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Bradley NI rebrands to Simon Brien Bradley, marking a new chapter of growth

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  • Bradley NI rebrands to Simon Brien Bradley, having joined forces with Simon Brien, Northern Ireland’s leading estate agency.
  • This franchise partnership will expand their business from three offices in Newry, Warrenpoint and Newcastle to become part of an eight-office network, alongside Simon Brien’s existing offices in Belfast, Newtownards and Holywood.
  • The same local team will continue to run the rebranded business, combining local knowledge with the scale, reach and innovation of the wider Simon Brien and Sherry FitzGerald networks.

Bradley NI has officially rebranded as Simon Brien Bradley, celebrating the launch with a ribbon-cutting at its newly rebranded Newry office. The move marks the start of an exciting new chapter of growth and expansion for the well-established Co. Down firm.

Through this franchise partnership, Bradley NI’s three offices in Newry, Warrenpoint and Newcastle will rebrand to Simon Brien Bradley, forming part of an eight-office network with Simon Brien’s existing branches in Belfast, Newtownards and Holywood. The same trusted local team will remain in place, ensuring that clients continue to benefit from local knowledge while gaining the additional scale, reach and innovation of the wider Simon Brien and Sherry FitzGerald networks.

Simon Brien is part of the Sherry FitzGerald Group, the largest estate agency in the Republic of Ireland, with more than 100 offices and 600 professionals across the island. This gives Simon Brien Bradley clients access to broader expertise, knowledge, and marketing reach than ever before. Simon Brien has become synonymous with service excellence, built on traditional values of customer care, underpinned by world-class technology.

From early October, all offices, ‘For Sale’ boards and marketing materials will carry the new name, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. The rebranded firm will continue to deliver a comprehensive range of property services including Residential, Commercial, Lettings & Property Management, New Homes, Fine Homes and Professional Services. Clients will also benefit from cutting-edge, technology tools such as MY Simon Brien, a 24/7 online bidding platform allowing buyers to bid at a time that suits them.

Garrett O’Hare, Managing Director of Simon Brien Bradley, said: “Our business has had roots in the Co. Down property market since 1915. I am delighted to be taking the business to new heights with Simon Brien while retaining our strong ties to the local community. We are excited by Simon Brien’s innovation in marketing and technology, which will allow us to offer the best possible service to our clients. Our new 24/7 online bidding platform, MY Simon Brien, is revolutionary for the market, giving customers flexibility like never before. This partnership is set to deliver bigger reach, stronger marketing and smarter technology for our clients. We are confident that our rebrand to Simon Brien Bradley is just one of many milestones to come.”

Simon Brien, Managing Director of Simon Brien, added: “We are delighted to welcome Garrett and his team to the Simon Brien network. We have ambitious plans for our business across Northern Ireland, and the launch of a franchise model is central to that strategy. While the strength of the Simon Brien brand is important, what matters most is the local reputation and high-quality estate agency service that Garrett and his team are known for. Together, we are a great match and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. This expansion is just the beginning as we look to bring the Simon Brien service to even more clients across Northern Ireland.”

For more information about Simon Brien and their services, please visit www.simonbrien.com or contact Simon Brien Bradley in Newry: newry@simonbrienbradley.com; Warrenpoint: warrenpoint@simonbrienbradley.com; Newcastle: newcastle@simonbrienbradley.com

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MERLYN Launches 360° 24/7 access to Virtual Showroom for industry professionals

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A new digital tool, “open all hours and nationwide,” designed to support sales, specification, and client engagement.

Dedicated to enhancing every client touch point experience, MERLYN, the leading brand in premium showering solutions, has launched a fully interactive 360° Virtual Showroom. The new initiative is tailored to meet the needs of installers, retailers, specifiers, and design professionals.

Developed to streamline the selection and specification process, the virtual showroom allows users to explore MERLYN’s full range—enclosures, wetrooms, and trays—and see all products in a realistic, immersive format. With easy navigation, clickable references, and direct links to technical information, it’s been designed to be an invaluable tool for project planning, client presentations, and even showroom layout discussions.

Accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile, with no logins or downloads required, the platform supports designers, specifiers, and installers whilst planning and decision-making on the road.

“We’ve designed this tool to be as practical as it is impressive,” said Leona Casey, Senior Marketing Manager at MERLYN. “It’s ideal for sales teams, showroom staff, and specifiers who need quick access to technical detail and visual context in one easy-to-navigate space.”

Whether working remotely, meeting clients, or specifying for a complex project, MERLYN’s Virtual Showroom helps professionals bring plans to life with efficiency at every stage.

https://www.merlynshowering.com/360-virtual-bathroom-showroom

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Phase 2 of Tullywhisker Castletown Water Improvement Scheme Gets Underway!

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Following the recent completion of Phase 1 of a major Water Infrastructure Improvement Scheme, serving customers in Strabane Town and the surrounding local area, we are pleased to announce the start of Phase 2.

Combined with the Phase 1 work, a total of £5m has been invested in the local water infrastructure. Phase 1 involved the realignment and improvement of an essential water trunk main representing an investment of £3m. A further £2m will now be invested in additional improvements in the area.

Phase 2 involves laying approximately 3km of essential new mains to ensure additional resilience and security of the drinking water supply for local customers.

Anna Delargy, NI Water Project Manager, said:
“I am delighted to announce the second phase of this Water Infrastructure Improvement Scheme is now underway. The new main will provide an essential water supply system for this part of County Tyrone, ensuring the ongoing provision of high-quality drinking water to our customers in Strabane and the surrounding area.

The majority of the work will take place on private lands to help reduce disruption. However, some work will take place in the new year on the Bearney and Carrigullin Roads. Traffic management will be required and further details will be publicised as details are confirmed.

I would like to thank our wider NI Water project team including contractor Farrans Glanua JV, local landowners, and the wider community for their continued support and co-operation as we progress the overall scheme. We believe it will deliver a more resilient, improved water supply network and help safeguard the local drinking water supply for generations to come.”

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HKC unveils next generation of smart security for installers

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HKC has launched SecureHub, its most advanced alarm panel to date, marking a new chapter in the brand’s evolution. Combining innovative technology with a renewed focus on installer support and partnership, HKC is redefining what it means to be a future-thinking security brand.

Spearheading the new range is SecureHub, a sleek, all-in-one alarm panel designed to make installations faster, smarter and more reliable. With built-in 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, it ensures systems remain online and responsive, while its SecureWave 2-way wireless technology supports up to 70 HKC devices for flexible, scalable protection.

Designed with simplicity in mind, SecureHub offers intuitive programming and easy commissioning, helping professional installers deliver reliable security solutions more efficiently than ever before.

Alongside this innovation, HKC continues to invest in its installer network through the SecureRewards loyalty programme. The initiative rewards installers for choosing HKC products, registering systems, activating SecureComm connections and engaging in training.

By turning everyday actions into tangible rewards, from exclusive merchandise to business support benefits, HKC is recognising loyalty while helping its partners grow sustainable, successful businesses.

The company’s SecureComm platform further strengthens this installer-first ecosystem. Now faster, more intuitive and fully integrated with SecureHub, SecureComm enables seamless setup, configuration and customer management from one connected interface. It also delivers built-in technical support, ensuring both installers and end users stay effortlessly connected and supported throughout the lifecycle of every system.

HKC is set to extend its smart ecosystem even further with the launch of the HKC Video Doorbell. Designed for simple installation and smooth integration into existing HKC systems, the device delivers HD video, intelligent motion alerts and two-way audio for reliable, always-on entry protection that enhances both security and convenience.

Paul Fitzgerald, Managing Director of HKC, said: “SecureHub represents the next stage of HKC’s journey. It’s more than an alarm panel, it’s a future-ready platform that gives installers the tools, connectivity and confidence to deliver smarter, more resilient security.”

“Every innovation we bring to market is designed with the installer in mind. From the hardware they fit, to the software they use, and the support they receive, HKC is evolving to help professionals deliver reliable, future-ready security for their customers.”

HKC SecureHub is available now via HKC’s approved distribution partners, for more information and to register your interest, visit: https://bit.ly/3W98AiC 

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Greenbox Powers Ahead with Another Planning Milestone at Flagship A1(M) Logistics Hub

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Today, the Greenbox JV continues its rapid nationwide expansion with another major win: full reserved matters planning consent has been secured with North Yorkshire Council (NYC) for GB181, a new 181,742 sq ft Grade-A logistics and industrial unit at Greenbox Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Hot on the heels of their success at the speculative Greenbox Darlington development, this latest consent underscores Greenbox’s ability to deliver best-in-class, sustainable logistics space across strategic UK locations.

The 52-acre Greenbox Thirsk site already boasts full consent for GB365 (365,000 sq ft), and a Section 106 Agreement for GB272 (272,504 sq ft) is nearing completion with NYC; together forming a three-unit masterplan totalling 820,000 sq ft. The site however remains deliverable also through its Outline consent which affords it the flexibility to provide Units for SME’s of circa 12,000 sq ft, through to a single footprint of circa. 820,000 sq ft; one of the only sites in Yorkshire where this size of giga-shed can be delivered.

Built around responsible ESG principles, every Greenbox development targets BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC ‘A’ and Net Zero in Construction and Operation — setting a new benchmark for modern logistics design.

The new approval gives occupiers immediate access to large-scale, future-ready space, with delivery capable within just twelve months. Infrastructure is already in place, including the new Eldmire Lane access and extensive landscape planting to establish early maturity.

Positioned just four miles from the A1(M) and adjacent to the A19, Greenbox Thirsk is perfectly located for manufacturers and distributors seeking rapid north-south connectivity. Within 100 miles lie major urban centres including Leeds, Manchester, Hull, and York — and the local industrial ecosystem is already home to occupiers such as Severfield PLC, Inspired Pet Nutrition, Cleveland Steel & Tubes, and Cargill.

With 11,000 people employed in transport and storage and a further 34,000 in manufacturing — 5% above the UK average — the region offers a deep, skilled labour pool to support future occupiers.

Alex Reynolds, Development Director at Citivale, commented:

“Securing further planning at Greenbox Thirsk marks another major step in our strategy to deliver next-generation, Net Zero logistics hubs.

This project reinforces Yorkshire’s position at the forefront of UK logistics and reflects Greenbox’s mission to shape a more sustainable, resilient supply chain through purposeful innovation.  We look forward to speaking with interested occupiers on this exciting opportunity”

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Renters Rights Bill – pet deposit bid rejected – property litigation lawyer comments

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The Renters Rights Bill has returned to the House of Lords. The Government has seen off a renewed bid to ensure tenants keeping pets pay an extra deposit to cover any damage to the rented property. The move was rejected in the House of Lords by 239 votes to 192, with a majority of 47.

David Smith, Property Litigation Partner at Spector Constant & Williams, said: “The Government’s decision to reject the proposal for a separate pet damage deposit is disappointing but unsurprising. The original Lords amendment recognised a genuine gap in protection for landlords that has now been left unaddressed.

“While the drive to make renting more pet-friendly is understandable, removing both the dedicated insurance requirement and the option of an additional deposit leaves landlords exposed to potential losses that cannot easily be recovered under the existing five-week cap.

“A modest, refundable pet deposit would have struck a sensible balance between encouraging responsible pet ownership and protecting property owners from avoidable risk. As it stands, landlords will need to rely on clear tenancy agreements and robust referencing to manage the additional liabilities that pets inevitably bring.”

In addition, a fresh push to cut the time landlords would be barred from re-letting a property after taking possession to sell it from 12 months to six was defeated by 215 votes to 204, with a majority of 11.

David Smith adds: “In my view it was the most useful amendment because it stopped properties that had been taken out of the market to sell, but had not then sold, from sitting empty when they are desperately needed to house people.”

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Large-scale agricultural machinery sales announced by BPI following closure of Midlands-based agricultural dealer

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BPI has launched a series of auctions following the closure of a long-established Midlands-based agricultural machinery dealer, which operated multiple depots across Shropshire, the Midlands, the North West and Wales. 

The company, which traded for more than 40 years, represented leading brands including John Deere, New Holland, Valtra and JCB. Despite its reputation and wide customer base, the business was unable to overcome prolonged trading challenges, rising costs and reduced farm spending – pressures that have affected many dealerships across the sector in recent years. 

The closure has unfortunately resulted in the loss of almost 150 jobs and the winding down of operations across seven depots, with a small number of staff remaining to assist administrators during the process. 

Whilst the closure marks a sad moment for the industry, the upcoming sales provide an opportunity for farmers, contractors and businesses across the UK to acquire well-maintained machinery and equipment at competitive prices. 

The auctions are split into three categories, covering tractors, telehandlers, attachments and more. Assets include a 2022 John Deere 8RX 410 Four-Tracked Tractor, 2019 John Deere T670i Combine Harvester, 2024 Valtra Q305, 2023 New Holland T7.270 and 2021 JCB 4220 Fastrac tractors, alongside several 2017–2024 JCB and New Holland telehandlers and a 2018 JCB 435S Wheeled Loader.

A selection of attachments is also available, featuring a 2023 Kuhn Espro 4000R Seed Drill, 2025 Hi Spec 2300 SA-R Tanker, Bailey 18T and 16T Tipping Trailers, New Holland Roll Baler and Hayliner models, Joskin slurry tanks and 2025 Kuhn tedders. 

Nathan Burnham, Associate Director at BPI, commented: “We’re already seeing strong levels of interest in the assets available. For many buyers, sales like this provide a rare chance to secure machinery of this quality and specification at competitive prices, which can make a real difference in today’s challenging economic climate.”  

All auctions will close on 30th October from 12pm, with viewings available on Tuesday 28th October in York (YO42). 

Interested buyers can view the full catalogues and register to bid via BPI’s website here: https://hubs.li/Q03NFlHG0  

For more information, please contact Nathan Burnham at nathan@bpiauctions.com, Kevin Gardner at kevin.gardner@bpiauctions.com, or call the office on 01924 245040. 

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Rotpunkt 2026 Kitchen Living Trends

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Rotpunkt, leading manufacturer of climate friendly German furniture share the top trends in 2026 for the kitchen living space, with early forecasts revolving around creative storage solutions, accent lighting, and premium materials that induce a deeper connection to nature. 

Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says, “Creating a sense of belonging in the home, where people can share experiences and express their personal style, is swaying the design conversation towards long-lasting, authentically designed products that interact and evolve with the user. Driven by the uptrend to care more about the planet and ourselves, homeowners are seeking out kitchen solutions with artisanal qualities to create nurturing home environments that offer a seamless flow between the cooking, dining, and living areas.”

Discover what the experts at Rotpunkt say are the hottest trends to hit the UK kitchen in 2026:  

Contemporary furniture adopts a more homely aesthetic, as the kitchen and living space uses creative storage solutions to create a smoother transition from room to room… Fitted furniture continues to edge out freestanding designs, as contemporary lifestyles change how storage is planned and used in the home. Bringing a higher level of self-service in today’s kitchen living space, you’ll find a storage solution for almost every type of design concept, domestic appliance, and internal accessory on account of the broad range of specially designed cabinets and drawers now available. The most sought-after design schemes are opting for creative storage solutions from the same product family to deliver a similar style aesthetic in both the kitchen and living space. Top furniture products in 2026 include curved units and doors that create soft, fluid forms; non-standard dimensions to maximise storage and introduce furniture at different levels; large-scale display units that elevate bare walls and reflect natural light; adaptable wall panel systems to free up valuable floor space; deep drawers with internal storage modules and organisers; and innovative top-mounted pocket doors that provide concealed yet spacious storage for pantry items, home bar essentials, making hot drinks, and housing smaller appliances.

Quality materials in wood, metal, and glass become the go-to for emphasising tone and texture in naturally styled interiors… Deemed the top interior style for the kitchen living space in 2026, rustic minimalism combines the warmth of natural materials with the simplicity of minimalist design. Also satisfying the rising demand for stealth wealth interiors, rustic minimalism focuses on quality over quantity to achieve an understated look, which focuses on the unique features and visual characteristics of different materials. Whether light or dark, different species of oak and walnut will dominate the modern kitchen space in 2026. Available in a range of styles and formats, the latest wooden kitchens include hero products like island units, sideboards, or a bank of appliances; wood accents seen across the shelving, wall niches, trims, plinths, cupboard interiors, and storage drawers; and the latest technique called wood drenching, where you opt for an all-wood scheme to create a fully immersive kitchen living environment. Special surface solutions are also being used for their aesthetic appeal with metal accents in brass, copper, and steel, smoked glass, and super matt door fronts helping to emphasise tone and texture. Dominant colours include near-neutral shades in beige, white, black, and grey, alongside earthy yellow pigments that resemble baked clay for a natural pop of colour.

Accent lighting moves away from purely functional to artistic expression, with a focus on layered lighting schemes that bring contrast, influence mood, and promote relaxation… Enhancing both home and lifestyle, fully integrated smart lighting has gained significance in modern kitchen design, as open plan living environments continue to focus on the relationship between the user and a product. The very best kitchen designs are incorporating a curated mix of accent lighting, which highlight signature design elements such as glass display units, cabinets and drawers, shelving and cubbyholes, wall niches, worktops, island units and plinths, fitted larders, coffee stations and more! Fuelled by a growing desire for greater customisation of lighting solutions that can be operated by remote control, the latest statistics show that the UK smart home market is expected to soar to £25 billion by 2030, with kitchen lighting dominating this category.

Rotpunkt 2026 kitchen innovations are available from 1st January 2026: priced from £17,500+vat.

For more information, please contact Rotpunkt UK by email info@rotpunktuk.com or visit www.rotpunkt.co.uk (rotpunktkuechen.de)

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Vicky Davies OBE receives IOD Chair’s Award for Excellence

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Accolade presented by IoD NI Chair John Hansen at Masterclass event in Belfast Harbour Office.

Vicky Davies OBE was today presented with the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) Chair’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice 2025. The accolade was awarded this afternoon to the Danske Bank chief executive at the IoD NI & Belfast Harbour Autumn Masterclass at Belfast Harbour Office.

The Chair’s Award is the highest award presented by the IoD in Northern Ireland and recognises the personal imprint of a high-profile leader on the culture and success of their organisation through the implementation of good governance.

IoD Chair John Hansen said that Vicky Davies OBE is a very deserving recipient:

“Vicky has an outstanding track record. Having worked with Accenture in London, she gained her MBA at the renowned INSEAD business school in France before joining Ulster Bank in 2006. She moved to Danske Bank’s senior management team in 2012 and took over as Chief Executive in September 2021 – the first female to do so in the Bank’s 200-year history. In 2025, she was awarded an OBE by the King for services to the economy in Northern Ireland.”

“I am extremely pleased to present Vicky with the award. She is a leader who has demonstrated exceptional vision, ethical leadership, and a commitment to driving positive change in her industry and community. She is an extremely deserving recipient who has truly showed a strong commitment to excellence in director and board practice.”

The IoD NI & Belfast HarbourAutumn Masterclass, saw directors and senior leaders from across Northern Ireland’s business community come together to gain expert insights on Artificial Intelligence, equality, diversity and inclusion, and innovation.

Dr Theresa Donaldson CDir, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said:

“Belfast Harbour was very pleased to partner with the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland to bring directors and senior leaders together to gain insights and stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Partnering with IoD for this event reflects our ongoing commitment to driving sustainable economic growth across the region by supporting the continued upskilling and development of our business leaders.”

“Digital innovation is a key pillar of our 2025-29 ‘Advance Regional Prosperity’ Strategy, and we were proud to share our knowledge and experience with attendees at this event. We were also very pleased to see the IoD Chair’s Award presented at the event, and I wholeheartedly congratulate Vicky Davies on the deserved recognition.”

The Masterclass featured a presentation on digital transformation/AI in strategy and implementation from Mike Dawson, People & Digital Transformation Director at Belfast Harbour, as well as a presentation on AI from Andrew Gough, Co-Founder & Managing Director of GCD Technologies.

Martin McKay, Founder and Executive Chair of Everway (formerly Texthelp) also spoke about Accommodations vs Accessibility: Building Truly Inclusive Workplaces from Day One.

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BB7 Joins CERTANIA to Establish UK and Ireland Buildings & Infrastructure Platform

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Leading fire and façade consultancy becomes a cornerstone of CERTANIA’s expansion into the UK and Irish market.

BB7 Consulting Ltd, a leading Fire, Façade and building safety advisory services firm in the UK and Ireland, has joined the CERTANIA Group, a dynamic and fast-growing international group specialising in Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC) as well as scientific, laboratory, and compliance services.

Founded in 2009 by Ben Bradford, BB7 has evolved into the UK and Ireland’s leading specialist consultancy in fire and façade engineering, strengthened by its comprehensive building safety services. As a certified B Corporation and recognised as an outstanding employer by Best Companies, BB7 continues to set the standard for responsible business, driving sustainable growth and delivering social value with its “one team” approach.

With a network of 10 offices and a team of more than 150 experts, including 30 chartered professionals, BB7 continues to expand its national presence and expertise. The deal marks a successful exit for growth capital investor BGF which has backed BB7 since 2019. BB7 is now entering an exciting new chapter of growth as it joins the CERTANIA Group.

The partnership also marks a major step in CERTANIA’s strategic expansion into the UK and Ireland Buildings & Infrastructure market, with BB7 serving as cornerstone of a new platform focused on building safety, regulatory assurance, and sustainable design. Together with Clarke Banks and Xact, BB7 will form a joint business within CERTANIA’s Buildings & Infrastructure Division, creating one of the UK and Ireland’s most comprehensive and interdisciplinary consultancies for the built environment.

“Joining CERTANIA marks a defining moment for BB7,” says Ben Bradford, Founder and CEO of BB7. “This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver our purpose, adding certainty to life, by shaping safer, more sustainable built environments. With CERTANIA, we gain the scale and support to accelerate our vision, while maintaining the independence and values that define us.”

“BB7 brings outstanding expertise, leadership, and reputation in building safety and fire engineering,” says Karsten Xander, Founder and CEO of CERTANIA. “Their entrepreneurial mindset and technical excellence perfectly align with our mission to build a group of specialist companies united by quality, trust, and purpose. Together, we are establishing a strong platform for Buildings & Infrastructure in the UK and Ireland.”

With enhanced resources and a shared vision for sustainable growth, BB7 with CERTANIA Group are poised to advance on their “Designing with purpose, building with care” agenda, “adding certainty to life” and create a market-leading, interdisciplinary platform that sets new standards across the industry.

About BB7

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chatham, United Kingdom, BB7 is a leading consultancy specialising in fire engineering, façade engineering, and building safety advisory services. Operating from multiple offices across the UK and Ireland, BB7 helps clients design, verify, and maintain safe and compliant buildings. The company is a certified B Corporation and a trusted partner to major architects, developers, and contractors.
For more information, visit www.bbseven.com or www.bbseven.ie.

About CERTANIA

Headquartered in Munich, CERTANIA is an international Testing, Inspection & Certification company with centuries of experience. Their experts have shaped industry standards and pioneered methods from food and life sciences to energy, industry, construction, and infrastructure.
For more information, visit www.certania.com.

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