The buzz surrounding the planned creation of a multibillion-pound theme park in Bedfordshire is to be used to encourage children to consider careers in the construction industry when they leave school. That’s the aim of insulation specialist Actis, a long-term champion of encouraging young people into the sector, often via
It’s been a fiercely contested road to this point, with this year’s competition already hailed as the biggest and best Super Trowel yet. Once again, as with every year since the event’s inception in 2023, CPI is Super Trowel’s official mortar sponsor. Stuart Russell, Head of Commercial, CPI Mortars Limited
Artro and Fusion block paving have been used to create a sleek and contemporary outdoor space for the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre located in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). This case study explores how Tobermore provided a modern solution with the specification of Artro and Fusion small format
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
Polypipe Building Services has launched a new applications guide designed to help specifiers, consultants, contractors and any other party involved navigate the complexity of water supply system design, with a clear, practical route to selecting high-performance, sustainable solutions. Titled ‘A guide to water supply applications’, the brochure matches common system
wienerberger UK & Ireland has begun construction on the world’s first fully electric tunnel kiln for the manufacture of clay roof tiles at its Broomfleet roof tile manufacturing site in East Yorkshire, marking a major milestone in the company’s long‑term decarbonisation strategy and its ambition to transform heavy clay manufacturing.
Leading insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has announced that its entire product range has passed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment, making it the broadest set of construction products by a single manufacturer to be assessed to-date. The successful assessments cover ROCKWOOL’s complete range of non-combustible stone wool insulation products, including
Leading insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has announced that its entire product range has passed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment, making it the broadest set of construction products by a single manufacturer to be assessed to-date. The successful assessments cover ROCKWOOL’s complete range of non-combustible stone wool insulation products, including
Building envelope solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has achieved independent Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment for their Roof Tiles & Fittings product set. This latest assessment builds on wienerberger’s milestone from Spring 2025, when it became the first UK manufacturer to secure CCPI assessment for its UK-manufactured
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, contractors, manufacturers, and training providers, the framework establishes a clear benchmark for the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours required of drylining design engineers. As construction projects grow increasingly complex, the need for qualified and competent design professionals has never been greater. This new framework
The buzz surrounding the planned creation of a multibillion-pound theme park in Bedfordshire is to be used to encourage children to consider careers in the construction industry when they leave school. That’s the aim of insulation specialist Actis, a long-term champion of encouraging young people into the sector, often via outreach sessions in schools and colleges. And with developers Comcast NBCUniversal promising to provide training and apprenticeships via colleges and universities throughout the construction and resort phase, the development of the newly named Universal United Kingdom Resort should be good news for the wider construction industry, believes Actis. The US entertainment giant, which says it will invest an initial £5 billion into the resort and a further £1bn over its first decade, wants the theme park to become the most visited in Europe. It says the work will generate around 20,000 jobs during the construction period, with a further 8,000 created after its opening in 2031. The government will support the surrounding infrastructure development and transport links to the tune of £1.3 billion. Actis East and Scotland regional sales director, Steven Ellis, who lives near the planned theme park, is due to take part in a ‘careers and aspirations’ day at a village school literally a stone’s throw from the site in the coming weeks. He plans to reference the resort as an example of the kind of imaginative project open to those choosing a construction career path. “The popular appeal and glamour of a theme park is a tangible and exciting example of the kind of project likely to strike a chord with those still at school. I’m hoping it will give them a real passion to be involved in an industry which can bring so much joy to millions of people all over the world,” he said. “With the theme park’s creators predicting there will be 8.5 million visitors a year initially, rising to 12 million within 20 years of opening, the magnitude of the resort points to a great need for skilled tradespeople and apprentices. “These will be required to work not only on the 476-acre theme park but also on the road and rail links being created and upgraded to allow access to the site. This is a career opportunity on their doorstep and I’m hoping they will share my enthusiasm!” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
It’s been a fiercely contested road to this point, with this year’s competition already hailed as the biggest and best Super Trowel yet. Once again, as with every year since the event’s inception in 2023, CPI is Super Trowel’s official mortar sponsor. Stuart Russell, Head of Commercial, CPI Mortars Limited & Carlton Manufacturing: “We consider it a privilege to provide the high-quality mortar for a hugely popular contest that is an exciting test of bricklaying speed, precision and craftmanship. From humble beginnings, Super Trowel has evolved into a revered and highly-anticipated construction industry event. CPI’s support has been there from the beginning, and we’re excited to see how this year’s competition plays out.” The two remaining heats are: The grand finale takes place over two days – July 31st and August 1st – at Hertford Showground, where both professional and junior competitors will go head-to-head for the title. The rules are simple but brutal: build the best quality brick wall, lay as many bricks as possible, and do it all within a punishing 60-minute time limit. This year also sees a standalone challenge to crown the fastest hod carrier to load 1,000 bricks. Stuart continued: “For the bricklayers, Super Trowel is a true test of grit and agility; for spectators it makes remarkably compelling viewing. Super Trowel events are fun, noisy and full of energy, with crowds feeding off the exceptional toils of those taking part. It’s why the contest is soaring in popularity, and why CPI remains a committed sponsor.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Artro and Fusion block paving have been used to create a sleek and contemporary outdoor space for the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre located in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). This case study explores how Tobermore provided a modern solution with the specification of Artro and Fusion small format block paving, creating a sleek and contemporary outdoor space for the new innovation centre. These versatile products delivered a durable, functional, and visually striking environment designed to last. For projects where sustainable drainage is a key consideration, both ranges are also available as a permeable option – Hydropave Artro and Hydropave Fusion. The permeable range by Tobermore offers the trusted performance and aesthetics for all sizes and types of SuDS schemes. Sitting on a 52-hectare site, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) is a collaborative project led by Renfrewshire Council and supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. Based within this impressive development sits the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. The £88 million centre unites top-tier science and technology expertise under one roof, aiming to expedite innovative solutions for major challenges in medicine development and manufacturing. Hard landscaping was required for the space, which would provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The entire project is projected for completion by 2034. AMIDS is set to become an internationally recognised centre for innovation, research, and manufacturing. The Challenge: Create a sleek and contemporary outdoor space with a small format, contemporary hard landscaping product. The new medicines manufacturing centre is set to revolutionise the field of medicine by accelerating solutions in medicine development and manufacturing, which is being supported by £88m from public and private partners. The architect, Optimised Environments, wanted to introduce a modern touch to the hard landscaping for this project. They sought a small format product that would create a contemporary feel while also adding texture to the space. As this was the first phase of a public realm project within a larger masterplan, it was crucial to choose a product that would endure well over time. The Solution: Tobermore’s Artro and Fusion block paving transformed the outdoor space into a contemporary environment for the innovative new centre. The technical and design support from Tobermore made specification of Artro and Fusion small format block paving for this project seamless. These versatile block paving products significantly enhanced the outdoor area, turning it into a contemporary and inviting environment for the innovative new centre. They also helped achieve a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring durability for years to come. The variety of textures and patterns available in the Artro and Fusion ranges allowed for a creative and dynamic layout, adding to the overall aesthetic of the centre while meeting the practical needs of high foot traffic and outdoor elements. Ensuring that all materials arrived on schedule without delays was crucial for this project to adhere to the strict time frame. Tobermore was able to meet these expectations and provide seamless service support throughout the entirety of the project. For more information, contact our team or head to Create & Construct to use any of the design and specification tools. 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
Polypipe Building Services has launched a new applications guide designed to help specifiers, consultants, contractors and any other party involved navigate the complexity of water supply system design, with a clear, practical route to selecting high-performance, sustainable solutions. Titled ‘A guide to water supply applications’, the brochure matches common system requirements, including boosted cold water, domestic hot water, heating systems and chilled water, with the best-suited solutions from its MecFlow supply systems range. By aligning product selection with real-world applications, the guide aims to simplify decision-making across a wide range of building types. The guide responds directly to the challenges faced on modern construction projects, from labour shortages and tighter site constraints to evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements. And with pressures around carbon reduction, water quality and long-term system performance continuing to grow, it demonstrates how the pipework specification can directly influence the efficiency, sustainability, and reliability of water supply systems. As well as outlining key considerations for each application, the brochure highlights how plastic pipe systems can support the long-term health of a system and how material selection can contribute to more efficient, lower-maintenance solutions, supporting both operational performance and whole-life sustainability. “Specifying water supply systems is becoming increasingly complex, with more variables to consider across performance, compliance and sustainability,” explained Scott Clark, Senior Product Manager at Polypipe Building Services. “This guide is designed to bring clarity to that process, helping our customers match the right solution to the demands of each application, while also considering long-term system health and efficiency.” The brochure features Polypipe’s MecFlow Press and MecFlow Fusion systems, both engineered to support reliable, high-performance installations across a range of applications. To learn more, read the new brochure here: https://www.polypipebuildingservices.com/applications/application-brochure/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
wienerberger UK & Ireland has begun construction on the world’s first fully electric tunnel kiln for the manufacture of clay roof tiles at its Broomfleet roof tile manufacturing site in East Yorkshire, marking a major milestone in the company’s long‑term decarbonisation strategy and its ambition to transform heavy clay manufacturing. The electric kiln in “Factory e” will replace the conventional natural‑gas-powered firing processes with a 100% electric, renewable‑powered system. Once operational, the new kiln is expected to reduce Scope 1 carbon emissions from this factory production line by 75%, saving 4,700 tonnes of CO₂ per year, while maintaining product quality and performance. The project represents a £37 million investment in UK manufacturing, with £4.3 million funded through the UK Government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), which supports industrial fuel‑switching and energy efficiency projects to help decarbonise hard‑to‑abate sectors. By removing natural gas entirely from the roof tile firing process, Factory e will play a critical role in supporting wienerberger’s transition to net‑zero carbon emissions, while strengthening the long‑term future of roof tile production at Broomfleet. Factory e will replace a disused factory line at Broomfleet, during which the old manufacturing equipment will undergo complete replacement, enabling the move to electric firing to be delivered without interrupting ongoing product. Construction activity is now underway on site, with the former factory building cleared and extensive civil engineering works in progress. Key equipment has begun arriving on site in preparation for installation. Keith Barker, Chief Operating Officer at wienerberger UK & Ireland, said: “The start of construction at Broomfleet represents a pivotal step in our journey to decarbonise heavy clay manufacturing. Factory e demonstrates how electrification can deliver substantial carbon emission reductions while maintaining product quality, operational resilience and long‑term competitiveness. Alongside our hydrogen brick kiln project at Denton, it underlines our multi‑technology approach to achieving net zero and our commitment to building for what’s next.” Mark Brook, Operations Director at wienerberger UK & Ireland, added: “Factory e will fundamentally change how roof tiles are made at Broomfleet. We are installing the first electric kiln of its kind for clay roof tiles, alongside modern automation and control technology that improves safety, efficiency and consistency. The same raw materials will be used, and extensive trials and testing give us confidence that product quality will remain unchanged. We are also investing significantly in our site workforce, creating development opportunities as we upskill teams to use the latest technology.” The Factory e project is planned to be completed in 2027, reflecting the complexity of delivering a fully electric tunnel kiln and the associated upgrades required to power the new factory line. As part of the transition, production and engineering teams are being trained and upskilled to operate and maintain the new, more automated equipment. The electrified line will primarily manufacture plain tiles and related accessories, fully replacing the existing gas‑fired kiln previously used for this production. The Broomfleet electric kiln forms a key part of wienerberger UK & Ireland’s wider decarbonisation programme, alongside its hydrogen‑fuelled kiln project at Denton brickworks. Together, these investments showcase a multi‑technology pathway to reducing industrial emissions and accelerating the transition to low‑carbon manufacturing across the company’s UK operations. To discover more about wienerberger’s ambitions to decarbonise operations as part of its sustainability strategy, please visit www.wienerberger.co.uk/sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has announced that its entire product range has passed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment, making it the broadest set of construction products by a single manufacturer to be assessed to-date. The successful assessments cover ROCKWOOL’s complete range of non-combustible stone wool insulation products, including roofing, façade and fire protection solutions, as well as the company’s in-house fire-stopping range, known as FirePro. Introduced as a direct response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations, the code’s methodology has been designed to provide a holistic assessment of product information and marketing to provide reassurance throughout the construction supply chain, and ultimately to building residents and occupants. Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK and Ireland, said: “We are immensely proud of this achievement. ROCKWOOL has long prided itself on its rigorous approach and high standards – securing assessment across our full range reflects our firm commitment to providing clear, accurate and trustworthy product information and the robust ways of working across our expert and dedicated team.” Against the backdrop of the Building Safety Act and live Government proposals to raise the bar for construction products and fire safety guidance, professionals including specifiers, architects and contractors need high-quality products supported by robust testing and information that they can trust. Undertaking a CCPI assessment includes in-depth evaluation of a company’s culture, processes and product information by an independent third-party verifier, and confirmation of each product’s assessment sits alongside clearly accessible product safety and performance data on ROCKWOOL’s website. Tim Vincent, ROCKWOOL’s Head of Technical, added: “As a leading supplier, ROCKWOOL is committed to supporting construction professionals to deliver building safety and performance, whether through our CCPI assessed product ranges, our technical tools and support, or our growing education offering including our new Training Academy, where we run hands-on best practice training.” Moving forward, any new ROCKWOOL product sets will be CCPI assessed as they are introduced to the market. Details of all ROCKWOOL’s products and their associated CCPI assessments can be found on the company’s website at www.rockwool.com/uk/products/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has announced that its entire product range has passed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment, making it the broadest set of construction products by a single manufacturer to be assessed to-date. The successful assessments cover ROCKWOOL’s complete range of non-combustible stone wool insulation products, including roofing, façade and fire protection solutions, as well as the company’s in-house fire-stopping range, known as FirePro. Introduced as a direct response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations, the code’s methodology has been designed to provide a holistic assessment of product information and marketing to provide reassurance throughout the construction supply chain, and ultimately to building residents and occupants. Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK and Ireland, said: “We are immensely proud of this achievement. ROCKWOOL has long prided itself on its rigorous approach and high standards – securing assessment across our full range reflects our firm commitment to providing clear, accurate and trustworthy product information and the robust ways of working across our expert and dedicated team.” Against the backdrop of the Building Safety Act and live Government proposals to raise the bar for construction products and fire safety guidance, professionals including specifiers, architects and contractors need high-quality products supported by robust testing and information that they can trust. Undertaking a CCPI assessment includes in-depth evaluation of a company’s culture, processes and product information by an independent third-party verifier, and confirmation of each product’s assessment sits alongside clearly accessible product safety and performance data on ROCKWOOL’s website. Tim Vincent, ROCKWOOL’s Head of Technical, added: “As a leading supplier, ROCKWOOL is committed to supporting construction professionals to deliver building safety and performance, whether through our CCPI assessed product ranges, our technical tools and support, or our growing education offering including our new Training Academy, where we run hands-on best practice training.” Moving forward, any new ROCKWOOL product sets will be CCPI assessed as they are introduced to the market. Details of all ROCKWOOL’s products and their associated CCPI assessments can be found on the company’s website at www.rockwool.com/uk/products/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building envelope solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has achieved independent Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment for their Roof Tiles & Fittings product set. This latest assessment builds on wienerberger’s milestone from Spring 2025, when it became the first UK manufacturer to secure CCPI assessment for its UK-manufactured bricks and pavers. With more product groups now progressing through the assessment process, the business continues to advance its ambition to be the trusted expert partner for clients, specifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The CCPI framework is designed to raise standards across construction product information and marketing, ensuring the industry moves toward product data that is accurate, consistent, accessible, and easy to understand. In addition to driving consistency in product information, CCPI assessment helps manufacturers stay aligned with forthcoming regulatory requirements, ensuring they remain agile as the industry continues to evolve. As wienerberger prepares to put additional product groups from its wall, roof, heating, and water management portfolio forward for assessment, the business continues to prioritise independently validated product information as part of its commitment to supporting responsible decision-making for those designing, supplying, and building with its solutions. Paul Instrell, Chief Commercial Officer at wienerberger UK & Ireland, said: “Since achieving CCPI assessment for our UK-manufactured bricks and pavers last year, we’ve continued to see growing interest in adoption across our customer base. Extending CCPI assessment to our roof product portfolio is an important step in demonstrating our dedication to clarity, transparency, and trust in product information. The CCPI plays a critical role in raising standards and we are pleased to be part of that progression.” For more information about wienerberger UK & Ireland, please visit www.wienerberger.co.uk. To learn more about the CCPI and how to achieve verification, visit www.cpicode.org.uk or contact enquiries@cpicode.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, contractors, manufacturers, and training providers, the framework establishes a clear benchmark for the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours required of drylining design engineers. As construction projects grow increasingly complex, the need for qualified and competent design professionals has never been greater. This new framework aligns with broader industry initiatives around competency, including post-Grenfell regulatory reforms, and reinforces the importance of robust design processes in ensuring building safety. The framework outlines core competencies across several key areas, including: Commenting on the launch, FIS Technical Director James Parlour said: “Competency frameworks are required urgently across the industry, and we are grateful to our members for helping to identify and fulfil this critical gap where competency in delivering what seems to be a relatively narrow function is holding up the design of the entire interior system due to its wide ranging interfaces with other packages. It is also a prominent area of risk where contractors design portion is often defined and constrained poorly, and competent design management is key to mitigating this risk for the supply chain.” The development of this competency framework reflects FIS’s ongoing commitment to raising standards and driving continuous improvement across the sector. It adds to a growing suite of installer competency frameworks that are already available from FIS, including: The Competency Framework is available to download from the FIS website at https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/competency-frameworks/drylining-design-engineer-competency/ To underpin the Competence Frameworks, CITB, in partnership with Build UK and fire industry experts, have developed a free Fire Safety in Buildings e-learning course to improve an individual’s knowledge of fire safety measures in buildings. The course is suitable for anyone working in the design, construction, or maintenance of buildings, with a specific focus on installers and can be accessed here https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/training-offers-for-members/fis-training-modules/fire-safety-in-buildings/ For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals