Coventry, United Kingdom. April 7th 2024- Applebridge Geoenvironmental, a specialist provider of ground investigation services and part of the Construction Group the Applebridge Family, announces its successful appointment to the Severn Trent Water & Hafren Dyfrdwy Ground Investigation Framework. This significant achievement marks a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and highlights its expertise in delivering high-quality solutions for critical infrastructure projects.

The framework, valued at £36 million over three years, will see Applebridge Geoenvironmental join 11 other contractors in delivering essential ground investigation works to support Severn Trent’s and Hafren Dyfrdwy’s capital schemes. The projects span a variety of sites, including water treatment and sewage treatment works, as well as pipeline routes through third-party land.

Applebridge Geoenvironmental’s role will include conducting comprehensive ground investigations, providing detailed reports, and the interpretation of data to establish key design parameters.

Commenting on the appointment, Applebridge Geoenvironmental Managing Director Anthony Owen said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Applebridge Geoenvironmental to contribute to a framework of this calibre. Securing our place reflects the depth of experience within our team. Being part of this framework strengthens our position in the Ground Investigation sector and enables us to support infrastructure projects that are vital to the communities served by Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy.”

Operating under the “ICE Specification for Ground Investigation” (Third Edition, May 2022), the framework demands high technical standards and reliability. Applebridge Geoenvironmental’s experience, including previous involvement in managing this framework through team members, was instrumental in its successful appointment.

Rebecca Vale, Category Manager in Severn Trent’s commercial team, said: “We are pleased to welcome Applebridge Geoenvironmental to our ground investigations framework. We’ve got a massive £12bn of investment planned for the next five years and support from specialist companies like Applebridge in the early stages of any project helps to ensure a smooth build programme. We are looking forward to working with them across AMP8.”

As part of the Applebridge Family, Applebridge Geoenvironmental continues to build on a shared ethos of innovation and quality across all its operations. This framework is a key step in its ongoing journey of growth, positioning the company to make a meaningful impact in the Ground Investigation sector.

ESSEX, UK. March 27th, 2025 – Fleete, a pioneering provider of fleet charging solutions, has begun construction on a dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub believed to be the largest in the UK, a shared facility located in the Port of Tilbury, with completion targeted for December 2025.

The project is the first works funded by the UK Government under the Thames Freeport seed capital programme, which advances clean energy technology crucial to the Port of Tilbury’s drive toward net zero emissions.

The £1 million in Freeport seed capital funding awarded to Fleete supports the development of a 5 megawatt (MW) electric commercial vehicle charging station with 16 rapid chargers that can serve up to 16 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) at once. The investment will accelerate the Port of Tilbury’s green energy transition, helping to improve air quality for local communities and supporting businesses capitalise on new opportunities in sustainable transport, driving economic growth and job creation.  

Serving as a vital ‘clean fuel’ charging point along the A13 corridor into London, the new facility will meet rising traffic demands from major developments within the Thames Freeport programme.  

The largest of the Thames ports, the Port of Tilbury is a key location for major transportation and logistics operations with over 10,000 vehicle movements at port every day.  With over 60 companies with commercial vehicle fleets registered as tenants at the port, including major hauliers and container transporters, the demand for sustainable transport solutions is more urgent than ever. Currently the Port of Tilbury faces key challenges in decarbonising heavy transport including infrastructure limitations, land availability and grid capacity.

Fleete’s new EV Charging Hub directly addresses these barriers to fleet electrification, providing a reliable, high-capacity charging solution. 

Strategically designed and located for large fleet operators, the Port of Tilbury EV Charging Hub will feature:

Chris Morrison, Chief Investment Officer at Fleete said: “We are delighted to begin work on the first of our network of shared electric HGV Charging Hubs throughout the UK, starting with our 5MW project at Tilbury which is expected to be the largest of its kind in the UK once fully operational. Our close collaboration with the Port of Tilbury, along with significant funding from Thames Freeport, is a testament to their commitment to accelerating the shift to zero-emission fleets with this critical infrastructure development. 

“At Fleete we are committed to overcoming the logistical and financial challenges of fleet electrification through our shared infrastructure hubs and software platform that make sustainable transport more accessible and cost-effective. This investment is a crucial step in building a net-zero logistics ecosystem and ensuring that the businesses in and around the Port of Tilbury have the resources they need to transition to cleaner transport alternatives.”

Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris, said: “I am incredibly pleased to see the progress Fleete has made with the help of £1 million of capital funding from the Freeports programme. 

“The new hub marks an important step forward for Thames Freeport’s vision of becoming a leader in green transport, and it will help us deliver on our Plan for Change by securing economic growth and opportunities in the region for years to come.” 

Peter Ward, Commercial Director at the Port of Tilbury (a major logistics centre for London and the South East) and a member of the Thames Freeport board, said: “The Port of Tilbury EV Charging Hub will be a welcome addition to support the 6,000 HGVs that pass through the port every day, as we work to reduce the emissions impact of our customers’ operations.”

Thames Freeport CEO, Martin Whiteley, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the largest commercial vehicle recharging hub in the Thames Freeport. This milestone underscores our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the logistics and transportation sectors. By providing state-of-the-art recharging infrastructure capable of supporting a significant volume of commercial vehicles, we are not only facilitating the transition to cleaner energy but also reinforcing Thames Freeport’s position as a leader in green growth and economic development. This hub is a testament to our vision of creating a future-ready, environmentally responsible logistics ecosystem.”

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LONDON, UK. March 26th, 2025 – Zutec, a leading provider of construction and property management software solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announced it now hosts building information in its platform for over 30% of the Build-to-Rent high-rise units, proving its PropTech leadership in the UK. 

As clients add more buildings and expand their platform usage, Zutec’s role in supporting this sector with efficient asset management, digital building safety requirements and regulatory compliance continues to grow. 

 

At the start of 2025, there were over 100,000 BTR units* in high-rise buildings (over 18 meters tall or seven storeys high) in the UK, with approximately 25,700 units added in 2024 and a further 57,400 units under construction. This rapid growth makes the BTR segment one of the fastest-expanding residential sectors in the UK. Zutec currently hosts building data for over 30,000 units across its Handover and Asset Management solutions. 

 

 

As Asset Owners struggle with managing fragmented building data, information silos and building safety compliance, Zutec’s unique offering in asset management includes Specifying Digital Handover, Building Document Management, BSA (Building Safety Act) Compliance, and tools for capturing and managing inspection data in areas such as Fire Door Audits and Cladding Remediation, all of which contribute to maintaining a “golden thread” of information.  

 

Where contractors utilise Zutec during the construction phase for digital handover and have building manuals already in the Zutec platform, BTR operators can access a single source of truth by easily hosting that data at project completion for ongoing building operations. Zutec also enables clients to take existing building data that may be in disparate systems, formats and locations, and migrate it into its platform, ensuring that data across an entire property portfolio from handover to asset management is consolidated in one place for ease of access, updates, and a clear audit trail of information.  

 

“The Build-to-Rent sector requires confidence in their data to manage assets efficiently, make informed decisions, and stay compliant with evolving regulations,” said Maria Hudson, CMO at Zutec. 

“With nearly a third of all BTR high-rise units in the UK hosted on our platform, we’re building that confidence by helping the sector structure and streamline building information management in one accessible system. As regulation tightens, we’re committed to supporting more BTR providers in consolidating their approach and ensuring compliance with ease.” 

 

 

Notable BTR customers partnering with Zutec include Greystar, Grainger, Realstar, Moda Living, Touchstone Resi, Get Living and Essential Living. These clients leverage one or a combination of the following solutions: 

Additionally, with Zutec’s BSA Dashboard, users can streamline safety documentation when managing thousands of documents across a portfolio making compliance more manageable and ensuring the right information is present, correct and accessible to those that need it.   

 

To speak to a Zutec expert, request a demo, or find out more about how Zutec works with BTRs today and how the company can help with everything from construction of buildings to asset management and compliance, please contact info@zutec.com. 

North West, UK. March 20th, 2025 – Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director.

Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director of Infrastructure, where he has already made a significant impact.

Walker Sime provides project management, project controls, and cost and commercial management services across the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate sectors. The company has helped deliver transformative projects like Liverpool Waters, the Wythenshawe Civic Regeneration Master Plan as well as mega programmes at the forefront of the Net Zero transition, such as the Great Grid Upgrade.

Now part of the HanmiGlobal family, Walker Sime has expanded its reach with international, European, and US capabilities, further strengthening its ability to serve clients on a global scale. This growth enhances its capacity to deliver exceptional results, positioning Walker Sime as a key partner in shaping the future through transformative projects that drive success and innovation.

Under Jon’s leadership, the company will focus on sustainable growth, nurturing talent, and maintaining the technical excellence that has earned it an enviable reputation with its clients.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Jon is enthusiastic about the role Walker Sime can play in shaping the future of the UK’s Infrastructure and Real Estate markets. 

Jon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of Managing Director at Walker Sime. From the moment I joined, I recognised this was a business built on strong values, a fantastic culture, and a deep commitment to its people. My priority is to build on that success while ensuring we continue to grow in a way that stays true to our values. 

This role is more than just a career move for me – it’s about leaving a legacy. I joined this industry because I wanted to make a difference, to be part of something that stands the test of time. Now, my focus is on ensuring Walker Sime remains a business that is not only successful today but is fit for the future. That means continuing to invest in our people, nurturing talent, and ensuring we remain a trusted and innovative partner for our clients.”

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Essex, UK – March 20th, 2025 – Leading tool retailer ITS has relocated its Harlow store to a larger location to accommodate a completely new tool shopping experience.

Featuring a unique “Shop-in-Shop” format with dedicated areas for top brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Festool, Bosch, and more, the new ITS store at DC One, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, offers a much larger space just two minutes away from its previous location at Ascent Park.

Unlike traditional trade counters, the new store offers a retail experience where customers can see, touch, and feel more than 6,000 products before purchasing.

The store offers a vast range of products to suit both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts. 

Customers can explore power tools, hand tools, workwear, garden tools, fixings, accessories, storage solutions, ladders, site equipment and much more – all readily available in-store, with friendly expert advice on hand to help them find exactly what they need.

Now integrated into the company’s main distribution centre, the new location ensures customers have access to a massive stockholding, making it very rare for items to not be in stock and ready to take away. 

This means customers can walk in with confidence, knowing they are highly likely to find exactly what they need, when they need it. For busy tradespeople, where time is money, having the right tools and equipment available on demand is essential—eliminating delays and keeping projects on track.

Paul Hubbard, Director at ITS, said: “This isn’t just a bigger store – it’s a completely new way to shop for tools. We’ve created a hands-on experience where customers can explore top brands in their own dedicated spaces. Plus, being part of our main distribution centre means we have unbeatable stock availability.

Driven by both the launch of the new store and the company’s continued strong growth, ITS is actively expanding its team across multiple departments, including retail, marketing, warehousing, and buying. This expansion reflects ITS’s ongoing commitment to job creation in the Harlow area.
 
The expanded Harlow store, at DC One, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, CM20 2BN, is open seven days per week: Monday – Friday (7am-8pm), Saturday (8am – 5pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm).

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London – 11th March 2025: Zutec, a leading provider of construction and property management software solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announced the launch of its cutting-edge Fire Door Audits solution, set to transform the way Asset Owners efficiently manage fire door inspections, meet regulatory requirements, and mitigate safety risks.  

 

Under Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, introduced under Article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order), building owners and managing agents are required to conduct regular and routine fire door checks in residential buildings over 11 metres tall. The ‘Responsible Person’ must ensure visual inspections are carried out on fire doors in common areas on a quarterly basis, while flat entrance doors require annual assessments. Keeping accurate records and ensuring compliance across large and growing property portfolios can be a huge undertaking due to the regularity of the inspections.  

 

Built to simplify and streamline the process, Zutec’s digital fire door audits solution replaces outdated, paper-based methods of inspections with templated checklists, photographic evidence and automated tracking that delivers comprehensive documentation, real-time reporting, and a clear audit trail of inspection information on all doors.  

 

Fire door audits can be easily captured across buildings and units from the Zutec mobile app on or offline. This takes the pain out of the process, enabling inspectors to scan QR codes for historical information, assess door installations, mechanical components, and overall performance. Assessments and status can be provided to key stakeholders for consistent risk management that helps Asset Owners meet regulatory compliance across a portfolio.  

 

“Traditional methods of fire door audits can be time-consuming, prone to error, and inconsistent, often leading to missed inspections, lost records, and delayed corrective actions. Without the right process, fire doors either don’t get checked or continue to fail safety standards, putting asset owners at risk of severe consequences, including legal and financial implications,” commented Emily Hopson-Hill, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer at Zutec.  

 

Zutec’s pre-set, in-app checklists and forms, including alignment with BS 8214, guide assessors through inspections where information is synced in the Zutec Cloud for a single record of outcomes, and any issues can be identified and rectified to reduce risk. Photographic evidence can be taken and stored to show door suitability, communicate findings, recommend improvements, and ensure doors are always well maintained and fit for purpose. 

 

With an easy-to-navigate dashboard Asset Owners get a single source truth to track and mange every fire door inspection, as well as report on and share information with owners/investors, regulators, residents, and fire services to demonstrate compliance. Additionally, Zutec’s asset register validates each property, providing an inventory of fire doors and assessments in one place. This makes it easy to understand the status of inspections, identify risks from damaged doors, and see how they are being or will be repaired and maintained to keep building occupants safe.  

 

“At a time when asset owners are becoming increasingly accountable for safety, Zutec’s Fire Door Audits solution is designed to ease the burden of periodic fire door checks, providing a proactive, traceable approach to accurate and timely inspection management. This reduces risks, helps address potential issues quickly and effectively, and avoids non-compliance with the latest regulation,” continued Hopson-Hill.  

 

The Fire Door Audits solution is designed for various sectors, including Build-to-Rent (BTR), Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and Housing Associations, supporting compliance and safety management across different property types. To speak to one of our experts or request a demo, contact info@zutec.com. 

LEICESTERSHIRE, UK. March 4th, 2025 – Notts Sport, the UK’s leading specialist in play and sports surfacing, is excited to announce the launch of CocoTurf, the world’s first non-plastic artificial turf made entirely from natural coconut fibres. This groundbreaking product offers a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for playgrounds and recreational spaces, combining durability, performance, and environmental responsibility.

In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly important, Notts Sport proudly presents CocoTurf as an alternative to traditional synthetic grass, which often relies on plastic materials. With CocoTurf, the company has redefined the concept of artificial turf by eliminating the use of plastics, microplastics, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), all while maintaining the high standards of performance and safety expected from play surfaces.

CocoTurf is crafted from coconut husks, a renewable natural resource processed into durable, high-performance fibres. The surface is backed by certified natural rubber latex, making it 100% non-plastic and free from toxic substances. The result is a safe, environmentally friendly, long-lasting surface perfect for children’s playgrounds, schools, parks, and other high-traffic areas. The materials used in CocoTurf are entirely natural and non-toxic, providing a safer option for outdoor play without the environmental concerns typically associated with artificial turf.

A key advantage of CocoTurf is its environmental impact. Unlike traditional synthetic turf, CocoTurf utilises natural coconut fibres, making it more sustainable and can biodegrade. Not only does this reduce the risk of harmful microplastics entering the environment, but it also minimises the carbon footprint typically associated with manufacturing plastic-based surfaces. Furthermore, CocoTurf is designed to stand up to the elements, offering high levels of durability even in the most demanding conditions. 

In terms of production, each coconut produces approximately 200 grams of usable fibres, and the husks of 600 coconuts provide sufficient fibres to cover a 60-square-metre children’s play area.

Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, shared his excitement about this revolutionary product: “This is a milestone in the evolution of outdoor play surfaces. Our drive to find ever more sustainable surfacing solutions has led us to invent the world’s first non-plastic synthetic grass—CocoTurf. This is not just another product—it’s a revolution in sustainability. For the first time, communities can install an artificial surface without the harmful impact of plastics. This is the future of play surfaces, and we’re thrilled to lead the charge.”

CocoTurf’s design and performance make it the perfect choice for anyone seeking an environmentally responsible, durable, and safe surfacing solution. It promises to transform playgrounds and parks, providing an eco-friendly alternative that meets the highest safety and performance standards while reducing traditional artificial turf’s environmental footprint.

With CocoTurf, Notts Sport is paving the way toward a greener, more sustainable future for outdoor recreational spaces. By choosing CocoTurf, communities can enjoy the benefits of artificial turf while safeguarding the planet and the health of future generations.

LONDON, UK. February 26th, 2025: Zutec, a leading provider of construction and property management software solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announced it has acquired Operance, as part of its ongoing growth strategy and commitment to the UK market. 

 

The acquisition provides a complementary fit in terms of customers, solutions and remit, solidifying the company’s position as the leading player in Handover and Building Safety Act compliance solutions for contractors, developers, housebuilders and asset owners in the UK market. By combining forces, the two companies will drive new growth opportunities by integrating customer bases, solutions, and expertise, supporting the building life cycle to accelerate digital transformation and ensure compliance. 

 

“As we continue investing in businesses as part of our acquisition strategy, Operance fitted our strategic objectives perfectly, with close alignment with our vision and an exciting addition to our business. We believe this collaboration will open up new opportunities for us to expand and better serve existing and new customers, setting the stage for future innovations in the construction and property technology space. We are thrilled to welcome the Operance team into Zutec and look forward to what we can deliver together in the future,” commented, Gustave Geisendorf, CEO at Zutec. 

 

Ian Yeo, CEO at Operance, said: “Having built up the Operance business, and with a shared growth ambition, we welcome being part of Zutec. As a profitable, fast-growing business primarily focused on the UK and Ireland, this partnership with Zutec will allow us to accelerate our progress faster and provide even more value to the construction and property digital ecosystem as one company.”

MANCHESTER, UK. January 22nd, 2024 – Manchester-based Walker Sime has announced the appointment of Peter Jackson as their new UK Director of Project Management. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the multi-disciplinary consultancy. 

He has joined in a newly created senior role to expand and strengthen the project management service at the firm. Having held senior positions at Atkins Realis and Turner & Townsend, Jackson has a track record of delivering complex projects and leading teams to success. 

Jackson’s extensive experience includes managing large-scale, complex projects. He led the Government Hub Programme for HMRC, overseeing the delivery of 13 new commercial office spaces across the UK. 

He brings significant expertise in town centre regeneration, having worked on high-profile schemes in Urmston and Chorlton. Additionally, he has worked extensively with large teams of project managers, quantity surveyors, and building surveyors across various sectors and with different local authorities in the North West.

“The reliability, expertise, and personal touch that Walker Sime is known for really appealed to me,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside several members of the team over the years and have always been impressed by the quality of their work and their collaborative approach.” 

He also expressed his enthusiasm for carrying forward the reputation and brand representation that Walker Sime has successfully built over the past 25 years, a milestone the company celebrated in 2024.

Jackson will work closely with Cathy Palmer, Walker Sime’s Director of Regeneration Delivery, on regeneration-led real estate initiatives. These efforts align with the government’s ambitious plans to build 1.5 million homes, an area where his expertise will be invaluable.

“Delivering transformative projects that improve people’s lives is what motivates me,” he shared. “Having lived in the North West for most of my life, I am deeply invested in the region and look forward to contributing to Walker Sime’s impactful work in this area.”

Walker Sime has offices in Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool and specialises in quantity surveying, project management, bills of quantities, employers agent plus regeneration and infrastructure services.