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 moreOxford – Cambridge corridor needs ‘a single voice’ to drive development forward Jul 02, 2018
The Oxford to Cambridge corridors needs a ‘single voice’ to drive forward its development plans, one of the area’s most experienced planners has told our Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference. Speaking on the events Inclusive Economic Growth Session, South East Midlands LEP Chief Executive Hilary Chipping said that an ‘overarching structure’ and a single […]
Read moreCouncil bosses left frustrated by the pace of decision making on Ox-Mk-Cam Corridor Jul 02, 2018
Council bosses have expressed their frustration at the pace of decision making on key transport projects in the Oxford – Cambridge growth corridor. Duncan Sharkey, Corporate Director for Place at Milton Keynes Council, told delegates at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference that development is currently being held back by the need to reserve […]
Read more‘We’ve relied on the private sector model of housebuilding for too long’ Jul 02, 2018
Policy makers have relied too heavily on private house builders to bring forward new communities, a senior director of one of the UK’s biggest housing associates has told our Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference. During the conference’s panel debate on housing, Places for People Group Director Mary Parsons said: ‘’We’re not very good at […]
Read moreAttracting the best planning officers to the Oxford – Cambridge corridor Jul 02, 2018
Salaries for planners in the Cambridge to Oxford corridor should be doubled, the Chair of Silverstone Technology Cluster has said. Roz Bird, who is also Commercial Director of Silverstone Park, told delegates at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference that councils had to provide incentives to attract good quality staff into the corridor. That […]
Read moreGovernment ‘has to make sure it sticks’ to its latest east-west rail timelines Jul 02, 2018
Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, has said Government ‘has to make sure’ it sticks to its latest timetables on east-west rail whilst speaking at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference. The region’s local authorities are ‘hopeful’ that the Government would deliver its promise to decide this summer on the corridor for the […]
Read moreNIC call for government-backed development corporations to unlock OxMkCam potential Jul 02, 2018
Professor Sadie Morgan, a member of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), has called for central government-backed development corporations to bring forward the new settlements that will be needed to fulfil the growth plans for the OxMkCam arc corridor. Speaking at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference she said the Secretary of State for Communities […]
Read moreOxMKCam review author backs ministerial champion for the arc corridor Jul 02, 2018
The Oxford to Cambridge corridor requires a ministerial champion, according to the MP commissioned by the Government to review the area’s development strategy. Delivering an opening keynote speech at the beginning of the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference, Milton Keynes MP Iain Stewart said this co-ordination should either be delivered by a minister or […]
Read moreInfrastructure investment in the North to be higher than London and the South of England Jun 26, 2018
The North of England is set to be boosted by investment into their road and rail networks – as the Government announce higher spending on upgrades in the north compared to London and the South. The announcement by The Department for Transport shows that investment between 2018 and 2021 will be more than £30 more […]
Read moreCountryside Properties get green light for Garden City housing Jun 22, 2018
Developer Countryside Properties have had their proposal for the delivery of an addition 172 new homes within Ebbsfleet Garden City approved. The scheme, which forms part of its plans for the Ebbsfleet Garden City’s Springhead Park, will see the creation of new houses alongside additional amenities including an outdoor gym, park and allotments. The project […]
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 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 moreBrighton’s Edward Street set for transformational change Jun 05, 2018
An exciting development in Brighton is set to truly transform a two acre site in the City formerly known as Amex House. The proposed development, set to be titled the Edward Street Quarter, will transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use area which will help revive the area. The development is being brought forward by […]
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 moreSolent region’s economy to see ‘a short term slow down’ due to Brexit May 22, 2018
The Solent sub-region will see ‘a short term slow down’ in growth as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the Chief Executive of its local enterprise partnership (LEP) has said. Speaking at our South Coast Development Plans Conference Anne-Marie Mountifield said that the business organisation has modelled the potential impact of Brexit […]
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 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 moreRegional transport body set for Oxfordshire? May 08, 2018
A regional transport body for Oxfordshire has moved closer to becoming a reality after a £2m cash injection by the Government. England’s Economic Heartland (EHH), supporters of the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference, will share the funding with Transport for the South East which covers Kent and Hampshire. EHH, made up of authorities in […]
Read moreUniversity of Cambridge breaks into housing delivery ‘big league’ Apr 30, 2018
The University of Cambridge is on track to be one of the major housing developers in the south of England this year, our Cambridge Universities Development Plans Conference has heard. Heather Topel, Project Director of the university’s North-West Cambridge development, told the event that 150 homes in the scheme’s first phase have already been built, […]
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 moreGreen light given to procure regeneration development partner Apr 27, 2018
Poole Borough Council’s cabinet have given the green light to procure a development partner for its £170m town centre regeneration plans, our Bournemouth Development Plans conference has heard. Julian McLaughlin, Head of Growth & Infrastructure at the Borough of Poole Council, revealed that the decision on the Town Centre North project has been taken the […]
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 moreWiltshire College Campus plans approved Apr 24, 2018
Plans have officially been approved for Wiltshire College’s new campus. The project, set to cost around £15m, will now see the development kickstart with a new building built onto the side of the existing campus on Southampton Road. The project is set to be a focus of our South Coast Development Plans Conference next week […]
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 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 moreCambridge economy leads the way Apr 16, 2018
Cambridge has continued to experience the fastest economic growth of any city within the United Kingdom at the end of 2017, according to a new report. The report, which predicts big things for Cambridge, also highlights Oxford and Milton Keynes as two places to watch over the next decade as the OxMkCam Arc Corridor continues […]
Read moreReport highlights a ‘string city’ development for the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Apr 13, 2018
Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton could become a ‘string city’ according to a report on the Oxford – Milton Keynes – Cambridge corridor. The report suggests the creation of new settlements, the reinstatement of a rail line between Cambridge and Bedford, and a passenger interchange linked to the East Coast Mainline could help the area thrive. […]
Read morePoole Council to start search for development partner this year Mar 26, 2018
The largest ever regeneration scheme to transform the Borough of Poole is set to take a step closer this year – as Poole Council are set to start the official process for obtaining a development partner in the autumn. The £134m masterplan is set to rejuvenate the area, adding over 400 homes, a new bus […]
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 moreConference to set out development plans and opportunities in Bournemouth & Poole Mar 22, 2018
On the 18th April, prominent business leaders within the construction and property industry will come together for the Bournemouth Development Plans Conference – one of the region’s largest business events of the year within the construction sector. The event, hosted by Built Environment Networking, will see some of the region’s biggest names in business lead […]
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 moreFive garden towns proposed within Oxford Cambridge corridor Mar 05, 2018
The Oxford – Milton Keynes – Cambridge corridor could see five new garden towns created in a bid to create thousands of homes in the growth region. The area, set for improved connectivity by road and rail which is set to create huge regional economic benefits, is likely to see a huge increase in population […]
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 […]
Read moreWiltshire College redevelopment to double student numbers Feb 26, 2018
Wiltshire College’s Salisbury campus is set to undergo a £14m redevelopment – which will see student numbers double. The plans, which will see a major refurbishment, a new campus layout and a new building, will give the local economy a huge boost by enhancing the number of skilled workers to fill job vacancies in the […]
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