Brims builds on record £70m turnover with £89.5m secured workload
Northeast independent contractor increases profits by 26%, invests in new headquarters and strengthens its platform for continued growth Brims Construction has delivered its fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, achieving record turnover of £70 million and a 26% increase in pre-tax profits as it continues to build its reputation as a trusted construction partner across the North East. The independently owned contractor reported turnover of £70.01 million for the year ended 31 March 2026, up from £64.43 million, with pre-tax profit rising to £5.31 million. With a workforce averaging 200 people, year-end cash balances of £19.37 million and no bank debt, Brims combines the resources to deliver major projects with the personal approach and long-term relationships of an independent business. That approach continues to attract new and returning clients. Secured future workload stood at £89.46 million at the end of August 2026, providing a strong foundation for the year ahead. Commercial Director Ian Clift said: “These results demonstrate the strength of Brims and the confidence our clients place in us. Five consecutive years of revenue growth, alongside increased profitability, reflect the hard work of our people and a clear focus on delivering projects well. “For our clients, financial strength matters. They need confidence that their contractor has the people, resources and resilience to see a project through. Our strong cash position and absence of bank debt allow us to plan for the long term, invest in the business and support our supply chain. “We are ambitious for Brims. Our focus is on building a business that clients want to work with again, talented people want to join and suppliers can depend on.” The results follow a busy year of project delivery across education, commercial property, industry and specialist facilities. Among the projects completed was the £15.6 million Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy at Riverside Sunderland. Combining the restoration of a former engine shed with a substantial new extension, the scheme demonstrates Brims’ ability to deliver technically demanding projects that support the region’s future. Other completions included a £4.5 million refurbishment and fit-out for Barbour, a new sixth form centre in Northumberland and an office and factory refurbishment incorporating a specialist remotely operated vehicle test tank for subsea engineering company, SMD. Brims also delivered works at Newcastle International Airport and civil engineering projects at Wilton, Teesside. Operations Director Jason Wood said: “Our strength is the combination of our people, our technical experience and the relationships we build with clients. We take time to understand what each project needs and bring the right team together to deliver it safely and to a high standard. “Repeat business is particularly important to us. When a client chooses Brims again, it is a strong endorsement of the service our team has provided. “Our experience across different sectors gives us a broad base of expertise, while our selective approach to new work helps us maintain the attention and commitment that every client deserves.” The year also saw Brims complete its move to Ravensworth House on Team Valley in September 2025, investing in a new headquarters to support the next stage of its development. Director Richard Wood said: “Our new headquarters represents our confidence in the future of Brims and our commitment to the North East. It gives our people a modern working environment and a strong base from which to support clients across the region and beyond. “Behind these results is a team that really cares about the quality of its work. Their knowledge, professionalism and commitment are what turn opportunities into successful projects and first-time clients into long-term partners. “With a strong secured workload and the capacity to invest in our future, we are well placed to build on that success.” Brims also achieved the Fair Payment Code Bronze Award, recognising payment of at least 95% of invoices within 60 days and reinforcing its commitment to its supply chain. Looking ahead, the company will continue to pursue sustainable, profitable growth through carefully selected projects, investment in its people and lasting client relationships. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Interpon D Futura 2026–2029 wins Best of Products Award for architectural color and finish
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings’ Interpon D Futura 2026–2029 Collection has won the Finishes + Surfaces – Paint & Coating category in The Architect’s Newspaper’s 2026 Best of Products Awards, recognizing a forward-looking collection designed to give architects and designers freedom to create distinctive spaces with durable, expressive finishes. Selected by a jury of practicing architects, designers and critics, The Architect’s Newspaper’s Best of Products Awards celebrate solutions that are shaping the built environment. The superdurable Interpon D2525 Futura 2026–2029 Collection brings together enduring design influences and emerging architectural trends in a contemporary toolkit for architects and designers. It is designed to support commercial, residential, institutional and public projects – from understated facades to bold design statements. The collection is organized around two complementary palettes: Together, the palettes give architects and designers flexibility to create distinctive spaces for work, leisure and relaxation. For more than two decades, Futura has helped shape architectural approaches to color and finish, and the 2026–2029 Collection builds on that legacy through updated color forecasting and architectural research. Being a superdurable Interpon D2525 range, the collection sits within the Interpon Eco+ portfolio of advanced sustainable powder coatings, with sustainability built in as standard. In Europe and North America*, the range includes 15 Low-E colors, supporting curing at lower temperatures or faster line speeds, helping to reduce energy use and improve operational efficiency. Bio-attributed raw materials are also utilized, helping customers make lower carbon choices without needing to specify a specialist or premium option. Futura 2026-2029 includes 50 superdurable bonded metallic powder coatings compliant with AAMA 2604, offers warranties of up to 20 years and is supported by Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), which provide transparent, independently verified information about the environmental impacts of the relevant products across their life cycle. “Winning this recognition from The Architect’s Newspaper is a proud moment for everyone involved in the Futura Collection,” said Jeff Jirak, Business Unit Director, AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. “It validates the way Futura brings together design leadership, practical performance and sustainability. For architects and designers, the collection offers the confidence to specify expressive, durable finishes that are designed to perform for the long term.” The award strengthens AkzoNobel Powder Coating’s position as a partner for architects and designers looking to balance creative freedom, durability and more responsible material choices across the built environment. To learn more about the Interpon D Futura 2026–2029 Collection, visit: Interpon D Futura Collection | Interpon Read The Architect’s Newspaper’s announcement of the 2026 Best of Products Award winners here. *Interpon D Powder Coatings formulated with Low-E technology and bio-attributed raw materials are imported from Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
‘Boroughs want to build more’ – ambition for over 50,000 new council homes in capital
London boroughs have identified sites to build over 50,000 new council homes in the capital if sufficient funding is available, analysis reveals. This would represent an almost 15% increase to London’s council housing stock – a significant boost in the face of London’s worsening housing and homelessness pressures[i]. London Councils says the figure demonstrates boroughs’ commitment to building the next generation of council housing across the capital and to working with the government on this agenda. The cross-party group, which represents all 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation, surveyed its members on their submissions to the London Social and Affordable Homes Programme (LSAHP)[ii]. London Councils’ analysis found that: London Councils has welcomed the government’s increased investment in the social and affordable homes programme and the GLA’s confirmation that council-led projects will account for 60% of the homes delivered through the initial LSAHP allocations Boroughs in the capital are proud of their track record in building council homes. The government has itself acknowledged that “London is already showing what can be achieved through fuller devolution when it comes to council housebuilding”, with half of all council homes built in 2024 to 2025 located in the capital. Boroughs are working together with partners on how best to keep increasing delivery of new council homes, creating good-quality homes and ensuring those homes go to Londoners who need them most. In support of this, London Councils is making the case that further grant funding and other financial measures – including access to low-interest loans – are needed to accelerate progress and maximise delivery of boroughs’ council housebuilding ambitions. Cllr Anthony Okereke, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Homelessness, said: “These figures demonstrate boroughs’ ambitious commitment to building the next generation of council housing across the capital. “London is grappling with the most severe housing and homelessness emergency in the country. Boosting the number of council homes is a key part of tackling this crisis – and London boroughs have a proud track record of delivery in recent years. “Boroughs want to build more. We have identified a pipeline of over 50,000 new council homes we could deliver in the coming years. These are specific development opportunities where we are seeking funding for new council housing. “We have the expertise, we have the vision, we have the determination – we now need the investment to make it happen.” Ahead of the government’s Autumn Budget, London Councils is making the case for additional financial support for council housing, which must sit among a broader sweep of policy reforms tackling housing and homelessness pressures. Policy priorities include: Further targeted grant funding Building on the government’s uplift to the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, further grant funding increases would make more council housebuilding projects viable and accelerate delivery. For example, full delivery of the pipeline of over 50,000 potential council homes in London is estimated to cost £12.3 billion. The current LSAHP is worth £11.7 billion and is designed to fund a range of development organisations including housing associations and private developers, as well as local authorities. Reforming nationally set rules on Housing Revenue Accounts (local authorities’ budgets for managing their council housing) Changes should include an urgent reassessment of the 2012 HRA debt settlement, enabling councils to access low-interest lending, and a London Formula Rent reset that would give boroughs extra flexibility in setting social rents to account for the capital’s high property costs. Reforms such as these would strengthen boroughs’ resources for investing in council housing, including building new homes. Additional funding for acquisitions Boosting London boroughs’ ability to buy existing housing is another vital part of the solution to the housing crisis. London boroughs are making good use of the Local Authority Housing Fund and the Social and Affordable Homes Programme to fund acquisitions. Boroughs’ acquisitions have unblocked stalled sites, converted market housing into affordable homes, reduced reliance on the private rented sector for finding desperately needed temporary accommodation, and supported London’s wider development sector in a downturn. [i] London Councils’ analysis of homelessness statistics shows that an estimated 210,000 Londoners are homeless and living in temporary accommodation. This equates to around one in every 50 residents of the capital. London accounts for more than half of all homeless households in England. In addition, more than 330,000 households are on local authority housing registers (commonly known as social housing waiting lists) in the capital.[ii] The Social and Affordable Homes Programme provides government grant funding for new social and affordable housing. In the capital the programme’s funding is managed and distributed by the Greater London Authority. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salboy enters Build-To-Rent market with launch of first 2,000 Everway Homes
New brand, Everway Homes, sits within the Salboy Group Salboy, the nationwide property development and funding group, has entered the build-to-rent (BTR) market for the first time with the launch of its dedicated BTR brand, Everway Homes. Over the next five years, Everway Homes will develop and rent 2,000 brand-new, low-rise homes, targeting young professionals and families in high-demand areas across England and Wales. 1,000 homes are already in the pipeline for development. Salboy aims to hand over the keys to its first Everway tenants by January 2027, with 2,000 homes completed by the end of 2031. The new homes will be built by Salboy’s network of experienced regional delivery partners, as well as by its own low-rise building arm, Salboy Construction. Management lettings and maintenance will be managed by the Salboy team. Everway is spearheaded by Andrew Cavanagh, CFO at Salboy since 2019: “The fall in construction starts in the BTR sector this year has been staggering to watch, and highlights the grim realities facing regional developers and contractors striving to keep their BTR schemes viable. From the cost of labour and supplies to regulatory uncertainty and planning delays, the outlook for BTR developers has been increasingly poor. And, yet, the urgent, pressing need for high-quality rental property remains unchanged. While the dynamics and statistics will encourage others to steer clear of the market, this is the right time for Salboy to enter BTR. For years we have honed our strategy to bring economies of scale to development projects across the UK by working in partnership with a wider network of regional development and delivery partners. And we are confident in our ability to bring the same positive, collaborative approach to BTR now. With Everway, we’re looking forward to working closely with regional contractors who are motivated to get more homes built in their local areas. These regional contractors will benefit from the reduced costs of labour, materials and energy that come with delivering projects as part of a wider group, and their communities stand to benefit as a result.” Everway is a natural next step in Salboy’s strategy to diversify its involvement in and contribution to the UK homebuilding industry. The launch of Everway follows the launch of Salboy Construction in February 2026 to deliver small-scale housing schemes throughout the UK, as well as the launch of Hidden, Salboy’s boutique aparthotel brand, in April 2026. The Salboy Group now counts more than seven active property and construction brands under its wider umbrella. Daisyfields in Staffordshire – the first Everway Homes project Construction began this summer at Daisyfields, Everway Homes’s first scheme, a 37-home development in Staffordshire. Positioned as a convenient commuter development, Daisyfields is a 25-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, and 45-minutes to Derby. In addition to its proximity to major cities and cross-country rail links, tenants of Daisyfields will benefit from professionally managed, energy efficient, pet-friendly homes as well as attractive, spacious landscaping. Additional Everway Homes schemes in the pipeline include sites in Kent, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire and Cornwall. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM Clears Gateway 2 Hurdle for £530m Manchester PBSA Megaproject
GRAHAM has secured full Gateway 2 building control approval for the University of Manchester’s £530 million Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, clearing all 29 buildings within the major PBSA scheme to progress into construction. The milestone covers the entire 3,300-room student accommodation development, including seven buildings classified as higher-risk under the Building Safety Act because they reach at least 18 metres or seven storeys. Gateway 2 approval has now been secured for all seven higher-risk buildings, alongside approval for the remaining 22 lower-rise blocks, representing a significant regulatory achievement for one of the UK’s largest student residential developments. The project team adopted an early approach to the new building safety regime, submitting its first application to the Building Safety Regulator several months before planning approval was secured. Neil McFarlane, strategic development director at GRAHAM Investment Projects, said: “Reaching Gateway 2 approval across the whole of Fallowfield Campus is a huge achievement for the entire project team. “We submitted our first application to the Building Safety Regulator several months ahead of planning approval, and that early, proactive approach to design and fire safety has been central to getting here.” Fallowfield Campus is being delivered through a 50-year partnership between the University of Manchester, Equitix, GRAHAM and Rothesay, combining major investment in new student accommodation with ambitious long-term energy and sustainability objectives. The first 1,000 student rooms are scheduled to open in 2028, with the remaining accommodation expected to be completed by 2030. Beyond its scale, the project is targeting recognition as the world’s largest single-phase Passivhaus-certified purpose-built student accommodation development. Operational energy consumption is expected to be around 50% lower than a conventional new-build student accommodation scheme, placing building performance at the centre of the design and construction strategy. Modern methods of construction are also playing an important role in delivering the 29-building campus. Techrete is manufacturing approximately 4,150 precast façade panels across its production facilities in Balbriggan, Ireland, and North Lincolnshire. The low-carbon concrete panels will incorporate reconstructed stone and clay brick finishes, while their structural and insulation layers are being manufactured as single sandwich units. The approach brings significant elements of the façade construction into a controlled factory environment before installation on site. The combination of offsite manufacturing, Passivhaus principles and early engagement with the Building Safety Regulator demonstrates the increasingly complex technical and regulatory environment surrounding the delivery of major PBSA developments. For the University of Manchester, the £530 million programme represents a substantial investment in the future of its student residential estate. For the wider construction sector, Fallowfield is emerging as an important example of how large-scale student accommodation can combine modern construction methods, enhanced building safety requirements and demanding operational energy targets. With Gateway 2 approval now secured across all 29 blocks, the project has reached a major delivery milestone as GRAHAM and its partners push ahead with one of the UK’s most ambitious new PBSA developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lendlord launches free Form 4A rent increase notice tool for landlords
Property management and finance platform Lendlord has launched a free Rent Increase Notice (Form 4A) tool within its platform, helping landlords complete the official government form required under the section 13 rent increase process for assured periodic tenancies in England. Since 1st May 2026, landlords have been required to use the section 13 process every time they increase the rent, including where the tenant has already agreed to the proposed increase. Informal emails, WhatsApp messages and rent-review clauses can no longer be used in place of the prescribed process, while a clause agreed before 1st May 2026 but due to take effect after that date does not apply. Under the requirements: Lendlord’s Form 4A tool guides landlords through the current and proposed rent, relevant dates, any charges included within the rent and the landlord or agent signature, before producing the official Form 4A for review. The tool sits alongside Lendlord’s tenancy records and Compliance Hub, allowing landlords to use existing tenancy information rather than entering the same details again. Once completed, the notice can also be signed electronically and shared digitally with the tenant, provided the method of service is permitted under the tenancy agreement. According to the English Housing Survey 2024-25, the private rented sector comprises 4.7 million households in England. Errors in a rent increase notice or its timing can delay a proposed increase and create uncertainty for both landlords and tenants. Aviram Shahar, co-founder and CEO of Lendlord, said: “Landlords need to understand that agreeing a rent increase with a tenant does not replace the formal notice process. For assured periodic tenancies in England, using the correct form and getting the timing right are essential. “We have made the Form 4A tool free to help landlords prepare the official notice using tenancy information already held in Lendlord, reducing the administration involved. Landlords still need to check the details and serve the notice correctly. “The process should provide clarity for both sides: landlords need to know when an increase can take effect, while tenants need proper notice and a clear understanding of their rights.” More information is available at lendlord.io/solutions/manage/form-4a-rent-increase-notice. The official Form 4A and the landlord rent-increase rules are published on GOV.UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals