Business : Finance & Investment News
Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, has provided a £77 million loan to Staycity Group as the aparthotel giant sets its sights on tripling in size by 2029. Founded in Dublin in 2004, Staycity has grown into a leading pan-European aparthotel operator with two brands—Staycity Aparthotels and the premium Wilde

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Legal & General Secures £510m to Boost Affordable Housing Development

Legal & General Secures £510m to Boost Affordable Housing Development

Legal & General has raised an impressive £510 million as part of its Affordable Housing Fund’s second close, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the UK’s housing crisis. The latest round of investment includes a £100 million contribution from London CIV, which manages London Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) assets, along

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Hartlepool waterfront regeneration scheme gets funding

Hartlepool waterfront regeneration scheme gets funding

The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield

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Mortgage Trends in the UK: What Buyers Should Expect in 2025

Mortgage Trends in the UK: What Buyers Should Expect in 2025

The UK mortgage landscape continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for prospective homebuyers. With the housing market showing varied regional performance, estate agents in Yorkshire report sustained interest from first-time buyers and those looking to remortgage, despite the complex economic environment. Understanding current mortgage trends is crucial for anyone

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VAT Rebate in UK's Heritage Sector Could Unlock £7M Benefit

VAT Rebate in UK’s Heritage Sector Could Unlock £7M Benefit

New findings show changes to the VAT rebate scheme for the heritage sector would better safeguard the country’s fragile historic attractions, widen public access, and provide an economic boost. Historic Houses, the association that represents Britain’s independently owned historic houses, castles, and gardens, urges government to make simple changes to

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Government, UK plc and Britain’s top universities commit to doubling Oxford-Cambridge economy in boost to Chancellor’s growth mission

Government, UK plc and Britain’s top universities commit to doubling Oxford-Cambridge economy in boost to Chancellor’s growth mission

Marking a significant step in the government’s growth mission, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, together with some of the sector’s leading FTSE 100 and privately owned companies including AstraZeneca, GSK, Airbus and AVEVA, investors, and Britain’s top universities, have welcomed a plan to double the economy of the

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BCIS reports tender prices up for civil engineering

BCIS reports tender prices up for civil engineering

Civil engineering tender prices increased by an average of 1% in the final quarter of 2024, according to a panel newly established by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). The BCIS Civil Engineering TPI panel has been formed to advise on the latest movement in tender prices, i.e. prices agreed

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Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the acquisition of Webeasy, a prominent Dutch provider of building automation and control systems. This strategic acquisition reinforces Johnson Controls’ commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while expanding its capabilities in the growing market for

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LondonMetric Seals £124m in Strategic Property Transactions

LondonMetric Seals £124m in Strategic Property Transactions

LondonMetric Property Plc has announced a series of acquisitions and disposals totalling £124 million, marking a significant reshaping of its portfolio. The company has divested ten non-core properties for £74.2 million (LondonMetric share: £69.4 million) at a net initial yield (NIY) of 6.9% and acquired seven properties for £50.1 million,

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Latest Issue
Issue 329 : Jun 2025

Business : Finance & Investment News

Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

Staycity Secures £77m Loan from OakNorth to Fuel Ambitious Expansion

OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, has provided a £77 million loan to Staycity Group as the aparthotel giant sets its sights on tripling in size by 2029. Founded in Dublin in 2004, Staycity has grown into a leading pan-European aparthotel operator with two brands—Staycity Aparthotels and the premium Wilde brand. The group currently operates 6,000 keys across 36 locations in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the UK. The business is expanding rapidly, recently acquiring a 74.9% stake in Germany’s Felix Group, adding properties in Leipzig and Dresden, with another site under construction in Vienna. Staycity’s latest openings include Wilde aparthotels in Amsterdam, Cambridge, Lisbon, Porto, and Vienna, with additional locations in London, Bordeaux, and Oxford in development. Meanwhile, Staycity Aparthotels has expanded in East London’s Dalston with 124 new apartments and secured a 98-apartment site in central Belfast. As part of its growth strategy, the company has strengthened its senior leadership team, hiring Andrew Fowler as Chief Development Officer and expanding its acquisitions team to enhance its presence across northern, southern, and eastern Europe. A Key Partnership in Growth Tom Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Staycity Group, expressed his appreciation for OakNorth’s continued support: “Staycity has been operating for 20 years, and while we’ve grown and evolved, our commitment to providing a great experience for our guests has remained constant. OakNorth has been instrumental in helping us accelerate our expansion, and we’re incredibly grateful for the partnership we’ve built.” Deepesh Thakrar, Senior Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, praised Staycity’s remarkable trajectory: “Staycity is one of OakNorth’s standout success stories. Since first securing funding from us in 2020, it has demonstrated impressive, well-managed growth, with a rigorous site selection process and a strategic acquisition pipeline. We’re excited to see what the future holds for the business.” With this latest funding boost, Staycity is on track to achieve its ambitious target, further cementing its position as a leader in the aparthotel sector across Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Legal & General Secures £510m to Boost Affordable Housing Development

Legal & General Secures £510m to Boost Affordable Housing Development

Legal & General has raised an impressive £510 million as part of its Affordable Housing Fund’s second close, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the UK’s housing crisis. The latest round of investment includes a £100 million contribution from London CIV, which manages London Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) assets, along with additional backing from social impact investor Better Society Capital. The ACCESS Pool, a collaboration of LGPS funds from Central, Eastern, and Southern Shires, has also increased its commitment with a further £20 million, following a previous allocation in 2024. This fresh injection of capital highlights the power of public and private sector collaboration in addressing the shortfall in affordable homes across the UK. Since launching its Affordable Housing Fund in July 2024, Legal & General has seen strong investor interest, with institutions drawn to the potential for inflation-linked returns alongside a meaningful social impact. The new funds will help deliver between 3,500 and 4,000 homes, building on earlier commitments from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and ACCESS Pool. As part of this latest phase, Legal & General has seeded the fund with an initial portfolio of 514 homes and secured agreements on three additional projects to bring forward more affordable housing. With the current development pipeline, the fund expects to have over 1,000 homes either completed or under construction by the second quarter of 2025. Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) will oversee the development and management of these properties. Since its inception in 2018, LGAH has invested £1 billion into the sector, delivering over 8,000 homes to date. The UK continues to face a significant shortage of affordable housing, with only around 55,000 new affordable homes built annually over the past decade—far below the National Housing Federation’s recommendation of 145,000 per year. As 1.3 million households remain on local authority waiting lists in England, the Fund will prioritise high-quality, purpose-built affordable rent and shared ownership properties in areas of greatest need. Ali Farrell, Fund Manager at Legal & General, commented:“The level of investor interest in this fund reflects the strong appeal of affordable housing as both a stable investment and a means of creating lasting social impact. We are delighted to welcome new partners as we continue delivering high-quality homes in communities where they are needed most.” Christopher Osbourne, Head of Real Estate at London CIV, added:“Our strategy focuses on increasing the supply of high-quality affordable housing, addressing an underserved part of the market while delivering strong returns for our Partner Funds. We are pleased to support Legal & General’s Affordable Housing Fund and to work alongside a respected leader in the sector.” Drew Ritchie, Investment Director at Better Society Capital, said:“Legal & General is playing a key role in mobilising private capital to fund affordable housing, delivering thousands of much-needed homes for families across the UK. We believe in the fund’s potential to drive long-term, sustainable impact and are excited to be part of this initiative.” With strong investor confidence and a growing pipeline of developments, Legal & General’s Affordable Housing Fund is set to play a major role in tackling the UK’s housing crisis while delivering long-term value for investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hartlepool waterfront regeneration scheme gets funding

Hartlepool waterfront regeneration scheme gets funding

The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield Castle. This investment will enable further development of plans to revitalise the two iconic attractions, making them a dynamic destination for both locals and tourists. The project will tell the story of Hartlepool in a new, engaging way, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Pending additional funding, the transformation will involve upgraded exhibition spaces, improved entrances, enhanced access, interactive features, new community and learning spaces, and the restoration and reopening of the Wingfield Castle. The redevelopment will also complement the ongoing work at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool and the broader waterfront regeneration, which includes the construction of the Highlight active wellbeing hub. The Tides of Change development phase will also include a series of community activities, pilot projects, and consultation events designed to ensure the project meets the needs of local residents. These initiatives will offer hands-on opportunities for volunteers, including maritime skills training, walking tours of the area’s coastal ecology, a folklore music event, and educational programs for schoolchildren. If further funding is secured, the goal is to complete the transformation of both the Museum and Wingfield Castle by 2029. The project has also appointed award-winning LDN Architects to reimagine the visitor experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mortgage Trends in the UK: What Buyers Should Expect in 2025

Mortgage Trends in the UK: What Buyers Should Expect in 2025

The UK mortgage landscape continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for prospective homebuyers. With the housing market showing varied regional performance, estate agents in Yorkshire report sustained interest from first-time buyers and those looking to remortgage, despite the complex economic environment. Understanding current mortgage trends is crucial for anyone planning to enter the property market or refinance their existing home.  Interest Rate Environment  The mortgage market has adapted to the higher interest rate environment, with lenders developing innovative products to help buyers navigate these challenges. Understanding how interest rates affect monthly payments and overall affordability has become increasingly important for prospective homeowners. The shift in the market has led to significant changes in how buyers approach their mortgage decisions, particularly when choosing between fixed and variable rates.  Longer-term fixed-rate mortgages have gained considerable popularity as buyers seek stability in their monthly payments. The security of knowing exactly what you’ll pay each month for five, seven, or even ten years has become increasingly attractive, despite the typically higher initial rates compared to variable products. However, this security often comes with stricter early repayment charges, requiring careful consideration of future plans before committing to a long-term fix.  First-Time Buyer Solutions  The journey to homeownership remains challenging for first-time buyers, but various initiatives continue to provide support. Government schemes have evolved to meet changing market conditions, offering different paths to property ownership. These solutions range from innovative savings programs to shared ownership opportunities, making homeownership more accessible to those struggling with the traditional deposit requirements.  The deposit landscape has also shifted, with lenders taking a more nuanced approach to different buyer situations. While the traditional expectation of a 10-20% deposit remains common, there are now more options for those with smaller deposits, particularly for professional buyers or those with family support. These alternatives have opened up new possibilities for first-time buyers who might otherwise have struggled to enter the market.  Green Mortgages and Sustainability  Environmental considerations have become increasingly central to mortgage lending, reflecting broader societal shifts toward sustainability. Lenders are actively encouraging energy-efficient home purchases and improvements through preferential rates and additional borrowing options for eco-improvements. This trend reflects both consumer demand and regulatory pressure, making green credentials an increasingly important factor in mortgage decisions.  The impact of energy efficiency on property values and running costs has made green mortgages particularly attractive. Lenders are offering incentives for properties with high EPC ratings and providing additional funds for improvements that reduce energy consumption. This approach benefits both the environment and homeowners’ long-term costs, making it an increasingly important consideration in mortgage selection.  Regional Variations and Digital Innovation  The mortgage market shows significant regional variations, with products and lending criteria often tailored to local market conditions. This regional approach recognizes the diverse nature of the UK property market, with different challenges and opportunities across the country. Lenders have developed specific products for various regions, acknowledging the different property types and price points prevalent in different areas.  Technology continues to transform the mortgage application process, making it more efficient and accessible. Digital platforms now handle everything from initial applications to property valuations, streamlining what was traditionally a paper-heavy process. Open banking has revolutionized affordability assessments, while digital identity verification has simplified the documentation process. These innovations have made the mortgage journey smoother while maintaining necessary security measures.  Specialist Lending and Remortgaging  The mortgage market has become increasingly sophisticated in addressing non-standard situations. Self-employed individuals, contract workers, and those seeking later-life lending now have more options available to them. Lenders have developed more flexible approaches to income assessment and lending criteria, recognizing that traditional employment patterns are changing.  Remortgaging remains a significant part of the market, with homeowners actively seeking to optimize their borrowing costs. The process has become more streamlined, with many lenders offering existing customers competitive product transfer options. Additional borrowing for home improvements or debt consolidation continues to be popular, with lenders offering various solutions to meet these needs.  Affordability and Market Outlook  Lenders continue to take a thorough approach to affordability assessment, considering various aspects of applicants’ financial situations. The assessment process has evolved to consider different types of income and financial commitments more holistically. This comprehensive approach helps ensure sustainable lending while providing opportunities for those with strong financial foundations.  Looking ahead, several factors are likely to influence mortgage trends. Economic conditions and interest rate movements will continue to play a crucial role, while technological advancement and environmental policies may shape future lending criteria. The interaction between housing supply, demand, and regulatory requirements will also influence how the mortgage market develops.  Navigating the Market Successfully  Success in today’s mortgage market requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of available options. Starting preparation early is crucial, giving time to optimise credit scores, save consistently, and gather necessary documentation. Understanding the full range of costs involved, from arrangement fees to stamp duty, helps avoid surprises and ensures better financial planning.  Professional advice has become increasingly valuable in navigating the complex mortgage landscape. Advisors can help identify the most suitable products, understand the implications of different choices, and manage the application process effectively. Their expertise can be particularly valuable when dealing with non-standard situations or trying to optimize borrowing costs.  The mortgage market in 2025 continues to evolve, adapting to changing economic conditions and buyer needs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or looking to remortgage, success lies in understanding current trends and preparing thoroughly. While the process may seem daunting, the range of options available usually means there are solutions for well-prepared buyers. As the market continues to develop, staying informed and seeking professional guidance when needed will help ensure the best possible outcomes in your property financing journey. 

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VAT Rebate in UK's Heritage Sector Could Unlock £7M Benefit

VAT Rebate in UK’s Heritage Sector Could Unlock £7M Benefit

New findings show changes to the VAT rebate scheme for the heritage sector would better safeguard the country’s fragile historic attractions, widen public access, and provide an economic boost. Historic Houses, the association that represents Britain’s independently owned historic houses, castles, and gardens, urges government to make simple changes to the existing VAT rebate scheme following new research. The research, carried out by Harlow Consulting, found that government is unnecessarily exacerbating an already daunting backlog of urgently needed repairs currently costed at an estimate of £2bn (as reported by Historic Houses members)– threatening the fabric of some of the UK’s best-loved buildings. Ben Cowell, Director General of Historic Houses, said: “The average property surveyed spends around £160,000 on its repairs and maintenance each year, but the investment is diminished in value by around 18% as VAT eats into tight budgets. Given the scale of the preservation task they face, it’s not surprising that owners report that almost all money recouped from the tax (90%) would be ploughed into further much-needed work.” About 80% of Historic Houses properties open to the public are VAT-registered, meaning they can reclaim VAT-able expenditure on buildings that form part of their business operations. This can reduce net VAT payments to somewhere between 2% and 5% for those attractions. However, not all buildings qualify for VAT reclamation, including those that provide free public access, which disqualifies them from the role of ‘business operations’ that the VAT reclaim system is designed for. These sites include not just independent places represented by Historic Houses, but free attractions in the care of charities like the National Trust, such as Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester, and English Heritage, which includes Ironbridge in Shropshire, and Kenwood House in London. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) already recognises that VAT can create disincentives for the maintenance of invaluable heritage, which is why it created a multi-million-pound pot for VAT rebate grants to churches under the Listed Places of Worship Scheme (LPOW).  The LPOW scheme was recently confirmed for 2025/26, to support the restoration of thousands of listed places of worship. Historic Houses estimates that extending eligibility for the existing rebate scheme to listed buildings that open to the public for at least 28 days a year would cost not much more than £6m, and yield as much as £5.5m in additional vital repairs and maintenance. On top of that, additional public access incentivised by this scheme would help direct millions of pounds worth of new economic activity to rural areas, and boost other taxable business activity, potentially netting the Treasury an overall fiscal gain. Ben said: “This targeted support would allow owners to choose the best contractors for the job, increasing the demand for specialist heritage skills, and it would encourage almost certainly encourage beneficial reinvestment of recovered VAT expenditures into additional repair and maintenance works.” James Legard, Associate Director at Harlow Consulting, said: “This report provides new insight into the impact of VAT on repair works for historic buildings. Research of this kind can help inform policies that better support the conservation of the UK’s cultural and historical assets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Greystar Strengthens UK Student Housing Portfolio with £60 Million Acquisition

Greystar Strengthens UK Student Housing Portfolio with £60 Million Acquisition

Greystar, a global leader in real estate investment and management, has acquired two high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) properties in Cardiff and Exeter for £60 million. The purchase adds 400 premium student beds to Greystar’s UK portfolio, with 240 beds in Cardiff and 160 in Exeter. This move brings the company’s UK PBSA portfolio to over 35,000 beds, solidifying its status as a major provider of student housing. The newly acquired properties, previously developed by Ethos Property, will now operate under Greystar’s Canvas brand. Canvas is known for creating vibrant student communities with exceptional amenities such as gyms, cinema rooms, karaoke spaces, and curated events designed to enhance the student living experience. This acquisition aligns with Greystar’s strategy to expand in key student markets across the UK, driven by increasing demand for professionally managed, high-quality accommodation. With their strong academic institutions and growing student populations, Cardiff and Exeter represent ideal locations for this latest investment. By focusing on delivering well-designed spaces and enriching community experiences, Greystar continues to cater to the evolving needs of the UK’s student housing sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Government, UK plc and Britain’s top universities commit to doubling Oxford-Cambridge economy in boost to Chancellor’s growth mission

Government, UK plc and Britain’s top universities commit to doubling Oxford-Cambridge economy in boost to Chancellor’s growth mission

Marking a significant step in the government’s growth mission, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, together with some of the sector’s leading FTSE 100 and privately owned companies including AstraZeneca, GSK, Airbus and AVEVA, investors, and Britain’s top universities, have welcomed a plan to double the economy of the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge region by 2035. In a meeting with industry chiefs today, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation Rt Hon Peter Kyle and Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Vallance confirmed their steadfast commitment to growth in the UK’s most strategically important region for science and technology, working with the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board to explore their plans. Projections from the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, which represents many of the largest investors in UK science and technology, and research consultancy Public First estimate that fast-tracking the region’s growth through policy interventions like reforming the planning system would add an estimated £78 billion cumulative GDP to the UK economy by 2035. This is equivalent to funding the national New Hospital Programme, the country’s biggest hospital building programme in a generation, more than three times over. Powered by private capital and infrastructure investment including the delivery of East West Rail and an expanding Luton Airport, the commitment – which follows the Government’s recently announced AI Opportunities Action Plan – puts the UK’s ambition to become a global scientific superpower firmly back on the table, including through the creation of 100,000 high-skilled jobs. It comes as the region’s universities join the call to reverse a so-called “brain drain” away from Britain by nurturing homegrown talent and attracting the best and brightest from across the globe. Also supporting the pledge were some of the 45 members of industry body the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, which counts among its ranks leading industry players including AstraZeneca, Airbus, AVEVA, Oxa, an international developer of autonomous vehicle software, and Cambridge-headquartered global leader in AI cybersecurity Darktrace, alongside the region’s globally renowned universities and international investors and advisors such as Prologis, ARC, Pioneer, Bidwells, British Land and Mission Street. The Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge corridor represents one of the world’s most influential regions for science and technology, which already contributes over £40bn to the UK economy, with world-leading levels of patents and scientific publications per capita. Currently accounting for seven percent of total UK GDP, the region is responsible for some of the world’s most significant scientific breakthroughs including the structure of DNA, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), the invention of penicillin and green hydrogen, as well as monoclonal antibodies and ultra-thin solar cells to generate renewable electricity over a wider surface area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BCIS reports tender prices up for civil engineering

BCIS reports tender prices up for civil engineering

Civil engineering tender prices increased by an average of 1% in the final quarter of 2024, according to a panel newly established by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). The BCIS Civil Engineering TPI panel has been formed to advise on the latest movement in tender prices, i.e. prices agreed between client and constructor at commit to construct, and to inform quarterly updates to the BCIS Civil Engineering Tender Price Index. Comprised of cost consultants from firms involved in multiple civil engineering tenders in the UK, the panel will also provide commentary on conditions affecting pricing levels on civil engineering projects. At its first meeting, panellists also agreed on a 4.7% average increase in civil engineering tender prices in the year to 4Q2024. Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS chief economist, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Civil Engineering TPI panel up and running. From our UK building TPI panel and our Scottish tender price assessment and contractor panels, we know just how valuable the insights are that we get from experts working on multiple tenders. “They really help us to understand the context of what we see in the data and how different the tendering experience might be dependent on location, procurement route and sub-sector.” The panel described a generally positive pipeline of work for the next 12 months, though some projects remain at the mercy of government policy, for example the Lower Thames Crossing scheme, and in some cases are reliant on direct public sector expenditure. Panellists described a ‘wait and see’ approach in the market, with the results of phase 2 of the government’s spending review and the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline due to be published later this year. Dr Crosthwaite added: “As is always the case, the sector needs clarity and commitment to schemes to properly plan and to give confidence to the supply chain. “When asked about contractors’ appetite to tender, the civil engineering TPI panellists described a similar profile to the building TPI panel, with risk aversion among contractors meaning suitable tenderers are found after searching, but they’re not seeing very eager contractors. This was particularly the case with larger projects, where there needs to be agreement about who carries the risk.” For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls Announces Strategic Acquisition of Webeasy, Expanding Smart Building Capabilities in the Netherlands

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the acquisition of Webeasy, a prominent Dutch provider of building automation and control systems. This strategic acquisition reinforces Johnson Controls’ commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while expanding its capabilities in the growing market for smart, connected buildings across Europe.   Expanding Johnson Controls’ Global Reach in Building Automation     Webeasy, headquartered in the Netherlands, has earned a strong reputation for delivering innovative building management solutions tailored for small to medium-sized commercial buildings, including offices, educational institutions, hotels, and sports facilities, where simplicity, cost efficiency, and fast deployment are key priorities This acquisition complements Johnson Controls’ leadership in the building automation industry and enhances its ability to address the specific needs of this segment in Europe.     “With the addition of Webeasy’s technologies, we are thrilled to enhance the range of solutions we offer to our customers across Europe,” said Richard Lek, President Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. “Webeasy’s expertise in building automation perfectly aligns with our mission to innovate energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions, empowering our customers to achieve greater operational efficiencies.”     Advancing Innovation and Sustainability   Webeasy’s extensive pre-configured application library simplifies the deployment of building management systems by improving engineering efficiency, operational effectiveness and making building automation easier, smarter and more cost efficient.     The combined capabilities of Webeasy and Johnson Controls will enable businesses and facility owners to better address the growing demands of European sustainability regulations, reduce energy costs and carbon footprints and drive operational excellence.     A Bright Future for Smart Buildings   This acquisition reinforces Johnson Controls’ growth strategy and leadership position in next generation building automation technology and innovation. Webeasy’s trusted customer base in the Netherlands and across Europe will benefit from Johnson Controls’ global resources, robust service infrastructure, and a shared commitment to smarter, more sustainable buildings. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.      Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LondonMetric Seals £124m in Strategic Property Transactions

LondonMetric Seals £124m in Strategic Property Transactions

LondonMetric Property Plc has announced a series of acquisitions and disposals totalling £124 million, marking a significant reshaping of its portfolio. The company has divested ten non-core properties for £74.2 million (LondonMetric share: £69.4 million) at a net initial yield (NIY) of 6.9% and acquired seven properties for £50.1 million, reflecting a rising NIY of up to 7.2% over five years. Strategic Disposals: Focus on Core Growth The sale of ten non-core properties includes: Since March 2024, LondonMetric has offloaded 65 assets for £307 million (LondonMetric share: £302 million), achieving a 2% premium above book value. Targeted Acquisitions: High-Yield Opportunities LondonMetric’s acquisitions total £50.1 million, reflecting a strong focus on high-quality assets with promising rental growth. Highlights include: Commentary on the Moves Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of LondonMetric, highlighted the company’s strategy:“We have again successfully disposed of non-core assets at prices in line with our valuations and reinvested into higher-quality opportunities in strong conviction sectors, where rental growth prospects are more compelling.” Future-Focused Portfolio Optimisation This reshuffling aligns with LondonMetric’s broader strategy of enhancing portfolio quality, boosting rental income, and focusing on high-demand sectors. By divesting less lucrative assets and reinvesting in prime properties with strong growth potential, LondonMetric is positioning itself for sustained success in a competitive market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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