Beyond Housing partners with 0800 to improve efficiency to over 500 homes

Beyond Housing partners with 0800 to improve efficiency to over 500 homes

More than 500 homes across North Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive energy efficiency home improvements, making them warmer, more efficient and lowering energy bills for residents. The programme of works will include retrofit assessments and upgrades such as cavity wall and loft insulation, improved ventilation, installation of smart thermostats, low-energy lighting and more.  Beyond Housing has partnered with heating and renewable specialists, 0800 Repair, who have recently won a number of contracts with housing association and local authority clients including Home Group, North Star Housing Group, Northumberland County Council and Gateshead Borough Council. The 12-month contract, with an option to extend for a further one year, was awarded to the Houghton-le-Spring headquartered company through the CHIC Framework (Communities and Housing Investment Consortium) via a direct award. Work is due to start this week with selected homes in Scarborough and Whitby and Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Beyond Housing on this energy efficiency contract, which extends our excellent working relationship of delivering cavity wall insulation to homes. Our experienced team are looking forward to working in residents homes to deliver these improvements. “As part of the agreement, we are also committed to delivering social value, including educational workshops in schools located within the communities where we are carrying out home improvement works.” Jamie Whitaker, Asset Sustainability Manager at, said: “Beyond Housing is delighted to be partnering with 0800 Repair on our largest energy efficiency improvement programme to date, supporting the forthcoming Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by 2030. “The project will improve more than 500 homes across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, with measures including loft and wall insulation, energy-efficient lighting, smart heating controls and more. By improving the energy performance of our homes, we aim to help customers reduce energy consumption, lower their household bills and enjoy warmer, healthier living environments. “We look forward to working closely with 0800 Repair to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for our customers and communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Award-Winning Interior Designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews Joins Fit Out Awards UK 2026 Judging Panel

Award-Winning Interior Designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews Joins Fit Out Awards UK 2026 Judging Panel

The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 has strengthened its expert judging panel with the appointment of acclaimed interior designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews, Founder and Director of Mia Karlsson Interior Design, as preparations continue for one of the UK’s leading celebrations of excellence across the fit out and interiors sector. Based in London, Karlsson-Matthews brings more than 20 years of award-winning design experience to the judging process, having built an internationally recognised practice renowned for creating bespoke residential interiors that combine Scandinavian functionality with contemporary luxury. Originally from Sweden, she established Mia Karlsson Interior Design in 2004, developing a distinctive design philosophy centred on intelligent space planning, craftsmanship and timeless interiors. Since then, the studio has successfully completed more than 300 residential projects, earning a reputation for delivering highly personalised environments that balance aesthetics with practical living. Her work has featured extensively in leading interior design publications, reflecting the studio’s consistent commitment to quality and innovation across a diverse portfolio of high-end residential commissions. Karlsson-Matthews also brings strong academic and professional credentials to the judging panel. She holds a first-class degree in Interior Design and Technology and is a prominent member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). As a former BIID Board Director, she has also played an influential role in supporting the continued development of professional standards across the UK’s interior design and interior architecture sectors. Her appointment further strengthens an already distinguished judging panel for the Fit Out Awards UK 2026, which brings together leading experts from across architecture, workplace design, sustainability, academia and the wider built environment. The awards programme features 32 categories recognising excellence across every aspect of the fit out industry, including commercial office fit out projects, hospitality, healthcare, retail, residential and conservation, alongside awards celebrating sustainability, collaboration, product innovation and overall project delivery. Karlsson-Matthews joins Judging Coordinator Ann-Marie Aguilar of IWBI alongside Vanessa Brady of SBID, Vyvyan Byrne of VB Design, Dr Eshrar Latif of Cardiff University, Giuseppe Parito of Studio Seilern Architects, Professor Robert Schmidt III of Loughborough University and Lydia Szewczyk of IWBI. For the construction, architecture and interior fit out sectors, the awards continue to showcase the outstanding talent, innovation and technical expertise shaping the UK’s built environment. The appointment of experienced industry professionals such as Mia Karlsson-Matthews reinforces the awards’ commitment to recognising projects that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity and excellence in design and delivery. The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 will culminate in a gala ceremony on 24 September 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank, where the industry’s leading designers, contractors, architects and suppliers will come together to celebrate the year’s most outstanding achievements in fit out and interior design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Egis secures Yorkshire Water framework appointment

Egis secures Yorkshire Water framework appointment

Egis in the UK & Ireland has landed a major contract with Yorkshire Water, securing a place on its Technical Services and Assurance Framework. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the firm, reinforcing its water sector growth plans.  The multi-year contract will support Yorkshire Water’s Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) investment programme, providing access to specialist engineering, asset management and technical assurance expertise to help deliver critical infrastructure improvements and strengthen long-term asset health across the region. Commencing on 1 July, Egis has been appointed to Lot 1 of the £80 million framework, which has been established to provide Yorkshire Water with specialist technical support as it delivers its AMP8 investment priorities. The contract will run until 2030, with options to extend for a further two years. Under Lot 1, which is worth a combined £12.7 million of the framework, Egis will provide project-level engineering and design services, including feasibility testing, optioneering and construction support. The work will span a range of disciplines including civil, mechanical and electrical design. The appointment further strengthens Egis’s growing presence in the water sector, building on its long-standing work with Uisce Éireann in Ireland, ongoing commitments with Severn Trent Water and involvement with major international water projects. Egis’s collaborative approach was a key factor in securing the appointment. The firm works closely with clients, partners and stakeholders from the earliest stages of project development, ensuring that priorities are aligned, challenges are addressed proactively, and solutions deliver shared outcomes for customers, communities and the environment. Through the framework, Egis will draw on its expertise in storm overflow mitigation, pollution reduction and asset health resilience, combining local knowledge with international best practice. This flexible and responsive approach will enable Yorkshire Water to access specialist capabilities as programme requirements evolve throughout AMP8. Michael Timmins, Director of Water at Egis in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Yorkshire Water to help deliver one of the water sector’s largest and most ambitious Asset Management Period programmes.  “This framework win represents an important milestone for Egis, and we look forward to bringing together expertise from across the UK, Ireland and our global network to support Yorkshire Water in improving asset health, enhancing environmental performance and delivering positive outcomes for customers.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Essential Role of Private Certification in Housing Development

The Essential Role of Private Certification in Housing Development

Getting a housing development approved in Australia can be challenging. Whether it’s a small renovation or a large construction project, making sure everything follows the National Construction Code (NCC) and local rules is complicated. For many years, local councils were the only ones who handled this. But now, things have changed. Private certification is a key option that makes the process faster, more efficient, and smoother for projects to get started. Why Private Certifiers Matter Private certifiers are independent experts who are approved to check and sign off on building plans, do required inspections, and issue occupation certificates. They do the same regulatory work as a council building surveyor, but they run their own businesses. This difference means they can offer a level of service and specialisation that busy local councils often can’t match. Their job isn’t to help developers cut corners. Instead, they give expert advice and do thorough checks to make sure a project is safe, accessible, and compliant. Bringing in an experienced Building Certifier is a smart move for developers. It helps ensure their project follows all the right codes from the very beginning. These professionals are a single point of contact throughout the whole construction process, from the first design review to the final sign-off. This continuous involvement means they understand the project better. It also helps avoid misunderstandings or delays that can happen when you’re dealing with many different departments in a larger organisation. Speeding Up Housing Approvals In construction, time is money, and approval delays can be costly. Private certifiers often provide faster approvals than councils because they focus solely on building certification rather than balancing multiple public services. They also offer more flexible inspection scheduling, helping projects stay on track. For builders and developers, this faster, more efficient process supports better cash flow and helps deliver new homes sooner. Complying Development Certificates A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is one of the fastest approval pathways for projects that meet specific state planning standards. It combines planning and construction approval, removing the need for a full Development Application (DA). Private certifiers can assess and issue CDCs for eligible projects, including new homes, granny flats, swimming pools, renovations, extensions, and some small commercial or industrial developments. This pathway is a key part of efforts to make housing construction more efficient. As the industry looks for better ways to build homes, streamlining approval processes is becoming increasingly important. If a project meets all the CDC requirements, a certifier can approve it in as little as 20 days. Avoiding Common Pitfalls A good private certifier does more than just approve plans; they actively help manage risks. By involving a certifier early in the design phase, developers can spot and fix potential compliance problems before they become expensive issues. A certifier can look at early drawings and point out anything that doesn’t meet rules for fire safety, energy efficiency, disability access, or structural strength. Catching these issues early saves time and money by reducing the need for redesigns, resubmissions, and other setbacks that can lead to costly construction delays and affect project budgets and timelines. The expertise required for this role comes from a strong understanding of building codes, planning requirements, construction standards, and relevant industry qualifications. This knowledge allows certifiers to identify compliance issues early and help ensure projects progress smoothly from design through to completion. It also reduces the chance of defects or orders to stop work during construction by ensuring the project meets requirements from the foundation to the roof. Private certifiers offer a modern, efficient, and expert way to handle the complicated world of building approvals. For developers, builders, and even homeowners, working with the right professional can be the difference between a project that’s delayed and over budget, and one that’s finished smoothly, on time, and fully compliant.

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Why Choose A Specialist Marketing Agency? Red-Fern Review

Why Choose A Specialist Marketing Agency? Red-Fern Review

A lot of agencies on the market will spread themselves across several industries and sectors. Whilst that can be productive in achieving more clients on their books, it doesn’t always cater for those businesses who may need more of a specialist approach to their marketing needs. Specialist marketing agencies can be a great help for businesses that need a marketing service that knows the industry inside and out, especially the products or services offered. It makes marketing campaigns and efforts a lot more successful because the agency knows exactly who the target demographic is and what they want. Red-Fern is one of those specialist manufacturing marketing agencies, and an ideal pick for those within this sector specifically. This review will look at the agency itself and the pros and cons of using their services. Why Specialist Marketing Agencies Matter There are some great benefits to using specialist marketing agencies that many businesses and brands looking for marketing services will often overlook. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the reasons why specialist marketing agencies matter. Expert knowledge One of the main benefits of specialist marketing agencies is that they provide a deep understanding of industry-specific trends, target audiences, and current regulations. That proves essential for ensuring marketing campaigns are crafted with the right data and are successful in converting audiences to paying customers. Advanced tools When outsourcing to a marketing agency, you get access to more than just the account manager and team itself. You also get access to expensive software and data analytics platforms that many small teams and companies can’t afford. That proves vital to the success of marketing campaigns and therefore is a great example of the accessibility that a specialist marketing agency can provide. Time savings With access to an external marketing team, you free up the resources in-house. That can be very helpful, especially if your existing staff aren’t experienced or skilled to undertake such roles within marketing.  From daily operations to core business goals, it can be a real help to have the extra hands available. Flexibility With a specialist marketing agency to lean on, you’ve got the ability to scale your marketing efforts up or down, based on what your current needs might look like. Everything you Need to Know About Red-Fern Red-Fern is a specialist manufacturing marketing agency that was founded 22 years ago to provide exclusive services to industrial and manufacturing businesses. Unlike other agencies, and as mentioned, Red-Fern doesn’t spread itself across sectors, so they’re able to be hyper-focused on the industry they operate in exclusively. For more than two decades, Red-Fern has built marketing systems that are designed to generate their clients’ commercial pipeline. The agency serves global manufacturers ranging from businesses turning over £10 million through to the goliaths that turn over billions of pounds internationally. With client experience that spans across some of the most demanding and highly regulated sectors in the industry, they’re one that offers extensive knowledge and skillsets. Such sectors within the industry include aerospace, rail, automotive, medical and renewables. A lot of the client relationships currently in place routinely run three to four years and beyond. As such, they create relationships that are built on trust and long sales cycles. Pros and Cons of Using Red-Fern So what are some of the pros and cons of using Red-Fern as a specialist marketing agency? Before you commit to any agency, it’s important to assess what they can provide so that your time and money are being well spent. While there are lots of marketing agencies out there, every campaign needs to hit the market successfully and drive growth for the business. Committee-driven decision-making As an agency, before the supplier is even contacted, the decisions on risk are made by a committee. They assess risk based on technical, operational, and commercial factors.  In comparison to generalist agencies who don’t carry that context, many clients of Red-Fern recognise how this effort shows in the work they produce. Credibility is grounded in real manufacturing experience  When you pick a marketing agency like Red-Fern, you’re choosing a manufacturing agency that’s grounded in credibility and not marketing theory. The founder of the company, Sean Redfearn, has over fifteen years of experience in print manufacturing.  Experience in all aspects of this industry means the agency understands how manufacturers buy and how engineering and procurement think. This helps to ensure the marketing campaigns created by Red-Fern are crafted effectively to hit the audience’s needs and wants successfully.  Offers specialist disciplines Red-Fern offers specialist disciplines across everything from SEO to marketing automation, paid media and analytics. The agency aligns them to the commercial direction of the business so that every client gets individual and personalised marketing services that maximise the effectiveness of campaigns.  Are there any downsides to using Red-Fern as a specialist marketing agency? It’s always helpful to know why companies like this one might not always be the best fit for your company. It’s designed for long-term growth If you’re not necessarily focused on long-term growth when it comes to your marketing objectives as a business, then this might not be the right marketing agency to choose to begin with. It’s not the right fit if you’re just looking for short or sporadic growth at the moment.  Useful only when your internal resources are stretched For small businesses who are already successful in their marketing efforts in-house, it might not be worthwhile right now to outsource marketing needs to an agency like Red-Fern. Once internal resources are stretched, that’s when it’s worth investing in outsourced services. Specialist Marketing Agencies are Worth Seeking Out For a lot of businesses, especially those within niche sectors, they are most likely to benefit from using a specialist marketing agency.  With agencies like Red-Fern, there are many benefits and perks to utilising it for your manufacturing or industrial business. It’s a great option if you’re stretched thin in-house and need expertise for your marketing requirements to make future campaigns a great success.

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Glencar begins construction on new industrial facility at SEGRO Park Coventry

Glencar begins construction on new industrial facility at SEGRO Park Coventry

Design and Build contract will deliver a 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry. Glencar has commenced construction of Unit 3C, a new 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry, following its appointment by SEGRO to deliver the purpose-built development. The appointment marks the third project Glencar has delivered for SEGRO, continuing the companies’ ongoing collaboration in the industrial and logistics sector. Located within the 215-acre SEGRO Park Coventry development, south of Coventry Airport, the wider scheme has outline planning permission for up to 3.7 million sq. ft of industrial and logistics accommodation, supporting manufacturing, distribution and warehouse occupiers. The new facility has been pre-let to Volvo Group, which recently announced a £24 million investment in the site to create a new Regional Distribution Centre serving the UK and Ireland. Once operational, the purpose-built facility will feature an automated storage and picking system, supporting faster and more efficient parts distribution across Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations. Construction commenced this month and is scheduled for completion in January 2027. Delivered under a Design and Build contract, Glencar’s scope includes the design and construction of the new facility, comprising a 12-metre clear haunch height warehouse, integrated two-storey office accommodation and all associated external works. These include cement-stabilised earthworks, mass fill foundations, below-ground drainage and underground services, a petrol interceptor, rainwater harvesting system, service yards, EV-enabled car parking, landscaping and wider site infrastructure. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the development will incorporate photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy-efficient building systems, supporting SEGRO’s commitment to low carbon growth. The wider development also incorporates approximately 100 hectares of community parkland, woodland walks, wetlands and landscaped public open space, placing sustainability, biodiversity and occupier wellbeing at the heart of the scheme. Chris Looney, Construction Director at Glencar, said: “We’re pleased to be working with SEGRO once again on another important industrial development. Delivering a third project together reflects the strength of our ongoing relationship and our shared commitment to creating high-quality industrial, manufacturing and logistics facilities that meet the evolving needs of customers and occupiers. Unit 3C will provide Volvo Group with a purpose-built, sustainable facility in a strategically important location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with SEGRO and the wider project team to successfully deliver the project for completion in January 2027.” Sabrina Loyer, General Manager, Service Operations & Technology, Volvo Group UK, said: “The move to Coventry represents a significant investment in the future of our parts distribution network and a key milestone in supporting Volvo Group UK’s continued growth. As customer expectations and operational demands evolve, it is essential that we invest in facilities that provide both the capacity and flexibility needed to support our long-term ambitions.” Once operational, the new Regional Distribution Centre is expected to fulfil more than 1.3 million order lines each year, supporting Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations and demonstrating the continued demand for purpose-built industrial facilities at SEGRO Park Coventry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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