Savills boosts BPC London project management team with data centre sector specialist

Savills boosts BPC London project management team with data centre sector specialist

Savills has continued to grow its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of data centre specialist Alex Thomas who joins as an associate director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Alex has over 15 years’ experience across the construction industry, delivering complex data centre projects throughout EMEA for clients including AWS and Microsoft. He joins from Rider Levett Bucknall,  having previously worked at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions after starting his career as a structural engineer. At Savills, Alex will join the data centre project management team working alongside Marc Edmondson who joined the firm earlier this year. Together, they will work with the company’s wider data centre experts in the UK and EMEA, ranging from planning to capital advisory. Alex Thomas comments: “I am delighted to join Savills data centre project management team, strengthening the firm’s capability to help satisfy increasing demand from both cloud providers and AI businesses. This remains an exciting area of expansion and I look forward to working with Savills strong existing network of data centre experts across the UK and EMEA.” Simon Collett, Executive Director and head of BPC at Savills adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Alex to Savills. This is a significant growth area for the business and his experience and expertise will no doubt bolster our ability to offer our clients a first-class service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Business Environments: The Unbelievable Costs of Poor Cleaning Practices

Business Environments: The Unbelievable Costs of Poor Cleaning Practices

For some businesses, cleaning is another item on the list to cross out. They don’t consider the long-term effects that poor practices may have on their operations. And in most cases, the cost is devastating and even unbelievable. Good cleaning shouldn’t be something you put off or do half-heartedly. Leaving behind dirt and debris can compromise your entire workspace. That’s why trusted companies like Georgia Facility Services come so highly recommended. They go beyond surface-level cleaning, delivering real results that protect your space, your staff, and your reputation. Want to know what sets them apart? Learn more about Georgia Facility Services and why they’re a top choice for smart, long-term cleaning solutions. Your customers, employees, and even building inspectors will notice the difference. In this article, we’ll dig into the real costs of neglecting proper cleaning and why it’s worth getting it right. Customer Dissatisfaction Whether returning or potential, customers are always watching. They see your products and hear your pitches. But other senses are at play because they can smell and see your premises. Do you have a reception with a handful of dust and mold stifling out? Or do your restrooms give off more than their fair share of stink? You might think doing enough compensates for everything, but you’re wrong. These spots and others deserve the ultimate cleaning attention. Remember, first impressions are lasting ones. A poorly cleaned business area says more than you imagine. Letting your staff and customers know you don’t care about cleanliness. Real Health and Safety Violations Most businesses are subject to regular health and safety inspections. When you fall foul of the rules, the cost could be too steep to handle. Things like poor hygiene and improper waste disposal can lead to significant fines. There are agencies that watch out for hygiene and safety standards, especially in public industries. Instead of facing risks like steep fines and shutdown, ensure improved cleaning standards. Poor Staff Morale If you thought only your customers would have issues, you’re wrong. Your staff or employees would likely frown at working in a dirty, poorly maintained environment. Their attitude can change to low motivation, poor attention to services, and more. Some of the employees even leave the job, citing poor treatment and consideration. What do your staff really want? They want to be proud of the place they work for. Feeling safe on the job starts with having the right tools and a comfortable, clean environment. That means spotless restrooms, high safety standards, and a space that shows you care. You’ll get fewer sick days, better productivity, and smooth operations. Damaged Reputation It’s a social media world, which means word spreads faster. Most times, it takes a single bad review, viral post, or video to get tongues wagging. The sad part? It could be a dent in your reputation or business credibility. With dirt, you can recover with proper cleaning practices. But it takes more effort to wipe stains off your business’s reputation. Before it gets to that state where your loyal customers leave, get busy. A team with experience can help to brush up on your business environment and spaces. Doing so will mean avoiding extra costs for PR fixes to your reputation. Open Invite to Pests and Extensive Damage It takes a little while before unclean spaces become open invitations to pests. Before you realize it, you’ve got more than dirty floors to deal with. Why not prevent such occurrences with cleaners that maintain a pristine environment? Roaches, termites, rats, and other pests will have a field day in a dirty space. If you have issues with waste, mold, and other dirt, get rid of them fast before you encounter issues that cost more to fix and handle. If you can, employ all necessary measures to maintain a spotless environment. That includes hiring experts who can perform various tasks, depending on the arrangement. Poorly Executed DIY In-house employees or DIY mechanisms may extend potential cleaning problems. This is the case with many small business owners. They imagine that they have people who could come in and mop. But that’s rarely enough. The truth is that professional cleaning is different from casual sweeping or mopping. Professionals come prepared to handle all kinds of cleaning needs. They will deal competently with high-touch surfaces that spread germs. Professionals apply industrial-strength disinfectants and follow strict schedules. They do this without causing a break in your team’s workflow and other processes. And this means you’ll save money and manpower as your team focuses on vital tasks. Conclusion Cleaning attracts some costs, but poor practices create new problems. You may end up spending too much to run your business. Faced with rent and other running costs, a dirty environment has huge financial implications. If you’re starting a new business, it’s a major pitfall to avoid. Some of the repercussions are discussed here. They include damage to your business’s reputation, low staff morale, and regulatory violations. Your best bet? Invest in a professional cleaning company for your business or commercial space. You’d be protecting people, property, inventories, profits, and your reputation. Georgia Facility Services is the best company to work with.

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Manchester’s Landmark Wellbeing Resort Moves a Step Closer

Manchester’s Landmark Wellbeing Resort Moves a Step Closer

The long-anticipated Therme Manchester project has taken a major leap forward with the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as construction manager, signalling that work on the £450 million urban wellbeing resort is set to begin in earnest. Therme Manchester is billed as the United Kingdom’s first true urban wellbeing destination and one of the largest thermal pool complexes in Europe. The resort will combine elements of a luxury spa, waterpark and botanical retreat, offering more than 25 water slides, the UK’s biggest sauna area, multiple steam rooms and a wave pool designed for families. Visitors will also encounter landscaped gardens and immersive art installations, creating an experience that blends relaxation, entertainment and culture under one roof. The scheme is the flagship development of Therme Horizon, a €1 billion joint venture between Austrian spa specialist Therme Group and private equity investor CVC. This partnership reflects both the ambition and scale of the project, which aims to transform a former brownfield site at TraffordCity in Greater Manchester into a year-round attraction drawing millions of visitors. Peel Waters, the site’s owner, has worked closely with Therme Group since the project’s inception and has already overseen demolition of the former EventCity venue to prepare the land for construction. For Sir Robert McAlpine, the appointment follows a period of collaboration under a pre-construction services agreement. Now formally named construction manager, the company will oversee delivery of the complex build. McAlpine’s chief executive Neil Martin described the commission as a privilege, noting that the project represents “a major investment in wellbeing, sustainability and community infrastructure”. The firm’s reputation for handling large-scale and technically challenging developments was a decisive factor in the appointment. Professor David Russell, chief executive of Therme UK, highlighted McAlpine’s “unrivalled expertise” and commitment to sustainability, saying that these qualities made the company “the ideal team to bring Therme Manchester to life”. He added that the resort is intended to have a “lasting positive impact on Greater Manchester and beyond”, not only as a leisure destination but also as a driver of employment and economic growth. Local stakeholders share that optimism. Trafford Council leader Tom Ross welcomed the scheme as a “fantastic” addition to the borough, emphasising the hundreds of construction and permanent jobs it will create. He pointed to the project’s alignment with the council’s priorities of supporting a thriving economy, improving public health and regenerating a vacant site in a sustainable way. Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker echoed those sentiments, calling the resort a “complete game-changer for health, leisure and the visitor economy in the north”. Accessibility is central to the design. The resort will sit at the heart of TraffordCity and connect to the Bee Network of public transport, including Metrolink services, as well as new canal-side walking and cycling routes. A multi-storey car park will accommodate visitors who choose to drive, ensuring that the attraction can welcome guests from across the region and beyond. Beyond the impressive statistics and grand design, the project speaks to a growing trend in urban planning: integrating wellness and leisure into city life. By offering thermal pools, saunas and botanical environments within easy reach of Manchester’s population, Therme Manchester aims to redefine how people in the UK experience relaxation and recreation. The development also underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship, with sustainability considerations woven into both construction and future operations. With construction management now in experienced hands, the vision of a world-class wellbeing resort in the north of England is closer than ever. When complete, Therme Manchester is expected to attract millions of visitors each year, reinforcing Greater Manchester’s reputation as a hub for innovative and ambitious development while giving residents and tourists alike a unique place to unwind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Boots Unveils First Standalone Fragrance Store in the City of London

Boots Unveils First Standalone Fragrance Store in the City of London

Boots is preparing to launch a new retail concept with the opening of its first-ever standalone fragrance store at Broadgate Central in the heart of the City of London. The 1,900 square foot shop, set to welcome customers this autumn, will showcase more than 400 scents from over 20 leading brands, offering an extensive choice for perfume enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. The move reflects a significant shift in consumer habits. The UK fragrance market is expanding at a rate far outpacing the wider economy, with forecasts suggesting it could reach £2 billion by 2029. Boots aims to tap into this rapid growth by giving fragrance its own dedicated space, creating an environment where customers can browse, test and discover without the distractions of a larger pharmacy or beauty floor. Broadgate Central, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station, was chosen for its high visibility and constant flow of City workers and commuters. The location positions the store to attract both daily foot traffic and those seeking a quick stop during their journey across London. Dan Kent, head of retail at property consultancy Rapleys, which advised Boots on the deal, said the new concept underlines the retailer’s ability to bridge digital and physical shopping. “Boots is leading the way in combining online and physical store presence,” he explained. “Broadgate Central is the perfect location for the new concept, with City workers able to drop in and huge passing footfall from commuters via Liverpool Street Station. We look forward to working with Boots on further projects as they continue to innovate and roll out the concept in the future.” The Broadgate opening also comes as Rapleys strengthens its own retail expertise. Earlier this year the consultancy added six new team members from Avison Young and has recently secured work with Sainsbury’s, Australian fitness brand BFT, Stansted Airport and The University of Sheffield. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for strategic retail advice as brands reimagine their physical footprints. For Boots, the standalone fragrance store represents a fresh chapter in a long history of innovation. By carving out a dedicated space for perfume, the company is not only responding to the booming fragrance market but also experimenting with how specialist retail can complement its established high street presence and online operations. With its curated selection of more than 400 perfumes and a prime City location, the new store is set to become a destination for anyone seeking a signature scent or the perfect gift. As the fragrance sector continues to flourish, this debut could mark the beginning of a wider rollout of standalone Boots Fragrance stores across the UK, bringing a renewed focus on luxury and personal expression to one of the nation’s best-known retail names. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Steel signing ceremony marks major milestone at TJ Morris Distribution Centre in Doncaster

Steel signing ceremony marks major milestone at TJ Morris Distribution Centre in Doncaster

Over 6,000 tonnes of structural steel will be installed as part of the £108million build project set to create 1,000 new jobs. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has marked a significant milestone at the new state-of-the-art Distribution Centre for leading UK retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, with a steel signing ceremony at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster. The event commemorated the completion of the first phase of structural steelwork – the towering 43-metre High Bay section, which is a major engineering landmark in the development of the 829,000 sq. ft advanced automated facility. The steelwork, designed and delivered by Caunton Engineering Ltd, represents the scale and ambition of the project. To date, the structure has involved; 2,606 holding down bolts, 142,452 structural bolts, 55,789 metres and 5,395 tonnes of hot rolled steel, 112 metres and 793 tonnes of cold rolled steel, and 33,558 welded fittings. With steelwork on the Low Bay section – which stands at 28 metres – now underway, the project continues to progress ahead of schedule, moving towards its completion time of October 2026. The project has already achieved several critical milestones, including completion of approximately 80% of all building foundations, completion of a 16-week earthworks programme and installation of 14,000 precast piles and 8,000 rigid inclusion piles. Once complete, the facility will serve 300+ Home Bargains stores nationwide, forming the cornerstone of TJ Morris’ long-term logistics and distribution strategy. The milestone was celebrated onsite with representatives from TJ Morris Ltd, McLaren Construction, City of Doncaster Council, Business Doncaster, and project partners Waystone Hargreaves Land, and AtkinsRéalis. In addition to its commercial impact, the project underscores McLaren’s commitment to local engagement and sustainability. Key initiatives include a highly localised supply chain, with 70 percent of suppliers currently located within 50 miles of the site, innovation applied to the steel requirements to ensure the scheme is as economical as possible, the use of borrow pits and local fill materials significantly reducing transport emissions, and the sponsorship of a local football team, including full kit provision. Located at Unity Connect, the facility is part of the wider Unity Yorkshire masterplan – a transformative mixed-use regeneration scheme that spans over 250 hectares, delivering homes, jobs, and infrastructure across the region. The Unity scheme is also home to a dedicated Employment Academy, an initiative funded by Waystone Hargreaves Land and delivered in partnership with Business Doncaster aimed at supporting recruitment, training, and access to employment opportunities for local residents. Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction, said: “This is a very exciting day for us and our team and partners. As a business we are so proud to be involved in milestones like this to celebrate an impressive flagship project that will create 1,000 new jobs and enhance logistics capabilities across the region. “The steel signing not only marks the physical progress of this significant build but also reflects the spirit of collaboration across stakeholders, and the enormous economic potential the facility will bring to Doncaster. Thank you to all of the team for their exceptional effort, and to everyone for your input and being here today to mark this occasion.” Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This steel signing marks a major milestone not just for the TJ Morris Distribution Centre, but for Doncaster’s growth story. The Distribution Centre is not only creating 1,000 new jobs and strengthening our local economy — it’s also championing local suppliers including British Steel and demonstrating sustainable practices. “This development is a shining example of how investment and collaboration can deliver real benefits for our communities. I’m proud to see Doncaster leading the way in innovation, opportunity, and inclusive growth and look forward to the continued progress of this landmark scheme.” Neil Kelson, Head of Logistics at TJ Morris added: “We’re delighted to see this landmark scheme moving at pace and the steel signing ceremony for the new Distribution Centre represents a key step in our logistics strategy, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently and support our expansion plans, while creating significant employment opportunities for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic completes critical improvement works to Orwell Bridge for National Highways

Winvic completes critical improvement works to Orwell Bridge for National Highways

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has announced the completion of the A14 Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement for National Highways. The £4m scheme being delivered under the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) took place at the A14 westbound carriageway of Orwell Bridge in Ipswich – a critical transport link in the East of England to Felixstowe port. The essential maintenance commenced on 16th June and required the expediated replacement of ageing expansion joints. The works were urgently commissioned to protect the safety of the public, alongside preventing disruption to the main route that is essential for all freight traffic heading to Felixstowe. Winvic, National Highways, engineer WSP, and Chevron Traffic Management, collaborated to create a permanent solution for a 175-day programme which was consolidated to just 37 days as a result of working 24 hours, seven days per week in contraflow to minimise disruption on this busy route. Construction involved undertaking hydro demolition works, alongside working at height across a constrained site of two lanes for traffic and pedestrian access, with approximately 12,000 HGV movements over the bridge every day. National Highways engaged with Suffolk County Council and politicians in order to ensure transport links were not affected by any works and disruption was minimised for road users. The team employed an advanced traffic management system and carried out numerical traffic modelling using validated traffic models from Suffolk County Council, which allowed them to assess the impact of all potential options for road users. Ahead of the works starting, Winvic supported National Highways at The Suffolk Show, where almost 300 people visited over two days to ask questions and learn about the project. Further public engagement sessions were held at other locations across Ipswich. The public were also kept appraised of the work through VMS signage, live journey time updates, targeted briefings, and timely distribution of handouts. Winvic applied lessons learnt from previous SDF schemes to improve efficiency and safety on Orwell Bridge. For example, the adoption of a floor saw to remove Lamella Rails which eliminated the use of hot works, reducing manual handling and delivering an 80% time saving on the works – equating to two weeks saved on the programme. Local suppliers were engaged throughout the project, contributing to the growth of the local economy and reducing environmental impact. As part of Winvic’s commitment to delivering meaningful Social Value and community engagement, the project team visited Morland Primary School in Ipswich to promote safety awareness around construction sites to over 120 pupils. The team also volunteered to support local Ipswich community projects, which included supporting the St. Elizabeth’s Hospice pop-up shop in Ipswich’s Buttermarket Centre, selling merchandise for the Hop-To-It Art Trail – one of the charity’s largest annual fundraising events. Rob Cook, Managing Director for Civils & Infrastructure at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “We have built a strong and trusted partnership with National Highways over many years of collaboration, including our time on the SDF. We’re proud to have successfully delivered the pivotal works to Orwell Bridge, delivering to a consolidated programme, which prioritised public safety while minimising disruption for road users and local businesses.” “The project was a true team effort, with seamless collaboration between National Highways and our supply chain partners. We’re proud of the high standards achieved and the positive contribution the scheme has made to both infrastructure and the local community.” Andy Jobling, National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, said: “Working on the momentous Orwell Bridge to replace the expansion joints was always going to be extremely challenging. The great collaboration between partners to share ideas, experience and bring forward methods of working, enabled us to expedite construction and minimise road closures. “These essential maintenance works were developed at pace and successfully delivered to programme due to the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved on the project. This was a huge achievement, undertaking construction as quickly and safely as possible, whilst minimising disruption to motorists and the community.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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