Pick Everard launches action plan to help designers and specifiers make better material choices
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has developed new guidance to help project teams identify opportunities to retain, reuse and specify materials more effectively. Structured around the RIBA Plan of Work (but equally applicable for infrastructure and other assets), Pick Everard’s new Material Playbook sets out the actions project teams can take at each stage to reduce waste, lower embodied carbon and keep materials in use for longer – all with the goal of driving whole life value. Tim Danson, director of sustainability and energy at Pick Everard, said: “One of the biggest challenges for sustainable material management is that historically, responsibility fell between different disciplines, teams and stages of a project. “This Playbook provides a practical, step-by-step framework to help designers, engineers and specifiers make better and more collaborative decisions, make those decisions earlier in the project lifecycle, and thereby afford the greatest opportunity to reduce a project’s environmental footprint. “Too often, the default response is to specify new materials because that’s what we’ve always done. We want clients and project teams to deeply and robustly challenge that approach by first asking whether materials, technologies and other physical assets can be retained, reused or replaced with a lower-impact alternative that delivers the same performance. Sanitaryware, furniture, flooring, doors and glazing are examples that represent just the tip of the potential iceberg.” The Playbook identifies practical, simple steps that can be taken right from the outset of a project being commissioned, from auditing existing buildings and understanding the value of materials already in place, through to assessing reuse opportunities and selecting lower-impact products. Supporting the guidance is Pick Everard’s in-house Materials Catalogue, a centralised library of sustainable materials and products that provides access to performance, cost, quantity and embodied carbon information. The Catalogue is used as part of planning and design optioneering workshops, enabling project teams to compare material choices and identify solutions that meet technical, commercial and environmental requirements. The release of the Material Playbook comes after Pick Everard played a key role in the development of new guidance from the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP). ISEP’s guidance, Material Pathway Auditing in the Built Environment, calls on the industry to act now to implement best practice and fulfil its role in a circular and net zero economy. Globally, over 100 billion tonnes of resources are consumed each year. And the proportion of that volume that is subject to some level of circular economy action is – despite our understanding of the impacts – getting worse. The carbon footprint of the global construction industry is therefore expected to double by 2050 if short-term approaches to building design and project delivery continue; this is a model that is also expected to play out in the UK, if we do not see rapid and systemic change. Tim added: “The scale of the challenge means we need to rethink how we approach materials across the built environment. “There is a perception that using reused materials is expensive or difficult, but the reality is that shifts in culture, better data, established reuse marketplaces, and new approaches to procurement have made many solutions accessible and viable today. “By making responsible material decisions now, we can reduce carbon, create efficiencies and deliver projects that leave a positive and lasting legacy. The question every project team should be asking now is not just ‘what materials do we need?’ but ‘what materials already exist and how can we make the best use of them over the full life of our schemes?’” To download the Material Playbook, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/events/material-playbook Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OakNorth provides loan to West Coast Estates to fund commercial acquisitions in Aberdeen and St Andrews
OakNorth, the bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided a loan to West Coast Estates, an Aberdeen-based property development and investment company, to fund the acquisition of two commercial assets in Aberdeen and St Andrews, with headroom available to support further acquisitions. West Coast Estates was founded 35 years ago and is led by Sarfraz Ali and Iftikar Mian, who have built a portfolio of retail, industrial, and roadside commercial developments across Scotland, with particular expertise in EV charging, neighbourhood, and roadside assets. The business model involves identifying sites and securing planning permissions, working closely with end users to meet their occupational requirements. The OakNorth facility has supported the acquisition of two assets that exemplify this model. In St Andrews, West Coast Estates has completed the acquisition of Craigtoun Road, a 7-acre mixed-use development opportunity with planning consent for over 60,000 sq ft of retail, office, and employment space. The scheme – which is expected to create over 170 permanent and 100 construction jobs – has attracted significant occupier interest, notably from Home Bargains as the anchor retailer. In Aberdeen, West Coast Estates has acquired Grampian House on Virginia Street, a former warehouse that has received planning permission for conversion into the UK’s first indoor drive-thru, ultra-rapid EV charging hub, pre-let to Fastned on a 35-year lease. Fastned is Europe’s third-largest ultra-rapid EV charging operator with over 2,100 chargers across more than 350 locations in nine countries. The business will install 12 ultra-rapid charging bays capable of delivering up to 400kW – providing up to 100 miles of range in five minutes – alongside a café, shop, and waiting area within the existing warehouse structure, targeting a winter 2026 opening. Iftikar Mian, Director of West Coast Estates, commented: “These two acquisitions represent years of work – identifying the sites, building the relationships, progressing the planning, and agreeing pre-lets and pre-sales to de-risk the projects. That’s how we operate, and it requires a lender who understands the strategy. OakNorth took the time to genuinely understand what we were trying to achieve and why, and structured a facility that reflected that understanding. They were direct, they moved at pace, and they backed us without requiring us to justify the model from scratch – which, after 30 years of doing this, makes a real difference.” Fraser McPhail, Debt Finance Director at OakNorth, continued: “Sarfraz and Iftikar have developed a distinctive and highly disciplined approach to commercial development in Scotland – patient, methodical, and with a genuine eye for sites that others overlook. The Aberdeen EV hub is a particularly compelling asset: a Fastned tenancy, a 35-year lease, and a genuinely pioneering format that reflects both the strength of the operator and the quality of the site West Coast Estates identified and secured. St Andrews is an equally strong story – one of the most commercially constrained planning environments in Scotland, with a scheme of genuine scale and ambition already well underpinned by a pre-sale to Home Bargains. We look forward to supporting West Coast Estates across further opportunities as they continue to grow their portfolio.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sempra Homes shortlisted for Government Property Awards 2026
Sempra Homes are delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted in the Project of the Year category at the Government Property Awards, alongside Basildon Council, recognising the successful delivery of 166 new homes across three combined developments at Chapelgate, Broadmayne and Tyefields, in Basildon. Delivered through a strong public-private partnership, the developments have transformed underutilised brownfield sites to provide much-needed mixed tenure housing, alongside investment and improvements that benefit the wider local community. Melanie Keys, Services Manager for Sempra Homes, said: “Being shortlisted for a Government Property Award is a fantastic recognition of what has been achieved through these developments and the strength of the partnership behind them. “The success of these schemes demonstrates what can be achieved when partners work together to unlock challenging sites and deliver much-needed homes for local people alongside wider benefits to borough residents and businesses through the use of local supply chains, opportunities for local labour, training and apprentice placements.” Across the three developments, all affordable rent and shared ownership homes are now occupied, while more than 60% of private sale homes have been reserved or sold, demonstrating strong demand across the different tenures. The collaborative approach between Sempra Homes, Basildon Borough Council, Homes England, One Public Estate, South Essex Councils and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, The Hill Group and Site Ready Solutions has been central to bringing the three projects forward. Government funding helped unlock infrastructure, enabling the schemes to progress and provide a range of housing opportunities for local people. In addition, improvements to the wider community include the provision of new play and picnic areas, new footpaths and cycle lanes and improvements to open space areas with new tree and wildflower planting and biodiversity improvements. The Government Property Awards shortlist recognises projects that demonstrate excellence across the public sector property industry. The winners will be announced later this year. For further information, visit www.semprahomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
95% increase in construction and architecture degree apprenticeships at UK’s top universities despite funding cuts
A new study today reveals a 95% uplift in construction and architecture sector degree apprenticeships at the UK’s Top 100 universities in the last two years, despite government funding cuts earlier this year leaving thousands of employers facing an estimated £214 million* increase in training costs. The research by the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), the higher and degree apprenticeship voice for over 80 universities, comes just months after levy funding was withdrawn for most Level 7 apprentices aged over 21, leaving building firms and architecture employers with a financial and skills shortage headache. In a further boost to firms, 69% of the UK’s Top 100* universities will continue to offer Level 7 apprenticeships in September despite the funding shortfall. In the building and architecture sectors, 63% of the degree apprenticeships available at leading universities this autumn will be available at Level 6, whilst 37% can be completed at Level 7. There has been a 6% increase in top universities providing degree apprenticeships in the last two years, reflecting sustained employer and apprentice demand for both Level 6 and 7. Degree apprenticeship provision overall across sectors*** ranging from construction to law has also increased by 73% over the same period. Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, chief executive of UVAC, said: “Although these findings provide no comfort to construction or architecture apprentices aged 22 and older or employers who were greatly impacted by the Level 7 government funding cuts earlier this year, it’s clear from our research that the UK’s top universities continue to back degree apprenticeships in large numbers. “What’s particularly encouraging is that universities aren’t simply maintaining provision, they’re evolving it. Degree apprenticeship growth in sector areas such as construction and architecture demonstrates their commitment to helping tackle where the UK’s biggest workforce challenges exist, and where higher-level skills can have the greatest economic impact. In addition to the construction and architecture sectors, marketing has seen a 150% growth in degree apprenticeship programmes provided by the UK’s top universities since 2024, followed by law (+67%) and finance and accounting (+57%). The following list identifies which sectors have seen the most growth in degree apprenticeships over the last two years: Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee added: “Demand for construction and architecture-led degree apprenticeships amongst young people has never been higher. Our focus is now on helping universities ensure their provision across more regions, sectors and apprentices from underserved communities so that social mobility is not compromised. “Degree apprenticeships remain the cornerstone to a successful economy and our latest findings are certainly a significant step in the right direction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain welcomes next generation of talent with record apprentice intake
50 apprentices are beginning careers at Costain across its infrastructure projects Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is welcoming a record number of apprentices in 2026 to support its delivery of critical national infrastructure across the UK. Costain is onboarding 50 apprentices this year, doubling last year’s intake in response to growth in its volume of long-term infrastructure projects and commitment to building a growing pipeline of talent, offering them rewarding and fulfilling long-term careers. The hiring activity is taking place across all of Costain’s infrastructure sectors, which include road, rail, integrated transport, energy, water, and defence and nuclear energy, and in a variety of disciplines, such as civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, quantity surveying, finance and project management. Costain offers all levels of apprenticeship in the UK, including degree-level, and each apprentice will ‘earn and learn’, completing a programme of training which lasts from 12–60 months, depending on the level of study. Costain also recruits for graduates, internships and university placements across its sectors and has a Graduates and Apprentices (GRaAPS) network to support professional development. Costain’s apprentices will join some of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects. These include delivering the London tunnels section of HS2 as part of the Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture, strategic water infrastructure through long-term AMP8 frameworks with Southern Water and United Utilities, and critical utilities infrastructure upgrades for Sellafield. More details on Costain’s planned early careers and apprenticeship intake for 2027 and how to apply will be released in November. Catherine Duffy, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Costain, said: “I’m extremely proud to be welcoming a record number of apprentices into Costain. The industry requires more skilled workers than ever to deliver critical infrastructure for a more prosperous, resilient and decarbonised UK, which makes it a hugely exciting time to enter the sector. “Our apprentice programme underscores our commitment to offering vocational routes into employment. It is designed to help apprentices earn while they learn and gain qualifications with real-world experience to help them build a meaningful, long-term career.” Ella Williams, Apprentice Project Controls Engineer and member of the GRaAPS network at Costain, said: “It’s hugely exciting to be part of a growing group of like-minded, ambitious early careers professionals. Throughout my apprenticeship at Costain I have been fortunate enough to work on complex infrastructure projects which have given opportunities to learn, develop and apply myself in a collaborative, stimulating environment.” Apprentice intake at Sellafield to support skills development and regional prosperity Costain’s apprentices hired to work at Sellafield’s west Cumbria site will gain experience in complex infrastructure works through roles in engineering, project controls and health and safety. They will support the delivery of services through the Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP), where Costain is providing critical utilities upgrades under a minimum nine-year contract worth up to £1bn. The hiring activity by Costain has been informed by detailed analysis of where skills gaps have historically existed in the region and supports Sellafield’s commitment to create a thriving and sustainable local community. This involves developing a skilled labour pool, which local businesses can also access, providing opportunities for early careers professionals and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds across Cumbria. The activity also means that Costain is exceeding a commitment for apprentices to comprise 10% of its workforce for IDP. Claire Gallery-Strong, Project Director at Costain, said: “Together with Sellafield and our IDP partners, we’re committed to offering high-skilled learning and development opportunities for young people in Cumbria and the wider region, supporting a more prosperous, thriving local community and growing the pool of home-grown talent. We’re welcoming a fantastic group who will be delivering against the identified skills gaps and be provided with a range of experiences and guidance from senior colleagues to set them up for success.” Darcy Williamson, Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Apprentice at Costain who has recently joined the IDP programme, said: “Joining Costain as an apprentice has already been a hugely positive experience. I’ve been made to feel incredibly welcome and as I build my career in SHE, I’m excited to learn from my team, develop my skillset and make the most of the opportunities across Costain and IDP.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Evolution of Safe Construction: Working Without ‘Hot Works’ Permits
Every time a torch lights on a British site, paperwork starts. A Hot Work Permit, a safety briefing, a marked-out zone, and at least an hour of continuous fire watch after the work stops. None of this is box-ticking: insurance cover for most large contractors is tied directly to compliance. The trade has spent the last decade moving away from open flame wherever it can, and press-fit technology is one of the clearest drivers of the shift. Understanding ‘Hot Works’ and Their Inherent Risks Hot work covers any task that involves open flame, heat or sparks. Welding, cutting, soldering, grinding and torch-applied roofing all fall under that heading. On site, any such activity normally needs a Hot Work Permit. It’s issued by an authorised person before the shift begins and sets out the location, the cleared zone, the extinguishers on hand and the named fire watch. The regulatory backdrop has several layers. HSE’s HSG168 (third edition) expects designers to consider flameless alternatives at the planning stage, alongside CDM 2015. The Joint Code of Practice (JCoP, tenth edition), drawn up by the FPA and RISCAuthority with insurer backing, applies to projects valued at £2.5m and up. It requires at least an hour of continuous fire watch after work stops, with checks every twenty minutes for the next hour and up to three hours on higher-risk jobs. The numbers explain the strictness. CE Safety, drawing on ONS data, recorded 381 hot-work fires in England across 2023/24 and 2024/25, with welding and cutting accounting for 85%. The most damaging recent case struck Selsey Academy in West Sussex in 2016: losses near £20m, ignition traced to a gas torch during roof repairs. Figures like these underpin the case for flame-free systems such as press fit fittings, where joints go together without a torch or a permit. The Industry Shift Toward Flameless Construction Technologies HSG168 puts it plainly: design hot work out wherever you can. If you can’t, look at flameless alternatives first. NFRC carries the same principle into roofing through its Safe2Torch initiative. The reasoning is practical. Every job done without an open flame saves a permit, a fire watch, an insurance exposure and downtime on site. Flameless covers a family of methods, not one technology: For internal plumbing and heating, press-fit is now the de facto standard on commercial sites and is spreading fast into residential work. How Press Fit Fittings Revolutionised Pipe Installations The story begins in 1963. Swedish engineer Gunnar Larsson introduced the first range of pressfittings for copper, steel and stainless tubing, alongside the hydraulic press tool. Mannesmann AG ran the system until 2004 when the business passed to Geberit. The contour seal, brought in around the turn of the millennium, was the turning point. It took press-fit into the mainstream British market and bedded it into the trade. Large commercial contractors took it up first, but the picture has shifted sharply over the last ten to fifteen years. Sole traders and small crews are investing in press tools because the payback on two or three big jobs is obvious. Today’s choice is broad: Geberit Mapress, Viega Profipress, Conex B Press, alongside M-Profile own-label ranges from UK distributors. Sourcing for a specific job (potable water, gas, heating) goes through specialist trade suppliers, and on most tasks M-Profile covers the full 15mm to 108mm range. Time and Cost Efficiency in Modern Projects Speed comes up first in nearly every conversation. Manufacturers and trade publications cite 50 to 80% time savings against soldered joints. Viega quotes a single connection in “under twenty seconds” and an 80% cut in installation time across a full system. On site the gap is often wider. On the Trade Legends podcast, Rothenberger UK’s spokesperson described jobs that used to take two or three days wrapping up in three hours. Speed isn’t the only saving. A pressed joint takes pressure immediately, with no cooling-down period eating minutes off every connection. Consumables drop out too: flux, solder, cleaner and tape are no longer needed. Assemblies can be prefabricated on or off site, and pressure tests can run with water already in the lines, which suits retrofit work. The biggest operational shift comes back to fire safety. No open flame, no permit, no fire watch, no breach of insurance terms, no stoppages while a fire officer inspects the job. The evolution of safer construction comes down to more than one technology. But the move from soldering to pressing is one of its clearest chapters. Less paperwork, less risk, more output per shift.