As Accent Housing celebrates 60 years (in April 2026) of providing homes and building communities, it is customers like Richard Wilkinson who truly bring its story to life. At 72, Richard is not only a long-standing customer of 35 years, but he was also the organisation’s only customer Board member, helping ensure that customers’ voices are heard at the very highest level. His journey with Accent reflects something deeper than tenancy, it is a lifelong commitment to community, fairness and making a difference to his community and the wider sector. Richard, who is from Bradford, grew up in a back-to-back one up, one down house with an outdoor toilet, on Otley Road, where five family members shared a small bedroom divided by a hessian curtain. Richard, his mum and grandma slept on one side of the bedroom and his grandad and 15-year-old uncle on the other side. He still vividly remembers those early years “even the smell of the cellar,” he recalls and how they shaped his understanding of home, dignity, fairness and opportunity. At the age of 5, Richard lost his grandad suddenly to a heart attack at the age of 55. This had a profound change in Richard’s life as his grandad was a strong presence and the head of the house. From a young age, Richard knew he wanted to be a teacher. He enjoyed the structure and orderly routine that came with being in school, a nice change to his home life. After being schooled at Hutton Primary, Thorpe Junior High and Hanson Boys in Bradford, Richard went on to Teaching Training. He began his career at Tong School in 1975 as a probationary teacher going on to become Deputy Head before retiring in 2011 after inspiring youngsters for 36 years. But retirement did not slow him down, instead it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Having lived in an Accent home at Easthorpe Court in Bradford for decades, initially with his mother and later taking on the tenancy himself, Richard found stability and community through Accent at a time when he needed it most. “I felt that, in a way, Accent rescued me when I was in a low place in life after a difficult breakup,” he says. “Accent has always been personal to me.” Richard became actively involved in Accent’s customer engagement work joining scrutiny panels, committees and forums, helping to improve services and represent fellow residents. Accent’s approach to customer voice, through customer champions, forums and a place at Board level, gave Richard the platform to turn his lived experience into real influence and learning. In 2018, competing against more than 120 applicants for just two positions, Richard was appointed as the organisation’s only customer Board member. “I never expected to make the cut,” he admits. “But having a voice at Board level is so important. Customers should be able to challenge decisions and help shape what happens.” Over six years on the Board, Richard has done exactly that by bringing honesty, scrutiny, insight and lived experience into strategic decision-making. His contribution has helped ensure that customer impact remains central to conversations and the future direction of Accent. Even as his Board term comes to an end in September 2026, Richard has no plans to step away. “Accent isn’t just a landlord to me; Accent has been a part of my life for 35 years. When you’ve lived the experience, you understand what really matters. That’s why having a customer voice at the table isn’t a ‘nice to have’ but it’s essential if services are going to work for people.” He plans to continue supporting the organisation with recruitment, interviews, procurement panels, and be a sounding board to help the company make future decisions. Over the years, Richard has seen Accent evolve from its roots in Bradford to the large organisation with a national spread it is today. “It started small and grew through mergers, but it’s never lost its heart,” he says. “Accent has a soul, which is unusual for an organisation of its size.” At home, Richard enjoys life with his husband, Wojciech, whom he married at the age of 62. He remains deeply connected to his community at Easthorpe Court, where he values the diversity of residents and strong relationships with housing colleagues. Jo Gallagher, Accent’s Head of Customer and Community Engagement, commented: “Within the housing sector, Richard has become a well-respected and trusted voice. He is often invited to speak at conferences and events, where he openly shares his experiences, challenges stigma, and champions meaningful customer engagement. Richard brings honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to doing what’s right for customers in everything he does. He is constructive in his approach, not afraid to speak up, and always focused on making a positive difference. His insight and perspective have had a real impact and continue to help us grow and improve as an organisation.” Nick Apetroaie, CEO at Accent added: “Richard was one of the first customers that I met when I joined Accent. Richard’s insight into what really matter to customers and his unwavering commitment to Accent over the past three decades has been truly exceptional. He represents the very best of what customer leadership can be. People like Richard are the reason organisations like ours continue to learn, improve and stay true to our purpose for over 60 years!” As Accent marks its 60th anniversary, Richard’s story is a powerful reminder of what makes social housing more than just bricks and mortar. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Jewson has today launched a petition calling on government to get Britain’s building and construction sector out of crisis and into positive economic growth. Jewson is championing the petition, #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW, which calls on government to build certainty and confidence in the market, focusing on the three biggest things general builders and specialist tradespeople are crying out to be resolved. As a business committed to supporting small and medium builders and tradespeople, Jewson forms part of STARK Building Materials UK Ltd, one of the UK’s leading network of builders’ merchants and materials distributors. John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK Ltd, who is proudly championing the petition, said: “Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Britain still needs to get building again. The conflict continues to bring price inflationary pressures that we’re pushing back very hard on to protect our customers as best we can, and as we maintain a reliable flow of material supply into the market. However, this latest challenge only strengthens the headwinds our sector continues to lean into, with building and construction being in the longest period of significant downturn that I’ve seen in my near 50-year career. Enough is enough. Sometimes you just can’t wait, and saving our industry is too important to be left on the brink. “Britain’s hardworking professional trades are at the heart of building our local communities. It’s unthinkable that slow, costly and contradictory planning processes, chronic skills shortages, and a collapse in public confidence are pushing one of our most vital industries to the brink. I really hope that people will get behind this petition, so that we can bring the collective voice of building and construction to Number 10 and turn debate into decisive positive action that kickstarts the sector’s recovery and also much needed broader economic growth.” Commenting on the initiative, Helene Bradley, Communications Director for STARK UK said: “The industry’s in crisis. It’s really important that the broader business community and general public start to understand what’s keeping our hardworking builders and tradespeople awake at night and to consider the unintended consequences if action isn’t taken. “We believe this petition will help amplify the collective voice of builders and tradespeople across the land, so that we can together get Britain building again – and now.” To learn more about the issues underpinning the petition and to join Jewson’s efforts, visit www.jewson.co.uk/lets-get-britain-building-now.   You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

This year’s International Women’s Day encourages everyone to ‘Give to Gain’, and Taylor Wimpey East Anglia is highlighting the inspiring and collaborative career journeys of Hollie-Jayne Bennett, Assistant Site Manager and Rhianna Darling, Trainee Assistant Site Manager.  ‘Don’t hesitate to throw out an idea’ and ‘no question is a silly question’ are the two valuable lessons Hollie-Jayne Bennett says she has learnt since starting a role as Assistant Site Manager at Taylor Wimpey’s Lantern Croft development in Ely.  Originally starting her career in the housebuilding industry as a painting and decorating apprentice, Hollie-Jayne grasped the opportunity to begin her management pathway. Joining Taylor Wimpey as an Assistant Site Manager in August 2022, Hollie-Jayne has multiple qualifications in site management and supports the Site Manager with the day-to-day running of the development and always keep health and safety at the forefront.  Hollie-Jayne said: “I thoroughly enjoy site work and everything it entails. I love coordinating with contractors and producing an incredibly high-quality product for Taylor Wimpey customers to enjoy. It’s rewarding to see a development progress from the early stages through to a completely new community, knowing the work that the team has put in to create homes that people are proud of. “I do feel like I’m breaking down barriers within the industry, being a female in a leading position. Being a woman isn’t something that phases me about my role. Developing confidence is a process, but through hard work and gaining experience, you can strengthen your belief that you bring value to the table. In the next five years, I hope to become the first female Site Manager in the East Anglian region.” Having formerly been a sales coordinator and a director’s PA within the housebuilding industry, Rhianna Darling’s entry into working on site was unconventional. Rhianna joined Taylor Wimpey six months ago and is currently a Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Northfield View in Stowmarket. Her role is to support the Site Manager in ensuring the smooth operation of the development to maintain the build schedule, including coordinating with contractors and ensuring that materials are delivered and ordered on time.   “I gained valuable experience within sales and as a PA, but there wasn’t much opportunity for me to progress. I realised after speaking with my colleagues that my coordination, organisation and management skills were transferable to a role on site. Curiosity combined with support from my colleagues and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone helped me transition into my current role.”  “No two days are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy. I love being out on site, seeing the progress day by day and knowing I’ve played a part in bringing someone’s dream home to life. Having such a wonderful, tangible achievement paired with the happiness of a family on move-in day is so rewarding.” International Women’s Day (IWD), which takes place on the 8th March 2026, is an opportunity for the world to come together to forge gender equality. 2026’s theme is Give to Gain, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.  For more information on careers at Taylor Wimpey, please visit: https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/jobs/jobs-you-can-do/construction  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leamington Spa based new homes builder HarperCrewe is celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day theme – Give to Gain – across all areas of its business The global event runs annually on 8th March, is now in its 115th year with a different theme each year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, whilst also calling for gender equality. This year’s theme aims to encourage a mindset of generosity and collaboration regardless of gender, whilst also emphasising how opportunities for women increase when people, organisations and communities give donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring or time. Housebuilding and construction is often considered a male-dominated industry. Three women in senior roles at HarperCrewe share their stories to encourage and support women thinking of entering the field: Nicola Gott, Commercial Manager, said: “I work with a team of Quantity Surveyors and Buyers. After the birth of my children, I joined the housebuilding industry a little later in life after going back to study as a ‘mature student’ to obtain a Higher National Certificate.  Studying with two small children was hard work, but I was determined to succeed and passed my exams with distinction. Initially, I joined the Buying Department at HarperCrewe, but soon moved into Quantity Surveying. “The commercial department has input right from the start of a development, from initial land purchases all the way through to customer care when each house is handed over to a new resident to make it their home. The work is varied and no two days are the same. We work with every discipline internally within our business and with every construction trade working on site. Building relationships is absolutely vital and being confident and not being afraid to challenge is a must.  “For any women thinking of joining the housebuilding industry, I would say go for it! Be prepared for hard work and challenges, but also be prepared for the delight of driving past a community that is thriving years later, knowing that you played a crucial part in that.” Deborah Crombie, Group Design Manager, added her experience: “I work on residential developments from concept through to delivery. After studying Architecture to Masters level at university, I moved into the residential housing sector. I’ve always had a passion for design, and I’m particularly focused on how developments come together at street level — how materials work alongside one another, how different house types sit next to each other, and how the overall development feels as a place to live. For me, it’s about creating thoughtful, well-balanced environments where communities can grow and thrive. “I value the collaborative nature of the industry and the role each discipline plays in achieving that shared vision. For women considering a career in construction or development, I would encourage you to be confident in your perspective and not be afraid to take up space in the room. This industry needs more female voices at every level. Seek out mentors, ask questions, and back yourself — remember your contribution has real value.” Danielle Heard, Sales & Marketing Director at HarperCrewe who has extensive experience in sales leadership, said: “I’m really passionate about developing young people and supporting their growth throughout their careers. I’m a big believer in sharing knowledge, building confidence and collaborating for the good of the business. “While there is equal opportunity for anyone to succeed in new homes sales, this area of the business does tend to attract more women than men and I always support new team members early in their professional journey, encouraging them to trust their abilities, and pursue opportunities with self-assurance.” HarperCrewe currently employs 87 staff, of which 34 are women, including two female directors. To find out more about International Women’s Day 2026 and how to support women through collaboration and encouragement, visit: internationalwomensday.com For more information about a career with HarperCrewe, visit: harpercrewe.com/careers-at-harpercrewe Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Building Heroes Education Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a three-year Sponsoring Partnership with The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust. This partnership marks a new chapter in a longstanding relationship dedicated to supporting Armed Forces Service Leavers, Veterans and Reservists into rewarding civilian careers. The Worshipful Company of Constructors has stood beside Building Heroes for many years through donations, advocacy and continuous support. This formal Academy Sponsorship now deepens that commitment, providing the financial security to underpin the charity’s longest-running academy at Reaseheath College and University Centre in Cheshire, and ensuring the continuation of vital skills training for the military community in the North West. This sponsorship will enable Building Heroes to sustain and grow its Reaseheath Construction Skills Academy, giving Service Leavers, Veterans and the wider military community access to high-quality training, practical skills development, industry exposure and tailored employability support, and crucially, the confidence to build successful second careers in the construction and built environment sector. A Strengthened Partnership with Impact at Its Core The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust is one of the City of London’s historic Livery organisations. This partnership between Building Heroes and the Constructors Charitable Trust perfectly aligns with the Trust’s primary remit: ‘support the advancement of education, training and research in the Construction Industry’, making it an ideal partnership. Building Heroes, a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Social Mobility, 2022), has trained more than 4,200 members of the Armed Forces community since its formation in 2014. Over 48% progress directly into employment, self-employment or further qualifications within the construction sector. This sponsorship will ensure that continued impact, while strengthening pathways into industry across the region. Supporting Transition, Strengthening Industry Graduates from Reaseheath have gone on to join major contractors, SMEs, social enterprises and housing associations, working in trades, construction management, property maintenance, utilities and infrastructure. Many have gained the confidence to launch their own businesses. Through the Worshipful Company of Constructors and its professional network, cohorts will also have the opportunity to gain industry expertise, professional mentorship, and direct insight into the sector’s evolving opportunities. Doug Barrat, Deputy Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust, said: “The Constructors Company, through its Charitable Trust, feels that this represents a significant step change in our relationship with Building Heroes. A permanent base for craft and skills training in the construction industry for those leaving the Armed Forces has been an ambition for several years. Now established at Reaseheath in a new bespoke building, this excellent year-round training facility is the culmination of outstanding planning and hard work.” Chris Charles, CEO of Building Heroes, commented: “This sponsorship demonstrates an extraordinary commitment, and to have a historic and respected Livery Company take such a purposeful step in support of our mission is something we value enormously. Their investment will safeguard our provision at Reaseheath, ensuring that hundreds more members of our Armed Forces family can build meaningful post-service careers, while also contributing directly to the skills needs of the construction and wider built-environment sectors. We look forward not only to delivering training but to opening doors, through the Company’s membership, networks and influence, that inspire our cohorts to explore every pathway the industry has to offer.” Quote from Reaseheath College: Andy Gould, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction at Reaseheath, said: “We’ve been working with Building Heroes for over ten years now, and it’s a partnership that means a lot to us here at Reaseheath. Craig Blount and I have watched so many veterans come through the programme and completely transform their confidence and skills. It’s hard not to feel proud when you see what they achieve next.” “This new sponsorship gives the academy real stability, which is fantastic. It means we can keep doing what we know works – giving service leavers proper hands-on training, a supportive environment, and a clear route into the industry. It’s good for them, good for the sector, and fantastic for Reaseheath. We’re very proud to be part of it.” Creating Skilled People, Positive Social Value and Stronger Futures For the sector, this partnership signals a shared belief in: For the learners, it represents stability, recognition, and opportunity at a critical point of transition. As the first academic year under this sponsorship is underway, the academy will continue to: Building Heroes looks forward to working closely with the Worshipful Company of Constructors throughout this period to showcase talent, support the next generation, and demonstrate how deeply meaningful second careers begin with access, support and belief. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Nationwide Platforms has donated almost £10,000 to charitable causes and local community initiatives over the past year, continuing its commitment to supporting colleagues, families, and communities across the UK. The UK’s leading powered access provider donated a total of £9,785 during 2025, supporting 25 charitable causes and 10 local club sponsorships. Of the total donated, £6,811 was given to national and local charities, with a further £2,974 supporting grassroots sports clubs and youth organisations. Causes supported ranged from cancer and dementia charities to food banks, Christmas raffles, and disability support initiatives. The single largest donation of £2,075 was made to a JustGiving page set up by colleague Jason Butlin, Business Development Manager for the Midlands region, to help fund a specialist purple wheelchair for his daughter Isabelle, who lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Alongside colleague-led fundraising, Nationwide Platforms supported a number of high-profile charities throughout the year, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer’s Society, Action Bladder Cancer UK, and The British Heart Foundation. Charitable giving was further driven by physical challenges undertaken by employees in aid of causes close to their hearts. These included a 26-mile Peak District Mighty Hike completed by Matthew Barnett, Marketing and Communications Specialist, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support; a 100-mile walk across Lady Anne’s Way by Blackburn-based Depot Support Operative Ollie Smith and his partner Heather to raise funds for Action Bladder Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK; and Ann-Marie Pease’s climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, which began on 2 January in support of Alzheimer’s Society. Local community support also formed a significant part of the 2025 donations. Nationwide Platforms sponsored seven junior football clubs, one local sporting club, a Muay Thai gym, and a youth club, helping to fund club kits, facility set-up costs, and travel expenses to ensure young people from lower-income backgrounds could access opportunities otherwise out of reach, including international sporting travel to the USA. Reflecting on the year’s giving, Nationwide Platforms said the donations highlight the power of colleague-led initiatives and the importance of supporting causes rooted in local communities. “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and that extends far beyond the workplace,” said Karen Maguire, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms. “Whether it’s supporting a colleague’s family, backing life-saving research, or helping local clubs keep going, these donations reflect the compassion and generosity that exists across Nationwide Platforms.” Nationwide Platforms will continue to support colleague-nominated charities and community initiatives into 2026, building on a year that has seen hundreds of lives positively impacted through collective action. For more information about Nationwide Platforms, visit:https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

As 2025 wraps up and we all prepare to blueprint a brighter, bolder 2026, the BDC team wanted to share a festive smile with our readers across the worlds of construction, development, architecture, real estate, engineering, sustainability and the countless trades keeping the UK’s built environment thriving. So, here are ten delightfully daft, industry-flavoured ways to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to your December… From all of us at Building Design & Construction, thank you for your support, your insight, and your commitment to shaping the spaces we live, work and play in. Wishing you a wonderful festive season, a well-deserved break, and a prosperous year of innovation, creativity and growth in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce that its annual charity fundraising efforts have raised £5,271.25, supporting this year’s chosen charities: The Lighthouse Club – the construction industry charity, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). The fundraising total includes £4,345.00 raised through events and donations including Christmas Jumper Day, plus an additional £926.25 through Gift Aid. The Midlands and North team have led a range of fundraising activities across the region this year, supported by McLaren colleagues, supply chain partners, subcontractors and external businesses. A key highlight of the fundraising programme was a raffle supported by the generous donation of prizes from McLaren’s supply chain and partners. Contributions included a Sainsbury’s voucher from EH Smiths, four Aston Villa tickets donated by DP Interiors, two Liverpool FC tickets from Cara Brickwork, an iPad from Taurus Electrical, a Celtic Manor stay from Oakwood, a Harrods hamper from Grimes Finishings, and a Coventry hotel stay from Village Hotels. They also included an afternoon tea experience from IHG, a £250 cash donation from MJS, breakfast and cocktails from Albert’s Schloss, a gift card from Fazenda, a meal and cocktails for two from Revolution, a television donated by Miles, and significant £1,000 cash donations from both McCoys and MPB. Luke Arnold, Regional Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “A big thank you to Lucy Cramp, Kath Sheppard and Tina Shelton, for all their efforts working tirelessly to bring all of this together, a lot of work goes into this behind the scenes to make this possible and improving the cash raised year on year!” Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are incredibly proud of the teamwork, generosity and community spirit shown across our Midlands and North region. Supporting The Lighthouse Club and the Motor Neurone Disease Association is deeply important to us, and reaching this fundraising milestone reflects the dedication of our people and our partners. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals