JP Corry’s Ciaran McConnell recognised as RSUA Honorary Member

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24/10/2025

Ciaran McConnell, Managing Director of JP Corry, one of Northern Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants and materials distributors has been awarded Honorary Membership of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects.

McConnell, who started his career as a 20-year-old trade centre assistant becoming Managing Director of JP Corry only 14 years later, was recognised by the RSUA at this year’s annual Architecture Night on 17 October.

JP Corry has supported RSUA for decades, with McConnell’s leadership taking the strength of the partnership to new levels.

He has helped enhance the RSUA Practices Services Scheme, been a foundational supporter of the RSUA Design Awards, and provided opportunities for architects to learn from different places and industry sectors.

In particular, McConnell has been recognised for his unwavering support for the Early Career Architects scheme and the annual design competitions.

The RSAU said McConnell is “A man who makes things happen, who backs new ideas and a man who wants to see architecture flourish in Northern Ireland. And he does it all with genuine courtesy, trust and decency.”

Reacting to the recognition for his support of architects and architecture in Northern Ireland, McConnell said: “I’m overwhelmed by this award and humbled to be recognised in this way. I know that my personal commitment to furthering the field of architecture in Northern Ireland is equally reflected in the dedicated service that JP Corry proudly continues to provide builders, tradespeople and residents”.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SPRING FAIR: TRANSFORMING RETAIL IN 2026

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24/10/2025

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https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration

The UK’s definitive showcase for Home, Gift, and Fashion, Spring Fair 2026 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 1^st – 4^th February, and registration is now officially open for buyers.

For over 75 years, Spring Fair has united the best of retail, bringing together thousands of brands, suppliers, and buyers to discover, collaborate, and shape the seasons ahead. The 2026 edition marks a new era for the event, with an expanded footprint, a re-energised visitor experience, and a bold new programme of content, networking, and design-led innovation. Spring Fair 2026 is where the retail year begins and attending means being part of the most influential trade event in British retail.

Visitors can expect a series of immersive, sensory, and beautifully designed new feature spaces that reimagine what trade shows can be, as well as an immense line-up of the most sought-after brands.

Spring Fair remains the largest global showcase for gift, home, and fashion brands, with over 1,200 exhibitors and 38% of products exclusive to the show. Buyers can explore more than 1 million products across curated destinations, discovering the bestsellers that will define the 2026 retail landscape.

Returning signature destinations include Gift, Home, Living & Décor, The Summer House Edit, Christmas, Festive & Floral, Greetings, Party & Celebration, Beauty & Wellbeing, Fashion, and Everyday, with exciting new Fashion and Design sectors set to be revealed soon.

Thousands of leading brands have already confirmed their attendance at Spring Fair 2026, including Coach House, My Gifts Trade, Candlelight, Louise Tiler, Gift Republic, Bedeck, Brainbox Candy, Rex International, Chalk, Powder Design, Hill Interiors, Bloomingville, Talking Tables, Nordic Style, Ulster Weavers, Joe Davies, Keel Toys, and Ty UK, alongside a wealth of new exhibitors making their debut.

Spring Fair also continues to champion innovation and emerging talent through its New Business Pavilions, #SBS Village in partnership with Theo Paphitis, and the Gift of the Year Showcase, giving buyers direct access to the next generation of design-led makers and creators. The Cardgains Village and GCA Debut Pavilion will once again unite established publishers and new voices from across the greetings and stationery sectors.

A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the launch of Fashion at Spring Fair, a brand-new destination dedicated to style, creativity, and trend-driven sourcing. Bringing together apparel, accessories, and jewellery under one inspiring roof, the new fashion hub responds directly to buyer demand for a fashion-first showcase that connects leading and emerging brands with retailers seeking fresh, commercial collections. Located just 1 hour away from London, this is where industry game-changers are born, breakthrough collections emerge, and brands make their mark.

