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Lichfields announces 11 promotions across UK offices

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National planning and development consultancy Lichfields has announced 11 promotions across its UK office network, including Tara Johnston (London) and Alex Davies (Manchester), who have both been promoted to Associate Director.

The promotions also include nine new Senior Planners and one Senior Economics Consultant, reflecting the firm’s continued investment in employee development.

Lichfields’ Chief Executive, James Fennell, said:
“We are always delighted to promote staff and see the next generation making their mark on the business. This is a much-deserved reward for their hard work for our clients. It’s a strong group of individuals who are contributing significantly to the growth of our business. Their promotions reflect of the excellent progress they have made and the value they bring to our clients’ projects.”

Tara Johnston joined Lichfields in 2019. Based in the London office, her work focuses on residential, education and healthcare projects across the South of England. She has played a key role in strategic land promotion for the Church Commissioners for England including securing a resolution to grant consent for 2,200 homes at West Bertsed in Arun. Tara has also played a key role in Brighton College’s new boarding and educational facilities.

Tara said:
“This promotion reflects my work for some great clients on lots of high-profile projects. I am looking forward to stepping up and achieving more success for clients in my new role.”

Alex Davies has also been with Lichfields since 2019 and is part of the Manchester-based economics team. He specialises in economic impact assessments and has delivered analysis for a wide range of commercial, cultural, residential and infrastructure projects.

He said:
“I am proud to be contributing to the success of the Lichfields’ Manchester office and growing our economics work across the North-West of England and beyond. In particular, our recent successes working with cultural organisations like Co-Op Live, The Lowry in Salford and The Glasshouse in Gateshead to help them demonstrate their value has helped us expand our expertise and the range of clients we can support. We are experiencing high demand for our services and I expect that to continue over the coming months.”

The new Senior Planners are: Laura Gaffney (Birmingham), Jack Collard (Bristol), Rachel Affleck (Edinburgh), Ryan Barrett and Katie Jones (Leeds), Harry Russell (Manchester), and Dominic Langton and Olivia Powell (Newcastle). Ed Welch, based in London, has been promoted to Senior Economics Consultant.

Lichfields employs more than 260 people across nine UK offices and advises clients in the public and private sectors on all aspects of planning and development.

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Don’t flood the housing market: leading building materials supplier calls for consideration of permeable solutions in developments

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Leading constructions material supplier Holcim UK is calling on Angela Raynor, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to prioritise the integration of permeable solutions, such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), within new development projects to mitigate flooding risks effectively.

The Government has pledged to develop 1.5 million new homes throughout the next parliament. Under the plans, Cornwall, one of the UK’s most flood prone regions, will be expected to increase its housing development target by 65%, putting thousands more homes at risk of flooding.

Whilst the Government has pledged over £2.4 billion towards active flood defences, such as sea walls, flood barriers and embankments, smaller actions such as the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) could save the UK economy millions of pounds in insurance claims, disruption to business and the use of emergency services.

SuDS can reduce the level of surface water flooding in highly populated areas by providing adequate source control. The most common methods include the use of permeable surfaces, such as those used on driveways, roads, pedestrian areas and impermeable surfaces, with engineered source control draining systems.

Jason Broughton, Regional Technical Manager at Holcim UK said “We must do all we can to ensure that new homes stand the best chance of avoiding flooding, especially as the climate crisis continues to impact UK weather systems.

“In 2023/24 alone, 12 recorded storms ravaged the country – the highest since records began nearly a decade ago. Products such as those within our SuperFlow range have been specifically designed to minimise the risks associated with flooding, and ensure that excess rainfall and surface water can be dealt with in an effective and sustainable manner.

“We would welcome the opportunity to speak with the Secretary of State for Housing about her housing targets and feed into flood mitigation plans for housing developments.”

Visit Holcim UK for more information on its range of flood defence solutions and sustainable materials for infrastructure projects.

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NEW HOME FOR ARMY EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TROOP

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A specialist Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) troop has moved into its new home at Gamecock Barracks, Nuneaton – built by VIVO Defence Services and Northern Ireland headquartered, Henry Brothers Construction.

The newly-named Nuneaton EOD Troop – formerly Nottingham EOD Troop and part of 721 EOD Squadron Royal Logistic Corps – relocated in July from Chetwynd Barracks in Nottingham to Gamecock Barracks. The Squadron belongs to 11 EOD and Search Regiment, the British Army specialists responsible for the safe handling and disposal of explosives, ensuring the safety of civilians and military personnel, with squadrons based across the UK.

The sale of Chetwynd Barracks forms part of the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, which is investing £5.1 billion in creating a Defence estate that better meets the future needs of the Armed Forces while improving the lived experience of military personnel. As part of this process, DEO is releasing public sector land for alternative use, which includes supporting government housing targets, and reinvesting the receipts back into the Defence estate.

The newly-built EOD compound at Gamecock Barracks which consists of an office building, garage, secure store, and a training area has been delivered under the DEO Army Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracting to VIVO Defence Services, with subcontractors Tetra Tech as designer and Henry Brothers Construction appointed to build the new facility.

Speaking about the new facilities, Paul Bond, Operations Director for the Built Estate Central region at VIVO Defence Services, said:

“As one of the UK’s largest providers of estate services to the MOD, we’re proud to serve the UK military and help enable its defence capability.

I’m pleased we’ve provided such an excellent, innovative and secure facility, specifically designed and built with the EOD Troop relocating to it in mind so it aids them in the important work they do. I’m confident this will be a great new home for them for years to come.

Thank you to all those involved across VIVO and our supply chain and thank you to DIO, Army infrastructure and Gamecock’s base commanders for such close cooperation on this project.”

Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, added:

“Henry Brothers has been involved in a significant number of schemes across the UK, helping to upgrade and improve MOD sites, including several in partnership with VIVO Defence Services.

We are very proud to have been involved in delivering a new home for the EOD Troop as the troop moves from Chilwell in Nottingham to Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton.”

Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Army Basing and Infrastructure said:

“The investment in Gamecock Barracks demonstrates how we are working to improve our infrastructure to meet the needs of the modern Army – and to enable our people to perform at their best.

The truly impressive new facilities that have been delivered for Nuneaton EOD Troop are an example of critical infrastructure that directly strengthens our operational capabilities.”

Warren Webster, DIO’s Head of Major Programmes and Projects for the Army, said:

“These impressive new facilities were crucial to allow 11 EOD and Search Regiment to operate from their new home, Gamecock Barracks. We’ve worked hard with our design contractors Tetra Tech and build contractors Henry Brothers, sub-contracted by VIVO Defence Services, to make sure it caters for everything the Regiment’s soldiers and officers need to prepare for and undertake their vital role.”

11 EOD and Search Regt is responsible for ensuring all land service ammunition and explosives are stored and maintained appropriately, as well as providing the Army with technical support to ensure it can fulfil its responsibilities in dealing with ammunition.

As those responsible for the safety of the public from explosive, chemical, biological and radiological threats, this work is essential to UK resilience, as Capt Robert Soutar, second in command at 721 EOD Squadron explained:

“We are the most highly decorated peace time Regiment in the British Army: providing the highest level of EOD, Search and Electronic Warfare support to Defence and the Home Office.

We are unique within the Army in that we deliver our capability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. This team is one of 15 national teams that keep us safe from bombs and explosive risks.

This development, which is part of the MOD’s investment into the Armed Forces, will give them modern, purpose-built, secure facilities as they start a new chapter in the history of the Troop.”

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The Furnishing Service joins Sirius Buying Group

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Sirius Buying Group, major buying group of electrical appliances and kitchen retail solutions is delighted to welcome The Furnishing Service, one of the UK’s leading home products and service provider as the latest Approved Member to join the group in 2025.

With 7 locations offering 4 branches in Scotland, 2 in England and 1 in Wales, The Furnishing Service has been delivering furniture, furnishings, white goods, window coverings and floor coverings to homes and communities for the last 30 years, a proud milestone it reached in 2025.

The Furnishing Service products serve the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, and dining space delivering to local authorities, housing associations, serviced apartments, as well as care and nursing homes. The company’s expert services include a variety of solutions to help its customers such as efficient product delivery, installation and disposal, free measuring service for flooring and blinds, tailored product sourcing to meet individual requirements, personal Customer Service Agents, devoted Procurement Team, and Warranty & Product Support service.

The company was founded by Managing Director, Randle Wilson, following his work with Glasgow City Council. Randle says, “As the lead manager with specific responsibilities for homelessness, I saw the overwhelming demand for a company, which could provide home furnishings to those with the greatest needs in our community. By becoming an Approved Member to Sirius Buying Group, we can continue to provide an efficient, high-quality service for customers in the vulnerable sector, which now benefits from our ability to access exclusive products and promotions from some of the world’s most leading electrical appliance brands in the market. By delivering a seamless white label solution, we can ensure our customers receive top-quality home furnishings that transform buildings into homes without prejudice.”

Darren Scott, Head of Membership Development at Sirius Buying Group says, “We’re thrilled to welcome The Furnishing Service as our latest Approved Member to the group. Dedicated to helping their customers create a positive living environment, where everyone can feel proud and at ease, this business truly understands the power of community by delivering an outstanding service, which makes a positive difference to people’s lives. We are excited to support them in the next stage of their development with a wide range of brands and products from our Approved Suppliers, and group-led networking events throughout the year.”

The next professional gathering that has been organised by the group is the 2025 Sirius Annual Trade Show, which takes place on 17th September at Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.

To find out more, please contact Sirius Buying Group:

t 0330 133 8336, e siriusoffice@siriusbuyinggroup.co.uk, w siriusbuyinggroup.co.uk

Office 10, Equinox South Business Centre, Bristol BS32 4QL

The Furnishing Service – Call 01355 226 556, email info@tfs.direct or www.tfs.direct  East Kilbride, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dingwall, Merthyr Tydfil, Milton Keynes &  Stockport

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West Belfast Factory Welcomes Global Packaging Leader

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Masterwork Group Chairman Madam Li Li Visits Biopax to View Advanced Packaging Technology in Operation

Biopax Limited, a Belfast-based leader in sustainable packaging, welcomed a prestigious international guest to its production facility.

On Monday 28 July, Madam Li Li, Chairman and CEO of Masterwork Group Co. Ltd, visited the site in what was her only factory visit in Ireland.

Biopax’s machinery includes the MasterMatrix die-cutter and folder-gluers, manufactured by Masterwork Group in Tianjin, China, and supplied through Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), a strategic global partner to the Masterwork Group.

Masterwork is China’s leading manufacturer of post-press packaging technology and, together with HEIDELBERG, ranks No. 2 globally.

HEIDELBERG is Masterwork’s strategic global partner, and the two companies have worked closely together since 2019, when Masterwork became the largest shareholder of HEIDELBERG, a strategic partnership that brings world-class finishing systems to international markets, including Biopax.

Outside China HEIDELBERG is offering the cutting-edge finishing systems from Masterwork exclusively through its global network, with Biopax benefiting directly from this collaboration in the form of advanced, high-performance equipment that supports its sustainable packaging goals.

Biopax is located on a redeveloped 8.4-acre manufacturing site and was officially launched in 2023 by Dr Terry Cross OBE, with a planned investment totalling £47million. The company specialises in polyethylene-free printed cartons, paper wraps and labels for the food, beverage and non-food sectors. It serves clients across the UK, Ireland and Europe, with growing global supply chain partnerships spanning North America, China, India and Australasia.

The purpose of Madam Li’s visit was to view a selection of high-performance packaging machines manufactured at her factory in Tianjin, China, specifically the MasterMatrix die cutter and folder-gluer systems now in use at Biopax. All die cutters are manufactured in Tianjin, and Diana folder-gluers are manufactured in Slovakia. These machines are some of the most advanced packaging production technology in the world.

Biopax currently operates two Speedmaster XL 106 printing presses from HEIDELBERG and an extensive downstream setup featuring Masterwork’s four die-cutting and two gluing systems. These investments enable the business to produce high-volume, high-quality packaging while reducing waste, downtime and environmental impact.

Speaking during her visit, Madam Li Li, Chairman and CEO, Masterwork Group Co. Ltd, said:
“Biopax represents the kind of innovation and sustainable ambition that aligns with Masterwork’s values. Seeing our technology in action in this forward-thinking facility was both impressive and inspiring. I commend the Biopax team for their commitment to excellence and their vision for a more sustainable future in packaging.”

The visit also reinforced the strong relationship between Biopax and HEIDELBERG, which recently marked its 175th anniversary, celebrating a global legacy of printing technology and industry advancement.

“It was a great honour to welcome Madam Li to Biopax and to showcase the advanced machinery her factory has produced,” said Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman, Biopax Ltd. “Our packaging workflow with systems from HEIDELBERG and Masterwork reflects our belief in global collaboration within our industry as the key to sustainable industrial progress.”

Biopax is currently undergoing further expansion and aims to increase its workforce by the end of the year. Its niche focus on polyethylene-free packaging responds directly to global demand for more environmentally conscious solutions in both food and non-food sectors.

Lee Carson, Managing Director, Biopax Ltd, added:
“The MasterMatrix has become a cornerstone of our production line and hosting Madam Li at Biopax allowed us to share how this world-class machinery is driving both quality and efficiency across our operations. Her visit is reflective of the strength of our international supply chain and shared vision for innovation.”

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Occupier demand for commercial property in NI continues to edge upwards, but office and retail rents still under pressure

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Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th January 2022 Garrett O’Hare Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

RICS Commercial Property Monitor for Northern Ireland – Q2 2025

  • Overall occupier demand rose for the second consecutive quarter
  • Industrial property continues to outperform other subsectors
  • Office and retail rents remain under pressure

Overall occupier demand for commercial property in Northern Ireland rose at the fastest rate seen in three years according to the Q2 2025 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Commercial Property Monitor, bolstered by the industrial sector.

A net balance of 10% of NI respondents reported a rise in overall occupier demand, which is the highest this balance has been since 2022, and up from 6% seen in Q1. Looking at the subsectors though reveals that this unturn is being largely driven by demand for industrial space. A net balance of 40% of respondents said that demand for this subsector increased in the quarter, meanwhile demand for office space was reported to have been flat and retail experienced a fall (a net balance of -10%).

When it comes to rental expectations, respondents in NI expect rents to increase overall in the short-term, with a net balance of 13% expecting rents to rise at an all-sector level over the next three months. But again, the outlook for industrial is in contrast to office and retail.

Rents in the industrial sector are expected to rise over the next three months, with a net balance of 70% of NI respondents expecting an increase. In contrast, rents in both the office and retail subsectors are expected to fall through the third quarter of this year (net balances of -20% and -10% respectively).

On the 12-month horizon, NI surveyors remain optimistic overall on the outlook for commercial property rents too. A net balance of 7% of respondents expect rents to rise at all sector level, albeit this is down from the 15% that was noted in the Q1 survey. Office and retail are expected to see rents edge lower, with net balance of -10% and -30% respectively, whilst rents for industrial space are expected to continue moving upwards over the next year (a net balance of 60%).

When it comes to capital value expectations, respondents in NI remain cautious. A net balance of -10% of NI surveyors expects capital values to fall over the next three months. Looking at the subsectors, the industrial sector continues to outperform the other subsectors on this front too, as a net balance of 40% of respondents anticipate capital values will rise over the next three months.

Garrett O’Hare, RICS NI commercial property spokesperson and Managing Director of Bradley NI says: “The commercial property market in Northern Ireland has faced turbulence in recent years, but it is encouraging to see the report noting that surveyors across NI are reporting a rise in overall occupier demand. With increases in national insurance earlier this year, inflation continuing to be a challenge for many businesses, and wider structural changes in the sector, it is unsurprising to see that demand for retail space remains subdued. Whilst the outlook on rent expectations looks more promising overall, we are cautious when it comes to the outlook of capital values as the sector continues to navigate the many challenges it is facing.”

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Placemaking around rail is a winning blueprint

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The Government has announced that around 40,000 new, high-quality homes will be built on surplus railway land, as the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, unlocks brownfield sites across the country for development.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:

“The Government has a chance to set a new standard in placemaking and doing so on brownfield land around railways stations really is the twin-twin they are selling it as.”

The new company tasked with this role will be Platform4, who will be disposing of surplus rail land, attracting private investment and accelerating community regeneration. Opportunities to deliver 2,700 homes on four sites in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Cambridge have already been identified.

Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said:

“Viability and ambition will be key to these projects succeeding. Some sites already have planning permission dating back decades and so Platform4 needs to reassess whether they need updating to deliver more for today’s communities.

We would urge the Government to explore community density, where projects are large in scale because they deliver all a community wants and needs. This means more employment space and leisure facilities, greater levels of public services and space, and homes which suit individuals, families and older people. Doing so ensures that the local and regional rail lines with the ambition is based around are being used to their full potential.”

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Industville is shortlisted for an SBID International Design Award 2025

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Industville is pleased to be among the inspiring global design talent to have been shortlisted as a finalist in this year’s SBID International Design Awards for its entry, Dulwich in the Lighting category.

“”Every design we create begins with a simple question: how will it transform the space it’s placed in, and how will it make people feel? The Dulwich was shaped by that vision. With its clean lines and minimal form, it carries a quiet strength that speaks volumes. It’s designed to shift the atmosphere, to calm, energise, and inspire through thoughtful simplicity and carefully chosen materials.
To have this piece recognised is not only an honour, but also a powerful nod to the design direction we’ve committed to – purposeful, refined, and emotionally resonant design.””
– Mara Rypacek Miller, Founder

Evaluated by a panel of distinguished, industry-leading experts for functionality, innovation, creativity and technical execution, an SBID Award is considered one of the most coveted accolades for design excellence. Success in this GOLD-rated Awards programme demonstrates the highest level of design skill and professional mastery across the interior design profession.

About the product:
The Dulwich range is a study in layered design, combining multiple, rippling levels of mocha glass, an elegant and understated bronze holder, and an ‘orb-like’ alabaster glass globe at its centre.

The mocha hues of the smoked glass in these pieces create a warmer glow than that of traditional clear finishes and are a response to a growing desire for warm neutrals that soothe the senses. This look is carried through in the simple and elegant bronze holder. The use of multiple layers of the mocha glass in the design creates an elegant diffusion of light that gently filters through, casting softly across any space rather than in an overly directional manner.

Finally, the alabaster glass globe centre creates an elevated contrast to these foundations, both balancing and enhancing the visual appeal of the piece. When illuminated, a soft glow diffuses from the semi-translucent core, highlighting the natural variations in the effect that make each piece unique.

To complete the final stage of judging, the public are now invited to vote for their favourite finalist designs – accounting for an 10% of the overall results! To show your support for Industville and cast your votes, click here.

The public vote will close on Friday 5 September at 5pm (BST).
Visit www.sbidawards.com to find out more.

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HENRY BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION COMPLETES HERITAGE BUILDINGS TRANSFORMATION

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Northern Ireland headquartered contractor, Henry Brothers Construction has handed over a new workspace development in Leicester which has been created from a cluster of heritage buildings.
The stunning conversion at the former Pilot House site on King Street – now named Canopy – is due to open in autumn 2025, with nine of the 25 available workspaces for creative businesses already let.

The architects and multidisciplinary practice behind the project, rg+p, was the first business to sign up for a tenancy at Canopy.

MD of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said:

“We are incredibly proud to have delivered Canopy, which will breathe new life into this area of Leicester.
The retention of important heritage features like parquet flooring, bricks and beams in the development has created a unique and inviting space for creative businesses, along with visitors who will use the café, meeting rooms, event spaces and conference facilities.
This project strengthens our portfolio of work in Leicester, and it has been good to work with the city council and our construction partners to deliver such a wonderful scheme which offers such potential for the city.”

Leicester City Council is leading the £13.3 million project to transform the cluster of council-owned former factory buildings into a new development offering 40,000sqft of high-quality accommodation for creative businesses in the heart of the city centre.

The ambitious redevelopment will offer a range of attractive workspaces, alongside meeting rooms and conference facilities, a co-working lounge, reception area and outdoor courtyard.
The public will also be able to enjoy Canopy’s central hub area which will offer event and exhibition space and a café.

Existing heritage features – including exposed brick and beams and original parquet flooring – have been retained. These have been complemented with bold and contemporary elements including a stunning glazed roof in the central hub area and a new entrance on King Street.

The design of the new development was developed by rg+p, which won the contract following a competitive tendering exercise. The practice will relocate its Leicester studio to Canopy, while maintaining its London and Birmingham studios.

Rob Woolston, rg+p’s director, said:

“Our connection with the Pilot House buildings is well established, having won the original competition to design its redevelopment in 2022.
Since then, we’ve worked closely with the city council to develop a design to bring this fascinating cluster of former factory buildings back into productive use while retaining their historic character.
With the lease on our current studio ending, we quickly realised the space we were looking for was the one that we are incredibly proud to have helped to create. We’re looking forward to making Canopy our new home when it opens.
This will mark a significant step forward for our continued growth in Leicester, which has been our home for 45 years. Canopy is a great fit for our company and we’re proud to become the anchor tenant.”

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said:

“This ambitious project is transforming a group of significant but disused heritage buildings into a new creative hub for start-up and growing businesses and a landmark destination that will become a source of pride for Leicester.
Along with supporting hundreds of high-quality jobs in the city’s thriving creative sector, this important redevelopment will contribute to the wider regeneration and prosperity of King Street, Belvoir Street, Market Street and the New Walk area. It will also complement recent landmark developments like the Gresham Building.
The fact that the project’s architects, rg+p were the first confirmed tenants of Canopy is hugely encouraging. It’s a clear endorsement of what a well-considered and architecturally stunning new workspace they have helped to create. It really is shaping up to be a superb development.”

Construction work was undertaken by Henry Brothers Construction under contract to Leicester City Council. Other members of the construction team working alongside Henry Brothers and rg+p included structural engineer M-EC.

Henry Brothers Construction, which has its base in Beeston, Nottingham, is part of The Henry Group, a Northern Ireland-based business which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out.

In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.

The new workspace community for creative businesses will support the city’s creative and design sector, becoming a base for businesses – from start-ups to established firms – with a focus on enterprise and innovation.
Tenants could include design practices, software and tech designers, designer makers, digital artists and filmmakers, and fashion and textile businesses.

It will help support around 250 jobs in the city centre.
Canopy will be run by the team that manages the city council’s successful LCB Depot, Phoenix Square and Makers’ Yard workspaces in the cultural quarter.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the workspaces available at Canopy can email workspace development manager James Burkmar at Canopy@lcbdepot.co.uk

The redevelopment of Pilot House is supported by £8.6 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Last year, Leicester was named among the top five UK cities for creatives in a list compiled by Adobe Express.

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£150,000 Hagan Homes Partnership Offers Second Chances and Lasting Social Change Through Volunteering Service

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Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland 30th July 2025 Picture by Stephen Hamilton / PressEye 30 July 2025 £150,000 Hagan Homes Partnership Offers Second Chances and Lasting Social Change Through Volunteering Service Hagan Homes, one of Northern Ireland’s leading homebuilders, has announced a transformative £150,000 partnership with Belfast-based charity Start360. The funding will support Start360’s Volunteer Service, which helps individuals with experience of the criminal justice system and facing complex personal and social challenges find structure, purpose, and new opportunities through volunteering, with the aim of rebuilding lives and breaking cycles of harmful behaviour. The new pledge follows the success of a £75,000 pilot project in the last two years which Hagan Homes supported. It means now, the firm has doubled its commitment, funding an additional £75,000 to fully support the continuation of Start360’s Volunteer Service. Pictured are (l-r) Johnny Moore, Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Start360; Jim Burke, Managing Director, Hagan Homes; and Danny McQuillan, Chief Executive, Start360. ENDS// Janet McKay Public Relations Consultant T: 07968 817514 E: janet@janetmckaypr.com https://uk.linkedin.com/in/janetmckay1 PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 29 July 2025 West Belfast Factory Welcomes Global Packaging Leader Masterwork Group Chairman Madam Li Li Visits Biopax to View Advanced Packaging Technology in Operation Biopax Limited, a Belfast-based leader in sustainable packaging, welcomed a prestigious international guest to its production facility. On Monday 28 July, Madam Li Li, Chairman and CEO of Masterwork Group Co. Ltd, visited the site in what was her only factory visit in Ireland. Biopax’s machinery includes the MasterMatrix die-cutter and folder-gluers, manufactured by Masterwork Group in Tianjin, China, and supplied through Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), a strategic global partner to the Masterwork Group. Masterwork is China’s leading manufacturer of post-press packaging technology and, together with HEIDELBERG, ranks No. 2 globally. HEIDELBERG is Masterwork’s strategic global partner, and the two companies have worked closely together since 2019, when Masterwork became the largest shareholder of HEIDELBERG, a strategic partnership that brings world-class finishing systems to international markets, including Biopax. Outside China HEIDELBERG is offering the cutting-edge finishing systems from Masterwork exclusively through its global network, with Biopax benefiting directly from this collaboration in the form of advanced, high-performance equipment that supports its sustainable packaging goals. Biopax is located on a redeveloped 8.4-acre manufacturing site and was officially launched in 2023 by Dr Terry Cross OBE, with a planned investment totalling £47million. The company specialises in polyethylene-free printed cartons, paper wraps and labels for the food, beverage and non-food sectors. It serves clients across the UK, Ireland and Europe, with growing global supply chain partnerships spanning North America, China, India and Australasia. The purpose of Madam Li’s visit was to view a selection of high-performance packaging machines manufactured at her factory in Tianjin, China, specifically the MasterMatrix die cutter and folder-gluer systems now in use at Biopax. All die cutters are manufactured in Tianjin, and Diana folder-gluers are manufactured in Slovakia. These machines are some of the most advanced packaging production technology in the world. Biopax currently operates two Speedmaster XL 106 printing presses from HEIDELBERG and an extensive downstream setup featuring Masterwork’s four die-cutting and two gluing systems. These investments enable the business to produce high-volume, high-quality packaging while reducing waste, downtime and environmental impact. Speaking during her visit, Madam Li Li, Chairman and CEO, Masterwork Group Co. Ltd, said: “Biopax represents the kind of innovation and sustainable ambition that aligns with Masterwork’s values. Seeing our technology in action in this forward-thinking facility was both impressive and inspiring. I commend the Biopax team for their commitment to excellence and their vision for a more sustainable future in packaging." The visit also reinforced the strong relationship between Biopax and HEIDELBERG, which recently marked its 175th anniversary, celebrating a global legacy of printing technology and industry advancement. "It was a great honour to welcome Madam Li to Biopax and to showcase the advanced machinery her factory has produced," said Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman, Biopax Ltd. "Our packaging workflow with systems from HEIDELBERG and Masterwork reflects our belief in global collaboration within our industry as the key to sustainable industrial progress." Biopax is currently undergoing further expansion and aims to increase its workforce by the end of the year. Its niche focus on polyethylene-free packaging responds directly to global demand for more environmentally conscious solutions in both food and non-food sectors. Lee Carson, Managing Director, Biopax Ltd, added: "The MasterMatrix has become a cornerstone of our production line and hosting Madam Li at Biopax allowed us to share how this world-class machinery is driving both quality and efficiency across our operations. Her visit is reflective of the strength of our international supply chain and shared vision for innovation." ENDS//… For further information, please contact Public Relations Consultant Sonya Cassidy on M. 07824 467897.

Hagan Homes, one of Northern Ireland’s leading homebuilders, has announced a transformative £150,000 partnership with Belfast-based charity Start360.

The funding will support Start360’s Volunteer Service, which helps individuals with experience of the criminal justice system and facing complex personal and social challenges find structure, purpose, and new opportunities through volunteering, with the aim of rebuilding lives and breaking cycles of harmful behaviour.

The new pledge follows the success of a £75,000 pilot project in the last two years which Hagan Homes supported. It means now, the firm has doubled its commitment, funding an additional £75,000 to fully support the continuation of Start360’s Volunteer Service.

This innovative volunteer service, spearheaded by Start360’s first-ever full-time Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Johnny Moore, creates tailored training, mentorship, and work experience pathways for individuals seeking purpose, recovery, and personal development.

Jim Burke, Managing Director, Hagan Homes, discusses the partnership: “At Hagan Homes, we believe in building communities, not just homes. When we understood the real-life impact this service could have; people gaining confidence, breaking destructive cycles, and even securing employment, we knew we had to support it. This partnership aligns with our values of compassion, empowerment and lasting change.”

Start360 has been working with vulnerable communities for over 30 years and now supports 20,000 people annually across health, justice, and employability services. Its Volunteer Service is a core component of the charity’s mission, “Change Starts Here,” providing meaningful opportunities for individuals who are often overlooked by traditional support systems.

Danny McQuillan, Chief Executive, Start360, adds: “Thanks to Hagan Homes, we’ve created something truly unique. Our volunteers – many of whom have lived through the same challenges as those we support – are making a real impact. This partnership is more than funding; it’s about belief in second chances.”

The Volunteer Service has already yielded impressive results:

  • 90% of volunteers said the service improved their employability
  • 100% felt fully supported throughout
  • 91% saw improvements in mental health and substance use
  • 81% reported the service was a key factor in not reoffending
  • 100% success rate at job interviews

Start360’s Volunteer Service is delivering measurable social impact, not just for the individuals it supports, but for their families, communities, and society as a whole. While the justice system can be limited in the long-term, person-centred support needed to reduce offending behaviours, this service steps in to fill that gap.

With a focus on purpose, routine, and responsibility, the service has helped over 50 individuals move forward in life. Of those, there is a 5% recidivism rate, and each volunteer who has gone on to gain employment or access further education has been successful at securing their primary goals.

The ripple effects of the service are far reaching. For example, family relationships are repaired, confidence is rebuilt, and communities feel the benefit. With custodial sentences costing the state £51,724 per person annually according to Secretary of State for Justice in the UK Hansard reports statistics, prevention and rehabilitation through services like this offer not only a person-centred solution but a more cost-effective one. And partnerships like the one with Hagan Homes is helping to scale this impact, offering hope and practical support where it’s needed most.

Johnny Moore, Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Start360, comments:

“The service has already seen some significant results; the outcomes speak for themselves. This is a service of change and harnessing the skills and passion to do good that comes with lived experience has been powerful, for our services and the Volunteers Journey’s. This service gives the applicants the support and direction needed to make lasting change and not just change their lives, but the lives of those around them. 

“I will always be grateful to Hagan Homes for providing the opportunity for Start360 to facilitate such a service, one that I believe will reach many people over the coming years.”

Volunteers participating in the Start360 service undertake a structured pathway that includes safeguarding training, mentoring, qualifications, and real-world experience in both custodial and community settings.

The stories of transformation are powerful. One volunteer shared: “I have love. I have life. I have hope. I have peace. The road is long, but the journey has begun here. Thank you.”

This partnership is a shining example of how corporate responsibility and grassroots action can work together to create a stronger, more inclusive Northern Ireland.

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