology, looks at the battery with satisfaction. Recycling used or faulty electric car batteries using laser technology could revolutionize the battery industry, as dismantling electric car batteries is currently time-consuming and even dangerous for workers. Until now, it has not been uncommon for kilometers of coated foil to end up as waste. Rettenmeier is working on changing this. As the demand for e-batteries is huge. In Europe alone, the industry will have to recycle 570,000 metric tons of battery material every year from 2030. Powered by green electricity, electric cars produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions. But without valuable raw materials such as cobalt and lithium, no electric car batteries. The extraction of these raw mate rials is often costly and unsustainable, an aspect currently exacerbated by the skyrocketing prices of battery materials. In addition, manufacturers must contend with long and uncertain supply chains. The valuable raw materials travel to battery factories around the world – their transport causes considerable greenhouse gas emissions. What’s more, the EU stipulates a recycling rate of up to 95 percent for certain battery materials. It therefore not only makes economic and environmental sense to recycle every gram of the raw materials in the batteries, but is also politically necessary. In order to recycle batteries on an industrial scale, Rettenmeier and his colleagues from the Laser Application Center in Ditzingen are working with customers to develop innovative laser applications. This means that car manufacturers, battery producers and recyclers can now recycle batteries from electric cars on an industrial scale for the first time. The laser systems can safely cut open the used batteries and remove the valuable raw materials from the battery foil. In doing so, Rettenmeier and his colleagues can draw on the TRUMPF´s extensive expertise in laser welding and cutting for the production of electric car batteries. TRUMPF has been working with all the leading car and battery manufacturers for years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, are one of the leading envelope and structural flooring and decking manufacturers in the country. With a mission to ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’ – Building Systems UK recognises that the decarbonisation of construction products in the UK is essential to our sector and the country. That objective took a significant step forward last month with the ground breaking ceremony on our new £1.25 billion Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot steelworks – the centrepiece of Tata Steel UK’s green steelmaking programme. The event was attended by Tata Sons and Tata Steel Chairman Mr N. Chandrasekaran and Tata Steel CEO & MD Mr T.V. Narendran. The UK government was represented by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade who addressed the ceremony: “This is a hugely ambitious transformation. We should acknowledge the difficult times, but also use that as fuel for future success.” “This government is committed to a bright future for our steel industry, which is why we provided £500 million of funding to make this project possible. Our modern Industrial Strategy will set out how we’ll back the sector even further to drive growth and create well-paid jobs across the country, as part of our Plan for Change.” The new EAF, set to be one of the biggest in the world, will melt recycled steel scrap to make new steel and is set to be commissioned at the end of 2027. It is expected to reduce Port Talbot’s carbon emissions by approximately 90%, equivalent to 5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, with a corresponding 50% reduction in the product carbon footprint, while securing high-quality sustainable steel production, and supporting 5,000 UK jobs directly. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Chandrasekaran said: “This is an important day for Tata Group, Tata Steel and for the UK. Today’s groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of a new Electric Arc Furnace, but a new era for sustainable manufacturing in Britain. Members of the ground breaking ceremony included Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, Trade Unions representatives and employees. The Port Talbot EAF will be one of the largest in the world, melting UK-sourced scrap steel to produce 3 million tonnes of steel per year. As part of Tata Steel UK’s broader decarbonisation strategy, the project also includes new ladle metallurgy facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships with leading technology providers such as Tenova, ABB and Clecim with construction being led by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine. New low emissions construction products manufactured from our EAF steel, such as our ComFlor® Structural Steel Decking and our Trisomet® insulated panel systems will help Building Systems UK play its part in the transformation of the UK construction sector – and ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today’s offices and homes can be complicated. With plumbing, wiring, insulation, and other systems, an entire world exists beneath the surface of an apparently simple property. Many people are unaware how the buildings, they live or work in, function the way they do. They simply hope that they work the way they want them to. This level of complexity has expanded over recent decades, with new layers of technology and automation that can make home and work life more convenient and efficient. But this complexity comes with a heavy environmental price tag. According to the 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the building and construction sector accounts for 34% of global energy demand and 37% of energy-related emissions. The Green Building Council estimates that with approximately 70% of the UK’s non-residential building stock has been constructed before the year 2000. If energy and carbon targets are to be achieved, and the UK’s 2050 net zero targets realised, significant energy efficiency and embodied carbon reductions are needed. As a result, much of the sector will have to undergo some form of retrofit by 2050. The demand for sustainable space is surging, with occupiers driving towards net zero targets and investors responding to market expectations. There is increasing regulation to avoid the risk of stranded assets and acknowledging the need to act to secure a global sustainable future. This brings commercial retrofit into sharp focus, promoting the important conversation around our existing built assets and providing a level of clarity and consistency to the approaches required to decarbonise them. Let’s dive straight in. Increasing the rate of retrofitting buildings Industry professionals and stakeholders including architects, engineers, planners and facilities managers, as well as landlords and building owners who are involved in the scoping, planning, delivery, and management of commercial retrofits are looking for solutions to cut carbon emissions and make assets usable and sustainable. The World GBC identifies some of the solutions for achieving net zero in buildings. These include setting strong targets, access to sustainable finance, accurate data collection, deep retrofitting of existing buildings, and electrification. Current building technologies can be upgraded or enhanced with new technology making buildings more efficient. Something as simple as replacing old gas boilers with heat pumps, installing rooftop solar panels, or upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and building and energy management systems (BEMS) can help to reduce a building’s carbon footprint. To achieve net zero, renovation rates must increase to approximately 3% to retrofit 20% of existing assets by 2030. This means that from 2023 to 2050, tens of billions of tonnes of materials will be required for energy-efficiency retrofits. These materials include plastic, mineral wool, glass, aluminium, flat steel and concrete, for example. Connected lighting also has a role to play. Among all building systems, connected lighting presents a unique opportunity to act as a foundation for intelligent capabilities. Lighting is already present in every building area and can be upgraded with little disruption. When equipped with connected LED technology, lighting becomes far more than a utility—it becomes a strategic part of the infrastructure. So much more to do Demand for sustainable space is surging, with occupiers driving towards net zero targets and investors responding to market expectations and increasing regulation to avoid the risk of stranded assets and due to increasingly acknowledging the need to act to secure a global sustainable future. Looking inward, I am proud to share what works for us: Having a commitment to sustainability: For any organisation to play a role, they need to be sustainable in their operations too.At Signify we walk the talk. As a global leader in lighting, Signify has long made a commitment to net zero emissions, and has been carbon neutral in its operations since 2020. Now in 2024, we launched our Climate Transition Plan one year back as we understand that Climate transition plans deliver results, both environmentally and economically. Since launching our Climate Transition Plan in June 2024, we’ve reduced our emissions by 42% year-on-year. Today, over 90% of our revenue comes from energy-efficient LED innovations. This shows our commitment to being a more sustainable organisation. The plan sets goals for the coming years, and we are not stopping at just these great results. Forming the right partnerships: Collaboration across the sector is now key to drive towards this common purpose as partnerships first company, we collaborate with companies that work on the same goal as ours- encouraging the adoption of energy efficient solutions. We recently announced the collaboration with Pineapple Partnerships, the systems change focused consultancy, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation and launched Pineapple CoRE, a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate decarbonization across the commercial and industrial property sector. Initially focusing on the UK, the collaboration is scalable for global deployment. The unique initiative unites market leading consultancy by Schneider Electric that helps organisations map their critical infrastructure and unlock the opportunities available to them around efficiency, sustainability and modernisation, Signify’s connected lighting solutions, and Pineapple Partnerships’ systems-change consultancy, offering a turnkey pathway for property owners and operators to overcome common barriers to decarbonisation – such as access to finance, fragmented supply chains and skills shortages. Signify thrives on partnerships, and CoRE is a powerful example of how collaborations can unlock decarbonisation at scale. The role of connected lighting: Many European countries have responded to the energy crisis by subsidising consumer bills. This move is understandable, but it does not reduce dependence on fossil fuels or encourage the use of smart technologies. Those funds might be better spent on structural solutions like subsidising the switch to connected LED lighting, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and other energy-saving technologies. Switching to LED lighting is one of the quickest, most effective, and most often overlooked ways to make progress toward your sustainability goals. With connected lighting, the prospects are even brighter. Smart or connected lighting can play a significant role in retrofitting any space and making it more digital, even more sustainable, whilst providing a safer and
With major infrastructure projects such as HS2 driving demand, rail improvement sites across the UK are under pressure to deliver safely, efficiently and without delay. Behind the scenes it’s the logistics, planning and safety solutions that keep everything moving. Here are seven top tips from Paul Goossens, operations director at SafeSite Facilities, to ensure a rail improvement project stays on track. 1. Offloading made easy – even on the toughest sites Offloading is one of the biggest challenges on rail projects. That’s why truck-mounted forklifts and crane-equipped vehicles are key to handle the most complex deliveries. Whether it’s a narrow roadside drop or a night-time install, it’s important to coordinate every detail to ensure materials are delivered and installed without delay. Remember it can take a long time to offload from a delivery vehicle. 2. Preventing unauthorised access: people and wildlife Rail sites should be protected with a wide range of fencing which can prevent people and animals from accessing the site. Wildlife fencing can even prevent animals from burrowing into the site and helps to ensure the construction industry protects wildlife. These preventative measures are essential for safety and compliance. There are multiple options, including fencing, concrete and water-filled barriers to consider. 3. CCTV: protecting lives and reputations Modern CCTV systems boast thermal imaging and AI detection, which provide real-time alerts and can trigger public address warnings to prevent accidents. They can monitor site safety which can reduce the risk of accidents and deter young people and trespassers from entering a construction site. 4. Built for high winds and heavy impact Fencing systems with ballast are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high winds, ensuring the site remains secure even in bad weather. Ballast blocks and crash barriers ensure stability and safety, even in exposed or high-traffic areas. 5. Planning and compliance at every stage Every delivery must be backed by detailed documentation to ensure it goes off without a hitch. This includes driver IDs, vehicle MOTs, training certificates and lift plans for cranes which will be used to offload. For projects like HS2, where 24-hour booking systems and strict access routes are expected, this level of planning is essential. 6. Speed and flexibility when it matters most It’s crucial that delivery services can meet urgent site needs, ensuring that materials and equipment are available when required to prevent site closures and work stoppages. Choose operators close to the site which can deliver urgently needed materials within 24 hours. Whether it’s a last-minute request to secure a dangerous area or a planned overnight install, they should be ready to respond, delivering and installing within a single shift so the team can operate safely. 7. Risk assessment and expert advice Before any order is confirmed, a full risk assessment should be completed with advice on the safest and most efficient solution presented. If a delivery or installation is too risky, it’s crucial to communicate this and help find a better alternative. For more information, visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maintaining site safety is a core responsibility for the construction manager. As part of this duty, understanding the regulatory framework for confined space rescue is absolutely essential so, in this article we explore the key legal requirements, the practical implications for busy sites, and best-practice how-to steps. What Counts as a Confined Space? According to the UK’s Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, a confined space is any enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed for continuous human occupancy, where there is a foreseeable risk of serious harm such as lack of oxygen, toxic gas exposure, drowning, or explosion. Examples include tanks, silos, manholes, tunnels, sewers, boiler interiors, shafts, vaults, and basements. Key Legislation Construction Managers Must Know 1. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 2. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 & Management Regulations 1999 These set the wider framework requiring competent risk assessment, supervision, planning, and provision of safe systems including training, PPE, and emergency planning. Why Delegation and Preparedness Matter HSE guidance makes clear that relying on external emergency services is inadequate in confined space incidents as response times are often too slow, and access for uniformed crews may be difficult. A dedicated rescue team needs to be immediately available on‑site or nearby. Safe rescue starts well before need arises through hazard assessments, drills, equipment maintenance, and clear communication protocols. Supervisors and rescuers alike must hold appropriate certification including City & Guilds qualifications such as 6160‑03 for high‑risk spaces and 6160‑08 for rescue team members. Look for experienced training providers that offer a wide range of confined space training courses. Practical Checklist for Construction Managers Step Action Risk Assessment Identify confined spaces on your site. Use the HSE-approved Code of Practice L101 to guide assessment. Avoid Entry if Possible Wherever feasible, carry out work from outside. If entry is unavoidable, ensure it follows a robust system of work. Develop Rescue Plan Prepare rescue arrangements before entry (Regulation 5). This must include whether self-rescue, non-entry rescue, or entry rescue is viable. Appoint Competent Personnel Ensure site leaders and safety supervisor are trained in confined space oversight and rescue protocols. Ensure Equipment Readiness Confirm ventilation, atmospheric monitoring, breathing apparatus, harnesses, tripods, winches, lighting, communication tools are all functional. Train & Drill Regularly Ensure entrants, attendants and responders regularly rehearse rescue procedures. Consider mobile training units or experienced third‑party providers for practice scenarios. Audit and Review Conduct periodic reviews of confined space plans, equipment servicing, rescue performance and incident lessons. Real Consequences When Preparedness Lapses Numerous real-world incidents have underlined the danger and according to various studies, about two‑thirds of confined space fatalities occur not to the initial victim but to would-be rescuers entering without proper planning or equipment. By contrast, companies that embed trained rescue teams, regular drills and documented rescue systems improve outcomes significantly, and reduce liability, downtime and risk exposure. Final Thought For construction managers, confined space regulations aren’t just administrative burdens, they’re life-critical frameworks. Understanding Regulations 1997 (especially Regulations 4 & 5), taking proactive steps to minimise entry, appointing competent teams, and establishing ready rescue arrangements are essential. It’s not about promotion it’s about responsibility and informed leadership. Setting a high bar for rescue readiness, training and compliant systems ensures safer worksites, fewer incidents and peace of mind when high-risk jobs arise.
Off the back of Storm Floris, energy solutions and temperature control specialist Aggreko is urging site managers to adopt more robust dehumidification and heating strategies in the face of high-risk weather in order to minimise damage to materials. Storm Floris recently brought 90mph winds and torrential rain to the UK, posing significant disruption to operations across the north of England and Scotland.[1] Chiming with this, Aggreko’s latest report, Building in Resilience: Weather-Proofing European Construction in a Changing Climate, found that damage to materials was the top concern regarding high-risk weather among UK construction managers, with almost 40% also stating that they had faced major delays, missed deadlines, and financial penalties as a result of high-risk weather. Chris Smith, Head of Temperature Control at Aggreko, is emphasising the need for site managers to bolster their approach to dehumidification and heating in order to minimise the financial impact of both Floris and future storms. He said: “As last year’s storm season evidenced, extreme weather is becoming all the more common in the UK, though volatile supply chains and rising material costs mean that the potential financial impact is greater than ever. As such, there is a renewed need for construction managers to deploy effective dehumidification and heating solutions to minimise damage to materials and ensure that sites are able to weather the storm.” ‘Storm season’ saw a record-breaking 12 named storms hit the UK between September 2023 and August 2024,[2] with the Met Office also forecasting that winters will be up to 30% wetter by 2070.[3] More recently, a report from QBE Insurance Group, developed in collaboration with Control Risks, found that the construction sector is already facing surging material costs due to geopolitical developments, with copper, steel, aluminium, and timber all spiking, and some reaching all-time highs.[4] Chris concluded: “With material costs on the rise, site managers must do all they can to safeguard their stocks against water damage, or pay the price. Copper, steel, aluminium, and timber – as well as wider materials such as concrete and insulation – are all susceptible to the effects of water ingress and damp, so an all-encompassing dehumidification and heating strategy is key. “Bringing in solutions from a temperature control specialist can help materials to dry out quicker, allowing damage that may otherwise render them unusable to be avoided. While the worst of Storm Floris may have passed, it is certainly not the last of the UK’s wet weather, particularly as we approach the autumn and winter months, so I urge site managers to engage with these contacts ahead of time to get wet weather ready.” Read Aggreko’s full report, Building in Resilience: Weather-Proofing European Construction in a Changing Climate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A wave of revolutionary projects is sweeping through the UK construction industry in 2025. From the groundbreaking Lower Thames Crossing in the south to the Eastern Greenlink in the north, these transformative schemes represent the latest developments in cutting-edge engineering and architecture. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, these transformative schemes are reshaping the nation’s infrastructure and urban landscapes through innovative thinking and rapid advances in building technology, such as construction ERP software. The following 9 state-of-the-art projects showcase the UK as a leader in design and innovation, while offering fresh opportunities for construction professionals. 1. Lower Thames Crossing A trailblazing project to build the UK’s longest road tunnel received a massive boost in June after the award of £590m of extra government money. The Lower Thames Crossing will connect Essex and Kent via a 14.5-mile route designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the region. Costing an estimated £10bn in total, the government’s recent cash injection signals the go-ahead to secure further private investment, with work expected to start in 2026 and finish in 2032. 2. Sizewell C Nuclear Plant The new Sizewell C nuclear power plant moved a step closer to fruition this year after the government committed £14.2bn of investment. The plant, situated on the Suffolk coastline, will create 10,000 direct jobs and generate enough energy to power six million homes. When construction work begins in the near future, the project could take around 10 years to complete and dramatically reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels in line with Net Zero targets. 3. Viadux 2 Tower An ambitious project to build the UK’s fourth-tallest building received planning approval from Manchester City Council in April 2025. The 246m, 76-storey Viadux 2 tower will contain 452 apartments, a 160-bedroom hotel, plus an adjacent 23-storey tower purely for affordable homes. Construction work is due to start this year, and when complete, Viadux 2 will transform the Manchester skyline and become the UK’s fourth tallest building after The Shard, 22 Bishopsgate and the soon-to-be-built 1 Undershaft. 4. Dundee’s Eden Project (pictured) The £130m Eden Project Scotland entered its final design stage in early 2025, transforming an old gasworks into a green oasis that will attract thousands of visitors each year and give the local economy a massive boost. The project features the complete regeneration of Dundee’s industrial waterfront and will become a landmark destination for green tourism. The scheme, similar to the famous Cornwall site, was granted planning permission in 2024 and will offer a combination of eco-friendly attractions, live music, exhibit, food and more. The charity behind the Eden Project schemes is in the process of raising funds and seeking investment before construction work can begin. 5. Havant Thicket Reservoir Project leaders will be ramping up groundwork and site improvements of the UK’s first new reservoir in decades throughout 2025. The Havant Thicket Reservoir, located in East Hampshire, will store around 8.7 billion litres of water by the time it’s operational in 2029. A joint venture between Portsmouth Water and Southern Water, and costing around £340m, the site covers 160 hectares. When complete, this incredible feat of engineering will supply up to 21 million litres of water to homes across the South of England each day, making it one of the largest schemes of its type anywhere in the world. 6. Eastern Greenlink 2 Construction work is currently underway on the dynamic Eastern Greenlink 2 project, marking one of the biggest changes to the UK’s energy infrastructure for many years. The scheme will create a 505km electrical superhighway between Aberdeenshire and North Yorkshire via a cable laid under the North Sea. When work is completed in 2029, the £4.3bn project will produce clean energy from offshore wind and other natural sources, carry enough electricity to power two million homes, create thousands of jobs and boost the economy. 7. Transpennine Route Upgrade Rail passengers travelling across the Pennines will benefit from a multi-billion-pound electrification project to improve services between Manchester Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Dubbed the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the line between Manchester Victoria station and Stalybridge was electrified earlier this year while construction work on other sections continues to gather pace. Once complete, passengers will benefit from faster journey times of around 40 minutes between Manchester and Leeds and 65 minutes between Manchester and York. Developers say the project will also allow greener trains to operate and reduce carbon emissions by up to 87,000 tonnes each year. 8. Cambridge Children’s Hospital Construction of a new children’s hospital in Cambridge is fast approaching after the tender for main contractors was launched earlier this year. The government committed £100m to the state-of-the-art project, with the rest coming from fundraising and donations. Preparation work on the site is already underway, with completion expected in 2029. The hospital will serve the regions of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. It will be the first of its kind to combine treatment for both physical and mental health in children and young adults. 9. Gate Burton Energy Park Approved in July 2024, work has started on a giant solar farm in Lincolnshire that will provide enough clean energy to power over 160,000 homes in the region. Gate Burton Energy Park spans nearly 1,700 acres and will generate, store and export up to 500MW of electricity. Not only that, but the £300m scheme is expected to save more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year when the project is completed in 2028. Overall, 2025 marks a significant milestone in UK construction and innovation, with a strong focus on renewable energy, sustainability, transport and new housing dominating the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
