MSA Safety welcomes harmonisation of EN 17235 permanent anchor device standard
MSA Safety, Inc., a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of PPE and safety systems, welcomes this week’s harmonisation of EN 17235, a European test standard for permanently installed anchor devices used in horizontal construction applications. EN 17235 sets out a comprehensive testing methodology for anchor devices that are permanently fixed to a structure, assessing not only the device itself, but also its fixings and the base material to which it is attached. The standard was harmonised on 9 February, 2026, with an 18-month transition period. After the transition period, manufacturers across the UK and Europe will be required to test products to EN 17235 in order to produce a Declaration of Performance and apply CE marking. The harmonisation of EN 17235 is expected to significantly improve safety levels industry wide by requiring consistent, robust testing across the built environment, and by preventing the use of inadequately tested products on construction projects. MSA Safety has long been an advocate for rigorous, up-to-date testing of all safety devices and welcomes the move to make compliance mandatory. Tim Bissett, technical expert at MSA Safety, is part of the working group that developed this standard. He comments: “This harmonisation of EN 17235 is a major step forward for safety in the construction sector. By making robust testing a legal requirement, the standard helps to level the playing field and helps make sure that anchor devices are properly assessed as complete systems, not just as individual components.” MSA’s development approach already reflects many of the principles now set out in EN 17235. For instance, its Constant Force Post range has long been tested as a complete system, looking not just at the anchor device itself, but also its fixings and the substrate it’s installed into. That mirrors the standard’s focus on assessing products in realistic installation conditions, helping give a clearer picture of how they’ll perform in practice. The company is now progressing a programme to test both new and existing products directly to EN 17235, with its next-generation Constant Force Post among the first scheduled. MSA has historically carried out equivalent testing through the German DIBt approval process, whose methodology aligns closely with EN 17235 requirements, meaning many of its established testing practices are already consistent with the new framework. “Testing to the latest standards has always been fundamental to how MSA designs and validates its safety solutions,” Bissett added. “EN 17235 formalises best practice and provides greater confidence for specifiers, installers and end users alike. Our mission is to send workers home safely to their families at the end of each day, and this helps us to do it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Airey Miller Group opens Cammbridge office to support regional growth
Airey Miller Group (Airey Miller), a leading nationwide multi-discipline property and construction consultancy group, has invested in a new office in Cambridge, strengthening its presence across the East of England and reinforcing its commitment to supporting the delivery of much-needed affordable housing in the region. The opening of a new office at Milton Hall follows a sustained period of project success in and around Cambridge, driven by growing demand for Airey Miller’s multidisciplinary expertise across surveying, architecture, safety and compliance and digital services. Establishing a local base will enable the business to work more closely with clients and project partners, providing responsive, on-the-ground support and deeper local insight. The expansion is expected to create up to 10 new jobs in the area, offering long-term career opportunities, while contributing to local economic growth. Airey Miller’s total headcount now stands at 119 across additional office locations in London, Sevenoaks and Bristol. The Cambridge office will support existing teams covering Essex, the Northern Home Counties and Airey Miller’s growing presence in the Midlands and the North of England. From the new location, teams will serve projects across Cambridgeshire, Anglia and the wider East of England, where the firm is working on a growing number of new-build residential development schemes. The company has secured a significant pipeline of commissions over the next two to three years, working with housebuilders, Registered Providers, Build to Rent operators and investment partners to deliver affordable housing and residential-led mixed-use developments. Mark Humphreys, CEO of Airey Miller Group, said: “The opening our Cambridge office marks an important step in Airey Miller Group’s continued growth and regional investment. It also reflects the strength of commissions we have already secured in the area, demonstrating the confidence clients place in our multi-disciplinary expertise. Establishing a local presence allows us to better support these schemes, deepen relationships and continue to deliver high-quality output across residential and mixed-use developments. Cambridge and the surrounding area is a key market for us and this office positions us well for sustainable, long-term growth.” In June 2025, Airey Miller became part of leading UK investor Celnor Group’s Risk Management division. The Group of ambitious, entrepreneur-led businesses is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing organisations in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) sector. Simon Parrington, Founder and CEO of Celnor Group, said: “The opening of Airey Miller’s Cambridge office is a clear example of our commitment to investing in regional expertise and supporting our businesses as they respond to client demand. Cambridge is a growing and strategically important market, and establishing a local presence enables Airey Miller to deliver even greater value to clients while creating high-quality employment opportunities within the region.” This latest opening marks another important milestone in Airey Miller’s expanding regional footprint as it continues to support sustainable development across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Out-of-town retail powers on as investors and occupiers double down
Out-of-town retail continued to outperform the wider retail market throughout 2025, cementing its position as one of the UK’s most resilient commercial property sectors, according to SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus report. Retail warehousing emerged as the standout performer, supported by low vacancy rates, constrained supply and sustained occupier demand, all of which helped drive rental growth across the year. Despite a modest dip compared with 2024, investment volumes remained healthy, with more than £2bn transacted in 2025. This level of activity sits comfortably in line with the sector’s 10-year average, with returns over the past 12 months averaging 9.8%. Investor appetite has been particularly strong for well-located secondary assets offering attractive income returns. Groups such as Redevco and Realty have been active in targeting these opportunities, reflecting confidence in the sector’s long-term fundamentals. Occupational demand has also remained robust. Vacancy rates across retail warehousing have held at around 5%, and space released following the failures of Homebase and Carpetright was swiftly absorbed by a mix of food retailers, DIY operators, discount brands and gym operators. There has also been a notable rise in retailers acquiring freehold interests in solus units to secure long-term occupation at lease expiry. Letting activity has varied by location and scheme type. Operators such as Next, Superdrug and M&S Food Hall have continued to target schemes with a stronger high-street bias, while discount retailers including Home Bargains and B&M have pressed ahead with portfolio expansion. While a small number of store closures have been announced by Hobbycraft, overall supply remains tight. Gym operators are increasingly competing with retailers for space, bringing new customer demographics to retail parks and strengthening footfall. Food retailers reported generally positive Christmas trading, with Lidl and Aldi recording strong sales growth. Lidl has now become the UK’s fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket, while most other major grocers also saw uplifts. The food and beverage and quick-service restaurant sector has continued to expand, with fierce competition for drive-through sites. New opportunities released by Pizza Hut closures were quickly taken up, while fried chicken and coffee brands remain particularly active. Looking ahead, SHW expects the retail warehouse sector to remain resilient through 2026, underpinned by limited new development, strong occupier demand and sustained investor interest. For a copy of SHW’s Q1 2026 Retail Focus, which covers out-of-town and high street retail, please contact any member of the SHW team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HAHN Plastics appoints new General Manager amid UK expansion
Max Cardona brings over 30 years’ experience in engineering, process automation and business management He joins the Manchester-based manufacturer as it continues a multi-million-pound investment in its UK operations HAHN Plastics UK (HPUK) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Max Cardona as General Manager, amid continued investment in its UK operations. Based at HPUK’s Manchester site, Max brings more than 30 years of experience across engineering, process automation and business management. He joins at a pivotal time, as the HAHN Group, HPUK’s parent company, progresses with a multi-million-pound investment programme to future-proof its UK manufacturing operations and support long-term growth. In his new role, Max will help deliver HPUK’s five-year expansion plans, scaling up production as the business continues to invest in its UK operations. As HPUK expands its manufacturing capacity, the investment will also support the UK’s ability to process more recycled plastic domestically, helping to prepare the country for the upcoming Flex Collect requirements and reduce reliance on virgin raw materials. Max joins HPUK from a top-tier engineering manufacturing firm, where he served as Sales Director. Prior to that, he held a number of senior sales and management roles, including more than a decade as Managing Director in his native South Africa, leading complex engineering and production-led businesses. As part of the HAHN Group’s long-term growth strategy, the business continues to develop and scale hanit®, its high-performance recycled plastic material used as a durable alternative to traditional materials such as wood, concrete and steel. Commenting on his appointment, Max Cardona said: “I’m excited to be joining HAHN at such a pivotal time for its UK growth. The scale of investment underway shows a business committed to doing the right thing for its people, its customers and the environment. “I’m looking forward to using my experience in manufacturing and process automation to help develop a site that is fit for the future. There is a strong team already in place, and I’m excited to work alongside them as we take the next steps together.” Dave Watson, Managing Director of HAHN Plastics UK, added: “Max brings a wealth of experience in operational leadership, automation and business growth, making him a strong addition to the team at a critical time for HPUK. “As we continue to invest significantly in our UK operations, Max’s expertise will help us optimise our processes, support our people and deliver the next phase of our long-term growth strategy.” Founded in 1993, HAHN Plastics UK leads the market in manufacturing high-quality alternatives to virgin plastic, wood, concrete and steel, made entirely from recycled plastics. The business transforms post-consumer waste into durable, long-lasting products such as hanit®, supporting sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wallace Whittle strengthens Northern capability with senior Leeds hire
LONGSTANDING, independent MEP, sustainability and ESG consultancy Wallace Whittle continues its strategic expansion across England with the appointment of Andrew Smith as location director for its Leeds office, covering Yorkshire and the North East. This senior appointment strengthens Wallace Whittle’s existing regional footprint and reflects increasing demand for its engineering and sustainability expertise across the North of England. From Leeds, the team will support residential, commercial, mixed-use, healthcare, life sciences, data centres, education and industrial sector projects, while collaborating closely with clients and the wider supply chain on a regional and national basis. Andrew brings more than 30 years’ experience in the built environment, combining a strong technical background with an entrepreneurial approach to business growth. Having led and grown his own consultancies alongside senior leadership roles, he has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams and delivering a diverse and complex range of projects. Andrew’s long-term focus will be on growing the Leeds office organically, investing in people and creating a strong regional platform that reflects Wallace Whittle’s values. Talent development and mentoring the next generation of engineers will be central to his leadership approach, alongside a commitment to delivering projects that have a legacy across the UK. Andrew said: “Leeds feels like the right place at the right time, both for Wallace Whittle and for me. Leeds is a central hub, well connected by rail and road, which allows us to support clients across Yorkshire and the wider North in a very practical and efficient way. “What really stood out to me about Wallace Whittle is its culture. In an industry facing a real shortage of talented and aspiring engineers at every level, building and retaining strong teams matters now more than ever. My priority is to grow the Leeds office in the right way, investing in people’s professional development and choosing projects where we can make a meaningful, long-term impact. Being part of a business with a clear growth plan and strong values is incredibly exciting.” Andrew’s appointment forms part of Wallace Whittle’s wider strategy to align its expertise across a growing UK network, providing clients with local insight backed by national capability. It also builds on the success of projects such as the prestigious Hungate development – 670 central York apartments – and the major Dyecoats development in Leeds, which achieved Gateway 2 approval through Wallace Whittle’s support, enhancing its reputation for strong communication at every stage. Allan McGill, managing director at Wallace Whittle, said: “As Andrew steps into lead our Leeds office, strengthening our presence is a key move in delivering our continued growth across England. Andrew brings a rare combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience that will help drive our regional expansion. His vision for building a strong team, focused on quality, culture and long-term relationships, aligns perfectly with our approach at Wallace Whittle. We’re looking forward to the benefits this will bring for not only our team but also our clients across the North, as we strengthen our presence.” For more information, visit: https://www.wallacewhittle.com/ 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