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Sisk appoints new COO for Infrastructure Division

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John Sisk & Son has appointed Leo Martin to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for its Infrastructure Division. Leo will join Sisk in January 2026, at which point he will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer – Infrastructure and will report directly to Group CEO Paul Brown.

The Infrastructure Division has been established to provide dedicated executive leadership across Sisk’s growing civil engineering activities in Ireland and the UK, and will consist of two business units, namely Sisk Infrastructure and the recently acquired Farrans business. Alan Rodger and Dominic Lavery will continue to report to Leo in their current capacities as Managing Directors of their respective business units.

Leo joins Sisk with more than 35 years’ experience in civil engineering where he has played a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth, innovation and building excellent teams on complex infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. He is widely recognised for his integrity, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style with a proven ability to successfully scale complex engineering operations through a strong safety culture.

Commenting on the appointment Paul Brown, CEO of Sisk said:

“We are delighted to welcome Leo in the new year and to learn from his experience in the civil engineering sector across Ireland and the UK as we look to grow our business in this space. Leo is incredibly well known and respected throughout the industry, and we look forward to welcoming him on board in the new year.”

Brown continued:

“Over the past number of years, we have seen sustained and significant investment in infrastructure across Ireland and the UK – from transportation, aviation and water to energy, flood alleviation, and utilities. With the recent addition of Farrans to the Sisk family, the scale and capability of our infrastructure operations has increased considerably. Combined with our existing Sisk Infrastructure business led by Alan Rodger, we now have a powerful platform for growth across both markets.” 

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Leading Belfast and Dublin construction and procurement law firm expands and re-launches with new directors, new name and ambitious plans for growth

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Three of Ireland’s top construction lawyers have come together to create what they believe will become one of Ireland’s leading construction law firms.

Jamie Ritchie and Stefan Berry have joined ranks with Kenny Caldwell, who established Caldwell Solicitors in 2017, to create Caldwell Ritchie Berry – a specialist law practice with market-leading expertise in construction and procurement law across the UK and Ireland.  

The firm will operate from Belfast with an office in Dublin and will service clients locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In recent years, the partners have advised clients in Ireland, the USA, Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, the Middle East on matters ranging from project conception to implementation, delivery, and aftercare.

Director Kenny Caldwell said Caldwell Ritchie Berry would be a specialist law firm focused on construction and infrastructure with the capability to deliver across multiple jurisdictions.

He said the firm would continue to operate from its platform of career-spanning client relationships and repeat business, whilst also looking forward to building new relationships.

Mr. Caldwell said the firm’s current client portfolio is diverse and international, with clients ranging from developers and investment vehicles, locally and globally active Irish and UK companies, NASDAQ-listed companies and organisations within the public sector across GB, NI and RoI jurisdictions. 

“Since our establishment, we have built what in many respects is an understated firm becoming one of Ireland’s go-to names in construction law, balancing local expertise with multi-jurisdictional reach. We have gone about our business quietly, humbly, and respectful of the discretion expected of us by our clients. I see the coming together of Caldwell Ritchie Berry as the natural next stage of our progress; a recognition of the talent that’s been alongside me, and a welcoming of new talent into the firm.”

“The firm’s core market advantage is its intricate and prime focus on the whole life cycle of construction projects, combined with the strength of having three dedicated partners finding fresh, practical and smarter ways to help clients deliver their wider goals. Our structure allows us to compete and engage with larger firms on major projects while offering clients greater accessibility, director-led advice and more competitive pricing.

“The in-depth experience of our three directors within this specialist practice area makes us pound for pound one of the top contract and procurement law specialists on the island.”

Director Jamie Ritchie, who formerly served as Partner and Head of Projects and Construction at LK Shields (and later a Partner with Byrne Wallace Shields) in Dublin, said that over the last five years in particular, the number of adjudications had grown in the Republic, with tighter margins cited as one major factor.  This will be a key area of focus for the new firm.

Mr Ritchie said domestic construction companies were facing many contractual challenges with supply chain issues, skilled labour shortages, ongoing market adjustments and uncertainty around availability of full funding for projects. “Consequently, we are increasingly seeing local contractors and consultants working internationally. Irish contractors often prefer local lawyers to represent their interests when working abroad and this is an aspect of our offering where we can really excel for our clients. Essentially, wherever our clients go, we have the capability to follow.”

Director Stefan Berry, who joined Kenny Caldwell in 2019, said the expanded firm will actively target growth in both the Republic of Ireland and the UK, primarily driven by the directors’ existing networks. He added the company was also planning to grow its headcount, engaging those who aligned with the culture, values and philosophy of Caldwell Ritchie Berry.

www.caldwellritchieberry.com

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Over £2 million achieved from the sale of agricultural machinery from Rea Valley Tractors

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BPI has successfully completed a series of agricultural machinery auctions following the closure of Rea Valley Tractors, a long-established Midlands-based dealership with multiple depots across Shropshire, the Midlands, the North West and Wales.

Delivered on behalf of a finance company, the first phase of sales achieved more than £2 million from the disposal of assets previously operated by the dealer. Rea Valley Tractors represented leading manufacturers including John Deere, New Holland, Valtra and JCB, with the initial auctions featuring a range of high-quality tractors, telehandlers, combines, attachments and support equipment.

All assets were relocated to BPI’s operating centre in York, in collaboration with Johnsons Haulage. Each item was valeted, inspected, appraised, catalogued, videoed, marketed and sold before being delivered to buyers across the UK and beyond. The site is also registered to provide phytosanitary cleaning to DEFRA standards for export, ensuring compliance for international shipments.

BPI’s commercial and operations teams worked closely to coordinate the cataloguing, logistics and marketing of the assets. The sales campaign combined targeted promotion through well-known agricultural publications, including Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guide, with outreach across BPI’s established agricultural buyer network and digital channels — driving strong participation from farmers, contractors, overseas dealers, and end users across the country.

Competition across the auctions was exceptional, with sustained bidding on key lots from both UK-based and international buyers. Notable highlights included:

  • 2022 John Deere 8RX 410 Four Tracked Tractor – sold for £155,000
  • 2024 Valtra Q305 4WD Tractor – sold for £127,000
  • 2023 New Holland T7.270 4WD Tractor – sold for £111,000
  • 2024 JCB 542-70 Telehandler – sold for £85,000
  • 2023 Kuhn Espro 4000R Trailed Pneumatic Seed Drill – sold for £53,000

Nathan Burnham, Associate Director at BPI, commented: “The scale of this project reflects both the importance and the resilience of the agricultural industry. Despite challenging trading conditions, there remains huge demand for quality machinery — and sales of this size offer buyers rare access to premium equipment at realistic prices. It’s been a significant undertaking for our team, but one that has demonstrated the strength of our process and our buyer network.”

Kevin Gardner, Commercial Manager at BPI, added: “This sale brought to market an outstanding selection of modern, well-maintained machinery from some of the most respected manufacturers in the industry. The level of buyer engagement we’ve seen — particularly for tractors and telehandlers — highlights just how active the market remains for quality agricultural equipment. It’s been encouraging to see so many long-standing customers and new buyers alike taking part.”

Working in partnership with Johnsons Haulage enabled an efficient, environmentally conscious process. By operating directly from a haulier’s site, BPI minimised dead miles, reducing both costs and CO₂ emissions. Johnsons Haulage delivered around 75% of the sold assets to customers across the UK and overseas — from the north of Scotland down to Southampton, across Ireland and as far as Belgium.

Wayne Johnson, Transport Manager at Johnsons Haulage, commented: “It’s been an easy process working alongside Nathan, Kevin, and the wider BPI team. Everything has gone smoothly, which isn’t always the case with projects of this scale. We’ve also been able to combine multiple buyers’ equipment onto shared loads, helping to minimise CO₂ impact and improve delivery efficiency.”

With further agricultural machinery auctions featuring assets from Rea Valley Tractors scheduled to follow, the next phase will include a wide range of ex-hire, recently registered telehandlers, alongside Isuzu D-Max vehicles and Kuhn tedders.

BPI continues to support the farming community with transparent, well-managed sales that deliver strong returns and valuable opportunities for buyers. The company remains a trusted partner to finance providers and agricultural businesses seeking effective asset disposal solutions.

Buyers can create an account and sign up for email updates to be the first to hear about upcoming agricultural auctions via: https://hubs.li/Q03S7-Lw0

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€32 Million WEST Project Launches in Fermanagh

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The Water Enhancements through Sustainable Treatment (WEST) project, designed to address water pollution in Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone, Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal through catchment modelling and sustainable wastewater treatment, has been officially launched at Finn Lough Resort on the shores of Lough Erne.

The €32 million WEST project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It represents a dynamic cross-border initiative between NI Water and Uisce Éireann set up to improve water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin, and Donegal Bay — areas within the North-Western International River Basin District affected by contaminants from agriculture, forestry, urban runoff and wastewater discharges.

Working collaboratively, NI Water and Uisce Éireann will identify where investment should be made to address pollution, regardless of origin. Outputs from the WEST project will include the development of two strategies and action plans using robust catchment modelling and innovative sustainable treatment solutions, for acceptance by environmental regulators on both sides of the border. In addition, the project will implement four low carbon capital wastewater treatment upgrades within Northern Ireland (Belleek and Garrison) and Ireland (Ballybay and Blacklion), to provide improved treatment for at least 5,000 people, with treatment capacity for an additional 1,000.

The project is being funded under the Water Quality Improvement Programme investment area of the PEACEPLUS programme. This enables a collaborative cross-border approach to the management and improvement of water quality to address the requirements of the Water Framework Directive in selected water bodies.

Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins said:
“Initiatives such as the WEST project showcase the benefits of building strong collaborative relationships across our island. I welcome the PEACEPLUS funding towards this project which is providing a cross-border approach to dealing with the issue of pollution.

Through innovative new approaches and upgrades to wastewater treatment, the WEST project will bring benefits to our border communities by improving water quality in Lough Erne, Lough Melvin and Donegal Bay, as well as providing improved treatment for at least 5,000 people, with treatment capacity for an additional 1,000 in Belleek, Garrison, Ballybay and Blacklion.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said:
“Cooperation is vital to ensure the protection and improvement of water quality across the region. The shared approach of this PEACEPLUS-funded project embodies what is needed to improve water quality in a sustainable manner. We welcome this project which includes the implementation of four low carbon wastewater treatment upgrades within the Republic of Ireland (Ballybay and Blacklion) and Northern Ireland (Belleek and Garrison).

I am also delighted to see nature-based, low-energy sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. These are common in Europe but have not been trialled on this scale in Ireland before.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:
“WEST is underpinned by a strong collaborative approach and will introduce unique cross-border catchment models and strategies which, although common in Europe, have never before been trialled on this scale on the island of Ireland.

Our natural environment is one of our most important assets and continued enhancement and protection is critical to future economic and social development. A clean, green and accessible environment makes a major contribution to people having long, active, healthy lives as well as creating a place where people want to live, visit and invest. With environmental pressures going beyond borders, this project considers the entire catchment as a single ecosystem, aiming to promote a greener, lower-carbon environment and decrease threats to local natural habitats.”

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. Through the INTERREG VA programme – a predecessor of PEACEPLUS – a total of more than €55m investment was delivered on water quality improvement projects. These included the Catchment Care, System for Water Quality Monitoring (SWIM), Shared Waters Enhancement and Loughs Legacy (SWELL) and Source to Tap projects.

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Lighting the Way to Circularity: How ReUSE® Technology Is Transforming Industrial Lightbars

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In2tec, a pioneer in sustainable electronics, is redefining how industrial lighting contributes to a circular economy — with a breakthrough approach that dramatically reduces carbon emissions and electronic waste.

As energy costs surge and environmental regulations tighten, industries are increasingly turning to LED lightbars for their efficiency in industrial and commercial applications. In2tec’s ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ technologies take sustainability far beyond energy savings — enabling lightbars to be fully disassembled, repaired, and reused, unlocking a new era of low-impact lighting.

“We’re seeing a 62.5% reduction in CO₂ emissions during manufacture compared to conventional PCBAs,” says Emma Armstrong, Sustainable Electronics Ambassador at In2tec. “And with over 20 million lightbars sold annually, that translates to nearly 3.9 million kilograms of CO₂ saved — every year.”

Designed for Disassembly, Built for Reuse

At the heart of this innovation is ReUSE®, a suite of materials and design techniques that allow printed circuit boards to be unzipped at end-of-life — separating and recovering components without damage. Paired with ReCYCLE™, a low-energy recovery process, manufacturers can reclaim valuable substrates and components for second-life applications.

This is a game-changer for industrial lighting, where long-life components are often discarded prematurely due to traditional rigid assembly methods like solder. With ReUSE®, components retain their integrity, enabling in-life repair, reuse, and resource conservation — all with minimal investment from OEMs.

Lighting That Works for the Planet

Lighting systems are a major contributor to global energy use and e-waste. According to the UN, 61.3 million metric tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2023 alone. In2tec’s technology directly addresses this crisis by embedding sustainability at the heart of the design phase, ensuring that every lightbar is part of a truly circular model.

“We’re not just reducing emissions — we’re changing how electronics are made and unmade,” Armstrong adds. “This is about designing lighting systems that work for the planet, not just the bottom line.”

Seamless Integration for Industrial Applications

ReUSE® is compatible with traditional and alternative substrates, including FR4, PET, and Aluminium, making it ideal for integration into existing industrial lighting systems. It delivers bond strengths near equivalent to solder at significantly lower manufacturing temperatures, significantly reducing energy consumption during both manufacture and end-of-life processing.

For manufacturers, this means:

  • Lower production emissions
  • Lower energy consumption in manufacture
  • Enhanced repairability
  • Valuable material recovery through electronics circularity
  • Compliance with WEEE and sustainability mandates

In2tec brings over 25 years of expertise in flexible electronics and sustainable innovation. With ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™, the company is lighting the path toward a low-carbon, circular future — one lightbar at a time.

Discover more about In2tec’s technology at https://in2tec.com/reuse

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AD Bly Construction Expands Fleet with Wide Range of New Bobcat Equipment

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AD Bly Construction, a multi-discipline contractor headquartered in Old Knebworth, Hertfordshire, has expanded its fleet with a significant number of new Bobcat machines supplied by Versatile Equipment – the Authorised Bobcat Dealer for South East England, as well as parts of the East Midlands and East Anglia.

The new additions include 25 mini excavators ranging from 1 to 9 tonne (E10z, E17z, E27z, E50z, E55z, E60 and E88), two L85 compact wheel loaders, two TL30.70 telehandlers, eight tandem rollers (ATR12 and ATR26 models) and two TR75 Trench Rollers. The order is further supported by a wide range of Bobcat attachments, including multiple hydraulic breakers.

Phil Stoneham, Area Sales Manager at Versatile Equipment, said:

“We are delighted to supply such a broad mix of Bobcat machinery to AD Bly. The initial discussion focused on the L85 compact wheel loader as an alternative to telehandlers on a specific project. Following a visit to our headquarters, AD Bly Procurement Director, Kevin McSkimming, and his colleagues were able to review the wider Bobcat range and identify machinery suited to their different working environments.”

All of the equipment is backed up by the BobCARE plan from Bobcat, which ensures that costs are fully predictable – the price is final and clearly stated right at the start of the contract. This means that maintenance costs are completely resistant to inflation. The BobCARE plan continues to offer the regular maintenance operations and checks as well as all Bobcat genuine parts and fluids that are necessary for planned service of customers’ machines.

Kevin McSkimming, Procurement Director at AD Bly Construction, commented:

“The L85 performed exactly as we needed, but the visit highlighted the breadth of Bobcat equipment now available. The combination of mini excavators, loaders, compaction equipment and telehandlers fits the varied nature of our work across civil engineering and groundworks throughout the south, central and eastern regions.

We have been impressed with both the performance of the machines and the support provided by Versatile Equipment. Combining this with the excellent finance and maintenance programmes that help us to keep costs well under control, this will ensure that the products continue to perform at the highest level, as well as retaining value for when we look to replace them in 3–4 years’ time.”

AD Bly Construction

AD Bly Construction aims to offer customers a unique inspired approach to residential, retail, commercial, infrastructure and education construction. The company works primarily in three areas: Groundworks, Civil Engineering and RC Structures.

As a groundworks contractor, the new equipment from Bobcat has a large part to play and in addition to drainage and external works, AD Bly also carries out decontamination works; site strip/site clearance and substructure projects. In its civil engineering contracts, the new Bobcat equipment at AD Bly can be used to work on major infrastructure, road and sewer projects, bridge works, pumping stations, balancing ponds, ditches and swales; thrust boring, headings and ground remodelling. As a concrete frame contractor, AD Bly provides reinforced in-situ concrete frames, multi-storey, shell and core construction, transfer slabs, basement construction, under croft parking and retaining walls.

Bobcat Product Offering

Bobcat provides an extensive range of compact machinery including mini excavators, compact wheel loaders, small articulated loaders, telehandlers, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, tractors and turf equipment. The company continues to broaden its product portfolio across construction, landscaping, industrial and agricultural applications.

A Growing Product Range

Bobcat offers an extensive portfolio of mini-excavators from 1.0 to 9.4 tonne, including two electric models and a full range of light compaction machinery. In the last four years, Bobcat has continued to expand in the European wheel loader market for compact wheel loaders and small articulated loaders, as well as launching the company’s new generation R-Series telehandlers and compact loaders.

The Bobcat R-Series telehandler range for agriculture and construction provides a choice of 18 models with Stage V engines. There are eight models for construction covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.1 tonne and lifting heights from 6 to 18 m, complemented by 10 more models aimed at agriculture covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.3 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 8 m. The Bobcat range also includes a selection of nine rotary telehandler models.

The Bobcat range offers 12 skid-steer loaders including the top-of-the-range R-Series S86 model, complementing these wheeled machines with a selection of five compact track loaders, including the T86 top-of-the-range model. The product portfolio has now been further extended with a new range of compact tractors from 25 to 58 HP, together with new lines of mowers and turf renovation equipment.

Quality Service for Customers in Every Market

As well as Hertfordshire, Versatile Equipment is the Authorised Bobcat Dealer for the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk and Norfolk. The company is also the Authorised Bobcat Dealer for Greater London, Essex, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

To support sales of the entire Bobcat range of machines and attachments, Versatile Equipment offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area. This is backed up by a substantial stock of brand new, Certified Used and second-hand Bobcat machines for sale. Customers also benefit from Versatile’s on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance.

Specialist Rental Fleet

For general hire and more specialist applications, Versatile Equipment runs a state-of-the-art rental fleet of compact loaders and attachments, which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The company has a team of experts who are on hand to offer customers advice they might need regarding the best machinery to hire for their work.

About Bobcat

Since 1958, Bobcat has been empowering people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has built a proud legacy of innovation and a reputation for delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. Backed by the support of a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors, