
How Mulchers Are Redefining Efficiency and Sustainability in Land Management
Land management doesn’t look like it used to… A decade ago, clearing a site meant heavy machinery, long hours, and even longer fuel bills. Crews often relied on multiple machines, trucks, and manual labor to get a project moving. Coordination was messy, downtime was frequent, and costs piled up quickly. Now, one operator and a well-built mulcher can take on acres, with precision, less mess, and far less environmental impact. What used to take days or even weeks can now be done in hours, without compromising quality. Across construction, forestry, and infrastructure projects, the way we manage terrain is evolving. Efficiency isn’t just about speed anymore—it’s about doing the job smarter, cleaner, and with minimal impact on the environment. Mulchers have become the workhorse at the center of this shift. Compact yet powerful, they allow operators to clear land quickly while maintaining soil integrity and leaving behind a manageable, natural layer of mulch. This not only makes follow-up work easier but also sets the stage for better land use and faster project completion. Smarter Land Management Isn’t a Choice Anymore Ask anyone in construction or land development, and efficiency has become the new survival skill. Deadlines are strict, margins are thin, and sustainability isn’t just a line in a report anymore; it’s a requirement on the ground. Every project is under pressure to deliver results without creating unnecessary waste, soil damage, or delays. That pressure has pushed teams to think differently. Traditional land-clearing methods—hauling debris offsite, burning vegetation, or overworking the soil—simply don’t fit modern expectations. They’re time-consuming, environmentally harsh, and often expensive. Modern projects demand equipment that doesn’t just perform but adapts seamlessly to varying terrains, densities of vegetation, and weather conditions. Mulchers quietly win this battle. They bring something that’s becoming rare in the industry: speed without compromise. Operators can clear dense underbrush, small trees, and thick brush quickly, while keeping the land ready for its next use. And because these machines are so versatile, one piece of equipment often replaces multiple others, reducing fuel consumption, manpower, and overall project costs. That simplicity alone is transforming project planning and resource allocation on every site. Why Everyone’s Talking About Mulchers If you’ve searched for a mulcher for sale recently, you’ve probably noticed the buzz. The demand isn’t hype—it’s based on real results on the field. A good mulcher doesn’t just cut vegetation; it transforms it into fine mulch immediately. That leaves behind a tidy, even surface that’s ready for planting, construction, or landscaping. No piles to haul away. No burning or additional cleanup required. And fewer machines on the ground mean less fuel used, lower emissions, and a safer working environment. It’s one of those pieces of equipment that just clicks once you see it in action. Crews save time, operators gain better control, and projects flow with fewer interruptions. For contractors managing multiple sites simultaneously, that kind of reliability is invaluable. A single mulcher can often handle tasks that used to require several specialized machines and more personnel. That’s efficiency at its best. And over time, that efficiency compounds—less wear and tear, fewer delays, and more predictable project timelines. Sustainability That’s More Than a Tagline Here’s the part that often gets overlooked: mulchers aren’t just about making work easier—they actively support greener practices. By grinding vegetation into nutrient-rich mulch, they protect soil from erosion, retain moisture, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional clearing methods. Ground that was once scarred by bulldozers and trucks can now recover quickly, and replanting becomes far simpler. Reputable manufacturers have embraced this mindset, designing machines that respect the environment while delivering the muscle needed for tough jobs. The result is a rare balance: machines that are both powerful and responsible. The leftover mulch improves soil health, reduces the need for chemical treatments, and supports a healthier ecosystem, whether it’s a commercial site, a forest, or farmland. Even small adjustments, like optimizing the rotor speed or teeth configuration, can enhance the mulch quality and further reduce environmental strain. Innovation That Works in the Real World It’s easy to throw around terms like “advanced” or “next-gen,” but with mulchers, innovation is tangible. Modern designs handle heat better, run longer, and allow operators precise control even on uneven or rugged terrain. Attachments can be swapped quickly to adapt to the density of vegetation or type of land. What sets leading mulchers apart isn’t just technology—it’s usability. Operators consistently report smoother handling, less downtime, and machines that perform reliably in tough weather or dense brush. This real-world functionality is what separates top-tier mulchers from ordinary models. They work as hard as the crews who operate them, often in conditions that would stall less capable equipment. And because they are engineered with attention to wear-resistant parts, maintenance becomes simpler and costs are more predictable over time. The Road Ahead Mulchers aren’t just a trend—they’re a turning point in land management. As construction, forestry, and infrastructure projects continue to demand efficiency, sustainability, and reduced environmental impact, these machines are proving their worth on every site. The future of land clearing is cleaner, smarter, and more efficient, and companies like Fecon are at the forefront, designing equipment that meets modern demands without compromise. Progress isn’t just measured by what gets built, but by how responsibly it’s done—and mulchers are leading the way. With continuous improvements, better ergonomics for operators, and smarter attachments, the possibilities for sustainable land management are expanding, showing that innovation and care for the environment can go hand in hand.

Superdrug reveals new store expansion at Overgate, Dundee
The new “best-in-class” store sees the retail footprint increased by over 35%, with investment in new Beauty Studios, luxury fragrance counters, a nurse clinic, and an enhanced pharmacy. Superdrug, the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, has completed the expansion of its popular store in Overgate, Dundee, increasing the footprint by over 35% from 7,125 sq. ft to 9,739 sq. ft. Having taken over the occupancy of the adjacent former Clintons store, which has relocated in Overgate, Superdrug has created a significantly enhanced ground floor presence, and one which now forms a prime corner position. The new store is a combination of the existing and the new site. The expansion brings Overgate customers a range of new offerings including: Commenting on the Superdrug expansion, Malcolm Angus, Centre Manager, Overgate says: “We are delighted to announce the Superdrug expansion is officially complete with the new store now offering a significantly elevated shopping experience for our customers. The introduction of new Beauty Studios, each offering a range of popular and affordable beauty treatments, is an exciting development, and the enhancement of Superdrug’s pharmacy with a new face-to-face private nurse clinic brings a welcome personalised healthcare service. “This commitment by Superdrug is a resounding vote of confidence in Overgate, and the future of bricks-and-mortar retail in the centre. There is no doubt this new store will prove highly popular with our customers.” Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug, added: “This store extension in Overgate, Dundee is a significant milestone in expanding Superdrug’s presence locally, allowing us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to our valued customers. By upgrading the store, we’re now able to offer a more modern shopping experience – featuring top health and beauty brands, a premium fragrance section, and our in-store Beauty Studio. This new extension allows us to support local employment in Overgate and the surrounding communities.” The Overgate expansion is part of Superdrug’s major nationwide investment to modernise, refurbish and extend 65 of its strongest performing stores this year (2025), creating a “best-in-class” retail experience for customers. Furthermore, there is a focus on ensuring the site is as sustainable and energy efficient as possible, driven by Superdrug’s successful Planet, People and Products store scheme. The commitment by Superdrug to expand its Overgate store is the latest positive development for the centre following the recent opening of FRASERS in June, 2025. Frasers Group acquired Overgate Shopping Centre in 2023, underlining its confidence in the enduring power of bricks-and-mortar retail. Visit Overgate Shopping Centre at Overgate, Dundee, DD1 1UQ. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Overbury Secures £13m BBC Fit-Out at Landmark Digbeth Development
Fit-out specialist Overbury has been awarded a £13 million contract to complete the interior works for the BBC’s new creative base at the landmark Tea Factory redevelopment in Digbeth, Birmingham. The deal follows a competitive tender process that saw Overbury beat off rival bidder Heydon & Carr to deliver the high-profile project, which forms the final stage of the broadcaster’s relocation from its long-standing home at The Mailbox. Around 650 BBC staff are set to make the move once works are complete. Developer Stoford and main contractor BAM began transforming the derelict Tea Factory into a modern shell-and-core office building in early 2024. Practical completion of the base build is scheduled for December 2025, after which Overbury will take over for a nine-month fit-out running through to the end of September 2026. The four-storey fit-out will provide a suite of cutting-edge production and broadcasting facilities, including a TV studio and gallery, eight radio studios, ten edit suites, a radio drama studio, lecture theatre, and a range of apparatus, meeting and collaboration spaces. The works will also encompass full mechanical and electrical installations, raised access flooring, acoustic finishes, and the supply and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Designs for the new base have been led by BBC Workplace, with project management by J4 Projects and cost consultancy from MGAC. Architectural and interior design input has been provided by AWW Architects and IDSR, while CMB is responsible for MEP design, Arup for structural engineering, and Ion Acoustics for the scheme’s specialist sound performance requirements. Once complete, the Tea Factory will become a key hub for the BBC’s operations in the Midlands, providing state-of-the-art facilities within Digbeth’s growing media quarter. The move reflects the broadcaster’s ongoing strategy to decentralise its operations and further embed itself within creative communities across the UK. Overbury’s appointment marks another major milestone for the redevelopment, signalling the start of the final phase in creating a world-class broadcasting environment in the heart of Birmingham’s creative district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Habiko Launches First Low-Carbon Rental Communities in Chester and Warrington
