Sybron to move to new Essex HQ
Sybron, a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, has announced its relocation into a new Head Office and distribution centre at ICON Harlow. Scheduled for August, this move represents a major step for Sybron, supporting the company’s strategy for growth, improving day to day operations and giving a modern, future-proof space that reflects what Sybron is as a business today. The facility at Third Avenue is over 70,000 sq ft, including a two-storey, Grade A specification office building. There will be six dock-level loading doors, two level access doors, a 50m-deep secure yard, designed for efficient HGV movement, 12.5m height for improved storage capacity and parking for over 40 cars. The HQ and distribution centre has been built in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability, with LED lighting throughout, air-source heat pumps, EV charging and PV solar panel capability. “We’re delighted to share this very exciting news,” says Sybron operations director, Bradley Henwood. “This is a huge moment for Sybron, reflecting the hard work, commitment and growth achieved by the whole team. We’re genuinely excited about what this next chapter will bring.” This major development follows Sybron’s management buyout 12 months ago and the opening of a second distribution centre in Stafford in November. The Stafford distribution centre has strengthened service levels by increasing delivery frequencies to Sybron’s growing number of national customers and offering more efficient support to key areas such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and Leeds. “Our strategy of controlled growth remains on target,” says Sybron’s sales & marketing director, George Mason. “The new facility gives Sybron the space to grow, provides flexibility and allows us to take the business where we want to go in the next 10 to 15 years. From a customer perspective, the new HQ allows increased bulk ordering and the opportunity to explore expanding our products and services. It also signals a great move for staff too, offering scope to develop new skills and for more individual progression.” Sybron’s current Harlow headquarters is in Crammond Park in Lovet Road. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bridges and Opus North secure first occupier at Harrogate 47 in North Yorkshire
A global business has taken one of the first available units at the sustainable industrial development in North Yorkshire Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”) and Opus North have completed a deal to let a 10,000 sq. ft. unit at Harrogate 47, their sustainable employment development in North Yorkshire, to global business Restrain Company Limited (Restrain). Restrain, a global leader in the potato storage industry, has agreed a 10-year term to lease the unit, which will become its new UK HQ. This move marks a return to the company’s roots, strengthening its presence in the UK while supporting its rapidly growing global operations. The new facility features larger, modern premises for the firm designed to optimise operations and enhance distribution efficiency as its global network continues to expand. Rachel Cook-Coulson, Director, Restrain Company Limited, commented: “With our leadership team now based in the UK, we’re perfectly positioned to combine solid and focused expertise to support our expanding markets and global vision. The UK HQ is more than a new workspace; it’s a hub for innovation, efficiency, and collaboration that will enable us to better serve our global customer base.” The deal completes as construction works conclude on the first phase of development at Harrogate 47, with the delivery of circa 106,000 sq. ft. of speculatively developed Grade A, flexible business units. Appointed contractor Stainforth Construction has completed two terraces of flexible business units ranging in size from 5,570-12,132 sq. ft., plus three detached units from 10,000-21,409 sq. ft. – one of which is now occupied by Restrain. The units are situated on a 45-acre site near Harrogate at J47 of the A1(M) in North Yorkshire, which in total comprises more than 600,000 sq. ft. of employment space for industrial, logistics, hi-tech and office uses, as well as amenity uses, within a landscaped environment. Planning permission was secured from Harrogate Borough Council for the low-carbon scheme, which is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has the potential to support 2,000 jobs. The next phase of construction work is due to commence shortly, which will facilitate and service the next tranche of development. The site is close to a number of North Yorkshire towns including Harrogate, Knaresborough and York, with motorway links to access Leeds, Hull and Sheffield via the M1 and M62. Jake Shilston, Investment Manager, Bridges Fund Management, said: “Harrogate 47 has been created to appeal to a broad spectrum of regional and national occupiers seeking sustainably designed accommodation to future-proof business operations. There are chronic shortages of new space like this in the region, and we are seeing keen interest in the available units.” Ryan Unsworth, Joint MD, Opus North said: “Restrain’s new UK headquarter operations are a welcome addition to Harrogate 47 and to have the deal coincide with the completion of this first phase of works is indicative of the demand for high quality, sustainably developed business units in a prime location.” Paul Mack, Director at GV&Co Property Consultants, who negotiated the transaction, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a global name and market leader to Harrogate 47 which is in keeping with the quality of the buildings and the overall park”. Bridges Fund Management invests in the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. It specialises in property solutions that help to create jobs, reduce carbon emissions and regenerate brownfield land. Opus North is recognised as one of the most active and successful developers in Yorkshire, with extensive development delivery experience. Appointed agents for Harrogate 47 are CBRE and GV&Co. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens fortifies cyber resilience to ensure energy supply for critical infrastructures
New Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service from Siemens enables enhanced 24/7 cybersecurity for critical infrastructures Siemens offers comprehensive and overarching protection with its MDR service and in-depth OT expertise across multiple sites Reduces capital expenditures by up to 80 percent and lowers ongoing operating costs for cyber defense by up to 50 percent With its new Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, Siemens Smart Infrastructure is strengthening cyber resilience for energy suppliers and operators of energy-intensive industries and critical infrastructures like data centers and airports. As information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) continue to converge, companies are being challenged to manage a growing flood of security alerts. They often lack the required staffing with the appropriate expertise and 24/7 availability. The new service from Siemens addresses this gap and helps companies operate their increasingly digitalized systems securely, in compliance with NIS 2 EU-wide legislation concerning cybersecurity and from a single source of trust. Compared to setting up in-house 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), Siemens’ MDR service reduces investment costs by up to 80 percent. Ongoing operating costs for cyber defense are reduced by up to 50 percent through a predictable and scalable service model that is NIS 2-compliant. The MDR service provides 24/7 protection through monitoring, analysis of potential incidents, and recommendations for action. This enables up to 90 percent faster defense against cyber threats. The process begins with collecting security-related data from the customer’s IT and OT systems, which is securely transmitted to the Security Operations Center (SOC). The core task is alarm assessment and incident handling: Incoming events are analyzed, classified, and prioritized from false alarms to critical incidents. Based on this, the customer receives specific recommendations for mitigation and resolution. To ensure smart and proactive threat detection, the detection rules are continuously maintained, expanded, and adapted to new threat landscapes. “Today, energy security is inextricably linked to cybersecurity. This is precisely where we offer our customers crucial support,” said Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Our MDR service combines technology with the expertise of our OT specialists. This allows operators of critical infrastructure to focus on their core business while we protect their systems from cyberattacks. This is the only way we can securely advance the digital transformation and help accelerate the energy transition.” One of the first companies to benefit from this comprehensive protection is Hertener Stadtwerke, a municipal utility in Germany. It is already using the new MDR service to safeguard its operational systems. “The requirements for cybersecurity, especially for critical infrastructures like ours, are constantly increasing,” said Stefan Burkert, Head of Communications Technology at Hertener Stadtwerke. “The MDR service from Siemens is a crucial building block for us to meet these requirements and protect our critical infrastructure. It helps us comply with regulations and gives us peace of mind knowing that our systems are monitored by experts at all times. It allows us to focus on ensuring a reliable energy supply.” The MDR service provides the highest level of cybersecurity in accordance with the principles of the Charter of Trust. Siemens thereby helps operators of critical infrastructure worldwide to drive their digital transformation forward in a secure, scalable, and cost-effective manner. Initiated by Siemens, the Charter of Trust calls for binding rules and standards to build trust in cybersecurity and further advance digitalization. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AI-driven optimisation unlocks £120k annual savings at Exchange Quay in Manchester – without capital investment
As the commercial property sector faces mounting pressure to cut costs and deliver measurable ESG outcomes, a project at Exchange Quay in Manchester is demonstrating how both can be achieved – quickly and without capital expenditure. The office campus has deployed CSR Sustain’s AI-powered PEAK platform, which uses advanced building analytics to continuously monitor and optimise heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) performance. By analysing live data from the existing building management system, the platform identifies inefficiencies and translates them into actionable improvements. The results are already significant. In Q1 2026, electricity consumption across the estate fell by 10.8% year-on-year, delivering a cost saving of approximately £30,000 in just three months. If maintained, this equates to an annual saving of around £120,000 – achieved purely through operational optimisation. This is a key point. Unlike traditional energy reduction strategies, which often rely on capital-intensive upgrades, the PEAK platform focuses on eliminating inefficiencies already present within building systems. These include issues such as plant running unnecessarily, control errors and systems operating out of hours – problems that are widespread, but often invisible. The scale of opportunity is substantial. More than 4,500 operational issues have already been identified at Exchange Quay, creating an ongoing pipeline of improvements and cost savings as actions are implemented. The financial case is reinforced by speed of return. Because the platform targets operational gains rather than physical upgrades, return on investment is typically achieved within four to six months, with savings beginning almost immediately after deployment. Alongside cost reduction, the platform is delivering measurable ESG benefits. In the first quarter alone, the estate reduced carbon emissions by around 30 tonnes of CO₂ year-on-year, with annual savings projected at approximately 120 tonnes. Crucially, these figures are based on real in-use performance, aligning with the industry’s growing focus on operational metrics such as NABERS. There are also implications for asset value. Buildings that can demonstrate lower energy consumption, reduced carbon emissions and improved occupier comfort are becoming increasingly attractive to both investors and tenants. At Exchange Quay, early feedback highlights not only improved environmental performance, but also direct financial benefits for occupiers, including five-figure energy savings within individual buildings. From a portfolio perspective, scalability is a major advantage. The PEAK platform integrates with existing systems and can standardise fragmented or unstructured data, making it suitable for both modern assets and older buildings where inefficiencies are often greatest. It also introduces greater transparency and governance. Performance can be tracked, benchmarked, and audited in real time, providing asset managers with clear evidence of how buildings are operating and where improvements are being made. As the sector shifts towards performance-based regulation and increasing scrutiny around ESG delivery, this ability to evidence outcomes is becoming critical. Collaboration has been fundamental to the success of the rollout. Till AM, as the asset manager, has played a key role in enabling deployment across their portfolio, supporting a performance driven approach to building operations. Their commitment to improving in-use performance has been critical in unlocking the value of the platform. Equally, CBRE as managing agent for Exchange Quay, has been instrumental in facilitating the delivery on site; from co-ordinating access and supporting integration with the existing infrastructure to working closely with site teams and contractors to ensure actions are implemented effectively. Crucially, the success of the project comes from the alignment between ownership, management and operational delivery. The platform identifies the opportunities, but it is the collaboration between all parties that ensures those insights are transformed into real, measurable improvements. Exchange Quay provides a clear example of how AI is moving beyond innovation into practical application. By combining rapid ROI, measurable cost savings and proven carbon reduction, CSR Sustain’s PEAK platform highlights a growing opportunity for landlords and asset managers to unlock value from existing assets – without the need for major capital spend. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helical builds momentum with major London pipeline and strong leasing activity
Helical plc has reported a period of strong operational and development progress, underpinned by robust leasing activity and a growing pipeline of prime office and mixed-use schemes across central London. In a trading update covering the period from October 2025 to April 2026, the developer highlighted continued momentum across its portfolio, particularly at The Bower in EC1 (pictured). A resurgence in demand from technology occupiers has translated into a series of lettings, including a circa 20,000 sq ft deal with AI platform incident.io, alongside a further 32,000 sq ft currently under offer. Additional lease regears across multiple floors are also progressing, with occupancy expected to rise to over 96% once transactions complete. Across its development pipeline, Helical now has more than 700,000 sq ft of office space under construction. This includes the imminent completion of 100 New Bridge Street, EC4, a 194,500 sq ft refurbishment which has been forward sold to State Street Corporation for £333 million. The project is set to complete on programme and budget, delivering a return of equity to the business. Further schemes nearing completion include Brettenham House in WC2 and 10 King William Street in EC4, both scheduled for delivery later this year. These projects are positioned to benefit from a supply-constrained prime office market, with early occupier interest already evident. Helical’s pipeline is being strengthened through its joint venture with Places for London. At Southwark, SE1, a 429-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme has been forward funded, significantly de-risking the project while targeting strong returns. Meanwhile, at Paddington, a 240,000 sq ft office scheme is progressing following site acquisition and the appointment of Mace as main contractor. The development is targeting high sustainability standards, including BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5.5-star ratings. In Farringdon, the joint venture has also secured planning consent for a new 55,000 sq ft office building at 63 Charterhouse Street, further expanding the group’s central London pipeline. Financially, Helical has strengthened its position through a £220 million development financing facility with PIMCO, supporting the delivery of the Paddington scheme and enhancing capital efficiency. Overall, the update reflects a developer capitalising on improving occupier demand, particularly in the technology sector, while advancing a pipeline of high-quality, sustainable office assets in prime London locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Muse announces senior promotion to operations director
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has announced the promotion of Stuart Rogers to the position of Operations Director, a national role within the business Rogers first joined the North West team in April 2022, with nearly 20 years’ project management experience across the built environment sector. Since his appointment, he played an integral role leading on the delivery of major projects across the region, including the ongoing plans for St Helens, Prestwich, Wythenshawe and Oldham town centres. Stuart has also been part of Muse’s nationwide ESG and sustainability team, and has driven Muse’s strategic approach with the Building Safety Regulator Following his contribution, Rogers was promoted to the position of Director of Project Management for the North West region. After two successful years in post supporting significant growth in the regional business, he will now move into the newly created national senior leadership role. Within his position he will be responsible for driving high-quality standards for delivery across the whole business – with a focus on overseeing and optimising the day-to-day operational activities of the company. This includes a strengthening of Muse’s partnership approach, with robust national strategic relationships with supply chain, contractors and consultants integral to the business as it looks to convert its strong pipeline to delivery. Over the last 12 months Muse has been preparing sites across the country as part of a strategic expansion of its development pipeline to £6.3 billion (including preferred bidder positions). In the last year this has increased by 29%, from £4.9billion. As regional teams in London, the Midlands, North West and Yorkshire & the North East work with local partners to translate visions into great places, Stuart will be focused on ensuring that robust delivery systems and structures are in place to ensure Muse retains and enhances its high standards. Phil Mayall, Managing Director at Muse, said: “We’re delighted to announce Stuart’s promotion to the newly created position of Operations Director.Since joining us he has brought insight, strategic vision, and drive to Muse – helping play a leading role in driving forward transformative placemaking projects with our partners in the North West region. “As we look to deliver against our significant pipeline nationwide and drive forward positive, meaningful, growth, we want to ensure that we are not only maintaining our high standards but enhancing our reputation for excellence and innovation. In his new role, Stuart will allow us to achieve this, ensuring we have aligned, streamlined, delivery structures in place that will enable us to create high-quality, sustainable, places where people can live, work and thrive.” Stuart Rogers, Operations Director at Muse, said: “Since joining Muse I have had the privilege to work with a fantastic team and committed partners to deliver impactful regeneration projects in the North West. What we do at Muse is not easy, but our determination to deliver and resilience is something I’m deeply proud of “As our significant development pipeline continues to grow nationally, I am delighted to be promoted to the position of Operations Director. Our business priority has always been about delivery, and I am looking forward to not only continuing to support the excellent team in the North West, but those across the country, who have been working hard with our national and local partners to progress visions. “It is important that as we look to deliver against these ambitions, and that we are genuinely meeting the needs of the communities and enabling long-term social and economic growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals