Construction National

Paddington Construction asset sales raise over £200,000 following closure

When Paddington Construction ceased trading, BPI was appointed to manage the sale of its extensive woodworking and metalworking machinery, resulting in a sale of close to £200,000.

Known for producing high-quality steel-framed bathroom pods for both commercial and private developments, the business had grown significantly over its 15-year history, expanding into a purpose-built facility in North London to meet growing demand and offer clients a hands-on approach to off-site construction.

Read more: Paddington Construction asset sales raise over £200,000 following closure

Hoist & Winch performance reaches new heights in roof replacement project

When a landmark building in Nottingham required the replacement of its fabric tensile roof covering, the subcontractor tasked with this critical work turned to the expertise of Hoist & Winch Ltd for the roof lowering and lifting solution. The eye-catching building, a former HMRC complex similar in design to London’s O2 Arena, is today part of Nottingham University’s Castle Meadow Campus.

Read more: Hoist & Winch performance reaches new heights in roof replacement project

Abingdon & Witney College expands Bicester campus

Abingdon & Witney College are proud to announce the expansion of their construction facilities in Bicester to meet the demand in the area. This significant growth reflects the College’s commitment to meeting the increasing demands of the local and regional construction sector, ensuring local businesses have a steady pipeline of skilled, job-ready apprentices.

Read more: Abingdon & Witney College expands Bicester campus

VM Elevators secures CHAS Elite certification

VM Elevators, a leading independent lift and escalator specialist, has achieved CHAS Elite certification, reinforcing its commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. The award strengthens the company's ability to secure large-scale contracts, simplifies the pre-qualification process, and enhances its credibility in a competitive industry.

Read more: VM Elevators secures CHAS Elite certification

Construction project presses home the advantage of using Hoist & Winch

To ensure the safe, effective and efficient transfer of plant equipment into the basement energy room of a new residential tower block in London, a major construction project leveraged the advantages of appointing Hoist & Winch Ltd as its supplier of turnkey lifting equipment. Tasked with meeting the requirements of a technically challenging brief, Hoist & Winch demonstrated why it has become the nation’s go-to solution provider of high-quality lifting systems.

Read more: Construction project presses home the advantage of using Hoist & Winch

The new Central Digital Platform: What you need to know

The government is set to launch its Central Digital Platform (CDP) in February 2025, aligning with the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023. Contrary to some misconceptions, the CDP does not replace the need for supplier prequalification, but it is being billed as a significant step in modernising public services, streamlining procurement activities, and opening new opportunities for suppliers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ian McKinnon, Chief Product Officer, Veriforce CHAS shares what you need to know. 

Read more: The new Central Digital Platform: What you need to know

What does the Procurement Act 2023 mean for Social Value?

With the Procurement Act 2023 set to 'go live' in February 2025, Ian McKinnon, Chief Product Officer at Veriforce CHAS, explores the background of Social Value and where it fits in relation to the Act.

As many businesses can evidence, Social Value has become a core component in public sector procurement over the last ten years. Yet, while Social Value is far from a new concept, its integration has proved slow. Hampered by a lack of clarity around its definition and measurement, it has been left open to interpretation.

Read more: What does the Procurement Act 2023 mean for Social Value?

Seven issues affecting the construction industry in 2025

The construction industry is navigating a period of significant change, shaped by new government initiatives, regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and global challenges. These factors are creating both obstacles and opportunities for growth. Ian McKinnon, Managing Director, Veriforce CHAS (pictured), highlights some critical issues that will define the sector in 2025 and outlines how industry players can adapt.

Read more: Seven issues affecting the construction industry in 2025

Veriforce CHAS collaboration fuels fleet expansion and operational growth

KM Group, a multi-award-winning leader in construction, civil engineering, and utility infrastructure services, has been enjoying steady growth, supported by its CHAS Elite CAS SSIP certifications. These awards highlight KM Group's commitment to safe and responsible operations, making onboarding new clients faster and easier. However, with this growth comes practical challenges, particularly the need for more vehicles to support their expanding team.

Previously, KM Group sourced its fleet of around 50 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from multiple suppliers, which was time-consuming, costly, and logistically inconvenient. As the company continued to expand, it became clear that they needed a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution for acquiring vehicles.

Read more: Veriforce CHAS collaboration fuels fleet expansion and operational growth

New study confirms heat pumps vastly outperform traditional heating systems

A groundbreaking study analysing real-world performance data for heat pumps across the UK has revealed that both Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) deliver substantial efficiency gains over traditional gas and oil boilers, with GSHPs offering even greater long-term performance advantages.

The report, “In-Situ Heat Pump Performance - Analysis of Ofgem Data 2017–2022”, funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), and the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA), assessed data from over 1,700 heat pump installations monitored between 2017 and 2022.

Read more: New study confirms heat pumps vastly outperform traditional heating systems