ep Group and GridBeyond sign partnership agreement to optimise 50MW battery in North Baddesley
ep Group, a UK energy transition company, and global smart energy company GridBeyond are announcing a partnership agreement to deliver an AI-powered optimisation programme for ep Group’s growing energy storage operations. The partnership further supports ep Group’s joint venture with Norwegian power systems and battery storage specialist, Pixii AS, launched earlier this year to meet growing demand for optimised distributed energy systems in the UK. The partnership involves the optimisation of 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in North Baddesley, UK and the enrolment in the capacity market. ep Group’s BESS will benefit from GridBeyond’s Energy Management System and AI-driven optimisation platform, which enables real-time optimisation, design, forecasting and trading, allowing access to new revenue streams in the UK energy market. Accurate energy price forecasting will further allow for strategic charging and discharging that aligns with market dynamics and prolongs the life of batteries. “Our partnership with GridBeyond advances our mission to accelerate the shift to distributed, decarbonised, and digitised energy systems,” said Leo Bedford, Partner at ep Group. “With this partnership, we’re combining GridBeyond’s leading optimisation capabilities with Pixii’s power conversion technology and ep Group’s delivery expertise to help clients transform energy infrastructure into a strategic, value-generating asset.” “We are delighted to work together with ep Group to support their growing BESS portfolio,” said Scott Berrie, Director of Origination at GridBeyond. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to advancing energy storage in the UK and highlights the strength of our AI-driven optimisation capabilities, utilising our market-leading forecasting and asset state-of-health expertise to maximise profits across all markets. Energy storage solutions are essential to enabling the full potential of renewable energy, adding flexibility and reliability across the grid.” About GridBeyond:GridBeyond’s vision is to deliver a global zero carbon future. By leveraging AI, we innovate and collaborate with our customers to create optimal value from energy generation, demand and storage to deliver a zero-carbon future. By bridging the gap between distributed energy resources and electricity markets, GridBeyond’s technology means every connected asset – whether utility-scale renewables generation, battery storage, or industrial load – can be utilized to help maximize opportunities and enhance the grid. By intelligently dispatching flexibility into the right market, at the right time, asset owners and energy consumers unlock new revenues and savings, resilience, and management of price volatility, while supporting the transition to a Net Zero future. For more information, visit www.gridbeyond.com. About ep Group:ep Group is a specialist energy transition company with operations spanning advisory, sustainable building design, capital investment, and infrastructure delivery. ep Pixii is part of ep Group and is the exclusive distribution partner for Pixii batteries in the UK. For more information, visit www.epgroup.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Swadlincote Set for £59 Million Leisure and Civic Hub at Former Mining Site
A major new leisure and office development is being proposed for Swadlincote, with South Derbyshire District Council unveiling plans for a £59 million complex on a former mining site at Cadley Park. The scheme, designed by CPMG Architects, would deliver a contemporary glass-fronted leisure centre at ground level with an open-plan council office hub above, creating a new civic focus for the town. The council hopes construction could begin as early as September next year, subject to planning approval. Located off William Nadin Way, the development is intended to breathe new life into the Cadley Park site and provide modern facilities to serve residents across South Derbyshire. The proposals include a state-of-the-art leisure centre to replace the ageing Green Bank Leisure Centre on Civic Way, which would be demolished once the new building is open. South Derbyshire District Council has launched a public consultation, inviting local people to share their views on the plans ahead of a formal planning application expected before the end of the year. Residents, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to review the designs and comment on how the new hub can best meet local needs. Council leader Robert Pearson said the project represented a significant step forward for the district. “A project like this is complicated and there has been a huge amount of work going on in the background to get us to this stage,” he said. “But of course, these key milestones in the programme are the most exciting, as we all get to take a sneak peek at what has been happening, and the plans for this future new addition to our district.” If approved, the Cadley Park development would provide Swadlincote with a modern leisure destination and new council headquarters on a single site, transforming a former industrial area into a landmark community asset. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify Joins Sustainable Ventures to Accelerate Climate Tech Innovation and Net-Zero Solution
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT). the world leader in lighting, today announced it has joined Sustainable Ventures. Europe’s leading climate tech growth partner as a corporate partner. Through this partnership, Signify will bring its innovative connected lighting solutions to Sustainable Ventures’ workspaces across the UK, a showcase in how climate tech solutions can support the UK’s mission to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Through the partnership Signify will also collaborate with Sustainable Ventures across their innovation programmes, contributing industry expertise, and exploring opportunities for co-creation in areas such as decarbonisation, net zero planning, intelligent buildings, circularity, and digital energy management. Signify will also join Sustainable Ventures’ workspace community, gaining access to their hubs across the country, which are designed to embody One Planet Living principles. Powered by renewable energy and built with circular principles and a sustainability-first design, these spaces provide an environment that reflects and reinforces the values driving the climate tech community as well as Signify’s commitment to sustainability. “The climate-tech sector is growing at an exciting pace, and we at Signify are proud to support that momentum by joining Sustainable Ventures. Collaborating with pioneering innovators who are part of Sustainable Ventures will enable us to amplify our impact across industries. Lighting plays a pivotal role in driving energy savings and enabling smarter, more efficient buildings. Our membership reinforces our commitment to advancing technologies that support decarbonisation, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate meaningful climate action on the path to a low-carbon future.” said Nico van der Merwe, CEO, Signify UKI. Simon Brown. Partner. Corporate Innovation. Sustainable Ventures. commented. “We are thrilled to welcome Signify to our climate tech community. The lighting solutions that Signify have retrofitted into our unique London workspace at County Hall are truly fantastic and tell the story of what’s possible when retrofitting sustainable lighting solutions into a Grade II listed building. But what I am most excited about is extending this collaboration into our broader ecosystem, where we can connect Signify’s expertise with our 1,000+ startups and other key partners. This integrated support model is what truly accelerates the deployment of commercial innovation needed to drive net-zero solutions at scale” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Considerate Constructors Scheme Unveils 2025 Grand Gala Award Winners
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s winners prove that construction isn’t just about building structures, it’s about building a better future. Highlights from the Winners’ Circle Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Male Allies UK) – Gallaway Construction Gallaway Construction is turning construction into a catalyst for change. Through its Construction for Women programme, the company has empowered over 400 girls and women with hands-on skills and mentoring, while raising tens of thousands for local causes. A true example of how construction can be a force for good. Climate Champion – General Demolition General Demolition is rewriting the demolition playbook with bold circular strategies, recycling hundreds of tonnes of materials and slashing carbon emissions. From Northampton to London, their work sets a new standard for sustainability. Employer of the Year (sponsored by the National Federation of Builders) – John Sisk & Son With leadership programmes, apprenticeships and inclusion initiatives, John Sisk & Son is shaping a workplace where people thrive. Over 3,000 young people supported – proving that the future of construction starts with investing in talent today. Social Value Leader – Christina Nichols, John Sisk & Son Christina Nichols has delivered measurable impact: 3,600+ hours of career support and £54.6 million spent with local supply chains. Her work ensures construction leaves a lasting positive mark. Considerate Client – Marks & Spencer For 18 years, M&S has championed safety, sustainability and respect for communities, influencing contractors and setting the gold standard for client leadership. Supplier Recognition – O’Neil & Brennan (ONB) ONB’s seamless logistics and proactive problem-solving make them an indispensable partner, elevating every project they touch. Excellence in Construction (Large) – McLaughlin & Harvey From carbon monitoring to mental health support, McLaughlin & Harvey delivers excellence on every front. Excellence in Construction (Small) – Harmonix Construction Ltd Harmonix combines community engagement, environmental responsibility and workforce wellbeing – building with care and integrity. Legacy Award – Pevensey Bay Coastal Defence Two decades of protecting communities and managing coastal flood risks across 18,000 properties – a legacy of resilience. Innovation of the Year – Curo Construction AI meets safety: Curo’s real-time monitoring system sets a new benchmark for tech-driven site safety. Icon Award (sponsored by Building a Safer Future) – Luke Hands, Ardmore Group A mental health champion reshaping how construction cares for its people. Rising Stars 16 Rising Stars were celebrated, showcasing the next generation of leaders driving the future of construction: Matthew Barnes (VolkerHighways), Joel Blanchflower (Laing O’Rourke), Liam Cater (Ardmore Group), Nicol High (Octavius), Daniel Hilton (Kier Transportation), Liam Jackson (McLaughlin & Harvey), Megan McDonald (KPH Deconstruction Services), Chris O’Hagan (McLaughlin & Harvey), David Okorhi (Knight Build Limited), Kate Parsons (Kier Transportation), James Preston (McLaren Construction), Kit Robinson (Kier Transportation), Megan Smith (McLaughlin & Harvey), Cian Webb (Clegg Construction), Katie Webster (Kier Construction), Abigail Wilkinson (Sir Robert McAlpine). Champion of Construction (sponsored by Construction Industry Council) – Colin Robinson With 50 years of service, Colin Robinson, Senior Site Manager at GRAHAM Group, has demonstrated leadership and compassion that have transformed lives – from saving a colleague to creating safer spaces for children. Desiree Blamey, Managing Director for Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “The winners represent the very best of our industry, proving that construction can be innovative, inclusive and a powerful force for good. Their achievements set a standard that inspires us all to build responsibly and leave a lasting positive impact.” The event was supported by our sponsors, with Build Warranty as headline sponsor and Mates in Mind as the evening’s charity partner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
70% Carbon Literacy training discount for CITB members
Members can enjoy discount until March 2026 Members of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) across the UK can become Carbon Literate thanks to a 70% discount. Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is offering its accredited training for the construction sector at a discounted price until the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Spaces are available on pre-organised dates, or there is an option for organisations to commission a full cohort of exclusive training. Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Carbon Literacy training for the Construction Sector will help upskill businesses, organisations and people involved with the sector, so they have the knowledge required to successfully respond to the climate emergency and help move towards net zero. The training was developed in collaboration with constructor-sector professionals, and it is fully accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project. Brian Rae, Operations Manager, Environment and Place Services at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We first offered this sector-based training back in 2021 after collaborating and delivering the course to some of the industry’s most respected names. “In the years since we have improved and refreshed our module to make it relevant to the challenges and opportunities the construction industry is currently facing. “This discounted price is a fantastic opportunity for people in the sector – at any level – to understand how the sector is impacted by climate change and how tackling emissions can lead to more efficient and cost-effective operations.” To book spaces on training dates below, please contact your regional Customer Engagement Advisor at CITB. You can find this information on the CITB website here. To commission a full cohort (or cohorts) of the training, exclusively for your organisation, please email climate@keepscotlandbeautiful.org using CITB discount as the subject line, and supply us with dates that could work for your organisation. Keep Scotland Beautiful is the official partner in Scotland for the award-winning Carbon Literacy Project, the only Carbon Literate Training Organisation in Scotland, and the only Scottish organisation to have attained Platinum Carbon Literate Organisation status. The charity has trained more than 6,000 people to be Carbon Literate. Learn more at https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/our-training/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills: Shifting headroom in the UK grid creates opportunities and constraints for development, with the demand for connections outpacing the supply of available capacity
New research from Savills reveals the mounting pressure to connect projects to the UK’s low voltage distribution network. The distribution network, where most residential and small commercial developments seek connections, is facing a rising pace of applications for demand connections as well as a supply shortage of available capacity at substations. Demand connection applications rose by 30% from April 2024 to June 2025, leaving the total queue capacity at 29 GW which is equivalent to the power needed to supply roughly 14.5 million homes. The analysis from the international real estate advisor tracks the evolution of available supply capacity in the distribution network from June 2024 to August 2025, highlighting the evolution of improvements and constraints across the network. Grid IQ, developed by Savills Earth, reveals that there was around a 2 GW uplift of available capacity in primary substations from June 2024 to August 2025, placing the total available capacity at 39 GW. This figure has been largely unchanged (± 5%) over the course of the last two years. Even though the supply of capacity is about 34% higher than the demand for connections, the geographic distribution of capacity is misaligned with development needs. According to the Energy Networks Association, applications for new distribution level connections remain high, with a total of over 9 GW of connection applications for demand, generation and storage submitted each month. To contextualise this, 1 GW could power up to 500,000 homes or around ten large data centres, highlighting the scale of projects competing for limited capacity. Despite a strong requirement for new connections across demand, generation and storage, progress has been slow. Distribution network operators (DNOs) are working to optimise existing infrastructure, but developers continue to face delays. Regionally, London and the South East saw an 11% increase in demand headroom, around 1 GW, due to revised peak demand calculations by UK Power Networks, which could ease constraints on housing and mixed-use developments. In contrast, the Midlands and South West experienced a 14% drop in capacity, driven by a surge in logistics development, which is absorbing available power. Further north, the B6 Boundary, a key bottleneck between Scotland’s renewable generation and England’s demand centres, saw headroom fall by 23%, exacerbating the constraint within the region. From April 2026, rising Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges could prompt some site owners to reduce their import capacity, potentially freeing up grid capacity for new developments. With over 210,000 non-residential sites affected, even small adjustments could have a significant cumulative impact. Kyle Rarick, Data Analyst, Energy, Renewables and Infrastructure, says: “Nearly a year on from our initial analysis of grid headroom across the UK, new data shows how the electricity grid is evolving as demand for power increases. While progress is being made through reform and reinforcement, data shows that the headroom capacity shortage persists. This shortage is increasingly shaping the pace and location of new housing, commercial, and industrial development, as grid capacity remains a key constraint on planning and delivery.” Phil Pearson, Director,Energy, Renewables and Infrastructure, adds: “The ongoing connections reform and forthcoming TNUoS charge adjustments highlight the need for developers to monitor each part of the network to identify and secure capacity. Developers who understand these changes and incorporate grid readiness into site selection, design, and investment strategies will be best placed to deliver resilient, future-proof projects in an increasingly capacity-constrained market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals