Stability on the horizon for UK construction, reports McBains
The McBains Construction Market Report – Summer forecasts a gradual recovery supported by easing inflation, falling interest rates, and targeted public investment — yet warns that persistent headwinds demand strategic agility from developers, contractors, and investors.
Balfour Beatty achieves 3% construction margin target in half-year 2025 report
Balfour Beatty’s half-year 2025 results have reinforced its status as a leader in infrastructure delivery, with a performance underpinned by strategic discipline, sectoral alignment, and a surging order book.
Kier bags its first Southern Water design contract
Under the £15.8m ECI deal, Kier will deliver key upgrades at Portswood and Thornham to protect the environment and support future growth.
Dismantling DE&I is damaging to communities, businesses and profits
The faceless nature of opposition to all things DE&I is a key element behind efforts to dismantle it. People don’t see the need for positive moves to promote DE&I because, as far as they can see, their circle of friends doesn’t include anybody who needs support.
Heat-reflecting insulation could help ease discomfort as fourth heatwave hits UK
In the middle of the fourth heatwave of the year in England, insulation specialist Actis is reminding specifiers that installing certain types of insulation can actually help reduce the impact of extreme temperatures.
Oxford United champions accessibility in new stadium plans
Oxford United’s proposed new stadium has received high-profile backing for its accessibility-focused design from former British Paralympian and Crossbench Peer Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.
£240m Network Rail steel framework launched
Bidding has commenced on a new framework from Network Rail to procure and supply steel products for overhead line equipment (OLE).
New Severfield CEO appointed after a year of losses
A new Severfield CEO has been announced, with Paul McNerney, current director of clients and government at Laing O'Rourke.
CIH highlights Scottish adaptive housing needs as budget looms
Findings from CIH Scotland’s research, shared with the FPA as part of its pre-budget scrutiny, highlight the urgent need to address the adaptive housing challenges facing the ageing population.
World first: Brick-and-concrete multi-residential building earns DGNB Platinum
Danfoss House in Sønderborg has become the world’s first brick-and-concrete multi-residential building to achieve the DGNB Platinum certification.
McLaren secures contract for largest Passivhaus retrofit
The £100m contract includes the retrofit and extension of an existing 1950s building for the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Civil engineers and planners need to go hand in hand
Lance Gudger, construction director at O’Brien Contractors, discusses the need for improved co-operation between civil engineers and planners.
Nuclear construction reform needed to bypass barriers, says Taskforce
In its first-ever report, the Nuclear Taskforce is calling for a 'radical reset' in nuclear construction to tackle costly and complex regulatory barriers that are holding back British projects from proceeding.
CLT construction: Building smarter, faster, and greener with Lamella
In an era where speed, sustainability, and occupant wellbeing are increasingly critical, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is transforming the construction landscape. CLT is more than a structural material: it’s a smarter, cleaner, and faster way to build.
New Technical Excellence Colleges to train 40,000 construction workers
The government has announced new Technical Excellence Colleges to deliver high-demand construction skills to over 40,000 people by 2029.
Industry specialists warn of risks after landmark cladding deadline brought forward
The government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan imposes legally binding deadlines to ensure that unsafe cladding on high-rise buildings in England is fully remediated by 2029, intensifying pressure on manufacturers to deliver faster, safer, and fully compliant façade solutions.
3D printing powers faster, cheaper nuclear construction
Oak Ridge Lab’s 3D-printed concrete forms slash nuclear reactor build times and costs, marking a major leap in nuclear construction.
New water standards propel wider adoption of SuDS
The release of the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report—bolstered by fresh legislation and tougher national standards—heralds a new era for SuDS with water companies and developers poised to adopt them on an unprecedented scale, says Alex Stephenson, director of SuDSPlanter.
Council buildings hold potential for 25,000 homes, says housing report
Housing charity Habitat for Humanity GB has released new research revealing that the number of vacant council properties is increasing, locking away thousands of potential homes.
New CEO to lead Homes England housing and regeneration agenda
Amy Rees CB will help to tackle the housing crisis head-on by accelerating the delivery of new homes as the new CEO of Homes England.
112m-long HS2 bridge ready to be positioned in Birmingham
A 112m long, 1,631 tonne steel HS2 bridge is ready to be positioned in Birmingham, using 'first time' techniques.
Access seen as all-important for a smooth festival journey
Ian Streets, managing director of About Access, explores the lessons to be learned from the comprehensive access policies at the Glastonbury Festival.
London Chinese Embassy plans raise alarm bells for Downing Street
Plans for a new London Chinese Embassy have several rooms, including in the basement, redacted, causing security concerns for Downing Street.
Manchester asbestos exposure risks lead to HSE fine
A Manchester asbestos exposure risk has caused a construction firm to receive a fine from the Health and Safety Executive.
SMBL select Mace for British Library development
The development, on behalf of the British Library’s development partner SMBL(subsidiary of Mitsui Fudosan UK Ltd.) will be worth £1.1bn.
Plans for tallest building in Wales announced
The new plans for the tower development in Cardiff would tower over the existing record holder, Swansea’s 29-storey Meridian Tower, at 50 storeys.