Confirmed exhibitors include Urban Bliss, Lighthouse Clothing, Nina Murati, Isle & Stars, Luella, Girl in Mind, and Rock Luggage, alongside jewellery and accessories brands Scream Pretty, Bill Skinner, Ayala Bar, Yoshi, and Eloise London. The New Business Pavilion will also spotlight up-and-coming names such as Nudie Jewellery, Artemis Muse, and Livia Betancourt.

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

CIBSE announces dedicated resource for the domestic buildingservices sector with the Domestic Building Services Panel (DBSP)migration

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24/10/2025

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CIBSE is pleased to announce that the Domestic Building Services Panel (DBSP) has now formally migrated into CIBSE, becoming the CIBSE Domestic Building Services Panel (CIBSE DBSP).

This important step establishes a dedicated resource within CIBSE to support the domestic sector with authoritative guidance, best practice and technical expertise.

Known as the “association of associations,” DBSP brings together more than 12 member organisations representing the mechanical, regulatory and training sectors. With significant influence across the UK, DBSP plays a key role in shaping political, standardisation and commercial policy, while providing trusted design, technical and good practice guidance for heating engineers.

The panel is committed to advancing best practice in the survey, design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of domestic building services. Its work underpins the safe, efficient and reliable provision of comfort in homes through the systems that enable effective energy use and delivery.

By becoming part of CIBSE, the panel will continue to develop and maintain impartial guidance on domestic building services systems – from space heating and hot water to integration with wider energy systems. This guidance supports specifiers and technicians involved in the design and installation of heating systems in domestic and light commercial buildings.

“As the CIBSE DBSP, we’re bringing together expertise and credibility to support the domestic building services community with trusted guidance and best practice,” says Andy Mathews, Chair of CIBSE DBSP.

As part of CIBSE’s commitment to strengthening its support for the domestic sector, the Institution has recruited a Domestic Sector Technical Manager (a role funded by DBSP) within its Technical Team. This role will focus on developing and coordinating guidance, monitoring regulatory and policy developments, and ensuring that the needs of domestic building services practitioners are represented across CIBSE’s work.

The migration of DBSP into CIBSE strengthens the collaboration between professional and trade bodies in the domestic building services sector, recognising the importance of CIBSE’s brand in supporting and amplifying the panel’s work.

With CIBSE DBSP now in place, the Institution is able to offer a stronger, dedicated resource for the domestic sector – supporting practitioners, shaping standards, and helping to ensure the delivery of safe, sustainable and efficient building services in homes across the UK.

Government is right to tackle the issue of London’s unviable housing

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24/10/2025

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

The Government has recognised that housebuilding in London has become unviable and has announced a raft of measures to help get London’s housing projects off the ground.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “The Government inherited a set of policies which made many housing projects unviable, so supply was always going to take a hit. We hope that today’s announcement is the first step in understanding the costs and blocks to development.”

With just 2,148 housing starts in the first half of 2025, including a third of boroughs recording zero housebuilding starts in the first quarter of the year, the Government have reacted with the following measures:

The Mayor can review and call-in housing schemes of 50 homes or more where boroughs are minded to refuse. City Hall can also become the decision-maker in developments of 1,000sqm or more on green belt land.
Expediting the call-in process in certain cases without the need for a full hearing process, for instance in sites with 20% affordable housing. This is expected to cut six months from the planning process.
Earmarking £322 million to establish a City Hall Developer Investment Fund to ensure the Mayor can further increase housebuilding.
Consultation on time-limited emergency relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where this is necessary to unlock development, which will apply to projects that commence after the new regulations come into force and before 31 December 2028.
Some design restrictions will be withdrawn, with developers instead handed more flexibility so long as homes have adequate passive ventilation, daylight and privacy, and to avoid overheating.
Flexibility in residential cycle storage requirements to reflect demand and account for the rise of dockless bikes and e-scooters in London.

Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said: “The Government were handed a poison chalice when it came to the supply of new build homes. Build costs spiralled due to poorly assessed planning policies and regulations. The Building Safety Regulator has exacerbated this with its massive backlog. Mortgage rates remain a challenge for buyers, many of which are waiting to see if they come down.

“Today’s announcements are welcomed, and it shows the Government is serious about new housing. There remains so much to unpick about housing viability and affordability. To reach the 1.5 million home target the Government must start reducing the cost of building further. This means removing disproportionate costs like affordable housing and for the public sector to instead focus on social housing and infrastructure delivery at scale.”

WorldGBC announces global building policy outcomes from NDC Scorecard ahead of COP30

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23/10/2025

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The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has announced significant global engagement in aligning national climate commitments with the buildings sector, as over 40 countries worldwide have now used its NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings to evaluate their countries’ climate action plans.

Since its launch in June 2025, the NDC Scorecard has sparked a global wave of collaboration — delivering more than 50 national workshops; engaging over 1,100 stakeholders from government, industry and finance; and generating 150 policy recommendations to 19 governments. These efforts have already led to 16 National Action Plans and contributed to new policy integrations in several countries that will advance sustainable building solutions in their jurisdictions and benefit millions of citizens.

To date, tangible policy outcomes from the NDC Scorecard project include: two new national policies developed in Brazil, integrations within updated NDCs with five regulatory instruments in Chile’s NDC3.0 aligning with national recommendations, as well as four actions incorporated into Morocco’s NDC.

Six new building policies have been integrated directly into Nigeria’s NDC — with coverage including the integration of energy efficiency and climate resilience into the national building code, the implementation of two smart, green and climate-resilient cities per geographical zone, and mandatory hazard mapping and risk zoning in local planning.

About the NDC Scorecard

Developed by WorldGBC and its global network of 85+ Green Building Councils (GBCs), the NDC Scorecard enables governments and stakeholders to assess and strengthen the buildings component of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement — a critical step toward meeting 2030 climate targets.

Following the 2025 update of NDCs, the NDC Scorecard remains a vital resource for governments and industry partners to evaluate progress, identify policy gaps and opportunities, and align national climate and building strategies with 1.5°C pathways.

Recognising buildings in NDCs and national regulations is essential, as the built environment accounts for nearly one third of global energy-related carbon emissions — and represents one of the largest opportunities to reduce emissions while improving health and climate resilience.

The NDC Scorecard was piloted in Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines, and refined through consultation with over 40 international organisations including the IEA (International Energy Agency), GlobalABC, C40 Cities, SEforALL, Climate Group and WRI (World Resources Institute), positioning it as a leading global tool for cross-sectoral collaboration and policy reform in the built environment.

National Action Plans

To date, 16 National Action Plans have been created by GBCs providing a gap analysis between best practice policy measures and what’s included in their country’s NDC.

Each Action Plan provides a specific call to action and priority policy measures for policymakers and implementers across government, industry and finance sectors.

You can see some of these Action Plans in further detail here.

Global findings: priority actions for governments, industry, and finance

Analysis of the 16 National Action Plans has revealed consistent global themes.

Governments are being urged to modernise and incorporate energy/water efficiency and carbon into building codes whilst setting minimum performance benchmarks, integrate circularity and resilience into planning, coordinate across ministries, and use fiscal tools such as tax incentives and retrofit support.
Industry is being urged to implement national decarbonisation roadmaps, adopt green certification schemes and sustainable material use, integrate circular design and resilience into design, train workforce in green building practices, and share pilot project findings and data transparently.
Finance is being encouraged to establish green finance taxonomies, create specialist financial instruments such as green mortgages and retrofit loans, align portfolios with ESG and NDC goals and prioritise access to vulnerable groups, such as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and low-income households.

Together, these insights form the backbone of National Action Plans — each offering governments a roadmap of actionable steps to align their building policies with 1.5°C pathways.

Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council, said:

“We are now firmly in the era of implementation — and the NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings is a proven tool to deliver it. Aligned with the Global Stocktake agenda, it provides a platform to translate global goals into measurable, accountable outcomes. From Colombia to Nigeria and Brazil, it’s enabling real policy shifts — from circularity targets and taxonomy frameworks to updated building codes.

“Buildings are not just part of the climate challenge — they are one of our most powerful solutions. The 16 National Action Plans developed via the Scorecard show how we can scale proven policies to build resilient economies, healthy communities, and a zero-carbon future. Ahead of COP30, we call on all countries to #BeBoldOnBuildings and turn climate promises into action.”

Voices from the Green Building Council network

“Everybody knows about the construction industry’s global emissions and how buildings are essential to the adaptation and resiliency agenda. Our buildings will be pivotal in facing heat and cold waves and other extreme climate events. However, our movement can also support the climate transition by connecting people to the agenda in a language they can feel and understand. A green, high-performance building that delivers efficiency, health, and sustainability in everyday homes and offices shows the immediate benefits of climate action.”

– Felipe Faria, CEO, Green Building Council Brasil

“A positive outcome from the NDC project has been working with the national government to update Colombia’s NDCs. This input was gathered through collaboration with key industry stakeholders from the building and construction sector, industry, and finance at workshops hosted by the Consejo Colombiano de Construcción Sostenible (CCCS). We listened to the people who work daily to accelerate sustainable building practices in the sector.”
– Angélica Ospina, Executive Director, Consejo Colombiano de Construcción Sostenible (CCCS)

“We believe buildings can’t just be seen as part of the emissions problem – they’re also part of the solution. Because of its crosscutting impacts, the built environment is a powerful lever for climate action. It touches on people’s daily lives, social equity, resilience, and economic opportunity. If we integrate buildings properly into Nigeria’s NDCs, it’s not just about cutting carbon; it’s about making a long-term investment that puts people, the economy, and the environment at the centre of national priorities.”
– Danjuma Waniko, President, Green Building Council Nigeria

Find out more: NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings 

Unique targets further success with new Head of Sales

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23/10/2025

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Unique Window Systems – the multi-award winning fabricator of aluminium and UPVC fenestration solutions for the trade, new build, commercial, PBSA and BTR sectors – is set to build on its success with a key appointment.

Dean Martin takes on the role of Head of Sales at the company and will be instrumental in helping the business to achieve a number of important future goals.

Sunil Patel, joint-Managing Director at Unique, comments: “Dean is a valuable addition to our senior leadership team and will head up our company-wide sales functions.

“His appointment comes at a strategically critical time in both our twentieth anniversary year and as we seek to build on our already notable track record in a number of key markets. This includes the trade, new build, commercial, PBSA and BTR sectors.”

To date, Dean has carved out an impressive career in the fenestration industry spanning more than 25 years.

During this time, he has worked for a number of the industry’s leading fabricators and developed and implemented multiple highly successful sales strategies.

Speaking of his decision to join Unique, Dean said: “The chance to take on the role of Head of Sales at Unique represented the right opportunity at the right time.

“The business has accomplished much over the last two decades and its exponential growth and success during the last few years in particular have been especially impressive.

“I am looking forward to building on those achievements and to being a driving force in Unique’s next exciting chapter.”

Sunil adds: “Dean has an impressive mix of skills and experience which will really help us as we develop new products, new channels and new markets.

“On behalf of everyone at Unique, I would like to welcome him to the team.”

BARRATT LONDON ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH TRIO OF APPOINTMENTS

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22/10/2025

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Craig Carson promoted to Regional Director to oversee Barratt London.
Paul Muldowney appointed to Managing Director for West London, with Danny Masters promoted to Operations Director to lead East London side of the business.

Barratt London has announced three appointments to form a new leadership team under Mark Bailey, London and Southern’s Regional Managing Director at Barratt Redrow.

Craig Carson has been promoted to Regional Director of Barratt London, stepping up from his previous role as Managing Director for West London, reporting to Mark. In his expanded strategic role, Craig will oversee all developments and aspects of Barratt London, leading the long-term direction across both divisions. With 25 years’ experience, Craig has a proven track record of delivering major residential-led mixed-use developments across the delivery cycle from site identification through to sales.

Heading up the West London division, Paul Muldowney has been appointed as Managing Director. Following the merger of Barratt Developments plc and Redrow plc, Paul joins from Redrow London and strengthens the team by bringing almost four decades worth of expertise. Paul will bring a clear strategic vision for the division, steering key decisions and business planning.

Danny Masters has been promoted to Operations Director for Barratt East London. Underlining Barratt London’s dedication to investing in people and focus on internal growth, Danny started his career at Barratt London in 2002. Having joined as an Assistant Site Manager, Danny progressed his way up to Project Director in 2015. Previously on the West London board since 2018, Danny will now lead the East London side of Barratt London with the support of Craig Carson.

Together, this trio of senior appointments will bolster Barratt London’s leadership team by adding expertise and valuable development knowledge at board level. These appointments underline Barratt London’s unwavering commitment to London.

The leadership team will continue driving Barratt London forward as a reliable and trusted developer. With a long-term vision for investing in neighbourhoods and leaving a lasting legacy, the team will oversee the delivery of high-quality, sustainable and affordable homes for communities across the capital.

Barratt London is part of Barratt Redrow plc, the country’s leading national sustainable housebuilder. This year, Barratt London announced plans for its Lo-E Homes, which will deliver sustainable new homes across the capital. Built to exceed Passivhaus standards and in partnership with Places for London, plans for an initial 728 homes at High Barnet and Bollo Lane will be one of the largest scale Passivhaus projects in the country.

Mark Bailey, London and Southern’s Regional Managing Director at Barratt Redrow, comments: “The appointment of our new leadership team will bring fresh perspectives and proven expertise, to accelerate our strategic growth and impact in London. Under Craig’s stewardship, they will work collaboratively to regenerate places, deliver energy-efficient homes and build neighbourhoods that create socio-economic value for London.”

To find out more about Barratt London, visit www.barrattlondon.com.

Manchester ‘Wonderwall’ is first project to use carbon negative and fully recyclable bricks

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22/10/2025

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The first ever project to use a new range of carbon negative bricks, that absorb CO2 directly from the air, has been completed in the UK.

The materials developer earth4Earth (e4E) partnered with Sustainable Ventures, the leading growth partner for climate tech start-ups, to clad a 4×4 metre wall at its offices in Manchester. The project used 1,200 e4E bricks, which also permanently store the carbon they capture.

Each of the bricks absorbs around 0.178kg of CO2, meaning approximately 213.6kg will be absorbed by the wall cladding. This is equivalent to the carbon footprint of making 760 cups of coffee.

The bricks are made using excavated soil, which would otherwise go to landfill, and a unique binder developed by earth4Earth.

Like many traditional binders, it is lime-based. Lime is typically produced at temperatures above 900C. The team at earth4Earth have developed a decarbonised production process that can be done at room temperature. As a result, the bricks are carbon negative.

The company offers three bricks that contain different percentages of the binder. The higher the percentage, the more CO2 that is absorbed. N10 bricks, which contain 10% of the e4E binder, were used in the project. These have recently received a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which confirms that they are carbon negative.

The bricks were chosen by Sustainable Ventures as part of a project to re-fit the second floor of their offices, at the Sister Renold Building, using new and innovative sustainable materials.

The Renold building has recently been renovated as part of the transformation of the University of Manchester’s North Campus into an innovation district, called Sister.

Sustainable Venture’s new offices are billed to be a major climate tech hub in the UK, which could host over 100 businesses, providing business advice and support services together with space and funding to help climate tech start ups to scale faster and create jobs in the region. The private and public sector backed hub has been powered by investment from Barclays and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Lei Zhang, Director and Co-founder of earth4Earth, said: “We are so proud to be part of the re-fit at Sustainable Ventures and that our first bricks have found a home at Sister. The wall will now capture and permanently store CO2 there, acting as a carbon sink.

“We have spent the last two years researching and developing our bricks to ensure that they provide the highest quality and meet all the required British standards. It is incredible to now see them installed and making a difference.

“It is also a testament to the earth4Earth team, who have used their passion and expertise to create a material that can make a tangible and significant difference in the decarbonisation of the construction industry.”

James Byrne, Partner at Sustainable Ventures, said: “We’re proud to have our very own “Mancunian Wonderwall” a 4×4 metre wall made out of earth4Earth’s carbon negative bricks that absorb CO2. This is one of many examples of innovative sustainable materials, many of which have come from the local area or are supported by Greater Manchester’s world class academic institutions, that have been used to build Sustainable Venture’s Manchester climate tech hub. As the UK’s leading growth partner for climate tech businesses, we are excited to bring together over 100 businesses as part of our hub to support Manchester’s continued climate tech growth trajectory.”

earth4Earth’s range of carbon capture bricks are now available to order and purchase.

For more information visit earth4Earth.co.uk

Forest Industries Ireland: Ireland must realise ‘massive opportunity’ as timber construction set to triple market value and deliver climate action

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22/10/2025

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The Director of Forest Industries Ireland has welcomed a landmark report from the Timber in Construction Steering Group which outlines a roadmap for the timber sector to become a central pillar in meeting Ireland’s urgent housing needs and ambitious Climate Action Plan targets.

The report, ‘Market Opportunities for Timber Construction in Ireland’, projects significant growth in timber usage and details strategic steps necessary to transform the construction industry.

Mark McAuley, Director of Forest Industries Ireland, welcomed the report as a signal to farmers of the potential value of planting trees on their land, with such high future demand for timber.

Mark said: “We have a massive opportunity to build more with wood in Ireland. All the planting of commercial forests in the 1980s and 1990s is now bearing fruit in terms of housing and the environment. We have a rapidly growing Irish timber supply which we must use to build greener homes.”

But he warned that growth in the industry must be sustained beyond the next few years, with rapid afforestation needed today to meet timber demands in the 2040s and beyond.

“It is a real concern for the timber industry that we have not been able to follow up on the success of the earlier years of Irish forestry,” Mark continued. “We have allowed our planting levels to drop way below what’s needed, and everything must be done to increase planting of new, additional commercial forests. For farmers and other landowners, there’s a clear future demand for more timber which make planting today a strong investment. We need the wood, so let’s plant the trees.”

The Timber in Construction Steering Group was established by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to explore ways to increase the use of timber in construction and overcome any regulatory barriers for builders and designers.

The Steering Group is made up of representatives of key industry bodies, including FII members Coillte as well as senior representatives of relevant government departments and agencies with responsibilities for policy and development of sectors.

ROI Of Building Fan Zones – Why Sports Clubs Should Be Investing In Fans

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22/10/2025

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Fan zones have become a key part of a matchday experience for sports fans. In fact, digital out-of-home advertising specialists Ocean Outdoor and Opinium found in a survey they conducted that 88 per cent of respondents deemed it either important or very important for value that official fan spaces are created for people to watch large sporting events.

When asked why they see fan zones as being important when this response was given in the research, 60 per cent praised the shared experience they receive with likeminded people and 55 per cent said they enjoy the atmosphere in these settings.

Steve Bernard, the Head of Insight at Ocean Outdoor and Opinium, pointed out to Field Marketing: “This independent study establishes how sports fan zones not only bring new people into leisure and retail destinations but will draw them back in the future.

“The majority of those interviewed were blown away by the community spirit and positive friendly atmosphere, with the majority agreeing that the fact they were attending an official fan zone was important in bringing likeminded people together in environments that met their expectations.”

With many millions of people heading to sports events across the UK each year, Cleveland Containers, which can transform standard shipping containers into bespoke hospitality shipping containers, is on hand to explain why sports clubs should not delay when investing in their own fan zones…

Why Have Fan Zones Become So Popular With Supporters?

There are many reasons why sports fans like to visit a fan zone, whether as a stop-off before heading into a stadium to watch their beloved team in action or as a go-to venue when a squad is playing away from home.

You may notice a fan zone to be packed with supporters because:

They are designed to create a memorable electric atmosphere, as fans who share their passion for a sport and a team come together to celebrate a club’s successes as one.
They heighten the fun of a matchday experience, thanks to being places where fans can find merchandise stores, food and beverage stalls, live music sets and more.
They encourage a communal experience, where fans feel loyalty to their favourite sports team and a sense of camaraderie as they share matchday stories and score predictions with people who support the same club.
They are set up to welcome fans of all ages, with the likes of sports skills workshops and interactive games making for family-friendly activities.

How Do Sports Clubs Benefit From Having A Fan Zone?

It is not only the fans who will feel the positive effects of having a fan zone set up around their club’s ground – sports clubs themselves will reap the rewards of creating one of these popular facilities too.

One benefit of a sports club creating a dedicated fan zone is that it improves the overall atmosphere of a matchday.

Eddie Rees, Conversions Manager at Cleveland Containers, explains: “Supporters will become more enthusiastic as they interact with fellow fans while they count down to kick-off, especially if live bands also play their part in increasing the pre-match excitement levels.

“This positive anticipation will spread into a ground as fans find their seats, both with supporters in the stands and players making their way out onto a pitch.”

Fan zones allow sports clubs to expand their revenue streams too, with opportunities for profits to be made in the sales generated from food, beverages and merchandise purchased within these facilities. With thousands of pounds being made per matchday, it would not take long to for clubs to see the investment pay off and pure profit being made on the space.

Clubs could agree to sponsorship deals and hire out their fan zones for special occasions away from their sport as well, boosting their income even more.

Bishop Auckland FC’s Fan Zone / Community Hub Under The Spotlight

One of the UK’s newest sports fan zones is the Bishop Auckland FC Fan Zone / Community Hub, which officially opened to the public on Saturday August 16^th.

A standout facility for those attending Bishop Auckland FC home games during the 2025/26 season, the vibrant social hub was constructed by Cleveland Containers with the following features:

A ground-level 40ft high cube shipping container, complete with bifolding doors which can open directly onto the football club’s pitchside area. This means that fans using the facility never need to miss any minute of the game.
A second-storey 10ft high shipping container, which has a TV, table and chairs. This allows supporters to relax inside a comfy lounge area while visiting Bishop Auckland FC’s ground.

Bishop Auckland FC’s Director Steve Coulthard praised the entire work carried out to create the fan zone as being “professional and straightforward”, as well as noting that the club’s “requirements were for it to look great and fit perfectly into a specific space, which it absolutely does”.

He added: “The finished product has been a huge success. Everyone is amazed that it’s made from shipping containers.

“The quality of the cladding is second to none, and the bifold doors are better than many people have in their homes. Fans have said it’s a definite ground improvement and it looks fantastic.”

Tips For Creating A Vibrant Fan Zone

If you run a sports club and have decided it is time for it to have its own dedicated fan zone, make sure to work through this five-point checklist so that your facility instantly draws in the crowds:

Get the location right – Your fan zone should be set up either as an extension or a close neighbouring site to your sport club’s ground, which can be easily accessed by every supporter.
Make sure the design optimises event flow – Entry and exit points need to be set out so that supporters never feel stressed getting around your fan zone, while there should be enough space for queuing without this disrupting those enjoying the live entertainment.
Link some attractions directly to your beloved sport – This could be with a keepy-up challenge for football fans to try and one-up their friends, or TVs which are broadcasting earlier live games in the same sport.
Encourage members of your sports club to visit – Supporters of your beloved team will be overjoyed if they have opportunities to meet their favourite players when they pop into your fan zone.
Don’t forget about lounge areas – Fans may visit your fan zone before a game for food or after a match to chill out with friends, so provide them with cosy seating where they can sit back and relax while socialising.

Rees also advised as one additional tip: “Shipping containers should be considered when you are building a fan zone, as they are cheaper to construct than traditional hospitality venues.

“What’s more, the fact they can be stacked to create multi-level areas or arranged in unique configurations to maximise views and space gives you plenty of flexibility when deciding on your fan zone’s final design.”

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