Global fashion manufacturer Q Collection completes UK HQ in Ashby
Singapore-based fashion manufacturer Q Collection has completed works on its new UK HQ in Ashby. Q Collection manufactures apparel and textiles for international fashion brands and retailers, specialising in high-quality, sustainable production. With a need for a UK centre of excellence to grow the UK-based team, expand its operations, enhance its technology, and a space to welcome clients, the manufacturer identified Ashby as the right location in the heart of the Midlands to realise its plans. Located in Excelsior House on Excelsior Road in the town, local workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors was appointed to deliver internal design and fit out of the 7,000 sq ft space. After an eight-week fit out phase, Q Collection now has a state-of-the-art office, design and manufacturing facility which includes a lingerie lab, with 14 sewing machines, cutting tables, cup moulders and a dark room, and a knitting lab, with four full-size knitting machines, steam press and yarn library. Other features include a fit room, where garments can be modelled and photographed, connected to a presentation area with tiered seating, next to a runway. This space allows for co-creation sessions, bringing designers and customers together to realise garments and 3D modelling technology to develop new collections. Q Collection also has its new client lounge, which can be set up as a showroom or bespoke retail experience to display collections, with large video conferencing set up for global communications. During the works, Blueprint encouraged Q Collection to pursue a SKA certification – an environmental assessment method developed specifically for commercial office fit outs, that helps landlords and tenants to measure sustainability across factors like energy and water use, CO2 emissions, materials, waste and pollution. The project successfully secured a SKA Silver certification. Alongside partner TecInteractive, Blueprint and Q Collection developed a ‘Virtual Quality Lab’ – a unique space with high resolution, high zoom cameras with links into the manufacturer’s Singapore, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh sites, where colleagues can use the technology to see the samples in the labs from thousands of miles away, enabling them to make faster decision, saving time and costs. Boutaina Faruq, Director at Q Collection, said: “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to the UK market, our global brand partners and to innovation and sustainability. “Our dedicated team was also a primary factor in creating a space that truly puts people first. We wanted to acknowledge their commitment and design a workplace around them, which inspires creativity, supports wellbeing, and enables our people to do their best work in the space that they need. “Blueprint are visionaries and were easy and dynamic to work with from day one. We thought we knew what we wanted and what was possible until we met with Chloe and the team. They really took us to the next level with their expertise of workspaces that put wellbeing and productivity front and centre. It was a real collaboration and an incredible end result. “Excelsior House is already strengthening collaboration, accelerating innovation, making us more efficient and is bringing us closer to our customers. We are proud to be a manufacturing business in Ashby.” This is the third project Blueprint has delivered for Q Collection, having also worked on the design of its head office in Singapore, and a new 50 head count office facility in Sri Lanka. Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “We are proud to have had the opportunity to work with Boutaina and the team at Q Collection again on what is a really bespoke and innovative project. Securing the SKA Silver rating is a particular highlight, allowing us to realise our passion for truly sustainable fit out into reality. “Providing Cat B design and fit out services on a significant single-storey space was a real opportunity to create something special, which would meet and surpass Q Collection’s objectives. We’ve challenged ourselves at every level to deliver a really exciting project. “As a team we took the time to fully understand the intricacies of Q Collections operations and this included on the ground research here and abroad. Blending this with our knowledge of how people work, and how to create memorable and successful workplace experiences – for colleagues and visitors – we guided Boutaina and the team on what’s possible. “The new UK HQ is an incredible open-plan space, separated into zones to enable workflow and collaboration. Every element has a purpose from the furniture to the fixtures and fittings and can be moved and adapted as the space evolves. This was a highly unique and technical project which provides the best possible environment for the team, and a place for clients to partake in the co-creation process of garments.” Q Collection is looking at further expansion in the Midlands and wants to encourage more manufacturing companies back to the region to create British-made products. Boutaina adds: “The Midlands used to be a centre for apparel manufacturing and we see great opportunity for firms operating in the space, like us, to bring this back. We are working to support students wanting to learn the skills needed for a career in fashion design and production and are investing in the next generation who will hopefully enable this movement to grow and scale.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Better Green Living secures refurbishment project at Edgbaston Park Hotel
Sustainable refurbishment specialist Better Green Living has been appointed to refurbish Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Birmingham. Owned by the University of Birmingham, the hotel will benefit from a soft refurbishment to enhance its facilities. The new business win marks a pivotal moment in Better Green Living’s expansion within the commercial sector. With previous projects including Co-op Live Manchester, the largest indoor entertainment arena in the UK, Better Green Living has firmly established itself as a trusted name in sustainable design and build, retrofitting and refurbishment. The project will involve the refurbishment of 12 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a staircase and meeting rooms across the venue. The works also include moving and creating a new reception desk and building a new luggage room. The company will lead on all aspects of project management, contractor coordination and on-site delivery to ensure the project runs smoothly and efficiently. Refurbishment is considered a sustainable practice as it extends the lifecycle of the existing built environment, reducing landfill waste and saving embodied carbon, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a material. Deborah Parsons, CEO & Sustainability & Outreach Director at Better Green Living, commented: “Refurbishment is an inherently sustainable approach to property development, as it improves existing spaces, rather than building from the ground up. This aligns with Better Green Living’s values as a zero waste to landfill company. Our method for refurbishment focuses on delivering high-quality updates that meet modern standards, while reusing materials wherever possible. We hope our work at Edgbaston Park Hotel will give the building a new lease of life, ready to receive guests at the start of August.” Julie Crump, Director of Operations at Edgbaston Park Hotel, commented: “Edgbaston Park Hotel receives guests for every occasion, from relaxing breaks and conferences to weddings. By upgrading some of our rooms to a stylish, modern standard, we ensure that our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their stay with us. The reconfiguration of the foyer to accommodate the new reception desk means that the hotel is a better fit for purpose, while providing brand-new luggage rooms enables us to accommodate all our guests comfortably.” Better Green Living, part of Better Green Group, is a specialist refurbishment company dedicated to sustainable retrofitting and commercial fit outs. Known for delivering high-profile refurbishment projects for King’s College London, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in environmentally conscious construction. To find out more about Better Green Living, please visit: www.better-greenliving.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Infrastructure and SoilDri Launch National Partnership to Accelerate Sustainable AMP8 Delivery
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, and SoilDri, a specialist provider of sustainable soil improvement, have announced the launch of a national innovation partnership focused on transforming how infrastructure renewal is delivered – enabling utility clients to deliver at greater pace, lower cost and with improved outcomes for customers and communities as the industry progresses through AMP8. The partnership follows SoilDri’s recent recognition at the United Infrastructure Supply Chain Awards, where the business received an Innovation Award for its approach to minimise soil-to-landfill, and emphasise value in soil reuse and sustainable utility delivery. The award recognised the environmental and operational benefits being delivered through the use of SoilDri SEM and the innovative TSM-5 soil mixing machine. The partnership brings together United Infrastructure’s expertise in utility infrastructure delivery with SoilDri’s innovative soil reuse technologies, enabling excavated materials to be treated and reused directly on site rather than being removed to landfill and replaced with imported aggregates. The announcement comes at a time when the utilities industry and its delivery partners are under increasing pressure to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and maximise the reuse of excavated materials. Industry initiatives championed by organisations such as Street Works UK, together with evolving reinstatement standards, sustainability targets and a growing focus on circular economy principles, are driving change across the sector. At the heart of the partnership is SoilDri SEM, a specialist solution developed specifically for the utilities sector that enables excavated materials to be improved and reused within reinstatement works. Supporting this approach is the innovative TSM-5, a road-towable soil mixing machine that allows treatment to take place directly at source. Together, the technologies reduce waste, minimise lorry movements and community disruption, lower carbon emissions and improve project efficiency whilst supporting the delivery challenges facing the utilities sector throughout AMP8 and beyond. The partnership forms part of a national rollout programme that is bringing sustainable soil reuse technologies to utility infrastructure projects across the UK. Already being deployed on live utility projects, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and delivering better outcomes for clients, communities and the wider environment. At a time of unprecedented infrastructure investment, this partnership highlights how innovation can unlock faster delivery, lower carbon and reduced cost – ensuring AMP8 and AMP9 are delivered efficiently and at best value for customers and the wider UK economy. Kelly Macfarlane, Managing Director of United Infrastructure Water, said: The scale of infrastructure renewal required in AMP8 demands a step change in how we deliver projects. Traditional approaches alone will not meet the pace, cost, and sustainability challenges ahead. At UI, we have a strong focus on innovation, supported by a dedicated team that identifies and develops new approaches to address the sector’s most pressing challenges. Our partnership with SoilDri is a direct result of this focus. It enables faster, more efficient delivery of essential water infrastructure, improving outcomes for customers and the communities that rely on these services. By reducing waste, minimising haulage, and accelerating reinstatement, we lower carbon emissions and deliver works in a more sustainable way. At the same time, we support our water company clients in achieving better value for money while meeting their environmental commitments. Dan Macey, Director of Strategic Growth at SoilDri, said: “United Infrastructure has established a reputation for embracing innovation and challenging traditional approaches to project delivery. That makes them an ideal partner as we continue the national rollout of SoilDri technologies across the utilities sector.” “The combination of SoilDri SEM and the TSM-5 enables excavated materials to be treated and reused directly on site, reducing reliance on landfill and imported aggregates whilst supporting faster, more sustainable project delivery. As the partnership expands, we will continue introducing additional SoilDri technologies across the utilities sector, helping contractors and asset owners reduce waste (in line with the top tiers of the waste hierarchy), lower carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency.” The partnership will be supported by a programme of joint communications, project case studies and industry engagement activities throughout 2026, showcasing how innovation can support the UK’s infrastructure renewal ambitions and the delivery challenges associated with AMP8 and beyond. Watch the supporting video here: SoilDri & United Infrastructure Partnership Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Noise and Wellbeing Central to Return-to-Office Strategy
As41 percent of UK businesses increased their requirement for on-site working, and nearly three-quarters of employers reported a rise in office attendance during the past year, a growing challenge is emerging: workplace noise. While organisations continue to refine their hybrid working strategies, workplace design specialists Prestige Interiors say that many offices have not aligned with the expectations of a post-pandemic workforce. Years of home working have reset employees’ expectations around concentration, privacy and noise levels, making office acoustics an increasingly important factor in workplace satisfaction and productivity. Research suggests that workplace noise is far more than a minor annoyance. A recent study found that higher sound levels in the workplace were associated with lower levels of work satisfaction, while previous research in open-plan offices identified noise as a significant factor affecting both employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. The findings underline the growing importance of acoustic design in creating workplaces where employees can focus, collaborate, and perform at their best. This suggests that acoustic comfort is not simply a matter of preference, but a measurable factor influencing productivity, concentration, and workplace satisfaction in modern office environments. Fiona MacMillan, Director for Prestige Interiors, thinks that the physical office environment is likely to play a role in whether return-to-office policies succeed. She commented, “We’re seeing a clear shift in how people experience the office after years of hybrid and remote working. Employees have become accustomed to quieter, more controlled environments at home, and returning to open-plan offices can feel overstimulating for many. “Noise is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a wellbeing and performance issue. If organisations want people back in the office regularly, they need to create spaces that actively support focus, not compete with it.” “We are seeing an increased demand for acoustically balanced workspaces, including quiet zones, focus rooms, and flexible layouts that allow employees to choose environments based on task type. The trend reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations, where wellbeing is now viewed as part of office design rather than an optional consideration.” For more information about Prestige Interiors, please visit www.prestigeinteriors.co.uk/services/office-fit-out-and-refurbishment Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire firm earns place on Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for 2026
Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, in partnership with WorkL, recognising the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement, and creating a positive workplace culture across its nationwide network. The prestigious annual awards celebrate organisations that excel in employee experience, highlighting businesses that have demonstrated outstanding levels of workplace satisfaction, inclusivity, professional development, and leadership. The recognition reflects Howarth Timber’s ongoing investment in its people, with initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing, career progression, training opportunities, and fostering a supportive and collaborative working environment throughout the business. The award follows a period of continued growth for the company, which employs colleagues across its network of timber and builders’ merchant branches, manufacturing facilities, and support functions throughout the UK. Gavin Knowles, Head of Marketing and Digital at Howarth Timber, said: “Being recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the culture we’ve built across the business. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and this award reflects the commitment, dedication, and values demonstrated by our teams every day.” “We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and able to develop their careers. This recognition reinforces our commitment to continuing to invest in our people and ensuring Howarth Timber remains a great place to work.” The accolade highlights Howarth Timber’s dedication to putting its employees first and recognises the positive workplace culture that continues to drive the business forward. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Why Cost Certainty Is Becoming Construction’s Competitive Advantage
The significance of delivering a construction project on time should never be downplayed, with planning, problem-solving, and collaboration combining to meet aggressive schedule expectations. Inaccurate preconstruction estimates have the power to undermine these accomplishments, eroding trust and business reputations in the process. Certainty in design, scheduling, and safety practices has always separated top builders and contractors from their competitors. Today, cost certainty must be added to this list of essential capabilities, as project teams grapple with increasing complexity and unpredictable material and labor costs. Why Cost Predictability Matters More Than Ever No single factor has made construction cost estimation more challenging, but supply chain disruptions due to global trade issues, energy price hikes, and logistical bottlenecks are among the key contributors. Labor costs also become more unpredictable as skilled worker shortages persist, making resource allocation plans less reliable and overtime less acceptable. Owners and investors understand these challenges, but are often constrained by reduced budgets, compressed timelines, and rising interest rates. Project complexity and sustainability goals have also shifted more of the planning burden to preconstruction, with a new class of tools needed to ensure cost certainty and predictability early on. Estimating Has Become a Strategic Function Historically, estimators in construction were responsible for converting paper blueprints into bids, using their practical experience and math skills to tally costs and foresee potential issues that might impact profitability. The role of the construction estimator has expanded in the digital age to include value engineering, procurement support, and cost analysis, with automated takeoff and estimation software leaving estimators more time to focus on strategic decision-making and collaboration. These software tools also make it possible to model a wide range of cost drivers during preconstruction, and plan for each scenario. Better Forecasting Helps Manage Risks Naturally, increased cost certainty also decreases project risks, with accurate forecasts making cost overruns less likely, and streamlined resource allocation preventing delays, conflicts, and unexpected rework. Risk factors that are managed more effectively through precise estimation and forecasting include: ● Material price fluctuations ● Labor availability ● Design and scope changes Contingency planning during preconstruction also improves cost certainty, since identifying and preparing for risks early on allows the project team to minimize overruns and systematically decrease the likelihood of costly outcomes. Cost Certainty Builds Stronger Client Relationships Disputes between clients, construction companies, and contractors can often be traced to a lack of cost certainty. Change orders, delays, and extensive punch lists are among the common issues leading to disagreements over financial liability. Predictable costs have the opposite effect, building trust and transparency among stakeholders, minimizing disputes, and strengthening long-term business relationships. When actual project costs align with preconstruction estimates, it is rarely coincidental. Clients recognize and reward construction professionals who manage costs proactively. Data Is Changing the Way Construction Teams Estimate How is it possible to improve cost certainty when material, labor, and overhead expenses are increasingly unpredictable? Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics tools that are now applied to everything from banking to healthcare are part of the success story. High-quality, real-time construction data supports the analysis of: ● Material price and demand trends ● Historical cost benchmarking ● Long-term environmental impact Estimation practices grounded in data rather than assumptions also improve collaboration between project teams. Digital workflows and shared, real-time data sets break down siloes by providing a single source of truth and enabling more informed team decision-making. The Competitive Advantage of Confidence The many benefits of cost certainty produce competitive advantages that construction businesses need to build an enduring legacy. As a catalyst for project conformance, client trust, and profitability, highly accurate estimates transcend basic bidding, procurement, and project planning practices by allowing construction firms to focus on winning projects they can deliver successfully. Conclusion The concept of cost certainty has raised the bar for construction estimation, with the goal of creating accurate estimates early to counterbalance the impact of growing project complexity, tight margins, and unpredictable material and labor costs. Digital takeoff and estimation tools are already redefining what is possible, allowing us to rise to these challenges. This positive trend will result in decreased project risks, improved client relationships, and valuable strategic advantages for those leading the way.