McAvoy appointed to Everything Estates framework
McAvoy has been appointed as an approved supplier to the Everything Estates framework, a fast, compliant and flexible procurement solution supporting the delivery of estates services across the public sector. Available to public sector organisations, devolved administrations and third-sector entities, Everything Estates provides an efficient route to appointing approved suppliers, either directly or through a streamlined mini competition. The framework combines public sector compliance and social value with a commercially focused approach, designed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and procurement timescales. McAvoy’s appointment reflects the growing role of offsite manufacturing in helping public sector organisations respond to changing estates requirements. By designing and manufacturing buildings in a controlled factory environment before they are installed on site, offsite solutions can meet both interim and permanent needs, providing a fast, adaptable and high-quality approach. Ciara McVeigh, Head of Bid Management at McAvoy, said: “Our appointment to the Everything Estates framework provides public sector organisations with a compliant and efficient procurement route to access McAvoy’s adaptable space solutions. “The ability to appoint suppliers directly can significantly reduce procurement timescales and help organisations respond more quickly to capacity pressures, replace ageing facilities, and deliver new accommodation with greater certainty. “We look forward to working with public sector partners through the framework and supporting the delivery of buildings that provide long-term value for the communities they serve.” Claire Delaney, Managing Director of Everything Estates, said: “Quite simply, Everything Estates gives control to our clients by allowing customers to obtain the best value for money based upon their requirements and not those that are pre-determined by the framework operator. It removes unnecessary bureaucracy and creates a time efficient route for procurement, which delivers enhanced ROI for all parties.” Everything Estates was established by Hornchurch Academy Trust and is operated by Place Group Limited, which has over 25 years of experience supporting innovation and social value in the public sector. Further information about the framework is available at www.place-group.com For more information on McAvoy frameworks, please visit: https://www.mcavoygroup.com/who-we-are/frameworks-collaboration/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BW Announces a Series of Senior Leadership Appointments Following Anthony Brown’s Appointment as CEO
BW: Workplace Experts (BW) has announced a series of senior leadership appointments following Anthony Brown’s appointment as CEO, introducing a new organisational structure that strengthens operational leadership, project delivery and people development. Peter Nagle has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), taking responsibility for project delivery, resourcing, operational performance, process and quality. Having spent 21 years at BW, Peter has built one of the industry’s strongest delivery teams. Paul Kavanagh becomes Managing Director. Since joining BW in 2010, Paul has delivered many of the company’s most significant projects while building a high-performing team. He will work alongside fellow Managing Director Kevin P’ng. Rachel Tabone has been appointed People Director after four years of strengthening BW’s leadership capability, culture and talent strategy. She will continue to ensure people remain at the heart of the business as it grows. Helen Mulligan Lowe becomes Sales Director, leading BW’s sales function. During her nine years at BW, Helen has built many of the company’s strongest consultant relationships and played a key role in its success. She will continue to work closely with the executive team to shape BW’s sales strategy. Collectively, Peter, Paul, Rachel and Helen represent more than 50 years of service to BW. Their appointments recognise proven leadership and the trust they have earned from clients, colleagues and partners alike. The new structure builds on the foundations established by Steve Elliott over the past 12 years. While the organisation is evolving, the principles that define the business remain unchanged: the way it wins work, its commitment to Defect Free, the standards it sets and the experience it delivers for clients. Together, these appointments provide the leadership needed to support BW’s future while preserving the culture, quality and values that have shaped its success. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newett Homes Strengthens Leadership Team with Head of Land Appointment
Newett Homes has appointed Mathew Drake as its new Head of Land, reinforcing the company’s ambitious growth plans. Mathew joins the Yorkshire housebuilder with more than 20 years’ experience in land acquisition and residential development, having built an impressive track record of identifying and securing strategic development opportunities throughout the region. Prior to joining Newett Homes, Mathew held senior land roles at Bellway Homes Yorkshire and spent more than 12 years with Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West Division. Throughout his career, Mathew has led complex land acquisitions from initial appraisal through to contract completion and planning delivery, securing opportunities through both competitive tender processes and off-market transactions. He has also established strong relationships with landowners, agents, promoters and key stakeholders across the region. In his new role, Mathew will lead Newett Homes’ land function, overseeing land acquisition strategy, planning and promotion, commercial appraisal, due diligence and pipeline growth to support the company’s continued expansion. Commenting on his appointment, Mathew said: “Newett Homes’ strengths lie in its ability to identify and acquire high-quality land opportunities, make decisions quickly, build strong stakeholder relationships and combine commercial discipline with an entrepreneurial approach to delivering successful developments. “My focus will be on establishing a robust pipeline of land opportunities that supports the company’s long-term ambitions while helping maintain the high standards of quality and customer service that Newett Homes is known for. I want to build a strong and scalable land function, strengthen industry relationships and create lasting value that supports the sustainable growth of the business.” Mathew’s appointment reflects Newett Homes’ ongoing investment in its leadership team as the business continues its growth journey, expanding its portfolio of high-quality residential developments while maintaining its reputation for delivering exceptional homes and communities. In April this year Newett Homes secured its first site outside of Yorkshire with the acquisition of a seven-acre greenfield site in the Lincolnshire village of Kirton in Lindsey, representing a key milestone in its long-term strategy to expand its geographical footprint beyond the region. Newett Homes chief executive, Will Newett, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mathew to Newett Homes. His extensive experience, exceptional track record and deep understanding of the Yorkshire land market make him a valuable addition to our senior leadership team. “As we continue to grow, securing high-quality land opportunities remains fundamental to our strategy. Mathew’s expertise, commercial insight and relationship-building skills will play a pivotal role in strengthening our land pipeline and supporting the delivery of high-quality new homes across the region.” Established in 2017, Newett Homes is an award-winning housebuilder dedicated to delivering quality-led homes in hand-picked locations. Employing over 70 people, the business currently has 10 active developments, supported by a growing land pipeline. In March 2026, it was awarded its first five-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) recognising the businesses continued commitment to excellence in build quality and outstanding customer experience. For more information visit https://newetthomes.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thriving innovation cluster highlights regeneration success in Glasgow’s East End
Three businesses in the same building in the east end of Glasgow have been named in the Sunday Times Fast Growth 50, underlining the impact of regeneration efforts by Clyde Gateway in attracting innovative, high-growth businesses to the area. Utopi, Acumen Cyber, and Morris & Spottiswood are all based at EastWorks in Dalmarnock, a project spearheaded by regeneration company Clyde Gateway. They were all named in the Sunday Times list which required an average annual growth in revenue of at least 20 per cent across the two most recent financial years. Scottish Government minister, Tom Arthur, visited the businesses to see the impact of place-based investment in supporting business expansion and job creation. EastWorks, a former Victorian gas purifier shed, was transformed by Clyde Gateway and completed in 2023 and partly funded by the Scottish Government. Today, the building is fully let and also home to Red Tree @ EastWork, a flexible office workspace, Simera Sense which works in the space sector, and café Vin 18, creating a vibrant ecosystem for high growth innovation. Utopi is the multi award-winning intelligence platform for transforming building performance, purpose-built for PBSA. Across 85,000 beds and 13 countries, the platform turns real-time room-level data into proven energy savings, compliance certainty, and enhanced asset value. Acumen Cyber is headquartered at EastWorks and provides 24/7 managed cyber security services through its Security Operations Centre (SOC), supporting businesses across the UK and Ireland with threat detection, incident response and cyber resilience. Founded in Glasgow in 1925, Morris & Spottiswood is one of the UK’s leading construction, fit-out, refurbishment and building services groups. The independently owned business delivers projects across the commercial, public and residential sectors through a portfolio of specialist companies, employing thousands of staff across the UK. Situated next to Dalmarnock railway station, EastWorks is part of Clyde Gateway’s ambitious plans to make Dalmarnock Cross a focal point for an emerging mixed-use neighbourhood, combining new homes and commercial space with world-class innovation facilities. Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, said: “Backed by the Scottish Government, Clyde Gateway has been a huge success in regenerating the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen, creating a vibrant place to live, work and play. “These companies are real proof of the success story this regeneration has been. This building was once derelict and on contaminated land. Now, it is home to some of Scotland’s fastest growing and most innovative businesses. It was a pleasure to see the important work they are doing.” Martin McKay, Chief Executive at Clyde Gateway, added: “Bringing high growth, innovative companies to Clyde Gateway is central to regeneration that is focused on people, place and jobs. Clusters like these are the future of the Scottish economy and we are delighted that they have put down roots here in Dalmarnock. Funding from the Scottish Government and our other partners, Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Enterprise, has played a key part in making this happen. “EastWorks is now part of a revitalised Dalmarnock Cross, with a new station, greenspace, hundreds of new homes, high quality commercial space, and a Lidl supermarket opening soon. Combined, this has created a vibrant and connected community.” Jonathan Trower, Chief Revenue Officer, at Utopi, said: “Being recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the fastest growing companies in the country is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. It was great to welcome the minister to EastWorks today to see this work in action. “Moving here a few years ago is symbolic of the growth journey that we have been on. We were the first organisation to move in and it’s been great to watch EastWorks evolve into a thriving cluster of cutting edge, high growth businesses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Best reinstatement contractors serving Hertfordshire: an accreditation-led shortlist
Reinstatement contractors serving Hertfordshire split into two groups that are easy to confuse: highway and utility reinstatement specialists who close excavations to the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways, and insurance reinstatement firms who rebuild property after fire or flood. This shortlist covers the first group only, because that is the work developers, civils contractors, water companies and council procurement teams actually need to buy when a trench is open in an adopted road. Search results for the term mix the two groups freely, and most “best surfacing contractor” lists rank firms on driveways and car parks without mentioning street works qualifications once. Reinstatement in the public highway is a regulated activity. Under section 71 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, the undertaker must reinstate using prescribed materials and workmanship, and the performance standards sit in the fourth edition of the SROH, statutory in England since May 2021. A contractor who cannot talk fluently about that document is not a reinstatement contractor. The six firms below all have a genuine, publicly evidenced presence in Hertfordshire highway, utility or civils reinstatement. They are listed alphabetically and are not ranked, because the right choice depends on whether the job is a single trench, a framework of reactive repairs or a Section 278 highway scheme. Accreditation claims are those the companies publish themselves, and any buyer should ask for current certificates before appointment. Bestco Surfacing, Waltham Cross Bestco Surfacing has been surfacing in and around Hertfordshire for over 40 years from a base at Waltham Cross, working across north and east London, Essex, Bedfordshire and the county itself. The company publishes CHAS and Constructionline accreditation on its commercial surfacing pages, and the work spread runs from private roads and car parks through to groundworks and drainage. Bestco is strongest as a surfacing and asphalt contractor rather than a utilities undertaker, so the natural fit is resurfacing an area of highway or a commercial estate road rather than managing permit phases on behalf of a statutory undertaker. Buyers on public highway schemes should confirm street works qualifications separately, because CHAS and Constructionline are prequalification schemes and say nothing about NRSWA cards. KLT Utilities KLT Utilities is a multi-utility contractor covering gas, water, electricity and telecoms connections across London and the South East, with GIRS accreditation on the gas side. Reinstatement and resurfacing sit inside the wider offer, alongside plant, transport and licensed waste transfer facilities for arisings. The waste and recycling capability is a genuine differentiator on urban jobs where muck-away logistics decide the programme. For a Hertfordshire client whose reinstatement follows a gas connection or a mains renewal, KLT is a sensible single-contractor option; for water-only work, a WIRS accredited firm is the closer match. McFadden Utilities, Welwyn Garden City McFadden Utilities is a family-run utility contractor founded by Tony McFadden in 1980 and now run by his son Paul, working B2B for water companies, local authorities, developers and Tier 1 civils contractors from a Welwyn Garden City base. The accreditation stack is WIRS for self-lay water, then WIAPS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, Constructionline Gold and Achilles. Direct water company clients are Affinity Water and Thames Water, and HS2 is also a client. The firm works on clean water only and does not touch sewers, which is worth knowing before a tender goes out. Reinstatement scope is where McFadden separates itself from a pure surfacing firm. Backfill, permanent tarmac reinstatement, white works in concrete, cold applied reinstatement, line painting and anti-skid surfacing are all delivered under one contractor, so a trench opened for a main repair can be filled, surfaced and re-lined without three separate subcontractors and three separate mobilisations. That breadth is the reason the firm’s reinstatement works are worth comparing service by service against a surfacing-only quote, because the gap usually shows up in the white works and the signing and lining, not the black top. Reactive capability is the other distinguishing feature. The company runs 24/7 standby crews on its Affinity Water repair and maintenance contract, which means the operational habit of turning out at short notice already exists rather than being promised at tender stage. R.A.L Surfacing, Hemel Hempstead R.A.L Surfacing, part of Recycled Aggregates, operates from Eastman Way in Hemel Hempstead and lists utilities reinstatement alongside road surfacing, pavement surfacing, trenching and car park work. The company publishes CHAS accreditation and RoSPA membership. A Hemel base gives useful travel times across west Hertfordshire and into Buckinghamshire, which matters more than it sounds on defect remediation where a two-hour drive each way kills the day’s productivity. As with the other surfacing-led firms here, ask for SWQR card details rather than treating the phrase “utilities reinstatement” as evidence in itself. SB Civil Engineering SB Civil Engineering works across the east and south east of England on highways schemes, adoptable roads, drainage, traffic calming and excavation and reinstatement, and describes itself as a Thames Water approved contractor working to ISO 14001. The company also states that its site supervisors hold street works certification alongside SSSTS and SMSTS. The Section 278 and adoptable highway experience makes SB the better fit where reinstatement is one element of a larger developer-funded highway package rather than a standalone trench repair. Of the surfacing and civils firms reviewed here, it publishes the clearest statement about street works trained supervision. Total Surfacing Solutions Total Surfacing Solutions covers Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Kent and London with asphalt, concrete, block paving, line marking, pothole repair and highways surfacing, and offers site visits before quoting. The highways and major works side of the business is the relevant one for reinstatement buyers. The company describes itself as fully accredited and insured without naming the schemes on its public pages, so a procurement team will need to request the certificates directly. The site visit policy is a practical positive, because reinstatement quotes given without seeing the surrounding surface course routinely miss the extent of the bond or the matching problem. What to look
How to Specify Sustainable Materials for Long-Life Garden Structures
Garden structures are often treated as temporary additions to residential projects, but material choices made at the specification stage determine whether a building lasts five years or fifty. For architects, builders, and specifiers, understanding how to select materials that deliver both durability and environmental responsibility has become essential, as both client satisfaction and regulatory compliance depend on these choices. The real cost of poor material specification A poorly specified garden structure might need replacing twice in the time a well-built one lasts, with all the waste, environmental impact, and rebuilding that implies. This isn’t just an aesthetic or functional issue but an environmental one as well. A structure that fails prematurely generates unnecessary embodied carbon, landfill waste, and client frustration. Conversely, material choices that prioritise longevity and performance reduce the need for replacement cycles and deliver genuine environmental benefit over the building’s lifetime. The question isn’t whether to think about durability. It’s how to specify it systematically. Certified sourcing as the foundation Material sourcing is where specification begins. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification provides independent verification that timber comes from responsibly managed forests, but certification alone doesn’t guarantee performance in outdoor environments. Specifiers need to understand the difference between responsible sourcing and material durability. FSC certification covers forest management and supply chain integrity, ensuring that timber is tracked from forest to finished product. However, when specifying materials for garden structures, the focus should be on which timber species will actually withstand exposure to moisture, temperature swings, and UV damage over decades. Some certified timbers are naturally durable while others require treatment to achieve the same lifespan. The Forest Stewardship Council’s guidance on responsible sourcing explains FSC standards and chain-of-custody verification. Understanding durability class and service life The technical foundation for material specification lies in durability class and use class standards. These define how long a given timber species will resist decay and insect damage, and they’re measured in years, typically ranging from a few years to several decades depending on the wood species and environmental exposure. Use class standards (defined in BS 8417) specify which durability class and preservative treatment is appropriate for different outdoor applications. A timber specified as Use Class 4 (exposed to weather, in ground contact, or regularly wetted) requires different treatment than one sheltered from direct water exposure. High-pressure vacuum treatment can deliver a 15-60 year service life, while naturally durable hardwoods like western red cedar offer inherent resistance to decay without chemical treatment. The critical mistake is specifying materials without reference to these standards. A builder might select affordable softwood cladding without understanding that it will deteriorate within a few years in an exposed location, requiring costly remediation. Technical guidance from LABC Warranty on specifying timber externally breaks down these standards in practical detail, helping specifiers match material choice to required service life. Material innovation and long-life design Manufacturers increasingly recognise that durability is a selling point, not an afterthought. When specifying garden structures, look for evidence that the supplier has considered the full lifecycle of the building. This might mean specifying timber from sustainably managed forests, selecting naturally durable species over cheaper soft woods, using engineered materials designed for specific exposure conditions, or choosing cladding systems that promote ventilation and moisture management beneath the surface. Some manufacturers now design their structures with ground-screw foundations instead of concrete, avoiding moisture trapping that promotes decay. Others, like Suns Lifestyle, take an approach to sustainable material specification that prioritises recycled content options, FSC-certified timber, and finishes that maintain performance without frequent maintenance. The environmental case for material specification becomes stronger when the material lasts longer. A building that performs well for 30 years displaces multiple replacements that would otherwise be manufactured, shipped, and eventually discarded. Making the specification decision When specifying materials for a garden structure, ask the following: When evaluating suppliers, review their environmental policies for evidence of lifecycle thinking and material durability commitments. Manufacturers that can articulate how their material choices support long-term performance are worth taking seriously. Material specification for garden structures is not complex, but it does require deliberate attention. The brands and manufacturers taking durability seriously will provide detailed technical data, durability claims backed by standards, and transparency about material sourcing and expected service life. Specifiers who ask these questions upfront avoid costly failures and deliver buildings that perform well for decades. Explore thermally modified wood as a high-performance natural material to understand how material innovation supports this goal.