Solent Freeport and Solent Growth Partnership launch new £50,000 apprenticeship incentive to support SMEs and young people
Solent Freeport, in partnership with the Solent Growth Partnership through the Solent Business Growth Service, has today launched a new £50,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region recruit an apprentice for the first time, while supporting young people who have previously been not in education, employment or training (NEET). Solent Freeport, in partnership with the Solent Growth Partnership through the Solent Business Growth Service, has today launched a new £50,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region recruit an apprentice for the first time, while supporting young people who have previously been not in education, employment or training (NEET). The programme offers financial incentives of up to £2,000 per apprentice to eligible employers, alongside tailored business support, helping to reduce recruitment barriers, strengthen local skills pipelines and support inclusive economic growth across the Solent. The incentive fund will support: Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility and availability. The initiative focuses on four priority growth sectors critical to the Solent economy: By targeting employers who are taking on an apprentice for the first time, and apprentices who were previously NEET, the programme aims to unlock opportunity for those furthest from the labour market while supporting businesses to invest in the future workforce they need. Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport said:“This programme is about creating real opportunity – for employers who want to grow but face recruitment challenges, and for individuals who need a route into skilled employment. By working with the Solent Growth Partnership, we’re ensuring Freeport investment directly supports people, productivity and long-term prosperity across the region.” Rachael Randall, Chair of the Solent Growth Partnership Business Board added:“Apprenticeships are a proven way for SMEs to build skills and talent, but the first step can feel daunting. This incentive, combined with practical business support through the Solent Business Growth Service, helps employers take that step with confidence while opening doors for young people who might otherwise be left behind.” In addition to the financial incentive, participating employers will receive guidance through the Solent Business Growth Service, supporting them with recruitment, onboarding and longer-term business growth. Eligibility and applications To be eligible, employers must: Apprenticeship starts must fall within the programme application window, and applications cannot be made retrospectively. Further details, including full terms and conditions and application guidance, are available via the Solent Business Growth Service on www.solentgrowthpartnership.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10 Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Former Wates Director
Modular construction specialist Reds10 Group has appointed industry veteran Steve Beechey as its new Executive Chair as the company looks to accelerate growth and expand its role in delivering modern methods of construction across the public sector. Beechey will join the business in July, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience at Wates, where he most recently served as Group Public Sector Director. During his time with the contractor, he played a leading role in delivering major programmes across defence, education and justice, while also serving on the Wates Group Executive Committee for more than a decade. His appointment comes as Reds10 continues to strengthen its senior leadership team following the recent arrival of Matt Thorpe as Chief Financial Officer. The move reflects the company’s ambitions to scale its operations and further establish itself as a leading provider of off-site manufactured building solutions for public sector clients. Reds10 specialises in modern methods of construction and has built a strong reputation delivering projects across defence, education, healthcare, justice, temporary accommodation and social housing sectors. The company’s approach focuses on manufacturing buildings off-site before transporting and assembling them on location, helping to reduce programme times, improve quality and support sustainability objectives. Central to its operations is a 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where building components are produced in a controlled factory environment before being installed on site. Paul Ruddick, Chief Executive of Reds10 Group, said Beechey’s extensive experience in both construction and the public sector would be invaluable as the business enters its next phase of development. He added that his leadership and strategic insight would help support the company’s ambition to industrialise construction and expand the adoption of modern building techniques. Commenting on his appointment, Beechey said he was joining the business at an exciting stage in its growth journey. He highlighted Reds10’s strong reputation for innovation and its clear ambition to transform how construction projects are delivered. As demand continues to grow for faster, more efficient and sustainable construction solutions, Reds10’s latest leadership appointment underlines its commitment to driving innovation and supporting the wider evolution of the UK construction industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Metal Garage Shed Steel Building: Engineered Storage for Canadian Snow Load Conditions Introduction
Across Canadian properties, farmers, contractors, and homeowners need large covered space for vehicles, equipment, and workshops. Permanent buildings require permits and long construction timelines. A metal garage shed steel building provides pre-engineered, code-compliant storage that can be installed on prepared foundations. This type of engineered steel building for Canadian snow loads is essential for regions where winter snow accumulation exceeds 30 pounds per square foot. Canadian property owners use these structures as workshops, equipment shelters, and agricultural storage buildings. A farmer in Ontario used a 30×30 steel building to store two tractors and hay handling equipment. The 35 pounds per square foot snow load rating provided confidence during winter storms. The building passed municipal inspection with the included engineering drawings. Design Principles and Structural Engineering The building features a solid steel frame with 50 by 100 millimeter column steel. The dual-framed roof support and 27 gauge galvanized steel panels create a weather-tight enclosure. The 35 pounds per square foot snow load rating is certified by stamped engineering drawings from licensed Canadian structural engineers. This pre-engineered steel garage meets local building code requirements for snow and wind loads. The 30 by 30 foot footprint provides 900 square feet of interior space. The 14 foot 9 inch peak height and 9 foot 4 inch eave height accommodate tall vehicles, overhead storage racks, and vehicle lifts. The sloped gable roof directs snow and water runoff away from the structure. Key structural features include: Snow Load Safety and Regulatory Compliance Canadian winters vary by region. Coastal areas may see wet, heavy snow. Prairie regions experience light, drifting snow. The 35 pounds per square foot rating covers most of southern Canada, excluding areas with extreme snowfall. The snow load rated metal building includes load reports and engineering drawings that satisfy municipal permit requirements. This winter-ready storage building protects stored assets without risk of roof collapse. An Alberta contractor used the engineering drawings to obtain a building permit for a rural workshop. The municipal inspector accepted the stamped documents, approving the installation on a concrete slab. Access and Functional Layout The building includes two 10 foot wide double front doors, providing clearance for large vehicles and equipment. The 10 foot door width accommodates full-size pickup trucks, tractors with attachments, and boat trailers. A side entry door installable on either side allows personnel access without opening the large doors. One built-in window provides natural light for daytime work. The 9 foot 4 inch interior clearance allows standing room for tall vehicles and overhead storage. The 900 square foot floor area can accommodate multiple vehicles, workbenches, tool storage, and material racks. Foundation and Installation Requirements The building requires a level foundation such as a concrete slab or solid wood platform. Sleeve anchor bolts secure the structure to the foundation. The slip-fit square tubing frame assembles without welding or cranes, allowing DIY installation by experienced builders. The three shipping crates require a forklift for unloading. Safety Practices and Operational Guidelines Safe building use requires several key practices: Advantages Limitations Industry Outlook Pre-engineered steel buildings are replacing pole barns and stick-framed garages across Canada. The combination of engineered snow load ratings, included engineering drawings, and galvanized steel construction makes them suitable for code compliance. Future designs may include higher snow load options for mountain regions and integrated insulation systems for year-round use. Property owners should evaluate steel buildings for any application requiring large covered space with documented load ratings. The 30 foot by 30 foot size and 35 pounds per square foot rating make this building suitable for diverse Canadian applications.
How to Choose a Good Dock Builder in Pensacola, FL and the Gulf Shores Area
Waterfront living along the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Shores offers incredible views, boating access, and coastal beauty. However, maintaining and building waterfront structures requires specialized expertise. Choosing the right dock builder is one of the most important decisions a property owner can make when investing in marine construction. The Gulf Coast environment presents unique challenges including saltwater corrosion, hurricanes, erosion, shifting shorelines, and permitting regulations. A properly built dock or seawall can last for decades, while poor workmanship can quickly lead to expensive repairs and structural issues. Look for Experience With Gulf Coast Marine Construction Not all contractors are experienced in marine construction. Building a dock along the Gulf Coast is far different from standard residential construction. The contractor should understand local waterways, tides, storm conditions, and coastal engineering principles. Property owners in Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and surrounding areas should look for companies with proven experience handling waterfront projects specifically in coastal environments. An experienced dock builder will understand how to properly install pilings, choose marine-grade materials, and build structures designed to withstand harsh Gulf Coast weather conditions. Verify Licensing and Insurance Before hiring any dock builder, it is important to verify licensing and insurance coverage. Marine construction often involves heavy equipment, pile driving, excavation, seawall stabilization, and work near navigable waterways. A qualified contractor should carry proper liability insurance and any licensing required for marine or waterfront construction work in Florida and Alabama. Hiring an uninsured or inexperienced contractor can expose property owners to major financial and legal risks. Ask About Permitting and Environmental Compliance One of the most overlooked parts of waterfront construction is permitting. Depending on the project location and scope, marine construction may require approvals from local municipalities, environmental agencies, or state permitting departments. Projects involving docks, seawalls, dredging, rip-rap, or shoreline stabilization often require careful compliance with coastal regulations. An experienced dock builder in Pensacola, FL or Gulf Shores should be familiar with the permitting process and help guide property owners through approvals to avoid unnecessary delays or compliance issues. Evaluate the Materials Being Used Waterfront structures are constantly exposed to moisture, saltwater, UV rays, and storms. Because of this, material quality matters significantly. A quality dock builder should use marine-grade materials specifically designed for coastal environments. This may include: Using the wrong materials can shorten the lifespan of the dock and increase long-term maintenance costs. Review Previous Marine Construction Projects A reputable dock builder should be able to provide examples of previous projects completed throughout the Florida Panhandle or Gulf Shores area. Reviewing a contractor’s portfolio can help property owners evaluate the quality of workmanship and determine whether the company has experience with projects similar to their own. Some contractors specialize in: Seeing real-world examples can provide confidence before making a significant waterfront investment. Prioritize Communication and Project Transparency Marine construction projects can involve weather delays, inspections, permitting timelines, and material lead times. Strong communication throughout the project is extremely important. The best dock builders provide clear expectations regarding: Transparent communication helps reduce stress and ensures the project stays organized from start to finish. Local Knowledge Makes a Difference Every shoreline is different. Conditions in Pensacola Bay may differ greatly from those in Perdido Key, Orange Beach, or Gulf Shores. A local dock builder who understands Gulf Coast waterways, erosion patterns, hurricane exposure, and local building conditions can often provide better long-term solutions for waterfront structures. Working with a contractor familiar with the Florida Panhandle and Alabama Gulf Coast can help ensure the project is designed specifically for the challenges of coastal living. Final Thoughts Choosing the right dock builder in Pensacola, FL and the Gulf Shores area is about more than appearance alone. It is about protecting your waterfront investment for years to come. Whether you are planning a new dock, seawall repair, boat lift installation, or complete marine construction project, working with an experienced and qualified contractor can make all the difference in durability, safety, and long-term value.
One London Set to Redefine the Capital’s Skyline with £1bn Landmark Tower
Plans have been unveiled for a landmark £1bn skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most significant commercial developments in Europe. Developed by Aroland Holdings, advised by Perennial Holdings, alongside Stanhope and Eric Parry Architects, the project known as One London will transform the City skyline with a striking new tower rising to 309.6 metres. Formerly known as 1 Undershaft, the development is expected to become London’s tallest skyscraper, the tallest office building in the UK and the joint-tallest building in Western Europe when completed in 2033. Located at the prominent junction of Leadenhall Street and St Mary Axe, the development will deliver approximately 1.2 million sq ft of office-led accommodation at the heart of the capital’s financial district. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, the tower will provide high-quality workspace while reinforcing the City’s position as a global centre for finance, technology and innovation. The scheme received full planning approval from the City of London Corporation in December 2025, marking a major milestone for one of the capital’s most ambitious commercial projects. The development occupies a highly connected location, situated within a short walk of six London Underground lines and the Elizabeth line, offering exceptional accessibility for workers, visitors and businesses alike. In addition to its transport connections, the site benefits from proximity to around 1,000 hospitality venues and 27 acres of public open space, helping to create a vibrant environment that supports both professional and social activity within the Square Mile. Preparatory work is already progressing, with the deconstruction of the existing St Helen’s Tower now underway. The project team expects to appoint a main contractor later this year, with full construction anticipated to commence in 2028 following the completion of deconstruction and enabling works, as well as the finalisation of development financing arrangements. Once complete, One London is expected to become one of the defining buildings of the next decade, joining the ranks of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. Beyond its impressive scale, the development reflects the continued confidence in London’s commercial property market and the growing demand for premium, sustainable and future-focused office space in prime locations. The project also highlights the ongoing evolution of the City of London, where new generations of workplace environments are being developed to accommodate changing occupier requirements, technological advancement and increasing expectations around sustainability, wellbeing and connectivity. As construction moves closer, One London is poised to play a major role in shaping the future skyline of the capital, creating a new focal point for business, investment and architectural ambition in one of the world’s leading financial centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni starts 462,000 sq ft speculative development in Worksop
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has commenced construction at Panattoni Worksop 460, a 462,000 sq ft speculative logistics and manufacturing development at Manton Wood Distribution Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The scheme is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027. Panattoni Worksop 460 will be delivered to the highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings and achieving net zero carbon in construction. The development incorporates a range of sustainability features including roof-mounted photovoltaic solar systems, EV charging, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. The scheme offers a gross internal area of 462,000 sq ft, comprising 441,699 sq ft of warehouse accommodation, Grade A office space across ground and two upper floors totalling 14,943 sq ft, and a transport area of 5,057 sq ft. The building has been specified to meet the requirements of modern logistics and manufacturing occupiers, with an 18 metre clear internal height, 43 dock doors including 8 Euro dock doors, 4 level access doors, a yard depth of 55 metres, 386 car parking spaces and 48 EV charging points. The site is accompanied by an additional five acres of adjacent land, available to occupiers requiring room for expansion beyond the primary building footprint. Worksop is a well-established logistics destination in North Nottinghamshire, situated at the heart of the UK’s principal distribution corridor. The town sits within easy reach of the M1 (Junction 31) and A1(M), providing direct connectivity to major population centres across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East. The area is home to major operators including DHL and B&Q, both of which run substantial logistics and distribution facilities nearby, and benefits from a strong local labour pool and competitive rental levels relative to more southern locations. Andy Preston, Senior Development Director at Panattoni, said: ” Worksop punches above its weight as a logistics location. It offers great connectivity and a genuinely strong labour market within commuting distance of Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, and that combination is increasingly difficult to find at this scale. We are seeing real depth of demand from occupiers who need large-format, high-specification space and need it quickly, and this building is designed to meet that requirement from day one. We already have some early engagement from occupiers on the speculative opportunity. For occupiers with longer-term growth ambitions, there is also an additional five acres of land directly adjacent to the site, which could be used for HGV parking or external storage – a flexibility that is increasingly hard to find at this scale and in this location.” The development reflects Panattoni’s continued strategy of speculative delivery in supply-constrained markets, bringing forward high-specification, sustainable assets aligned with long-term occupier demand. For more information, please visit www.panattoni.co.uk/our-properties/worksop/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals