Archive for category: General News

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UK Government should extend support for solar PV for new-build homes to businesses as well, says Longevity Power

Renewable energy consultancy welcomes Westminster’s plan for rooftop solar on all new houses by 2027 but also calls for action to drive solar uptake on commercial buildings

The Government’s newly announced plans to expand residential solar on new-build housing in England are a welcome step but measures are also needed to encourage businesses and commercial landlords to invest in and install rooftop solar systems on commercial buildings, according to Longevity Power, the strategic renewable energy consultancy.

Commenting on the news, Anthony Maguire, Longevity Power’s Managing Director, said,

“The Government can accelerate the UK’s rooftop solar revolution by assisting businesses and landlords with installing solar PV and batteries on commercial buildings – not only offices and warehouses but also shopping centres, transport hubs like railway stations and airports, and car parks.

“The UK can follow the example of the French and German governments with legislation that provides companies and building owners with a guaranteed strike price for selling any unused solar power back to energy providers – but in a way that avoids needing to pay compensation during times of negative pricing due to solar over-production.”

Maguire explained, “There’s huge untapped potential here in the UK to do more with commercial and industrial solar PV. For example, among the 30 largest shopping centres in the UK, just eight currently have solar installed. And of the 334 shopping centres and retail parks nationwide that Longevity Power has analysed only 48 have solar PV installed – that’s less than 15 percent.

“Installing rooftop solar on offices and industrial buildings is proven to cut energy bills for tenants and landlords and can make an important contribution to the UK’s wider effort to reduce emissions, achieve net zero, and boost the country’s energy independence and security.”

Maguire’s words also follow the announcement in March by the Government’s new state-owned energy firm GB Energy to allocate £180 million in funding for solar panels for schools and hospitals. Local health trusts and education bodies across the country have already received grants to install solar panels.

Maguire said,

“The Government’s funding via GB Energy for solar for the public sector shows its commitment to long-term energy resilience and sustainability for the UK. Businesses and landlords can feel more confident in opting for renewables themselves.”

“Schools and hospitals in particular are highly visible public buildings at the heart of communities, so the impact – both in reducing emissions and increasing public awareness of renewables – will be significant.”

Maguire explained that the initial capital investment needed has historically been a barrier to rollout, especially for publicly funded institutions with tight budgets.

However, Maguire also warned that the Government must address the problems regarding the UK’s energy grid constraints if it wants to achieve its goal for the UK to become a clean energy superpower.

He continued, “Many clean energy projects – especially those over 1MW – are currently delayed or in limbo due to grid connection limitations, including public and private buildings with large roof space.

“GB Energy needs to determine early in the grant application process whether projects are designed for on-site consumption or are being built to export energy to the grid. That way, projects that have minimal grid impact – such as the ones we’re expecting for schools and hospitals – can get underway quickly and start benefiting sooner.”

Maguire concluded by saying, “Alongside rooftop solar, we need to see a strong commitment to battery storage. Batteries don’t just store excess solar – they help manage local energy flow, ease pressure on the grid, and create flexibility in when and how power is used.”

CITB Employer Networks helped over 50,000 learners access construction training in 2024-25

The number of learners supported has more than quadrupled from the previous year

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has today released its year-end figures for its Employer Networks initiative. It was the second full year of operation for the initiative, and figures show the Networks supported 50,966 learners in the financial year (FY) 2024-25, an increase from 11,468 the previous, inaugural year.

The figures also reveal that in FY 2024-25, Employer Networks supported:

• 4,097 employers – an increase from 1,284 the previous year
• 2,655 of the employers supported are small and micro (SMEs)
• 26% of the employers supported had not claimed grant in the past 12 months

Employer Networks are an initiative set up and funded by CITB that offer bespoke, easy-to-access training and financial support for employers. They give employers a direct channel to communicate their training needs and advise on how funding should be prioritised and allocated in their local area. Additionally, they enable CITB to be more responsive to industry needs on both regional and national levels.

There is huge demand for skilled construction workers in the UK, with CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasting the need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028. For almost a third (31%) of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly with more older workers retiring and not being replaced. By encouraging greater dialogue with employers and removing barriers to engagement with training, the Employer Networks help address the skills gap and build a stronger future for the industry.

Deb Madden, Executive Director for Nations Engagement, CITB, said: “It’s vital we have a firm grasp of what skills are required and where they’re needed across the country. Employer Networks are designed to make the training and skills system easier to navigate for employers, in turn helping to address the skills gap.

“Our latest Employer Networks figures prove the initiative has been hugely successful, and we look forward to building on this success and continue providing much-needed access to training for more employers and learners.

“There is an increasing demand for construction work in the UK, and construction employers are clearly aware of the opportunity and the need for training, with 80% of employers indicating they plan to increase their training efforts in the future. We’re always striving to improve our services and embed a culture of quality into what we do – Employer Networks are a prime example of this.”

Employers can sign up to their local Employer Network HERE

Recognition honours bold thinking, client impact and outstanding contribution to the PR profession

The founder of a marketing and PR company with clients in the construction and building products sector, has been named one of the 50 most influential independent consultants in the UK, as part of the inaugural Independent Impact 50.

This prestigious new accolade celebrates the extraordinary influence that independent practitioners have on the organisations they advise, on professional learning and development, and on the evolution of the PR and communications sector as a whole.

Alison Gallagher-Hughes, founder of Staffordshire-based Tillymint Marketing & PR, was recognised for her fearless, strategic counsel, her ability to help clients think differently, and her ongoing commitment to raising standards in communication practice. She was among the 50 honourees celebrated at a special event on Thursday 1 May, in the Balcony Room overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, at the Swan Theatre, London.

The event brought together a vibrant community of outstanding independents who are making a difference not only in the work they do for clients but in their generous support for peers and dedication to the profession. The judging panel, along with the CEO and representatives from 72 Point, the award’s sponsors, were also in attendance.

Alison is a former journalist (Liverpool Star, Hereford Times and Express & Star). She founded Tillymint Marketing & PR in 2020 after a PR career working in-house and agency. Her approach is grounded in insight, creativity, and a collaborative ethos that empowers clients and uplifts the wider industry. Alongside her consultancy work, she plays a key role in supporting the professional development of others and is Co-Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Midlands Group.

“To be named in the Independent Impact 50 is both humbling and energising,” said Alison. “It was a privilege to be in the room with so many brilliant independents, each making their mark in their own way. This recognition reflects not just individual effort but the strength and generosity of the independent community.”

The Independent Impact 50 initiative is a much-needed celebration of freelancers and consultants who are helping to evolve and strengthen the PR and communications sector – through innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence.

CLICK HERE for more information on Independent Impact 50

Earlier this week, it was announced that Tillymint was also a finalist the CIPR Excellence Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is looking to move forward with its multi-million-pound regeneration programme across the borough by appointing three specialist teams to lead change and drive growth.

The council is wanting to work with experts in urban masterplanning to deliver separate Urban Regeneration Frameworks in Plumstead, Woolwich and Abbey Wood – three areas where there continues to be plenty of potential to deliver positive change for existing and new communities.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:

“Greenwich is open for business, and it is open for investment, and now is the time to seriously engage with everyone who wants to help unlock the economic potential of our brilliant borough.

“It is why we have set aside over £700,000 in funding to bring forward new urban regeneration which will help drive that growth and investment.

“Greenwich is ready to play a key role in turbocharging London’s growth, from our riverfront, which holds so many development opportunities, to town centres such as Woolwich, Abbey Wood and Plumstead which have a rich heritage that is waiting to be added to.”

Cllr Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Regeneration, said:

“For our borough to thrive we need to find new ways of driving economic growth which will benefit our residents and those who choose to move to this part of London for generations to come.

“The three teams who are successful in winning these contracts will play a vital role in helping us to deliver our 10-year regeneration plan across the borough, ensuring that not only are the needs of local people met but that our area is attractive to inward investment and development opportunities.

“We are serious in our mission to unlock more economic potential across the borough and the teams we appoint will help bring fresh perspectives that will help us do exactly that.”

The teams will also be skilled in engaging with the local community and other key stakeholders which will help the council to shape the frameworks and agree a vision for each area.

The council is inviting proposals until 29 May, with the successful bidders awarded the contracts in July. Those wanting to register their interest can do so here:

royalgreenwich.gov.uk/urbanregenerationframeworkbids 

“We launched our Essential Coatings campaign almost 18 months ago in Parliament. Since then, we have met many MPs 1-1 but this is the first time we have been back to make our case to a large number of Parliamentarians at a special event. It was a huge success as we managed to speak to a good number of MPs, many of whom we made contact with for the first time. We hope a number of those MPs will now also visit coatings companies in their constituencies and learn even more about coatings and the vital role they play in the UK economy and wider society.

“We are grateful for Adam Jogee MP for helping us make all the necessary arrangements and to the other MPs who gave up their time to drop-in and speak to us. We will continue to build our Parliamentary profile to ensure more Parliamentarians know about the essential nature of coatings as well as the key issues affecting our sector, such as the need for a resolution to UK REACH.”

CLICK HERE for more information about BCF’s Essential Coatings campaign