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Builder threatens inspectors, claims to be James Bond.

Builder Fined Over £10,000 After Threatening HSE Inspectors and Claiming to Be ‘James Bond’

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A site manager, who identified himself to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors as ‘James Bond’, has been fined over £10,000 for threatening behaviour and obstructing their work. David Robert Lane, 59, refused to cooperate with inspectors investigating unsafe practices at a cottage refurbishment site in Staffordshire.

Key Takeaways

  • A builder claimed to be ‘James Bond’ when confronted by HSE inspectors.
  • He threatened the inspectors and refused to allow them to inspect the site.
  • The builder was fined £3,000, with £6,450 in court costs and a £1,200 victim surcharge.
  • The HSE emphasised its zero-tolerance policy towards the obstruction of its inspectors.

Confrontation and Threats

The incident occurred on February 11, 2025, when two HSE inspectors observed workers accessing a roof from an excavator bucket at a site in Rugeley. When they approached to conduct their inspection, Lane intervened. He refused to provide his real name, stating he was ‘James Bond’, and claimed to be the property owner. He asserted that the workers were unpaid friends and relatives and that the inspectors had no legal right to be there. Lane then made threats of violence, leading the inspectors to withdraw from the site.

Return with Police and Prosecution

The inspectors returned a week later, accompanied by officers from Staffordshire Police. Lane greeted them with a shout of “It’s PC Plod!” and continued to refuse identification. He instructed his staff not to speak to the HSE, reiterating that they were not at work and that the inspectors should leave. Following further inquiries, Lane was identified as the site manager and served with enforcement action. Upon notification of prosecution for obstruction under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Lane sent three expletive-laden emails, stating, “I won’t jump through your hoops.”

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

David Robert Lane, of Rugeley, Staffordshire, failed to attend Birmingham Magistrates Court on two separate occasions. He was found guilty in his absence on January 9 and subsequently fined £3,000. He was also ordered to pay £6,450 in court costs and a £1,200 victim surcharge, bringing the total to £10,650.

HSE Statement

HSE inspector Gareth Langston commented on the case, highlighting the challenges faced in ensuring workplace health and safety across Great Britain. He stressed that HSE inspectors have a vital role in safeguarding workers and that while most employers cooperate professionally, obstruction will not be tolerated. “HSE will not tolerate the obstruction of its inspectors, and may prosecute offenders in rare cases such as this, where this is necessary,” Langston stated.

Sources

Cityscape at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers

Higgins Group Surges Back to Profitability with Turnover Exceeding £300 Million

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Family-owned contractor Higgins has announced a significant return to profitability, with its annual turnover surpassing the £300 million mark. This marks a strong recovery after two years of losses, driven by a substantial increase in revenue and strategic management of legacy issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Higgins Group reported a pre-tax profit of just over £1 million for the year ending July 2025, a notable increase from £280,000 in the previous period.
  • Turnover surged by 51% to £315 million, exceeding the £300 million threshold.
  • The company allocated £7.3 million towards rectification works on older projects and set aside an additional £3.9 million for remaining repairs.
  • Despite market challenges, sales rates and values remained in line with expectations, demonstrating the desirability of their homes.
  • The firm’s financial health improved, with cash reserves rising to £25 million and debt reducing to £14.7 million.
  • Higgins Homes has entered a not guilty plea to corporate manslaughter charges related to a 2018 incident.

Financial Recovery and Growth

The Essex-based contractor has successfully navigated a challenging period, reporting a pre-tax profit of just over £1 million for the year ending July 2025. This figure represents a substantial improvement from the £280,000 profit recorded in the previous year. The company’s income experienced a significant boost, climbing by 51% to reach £315 million, comfortably surpassing the £300 million milestone.

Addressing Legacy Issues

Higgins acknowledged spending £7.3 million on “rectification works” for older schemes during the reporting year. Furthermore, the company has earmarked an additional £3.9 million to address remaining repair obligations. Despite these costs, the firm expressed confidence in the quality and desirability of its housing developments, noting that sales rates and values were broadly in line with expectations.

Market Challenges and Future Outlook

While celebrating its financial turnaround, Higgins highlighted ongoing challenges within the construction sector. The company noted that regulatory requirements from the Building Safety Regulator, coupled with a complex planning system, have led to project start delays, particularly in London. Nevertheless, the firm’s financial position has strengthened, with cash reserves increasing by over £15 million to £25 million and total debt decreasing from £20 million to £14.7 million.

Legal Proceedings

In a separate development, Higgins Homes has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of corporate manslaughter. The charges stem from a fatal accident that occurred on a Higgins Homes construction site nearly eight years ago, involving the death of 28-year-old pedestrian Michaela Boor. The company stated that its directors believe there is a strong defence. A trial is anticipated to commence later this year.

Higgins was ranked 93rd in Building’s Top 150 Contractors & Housebuilders list last year, marking a rise of 28 places from the previous year.

Sources

London skyline with construction cranes and unfinished buildings.

London’s Housing Crisis Deepens Amidst Critical Construction Skills Shortage

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London is grappling with a severe housing crisis, exacerbated by a significant shortage of skilled construction workers. This deficit is not only delaying new home builds but also prompting potential buyers to opt for older properties, further straining the market. The situation highlights a critical need for workforce development in the capital’s building sector.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 10% of Londoners face waits exceeding a year for essential tradespeople like handymen and electricians.
  • A similar percentage of prospective buyers have delayed moving into new builds due to construction delays caused by a lack of tradespeople.
  • Many are choosing older homes over new builds because of projected longer construction timelines.
  • A tenth of potential buyers have abandoned purchases entirely due to mortgage offer expirations caused by building delays.

The Scale Of The Skills Gap

New data reveals the stark reality of London’s construction labour shortage. Polling indicates that more than one in ten London residents have endured waits of over a year for services from handymen or electricians. The situation is equally dire for other trades, with less than five percent of residents able to secure a roofer within a month, and only three percent finding a bricklayer in the same timeframe.

Impact On New Builds And Homebuyers

The consequences for the new build sector are significant. Thirteen percent of survey respondents reported delays in moving into their new homes because construction was not completed on schedule, directly attributed to a shortage of skilled workers. Furthermore, the same proportion opted to purchase older properties instead of new builds, citing concerns about significantly extended construction periods. Alarmingly, one in ten individuals were forced to withdraw from purchasing a home altogether when their mortgage offers expired due to these persistent building delays.

Challenges For Tradespeople And The Wider Economy

Clive Holland of Fix Radio highlighted that the demand for construction work consistently outstrips the available workforce, a gap that has been widening. He noted that working in London has become increasingly challenging due to factors such as high daily charges, elevated operating costs, the risk of tool and van theft, and general safety concerns. These pressures are leading many tradespeople to relocate to areas like the Midlands or Bristol, where the day-to-day pressures are more manageable.

Government Targets And The Reality On The Ground

The Mayor of London is tasked with delivering 88,000 new homes annually for the next decade. However, last year saw the completion of only 11,600 new properties. The Deputy Mayor for Housing, Tom Copley, has acknowledged a “crisis” in construction skills, expressing concerns about the insufficient number of trained workers and a lack of educators to train the next generation. This shortage impacts not only the quantity but also the quality of new homes, with an increase in snagging and remedial work suggesting a decline in build quality.

Proposed Solutions And Future Outlook

Calls are being made to make London a more viable place for tradespeople, including suggestions to scrap ULEZ and congestion charges for them and to strengthen enforcement against tool theft. While the government has pledged significant funding to create more skilled construction workers by 2029, the immediate impact on London’s ambitious housing targets remains to be seen. The complexity of the issue extends to attracting talent to teach in further education colleges, with current pay scales being insufficient to draw experienced professionals from lucrative building sites.

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Thurston Group building, securing jobs for over 200 employees.

Jobs Secured: Thurston Group Acquired Out of Administration, Safeguarding Over 200 Roles

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Wakefield-based modular building manufacturer, Thurston Group, has been successfully acquired out of administration, securing the future of over 200 jobs. The deal, finalised on December 23rd, 2025, sees the company purchased by privately owned industrial firm GCH Corporation Ltd, preventing significant redundancies.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 200 jobs saved at Thurston Group.
  • GCH Corporation Ltd has acquired the modular building specialist.
  • Thurston Group faced “several business challenges” leading to administration.
  • The new owners are committed to stabilising and investing in the business.

Administration and Acquisition

Thurston Group, a manufacturer of modular and offsite buildings for sectors including healthcare, education, commercial, and industrial, had filed a notice to appoint administrators in late November 2025. The company, which employed 275 people at the time, appointed restructuring specialists Leonard Curtis to manage the administration process and identify a potential buyer. The sale to GCH Corporation Ltd was completed swiftly, with administrators confirming that the deal successfully protected over 200 jobs, although some redundancies were unavoidable.

New Ownership and Future Outlook

GCH Corporation Ltd, a London-based industrial manufacturing and distribution firm, acquired Thurston Group for an undisclosed sum. Cassie Hutchings, CEO of GCH Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “Thurston is a respected UK manufacturer of modular buildings with a strong heritage and deep sector expertise. As a long-term, privately owned industrial group, GCH is committed to stabilising and investing in the business. We are excited to welcome Thurston into the GCH family and look forward to supporting its next phase of growth.”

Business Challenges and Strategic Position

Thurston Group’s most recent annual results, for the year ending October 31, 2024, showed a revenue of £46.5m and a pre-tax profit of £2.5m. However, the company had warned of “numerous external pressures” impacting the construction industry, including decreased client spending, cost inflation, and labour shortages. Despite these challenges, Thurston Group holds positions on several significant public-sector frameworks, such as LHC Procurement Group’s £265m modular buildings framework and the £3bn Major Works Education Framework in London. The company had also made strategic acquisitions in the past year, including Storplan Racking Ltd and Alsim System Building, and had set ambitious turnover targets for 2027.

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Henry Group Holdings liquidation: creditor claims and financial distress.

Henry Group Holdings Faces £141 Million in Creditor Claims Amidst Liquidation

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Administrators for Henry Group Holdings (HGH) have reported receiving claims totalling £141.15 million from unsecured creditors. The London-headquartered company, established in 2016 and solely owned by Mark Henry, entered liquidation on August 18, 2023. HGH is the parent company of Henry Construction Projects, which is also currently in administration.

Key Takeaways

  • Unsecured creditors have lodged claims amounting to £141.15 million against Henry Group Holdings.
  • The parent company, HGH, entered liquidation in August 2023.
  • Its subsidiary, Henry Construction Projects, is also under administration.
  • Administrators are working to assign some claims to the subsidiary’s administration process.
  • A separate £31 million High Court claim has been filed against former directors of Henry Construction.

Claims Against Henry Group Holdings

Joint liquidators Kevin Coates and Robert Starkins from Grant Thornton UK Advisory are managing the winding-up progress for HGH. Their report indicates efforts are underway to assign certain claims to the administrators of Henry Construction Projects Ltd. The primary remaining tasks involve monitoring the progress of these assigned claims, which includes seeking advice from their legal team. Future realisations are currently uncertain and will depend on the successful pursuit of these claims.

Legal Action Against Henry Construction

Meanwhile, the administration of Henry Construction is being handled by FRP Advisory. This firm has initiated a £31 million High Court claim against six family members and former directors of Henry Construction, including Mark Henry. The claim alleges unlawful payments were made from the firm for a family home and relatives’ tax bills, with administrators seeking repayment. A defence document filed with the court asserts that the parties deny all accusations of wrongdoing and argue that the payments were part of a legitimate intercompany arrangement.

The defence document further states that the defendants deny liability on all fronts. The administrators’ claim highlights a “pattern of conduct by Mark Henry” to transfer sums from his companies to “connected persons shortly before they entered insolvency”.

Financial Performance and Insolvency

Henry Construction Projects previously reported a turnover of £402.2 million and a pre-tax profit of £14 million in its financial accounts for the year ending June 30, 2021. However, the firm appointed administrators in June 2023, at which point it owed more than £40 million to suppliers. The next report to creditors from HGH’s liquidators is expected by December 25, 2026.

Sources

New housing estate development in London with apartment buildings.

London Set for Major Housing Boost as 1,000-Home Estate Regenerations Get Green Light

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Two significant estate regeneration projects in London, set to deliver nearly 2,000 new homes, have received planning approval. These developments, spearheaded by housing associations and developers, aim to transform existing estates into vibrant communities with a substantial proportion of affordable housing and improved public amenities.

Key Takeaways

  • Two major London housing developments, totalling almost 2,000 homes, have secured planning permission.
  • Both projects emphasize a significant commitment to affordable housing, including social and London Affordable rent.
  • The schemes will introduce new public green spaces, community facilities, and improved amenities for residents.

Northwick Park Regeneration Moves Forward

Housing association Network Homes has been granted approval for a scheme comprising nearly 1,000 homes on land adjacent to Northwick Park Hospital in north-west London. This project is the second phase of a larger £450 million development that will ultimately deliver 1,600 homes. The overall development, designed by PRP, will feature 19 buildings and include student facilities, commercial spaces, and a nursery. A key feature of this phase is the commitment to 40% affordable homes.

The first phase of this development, which included 654 homes, received approval last year. The partnership behind this regeneration includes Network Homes, London North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Brent Council, and the University of Westminster. This collaboration has also secured £500,000 from the One Public Estate programme to optimize land use.

Friary Park Estate Transformation

In west London, Ealing council has given the go-ahead for a 990-home regeneration of the Friary Park estate. This project is a collaboration between housing association Catalyst and developer Mount Anvil. Subject to the signing of section 106 agreements, construction is expected to commence next year.

The scheme, designed by Levitt Bernstein, will introduce four new tower blocks, with heights ranging from 14 to 24 floors. A significant aspect of the plans is the commitment to delivering 45% genuinely affordable housing, which includes 237 social rent homes and 28 London Affordable rent homes. Beyond housing, the regeneration will significantly enhance green spaces, offering residents private balconies and terraces, podium gardens, play trails, and a new community centre with an improved multi-use games area.

Sources

Empty train carriage on a railway track.

Babcock Rail Plunges to £5m Loss Amidst Rail Framework Slowdown

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Babcock Rail has reported a significant pre-tax loss of £5.2 million for the year ending March 31, 2025, a stark contrast to the £4.8 million profit recorded in the previous year. The downturn is attributed to a slowdown in work across several major rail frameworks and reduced client budgets, leading to a substantial drop in turnover.

Key Takeaways

  • Babcock Rail experienced a pre-tax loss of £5.2m in the year to 31 March 2025.
  • Turnover fell by a third, from £171m to £116.3m.
  • Reasons cited include a slowdown on major frameworks and reduced budgets from clients like Translink.
  • The company incurred £2.7m in restructuring costs.
  • Provisions for future costs increased significantly, including a £5.2m legal provision.

Financial Performance and Contributing Factors

The company’s financial performance was heavily impacted by a confluence of factors. Turnover at Babcock Rail decreased by approximately 32%, falling from £171 million to £116.3 million. This reduction in revenue is linked to the completion of projects on multiple frameworks and a general transition to a new control period within the rail industry. Daniel Hall, finance director at Babcock International, explained that trading reflected “underlying market conditions” leading to revenue reductions during this transition phase.

Specific project impacts include a significant reduction in revenue from Northern Ireland’s Translink, following the completion of major projects and a decrease in the client’s annual funding. Furthermore, revenue from the Medium Signalling Framework in Scotland more than halved, dropping from £20.4 million to £7.2 million, as existing projects concluded.

Restructuring and Provisions

In response to the dip in activity, Babcock Rail undertook restructuring activities costing £2.7 million. The business is now organised around two primary delivery streams: Rail Systems Alliance Scotland and Rail Systems. The company also reported an increase in provisions for future costs, rising from £1.5 million to £8.5 million. This includes a substantial £5.2 million legal provision related to late payment interest charges and penalties stemming from potential compliance errors concerning supplier payments, specifically linked to the Construction Industry Scheme and Domestic Reverse Charge VAT. An additional £2.4 million provision was made for dilapidation costs and contractual obligations on infrastructure.

Future Outlook

Despite the recent losses, Babcock Rail remains optimistic about its future prospects. The company has an order book valued at £16.7 million and sees potential in market opportunities and its position on several zero-valued frameworks. The decline in employee numbers, from 745 to 676, and a corresponding reduction in the wages bill, from £55.9 million to £48.7 million, reflect the company’s adjustments to the current market conditions. The challenges faced by Babcock Rail echo sentiments from other industry players who have also cited delays in Network Rail projects as a reason for reduced profit forecasts.

Sources

Architectural rendering of new homes and amenities at York Central.

York Central Development Submits Plans for Nearly 1,000 Homes and Major Amenities

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Plans have been officially submitted for a significant portion of the £2 billion York Central development, marking a major step forward for one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration projects. The application covers nearly 1,000 new homes, alongside a hotel, innovation hub, retail spaces, and extensive parkland, all situated around York Central station.

Key Takeaways

  • Nearly 1,000 homes are part of the new planning application.
  • The development includes a hotel, innovation hub, retail, and leisure spaces.
  • A new western entrance for York Station, featuring a cycle hub, is planned.
  • The project aims to create a vibrant new live-work-play community.

A New Urban Quarter Takes Shape

The submitted plans detail 999 mixed-tenure homes, with 20% designated as affordable housing. This forms the first phase of at least 2,500 homes planned for the 45-hectare site. Alongside the residential units, the application includes a 213-bedroom hotel, a 100,000 sq ft innovation hub, and 70,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

Enhanced Station Access and Green Spaces

A key feature of the proposal is a new western entrance for York Station. This will include a substantial 300-space cycle hub and a public civic space named Coal Drops Square. The development also incorporates new parkland, stretching from the National Railway Museum towards the western edges of the site, aiming to create a significant green lung for the city.

Public-Private Partnership Driving Progress

The York Central development is a public-private partnership led by McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, in collaboration with Homes England and Network Rail. Architects involved in this phase include Allies & Morrison, 3D Reid, Grant Associates, Haworth Tompkins, and Cartwright Pickard. This submission follows the earlier approval of a government office building within the first phase.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

Developers have highlighted the project’s potential to create up to 6,500 jobs and add £1.1 billion to York’s economy. With £135 million in government funding already secured for infrastructure, the project is seen as a significant catalyst for inward investment. A decision on the latest planning application is anticipated in spring next year, with construction timelines to follow.

Sources

Manchester Town Hall scaffolding and construction work.

Manchester Town Hall Refurbishment Budget Soars to £525 Million Amidst Delays and Inflation

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The extensive refurbishment of Manchester Town Hall, a landmark Grade I-listed building, has seen its budget significantly increase, now projected to cost £525 million. Originally slated for completion in 2024 with a budget of £330 million, the project has encountered numerous challenges, pushing the estimated completion date to spring 2027. This marks a substantial escalation from initial estimates, reflecting a complex interplay of global and project-specific issues.

Key Takeaways

  • The total cost of the Manchester Town Hall refurbishment has risen to £525 million.
  • The project’s completion date has been extended to spring 2027.
  • Key factors contributing to the cost increase include the COVID-19 pandemic, building cost inflation, supply chain issues, and the administration of several subcontractors.

Escalating Costs and Extended Timeline

The “Our Town Hall” scheme, described by Manchester City Council as the largest and most complex heritage project in the UK in living memory, has faced a series of revisions since work began in 2020. The latest budget increase of £95 million brings the total project cost to £524.8 million, which will be funded through borrowing. The revised completion date of spring 2027 offers more certainty, according to the council, though it is later than the previously anticipated August 2026.

A Confluence of Challenges

The project’s escalating costs are attributed to a “unique combination of challenges.” Wider economic factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and building cost inflation influenced by events like the invasion of Ukraine, have played a significant role. More directly, the project has been hampered by a shortage of specialist labour, difficulties in sourcing materials that must closely match original Victorian specifications, and the discovery of unforeseen construction issues.

These issues range from minor quirks in the original Victorian build to more significant structural problems requiring on-the-spot design solutions. The wider construction industry’s struggles have also impacted the Town Hall project, with three subcontractors involved in works packages going into administration in the last six months alone.

Sourcing Heritage Materials

A particular challenge has been the procurement of suitable materials. For instance, the principal stone contractor reported that the quarry supplying approved stone, which closely matches the original, was ceasing bulk supply. This necessitated finding an alternative source, causing further delays. The intricate nature of the project means that delays in one area have a cascading effect on others.

A Vision for the Future

Despite the frustrations of increased time and cost, Deputy Council Leader Garry Bridges emphasized the necessity of the investment. “If we had not acted decisively to invest in the future of this Victorian masterpiece, many parts of which were reaching the end of their natural lifespans, we would have seen it become unusable and obsolete,” he stated. The council aims to transform the building into a public asset, offering unprecedented access and a new free visitor attraction, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2027.

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New homes being built in Dalmarnock, Glasgow.

Dalmarnock Regeneration Boosted by 173 New Homes

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Construction has officially begun on a significant new housing development in Glasgow’s Dalmarnock area. The project, located on French Street, will deliver 173 much-needed homes, comprising a mix of properties for both rent and private sale. This initiative is set to provide a substantial boost to the city’s housing supply and further enhance the ongoing regeneration efforts in the East End.

Key Takeaways

  • 173 new homes are being built in Dalmarnock, Glasgow.
  • The development includes affordable homes for social rent and private sale properties.
  • It aims to address Glasgow’s housing emergency and support community regeneration.
  • The project is a collaboration between Thenue Housing, CCG (Scotland), and Clyde Gateway.
  • Completion is anticipated in 2027.

A New Chapter for Dalmarnock

The French Street development marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway area. This project is a collaborative effort between Thenue Housing, CCG (Scotland), and Clyde Gateway, with support from Glasgow City Council. The development aims to create “sustainable, inclusive communities” and will feature a mix of apartments and family housing, with options ranging from one to four bedrooms.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for housing and development at Glasgow City Council, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is great to see work beginning on this major housing development in Dalmarnock which will bring so many high-quality new homes for sale and rent to an area which has benefited so much from regeneration in recent years.”

Addressing Housing Needs

The new homes are designed to meet diverse needs, including wheelchair-adapted properties within the affordable housing component, adhering to the “Housing for Varying Needs” standards. The entire development will be connected to a district heating system, promoting enhanced energy performance. This project is seen as a crucial step in tackling Glasgow’s “housing emergency.”

Martin McKay, chief executive of Clyde Gateway, highlighted the importance of this development: “A key pillar of the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway area is building quality, affordable and private homes, helping it to be a great place to live and work and be able to enjoy the greenspaces and amenities it now has to offer.”

Community and Economic Benefits

Beyond providing much-needed housing, the 18-month construction period is expected to bring significant community benefits. These include local job creation, training opportunities, and investment initiatives. CCG (Scotland), an east-end based company, expressed pride in contributing to the community where many of its staff reside.

Calum Murray, director of CCG (Scotland), commented, “French Street continues that legacy— it is a landmark project will offer much-needed housing choice and affordability while creating a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.”

The French Street development is the largest housing project approved by Glasgow City Council for the 2024/25 financial year and is scheduled for completion in 2027, promising to reshape the Dalmarnock landscape and provide a vibrant new neighbourhood.

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