The OCS Foundation, an independent grant-giving and fundraising charity, is proud to announce its relaunch with a sharpened focus on creating opportunities for children and young people facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland. Established in 2014, the OCS Foundation has a strong legacy of tackling the causes and effects
Multi-disciplinary engineering specialist Spencer Group has become an official Company Supporter of Lighthouse, the construction industry charity. Hull-based Spencer Group has selected the organisation as its official charity partner for 2025 and colleagues have already raised over £2,000 through an Easter raffle, weekly dress-down Fridays, fantasy football league and more.
Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in style last week at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s American Express Stadium. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for initiatives tackling food insecurity across the UK and Ireland. The evening
Bromsgrove’s Joe Baker is Running to Rebuild What Suicide Took Away…. Joe Baker from Bromsgrove is running 5K every single day in May to raise awareness of the construction industry’s suicide crisis — a challenge inspired by his own battle with addiction and mental health, and dedicated to the 7,000
Winvic Construction Ltd has announced its pavilion programme at UKREiiF next month and has a new partnership with Leeds-based charity, Zarach. The pavilion, ‘Winvic and Partner’s Hub’, will be a place for thought leadership and dynamic industry collaboration, with panel discussions and interactive sessions addressing the most pressing challenges and
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor
Morson Group has joined this year’s Big Construction Diversity Challenge as its Headline Sponsor. The company, which has built on its 55+ year history in recruitment to develop engineering, consultancy, training services and more across the UK, US and Canada, says it’s delighted to offer its support to the BCDC in this, its inaugural year.
Kingspan, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, announces today that it is collaborating with Buildner and Hapi Homes, on the tenth edition of the MICROHOME competition, offering a 100,000 EUR prize fund and the unique opportunity for one winning project to be constructed. This global competition invites
SP Energy Networks has donated eight laptops to Community Veterans Support (CVS) in Glasgow, fast-tracking the centre’s tech upgrade plans. This donation will help the charity replace its outdated IT systems while ensuring that disused technology is usefully repursued. Community Veterans Support has been a lifeline for veterans in the
The OCS Foundation, an independent grant-giving and fundraising charity, is proud to announce its relaunch with a sharpened focus on creating opportunities for children and young people facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland. Established in 2014, the OCS Foundation has a strong legacy of tackling the causes and effects of poverty by developing the capacity and skills of socially and economically disadvantaged community members. In 2023, the Foundation piloted its pioneering ‘People into Work’ scheme, which has since helped over 680 individuals secure valuable, sustainable employment. These life-changing outcomes are now a core part of OCS’s social value commitments. A new chapter With its relaunch, the OCS Foundation is reaffirming its purpose to positively impact as many children and young people as possible, providing them with opportunities to thrive. The Foundation’s mission is clear—children and young people should have no limits to their potential, their dreams, and no limits in their lives. Recognising the barriers many children and young people face, whether through illness, poverty, exclusion, or unstable family environments, the OCS Foundation supports causes, projects, and charities that offer safety, skills, wellbeing support, and real pathways to a brighter future. By leveraging the strength and reach of OCS, the Foundation empowers individuals through mental health support, education, skills development, and community activities, ensuring a lasting impact. Key initiatives and values The OCS Foundation’s initiatives focus on three core areas: Guided by its TRUE values (Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment) the Foundation is committed to investing in both immediate support and long-term solutions for young people. Collective Commitment and Leadership The OCS Foundation is led by a dedicated board of trustees, chaired by Lorraine O’Brien, who brings over 25 years of commercial and charitable leadership experience. Nikki Brown, the new Head of Foundation, is passionate about harnessing collective effort to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people. As part of the relaunch, the Foundation is proud to announce partnerships with Brighten the Corners, Irish Youth Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. These partnerships will further strengthen the Foundation’s ability to deliver meaningful, lasting impact. Commenting on the relaunch, Nikki Brown, Head of the Foundation said, “We are delighted to be announcing a long-term vision for the Foundation which supports our future generations. We are focused on lifting children and young people up and giving them the helping hand they need to create a better future for themselves. The partners that we have chosen will really help us to make a difference.” Lorraine O’Brien, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added, “The Foundation has a reinvigorated and renewed sense of purpose to use the power of OCS and our incredible colleagues to improve the lives of future generations. Our mission will be focusing on removing the barriers that many young people face by creating a wealth of opportunities to create a brighter future without limits for young people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary engineering specialist Spencer Group has become an official Company Supporter of Lighthouse, the construction industry charity. Hull-based Spencer Group has selected the organisation as its official charity partner for 2025 and colleagues have already raised over £2,000 through an Easter raffle, weekly dress-down Fridays, fantasy football league and more. Lighthouse provides 24/7 holistic support to the UK and Ireland construction community on all aspects of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. A crucial element of the charity’s strategy is to provide a range of free and widely available reactive and proactive resources to support the industry, which Spencer Group’s fundraising will help to deliver. Spencer Group Completions Manager Claire Ransom is one of the company’s Charity Champions who are leading the fundraising efforts. She said: “Every working day in the UK and Ireland, two construction workers take their own life, and we know that stress, anxiety and depression accounts for one fifth of all reported work-related illnesses. “As a business we’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our colleagues and contributing to making a positive change in our industry. Lighthouse aligns with everything we are so passionate about, so choosing them as our charity partner for 2025 was a natural choice. “The charity works to bring mental health into normal workplace conversations and provides free, confidential support and resources to anyone who is struggling. We’re proud to be supporting them in 2025.” To bolster support for the charity while also giving back to its own workforce, Spencer Group matched the first £1,000 raised by colleagues and donated an additional £1,000 to become an official Company Supporter. Services the charity offers include a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, live web chat service and text facility, providing a range of information, guidance and support on a huge variety of wellbeing issues. These services are complemented by Lighthouse’s free self-support app, as well as Lighthouse Beacons – safe spaces for people to share concerns. By becoming a Company Supporter, Spencer Group colleagues now have access to free online Mental Health First Aid training in addition to a number of other benefits designed to support and promote wellbeing, including the charity’s Wellbeing Academy which offers a variety of soft skills and leadership training, an exclusive supporter hub, helpline cards and posters, and regular awareness campaign updates and social media assets. To kick off the partnership, Spencer Group welcomed representatives from Lighthouse for an informative presentation which was delivered in person to colleagues at Spencer Group’s head office in Hull, as well as streamed to all project sites across the UK. The presentation aimed to raise awareness of the wide portfolio of services the charity provides and highlight how colleagues can access support. Claire said: “At Spencer Group we’re already committed to promoting an open and inclusive work environment, where colleagues are encouraged to prioritise their wellbeing. “We have a growing team of Mental Health First Aiders and run regular Took Box Talks, as well as weekly Wellness Walks to ensure people know how they can access support and have a safe space they can go if they are struggling. “Our partnership with Lighthouse marks another meaningful step forward in our ongoing commitment to wellbeing, support and positive change in our industry.” Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Spencer Group for choosing us as their charity of the year. “As well as their fantastic fundraising efforts and joining us as a Company Supporter, their proactive stance in promoting our charitable services continues to open conversations around positive wellbeing and helps to create a supportive working environment for everyone in our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in style last week at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s American Express Stadium. The annual fundraising dinner brought together colleagues, charity partners, clients and supply partners to raise £292,300 for initiatives tackling food insecurity across the UK and Ireland. The evening was also an important step forward in Sodexo’s journey toward its ambitious 2030 commitment of supporting over 12.5 million direct and indirect beneficiaries through the Stop Hunger Foundation. Guests not only gave generously but many also pledged their time, signing up to volunteer with the Foundation’s long-standing charity partner, Trussell. The dinner was hosted by Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Stop Hunger Foundation, alongside Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Foundation, and Sodexo Ambassador, and Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson. The event also welcomed special guest speaker Asma Khan, one of the world’s most prominent female chefs and the Foundation’s first-ever patron. Asma, who became patron in January 2025 and is the chef advocate for the UN World Food Programme, brings valuable support and inspiration to the Foundation’s work. She has a shared commitment with the Stop Hunger Foundation, championing initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity, including skills development, resource accessibility, and community empowerment. Asma Khan, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Patron, said: “It was an honour to be part of this special evening celebrating 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation. Food insecurity is a complex issue, but events like this remind us that when people come together with a shared goal, we can make real progress. “I’m proud to work alongside the Foundation in supporting not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions that help empower individuals in communities facing hardship. The passion I saw in the room tonight to raise funds and donate time and expertise gives me real hope for the future.” Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has supported more than 9.6 million beneficiaries through 230 charity partners across over 56 cities and regions, distributing more than £6.4 million in grants. Thanks to Sodexo’s financial support, 100% of the donations made to Stop Hunger are directed towards charitable partners. Launched by Sodexo UK & Ireland in 2005, the Foundation exists to fight food insecurity and build a better tomorrow. As it marks two decades of action, it is strengthening its commitment to sustainable, long-term solutions. One example includes a £150,000 multi-year grant to the Trussell’s award-winning Helpline Through Hardship project, a service that connects people in crisis with financial support, helping them secure, on average, over £2,000 in additional income per year. In addition to raising money, the event also celebrated the contributions of Sodexo colleagues and supply partners who regularly dedicate time to fundraising and volunteering with the Foundation. Three awards were presented during the evening: Recognised for her continued dedication to fundraising, volunteering, and advocacy. Diane has arranged fundraising events and set up a permanent food bank in Sodexo’s London head office which collects around 200kg of food donations every month for charity partner The Switch. Acknowledged for exceeding volunteering targets within Sodexo’s Energy & Resources business, forming impactful charity partnerships, and championing a local volunteering initiative, now supported by the Foundation and commended by the Scottish Parliament. Over the past year, Kimberly Clark has supported Sodexo with innovations that deliver cost savings, waste reduction and improved operational performance. Its bespoke tools and core paper hygiene products reduce waste, enhance hygiene and save paper and CO2 emissions. Kimberly Clark’s paper hand towel recycling at Sodexo sites, along with monthly sustainability impact reports, underscores its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, its Kleenex brand’s partnership with Mind has funded 27,720 enquiries to Mind’s helpline since 2020. Jean Renton, COO of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Trustee of the Foundation, said: “This year’s event was a powerful celebration and a reminder of what can be achieved to support others. I’m incredibly proud of the funds we’ve raised, but even more so of the passion and commitment shown by our clients, colleagues, charity partners, sponsors and supply partners. Together, we’re building a legacy that creates long-term change.” Patrick Forbes, Chair of the Stop Hunger Foundation, added: “As we celebrate 20 years of the Stop Hunger Foundation, it’s truly inspiring to look back at how far we’ve come and even more exciting to see the momentum we’re building for the future. This Foundation matters. The work it supports is changing lives, creating stronger communities, and laying the groundwork for sustainable solutions to food insecurity. “We also celebrated our incredible employee Stop Hunger charity champions, who are the heart and soul of this mission. Their passion, energy, and dedication – whether through shaping our strategy or encouraging colleagues to volunteer – powers everything we do”. Around 400 guests enjoyed a special dining experience curated by Sodexo Live!, in collaboration with 2013 MasterChef winner Steven Edwards, featuring locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The menu also included dishes by Asma from her latest cookbook Monsoon. Sodexo supply partner, Zeelo – a leading provider of sustainable, tech-enabled staff transportation solutions – supported the event, providing an accessible, carbon-neutral shuttle service and volunteers to help transport guests, ensuring everyone arrived home and comfortably at the venue. The service was operated by Brighton & Hove Buses; a valued operator partner in Zeelo’s network. This hands-on approach reflects Zeelo’s broader commitment to community engagement and positive social impact. Stop Hunger is an employee-led initiative by Sodexo, active in over 73 countries around the world. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bromsgrove’s Joe Baker is Running to Rebuild What Suicide Took Away…. Joe Baker from Bromsgrove is running 5K every single day in May to raise awareness of the construction industry’s suicide crisis — a challenge inspired by his own battle with addiction and mental health, and dedicated to the 7,000 lives already lost. Every single day this May, Bromsgrove boy, Joe Baker will be lacing up his trainers and running 5 kilometres. No rest days. No shortcuts. Just one man running daily in honour of the thousands who never got to keep going. Joe isn’t training for a medal — he’s taking on this relentless challenge to raise awareness of the mental health crisis facing construction workers, and to support The Lost City campaign. It’s a personal mission, rooted in pain, purpose, and the hope that things can change. The Man Behind the Miles Joe is the founder of Second City Screed, a respected Midlands construction business. But before that, life looked very different. “I attempted suicide. I was deep into addiction. Really, really struggling.” His lowest point came before he joined the construction industry. Covid, isolation, and alcohol nearly broke him. But through reaching out and getting sober, Joe began the long road back. Now he’s putting one foot in front of the other — literally — to make sure others get that same chance. “It was talking to people that saved me. That and becoming sober.” The Challenge: 5K Every Day for May Throughout the month of May, Joe is running 5 kilometres every single day — no matter the weather, how sore he feels, or how much life gets in the way. “I haven’t trained for this. But that’s the point — it’s meant to be hard. Because this issue is hard.” Each run is a symbol of the mental load so many in the industry carry silently. Fatigue. Financial stress. Loneliness. Grief. These runs are for them — for the ones still battling, and the ones already lost. What Is the Lost City? Joe’s challenge supports The Lost City campaign — a powerful initiative that visualises what the construction industry has lost to suicide: 🏠 150,000 homes🏫 80 schools🏥 3 hospitals That’s what 7,000 lost lives could have built in the past decade — if they’d been here. But this isn’t just about missed output. It’s about fathers, sons, friends and colleagues whose lives were cut short. It’s not a personal problem — it’s an industry-wide emergency. “We Build the Country — But Who Builds Us Back Up?” “The roads, the railways, the homes we live in — they’re all built by people like us. But we’re undervalued. Underappreciated. And when we break, no one notices until it’s too late.” Joe’s message is simple: enough is enough. Through his 5K-a-day challenge, he’s raising money for Band of Builders and Construction Sport, charities at the forefront of suicide prevention and mental health support in the trades. How You Can Help You can back Joe’s mission in three ways: Because the buildings we live, learn, and heal in wouldn’t exist without construction workers — and they deserve to live full, supported lives too. SUGGESTED QUESTIONS BACKGROUND As of the first quarter of 2024, the construction industry employment figures for the UK regions are as follows: This workforce is predominantly male, with women comprising about 12.5% of the total. The industry also has a notable proportion of self-employed workers; in 2020, out of the 2.1 million construction workers, approximately 727,000 were self-employed. In terms of regional distribution, over a third of construction businesses in 2020 were located in London and the South East of England. The industry faces challenges related to workforce demographics, including an ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled labour. These issues have been exacerbated by factors such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have impacted the availability of both domestic and migrant workers. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges through initiatives aimed at improving training, attracting new talent, and enhancing diversity within the sector. However, the industry continues to grapple with issues related to mental health, job security, and working conditions, which affect the overall well-being and productivity of its workforce. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has announced its pavilion programme at UKREiiF next month and has a new partnership with Leeds-based charity, Zarach. The pavilion, ‘Winvic and Partner’s Hub’, will be a place for thought leadership and dynamic industry collaboration, with panel discussions and interactive sessions addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry. Partners joining Winvic in the pavilion include Ridge, UMC Architects and Maber, who alongside industry and government representatives, will bring expertise together to drive conversation and action on key topics such as Net Zero, ESG and social value, the housing crisis, the Building Safety Act, and the growth of data centres. As part of its UKREiiF attendance, Winvic will be proudly supporting Zarach, a Leeds-based charity helping children living in poverty by providing beds to those without a safe, comfortable place to sleep. The ‘Beds for Beds’ programme will see the contractor fundraising in the run up to and throughout the event, by inviting its clients, supply chain and partners to join them in making a meaningful impact. With a target of 24 bed bundles – a bed, mattress, bedding and pyjamas – which symbolises the contractors 24 storeys at its Lisbon Street multi-room scheme in Leeds, Winvic will match-fund the number of bed bundles pledged during the event via a QR Code in the pavilion. Winvic is also proud to be working with Leeds-based social enterprise Shine for its catering. Heidi Salmons, Director of Marketing, Business Development and Social Responsibility at Winvic, said: “We’re thrilled to be a pavilion partner at UKREiiF 2025. Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do, from industry-wide knowledge sharing to supporting grassroots initiatives that make a real difference. Our sessions will explore key topics and insights into the latest industry trends and challenges, shaping the future of construction and the built environment. “Guided by our ’Doing It Right’ ethos and The Winvic Way values, our partnership with Zarach reflects our commitment to balancing commercial endeavour with positive community impact during UKREiiF and beyond. It means a great deal to us to be supporting such a dynamic and effective charity, which puts the wellbeing and educational needs of children in Leeds at its heart. We hope our partners and wider network embrace the opportunity to make a difference and support our ‘Beds for Beds’ fundraising campaign.” Arun Thaneja, Sustainability and Technical Services Director at Winvic, said: “What was clear from the panel session we hosted at UKREiiF last year, is that taking inspiration from others and collaborative ideas will help the construction and property sectors reach its environmental, sustainability and social value goals more efficiently. Having recently joined the Advisory Board of the Westminster Policy Liaison Group on ESG as the Voice of Construction, we are eager to share our expertise and help advance the industry’s ESG journey. Our primary goal at UKREiiF is to help accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational buildings and infrastructure assets.” Ellie McGrath, Fundraising and Supporter Engagement Manager at Zarach, said: “Zarach is delighted to partner with Winvic and we are grateful that their contribution to our mission will enable us to lift many more children out of bed poverty. We believe that every child deserves a good night’s sleep and a bed to call their own, and partnerships like this have an impact that lasts a childhood.” Nathan Spencer, Managing Director at UKREiiF, said: “We are thrilled to have Winvic on board as a pavilion partner for our 2025 event. Their expertise and reputation in the construction industry make them a perfect fit for UKREiiF, where we aim to showcase the best of the UK’s real estate, infrastructure, and investment sectors. Winvic’s participation underscores the importance of innovation and sustainability in the built environment, and we look forward to the insights and contributions they will bring to the forum.” Recognised as the nation’s leading ‘shed specialist,’ Winvic recently celebrated the construction of 100 million sq ft of industrial space. In addition, Winvic has built a strong reputation for complex civil engineering and infrastructure projects, with over 125km of highways works and six Rail Freight Terminals built to date. As a prominent player within the build-to-rent and student accommodation sector, it has delivered over 12,000 beds. For more information on Winvic, its plans at UKREiiF or the company’s latest project news and job vacancies, please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (Formally Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in Daventry, the popular scheme is being extended to the homebuilder’s latest collection named Sherbourne, situated on Grantham Road in Radcliffe on Trent. Completely free to join, the unique initiative offers a mutually beneficial opportunity where new Spitfire homeowners are introduced to trusted local businesses, while participating establishments enjoy increased exposure and footfall. According to research by PwC, there were more than 13,500 UK store closures across all retail sectors in 2024 – on average 37 stores closing every day – with the cost-of-living crisis and out-of-town retail parks presenting high streets with unprecedented challenges. Mark Swaddle, Head of Marketing at Spitfire Homes said: “As a homebuilder with a passion for supporting the local area, the Gold Card scheme reflects our commitment to creating collections which integrate with the existing community and have a positive impact on the local economy. “Sherbourne has attracted a variety of purchasers, including those relocating to Radcliffe on Trent, and the launch of this scheme presents an exciting opportunity to highlight local businesses to new residents of the village, showcasing the variety of local businesses within the village. “The success of the scheme at our collection in Daventry makes it even more exciting to extend the campaign to Radcliffe on Trent. We are proud to be partnering with small businesses and we look forward to supporting the local economy at the same time. If you are interested in becoming a Gold Card partner, we would love to hear from you.” Forming a brand new community, Sherbourne showcases 280 new design-led homes ranging from one- to five-bedrooms. As the first homeowners get ready to collect their keys this summer, they can unlock exclusive discounts through their Gold Card which will be valid for twelve months after moving in. With history stretching back over a century, one of the first businesses to sign up to the Gold Card scheme is Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club. One of the premier golf courses in Nottinghamshire, the club is not only known for its scenic 18-hole parkland course but also for its commitment to bringing people together – whether through golf, social events, or supporting local causes. Commenting on the club’s involvement, General Manager, Rob Smith, added: “We’re proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Spitfire Homes, which not only supports the village’s economy but also extends a warm welcome to the new homeowners that are soon to be living at Sherbourne. As a longstanding local business, Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club has strong community roots so this forward-thinking scheme aligns perfectly with our values, whilst introducing our facilities to a selection of new residents. We look forward to working with Spitfire and welcoming new members to our club.” Spitfire Homes would like to hear from any local businesses in Radcliffe on Trent, and the surrounding area, who are interested in joining the Gold Card scheme. Please email goldcard@spitfirehomes.co.uk for further information. To find out how it is already working in Daventry, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/spitfire-gold-card/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor space created is designed to be safe, accessible, and stimulating, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with her family and friends. Daisy loves being outside, but her garden was previously inaccessible. Over the course of the project, a dedicated team of Speedy Hire volunteers from Huddersfield and the surrounding areas worked alongside WellChild to level the ground, install secure fencing, and introduce sensory-friendly features such as artificial grass, sensory lighting, and accessible play equipment. In addition to volunteering their time and expertise for Daisy’s garden renovation, Speedy Hire also provided free tool hire to support the successful completion of the project, as they do for all WellChild Helping Hands projects across the UK. The WellChild Helping Hands programme enriches the lives of children with complex medical needs across the UK by creating safe, sensory and accessible environments for them and their families to truly thrive at home. Daisy’s Mum Jenny said: “This garden has transformed Daisy’s experience of being outdoors. She now has a safe and enjoyable space where she can relax, play, and interact with nature. We can’t thank Speedy Hire and WellChild enough for making this possible.” Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, commented: “We are delighted to support WellChild’s Helping Hands initiative. At Speedy Hire, we believe in making a positive impact in our communities, and this project is a perfect example of how we can use our resources to create meaningful change. Seeing Daisy enjoy her new outdoor space is truly rewarding.” Kieran Cullen, Helping Hands Programme Manager at WellChild, added: “The success of projects like this relies on the generosity and dedication of corporate partners like Speedy Hire. Their commitment to helping children and families across the UK is invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.” This initiative reflects Speedy Hire’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and community support, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. For more information about WellChild and the Helping Hands programme, visit www.wellchild.org.uk. Watch video now Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morson Group has joined this year’s Big Construction Diversity Challenge as its Headline Sponsor. The company, which has built on its 55+ year history in recruitment to develop engineering, consultancy, training services and more across the UK, US and Canada, says it’s delighted to offer its support to the BCDC in this, its inaugural year. The Big Construction Diversity Challenge aims to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the construction sector. It also supports the importance of EDI and how inclusivity can be tackled collaboratively and collectively to create stronger cultures and broader empathy. The event promotes inclusive practices and highlights the benefits to be gained from them. Gary Smithson, Director for Morson Group, says, “Morson Group is supporting The Big Construction Diversity Challenge to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the construction industry. “As a leading technical recruitment company, we recognise that fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for driving innovation and achieving sustainable success. In an increasingly competitive skills market, employers need to focus on widening talent pools rather than limiting the number of applicants. By participating in this event, we aim to showcase the positive impact that diverse teams have on business performance and encourage collaborative efforts in creating inclusive workplace cultures. “Allied with our work with the Big Rail Diversity Challenge and our continued involvement in engaging students from diverse backgrounds in STEM subjects as part of our STEM Foundation, we committed to highlighting pathways and expanding inclusion across the sectors in which we operate.” Organised by multi-media specialists Nimble Media Ltd, the 2025 BCDC will be held at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, on Friday, June 27. Like its sister events, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge and The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge, it will feature a collection of physical and mental team tests and keynote speeches from industry influencers. It is an opportunity for organisations within the industry to share best practices, network, and help shape a more inclusive sector. It also recognises and rewards employees with a fun and entertaining day. Vicky Binley, Nimble Media Ltd Director, says: “The success of our previous events has been shown by how much they have grown and how much they are anticipated each year by their respective industries. “We are truly excited to extend them to the construction industry so that it too can enjoy what is a fantastic, action-packed day, carrying the key message that an inclusive culture breaks down barriers and reaps rewards for everyone.” BCDC 2025 will also raise funds for CRASH, a charity founded in 1996 that helps homeless charities and hospices with vital construction projects. CRASH brings together companies and their professional expertise to help renovate and refurbish hospices, hostels, and day centres, improving not only the buildings and their environments but also the quality of life for those who need them. For more information about getting involved in The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025 or to support the event, call to speak to a member of the Nimble Media team on 01780 432930 or email bigconstruction@nimblemedia.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingspan, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, announces today that it is collaborating with Buildner and Hapi Homes, on the tenth edition of the MICROHOME competition, offering a 100,000 EUR prize fund and the unique opportunity for one winning project to be constructed. This global competition invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to redefine the concept of microhomes and develop cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for compact housing. The MICROHOME 10 competition marks a significant milestone in Buildner’s exploration of small-scale living. This is the third year of the special collaboration between Buildner and Kingspan and this year’s competition introduces a groundbreaking opportunity with Hapi Homes, a company revolutionising homebuilding with tech-driven, sustainable, and customisable solutions. Hapi Homes will select one winning project for construction and award a €15,000 prize to its designer. As part of the competition, entrants will have the opportunity to incorporate a range of Kingspan’s energy efficient products within their designs, including PowerPanel – the company’s newly launched integrated roofing and photovoltaic solution. Buildner, Kingspan, and Hapi Homes share a commitment to innovation in residential architecture. This partnership aims to foster visionary design and transform one concept into a real-world solution for micro-living. The Challenge Participants are tasked with designing a modular, self-sufficient, and energy-efficient microhome with a maximum footprint of 25m². Designs should push boundaries in innovation, functionality, and sustainability while addressing real-world challenges such as urban density, affordability, and environmental responsibility. The competition is open to all, including professionals and students. Key Objectives 4. Adaptability: Explore designs that can adapt to various urban, rural, or off-grid settings. Prize Fund and Recognition The 100,000 EUR prize structure is as follows: ● 1st Prize: 20,000 EUR ● 2nd Prize: 10,000 EUR ● 3rd Prize: 5,000 EUR ● Buildner Student Award: 5,000 EUR *Participants must use at least one of the Kingspan products listed in the competition brief to be eligible. Special Prize: Hapi Homes Award and Construction The Hapi Homes Award is a €15,000 special prize recognising a project that best aligns with Hapi Homes’ vision of tech-driven, sustainable, and customisable homebuilding. Hapi Homes will select one winning project for construction, bringing the design to life as a real-world microhome prototype. Competition Schedule ● Final Registration Deadline: September 25, 2025 (23:59 GMT) ● Submission Deadline: October 29, 2025 (23:59 GMT) ● Winners Announced: December 9, 2025 Visit the competition site to register: https://architecturecompetitions.com/microhome10/ksp Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SP Energy Networks has donated eight laptops to Community Veterans Support (CVS) in Glasgow, fast-tracking the centre’s tech upgrade plans. This donation will help the charity replace its outdated IT systems while ensuring that disused technology is usefully repursued. Community Veterans Support has been a lifeline for veterans in the Glasgow area and beyond for over 12 years. Located in the historic Pearce Institute in Govan, CVS offers a welcoming environment where veterans can access essential services and find a sense of community. Officially opened on 28th May 2015 by Veterans Minister Keith Brown MSP, the centre supports around 400 veterans every month. Providing daily essentials such as hot meals and emergency food parcels, the centre also offers a wide range of additional services, including housing assistance, benefits, pensions, medical support, education, training and employment support. Beyond its front doors, the charity extends its support to veterans who are unable to physically access the centre, including those who are hospitalised, ensuring that even the most vulnerable veterans receive the help they need. Previously, veterans struggled with outdated technology, and those outside the centre had limited access to necessary tools. With the new laptops, veterans regardless of their location will now have access to better tools to upskill and stay connected to their community. Rohan Baruah, part of the SP Energy Networks’ Community Liaison team and a veteran himself, presented the laptops to the centre. Rohan said “As a veteran, I know how important it is to have access to the right tools and resources. These laptops will make a big difference in the lives of many, giving them more opportunities for training and connection.” David Devenney, former Royal Marine and Director of the centre said “This tech upgrade marks a significant leap forward for our centre. Now, our veterans will be able to access training and engage in hybrid working. This is particularly important for our hospitalised veterans and will ensure that they remain connected and continue to develop essential skills.” This initiative is part of SP Energy Networks ongoing efforts to support the local community within its operating areas. For more information about Community Veterans Support and their services, please visit their Facebook here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
