Quintain Living Targets Major Growth Through Third-Party Management Expansion
Build-to-rent operator Quintain Living is preparing for its next phase of growth after unveiling plans to expand into third-party management, with ambitions to significantly increase the number of homes under its operational platform. The Wembley Park landlord intends to work with institutional investors, developers and asset owners by offering access to the technology, systems and expertise it has developed over the past decade operating one of the UK’s largest professionally managed rental communities. According to the company, the move has the potential to more than double the size of Quintain Living’s existing platform over the medium term, positioning the business as a major player in the growing operational management market within the build-to-rent sector. Quintain Living currently manages more than 3,500 homes across Wembley Park and has developed an integrated operating model centred around technology, resident experience and hospitality-led service delivery. The company has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, including bespoke systems designed to streamline the resident journey from initial enquiry through to long-term occupation. These include digital viewing technology, online leasing platforms and a dedicated resident app enabling tenants to make payments, submit maintenance requests and engage with community activities. Supporting its operational approach is a proprietary utility-monitoring system that tracks energy and water consumption in individual homes at 15-minute intervals. The data allows teams to identify unusual patterns, improve efficiency and proactively address maintenance concerns before they escalate. Alongside technological innovation, Quintain Living has focused on creating a hospitality-inspired rental experience, supported by on-site concierge teams, maintenance professionals and community managers dedicated to enhancing resident wellbeing and satisfaction. The announcement coincides with Quintain Living’s tenth anniversary at Wembley Park. Since launching in 2016 with a team of just seven employees, the business has expanded to more than 100 staff members and now manages a monthly rental portfolio exceeding £7.5m. Having delivered more than 4,300 purpose-built rental homes to date, with a further 2,700 in the pipeline, Quintain believes its operational expertise can now be successfully applied beyond Wembley Park. The move reflects a wider trend within the build-to-rent sector, where professional management, customer experience and technology-driven operations are increasingly viewed as critical factors in attracting residents, improving retention and delivering long-term value for investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Build Concierge Accelerates Growth with New Client Wins and Expanding AI Adoption
Build Concierge has continued its rapid growth across the facilities management, maintenance and field service sectors, strengthening its position as a leading provider of AI-powered automation solutions designed to improve operational efficiency and customer experience. The company, which specialises in intelligent workflow automation for service-based businesses, has reported a series of new customer wins alongside growing recognition within the FM and property services sectors. Among the latest additions to its client portfolio is IRM Group, a specialist drainage services provider operating around the clock. Build Concierge’s AI platform is being integrated into the business to support emergency call handling, improve response times and enhance customer communications, helping streamline operations within a highly time-sensitive environment. The company has also highlighted the continued success of its deployment with Commercial Maintenance Services U.K. Ltd., a national maintenance provider employing more than 150 field engineers. Integrated directly within the customer’s Joblogic platform, the solution automates a range of administrative workflows while providing 24/7 AI-powered communication channels, enabling teams to focus on customer service and business growth. Within the facilities management sector, Build Concierge has also gained recognition through its inclusion in the Tomorrow’s FM Yearbook 2026/27. The company’s technology is increasingly being adopted as an intelligent operational layer that supports helpdesk teams, automates job logging and improves service delivery across FM environments. The platform has already been deployed across a growing number of businesses, including organisations operating in industrial services, property maintenance, refrigeration, gas services and engineering sectors. Integrations with leading software platforms such as Joblogic, BigChange, Simpro, CAFM systems and workforce management solutions are helping customers automate routine tasks while maintaining seamless communication with clients and contractors. Alongside its commercial growth, founder Martin Port has relaunched his weekly industry blog, The Growth Leader, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities of building an AI-focused technology business within the trades, maintenance and service sectors. As demand continues to grow for automation, data-driven decision-making and round-the-clock customer engagement, Build Concierge is positioning itself at the forefront of a new generation of AI-powered operational tools helping facilities management and service businesses operate more efficiently, improve customer satisfaction and unlock long-term growth opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IWFM publishes Market Outlook Report 2026 amid shifting conditions for FM sector
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management has published its Market Outlook Report 2026, offering a brand new assessment of the conditions shaping the workplace and facilities management profession. Drawing on insights from more than 400 UK respondents, this year’s report reflects a sector operating in a more complex and uncertain environment. While FM remains central to organisational performance, market sentiment has shifted, with organisations approaching the year ahead more cautiously. Sponsored by HSBC UK, the report provides detailed analysis of these trends alongside practical guidance to support organisations in responding effectively. The report highlights sustained financial pressure across the sector, with rising costs and constrained budgets continuing to influence decision-making. In response, organisations are reassessing priorities and adopting a more targeted approach to investment, focusing on areas that deliver clear value. Workforce challenges remain a key theme, with skills availability and capability development continuing to shape performance. At the same time, technology retains its role as a major driver of efficiency and innovation, although levels of adoption vary across organisations. External factors, including economic conditions and policy change, are also playing an increasing role in shaping how organisations operate and respond. Against this backdrop, IWFM’s findings point to agility as a critical capability for navigating change and identifying opportunity. Jenny Thomas, Director, Communication and Insight at IWFM, said: ‘One of the clearest messages from this year’s research is that awareness of the wider policy environment and responsiveness are becoming just as important as capability. We see too many organisations that recognise the challenges ahead but are not yet translating that understanding into action. In a more uncertain environment, success will increasingly depend on how quickly organisations can interpret change, assess its impact and adjust their approach. Those that stay informed and actively engage with what is shifting around them will be better placed to sustain performance and identify the opportunities that do exist.’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni acquires 16-acre site in Greater Manchester’s ‘Atom Valley’ for innovation zone’s first speculative logistics development
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned developer of industrial real estate, has acquired a 16-acre site at HPARK within Atom Valley, a designated mayoral development zone in Greater Manchester, to build the area’s first large scale speculative industrial and logistics development. Russell LDP is a leading land promoter, master developer and industrial developer, focusing on delivering large-scale residential and industrial schemes. Russell LDP are the developer for HPARK. The site sits within Northern Gateway, the largest single development site in Atom Valley, an approx. 1,000 acre employment and innovation location stretching across Rochdale and Bury that has been identified as a priority destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics and industrial investment. Atom Valley as a whole encompasses 17 million sq ft of flexible employment space and has the potential to support 20,000 new jobs and 7,000 new homes. Atom Valley is a mayoral development zone, a designation that helps streamline the planning process, similar to the London Legacy Development Corporation that transformed London’s Olympic Park. HPARK will deliver 2.1 million sq ft of high-specification, flexible space, including larger combined units. Targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC A rating, it also offers strong sustainability credentials and a high power capacity alongside excellent connectivity, with direct access to the M62 and M66 linking to Greater Manchester and the wider motorway network. The site will be plateaued in preparation for development, which Panattoni intends to bring forward as rapidly as possible. A revised planning application to increase the approved building area will be submitted in the coming months. Panattoni will work with Russell LDP to amend the existing reserved matters consent and progress infrastructure delivery across the site. The timing of the acquisition coincides with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) recent announcement of £52.1 million of public investment in local highway improvements at Northern Gateway, including a Western Access route from Junction 19 of the M62. The infrastructure investment, backed by Mayor Andy Burnham, is expected to transform the strategic accessibility of the zone and unlock 1,200,000 sqm of employment space, 20,000 operational jobs and 7,000 new homes. Over the past decade, Greater Manchester has become the UK’s fastest growing city region, with annual growth and productivity outpacing the national average. Within it, Northern Gateway represents the most significant industrial and logistics land opportunity in the region. Panattoni’s acquisition underlines the company’s conviction in the long-term fundamentals of the Greater Manchester market and its appetite to invest speculatively in locations where infrastructure, planning support and occupier demand are aligned. Daniel Burn, Head of Development: North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “Northern Gateway at Atom Valley is one of the most significant advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics opportunities in the North of England. With the opening of the new link road to the M62 and the recent announcement of over £52.1 million of public investment to bring forward the new Western Access to the M66, the conditions are in place to move quickly and get building. We are delighted to be working with Russell LDP to bring forward the first development on Northern Gateway and look forward to demonstrating what is possible at this site.” Councillor Daniel Meredith, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Northern Gateway, as a key part of Atom Valley, is a clear signal of momentum in delivering the kind of growth Greater Manchester needs – growth that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in opportunity. Supported by the new Western Access to the M66 and backed by £52.1 million of public investment, we are laying the foundations for long-term success. This is about creating real opportunities for people in Rochdale, Bury and Oldham, supporting high-quality jobs, driving investment and opening up new employment pathways that benefit local communities. By bringing forward developments like this, we are ensuring that the success of Atom Valley is felt by residents and businesses, now and into the future.” Andrew Russell, Joint Managing Director at Russell LDP, said: “The first transaction at HPARK marks a significant milestone for the scheme. Securing the first plot sale is a strong endorsement of the site’s location, connectivity and scale. “The deal with Panattoni underlines continued demand for high-quality industrial and logistics space across the North West, and sets a positive tone for future activity at HPARK. We are already seeing strong interest in the remaining plots and look forward to bringing forward the next phase of development.” DWF acted as legal adviser to Panattoni. Freeths acted as legal adviser to Russell LDP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Turner & Townsend Powers Ahead with £5.76bn Revenue Milestone
Global professional services company Turner & Townsend has reported another year of strong growth, with revenue reaching £5.76bn in 2025 as the business continues to expand its presence across some of the world’s most significant construction, infrastructure and energy programmes. The company’s latest annual review highlights a period of sustained momentum across its core sectors, supported by growing investment in major projects and a continued focus on talent, technology and long-term client partnerships. Reflecting this growth, Turner & Townsend has increased its global workforce to approximately 22,000 employees, strengthening its ability to support increasingly complex projects around the world. The real estate sector remains a major contributor to the company’s success, with particularly strong performances across urban development, industrial property, life sciences and sports and entertainment venues. Turner & Townsend revealed that it is currently involved in a global portfolio of major real estate projects representing almost £3tn of capital investment. Among its notable appointments are roles supporting the UK’s New Hospital Programme and the development of Barclays’ new headquarters building in New York. The company has also strengthened long-standing relationships with major global organisations through the renewal of portfolio agreements with clients including Google and Shell Real Estate. Infrastructure continued to be another key growth area throughout the year. Turner & Townsend benefited from ongoing public and private sector investment in essential economic and social infrastructure, with aviation, defence and water emerging as particularly strong-performing markets. The business remains involved in several landmark programmes, including Heathrow Airport’s planned expansion, Anglian Water’s long-term capital investment programme and the Clyde 2070 defence initiative in the UK. Internationally, the company has expanded its footprint across the Asia-Pacific region through involvement in major airport developments in Vietnam, Bangalore and Perth, while also securing significant aviation-related commissions in the United States. The energy and natural resources sector also delivered impressive growth across Europe, North America, Asia and the UK. Increasing global demand for energy security, decarbonisation and infrastructure resilience is creating significant opportunities for organisations operating across the sector. One of the company’s most notable achievements during the year was its appointment as a critical partner on Rolls-Royce’s nuclear programme. The project further reinforces Turner & Townsend’s growing expertise within the nuclear industry, where its capabilities now extend across six continents. The company believes its continued success is rooted in its ability to support clients through complex, large-scale programmes that have a lasting impact on communities, economies and industries worldwide. Commenting on the results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Clancy highlighted the importance of both people and client relationships in driving the company’s performance. He said the business’s financial success reflects the quality of its workforce and the trust placed in the company by clients to deliver major projects and programmes that contribute to economic growth and improve lives around the world. Looking ahead, Turner & Townsend remains focused on accelerating its next phase of growth. Central to this strategy is continued investment in people, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, helping the company enhance service delivery and strengthen its competitive position in an increasingly complex global marketplace. With demand for large-scale infrastructure, real estate and energy projects continuing to grow worldwide, Turner & Townsend appears well positioned to build on its strong performance and play a leading role in shaping the built environment for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New East London SEND School to Transform Specialist Education Provision
A major investment in specialist education is set to transform opportunities for hundreds of children and young people across East London after Galliford Try secured a £39m contract to deliver one of the largest SEND schools in the UK. The contractor has been appointed by the London Borough of Havering to construct the new Balgores SEND School in Gidea Park following the successful completion of the project’s pre-construction phase. The main works contract has been awarded through a call-off from the Southern Construction Framework 5. Designed to address increasing demand for specialist educational provision across the capital, the new facility will provide places for up to 300 pupils aged between four and 19 years old. The school will support children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder, severe learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Spanning more than 6,000 square metres, the development is expected to become one of the largest specialist SEND schools in Britain. The project represents a significant commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure while helping local authorities meet growing demand for specialist school places. The purpose-built campus has been designed to provide a modern, inclusive and supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of its students. Plans include 38 classrooms alongside a range of specialist facilities that will support both educational development and wellbeing. Among the key features of the scheme will be a hydrotherapy pool, providing therapeutic support for pupils with a range of physical and developmental needs. The school will also include an enterprise hub aimed at developing practical skills and preparing students for future employment opportunities, as well as a dedicated performance space designed to encourage creativity, confidence and self-expression. A café forms part of the proposals, creating opportunities for social interaction and vocational learning while also supporting engagement with the wider community. Several facilities within the development are intended to be made available for community use outside school hours, helping to maximise the value of the investment and strengthen links between the school and local residents. The project extends beyond the building itself, with extensive external works designed to create a safe and accessible environment for pupils, staff and visitors. These works will include dedicated pupil drop-off facilities, staff parking areas, landscaped outdoor spaces, specialist play areas and a multi-use games area to encourage physical activity and recreation. As demand for specialist education continues to rise across the UK, local authorities are increasingly investing in purpose-built facilities capable of providing tailored support for children and young people with complex educational needs. The Balgores SEND School project reflects this wider trend and will play an important role in ensuring more pupils can access high-quality specialist education closer to home. For Galliford Try, the award further strengthens its presence within the education sector and adds another significant project to its growing portfolio of public sector developments. The company’s involvement from the pre-construction stage has helped shape the scheme and prepare it for delivery, ensuring the project can now move forward into the construction phase. Once completed, the new Balgores SEND School will provide a modern, highly specialised learning environment capable of supporting hundreds of pupils for generations to come, while making a meaningful contribution to educational provision across East London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals