Business : Finance & Investment News
£200m Partnership Fuels Sustainable Housing Growth in Yorkshire

£200m Partnership Fuels Sustainable Housing Growth in Yorkshire

The Urban Splash Residential Fund (USRF), advised by SURE Capital Partners, has announced a significant new partnership with sustainable developer Citu, formalised through a £200 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This five-year agreement grants USRF priority access to Citu’s pioneering properties, which include single-family homes across Yorkshire, marking a major

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Citu and Urban Splash residential fund (usrf) announce £200m partnership across Citu’s low carbon development portfolio

Citu and Urban Splash residential fund (usrf) announce £200m partnership across Citu’s low carbon development portfolio

The Urban Splash Residential Fund (USRF), and its Investment Adviser SURE Capital Partners, have entered into a significant new partnership with sustainable developer Citu, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth £200m.   The arrangement gives USRF priority access to Citu’s pioneering properties and single family homes across Yorkshire for the

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Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital, a global leader in multi-asset investment, has acquired an 80% stake in AQ Compute, Aquila Group’s dedicated data centre subsidiary. This partnership signals a substantial investment drive to develop sustainable, AI-ready data centres across Europe, leveraging Bain Capital’s global expertise and Aquila’s focus on renewable energy. Established in

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Business : Finance & Investment News

Landsec Acquires Full Stake in MediaCity, Eyeing New Residential and Commercial Growth

Landsec Acquires Full Stake in MediaCity, Eyeing New Residential and Commercial Growth

Landsec has taken full ownership of MediaCity in Salford, acquiring Peel Group’s remaining 25% stake in the iconic mixed-use development. The real estate investment trust (REIT) also gained ownership of dock10, MediaCity’s television facility, and the estate’s 218-bed hotel, both previously held by Peel. The transaction, which includes a cash payment of £22 million and the assumption of £61 million in secured debt, totals £83 million. Landsec secured this at a discount to the latest book value of its existing 75% holding in MediaCity, a reflection of Peel’s surrender of “wrapper” leases and the potential income loss associated with those leases. Factoring in the additional assets of the hotel and dock10 studios, the transaction aligns with the book value of MediaCity, ensuring it remains earnings-neutral in the short term. With this acquisition, Landsec gains full control over the future direction of MediaCity, including the adjacent land that offers substantial development potential. The REIT is now positioned to lead the estate’s next growth phase, with plans to create more residential spaces and attract a mix of innovative businesses to the area. Mike Hood, CEO of Landsec U+I, commented, “MediaCity has immense potential. With our increased ownership, we can fully realise our vision for the area—creating a vibrant community where people come to work, live, and enjoy their lives. We look forward to sharing more about our plans soon.” Earlier this year, Landsec received approval for an expansion of MediaCity that will deliver an additional 800,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and 3,200 new homes. With complete ownership, Landsec is now in an ideal position to drive the continued transformation of this landmark destination in Salford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£200m Partnership Fuels Sustainable Housing Growth in Yorkshire

£200m Partnership Fuels Sustainable Housing Growth in Yorkshire

The Urban Splash Residential Fund (USRF), advised by SURE Capital Partners, has announced a significant new partnership with sustainable developer Citu, formalised through a £200 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This five-year agreement grants USRF priority access to Citu’s pioneering properties, which include single-family homes across Yorkshire, marking a major milestone in the fund’s expansion strategy. This alliance – the second for USRF after a similar agreement with Urban Splash – encompasses 600 homes with potential for future growth. As part of the initial investment, USRF will acquire 52 Citu homes located in the Climate Innovation District in Leeds and Kelham Central, Sheffield. Both developments reflect Citu’s principles of placemaking, building resilient, green, mixed-use neighbourhoods with energy-efficient homes that prioritise community and environmental responsibility. Adding Citu’s homes diversifies USRF’s portfolio, expanding its range of sustainable, single-family residences across the UK. Akeel Malik, Partner at SURE Capital Partners, commented, “This partnership aligns capital with regeneration, empowering us to support the creation of vibrant new neighbourhoods. Leeds and Sheffield are dynamic cities where people want to live, work, and play, and we’re proud to be part of this transformation.” He continued, “Our mission is to build a portfolio of design-led rental homes, and Citu’s award-winning properties and communities offer the ideal product for that vision.” Tom Bloxham MBE, also a Partner at SURE, added, “Investors are ready to back design-led homes – a concept that has proven successful with Urban Splash and now extends to Citu. I have long admired Citu’s work and am delighted to see this agreement finalised.” Bloxham added that this deal underscores SURE Capital’s dedication to connecting UK and international capital with top UK developers such as Citu, Urban Splash, and Javelin Block, supporting sustainable housing projects with substantial investor returns. Yorkshire-based Citu is known for its innovative and environmentally conscious developments. Building to Passivhaus standards, Citu’s homes are about 75% more energy-efficient than traditional UK homes. They are also manufactured locally using modern construction methods in Citu’s Yorkshire factory, further minimising carbon emissions. Through this partnership, Citu will introduce high-quality rental properties to its developments, a strategic new direction for the company. Jonathan Wilson, Citu’s Managing Director, stated, “This collaboration is a substantial step forward for Citu. Our growth strategy is centred on creating sustainable communities with a variety of tenures, and we’re thrilled to offer rental options in partnership with USRF, a partner who shares our commitment to sustainable development.” Established in 2017, USRF has gained a leading position in the market by actively engaging with local communities. Its initiatives include 100% green energy and a resident platform called Ark, offering discounts with local businesses. This new agreement with Citu will allow both organisations to continue fostering sustainable urban living across Yorkshire, benefiting both communities and the environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Citu and Urban Splash residential fund (usrf) announce £200m partnership across Citu’s low carbon development portfolio

Citu and Urban Splash residential fund (usrf) announce £200m partnership across Citu’s low carbon development portfolio

The Urban Splash Residential Fund (USRF), and its Investment Adviser SURE Capital Partners, have entered into a significant new partnership with sustainable developer Citu, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth £200m.   The arrangement gives USRF priority access to Citu’s pioneering properties and single family homes across Yorkshire for the next five years, marking a major step forward in the Fund’s expansion.   The strategic partnership – USRF’s second, following a similar agreement with Urban Splash – covers 600 homes with opportunity to grow, and includes an initial purchase of 52 Citu homes within the Climate Innovation District in Leeds and Kelham Central, Sheffield. Both developments follow Citu’s placemaking principles creating resilient, green, mixed-use neighbourhoods of low energy homes, and building through placemaking focused on people and communities.   The homes further diversify USRF’s portfolio by adding more sustainable single family homes to its current offering across the UK; Akeel Malik, Partner at SURE Capital Partners explained: “This deal connects capital with regeneration, allowing us to play a pivotal role in creating vibrant new neighbourhoods. Leeds and Sheffield are exciting, transformative cities where people want to live, work, and play, and we’re proud to help drive that change.  “Our mission is to cultivate a portfolio of design-led homes for renters – an approach that aligns perfectly with Citu. We have found the ideal product in their award-winning homes and communities.”  Tom Bloxham MBE, also Partner at SURE added: “SURE has investors ready to commit to design-led homes. It’s a concept that’s been proven with Urban Splash and now with Citu. “I have long been an admirer of the regeneration work undertaken by Chris, Jonathan and the team at Citu and was very pleased to see this deal close. This is another example of how SURE Capital is bringing UK and international institutional capital to work supporting the very best UK SME developers like CITU, Urban Splash and Javelin Block – with whom we completed a deal last year in Birmingham. This deal will both bring good returns to our investors and help fund much needed new sustainable homes and regeneration in UK regions.” Yorkshire-born Citu is renowned for its innovative and eco-conscious developments across the UK, creating homes that work to Passivhaus principles, making them approximately 75% more energy efficient than a traditional home in the UK. Citu’s homes are also manufactured locally in its Yorkshire factory using modern methods of construction (MMC) that substantially lower carbon emissions with an emphasis on quality and assurance.   The company is redefining urban living in Yorkshire through innovation and sustainability. With a commitment to creating homes and communities which are designed beautifully, are environmentally responsible and socially vibrant. Diversifying the tenures available in these places and providing a quality rental offering in an exciting next step in Citu’s journey as Jonathan Wilson, Managing Director at Citu, explained: “This partnership marks a significant step forward for Citu, and we are delighted to have found an aligned partner with the right expertise and ambitions to join us on this journey.   “Our growth strategy focuses on creating exceptional sustainable places with a variety of tenures, and we’re excited to introduce a rental offering to our developments both now and in the future, with a partner who shares our vision and responsibility. This collaboration enables us to move ahead with confidence, and we look forward to the next steps.”  Citu is passionate about building and place sustainability. The deal will help Citu, a growing Yorkshire SME, further expand its reach while giving USRF the opportunity to offer sustainable living solutions to families across the county.  Established in 2017, USRF has developed a market-leading experience that actively engages local communities. The Fund offers initiatives including 100% green energy as standard and a community platform called Ark offers a resident app with local business discounts. For further information: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/us-residential-fund Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Christie & Co's Retail & Leisure MD, Steve Rodell, comments on the Autumn Budget

Christie & Co’s Retail & Leisure MD, Steve Rodell, comments on the Autumn Budget

Commenting on the retail and leisure sectors, Steve Rodell, Managing Director – Retail & Liesure, said: “While, in today’s Budget, the Government committed to economic growth, it also committed to hikes in taxes for businesses around the country, including Capital Gains Tax and a rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions by a lower £5,000 threshold. There will also be an added burden to businesses from an increase in the National Minimum wage that will somehow need to be paid for.  On the plus side, small employers will benefit from an increase in the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. The increase in the National Living Wage is likely, and NI will likely be passed to consumers in a higher process, but measures to increase household income will help retail and leisure consumer spending.   The current 75% discount to business rates for retail and leisure businesses is due to expire in April of next year but will remain at a reduced 40% discount with a cap of £110K.  It will be interesting to see how this may affect growth plans. It is good news that small business rate relief stays in place and that the multiplier for retail hospitality and leisure will be set at a lower rate from the 2026 revaluation. Fuel duty is frozen for another year and the Government will maintain the current 5p discount to help households. However, it has continued to emphasise the importance of investment in green infrastructure and technologies needed to achieve net zero, as we’ve seen with its introduction of the Vehicle Excise Duty. Car drivers who have been put off electric vehicles recently haven’t seen any incentives to turn their heads in this budget. In the retail and leisure sectors, many deals are moving forward regardless, but at the higher end of the deal value range, some stakeholders have been adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach but we should see these move forward now.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital, a global leader in multi-asset investment, has acquired an 80% stake in AQ Compute, Aquila Group’s dedicated data centre subsidiary. This partnership signals a substantial investment drive to develop sustainable, AI-ready data centres across Europe, leveraging Bain Capital’s global expertise and Aquila’s focus on renewable energy. Established in 2020 by Aquila Group, AQ Compute has carved out a niche by offering modular and environmentally responsible data centre solutions. Their operations focus on clean energy sources, with their first major sustainable data centre recently launched near Oslo. Plans are underway for further expansion, with new centres planned in tech hubs like Barcelona and Milan. This alliance aims to create a leading data centre platform in Europe, supporting the rapid growth in demand from hyperscale and AI customers while addressing the challenges of high power usage and carbon emissions. Ali Haroon, a Partner at Bain Capital, highlighted Europe’s promising data centre market, driven by increasing demand for cloud storage, AI, and high-performance computing. He noted that combining their investment expertise with Aquila’s commitment to renewable energy places AQ Compute in a strong position to address both data demands and the sector’s power challenges. Bain Capital’s significant global experience in data centres is key to AQ Compute’s growth trajectory, with successful ventures including Bridge Data Centres in Asia and support for DC BLOX in the United States. Rafael Coste Campos, a Managing Director at Bain, emphasised their deep experience in the European property market and infrastructure services, which will be instrumental as they build AQ Compute into a market leader in sustainable data centres. Aquila Group’s CEO, Roman Rosslenbroich, expressed confidence in the joint venture’s potential, noting that their ongoing 20% stake ensures AQ Compute’s sustainable growth aligns with Aquila’s long-term goals. Rosslenbroich commented on the dual challenge and opportunity presented by increasing data demands and the necessity for sustainable solutions, stressing the importance of using clean energy to power Europe’s digital future. Markus Holzer, Chairman of AQ Compute, underscored the importance of Bain Capital’s backing in accelerating AQ Compute’s pipeline. With this new alliance, AQ Compute is poised to set a benchmark in sustainable, AI-focused data centre development, bolstering Europe’s digital infrastructure while prioritising environmental responsibility. This strategic partnership between Bain Capital and Aquila Group marks a significant step toward greener data infrastructure across Europe, with plans for multi-billion-euro investments focused on addressing both today’s and tomorrow’s digital and environmental demands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Autumn budget £500m infrastructure investment reaction from leading civils specialist

Autumn budget £500m infrastructure investment reaction from leading civils specialist  

Dave Sanders, head of technical sales at specialist civils engineering supplier Wrekin Products’, reaction on the £500m investments into the UK’s road network for pothole maintenance announced in the Autumn Budget:  “Unless there is a real push for long term pothole repair solutions instead of quick fixes, then we will not be able to solve the pothole crisis – no matter how much budget is allocated. We’re seeing a growing number of local authorities unhappy with the approach of patch repairing already subpar pothole repair works, but this is happening far too often.  “More guidance surrounding how potholes are formed and the innovative solutions available will allow more local authorities to address the root causes properly.   “Other underlying causes of potholes include road ironwork failures and this needs to be addressed. Potholes will form when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially from surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Fitting a piece of ironwork in a road can create a potential weakness, as well as the cuts in the road needed to remove ironwork. Replacement or repair of ironwork also poses an increased risk.   “Selecting robust systems with the correct, appropriate materials can reduce the potential for surface weakness. Durable ironwork that is sympathetic to its bedding materials and surrounding environment is key to preventing potholes.  “Though there is much to be done in addressing the short comings of iron work solutions in the road network, a key factor will be the welcomed £500m commitment from national government. More discussions and collaboration between national government and local authorities will be needed to ensure that the allocation of funding accurately addresses the root causes of failures in the road network, and we look forward to these developments taking place.”    To find out more about Wrekin’s pothole insights and read its recent industry report on the nationwide issue, visit: www.wrek.in/potholes  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Considerate Constructors Scheme announces acquisition of Building a Safer Future

Considerate Constructors Scheme announces acquisition of Building a Safer Future

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), the independent champion for change in construction, has completed the acquisition of the Building a Safer Future (BSF) programme. The programme, which creates positive culture and behaviour change in building safety, was launched in response to the Grenfell Tower fire. It aims to complement a more robust regulatory framework and promote a culture of safety within the built environment. The programme emphasizes accountability, transparency, and the sharing of best practices to ensure that buildings are safe for occupants. All underpinned by third party independent assurance of the reduction in any risk profile. The work of Building a Safer Future is underpinned by a Charter which consists of five commitments. The UK Government encouraged an industry-wide commitment to sign-up to a reformed building safety regulatory system, in its response to the Building a Safer Future consultation. In early 2020, CCS was appointed to take on responsibility for the management of the Charter. CCS subsequently established a new, not-for-profit independent organisation (Building a Safer Future Ltd) with an independent governance structure, to lead and develop the Charter further. Whilst originally conceived to focus on high-rise residential buildings, BSF has extended its scope to cover buildings of all heights, and equally applies, and is relevant to, all construction activity and companies. Companies can apply to become a Registered Signatory of the Charter and/or participate in the Champions programme. The Charter is an important step in driving forward the systemic culture change in relation to major hazard safety that is required across the built environment. The BSF Champion third party assessment gives companies detailed insight into their existing leadership and culture around building safety and equips them with actionable data and practical tools to help review and upgrade processes, driving meaningful and measurable continuous improvement in leadership and culture around building safety. Peter Caplehorn, Non-Executive Director for Considerate Constructors, said: “The acquisition signals our continued commitment to improved safety and standards in the construction industry. Having originally managed the Charter, CCS is the commonsense future home for the BSF business, staff and clients. While having different focal points, we share common goals around safety, collaboration and a culture of improvement.” Graham Watts, Non-Executive Director for Building a Safer Future, added: “We look forward to developing our relationship to support companies in their building safety journeys. Our common purpose is key in helping organisations to meet their requirements, ensuring that risk profiles are reduced across the industry. As the only independent champion for change in the sector, CCS was really the only choice for us.” The financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. The acquisition follows the recent announcement of a partnership with compliance and risk management leader Veriforce CHAS to broaden CCS inspection monitoring services across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New £1bn Single-Family Rental Venture Launched by CPP Investments and Kennedy Wilson

New £1bn Single-Family Rental Venture Launched by CPP Investments and Kennedy Wilson

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) has teamed up with Kennedy Wilson, a global real estate investment company, to establish a joint venture (JV) in the UK single-family rental housing sector. This ambitious venture aims to build a portfolio valued at approximately £1 billion, with CPP Investments contributing £500 million and Kennedy Wilson investing £56 million. CPP Investments will hold a 90% stake in the JV, while Kennedy Wilson will hold 10%. The JV is focused on delivering energy-efficient, new-build homes in rapidly growing communities that feature excellent connectivity, quality local amenities, and strong employment and educational opportunities. To fuel the portfolio’s growth, the partnership will collaborate with housebuilders across the UK. Initial properties include units from two developments already secured by Kennedy Wilson: Barratt Redrow’s site in Norwich, where the first phase of homes is already being leased, and Miller Homes’ project in Stevenage, with homes set for completion by Q2 2025. With a pipeline of projects valued at over £360 million and a potential of 4,000 units once fully deployed, Kennedy Wilson is well-positioned to drive the JV’s expansion. Tom Jackson, Head of Real Estate Europe at CPP Investments, commented:“Private capital can be instrumental in addressing the lack of high-quality rental housing in the UK. This investment aligns with our broader real estate strategy of pursuing scalable opportunities in high-quality assets with stable cash flows. Through this JV with Kennedy Wilson, we are creating a pathway to strong returns for CPP’s 22 million contributors and beneficiaries.” Kennedy Wilson will manage the JV and receive standard management fees, drawing on its expertise in professionally operated rental housing, with a portfolio of over 60,000 units across the US, UK, and Ireland. The company’s established residential platform features a vertically integrated team for investment, asset management, development, and operations. Mike Pegler, President of Kennedy Wilson Europe, added:“Our partnership with CPP Investments represents a significant step in delivering essential rental homes for UK families. The structural challenges in the UK rental housing sector present a compelling investment opportunity, allowing us to grow our portfolio at scale and generate steady, risk-adjusted returns in this critical sector.” This JV not only targets a substantial growth in professionally managed rental housing but also brings forward the promise of a scalable, high-quality rental portfolio to meet growing demand across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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abrdn Predicts Real Estate Rebound, Driven by REITs, Rates, and Rental Demand

abrdn Predicts Real Estate Rebound, Driven by REITs, Rates, and Rental Demand

abrdn has raised its outlook on the real estate sector, forecasting a new growth phase driven by renewed REIT performance, a stable interest rate environment, and strong demand for quality rental assets. In its latest Q4 Real Estate House View, abrdn upgraded its investment stance from neutral to overweight, marking the first positive shift since June 2022. With annual total returns for UK real estate projected to reach 8.6% over the next three years, the firm expects a marked recovery. Market Rebound and Key Drivers Anne Breen, abrdn’s Global Head of Real Estate, explained that recent indicators support optimism: “Our ongoing monitoring of the real estate market shows a pivot to growth, spurred by increased capital mobilisation in REITs, favourable interest rates, and resilient rental demand for quality assets.” abrdn has identified logistics, residential, and select alternatives as sectors with promising return potential, noting that even office markets are showing renewed energy. The Autumn Budget, which could introduce tighter fiscal policies and potential reforms to capital gains and inheritance tax, places greater importance on private capital for addressing the UK’s housing and infrastructure needs. Despite this, abrdn expects private investment to drive UK real estate growth. REITs and Direct Real Estate on the Rise REITs, a useful predictor of direct real estate performance, have signalled renewed confidence by focusing on growth rather than debt reduction. In Europe, REITs are issuing equity and debt, highlighting the transition from a refinancing phase to one of expansion. In direct real estate, competitive bidding is heating up, with residential rents rising by 6.7% and logistics by 6.6% year-on-year, signalling steady demand across sectors. Furthermore, the forecasted yield premium on real estate is proving increasingly attractive as the Bank of England’s expected gradual interest rate cuts—anticipated at around 100 basis points in 2025—support investor entry into the market. The Office Sector Sees Renewed Demand The office market, particularly in London’s West End, is experiencing increased demand, especially for high-quality spaces. Cities like Bristol and Manchester are also seeing strong growth in prime office rents, reflecting a trend among tenants to prioritise quality as they consolidate premises. While global economic and geopolitical challenges persist, the office sector shows capacity for resilience, especially as valuations stabilise in the UK and European markets. Sector Outlooks As sectors such as industrial and logistics continue to offer strong returns, abrdn emphasises the importance of quality and sustainability in property selection. Compliance with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and Net Zero targets will be critical, with assets that have already adapted to these standards expected to lead in future investor and occupier interest. By addressing decarbonisation and retrofit costs upfront, abrdn sees an opportunity for investors to capture both financial and environmental value in a rebounding market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Environment Bank welcomes new Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Revenue Officer to the leadership team

Environment Bank welcomes new Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Revenue Officer to the leadership team

Environment Bank, the leading Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) provider, has announced the strategic expansion of its leadership team with the appointments of Jonathan Lydiard-Wilson as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and Henry Burn as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). These key additions to the leadership team underscore the company’s commitment to driving its mission of reversing biodiversity loss while scaling to meet growing demand for their high-integrity Biodiversity Units for the regulatory Biodiversity Net Gain and emerging voluntary nature markets. Jonathan (Jo) joins as CSO, where he will develop and execute Environment Bank’s strategic direction to position the business as the leading provider of nature-based solutions, utilising private investment to accelerate nature recovery at pace. Jo brings a wealth of experience in developing new business models that deliver long-term value in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and impact sectors. Formerly Partner at Accenture, Jo was the global lead for energy management and co-ordinator for the Energy Transition where he played a key role in driving the growth of Energy Transition Services across the business and was responsible for the coordination of key business channels. He was also the International CEO for a global energy and sustainability consultancy that was later acquired by Accenture. In addition, Jo has been a Trustee of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). Henry Burn joins as CRO, bringing over a decade of experience in driving revenue growth and executing successful business strategies within high-growth start-up environments. Henry excels at building teams, infrastructure, and processes from the ground up, and has a proven track record in implementing innovative products and customer acquisition strategies that exceed revenue targets. Prior to joining Environment Bank, Henry was the Vice President of Commercial at Hubble where he oversaw profitability routes and commercial strategy to emphasise sustainable growth. In his new role, Henry will be responsible for unlocking new strategic opportunities for Environment Bank’s off-site Biodiversity Units, offering developers in England an effective solution for meeting its new BNG obligations that came into force this year. Environment Bank has already seen a £160m pipeline of Biodiversity Unit enquiries, demonstrating strong demand for its product. Commenting on the appointments, Catherine Spitzer, CEO of Environment Bank, said:“The appointments come at a crucial moment for Environment Bank, as we continue to expand our nature recovery efforts nationally. By bringing Jo and Henry on board, we strengthen our leadership team and position ourselves as market leaders in delivering nature-based solutions that help businesses meet their biodiversity goals with tangible and long-term benefit for the natural environment. “Jo and Henry’s deep industry expertise, strategic acumen, and proven leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Environment Bank. Their addition underscores the strength of our team and the significant progress we’ve made so far, while also highlighting the immense opportunity ahead as we execute deliver a sustainable legacy for future generations.” Environment Bank has already established a network of 28 Habitat Banks over almost 2000 acres across England – with more than 20 additional sites already in development. It has a team of 85 experts working across ecology, land management, planning, and legal services. Its clients comprise SME and major housebuilders alongside significant commercial, utility, energy, and infrastructure developers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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