Ark Fire Protection and Bowmer + Kirkland Unite to Shine a Light on Mental Health in Construction
Ark Fire Protection has announced a collaboration with leading contractor Bowmer + Kirkland to tackle one of the construction industry’s most pressing issues: mental health and suicide prevention. Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Ark Fire Protection rolled out high-visibility jackets across its sites featuring powerful messages such as “Struggling doesn’t make you weak”. The initiative highlights the importance of creating open conversations around mental health and serves as a visual reminder that behind the tools are real people with real struggles. The construction industry faces a mental health crisis, with statistics showing that men in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. Ark Fire Protection and Bowmer + Kirkland are determined to break the silence, reduce stigma, and encourage workers to seek help. “This campaign is about reminding people that awareness shouldn’t just be for one day a year, it should be every day,” said Howard Hudson, Managing Director at Ark Fire Protection. “By making our sites more open to openness, by asking our mates ‘How are you? … Really?’, and by recognising that mental health is a site safety issue too, we can help create a safer, healthier industry.” The initiative also supports the Lighthouse Charity, which provides vital emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. Ark Fire Protection confirmed that this marks just the first step in its collaboration with Bowmer + Kirkland, with a larger initiative planned for winter 2025. More details will be announced in the coming months. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone.📞 Call the Lighthouse Charity Helpline on 0345 605 1956 for free and confidential support. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Professor Oloke to build on ARU’s recent successes
Anglia Ruskin University appoints new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has appointed Professor David Oloke as the new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment. ARU delivers the largest range of engineering and built environment courses in the East of England, covering disciplines such as architecture and planning, engineering, and construction and surveying. The School of Engineering and the Built Environment’s programmes are developed in close collaboration with industry and are accredited by leading professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The School is also home to three active research groups, each focused on delivering solutions to the complex challenges faced by society, as well as the Women in Engineering programme, which offers mentoring and support to female students, helping to promote diversity and inclusion across the sector. Professor Oloke brings a wealth of experience to ARU, having led both academic and professional services teams at several universities. He holds a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management, and is a chartered civil engineer (CEng) and chartered construction manager. His professional titles include Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) and Principal Fellow of Advance HE (PFHEA). In addition to his leadership experience, Professor Oloke has an extensive background in research, PhD supervision, engineering and project management consultancy, knowledge transfer activities, and higher and degree apprenticeship programmes, which combine academic rigour with the employment needs of industry. Professor Oloke said: “I am delighted to join Anglia Ruskin University at this pivotal time as the University builds on its impressive recent achievements, including being named Times Higher Education University of the Year and receiving a TEF Gold award for teaching excellence. “My vision is to further strengthen ARU’s close links with employers and position the School of Engineering and the Built Environment as a leader – not only regionally, but nationally and internationally – in training the next generation of engineers and built environment professionals, as well as creating impactful research and knowledge exchange with our external partners.” Professor Laurie Butler, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of ARU’s Faculty of Science & Engineering, said: “Engineering and the built environment is a strategically important area for ARU and we’re thrilled to welcome David as our new Head of School. His expertise will help us as we look to build on our recent successes, enhance our academic programmes and further expand our partnerships with industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pilbeam Construction wins Sussex Heritage Trust award for Newhaven Fort restoration
Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction has been honoured with a prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Award for its outstanding work on the £7.5 million restoration of Newhaven Fort, funded by UK Government. Pilbeam marked the occasion by presenting a commemorative plaque to Newhaven Fort, which is now proudly displayed on site for visitors to see. The 12-month project, delivered in close collaboration with Historic England, transformed the Scheduled Monument into a vibrant visitor destination to attract wider audiences. Andrew Arrow, director of Pilbeam Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this award in the Public and Community category recognising the restoration of Newhaven Fort, which was a complex and rewarding project. “It required careful liaison with Historic England and with multiple specialist contractors. “Since the Fort reopened this year, we hear it is now so popular at weekends and during the holidays that visitors are being advised to book in advance.” Pilbeam’s specialist team, which has extensive experience in restoring heritage buildings, tackled serious damp issues, restored 18 casemates (vaults), and upgraded facilities to create welcoming exhibition and event spaces. The project involved more than 30 different elements, including removing 300 cubic metres of soil to install drainage and prevent water ingress, repointing and masonry repairs to casemate frontages, recladding the Romney Hut to create a flexible event space and repairing WWII gun emplacements and canopies. Accessibility improvements and upgrades to handrails and edge protection were also completed, along with specialist concrete and steelwork repairs using hydro demolition and sprayed concrete techniques. Pilbeam’s site manager Simon Hepworth, a Newhaven resident, brought local insight and personal passion to the project. Two of the restored casemates are now available for venue hire, helping the site expand its appeal beyond military history enthusiasts. Duncan Kerr, chief executive at Wave Active, which operates Newhaven Fort, on behalf of Lewes District Council said: “This award is a testament to the incredible work carried out by Pilbeam and the wider team. Their efforts have safeguarded a vital community asset and helped put Newhaven on the map as a heritage destination.” Project partners included Pritchard Architecture, HOP Consulting, IWA M&E Consulting Engineers, MEA and many others, who worked together to preserve and enhance the fort for future generations. Ryan Stock from heritage specialists Pritchard Architecture added: “We’re so proud our work has secured this prestigious award. “The project broke new ground in the preservation of fortifications, setting a precedent that has since inspired similar efforts by other organisations and our radical interventions will secure the future of the fort for future generations.” The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards have been running for nearly 30 years and are designed to recognise and reward the highest quality conservation, restoration and design of newly built projects, while encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts. Councillor Johnny Denis, cabinet member for arts, culture and tourism and leisure at Lewes District Council said: “With its rich history, Newhaven Fort is a unique local landmark and through this extensive preservation work, many of its key features have been safeguarded for the future. I am delighted that the project has been recognised with this award, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.” For further information visit: www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Financial Markets Update – September 2025
Global financial markets are navigating a complex landscape as we enter the final quarter of 2025. Investors are weighing optimism from strong corporate earnings and resilient consumer spending against caution stemming from inflationary pressures, central bank policy uncertainty, and ongoing geopolitical risks. These dynamics are creating both challenges and opportunities, particularly for traders who operate on short- to medium-term horizons, such as swing traders. U.S. Stocks Maintain Momentum U.S. stock markets have continued their upward trajectory over the past month, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all posting solid gains. Technology and healthcare sectors have been at the forefront of this movement, buoyed by strong earnings reports, new product launches, and sustained innovation in artificial intelligence and biotech. Investor confidence has been further supported by indications that inflation may be moderating. While wage growth remains a concern, overall consumer prices have shown signs of slowing, giving markets some breathing room. The Federal Reserve has hinted at a more measured approach to interest rate adjustments in the coming months, which has reinforced optimism across equity markets. For swing traders, this environment presents several opportunities. Stocks showing strong short-term momentum, especially in sectors with recurring volatility such as technology, consumer discretionary, and healthcare, are ideal candidates for trades held from a few days to several weeks. Identifying reliable support and resistance levels can help traders time entries and exits effectively. Consumer Spending and Labor Market Trends Consumer spending remains a cornerstone of economic stability, despite the labor market showing signs of slower growth. Recent reports indicate that retail sales and discretionary spending have stayed relatively strong, driven in part by higher-income households and continued demand for services and technology. Banks have reported solid credit performance, with low delinquency rates on loans and credit cards, suggesting that household finances remain largely resilient. However, economists caution that slower job creation could gradually weigh on spending if the trend persists. For traders, sectors tied to consumer behavior, such as retail, travel, and leisure, often exhibit short-term patterns that can be exploited for swing trades. Monitoring weekly retail data, earnings announcements, and consumer confidence indicators can help identify windows of opportunity for trades based on predictable price swings. Global Markets Reflect Mixed Signals Markets in Asia and Europe have responded differently to global developments. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s Kospi have experienced moderate gains, following the U.S. lead, despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In Europe, political uncertainty and leadership transitions in several countries have contributed to cautious investor sentiment, keeping equity movements relatively muted. Commodities have also demonstrated volatility. Oil prices, for instance, have reacted to geopolitical developments, while gold continues to serve as a safe-haven asset for investors wary of inflation and market instability. Traders focused on swing trading can find opportunities in these markets by watching short-term trends in commodities alongside global equity movements. Strategic Takeaways for Traders For swing traders navigating the current market environment, flexibility and vigilance are crucial. Key considerations include: Markets in September 2025 are presenting opportunities for traders who can act decisively while remaining cautious. The combination of corporate strength, resilient consumer behavior, and macroeconomic uncertainty offers fertile ground for short- to medium-term trades. With disciplined analysis and a clear strategy, swing traders can navigate the current landscape successfully, balancing risk and reward in an environment defined by both opportunity and volatility. Swing Trade Setups for the Coming Week As markets continue to fluctuate in response to economic data and geopolitical developments, swing trade can look for opportunities in sectors showing clear short-term momentum. Here are three potential setups to consider: 1. Technology Sector Momentum PlaySeveral large-cap technology stocks have shown steady gains over the past month, supported by strong earnings and new product releases. Traders can monitor for brief pullbacks to key support levels, which often provide optimal entry points for a trade held over a few days to a week. Exiting near short-term resistance can help capture gains while minimizing exposure to sudden reversals. 2. Consumer Discretionary Trend TradeRetail and leisure companies have exhibited recurring price swings in response to weekly consumer reports and earnings updates. A swing trade setup could involve entering positions when a stock consolidates near a support zone after a small dip, anticipating a rebound driven by strong consumer sentiment. Traders should keep an eye on sector-wide news, as sentiment can shift quickly, affecting multiple positions simultaneously. 3. Commodity-Linked OpportunitiesOil and gold have been particularly volatile, reacting to geopolitical developments and central bank signals. For swing traders, short-term trends in these commodities can translate into opportunities in energy and materials-related equities. A setup could involve tracking a breakout above a short-term resistance level, riding the momentum for a few days, and exiting as the asset approaches the next psychological or technical barrier. Across all setups, disciplined risk management is critical. Position sizing, stop-loss placement, and timely monitoring of macroeconomic and sector-specific news are essential to navigating the volatility effectively. By combining technical patterns with real-time market awareness, swing traders can capitalize on short-term price movements while keeping downside risk under control.
Savills boosts BPC London project management team with data centre sector specialist
Savills has continued to grow its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of data centre specialist Alex Thomas who joins as an associate director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Alex has over 15 years’ experience across the construction industry, delivering complex data centre projects throughout EMEA for clients including AWS and Microsoft. He joins from Rider Levett Bucknall, having previously worked at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions after starting his career as a structural engineer. At Savills, Alex will join the data centre project management team working alongside Marc Edmondson who joined the firm earlier this year. Together, they will work with the company’s wider data centre experts in the UK and EMEA, ranging from planning to capital advisory. Alex Thomas comments: “I am delighted to join Savills data centre project management team, strengthening the firm’s capability to help satisfy increasing demand from both cloud providers and AI businesses. This remains an exciting area of expansion and I look forward to working with Savills strong existing network of data centre experts across the UK and EMEA.” Simon Collett, Executive Director and head of BPC at Savills adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Alex to Savills. This is a significant growth area for the business and his experience and expertise will no doubt bolster our ability to offer our clients a first-class service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Business Environments: The Unbelievable Costs of Poor Cleaning Practices
For some businesses, cleaning is another item on the list to cross out. They don’t consider the long-term effects that poor practices may have on their operations. And in most cases, the cost is devastating and even unbelievable. Good cleaning shouldn’t be something you put off or do half-heartedly. Leaving behind dirt and debris can compromise your entire workspace. That’s why trusted companies like Georgia Facility Services come so highly recommended. They go beyond surface-level cleaning, delivering real results that protect your space, your staff, and your reputation. Want to know what sets them apart? Learn more about Georgia Facility Services and why they’re a top choice for smart, long-term cleaning solutions. Your customers, employees, and even building inspectors will notice the difference. In this article, we’ll dig into the real costs of neglecting proper cleaning and why it’s worth getting it right. Customer Dissatisfaction Whether returning or potential, customers are always watching. They see your products and hear your pitches. But other senses are at play because they can smell and see your premises. Do you have a reception with a handful of dust and mold stifling out? Or do your restrooms give off more than their fair share of stink? You might think doing enough compensates for everything, but you’re wrong. These spots and others deserve the ultimate cleaning attention. Remember, first impressions are lasting ones. A poorly cleaned business area says more than you imagine. Letting your staff and customers know you don’t care about cleanliness. Real Health and Safety Violations Most businesses are subject to regular health and safety inspections. When you fall foul of the rules, the cost could be too steep to handle. Things like poor hygiene and improper waste disposal can lead to significant fines. There are agencies that watch out for hygiene and safety standards, especially in public industries. Instead of facing risks like steep fines and shutdown, ensure improved cleaning standards. Poor Staff Morale If you thought only your customers would have issues, you’re wrong. Your staff or employees would likely frown at working in a dirty, poorly maintained environment. Their attitude can change to low motivation, poor attention to services, and more. Some of the employees even leave the job, citing poor treatment and consideration. What do your staff really want? They want to be proud of the place they work for. Feeling safe on the job starts with having the right tools and a comfortable, clean environment. That means spotless restrooms, high safety standards, and a space that shows you care. You’ll get fewer sick days, better productivity, and smooth operations. Damaged Reputation It’s a social media world, which means word spreads faster. Most times, it takes a single bad review, viral post, or video to get tongues wagging. The sad part? It could be a dent in your reputation or business credibility. With dirt, you can recover with proper cleaning practices. But it takes more effort to wipe stains off your business’s reputation. Before it gets to that state where your loyal customers leave, get busy. A team with experience can help to brush up on your business environment and spaces. Doing so will mean avoiding extra costs for PR fixes to your reputation. Open Invite to Pests and Extensive Damage It takes a little while before unclean spaces become open invitations to pests. Before you realize it, you’ve got more than dirty floors to deal with. Why not prevent such occurrences with cleaners that maintain a pristine environment? Roaches, termites, rats, and other pests will have a field day in a dirty space. If you have issues with waste, mold, and other dirt, get rid of them fast before you encounter issues that cost more to fix and handle. If you can, employ all necessary measures to maintain a spotless environment. That includes hiring experts who can perform various tasks, depending on the arrangement. Poorly Executed DIY In-house employees or DIY mechanisms may extend potential cleaning problems. This is the case with many small business owners. They imagine that they have people who could come in and mop. But that’s rarely enough. The truth is that professional cleaning is different from casual sweeping or mopping. Professionals come prepared to handle all kinds of cleaning needs. They will deal competently with high-touch surfaces that spread germs. Professionals apply industrial-strength disinfectants and follow strict schedules. They do this without causing a break in your team’s workflow and other processes. And this means you’ll save money and manpower as your team focuses on vital tasks. Conclusion Cleaning attracts some costs, but poor practices create new problems. You may end up spending too much to run your business. Faced with rent and other running costs, a dirty environment has huge financial implications. If you’re starting a new business, it’s a major pitfall to avoid. Some of the repercussions are discussed here. They include damage to your business’s reputation, low staff morale, and regulatory violations. Your best bet? Invest in a professional cleaning company for your business or commercial space. You’d be protecting people, property, inventories, profits, and your reputation. Georgia Facility Services is the best company to work with.