Key appointment marks launch of Trident’s new sustainability division
Today marks a very special day at Trident Building Consultancy. As a proud B-Corp company, we take sustainability extremely seriously, both in terms of helping our clients become more sustainable and ensuring our own operations are optimised, as well. But now, we are taking a giant leap forward in this vital area of our industry. We are launching a brand-new division – Sustainability Services– to cement our position at the forefront of the construction sector’s journey to net zero. To head up this division, we have appointed a highly respected and deeply knowledgeable expert, Darren Berman. Darren brings with him 25 years of experience in sustainability, including building a consulting team focused on decarbonisation, renewables and sustainable design which played a leading role in helping the GLA and London authorities pioneer the first sustainability-led planning policies. After this, Darren went on to establish CRBE’s sustainability practice and then led JLL’s sustainability team, shaping strategies for public bodies, corporates and investors, including some of the sector’s first climate risk frameworks and net zero strategies Darren’s leadership of Sustainability Services will significantly enhance Trident Building Consultancy’s services in sustainability. The new division will manage risks in acquisition, optimise sustainability in development and refurbishment; and help portfolio owners and occupiers to reduce their environmental impact and maximise social value across their operations. This will be achieved through a host of new services, focused on: Darren said: “My new role at Trident is all about helping clients make a tangible impact, whether through developing new buildings or repositioning existing ones to guard against obsolescence, manage climate and regulatory risks, and deliver cost-effective pathways to net zero while meeting tenants’ ESG expectations.” Managing Director, Dan Roe, described Darren’s appointment as a huge addition to the business. He said: “We have launched our Sustainability Services division to help the construction and property sectors take the steps they need to do to achieve new zero and create social value. “With Darren at the helm, I am confident that we will be able to make a huge difference in the area of sustainability.” To learn more about our new sustainability services, please click here: Delivering Impact or to get in touch with Darren, please email: darren.berman@tridentbc.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group appointed to NEUPC Refurbishment Framework
Yorkshire-based GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) Refurbishment Framework, marking a significant step forward in its public sector growth strategy. The company has secured a place in the £4m-£10m project value band for the Yorkshire and Humber region, with projects to be delivered from its Leeds office. The four-year framework supports refurbishment schemes across NEUPC’s network of members, associates, and affiliates, including universities, further education colleges, schools, NHS Trusts, and other public sector organisations. NEUPC is one of six regional purchasing consortia that form the UK Universities Procurement Consortia (UKUPC), which collectively manage collaborative procurement agreements across the UK’s higher education sector. It also marks an early success for Ken Rawe who recently joined GMI as Head of Frameworks. The newly created role is central to the company’s strategy to expand its footprint across public sector frameworks and strengthen long-term relationships with institutional clients. He brings more than 20 years of experience in framework management, procurement, and project delivery, having previously held senior roles at Kier Group, mac-group, and Shaylor Group. Ken Rawe said: “We are proud to have been selected by NEUPC to deliver high-quality refurbishment projects that support the continued development of education, healthcare, and public service environments. “NEUPC is a recognised leader in collaborative, client-focused procurement, and its values are closely aligned with our own. This appointment demonstrates our commitment to supporting the public sector and creating lasting value for the communities we serve.” GMI’s inclusion on the NEUPC framework builds on a strong track record within the public sector. The company already holds positions on several major procurement frameworks, including Pagabo, Procure Partnerships, North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO), and the University of Manchester Construction Works framework. Andy Hughes, Deputy Head of Operational Procurement and Category Manager, said: “We are pleased to award a long term framework that is open to all members of the NEUPC, covering a diverse range of requirements in refurbishment works that we hope will provide savings as well as quality work for our members.” Gareth Jones, GMI’s Group Managing Director, added: “Ken’s experience in navigating national and regional frameworks is already helping strengthen our presence in this vital sector. “Being added to the NEUPC framework is a valuable addition to our growing public sector portfolio and a strong endorsement of GMI’s capabilities and collaborative approach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glass, gates and grit: £38m Whitesands flood defences move ahead in Dumfries
