Global real estate advisor CBRE has been appointed to spearhead the operator selection process and development funding strategy to deliver Sunderland’s Crown Works Film Studios. The agent, renowned for its global expertise in large-scale commercial and regeneration projects, will act on behalf of Sunderland City Council to start immediate engagement with potential operators, investors and developers, managing new interest to deliver a studio at the site.  CBRE advised SKY on their partnership with Legal and General to deliver Sky Studios Elstree, a 12-sound-stage studio in Hertfordshire. CBRE will work to secure operators, partners and private investment needed to transform the 80-acre site on the banks of the River Wear into a 1.5 million sq ft, world-class film and TV production complex, with the aim of a developer breaking ground in the new year. The appointment of CBRE marks a significant milestone for the multi-million-pound development. CBRE will bring its global reach and sector expertise to identify and secure the best operator, while also advising on the structuring of the development funding strategy to ensure the successful delivery of the project. This supports the council’s wider ambitions to place Sunderland firmly on an international stage and, along with other major regeneration projects currently taking place, keep attracting inward investment into the city.   Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Appointing CBRE is a pivotal and strategic step in securing the right investor and development partner to deliver this transformational scheme. Their global reach, experience and industry knowledge is highly impressive and we, and they, are very positive and determined that Crown Works Studios will be delivered but now with a new partner. Our ambition has not wavered, so we will keep pushing forward.” Planning permission is already in place for the first phase of Crown Works Studios, with outline consent for future phases, and this is supported by a public funding package worth £120 million secured from the UK Government, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority. Remediation of the site is currently underway, funded through an initial £25 million investment. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness commented: “We have made the creative industries a central part of our Growth Plan for the region, and this site has the potential to power an entire industry in our region, opening new opportunities for local people and building on our reputation as a prime location for major film and TV drama. With CBRE now on board, we are very much looking ahead and taking a major step towards turning this vision into a reality.” CBRE will now begin comprehensive market engagement to identify preferred operating and funding partners, it is anticipated, by autumn. The new selected partner(/s) will be responsible for delivering the first phase of the development and unlocking the full potential of the site. The project is expected to attract private sector interest, buoyed by the scale of public investment and the strength of demand for high-end film and TV production space, especially more recently as production in the North East region surges.  Figures from North East Screen show a 131per cent increase over three years in production spend in the region.  Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, added: “We are witnessing a landmark moment for creative industries here in our region and Crown Works Studios will provide ground-breaking facilities and the infrastructure we need to build on our recent 131% growth in production. It will support a sustainable, thriving sector that is growing month on month, year on year right here in the North East.” Andy Byrne, Northern TMT Lead for CBRE, added: “CBRE is excited to bring this opportunity to the market. Sunderland City Council is at the forefront of regeneration in this region and have ambitious plans to see world-class film and TV production space brought forward to match the demand for purpose-built studio space. This scheme is set to be a catalyst for great things within the region.” For more information about the Crown Works Studios investment opportunity, please contact CBRE at Andrew Byrne, 07823 520 540 andrew.byrne@cbre.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Structural warranty and surety bond specialist LBB has announced a selection of trading results for the 12 months to 30 June 2025, underscoring its continued growth and resilience in a challenging market environment. The past year has also seen a notable shift in deal profile. Sites with build costs of £10m–£25m increased by 25%, representing 6,664 units, while sites with build costs of £100m+ doubled, representing more than 13,000 units. The nature of the insured projects breaks down into 61% build-to-sell; 12% build-to-rent; 11.3% self-build; and 0.5% commercial. These results come against the backdrop of a housing market slowdown, heightened economic uncertainty, regulatory pressures from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), and cost-conscious strategies from PLCs and large developers. Developers are also pivoting towards new areas such as conversions and build-to-rent schemes. Operationally, developers face added complexity, with requirements to secure three warranty quotes while often lacking the knowledge, time, or expertise to evaluate providers effectively. Many also struggle to supply the detailed information needed to obtain quotes. LBB has continued to grow by focusing on service and relationship excellence. As industry experts, the team bridges the gap between developers and warranty providers: Alex Lyons, Commercial Director, comments: “In an environment where developers face increasing pressures and shifting market conditions, our role has never been more vital. These results demonstrate the strength of our relationships, our deep market knowledge, and our ability to deliver value through clarity and service. With a pipeline of £33.5bn in construction costs, we are well positioned for continued growth in the year ahead.” “I am extremely proud of the excellent work that our team is doing. Every department has adapted and shown the meaning of true partnership with our clients—more and more of whom view LBB as an embedded part of their ongoing success. “We’ve laid the foundations for a busy 2025/26, with some notable appointments that we can’t wait to announce in the coming months.” London Belgravia Group, trading as LBB is an Appointed Representative of TEn Insurance Services Ltd t/a Eleven which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 314593) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Midlands-based housing provider GSA is looking to sell its offsite housing manufacturing business, LoCaL Homes. The 25,000-home provider has announced plans to exit the Walsall-based business in line with its strategy to simplify and strengthen and focus on its core social landlord services. Mona Shah, Chief Finance and Investment Officer, said: “LoCaL Homes has made an important and innovative contribution to housebuilding in the UK, and our product has been used by housing providers on developments up and down the country – that is something to be proud of. However, the landscape has changed significantly and while it has been a difficult decision to exit, it is a necessary one. We have a strategic objective to simplify and strengthen our organisation to enable us to focus on our core offer and to realise our vision of being a great social landlord. “We are in active discussions with interested parties and remain hopeful of finding a buyer. However, having made the decision to exit LoCaL Homes, this cannot continue indefinitely and if we are unable to do so, we will close the factory in spring 2026. “We have informed all LoCaL Homes colleagues and customers and our focus in the coming weeks and months will be on supporting them as we continue our search for a buyer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Microsoft will invest £11bn in new UK digital infrastructure, building additional data centres and the country’s largest supercomputer. The commitment forms half of a wider £22bn programme for 2025–2028, with the balance supporting ongoing UK operations. The plan targets rapid growth in AI capacity, with new hyperscale sites, larger GPU clusters and resilient power and cooling. For the construction and property sectors, it signals a multi-year pipeline of mission-critical projects demanding fast delivery, robust grid connections, sustainable design and stringent security. Microsoft president Brad Smith linked the decision to government moves on planning reform, electricity capacity and regulatory stability, arguing that clarity builds confidence for responsible AI investment. Prime minister Keir Starmer hailed the announcement as a vote of confidence in the UK’s technology leadership, highlighting the potential for highly skilled jobs and stronger national infrastructure. Site locations have not been disclosed, but selection is expected to hinge on substation proximity, fibre connectivity, water stewardship and opportunities to procure low-carbon power. Expect designs to face close scrutiny on energy efficiency, heat re-use, refrigerants, embodied carbon and circular fit-out. Beyond the sheds, the ripple effects typically include grid upgrades, logistics facilities and skills programmes, often clustering near universities and advanced manufacturing corridors. Delivery at pace will rely on experienced critical-environment contractors, modular plant strategies and rigorous commissioning. The supercomputer is strategically significant: sovereign AI compute improves performance, data governance and resilience for research, industry and public services. If planning reforms and grid upgrades translate into smooth delivery on the ground, the prize is substantial — a deeper skills base, a stronger platform for AI-enabled growth and a durable digital backbone for the next decade. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Global financial markets are navigating a complex landscape as we enter the final quarter of 2025. Investors are weighing optimism from strong corporate earnings and resilient consumer spending against caution stemming from inflationary pressures, central bank policy uncertainty, and ongoing geopolitical risks. These dynamics are creating both challenges and opportunities, particularly for traders who operate on short- to medium-term horizons, such as swing traders. U.S. Stocks Maintain Momentum U.S. stock markets have continued their upward trajectory over the past month, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all posting solid gains. Technology and healthcare sectors have been at the forefront of this movement, buoyed by strong earnings reports, new product launches, and sustained innovation in artificial intelligence and biotech. Investor confidence has been further supported by indications that inflation may be moderating. While wage growth remains a concern, overall consumer prices have shown signs of slowing, giving markets some breathing room. The Federal Reserve has hinted at a more measured approach to interest rate adjustments in the coming months, which has reinforced optimism across equity markets. For swing traders, this environment presents several opportunities. Stocks showing strong short-term momentum, especially in sectors with recurring volatility such as technology, consumer discretionary, and healthcare, are ideal candidates for trades held from a few days to several weeks. Identifying reliable support and resistance levels can help traders time entries and exits effectively. Consumer Spending and Labor Market Trends Consumer spending remains a cornerstone of economic stability, despite the labor market showing signs of slower growth. Recent reports indicate that retail sales and discretionary spending have stayed relatively strong, driven in part by higher-income households and continued demand for services and technology. Banks have reported solid credit performance, with low delinquency rates on loans and credit cards, suggesting that household finances remain largely resilient. However, economists caution that slower job creation could gradually weigh on spending if the trend persists. For traders, sectors tied to consumer behavior, such as retail, travel, and leisure, often exhibit short-term patterns that can be exploited for swing trades. Monitoring weekly retail data, earnings announcements, and consumer confidence indicators can help identify windows of opportunity for trades based on predictable price swings. Global Markets Reflect Mixed Signals Markets in Asia and Europe have responded differently to global developments. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s Kospi have experienced moderate gains, following the U.S. lead, despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In Europe, political uncertainty and leadership transitions in several countries have contributed to cautious investor sentiment, keeping equity movements relatively muted. Commodities have also demonstrated volatility. Oil prices, for instance, have reacted to geopolitical developments, while gold continues to serve as a safe-haven asset for investors wary of inflation and market instability. Traders focused on swing trading can find opportunities in these markets by watching short-term trends in commodities alongside global equity movements. Strategic Takeaways for Traders For swing traders navigating the current market environment, flexibility and vigilance are crucial. Key considerations include: Markets in September 2025 are presenting opportunities for traders who can act decisively while remaining cautious. The combination of corporate strength, resilient consumer behavior, and macroeconomic uncertainty offers fertile ground for short- to medium-term trades. With disciplined analysis and a clear strategy, swing traders can navigate the current landscape successfully, balancing risk and reward in an environment defined by both opportunity and volatility. Swing Trade Setups for the Coming Week As markets continue to fluctuate in response to economic data and geopolitical developments, swing trade can look for opportunities in sectors showing clear short-term momentum. Here are three potential setups to consider: 1. Technology Sector Momentum PlaySeveral large-cap technology stocks have shown steady gains over the past month, supported by strong earnings and new product releases. Traders can monitor for brief pullbacks to key support levels, which often provide optimal entry points for a trade held over a few days to a week. Exiting near short-term resistance can help capture gains while minimizing exposure to sudden reversals. 2. Consumer Discretionary Trend TradeRetail and leisure companies have exhibited recurring price swings in response to weekly consumer reports and earnings updates. A swing trade setup could involve entering positions when a stock consolidates near a support zone after a small dip, anticipating a rebound driven by strong consumer sentiment. Traders should keep an eye on sector-wide news, as sentiment can shift quickly, affecting multiple positions simultaneously. 3. Commodity-Linked OpportunitiesOil and gold have been particularly volatile, reacting to geopolitical developments and central bank signals. For swing traders, short-term trends in these commodities can translate into opportunities in energy and materials-related equities. A setup could involve tracking a breakout above a short-term resistance level, riding the momentum for a few days, and exiting as the asset approaches the next psychological or technical barrier. Across all setups, disciplined risk management is critical. Position sizing, stop-loss placement, and timely monitoring of macroeconomic and sector-specific news are essential to navigating the volatility effectively. By combining technical patterns with real-time market awareness, swing traders can capitalize on short-term price movements while keeping downside risk under control.

United Living Group has reported record financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, underlining the company’s strengthened position as a key provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure. The Group, which received backing from Apollo-managed funds in August 2023, has continued to scale its operations and broaden its capabilities, reporting a 14.5 per cent increase in revenues to £718 million, up from £627.2 million in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 33.4 per cent to £68.5 million, while cash profit before tax climbed to £38.5 million. United Living ended the year with gross cash reserves of £70.2 million, alongside a secured order book worth £3.2 billion. The company also signed new contracts worth £920 million during the year. Notably, this included a £250 million project to deliver a CO₂ pipeline for Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage, a key element of the UK’s net zero ambitions that will bring significant investment to communities across the North West and North Wales. Other contract wins included a £150 million ten-year framework with United Utilities, appointment to the Southern Water AMP8 Capital Infrastructure Framework, a £40 million repairs and maintenance agreement with the London Borough of Harrow, and a £36 million responsive repairs and voids contract with Sovereign Network Group across London and the South of England. In addition to strong organic performance, United Living accelerated its growth strategy through a series of acquisitions across critical markets. These included the purchase of AFECO, PiLON, GTEC Training, Thormer Solutions, Jones, Peter Duffy Ltd, and most recently a majority stake in Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions. The acquisitions have expanded the Group’s capabilities across power distribution, water infrastructure, property services, digital solutions for energy efficiency, and specialist engineering services. Neil Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of United Living Group (pictured), said the results demonstrated both resilience and growth potential. “We are pleased to announce another record financial result for United Living Group, ending the year with a robust cash position and a significant forward order book that reflects sustained growth across our business.“Our sectors continue to benefit from powerful long-term drivers from critical infrastructure investment linked to decarbonisation, resilience, digital connectivity and demand for safe, sustainable living environments. These trends are creating increasing demand for the services United Living is well placed to deliver.“Since the Apollo Impact’s investment in August 2023, we have accelerated our strategy by making six strategic acquisitions, with two post-period-end, that strengthen our expertise and broaden our capabilities across critical markets, including power distribution, water infrastructure, engineering services, and digital solutions for net zero.“United Living’s diverse and resilient platform means the Group is well positioned to drive continued organic growth and deliver further value through targeted acquisitions, supporting the UK’s essential critical infrastructure.” The Group’s performance highlights its ability to align with national priorities around sustainability, digitalisation, and resilience, while securing new opportunities to support both public and private sector clients. Looking ahead, United Living is expected to continue leveraging its strong order book, financial position, and expanded expertise to reinforce its role as a key partner in the delivery of the UK’s most vital infrastructure programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Real estate finance specialists SHC Capital has secured funding for a £105 million residential development that will deliver 370 new homes next to Edinburgh’s BioQuarter. The site, which is part of the Edmonstone Estate, has been acquired by responsible property investor Hunter REIM. Planning permission is already in place for the creation of a total of 725 mixed-tenure residential units, of which 370 will be single-family, Build to Rent homes. Of these, 129, which is 35% of the total, will be affordable housing. The funding for Hunter REIM’s acquisition came from a private debt fund in a structured transaction brokered by SHC Capital. Tony Tadros, Director at SHC Capital, said it was a pleasure to work with Hunter REIM and that he looks forward to partnering with them on their strategic expansion and the delivery of “hundreds of much-needed, sustainable homes in Edinburgh.” The creation of the homes next to the £1 billion BioQuarter life sciences hub will help meet the surging demand for housing in Edinburgh, which is growing nearly three times faster than the rest of Scotland. The design by Hunter REIM will deliver highly energy-efficient homes and a heat network with an on-site energy centre to provide cost-effective, low-carbon heating and hot water to every home. Andrew Moffat, Managing Director of Hunter REIM, added: “When Hunter REIM was formed in 1999, sustainability was a niche issue. Things have changed, and so have we. Today our focus isn’t on growth alone; it’s about growth plus transparency, social responsibility and environmental impact – and that’s what this exciting scheme will deliver. “SHC Capital’s expertise in understanding the complexities of our site acquisition was invaluable. They helped us execute the transaction swiftly with the support of a private debt fund, enabling us to take a major step forward in our growth and strategic objectives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals