Business : Market Activity, Finance & Investment News
Prologis Expands UK Logistics Platform with Trafford Park Acquisition

Prologis Expands UK Logistics Platform with Trafford Park Acquisition

Site advances Prologis’ long-term investment plans in the North West Prologis UK has acquired an 8.66-acre regeneration site at Trafford Park in Greater Manchester, adding to its UK portfolio and extending into the North West, a market identified as a strategic priority for the business. Located on Barton Dock Road,

Read More »
Burges Salmon advises on £199m Tritax Big Box asset sale

Burges Salmon advises on £199m Tritax Big Box asset sale

Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised Tritax Big Box REIT plc, one of the UK’s leading listed investors in high-quality logistics real estate, on the completion of a £199 million sale of a portfolio of six logistics assets. The deal forms part of the FTSE100 logistics real estate

Read More »
GLENIGAN CONSTRUCTION FORECAST: Against all odds, recovery remains on track

GLENIGAN CONSTRUCTION FORECAST: Against all odds, recovery remains on track

Glenigan’s Summer 2026 Construction Forecast indicates sector resurgence in 2027, despite a painful start to the year Today, Glenigan | A Hubexo Product, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2026-2028. Predominantly focused on underlying starts (<£100m in value),

Read More »
Turner & Townsend Powers Ahead with £5.76bn Revenue Milestone

Turner & Townsend Powers Ahead with £5.76bn Revenue Milestone

Global professional services company Turner & Townsend has reported another year of strong growth, with revenue reaching £5.76bn in 2025 as the business continues to expand its presence across some of the world’s most significant construction, infrastructure and energy programmes. The company’s latest annual review highlights a period of sustained

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Business : Market Activity, Finance & Investment News

Awarded construction projects reach £19.8 billion in the first two quarters of 2026

Awarded construction projects reach £19.8 billion in the first two quarters of 2026

Supply chain management solutions firm Once For All, home to Constructionline, reports regional growth in high-value projects awarded Combined data from Once For All’s Marketplace platform reveals a strong start to the first half (H1) of 2026, with total signed contracts awarded reaching £19.8 billion.  A significant portion of the total was driven in the first quarter, which saw £12.75 billion in awarded contracts—a nearly 59% increase from the previous quarter (Q4 2025). Although Q2 had a lower total value of £7 billion, a year-on-year comparison showed a positive trend. Specifically, Q2 2026 experienced a 77% increase in total value compared to Q2 2025 (£4 billion), along with a steady rise in volume (4.3%) compared to the same period in the previous year. The trillion-pound pipeline Looking more broadly at projects added to the future pipeline, the report shows a record-breaking boom in the total value of UK construction opportunities published across H1 2026, peaking at a potential £1.3 trillion listed in Q2. This figure is largely driven by several newly published national infrastructure frameworks in the North West dedicated to naval defence infrastructure. Housing remained the top sector for volume of projects added to the pipeline in H1 2026. Yet in Q2, outside of the major defence infrastructure framework, high-value published pipelines emerged in Harbours and Waterways (£7.3 billion) and Air Transport (£2.1 billion) compared to £1.3 billion for housing. Several major new projects were published in Q2, the top three being: Regional growth continues A defining trend of the first half of 2026 is the regional diversification of awarded construction projects outside of the capital. The data highlights that construction buoyancy is spreading outside of the South of England, with Wales and Scotland showing exceptional strength in both project pipelines and contracts awarded. Wales claimed the highest-value projects awarded for Q2 2026, totalling £983 million across 22 projects. This includes an extension to Margam Substation in Port Talbot and a new-build arena and hotel in Cardiff. Scotland maintained its strong growth trajectory from 2025 into the first half of this year. Securing £568 million across 29 projects in Q2, Scotland cemented its position as a top-three regional leader for project awards nationwide in both quarters, consistently tracking alongside London, Wales, and the North West. Commenting on the H1 2026 data, Andrew Preston, Director of Marketplace, Once For All, said: “The data from the first six months of 2026 reveals high-value contracts continuing to dominate the UK construction market. A trend we started to see unfold last year. “The impressive £1.3 trillion pipeline highlights a promising future for the North West. However, it also underscores the increasing need for contractors and their supply chains to possess the necessary financial and compliance credentials to capitalise on available opportunities. “Although housing continues to dominate high-volume activity, other regulated industries are emerging as higher value, including air transport, education, harbour and waterways, so a focus on supplier pre-qualification and compliance remains paramount.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
MERA invests equity in £100m Winslade Park transformation as Exeter estate hits 100-company milestone

MERA invests equity in £100m Winslade Park transformation as Exeter estate hits 100-company milestone

MERA Investment Management has made a significant equity investment in Winslade Park, an 86-acre grey-to-green development in Exeter with a GDV of £100m. Following the completion of Clyst House in March 2026, the park has welcomed eight new companies, taking its occupier community to more than 100 businesses and around 1,500 professionals. The estate is also on course to become one of the UK’s first large-scale office developments to run entirely on on-site renewable energy. Solar installation is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion expected before year-end. Once operational, the array will power the park in full, a significant draw for the growing number of occupiers and investors with firm sustainability commitments.   With roughly 30,000 sq ft of premium office space still available, the park is on track to reach 90% occupancy by the end of the year, capping a landmark year of growth for the estate. MERA’s investment supports a series of upgrades now completing across the estate: Edward Matthews, CEO of MERA Investment Management, commented: “Winslade Park represents the highest level of tenant wellbeing we’ve seen across all investments presented to us, and was a defining factor in our decision to invest. The office sector is dynamic, once again attracting high levels of demand, and our funding supports entrepreneurial management teams who have the drive to create exceptional places to live and work.” “As a private investor, we are actively backing opportunities where there is potential to scale up, and this project is a revolutionary development for the area.” Mark Edworthy, Managing Director of Burrington Estates, commented: “We really enjoy working with the MERA team as they have a genuine passion for what we are developing here, and it feels like a collaborative partnership with a constant flow of ideas. We have created beautiful spaces for human connection: whether that is for your office, your team, a business event or a wellness journey. The response from tenants, visitors and the broader community has been remarkable.” Winslade Park’s occupier community has grown to more than 100 companies, including AECOM, Bishop Fleming, Vistry Group, Lovell Partnerships, Hays, Currie & Brown, Haskoning and Begbies Traynor, reflecting the strong market response to the estate’s ongoing transformation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Prologis Expands UK Logistics Platform with Trafford Park Acquisition

Prologis Expands UK Logistics Platform with Trafford Park Acquisition

Site advances Prologis’ long-term investment plans in the North West Prologis UK has acquired an 8.66-acre regeneration site at Trafford Park in Greater Manchester, adding to its UK portfolio and extending into the North West, a market identified as a strategic priority for the business. Located on Barton Dock Road, the site sits within Trafford Park, one of Europe’s largest and most established industrial estates and the region’s premier urban logistics location. Prologis plans to regenerate the acquired site into an all-electric 200,000 sq ft modern, sustainable facility built to BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings, subject to planning and site preparation. The acquisition marks a further step in Prologis accelerating its growth ambitions in the UK. The company is forward-planning considerable new investment across the North West through new development, regeneration and acquisition in order to develop up to 5 million square feet of prime logistics space, helping businesses start, scale and stay in the region. This new investment is in addition to the £5.6 billion invested in the UK over the past decade and the £5.5 billion Prologis plan to invest.   Paul Weston, Regional Head, Prologis UK, said: “The North West is one of the UK’s most important logistics markets, and Trafford Park gives us an excellent foothold in a region that has been identified as a strategic priority. This acquisition builds on our long-term commitment to the UK and demonstrates how foreign direct investment can fuel long term economic growth.” Trafford Park is home to more than 1,300 businesses and approximately 35,000 employees, offering access to Greater Manchester’s consumer population, the M60, M62 and M6 motorway corridors, the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Airport. The North West is one of the UK’s largest logistics markets and continues to experience strong occupational demand, underpinned by constrained land supply and limited availability of modern Grade A logistics space. The region is also a core market for many of Prologis’ largest global and UK customers, reinforcing the strategic rationale for expansion. B8 Real Estate acted for Prologis, Cushman & Wakefield for the vendor on the Barton Dock Road site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Almost a quarter of landlords ready to quit the rental market over Making Tax Digital burden

Almost a quarter of landlords ready to quit the rental market over Making Tax Digital burden

New research from Landlord Studio reveals the toll MTD is taking on the UK’s landlords, as they increasingly look to rely on letting agents to make sense of the shift  New research from Landlord Studio, the property accounting and compliance software company, finds that almost a quarter (22%) of UK landlords have considered leaving the rental market altogether, as Making Tax Digital (MTD) piles on administrative and compliance pressure. Despite this, 74% of landlords agree that MTD is actually making it easier to manage their tax, and over half (55%) still expect MTD to increase their profitability overall. The findings also point to a growing role for letting agents, with 90% of landlords agreeing that agents are well-equipped to help them manage MTD requirements.  MTD for Income Tax has been mandatory since April 2026 for landlords earning over £50,000 in qualifying income, requiring quarterly digital updates to HMRC alongside an end-of-year finalisation process. The threshold drops further to £30,000 from April 2027, bringing a second wave of landlords into scope within the next year.  The confidence paradox While confidence in MTD is high, many landlords are still feeling the strain of rising admin demands. Despite 94% of landlords and letting agents combined saying they are confident in their understanding of MTD requirements, and 95% confident in their ability to implement it, 59% of landlords specifically remain concerned about making mistakes or facing penalties. Letting agents appear well placed to help close this gap, with 51% describing themselves as very confident in their understanding of MTD, compared with just 36% of landlords. This suggests agents can help close the gap between broad landlord confidence and the practical realities of staying compliant. Logan Ransley, Co-Founder of Landlord Studio, said: “Landlords are clearly feeling the pressure of MTD, both in terms of time and cost, and for some that pressure is serious enough to make them question whether continuing to let property is worth it. What’s clear is that the support landlords need is often already there. Letting agents have the knowledge and the relationships to make a real difference, but our research shows many landlords simply don’t know how much help is on offer. Closing this gap is going to be essential as MTD rolls out more broadly.” The race to stay compliant is borne out in the numbers. Landlords now spend an average of 13 hours a month – more than a day and a half of work – managing tax and financial admin. Compared with 12 months ago, 53% both say the time associated with this has increased and the cost has risen. On average, landlords estimate that the time they spend on tax and financial admin is worth more than £3,000 a year, almost £64 a week. The admin burden isn’t only being felt by landlords. 89% say rising admin and compliance costs make them likely to raise rents, showing the knock-on effect inefficient back-office processes can have across the rental market.  Falling behind on technology The research suggests that while landlords broadly recognise the benefits of digital tax reporting, many are still grappling with having the right tools to manage compliance efficiently. Just 34% use software or digital platforms for tax reporting and record-keeping, while 39% continue to rely on spreadsheets or manual methods. Spreadsheets are technically permitted under MTD, but only with separate bridging software and strict digital links in place, an extra layer of complexity many landlords may not have accounted for.  A growing opportunity for agents Landlords identified the biggest compliance challenges as keeping accurate records (38%), the risk of errors and penalties (36%), and the time required for admin (34%). They also recognise that letting agents are well-equipped to help them manage new tax requirements (90%), but with 61% of letting agents themselves admitting that awareness of the support they can offer remains low, there is a clear opportunity to close that gap. Letting agents have the ability to provide landlords with practical support, helping them improve processes, stay organised and reduce the risk of mistakes.  There is also strong future demand for digital solutions, with 98% of landlords saying they are likely to invest in tax and compliance software over the next two years, with 44% looking for greater financial visibility. For letting agents, this creates an opportunity to combine their expertise with digital tools, helping landlords stay compliant, reduce admin and manage rental income more efficiently as MTD implementation accelerates.  Logan Ransley adds: “Letting agents already hold the rent, expense and ownership data their landlords need to comply with MTD – what’s been missing is a way to get that data to HMRC without anyone re-entering it by hand. That’s exactly why we built Nexus by Landlord Studio. It connects the records an agency already keeps to a secure portal where landlords, or their accountants, can review and submit each quarter. Nexus is available exclusively through participating letting agents, so an agent’s relationship with their landlords becomes a genuine value-add rather than another compliance headache.” To find out more about Nexus by Landlord Studio, visit here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
GB Bank secured a facility on a £33m London asset to enable a wider portfolio acquisition in just seven days

GB Bank secured a facility on a £33m London asset to enable a wider portfolio acquisition in just seven days

GB Bank has supported the first stage of financing a £33 million mixed-use property portfolio across London, completing a structured funding solution in just seven days to help an experienced property investor meet a demanding exchange deadline. Working alongside SHC Capital, GB Bank provided an initial lending facility to be secured against an unencumbered portfolio of stabilised, income-producing assets, unlocking equity to support the borrower’s exchange on the wider acquisition within the same tight window. The structure created a clear funding pathway across the transaction, securing favourable commercial terms from the outset. The transaction was structured to support the borrower’s longer-term acquisition strategy, demonstrating GB Bank’s ability to deliver flexible funding solutions that help experienced investors execute complexed property transactions at pace. The borrower is an established property investor with a long-standing track record and ownership of more than £500m worth of real estate. Security for the facility comprised of a well-performing, income-generating portfolio with strong occupancy levels, enabling GB Bank to act quickly while maintaining its disciplined and prudent approach to lending. The transaction highlights GB Bank’s ability to combine responsive decision-making with structured funding expertise, supporting complexed and multi-asset transactions while maintaining robust lending fundamentals. GB Bank would like to thank Simon Noonoo, Partner at Seddons, for his legal support throughout the transaction, and Simon D’Archy at Savills for acting as valuer within the strict timelines. Pankaj Thukral, Chief Lending Officer and Deputy CEO at GB Bank, said: “This transaction demonstrates the value of combining speed, flexibility and commercial understanding to help clients seize significant opportunities. By working closely with Tony Tadros at SHC Capital, we were able to structure a solution that unlocked equity from an existing portfolio, enabling the borrower to exchange on the wider acquisition within just seven days. “Complexed transactions require more than fast decisions – they require a funding partner that understands the bigger picture. Our relationship-led approach allowed us to support the client’s wider acquisition strategy from the outset, providing certainty of funding while maintaining the prudent underwriting standards that underpin every deal we complete.” Hardik Gogia, Relationship Manager at GB Bank, said: “Understanding a sponsor’s wider strategy is what allows us to structure funding that works today and tomorrow. In this case, we were able to release equity from an existing, well-performing portfolio at pace, giving our client the certainty they needed to exchange on the next stage of their acquisition. “It’s a good example of how a relationship-led approach and disciplined credit process aren’t mutually exclusive. Working closely with Tony Tadros at SHC Capital, and with strong support from Simon Noonoo at Seddons and Simon D’Archy at Savills on valuation, we delivered both speed and structure on a genuinely complex transaction.” Tony Tadros, Director at SHC Capital, added: “We consider GB Bank a long-term partner, and once again they delivered under significant pressure. This was a complex transaction with a demanding timeline, requiring all parties to move quickly. Throughout the process, the GB Bank team remained responsive, pragmatic, and solutions-focused, ensuring a successful outcome. Simon Noonoo at Seddons and Simon D’Arcy at Savills were first class at every step.” For more information, please visit gbbank.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
The Hill Group bucks market trend as profits rise to record £92.5m and revenue hits £1.2bn

The Hill Group bucks market trend as profits rise to record £92.5m and revenue hits £1.2bn

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has published its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2026, reporting increased turnover, profit and new homes completed despite restrained housing market conditions. The Group reported revenue of £1.164 billion and profit before tax of £92.5 million, having completed 3,329 new homes across its operations – all increases on the previous year’s figures. Net assets increased to £493.1 million and net cash rose to £129.1 million, with no drawings against the Group’s Revolving Credit Facility, reflecting the resilience of Hill’s diversified operating model and the successful delivery of the first year of its new five-year growth strategy. Land and work-in-progress increased to £733.9 million as the Group continued its policy of retaining the majority of annual profits to invest in future growth opportunities. Hill invested £54.6 million in new land acquisitions and strategic opportunities during the year, with commitments in place for a further £44.1 million of future investment. Hill’s development pipeline includes 10,800 homes with planning consent and a further 1,900 homes controlled on a subject-to-planning basis. In addition, Hill’s long-term strategic pipeline includes 29,900 homes owned or controlled under option and promotion agreements. Combined, the Group’s controlled pipeline has the potential to generate more than £14.5 billion of future revenue. Hill’s contracting pipeline also increased during the year to more than £5.6 billion, up from £4.8 billion the previous year. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “These results demonstrate the resilience of our business model and progress towards our long-term objectives. In a restrained market, we have continued to increase turnover, profit and completions while investing in future opportunities. Our contracting business continues to expand, and we remain confident in long-term demand for the high-quality homes that Hill has always been known for.” The Group further enhanced its financial flexibility in December 2025 through the successful refinancing of its Revolving Credit Facility with major lenders. The new £300 million facility extends through to 2030 and retains its Sustainability Linked Loan status, reflecting Hill’s continued commitment to environmental and social value objectives. Hill delivered a successful year in an uncertain sales market, with average selling prices of £520,000 reflecting a change in product mix as two-thirds of completed homes were apartments across London, Cambridge and Oxford. The Group’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) activities also continued to mature, with the completion and handover of many BTR homes at various locations across the South East and London. The business continued to perform well despite delayed starts on a number of high-rise buildings in London caused by protracted Building Safety Regulator approval processes. Activity improved during the year, with major regeneration projects, including City Centre South in Coventry, and Dollis Hill and Wembley in northwest London, progressing to construction stage. Hill also secured a major strategic land opportunity at Colworth in Bedfordshire, with the potential to deliver 4,500 new homes. The Group continued to invest in its people and communities, reaching approximately 1,000 employees and launching its new Social Value Strategy 2025-2030. Hill also retained its five-star status in the Home Builders Federation’s National New Homes Customer Survey for the ninth consecutive year. Andy Hill adds: “While market conditions remain challenging and economic uncertainty continues to impact buyer confidence, we remain optimistic about the future. Recent commitments to affordable housing investment provide greater certainty for the sector, and with a substantial strategic pipeline, a growing order book and an exceptional team in place, we are well positioned to deliver the ambitions set out in our 2025-2030 business plan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Burges Salmon advises on £199m Tritax Big Box asset sale

Burges Salmon advises on £199m Tritax Big Box asset sale

Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised Tritax Big Box REIT plc, one of the UK’s leading listed investors in high-quality logistics real estate, on the completion of a £199 million sale of a portfolio of six logistics assets. The deal forms part of the FTSE100 logistics real estate investor’s strategy to recycle capital and increase investment in higher-growth opportunities across its development pipeline. The disposals comprised big box and urban logistics assets located at Leamington Spa, Peterborough, Didcot and Kettering. The assets generate total contracted annual rent of £12 million. Burges Salmon provided legal advice to Tritax Big Box throughout the transaction, supporting on all aspects of the sale process. The Burges Salmon team advising on the transaction was led by Ross Polkinghorne with support from Jonathan Cantor, Gregory Nash, Ceren Ghanem (corporate real estate), Alexander Clayton, Matt Sims, Jess Garner,  Emma Everett, Megan Long and Kate Davies (real estate), Matt Tucker (planning),  Christian Mulhilvill (construction) and Hilary Barclay and Jess Chesterfield (real estate tax) Bjorn Hobart, Investment Director at Tritax Big Box, comments: “We are pleased to have completed this £199 million transaction with EQT Real Estate, with the proceeds enabling us to invest in higher-returning development opportunities while further strengthening our financial position. The Burges Salmon team provided clear, commercially focused advice throughout and were a pleasure to work with.” Ross Polkinghorne, Partner at Burges Salmon, adds: “We are pleased to have supported Tritax Big Box on this significant portfolio sale. The transaction highlights the enduring attractiveness of prime logistics assets and the sophistication of investors operating in this space. Working closely with the Tritax Big Box team, we were able to deliver pragmatic, solution-focused advice to help achieve a successful outcome.” This is the latest of a series of deals that the Burges Salmon’s real estate team have advised Tritax Big Box on – the last being the £1b+ acquisition from Blackstone last year which helped to promote Tritax to the FTSE 100. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
GLENIGAN CONSTRUCTION FORECAST: Against all odds, recovery remains on track

GLENIGAN CONSTRUCTION FORECAST: Against all odds, recovery remains on track

Glenigan’s Summer 2026 Construction Forecast indicates sector resurgence in 2027, despite a painful start to the year Today, Glenigan | A Hubexo Product, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Forecast 2026-2028. Predominantly focused on underlying starts (<£100m in value), unless otherwise stated, it contains a comprehensive overview of the current state of the construction industry. Glenigan’s Summer 2026 Forecast is published against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of domestic and international events, which have shaken global markets to their foundations and rocked the entire UK business and industry landscape. Construction was already one of the hardest hit sectors. Yet when Glenigan released its last Forecast in the back end of 2025, it had been looking forward to a relatively stable 12 months with modest recovery. Still, no one could have predicted what would happen over the past six months and, with little sign of these phenomena resolving any time soon, figures have had to be revised. However, the good news is the impact is expected to be short-lived. Glenigan’s latest numbers predict that, whilst the year will end in negative growth of -1%, this will be offset by an 11% activity increase in 2027, and 4% in 2028 (+13% on 2025). This is dependent upon a gradual re-strengthening of the UK economy which, although fragile, appears to be withstanding considerable external pressures. Considering the Forecast’s findings, Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, says, “It’s been a turbulent few months for the UK construction sector, with investors and developers reassessing and rescheduling planned projects. However, the economic outlook is expected to improve once the current fog of war dissipates, supporting a strengthening in construction activity from 2027 with an uplift across almost all private and public sector verticals. He continues, “As our Forecast shows, there are some particularly exciting growth areas as Government funding is released and investor appetite starts to return to the market. Contractors will need to be quick off the mark as more favourable conditions are finally felt. There will be no time for hanging around and the quicker the sector’s reaction, the sooner momentum will return and stick.” Looking at the highlights from the Forecast, despite the here and now remaining tough, key drivers for growth over the next two years include increased consumer spending and higher public sector investment, as well as an expansion in infrastructure and utilities work. Gearing-up for renewed growth In the private sector, financial viability and economic uncertainty are still key constraints to project progress near term. However, there are likely to be some big winners in the non-residential verticals over the next few years. Industrial and commercial office projects are set to significantly boost private sector activity, with strengthening project starts as UK economic growth gathers pace, supported by increased business investment. Although, the former will see a 9% downturn this year, improving market conditions and firm demand for logistics space, backed by the Government’s National Planning Policy and Infrastructure Strategy, will help deliver increases of 16% in 2027 and 5% in 2028. Offices have been one of the outliers amid a particularly gloomy first half of the year; this upward trajectory is set to rise further, resulting in an impressive 21% lift by the end of 2026. It’s expected to then slow in 2027 after two years of rapid growth, slipping back 11% before returning to growth in 2028 (+4%). The key reason for this impressive resilience is a healthy appetite for high-quality, sustainable office space, as occupiers prioritise energy-efficient and flexible working spaces. Simultaneously, the rapid proliferation of AI is prompting greater demand for data centres (which are covered by this vertical). Prognosis positive for Health and Education Whilst there have been recent delays, non-residential performance is forecast to increase with schemes such as the New Hospital Programme and the School Building Programme set to drive activity over the Forecast period. Education is destined for a season in the sun, climbing 8% by the end of the year and by 20% in 2027, followed by a further 5% rise in 2028. School construction continues to dominate activity, as a clearer funding pipeline unlocks investment to rebuild and renovate a large swathe of tired and crumbling stock.  Health’s diagnosis is also positive, with recovery predicted by the year end (+9%) and by an equal level in 2027 (+9%) before increasing exponentially in 2028 (+14%). Propelled by increased capital funding and the release of deferred schemes, NHS trusts will be able to address the extensive repair backlog across existing estates. Furthermore, additional funding targeted at modernisation and capacity expansions (including diagnostic and community care hubs) will provide a shot in the arm to construction output. Civils is on the Up(grade) Civils is likely to remain flat by the end of the year (0%), no surprise given the significant activity decline in the vertical over the past 18 months. A 15% surge is predicted in 2027 before flattening out in 2028 (0%). Water sector investment programmes are gaining momentum, with Ofwat green-lighting £104bn investment in upgrades and repairs between 2025-2030. Strong growth across electricity networks and renewables are being driven by continued investment to deliver the Government’s Net Zero energy push; offshore wind and nuclear projects, including Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will underpin activity. Transport infrastructure also gets a look in, strengthening from next year, supported by Spending Review funding for road maintenance and rail upgrades, including HS2 and the TransPennine Route. Residential set to rise-high from 2027 Housebuilding experienced a disappointing start to 2026 after a lacklustre second half of 2025, so it’s little surprise that both the private (-5%) and social (-3%) verticals will finish the year in the red. Whilst the immediate outlook is unavoidably subdued, both are set for a solid revival in the remainder of the Forecast period. Private housebuilding is expected to rebound 13% in 2027 and by 5% in 2028, this is driven by an expected decrease in borrowing costs and improved consumer confidence.

Read More »
Adaston and Synergize secure places on £695m national building safety framework

Adaston and Synergize secure places on £695m national building safety framework

Yorkshire-based specialists Adaston and Synergize have both secured places on the £695m Procure Plus Framework. Harrogate-headquartered Adaston has been appointed to Lot 4 – Fire Precaution and Compartmentation Works National, while Synergize has secured a place on Lot 11 – External Fabric Improvements to Medium and High Rise Building. Both lots are part of the “Framework for Building Safety and Compliance Works, and Associated Consultancy Services”. The framework provides public sector organisations and housing providers with a compliant route to market for specialist building safety and refurbishment works, supporting faster procurement and access to pre-vetted contractors. Being part of the framework strengthens their ability to deliver compliant fire safety and building improvement projects for public sector clients across the UK. The dual appointment creates a unique combined offering across internal and external building safety works, enabling the two Yorkshire firms to support clients with integrated solutions spanning passive fire protection, fire doors, compartmentation, façade remediation and wider building modernisation works. Paul Ward, Acting Managing Director of Adaston, said: “Being appointed to the Procure Plus framework is an important strategic milestone for Adaston and reinforces our position as a trusted specialist in passive fire protection and compartmentation works. “Frameworks such as Procure Plus provide public sector clients with confidence that they are working with competent, compliant contractors who understand the complexities of modern building safety requirements. “This appointment also creates exciting opportunities to collaborate alongside Synergize to provide clients with a more holistic approach to fire safety and building compliance projects.” Mark Loftus, Managing Director of Synergize, said: “Securing a place on the Procure Plus framework is a significant achievement for Synergize and reflects the strength of our expertise in external building improvements and remediation works. “As demand continues to grow for specialist high-rise compliance and refurbishment solutions, frameworks like this are becoming increasingly important in helping housing providers and public sector organisations deliver projects efficiently and compliantly. “Together with Adaston, we can now offer a genuinely complementary service that addresses both the internal and external aspects of building safety and modernisation.” Procure Plus supports social housing providers and public sector bodies with compliant procurement solutions for building maintenance, compliance and capital works projects. The framework appointment comes amid continued growth for both businesses as demand increases for specialist remediation, compliance and refurbishment expertise following evolving building safety legislation and regulatory reform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Turner & Townsend Powers Ahead with £5.76bn Revenue Milestone

Turner & Townsend Powers Ahead with £5.76bn Revenue Milestone

Global professional services company Turner & Townsend has reported another year of strong growth, with revenue reaching £5.76bn in 2025 as the business continues to expand its presence across some of the world’s most significant construction, infrastructure and energy programmes. The company’s latest annual review highlights a period of sustained momentum across its core sectors, supported by growing investment in major projects and a continued focus on talent, technology and long-term client partnerships. Reflecting this growth, Turner & Townsend has increased its global workforce to approximately 22,000 employees, strengthening its ability to support increasingly complex projects around the world. The real estate sector remains a major contributor to the company’s success, with particularly strong performances across urban development, industrial property, life sciences and sports and entertainment venues. Turner & Townsend revealed that it is currently involved in a global portfolio of major real estate projects representing almost £3tn of capital investment. Among its notable appointments are roles supporting the UK’s New Hospital Programme and the development of Barclays’ new headquarters building in New York. The company has also strengthened long-standing relationships with major global organisations through the renewal of portfolio agreements with clients including Google and Shell Real Estate. Infrastructure continued to be another key growth area throughout the year. Turner & Townsend benefited from ongoing public and private sector investment in essential economic and social infrastructure, with aviation, defence and water emerging as particularly strong-performing markets. The business remains involved in several landmark programmes, including Heathrow Airport’s planned expansion, Anglian Water’s long-term capital investment programme and the Clyde 2070 defence initiative in the UK. Internationally, the company has expanded its footprint across the Asia-Pacific region through involvement in major airport developments in Vietnam, Bangalore and Perth, while also securing significant aviation-related commissions in the United States. The energy and natural resources sector also delivered impressive growth across Europe, North America, Asia and the UK. Increasing global demand for energy security, decarbonisation and infrastructure resilience is creating significant opportunities for organisations operating across the sector. One of the company’s most notable achievements during the year was its appointment as a critical partner on Rolls-Royce’s nuclear programme. The project further reinforces Turner & Townsend’s growing expertise within the nuclear industry, where its capabilities now extend across six continents. The company believes its continued success is rooted in its ability to support clients through complex, large-scale programmes that have a lasting impact on communities, economies and industries worldwide. Commenting on the results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Clancy highlighted the importance of both people and client relationships in driving the company’s performance. He said the business’s financial success reflects the quality of its workforce and the trust placed in the company by clients to deliver major projects and programmes that contribute to economic growth and improve lives around the world. Looking ahead, Turner & Townsend remains focused on accelerating its next phase of growth. Central to this strategy is continued investment in people, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, helping the company enhance service delivery and strengthen its competitive position in an increasingly complex global marketplace. With demand for large-scale infrastructure, real estate and energy projects continuing to grow worldwide, Turner & Townsend appears well positioned to build on its strong performance and play a leading role in shaping the built environment for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »