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Last updateThu, 08 Oct 2026 11am

New shared ownership homes get first time buyers on the property ladder

Recent reports published by Hamptons International suggested that the average first-time buyer could take around 10 years to save enough money for a house deposit, and in London the wait could be as much as 16 years. Specifically, in Surrey, the average deposit saving time for an individual is 13 years and 6 months, and for a couple five years and 9 months. Those keen to jump onto the property ladder within Surrey will be pleased to hear about a brand-new set of homes within the area, supported by a shared ownership scheme. Housing association Aster has recently launched its latest edition to the market, comprising a range of brand-new stylish home options including a set of one-bedroom apartments, two- and three-bedroom semis and a range of three-bedroom detached homes. 

Read more: New shared ownership homes get first time buyers on the property ladder

Harnessing that satisfaction that only building can give you #iBuiltThis2019

The #iBuiltThis2019 competition is open for entries. The competition, run by FIS, now in its third year, is a visual campaign that draws on the pride construction workers take when they see finished projects that they have worked on - harnessing the “I Built This” feeling to promote construction as a career choice. 

The competition platform goes live on 13 June and entries will close on 15 September with the winners announced at the awards ceremony at UK Construction Week on 8 October 2019. 

Read more: Harnessing that satisfaction that only building can give you #iBuiltThis2019

Mick George Ltd go ‘Down South’

Having made no secret of their plans to expand geographically and having already delivered contracting services as far North as Arbroath, Mick George Ltd has now landed their most Southernly job to date, in Southampton, on the Adanac Park development.

The business has established itself in the East Anglian and East Midlands regions but having secured works 513 miles apart, literally from one end of the country to the other; and into Scotland, the business really can now be recognised as a national Contractor.  

Read more: Mick George Ltd go ‘Down South’

SafeSite Facilities bolsters team with new management appointments

Construction safety and security specialist SafeSite Facilities has strengthened its operations team with the appointment of Raj Paul as Contracts Manager - Perimeter Security and Tony Wheeler as Operations and Transport Manager.

Mr Paul joins the company having held senior commercial roles at Royal Mail and Arcadia Group. He was also previously Deputy Head of Retail Commerce at Advance Security Ltd, where he spent eight years specifying security systems for businesses. Whilst at Royal Mail Mr Paul built a multi-million-pound sales pipeline which saw the company’s head count increase by almost 100 team members to deliver new business. He delivered a raft of efficiency measures at Arcadia Group to keep one of its leading high street brands buoyant during a challenging retail financial climate.

Read more: SafeSite Facilities bolsters team with new management appointments

Cut project time with modular buildings

Save 50% time + 20% Costs

Modular construction could transform the construction market, offering possible savings of up to 20% while significantly reducing the construction time by up to 50%. The process would involve part of the building process being shifted to factories, offering the ability to create precision parts that offer a range of quality related benefit to overall project outcomes – including energy efficiency gains and better site safety.

Read more: Cut project time with modular buildings

FASET film goes live

FASET has launched a new marketing film aimed at boosting awareness of the work of the UK trade body for safety netting and temporary safety systems in construction and its 40+ member companies. 

Read more: FASET film goes live

Mick George Ltd, inspiring the nation

The London Stock Exchange Group has today published the sixth annual edition of their 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report, which identifies the UK’s fastest growing businesses.

Focused on recognising Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses, from dynamic start-ups to established family firms, the release features companies from a range of sectors and regions, acknowledging the entrepreneurial drive witnessed across the UK at present.  

Read more: Mick George Ltd, inspiring the nation

CRA launches new Emerging Talent Award

The Concrete Repair Association (CRA), one of the organisations which make up the Structural Concrete Alliance, has launched a new Emerging Talent Award to recognise the achievements of new entrants to the concrete repair industry. The award aims to provide essential support and encouragement to assist further career progression for a new generation of repair and refurbishment specialists.

Offering a cash prize of £2,000 to the winner, the award seeks to reward individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to a business or project in the sphere of concrete repair and refurbishment.  Its goal is to encourage continued personal development, while bringing new talent into the Association and promoting greater participation in its activities. 

Read more: CRA launches new Emerging Talent Award

Rail Tales – Capita to host Women in Health and Safety event

Capita is hosting a free-to-attend event with breakfast and networking. 

The event, called Rail Tales, will take place on Wednesday 17 July from 08.30 – 10.30 at Capita, 65 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7NQ.

Read more: Rail Tales – Capita to host Women in Health and Safety event

Oak Processionary Moth threatens UK oak trees - Boningale cease importation

Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) outbreaks in the UK pose a serious threat to our oak trees. Boningale are ceasing importation of oak trees effective immediately, and will only be sourcing UK oak stock. 

OPM is already established in greater London and some surrounding areas. Defra have noted that the UK Plant Health Service are taking steps to eradicate recent findings of OPM in Hampshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. These steps may include surveillance, tracing and destruction of the caterpillars and infested trees. 

Read more: Oak Processionary Moth threatens UK oak trees - Boningale cease importation

3 Education celebrates 10 year milestone and over 8,000 trained

Leading working at height training providers, 3 Education, has reached a business milestone – 10 years independent trading, with more than 8,000 individuals trained.

The 3 Education brand is run by work at height training industry guru, Rob Harris, 54, who’s been at the forefront of safety training – particularly in man safe safety nets, stair towers and temporary edge protection – for more than 25 years. 

Read more: 3 Education celebrates 10 year milestone and over 8,000 trained