GOLDBECK and ORANMORE PRECAST set benchmark for localised industrial production with new partnership
The slabs are an essential part of GOLDBECK’s systemised construction method – a process based on industrially manufactured system elements, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This approach ensures improved sustainability, delivering consistent quality, reducing waste and improving delivery times. Equally as important, this new partnership will enable the company to replicate its rigorous production and quality control standards while manufacturing within the UK, in Lound, Nottinghamshire, at a purpose-built facility for GOLDBECK on the ORANMORE PRECAST site. The partnership strengthens GOLDBECK’s network of production facilities across Europe. “This partnership with ORANMORE PRECAST represents a major step forward for GOLDBECK in the UK,” said Craig Davies, UK Managing Director. “Having been established here for over two decades, consistently delivering high-quality buildings manufactured precisely to the needs of each customer, we are incredibly excited to begin local production of our system components in this country. This move significantly strengthens our commitment to the UK market, aligning with our vision for building excellence.” The decision to partner with a UK manufacturer, also confirms GOLDBECK’s dedication to sustainability, a move that reduces transportation, thereby contributing to a lower carbon footprint. This means that for the immediate future, the company’s plans will be focussed on incorporating ORANMORE’s precast car park slabs into all its UK MSCP projects. “We are proud to mark a significant milestone in our partnership with GOLDBECK with the completion of a purpose-built fully automated carousel plant dedicated to the production of their premium car park slabs,“ said Ross Melville and Richard Burke, Joint Managing Directors at ORANMORE PRECAST. “This achievement reflects over 12 months of close collaboration between both teams, working together with a shared focus on efficiency, quality and sustainability.” In broader terms, the partnership represents a long-term investment in the UK’s construction infrastructure, aligning with GOLDBECK’s vision for scalable, systemised building solutions that combine quality, sustainability and efficiency. As ORANMORE PRECAST’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Nottinghamshire has recently gone live, the collaboration also sets a new benchmark for localised industrial production and positions both companies at the forefront of innovation in UK construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grosvenor names Jamie Whitty-Lewis to steer UK property as West End megaprojects advance
Grosvenor has appointed Jamie Whitty-Lewis as chief executive of its UK property business, effective from December, handing the finance specialist the reins at a pivotal moment for the estate’s development pipeline and climate ambitions. He succeeds James Raynor, who in September became CEO of Grosvenor’s international property business. Whitty-Lewis steps up from his role as executive director of finance at Grosvenor Property UK. He had been due to become CFO from April 2026, but following his promotion Debbie Lee will continue as CFO while a successor is selected; she will then replace Rob Davis, the group’s retiring CFO, in summer 2026. A familiar figure across the estate, Whitty-Lewis has held several senior positions since joining Grosvenor, including group reporting director with responsibility for strategic planning for Grosvenor Property, and previously strategy director and head of finance for the London Estate. Before Grosvenor he worked in PepsiCo’s European headquarters following three years in BDO’s external audit practice. Announcing the move, James Raynor said: “I am delighted to have Jamie succeed me in the role of CEO of our UK property business. He has a deep understanding of our London Estate… and a natural leadership style that I am confident will guide the business through its continued growth trajectory, supported by an exceptionally strong executive team.” For developers, contractors and designers active in the capital, the leadership change lands as Grosvenor progresses two of the West End’s most closely watched projects. At South Molton, the estate is curating what it calls the West End’s largest mixed-use development, blending workspace, retail and leisure with a strong public-realm focus. In nearby Mayfair, plans to re-imagine Grosvenor Square will deliver a biodiverse urban garden through a significant voluntary contribution, with ambitions to enhance air quality, urban cooling and community amenity while improving pedestrian permeability. Whitty-Lewis signalled continuity with pace. “I am honoured to take up the role of CEO of Grosvenor Property UK… We have some outstanding projects to deliver, including the creation of South Molton… and the transformation of Grosvenor Square,” he said. “I am also excited about the further growth of our private credit business, funding projects that boost housing supply and help decarbonise the built environment.” For the construction supply chain, the message is twofold: Grosvenor’s West End programme will continue to prize quality design, heritage sensitivity and low-carbon outcomes; and the group expects to play a broader role in enabling sustainable development beyond its own estate through its private credit platform. That financing activity is targeted at schemes that can evidence measurable social and environmental value alongside long-term resilience, aligning with tightening occupier requirements for efficient, future-proofed buildings. Grosvenor’s UK property arm remains a bellwether for the city’s retrofit-first agenda. Expect the coming year to feature continued emphasis on circular materials, operational energy reduction and landscape-led placemaking across the estate, with procurement partners increasingly assessed on their ability to de-risk delivery while hitting embodied-carbon checkpoints. With Whitty-Lewis bringing a strong financial and strategic background to the top job, and with Debbie Lee ensuring continuity in the finance function, the reshaped leadership team is set to steer Grosvenor’s London Estate through its next phase of mixed-use regeneration and climate action. For the industry, that points to a steady pipeline of complex, design-led projects where collaboration, performance data and verifiable ESG outcomes will determine who gets the nod. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE taps Tom Dancer to spearhead European retail occupier growth
CBRE has named Tom Dancer as head of its European Retail Occupier business, tasking him with accelerating the firm’s growth strategy and delivering an integrated, end-to-end service for brands expanding across the continent. Reporting to Anna Esteban, head of leasing and occupier accounts for Europe, Dancer will work closely with CBRE’s in-country retail leaders to align market intelligence, location strategy, leasing, project management and store delivery. The move aims to strengthen CBRE’s position with retailers seeking coordinated support from site selection through fit-out and opening. Dancer joined CBRE in February 2022 and brings more than 12 years’ experience. Over the past three years he has led several high-profile European flagship transactions for brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Polène, Puma, UGG and Under Armour, giving him a front-row view of evolving store formats and the logistics that underpin pan-European roll-outs. Commenting on his appointment, Dancer said: “The retail sector has gone through exponential change in recent years. A number of international retailers continue to realise their expansion plans across Europe, demonstrating that the value of the physical store cannot be underestimated. This makes it a truly exciting time to lead our best-in-class business through its next evolution of growth.” For developers, landlords and delivery teams, the appointment signals continued occupier demand for prime, well-connected locations and faster, more coordinated store programmes. Expect a focus on data-led network planning, sustainability credentials in both leases and fit-out, and tighter integration between omnichannel operations and physical formats as brands scale across Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Virgin Media streamlines customer installations with launch of Single Visit Install programme
Virgin Media customers are benefiting from faster and more seamless installations after the operator rolled out new training for 1,000 frontline technicians to improve customers’ joining experience. Now live across all nexfibre full-fibre connections, with plans to be rolled out more widely over the coming months, the project ensures that technicians arrive with all the tools and equipment required to complete the job first time. Traditionally, customers would receive two visits when they are first connected, with the first arranged to bring the fibre to their home, before a second technician visit where equipment would installed inside the home. By bringing these together into one seamless appointment, the operator has eliminated the need for follow-up appointments, minimising disruption for the customer and building greater trust from day one. The launch of SVI is part of Virgin Media O2’s ongoing commitment to deliver better for customers, and follows recent industry data which shows complaints are down by almost 50% year-on-year. In only its first few weeks, the initiative has already seen customers installed four days faster on average, with a significantly higher success rate of first-visit completion, and rescheduled appointments almost halved. Almost 1,000 Virgin Media O2 technicians have received additional training – including pole climbing, using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) and carrying out digging works – giving them the skills they need to complete installations first-time. In addition to investing to upskill its people, Virgin Meda O2 has deployed a new fleet of purpose-built vans equipped for a wide range of install scenarios; introduced specific storage solutions for tools and spares, covering both overhead and underground kit; and refined planning and customer management processes to ensure installs are as smooth and efficient as possible. Single visit installs are now happening across all 2.4 million nexfibre locations, with the new team delivering thousands of new connections each month. Virgin Media O2 is looking to scale the programme across its network over the coming months, where currently many broadband installations still require two separate engineer appointments. Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Wholesale and Customer Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “When customers are joining us or moving home, we know they want a fast and simple installation to get their broadband and TV services up and running. While new joiners are already very happy with the install journey, we’re always looking at ways we can do better for our customers. “Already available to millions of customers with more to benefit soon, we are transforming the installation experience and, in just its first few weeks, we’re already seeing great results. Customers are getting set up with our services quicker than before while missed and rescheduled appointments have almost halved. “This illustrates our commitment to investing in our people, putting customers firmly at the heart of our operations, and delivering bold and innovative solutions that enhance our customers’ experience with us.” Rajiv Datta, nexfibre CEO, added: “At nexfibre, we’re focused on making full fibre broadband not just more accessible, but effortless for customers, from day one. By working in collaboration with Virgin Media O2 to streamline installations into a single visit, as well as investing in technician training and specialist equipment, we’re seeing reduced wait times, less disruption, and greater trust from the very first interaction. This is a great example of how a relentless focus on delivery processes can drive real improvements in customer experience at scale.” Customer feedback of SVI has been overwhelmingly positive, with teams praised for providing an “amazing service”, efficiency, punctuality, tidiness and professionalism. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fathomtree Strengthens Nottingham Roots with Move to Fairham Business Park
Clowes Developments is pleased to announce that precision engineering design and manufacturing company, Fathomtree, is the latest business to commit to Fairham Business Park, Nottingham. Founded in Nottingham, Fathomtree has spent over 50 years building a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-precision engineering solutions across multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive, and industrial design. Known for its technical expertise and collaborative approach, the company has evolved from a local start-up into a nationally recognised name with a growing portfolio of complex, high-impact projects. The move to Fairham Business Park represents a strategic relocation for the business, providing access to modern, purpose-built facilities in a thriving commercial environment. This new base will support Fathomtree’s next phase of growth, giving the company the space and infrastructure it needs to expand its capabilities, workforce, and client services. Located just minutes from the M1 and East Midlands Airport, Fairham Business Park is rapidly becoming one of the East Midlands’ most attractive destinations for forward-thinking businesses. With over 600,000 sq ft of commercial development already completed, the park offers state-of-the-art facilities, excellent transport links, and a strong focus on sustainability, all within the wider 606-acre Fairham mixed-use development. David Smith, Director at Fathomtree added: “Nottingham has always been our home, and this move to Fairham Business Park allows us to stay true to our roots while giving us the flexibility and space to evolve. The new facilities will enable us to grow our team, invest in new technologies, and better serve our clients across the UK and beyond.” James Richards, Director at Clowes Developments, commented: “We’re thrilled to announce Fathomtree at Fairham. Their journey of innovation and growth reflects the very ethos of what we’re building here. Fairham Business Park was created to give ambitious companies the tools they need to thrive, Fathomtree is a perfect fit.” Fairham Business Park is part of the wider Fairham development, one of the largest mixed-use projects in the UK, which will deliver thousands of new homes, employment opportunities, green infrastructure, and improved transport links across Nottinghamshire. Fathomtree’s new 30,000 sq ft facility is currently under construction and is expected to reach practical completion within the coming months. Meanwhile, a 100,000 sq ft unit for CLEAN, one of the UK’s leading commercial laundries, is also nearing completion. Once finished, both units will undergo extensive fit-out programmes as the occupiers prepare to launch their new operations. Interested parties can follow their progress via the links: Unit C1 – www.clowesdevelopments.reachtimelapse.co.uk/fairham/unitc1 Unit C2: www.clowesdevelopments.reachtimelapse.co.uk/fairham/unitc2 Clowes, alongside agents FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, is now marketing Phase Two of Fairham Business Park, offering bespoke design and build opportunities up to 50,000 sq ft. Freehold and leasehold options are available and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of end users. For more information on development opportunities and updates, visit: www.fairhambusiness.co.uk To enquire about commercial opportunities, contact the site’s agents: FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
How Thermoplastic Line Marking Is Transforming Modern Infrastructure
Across the UK, local authorities and contractors are rethinking how they build safer, more efficient, and sustainable transport networks. One area that has quietly evolved but delivers outsized benefits is road and surface marking. Advances in thermoplastic line marking technology are helping communities reduce maintenance costs, improve visibility, and meet long-term sustainability goals. A Smarter Approach to Line Marking Traditional painted markings have served their purpose for decades, but their short lifespan means frequent re-applications, traffic disruption, and higher long-term costs. Thermoplastic materials, by contrast, offer a durable, high-performance alternative. Once applied and cooled, they form a solid, reflective coating that withstands heavy traffic, UV exposure, and extreme weather. For councils and contractors, this shift translates into lower maintenance budgets and fewer site closures — a win for both cost efficiency and public safety. Sustainability That Lasts Beyond performance, thermoplastics also support the industry’s growing focus on sustainability. Because markings last significantly longer than conventional paint, fewer re-applications are required, reducing material waste and the carbon footprint associated with road maintenance. Many modern thermoplastic compounds also incorporate environmentally friendly binders and reflective glass beads that improve visibility at night without adding harmful additives. In short, thermoplastic line marking combines durability and environmental responsibility — two priorities central to modern infrastructure planning. Where Innovation Meets Practicality From highways and cycle paths to car parks and school playgrounds, thermoplastic products are now a go-to choice for both public and private sector projects. They adhere quickly, can be installed with minimal equipment, and provide instant usability once cooled — ideal for projects that need fast turnaround with lasting results. Companies such as Ready Set Supplied make these solutions easily accessible for contractors and facility managers nationwide. The brand’s range includes preformed thermoplastic symbols, lines, and markings designed for efficient application and consistent results, whether for safety signage, playground games, or directional arrows. Enhancing Safety and Visibility Road safety remains at the core of every infrastructure project, and thermoplastics deliver measurable improvements. Their naturally reflective finish enhances visibility in wet or low-light conditions, helping drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians stay aware and safe. With the ability to embed reflective glass beads during installation, contractors can further boost retroreflectivity — a key metric for compliance with highway safety standards. Additionally, thermoplastic markings can be formulated with anti-skid materials, reducing accidents on high-traffic or sloped surfaces. These performance features make them particularly valuable for high-use environments like distribution centres, car parks, and logistics hubs. Supporting the Move Toward Smart Infrastructure As cities evolve toward smarter, more connected infrastructure, long-lasting, low-maintenance materials are essential. Thermoplastic line marking systems align with these goals by minimising downtime and resource use. They also integrate seamlessly with digital mapping and traffic-management technologies that rely on clear, consistent road markings for lane detection and navigation. Looking ahead, innovations in compound formulations and application techniques will continue to enhance efficiency and sustainability allowing local authorities and developers to meet environmental targets without sacrificing safety or performance. Conclusion Thermoplastic line marking may appear to be a small detail within the vast landscape of infrastructure design, but its impact is undeniable. By combining longevity, safety, and sustainability, thermoplastics have redefined what contractors and planners can expect from surface markings. With accessible, high-quality solutions from suppliers like Ready Set Supplied, the UK construction sector is well positioned to continue building safer, smarter, and more sustainable environments for everyone who uses them.