Pulse Fibre believes it’s time for the conversation around broadband to ask a more fundamental question: why is it not yet classed as an essential service? With millions of households under financial pressure, the company is adding its voice to the growing call for broadband to be treated in line with other core utilities.
Broadband is an essential feature of daily life. We depend on it just like the air we breathe. We rely on it in our homes, in our work, and for education, health and finance. When we are cut off from digital access, we are effectively excluded from society. In the same way we cannot function without electricity, gas or water, broadband should now be recognised as an essential utility.
Despite this, broadband continues to be treated differently and is taxed like a luxury item.Currently, telecommunications and internet access are subject to the standard VAT rate of 20%. By contrast, most essential utilities are taxed at a reduced rate of 5% or are exempt altogether. This discrepancy adds unnecessary cost to households at a time when digital connectivity is no longer optional, but vital.
“Broadband is as essential as electricity in today’s world. We rely on it for work, education, healthcare access, and staying connected. Yet it continues to be taxed as though it were a luxury service,” said Reece Dopson, Finance Director at Pulse Fibre. “We welcome the broader industry conversation around VAT reform and believe aligning broadband with other essential utilities would help ease financial pressures and support digital inclusion across the UK.”
Making broadband an essential utility and lowering VAT could help bridge the digital divide by making internet access more affordable for households across the country, ensuring that those most at risk of digital exclusion are not left behind.
Pulse Fibre supports continued discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, and the public about how broadband is recognised and taxed, and has published an in-depth blog exploring the issue further.
Sirius Buying Group, major buying group of electrical appliances and kitchen retail solutions is delighted to welcome Fusion Furnishing Services as the latest Approved Member to join the group, which operates parent company The Appliance Shed, one of the largest independent appliance showrooms in Glasgow.
Established in 1998, Fusion Furnishing Services trading as The Appliance Shed, present their customers with a 10,000 sq. ft showroom to offer new, reconditioned and graded appliances in refrigeration, cooking, and washing from leading brands such as Neff, Siemens, Beko, Bosch, Hotpoint and many more.
Whether you are looking for a single appliance or wish to fit out an entire kitchen, the company offers tailored furnishing services with savings of up to 25-40% when shopping instore, same day collection or next day product delivery, free installation, removal and recycling of old appliances, 30-day refund and return policy, dedicated aftercare support, and comprehensive product guarantees with the full original manufacturer’s warranty or the company’s 12-month parts and labour warranty, which is backed up by its team of in house engineers.
Nadeem Shehzad, Managing Director at Fusion Furnishing Services has been with the company for over a decade and was instrumental in the move to Hillington Industrial Estate in 2019. Nadeem says, “As we continue to set new business goals such as expanding our appliance offering and building a first-generation website for The Appliance Shed, we felt it was the right time to join Sirius Buying Group and increase our access to the very best deals for our customers. With many years of experience in equipping landlords, letting agencies, local authorities and more recently, Scottish homeowners with a quality selection of essential home products we’re excited to see what this new partnership will achieve.”
Darren Scott, Head of Membership Development at Sirius Buying Group says, “As the latest consumer trends data confirms that UK spending on home furniture products and domestic appliances are showing signs of growth, we’re thrilled to welcome Fusion Furnishing Services as our latest Approved Member to the group. Bringing a wealth of expertise and product solutions for the kitchen retail sector, we stand ready to assist in bringing about positive change for them and all Members to the group.”
The project is supported by c.£3 million funding from the Department for the Economy’s Energy Invest to Save initiative. To date, NI Water has installed nearly 5,000 solar panels with a combined capacity of c.2.2 Megawatt (MW) of power across eight sites. These panels can generate enough electricity to power about 815 homes, which will be used on-site to reduce pressure on the main power grid.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said, “Being here at Antrim Wastewater Treatment Works has given me the opportunity to see firsthand the progress of the second phase of solar installations which NI Water has rolled out across five sites.
“I commend NI Water on this work to reduce their carbon footprint by working towards more clean electricity. This initiative has also been supported by the Department for the Economy and demonstrates what can be achieved as we all work together to tackle the climate crisis.”
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said,“NI Water’s solar scheme is one of over 160 funded by the Department for the Economy under its ‘Energy Invest to Save’ initiative which has supported schools, libraries, and hospitals to reduce their energy costs. This project showcases the strength of collaborative government action in delivering on the Executive’s Energy Strategy. Ongoing strategic investment in renewable energy across the government estate will enhance our energy security, drive economic growth, support high quality jobs, and will deliver lasting benefits for communities across the north.”
Dr Sara Venning, CEO NI Water said, “We’re delighted to reach this milestone, which is a major step toward our climate goals. As Northern Ireland’s largest electricity user, we are constantly seeking new ways to decarbonise our powerand benefit the local economy.
“By continuing to innovate, we are not only reducing our reliance on the electricity grid but also ensuring greater cost resilience in our operations. We are exploring further solar investment opportunities at energy intensive sites in collaboration with our partners to continue our transformation journey.”
The Government has announced several major amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which further streamline the planning process. They include reducing the length of consultation, stripping uncooperative councils of the right to make certain decisions, and paring back the impact and ability to raise legal disputes.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders said: “Planning reform was never going to be a quick endeavour because our sclerotic, siloed system needs careful analysis to unpick and understand. The Government should be commended on recognising this and taking a proactive approach to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill because it will be an integral piece of legislation in ensuring all projects can be delivered more quickly.”
Proposed amendments to Planning and Infrastructure Bill, include:
Changes to ‘holding directions’ – which stop local planning authorities from considering an application – can now be issued by ministers while they decide whether to ‘call-in’ the application. Previously, they were only able to do this when a council was set to approve it.
Enabling non-water companies to build reservoirs, with all such developments being considered ‘nationally significant infrastructure projects’.
Allowing Natural England to decline requests from local authorities to comment on nature-related planning applications. At present, it must reply to all requests, even ones that it believes are not relevant.
Automatic extensions of the time for implementing planning permission where it is challenged in legal proceedings.
Cutting back legal challenges for major infrastructure projects from three to one and slashing a year off the statutory pre-consultation period.
The Bill, announced as part of the King’s Speech in July 2024, is designed to fast-track major infrastructure projects deemed to be of national significance, make grid connections and pylon construction easier, and give greater compulsory purchase and planning fee setting power to local authorities.
The Government believes these new tweaks will remove barriers to their plans for economic growth and fulfil their 1.5 million homes target by the end of the Parliament.
Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the National Federation of Builders said: “Tweaks to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will help deliver the water and grid capacity that projects require to get planning permission. They will stop councils finding loopholes to avoid building homes. This is a clear indication that the Government understands that ‘Build, baby, build’ is a mantra, not a slogan.”
The 11th-hour rewrite to the Bill was demanded by the Prime Minister, with ministers working over the weekend on drafting the amendments.
The amendments, while backed by the Government, need to be approved by Parliament in a vote on Monday 20 October 2025. Once the Bill is approved by the House of Lords, it will go back to the Commons.
Ministers hope it will become law by early November 2025, meaning that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will be able to consider the economic benefits that will come from it in time for the Autumn Budget.
Nestled high in the mountains, Chez Gaston is a true family institution located between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, in the French Alps near Mont Blanc. Every winter, ensuring access to the restaurant from the first day of the season is a top priority. To meet this challenge, owner Grégoire found the perfect solution with the help of Sivemat: two compact Bobcat loaders — an S550 and an S130 — and most recently, an L85 articulated wheel loader. These machines save him valuable time.
Founded in 1974 by Grégoire’s father, Chez Gaston was taken over in 1993 by Grégoire and his wife, Céline. Since then, the restaurant has remained a family-run business. Grégoire and Céline manage operations, while one of their daughters works as head chef. More than just a dining spot, Chez Gaston is a cherished legacy they are committed to preserving and passing on. “It’s important for us to keep that family and mountain spirit alive. We want our children to carry this place forward,” says Céline.
Snow Removal Made Easy with Bobcat
Over the years, the restaurant has undergone several renovations, including the expansion of its terraces. While these improvements have allowed them to accommodate more guests, they have also made winter maintenance more demanding. Before acquiring a Bobcat machine, snow removal was a laborious task that took three to four hours each morning.
Grégoire discovered Bobcat in 2004 through a friend who used one to clear his own road. Impressed by the demonstration and advised by local Bobcat dealer, Sivemat, he decided to purchase his first machine. Today, he owns several models, including the S550 and S130, which have become essential to his daily operations.
Equipped with specialized attachments such as a snow blower, these machines now allow him to clear the terraces in just 30 minutes — a significant time-saver in the extreme winter conditions at altitude. “It’s really made our lives easier — we save so much time,” says Céline, highlighting how much of a game-changer the equipment has been for their daily routine.
A Reliable Ally, Every Day
As a loyal fan of the brand, Grégoire has gradually equipped his restaurant with several Bobcat machines. “People are often surprised by what I can achieve with my small S550 or S130,” he says, expressing full satisfaction with the performance of his equipment. He doesn’t hide his enthusiasm: “Bobcat has truly helped me — it’s brought simplicity and allowed me to grow in my work.”
A Trusted Partner in the Mountains
With its unique climate and challenging terrain, the mountain environment makes Sivemat’s role all the more essential. In these remote and demanding locations, clients often operate in highly specific conditions. Thanks to solid infrastructure and dedicated resources, it is possible to enjoy a traditional regional dish on a sunny terrace at 2,000 metres high — even in the heart of winter.
“We’re proud to count restaurant-owners like Céline and Grégoire among our loyal customers, whom we support all year round,” says Jean-Benoît Bourgeois, Sales Representative at Sivemat. “They find in the Bobcat brand a wide range of products tailored to their specific and demanding needs.”
To address the challenges of mountain operations, Sivemat also organizes its teams with a dedicated on-call aftersales service available on weekends and public holidays. Sivemat technicians are trained to navigate steep, snowy roads and are equipped with cutting-edge tools to operate autonomously at high altitudes.
“Being consistently present and available to meet our clients’ winter and mountain needs — here lies our true commitment,” concludes Christelle Vaudaux, President of Sivemat.
In the heart of the Alps, where winters are harsh and demanding, Bobcat machines prove to be indispensable allies for overcoming the most extreme conditions. The reliability and performance of Bobcat loaders provide operators not only with significant time savings, but also with a more comfortable and efficient workday.
Bobcat has established itself as a partner that understands its customers’ challenges, delivering performance and dependability throughout the winter season.
About Bobcat
Since 1958, Bobcat has empowered people to accomplish more. A leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation and a strong reputation for delivering smart solutions that help customers overcome their toughest challenges. Supported by a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors, the Bobcat brand offers a comprehensive range of compact equipment (loaders, excavators, telehandlers, compact tractors and mowers), material handling machines (including forklifts and other lifting equipment), as well as a broad selection of attachments, parts and services.
To learn more about Bobcat equipment, attachments and services, visit www.bobcat.com.
98% of homes with external wall insulation installed under the government’s ECO scheme require work to correct major issues that will cause problems such as damp and mould.
DESNZ’s consumer protection system, which was set up in 2021, did not alert it to significant issues with the quality of installations until late 2024.
The NAO recommends that DESNZ sets out how and when affected households can have faulty installations repaired, and reforms the consumer protection system.
A new National Audit Office (NAO) report sets out the reasons for failures in the government’s energy efficiency scheme for homes, including poor-quality installations, weak government oversight and inadequate audit and monitoring, which the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) believes have led to tens of thousands of households needing repair work to correct major issues that will cause problems such as damp and mould.1
The government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme aims to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions in Great Britain by requiring energy companies to fund the installation of energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, in homes.2
But poor installation work has resulted in an estimated 22,000 to 23,000 homes with external wall insulation fitted under the scheme (98% of the total) and 9,000 to 13,000 homes with internal insulation (29% of the total) having major issues that need fixing. A small percentage of these installations also pose immediate health and safety risks.3
Possible explanations why so many installations have been carried out to such a poor standard include an under-skilled workforce, with work being subcontracted to individuals and firms who are not competent or certified; uncertainty over which standards apply to which jobs; and businesses ‘cutting corners’ when undertaking design and installation work.
DESNZ implemented a new consumer protection system for the scheme in 2021, which included appointing TrustMark as its government-endorsed quality scheme.4 But this system failed to alert DESNZ to significant issues with the quality of installations until October 2024, by which time the media had already reported on individual cases of bad mould in homes.
Reasons for the ECO scheme’s shortcomings include:
weak government oversight resulting in widespread issues with the ECO scheme not being identified sooner;
an overly complex consumer protection system that ultimately failed due to unclear and fragmented roles, responsibilities and accountabilities among DESNZ, Ofgem and private sector certification bodies and scheme providers;5
TrustMark’s funding arrangements limiting its ability to have analytical systems fully up and running until the latter half of 2024; and
insufficient audit and monitoring, in part due to weaknesses that allowed installers to ‘game’ the system.6
In addition to these issues, in November 2024 Ofgem estimated that businesses had falsified claims for ECO installations in between 5,600 and 16,500 homes, potentially claiming between £56 million and £165 million from the energy suppliers operating under the scheme.7
DESNZ and Ofgem took action once TrustMark made them aware of the extent of the problems. This included asking certification bodies and scheme providers to suspend the worst performing installers; communicating the issues to potentially affected householdsand tothe wider public; and implementing immediate changes to the consumer protection system.
DESNZ also plans to apply the lessons learned from this experience to the design of its future schemesand its forthcoming Warm Homes Plan.
To improve the consumer protection system, and to boost householders’ confidence in government-backed schemes,8 the NAO recommends that DESNZ:
takes clear responsibility for schemes such as ECO, even when they are funded through consumers’ electricity bills;
clarifies its approach to repairing faulty ECO scheme installations alongside its Warm Homes Plan;
reforms the consumer protection system for retrofit schemes; and
reports annually on a statistically robust estimate of the level of fraud and non-compliancein each of its retrofit schemes.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said:
“ECO and other such schemes are important to help reduce fuel poverty and meet the government’s ambitions for energy efficiency.
“But clear failures in the design and set-up of ECO and in the consumer protection system have led to poor-quality installations, as well as suspected fraud.
“DESNZ must now ensure that businesses meet their obligations to repair all affected homes as quickly as possible. It must also reform the system so that this cannot happen again.”
A composite innovation business is developing a pioneering air source heat pump base made from recycled glass to transform the way the technology is installed in urban areas.
VASO by Eco, based in the south of Scotland, has developed the composite material as an alternative to concrete, to decarbonise the installation of heat pumps in towns and cities.
This week the business started collaborating with the Centre for Net Zero High Density Buildings (CeNZ-HighDB) led by the University of Edinburgh to enhance the capability of the innovative product and refine the solution, with an objective of fast-tracking heat pump installations.
The UK government aims to significantly increase heat pump installations, targeting 600,000 installations per year by 2028.
This goal is part of the broader strategy to decarbonise heating and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
VASO by Eco is a world-first construction innovation, creating structural composite panels made from recycled glass.
VASO by Eco’s build solutions create buildings from the panels, providing affordable, low energy cost, low carbon homes.
The VASO by Eco Heat Pump Base Panel will contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint in air source heat pump applications.
It plays a crucial role in an integrated system which enhances speed of installation, reduced carbon emissions and better quality of the installation.
The high-quality VASO by Eco recycled glass panels will be designed to absorb vibrations more effectively than concrete, reducing noise and wear on the heat pump, potentially extending its lifespan.
It offers better thermal insulation compared to concrete, improving efficiency by helping maintain a more stable temperature around the heat pump. The material is also more resistant to cracking and settling, ensuring long-term stability and performance.
This green economy innovation, which is being developed at Eco Group’s HQ at Annan, in Dumfries and Galloway, aims to enable installations at volume globally.
CeNZ-HighDB, is a new UKRI-funded research centre to support and develop Net Zero solutions for high density buildings and streetscapes.
The centre collaborates across the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Strathclyde, West of Scotland and Edinburgh Napier, as well as BE-ST, Scotland’s national innovation centre for construction and the built environment.
At the moment 55% of the world’s population live and work in urban areas and this figure is expected to rise to 68% by 2050.
Eddie Black, Managing Director of VASO by Eco, said: “We are thrilled to have the support of CeNZ-HighDB with our product development. Locations with high density building areas have some of the biggest challenges in meeting net zero ambitions.
“This is just one of the many reasons why there is such a critical net zero challenge, not just for the UK, but globally too.
“Our heat pump base panels will play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint and time of the installation as well as enhancing performance.
“This will be a vital step towards meeting the UK government’s target of increasing heat pump installations and decarbonising heating.”
Professor Sean Smith, centre director for CeNZ-HighDB, stated: “The VASO system has potential to accelerate the delivery of air source heat pumps, underpinning the green transition whilst delivering on a circular economy pathway.”
VASO by Eco was recently shortlisted for a Circular Economy Award in BE-ST’s Accelerate to Zero Awards 2025 which take place on November 6, at Òran Mór in Glasgow.
BE-ST’s awards celebrate the businesses, organisations and individuals making the biggest contribution to decarbonisation in the built environment and championing a just transition to zero carbon.
As the Renters’ Rights Bill nears Royal Assent, leading technology provider Reapit urges letting agents to act early on arrears to grow their agency, protect their income and landlords, while attracting new ones.
Data from Reapit’s automated rental payment platform, PayProp, shows that the top 10% of agencies with the lowest arrears using the platform in September 2025 had fewer than 1.4 tenants in arrears per agency, with tenants owing on average £513. This figure represents less than 39% of average monthly UK rents according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
That same group of agents grew their lettings management commission income by over 13% in 12 months, showing a clear correlation between good arrears management and rental commission income growth.
Rules change makes arrears management critical
With the Renters’ Rights Bill set to return to the House of Lords on 14 October for final consideration, letting agents are being urged to focus on arrears management in light of these reforms.
The legislation will extend the eviction threshold in England for tenant arrears to three months before an eviction notice can be issued. Current court delays mean landlords already wait on average 27.9 weeks to repossess a property from the point an eviction notice is served. With accelerated possession being removed by the Renters’ Rights Bill, these delays are likely to increase.
“With the Renters’ Rights Bill set to extend eviction timelines, agents who don’t act immediately on arrears could find themselves stuck, struggling to collect late rent, incapable of evicting, and unable to give landlords the assurance that they’ll be able to take legal possession of their properties within a reasonable time of tenants defaulting. That’s why automation and early intervention are essential strategies with managing arrears for any agency that wants to protect their income and grow their landlord portfolio,” explained Dr Neil Cobbold, Commercial Director at Reapit.
The right tools for the job
Proactive arrears management tools are built into PayProp, allowing agents to act the moment arrears are auto-flagged. As the platform is bank-integrated, it knows the live payment status of every tenant, showing agents a clear list of who has paid and who has not, 24/7. Proactive reminders can be approved and sent in bulk with one click or tap – both via e-mail and text message. The timely prompt this gives tenants to pay their rent has resulted in 64% of tenants responding within 48 hours.
“The most successful agents on our platform are those who act early. They’re not just protecting their commission; they’re building a reputation for financial control and professionalism that attracts landlords who are increasingly nervous about arrears and eviction delays. We see that play out in their growth stats, with the agents that manage arrears the best growing their rental commission income over the last 12 months. And those are the agents landlords are looking to protect their rental income,” added Cobbold.
Wall panel manufacturer leads the way as waterproofing standards tighten in new-build bathrooms.
Grant Westfield has secured independent accreditation from Sintef for both its Multipanel and Naturepanel bathroom wall panels in line with the latest NHBC guidelines, which now require a fully waterproof layer behind wall finishes in high-flow shower areas. Watertight and durable, wall panels with UKCA, UKNI or CE marking to EAD 030437-00-0503 meet the new NHBC regulations while simplifying and speeding up the installation process, resulting in considerable time and cost savings.
The move confirms the brand’s readiness to support developers and installers with compliant, efficient alternatives to traditional tiling.
The updated NHBC standards apply to showers with flow rates exceeding 12 litres per minute and mean that tiling onto plasterboard or standard backer boards is no longer sufficient. Instead, a watertight substrate or waterproof system must be used, adding steps, time, and cost to many standard tiling methods.
“As well as a technical change for housebuilders, this is also a shift in what’s considered best practice,” says Jamie Sandilands, Specification Sales Director at Grant Westfield. “Retailers and installers should take note, because regulations in new-build often influence consumer expectations in renovation too. For retailers it’s about offering customers smarter alternatives that save time, reduce environmental impact and still deliver on style.”
While traditional waterproofing methods like tanking membranes or marine-grade boards can meet the new standard, they typically introduce additional labour and drying time. By contrast, Multipanel and Naturepanel’s pre-finished wall panels install directly onto standard substrates, without the need for tanking, grout or extended curing times.
Beyond compliance, wall panels offer other significant benefits, including faster fitting, no grout to maintain and a wide range of contemporary finishes. Multipanel and Naturepanel collections include marble, concrete, stone and tile-effect designs, offering high-end looks with low-maintenance appeal.
They’re also more sustainable, generating less on-site waste and carrying up to 60% less environmental impact than tiles, according to independent lifecycle assessments.
As the industry continues to evolve, Grant Westfield’s accredited wall panels offer a future-ready solution that makes compliance easy and creates new opportunities for trade and retail alike.
Workplace design and fit out specialist Area is celebrating a landmark win at the 2025 Thames Valley Property Awards, where its redevelopment of B100 at Bourne Business Park in Surrey was named Commercial Development of the Year. The project was also recognised as a finalist for Sustainable Development of the Year, cementing its status as one of the UK’s most progressive office retrofits.
B100 has become a benchmark for sustainable refurbishment, demonstrating how retrofit-first strategies can outperform new-build on carbon, performance and commercial viability. Owned by Straits Real Estate and advised by ESR Europe, the 28,000 square foot, three-storey redevelopment prioritised embodied carbon reduction and delivered a series of environmental firsts.
A Sustainability and Performance Standout
B100 has achieved a NABERS UK Design for Performance rating of 5.5, making it one of the country’s highest-rated office refurbishments for energy efficiency. It operates as a fully all-electric building, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels, and is powered in part by a roof-mounted solar array.
The scheme achieved BREEAM Excellent accreditation and a perfect score of 45 out of 45 under the Considerate Constructors Scheme, highlighting exceptional performance not only in design and delivery, but also in social and environmental responsibility during construction.
To support sustainable commuting, the development includes cycle storage, showers and changing facilities, as well as nine electric vehicle charging bays within its 90-space car park. Smart systems including dynamic air conditioning and mixed-mode fresh air circulation balance comfort and energy demand.
Recognition and Industry Validation
The project has also received wider industry recognition:
Winner – CIBSE Building Simulation Award 2023
Finalist – BREEAM Awards 2025: Best Refurbishment & Fit-Out Project
Finalist – BCO Awards 2025: Projects up to 2,500m²
“B100 embodies our belief that the workplace of the future must be both high performing and sustainable,” said Gary Chandler, CEO at Area. “This award is testament to the vision of our team, our client and our partners. It proves that refurbishment can deliver world-class results, reducing carbon impact while creating a workplace that is flexible, inspiring and ready for the future.”
The project team included tp bennett as architect, Savills as M&E engineer and project manager, Gardiner & Theobald as quantity surveyor, and DP Squared as structural engineer, with Element Sustainability as BREEAM assessor and Area providing a dedicated BREEAM Accredited Professional and Sustainability Champion throughout.
About Area
Area is a leading specialist in workplace design and office fit out, creating future-ready workspaces that inspire people and support business success. With offices in London and Windsor, the company has delivered more than 2,500 projects across EMEA over the past 25 years. Its clients include global brands such as Canon, Amazon, LVMH, Vodafone, Lenovo and Adobe.
As a certified B Corp, Area integrates sustainability into every project, incorporating low-carbon solutions, responsibly sourced materials and circular economy principles to help businesses future-proof their work environments.
