Ranger Fire and Security announces £150m funding partnership with Apera to accelerate expansion in 2026
Ranger Fire and Security has today announced a £150 million funding package from Apera, a leading European private debt asset manager, to support the next phase of its growth and acquisition strategy. The funding will enable Ranger to significantly accelerate its expansion plans, with a focus on driving organic growth and acquiring high-performing, regulatory compliance driven, preventative maintenance-focused businesses in the fire and security sector and building on Ranger’s successful track record of bringing them together as part of a single integrated platform, enabling greater resource sharing, expertise and cross-selling opportunities. Apera is a leading private debt asset manager dedicated to supporting mid-market companies across Western Europe, having deployed approximately €4 billion since its founding. The investment will support Ranger’s ambition to build a fire and security platform that is truly national in scope. The partnership with Apera will build on a highly successful 2025 for Ranger, during which it completed six successful acquisitions across the UK and Ireland, strengthening its coverage and service offering across both countries. Earlier this month, Ranger announced its first acquisition of 2026, further expanding its footprint in the South West of England and bringing the number of Ranger businesses to 14. The funding will continue accelerating Ranger’s acquisition and partnership strategy as the Group looks to maintain its M&A momentum with a very active pipeline. Mark Bridges, CEO, Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Our new partnership with Apera marks a major milestone for Ranger, providing us with the firepower to take our growth ambitions to the next level. We’ve built strong momentum over the past two years, welcoming 14 high-quality businesses into the Group. “Our vision is to bring together the very best regional specialists into a single national platform that benefits customers, employees and business owners alike. Apera’s support will enable us to continue scaling at pace in the year ahead, while staying true to our focus on quality, service excellence and meaningful partnerships.” Paul Mahon, Partner, Hyperion Equity Partners, said: “Ranger has continued to grow at pace since its launch in 2024 – expanding from a handful of high-performing fire and security businesses to a Group that now has extensive coverage across the UK and a strong footprint in Ireland. “Securing this funding capacity from Apera is a clear endorsement of Ranger’s success to date and the opportunities that lie ahead. Our clear strategy, focused sharply on collaboration, integrated operational excellence and customer service, has put Ranger in an incredibly strong position to deliver further sustained organic and acquisitive growth and value in 2026.” Chris Roper, Partner at Apera, said:“Ranger is a leading maintenance-focused fire and security business that has created a highly innovative, well integrated platform. It has enabled regional businesses in the Group to collaborate, grow and provide a service to customers that is national in scope while bringing the key operational functions under the Ranger framework. Ranger has an impressive track record, coupled with its experienced management team and clear organic growth and acquisition strategy, made this a compelling opportunity for Apera. We’re pleased to be partnering with Ranger as the company enters the next phase of its expansion along with Hyperion.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers launches the Measured Survey Services team with appointment of Patrick Foster
Patrick joins as service line head to lead a new specialist department within Project & Building Consultancy Colliers has announced the appointment of Patrick Foster to lead its newly created Measured Survey Services department, within the Project & Building Consultancy division. Patrick brings more than 15 years of industry experience, and more recently he was a Director in the CBRE/Turner & Townsend Measured Survey team in London. In his new role, Patrick will spearhead the development and delivery of Colliers’ Measured Survey Services, providing clients with a comprehensive range of Geomatic Surveying solutions. Patrick brings deep expertise in internal area reports, measured building surveys and other geospatial deliverables. This strategic move reflects Colliers’ commitment to expanding its technical capabilities and delivering best-in-class data and insights to clients across the UK. Gavin McCosh, Director, Project & Building Consultancy at Colliers, said:“Patrick’s appointment is a great start to 2026, and it marks an exciting time for Colliers as we launch Measured Survey Services. His proven leadership and technical expertise will enable us to deliver accurate, technology-driven solutions to add real value to our clients. This new service line strengthens our team offering and reflects our continual growth and improvement.” Patrick Foster, Director, Measured Survey Services, commented:“I’m excited to join Colliers and lead the launch of our Measured Survey Services team, bringing clients a fully integrated solution. With demand for precise data and advanced surveying solutions growing rapidly, this new service line is vital for the property industry. I’m looking forward to building a market-leading team and helping clients get the best out of their assets.” This appointment marks a significant step in Colliers’ strategy to broaden its Project & Building Consultancy offering and respond to growing client demand for accurate, technology-driven surveying solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ecofill Appoints Mark Watford as Chief Financial Officer
Ecofill Group Limited has appointed Mark Watford as Chief Financial Officer, strengthening its leadership team as the business continues to scale its operations and accelerate growth in the UK and beyond. Mark brings over 25 years’ experience in senior financial, commercial, and operational leadership roles across construction, infrastructure, and technology-led businesses. His career spans both SME and large corporate environments, with significant international exposure, including senior roles within global organisations operating across Europe, North America, and Asia. He has a strong track record of supporting high-growth businesses through periods of expansion, acquisition, and transformation, providing the financial discipline and strategic insight required to scale sustainably. Mark’s experience includes working with private equity-backed groups, leading complex corporate restructures, and supporting businesses through international growth and integration. In his role as CFO, Mark will provide strategic financial oversight and governance for Ecofill. His primary focus will be supporting Ecofill’s continued growth, ensuring the business has the financial structure, controls, and insight required to scale responsibly while maintaining strong commercial foundations. Trevor Gaughan, Founder and CEO of Ecofill Group, said: “Mark’s appointment is a major step forward for Ecofill. He brings deep financial expertise, strong commercial judgement, and valuable international experience that will support our ambitions as we continue to scale. As demand for our technology grows, Mark’s leadership will be critical in ensuring we grow in a structured, resilient, and sustainable way.” Mark Watford added: “Ecofill is a business with a clear purpose, a compelling technology, and significant growth potential. What attracted me most is the opportunity to support a UK-based company with ambitions that extend well beyond the domestic market. I’m looking forward to working with the team to help build strong financial foundations that support long-term, sustainable growth.” Based in Leeds and operating nationwide, Ecofill transforms on-site clays and subsoils into high-performance and compliant aggregate replacement products, eliminating the need to send soils to landfill, removing the requirement for imported aggregates, and significantly reducing both carbon emissions and lorry movements. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Baltic Quarter vision moves forward as Muse and ECF step in
Plans to regenerate Gateshead’s Baltic Quarter have taken a significant step forward after the council agreed a pre-development deal with Muse and ECF to progress a major mixed-use scheme of around 1,600 new homes. Under the agreement, ECF will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop the long-term vision for the site, shaping funding, phasing and delivery. The Baltic Quarter plays a central role in the council’s regeneration strategy unveiled last autumn. Initial work will focus on how new homes and workspaces can be introduced alongside improved public spaces, landscaping, routes and infrastructure. The proposals aim to support the area’s existing business community, including Gateshead College and the Northern Design Centre, while creating space for future growth. The council said the regeneration will build on the quarter’s established creative and commercial character, helping current businesses remain and expand, while attracting new companies and talent to Gateshead and neighbouring Newcastle. An early masterplan for the Baltic Quarter has been prepared by architect Brown + Company. Sustainability sits at the heart of the proposals, with the area already benefiting from a district energy network powered by the UK’s largest urban solar farm and mine water heat. A recently completed 1,000-space car park has also been designed to support large-scale electric vehicle charging. Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, said the pre-development agreement allows partners to work closely with the council and local stakeholders to shape proposals that reflect Gateshead’s industrial heritage while delivering lasting economic and social benefits. The agreement was secured through Pagabo’s developer-led framework. Council leader Martin Gannon said the scheme could deliver more than 1,600 homes, new office space and high-quality public realm, creating a visible statement of confidence in Gateshead that could help attract further investment to the borough.
Holborn Circus set for bold new chapter as refurbishment gets green light
Work is due to begin later this year on a major refurbishment of Holborn Circus, as developer Tishman Speyer prepares to appoint a contractor for the landmark Farringdon building. Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of the year at the former Sainsbury’s headquarters, marking the next stage in the building’s evolution. The project will reimagine the property as a modern, highly sustainable office destination designed for the future of work. Plans include the introduction of new internal atriums to bring more light into the building, a complete overhaul of the ground floor and basement spaces, and the creation of a new roof terrace offering outdoor amenity space. Martin Simonneau, Managing Director at Tishman Speyer, said the scheme reflects the company’s confidence in London’s office market and its long-term prospects. He added that the development will draw on Tishman Speyer’s placemaking and development expertise, with the aim of delivering one of the City’s most attractive and environmentally responsible working environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen secures regional first in new retail and leisure lettings for Multistory, Birmingham
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has signed two brands at Multistory, its 295,000 sq ft (NIA) office building in Birmingham. This follows the completion of phase one last year, which comprised the creation of 27,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space on the ground floor, with now only one unit remaining to let. 92 Degrees Coffee, founded in Liverpool in 2014, is opening its first Birmingham location at Multistory in early February, a vibrant space that reflects its belief in quality, community, and experience. The new coffee shop will be open to the public and tenants, offering sit-in or takeaway coffee, alongside a dedicated kiosk within the new co‑working hub. It will be serving its signature Damn Fine Coffee, as well as its curated range of great products. That Day, the gym and wellness studio, has also signed at Multistory for 5,300 sq ft, delivering a state-of-the-art facility for occupier use, offering wellbeing workshops, fitness classes, therapy, and coaching. It is due to open in Q1 this year, adding to a collection of amenity uses designed to enhance productivity and wellbeing within Multistory’s workspaces, such as a library, a 15,000 sq ft indoor-outdoor bar and café area with a 2,000 sq ft terrace, an adjoining atrium, and a unique 80-seat auditorium. Emily Atkinson, Asset and Transaction Manager at Railpen, said: “Securing That Day Fitness and 92 Degrees Coffee is a strong endorsement of the direction we are taking with Multistory. These brands share our ambition to create places that establish a sense of community and connection between employees and their place of work. This is an approach we take across our entire office portfolio, selecting brands that will add real value for people working in and around our developments, but also ones that encourage staff retention, attraction, and productivity.” Jack Brewitt, CEO of 92 Degrees Coffee, said: “This opening is a special one for us. It’s not just our first franchise, but our first Birmingham store – a city that’s been on our radar for some time. Multistory felt like the perfect fit: a development that shares our values, with a strong sense of place, a diverse community, and a real vision for the future. We’re proud to partner with Ketch&Co to bring #DamnFineCoffee™️ to the heart of Birmingham and to keep building connections that matter.” Multistory is a grade A standard office building in the heart of Birmingham, boasting the city’s largest single floorplate at 41,000 sq ft, which is now available to let. A three-minute walk from Snow Hill train station, five minutes from Birmingham New Street, and five minutes from the proposed HS2 station, Multistory plays a key role in supporting Birmingham’s continued regeneration and wider UK growth by offering flexible, future-focused space designed around people and place. As well as targeting BREEAM Outstanding, WiredScored Platinum, EPC B and a Fitwell two-star rating, Multistory has parking for over 280 bikes with shower and changing facilities, 92 car parking spaces, and ten EV charging points. Multistory is just one of Railpen’s developments across its office portfolio in the UK, which have all been designed and developed to create high-quality, sustainable, and amenity-rich workspaces that appeal to modern occupiers and their employees. The portfolio also includes Mill Yard and Botanic Place in Cambridge, both of which are currently under construction, alongside several in London, such as Red Lion Square, 125 Wood Street, 101 Bayham, Jamestown Courtyard, 4 Coleman Street, and 12 Smithfield. CBRE and Creative Retail are the retail and leisure leasing agents on Multistory, CBRE and Avison Young lead on the office leasing, with V7 Asset Management advising. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals