RECOM Solutions is on track for a record year with a burgeoning order book as it celebrates a decade in business. The Salford-headquartered business, which undertakes project management consultancy, main contracting and passive fire protection work, is targeting turnover of more than £20m for its current financial year, backed by
JV North has announced the list of contractors and consultants appointed to its £500 million social housebuilding framework, which aims to deliver around 3,000 homes across the North West over the next four years. The housing consortium, which includes 14 members, launched the procurement process in January. Call-offs under the
Galliford Try’s Building North West division has officially signed contracts to deliver the first major construction phase of the Wigan Galleries redevelopment, set to be rebranded as ‘Fettlers’. Following the completion of pre-commencement work, the project will now move ahead with the £39.4 million construction of a new Market Hall
Over half (52 %) of project professionals are very confident that the UK will meet its net zero targets by 2050. This is compared to just 31% who were asked the question by APM back in 2023 – following the UK Government’s adjustments to net zero goals including pushing back
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure
Logic-i has been selected to deliver pivotal project management and planning roles for the Steel River Power project at Teesworks, one of the UK’s most ambitious industrial regeneration sites. As an independent project management consultancy, Yarm-headquartered Logic-i will play a key role over the next three to five years in
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands,
Harrow is set to see the creation of 149 new family homes, including new council properties, following the approval of phase one of the Byron Quarter development. In a partnership between the London Borough of Harrow and Wates Residential, the project will transform underutilised council-owned land into a vibrant new
A new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery in the UK has launched, bringing together MPs, Peers and key stakeholders to work to better deliver major projects in government. The Association for Project Management (APM) and the project professional community have played a pivotal role in leading the creation
Knight Frank has added to its consultancy services in Scotland with the appointment of experienced project manager David Robertson. David joins the independent commercial property consultancy from Gardiner & Theobald where he was a director, working across several high-profile commercial property projects. A chartered quantity surveyor, previous experience also includes
RECOM Solutions is on track for a record year with a burgeoning order book as it celebrates a decade in business. The Salford-headquartered business, which undertakes project management consultancy, main contracting and passive fire protection work, is targeting turnover of more than £20m for its current financial year, backed by a strong pipeline. Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, who met as students at the University of Salford and worked together at Bovis Lend Lease, founded the business in 2015. Their first office was above a fish and chip shop in Trafford Park. Today RECOM owns its three-storey headquarters at Waters Edge Business Park in Salford Quays and has 56 full-time staff. It also employs scores of operatives on passive fire protection schemes, which are designed to limit the spread of fire, smoke and heat within buildings and structures. RECOM moved to its current HQ in 2022 and has since expanded its services into London, Bristol and Birmingham. The development of a senior leadership team has supported this growth. The company, which operates in sectors including healthcare, education, retail, leisure, commercial and residential, was crowned SME of the Year at the North West Regional Construction Awards earlier this month. Flagship project management consultancy schemes over the years have included the award-winning redevelopment of the Old Quadrangle at the University of Manchester, and the disaster recovery operation for the Cancer Research UK Institute Manchester following a fire at The Christie’s Paterson Building. Highlights for its main contracting division have included the £6m transformation of former offices into luxury apartments at a grade II listed building on King Street in Manchester city centre, and the £7m Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Oldham. RECOM has also completed schemes for retail, leisure and hospitality clients such as Pot Kettle Black, Barry’s Bootcamp, Urban Village Bars and Timpson. The company has expanded in the residential sector to complete interrupted schemes across the country where other contractors have become insolvent, including a 56-house development Sandbach, Cheshire, and a 155-unit development in Bristol. RECOM, which has accreditation from the National House Building Council, is currently undertaking an interrupted scheme for 52 homes in Delamere, Cheshire. Its passive fire protection division, established in 2019, has secured national contracts at locations including hospitals, schools and universities, government offices, social housing schemes, apartment blocks, industrial and office buildings. RECOM is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS) for its passive fire protection services, which include the installation and maintenance of fire-resistant walls, doors, ceilings and intumescent coatings to ensure compliance with all relevant fire safety regulations, compartmentation surveys, fire strategy reviews, training, development and support. Earlier this year, RECOM secured a six-figure funding package to support its growth and create jobs. Jason said: “At the outset, we had a vision to raise standards in construction and consultancy, and then to do things better than others in passive fire protection, based on what we had seen in the industry. “We’ve developed three outstanding business units with their own leadership teams, and have prided ourselves on developing talent across the company and giving young people an opportunity in the industry by supporting them through their studies and recruiting apprentices. “Throughout, we’ve sought to become an employer of choice by providing career chances and implementing a market-leading programme of staff benefits.” He added: “In addition, the SMEs we have supported in their expansion over the years have created employment. Our clients and partners have been a big part of our journey, as has our team past and present, who have helped lay the foundations for us to build upon.” Joseph said: “We feel proud of what we’ve achieved, for the business itself and on a wider scale. We have maintained strategic partnerships with national entities, which have stood the test of time. Our pipeline for the next decade will be supported by construction intelligence evolving along with our client base. “We’ve developed the business nationwide and are looking to organically grow our offering and services further, including expanding our client network, while continuing to innovate and improve standards across the sectors in which we currently operate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JV North has announced the list of contractors and consultants appointed to its £500 million social housebuilding framework, which aims to deliver around 3,000 homes across the North West over the next four years. The housing consortium, which includes 14 members, launched the procurement process in January. Call-offs under the framework are expected to begin in early August. Three construction lots were made available, covering projects valued up to £4 million, between £4 million and £12 million, and £12 million and above. Contractors for the up to £4 million category include GK Construction & Project Management, J Greenwood (Builders) Ltd, John Southworth Builders Ltd, M&Y Maintenance and Construction Ltd, McCaul Build Ltd, PLP Construction Ltd, RP Tyson Construction Ltd, The Casey Group, Westshield Ltd and Whitfield and Brown (Developments) Ltd. In the £4m to £12m lot, the selected firms are GK Construction and Project Management, J Greenwood (Builders) Ltd, John Southworth Builders Ltd, M&Y Maintenance and Construction Ltd, PLP Construction Ltd, Rowlinson, RP Tyson Construction Ltd, Seddon Construction Ltd, The Casey Group, Vistry Partnerships, Watson Construction Ltd and Whitfield and Brown (Developments) Ltd. For projects over £12m, Breck Homes, Eric Wright Construction Ltd, Rowlinson, Seddon Construction Ltd, Termrim Construction Ltd, Vistry Partnerships and Watson Construction Ltd were appointed. The framework also includes appointments in professional service categories, covering architectural services, employer’s agents, purchaser agents, engineering services, clerks of works, and principal designers. Architectural firms appointed include Arcus Consulting LLP, Bowker Sadler Partnership, BTP Architects, Buttress Architects, Halsall Lloyd LLP, Jennings Design Associates, John McCall Architects, Levitt Bernstein Associates Ltd, Pozzoni Architecture, and Studio KMA Ltd. Ten employer’s agents were named: Arcus Consulting LLP, CPC Project Services LLP, Drees & Sommer, Gateley Vinden, Identity Consult, Markhams, Neo Projects Ltd, Poole Dick Associates, WhiteleyEaves Ltd and Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd. Purchaser agents selected are Arcus Consulting LLP, CPC Project Services LLP, Drees & Sommer, Neo Projects Ltd, Tetra Tech Ltd and Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd. In engineering services, the appointed companies are Alan Johnston Partnership Ltd, Curtins Consulting Ltd, HBL Associates, Rodgers Leask Ltd, Shape Consulting Engineers and Sutcliffe Projects Ltd. Clerks of works named include Amrin Resources Ltd, Markhams, Michael Dyson Associates Ltd, WhiteleyEaves Ltd, Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd and WSP UK Ltd. Principal designers appointed are Airey Miller Ltd, Anderton Gables Ltd, Arcus Consulting LLP, Keelagher Okey Associates Ltd, Markhams, Poole Dick Associates, Vista Consulting Group Ltd and Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd. For the first time, principal designers for Building Regulations were procured, with appointments going to Airey Miller Ltd, Arcus Consulting LLP, Baily Garner, Bowker Sadler Partnership Ltd, BTP Architects, John McCall Architects, Kartar Consulting, Keelagher Okey Associates Ltd and Vista Consulting Group Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galliford Try’s Building North West division has officially signed contracts to deliver the first major construction phase of the Wigan Galleries redevelopment, set to be rebranded as ‘Fettlers’. Following the completion of pre-commencement work, the project will now move ahead with the £39.4 million construction of a new Market Hall and £4.6 million of basement enabling works. Together, these represent a £44 million investment into the multi-phase regeneration scheme. The transformation is part of a wider £135 million masterplan being delivered in partnership with development partner Cityheart, aimed at creating a dynamic new retail, leisure, commercial and residential destination in the heart of Wigan town centre. Future phases of the project will feature a six-screen cinema, music and e-sports venue, 10-lane bowling alley, indoor mini-golf centre, new hotel, and 464 homes. The scheme will also include food and drink venues, evening entertainment spaces, a reimagined market hall, and a new public square designed for outdoor events. Darren Parker, Managing Director of Galliford Try Building North West, said: “We are delighted to progress to the next phase of this landmark regeneration project. The redevelopment of Wigan Galleries will breathe new life into the town centre, creating a vibrant destination that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We