Young unemployed offered training or job opportunities in construction – BCIS chief economist
Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS – chief economist, said: There is a risk that schemes built around compliance or sanctions place young people into roles that do not align with their skills, interests or longer-term aspirations. For construction, which already faces persistent challenges attracting and retaining new entrants, the priority should be creating conditions that make the sector a positive and deliberate career choice rather than a default option. There is also the practical concern of placing inexperienced young people on potentially dangerous work sites without adequate training. Fundamentally, the industry is suffering from a skills shortage rather than a shortage of general labour, so the focus should be on building capability, not just filling labourer vacancies. At the same time, there could be clear benefits for employers. Many construction firms have stopped replacing workers or paused plans to grow their teams because of cost pressures and uncertainty in the market. If government programmes provide meaningful support with hiring and training costs, this could help firms take on young people they might otherwise be unable to afford to recruit or develop. That could strengthen early-career pipelines at a time when workforce capacity is one of the biggest constraints on delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Moving Past ‘Fit and Forget’ – How Building Owners, Developers & Facilities Managers Can Take Control of the Fire Safety Lifecycle
By Brad Crisp, Commercial & Specification Manager at Sertus For building owners, developers and facilities managers across the UK, it can be easy to fall into the trap of ‘fit and forget’ – especially when it comes to a whole host of installed safety equipment. Ensuring you’re keeping on top of all of your installed safety systems is essential, especially when it comes to fire safety. The notion that fire safety is a one-time box-ticking exercise from years gone by couldn’t be further from reality. Those in a position of authority must undertake a continuous journey to keep up with the fire safety lifecycle. Brad Crisp, Commercial & Specification Manager at Sertus takes a closer look at the importance of keeping on top of the fire safety lifecycle, with actionable tips on taking control for build owners and facilities managers. Why Fire Safety Requires Ongoing Attention The attitude of ‘fit and forget’ has long been an issue within the industry, which is a huge issue when it comes to fire safety. When investing in high-quality systems, in theory, they should stand the test of time and not require any real intervention – but it’s essential that building managers, developers and facilities managers keep on top of maintaining and upgrading fire safety systems. Even the most robust fire safety systems require regular testing and maintenance, and there’s good reason for this: System Deterioration – Over time, any system will begin to run into issues, especially if not maintained by a competent professional regularly. Changing Regulations – While regulations aren’t changing regularly, it’s important to keep on top of any regulations that do change and how this impacts your existing safety set-up. For example, the impact the 2024 update to BS991 had on smoke control. Human Error & Oversights – While a safety system might appear to be in good working order after being installed, there’s always a chance that something may have been missed in the initial installation that hasn’t been picked up. Changes in Facilities Use – If, for any reason, there’s a change to your premises’ primary function, there could be implications for how safety systems are used and what regulations now apply. There are a whole host of reasons that fire safety requires ongoing attention, with one of the most important being in compliance with section 3 of the ONS’ Fire Prevention and Protection statistics, which relates to fire protection and formal & informal notices. If your building fails a fire audit, the repercussions can be severe, with several informal and formal notification categories depending on the severity of non-compliance. Between April 2024 and March 2025, there were 8,666 breaches of compliance relating to fire-safety equipment maintenance (Article 17), which highlights the issues currently facing the industry when it comes to keeping up with fire safety obligations. The Fire-Safety Lifecycle Approach Fully understanding and implementing the fire safety lifecycle approach is complex, but extremely worthwhile for those who work in (M&E) and facilities management. Neglect at any stage can impose risk, leading to fines, legal liability or in the worst case, the loss of life. This is why proactive management is essential in fire safety. Here’s an in-depth look at the 5 stages involved in the fire safety lifecycle: An essential stage, this ensures that the fire safety system is appropriate for the building’s specific use, occupancy and risk profile. This stage is especially critical when undertaking a refurbishment of an existing building, or if there’s a change of use for the property. The following should be put in place during this stage: Fire Strategy – Hire a fire and safety consultant to define what is required from the system you are implementing. System Selection & Specification – Ensure the correct type of system is selected and establish requirements based on building codes and standards. For example, addressable vs conventional fire alarms, or wet pipe vs dry pipe sprinklers and smoke ventilation requirements, such as roof AOVs or smoke control dampers . Documentation – Begin developing design specifications and the Golden Thread of information, ensuring you have accurate and up-to-date records of your building’s fire safety. The Golden Thread & Why It’s Important The Golden Thread is an integral part of building managers, developers and facilities managers roles, with a digital, secure and tamper-proof record of information on the buildings design, construction and management throughout its entire lifecycle. Following the Grenfell Enquiry, and subsequent Building Safety Act 2022 being instated, the Golden Thread played a key role in providing a digital alternative to the historic paper file system ensures that all of the building safety information is accurate, accessible and used to mitigate safety risks. During this stage, it’s essential to consider the longevity of the solution you’re looking to install. For example, at Sertus, we pride ourselves on all of our smoke ventilation products standing the test of time, thanks to meticulous design, in-house manufacturing and unrivalled technical support after install. Now that the planning and design are in place, it’s time to put the physical aspects of your fire safety equipment into place with a trusted supplier and installer. Here’s an overview of the steps you should take: Appoint Contractors – Take time to pick a trusted partner to carry out the installation and ensure that all installers onsite are certified and competent. It’s essential to pick a contractor that you’re confident in, so take the time to get this stage right and ask for recommendations. For example, if you are having smoke ventilation installed, it’s important to ensure your contractor of choice has the relevant qualifications such as the SDI19 certification or SKEB (Skills Knowledge, Experience, Behaviours). Quality Assurance – It’s essential that you carry out regular site inspections to personally verify that the installation follows the approved design and fire strategy. You’ll be held responsible for any problems, so take the time to properly check all aspects of the installation. Commissioning – An essential part of the process, commissioning refers to testing the
NHS SBS scoops ‘Procurement Team of the Year’ award and ‘Highly Commended’ for complex capital projects
Leading corporate services provider, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), is proud to announce its Procurement Solutions Team has been named the winner of this year’s Health Care Supply Association’s (HCSA) ‘Procurement Team of the Year’ award. The HCSA annual awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams driving improvement, efficiency and value across the NHS, particularly in healthcare procurement and the supply chain in the UK. The award was presented to NHS SBS in recognition of its dedication, teamwork and commitment to delivering Framework Agreements (FWAs) that ensure the NHS and wider public sector receive only the best products and services. NHS SBS’s 82-strong Procurement Solutions team manages a portfolio of over 40 FWAs with a combined multi-billion-pound value, and is responsible for commissioning, procurement and ongoing management, to ensure customers benefit from high-quality, cost-effective solutions. Developed by the organisation’s category experts and used by NHS trusts and wider public sector across the UK, the FWAs span four key categories – Construction & Estates, Health, Digital & IT and Business Services. The portfolio comprising award-winning FWAs is continually enhanced with innovative solutions including surgical robots, estate decarbonisation, offsite construction and AI stroke‑decision software, and strengthened through close collaboration with external partners to deliver maximum impact. A unique collaboration with Barts Health NHS Trust for instance, resulted in the creation of NHS SBS’s Sustainable Healthcare Recycling and Waste Management FWA which delivered £1.2m in savings for the trust, increased recycling rates from 11% to 30% in just 10 weeks, increased carbon reduction by over 500 tonnes and had an annual social value impact of £3.1m. “The judging panel recognised the Procurement team for its strategic focus, service excellence, delivery of financial benefits, adoption and sharing of best practice, collaboration with other organisations and commitment to the development of our team members,” says Paddy Howlin, Head of Procurement Solutions at NHS SBS. “These are all key factors in what makes NHS SBS standout in a competitive and ever challenging landscape.” Capital Projects ‘Highly Commended’ NHS SBS Capital Projects Manager, Chris Parkin, was named runner‑up and ‘highly commended’ in HCSA’s prestigious ‘Unsung Hero’ award. This honour celebrates individuals who consistently make substantive contributions, often going above and beyond their role. The commendation recognised his dedication as the quiet, yet brilliant driving force behind some of the NHS’s most complex hospital capital projects, like equipping the new £68m Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital which has five emergency theatres, including the UK’s first hybrid trauma theatre. Originally estimated at £13m, Chris used his expertise to reduce this to £10.2m, delivering end-to-end service from business case to handover, sourcing and installing over 3,800 items – from patient furniture to highly specialised theatre equipment. All delivered and installed on time, to budget and fit. Howlin concludes: “We are immensely proud of our procurement team and its achievements. Being recipients of both the team award and attaining the ‘highly commended’ status underscores the dedication and meaningful difference each member makes every day. “We remain committed to supporting the NHS and wider public sector with solutions that drive efficiency, deliver value, and improve patient outcomes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACO Building Drainage Helps Construction Professionals Tackle Climate Change with Launch of ‘Blue Roof Guide – Volume 2’
With climate extremes increasing and urban drainage networks under growing stress, ACO Building Drainage has published the second volume of its Blue Roof Guide to help architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors design resilient, multi-functional roofscapes. The new guide explains how blue and blue-green roof systems can store and manage rainfall on site, reduce peak flows to overstretched sewers and support passive irrigation and biodiversity on roof areas. The guide, titled ‘ACO Blue Roof Guide – Vol 2’, follows the success of ACO’s first volume of its Blue Roof Guide, launched in October 2024, and builds on the criteria established for safe and sustainable drainage. Sustainability is a core principle of ACO’s work and this has been recognised in the company’s appointment as United Nations ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The second volume of the Blue Roof Guide is evidence of ACO’s commitment to clean water, sustainability, and supporting the construction industry in creating an eco-friendly future. Volume 2 sets out the principles of off-membrane storage and offers practical design and delivery advice for architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors. It highlights blue roofs as an increasingly important tool in urban developments by storing water temporarily and releasing it slowly to lessen flood risk while enabling green and biosolar roof functions to coexist without compromising waterproofing. Technical sections go into detail about ACO’s patented RoofBloxx system: a shallow, high-strength geocellular attenuation layer designed to sit independently of the roof membrane. Implementation and installation are also discussed, including together with the proper use of flow restrictors, access and diffuser units, capillary wicks and reservoir trays. When combined, these components manage run-off rates, support passive irrigation for sedum and planted systems, and reduce the need for heavy ballast by stabilising insulation. Neill Robinson-Welsh, who has led more than 750 blue roof projects during his 14 years with ACO, said: “Blue roofs are no longer an optional extra but a practical response to the twin pressures of heavier rainfall and growing water stress. Our approach uses ACO RoofBloxx to store water off the waterproofing layer, simplifying integration with green and biosolar elements and reducing the risk of membrane failure. The new guide reflects what we’ve learned on real projects and sets out design and maintenance steps that make blue roofs reliable.” Practical chapters focus on early-stage coordination, addressing outlet positioning, roof slope and structural implications, as well as maintenance-friendly design through permanent access chambers and twice-yearly inspections, and emphasising the importance of accurate hydraulic calculations to meet planning limits while preserving architectural constraints. ACO stresses that designers need to treat blue roofs as system integration exercises, and by coordinating landscape, photovoltaics and other services early it will help to avoid late, costly revisions. Volume 2 is positioned as a hands-on resource for teams planning multifunctional roofs where water management, ecology and service access must all be reconciled. To download the guide, see ACO.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
How AI Image Editing Is Transforming Architectural Visualization and Property Marketing
The construction and property development industry has always relied heavily on visual communication. From initial concept presentations to final marketing materials, the ability to convey architectural vision through compelling imagery can determine whether a project secures funding, wins a tender, or attracts buyers. Yet producing high-quality visual content has traditionally required significant investment in specialized software, skilled personnel, and considerable time. The Visual Communication Challenge in Construction Architects, developers, and construction firms face mounting pressure to deliver impressive visual content at every stage of the project lifecycle. Planning applications require clear visualizations that demonstrate how proposed developments will integrate with existing surroundings. Investor presentations demand photorealistic renders that communicate design intent and market potential. Marketing campaigns for residential and commercial properties need consistent, professional imagery across multiple platforms and formats. The traditional approach to meeting these demands typically involves engaging visualization specialists or maintaining in-house teams equipped with expensive software suites. A single architectural render can cost hundreds of pounds and take days to produce. When clients request modifications or alternative concepts, the meter runs again. This reality creates bottlenecks that slow decision-making and inflate project costs. Traditional Visualization Methods and Their Limitations Conventional architectural visualization relies primarily on 3D modelling software such as Autodesk Revit, SketchUp, or specialized rendering engines like V-Ray and Lumion. While these tools produce stunning results in skilled hands, they present several challenges for construction businesses. First, the learning curve is substantial. Becoming proficient with professional visualization software requires months or years of dedicated practice. This makes it impractical for project managers or marketing staff to produce quick visualizations without involving specialized team members. Second, hardware requirements are demanding. Complex architectural scenes require powerful workstations with high-end graphics cards and substantial RAM. Rendering a single high-quality image can tie up expensive equipment for hours, limiting throughput when multiple visualizations are needed simultaneously. Third, flexibility is limited. Traditional renders are essentially static outputs. If a client wants to see a building with different cladding materials or adjusted landscaping, the entire rendering process must begin again from modified 3D models. AI-Powered Image Editing Enters the Picture Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how visual content is created and modified across industries, and construction is no exception. Modern AI image editing tools now enable users to transform existing photographs and renders through simple text descriptions, bypassing the complexity of traditional software entirely. Platforms like Nano Banana represent this new generation of AI-powered editing tools. By understanding natural language instructions, these systems allow users to modify images in seconds rather than hours. Background replacement, material changes, lighting adjustments, and object manipulation become as straightforward as describing the desired outcome. For construction professionals, this capability opens remarkable possibilities. A site photograph can be transformed to show proposed developments in context. Existing building images can be modified to demonstrate refurbishment concepts. Marketing images can be quickly adapted for different audience segments or campaign requirements. Practical Applications Across the Construction Lifecycle The applications of AI image editing span the entire construction project lifecycle, offering value at each stage. Pre-Planning and Feasibility Studies During early project stages, teams often need quick visualizations to assess site potential and communicate initial concepts to stakeholders. AI tools enable rapid creation of concept imagery from site photographs, helping teams explore possibilities without committing to expensive formal renders. Planning Applications and Public Consultations Effective planning submissions require clear visualizations that show how developments will appear in their surroundings. AI editing can quickly produce contextual images showing proposed buildings integrated into existing streetscapes, demonstrating considerations like scale, massing, and visual impact. ### Tender Submissions and Client Presentations Winning competitive tenders often depends on presenting compelling visions that differentiate one proposal from another. AI tools enable teams to produce multiple visualization options quickly, testing different approaches and refining presentations based on client feedback without extensive revision costs. Marketing and Sales Campaigns Property marketing requires consistent, high-quality imagery across brochures, websites, hoardings, and digital advertising. AI editing allows marketing teams to adapt source images for different formats and audiences rapidly, maintaining campaign momentum without delays for traditional editing workflows. ### Refurbishment and Retrofit Projects Showing clients how existing buildings will appear after renovation presents unique challenges. AI tools excel at transforming photographs of current conditions to show proposed improvements, from facade upgrades to interior reconfigurations. Competitive Advantages for Early Adopters Construction firms that integrate AI image editing into their workflows gain measurable advantages over competitors still reliant on traditional methods. Cost reduction is immediate and significant. Tasks that previously required specialist involvement or external agency engagement can often be accomplished in-house by team members without specialized training. This democratization of visual content creation reduces both direct costs and project delays. Speed improvements are equally dramatic. Concepts that would take days to visualize traditionally can be produced in minutes with AI tools. This acceleration enables more iterative design exploration, faster client feedback cycles, and more responsive marketing campaigns. Quality consistency becomes more achievable. AI tools apply transformations uniformly, reducing variability that can occur when multiple team members or external suppliers handle similar tasks. Brand guidelines and visual standards are easier to maintain across large content volumes. Implementation Considerations Successfully integrating AI image editing requires thoughtful implementation. Organizations should consider several factors when adopting these tools. Training requirements, while modest compared to traditional software, still exist. Team members benefit from understanding both the capabilities and limitations of AI editing tools. Setting realistic expectations prevents disappointment and ensures appropriate task allocation. Quality control remains important. While AI tools produce impressive results quickly, human review ensures outputs meet professional standards and accurately represent design intent. Establishing review workflows prevents errors from reaching external audiences. Integration with existing processes requires attention. AI editing tools work best when incorporated into established workflows rather than operating as isolated capabilities. Connecting them to asset management systems and approval processes maximizes their value. The Future of Visual Communication in Construction The trajectory of AI technology points toward increasingly sophisticated capabilities. Future tools will likely offer enhanced understanding of architectural elements,
Looking to buy a house in Moraira? 5 things to consider before choosing an Estate Agent
The decision to purchase a property in Moraira, with its idyllic Mediterranean coastline and unique charm, is an exciting first step toward a new life or a lucrative investment. However, navigating the Spanish property market, especially as an international buyer, requires expert guidance. The quality of your experience hinges almost entirely on the professional you choose to represent you. For a region as sought-after as the Costa Blanca, finding the right partner among the many estate agents in Moraira is critical. Before you sign any agreement, here are the five most important criteria to evaluate in a prospective agent, ensuring your journey to homeownership is secure and smooth. 1. Deeply rooted local history and expertise The Moraira property landscape is nuanced, with micro-markets in surrounding areas like Benissa and Jávea offering distinct advantages. Avoid agencies that are simply international franchises with transient staff. Look for a real estate agency like Brassa Homes, established in 1979 with decades of experience in Moraira. A truly local expert won’t just know the asking price of a villa; they’ll know the history of the plot, the suitability of the soil for construction, and the future development plans of the town hall. This generational, extensive local knowledge provides an invaluable layer of security and ensures you are buying into the right part of the region, whether it’s for a luxury villa, a sprawling finca, or a new build project. 2. Commitment to legal transparency and integrity In any foreign property transaction, trust is paramount. An excellent estate agent must operate with absolute transparency regarding all costs, taxes, and legal processes. They should provide clear, documented proof of the property’s legal standing, including energy certificates and land registry details. Your agent is your frontline defense against potential legal complications. Look for established agencies whose core values explicitly centre on honesty and clarity, offering a professional service that prioritises your peace of mind over a quick sale. 3. Proven specialisation in relevant property types The Costa Blanca offers a diverse range of homes, from modern, minimalist to traditional Spanish fincas and premium plots for custom construction. A generalist agent may lack the specific market insight you need. If you are seeking an exclusive villa in the hills or a specific plot of land to develop, ensure your agent has a proven, successful portfolio in that exact niche. Their focus should align with your goal, whether it is selling you a ready-made home or guiding you through the complex stages of a new build project from start to finish. 4. Multilingual communication and understanding international needs The target audience in Moraira is overwhelmingly international. The best agent is one who not only speaks your language fluently, but also understands the cultural and financial requirements of international clients. They should be experienced in coordinating with foreign banks, notaries, and lawyers, simplifying the often-confusing process of transferring funds and legal ownership across borders. A smooth transaction relies heavily on effective, nuanced communication between all parties, eliminating costly misunderstandings. 5. Offering comprehensive post-sale customer service An agent’s duty doesn’t end when the papers are signed at the notary. The hallmark of a truly personalised service is the support offered after the purchase. This could include help setting up utilities, finding reliable maintenance services, connecting you with reputable builders for renovations, or even simply advising on local schooling. When choosing an agent, ask about their after-sales care package. This seamless service transition from buyer to homeowner is crucial for ensuring a stress-free start to life in your new Moraira property. Choosing a villa for sale in Moraira is a life-changing decision. Choosing the right estate agent is the first and most important investment you will make. By focusing on deep local experience, transparency, niche specialisation, international competence, and personalised service, you secure a partner committed to making your Costa Blanca dream a secure and joyful reality.