Low Carbon Construction plans to deliver one million homes backed by LSE listing
Low Carbon Construction Plc, a UK-based house manufacturer, has set out plans to deliver large-scale affordable housing across the UK, alongside proposals to pursue a London Stock Exchange listing to support delivery. The combined strategy positions the UK-based house manufacturer at the centre of efforts to address the UK’s housing shortage, at a time when delivery rates continue to fall short of national targets. Data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government indicates that approximately 196,500 homes were added to England’s housing stock between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, well below the 300,000 homes to meet the Government’s ambition of 1.5 million homes. Forecasts show that the UK could miss this target by nearly half if current trends continue. The company argues that traditional construction methods alone cannot meet demand due to labour shortages, material constraints and planning delays. Bridgette Farrow, Main Board Director of Low Carbon Construction Plc, said the initiative aims to shift the national conversation from ambition to delivery. “The ambition to build 1.5 million homes reflects the scale of the housing crisis, but the reality is that delivery is already falling behind. Without structural change in how homes are financed, approved and built, the gap will continue to widen. Our model is designed to address that challenge head-on.” The company’s Offsite/Onsite construction system combines factory-manufactured components with coordinated onsite assembly, enabling high-volume housing delivery while maintaining compliance with national technical and environmental standards. Under the proposal, Low Carbon Construction Plc aims to deliver one million affordable homes. The plan proposes between 75 and 100 new large-scale communities nationwide, alongside 100 to 200 smaller urban extensions, supported by up to 1,000 ‘flying assembly factories’ operating concurrently. These developments would integrate housing with schools, transport infrastructure, employment hubs, renewable energy systems and public open space. The company also proposes that major housing developments be designated as nationally significant projects, enabling faster decision-making through central planning processes to support large-scale delivery. To deliver at this scale, Low Carbon Construction Plc has confirmed plans to pursue a full listing on the London Stock Exchange, unlocking access to private capital and ensuring the delivery of its national housing strategy. The company said that recent reforms to UK listing rules, introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority, have created a more accessible environment for growth companies seeking to raise long-term investment. “The UK needs homes at scale, and that requires capital at scale,” added Bridgette. “Listing on the London Stock Exchange allows us to bring in long-term investors to support the infrastructure, manufacturing and delivery systems needed to make this plan a reality.” The company is currently engaging with IPO sponsors, institutional investors, banks and equity partners to support the next phase of its growth. Low Carbon Construction Plc shared that its housing model meets Technical Housing Standards, Nationally Described Space Standards and Part M of the Building Regulations, while aligning with Future Homes Standard principles and the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard. The scale of the challenge is reinforced by wider economic and social data. A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, commissioned by Shelter and the National Housing Federation, highlights the broader economic case for large-scale housing delivery, estimating that building and managing 90,000 social homes in a single year could generate £51.2 billion in net economic benefit over 30 years. Meanwhile, more than 1.3 million households remain on council waiting lists, with approximately 350,000 living in temporary accommodation in England alone. Against this backdrop, Low Carbon Construction Plc says its manufacturing-led approach offers a route to bridge the gap between ambition and delivery. The company reports that approximately 180 organisations have expressed support for the initiative, with further engagement underway across the construction, finance and infrastructure sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Greggs ramps up site search to fuel nationwide expansion and new format rollout
Greggs has unveiled an updated property requirements list as it accelerates plans to expand its UK footprint, signalling continued demand for a diverse range of retail and roadside locations across the country. The food-to-go operator, which secured 100 new shop locations during 2025, is actively seeking leasehold units with a minimum floor area of 900 sq ft. Its acquisition strategy spans both in-town and out-of-town environments, reflecting a flexible approach to site selection aligned with changing consumer habits. Target locations include high streets, shopping centres and transport hubs, alongside retail parks, roadside plots, industrial areas and business parks. The company is also open to opportunities within supermarkets and suburban parades, while continuing to grow its drive-through estate, an increasingly important format within the quick-service sector. Greggs’ broad property criteria highlights the ongoing convergence between retail and industrial real estate, particularly in roadside and logistics-linked locations where accessibility and convenience are key. Sites within mixed-use schemes and employment-led developments are likely to play a growing role in supporting this expansion. The company is aiming to deliver approximately 120 net new stores in 2026, despite reporting a dip in profits in the previous year. With an existing estate of around 2,700 outlets, Greggs has identified capacity to exceed 3,000 locations across the UK over the longer term, underpinned by what it describes as a strong pipeline of opportunities. In addition to its core formats, Greggs is set to trial a new ‘bitesize Greggs’ concept, designed to operate in more constrained urban locations where space is limited but demand remains high. The expansion strategy reflects sustained occupier demand for well-located, flexible units, reinforcing the role of retail-led operators in driving activity across both traditional high streets and emerging urban logistics and roadside environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens launches groundbreaking portfolio for the era of direct current technology
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched a new, comprehensive portfolio of direct current (DC) protection and switching solutions, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the DC era. The new offering, including the innovative SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker and the SIRIUS 3RF5 solid-state switching device, is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and reliable low-voltage power distribution and industrial switching technology. Integrated in power distribution systems such as SIVACON S8 low-voltage switchboard and SIVACON 8PS busbar trunking systems, these solutions are particularly crucial for high-performance applications such as data centers, especially AI Factories, production facilities and battery storage systems, as well as for the integration of renewable energies. The shift from widely used AC (Alternating Current) systems towards DC technology is a critical step in the global energy transition. Renewable energy sources like photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage systems generate or store electricity as Direct Current. By reducing conversion (DC to AC) losses and enabling the direct integration of renewable energy sources, DC systems offer a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional AC grids. Siemens is at the forefront of this transformation, with a deep commitment to research and development, demonstrated by its active participation in initiatives like the Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA) and Current/OS. A key innovation in the new portfolio is the SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker. Based on semiconductor technology and smart protection algorithms, it enables ultra-fast interruption of short circuits in the microsecond range, up to 1,000 times faster than conventional systems. This is mandatory for DC grids and offers a significant increase of protection and system availability. “With the consistent development of our pioneering semiconductor switching technology, we enable a new level of electrical safety also for the DC era,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens. The parametrizable SENTRON 3QD2 combines protection, switching, monitoring, and energy management in a single compact and multifunctional unit, replacing multiple components and saving significant space. Being maintenance-free with no mechanical wear parts, the SENTRON 3QD2 ensures a long service life and maximum plant availability, making it ideal for critical infrastructure. “Our new DC portfolio equips customers with innovative solutions that not only enhance energy efficiency but also enable them to build a more resilient, future-ready infrastructure. This is a crucial contribution to the decarbonization of our industries and a testament to our commitment to creating technologies with purpose,” Andreas Matthé added. Complementing the SENTRON 3QD2 is the new SIRIUS 3RF5 solid-state switching device, the first of its kind for DC applications. It is designed for high-frequency switching of resistive loads, offering a low wear and durable solution that enhances the efficiency and availability of industrial plants. The SIRIUS 3RF5 also carries the Siemens EcoTech Label, highlighting its sustainable and transparent product design. Together with the SIVACON S8 low-voltage switchboard (with Siemens EcoTech Label), SIVACON 8PS busbar trunking systems as well as integrated DC protection and switching devices, we are paving the way for new DC solutions, supporting a high level of reliability and efficiency in production or infrastructure. The advantages of DC solutions extend beyond individual products. By implementing DC grids, customers can achieve significant cost and material savings. For example, in a manufacturing setting with the use of robots, applying DC technology combined with energy recuperation and storage can reduce peak power demand by up to 80 percent, leading to substantial cost reductions. Furthermore, DC systems eliminate the need for reactive power compensation and require less copper in cabling, resulting in up to 50 percent material savings and a smaller environmental footprint. Siemens will present its new portfolio at the Hannover Messe 2026 in Hall 27, booth A 48. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AG Strengthens Brick Offering with Clay-Like Range
AG, a Tyrone headquartered, manufacturer of low carbon paving and building products, has launched Heathfield, a new clay‑like concrete brick range designed to challenge long‑held assumptions about what brick should be. Developed in response to growing pressure on traditional clay supply, rising energy costs and increasing demand for consistent, reliable materials, Heathfield delivers the authentic appearance of clay with the performance, availability and sustainability of precision‑engineered concrete. The launch marks the latest step in AG’s continued investment in innovation that gives developers and specifiers greater confidence in an increasingly unpredictable market. Each brick is moulded directly from clay samples, with varied embossing applied across each slice offering 27 unique patterns to replicate the natural, irregular surface of clay. This creates a non-repetitive, organic finish across elevations, delivering a timeless aesthetic while avoiding the common challenges of traditional clay. Produced in the third generation company’s state-of-the-art facilities using Enduur 1 advanced concrete technology, Heathfield offers enhanced strength, durability, UV resistance, and hydrophobic performance. Two teardrop-shaped perforations also enhance density and structural strength compared with traditional three-holed bricks. With water absorption around 6% much lower than clay’s 15-20%, and no soluble salts in the mix, Heathfield significantly reduces the risk of efflorescence on site. Cured with renewable energy, the range is more consistent in size than traditional clay, creating uniform bedding joints, sharper finishes, and quicker, more reliable installation while avoiding the uneven joints caused by warped, energy-intensive kiln-fired bricks. Sustainably produced using aggregates from AG’s own quarry, including limestone to enrich colour, the range delivers consistent tones throughout each brick. Currently offered in six traditional colourways, with more planned, the collection provides architects and developers with flexible design options across housing, education and commercial projects. Building on the success of AG’s Woodward bricks, named Responsible Product of the Year 2025 by Business in the Community, Heathfield delivers the same innovative, high-performance qualities as an alternative to traditional clay bricks. Backed by a 60-year guarantee, Heathfield is produced locally in the UK, with typical lead times of just three to five working days, giving builders and specifiers confidence even in unpredictable markets. With energy prices and global supply chains under pressure, many construction materials face significant risk. AG’s low-energy, UK-based manufacturing avoids that exposure, ensuring reliable supply, consistent quality, and a partner customers can trust for the long term. The newly launched range is also part of AG’s broader portfolio of building products, including paving and walling solutions, providing specifiers and developers with a complete, one-stop solution for external materials. Commenting on the launch, AG CEO Stephen Acheson said: “The success of our Woodward range proved that concrete bricks can genuinely compete with, and in many cases outperform, traditional clay. Heathfield builds on that momentum and represents a further step forward in how the industry thinks about brick.” “We set out to create a product that delivers the character and warmth of clay while removing many of the challenges that developers, specifiers and bricklayers experience on site. Every detail has been carefully engineered, informed by close collaboration with the people who use our products day in, day out.” “As the market continues to rethink material choices in light of cost, availability and sustainability pressures, Heathfield offers a confident alternative. We believe products like this will play an increasingly important role in the future of construction, and we are proud to be leading that shift.” Samples of the Heathfield range are now available. For further information, visit ag.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson launches petition to help industry in crisis
Jewson has today launched a petition calling on government to get Britain’s building and construction sector out of crisis and into positive economic growth. Jewson is championing the petition, #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW, which calls on government to build certainty and confidence in the market, focusing on the three biggest things general builders and specialist tradespeople are crying out to be resolved. As a business committed to supporting small and medium builders and tradespeople, Jewson forms part of STARK Building Materials UK Ltd, one of the UK’s leading network of builders’ merchants and materials distributors. John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK Ltd, who is proudly championing the petition, said: “Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Britain still needs to get building again. The conflict continues to bring price inflationary pressures that we’re pushing back very hard on to protect our customers as best we can, and as we maintain a reliable flow of material supply into the market. However, this latest challenge only strengthens the headwinds our sector continues to lean into, with building and construction being in the longest period of significant downturn that I’ve seen in my near 50-year career. Enough is enough. Sometimes you just can’t wait, and saving our industry is too important to be left on the brink. “Britain’s hardworking professional trades are at the heart of building our local communities. It’s unthinkable that slow, costly and contradictory planning processes, chronic skills shortages, and a collapse in public confidence are pushing one of our most vital industries to the brink. I really hope that people will get behind this petition, so that we can bring the collective voice of building and construction to Number 10 and turn debate into decisive positive action that kickstarts the sector’s recovery and also much needed broader economic growth.” Commenting on the initiative, Helene Bradley, Communications Director for STARK UK said: “The industry’s in crisis. It’s really important that the broader business community and general public start to understand what’s keeping our hardworking builders and tradespeople awake at night and to consider the unintended consequences if action isn’t taken. “We believe this petition will help amplify the collective voice of builders and tradespeople across the land, so that we can together get Britain building again – and now.” To learn more about the issues underpinning the petition and to join Jewson’s efforts, visit www.jewson.co.uk/lets-get-britain-building-now. You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Need Top-Rated Aftermarket Parts for Heavy Equipment? These Are the 4 Best Providers
For building design and construction professionals, reliable aftermarket parts suppliers, such as Custom Truck, H&R Construction Parts and Equipment, DMC Wear Parts, and FAB Heavy Parts, are crucial for minimizing downtime. Keeping your machines running involves routine maintenance and sourcing the right components from these reliable suppliers as quickly as possible. Investing in top-rated aftermarket parts for heavy equipment offers a practical way to keep costs low without compromising performance. The key is knowing which providers deliver consistent quality, dependable support and the inventory depth needed to keep your operations moving seamlessly. 1. Custom Truck: Best for Whole-Fleet Support Custom Truck stands out for its full-service approach. Instead of operating as a simple parts distributor, it supports your machinery life cycle from acquisition to maintenance and beyond. Its model works well if you manage multiple machines or locations and need consistent support across your fleet. Instead of juggling multiple vendors, you can consolidate sourcing, service and long-term planning in one place. Key Features 2. H&R Construction Parts and Equipment: Best for Brand-Specific Component Rebuilds H&R Construction Parts and Equipment has built a reputation on specialization. It focuses on new aftermarket, rebuilt and used units for major manufacturer brands, making it a strong option when you need components for specific machines. The company is a reliable choice for items designed for well-known equipment brands and refurbished components. It’s especially useful for maintaining older machines where OEM components may be harder to source. Key Features 3. DMC Wear Parts: Best for Earthmoving Equipment Spares DMC Wear Parts specializes in high-wear components, particularly ground-engaging tools (GET), such as bucket teeth, blades and cutting edges. These units face continuous stress, making durability a top priority. For operations involving large-scale digging, grading or material handling, having a reliable source for high-wear parts can make a noticeable difference in maintenance cycles and operating costs. Key Features 4. FAB Heavy Parts: Best for E-Commerce Convenience FAB Heavy Parts takes a more modern approach, offering an e-commerce-driven platform built for speed and convenience. If your priority is fast sourcing and straightforward ordering, this option can save time. It’s best to order components well in advance for standard maintenance, but for emergencies, it may mean longer downtime to replace a broken part. It has excellent sales and shipping support. Key Features Compare Heavy Machinery Aftermarket Parts Suppliers Deciding on the right partner depends on how you operate. If you need ongoing support across multiple machines, a full-service entity makes sense. If you’re sourcing individual items for planned maintenance, an e-commerce platform may be enough. Provider Best For Part Focus Service Model Custom Truck Full fleet support and long-term partnerships Broad equipment and truck components Integrated units, service and support H&R Construction Parts and Equipment Brand-specific and rebuilt components Major OEM brands Parts-focused with rebuild services DMC Wear Parts High-wear components GET and wear parts Specialized product expertise FAB Heavy Parts Fast online ordering, though import taxes apply General non-OEM items Transactional e-commerce How to Buy Top-Rated Aftermarket Parts for Heavy Equipment Several considerations matter when identifying reliable sources for fabricated non-OEM items. Criteria Why It Matters Product breadth and availability Finding components for multiple machine types or brands in one place makes working with distributed suppliers or a single core entity easier. Quality and reliability Consistency in performance and adherence to industry standards determine longevity. Customer support and service Access to knowledgeable teams who can help you identify and source the right components reduces downtime. Industry reputation A track record of serving construction and industrial machinery professionals guarantees professionalism. Frequently Asked Questions About Aftermarket Parts Prepare for repairs before they become failures with knowledge and the right partners. Asking questions ensures you get the best service and components. Q: Are aftermarket parts as good as OEM components? A: They can be, depending on the manufacturer and supplier. High-quality fabricated units are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. The difference comes down to materials, engineering and quality control, which vary between fabricators. Q: How do I ensure I’m buying the right part for my machine? A: Start with your machine’s make, model and serial number. From there, work with a supplier that offers technical support. A knowledgeable team can confirm compatibility and help prevent costly mistakes. Q: What is the biggest benefit of using a supplier with service and support? A: Access to service support helps you go beyond part replacement. You can diagnose issues faster, reduce repeat failures and keep equipment running longer. This approach supports uptime and reduces disruptions across your jobsite. Where Can You Buy Top-Rated Aftermarket Parts for Your Heavy Equipment? Sourcing aftermarket parts is essential to daily operations, but the supplier you choose shapes your team’s efficiency. Reliable inventory, strong support and consistent quality all contribute to keeping your machines in service and your deadlines on track. When your provider understands how your machinery operates in the field, you spend less time troubleshooting and more time getting work done.