Giving Buildings a Voice: The Future of Intelligent Facilities Management
The facilities management sector is entering a new era, where data, technology and predictive insights are transforming how buildings are maintained, operated and optimised. For decades, the Building Engineering Services Association’s SFG20 standard has provided the industry with a trusted framework for building maintenance. Since its introduction in 1990, the standard has helped facilities managers establish consistency across maintenance programmes, procurement processes and engineering operations. Today, SFG20 continues to underpin best practice, offering thousands of maintenance schedules covering a vast range of building assets. However, modern buildings are significantly different from those of previous generations. Advances in digital technology, smart systems and connected infrastructure mean that many assets now generate detailed operational data, providing real-time insights into performance, efficiency and condition. According to Andre Bothma, Managing Director – Strategic Asset Management & Energy at Bellrock, the industry now has an opportunity to move beyond traditional one-size-fits-all maintenance strategies and embrace a more intelligent, responsive approach. Rather than relying solely on fixed maintenance schedules, predictive facilities management platforms can analyse asset performance continuously, helping engineering teams identify issues before they escalate into costly failures. By combining operational data, environmental factors and usage patterns, facilities managers can make more informed decisions and deploy resources where they deliver the greatest value. This evolution is not about replacing established maintenance standards. Instead, it is about enhancing them through technology, creating dynamic maintenance strategies that adapt to the specific requirements of individual buildings and assets. A manufacturing facility operating in a demanding industrial environment, for example, may require a very different maintenance approach from a modern office building, despite containing similar equipment. The benefits are substantial. Intelligent maintenance programmes can reduce unnecessary callouts, improve workforce efficiency, lower operational costs and enhance energy performance. Bellrock reports that clients adopting predictive maintenance approaches have achieved energy savings of around 20%, while improving long-term asset performance and lifecycle planning. As buildings become increasingly connected and data-rich, facilities management is evolving from reactive maintenance towards proactive asset optimisation. By combining proven standards with intelligent technology, the industry is creating smarter, more sustainable buildings capable of delivering greater efficiency, improved performance and long-term value for owners and occupiers alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KPE appoints new senior development manager
Kajima Properties Europe (“KPE”), the European development, investment and asset management arm of the Nikkei-listed Kajima Corporation, has appointed Ian Patillo as Senior Development Manager, bolstering its London-based development team. Patillo brings a decade of experience in real estate development, land acquisition and project delivery, with a strong track record across both the UK and international markets. In his new role, he will focus on planning-led development opportunities in London and the UK, working across KPE’s pipeline of workspace, logistics and living development projects. He joins from Landsec, where he held the role of Development Manager, driving the end-to-end delivery of major schemes across London. His experience encompasses design coordination, planning, legal negotiation, ESG strategy, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, guiding projects from feasibility through to enabling works and early delivery phases. His recent work includes high-profile office-led developments such as Hill House and 55 Old Broad Street in the City of London, with a focus on net-zero carbon and ESG-led outcomes. Prior to this, Patillo held roles at Turner & Townsend and Wesgroup Properties in Vancouver, Canada. At Wesgroup, he was responsible for delivering large-scale master-planned communities and mixed-use developments with a total construction value exceeding £1 billion. Based in KPE’s London office, Patillo will work closely with Phil McLaughlin, Head of Project Management, Tim James, Investment Director, and KPE’s wider development and investment teams. Ian’s initial focus will be leading on two of KPE’s planning-led commercial development projects in central London: 1 St John’s Square in Farringdon and 27 Soho Square in Soho, where KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of both buildings. Ian Patillo, Senior Development Manager at Kajima Properties Europe, said: “Kajima Properties Europe has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, design-led developments, and I’m thrilled to join the team at such a pivotal time for the business, helping leverage my experience to deliver developments across living, logistics and workspace sectors.” John Harcourt, Managing Director at Kajima Properties Europe, added: “Ian’s appointment reflects our continued investment in development talent as we continue to grow our award-winning development capabilities and broaden our scope and reach. Ian’s experience is an excellent fit for the KPE team, and we look forward to his valuable contribution to delivering and growing our development pipeline.” About Kajima Properties Europe KPE is an established UK and European development and investment management business supported by the global strength of its parent company, Kajima Corporation. Founded in Japan in 1840, Kajima Corporation has grown into one of the world’s leading real estate and construction groups, giving KPE the heritage and global reach to deliver with confidence. KPE specialises in developing, repositioning, and investing across sectors where long-term value is identified, spanning logistics, living, and workspace. The business originates and manages investments for both its own balance sheet and investor clients. KPE has an exceptional track record in managing core+ and value-add strategies, outperforming respective benchmarks to ensure investors exceed target returns. www.kajima-properties.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Solent Freeport and Solent Growth Partnership launch new £50,000 apprenticeship incentive to support SMEs and young people
Solent Freeport, in partnership with the Solent Growth Partnership through the Solent Business Growth Service, has today launched a new £50,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region recruit an apprentice for the first time, while supporting young people who have previously been not in education, employment or training (NEET). Solent Freeport, in partnership with the Solent Growth Partnership through the Solent Business Growth Service, has today launched a new £50,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region recruit an apprentice for the first time, while supporting young people who have previously been not in education, employment or training (NEET). The programme offers financial incentives of up to £2,000 per apprentice to eligible employers, alongside tailored business support, helping to reduce recruitment barriers, strengthen local skills pipelines and support inclusive economic growth across the Solent. The incentive fund will support: Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility and availability. The initiative focuses on four priority growth sectors critical to the Solent economy: By targeting employers who are taking on an apprentice for the first time, and apprentices who were previously NEET, the programme aims to unlock opportunity for those furthest from the labour market while supporting businesses to invest in the future workforce they need. Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport said:“This programme is about creating real opportunity – for employers who want to grow but face recruitment challenges, and for individuals who need a route into skilled employment. By working with the Solent Growth Partnership, we’re ensuring Freeport investment directly supports people, productivity and long-term prosperity across the region.” Rachael Randall, Chair of the Solent Growth Partnership Business Board added:“Apprenticeships are a proven way for SMEs to build skills and talent, but the first step can feel daunting. This incentive, combined with practical business support through the Solent Business Growth Service, helps employers take that step with confidence while opening doors for young people who might otherwise be left behind.” In addition to the financial incentive, participating employers will receive guidance through the Solent Business Growth Service, supporting them with recruitment, onboarding and longer-term business growth. Eligibility and applications To be eligible, employers must: Apprenticeship starts must fall within the programme application window, and applications cannot be made retrospectively. Further details, including full terms and conditions and application guidance, are available via the Solent Business Growth Service on www.solentgrowthpartnership.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10 Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Former Wates Director
Modular construction specialist Reds10 Group has appointed industry veteran Steve Beechey as its new Executive Chair as the company looks to accelerate growth and expand its role in delivering modern methods of construction across the public sector. Beechey will join the business in July, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience at Wates, where he most recently served as Group Public Sector Director. During his time with the contractor, he played a leading role in delivering major programmes across defence, education and justice, while also serving on the Wates Group Executive Committee for more than a decade. His appointment comes as Reds10 continues to strengthen its senior leadership team following the recent arrival of Matt Thorpe as Chief Financial Officer. The move reflects the company’s ambitions to scale its operations and further establish itself as a leading provider of off-site manufactured building solutions for public sector clients. Reds10 specialises in modern methods of construction and has built a strong reputation delivering projects across defence, education, healthcare, justice, temporary accommodation and social housing sectors. The company’s approach focuses on manufacturing buildings off-site before transporting and assembling them on location, helping to reduce programme times, improve quality and support sustainability objectives. Central to its operations is a 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where building components are produced in a controlled factory environment before being installed on site. Paul Ruddick, Chief Executive of Reds10 Group, said Beechey’s extensive experience in both construction and the public sector would be invaluable as the business enters its next phase of development. He added that his leadership and strategic insight would help support the company’s ambition to industrialise construction and expand the adoption of modern building techniques. Commenting on his appointment, Beechey said he was joining the business at an exciting stage in its growth journey. He highlighted Reds10’s strong reputation for innovation and its clear ambition to transform how construction projects are delivered. As demand continues to grow for faster, more efficient and sustainable construction solutions, Reds10’s latest leadership appointment underlines its commitment to driving innovation and supporting the wider evolution of the UK construction industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One London Set to Redefine the Capital’s Skyline with £1bn Landmark Tower
Plans have been unveiled for a landmark £1bn skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most significant commercial developments in Europe. Developed by Aroland Holdings, advised by Perennial Holdings, alongside Stanhope and Eric Parry Architects, the project known as One London will transform the City skyline with a striking new tower rising to 309.6 metres. Formerly known as 1 Undershaft, the development is expected to become London’s tallest skyscraper, the tallest office building in the UK and the joint-tallest building in Western Europe when completed in 2033. Located at the prominent junction of Leadenhall Street and St Mary Axe, the development will deliver approximately 1.2 million sq ft of office-led accommodation at the heart of the capital’s financial district. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, the tower will provide high-quality workspace while reinforcing the City’s position as a global centre for finance, technology and innovation. The scheme received full planning approval from the City of London Corporation in December 2025, marking a major milestone for one of the capital’s most ambitious commercial projects. The development occupies a highly connected location, situated within a short walk of six London Underground lines and the Elizabeth line, offering exceptional accessibility for workers, visitors and businesses alike. In addition to its transport connections, the site benefits from proximity to around 1,000 hospitality venues and 27 acres of public open space, helping to create a vibrant environment that supports both professional and social activity within the Square Mile. Preparatory work is already progressing, with the deconstruction of the existing St Helen’s Tower now underway. The project team expects to appoint a main contractor later this year, with full construction anticipated to commence in 2028 following the completion of deconstruction and enabling works, as well as the finalisation of development financing arrangements. Once complete, One London is expected to become one of the defining buildings of the next decade, joining the ranks of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. Beyond its impressive scale, the development reflects the continued confidence in London’s commercial property market and the growing demand for premium, sustainable and future-focused office space in prime locations. The project also highlights the ongoing evolution of the City of London, where new generations of workplace environments are being developed to accommodate changing occupier requirements, technological advancement and increasing expectations around sustainability, wellbeing and connectivity. As construction moves closer, One London is poised to play a major role in shaping the future skyline of the capital, creating a new focal point for business, investment and architectural ambition in one of the world’s leading financial centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni starts 462,000 sq ft speculative development in Worksop
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has commenced construction at Panattoni Worksop 460, a 462,000 sq ft speculative logistics and manufacturing development at Manton Wood Distribution Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The scheme is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027. Panattoni Worksop 460 will be delivered to the highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings and achieving net zero carbon in construction. The development incorporates a range of sustainability features including roof-mounted photovoltaic solar systems, EV charging, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. The scheme offers a gross internal area of 462,000 sq ft, comprising 441,699 sq ft of warehouse accommodation, Grade A office space across ground and two upper floors totalling 14,943 sq ft, and a transport area of 5,057 sq ft. The building has been specified to meet the requirements of modern logistics and manufacturing occupiers, with an 18 metre clear internal height, 43 dock doors including 8 Euro dock doors, 4 level access doors, a yard depth of 55 metres, 386 car parking spaces and 48 EV charging points. The site is accompanied by an additional five acres of adjacent land, available to occupiers requiring room for expansion beyond the primary building footprint. Worksop is a well-established logistics destination in North Nottinghamshire, situated at the heart of the UK’s principal distribution corridor. The town sits within easy reach of the M1 (Junction 31) and A1(M), providing direct connectivity to major population centres across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East. The area is home to major operators including DHL and B&Q, both of which run substantial logistics and distribution facilities nearby, and benefits from a strong local labour pool and competitive rental levels relative to more southern locations. Andy Preston, Senior Development Director at Panattoni, said: ” Worksop punches above its weight as a logistics location. It offers great connectivity and a genuinely strong labour market within commuting distance of Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, and that combination is increasingly difficult to find at this scale. We are seeing real depth of demand from occupiers who need large-format, high-specification space and need it quickly, and this building is designed to meet that requirement from day one. We already have some early engagement from occupiers on the speculative opportunity. For occupiers with longer-term growth ambitions, there is also an additional five acres of land directly adjacent to the site, which could be used for HGV parking or external storage – a flexibility that is increasingly hard to find at this scale and in this location.” The development reflects Panattoni’s continued strategy of speculative delivery in supply-constrained markets, bringing forward high-specification, sustainable assets aligned with long-term occupier demand. For more information, please visit www.panattoni.co.uk/our-properties/worksop/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals