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Office building of collapsed construction firm Harry Fairclough

Warrington HQ of Collapsed Construction Firm Harry Fairclough Set for Sale

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The former headquarters of the historic construction firm Harry Fairclough, based in Warrington, is set to be sold off by administrators. The company, which had a significant presence in civil engineering and building projects for over 120 years, entered administration and subsequently liquidation, leading to the redundancy of around 150 employees.

Key Takeaways

  • The Warrington headquarters of collapsed construction firm Harry Fairclough is being sold.
  • The company entered administration in February last year, leading to around 150 job losses.
  • The 1.4-acre site is expected to be redeveloped for housing.
  • Administrators aim to maximise realisations for creditors.

Sale Of The Warrington Headquarters

Administrators Smith and Williamson have confirmed the sale of the freehold premises located off Howley Lane, which fronts the River Mersey. The 1.4-acre site, which has been marketed for the past 12 months, has attracted a mix of conditional and unconditional offers. The sale is intended to maximise the funds available to the creditors of Harry Fairclough Limited.

Company’s Demise And Impact

Harry Fairclough Limited, founded in 1898, specialised in civil contracts and also had a division for building projects for private and public sector clients. The firm entered administration in February of the previous year, with around 150 employees made redundant from its Warrington headquarters and West Yorkshire office. The company’s collapse was reportedly blamed on late and non-paying customers. At the time of its demise, the firm had undertaken projects such as a lion enclosure at Chester Zoo and work on extensions for Blackpool Sixth Form College.

Future Of The Site

The sale of the Howley Lane site is expected to pave the way for new housing development. Savills, which handled the sale, noted that the transaction underscores a growing confidence in the regional property market and strong demand for development land, even amidst broader market uncertainties. This positive outlook suggests potential for increased land values and mainstream house prices in the area.

Legal Action From Former Employees

Following the company’s collapse, a number of former employees have reportedly sought legal action. Law firm Simpson Millar stated it had begun investigations after receiving calls from ex-employees regarding the redundancy process. The firm was looking to secure a ‘Protective Award’ on behalf of employees, which is a payment awarded by an employment tribunal when an employer fails to properly consult staff during mass redundancies. Such awards can be accessed via the Government Insolvency Service.

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New concrete road construction with heavy machinery.

£1 Billion Deal Awarded for Major Concrete Road Overhaul Across England

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A consortium has secured a significant £1 billion deal to reconstruct England’s aging concrete road network. The “Legacy Concrete Roads Reconstruction” framework, awarded by National Highways, will span from 2026 to 2032, marking a substantial shift from patch repairs to wholesale replacement of these vital routes.

Key Takeaways

  • A £1 billion framework has been awarded for the reconstruction of legacy concrete roads in England.
  • The initiative will run from 2026 to 2032, covering RIS3 and the start of RIS4.
  • The focus is on full reconstruction rather than repairs, doubling previous planned spend.
  • Modern, quieter, and more resilient road surfaces will be implemented.
  • Sustainability and circular economy practices, including recycling, are core components.

A New Era For Road Reconstruction

National Highways has identified approximately 400 miles of its Strategic Road Network, primarily built in the 1960s and 1970s, as “legacy” concrete carriageways. These sections, concentrated in the eastern parts of England, are among the most maintenance-intensive. The new framework represents a significant strategic pivot, moving away from the lifecycle extension and repairs that characterised the previous £400 million arrangement.

Scope Of Works

The comprehensive scope of the “Legacy Concrete Roads Reconstruction” framework includes the demolition of existing concrete pavements, full reconstruction, installation of new pavement furniture and markings, and upgrades to hardened central reserves. Contractors will also be responsible for temporary traffic management, acting as principal designer and contractor under CDM 2015 regulations, and providing carbon capture reporting. A key emphasis will be placed on the recovery, recycling, and reuse of materials, aligning with National Highways’ commitment to lower-carbon renewals and circular economy principles.

Industry Collaboration And Future Vision

Companies like Kier Infrastructure and Sisk Infrastructure have expressed enthusiasm for their roles in this vital project. James Birch, managing director for transportation at Kier Infrastructure, highlighted the “integrated design and build expertise” and the opportunity to “play a key role in delivering essential upgrades.” Alan Rodger, Managing Director Sisk Infrastructure, looks forward to continuing a “long-standing relationship with National Highways” and collaborating with framework partners and the local supply chain.

Nick Knorr, head of the National Concrete Roads Programme, stated that the replacement of aging concrete roads with modern designs will ensure “smoother, quieter, and more resilient routes for millions of people.” This next phase, delivered in partnership with the supply chain, aims to bring lasting improvements to communities and businesses across England.

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Construction and engineering training bodies merging.

Construction and Engineering Training Bodies Face Potential Merger Following Government Review

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The UK government is set to launch a 12-week public consultation on the potential merger of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). This move follows an independent review that highlighted the need for greater collaboration and a strengthened role for industry training bodies in addressing critical skills gaps within the construction and engineering sectors.

Key Takeaways

  • A government consultation will commence this month on merging CITB and ECITB.
  • An independent review recommended a “fundamental reset” and a single, rebranded body.
  • The review identified significant skills challenges and proposed 63 recommendations.
  • Both training boards have already increased collaboration on key projects.

Review Highlights Need for Consolidation

An independent review, finalised in early 2025, assessed the effectiveness of both the ECITB and CITB. It concluded that while these Industry Training Boards (ITBs) play a vital role in addressing skills needs, their effectiveness could be significantly enhanced through a unified approach. The review proposed merging the two organisations into a single, rebranded body tasked with improving workforce capacity, capability, and resilience across both sectors. It also stressed the importance of retaining the levy-grant model but recommended a refocused strategy with clearer Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive measurable outcomes.

Enhanced Collaboration Underway

In anticipation of the review’s findings and to address common workforce challenges, the CITB and ECITB have been increasing their collaboration over the past year. Joint workstreams have focused on areas such as infrastructure development, increasing the number of trainers and assessors, clean energy job creation, and skills passporting. Examples include strategic skills planning for major projects like Sizewell C, where training pathways are being developed to span both civil construction and engineering construction phases.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Andrew Hockey, CEO of ECITB, emphasised the critical role of both industries in meeting government growth and clean energy targets, noting the forecast need for 40,000 additional workers in engineering construction by 2030. He stressed that any structural changes should not detract from the immediate need to attract and retain skilled workers. Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB, welcomed the review’s recognition of the skills challenges and highlighted the industry’s vital contribution to the wider economy. He added that the CITB is already implementing many of the report’s recommendations through its strategic plan and is committed to working collaboratively to meet industry needs.

Government’s Next Steps

The government has confirmed it will launch a 12-week consultation to gather further input on the proposed merger. While the review recommended a single body, the Department for Education has stated it currently has no plans to legislate for such a merger but will work with the ITBs and other government departments to implement many of the report’s recommendations over the coming year. A steering group will be established to oversee the implementation of all recommendations.

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Building materials with a red warning sticker.

Stricter Penalties for Unsafe Building Products Announced Post-Grenfell

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New legislation is set to introduce significantly harsher penalties for companies and individuals involved with unsafe and unregulated building products. This move, detailed in a government white paper, aims to create a more robust regime and prevent future tragedies like Grenfell.

Key Takeaways

  • Prison sentences, unlimited fines, and director disqualifications are among the proposed sanctions.
  • All construction products will be subject to mandatory checks under a new general safety requirement.
  • The reforms target weak oversight, competence, transparency in testing, and enforcement.

A New Era of Accountability

Building safety minister Samantha Dixon has unveiled proposals designed to overhaul the regulation of construction products. The “Construction Products White Paper” outlines a “robust regime” intended to address “weak institutional oversight, competence, rigour and transparency of testing and certification, inadequate product information and insufficient enforcement.” The government aims to close regulatory gaps and ensure accountability across the entire product chain.

Mandatory Checks and Robust Enforcement

Under the proposed reforms, all construction products, not just the current 37 per cent that are regulated, will face mandatory checks through a new general safety requirement. Enforcement will be strengthened with significant criminal penalties for non-compliance. Breaches could result in unlimited fines or imprisonment. The government is also consulting on the national regulator’s power to issue civil monetary penalties as an alternative to prosecution. Further sanctions, including director disqualification and the recouping of criminal proceeds, are also on the table.

Ten Pillars of Reform

The white paper details ten key measures to transform the sector:

  1. Mandatory requirements for all products.
  2. Additional controls for higher-risk products.
  3. Enhanced product information and transparency.
  4. Digitalisation and traceability.
  5. Strengthened testing and certification.
  6. Tougher enforcement and sanctions.
  7. Stronger routes to redress for affected parties.
  8. Sustainability and environmental alignment.
  9. Accountability and competence for all actors.
  10. Phased implementation to support SMEs and trade.

A 12-week consultation on these reforms is now open, with secondary legislation expected later this year. These changes are part of a broader effort to foster a “transformational cultural shift” within the construction industry, ensuring the safety of people and preventing costly remediation efforts.

Sources

Highland Council Appoints Four Contractors for £2.1bn Infrastructure Overhaul

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Highland Council has selected four main contractors to spearhead the initial phase of its ambitious £2.1 billion Highland Investment Plan (HIP). This 20-year capital programme aims to modernise public infrastructure across the region, with the first tranche of projects focusing on creating community hubs.

Key Takeaways

  • Four contractors – Morgan Sindall, Morrison Construction, Robertson Group, and Ogilvie Construction – have been appointed.
  • The projects are part of the first phase of the £2.1bn Highland Investment Plan (HIP).
  • The initial projects include schools, offices, depots, and partner facilities combined into community hubs.
  • Highland Council is the client, with hub North Scotland acting as the delivery partner.

Major Infrastructure Investment Underway

The appointed contractors will deliver seven key projects spanning from Thurso to Inverness. These schemes are the first to reach the preferred contractor stage under the council’s Points of Delivery (PoDs) programme. This initiative consolidates various public facilities into integrated community hubs, enhancing local services and infrastructure.

Project Allocations

The initial projects and their awarded contractors are:

  • Morgan Sindall: Beauly Primary PoD and Charleston Academy PoD.
  • Robertson Group: Dingwall Primary PoD (including St Clements School) and Tornagrain Primary PoD.
  • Morrison Construction: Fortrose Academy PoD and Thurso PoD.
  • Ogilvie Construction: Inverness High School PoD.

Funding and Delivery

The HIP will be financed through a combination of capital investment and a dedicated annual allocation equivalent to 2% of ring-fenced council tax revenue. The council has committed £750 million for investment over the next five years as part of the broader £2.1 billion programme. The procurement route, while not explicitly detailed, suggests an early contractor engagement process, likely a two-stage approach under the hub North Scotland framework. This allows for early involvement in consultation, design development, and pre-planning activities.

Stakeholder Reactions

Council leader Raymond Bremner hailed the appointments as a “major milestone” that will drive long-term improvements to schools and community facilities. Council convener Bill Lobban indicated that the next steps involve further community engagement and detailed design. Glynis Sinclair, chair of the housing and property committee, highlighted the programme’s potential to support new homes and employment opportunities, including graduate and apprenticeship roles. Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, confirmed that design and delivery efforts are already in progress.

Contractors expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. Gordon Williamson, managing director for Morrison Construction Building Highland, stated their commitment to developing plans for two new schools. Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, noted the appointments reflect the strength of their Inverness-based team. Elliot Robertson, CEO of Robertson Construction Group, confirmed their team’s collaboration on the Dingwall and Tornagrain projects, while Martin Poole, preconstruction director at Ogilvie Construction, outlined their role in delivering the Inverness High School building.

Sources

Construction site with cranes and workers in the Midlands.

Midlands Construction Boom: Subcontractors Urgently Needed for Regional Projects

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The Midlands region is experiencing a significant surge in construction activity, leading to a high demand for skilled subcontractors. Numerous projects are underway or planned across various sectors, creating substantial opportunities for tradespeople and specialist firms. This expansion signals a robust period for the construction industry in the heart of the UK.

Key Takeaways

  • A growing number of construction projects are launching across the Midlands.
  • There is a pressing need for a diverse range of subcontractors.
  • This presents a significant opportunity for skilled trades and specialist firms.

Opportunities Abound

The construction sector in the Midlands is gearing up for a busy period, with a wide array of projects requiring specialised skills. From infrastructure upgrades to new commercial and residential developments, the demand for reliable and experienced subcontractors is at an all-time high. This presents a golden opportunity for businesses looking to expand their portfolio and secure lucrative contracts.

Diverse Project Landscape

Projects span across multiple areas, including:

  • Infrastructure: Road improvements, public transport enhancements, and utility works.
  • Commercial: New office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial units.
  • Residential: Housing developments and apartment complexes.

This diversity means that a broad spectrum of trades, from electricians and plumbers to bricklayers and groundworkers, will be in demand. Specialist services such as demolition, scaffolding, and surveying are also expected to see increased requirements.

Navigating the Demand

Construction firms operating in the Midlands are actively seeking to partner with competent subcontractors to ensure timely project completion and maintain high standards of quality. Companies are encouraged to highlight their expertise and track record to secure their place in this burgeoning market. The region’s strategic location and ongoing investment are driving this sustained growth, promising a dynamic environment for the foreseeable future.

Somerset Gigafactory construction site with cranes and buildings.

Somerset Gigafactory Reaches Major Construction Milestone

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A significant construction milestone has been achieved at Agratas’ £4 billion gigafactory in Bridgwater, Somerset, marking a crucial step in the development of the UK’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The completion of the steel frame for ‘Building One’ signifies substantial progress for this landmark project, which is set to bolster the UK’s clean technology sector.

Key Takeaways

  • The steel frame for Agratas’ ‘Building One’ has been successfully erected.
  • The facility is poised to become the UK’s largest EV battery plant.
  • The project represents a £4 billion investment by Tata Group’s global battery business.
  • It is expected to create around 4,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the local economy.

Steel Frame Completion

Agratas, the global battery business of Tata Group, has announced the completion of the steel frame for its expansive battery manufacturing facility located in Bridgwater, Somerset. This structure, which forms the first phase of the project known as ‘Building One’, spans an impressive 525 metres in length, 167 metres in width, and reaches a height of 34 metres at its peak. The construction utilized 23,000 tonnes of steel, an amount equivalent to that used in Wembley Stadium, with 100 per cent of the steel sourced from the UK.

Project Significance and Economic Impact

This milestone is a critical step towards bringing the facility to life and underscores the project’s momentum. The gigafactory is designed to produce battery cells for both automotive use and energy storage, playing a vital role in advancing clean technology and sustainable energy solutions in the UK. Industry minister Chris McDonald highlighted the site’s importance in the nation’s clean energy transition and the Modern Industrial Strategy. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to create approximately 4,000 jobs and inject over £700 million in annual economic value into the South West region.

Next Steps and Job Creation

The completion of the steel frame paves the way for subsequent construction phases, including the installation of external cladding and roofing, followed by the internal fit-out. Recruitment efforts are ongoing, with plans to employ around 1,600 people to support battery production in the coming year. Positions will span operations, maintenance, quality control, technical, engineering, and logistics functions. The project is being delivered by Agratas’ construction partner, Sir Robert McAlpine, in collaboration with steel contractor Severfield and the design and engineering team at Stantec.

Timeline and Development

Construction work on the multi-billion-pound project commenced in 2024. While initial plans aimed for completion of ‘Building One’ in 2026, recent information suggests a revised target of 2027 for its completion. The project also involves significant infrastructure development, including a new junction on the M5 motorway, contracted to Costain Group.

Sources

Bristol's tallest tower under construction against a blue sky.

Olympian Homes Secures Funding and Approvals for Bristol’s Tallest Tower

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Olympian Homes has successfully secured crucial funding and cleared a significant regulatory hurdle, paving the way for the construction of Bristol’s tallest building. The development, a partnership with Cain, will feature two towers, one rising to 28 storeys for student accommodation and an 18-storey building for co-living units. This milestone marks a significant step forward for Olympian’s growth strategy in a challenging market.

Key Takeaways

  • Funding secured from Cain International and Apollo.
  • Gateway 2 approval obtained, enabling immediate construction.
  • Project completion targeted for mid-2028, ready for the 28/29 academic year.
  • The development will include 442 student beds and 150 co-living units.

Project Details and Timeline

The ambitious project involves the construction of two towers. The taller, 28-storey block will house 442 student bedrooms, while a separate 18-storey building will offer 150 co-living units. RG Group is set to deliver the construction, with completion anticipated by mid-2028, in time for the 2028/29 academic year.

Regulatory Approval and Collaboration

A major step forward was the approval of Gateway 2, achieved through a highly collaborative process. Olympian Homes worked closely with the Building Safety Regulator’s innovation unit, which significantly accelerated the application timeline. Richard Goodwin, construction director at Olympian, highlighted the efficiency, stating the process was completed in just 14 weeks, a testament to the strong working relationship among the project team.

Amenities and Affordable Housing

Beyond accommodation, the development will feature approximately 15,000 sq. ft of amenity space. This includes facilities such as a cinema room, fitness suite, study areas, a games room, and group dining facilities. Of the 132 co-living homes planned, 20% will be designated as affordable, with rents aligned with local housing allowance rates.

Olympian Homes’ Strategic Growth

Olympian chairman Mark Slatter commented on the company’s continued progress, emphasizing that Olympian Homes is advancing its growth strategy despite a challenging market. The company remains focused on acquiring and redeveloping high-quality urban sites, with this Bristol project representing a significant addition to its portfolio of over 2 million sq. ft of ‘in construction’ deals.

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New Black Country headquarters building for S&R Construction.

S&R Construction Unveils £8 Million Black Country Headquarters to Fuel Expansion

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S&R Construction has officially opened its new £8 million state-of-the-art headquarters in Kingswinford, marking a significant investment in the Black Country. The move to the regenerated 2.3-acre site on Dawley Brook Road signifies the company’s substantial growth and commitment to facilitating future expansion.

Key Takeaways

  • Significant Investment: £8 million invested in a new, modern headquarters.
  • Growth Facilitation: The facility is designed to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.
  • Employee Focus: Features include a training academy, events space, and a well-equipped gym.
  • Operational Hub: Includes a large depot for traffic management operations and fleet maintenance.
  • Local Roots: The family-run business, founded in 1998, continues to invest in the Black Country.

A New Home for Growth

The newly established headquarters boasts a modern two-storey office block, serving as the firm’s administrative hub. It incorporates a dedicated training academy, an events space, and an expansive gym accessible to all staff and partners, underscoring the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing and development. The rear of the site features a substantial depot area with specialized facilities for the traffic management operation and ample space for the maintenance and upkeep of its extensive fleet of plant equipment and vehicles.

From Humble Beginnings to £51 Million Turnover

This new facility represents a remarkable local success story. Founded in 1998 by Steven Sankey with a small team focused on tarmac laying, S&R Construction has evolved into a multi-utility services provider, groundworks specialist, traffic management expert, and housing developer. The family-run business, now joined by Steven’s three sons Chris, Jamie, and Ryan, has surpassed £51 million in turnover and directly and indirectly employs 350 people. The journey from its inception to this significant investment has taken nearly three years from land acquisition to completion.

Vision for the Future

Steven Sankey expressed his vision for the new headquarters: “We wanted to regenerate an old traditional Black Country site and create something special, a home where our team wanted to come to work and a place where we could entertain clients.” The offices are ergonomically designed with the latest lighting, and various relaxation spaces have been created for staff. The emphasis on mental wellbeing is evident, with a gym featuring cardio machines, weights, and even a boxing ring.

Diversification and Ambition

S&R Construction’s growth has been driven by versatility and diversification. While traditionally strong in multi-utility services, laying millions of metres of gas, water, and electricity mains across the UK, the company has expanded significantly over the last seven years. It has developed its own groundworks and traffic management divisions and launched two housing development companies, Wychbury Developments and Dwello Partnerships. This integrated approach has been key to winning new contracts and enhancing the customer experience. The company has ambitious plans, aiming to reach £70 million in turnover by the end of 2026, which is expected to necessitate further recruitment. S&R Construction remains committed to its Black Country roots, actively investing in apprentices, supporting local charities, and sponsoring local sporting talent.

Sources

HS2 tunnel boring machine at Euston, London.

HS2 Tunnelling to Euston Commences: A New Era for High-Speed Rail in London

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The first of two colossal tunnel boring machines (TBMs) has officially begun its journey from Old Oak Common to Euston Station, marking a significant milestone for the High Speed Two (HS2) project. This crucial step brings the high-speed railway closer to its central London terminus, promising substantial economic benefits and improved connectivity.

Key Takeaways

  • Tunnelling for HS2 into Euston has officially begun, with the first of two TBMs starting its 4.5-mile journey.
  • This development is seen as essential for unlocking HS2’s full economic potential, with estimates suggesting up to £41 billion could be added to the UK economy by 2053.
  • The project is expected to support approximately 34,000 jobs through redevelopment around Euston.
  • The start of tunnelling signifies renewed momentum for HS2, addressing previous concerns about the line potentially terminating at Old Oak Common.

A Monumental Engineering Feat

The TBM, named ‘Madeleine’ after Madeleine Nobbs, former president of the Women’s Engineering Society, weighs a staggering 1,624 tonnes. As it advances, it simultaneously excavates the tunnel and constructs its lining using pre-cast concrete segments. This process will remove over 1.5 million tonnes of excavated material, much of which will be transported by rail to minimise environmental impact and disruption.

This operation is one of the most complex engineering challenges on the HS2 project, with the two parallel tunnels requiring the installation of over 8,000 pre-cast tunnel rings. The entire tunnelling phase is anticipated to take between 12 to 18 months.

Unlocking Economic Potential

Bringing HS2 into Euston is considered vital for realising the project’s full economic benefits. Estimates suggest that redevelopment around Euston could inject approximately £41 billion into the UK economy by 2053, creating around 34,000 jobs. Furthermore, HS2 is projected to contribute £10 billion to the west London economy over the next decade, fostering the development of new homes and employment opportunities.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was brilliant to switch on the tunnel boring machine at Old Oak Common today – not just because it’s an engineering marvel – but because it brings HS2’s journey to Euston another step closer to reality.”

A Modern Transport Hub for London

The plans for Euston extend beyond the new HS2 station, envisioning a fully integrated transport hub. This will combine the new HS2 facilities with a redeveloped mainline station and upgraded London Underground services. A new body, the Euston Delivery Company, will oversee both the transport improvements and wider commercial development at the site.

Broader Railway Modernisation

The commencement of tunnelling to Euston underscores the government’s commitment to modernising Britain’s railways. This initiative aligns with wider reforms aimed at consolidating rail services under Great British Railways, with the objective of enhancing value, reliability, and passenger experience across the network.

With over 33,000 people currently employed on HS2, the project continues to be a significant driver of employment and economic activity. The successful completion of the Euston tunnels is seen as a crucial step in delivering faster, more reliable journeys and freeing up capacity on existing rail lines.

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