The Government Property Agency’s (GPA) Birmingham hub has become the first public sector building in the world to retain a coveted quality mark. Its flagship site at 23 Stephenson Street has secured Leesman+ accreditation – a prestigious global workplace experience rating – for the second time, demonstrating a sustained commitment
As the Federation of Master Builders marks its 85th anniversary, members from across the UK reflect on the businesses, communities and industry the FMB has helped shape over the past eight decades. From Glasgow to Cheltenham, builders reflect on eight decades of craft, community and change as the Federation of
Britain’s builders, tradespeople and construction businesses have united behind a national campaign calling for urgent government action to prevent the further decline of the country’s most important industries. The newly launched Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign lead by Stark Building Materials UK and Jewson is warning that the
Dialight, the world leader in industrial LED lighting innovation, is marking the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month by highlighting how high-performing, industrial-grade LED lighting can help reduce risks, support compliance, and improve overall operational efficiency, particularly in harsh industrial worksites and conditions. National Safety Month, established by the National
FIS has launched a short, targeted e-learning module: The Building Safety Act Wales 2026 to help contractors, designers and specialists prepare for significant changes to building regulations in Wales coming into force on 1st July 2026. From that date, a new building safety regime will come into force in Wales,
Reds10 Group has completed a strategic investment in façade specialist Mad About Facades (MAF), strengthening Reds10’s vertically integrated, industrialised construction model by bringing façade design and delivery fully in-house, enhancing quality, efficiency and control across projects. Mad About Facades is a specialist façade and cladding contractor, delivering façade design, manufacture
Darren Crockett, boss of RAS Crockett and Partners in Dundee, says he is ‘excited and honoured’ to take over at campaigning industry body Scotland’s largest trade construction association, SELECT has elected the managing director of a third-generation Dundee electrical company as its 68th President. Darren Crockett is Managing Director of
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management has published its Market Outlook Report 2026, offering a brand new assessment of the conditions shaping the workplace and facilities management profession. Drawing on insights from more than 400 UK respondents, this year’s report reflects a sector operating in a more complex and uncertain environment. While
The facilities management sector is entering a new era, where data, technology and predictive insights are transforming how buildings are maintained, operated and optimised. For decades, the Building Engineering Services Association’s SFG20 standard has provided the industry with a trusted framework for building maintenance. Since its introduction in 1990, the
Bradstone, a member of Holcim UK, has launched a major new whitepaper, Promoting Safety in the Public Realm, calling for a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to designing and managing safer public spaces across the UK. It is the first output from a new working group assembled by Bradstone, comprising landscape
The Government Property Agency’s (GPA) Birmingham hub has become the first public sector building in the world to retain a coveted quality mark. Its flagship site at 23 Stephenson Street has secured Leesman+ accreditation – a prestigious global workplace experience rating – for the second time, demonstrating a sustained commitment to delivering an exceptional workplace experience for civil servants. Carly Ersser, Director of Workplace Services at the GPA, said: “We are incredibly proud that 23 Stephenson Street has secured Leesman+ accreditation for a second time. Surveying the people who work from our buildings gives us invaluable insights that directly inform how we design our services and continuously improve the workplace experience. “While this historic milestone is a fantastic achievement, we recognise there is always more work to be done. This rigorous feedback helps us target our resources to where they are needed most, ensuring we make a meaningful difference to civil servants working productively and happily from the office.” Leesman+ is a globally recognised certification awarded to top-tier workplaces that achieve outstanding employee satisfaction scores. To earn the accreditation, buildings must undergo rigorous, independent surveying and analysis of their features, services, and infrastructure. The GPA government hub at Stephenson Street first achieved this benchmark in 2023. The Birmingham office hosts 1,700 civil servants from more than 20 government departments and agencies. It was transformed from disused retail and commercial space into a modern, digitally-connected, and inclusive workplace in 2022, and now features a variety of spaces to support productivity, collaboration and wellbeing aligned to the Government Workplace Design Guide. Dr Peggie Rothe, Chief Insights and Research Officer at Leesman, said: “Leesman+ certifications have been awarded to just three per cent of the more than 10,400 buildings Leesman has assessed worldwide, and only 10 per cent of those have been re-certified. The GPA’s Stephenson Street Hub is the only public sector building globally to achieve Leesman+ re-certification, testament to the agency’s programmatic, data-led approach to delivering and sustaining exceptional workplace experience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the Federation of Master Builders marks its 85th anniversary, members from across the UK reflect on the businesses, communities and industry the FMB has helped shape over the past eight decades. From Glasgow to Cheltenham, builders reflect on eight decades of craft, community and change as the Federation of Master Builders reaches a landmark 85 year anniversary The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is marking its 85th anniversary this year and members from every corner of the UK are reflecting on what those eight decades have meant for their businesses, their trade and the people they build for. Founded in 1941, the FMB was established on a simple but enduring principle: that skilled, reputable builders deserved a voice, and that consumers deserved protection. Today, it remains the UK’s largest trade association for small and medium-sized building companies, championing high standards in an industry that continues to face significant challenges — from a deepening skills shortage and planning delays to the ongoing scourge of rogue traders who cost British homeowners an estimated £14.3 billion over the last five years alone. As the FMB looks ahead to its National Conference at Oxford’s historic Exeter College on 9–10 July, members who have been part of the organisation for decades — and those who joined more recently — are united by a shared commitment to the values that have defined the FMB since its founding. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders: “Eighty-five years ago, the Federation of Master Builders was founded on a simple but powerful idea: that skilled, trustworthy builders deserved a voice, and that the public deserved protection from those who would undermine the trade. That mission is as urgent today as it ever was. As we mark this anniversary, I’m proud of everything our members have built, not just the homes, extensions and renovations that have transformed people’s lives, but the standards, the reputation and the community that the FMB represents. Here’s to the next 85 years.” To mark the milestone, the FMB spoke to members past and present across the UK, asking them to reflect on their time with the Federation, the changes they’ve seen in the industry, and what membership means to their business today — and looking ahead to the challenges still to come. NORTH — I J Curry & Son Ltd, Penrith, Cumbria | In business since 1990 | FMB members for nearly 30 years For the Curry family, joining the FMB was about standing for something in an industry where standards are not always guaranteed. “Building is a people business,” says Nick Curry, “and we wanted our customers to know that we were committed to doing things properly and working to the highest standards.” The firm has been building in Cumbria since 1990 — 35 years of barn conversions, new builds and renovations across the region. Over nearly three decades as FMB members, the industry has changed beyond recognition: customer expectations are higher, sustainability and energy efficiency have moved centre stage, and technology has transformed everything from how plans are drawn up to how sites are managed. But Nick is clear that some things remain constant: “Despite all the changes, the importance of craftsmanship and trust has remained.” For a family firm now spanning three generations — Nick, his father Ian who first joined the FMB nearly 30 years ago, and Joan — multi-generational working is something they’ve had to navigate in practice. “The key is communication and recognising that nobody has all the answers,” says Nick. “Family businesses thrive when there’s mutual respect, clear roles and a shared vision for where the business is going.” The FMB has been part of that journey every step of the way. The Currys’ proudest achievement to date is being recognised with two national Master Builder Awards last year, alongside a string of regional wins. “It’s reassuring to know that we’re part of something bigger than our own business.” MIDLANDS — Graline Construction Ltd, Solihull, Birmingham | In business since 1974 | FMB members since 1995 Graline Construction has been one of South Birmingham’s leading family-run builders since 1974 — over 50 years of craftsmanship in kitchens, extensions and renovations across the region. But for Director of Operations Kathryn Poppitt, the FMB story is personal as much as professional. She now sits as the FMB Central Area Board President and serves as a Vice President of the regional FMB board. Her father joined the Federation in 1995 — when the company had already been trading for over two decades — because he wanted the credibility of a professional body behind the Graline name. Thirty years later, that commitment has passed to the next generation. “I feel like I’ve grown up with the FMB. My dad joined in 1995 because he wanted credibility behind our company and wanted to raise standards in an industry he’d worked in since he was 15. Being part of the Federation has been part of my childhood and is now a huge part of my business journey too.” LONDON — JA Lofts, South East London | FMB members for 10 years Jordan Ali started JA Lofts a decade ago with a clear intention: to stand out in a crowded market by holding himself to the highest standards. The South East London-based loft conversion specialist joined the FMB on day one — and has recently taken that commitment further by joining the London Board. “Happy 85th FMB! When I started my company I wanted to stand out from the crowd and hold myself to high standards so signed up with the FMB right away. I recently was elected to the London Board so am looking forward to making a contribution to the direction the FMB takes — particularly on bringing the next generation into the industry. Here’s to the FMB raising standards for many years to come!” SOUTH WEST — Newman Construction and Sons Ltd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | FMB members since 2019 Newman Construction and Sons Ltd may be a
Britain’s builders, tradespeople and construction businesses have united behind a national campaign calling for urgent government action to prevent the further decline of the country’s most important industries. The newly launched Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign lead by Stark Building Materials UK and Jewson is warning that the construction sector has reached a critical tipping point due to a combination of thousands of companies ceasing trading and sole traders shutting up shop, housing delivery falling dramatically short of demand and chronic skills shortages. Campaign leaders are calling on the government for an emergency package of measures to restore confidence, stimulate demand and remove barriers preventing the industry from delivering the new and improved homes, jobs and economic growth Britain desperately needs. Alongside a public petition – the construction industry is set to escalate its grave concerns to Parliament to secure a national debate on the future of Britain’s construction industry. Today’s warning comes at a time when the gap between housing need and housing delivery continues to widen. Construction leaders estimate Britain is now facing a housing shortfall of approximately 6.5 million homes. To close that gap by 2040, around 565,000 homes would need to be built every year. Yet current projections suggest that annual housing delivery is likely to reach only around 305,000 homes by 2029. More than 630,000 properties in England sit empty and ripe for retrofitting into quality homes, but VAT and planning constraints are blocking progress. At the same time, the businesses responsible for building those homes are disappearing at an alarming rate. Nearly 4,000 construction firms became insolvent in the year to February 2026, making construction the worst-affected sector in the country’s economy in terms of business failures. Small and medium-sized housebuilders, once responsible for a significant share of housing delivery, have seen their numbers collapse from around 12,000 businesses in the late 1980s to fewer than 2,000 today. Kieran Griffin, Divisional Managing Director at Jewson, says: “The economics of building have become increasingly difficult, as the costs associated with more regulation, taxes and levies mount up for every new home built. Material costs have risen by around 40 per cent since 2020 and are expected to increase further in the years ahead. Combined with rising borrowing costs, planning delays and weaker consumer confidence, many projects that would once have been financially viable are now being postponed or abandoned altogether. “This is no longer a future challenge; it is a present-day emergency,” said Griffin. “Construction sits at the heart of the British economy and infrastructure. It delivers homes, jobs and investment in every town across Britain, yet the sector is under enormous pressure from every direction. Businesses are closing, projects are stalling, and skilled workers are leaving the industry. If the government wants growth, it needs to support the people and businesses that are physically building the country.” Ashley Woodcock, a painter and decorator from Bolton, says he has had to take on a second job as a milkman to supplement his income in construction. His day begins at 2.30 am, delivering milk before he heads to decorating jobs later in the morning. Ashley says he sees the impact of delays, uncertainty and workforce shortages every day. “Everyone agrees Britain needs more homes, but the reality on the ground is that it is becoming harder and harder for tradespeople,” he said. “Projects are delayed, costs continue to rise, and there aren’t enough skilled people entering the industry. Most of us want to get on with the work, but we need the right support and conditions to make that possible.” At the centre of the campaign are three urgent policy demands that organisers believe would have an immediate impact on the industry’s ability to grow. Campaign leaders argue that there has been no meaningful replacement for previous support schemes that helped buyers enter the market and are calling for targeted financial incentives for homebuyers and homeowners, including measures to reduce deposit requirements and expand mortgage access. They also want ministers to consider stamp duty relief and other fiscal measures to encourage transactions and boost market confidence. Another request is the removal of VAT on building materials and the refurbishment and retrofit of existing homes. Currently, new-build homes benefit from zero VAT, yet renovation projects often face additional costs that discourage investment. They believe removing VAT could unlock significant activity, especially in relation to the thousands of vacant properties across the country that could be renovated and used as housing. There are also calls for reform of the planning system, which campaigners describe as slow, costly and unpredictable. Only a small proportion of major planning applications are currently decided within statutory timeframes, while delays on smaller projects continue to frustrate homeowners and builders alike. Justin Gilbert, CEO Gilbert Homes said: “As a company owner for over thirty years I have never experienced such negative planning policies that we face today. The majority of potential new housing sites are unviable due to the various levies. The planning system is a complete farce.” The campaign is calling for a simpler, more transparent planning system that relies on clearer rules rather than subjective preferences, faster decision-making, and greater use of digital technology. Organisers believe artificial intelligence could play an important role in streamlining at the very least the early stages of planning applications and reducing administrative burdens on local authorities. They also want a moratorium on additional policy requirements that increase costs and complexity without accelerating housing delivery. Another key policy is tackling what campaigners describe as a construction skills emergency. More than 35,000 vacancies currently exist across the sector, and the industry is expected to require around 225,000 additional workers by 2027, but approximately one-quarter of the existing workforce is expected to retire over the next five years. Campaign leaders are therefore calling for expansion and an acceleration of apprenticeships, training programmes and industry-led education initiatives. They want greater support for small and medium-sized businesses that train and to retain apprentices and closer collaboration between employers,
Dialight, the world leader in industrial LED lighting innovation, is marking the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month by highlighting how high-performing, industrial-grade LED lighting can help reduce risks, support compliance, and improve overall operational efficiency, particularly in harsh industrial worksites and conditions. National Safety Month, established by the National Safety Council, is a nationwide initiative focused on reducing preventable injuries, one of the leading causes of workplace and community fatalities. In industrial facilities, where employees operate around heavy machinery, hazardous materials, elevated workspaces and around-the-clock production schedules, visibility plays a critical role in reducing the risk of injury or even death. In these intense environments, lighting must do far more than simply illuminate a space. Lighting must perform reliably in challenging conditions, maintaining consistent light levels and supporting workers in making safe and accurate decisions throughout their shift. This year’s campaign continues to focus on practical, action-led safety improvements across workplaces, roads, and communities. Poorly lit environments are a key contributor to slips, trips, falls and contact with equipment, while inadequate illumination can make it more difficult for workers to identify hazards, navigate safely and perform tasks accurately. High-pressure sodium lights, in comparison to LED, can cause difficulty in distinguishing colors, putting workers at risk of misinterpreting color cues from warning placards, signs, or electrical wiring. Research has shown that clear visibility of workplace hazards can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries by as much as 60%. LED lighting delivers appropriate levels of illumination for alertness, color perception, and reducing fatigue. Alongside the performance of lighting, reliability is equally important. Maintenance activities, such as frequently changing light bulbs, pose safety concerns for workers as many take place at heights with risks of electrocution and falls from elevation. Unlike traditional lighting technologies that often require frequent maintenance or experience lengthy restart times following a power interruption, industrial-grade LED systems are designed for long operating life and instant illumination. Reliability is particularly important in harsh and hazardous industries where environmental conditions can place significant demands on lighting infrastructure. Exposure to vibration, extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, corrosion and unstable power conditions can all affect lighting performance and, if not properly addressed, create additional operational and safety risks. In addition, HPS lighting emits high levels of unsafe UV radiation. Potent neurotoxin Mercury can be released by accidental breakage during use or disposal, particularly during maintenance. LED lighting fixtures are a safer alternative, containing zero hazardous materials. Modern industrial LED lighting has transformed the way facilities approach these maintenance challenges. High-performance LED solutions provide bright, uniform illumination that improves visibility across work areas, walkways, stairwells and operational zones. Enhanced color rendering and near-daylight lighting conditions can help workers identify potential hazards more quickly and perform detailed tasks with greater accuracy. Beyond accident prevention, lighting also contributes to wider operational performance by supporting productivity, improving employee comfort and wellbeing, and helping organizations maintain compliance with industry safety standards and regulations. As businesses continue to modernize their operations, lighting increasingly forms part of broader initiatives focused on operational excellence, workforce welfare and sustainability. Dialight is proud to contribute to the performance of workplaces by providing industry-leading lighting solutions. Dialight offers a 10-year warranty and long LED fixture lifespan, which helps to significantly reduce the dangerous task of maintaining industrial lighting at elevated heights, while clear illumination helps to identify risks and prevent costly mistakes or accidents. For Dialight, National Safety Month provides an opportunity to highlight the important role that lighting plays in creating safer, more productive workplaces. Each week in June highlights a different safety priority, including slips, trips and falls, reinforcing the importance of visibility and hazard prevention in industrial environments. Diener Arellanes, the Head of Operations and Plant Manager – Ensenada, at Dialightsaid: “As National Safety Month encourages organizations to strengthen their commitment to safety, lighting remains one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to help create workplaces where employees can work safely, confidently and effectively. We believe that lighting is a critical component of any comprehensive workplace safety strategy, and a key consideration when implementing infrastructure. In harsh and hazardous applications, dependable lighting is an absolute necessity. By investing in the right environment, including reliable, high-quality lighting, organizations can protect their workforce while supporting compliance, improving operational efficiency and contributing to employee wellbeing.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FIS has launched a short, targeted e-learning module: The Building Safety Act Wales 2026 to help contractors, designers and specialists prepare for significant changes to building regulations in Wales coming into force on 1st July 2026. From that date, a new building safety regime will come into force in Wales, introducing fundamental changes to how building work is regulated, approved and enforced. While closely aligned with the principles of the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced in England, the Welsh system is not identical and will operate through different regulators, processes and documentation requirements. What is changing in Wales? Wales is introducing a dutyholder‑led regulatory framework that applies to all regulated building work, with additional and more stringent requirements for higher‑risk buildings (HRBs). The system has strong parallels with the English regime, but there are important practical differences that contractors, designers and specialists need to understand. Key features of the Welsh regime include: A significant difference from the English system is that Wales has not created a standalone Building Safety Regulator. Higher‑risk buildings and enforcement remain within the jurisdiction of local authority building control, with different approval routes, statutory declarations and appeal mechanisms. The Welsh regime also defines higher‑risk buildings more broadly, capturing buildings with at least one residential unit as well as hospitals and care homes with overnight stays. What the FIS Wales 2026 module covers The new FIS training module is targeted at those who have already completed the Introduction to the Building Safety Act and now need to understand how the Welsh system works in practice. It provides: Preparing for July 2026 Transitional provisions mean that some projects already in the system before 1st July 2026 will continue under the current arrangements. However, any project that has not deposited full plans or secured acceptance of an initial notice by that date will need to comply with the new Welsh regime from the outset. With increased emphasis on competence, accountability and documented compliance, now is the right time for organisations to ensure their teams understand how the Welsh system operates. FIS remains committed to supporting the finishes and interiors sector through the biggest regulatory change in a generation. Alongside this new Wales‑specific module, FIS continues to provide guidance, training and practical tools to help members manage risk, improve safety and remain compliant. To access the course, visit the FIS E-Learning Academy. For any questions about the regulations contact the FIS team at info@thefis.org or 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10 Group has completed a strategic investment in façade specialist Mad About Facades (MAF), strengthening Reds10’s vertically integrated, industrialised construction model by bringing façade design and delivery fully in-house, enhancing quality, efficiency and control across projects. Mad About Facades is a specialist façade and cladding contractor, delivering façade design, manufacture and installation across the defence, education and residential sectors. The business has grown rapidly since launching, with a team of nine employees supported by a workforce of up to 30 operatives delivering projects across the UK. Notable schemes include Single Living Accommodation for the Ministry of Defence, alongside education projects at Thomas Telford School and Connaught SEND School. Reds10 and Mad About Facades have worked together since February 2025, with Reds10 acting as a key client across MAF’s growing portfolio. The investment formalises this relationship, with Reds10 becoming a strategic shareholder, supporting the continued scaling of the business while strengthening Reds10’s ability to deliver façade packages as part of a fully integrated model. Façades are a key component of modern offsite construction, and this investment builds on Reds10 Group’s wider strategy to bring critical construction capabilities in-house, supporting more efficient programme delivery and greater coordination across complex projects. Last month, Reds10 Group completed a strategic investment in steel fabrication specialist ESL Fabrication Engineers (ESL), which specialises in the comprehensive delivery of steel fabrication across the UK, from manufacture and installation to repair and maintenance works. Mad About Facades joins ESL as part of the Reds10 Group, bringing the total number of companies in the Group to twelve, including Reds10 and its sister businesses. The Group structure brings together complementary businesses under one roof to drive the industrialisation of construction, supported by data-led processes and AI integration across the development lifecycle. Paul Ruddick, Chief Executive of Reds10 Group, said: “Bringing façade capability into the Group is an important step in strengthening our fully integrated model. Mad About Facades has an excellent reputation for quality and delivery, and this investment allows us to align façade design and manufacture more closely with our wider operations. As we continue to grow, having this expertise in-house will be key to driving efficiency, innovation and consistency across our projects.” Warren Moses, Commercial Director of Mad About Facades, added: “Joining the Reds10 Group marks an exciting new chapter for Mad About Facades. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a business, building our reputation on technical expertise, innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality façade solutions. Reds10 has established itself as a leader in industrialised construction, and its vision closely aligns with our own ambitions for quality, efficiency and continuous improvement. By becoming part of the Group, we can combine our specialist façade expertise with a fully integrated delivery model, creating significant opportunities for growth, collaboration and innovation.” The investment follows Reds10’s continued growth and its ambition to further expand its presence across key sectors, including defence, education, justice and health, alongside an increasing focus on affordable housing and temporary accommodation. Reds10 manufactures all its buildings off-site at its advanced construction facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where it operates five factories totalling 300,000 sq ft. By investing in its own capabilities and supply chain, the Group is able to deliver sustainable, high-quality buildings with greater certainty, from concept through to completion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Darren Crockett, boss of RAS Crockett and Partners in Dundee, says he is ‘excited and honoured’ to take over at campaigning industry body Scotland’s largest trade construction association, SELECT has elected the managing director of a third-generation Dundee electrical company as its 68th President. Darren Crockett is Managing Director of RAS Crockett and Partners, a family firm of electrical engineers which has been operating successfully in the city since 1964. The businessman was elected at the SELECT AGM in the DoubleTree by Hilton Queensferry last week (June 4) and replaces Mike Stark, who will become Immediate Past President after two years in the position. David Harris, MD of Glasgow-based DMH Electrical Services, was elected SELECT Vice President at the same event, with Mike Campbell, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at Inverness-based RSE, the association’s new Depute Vice President. Speaking in a new video to mark his election, Darren said: “I’m extremely honoured and excited to be taking over as the new President of SELECT and it’s a privilege to be representing the Members of this historic and well-respected association. “It’s a great honour to take up this role at a time when SELECT is campaigning on a number of vitally important issues for the electrotechnical industry and wider construction sector. “I’m now looking forward to raising awareness of regulation and promoting the importance of protection of title for the electrical industry, while at the same time helping to lobby the Scottish Government to secure more funding for apprenticeships.” As a nine-strong family business, RAS Crockett, has built a strong reputation in Dundee and won Best Small Contractor at the SELECT Awards in Glasgow in 2014. The thriving family business was founded by Darren’s grandfather, Bert – a Grade One football referee – who passed it to son Sinclair in 1974 when he retired. Sinclair’s son Darren joined the company when he left school in 1986 and served as Chair of the SELECT Tayside Branch in 2013 before becoming Depute Vice President of the association in 2020 and Vice President in June 2024. Darren, whose wife, Gill, sons Liam and Kieran and uncle Paul also work in the business, said: “It’s been a great privilege to work alongside outgoing President Mike Stark during my time as Vice President. “I’d like to thank him for the invaluable insights and knowledge that he’s passed on to me and which I hope to use to equally good effect throughout my Presidency.” RAS Crockett has been a member of SELECT for all 62 years of its existence and Darren says the association has provided invaluable technical, employment, health and safety and training support down the decades. He added: “Being a Member of SELECT means we have business credibility, guaranteed customer confidence and vital access to industry experts whenever we need it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management has published its Market Outlook Report 2026, offering a brand new assessment of the conditions shaping the workplace and facilities management profession. Drawing on insights from more than 400 UK respondents, this year’s report reflects a sector operating in a more complex and uncertain environment. While FM remains central to organisational performance, market sentiment has shifted, with organisations approaching the year ahead more cautiously. Sponsored by HSBC UK, the report provides detailed analysis of these trends alongside practical guidance to support organisations in responding effectively. The report highlights sustained financial pressure across the sector, with rising costs and constrained budgets continuing to influence decision-making. In response, organisations are reassessing priorities and adopting a more targeted approach to investment, focusing on areas that deliver clear value. Workforce challenges remain a key theme, with skills availability and capability development continuing to shape performance. At the same time, technology retains its role as a major driver of efficiency and innovation, although levels of adoption vary across organisations. External factors, including economic conditions and policy change, are also playing an increasing role in shaping how organisations operate and respond. Against this backdrop, IWFM’s findings point to agility as a critical capability for navigating change and identifying opportunity. Jenny Thomas, Director, Communication and Insight at IWFM, said: ‘One of the clearest messages from this year’s research is that awareness of the wider policy environment and responsiveness are becoming just as important as capability. We see too many organisations that recognise the challenges ahead but are not yet translating that understanding into action. In a more uncertain environment, success will increasingly depend on how quickly organisations can interpret change, assess its impact and adjust their approach. Those that stay informed and actively engage with what is shifting around them will be better placed to sustain performance and identify the opportunities that do exist.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The facilities management sector is entering a new era, where data, technology and predictive insights are transforming how buildings are maintained, operated and optimised. For decades, the Building Engineering Services Association’s SFG20 standard has provided the industry with a trusted framework for building maintenance. Since its introduction in 1990, the standard has helped facilities managers establish consistency across maintenance programmes, procurement processes and engineering operations. Today, SFG20 continues to underpin best practice, offering thousands of maintenance schedules covering a vast range of building assets. However, modern buildings are significantly different from those of previous generations. Advances in digital technology, smart systems and connected infrastructure mean that many assets now generate detailed operational data, providing real-time insights into performance, efficiency and condition. According to Andre Bothma, Managing Director – Strategic Asset Management & Energy at Bellrock, the industry now has an opportunity to move beyond traditional one-size-fits-all maintenance strategies and embrace a more intelligent, responsive approach. Rather than relying solely on fixed maintenance schedules, predictive facilities management platforms can analyse asset performance continuously, helping engineering teams identify issues before they escalate into costly failures. By combining operational data, environmental factors and usage patterns, facilities managers can make more informed decisions and deploy resources where they deliver the greatest value. This evolution is not about replacing established maintenance standards. Instead, it is about enhancing them through technology, creating dynamic maintenance strategies that adapt to the specific requirements of individual buildings and assets. A manufacturing facility operating in a demanding industrial environment, for example, may require a very different maintenance approach from a modern office building, despite containing similar equipment. The benefits are substantial. Intelligent maintenance programmes can reduce unnecessary callouts, improve workforce efficiency, lower operational costs and enhance energy performance. Bellrock reports that clients adopting predictive maintenance approaches have achieved energy savings of around 20%, while improving long-term asset performance and lifecycle planning. As buildings become increasingly connected and data-rich, facilities management is evolving from reactive maintenance towards proactive asset optimisation. By combining proven standards with intelligent technology, the industry is creating smarter, more sustainable buildings capable of delivering greater efficiency, improved performance and long-term value for owners and occupiers alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bradstone, a member of Holcim UK, has launched a major new whitepaper, Promoting Safety in the Public Realm, calling for a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to designing and managing safer public spaces across the UK. It is the first output from a new working group assembled by Bradstone, comprising landscape architects, academic partners, NGOs and industry professionals to examine how safety is understood, experienced and delivered in the built environment. The whitepaper pulls in recent research from the University of Leeds and West Yorkshire Combined Authority which reveal that fences and walls around park edges make parks feel less safe due to reducing escape routes, while busier parks feel safer due to passive surveillance from other people. Meanwhile, stats from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 37% of women stop walking in quiet places after dark due to safety concerns. Contributors to the whitepaper include Jo Roberts (Holcim UK), Dr Anna Barker (University of Leeds), Romy Rawlings (Landscape Institute / Deep Green), Ben Gill (One Planet), and Iwonan Kossek (Ask for Angela). Together, they argue there is a growing urgency to tackle safety in public spaces as, despite having a direct influence on each, the issue continues to receive less attention than other urban issues, such as decarbonisation, regeneration and public health. A central theme of the whitepaper is the need for a shared, cross-sector understanding of what ‘safety’ actually means. The working group emphasises the distinction between actual safety (objective risk) and perceived safety (subjective experience), noting that perception often shapes behaviour more strongly than reality. Jo Roberts, Head of Product Management at Holcim UK, said: “We are now reaching a point where familiar ideas of ‘safety’ are being re-examined – not only as a matter of physical design but as a measure of how people feel and belong in the places they share with others. This whitepaper is about creating a shared language, grounded in evidence, that helps the industry design environments where everyone feels safe, connected and confident to move freely.” Also identified in the paper are barriers that currently impede progress – from the sheer volume of unstructured guidance to persistent misconceptions, such as the belief that safety is solely about crime reduction or that more lighting or CCTV are always the most effective solutions. Drawing on successful work across the country, the report sets out a suite of practical, evidence-based interventions for landscape architects, planners and local authorities. These include clearer sightlines, passive surveillance, typology-specific design, improved wayfinding, and co-production with communities – particularly groups who may feel excluded or unsafe. Alongside this, it emphasises the importance of robust data, pointing to emerging tools such as the Safer Parks Dashboard, which brings together spatial and safety data to help practitioners prioritise interventions. Jo said: “Improving safety in the public realm is essential for healthier communities, stronger local economies and more inclusive cities. We’re calling for closer collaboration between industry, academia and the public sector to ensure that safety becomes a core pillar of built-environment decision-making.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals