The UK’s busiest airports – Heathrow and Gatwick – could be connected via a new high-speed railway, cutting times between the two airports to just 15 minutes! The plans, which propose new rail infrastructure to run partly alongside the M25 motorway looping around the capital would provide the first direct route between the two airports. […]
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NFB and Built Environment Networking announce new partnership Jul 18, 2018
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) and Built Environment Networking – the UK’s leading provider of construction and property networking events – are pleased to announce their new partnership which will allow the NFB to continue to help its members build prosperous businesses and create optimal conditions for the construction industry. The NFB represents small […]
Read moreHS2 Economic Growth Conference: Unlocking huge development, regeneration and economic growth opportunities Jul 11, 2018
On the 7th November, prominent business and public-sector leaders will come together in Birmingham for the HS2 Economic Growth Conference supported by HS2 Ltd – the largest business conference of the year focused on driving and unlocking the huge economic growth opportunities which HS2 will bring to the UK. The conference, hosted by Built Environment […]
Read moreOffice parks under the microscope as millennials opt for town centre sites Jul 09, 2018
Planners are examining options for the future of the Thames Valley’s business parks as younger employees favour more central work locations, our conference has heard. Andrew Hunter, Chief Officer for Planning, Transport and Countryside at Bracknell Forest Council, told the Berkshire and Thames Valley Development Plans Conference that the issue was on the authority’s agenda […]
Read more3D printed houses – the answer to accelerating the delivery of homes? Jul 06, 2018
HS2 is set to unlock huge regeneration and development projects across the whole of the UK, whilst other proposals to deliver an expressway between Oxford and Cambridge, the delivery new infrastructure to drive the Northern Powerhouse agenda and many more are also set to drive economic growth across our city regions. These projects, alongside other […]
Read more20-storey residential tower at Old Oak and Park Royal site given go-ahead Jun 29, 2018
A development set to bring an ambitious residential development to the Old Oak and Park Royal regeneration site has been given to thumbs up – with a 20-storey tower brought forward by Fruition Properties. The development, part funded by Propio – an innovative crowdfunding investment platform, will also include a new church, nursery and community […]
Read moreUniversity of London looking to collaborate with private sector Jun 21, 2018
The amount of student beds in London which are owned by Universities has taken a huge drop since 2010 – with the percent dropping from over 65% to 55%. It’s a trend which is potentially set to continue as the University of London say they’re happy to engage with the private sector on new developments […]
Read moreCollaboration crucial for the delivery of HS2 economic growth Jun 19, 2018
At a time when local government is facing unprecedented pressure on its finances, and a growing and ageing population is putting the UK’s existing infrastructure under increasing strain; public-private partnerships are ever more crucial in delivering on the Government’s agenda for homes, jobs and economic growth. Whilst we look to the private sector to shoulder […]
Read moreHow can we spearhead city-scale digital twins? Jun 18, 2018
While the concept of a digital twin has been around since 2002, it is only thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and scalable information systems that it has become feasible to implement them at scale. Indeed, digital twins are so imperative to business today that the concept was named one of Gartner’s Top 10 […]
Read moreHomes England frameworks set to tackle the housing shortage Jun 18, 2018
Homes England, formally known as the Homes and Communities Agency, are set to begin a drive with the aim of boosting housing numbers across the UK. The vision of delivering new homes faster to ease the shortage of homes will be helped by the launch of a procurement initiative at the end of this month, […]
Read moreThe Oxbridge ARC Corridor – what’s the vision, and how do we maximise opportunities? Jun 16, 2018
The Oxford – Milton Keynes – Cambridge corridor is set to unlock a huge opportunity for economic growth. Through long-awaited connectivity links it will not only improve connectivity, productivity and communication within the cities and wider reaching regions, but it will provide the infrastructure to drive economic development, regeneration and growth. The work undertaken by […]
Read moreNetwork Rail retenders project frameworks Jun 14, 2018
Network Rail is retendering its property project frameworks, including architecture, M&E and structural engineering. Speaking at our London’s Major Estates Development Plans Conference Norrie Courts, Stations Director at Network Rail, said that it is rejigging all of its property project frameworks whilst a new umbrella agreement would ‘hopefully’ appear in August or September. Network Rail […]
Read moreA look at London’s largest regeneration area Jun 11, 2018
Old Oak and Park Royal is one of the most talked about development opportunities within the capital. 1,600-acres 40,000 homes. 65,000 jobs. It will create a brand new and thriving district within West London. The site will help tackle the expected growth in population that the capital is foreseeing – with an estimated 11m living […]
Read moreGap between ‘Tier One’ bids and rest of the market is narrowing Jun 07, 2018
The gap between the quality of bids submitted by smaller and larger contractors is closing, the Managing Director of a regional frameworks says. Robbie Blackhurst, Managing Director of Procure North West, told our Construction Frameworks Conference panel on best value in procurement that the organisation had set out to encourage greater participation by SMEs when […]
Read moreBentley ‘horrified’ by self-interested procurement advice Jun 07, 2018
The chair of one of the UK’s leading construction consultants has said she would be ‘horrified’ if procurement advice is being motivated by consultants’ self-interest. During our Construction Frameworks Conference session on delivering a world class framework Rider Levett Bucknall’s Chairman Ann Bentley said: ‘’I would be horrified if you found that professional advisers are […]
Read moreCrown Commercial Service wants to be notified when sub-contracts are dished out Jun 07, 2018
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has asked its prime contractors to notify it when awarding work to their supply chain, the Government’s Chief Commercial Officer told our Construction Frameworks Conference. In the opening keynote speech at the event, held in London last month, Gareth Rhys Williams said the collapse of Carillion has led to ‘slight […]
Read moreThames Valley & Berkshire ‘economy to flourish’ as Heathrow expansion announced Jun 07, 2018
Senior business leaders from Thames Valley and Berkshire have welcomed the news of a third runway being given the thumbs up at Heathrow. The Government announcement earlier this week was focused on tackling a growing lack of capacity for the future in UK aviation, whilst also having a huge economic benefit to the wider region […]
Read more‘OJEU will be replaced by OJUK’ predicts framework provider Jun 07, 2018
Tenders will still have to be advertised even if the UK no longer has to abide by OJEU requirements after it has left the EU, a leading framework provided has predicted. Discussing post-Brexit procurement at the Construction Frameworks Conference Tim Oakley, Head of Consultancy at LHC, predicted that public advertisements would remain a feature of […]
Read moreGovernment set to support regional airports after Heathrow announcement Jun 06, 2018
Heathrow Airport have been given the thumbs up to develop a third runway which will help tackle the lack of capacity the UK has in terms of aviation. The expansion will increase take-offs and landings each year from 480,000 to 740,000 by 2026 whilst creating new jobs and greater economic growth to the UK as […]
Read moreElizabeth Tower restoration reaches major milestone Jun 01, 2018
The final piece of scaffolding has been slotted into place as the Elizabeth Tower project reached a major milestone this week. The scheme, which will see the conservation and restoration of Big Ben, is now covered in 98m high scaffolding as restoration work commences. It’s likely to be a key talking point at the London’s […]
Read moreMOLA: Addressing skills shortages through collaboration and innovation May 30, 2018
On the 21st June MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) CEO Janet Miller is chairing the Skills Session at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference – set to take place in Milton Keynes. A panel of influential speakers is coming together to ask: How do we develop the skills needed to grow the economy? What […]
Read moreHS2 can provide the ‘rocket fuel’ to help Britain’s ecomomy thrive May 29, 2018
Further extending the proposed HS2 project would put ‘rocket fuel in the economy’ to help Britain’s economy thrive. A leading transport think-tank has suggested connecting the UK mainland through HS2 by the year 2050 would see huge economic opportunities unlocked and could provide a massive boost in the creation of jobs and housing. Greengauge 21, […]
Read moreSmart Cities – a huge opportunity May 21, 2018
Major cities are incredibly important to the global economy. Over half of current global GDP is accounted for by just 380 cities, but that number is expected to rise to 600 by 2025 – who’ll contribute more than 60% in total. As cities grow in complexity more and more challenges need to be overcome. There […]
Read moreIlford Station set for revamp May 21, 2018
Ilford Station is set to be revamped with a third entrance to prepare for the likely wave of new commuters. With 6,000 new homes planned for the borough Transport for London (TfL) are looking to get the station ready to be able to accommodate the increase. Transport for London will contribute £750,000 to a £2.2m […]
Read moreBirmingham City Council seek contractors for £2bn framework May 18, 2018
Birmingham City Council have announced that they’re looking to renew their £2bn Construction West Midlands Framework used for new build and refurbishment works – which has put property and construction firms on high alert. The existing framework is set to expire in the Autumn of 2019. We’re in Birmingham on Monday to discuss some of […]
Read moreConstruction industry networking with a difference – to make a difference May 17, 2018
The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a classic UK trekking challenge. In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales these three summits are there to be conquered in just one day. For others however, there are much greater challenges and struggles to overcome. Every day of every year, thousands of young people in the UK find themselves […]
Read more£1bn Silvertown tunnel in London gets green light May 11, 2018
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has given the green light for a road tunnel under the Thames by granting a Development Consent Order. The site, at Silvertown in East London, will now see Transport for London (TfL) proceed with the project. The decision letter shared on belhalf of Chris Grayling stated that a Government official agreed […]
Read moreHS2 would ‘transform Macclesfield town centre’ say business leaders May 11, 2018
Macclesfield town centre could be transformed if plans to route HS2 trains through the town are adopted, business leaders have claimed. The renewed HS2 plans which have been drawn up could see HS2 trains travelling up to the town from London and then divert off a new high speed track via a connection at Handsacre, […]
Read moreNHS Five Year Forward View discussed at conference May 01, 2018
The Government’s new health public private vehicle (PPP) – Project Phoenix – is unlikely to be launched until this time next year, a leading healthcare investor has predicted. Simon Gould, Head of Development at the Assura REIT (real estate investment trust) told our Healthcare Estates Development Forum that the sector is still waiting for details. […]
Read moreHomes on car parks – a solution for NHS key worker housing May 01, 2018
Building over hospital surface car parks could both help to cure the NHS’s key worker crisis and remedy its shortage of move on accommodation, a Stirling prize shortlisted architect told our Healthcare Estates Development Forum. Bill Dunster, whose Bedzed housing development in Sutton was on the shortlist for the Royal Institute of British Architects prize […]
Read moreProptech within healthcare May 01, 2018
The government has been insufficiently hard-line about mandating BIM on publicly funded construction projects, the Proptech Session heard at our Healthcare Estates Development Forum. Jason Whittall, Director of One Creative Environments, said that failure to use BIM was treated less seriously than not following the BREEAM eco building standard. Whittall said the mandate had also […]
Read moreNHS providers ‘should work with private finance initiative consortia’ May 01, 2018
NHS Providers should work with private finance initiative (PFI) consortia to cut their energy use, our Healthcare Estates Development Forum heard. Peter Sellars, Chair of the Carbon & Energy Fund, told the event the NHS had ‘missed a trick’ during the 1990s heyday of PFI by not providing contractors with incentives to deliver more energy […]
Read moreHealth tax isn’t a cure for the NHS May 01, 2018
Our Healthcare Estates Development Forum has heard that moves to raise a tax specifically to pay for the NHS could be seen as a ‘trick’. Leading health economist and Head of Health and Welfare at the Institute of Economic Affairs Thinktank Dr Kristian Niemietz,, said that so called hypothecated taxes could get swallowed up into […]
Read moreModular homes – the future of the British construction industry? Apr 30, 2018
Last week the Government called for a more innovative approach to solving Britain’s housing shortage and is backing modern methods of construction, such as modular homes, to speed up housing delivery. The Government is calling on councils to set their own design quality standards and use virtual reality technology to win round communities and end […]
Read moreLegal & General make move into affordable housing Apr 27, 2018
Legal & General are set to move into the UK affordable housing business – with plans to develop, buy and manage ‘affordable’ rented homes built by others. The move by the UK insurance giant is the latest example of investors moving into a sector traditionally dominated by charities. L&G are set to speak at our […]
Read moreNational Infrastructure Commission’s Young Professionals Panel launched Apr 25, 2018
Architects, engineers, designers and energy specialists from across the country are among 16 of the UK’s top young infrastructure professionals selected to sit on a new advisory panel. Launched today by Commission Chair Sir John Armitt, the Young Professionals Panel will inform the Commission’s work and give a strong voice to the infrastructure sector’s future leaders, […]
Read moreProptech in healthcare: reduce stress in hospitals by finding where you need to go Apr 24, 2018
Imagine that you need to arrive at a certain part of a hospital at an exact time for an important appointment, but the hospital has a number of buildings and an extensive layout. It’s complicated. You’re getting nervous that you could miss your appointment. You panic, searching for your destination, frantically losing all the extra […]
Read moreManagement consultancy framework worth over £2bn announced Apr 23, 2018
The Crown Commercial Service has started the second tender process for a place on its Management Consultancy Framework – which will see firms bid to be on the £2bn framework. The Management Consultancy Framework 2 (MCF2) will be open to businesses offering business consultancy services; procurement, supply chain, and commercial consultancy services; complex and transformation […]
Read moreZEDpods proposes solution for NHS Key Worker Housing and Delayed Transfer of Care Apr 20, 2018
Each year 33,000 nurses leave the NHS and, according to the Royal College of Nursing, 40% are considering leaving London over the next five years due to housing costs. To meet this problem ZEDpods, a company set up to build and install high quality low carbon homes for keyworkers and young people, is announcing a […]
Read moreRedevelopment plans for Clapham Junction revealed Apr 19, 2018
Plans to redevelop Clapham Junction railway station are underway. A feasibility study is set to be carried out on the South London station to see whether an over site development could fund a major redevelopment of the UK’s busiest station. Network Rail, who’ll be speaking at our London Public Estates Conference in June, are carrying […]
Read moreEight reasons why the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference is unmissable Apr 19, 2018
The Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference in June is set to be unmissable. For those companies and individuals from both the public and private sector who have an interest in the ARC Corridor it’s an opportunity to network with key industry professionals, learn more to understand the potential opportunities in the region and be […]
Read moreTech Cluster ‘key to Cambridge-MK-Oxford growth corridor’s success’ Apr 19, 2018
Business and public sector leaders will hear at our huge conference in June just how important a role the Silverstone Technology Cluster can play in helping them to hit growth targets for the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford Corridor (CMKO), as laid out by the National Infrastructure Commission. Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC) Director Roz Bird will be a […]
Read moreTFL developments to deliver major revenue boost Apr 13, 2018
Transport for London (TfL) could raise £500m through a set of huge developments which could go towards improving transport in the capital. TFL have proposed a ‘huge programme of retail, commercial and residential developments’ on a number of proposed Elizabeth line stations in the city. The announcement will form part of the discussions at our […]
Read moreKing’s College London to submit refurbishment application Apr 10, 2018
King’s College London are about to submit plans to refurbish a set of listed buildings, our London Universities Development Plans Conference has heard. Ralph Luck OBE, the college’s director of special development projects, revealed that it was about to submit an application for the buildings which are located next to its main block on The […]
Read moreConference to demonstrate opportunities and best practice to help solve challenges faced by Healthcare estates Mar 28, 2018
On the 24th April, prominent public and private sector leaders within the healthcare and construction industry will come together at Healthcare Estates Development Forum. The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking and in association with Fairhome Group, will see some of the industry’s biggest names from both the public and private sector to lead a […]
Read moreConstruction Frameworks Conference set to connect major operations, professionals and bidders together Mar 23, 2018
On the 24th May, prominent public and private sector leaders within the construction and property industry will come together at the Construction Frameworks Conference – the sector’s largest conference of the year. The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking and in association with Scape Procure, will see some of the industry’s biggest names from both […]
Read moreBidding begins for £5.2bn Southern Construction Framework Mar 23, 2018
Bidding has been launched for a construction framework covering projects in the South and worth £5.2bn in value. The Southern Construction Framework (SCF), launched by Hampshire County Council, will begin in April 2019 and run for a total of four years. It’ll be split into three regional lots with the aim of appointing ten firms. […]
Read moreInfrastructure improvements to unlock 100,000 new homes in Oxford Mar 21, 2018
Millions of pounds are set to be ploughed into crucial infrastructure improvements across Oxfordshire’s roads next year in a bid to prepare the region for a huge increase in housing developments and population. The deal, which will unlock the development opportunity for around 100,000 new homes in the City region, is costing around £215m, but […]
Read moreNew University Set for Milton Keynes as Cranfield are named lead provider Mar 21, 2018
Cranfield University have been appointed as the lead higher education provider for a new University in Milton Keynes. The higher education institution, known as MK:U, will see a ‘new model’ of University build in the heart of Milton Keynes, which is set to house up to 5,000 students. The news comes in an incredibly exciting […]
Read moreConference to set out economic growth opportunities in the Oxford – Milton Keynes – Cambridge Corridor Feb 26, 2018
On the 21st June, prominent business and public-sector leaders will come together in Milton Keynes for the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference – the region’s largest business conference of the year – which is supported by the National Infrastructure Commission, England’s Economic Heartland and regional and local authorities. The conference, hosted by Built Environment […]
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