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BPI appointed to manage asset disposal following closure of Warwick Ward

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BPI has been appointed by one of the UK’s leading finance companies to manage the disposal and sale of construction plant and equipment following the closure of Warwick Ward (Machinery) Ltd.

The asset disposal specialist will oversee the full end-to-end process, including the uplift of equipment, comprehensive marketing and promotion of assets, and their sale through a series of online auctions.

Warwick Ward, founded in 1970, grew from a family business in Barnsley to become one of the UK’s leading stockists and suppliers of new and used earthmoving and waste-recycling equipment.

Despite efforts to secure investment or a sale, the business was unable to find a viable solution, leading to the appointment of administrators from Interpath Advisory. Sadly, the closure has resulted in the majority of the company’s 89 employees being made redundant.

Assets available in the auctions include earthmoving machinery, loading equipment, mini and standard excavators, dumpers, loading shovels, screeners and shredders from leading manufacturers such as Case, Terex and Keestrack.

Nathan Burnham, Associate Director at BPI, said: “The closure of Warwick Ward is undeniably a sad moment for the industry, especially given the company’s heritage and the scale of the job losses involved.

“Our priority is to manage the asset disposal process with sensitivity and professionalism, supporting all parties through what is a very challenging time. The forthcoming sales offer buyers a rare chance to secure the equipment at competitive value.”

The auction listing and further information can be found here https://hubs.li/Q03_s3G40

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NI engineering consultancy AM Consulting Engineers doubles workforce with strategic UK acquisition

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Northern Ireland engineering consultancy AM Consulting Engineers has acquired UK-based civil and structural engineering firm Bridges Pound Ltd. The move, advised by Turley Legal, doubles the group’s workforce to 40 employees and further strengthens its engineering capability, while also broadening its market reach across the UK.

The deal follows AM Consulting Engineers’ recent move to new headquarters at Jennymount Business Park, Belfast, as part of plans to increase staff numbers in the city over the next year, alongside further expansion of its Cork office.

Established in 2021 as a specialist civil engineering consultancy, AM Consulting Engineers, was the first company to complete Invest NI’s (INI) Ambition to Grow Programme in 2023, creating six new jobs and developing an export plan. 

Since then, it has rapidly expanded its service offering to include structural and geotechnical engineering, working across the water, wastewater, transportation, building, and broader infrastructure sectors. Last year, the firm announced a £1.3m investment to support sales growth in the Middle East with backing from Invest NI’s Export Growth Programme and participated in the INI Middle East Trade Mission. The company will also be attending next month’s World Water Tech Innovation Summit in London as a guest of INI.

Coventry-based Bridges Pound Limited, in operation for over 40 years, works nationwide for a mixed client base of developers, contractors, and local authorities. AM Consulting Engineers believes the acquisition of Bridges Pound, with the resulting synergies and complementary skill sets, will accelerate growth across the GB market and bring additional benefits to existing clients. It will also broaden its sector expertise by adding hotel, education, and major infrastructure projects to its portfolio.

Recent high-profile projects undertaken by AM Consulting Engineers include supporting BAM UK & Ireland on the cross-border £84m Narrow Water Bridge project with specialist temporary work solutions; acting as structural engineer on the restoration of the Grade A-listed Clarence Chambers Building on Belfast’s Donegall Square East into Margot Belfast; and working with Coffey on the Terryland Water Treatment Plant on the River Corrib, safeguarding Galway City’s drinking water supply. Major redevelopment schemes supported by Bridges Pound have included the £124m University of Warwick campus programme with Willmott Dixon and significant £50m+ redevelopments in Central London, including St James’s St and at Regents Wharf.

Speaking about the strategic acquisition, Managing Director of AM Consulting Engineers, Aidan McCarthy, said: “From the outset, AM Consulting Engineers has been focused on delivering technical excellence and ambitious, practical solutions for our clients. This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our growth journey, strengthening our civil, structural, and geotechnical capabilities while accelerating our expansion across the Great Britain market.

“The addition of Bridges Pound’s highly respected team and established project portfolio enhances the depth of expertise we can offer our clients, particularly across complex infrastructure, education, and building projects. Having recently relocated to our new Belfast headquarters and with continued investment in our Cork operations, this move reinforces our commitment to technical excellence, sustainable growth, job creation, and export-led development. We are excited about the opportunities this creates for our clients and our people as we continue to support critical infrastructure investment across Northern Ireland, Ireland, GB, and beyond.”

Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Bridges Pound Limited, added: “This is exciting news and is a strong endorsement of the expertise and reputation that the Bridges Pound team has built over 41 years. With civil engineering expected to enjoy a period of high growth over the next ten years, this investment is coming at the right time for the talented workforces in both companies, bringing complementary skills together. By joining forces with an ambitious firm like AM Consulting Engineers, which has quickly built a solid reputation for technical excellence and ingenuity, we will develop our existing collaborations, look ahead to future growth, and continue to deliver the high-quality service that Bridges Pound clients expect. This marks the start of an exciting time for both companies as we build further on the expert client-focussed consultancy we are known for.”

Further information on AM Consulting Engineers can be found online at www.amceltd.com

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FIS APPOINTS DAVINDER JHAMAT AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

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Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Davinder Jhamat to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Davinder is a dynamic and commercial minded leader and joins FIS during an exciting time of transformation.

This role is key to helping lead our organisation and members into an increasingly digitally enabled future.  Davinder will play a pivotal role in reimagining how we serve the industry, and our members, championing the adoption of emerging technologies, developing our digital offering and the commercial performance of FIS. 

With a career built in real estate and the built environment, Davinder has worked at the intersection of policy, strategy and leadership, driving organisations to deliver meaningful impact. She has 18 years of senior leadership experience, building organisational resilience and influencing at the highest levels of government to drive needed change enabling sectors to thrive. She is an avid golfer, swimmer and now learning to ski.

Commenting on the new role, Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive said:

“This is an exciting time for the FIS as we stand on the precipice of a new information age with Artificial Intelligence and E-Learning providing opportunities that can transform the way we work and how our members are able to engage with the content and resources that are being developed through our working groups.  In many ways this is a relief as the compliance landscape is becoming ever more complex and it certainly isn’t getting easier out there.  We have to step up and be more effective in protecting our members from risks, poor behaviour and helping them to navigate change.  Davinder is joining our team at a critical time and bringing with her a wealth of experience to ensure that we focussed and structured in delivery and harnessing the full potential of technology and the information we hold to further improve the support we give to this vital community.”

The addition of Davinder to the FIS senior leadership team marks a key step in helping to lead the organisation to the next level.

Davinder added: “It is a pleasure to be joining the FIS at this exciting time where the construction sector, like many other sectors, is not immune to technological change that we all must stay abreast of. Indeed, in how we can ensure the finishes and interiors industry – a fundamental part of the construction sector – can effectively respond to this change, taking a proactive step to futureproof. And how we do this? Through investing in our skills and our future talent pipeline, challenging the negative perceptions the wider construction sector perhaps does battle with, and showcasing the wealth of rewarding opportunities and careers this sector has to offer. And FIS is here to collaborate and work with you as we jointly embark on this journey.

“I am fervently looking forward to meeting and working with our members and the wider sector, of how we can collectively come together and build a better and resilient finishes and interiors industry, ensuring that it prospers and thrives for both the now, and for future generations to enjoy”.

For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.

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NFB calls for Chinese embassy to be built by British builders

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NFB TEAM: Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the NFB and Rico Wojtulewicz Head of Policy and Market Insight

The Housing Secretary Steve Reed announced today he would grant planning permission for the construction of a new Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court in Tower Hamlets.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Due to the potential security and conservation challenges associated with the project, the Government should ensure that the construction contract goes to British firm with heritage expertise, like those who hold the NFB’s Heritage Approved Contractor Mark.

“This would help reduce the concerns expressed around national security, while ensuring the project remains a heritage asset.”

The application, made in 2021, was rejected by the local authority despite a recommendation from the local authorities’ planning officers. The Housing Secretary then called it in, giving him the power to decide.

The decision was in line with the recommendation of the independent Planning Inspector who held a public inquiry into this case between 11 February and 19 February 2025. It will be final unless a challenge is mounted in court. Yet, local residents are organised in opposition; politicians and pundits continue to voice concerns about its proximity to sensitive data cables.

The work has been described as complex and diplomatically sensitive, involving the refurbishment and restoration of several listed buildings, and associated works, including the Grade II* listed Johnson Smirke Building and a part demolition of the Grade II listed Seaman’s Registry.

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Reynaers eases specification of access controls with its configurator tool

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As part of Reynaers’ suite of digital solutions, the Access Control Configurator has been purpose-built for fabricators, optimising their workflow and facilitating the accurate selection of access control components tailored to the precise requirements of each project.

Access control products from the aluminium systems manufacturer include automated locks, e-openers, keypad and fingerprint scanners and magnetic contacts – all of which are well suited to high-end commercial and residential projects. 

Reynaers’ range of access control solutions allow building owners to decide who enters the building, check that doors are locked, and windows are closed, and unlock doors remotely. With a variety of solutions to suit a range of high-specification projects, Reynaers has developed the Access Control Configurator to simplify product selection.

Accessible via the Reynaers’ customer portal, the configurator tool enables fabricators to narrow down compatible access control systems and parts by entering project-specific information, automatically filtering options to provide a customised selection of essential and supplementary parts.

Importantly, the Access Control Configurator also offers integrated technical guidance, including a comprehensive installation manual with wiring diagrams, part numbers, and controller I/O details, as well as QR codes linking directly to Reynaers training resources. 

John McComb, Technical Director at Reynaers Aluminium UK said: “The Access Control Configurator has been specifically developed for fabricators and is designed to work alongside Reynaers existing fabrication manuals for windows, doors, and our range of motorised sliding doors. 

“When using the Access Control Configurator, fabricators benefit from intuitive prompts that streamline the process of identifying the most suitable solutions for their projects and enable a more efficient, simplified installation process. The tool also provides clear, up-to-date wiring diagrams, ensuring fabricators have the technical guidance required for accurate and reliable installation. In addition, integrated QR codes link directly to installation videos, giving fabricators immediate access to practical, step-by-step support.

“Reynaers’ ongoing development of digital solutions—including system and product enhancements—ensures fabricators have access to accurate, up-to-date information, which is crucial for the successful execution of complex, high-specification projects.”

Find out more about Reynaers’ Customer Portal and range of digital tools here: https://www.reynaers.co.uk/log-customer-portal

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GRAHAM appointed for major refurbishment at the Royal Automobile Club’s Woodcote Park estate

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GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out has been appointed as the principal contractor to deliver a multi-million refurbishment programme at the Royal Automobile Club’s historic Woodcote Park estate in Epsom, Surrey.

Set within 350 acres of Green Belt parkland, Woodcote Park is the Royal Automobile Club’s “clubhouse in the country”, offering members a countryside retreat with a Grade II Listed main house, two 18-hole golf courses, the Country Club and a collection of listed outbuildings.

The refurbishment programme will improve the functionality and aesthetic of the estate while preserving its unique character. This will include the upgrade of 21 bedrooms and adjoining corridors, improvements to the main entrance and reception areas, and external repairs to the estate’s fabric. Works will also comprise full bathroom refurbishments, new finishes and fixtures, landscaping and car park improvements, the addition of EV charging points, and restoration of masonry, roofing and windows to preserve the site’s heritage character.

Neil Dickson, GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out Contracts Director, said: “It’s a privilege to be working with the Royal Automobile Club on this prestigious project to improve its Woodcote Park estate. This is a project that calls for both technical precision and sensitivity to heritage, and our team is proud to play a part in preserving and enhancing such a landmark site. The works will ensure the estate continues to offer an outstanding experience for members, combining traditional character with modern comfort and functionality.”

For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk

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SPRING FAIR 2026 UNVEILS FREE PERSONAL BUSINESS-BOOSTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETAILERS

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1-2-1 Mentoring Clinics and Retail Huddle Live return to support smarter growth

Spring Fair 2026 (1–4 February, NEC Birmingham) is placing personal growth and practical support firmly at the heart of the show with the return of two powerful, free personal business-boosting opportunities for retailers and brands: 1-2-1 Retail Mentoring Clinics in the Buyer’s Retreat and the Retail Huddle Live: Kick Start 2026 event in The Merchant’s Corner.

Designed to deliver tailored advice, real-world insight and actionable next steps, both initiatives are free to attend and aimed at helping independent retailers and emerging brands trade more confidently, profitably and sustainably in the year ahead.

Free 1-2-1 Retail Mentoring Clinics

Monday 2nd – Wednesday 4th | Buyer’s Retreat, Hall 3

Book now at Schedule Appointment with 1:1 Clinics at Spring Fair

Back by popular demand, Stephen Spencer + Associates return to Spring Fair with their much-loved 1-2-1 mentoring clinics, offering confidential, personalised advice across every aspect of retail performance.

From brand strategy and marketing to buying, merchandising, customer experience and commercial planning, each session is matched to the retailer’s specific needs, ensuring practical guidance that can be implemented immediately.

Stephen Spencer, Founder of Stephen Spencer + Associates, comments, “We’re really excited to be bringing a brilliant team of retail experts to Spring Fair again in 2026. Their expertise includes brand and marketing, range building and product development, visual merchandising and sales, and eCommerce. Our 1-2-1 Retail Mentoring Clinics are a great opportunity for retailers to talk to a friendly specialist, confidentially, about challenges including how to attract more customers or generate more sales; and opportunities including creating a super-productive, motivated team, or achieving better results from marketing. We also focus on providing simple, actionable solutions, every time. Basically, if you want to make your retail business more successful, we can help!”

The mentoring team includes:

  • Stephen Spencer – Retail, brand & customer experience strategy
  • Samantha Gibbs – Independent retail insight from Nest’s director
  • Jane Le Bon – Visual merchandising and display expert
  • Catrina Hicks – Commercial retail planning and operations
  • Lauren Groves – Brand, marketing and project delivery
  • Carolyn Ehman – Strategic spaces and people-centred operations
  • Annika Jefferys – Creative retail design and VM specialist

Retailers can book a time slot in advance, share what they need help with, and are matched with the most relevant expert on the day.

Retail Huddle Live: Kick Start 2026

Wednesday 4 February | 11am–2pm

Also taking place on the final day of the show, Retail Huddle Live: Kick Start 2026 is a high-energy, expert-led event designed to help retailers supercharge their 2026 strategy, plan for profit and level up their retail game.

Designed to deliver real, actionable insight, from 11am – 1pm, buyers can book dynamic Retail Power Sessions which are which are short, focused appointments with some of the SME industry’s leading minds covering topics including:

  • Scaling with retailers – Ami Rabheru
  • Planning for profit – Laura Harrison
  • Circularity – Rachel Sheila-Kan
  • Retail marketing that converts – Louise Chandler

Experts will be available for clinic-style sessions, but slots are limited, so early booking is essential. Find out more and book at https://www.springfair.com/whats-on/retail-huddle-live-kick-start-2026.

Those without a booked slot are still welcome to drop in, soak up the buzz, and:

  • Contribute to the Challenge Wall – spark ideas, share challenges, and fuel meaningful retail conversations and network with your peers.
  • Collect a Digital Swag Bag – packed with tools, checklists, and resources to kick-start your 2026 retail strategy
  • Chat with the Retail Huddle team, join the conversation and meet the community shaping retail in 2026.

The afternoon concludes with a Retail Huddle Networking Hour (1–2pm) – an informal, community-led session bringing together the expert community, fellow founders and independent retailers to continue conversations, share knowledge and build lasting connections.

Ami Rabheru, Retail Strategist and Founder of Retail Huddle says, “Networking is the most powerful thing you can do for your business, it’s where light-bulb moments happen, collaborations are born, knowledge is shared and it can really help shape your next big move. We are thrilled to be bringing Retail Huddle to Spring Fair to empower the retail community with practical, actionable insights across retail strategy, pitching to retailers, pricing and planning for profit and more. We can’t wait to help retailers and brands elevate their retail game!”

Together, these free initiatives reinforce Spring Fair’s commitment to supporting retailers beyond sourcing, providing meaningful guidance, confidence and capability to help businesses thrive in 2026 and beyond.

Registration is open to join the UK’s most inspiring retail showcase. Discover, connect, and transform your retail journey at www.springfair.com.

Autumn Fair returns 6-9 September 2026 at NEC, Birmingham and will co-locate with Glee, which runs from 8-10th September 2026.

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PropertyPal report shows average rent for a house in NI has risen above £1,000 per month for the first time

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PropertyPal Northern Ireland Housing Market Update Q4 2025

Key takeaways for Q4 2025

  • House sales: 5,512
  • House prices: +6.4%
  • Average house price: £235,035 (excludes new homes)
  • Average listed time to reach sale agreed: 46 days
  • Average rent: £995 (£1,001 for houses and £984 for apartments)

The average monthly rent on a house in Northern Ireland reached £1,000 for the first time in Q4 2025, according to PropertyPal’s latest quarterly report, published today.

Rental costs have continued to trend upward in recent years, with average rents increasing by 5.6% compared to Q4 2024. The average monthly rent for a house was £1,001 and the average monthly rent for an apartment was £984. This makes the average rent £995 overall.

In the sales market, activity remained steady in Q4 2025, with around 5,500 newly agreed sales and house prices increasing by 6.4% year-on-year, bringing the average house price to £235,035.

Jordan Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer at PropertyPal, commented on the Q4 2025 housing market:

“Northern Ireland’s housing market ended the year on a strong footing, with steady sales volumes and the fastest price growth across the UK. There were approximately 5,500 newly agreed sales recorded in the quarter, broadly in line with long-term averages, and house prices have grown by 6.4% year-on-year.

“Overall sentiment has improved following increased certainty from the Winter Budget and the Bank of England’s interest rate cut in December, which has already begun feeding through to more favourable mortgage conditions. Markets continue to price in further rate reductions over the coming year, which will further support affordability.

“Overall demand remains exceptionally strong, with estate agent enquiries from PropertyPal at multi-year highs. Indeed, Q4 saw the highest volume of buyer enquiries per listing for the respective quarter since peak activity levels of 2021.

“However, supply-side constraints remain a key challenge. While it’s encouraging that 2025 saw a 6% increase in resale listings, giving buyers more choice and contributing to overall market activity, new homes supply remains well below historic norms. This continues to be a critical policy concern and will constrain growth across 2026.

“Based on current indicators, we expect continued growth in both prices and sales volumes through the early months of 2026 and across the year more generally,” he continues.

Commenting on the rental market, he said:

“Rising rents have been a defining feature of the housing market in recent years, and Q4 was no exception. The average rent is now just under £1,000 per month, with annual growth of 5.6% compared to Q4 2024.

“While supply remained flat in the final quarter, the overall rental stock for 2025 increased by 11% year-on-year, a much-needed improvement given the pressures in the market. Looking ahead, 2026 will see a major boost to rental supply with the launch of Loftlines, the first large-scale build-to-rent scheme in Belfast that will deliver almost 800 new homes to the city of which over 600 will support the private rented sector.

“On the demand side, we’re seeing some signs of moderation in rent growth, but pressure to secure the property remains high. On average there were 52 enquiries per rental listing in Q4, up 13% on last year and nearly 60% above long-term norms.

“We expect rents to continue rising in 2026, likely in the 4% to 5% range, as structural supply imbalances continue to dominate market conditions,” he adds.

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Manchester property hotspot to watch in 2026 

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Ancoats has been named the most popular place to live in Manchester in 2025, with demand continuing to rise as more people move into the city. 

New research from Compare My Move reveals that nearly 8% of people relocating to Manchester are choosing to buy or rent in Ancoats. The neighbourhood is not only the city’s top destination but is also growing in popularity, with 1.2% more movers heading to Ancoats in 2025 compared to the previous year. 

Didsbury ranks as the second most popular area, attracting 7.7% of Manchester movers. While it sits just behind Ancoats in overall demand, Didsbury has seen a sharper rise in interest, with a 10.5% year-on-year increase in movers. Worsley follows closely in third place and has experienced even stronger growth, recording a 25.8% increase compared to 2024. 

Elsewhere, Chorlton has emerged as one of Manchester’s fastest-rising neighbourhoods, seeing the largest year-on-year increase of any area in the study. The number of people moving to Chorlton rose by 44.6% in 2025, highlighting its growing appeal among buyers and renters alike. 

Below is a ranking of the most popular areas people moved to in Manchester in 2025, including those relocating within the city. 

Rank Location Average House Price Average Monthly Rent Percentage of Manchester movers Year-on-Year Change in Movers 
1 Ancoats £301,143 £1,334 7.8% 1.2% 
2 Didsbury £428,837 £1,780 7.7% 10.5% 
3 Worsley £300,792 £1,260 5.6% 25.8% 
4 Hulme £192,141 £1,363 4.9% -18.2% 
5 City Centre £256,471 £1,354 4.8% -27.1% 
6 Old Trafford £360,535 £1,105 4.4% 11.6% 
7 Chorlton £360,833 £1,309 4.3% 44.6% 
8 Urmston £344,831 £1,135 4.1% 11.3% 
9 Denton £220,178 £1,001 3.8% 36.1% 
10 Eccles £268,468 £1,117 

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Procter Johnson awarded EcoVadis Bronze Medal for sustainability performance

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Procter Johnson, a leading global supplier of pigments and additives for the concrete, asphalt and clay industries, has been awarded a Bronze Medal by EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings.

The recognition places Procter Johnson among the top 35% rated companies assessed by EcoVadis, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to responsible operations and sustainable growth.

The EcoVadis assessment evaluates companies across four key areas: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Achieving a Bronze rating demonstrates that Procter Johnson’s management systems and policies meet recognised international standards and deliver measurable progress across these pillars.

Harvey Jackson, Managing Director at Procter Johnson, said: “We’re proud to receive this recognition from EcoVadis. It reflects the hard work of our teams across all areas of the business to ensure sustainability is embedded in how we operate, from our product development and manufacturing processes to how we support our customers globally.”

Procter Johnson’s sustainability strategy is underpinned by its ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 45001 accreditations, reflecting a structured commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and workplace safety. The company continues to focus on reducing waste and energy use across its facilities, supporting long-lasting, high-performance materials in construction, and working with partners who share its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

The EcoVadis Bronze Medal reinforces Procter Johnson’s position as a trusted, responsible supplier helping manufacturers meet the construction industry’s evolving sustainability expectations.

For more information, visit: https://www.procterjohnson.com/.

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