Costain enhances social value measurement on infrastructure projects

Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is rolling out a new social value tool designed to help delivery teams consistently measure and improve social impact and outcomes ​across all of its projects. The tool offers the unique feature of standardising data-driven evidence of the positive societal and environmental impacts achieved during a project’s lifecycle. The collected data … Read more

NFB launches AI handbook to help contractors embrace new tech

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) in collaboration with the Southern Counties Builders Association (SCBA) has launched a new handbook for building contractors, aimed at helping the construction sector utilise AI in business operations to improve business productivity. The launch of the handbook coincides with the release of the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan which … Read more

Road maintenance should be synonymous with safety improvement, say WJ Group

Road safety, surface treatments and line markings specialist, WJ Group, has responded to the announcement of £1.6 billion in road maintenance funding for local authorities by calling for the funds to be allocated to long-term maintenance activities that maximise road safety and value for money. While the funding is not ring-fenced for pothole repair, the Department … Read more

Neustark urges UK Government to prioritise green construction materials ahead of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3)

As the UK’s Labour government picks up the tail-end of the ambitious £27.4 billion Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) plan, Swiss-based carbon removal provider neustark is calling for a more climate-friendly approach to road construction; urging the government to enhance existing plans by incorporating innovative materials like carbonated recycled concrete aggregate in National Highways’ projects.  The current … Read more

21% wage boost for ScottishPower apprentices

ScottishPower apprentices have been given a salary boost with the company upping starting rates by over 20% as it ramps up recruitment.  Its SP Energy Networks business is the first electricity grid company to pay the Real Living Wage for craft apprentices with starting salaries increasing from £20,000 to £24,310 from 2025 for all first-year … Read more

Cautious optimism in construction materials markets

British construction’s demand for heavy side materials increased in the final months of 2024, according to new data from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) which is calling on the Government to turn pledges into policies that support growth. From a very low base, sales volumes of ready-mixed concrete in Great Britain rose in the final quarter … Read more

Hexa Aims To ‘Change the Skyline of Sheffield’ With Opening of New City Office

Specialist engineering consultancy Hexa has announced the opening of its new office in Sheffield, marking significant expansion into the North of England. In addition, Harry Davison and Jake Adams have been promoted to associates and will be leading the new Sheffield presence. The new Hexa base is strategically located within Sheffield’s vibrant Heart of the … Read more

Winvic secures place on £800m Eastern Highways Alliance Framework

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed to the Eastern Highways Alliance Framework (EHF4), securing a place on all three Lots over a potential six-year cycle. The EHF4 framework, valued at up to £800 million, is … Read more

Be.EV Launches First NatWest and KfW IPEX-Backed Ultra-Rapid Charging Hub in Hulme

National EV charging network Be.EV has launched an ultra-rapid charging hub at Hulme Retail Park.  The site is the first to be funded via Be.EV’s landmark £55 million debt financing partnership with high street giant NatWest and Germany’s project and export financier KfW IPEX-Bank, announced in 2024.  Located at Hulme Retail Park, the new hub … Read more

McPhillips builds on diamond year with multi-million project pipeline

Award-winning Shropshire constructor McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd is building on the success of its milestone 60th year, kicking off 2025 with a strong order book across diverse sectors. Managing director Paul Inions said the company was looking to build on its recent successes and maintain its position of strength and diversity in its project portfolio. January … Read more