look forward to playing our part in bringing this ambitious vision to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over half (52 %) of project professionals are very confident that the UK will meet its net zero targets by 2050. This is compared to just 31% who were asked the question by APM back in 2023 – following the UK Government’s adjustments to net zero goals including pushing back the deadline for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and the phasing out of gas boilers. With the government’s net zero policies being widely debated across industry, by politicians and climate experts at the current time, APM’s survey of 1,000 project professionals carried out by research consultants Censuswide), shows that over half of respondents working in the following sectors say they are confident in the 2050 net zero goals being met: Project professionals are the strategic changemakers who deliver projects that enable sustainability transformations. With the current focus on decarbonisation and net zero, business leaders are being urged to listen to their project experts and invest properly in projects and the people who deliver them, to ensure success. The main reasons given by respondents for confidence in the 2050 targets being met is action being taken by their company are: Of the minority of respondents (4%) who say they aren’t confident (44% said only somewhat confident) in the UK meeting net zero in 2050, the main reason given was not enough action being taken by their industry sector (47% of respondents) and that the 2050 target has always been unrealistic (37%). In 2023, just over 9% of respondents said they weren’t confident in the UK meeting net zero by 2050. The survey also highlights that 45% think their company is currently doing too much to support the 2025 ambitions, compared to 36% who think their company is doing too little. When asked the same question in 2023, just 28% of project professionals thought their company was doing too much, with over half 52% saying too little is being done. However, when it comes to skills and the talent pipeline of project professionals, APM found that four in 10 (42%) project professionals strongly agree that there aren’t enough project professionals in the talent pipeline in the UK to sustain the future delivery of net zero projects. When the same question was asked in 2023 just 27% strongly agreed that there aren’t enough project professionals. Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM said: “It is positive to see an increased confidence across the project profession in the UK meeting its 2050 net zero ambitions. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, there has been a marked global shift towards the net zero transition, prioritising national plans for the reduction of carbon emissions. The project profession stands at the crossroads of this transition, ensuring complex environmental targets are translated into actionable, efficient, and achievable strategies. “As highlighted, there are evident concerns over the talent pipeline in sustaining the effective delivery of net zero projects. It is vital that UK business leaders and government address the growing need for qualified project professionals at all levels, and that adequate investment is made through skills development, recruitment and greater engagement in the professionalisation of the profession. Without skilled project leadership, net zero goals risk being delayed, overbudget, or unfulfilled.” APM has resources available for project professionals to find out more about sustainable practices in project management and the delivery of net zero, including recent research paper Are we ready for net zero in project management? The challenges and strategies for project professionals in the delivery of UK major projects and a Sustainability Interest Network giving professionals the chance to knowledge share and gain further understanding and good practice in sustainability across the profession. Visit apm.org for further details. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact. Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate sectors. The company has helped deliver transformative projects like Liverpool Waters, the Wythenshawe Civic Regeneration Master Plan as well as mega programmes at the forefront of the Net Zero transition, such as the Great Grid Upgrade. Now part of the HanmiGlobal family, Walker Sime has expanded its reach with international, European, and US capabilities, further strengthening its ability to serve clients on a global scale. This growth enhances its capacity to deliver exceptional results, positioning Walker Sime as a key partner in shaping the future through transformative projects that drive success and innovation. Under Jon’s leadership, the company will focus on sustainable growth, nurturing talent, and maintaining the technical excellence that has earned it an enviable reputation with its clients. With over 20 years of industry experience, Jon is enthusiastic about the role Walker Sime can play in shaping the future of the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate markets. Jon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of Managing Director at Walker Sime. From the moment I joined, I recognised this was a business built on strong values, a fantastic culture, and a deep commitment to its people. My priority is to build on that success while ensuring we continue to grow in a way that stays true to our values. This role is more than just a career move for me – it’s about leaving a legacy. I joined this industry because I wanted to make a difference, to be part of something that stands the test of time. Now, my focus is on ensuring Walker Sime remains a business that is not only successful today but is fit for the future. That means continuing to invest in our people, nurturing talent, and ensuring we remain a trusted and innovative partner for our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Logic-i has been selected to deliver pivotal project management and planning roles for the Steel River Power project at Teesworks, one of the UK’s most ambitious industrial regeneration sites. As an independent project management consultancy, Yarm-headquartered Logic-i will play a key role over the next three to five years in overseeing the expansion of one of the UK’s largest private wire networks – a cornerstone in the transformation of the former Redcar steelworks site. The Steel River Power project, a joint venture between Steel River Energy Ltd. and North West Electricity Networks (UK) Ltd. (NWEN UK), represents an investment exceeding £100m that will serve to expand the existing Teesworks’ private electricity distribution network to support the sustainable growth of new and existing industries on-site and provide a long term electrical utility infrastructure for the site’s future developments. Logic-i will be responsible for managing the project’s contract administration, taking a detailed oversight of contract performance, ensuring all agreements and adjustments are comprehensively documented and align with project goals. This approach will support the project’s dynamic needs while maintaining strict adherence to timelines and budgets. Additionally, it will appoint a senior planning consultant to assist in the delivery of the Steel River Power masterplan. This role is essential for ensuring that the principal contractor, local sub-contractors and supply chain partners maintain synchronised schedules, ensuring project milestones are achieved efficiently. The consultant will also proactively anticipate and mitigate potential challenges, supporting the smooth progression and delivery of the project. Beyond its technical impact, the growth of the Steel River Power electrical network will deliver significant local benefits, including the creation of hundreds of new jobs and major infrastructure improvements, further solidifying the Teesworks site’s position as a leading green energy and industrial hub. Stephen Humble, a Director at Logic-i, said: “While Logic-i delivers projects globally, securing this contract has special significance as it enables us to contribute to a project of immense importance to Teesside and the wider North East region. This opportunity underscores our expertise in project management and represents a key milestone in our growth strategy. We look forward to building a successful partnership and supporting the future of Teesworks here in our home region.” Andy Laundon, Operations Director of Steel River Power Limited, added: “Given the immense scale of our capital programme, it is imperative that safe delivery of the expansion project is the overarching priority. As such, we are delighted to have engaged Logic-i to oversee the contractual performance of the principal contractor and local sub-contractors. Their proven track record and expertise will be an asset to Steel River Power and to the facilitation of wider development on Teesworks, whilst maintaining alignment to Steel River Power’s principles of utilising local supply chain partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands, spanning approximately seven acres. GKRL, a joint venture between Genr8 Developments and Kajima Partnerships, plans to deliver a diverse mix of high-quality residential housing, leisure facilities, and commercial spaces at Etruscan Square, all aimed at attracting new businesses and residents to the heart of the city. The development will also involve collaboration with partners such as PfP Igloo, with whom GKRL is already working on similar projects across the UK. The development, which benefits from £20 million in government funding, is located on a site that was once home to the old bus station and the East-West Precinct, positioned next to the city’s main retail hub and near Hanley Bus Station, Smithfield, and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Once the formal selection process is complete, the development team will begin site surveys and investigations later this year, preparing for construction to start in 2027. The project is part of a broader city centre masterplan designed to rejuvenate Hanley, creating a vibrant place to live, work, shop, and visit. This vision has been shaped by extensive consultation with local residents, businesses, and visitors. The Etruscan Square project could also serve as a springboard for further regeneration efforts across the city. GKRL is in discussions to develop other council-owned sites, including key residential plots at Pyenest Street, Shelton, North Shelton, and Bucknall New Road. GKRL brings a wealth of experience to the project, with a proven track record in delivering successful mixed-use regeneration schemes. Notable projects include the Rochdale Riverside development, which transformed a key city centre area into a new retail, leisure, and residential destination. In addition to their development expertise, GKRL’s partners have established strong relationships with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, local residents, and businesses. Genr8 is currently overseeing the Smithfield development in the city centre, while Kajima is delivering the £60 million Stoke Extra Care scheme, a series of innovative retirement villages designed for flexible, future-proofed living. The Etruscan Square project marks a significant milestone in Stoke-on-Trent’s ongoing regeneration, with the potential to significantly enhance the city’s economic and social landscape in the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harrow is set to see the creation of 149 new family homes, including new council properties, following the approval of phase one of the Byron Quarter development. In a partnership between the London Borough of Harrow and Wates Residential, the project will transform underutilised council-owned land into a vibrant new community. Phase one will include the construction of 71 three-bedroom homes, with a mix of two- and three-storey houses designed to reflect the character of the local area. At the heart of the Byron Quarter development will be a large, central green space, designed for community use. The area will feature seating, play spaces, and walking and cycling paths, creating an inviting environment for both new and existing residents. The development will also be directly connected to the Belmont Trail and Byron Park, offering an eco-friendly, relaxing space for outdoor activities. The new homes and green spaces are set to bring a significant boost to the local area, creating a modern, sustainable living environment for families in Harrow. Cllr Marilyn Ashton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, commented: “This is an exciting step in unlocking the potential for this under used urban site left empty for 20 years to deliver much needed, high-quality homes for families in Harrow. “Our regeneration plans for Harrow are ambitious. We have listened to the community, delivering plans that reflect the character of the local neighbourhood. Byron Quarter will deliver much needed, new, and affordable family-sized accommodation including council homes, open and green spaces and public squares where Harrow people want to live.” Leigh Johnson, Regional Development Director at Wates Residential, added: “We are thrilled to receive planning permission for Byron Quarter. This is an important milestone in our commitment to delivering much-needed, energy-efficient homes including affordable homes alongside high-quality public spaces and amenities that will benefit the entire community. “We would like to extend our thanks to all those who engaged with the planning process, particularly the residents, whose invaluable feedback has helped shape the final plans. “Our ongoing dialogue with the community remains a top priority as we move forward with the construction of this exciting new development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery in the UK has launched, bringing together MPs, Peers and key stakeholders to work to better deliver major projects in government. The Association for Project Management (APM) and the project professional community have played a pivotal role in leading the creation of the APPG and improving the delivery of projects that succeed and benefit society. At the inaugural meeting, Henry Tufnell MP was elected as Chair of the APPG, with Llinos Medi MP, The Rt Hon Lord Lilley, and Lord Goddard of Stockport appointed as Vice-Chairs. The APPG will lead the development of understanding of projects within Parliament and brings together expert voices in one place to improve public policy, acting as a conduit for parliamentarians to engage with each other, project professionals, academics, civil servants, Ministers, and others. It will champion project success, extol the value of the project profession, and outline the importance of project skills throughout Westminster and society, with a focus on: Chair of the APPG, Henry Tufnell MP said: “I’m delighted to have been elected as Chair of this vitally important APPG. We focus so often on projects, but not on project delivery. We plan to change that. This APPG has an ambitious work plan which will scrutinise project delivery and, through its meetings and reports, will provide valuable insight and advice on better delivery, whatever the type of project.” Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at APM, spoke of the need for an APPG for Project Delivery, saying: “For too long there hasn’t been an APPG focused solely on project delivery. This has been a missed opportunity, given the number of announcements successive governments have made on major projects and the sheer scale of the task ahead. “The key here is the focus on the actual delivery of major projects including what we need to do to improve skills, bringing more people into the profession, and reducing supply issues. “The APPG has a long list of reports and studies to undertake, and we will be looking to our members, our corporate partners and academia to help us deliver them.” For more information on the APPG, please contact APM’s policy and public affairs team on external.affairs@apm.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Knight Frank has added to its consultancy services in Scotland with the appointment of experienced project manager David Robertson. David joins the independent commercial property consultancy from Gardiner & Theobald where he was a director, working across several high-profile commercial property projects. A chartered quantity surveyor, previous experience also includes roles at Axiom Project Services and Thomson Bethune. In recent years David managed the development of Edinburgh’s award-winning New Eidyn, the residential offering at St James Quarter, the construction of the purpose-built 7,800-capacity Hive Stadium for Edinburgh Rugby, and refurbishment works across 180,000 sq. ft. at Atlantic Quay Glasgow on behalf of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and Department for Work and Pensions. One of David’s first responsibilities at Knight Frank will be managing the £200 million transformation project at Port Hamilton, Edinburgh, which will become Lloyds Banking Group’s main Scottish base. Work includes a full redesign with energy-efficient upgrades, a new café, fitness centre and creative spaces. Alasdair Steele, head of Scotland commercial at Knight Frank, said: “David is a welcome addition to the team with a wealth of experience managing best-in-class projects. His expertise adds another layer to our existing building consultancy offering, meaning we can now support current and future clients with project management services across all sectors.” David Roberston added: “Joining Knight Frank marks the start of an exciting chapter in my career. The firm has a great reputation in Scotland and I’m looking forward to leading the growth and development of its project management arm, starting with the refurbishment at Port Hamilton.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