Dumfries & Galloway Council has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey to deliver a £38m flood protection scheme at Whitesands, setting in motion long-awaited works to safeguard the riverside quarter from the River Nith. The project follows years of debate over cost and design and responds to a persistent local problem: the Whitesands area has seen regular inundation—205 incidents recorded over the past two centuries—with climate change expected to intensify both frequency and severity. McLaughlin & Harvey has been engaged on an early contractor involvement basis to refine buildability, phasing and community impacts ahead of the main construction programme, which is expected to start next summer. The contractor will work alongside Turner & Townsend and Jacobs, who are providing consultancy support across cost, programme and technical design. The solution combines permanent and demountable elements to balance protection with riverside amenity. New barriers will be installed along a raised walkway on the Nith, using a mix of reinforced walls, high-clarity glass panels and flood gates at key access points. The glass sections are intended to retain river views and daylight while delivering the required defence standard, addressing long-standing concerns that traditional opaque walls would sever the town’s relationship with its waterfront. Flood gates will enable access for pedestrians, vehicles and events in normal conditions, closing rapidly when river levels rise. Invasive ground investigation works were completed in summer 2024, informing the foundation strategy and helping to de-risk construction in a complex urban setting. With utilities and traffic routes threaded tightly through the area, the early contractor involvement phase is expected to focus on sequencing, temporary works and stakeholder engagement to minimise disruption to local businesses, residents and visitors. Beyond protecting property and infrastructure, the scheme is designed to unlock confidence for future investment in the town centre. Reduced flood risk can lower insurance premiums, stabilise trading conditions and encourage upgrade decisions that have previously been deferred. The raised walkway and public-realm elements also create an opportunity to improve accessibility and wayfinding along the river corridor, linking the waterfront more clearly with the town’s retail and heritage assets. Once on site, the programme will likely be paced around river conditions and seasonal constraints, with key activities—including foundation pours, barrier installation and gate commissioning—co-ordinated to avoid peak flood windows where feasible. Commissioning will include integrated testing of gates, drainage interfaces and emergency procedures. For Dumfries, the project represents a pragmatic compromise forged through extensive consultation: robust, adaptable defences that keep the river in view rather than out of mind. As the main works mobilise next year, the focus will be on delivering reliable protection with the least possible disruption—an investment in resilience that aims to pay back through safer streets, steadier trade and renewed confidence on the banks of the Nith. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plymouth City Council and Urban Fox launch full scale on-street EV charging rollout following pilot success
Plymouth City Council and Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, have announced the official launch of their partnership to deploy low impact, on street electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Plymouth. This comes after a highly successful two and a half year pilot, which saw Urban Fox install 26 dual socket UEone chargepoints – serving 53 charging bays across 10 hubs – and support the annual charging needs of up to 650 EV drivers. The next phase of the partnership will see the reinstatement of 24 dual socket UEone chargepoints, creating 48 charging bays, underlining the Council’s commitment to expanding near home charging for residents, especially those without off street parking options. Prior to deployment, a comprehensive survey revealed: Urban Fox’s UEone, a retractable, kerbside fast chargepoint, was chosen to address these priorities, offering a discreet design which is flush to the ground when not in use. Importantly, insights from the trial led to further design enhancements, including: The original pilot demonstrated the feasibility and accessibility of the UEone chargepoints and was met with a positive reception. The latest rollout will expand Plymouth’s EV infrastructure, offering safe, reliable, and scalable charging solutions. Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, said: “We are proud to build on the success of our pilot and expand this vital infrastructure in Plymouth. The UEone perfectly combines design, functionality, reliability and accessibility. We’re delighted to partner with the council in accelerating the city’s transition toward cleaner transport.” Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, added: “Ensuring equitable access to EV charging has ever been more important. Our joint pilot with Urban Fox clearly demonstrated not only the demand but also the effectiveness of on street charging in making meaningful progress toward our sustainability targets.” This EV charging initiative is a key component of Plymouth City Council’s strategy to reduce emissions and facilitate a cleaner, sustainable urban future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Climate tech firm appoints new CEO to power next stage of international growth
IES, a Glasgow-headquartered climate tech firm which has helped to improve the energy performance of iconic buildings, including Heathrow’s Terminal 5, MGM Las Vegas, San Francisco and the Dubai Opera House, has appointed Christine Mullin as its new chief executive officer. Christine succeeds IES founder, Dr Don McLean, who has led the business for over three decades and will continue to support the company as he moves into the role of non-executive director. Christine brings significant senior leadership experience across international technology and B2B SaaS operations, with a proven track record in scaling businesses, driving growth, and delivering successful outcomes. She has held senior roles at Microsoft UK, Dext, MetaPack, and Bookatable, where she scaled operations, drove acquisitions, and spearheaded market expansion. Most recently, Christine served as COO at Texthelp, a leading global provider of assistive software to both education and corporate organisations. Christine has also completed the MIT AI and Machine Learning: Leading Business Growth programme, further enhancing her strategic expertise. Christine Mullin, CEO of IES, said: “IES has an exceptional reputation for innovation and impact, having enabled the energy-efficient design, retrofit and operation of some of the most well-known buildings and infrastructure projects in the world. In doing so, we have empowered countless architecture, engineering and construction firms, building owners and operators to reduce costs, enhance the occupant experience, and lower the carbon impact of our global built environment. “What drew me to IES is the same thing that drives everyone here – a belief in the power of our technology to make a tangible difference by optimising the energy performance of buildings and infrastructure worldwide, helping to enable a truly sustainable planet. With demand for intelligent climate tech solutions only growing globally, this is an important moment for the business. I’m honoured to get the opportunity to build on Don’s remarkable legacy, working with the outstanding IES team and our broader network of industry partners to lead IES into its next phase of growth. Together, we can empower more organisations to make confident, data-driven decisions that help decarbonise the built environment at scale.” Over the past three decades, Don’s leadership has guided IES from its origins as a small start-up, inspired by his PhD research, into a global climate leader whose technology has been applied to more than 1.5 million buildings worldwide. During that time, the built environment has faced a succession of profound shifts – from early concerns over energy security, to the mounting urgency of the climate crisis, and the pressing need for resilient, low-carbon infrastructure today. IES has remained at the forefront of this transformation, helping to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of some of the world’s most iconic buildings. Don’s vision, combined with the dedication of the IES team, has established the company as a trusted global partner in enabling a more sustainable built environment. Dr Don McLean, founder and non-executive director at IES, commented: “When I founded IES just over 31 years ago, the conversation around buildings was only beginning to recognise the importance of energy security and environmental impact. Since then, we’ve seen the climate agenda move to the centre of global policy and business, and I’m proud that IES has played an important role in that transformation. “From pioneering the use of digital technology in building performance to contributing to major global projects, the company has always been driven by innovation and a determination to make a difference. I am so proud of everything that we have achieved so far. But there is still much more to do if we are to meet the pressing challenges our society faces when it comes to mitigating the worst impacts of climate change and the role that our buildings play within that. “While I remain committed to furthering the decarbonisation of our global built environment, now feels the right time to hand over the reins to Christine, whose experience, vision, and drive will help to take IES into its next exciting phase. I look forward to supporting her and the team as IES continues its vital mission.” Christine’s appointment follows IES’s landmark 2024 strategic investment from the Apax Global Impact Fund, which is helping to accelerate the company’s expansion and mission to decarbonise buildings around the world. For more information about IES, visit www.iesve.com or follow the company on LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Successful Industry Demo for New Develon Series 9 Excavator
Focus on Ground-breaking Safety Features of New Develon Series 9 DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has announced that it has conducted a successful field demonstration of the company‘s new DX230LC-9 23 tonne crawler excavator and its smart safety technologies, including the ground-breaking E-STOP system, at a test site in Compiègne in France. The demonstration was organized by OPPBTP (the French professional organization for improving health and safety in Building and Public Works) and took place at the construction site of the Seine–Nord Europe Canal project, operated by Bouygues, a leading global construction company. The OPPBTP is made up of health and safety experts from the industry, who provide daily support to professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry. Its aim is to develop practices to prevent workplace accidents and occupational illnesses to improve the health and safety of workers in the construction industry. Stephane Dieu, Product Manager for Develon Excavators in Europe, said: “It was a great pleasure to accept OPPBTP’s invitation, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our innovative technology for reducing accident risks on earthmoving sites. Many thanks to Sébastien MARIE from OPPBTP and also to Société du Canal Seine-Nord Europe (SCSNE) for allowing this innovation to be tested on the Canal Seine Nord construction site and Bouygues Travaux Publics for conducting the tests and for their positive feedback on the E-Stop system.” As well as Bouygues, the demonstration event was also attended by representatives from four other major international construction firms – including Eiffage – as well as government representatives, the Chairman of the Board of the Seine Nord Europe Canal Company and the Safety Director of FNTP (Fédération Nationale des Travaux Publics), the French national federation representing the public works and construction industry. E-Stop, the First Safety System of its Kind as Standard on an Excavator Develon’s equipment was deployed to showcase both its core performance and advanced smart safety functions, including E-Stop, the first system from a crawler excavator manufacturer that stops the movement of the machine when a person is detected within 4 m of the excavator. Stephane Dieu continued: “The new Develon DX230LC-9 excavator used in the demonstration was equipped with a range of smart safety technologies such as collision risk warnings and around-view monitoring. Among them, the E-STOP system—similar to automotive emergency braking systems—garnered particular attention from operators and demonstration attendees. Develon plans to further develop the E-Stop system and begin launch in the European market with it installed from January of next year.” The OPPBTP (Organisme Professionnel de Prévention du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics) was established in 1947 to address high accident rates in the construction sector. Since 2022, it has been operating the joint industry project “Stop Collision” aimed at preventing accidents between equipment and pedestrians. The recent field demonstration and showcase with Develon was conducted as part of this project. Star of the Bauma 2025 Exhibition Presented for the first time at Bauma 2025, Develon’s new Next Generation Series 9 Smart Crawler Excavator range represents the latest stage in a proud legacy at Develon that can be traced back through five generations of excavators that began with the Solar range in the 1980s. With the Series 9 range, Develon is aiming to set a new standard for future products and technologies in construction equipment. Like all Series 9 models, the DX230LC-9 achieves this goal by combining 10 (ten) ground-breaking technologies and will redefine and set new industry levels of Productivity, Safety, Operator Convenience and Sustainability. The Series 9 range not only endorses the company’s forward-thinking vision but also underscores Develon’s unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence in the construction equipment sector. Safety & Smart Features on Series 9 Machines The Smart All-Around Viewing Monitor (SAVM) is an AI-based Object Detection technology to effectively identify both moving and stationary individuals in close proximity to the machine. Upon detection, the system promptly alerts operators through a combination of visual signals and audible alarms on the monitor, ensuring a heightened awareness of the surrounding environment. The innovative E-Stop and Virtual Wall functions prevent accidents the operators are not aware of. To help ensure safety, the area surrounding the machine is clearly defined into specific zones: a yellow warning zone (Zone 2) and a red danger zone (Zone 1). The SAVM and E-Stop system utilize 6 cameras and 3 radars and work in three stages with a detection range of 6 m and 330°. The system is active only for personnel, and is able to make out the difference between people and objects: The E-Stop is an essential safety feature designed to control or halt a machine’s movement, such as driving or swinging, in cautionary or dangerous areas, thereby ensuring operator safety. The Virtual Wall feature significantly enhances operation by allowing users to confine the machine’s movement within predefined areas where the risk of collision may be heightened. For more on Develon, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals