Funding for Clean Energy

UK communities to receive funding for hosting clean energy infrastructure

Under the Plan for Change, the funding will enhance local amenities, transportation, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Coastal and rural communities in the UK will receive financial support as part of the government’s new Plan for Change to make Great Britain a clean energy superpower.

The proposals necessitate community benefits for those residing near renewable energy sites, with a legal mandate for developers to contribute to local community benefit funds.

Under the Plan for Change, these funds will enhance local amenities, transportation, and apprenticeship opportunities. Potential projects include new sports facilities, employment initiatives for youth, and improved infrastructure in areas pivotal to hosting clean energy projects.

These investments are designed to reduce energy bills and enhance energy security with domestically controlled power.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“If you live near an offshore wind or solar farm, your local community should benefit from supporting this nationally critical mission.

“The Prime Minister’s mission to become a clean energy superpower is creating good, well-paid jobs in these areas, building the infrastructure we need to get energy bills down for working people. Our Plan for Change will revitalise Britain’s coastal and rural communities, creating community wealth, better facilities and energy security for the country.”

The community investment will be directed by local families, with the possibility of shared ownership in renewable energy infrastructure, allowing profits to be reinvested into the community.

These measures are an extension of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which offers bill discounts to households near new or upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure.

The UK Government is seeking feedback on which energy infrastructure types should contribute to the community benefit funds, including renewable and low-carbon electricity generation and energy storage.

Additionally, the UK forged a sustainable industrial alliance with Norway earlier this month to strengthen prospects in the clean energy sector and drive economic expansion.

 

Source: Energy Monitor

/0 Comments/by

HS2 Slides Across M6 in Birmingham

The construction of two parallel viaducts that will carry HS2 trains over the M6 near Birmingham Airport has taken a major step forward, with the first section of structural steelwork now complete.

To reduce disruption for motorists, the twin 320-metre-long M6 South viaducts are being assembled to one side and will be slid over the road over a series of weekends, with each section pushed out before later sections are added behind them.

The first viaduct to be built is the ‘East Deck’, which will carry two tracks taking trains towards London. The first section – which stretches for 119m – will be slid out over a slip road next to the motorway during the weekend of 7th/8th June.

The next stages, which take the viaduct over the motorway and the M6-M42 Link Road will occur over two further weekend closures.

This complex process means that the weight of the deck will increase with each push, up from an initial 1,300 tonnes to around 3,000 tonnes by the end of the year.

At this point, the railway will be on a slight gradient, so to help maintain control, the deck – which will eventually weigh around the same as 214 double-decker buses – is being pushed slightly uphill, with the finish point 4.2 metres higher than the start point.

Liam Kenney, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager said:

“It’s great to see the first section of the M6 viaducts coming together. The construction of these twin viaducts is a hugely complex process, and I’d like to thank everyone who is worked so hard to get us ready for the first slide.

“The multi-stage approach, learning lessons from previous bridge slides, will help reduce disruption for motorists and keep closures to a minimum.”

More than 200 major bridges and viaducts are being built as part of the HS2 project, which is designed to improve journeys between London, the West Midlands and the north, while freeing up space on the existing mainline for more freight and local services.

The complex operation is being led by HS2’s main works contractor, BBV – a team made up of Balfour Beatty and VINCI, supported by specialist steelwork company Victor Buyck Steel Construction (VBSC). The team are working closely with National Highways and drawing on recent experience of delivering the nearby M42/M6 link viaducts.

A series of winches, known as strand jacks, will be used to push the decks forward at a speed of between six and eight metres per hour, sliding across non-stick pads to reduce friction – a material usually found to the surface of a household frying pan.

The ‘West Deck’ – which will carry a further two tracks for northbound trains – will be assembled and slid out next year using the same technique. Due to the spacing of the piers, four slides will be needed to push this second viaduct across the road.

Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Russell Luckhurst leads the team delivering these viaducts. He said:

“We’re entering an exciting phase in the construction of these viaducts, as the first steel section begins to take shape. Assembly of these viaduct decks are taking place offline next to the motorway, and are being launched in a multi-phased approach, to reduce the impact on road users.

“The ‘East’ viaduct will be the first viaduct to be moved into place over three weekend closures, with the first launch taking place in June.  The ‘West’ viaduct will be assembled and launched using the same method in 2026.”

Both viaduct spans will be formed of a hollow double-box structure made of weathering steel. This kind of steel boasts a natural protective layer of oxidisation which gives it a characteristic ‘rusty’ appearance and reduces maintenance by eliminating the need for regular repainting.

Four pairs of concrete piers will support the viaducts with tallest one 9.9m in height. A 4.5m high parapet will be provided on the side facing the Chelmsey Wood to reduce noise and disturbance from passing trains.

/0 Comments/by

Saudi ‘Giga Projects” Draining UK Skills Force

An exodus of talent from Britain’s infrastructure sector to the Middle East is harming the delivery of major projects in the UK, according to the head of a key labour supplier.

“Certain skills are missing in every level really when you look at it,” the boss of London-listed Hercules, which specialises in supplying labour to the construction industry, said.

“Skilled plant operators are difficult to get, supervision is difficult to get, site management positions are difficult to find,” Brusk Korkmaz told City AM in an interview.

He noted political uncertainty in recent years had made it impossible to plan ahead for long-term infrastructure projects, which often take more than a decade to deliver.

“When you don’t have a start date… everyone is just waiting for each other, everyone is waiting for the start date from the government to able to crack on and upskill the workforce,” Korkmaz said, citing the recent plans for Heathrow’s multi-billion third runway as an example.

Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a massive infrastructure drive as it pivots towards renewable energy. A number of so-called “giga projects” are in the works including the infamous Line, a 170km-long linear city.

There are “huge projects, very ambitious projects in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia as a civil engineer, it really excites me,” Korkmaz said.

“Saudi Arabia is four times bigger than Germany, and 36m people live there. So they are building seven or eight Dubais in different cities, so quite a lot of people are going to Saudi Arabia with attractive packages, tax-free packages.”

/0 Comments/by

Is there a Missing Link in Constructions Adoption of New Technology?

 

By marrying the principles of human psychology with economic practicality, construction companies can pave the way for smoother transitions to modern tools.

Imagine walking onto a job site where you’ve worked for decades and suddenly being told that the tools and workflows you’ve trusted are being completely replaced.

The promise is a digital transformation that will make your work easier, faster, and more efficient. But without clear guidance, training, and support, the shiny new technology can quickly become more frustrating than revolutionary.

This disconnect between promise and practice isn’t uncommon in the construction industry. Companies spend millions developing advanced tools but often miss a critical component in the rollout: a robust change management plan.

As we push for digital adoption across construction, we need to prioritize the people behind the process, not just the technology itself.

CHANGE MANAGEMENT: THE BRIDGE BETWEEN INNOVATION AND PRACTICE 

Despite construction technology offering tremendous potential, a significant barrier remains: the lack of change management.

As outlined in a 2024 global survey conducted by Bluebeam, one-third of construction industry professionals report that lack of training, integration, and technical challenges are major obstacles to adopting technology.

Our survey further shows that many firms struggle to achieve successful sustainability efforts or maximize the potential of AI due to insufficient training and support.

THE ROLE OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION 

It’s a common mistake to assume that great technology sells itself. But in construction—a field built on tried-and-true methods—change doesn’t happen overnight.

Professionals across the industry rely on deeply ingrained workflows and processes, making the adoption of new tech challenging without the right support. Investments in change management are often overlooked in the rush to deploy solutions, but this oversight can be costly.

Implementing construction technology requires more than delivering a product; it demands that leaders communicate, train, and help teams understand why a change is needed and how it will benefit them.

Without these elements, even the most powerful tools may fail to gain traction. To put it simply: If people don’t know how to use new technology effectively—or if they don’t see its value—then it’s unlikely to be embraced.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ADOPTION: WHY RESISTANCE IS HUMAN 

To understand why change management often takes a backseat, leaders need to consider not just the economic realities of the construction industry but also the psychological forces at play.

Human beings are creatures of habit, and the construction industry exemplifies this truth. Over years, professionals develop deeply ingrained workflows that feel reliable and efficient. These routines provide a sense of control and predictability in an industry often fraught with challenges like tight deadlines, unpredictable weather, and safety risks.

When a new tool or technology threatens to upend these routines, it’s natural for resistance to arise—not out of stubbornness, but as a defense mechanism against uncertainty.

Psychologists refer to this as the “status quo bias,” a cognitive tendency to prefer the familiar over the unfamiliar, even when the unfamiliar might offer better outcomes. In the context of construction, this bias is amplified by the high stakes of the work. A disruption in workflow can mean missed deadlines, increased costs, or safety risks, making workers and managers wary of changes that might compromise immediate goals.

This resistance is not just psychological but deeply practical. Construction operates on thin margins, and success is often measured by immediate, tangible results. If a new technology disrupts existing processes—even with promises of long-term efficiency—workers may focus on the short-term risks to productivity and budgets.

Our report underscores this dynamic, revealing that 72% of firms still rely on paper-based processes despite the availability of digital tools. This reliance isn’t just about economics—it reflects the comfort and trust built around familiar methods, which new technology must work hard to overcome.

Leaders in construction technology need to address these psychological barriers head-on. Change management must be about more than training; it must acknowledge and address the fears and concerns that naturally arise when long-standing habits are challenged.

Effective strategies include not only explaining the “what” and “how” of new tools but also engaging with the “why”—showing workers how these changes align with their values and make their jobs easier, safer, and more rewarding.

By marrying the principles of human psychology with economic practicality, construction companies can pave the way for smoother transitions to modern tools. This approach recognizes that behind every technological shift are people, and their acceptance is the true key to meaningful adoption.

A ROADMAP FOR EFFECTIVE CHANGE MANAGEMENT 

Successful change management isn’t about one-time training or product updates—it’s about a systematic approach that embeds the new technology into the workflow and culture.

For construction technology providers, here are a few key steps to make change management a core part of every project:

1. Engage stakeholders early.

When users are involved from the start, they’re more likely to feel invested in the change. By gathering insights and addressing concerns before rollout, companies can anticipate challenges and build trust.

2. Prioritize customized training and support.

Every construction team is different, and a one-size-fits-all training approach often falls short. Companies should offer tailored training programs and resources that meet users at their skill level, building confidence and buy-in.

3. Build continuous feedback loops.

Technology shouldn’t be static, nor should change management. Encouraging ongoing feedback helps providers refine tools to better fit real-world needs, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.

By embedding these steps into every phase of a tech deployment, companies can bridge the gap between innovation and industry practice. This investment in change management pays off, as it leads to sustainable adoption and long-term value, ensuring teams are not only ready but eager to embrace new technology.

MAKING CHANGE MANAGEMENT A PRIORITY 

If the construction industry is to truly benefit from the transformative power of technology, change management can’t be treated as an afterthought. It deserves a central role in the conversation around construction technology. If we want to see innovation translate into results on the job site, it’s time to respect the people behind the process. It’s time to prioritize change management alongside development, making it a permanent part of the conversation.

Source: The Fast Company

/0 Comments/by

Major programme of new school buildings delivered

 

Since 2014, every local authority in Wales has benefitted from a huge investment in new school and college buildings, with £3.6bn invested in over 330 projects.

The sustainable communities for learning programme provides modern, fit for purpose buildings, designed to educate the digital generation.

On a visit to Ysgol Llyn y Forwyn, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, met learners and staff at their brand-new school, based at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The new primary school, which opened earlier this year, benefits from a 30-place Cylch Meithrin nursery, a multi-use games area, a grass sports pitch, car parks and dedicated areas for those accessing the school on foot or cycle.

Reevah aged 10, a year 6 pupil at the school said:

Because there’s so much room and space it’s so much better to learn here. The yard has really benefited us, we can play a lot more games.

People seem a lot happier and everyone is definitely more positive about learning.

Cabinet Secretary, Lynne Neagle, said:

I am incredibly proud of how this £3.6bn investment is transforming education in every part of Wales. These modern, sustainable buildings aren’t just raising standards and reducing the attainment gap – they’re creating an education infrastructure that’s truly world-class and a source of national pride.

Schools and colleges sit at the heart of our communities. We are ambitious in Wales in how we approach new builds and refurbishments, enabling their design to make a positive contribution to learners and staff, local communities and to the natural environment.

This investment in schools and colleges also benefits the wider community by providing jobs and apprenticeships and boosting the Welsh economy, particularly in the construction sector.

Sustainability has been a focus since the programme began in 2014. In 2022, it led the way by mandating net zero carbon in operation for all major projects.

Funding continues over the next nine years with 316 new building projects in development, representing a total investment of £5.4bn (including delivery partner contributions).

Key achievements

  • In 2022 South Point Primary school near Barry was the first Net Zero Carbon school to open in Wales.
  • Pen y Dre High School in Merthyr was the first Net Zero Carbon school to supply excess electricity to a nearby hospital (Prince Charles).
  • The Sustainable Schools Challenge, pushing boundaries to tackle the climate emergency, involved pupils in the design of their new school buildings. The winning schools were Ysgol Bontnewydd and Community Centre in Gwynedd, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan in Port Talbot and Glyn-Coch community school in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
  • £60m has been invested in 800 projects to support access to education for learners with Additional Learning Needs, with a further £750m identified for future development.
  • £58m has delivered 128 projects Community Focused Schools over the last three years, with a further £20m planned for 2025 to 2026.
  • £67m invested to date in 49 Welsh-medium school projects, supporting the goal of reaching 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.
/0 Comments/by

Planted x Vectorworks launch UK-wide student competition

 

Planted Community is proud to announce a new partnership with global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks to launch Design for Regeneration, an exciting UK-wide student design competition seeking to champion the next generation of regenerative designers.

Undergraduate students from across the country are invited to submit work for the Design for Regeneration competition, which reimagines the built and natural world through regenerative design.

The competition is open to students studying architecture, interior and landscape design, furniture, product and industrial design. The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, a one-year subscription to Vectorworks Design Suite, and a two-night stay in Planted’s luxury off-grid cabin at River Cottage, Axminster.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Vectorworks on Design for Regeneration, a competition that will showcase the very best in emerging British design talent,” said Planted co-founder Deborah Spencer.

“It provides a vital platform for young creatives to demonstrate how regenerative thinking can shape a healthier, more sustainable future.”

“We are committed to nurturing new approaches that centre nature and sustainability at the heart of design, helping to safeguard the planet for future generations.”

 

 Projects will be judged on creativity, innovation, material choices, aesthetics, and clear regenerative intent. The panel will look for designs that not only minimise harm to natural ecosystems, but also actively contribute to their restoration and renewal.

As a leading platform for sustainable design, Planted connects people, businesses, and ideas through events, content and collaborations that promote nature-based solutions and regenerative practices.

Entries must be submitted by Wednesday 31 July 2025. Finalists will be announced in early September, with winners revealed at the Vectorworks Design Day conference at the Royal College of Physicians in London on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

 

How to enter
Submissions must include:

              • A short project description (max 300 words) outlining the regenerative intent
              • Supporting visuals (drawings, renders, models created in Vectorworks)
              • A brief biography and course/university details

Entry is free and all entries must be received by midnight on Wednesday 31 July 2025.

/0 Comments/by

Promoting Careers in the Pump Industry

   

BPMA Launches New Brochure to Promote Careers in the Pump Industry

 

The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) has unveiled a new brochure, Pumps: A World of Opportunity, aimed at inspiring interest in the wide array of career paths available within the pump industry.

 

This professionally produced publication showcases the vital role pumps play across multiple sectors—including energy, water, manufacturing, construction, and more—while highlighting the exciting, diverse, and rewarding career opportunities that exist within this often-overlooked field.

 

As the UK’s leading trade association for pump manufacturers and suppliers, the BPMA is committed to supporting the future of the industry by attracting new talent. Pumps: A World of Opportunity offers insights into various roles, from engineering and design to sales, marketing, and sustainability-focused careers.

 

Wayne Rose, Director and CEO of the BPMA, commented:

“Pumps are essential to everyday life, yet the industry’s contribution is not widely recognised. This brochure aims to shine a light on the sector and the exciting prospects it offers to the next generation of pump professionals.”

CLICK HERE to download a digital version of the brochure

For further information on the work being undertaken by the BPMA on behalf of the pump industry, or to request a hard copy of this new brochure, please contact Kiran Kaur on 0121 601 6691

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Milestone in Development of Innovation Centre

The Innovation Centre is located on part of the former Central Car Park in Workington town centre and will, primarily, be aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. The aim is to attract start-ups who are ripe for incubation, as well as small businesses ready for growth. Expert support will be available to help them achieve their ambitions from operating company, Oxford Innovation Space. It manages a number of similar facilities across the UK, working with local authorities, universities, science parks and investors.

The Innovation Centre is expected to open in Spring 2026. Procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework, Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed by Cumberland Council as the main contractor to deliver the project and is taking significant steps to minimise the carbon footprint of the building. The majority of the steel frame has been produced using an electric arc furnace, rather than a traditional basic oxygen furnace. This process incorporates around 95% recycled steel. Morgan Sindall’s in-house carbon tracking tool – CarboniCa – has estimated a carbon saving of 159 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to heating 424 UK homes annually.

The Innovation Centre is funded by the Workington Town Deal – £23.1million of Government funding for a range of transformative projects, which also includes a new sports village and improvements to Workington Port, as well as improved public realm.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:

Work is progressing well on the project and has hit another important milestone.

The building will fill a gap in the entrepreneurial support and high-quality office accommodation available in and around Workington.

This, combined, with the neighbouring NHS Diagnostic Centre, which is also in the process of being constructed, will transform this area of the town. They will also increase footfall to the town centre, which is great news for the local economy too.”

John Coughlan, the Chairman of the Workington Town Deal Board, said:

The Innovation Centre will be transformational for Workington – attracting high-quality start-ups, leading to a growth in advanced manufacturing and technology jobs, and increasing footfall and spending power. We are now seeing the real value of the work which secured £23.1 million for Workington and the greater region.”

Alex Isted, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the North East and Cumbria, said:

The steel signing event marks an exciting milestone for the project, and it is fantastic to see the progress being made on site. The whole team have worked incredibly hard to get to this point and I look forward to seeing the project continuing to be delivered to the highest standards.

Following the groundbreaking event, it is rewarding to continue celebrating progress with our customer Cumberland Council with this being the first of a number of projects we’ll be delivering together in the region, creating real opportunity for local people and businesses.”

/0 Comments/by

The NHBC 2025 business graduate programme

  

Applications open for NHBC 2025 business graduate programme

 

Following the success of its inaugural graduate scheme last year, NHBC will be opening applications for its 2025 business graduate programme for three weeks from Thursday 15 May 2025. As the UK’s largest provider of new home warranty and insurance, NHBC employs more than 1,300 talented and dedicated people.

 

The fully funded two-year training and development programme, based at NHBC headquarters in Milton Keynes, will start in September 2025. Graduates will rotate every six months into a different business area (Claims Operations, Commercial Services, Standards, Innovation & Research and Finance) to learn about key parts of the company and gain invaluable experience working across the business.

 

Following successful completion, graduates will be rewarded with a permanent role with continuous development in either Standards, Innovation & Research, Underwriting, Claims, Business Support & Improvement, Customer Services or Corporate Strategy. Graduates can select their preferred business area at the time of application.

 

With a starting salary of £27,500, the NHBC business graduate programme is open to all graduates with a relevant degree qualification.

 

Tony Nicklin, NHBC Learning & Development Manager comments:

“NHBC is an inclusive employer where everyone is encouraged to bring their true self to work. We invite all graduates with a relevant degree to apply for our September 2025 programme. We’ll give them the tools, resources and support they need to learn and develop every step of the way.”

 

Current NHBC business graduate Fran Hickey adds:

“I really value the learning opportunities NHBC provides and the wide range of departments I have had the chance to explore. I feel like being a part of this programme has given me a great start in my career.”

 

To find out more about the September 2025 programme and apply online, visit NHBC Graduate Programme | Careers at NHBC

 

/0 Comments/by

Female Students Explore Careers in Construction

 

Building Futures: Female Students Explore Careers in Construction at Croydon College Open Day

 

On May 8th, Croydon College proudly hosted a successful Women in Construction Open Day in collaboration with Gallaway Construction Ltd, aimed at introducing Year 9 and 10 girls to the construction trades and career opportunities within the industry.

The event welcomed an enthusiastic group of students who took part in practical workshops covering Plumbing, Carpentry, Brickwork, Electrical, and Interior Design using Croydon College’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Designed to raise awareness and inform young girls about their future GCSE and career options, the initiative focused on breaking down gender stereotypes and showcasing construction as an exciting, accessible, and rewarding field. Attendees explored different trades in a hands-on environment, guided by experienced tutors and current female construction students.

One student, Freya, shared her enthusiasm:

“I had never considered a career in construction before today, but I had a lot of fun and will look into a career in this field. The workshop showed me the basics in plumbing and electrical, I had a lot of fun!”

Another participant, Stella, expressed her motivation:

“I like working with my hands, so I thought it was interesting.”

Madi, who attended the brickwork session, added:

“The workshop was interesting. Aldo (the tutor) was really nice and showed us how to place bricks.”

Stuart Singleton, Construction Team Manager at Croydon College, commented:

“It was inspiring to see the level of skill, curiosity, and determination on display today. Events like this are essential to changing perceptions and opening doors, showing that construction is a rewarding and accessible career path for everyone.”

Renee Preston, Director of Gallaway Construction & Founder of Construction for Women, added:

“We’re passionate about promoting equality and inclusion in construction. The energy and interest from the attendees today show the incredible potential out there. We hope this is just the beginning for many of these girls.”

Croydon College remains committed to supporting opportunities that empower all members of the community. The college looks forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diversity in the workforce.

To find out more information on the construction courses available at Croydon College, visit https://croydon.ac.uk/

 

/0 Comments/by