Noise and Wellbeing Central to Return-to-Office Strategy
As41 percent of UK businesses increased their requirement for on-site working, and nearly three-quarters of employers reported a rise in office attendance during the past year, a growing challenge is emerging: workplace noise. While organisations continue to refine their hybrid working strategies, workplace design specialists Prestige Interiors say that many offices have not aligned with the expectations of a post-pandemic workforce. Years of home working have reset employees’ expectations around concentration, privacy and noise levels, making office acoustics an increasingly important factor in workplace satisfaction and productivity. Research suggests that workplace noise is far more than a minor annoyance. A recent study found that higher sound levels in the workplace were associated with lower levels of work satisfaction, while previous research in open-plan offices identified noise as a significant factor affecting both employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. The findings underline the growing importance of acoustic design in creating workplaces where employees can focus, collaborate, and perform at their best. This suggests that acoustic comfort is not simply a matter of preference, but a measurable factor influencing productivity, concentration, and workplace satisfaction in modern office environments. Fiona MacMillan, Director for Prestige Interiors, thinks that the physical office environment is likely to play a role in whether return-to-office policies succeed. She commented, “We’re seeing a clear shift in how people experience the office after years of hybrid and remote working. Employees have become accustomed to quieter, more controlled environments at home, and returning to open-plan offices can feel overstimulating for many. “Noise is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a wellbeing and performance issue. If organisations want people back in the office regularly, they need to create spaces that actively support focus, not compete with it.” “We are seeing an increased demand for acoustically balanced workspaces, including quiet zones, focus rooms, and flexible layouts that allow employees to choose environments based on task type. The trend reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations, where wellbeing is now viewed as part of office design rather than an optional consideration.” For more information about Prestige Interiors, please visit www.prestigeinteriors.co.uk/services/office-fit-out-and-refurbishment Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Double Success for Accent at the Housing Heroes Awards
Accent, who has head offices in Bradford and Peterborough, is celebrating double success at this year’s Housing Heroes Awards, recognising both its commitment to customer voice and the people-first culture they have built together over the past 18 months. Accent winners included customer Richard Wilkinson, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Accent’s Culture and People team, who were named Team of the Year (Over 10,000 homes). 72-year-old Richard, from Bradford, is not only a long-standing customer of 35 years, but he was also Accent’s only customer Board member, helping ensure that customers’ voices are heard at the very highest level. His journey with Accent reflects something deeper than tenancy, it is a lifelong commitment to community, fairness and making a difference to his community and the wider sector. Richard said: “I was honoured and humbled to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. I do so really on behalf of hundreds of residents who, over the years, have worked with landlords to improve outcomes for customers and their communities.” Nick Apetroaie, CEO at Accent, added: “I am incredibly proud of everything we’re achieving at Accent. Our investment in people and culture is making a real difference, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised. Congratulations to our Culture and People team on this well-deserved award, and to Richard Wilkinson, whose dedication and contribution to Accent and the wider housing sector have been truly exceptional. I’d also like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists from Accent and across the sector.” Debbie Hinbest, Executive Director of People and Culture, said: “I am beyond proud to see Accent recognised through awards that celebrate the outstanding work taking place across our organisation. These achievements reflect the dedication, passion and commitment of our colleagues and customers, who work every day to make a difference. “Our People Strategy is more than a plan on paper. It is brought to life by leaders and colleagues who care deeply about creating a great place to work, helping people thrive and enabling us to deliver the very best service for our customers. “Accent is a place to grow, belong and make a difference together. A special congratulations to Richard on this well-deserved recognition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK UK champions regional builders by backing “Game-Changing” new Foundation
STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is backing The Regional Building Foundation (RBF), which launched on 8 June, describing the new initiative as “game-changing” for the regional builders who shape Britain’s communities. The Foundation has been created by The Kings Foundation and the University of the Built Environment following a government backed Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Its mission is to build a new ecosystem for Place Building, coordinating regional builders, landowners, funders, materials suppliers, and professionals to deliver the walkable, locally distinctive, and resilient communities people want to call home. Through its actions, STARK UK is walking the talk and reflecting a clear commitment from the senior leadership to invest in its regional builder team. Over the last year, the company has built a dedicated taskforce of seven Business Development Directors (BDDs), supported by 14 Key Account Managers (KAMs) in back-office and operational roles. These specialist teams provide a uniquely tailored service that meets each customer’s bespoke needs, taking the time to really understand their businesses. They are developing a community of local suppliers and service providers that can, together with the extensive Jewson branch network, deliver each business solution with precision and care. As part of this commitment, as STARK UK has developed its unique proposition for regional builders, it has also supported its Business Development Director Edwin de Silva’s work to develop the framework of the Regional Building Foundation, and he now sits on its Board. Commenting on the way STARK UK is helping to build and create thriving local communities, Edwin de Silva said: “The concept we have developed for regional house builders is in complete harmony with the Regional Building Foundation; both are game changers for the housebuilding sector and particularly for the smaller and regional builders, who are in dire need of support. “For us, it’s all about understanding that the SME sector is totally unique. These are often family-run businesses who are creating homes in the communities where they live, and that responsibility weighs heavily on them as their name is above the door. Today they face an unprecedented number of challenges, so by helping them to overcome some of those and giving them security of supply, we can play our part in ensuring that not only do these businesses survive but thrive in the years to come.” Kieran Griffin, Jewson’s Divisional Managing Director for Southeast and Central England and Wales, added: “We’ve hand-picked colleagues who are great at looking after regional builders and their businesses, and who know how to lead the operations management needed to create and deliver bespoke solutions for our customers on time, in full, every time. “With the depth and breadth of experience within this taskforce, alongside our great Jewson branch colleagues, who are also very much part of the concept, I’m delighted to see how our customers are responding to a proposition that grows stronger with every regional builder who partners with us.” As the Regional Building Foundation establishes itself, STARK UK’s backing is the latest example of the industry coming together in new ways to demonstrably support and champion the trades, and to promote the benefits of a healthy, thriving and sustainable UK economy and society. Coupled with this, STARK UK, led by its Jewson brand, continues to drive the Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign, a petition aimed at putting the voice of regional builders at the heart of Government and securing the relief and support needed to fund a national pro-building stimulus package. With 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a public, action-focused Parliamentary debate, and a deadline of this November, Jewson is calling on the industry and the general public to get behind a petition that will benefit everyone, through greater affordability, improved planning, skills-building and job creation. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/766641 #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills Strengthens Property Management Leadership with Senior Appointment
Savills has reinforced its commitment to delivering high-quality property management services with the appointment of Marcus Hutchings as Director within its London-based property management team. Joining the business from CBRE, where he spent more than 12 years and most recently served as Senior Director, Hutchings brings over 15 years of experience managing complex institutional property portfolios and mixed-use estates. His appointment reflects the continued evolution of Savills’ property management offering as demand grows for specialist expertise across increasingly sophisticated real estate assets. Based at Savills’ Margaret Street headquarters in London, Hutchings will play a key role in supporting clients across a broad range of commercial and mixed-use properties, helping to drive operational performance, asset value and occupier experience. Throughout his career, Hutchings has advised many of the UK’s leading institutional investors and property owners, working across large-scale, high-profile portfolios. His experience includes overseeing strategic property management mandates for organisations including M&G Real Estate and Shaftesbury Capital, where the focus has been on delivering operational excellence, long-term asset performance and effective portfolio management. The appointment comes at a time when the role of property management continues to evolve rapidly. Alongside traditional estate management responsibilities, today’s property managers are increasingly expected to deliver value through sustainability initiatives, ESG performance, digital innovation, building safety, occupier wellbeing and data-driven asset optimisation. As owners and investors seek to maximise long-term returns while responding to changing occupier expectations, experienced professionals capable of managing complex portfolios have become increasingly valuable across the commercial property sector. Katrina Mackay, Chief Operating Officer of Property Management at Savills, said Hutchings brings an impressive track record of advising some of the UK’s largest and most complex real estate portfolios. She added that his expertise in delivering operational excellence would strengthen the firm’s expanding retail and business space platforms, while supporting continued growth across the wider property management business. Hutchings said he was excited to join Savills during an important period of growth, describing the firm as having a clear vision, an outstanding reputation within the sector and a strong client-focused culture. He added that he looked forward to contributing to the continued development of the business and supporting clients across its expanding portfolio. The appointment further highlights Savills’ ongoing investment in attracting experienced industry leaders as the firm continues to enhance its property management capabilities and respond to the evolving needs of investors, landlords and occupiers across the UK’s commercial real estate market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire firm earns place on Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for 2026
Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, in partnership with WorkL, recognising the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement, and creating a positive workplace culture across its nationwide network. The prestigious annual awards celebrate organisations that excel in employee experience, highlighting businesses that have demonstrated outstanding levels of workplace satisfaction, inclusivity, professional development, and leadership. The recognition reflects Howarth Timber’s ongoing investment in its people, with initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing, career progression, training opportunities, and fostering a supportive and collaborative working environment throughout the business. The award follows a period of continued growth for the company, which employs colleagues across its network of timber and builders’ merchant branches, manufacturing facilities, and support functions throughout the UK. Gavin Knowles, Head of Marketing and Digital at Howarth Timber, said: “Being recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the culture we’ve built across the business. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and this award reflects the commitment, dedication, and values demonstrated by our teams every day.” “We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and able to develop their careers. This recognition reinforces our commitment to continuing to invest in our people and ensuring Howarth Timber remains a great place to work.” The accolade highlights Howarth Timber’s dedication to putting its employees first and recognises the positive workplace culture that continues to drive the business forward. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Installation excellence celebrated at 2026 BIFIS awards
The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists hosted it’s fifth annual awards, the BIFIS Awards, last night, 23 June 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, in partnership with InstallerSHOW. The BIFIS Awards programme, which launched in 2021, has seen continuous year-on-year growth, attracting more than 200 entries in its fifth year, from both businesses and individuals, across eighteen categories, including the introduction of the Installer’s Choice awards, with installers voting for the best products and retailers in the sector. There was also the presentation of the Special Recognition Award which was presented to Simon Acres of the Simon Acres Group. The 2026 BIFIS Award winners are: Young Installer of the Year 2026 Ethan Houghton, Ken Beard & Son Community Champion of the Year 2026 Steve Redding, SR Home Installations Customer Service Champion of the Year 2026 Regal Kitchens Limited Apprentice of the Year 2026 Skye Rayer-Chu, Miles Bathrooms & Kitchens Limited Environmental Champion of the Year 2026 Rehome Industry Newcomer 2026 Miles Bathrooms & Kitchens Limited Bedroom Installer of the Year 2026 Andrew Gallimore, C H Joinery Solutions Limited Bathroom Installer of the Year 2026 James Johnson, Johnson Design & Installation Kitchen Installer of Year 2026 Andy Snelson, That Kitchen Fitter Installation Manager of the Year 2026 Gurpreet Singh Sudan, Easy Bathrooms Installation Business of the Year 2026 Ken Beard & Son Limited The Installer’s Choice Awards : Installer-friendly product of the Year 2026 Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting, Sensio Lighting Group Independent Bathroom Retailer of the Year 2026 Christian Andrews Interiors Independent Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2026 Lima Kitchens Bedroom Retailer of the Year 2026 JLC Interiors National Bathroom Retailer of the Year 2026 Easy Bathrooms National Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2026 Wren Kitchens Limited Special Recognition Award 2026 Simon Acres The evening was a great success, with some of the industry’s most prominent brands and businesses in attendance, alongside shortlisted finalists from the fitted interiors installation sector. The evening was hosted by TV presenter and writer, Philippa Forrester, and guests were also entertained with a pre-match Q&A session with ex-England footballer, Steve Hodge, before a live screening of FIFA World Cup match between England and Ghana. BIFIS CEO, Damian Walters commented “The BIFIS Awards are now an established fixture in the fitted interiors industry calendar. Recognising and rewarding the dedication, skill and professionalism of installers is essential, as they are often the driving force behind successful fitted interiors projects. The BIFIS Awards not only celebrate excellence but also help promote higher standards across the sector and inspire the next generation of installation professionals and businesses. It was fantastic to see so many deserving individuals and companies receive recognition, supported by the businesses they work alongside. The level of engagement from across the industry continues to be outstanding, whether through nominations, sponsorship or attendance and last night’s event reflects the importance and growing influence of the fitted interiors installation community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals