DESCRIBED as one of the most transformational developments delivered in the East Midlands in more than a decade, Unity Square – the new UK Government Hub in Nottingham, which will be home to HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) and other government departments – has now completed construction. The Grade A
The British Association of Landscape Industries has unveiled its new look ahead of its 50th year in business in 2022, marking the start of a new chapter in the Trade Association’s prestigious history. Spearheading the brand is the Association’s fresh, contemporary new identity, boldly updated for 2021 while celebrating its
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a ‘Certificate in International Construction Management’. To reflect the increasingly international nature of the sector and provide construction professionals with the knowledge and skills in global construction management best practice, CIOB has produced a programme on international construction management. The course provides the learner with the skills and knowledge to
The parliamentary Suburban Taskforce has today unveiled an Update Report summarising its workstreams and emerging considerations since it formed in March 2020. This includes key feedback from its public “Call for Evidence” and initial data analysis. The cross-party Taskforce was established, with the backing of the Government, to shine a
The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has launched a series of briefings exploring how Project Speed can improve delivery of hospitals, schools, homes and rail. The output from four industry roundtables hosted by ACE in partnership with construction firms Laing O’Rourke, Mace and Reds10, as well as Network Rail
Following a successful year and partnerships with companies such as HBXL, Trade Direct Insurance and BuildSafe Escrow Services – NABC – one of the UK’s fastest growing construction trade associations unveils its ambitious growth plans and recruitment drive for 2021, as it heads towards new milestone. James Hopkins, CEO, NABC, comments: “The
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a new Guide for Construction Quality, focusing on quality management during the site production and assembly stage of construction projects. As we move into 2021, quality remains one of the CIOB’s main priorities, and is Mark Beard’s focus during his Presidential year.
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales,
Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, has taken over as Chair of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Surface Coatings Interest Group. The group now has over 300 members, with a very active committee organising events and outreach to help bring together the industrial and academic communities with an
SCAPE – the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority – has announced the winners of its £1bn Consultancy frameworks today (Friday 18th 2020). Together, the new suite of frameworks is designed to help the public sector achieve better project outcomes, from individual assets through to major town and city centre
DESCRIBED as one of the most transformational developments delivered in the East Midlands in more than a decade, Unity Square – the new UK Government Hub in Nottingham, which will be home to HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) and other government departments – has now completed construction. The Grade A office scheme in Queensbridge Road, Nottingham has been eagerly anticipated since it was announced in late 2018 that HMRC, which is leading the delivery of Phase 1 Government hubs, had entered a 25-year pre-let on the development for the Government hub with Peveril Securities and its joint venture partner Sladen Estates. The provision of this ultra-modern, state-of-the-art, ten-storey office building will serve as a catalyst for regeneration in the Southside area of Nottingham and give the firms the momentum to bring forward their other office developments at Broadmarsh West and Unity Phase Two. Ralph Jones, managing director of Peveril Securities and main board director of Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “HMRC’s decision to award this Government Hub in the heart of Nottingham to Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates shows the confidence that HMRC had in our ability to fund and deliver this important scheme above other locations and developers that could have been in the running. It is hugely significant for the region, as well as for everyone who lives and works here, transforming the area around the city’s train station. With thousands of people set to work in the offices, businesses in the area will benefit from the increased footfall of workers in the area. “Those working in the building will benefit from Nottingham’s superb transport links, being right next to bus, train and tram services. The structure also serves as a remarkable landmark for commuters arriving at the train station, providing the sort of impressive development you would expect on arrival in one of the UK’s major cities.” The official handover of the regional hub took place today (Tuesday 11 May) via a virtual ceremony. Colin Casse, locations programme director at HMRC, said: “HMRC has a long-standing presence in Nottingham and the new Government Hub will be home to our Nottingham Regional Centre. A stunning building, right in the heart of the city, 1 Unity Square will provide a flexible modern working environment that can be adapted as our ways of working develop in the future. We are looking forward to the first colleagues moving into the building early in 2022.” The scheme has been constructed by Derbyshire based Bowmer + Kirkland, with the contractors having to contend with the coronavirus pandemic during the final stages of the build. Steve Chambers, regional director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We are very pleased to have completed this significant project on time in what has been a very challenging environment. Working closely with Peveril Securities, Sladen Estates, HMRC and L & G has allowed us to overcome the challenges we have encountered – particularly during the past year – and I would personally like to thank all of the staff, trades people and companies involved in the project who have worked extremely hard in very challenging circumstances to deliver the scheme.” Designed by Manchester-based award-winning architecture firm 5 Plus, the development is set to be one of HMRC’s largest regional offices, accommodating more than 4,000 colleagues. Nick Sladen, chief executive of Sladen Estates, said: “Every development has faced challenges over the past year, but we are really pleased that despite the coronavirus pandemic, Bowmer + Kirkland have been able to keep Unity Square construction on track. “Unity Square will have a positive impact on job creation and the economic growth of the area. It should prove to be a spark for significant regeneration in the Southside of Nottingham and provides a striking addition to the city skyline. We are really pleased that despite the coronavirus pandemic and all of the labour and material sourcing issues that caused that the scheme continued on track for its original target completion date.” Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates purchased the 1.14-hectare site in Queensbridge Road – opposite Nottingham train station – in 2015 and demolished the existing derelict car parks before embarking on the city’s largest and most eagerly anticipated scheme, with the government hub being forward funded by LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General).
The British Association of Landscape Industries has unveiled its new look ahead of its 50th year in business in 2022, marking the start of a new chapter in the Trade Association’s prestigious history. Spearheading the brand is the Association’s fresh, contemporary new identity, boldly updated for 2021 while celebrating its heritage. Following a three-year development cycle which saw the team at Landscape House carry out research and analysis, a series of stakeholder interviews and a brand positioning exercise, several significant changes were decided upon to improve the Association’s continued efforts to promote, support and inspire its members, the wider landscape services industry and the public. From 1st April 2021, Association members who have passed its stringent vetting procedures will be referred to as Accredited members, replacing the previous ‘Registered’ name. The team at Landscape House, supported by its board of directors, felt the replacement term was a more suitable choice for explaining the process companies went through in order to attain accreditation. Affiliate, the label used to promote members offering trade and public-facing products and services has been dropped in favour of Supplier, a word that better describes that category of membership. So, in simple terms, a Registered Affiliate will now be known as an Accredited Supplier. The brand refresh has also brought with it changes to the way the Association communicates, including a focus on high quality content to inform, educate and inspire. It will use its position as a thought-leader in British landscaping to draw attention to issues affecting the industry and lobby government, as well as developing its technical support offering. The rebrand will also bring a new approach to the Association’s identity, dropping the acronym ‘BALI’. Often confused with non-industry terms, the Association’s new identity advertises a greater public-friendly position, simplified so it only displays the full company name that better describes the service offer. Chief Executive Wayne Grills commented, “This is an important moment for our Association and its members. We recognised, through talking with key stakeholders, that we needed to make changes to our brand to continue to build on our strong foundation and provide the high level of customer service our members expect. Next year our Trade Association celebrates 50 years and we wanted to be in the best shape possible to take full advantage of what that special milestone will bring. Expect further announcements of what we have planned later this year.” To support the launch of the new brand the team at Landscape House have refreshed all marketing and promotional materials for members, with the website bali.org.uk, suite of newsletters and popular journal Landscape Newsall receiving major design and/or functionality updates. Members can login to their member’s area bali.org.uk/login to download the new Accredited logo and brand guidelines (if their membership category permits), order vehicle stickers, download Use the Professionals leaflets and access their membership benefits portfolio which have also been updated.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a ‘Certificate in International Construction Management’. To reflect the increasingly international nature of the sector and provide construction professionals with the knowledge and skills in global construction management best practice, CIOB has produced a programme on international construction management. The course provides the learner with the skills and knowledge to plan, develop and execute construction projects, whether in foreign markets or within their home countries. The course comprises three technical modules running over six months, looking at best practice, the fundamentals of understanding global markets, rules and regulations, and managing international projects throughout the construction cycle. In addition, the course will also contain a short module with essential information on CIOB and how to become a member or fellow of the institute. The course is being led John Hayes, a Fellow of CIOB and industry veteran, with more than 30 years’ experience as a quantity surveyor and commercial director. John has extensive experience of multi-million pound global framework and construction projects in the UK, Europe and Australia. The course begins on 20 April 2021 and you can register here.
The parliamentary Suburban Taskforce has today unveiled an Update Report summarising its workstreams and emerging considerations since it formed in March 2020. This includes key feedback from its public “Call for Evidence” and initial data analysis. The cross-party Taskforce was established, with the backing of the Government, to shine a light on the suburbs in order to identify and secure the clear, long-term and properly resourced policies needed to support thriving, sustainable and inclusive suburban areas. The Taskforce has spent the past twelve months reviewing evidence on the state of Britain’s suburbs in order to make recommendations to the Government on policy initiatives to enhance them. It is co-chaired by Dr Rupa Huq MP and David Simmonds MP, assisted by UCL as Knowledge Partner and with an expert Advisory Board chaired by leading British urbanist Jonathan Manns, Executive Director at Rockwell. The Taskforce has collated and reviewed quantitative data, such as those related to land use, built form, population, transport and infrastructure. It also held a public “Call for Evidence” which ran from August to October 2020 in addition to hosting a range of workshops and meetings with Government Ministers. The emerging analysis suggests that suburban areas can be seen as distinct from urban or rural locations but cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach and indicates that it may be more appropriate to understand them against a spectrum of characteristics. It also highlights the continued relevance of long-established ‘suburban debates’ about their relationship to urban centres and management of growth pressures, in addition to the potentially transformative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Commenting on the recent update, Dr Rupa Huq MP stated: “Almost exactly to the day, a year ago a bunch of MPs from three parties met to start the ball rolling with the Suburban Taskforce. Since then, suburban society has changed in ways unimaginable at the time with working from home for white collar staff, a new appreciation of space, and lockdown all subsequently normalised. “As this interim report shows densification, sustainability, decline of pubs, all bracketed under need for renaissance and anticipation of the new normal were all identified. This provides a solid basis for the next phase of this groundbreaking work to build on… and I personally can’t wait.” Jonathan Manns, Executive Director at Rockwell and Chair of the Suburban Taskforce’s Advisory Board added:“England’s suburbs are long-overlooked and the potentially transformative impacts of Covid-19 on the way we live and work make this cross-party review yet more pressing and relevant. There has been strong engagement to-date, supported by fresh new data, which is shining a light on the importance of managing change in a way that is both contextual and popular. The next steps will be to focus on the implications of the evidence-gathering stage for policy-makers and decision-takers.” www.suburban-taskforce.org About the Suburban Taskforce The Suburban Taskforce is an independent inquiry into the state of the suburbs and charting a course “Towards a Suburban Renaissance”. It is a cross-party parliamentary taskforce, comprising representatives of both Houses of Parliament, from all political backgrounds. It seeksto set out an agreed agenda for change. Its goals are: To illuminate the nature of social and economic activity in the suburbs. This is to include patterns of work, life and play and associated conditions in terms of investment, expenditure, built and natural environment. To illustrate the potential differences between suburban areas and those which are either more central or more rural, in addition to wider spatial distinctions which may exist, for example between larger and smaller settlements. In doing so, to inform our understanding of what constitutes a “suburb” in 21st Century Britain. To identify policy mechanisms and interventions which may assist in supporting the long-term sustainability of suburban areas. This will have particular regard to supporting polycentric centres, not least through fiscal considerations such as taxation and investment and the management of change through the planning system. The Taskforce currently comprises the following members: Co-Chairs: Rupa Huq MP (Labour) and David Simmonds MP (Conservative) Vice-Chairs: Jon Cruddas MP (Labour) and Gareth Bacon MP (Conservative) Lords Liaison: Baroness Susan Kramer (Liberal Democrat) Current Members Karen Buck MP Seema Malhotra MP James Murray MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP Steve Reed MP Sam Tarry MP About the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for London’s Planning and Built Environment The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for London’s Planning and Built Environment will act as the Secretariat to the Suburban Taskforce. It was inaugurated in October 2015 to provide a cross-party forum for consideration of planning and development matters in London. It has been Chaired since inception by Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton. It was convened by Jonathan Manns, Executive Director at real-estate developer Rockwell and widely recognised as one of the country’s leading urbanists, as an important step in helping develop a coherent political voice on key issues affecting the future shape of London. About UCL UCL is the number one London university for Research Strength, recognised for its academic excellence and global impact. The Bartlett School of Planning is one of the leading research-led planning schools within Europe. As Knowledge Partner to the Suburban Taskforce, UCL’s support will be coordinated by Dr Lucy Natarajan and assisted by Dr Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros. About the Advisory Board An independent Advisory Board has been assembled to assist the Suburban Taskforce in its work. The Advisory Board is Chaired by Jonathan Manns; Board Director at Rockwell, Visiting Associate Professor at UCL and Convenor of the APPG. Representatives from both professional built environment organisations and civil society include: Richard Blyth, Royal Town Planning Institute; Nicholas Falk, URBED Trust; Katie Perrior, InHouse Communications; Will Tanner, Onward; Tony Mulhall, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors; Peter Murray, New London Architecture; Phineas Harper, Director of Open City, and Prof. Laura Vaughan, Professor of Urban Form and Society and the Director of the Space Syntax Laboratory at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.
The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has launched a series of briefings exploring how Project Speed can improve delivery of hospitals, schools, homes and rail. The output from four industry roundtables hosted by ACE in partnership with construction firms Laing O’Rourke, Mace and Reds10, as well as Network Rail and housebuilder Thakeham, the briefings explore how the industry can meet aspirations to deliver “faster, better and greener”. Taking inspiration from the rapid delivery of NHS Nightingale hospitals, the briefings explore practical steps that need to be taken to unlock delivery. Case studies shared from across the UK demonstrate the tangible measures that can already be taken to make Project Speed a reality. Common themes that emerge from the four briefings on rail, homes, hospitals and schools include: Strengthening the evidence base and use of data in project development and decision making. The digitising of previously paper-based process such as planning consultations, assurance and approvals processes. Focusing projects on an new approach to value-based decision making which goes beyond the purely financial. A recognition that making time for good design can significantly improve health, education, housing and transport outcomes. Hannah Vickers, chief executive of ACE said: “I have no doubt that we have the vision, creativity, and problem solving skills to meet the Project Speed challenge head-on, which is why we brought the industry together for our roundtables.” “The briefings will form the basis of our engagement with Westminster over the coming weeks and months as we reinforce the message that our members, and the industry more widely, are key partners for Government if Project Speed is to become a reality.” The industry roundtable discussions covered a range of issues that are seen as vital to speeding up delivery in each sector: Hospitals – Programmes rather than distinct projects, project sequencing and early detailed design, and digital design models. Schools – More collaborative and value driven design and procurement, how a product mindset is needed to deliver with Modern Methods of Construction, and making use of live ‘performance’ data. Homes – The importance of the planning regime to this debate, how to create a sustainable vision, digitising the process to speed-up delivery, and the use of design codes and guides. Rail – How to best focus design on the start of projects, the role of the design integrator and a ‘one team’ approach, and how digital approaches lead to more efficient assurance. The four Project Speed briefings are available for everyone to download now at: www.acenet.co.uk/project-speed
Following a successful year and partnerships with companies such as HBXL, Trade Direct Insurance and BuildSafe Escrow Services – NABC – one of the UK’s fastest growing construction trade associations unveils its ambitious growth plans and recruitment drive for 2021, as it heads towards new milestone. James Hopkins, CEO, NABC, comments: “The demand for our service is increasing rapidly, especially post Brexit and the residential construction industry is under extreme pressure to reduce the number of rogue builders. “We have recently had a growing number of calls for us to help create a clear and transparent payment solution for both home owners and tradesmen across the UK, so we have launched our new BuildSafe platform for both consumers and contractors which ensures that the project is securely funded from start to finish. “The aim of the new platform is to ensure that the funds are held safely until the set-out completion of each stage. Payments to contractors or sub-contractors may be issued upon bench marks (draw basis) or in full (project basis). “BuildSafe will raise the level of trust and security for everyone involved in a construction project. Owners can be assured that payments will be held securely and properly disbursed, and contractors can be assured that their projects are funded and that they will be paid in a timely manner. “The BuildSafe agreement is designed to supplement a standard construction contract for the utmost in security with funds held by an FCA approved partner. “It’s almost a daily occurrence to hear of another bricks and mortar business entering administration or in trouble. Our new Buildsafe technology will give these bricks and mortar companies the safe technology they need to level the playing field and financially stay afloat. “Our ambition is to be the first trade association to roll out a construction industry-based escrow platform across the UK which will give us the ability to create a war for acquisitions to enable insane growth.” The plan to achieve this will see National Association of Building Contractors create 15 new jobs in 2021 in South Devon. Most of these positions will be technology and sales roles. James adds: “Over the last few years, we’ve learned a huge amount and we have grown from our experiences to get to a position where we really understand what our customers want and needs from us. “Part of the transition was bringing in an experienced leadership team with an operational leader and product officer to ensure we create the best possible working environment that we can be proud of.” BuildSafe’s new insights engine also aims help building contractors become better at what they do. This shift in mindset is creating an environment where people can learn, develop and progress using the latest technology and solve complex problems whilst augmenting a customer success platform. To find out more visit: https://www.nabc.org.uk/ For further information on opportunities at NABC, ambitious individuals are invited to send their CVs to laura@nabc.org.uk Media contact Sarah Watson Email: info@nabc.org.uk
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a new Guide for Construction Quality, focusing on quality management during the site production and assembly stage of construction projects. As we move into 2021, quality remains one of the CIOB’s main priorities, and is Mark Beard’s focus during his Presidential year. “Our members are the standard-bearers for quality in the construction industry,” says Mark. “The vast majority of building work that takes place is of high quality, but our customers have a right to expect more. Regrettably, many parts of our industry are stuck in old ways of working, and for this reason, I urge members to champion the CIOB Quality Guide, to embed it into your businesses and to help everyone in our industry rediscover the pride in doing the job right first time. As an industry, we need to go beyond the bare minimum and seek out the highest possible quality standards. By embracing the CIOB’s new Guide for Construction Quality, we can and will achieve better.” The Guide promotes an approach to quality management that begins by identifying those issues that impact on quality on site, assessing their likelihood and impact, and proposing practical measures that can be taken to either mitigate or remove them. It is intended to be a practical guide for use by practitioners working collaboratively throughout the construction supply chain. Paul Nash, Chair of the CIOB’s Quality Implementation Group, said: “By focusing on quality during the site production and assembly stage of a project, this guide aims to raise the bar for improving quality on site. The report of the independent inquiry into the construction of the Edinburgh Schools and, more recently, the evidence we have heard from the Grenfell Inquiry, have underlined why a guide such as this is needed now more than ever if we are to ensure that the buildings we create are safe for those who use them. Along with the Code of Quality Management, this Quality Guide is part of the CIOB’s ongoing commitment to raise standards and promote best practice in quality management and building safety in our industry.”
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued revised guidance for Home Improvement companies and sub-contractors operating in England during the current National Lockdown, following confirmation from Government officials of a new interpretation of the guidance for in-house selling during the pandemic. The general Guidance on the subject of sales, published on the Government’s website, as detailed below remains the same and is unlikely to change for the next few weeks. “Door-to-door sales should not take place, and sales activities should be conducted remotely (such as by phone, online, or mail).” The slightly more relaxed interpretation of the rules around the restrictions may allow for sales people to enter the home, if necessary but it is vital for all individuals who are entering a property to ensure they are following the Safe Guidance and social distancing guidelines. John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented on the change, “Government officials have recently confirmed directly to the GGF that if selling and surveying in England cannot be done remotely, then companies and their sub-contractors can conduct pre-booked in-house sales and surveys, if carried out within the Safe Guidance.” The GGF recommends that consumers are offered a remote appointment in the first instance and that advises companies, who cannot sell or survey remotely to ensure they do so, in a controlled and measured manner. John Agnew added, “The GGF recommends that any in-house selling activity should start in February to ensure a responsible and gradual industry approach.” The GGF also advises that all individuals entering a home to carry out work should use the NHS Test and Trace App which can be downloaded from the NHIS website https://covid19.nhs.uk/. On the subject of door to door canvassing, the Government is clear that this activity should not be undertaken at present and this has been underlined by the GGF. In a statement issued to its Membership, the GGF highlights that local authorities in England can issue a prohibition notice on businesses. The GGF’s Primary Authority Partnership confirmed “the (current) level of risk to public health met the requirements for local authorities to be able to issue prohibition notices to businesses as allowed by the regulations”. Companies should be mindful of this possible sanction if they ignore the advice and continue to canvass. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing COVID secure guidance in terms of how you are working. The HSE has the power to issue an enforcement notice on any business that is not operating in accordance with COVID secure guidance creating a potential risk to public health and safety. With the restriction on in-house selling slightly relaxed, and if the pandemic health statistics show the situation is improving, the GGF expects the Government to ease the restrictions gradually over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, the GGF has urged companies who can continue to operate, to do so responsibly and within the spirit of the guidance. John Agnew summarised, “The published GGF and Government Safe Guidance has not changed, all companies who can continue to operate should ensure they follow the safe guidance to safeguard their employees and customers, and to protect the NHS and save lives.” To access the very latest GGF and Government guidance please click on the links below: GGF COVID Latest News Page GGF COVID Guidance Table GGF COVID Guide for Manufacturers and the Supply Chain GGF COVID Guide for Installers GGF COVID Guide for Homeowners
Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, has taken over as Chair of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Surface Coatings Interest Group. The group now has over 300 members, with a very active committee organising events and outreach to help bring together the industrial and academic communities with an interest in surface coatings. The first meeting in 2021 was held remotely earlier in January, and has led to two events planned for the Spring – Raising the Standard of Standards for the Coatings Community in March, and a ChemCareers webinar in April on Careers in Coatings. On his new role, Tom Bowtell commented, “I am pleased to have taken over the role of Chair at the RSC Surface Coatings Interest Group. Inspiring the future generation of chemists and highlighting the benefits of working in the coatings industry are imperative to the sustainability of our industry, which will be one of the drivers during my period in the Chair. I’m looking forward to helping develop and expand many of the excellent initiatives the group has worked on in the last couple of years under the guidance of outgoing chair Jonathan Bourne, secretary Andrew Milton Thomson and treasurer Jeff Kelsey.” The new team includes Laura Merritt, who has taken over as secretary and Ian Hay from PRA as treasurer, with Stuart Clark from Cambridge University continuing to chair the technical committee.
SCAPE – the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority – has announced the winners of its £1bn Consultancy frameworks today (Friday 18th 2020). Together, the new suite of frameworks is designed to help the public sector achieve better project outcomes, from individual assets through to major town and city centre regeneration initiatives, whilst embedding sustainability and zero carbon options that help effectively respond to the climate emergency. Covering six lots across two direct-award frameworks – the SCAPE Consultancy framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework – the new agreements will run from January 2021 until 2025, with the option of a two-year extension. SCAPE Scotland, which is based in Edinburgh, has established its consultancy framework under a separate legal structure to reflect Scottish law and procurement regulation. Accessible to any public sector organisation, the SCAPE Consultancy frameworks will offer the broadest range of professional services available in the construction industry under three distinct lots providing specialist support in each area. SCAPE Consultancy, Built Environment will include surveying and design, project management and quantity surveying for new projects and current assets. SCAPE Consultancy, Infrastructure will provide dedicated consultancy services to support the design, delivery and maintenance of infrastructure across the United Kingdom. SCAPE Consultancy, Place Shaping will offer a unique and specialist suite of strategic advisory services ranging from funding advice, policy development, estate rationalisation, as well as asset, risk and development management. The results of this procurement are as follows: Lot Geography Service Value Organisation Lot 1 England, Wales & NI SCAPE Consultancy, Built Environment £350m Perfect Circle (a company jointly owned by Pick Everard, Gleeds, Aecom) Lot 2 England, Wales & NI SCAPE Consultancy, Infrastructure £250m Perfect Circle (a company jointly owned by Pick Everard, Gleeds, Aecom) Lot 3 England, Wales & NI SCAPE Consultancy, Place Shaping £100m Mace Lot 1 Scotland SCAPE Scotland Consultancy, Built Environment £150m Faithful+Gould Lot 2 Scotland SCAPE Scotland Consultancy, Infrastructure £100m Triskelion ( Arcadis, Sweco and Fairhurst) Lot 3 Scotland SCAPE Scotland Consultancy, Place Shaping £50m Arup Each consultancy partner will be appointed by SCAPE’s direct award approach and supported by an extensive local supply chain to help accelerate projects and amplify the local economic, environmental and social impact on every project. The new frameworks are an evolution of the SCAPE Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework, which was operated with a quantum value of £350m and launched in 2016. Led by Perfect Circle (a company jointly owned by Pick Everard, Gleeds, Aecom), the BECS framework was widely embraced by the public sector, delivering more than 1,000 commissions and engaging with more than 335 SMEs through its local supply chains. Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The quality of the bids we received was simply outstanding. Our new partners for these frameworks have the capacity to be transformative for our colleagues in the public sector seeking specialist consultancy support for projects in their communities. “We’ve evolved these services and applied the lessons learned from the hugely successful BECS framework following extensive client and industry consultation, analysis, as well as expanding the range of services clients can access. It means our new frameworks are not only hugely comprehensive but incredibly pertinent to a public sector now leading the UK’s push to build back better, build back greener and that is eager to help accelerate the economic recovery. “A core commitment to community enrichment, job creation, apprenticeships and tangible social value runs through every lot. The enhanced goals set in these frameworks and the fact that their breadth and scale is greater than what’s gone before will ensure they set a new benchmark for positive social and economic impact from professional services in construction.” Duncan Green, chair at Perfect Circle, said: “We are absolutely delighted that both the SCAPE Consultancy, Built Environment and the SCAPE Consultancy, Infrastructure frameworks have been awarded to Perfect Circle. Our impressive partnership with SCAPE is now set to further strengthen and we look forward to continuing the involvement, growth and collaboration with our extensive and diverse supply chain. “We will share and engage the industry ambition, expertise and innovation to build back better. Our teams will continue to provide value driven services with a dynamic and digital approach to meet the most challenging of needs of our public sector clients. We will be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution crucially promoting projects that underpin the country’s economic recovery and deliver a lasting legacy.” Jason Millett, chief executive for consultancy at Mace, said: “I am delighted that Mace has been appointed to deliver SCAPE Consultancy, Place Shaping. These are particularly challenging times for the public sector when budgets are under great pressure to deliver more with less. We will draw upon our decades of experience and expertise, working with our expert supply chain to successfully unlock the potential of our clients’ projects to create a lasting legacy and societal value for the long-term.” Jon Sealy, UK & Europe managing director at Faithful+Gould, said: “Our team is delighted to once again be part of the SCAPE family of frameworks. SCAPE’s commitment to social value and excellence is something that we share and are extremely passionate about. We are looking forward to collaborating with our framework partners and identifying opportunities to enable investment into Scottish communities and create a national-scale SCAPE legacy in Scotland.” Mark Cowlard, CEO – UK & Ireland at Arcadis (on behalf of Triskelion), said: “Triskelion has brought together the best Scotland can offer in a team of Arcadis, Sweco and Fairhurst, combining our collective strengths in terms of technical expertise, existing client relationships and market intelligence. We believe supporting training, education and community projects can make a real difference to society and we are delighted to have been appointed to this nationally significant framework. “Covid-19 recovery will see a drive to rebuild the Scottish economy which will provide a major boost for the Scottish Infrastructure market. We regard the SCAPE framework as being integral to delivering high quality