Habiko, the new affordable housing partnership between Muse, Homes England and Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), has unveiled its first development sites – marking the start of a £1bn programme to deliver 3,000 high-quality, low-carbon rental homes across the UK. The first two projects, located in Chester and Warrington, will together provide 590 homes designed to set new standards for affordable, energy-efficient living. In Chester, plans are being drawn up for around 350 homes on land at Charterhall Drive, adjacent to the city’s railway station. The scheme, designed by architects shedkm, will be submitted for planning later this year. It forms a key part of Chester’s 15-year regeneration strategy, supporting the city’s economic revival while enhancing connectivity and community life around its historic core. In Warrington, Habiko is partnering with AHR Architects to deliver approximately 240 apartments on a site between Academy Street and Mersey Street, close to the Times Square district. The project aims to create a vibrant, sustainable community in the heart of the town centre, contributing to ongoing regeneration in the area. Both developments will prioritise affordability and sustainability. A minimum of 75 per cent of the homes across the two sites will be offered at affordable rent, with the potential for some schemes to reach 100 per cent. Discounted Market Rents will be set at least 20 per cent below local market levels, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of residents. All homes will be forward funded by PIC, reflecting the partnership’s commitment to long-term investment in socially responsible housing. Lisa Gledhill, managing director of national partnerships at Muse, said: “Chester and Warrington are great places to kickstart Habiko’s build programme. These locations reflect our ambition to deliver high-quality, low-carbon homes that meet local needs and create lasting community value.” Hayley Rees, managing director of PIC Capital, added: “Following a successful launch of Habiko, announcing these first two projects emphasises our focus on purpose – delivering low carbon, low energy affordable homes for rent at pace.” With work now underway on the initial sites, Habiko’s launch signals a major step forward in tackling the UK’s affordable housing shortage while setting a benchmark for sustainable development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

8build Returns to Profit as Fixed-Price Strategy Takes Off
Fit-out specialist 8build has returned to profitability after successfully refocusing its business model towards faster-moving, fixed-price contracts and securing a strong pipeline of aviation work. The London-based contractor reported a £2.2 million pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking a major turnaround from a £1.2 million loss the previous year. Turnover rose by more than a third to £167 million as the company shifted away from protracted pre-construction services agreements (PCSAs) towards lump-sum and design-and-build contracts that convert to site more quickly. Average operating margins improved from 0.6 per cent, though they remain relatively tight at 1 per cent. Cash reserves also grew 38 per cent to £19 million, with the company maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. Chief executive Nick Bellamy said that tighter bid discipline, streamlined overheads and a record secured pipeline had laid the foundations for another strong trading year ahead. “The markets, in our experience, have moved away from PCSA contracts and towards more fixed-price lump-sum and fixed-price design-and-build contracts,” he explained. “This has reduced the time period from enquiry to construction compared to the elongated PCSA process, helping to bolster our revenue for the period.” The company’s resurgence has been further fuelled by growth in its aviation division. While 8build has long maintained a strong presence at London City Airport, it has recently expanded its portfolio with new project wins at both Heathrow and Gatwick, reinforcing its position in the specialist airport fit-out and refurbishment sector. Looking ahead, Bellamy said 8build was well placed for sustained momentum, with £157 million of turnover already secured for the 2025/26 financial year and a £165 million forward order book in place. “Our focus remains on delivering predictable performance, maintaining strong client relationships and continuing to target high-quality projects in sectors where we can add real value,” he added. 8build’s return to the black marks a significant step forward for the business, reflecting the success of its fixed-price pivot and disciplined approach to operational delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Data centres can’t be the achilles’ heel of the £150bn UK–US Tech Prosperity Deal
Data centres drive digital progress – but without clean, resilient energy they could also be its downfall, warns UrbanChain’s Charlie Parry The recent announcement of a £150 billion UK–US ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ marks a bold step in transatlantic cooperation on AI, digital infrastructure and high-growth industries. But the deal risks overlooking one fundamental fact: technology doesn’t prosper without power. The UK’s data centres currently consume approximately 2.5% of the national electricity supply, a figure comparable to the power needs of the entire city of Birmingham. Projections from parliamentary analysis indicate a potential quadrupling of this electricity usage to over 22 terawatt-hours annually by 2030. Concurrently, the International Energy Agency has issued a warning that AI-driven workloads could account for more than 20% of the additional electricity demand in developed economies by the close of this decade. Data centres are the backbone of digital growth — but without clean, affordable, and resilient energy, they risk becoming the Achilles’ heel of national competitiveness. The hidden cost of digital growth Many UK data centres still largely depend on fossil fuels. Even those claiming “100% renewable” often rely on separate certificates that have little to do with their actual power consumption. Simultaneously, worsening connection queues and grid constraints pose a problem: FTSE 250 executives recently cautioned that without immediate grid improvements, the UK risks lagging behind countries offering quicker, greener power for data-intensive sectors. From challenge to opportunity Done right, the rise of data centres can accelerate the clean-energy transition. They can support new renewable energy generation, battery storage, and flexibility services by establishing consistent demand, as long as transparent systems are in place to align supply with demand. That’s where UrbanChain comes in. UrbanChain: building the renewable energy operating system Based at Manchester Science Park, UrbanChain has developed a renewable energy operating system that directly matches renewable generators with consumers. Unlike traditional suppliers reliant on wholesale markets or unlinked certificates, UrbanChain creates private energy markets that deliver 24/7 traceable renewable power, competitive pricing and insulation from wholesale volatility. Our platform doesn’t just prove that clean energy can be cost-competitive — it makes it measurable, verifiable and fully traceable in real time. In-focus: powering a major London data centre with 24/7 renewables UrbanChain has just signed a critical deal to supply 40 GWh of renewable power annually to a major Greater London data centre. This is our first data-centre client and a blueprint for how digital infrastructure can decarbonise while enhancing resilience. Through blockchain-based technology, UrbanChain will match the data centre’s demand directly with verified renewable generators, providing transparent, hour-by-hour proof of origin — not paper certificates. This partnership showcases how vital infrastructure, such as data centres, can spearhead decarbonisation efforts. We guarantee that tenants, ranging from financial services to AI innovators, can rely on both the cost and the carbon credentials of their power supply by offering directly traceable renewable energy. We’re demonstrating that traceable renewable energy offers more than just sustainability benefits; it’s also commercially competitive, resilient, and specifically designed for high-growth industries such as data centres. Why this matters for the prosperity deal To succeed, the UK-US prosperity deal needs to move beyond silicon and software, focusing instead on clean energy infrastructure that can sustainably power digital expansion. This involves integrating renewable operating systems, such as UrbanChain’s, into data-centre planning, aligning investment zones with renewable energy generation, and recognising the importance of exporting climate-tech alongside deep-tech. UrbanChain exemplifies how British innovation can achieve both, bridging the energy and digital transitions. A digital future built on clean power The prosperity deal is an economic milestone, but true prosperity depends on more than code, capital, and chips. It depends on energy that is traceable, affordable, and resilient. UrbanChain is ensuring that the UK’s data-driven future runs on clean power — and in doing so, showing exactly the kind of scalable innovation the £150 billion deal was designed to support. Charlie Parry is Chief Development Officer at UrbanChain, the Manchester-based CleanTech company behind the UK’s first renewable energy operating system. With a background in large-scale infrastructure and clean energy innovation, he leads UrbanChain’s partnerships with data centres, utilities, and international investors — helping critical industries transition to traceable, 24/7 renewable power. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
