Altrad RMD Kwikform supports construction of complex new angled-span pedestrian bridge in Salford
Temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), provided a comprehensive temporary works solution for Salford Rise, a new 220-metre pedestrian link delivered by Kilmartin Ltd in partnership with Wright Civil Engineering Ltd. As part of Salford’s wider regeneration programme, the bridge improves connectivity across the area. Project overview Salford Rise comprises a central span formed from precast U-beams supported on three reinforced concrete piers reaching up to 7.5 meters high. The bridge’s 27-degree skew and varying deck profile required careful temporary works planning to ensure accurate positioning of pre-cast units, safe access for installation and ongoing structural stability during construction. Altrad RMDK was tasked with designing and supplying all the temporary works systems for both the primary U-beams and the precast edge string courses. Close coordination with the contractor, Kilmartin Ltd, was essential to align the temporary works with the construction sequence and programme. The challenge The bridges angled alignment introduced a risk of lateral movement during installation, particularly before the stitch pours achieved continuity between beams. The variable deck heights required the temporary support to adapt along the length of the bridge, providing consistent working platforms and maintaining precise tolerances for both alignment and level. Additional challenges included supporting heavy precast units at varying heights while maintaining overall stability, providing safe and efficient access for lifting and installation operations, and ensuring that the temporary works could accommodate programme constraints without compromising construction safety or increasing project risk. The solution Altrad RMDK engineered a two-phase temporary works solution that combined high load capacity with adaptability for the bridge’s complex geometry. Megashor towers were used in the first phase to support the precast U-beams; their modular design, adjustable head arrangements, and high load capacity allowed them to accommodate the varying deck heights and skewed alignment. To address the 27-degree skew of the bridge, rubber pads were installed between the beam supports, to prevent any slippage under load pressure and to ensure the precast units remained secure during the installation and subsequent stitch pours. Once the stitch pours had fully cured, the second phase involved Megashor being stripped out and replaced with Rapidshor to support the precast string courses along the edge of the bridge. Rapidshor’s modular design enabled the upper sections to remain consistent while the lower sections were extended to match the required height variations. This configuration simplified assembly and improved efficiency whilst maintaining precise alignment along the full length of the bridge. Throughout the project, Altrad RMDK maintained close communication with Kilmartin Ltd and Wright Civil Engineering Ltd’s engineers and site teams. Regular design reviews planned site inspections and open communication ensured that the temporary works were installed safely and in line with the construction programme. Early engagement and the existing relationship ensured that the teams had clear understanding of processes and quality expectations, and this mutual trust helped to streamline operations and maintain efficiency. Dermot Donelon, Senior Sales Representative at Altrad RMD Kwikform said: “The 27-degree incline and changing bridge level made this an engineering challenge, but the modular design of our equipment allowed us to adapt quickly and aid the construction of this new transport link.” Liam Kilmartin, Managing Director at Kilmartin Ltd, said: “Having worked with Altrad RMDK before, we already had a lot of trust there. We know what their kit can do and put trust into the engineering excellence of the team. The collaboration between our teams made this project successful as open communication allowed for a smoother and more efficient delivery of the project.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hochiki Europe Delivers Next-Gen Fire Safety at Willis Aviation Services
A bespoke Hochiki Europe fire detection solution has been installed at Willis Aviation Services Limited’s extensive maintenance base at Teesside International Airport, setting a new benchmark for safety across specialist aviation environments. Spanning 45,000 m² of hangars, workshops and office space, Hangars 7 and 8 house multifunctional facilities where engineers work with high-value aircraft and potentially flammable materials, a combination that demands uncompromising fire protection. To meet these demands, Willis Aviation partnered with local life-safety specialist Render Alarms to design and install a fully tailored system built around Hochiki’s advanced intelligent detection technology. At the heart of the installation is Hochiki’s ESP intelligent fire detection system, offering open-protocol flexibility and future-proof performance aligned with the forthcoming BS 5839-1 2025 standard. Across office environments, adjustable smoke and heat detectors provide highly reliable detection while helping to reduce unwanted alarms, an essential factor in maintaining operational continuity. In busy workshop areas, wall-mounted sounder beacons deliver clear visual alerts in high-noise conditions, ensuring warnings are both seen and heard. For the expansive and structurally complex hangar voids, Hochiki’s FIRElink aspirating detection system was specified, using laser-based technology to monitor large areas efficiently with enhanced sensitivity and reduced maintenance requirements. Render Alarms’ installation team also utilised specialist design software to optimise the aspirating pipe network around the hangar’s structural framework, ensuring complete coverage and compliance. Luke Render, from Render Alarms, and the lead engineer on the project commented “Hochiki’s bases are a game changer, one base fit all devices. The sensors effortlessly twist-fit onto the bases, which significantly reduced the install and commission time, without compromising quality.” The result is a robust, intelligent fire safety solution that protects people, aircraft and infrastructure, while minimising disruption and supporting long-term operational resilience. As safety standards continue to evolve across aviation and industrial sectors, this project demonstrates how carefully specified, expertly installed detection technology can deliver confidence today and adaptability for tomorrow.Learn more about this story and the ranges featured. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainable heating specialists strengthen team with new Business Development Manager
Hewer Facilities Management, a leader in sustainable heating solutions, has appointed Adam Daly as Business Development Manager to support the rollout of its pioneering Heat Saviour™ technology nationwide. Having previously held senior roles at Navigator, Purmo, Westco and Fernox, Adam joins Hewer with over 20 years’ experience in the plumbing, heating and building services sectors. His expertise lies in developing routes to market for new products, driving penetration and growth through targeted training and education initiatives, and increasing sales across installer networks, merchants and national accounts, including specifiers and housing providers. At Hewer, Adam will focus on supporting the rollout of Heat Saviour™, a first-of-its-kind retrofit product that simplifies heat pump installations, reduces installation time and cost, and minimises disruption to homeowners and tenants. Officially launched in 2025, Heat Saviour™ is already installed in over 2,000 properties across the UK. Among these are 1,500 social housing homes in the South West, including those managed by providers such as Two Rivers Housing, Bromford, Green Square Accord, Rooftop Housing Group, Community Housing and Cottsway Housing Association. Compatible with all major heat pump brands, Heat Saviour™ has recently been endorsed by Midea, one of the world’s leading heat pump manufacturers which operates in 200 countries worldwide, highlighting Hewer’s position at the forefront of practical, scalable low-carbon heating solutions. Adam Daly, Business Development Manager, says: “I’m thrilled to be joining Hewer at such an exciting time for both the business and the wider sector, as it continues its transition to greener technologies. “The UK is leading the way in innovation in this space. Heat Saviour is a first-to-market solution that solves real-world challenges around heat pump adoption – tackling key barriers such as cost, disruption and installation complexity – for installers, tenants and homeowners. “My role will focus on helping installers, housing providers and local authorities understand the product and deploy it effectively at scale. Having the endorsement of Midea reinforces the value and impact of what we’re delivering.” Stuart Hesk, Director at Hewer, adds: “We’re delighted to welcome Adam to the Hewer team. His experience in product launch, market education and commercial growth is exactly what we need to support Heat Saviour’s rollout. “Adam’s appointment strengthens our business development capabilities as we help social housing providers, local authorities and homeowners adopt low-carbon heating solutions. With recognition from a global leader like Midea, it’s clear that our technology is not only innovative but also trusted by industry experts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bullard puts the ‘ard’ in graft in new Jewson landscaping campaign
Footballing legend turned TV personality Jimmy Bullard will front a new landscaping campaign by Jewson, championing the people behind one of the toughest trades in the industry. Across TV, radio and social media, the former Fulham FC, Hull City and Ipswich Town player portrays a high-energy landscaping ‘coach’, set out to show employees, trade customers and aspiring DIY landscapers that with Jewson products and services, landscaping is made easier, ‘because the job’s ‘ard enough”. The campaign is designed to show that landscapers have all the products they need for their projects thanks to Jewson’s range, its expert team, and complementary services including Jewson Tool Hire. Throughout the spring and summer, Jewson will offer customers a variety of promotions on its landscaping range, including the Dallas, Verona and Nordic porcelain tiles from its exclusive Terralis range. New own-brand product lines including top soil, bark, mulch, compost and grade wood chippings will now be delivered to customers in Terralis-branded bulk bags, while new composite decking products are available as a low-maintenance alternative to timber decking. Jewson colleagues have also played a key role in the campaign, helping shape new ranges including landscaping accessories and fencing, and many of the team will feature in some of the content aired. There’ll also be landscaping themed activities in branch in line with key sporting events including The Masters and the World Cup. Tessa Viller, Marketing Director for STARK UK, Jewson’s parent company, said: “Landscaping is one of the toughest, most hands-on trades out there, and at Jewson we’re proud to partner those who put the work in every single day – often in challenging conditions. Our aim is to make life easier for those customers by being the go-to destination for landscaping materials – with the range, availability and local expertise to get everything you need for a landscaping project in one place. “Jimmy’s energy, credibility and down-to-earth approach make him the perfect fit as our landscaping ambassador. He’s a true champion of the Jewson colleagues who sit at the heart of our branches, playing a vital role in helping them win more work, more often. It’s great to have him on board – there’s a very fun, but busy, few months ahead!” Jimmy said: “I know a thing or two about graft. I’ve built my career on hard work, teamwork and getting the basics right under pressure, and that’s exactly what landscaping is all about. It’s not about shortcuts or showboating – it’s about skill, stamina and doing the job properly, day in, day out. From early starts to heavy materials and tight deadlines, the work’s hard enough already, which is why I’ve got huge respect for the people who do it. “That’s also why I’m proud to be working with Jewson. They really understand what landscapers need – from dependable stock to straightforward advice in branch – and they’re all about making life easier for the people putting the work in. It’s great to be part of something that truly champions landscapers. Bring on the summer.” Explore Jewson’s landscaping range here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Davison rejoins Delancey as Capital Markets Managing Director
Delancey, a leading UK-focussed property company and investment manager, has appointed Lesley Davison as Managing Director of Capital Markets, with particular focus on the firm’s growing credit and debt strategies. Lesley will rejoin the business in March 2026, having previously spent 14 years as Director of Banking and Treasury, managing all third-party financing, banking and treasury functions and relationships. With a 25+ year career in real estate investment, Lesley brings extensive experience across multiple geographies and sectors, including residential, office, retail, hotels, education, debt, distressed assets, and lifetime mortgage products. Since leaving Delancey, Lesley served as Chief Investment Officer at workspace investor-developer Seaforth Land before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Telford Homes, where she led operations and strategy during a period of intensive restructuring. A strong advocate for innovation, other roles held by Lesley have included Head of Commercial Strategy at GoSpace AI, a scale-up pioneering ‘space-allocation-as-a-service’. In her new role, Lesley will lead Delancey’s capital markets strategy in credit and debt, overseeing both lending and borrowing activities, working alongside the existing highly experienced team. As well as managing existing relationships, she will support the development and execution of new investment mandates and platforms. Lesley’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Delancey, following the DARE strategic partnership with Aware Super, its lending partnership with Cynergy Bank and, most recently, the launch of a new bridging finance platform, AlbionArc Capital. Lesley Davison, Managing Director of Capital Markets at Delancey, said: “I am thrilled to return to Delancey as Managing Director of Capital Markets and look forward to leveraging my learnings from the past six years to help build on new and exciting future mandates. “In a market where there is an increased focus on segregated mandates, I believe Delancey’s deep UK market knowledge and extensive experience across all major sectors gives the agility to react to macroeconomic or geopolitical changes while providing investors with highly bespoke access to deals and relationships, and therefore the highest investment return potential.” Stafford Lancaster, Delancey CEO, said: “Lesley rejoins Delancey at a pivotal time, with an expanding credit platform, major strategic partnerships and further new strategies planned. Her decision to rejoin us after her previous 14-year tenure I believe reflects the strong culture we have built at Delancey over our three decades and has been a critical ingredient to our growth and success. The Delancey team are excited to work with Lesley on the opportunities ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Steel Structure Complete at £4bn Somerset Gigafactory
A major construction milestone has been reached at the £4 billion Agratas gigafactory in Bridgwater, Somerset, with the completion of the primary steel frame for the landmark facility. Agratas, the global battery business of Tata Group, began construction on the multi-billion-pound development in 2024. Once operational, it will be the largest battery manufacturing facility of its kind in the UK, producing battery cells for automotive applications and energy storage systems, and playing a central role in advancing clean technology. The vast steel structure for Building One, the first phase of the project, spans 525 metres in length, 167 metres in width and rises to 34 metres at its highest point. In total, 23,000 tonnes of steel have been used across the main building and associated ancillary structures — a volume comparable to that used in the construction of Wembley Stadium. More than 500 people were involved in delivering the complex steel operation, with all structural steel sourced from within the UK. Completion of the frame enables the project team to move into the next stages of development, including external cladding, roofing works and internal fit-out. The steel package has been delivered by construction partner Sir Robert McAlpine, working alongside steel specialist Severfield and the integrated design and engineering team at Stantec. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in creating large-scale battery manufacturing capacity in Britain. Recruitment for the site is continuing, with around 1,600 roles to be filled over the coming year across operations, maintenance, engineering, logistics and quality functions. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to support around 4,000 jobs and generate more than £700 million in annual economic value for the South West. In parallel, Costain has been appointed to design and construct a new junction on the M5 motorway, providing critical infrastructure access to the expanding Agratas site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals