“Connected Realities”: 2026 Edition of Workspace Design Show in London Reveals Bold Theme Exploring the Fusion of Physical and Digital Workplaces
The future of work isn’t physical versus digital. It’s both, beautifully and intelligently intertwined. That’s the driving force behind Connected Realities, the newly announced theme for Workspace Design Show, taking place 25–26 February at the Business Design Centre, London. This edition invites exhibitors and visitors alike to explore how hybrid models, immersive technologies, and smart environments are reshaping the workplace, not just as spaces we use, but as environments we feel, engage with and belong to. “We’re moving beyond furniture and floorplans. Today’s most successful workplaces behave almost like living organisms, responsive, sensory, and human,” says Esha Bark-Jones, Event Director for Workspace Design Show. “Connected Realities is a celebration of that evolution, the moment where physical design and digital intelligence finally operate in harmony.” Rather than treating the theme as a backdrop, Workspace Design Show is turning it into a full-scale design challenge, asking exhibitors to interpret Connected Realities through the way they build and behave within their stands. Whether through AR-enabled product demos, blended material palettes, live data walls or wellbeing-driven sensory environments, the show floor is set to become a living exhibition of this reality’s workplace behaviour. A few of the leading brands already confirmed to participate include König + Neurath, Sedus, Bisley, Pedrali, Interface, Kvadrat, and Forbo, each set to showcase not just products, but perspectives on how connection between people, space and technology can elevate performance, culture and everyday joy at work. We are also working closely with our design partners Gensler, Peldon Rose, MCM Architecture, M Moser Associates and Area to bring this theme to life. Adding to the excitement, the inaugural Workspace Design Awards will take place live at the show on 25 February 2026, celebrating completed workplace projects from around the world. The Workspace Design Awards are assessed by senior occupiers, developers and workplace transformation leaders, meaning entries are evaluated from the perspective of the people who actually live with the results. Entry is free and open to architects, interior designers, design consultancies, fit-out companies, occupiers, developers and workplace strategists for projects completed between 1 January 2023 – 30 October 2025. Full details at workspaceshow.co.uk/awards Workspace Design Show is inviting the industry not just to attend but to participate in a collective showcase of how work can evolve when physical and digital no longer compete but collaborate. Key DatesWorkspace Design Show London: 25–26 February 2026Workspace Design Awards Ceremony & Show Party: 25 February 2026Awards Entry Deadline: 31 October 2025 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newmark strengthens UK leisure team with Cardiff duo hire
Newmark has added two senior appointments to its UK leisure team, hiring partner Carys Chandler and associate Leo Llewellyn from Avison Young. Both will be based in the firm’s Cardiff office as Newmark expands its specialist coverage across the leisure sector. Chandler brings extensive valuation expertise spanning holiday parks and residential caravan parks nationwide, along with experience in large-scale portfolio valuations and single-asset appraisals for loan security, taxation and internal purposes. Llewellyn specialises in valuation and agency across licensed leisure, hotels, caravan parks, heritage venues, visitor attractions and sports stadiums, with a track record that includes high-profile leisure disposals in Wales, off-market pub sales and valuations of international holiday assets. Welcoming the pair, Dan Anning, co-head of Newmark’s UK leisure team, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Carys and Leo to the team. Their combined expertise and deep market knowledge will be instrumental as we continue to expand our leisure offer across the UK. Their appointments will significantly enhance our reach, reflecting the strong growth momentum of Newmark’s national leisure service line.” Chandler commented: “I’m excited to join Newmark at such a pivotal moment. The firm’s platform and collaborative culture provide a fantastic opportunity to grow our presence and deliver exceptional value to clients.” Llewellyn added: “Joining Newmark’s leisure team is a great step. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and continuing to work on some of the most interesting and diverse leisure assets in the market.” For investors, lenders and operators, the hires signal Newmark’s continued push into specialist leisure sub-sectors—particularly holiday parks and mixed leisure portfolios—where market activity remains resilient and data-led valuations and strategic disposals are in demand. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
8build construction appoints industry veteran to drive commercial retrofit growth
Leading construction and fit out contractor, 8build, has appointed Steve Davies as Divisional Director, strengthening its leadership team as the firm seeks to expand its growth drive in commercial refurbishment and sustainable retrofit solutions. Previously a board member at Collins Construction and later a senior leader at Structure Tone London, Davies brings over 37 years’ experience in the London construction sector, having worked on some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, The Shard, and the ‘Walkie Talkie’. Over the past 12 years, Davies has specialised in retrofit and complex refurbishment services, delivering major schemes for listed blue-chip property owners, institutional investors and capital managers, including The Crown Estate, Grosvenor, AXA, Frogmore and Shaftesbury. 8build has a proven record of delivering flagship fit out and retrofit schemes across the commercial, mixed-use, residential, healthcare, and cultural sectors, targeting £200m in turnover by year end as the contractor expands its client book. Notable projects include the ongoing More London development with St Martins, Sheldon Square and Paddington Central Amphitheatre for British Land, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres with Victoria Palace Theatre, and Lazari Investment’s The Lantern. In his new position, Davies will lead a London-centric division focused on commercial offices, building a team of specialists in fit-out, refurbishment and heritage projects to deliver Grade A space in an increasingly undersupplied market where prime stock demand is accelerating. Steve Davies, Divisional Director at 8build, said: “Retrofit and refurbishment in constrained markets like London are essential levers that unlock long-term value for clients. In these areas, 8build has developed an outstanding reputation for delivering complex, multi-year contracts with precision and skill, putting clients at the forefront of its practice and forming great relationships in the process. “Together with Andy and the Board, our focus is now on steady, sustainable growth that plays to the competitive edge 8build has carved out in institutional-grade commercial office solutions, meeting the growing need for stock that meets and exceeds incoming net zero targets.” Andy Tooley, Director at 8build, said: “Steve’s appointment charts an exciting new phase for our commercial retrofit division in London, where we see a huge unmet need for high-quality execution. “With his breadth of experience delivering high-profile projects for exceptional clients and his deep understanding of retrofit demand, Steve will add materially to our growth plans going forward as we broaden our client book and our strong pipeline of sustainable projects.” In London, 80%[1] of commercial buildings that will still be in use by 2030 are already standing, underpinning a market that is increasingly focused on retrofit to meet regulatory requirements and changing occupier preferences. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVID hosts live fire training exercise to support Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service
Last week, VIVID welcomed Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (H&IOWFS) to one of their tall tower buildings for a hands-on training exercise designed to help crews gain valuable experience in tackling high-rise fires. The event brought together around 40 fire service personnel, including senior command officers and frontline firefighters, supported by four fire engines, an aerial ladder platform (ALP), and several support vehicles. Over the course of four hours, crews worked through a realistic mock scenario involving a fire in the building. To make the exercise as true-to-life as possible, each flat was marked with scenario cards indicating potential challenges—such as customers with disabilities—giving crews a chance to think on their feet. A temporary evacuation control hub was set up in the garden area, staffed by eight team members who coordinated the response and kept communication flowing throughout. Members of VIVID’s Building and Fire Safety Team also took part in the role play, helping guide the fire service through the scenario and sharing key information. Tom Robinson, Executive Director of Assets and Sustainability, VIVID said, “We’re proud to support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service and continue working together on future training exercises. Building strong partnerships like this helps move towards a safer environment for our customers—and that’s something we’re fully committed to.” Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, Watch Manager, Sally Gould said, “My senior team are really happy with the opportunity, exercises like this are incredibly valuable—they give us the chance to put our policies and procedures into practice in a realistic setting, which is something we don’t often get to do. We’ve all learnt so much from being on-site and working through the scenario, and it’s helped build confidence across the team. It’s also been a great way to strengthen our working relationship with VIVID, and we’re really grateful for the time, expertise and support.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction Performance Slides as Confidence Continues to Wane
Glenigan Review sees UK construction activity continuing to fall against a backdrop of economic uncertainty Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the October 2025 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of September 2025, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report providing a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the past year. All Fall Down Once again, Glenigan’s October Review paints a picture of a sector continuing to slow down, as investor confidence fails to return to the private market and many public projects face significant delays. It was a case of across-the-board decline with project starts, main contract awards and detail planning approvals all down compared to both the preceding three months, and the same period last year. Looking at the former, project starts fell by 15% against the previous quarter and plummeted to a shocking 40% on 2024 levels. Likewise, the value of planning approvals was slashed by approximately fifth (-21%) during Q.3 and when measured against the previous year (-18%). Whilst main contract awards only dipped a modest 2% compared to the preceding three months, they finished almost a third down (-32%) against the previous year. Commenting on the results, Yuliana Ivanykovych, Senior Economist at Glenigan says, “The situation seems to be getting worse as the year progresses and, at this rate something truly transformative will need to happen to kick-start activity. Activity is depressed across both underlying and major projects, a result of low business confidence and the slow progress of government funded projects. Couple that with the industry’s long-term labour market challenges, wafer-thin margins and growing concerns over rising costs and you have a perfect storm, which the industry will have to try and weather in the months to come. She continues, “Not only that, there is added caution ahead of the Budget. Investors are keen to keep their powder dry, whilst Government departments cautiously watch for any changes to their funding allocations which might put capital projects at risk.” Residential continues to fall The residential sector is in decline, with that positive growth spurt seen over the Spring/Summer now seeming a distant memory. Whilst project starts only fell by 7% year-on-year, main contract awards tumbled by 47% and planning approvals by 39% when measured against 2024 figures. Private housing experienced a particularly poor period whilst social housing has been left with a significantly weakened pipeline. Even though there was strong growth in major project starts within this vertical, compared to both last year and the previous quarter, it was not quite enough to pull it up into positive figures. Regionally, performance was generally weak, with most posting lower project starts compared to Q.2 and the previous year. However, London and the South East both registered small project start increases, up 8% and 2% respectively on 2024. The latter also experience an uptick in planning approvals, growing 10% year-on-year, with the East of England (+28%) and South West (+11%) posting increases on a year ago. High-rise for office starts Offices continued their moment in the sun, despite planning approvals falling by three-quarters (-76%) and main contract awards down by 9% compared to 2024, the vertical posted an impressive 82% increase in starts year-on-year. This boost can be predominantly attributed to a spike in underlying starts as well as policy-driven momentum, with the Government recently signing a Tech Prosperity Deal, which has led to announcing an AI ‘growth zone’ in the North East. This £30bn investment will make the region home to one of the largest data centre hubs in Europe and hint at how this type of building will likely keep performance relatively resilient in the office vertical (which includes data centres) in the months and years to come. Most regions posted strong project starts performances with London possessing the highest share (68%) during this period, thanks to an 87% increase year-on-year. This growth is largely the result of the £400 million 50 Fenchurch Street development in the City. The North West also witnessed a 14% project starts increase compared to a year ago, in this case Manchester’s The Republic at Mayfield development was responsible. Bright spots amid the gloom Two others verticals particularly stood out: Hotel & Leisure and Civils. The former has experienced a surprisingly robust period of activity with project starts increase a whopping 93% year-on-year, with main contract awards also up 14%. Whilst detailed planning approvals were down 35% compared to 2024 levels, they did grow against Q.2 A 237% jump in indoor leisure facilities was only outstripped by an astonishing 344% leap in sports facilities performance. These impressive results were born out in the regions where developments including Manchester’s wellbeing resort and the Cardiff Arena & Hotel Atlantic Wharf are driving growth. Despite a poor start performance, Civils has seen a sharp increase in planning approvals (+150%) compared to the previous year and a 38% rise in main contract awards over Q.2 2025. Underlying figures were particularly positive, rising to 58%, against the preceding three months, indicating a strengthening of the development pipeline. This has likely been catalysed by the Government’s focus on clean energy projects, alongside the approval of more offshore windfarm projects, set to support overall growth in the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Looking for the Perfect Kitchen Fitters In Manchester: Questions to Ask and Common Concerns
Have you ever thought about giving your kitchen a new look but didn’t know where to start or who to trust for the job? Many homeowners dream of having a beautiful and functional kitchen, but the thought of kitchen renovations can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right kitchen fitter is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A good fitter doesn’t just install cabinets or worktops; they help transform your space into a place where you enjoy spending time every day. Knowing what to ask, what to expect, and what to look for can make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. Understanding the Role of a Recommended Kitchen Fitter A kitchen fitter is the person who turns your kitchen design into reality. Their job goes beyond fitting cabinets or connecting pipes; they make sure every detail, from alignment to functionality, is perfect. They handle tasks such as installing units, countertops, sinks, and even appliances. A professional fitter makes sure everything fits well, works safely, and looks beautiful once completed. Their work creates a space that feels clean, organized, and ready for daily use. A kitchen fitter handles tasks such as: Cleaning up the site after installation Why Experience Matters Experience makes all the difference in how smoothly your kitchen installation goes. An experienced fitter knows how to deal with unexpected layout issues, uneven floors, or tricky plumbing. They can offer useful suggestions when something needs a small adjustment to work better. When hiring, it’s a smart idea to ask how long they’ve been fitting kitchens, the types of kitchens they’ve worked on, and if they can share photos of past projects. Experienced fitters often have creative solutions that new ones might miss, saving you both time and stress later on. An experienced kitchen fitter brings: Before hiring, it’s always good to ask about their years of experience, previous projects, and client feedback. Photos of past work can also show you their attention to detail. Questions to Ask Before Hiring Before you finalize a fitter, asking the right questions helps you find someone reliable, skilled, and easy to work with. It also sets clear expectations about cost, quality, and timelines. Ask About Their Past Work One of the first things you should do is ask if they’ve done projects in Manchester homes similar to yours. Seeing local work builds more trust. Seeing photos or visiting a completed kitchen can help you understand their workmanship. A fitter proud of their work will happily show you pictures of finished kitchens and explain how they handled specific challenges. Inquire About Timelines and Process Ask about the estimated timeline for completing the project. Knowing how long it will take helps you plan around the renovation. A clear schedule also shows professionalism and organization. A good fitter will explain their step-by-step process—starting from removing old fittings to final clean-up—so you know exactly what to expect during each stage. Confirm Qualifications and Insurance It’s always important to ask if the fitter has relevant qualifications or training. Many professionals take specialized courses to ensure they’re following current installation standards. Also, confirm that they have valid insurance coverage. This protects both you and them in case something unexpected happens. A fully insured fitter gives you peace of mind knowing you’re in safe hands. Get a Clear Quote Ask for a detailed quote that outlines labor, materials, and any additional costs. Transparent pricing helps you avoid surprises later. It also lets you compare multiple quotes fairly and understand exactly what’s included. A professional fitter will have no problem explaining their pricing and payment terms. Talk About Communication Good communication makes any project smoother. Ask how they plan to keep you updated during installation—whether through phone, text, or email. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings and ensures the final result matches your expectations. Common Concerns When Choosing a Kitchen Fitter It’s normal to have some worries before starting a big project like a kitchen renovation. Most of these concerns can be handled by choosing an experienced, transparent, and communicative fitter. Concern 1: Quality of Workmanship Quality is the top priority for any kitchen project. A well-fitted kitchen not only looks good but also lasts longer. Ask if the fitter offers a guarantee or warranty for their work. This shows confidence in their craftsmanship and assures you that they’ll fix any issues if they arise. Look for neat joins, precise alignments, and smooth finishes in their past work to assess their quality. Concern 2: Project Delays Delays can happen for many reasons, such as material delivery or unexpected structural issues. However, a professional fitter plans to minimize disruptions. Ask how they manage timelines and what backup plans they have if something is delayed. A responsible fitter will communicate early and clearly if anything changes, keeping you informed at every step. Concern 3: Cleanliness and Respect for Your Home Renovation work can get messy, but a true professional keeps things as tidy as possible. Ask how they handle waste removal and what steps they take to protect your floors, furniture, and walls. A good fitter respects your home, brings their own cleaning materials, and ensures the workspace stays organized throughout the process. What Makes a Good Kitchen Fitter in Manchester Stand Out A great kitchen fitter doesn’t just install; they care about your satisfaction and the overall experience. Some key traits to look for include: A fitter with these qualities will make the process stress-free and leave you with a kitchen that looks stunning and functions beautifully. Checking Their Design Knowledge Not all kitchen fitters have a design background, but many have years of practical experience that helps them make useful suggestions. They might recommend ways to improve space usage or point out small design tweaks that make your kitchen more functional. For example, they might suggest rearranging drawers for better accessibility or adding lighting under cabinets for a brighter workspace. Matching Kitchen Style with Your Home Your kitchen should blend naturally with the rest of your Manchester home. If you love a