Stoford completes new Worcestershire HQ for global manufacturer, MiTek
Leading commercial property developer, Stoford has completed a bespoke manufacturing facility for MiTek at Worcester Six Business Park. The 278,048 sq ft building consolidates MiTek’s UK and European operations, serving as the business’ EMEA headquarters. Delivered by main contractor Benniman, the development is the first to be delivered on the southern extension. Completion follows a ribbon cutting ceremony which was attended by MiTek Chairman and CEO, Mark Thom who travelled from the United States for the occasion. Stoford directors Edward Peel and Alex Morgan, and senior dignitaries from both Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council were also present. James Morgan, Managing Director at MiTek: “Opening our home at Worcester Six marks a new chapter in MiTek’s journey as an offsite construction enabler. This facility establishes our European hub for streamlining design, manufacturing, and innovation, and offers a collaborative space where partners across the industry can co-create solutions that accelerate timber construction and raise standards for everyone.” Edward Peel, Director at Stoford: “MiTek’s decision to establish its EMEA headquarters at Worcester Six is significant for the region. It further strengthens Worcestershire’s reputation as a hub for international business. We’re extremely proud to have achieved practical completion on this state-of-the-art facility which will support new jobs, attract long-term investment, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic growth for years to come.” Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Business and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This is great news for Worcestershire and for local people. MiTek choosing to base its European headquarters here shows the confidence global companies have in our area. Developments like this bring skilled jobs, investment and long-term benefits for the local economy.” Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon District Council and Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, said: “Securing one of the largest business developments the county has seen in many years reflects the strength of Worcester Six as a location and is a sign of confidence in Wychavon and Worcestershire as a whole. MiTek’s decision to base its EMEA headquarters here brings high-value jobs, long-term investment and international visibility, reinforcing Wychavon’s reputation as a place where ambitious businesses can grow and succeed.” Worcester Six is a high-quality business park, located off junction 6 of the M5, that has already attracted a number of world class businesses to the region, including: Alliance Flooring Distribution, IONOS, ZwickRoell, Kohler Mira, Sierra Engineering, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Super Smart Service, Stop Start Logistics and Bidfood. For details about availability at Worcester Six, please contact the schemes retained agents: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Tom Arnold at Colliers – tom.arnold@colliers.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hopkins unveils major retrofit vision for Charing Cross office landmark
Architect Hopkins has revealed detailed proposals to transform 1 Embankment Place above London’s Charing Cross Station, reworking the ageing office building into a high-specification, low-carbon workplace and mixed-use destination. The scheme is being brought forward for developer Bridgemont and centres on a substantial retrofit of the Terry Farrell-designed property. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the plans will retain around 90 per cent of the existing structure, along with most of the current façade, while comprehensively overhauling the building internally and at street level. The redevelopment will provide 35,000 sq m of Grade A office accommodation, alongside new outdoor terraces, upgraded occupier amenities and a reimagined ground floor. A more premium mix of retail, food and leisure uses is proposed at lower level, with the intention of creating a livelier, more attractive destination in this high-profile central London location. A key part of the design is the opening up of the building at street level, particularly along Villiers Street. Active frontages and improved access to daylight are intended to strengthen the relationship between the building and the public realm, helping to create a more welcoming and better-connected urban environment. Sustainability is central to the proposals. The project is targeting a 70 per cent reduction in operational energy use, supported by all-electric building systems and integrated rooftop solar panels. The scheme is also aiming for leading environmental credentials, including BREEAM Outstanding, reflecting the growing demand for high-performance, retrofit-led commercial space in central London. In addition to the internal reconfiguration and energy upgrades, the wider plans include improvements to pedestrian routes around the site, reinforcing its role within one of Westminster’s busiest transport and commercial hubs. The proposal positions 1 Embankment Place as one of the capital’s most significant retrofit office opportunities, combining the retention of a recognised landmark structure with the delivery of modern workspace, upgraded amenities and stronger environmental performance. The plans have now entered public consultation ahead of a formal planning submission. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick lands £46m Leeds city centre hotel scheme
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver a £46m hotel development in Leeds city centre, marking another significant addition to the city’s growing West End regeneration. The project is being brought forward by joint developers Marrico and Helios, who have secured funding for the scheme on Lisbon Street. The site, formerly home to the Leeds International Swimming Pool, is set to be transformed into a new hospitality destination as part of wider redevelopment plans in the area. Caddick will act as main contractor on the 16-storey scheme, which will feature 200 hotel rooms under the ‘room2 hometel’ brand, operated by Lamington Group. The accommodation will include a mix of studios and suites designed to cater for both short stays and longer-term guests, reflecting changing patterns in the hospitality market. In addition to guest rooms, the development will include a ground floor café and bar, meeting and events facilities, a gym, laundry provision and a selection of retail concessions. The scheme is intended to create a flexible, modern hospitality offering that supports Leeds’ expanding visitor economy. Designed by DLA Architecture, the building will be fully electric and powered by renewable energy, aligning with wider sustainability targets and contributing to the city’s ambitions for low-carbon development. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026, with completion targeted for spring 2028. Steve Ford, regional managing director of Caddick Construction Yorkshire and North East, said the scheme represents an important opportunity to support the continued regeneration of Leeds’ West End while delivering a high-quality and sustainable hotel development. He added that the project builds on Caddick’s experience in delivering complex city centre schemes and reinforces its presence across Yorkshire and the North East. The Lisbon Street development is set to play a key role in revitalising the surrounding area, bringing new activity, investment and amenities to a prominent city centre site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
From Sheds to Systems: Fit-Out Is the New Frontier in UK Logistics
The UK’s industrial and logistics sector is entering a new era of complexity, driven by automation, labour market pressures, sustainability requirements, planning delays and shifting land values. Yet amid this transformation, KAM, part of Contollo Group, says one truth remains constant: while the base build of a warehouse may appear straightforward, the fit-out is where the real complexity lies. “On the surface, a warehouse can look like a fairly simple construction project,” Contollo Group Director Scott Price says. “But once you introduce automation, temperature control, manufacturing processes or robotics, the building becomes a high-performance machine. The fit-out is where projects succeed or unnecessary compromises have to be made” The industrial sector has historically been the quiet workhorse of the retail economy. Today, it sits at the forefront of retail success, driven by the relentless rise of eCommerce and the need for faster, more resilient supply chains with automated distribution centres being integral. Yet Price warns that many projects still treat automation as an afterthought. Integrating automation into a building that is already well into the design process and programme – or worse, already under construction – creates a level of complexity that cannot be underestimated. Speaking as Contollo Group expands its industrial and manufacturing portfolio across the UK, Price comments: “We’re now in a phase where warehouse automation isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s becoming the backbone of logistics resilience. The only sustainable response is to design buildings and automation systems as one integrated ecosystem from the very start.” Price warns that the biggest operational risks arise long before a shovel hits the ground. “Developer base build specs and automation contractor requirements rarely align without challenge. For example, floor slab tolerances, deformation limits, shrinkage expectations and pattern loading are not small technicalities. If they’re accepted at face value, they can add millions to a project or introduce risks that only surface once the system is live.” He argues that logistics operators who treat early-stage design as a strategic investment, not a procedural step, will be the ones who stay competitive. “The winners will be those who interrogate every clause, negotiate every interface, and bring specialist project managers into the process early. Warehousing has become a strategic engine for speed, resilience and competitive advantage. You can’t afford to get the fundamentals wrong.” That mindset becomes even more critical when planning for future expansion. As eCommerce reshapes operational models, internal volume is becoming as valuable as footprint. Traditional ground-level operations are giving way to mezzanines, pick towers and multi-level fulfilment environments, but Price notes that the real challenge is balancing day-one cost with long-term flexibility. Designing for future floor slab loads, or incorporating additional steel into structural mezzanines for future vertical expansion, can avoid costly disruption later. “Futureproofing isn’t about overbuilding, it’s about making smart decisions that keep options open without inflating the base build unnecessarily.” Electrical design presents another hidden pressure point. Automation firms often have not finalised their electrical requirements when the base build specification is being agreed, meaning the eventual load can far exceed the developer’s standard offer. Price says this is where specialist engineering input becomes essential. “Automation load calculations are frequently conservative because diversity isn’t applied. Without challenge, you end up designing for every motor starting simultaneously, which is unrealistic and expensive.” Sprinkler design and insurer engagement add further layers of complexity. Automation equipment rarely conforms to standard design details, and densely packed systems, such as multi-shuttle installations, require detailed coordination to agree acceptable fire protection strategies. Price stresses that insurers must be brought in early. “If you wait until procurement to engage insurers, you’ve already lost time. Early coordination on principles and approval pathways avoids redesign, delay and unnecessary cost.” Health and safety responsibilities also evolve as automation becomes more sophisticated. Under CDM Regulations, a Principal Designer must be appointed not only for the building works but also for the automation installation. Price advises: “Segregating the site into defined zones can reduce risk and improve control.” Ultimately, Price says, the success of any logistics project hinges on programme cohesion. New builds and retrofits alike depend on multiple interlocking timelines, each with its own milestones and data requirements. “If these programmes aren’t synced from the outset, delays and cost escalation become almost inevitable.” “Warehouses of the future will be industrial hubs, energy generators and data-rich environments,” Price says. “They must be designed for long-term productivity, not just short-term occupation.” Price emphasises that the winners in this new landscape will be those who align building design, automation strategy and commercial negotiations from day one. “Fit-out is no longer a technical exercise – it’s a strategic investment. Organisations that recognise this early, and who bring the right expertise to the table, will be the ones who deliver resilient, efficient and future-ready logistics assets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni strengthens UK platform with nine senior appointments
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal IM, Montagu Evans and Interpath Advisory, reflect the depth of Panattoni’s current UK pipeline and its confidence in continuing to invest in its people at a time when many across the sector are consolidating their workforces. Last year the company acquired 11 sites, secured 250 acres of land adding five million sq ft to its development pipeline, as well as leasing 2.5 million sq ft of space. That momentum has continued into 2026, with four lease transactions already signed in the first quarter. Development Three appointments have been made across Panattoni’s UK development platform, covering Southern England, London and the North. Alex Selwood joins as Associate Director from CBRE, where he was a Director advising industrial occupiers on their property acquisitions. Based within the Southern England and London team, he will focus on new site acquisitions and leasing activity. Chris Brown joins as Development Director from Chancerygate, where he was focusing on acquisitions in the North of England. He will help lead the expansion of Panattoni’s acquisition and leasing activity across its Northern portfolio. Will Fennell joins as Development Manager, South East and London, from Montagu Evans, where he was an Associate, and will work closely with occupiers on leasing while supporting speculative development across the region. Oliver Bertram, Head of Development (UK) at Panattoni, said: “The scale of our UK pipeline demands a development team with the depth and range to execute across multiple regions simultaneously. Alex, Will and Chris each bring a level of experience and market knowledge that will directly support our ability to move quickly on acquisitions and maintain leasing momentum. The breadth of their backgrounds, from occupier advisory to speculative development, reflects the range of what we are building at Panattoni.” Chris Brown, Panattoni new hire as Development Director, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Panattoni at such an exciting point in its growth. The momentum the business has built over the past few years has been remarkable, establishing itself as the most active industrial developer in the UK and a market leader across multiple regions. It’s a great platform to be part of, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued expansion of the Northern portfolio. Project Delivery Three appointments have been made to Panattoni’s Southern Project Management Team. Phil Beato joins as Project Delivery Director, having previously managed development and repositioning projects across Europe at Boreal IM. Tom Bird joins in the same role from Savills, where he was a Project Management Director. Chris Thrippleton joins as Senior Project Manager from Chancerygate, where he focused on project management for industrial developments. Ian Anderson, Head of Project Management at Panattoni, said: “Delivering at the pace our pipeline now requires means having the right people embedded at every stage of the process, from initial due diligence through to handover. Phil, Tom and Chris strengthen our capacity to do exactly that. Between them they bring experience across complex European development programmes, major project management mandates and industrial delivery at scale, and I am looking forward to what we will achieve together.” Phil Beato, Project Delivery Director, said: “It’s great to join Panattoni and gain a deeper understanding of the development platform from within such a well-respected global business. The scale, quality and ambition of the pipeline is clear to see, and it’s an exciting time to come on board. Having delivered development and repositioning projects across Europe, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to the team and supporting the next phase of the company’s growth across the UK.” Capital Markets Panattoni has also bolstered its UK capital markets team against a backdrop of renewed investor appetite and activity across the sector. Phoebe Burdett has joined as Capital Markets Analyst from Knight Frank’s London Capital Markets team and will play a central role in capital formation, supporting investor relations and transaction management across the platform. Investment and Finance Two appointments have been made to Panattoni’s finance and investment team, strengthening its capacity to enhance financial structuring, execution and managing an increasingly active development programme. Garrick Pepper joins as Associate Director, Investment and Finance, from PwC, where he led advisory work across M&A and corporate finance transactions. Garrick is an active contributor to the UK property industry and serves on the British Property Federation’s Logistics Committee and Futures Advisory Board. Zachary Atkinson joins as Associate, Investment and Finance, from Interpath Advisory, where he was a Manager in M&A, having previously worked at KPMG. Oliver Choppin, Finance Director at Panattoni, said: “We are delighted to welcome Garrick and Zachary to the team to deepen and broaden our finance and investment function. Their appointments significantly strengthen our capabilities across transaction management, capital deployment and financial operations, ensuring we are well positioned to support the continued growth of the business. As our pipeline continues to expand, building out a best-in-class finance team is critical. These hires reflect our long-term commitment to disciplined growth, strong governance and delivering value for our investors and partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NFRC Celebrates Government’s Move to Ban Retentions and Overhaul Payment Law
NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes a landmark government announcement that will prohibit the use of retentions in construction contracts and deliver sweeping reforms to payment legislation. The announcement represents the most significant overhaul of the UK’s payment regime in over 25 years and will help to address the cash flow crisis that has long crippled NFRC members and other specialist contractors across the construction industry. NFRC Group CEO James Talman said, “This outcome is one our industry has been campaigning for years to achieve. “ “For too long, specialist contractors have been forced to operate under a system that allowed larger firms to withhold their money, delay payment, and use their cash as free working capital. “Today, the Government has shown that it has listened, and we could not be more pleased.” The measures will be subject to a two-year implementation period, and dependent on the parliamentary timetable. This gives industry time to prepare, while providing a clear and firm direction of travel. NFRC will work with our Members and government during this transition period to ensure the incoming legislation is appropriate and effective. We will also continue to advocate on behalf of Members who are exploited by the current laws, which are now conclusively recognised to be unfair. YEARS OF WORK, FINALLY REWARDED NFRC has been advocating for reform of payment practices and the abolition of retentions for nearly a decade. In 2021, NFRC estimated that £300 million of roofing and cladding subcontractors’ cash was held in retention at any one time. In 2023, 86% of NFRC Members reported difficulties recovering retention payments on local authority contracts. And in 2025, 80% of contractor Members said retentions were still affecting their business. NFRC has taken every opportunity possible to advertise these facts and advocate for reform. “Our Members are passionate about this issue, not just because it affects their bottom line, but because it affects their people, their livelihoods, and their ability to grow and deliver for the UK,” said Talman. “The hours our team and our Members have put into this consultation speak for themselves.” The UK has a critical need for housebuilding, retrofit, clean energy infrastructure, and public sector construction. None of these issues will be adequately tackled if the specialist contractors at the coal face are being strangled by cash flow problems. CREDIT WHERE DUE NFRC wishes to acknowledge the Department for Business and Trade for bringing these proposals forward with seriousness and urgency. The consultation process was well-designed, accessible, and genuinely engaged with industry. The government has listened to the evidence industry presented and acted on it. “We are grateful to the Department for Business and Trade for the rigour and openness they have brought to this process,” said Talman. “Good consultation deserves recognition, and today’s announcement is evidence of what happens when industry engages and government listens. “We also want to acknowledge the many industry partners, trade bodies, and our own Members who contributed to this collective effort. Special thanks to the CLC taskforce on this important topic headed by Steve Bratt.” The government has confirmed it will proceed with many of the measures proposed in the consultation, including: – Removing the ability to contract out of the statutory charge of 8% interest on late payment. – Boards or audit committees of persistently late-paying large companies will be required to publish explanations for poor payment performance and the actions they are taking to address it. – Banning retention clauses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals