SevenCitiesLdn, a new property investment, development and asset management venture based in central London, has launched with the backing of leading UK property development and investment group SevenCapital. Backed by £100million in capital, the new business is dedicated to acquiring and repositioning value-add real estate opportunities across London, the South East and key regional cities.  It will initially target assets between £5m and £30m, across multiple sectors, including commercial, residential, student accommodation, retail, hospitality and leisure. SevenCitiesLdn is led by Giles Hoare and Cameron Mitchell, both RICS qualified and former Thackeray Group directors, who together have a combined 25 years’ experience and over £500m worth of real estate transactions across multiple sectors. The newly formed team at SevenCitiesLdn will have a clear mandate to identify and execute deals that unlock value through strategic asset management, repositioning and development, capitalising on evolving market conditions and shifting occupier demands. Damien Siviter, Group Managing Director at SevenCapital Group said: “At SevenCapital, we pride ourselves on our ability to both identify and nurture new investment, development and business opportunities. Embracing modern advances in technology, new ways of working, and employing emerging industry talent are key ingredients to the future success of our business, the property market and indeed the urban landscapes within which we operate. “SevenCitiesLdn is an exciting new venture, with an enterprising vision and approach to transforming the built environment that both aligns with our values and adds a new dynamic to the SevenCapital Group. I look forward to supporting and developing the business as it establishes itself and grows over the coming months and years.” Giles Hoare, Director at SevenCitiesLdn, added: “The UK real estate market continues to offer compelling opportunities for those with the vision and agility to act decisively. With the backing of SevenCapital, we have the firepower and platform to make a meaningful impact. We look forward to collaborating with investors, occupiers, and stakeholders to deliver transformative projects.” Cameron Mitchell, Director at SevenCitiesLdn, added: “SevenCitiesLdn brings a fresh and ambitious approach to real estate investment and development. We are combining SevenCapital’s established expertise with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial mindset to identify and unlock value in the market. With significant capital available, we are dedicated to acquiring and developing real estate that caters to the evolving urban landscape and needs of modern business and communities.” Prior to forming SevenCitiesLdn, Giles Hoare worked as Investment Director at Thackeray Group, which he joined in 2018. He previously worked for London & Cambridge Properties Ltd and Cushman & Wakefield. Cameron Mitchell leaves his role as Development Director at Thackeray Group, having joined in 2019, prior to which he worked as a surveyor for CBRE. SevenCitiesLdn is actively sourcing opportunities in London and key cities across the UK and welcomes discussions with agents, brokers, investors and joint venture partners across the sector. To get in touch email: enquiries@sevencitiesldn.com or visit our website: sevencitiesldn.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Salix Finance, which supports governments across the UK achieve net zero targets, is celebrating after being accredited as a silver Carbon Literate Organisation by The Carbon Literacy Project. The award recognises commitment to equip teams with the knowledge and skills to actively reduce their carbon emissions and to contribute to a net zero future. To achieve this accreditation team members from across the organisation completed carbon literacy training. Achieving silver status fits with the Salix mission to ‘help save the planet’ and the leadership provided in decarbonisation for other public bodies, as well as sustainability in every aspect of the business. We hope it will serve as inspiration for other public sector organisations to follow. Going forward, Salix remains dedicated to helping organisations with the tools they need to reduce emissions at a personal, community, and organisational level. Salix chief executive, Kevin Holland, said: “We’re on a mission to help save the planet, supporting public sector organisations to reduce their environmental impact. “In order to provide leadership in this sector, we want to invest in our people to continually build the knowledge and skills they need. “That’s why we’re committed to carbon literacy training for everyone here. “I’m very proud we’ve been recognised with silver status by the Carbon Literacy Project.” Carbon literacy consultant, Georgina Patel, said: “Salix is focused on supporting clients with decarbonisation. “It has also been very clear that it is also serious about reducing its own organisational carbon footprint. “Through Carbon Literacy training, Salix’s employees have fully embraced their learning about the climate crisis we all face, and to understand what that means to them as individuals and in their job roles.” The Carbon Literacy Trust was formed in September 2013.  It is incorporated as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The Trust’s aim is to advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment through the dissemination of carbon literacy.  It offers training to organisations and individuals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Pexhurst has wrapped up a strong first quarter of 2025, completing several refurbishment projects across multiple sectors with a combined value of nearly £15 million. The projects supported clients in Pexhurst’s key sectors, industrial and logistics, as well as office refurbishments, across the South East and Midlands. Leading the portfolio for size and value was a 300,000 sq ft project at Logicor’s Paddock Wood Distribution Centre in Tonbridge. This marks over £6 million worth of work completed by Pexhurst at the site since 2020. The latest phase overcame the complexities of working on live sites, allowing tenants to continue operations without disruption. Another notable industrial and logistics project was a 157,000 sq ft refurbishment for Prologis in Daventry. The scheme played a crucial role in Pexhurst’s continued expansion into the Midlands market. Martin Vella, Managing Director at Pexhurst, said: “After receiving several instructions in the late stages of 2024, we knew it was set to be a busy and exciting start to the year here at Pexhurst. Our team has kicked off 2025 with impressive results, completing several projects that have satisfied our clients and exhibited our many strengths. “We started this year with a clear list of aims and priorities, including continued growth in the Midlands and home counties, and increasing our foothold in the industrial and logistics sector. It’s very pleasing to see our early efforts this year contributing to our ever-growing portfolio of successfully completed projects. Not only are our clients seeing the benefit of our ever-growing sustainability expertise and dedication, the same applies to ourselves as we make good strides forward towards our 2030 net zero target in scope 1 and 2 emissions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

72% of investors are considering Scotland’s living sector in 2025 The PBSA continues to be a shining light in the Scottish commercial property investment market, according to the latest investor research on the living sector conducted by leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors. A majority (72%) of investors are considering Scotland’s living sector in 2025, with interest highest among investment managers (86%) compared to fund investors (50%). The end of rent caps from April 2025 could provide greater stability, supporting growth in a market already facing a housing shortage, particularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lismore’s research found that portfolio diversification (26.8%) is the primary driver of investment in this market, followed by minimal void risk (24.7%) and liquidity (22.3%), highlighting investors’ focus on stability and resilience. Sustainability (28.3%) remains a top priority for PBSA investors, reflecting the sector’s alignment with ESG standards, while demand is also driven by unit mix considerations (24.1%) and reliance on overseas students (23.0%), particularly in prime locations near Russell Group universities. Chris Thornton, Associate Director of Lismore said: “The PBSA sector continues to be one of the shining lights, performing strongly, driven by resilient demand and stable capital values, particularly in cities with a Russell Group university. Despite concerns over international student numbers, institutional investors, private equity firms and specialist platforms remain highly engaged in this sector.” Murdo Mcilhagger Managing Director of MYS Student Living added: “The PBSA market has returned to fundamentals, with strong assets continuing to perform well, supported by macro tailwinds such as growing international student demand and policy shifts. While transaction volumes remain below average, activity is picking up as debt costs ease. “Investors must focus on customer demand, location quality and operational efficiencies, particularly as sustainability becomes a key factor in both revenue generation and cost management. However, challenges persist, including a lack of sellers, thin interest in secondary assets and fire safety remediation impacting liquidity.” Elsewhere in the market, Lismore’s quarterly review statistics show that it has been relatively slow start to the year, with cautious investor sentiment, limited stock availability and ongoing economic uncertainty dampening activity. Transaction volumes in Q1 totalled £202 million, with the largest transaction being Realty’s £66.20 million acquisition of Abbotsinch Retail Park in Paisley (as part of a portfolio) from Ashby Capital. Other notable transactions included L&G’s purchase from Glencairn Properties of the PBSA development at Lower Gilmore Place, Edinburgh for £35 million, Cervidea’s acquisition of 98 Buchanan Street / 31Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow for £13.80 million and French investor, Remake Asset Management’s acquisition of the Nike Store at 18-20 Buchanan Street, Glasgow for £11.87 million. Chris Thornton concluded: “The commercial property market remains cautious amid a mixed economic backdrop and geopolitical uncertainty, with a lack of quality stock delaying significant activity until Q2. Private capital continues to target prime city assets, while selective office yields attract opportunistic buyers. “As spring arrives, signs of renewed momentum are emerging, particularly in the most liquid sectors – industrial, retail warehousing and living.” The full Lismore Quarterly Review for Q1-25 is available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals