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
Construction completes at Grimsby’s pioneering horizon youth zone
The construction firm behind a brand-new and trailblazing Youth Zone, that is going to transform the lives of young people in Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire for generations to come, has completed work on the project ahead of it opening early next year. Hobson & Porter, which operates across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, has now handed over the £11.5m Horizon Youth Zone and work is currently underway on the internal fit-out of the facility before it opens. Decisions on the interior design including paint colours and artwork are being led by the Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), made up of young people from across the local area. Construction started in late 2023 and has incorporated a vast spectrum of work. Several large Grade II listed 19th century maltings and grain store buildings, known as West Haven Maltings and Migar House, have been fully restored and repurposed. Part of a building also had to be completely rebuilt alongside the River Freshney, using a pontoon in the river to create a working platform to access a river wall. In addition to the intricate refurbishment and restoration aspects of the project, Hobson & Porter has also built a large new sports hall and an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA). Other facilities include a climbing wall, music room with built-in recording studio, performing arts space, maker zone with 3D printing equipment, arts and crafts area, boxing gym and fitness suite. Horizon Youth Zone, part of the OnSide Network, will offer a safe and inspiring place for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure time. There will be over 20 activities taking place each evening, for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit. Joe Booth, Pre Construction and Business Development Director from Hobson & Porter, said: “There’s no doubt this has been a hugely challenging and complex project. There were new build aspects, refurbishment works, delicate conservation phases, heritage considerations, major repurposing, river works and highway improvements, which all had to be balanced and carefully managed by our dedicated team and supply chain. “However, it’s been a very rewarding project for everyone involved. As well as giving a disused site and several major derelict buildings a completely new life, the whole construction team knows what it means for young people in and around Grimsby and the lasting impact it will have. “We’re therefore delighted to complete work and hand the project over to the team and we can’t wait to see it welcome the first members through the doors in the coming months.” Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “This is another significant milestone, and because the people of North East Lincolnshire can now see the completed buildings and how amazing they look, the level of anticipation and interest surrounding Horizon Youth Zone is growing by the day. “We now have a busy and very exciting couple of months coming up as we complete the rest of the internal work and begin the soft openings phase of school, community visits and team training ahead of us opening early next year.” Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund. Capital funders of Horizon Youth Zone comprise of Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Youth Investment Fund, Evergreen Life, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ørsted and Greencoats Wind UK. Horizon Youth Zone is also building a fabulous family of Founder Patrons, comprising of local organisations and philanthropists, who will support the Youth Zone during its first four years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City appoints CBRE as property agent on One Medlock Square
Manchester City Football Club has appointed CBRE as the sole leasing agent for the next phase of their commercial development at the Etihad Campus. Situated in the heart of the future Entertainment Destination, One Medlock Square will offer 30,000 sq ft of new Grade A office space, with floor plates of 10,000 sq ft each. Scheduled for completion in late 2026, this development will provide ESG-focused spaces within a vibrant leisure district, offering more than just office space. Occupants will have access to a raft of onsite conference and events amenities, communal event spaces, extensive wellness facilities, and a variety of on-site food and beverage options. This, combined with world-class entertainment venues nearby, will create a unique workspace environment unparalleled in the city. With wellbeing at its core, the development is situated alongside world-class sports facilities including indoor and outdoor running tracks, a gym, tennis and football centres, swimming pools, and a national squash centre. The Etihad Campus will be home to a premier, year-round Entertainment Destination featuring the impressive Etihad Stadium, home to Premier-League champions Manchester City Football Club and Co-op Live, the UK’s only music-first arena which hosts the very best events in music and sport. The new development, opening in phases from spring 2026, will also include The Medlock, a 401-room hotel and a variety of new bars and restaurants. One Medlock Square will also feature a range of ESG credentials, including all-electric infrastructure and a target of EPC A and BREEAM Very Good accreditation. Mark Garner, Director at CBRE, stated: “We are delighted to be working with Manchester City on One Medlock Square, which will provide occupiers with an opportunity to work within one of the most exciting entertainment districts in the region. The space will be delivered to a Grade A specification and will come to the market at a time when there is a distinct undersupply of new build office space.” Danny Wilson, Managing Director – Manchester City Operations, said: “One Medlock Square presents a unique opportunity to be part of a world-class entertainment destination with incredible events and experiences on your doorstep. The next evolution of the Etihad Campus is the most ambitious and exciting to date and we’re looking forward to welcoming businesses to be part of that journey.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bauer Technologies Secures Specialist Piling Contract for The Dovetail Building, London
Bauer Technologies has been awarded the specialist piling and geotechnical works package for The Dovetail Building, a striking new 24-storey mixed-use development located in the City of London. Commissioned by Deconstruct UK Ltd on behalf of client Brockton Everlast, the project represents a significant addition to London’s premium office and retail landscape, featuring a three-level basement and high-specification tower structure designed to meet modern sustainability and performance standards. Bauer Technologies’ scope of work is being delivered in two distinct phases to facilitate archaeological investigations by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). The first phase, – running from November 2025 to February 2026 – will involve the extraction of redundant piles and the installation of approximately two-thirds of the new secant wall. The second phase, scheduled for June to September 2026, will focus on installing a front-of-wall cased CFA secant pile line along the party boundary, and completing the foundation and bearing piles, including temporary works for the tower cranes and gantry. In keeping with Bauer Technologies’ strong commitment to sustainable construction, the project will incorporate a wide range of carbon-reducing initiatives. These include the use of low-carbon reinforcement steel, concrete incorporating blended cement, supplied from a local batching facility, and 100% HVO fuel for all site plant. Bauer has also implemented waste-reduction measures to optimise material efficiency and minimise environmental impact throughout the project’s lifecycle. Commenting on the award, Bauer Technologies’ Managing Director John Theos, said: “We are delighted to be working once again with Deconstruct UK on such a high-profile London development. The Dovetail Building exemplifies the type of technically challenging, sustainability-driven project where Bauer’s experience in complex urban settings and commitment to innovation can make a real difference. It’s a showcase for how deep foundation solutions can be delivered responsibly, efficiently, and in harmony with the capital’s built environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellrock acquires Axiom to strengthen consulting expertise and expand regional reach
Acquisition of leading property and construction specialist boosts Bellrock’s private sector consulting offering Property Services industry disruptor Bellrock has acquired Axiom, a respected property and construction consultancy based in Scotland. Axiom will join Bellrock’s Consulting Division, alongside Summers Inman, JRP, Oakleaf & Nifes and C&P. The business will continue to be led by Managing Director, Gary Logue, who will work closely with Carlo Alloni, CEO of Bellrock and Dan Weiss, Managing Director, Bellrock Consulting, to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity for clients and colleagues. Axiom delivers project management and cost consultancy services to private-sector clients across leisure, residential and industrial developments. With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London, the business has built a reputation for quality, collaboration and trusted, long-term client partnerships. The acquisition expands Bellrock’s consulting capabilities and strengthens its national offer to its clients. Axiom’s expertise and regional insight complement Bellrock’s existing experience, creating new opportunities for collaboration, growth and knowledge-sharing across the group and the clients. “Joining Bellrock marks the start of a new chapter for us,” said Axiom Managing Director, Gary Logue. “We’re proud of what we’ve built and excited to grow our public-sector offering alongside a group that shares our values and ambition.” Bellrock CEO, Carlo Alloni, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Axiom to the Bellrock family. With its expertise, regional insight and clients’ focus, this acquisition will strengthen our consulting division and unlock new opportunities to enhance our service offerings and deliver even greater value to our clients and teams.” Dan Weiss, Managing Director Bellrock Consulting also commented, “this move supports Bellrock’s strategic goal to deliver multidisciplinary, integrated, insight-led consultancy across the full property lifecycle. We strive to connect people, data and technology to deliver excellence to our clients and the Axiom business will support us in achieving this”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carrier Solutions UK Delivers Complete HVAC Refurbishment for Bannatyne Health Club & Spa
Carrier Solutions UK supplied a Toshiba climate control solution for Bannatyne Health Club & Spa in Wellingborough, delivering a complete HVAC refurbishment to improve customer comfort and operational efficiency. Carrier Solutions UK Ltd (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd) is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The eight-week project involved decommissioning and removing ageing R407c split systems that had reached the end of their useful lives. These systems were proving costly for Bannatyne Group to maintain, making a modern replacement essential to enhance performance and reduce operating expenses. Ventec Services Ltd, the appointed installation contractor, selected Toshiba products for their high efficiency, reliability and tailored climate control capabilities. Equipment was procured through one of Carrier’s preferred distributors, Cool Designs Ltd, ensuring a smooth and reliable supply chain throughout the project. The installed solution included Toshiba Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, featuring SMMSu Heat Pump 2-pipe and SHRMe Heat Recovery 3-pipe models, as well as Toshiba Digital Inverter R32 single, twin and triple split units. The project also replaced outdated DX cooling coils and condensing units within the club’s air handling units. Key features of the new installation include inverter-driven compressors, which adjust heating and cooling output in response to real-time demand, thereby reducing power consumption during periods of low usage. A Toshiba Black Pear Central Controller was also installed, allowing the club’s General Manager to control different temperature settings across the gym, studios, spa areas and offices from within the main office. Careful planning ensured the project was completed outside opening hours, thereby minimising disruption to daily operations. “Working with Ventec and Carrier Solutions UK ensured a hassle-free installation,” said Stuart Maclachlan, Regional Manager at Bannatyne Group. “The Toshiba system has improved comfort and both members and staff have noticed the difference.” Richard Goose, Director of Ventec Services Ltd, added: “The collaboration between Ventec, Bannatyne and Carrier Solutions UK made this project a great success. Toshiba’s systems were the ideal choice for their efficiency and flexibility and we’re proud to have delivered a solution that exceeds client expectations.” For more information on Toshiba products, visit: https://www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals