POD Management Celebrates Outstanding Success at the ACE Awards 2026
Multiple Wins and Industry Recognition Highlight POD’s Commitment to People, Service and Excellence in Property Management POD Management is celebrating an exceptional night of success at the prestigious ACE Awards 2026, hosted by The Property Institute (TPI) at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate venue. Widely regarded as one of the residential property sector’s most respected awards programmes, the ACE Awards bring together leading professionals from across the industry to recognise excellence in property management. POD Management was honoured to receive multiple awards and Highly Commended recognitions, reflecting both the organisation’s commitment to excellence and the exceptional talent within its teams. The company was named Winner of the Employee Training and Development Award, recognising its ongoing investment in creating opportunities for professional growth and career progression. POD also received Highly Commended recognition in two other company categories: Managing Agent of the Year (10,001-20,000 units) and Outstanding Customer Service. Individual achievements were also celebrated, with three POD team members taking home top honours. Gemma Dicker was named Unsung Hero, Elena Marian won Wellbeing Champion, and Eloise Stratford was awarded Rising Star. Further success came through additional Highly Commended individual recognitions. Negin Mortazavi and Sara de Sousa were recognised in the On-Site Staff Member category, while Roxanne Steenkamp received Highly Commended for Wellbeing Champion. These accolades reflect the dedication, professionalism and passion demonstrated by POD Management teams every day in delivering exceptional service to clients, residents and communities. Commenting on the success, POD Management CEO David Goldberg said: “This is an amazing achievement, and I am exceptionally proud of everyone at POD who has contributed to our success as a company, especially those team members who have rightly received individual recognition. It demonstrates the breadth of talent across the business and recognises this is a team effort. Being shortlisted alone is no small feat, and every person and team nominated deserves to take a moment to celebrate their contribution. These awards reflect the standards we set ourselves every day – investing in our people, supporting wellbeing, and delivering a consistently high level of service for residents and clients. To be recognised across so many categories is a real credit to the strength, talent and commitment we have across POD. Congratulations to the entire team, and well done to all the other winners and finalists recognised on the night.” The ACE Awards celebrate the very best in property management, offering recognition, visibility and an opportunity to showcase excellence across the sector. For POD Management, this year’s results are a reflection of the company’s values, culture and commitment to raising standards across the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Powering Britain’s Net Zero Future: Balfour Beatty Secures £325m Scottish Superhub Project
Balfour Beatty has strengthened its position at the forefront of the UK’s electricity infrastructure transformation after securing a £325m contract to deliver a major new transmission hub in Aberdeenshire that will play a critical role in connecting the next generation of renewable energy projects. Awarded by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the contract will see Balfour Beatty construct the Netherton Hub, one of the largest and most strategically important electricity transmission developments currently planned in Scotland. The project forms part of the UK’s ongoing investment in strengthening the national grid to support increasing volumes of clean, homegrown renewable energy. The two-year contract has been awarded through SSEN’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment Offshore Framework and builds upon Balfour Beatty’s existing involvement at the site, having previously been appointed to undertake enabling works. Located in Aberdeenshire, the Netherton Hub will become a key component of Scotland’s expanding transmission network, helping to connect offshore wind farms and other renewable energy generation projects while improving energy security and supporting the UK’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Under the contract, Balfour Beatty will deliver extensive earthworks and major civil engineering infrastructure across the site. The development will include five large platforms designed to accommodate two electrical substations and three converter stations, together with an operational base and supporting infrastructure required to manage one of the country’s most significant grid investment programmes. Construction activity is expected to support more than 800 jobs at its peak, providing a significant economic boost to the region. In addition, Balfour Beatty has committed to ensuring that at least five per cent of its workforce on the project will comprise apprentices and graduates, helping to develop the next generation of engineering and construction professionals. The award reflects the rapidly growing demand for specialist contractors capable of delivering complex energy infrastructure as network operators continue to invest billions of pounds in upgrading Britain’s electricity transmission system. As offshore wind generation expands and electricity demand rises through the electrification of transport, heating and industry, major transmission hubs such as Netherton will become increasingly vital to maintaining a resilient and flexible national grid. Philip Hoare, Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, said the Netherton Hub will play a pivotal role in enabling the delivery of secure, homegrown, low-carbon power at scale, supporting the UK’s long-term energy security while accelerating progress towards Net Zero. The project also highlights the growing importance of Scotland within the UK’s renewable energy landscape, where significant investment in transmission infrastructure is essential to unlock the full potential of offshore wind resources and support future economic growth. As construction progresses, the Netherton Hub is expected to become a cornerstone of Britain’s evolving energy network, providing the infrastructure needed to connect clean electricity generation with homes, businesses and industries across the UK for decades to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundbreaking ceremony marks major milestone for Priory Centre redevelopment
A groundbreaking ceremony in June officially marked the start of the next phase of construction at the multi-million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop. With £17.9 million of UK Government funding, in addition to £2 million from Bassetlaw District Council, the scheme is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, under The Medium Works Framework, which Pagabo manage on behalf of The Education Alliance. Representatives from Bassetlaw District Council, including Leader of the Council Cllr Julie Leigh, joined project partners G F Tomlinson, Pagabo, project managers Beyond Consult, Anotherkind Architects and consultants, Gleeds at the ceremony to celebrate the commencement of construction works following the completion of the demolition phase. The event marked another significant milestone in the transformation of the Priory Centre site, which is set to become a revitalised leisure and retail destination at the heart of Worksop town centre. Enabling works began on site in February 2026, followed by the careful demolition of sections of the existing Priory Centre building. Works were completed while maintaining access to operational retail units and key pedestrian routes through the town centre, ensuring minimal disruption to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction activity is now underway with the shopping centre set to host facilities including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area and a bowling alley. Further works include public areas being refreshed and the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the Chesterfield Canal, providing a new gateway to the redevelopment and town centre. The redevelopment set to deliver a modern, attractive environment designed to increase footfall, strengthen the town centre offer and support long-term economic growth within the area. Located within the historic market town of Worksop, the project continues to present complex logistical considerations due to its proximity to existing retailers, residential properties and busy access routes. G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders throughout the programme to ensure works are delivered safely and efficiently while maintaining public access and business operations. Bassetlaw District Council purchased the site in 2023, with the majority of the £20 million redevelopment funding secured through the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund. The regeneration scheme forms a key part of the Council’s wider ambitions to enhance the town centre and create a destination that better serves local residents, businesses and visitors. Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “The ground-breaking ceremony represents a proud moment for everyone involved in this transformational project and demonstrates the collaborative working approach that has brought us to this stage. Following the successful completion of the demolition works, it is exciting to see construction now progressing on site and the vision for the future of The Priory Centre beginning to take shape. “As a contractor with a long history of delivering regeneration projects across the Midlands, we understand the importance of developments such as this in supporting local communities and creating lasting economic and social value. Our team has worked closely with Bassetlaw District Council and project stakeholders throughout the planning and early delivery phases to ensure the works are carried out safely and sensitively within this busy town centre environment.” Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: ““We have reached a major milestone in this transformational development that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities to our town centre. The change is already remarkable, and the true scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will help to revitalise the high street and compliment the impact we are already making by attracting new businesses and supporting existing retailers.” Elliott Talbot, senior category manager at Pagabo, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction progressing on this important regeneration project following the successful completion of the demolition phase. The redevelopment of The Priory Centre demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between the public sector, delivery partners and the local supply chain to bring ambitious town centre renewal projects to life. Through The Medium Works Framework, we’re proud to support Bassetlaw District Council in delivering a scheme that will create lasting social and economic benefits for Worksop, helping to enhance the town centre experience for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Steelwork completes at Coda @ City Works as Network Space appoints agents for Openshaw site, Manchester
Leading industrial property developer and investor Network Space has reached a significant construction milestone at its Coda @ City Works scheme in Openshaw, Greater Manchester, with steelwork now fully erected across the site and joint letting agents appointed. Located on Welcomb Street, the hugely popular development represents the final phase of expansion at the established (the site is not fully let) City Works Business Park. The scheme reinforces Network Space’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics accommodation across the North West. Once complete, Coda @ City Works will deliver 75,175 sq. ft of Grade A industrial and logistics space across four modern units. With sizes ranging from 7,680 sq. ft to 29,440 sq. ft, these new units present attractive options for prospective occupiers, whilst also offering valuable expansion opportunities for current tenants. Each unit will incorporate high-specification first-floor office accommodation alongside generous service yards designed to meet the operational needs of trade, manufacturing and distribution occupiers. The four-acre brownfield site – formerly occupied by Manchester College – will also provide 98 car parking spaces and 20 electric vehicle charging points, underlining Network Space’s focus on sustainability and occupier wellbeing. Construction is being delivered by main contractor Bansco and remains on programme for practical completion in Q2 2026. Designed by AEW Architects, the scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation, reflecting its strong environmental performance, energy efficiency and long-term operational resilience. To bring the development to market, Network Space has appointed Rob Taylor and Jack Sullivan of CPP and Ruth Leighton and Megan Kavanagh of JLL as joint letting agents. The wider professional team supporting the scheme includes GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates and Spawforths. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “The completion of steelwork at Coda @ City Works marks a major step forward for both the scheme and the ongoing regeneration of East Manchester. “Designed with flexibility, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability at its core, and targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation, we have focused on the fundamentals that will appeal to a broad range of trade, industrial and logistics occupiers seeking well-connected, adaptable space capable of evolving over time. He added: “Coda @ City Works will form a natural extension to the existing business park, supporting local employment opportunities while delivering the type of high-quality, adaptable industrial space that continues to perform strongly in well-established locations.” Strategically positioned just 2.5 miles from Manchester city centre, the site offers excellent connectivity to the M60 motorway and onward links to the M67, M56 and M62, providing strong access to the wider North West and national motorway network. Coda @ City Works complements the existing 173,330 sq. ft City Works Business Park, home to a diverse range of trade, light industrial and logistics occupiers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills Strengthens Property Management Leadership with Senior Appointment
Savills has reinforced its commitment to delivering high-quality property management services with the appointment of Marcus Hutchings as Director within its London-based property management team. Joining the business from CBRE, where he spent more than 12 years and most recently served as Senior Director, Hutchings brings over 15 years of experience managing complex institutional property portfolios and mixed-use estates. His appointment reflects the continued evolution of Savills’ property management offering as demand grows for specialist expertise across increasingly sophisticated real estate assets. Based at Savills’ Margaret Street headquarters in London, Hutchings will play a key role in supporting clients across a broad range of commercial and mixed-use properties, helping to drive operational performance, asset value and occupier experience. Throughout his career, Hutchings has advised many of the UK’s leading institutional investors and property owners, working across large-scale, high-profile portfolios. His experience includes overseeing strategic property management mandates for organisations including M&G Real Estate and Shaftesbury Capital, where the focus has been on delivering operational excellence, long-term asset performance and effective portfolio management. The appointment comes at a time when the role of property management continues to evolve rapidly. Alongside traditional estate management responsibilities, today’s property managers are increasingly expected to deliver value through sustainability initiatives, ESG performance, digital innovation, building safety, occupier wellbeing and data-driven asset optimisation. As owners and investors seek to maximise long-term returns while responding to changing occupier expectations, experienced professionals capable of managing complex portfolios have become increasingly valuable across the commercial property sector. Katrina Mackay, Chief Operating Officer of Property Management at Savills, said Hutchings brings an impressive track record of advising some of the UK’s largest and most complex real estate portfolios. She added that his expertise in delivering operational excellence would strengthen the firm’s expanding retail and business space platforms, while supporting continued growth across the wider property management business. Hutchings said he was excited to join Savills during an important period of growth, describing the firm as having a clear vision, an outstanding reputation within the sector and a strong client-focused culture. He added that he looked forward to contributing to the continued development of the business and supporting clients across its expanding portfolio. The appointment further highlights Savills’ ongoing investment in attracting experienced industry leaders as the firm continues to enhance its property management capabilities and respond to the evolving needs of investors, landlords and occupiers across the UK’s commercial real estate market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New tenant secured at Sheffield industrial unit following refurbishment
Network Space has let a 22,537 sq. ft warehouse at Grange Mill Lane following an extensive refurbishment of the Grange 34 industrial estate. ACM Meat Factory Ltd t/a Haiducci, a cured meat specialist, has taken the space on a seven-year lease to expand its manufacturing and wholesale business across the UK. The well-located industrial space at Grange 34 is just minutes from the M1 and Meadowhall. Angelica Ciaciru, from Haiducci, said: “We wanted high-specification warehouse space which would also provide offices and facilities for our team. Grange 34 offers this, as well as a fantastic location adjacent to the M1 at the heart of the UK so we can easily reach all of the specialist shops around the country which sell our products.” Located on Grange Mill Lane, just off Junction 34 of the M1 and minutes from Meadowhall, only three units now remain available ranging from 10,064 to 50,505 sq. ft (935 to 4,692 sq. m). The industrial units with integral offices have been fully refurbished internally and externally to deliver high-spec, energy-efficient accommodation, which includes power capacity upgrades, PIR LED lighting, 8m clear internal height, full height loading and a secure shared yard with ample parking. Helen Gordon, Property Director at Network Space Investments, said: “We are delighted to welcome Haiducci to Grange 34. We have comprehensively refurbished and repositioned the site following its acquisition last year. By delivering energy-efficient, modern accommodation, these high-quality, flexible units appeal to both local operators and national occupiers seeking immediate access to the motorway network.” Sheffield and Rotherham city centres are within 20 minutes’ drive, with a population of more than 2 million economically active people within a 45-minute catchment. This strong location, coupled with the modern specification, makes Grange 34 an attractive proposition for warehousing, logistics and manufacturing businesses, underpinned by the limited supply of this size of unit along this M1 corridor. CPP and Knight Frank are appointed as letting agents. Toby Vernon, director at CPP said: “It’s excellent news to welcome Haiducci as the first tenant to this newly refurbished industrial estate in Sheffield. Grange 34 provides high quality units which are now available for immediate occupation. We have received strong levels of interest since the refurbishment completed and hope to be in a position to announce further lettings in the coming weeks.” The refurbishment works were undertaken by Bansco, with project management led by GV&Co. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals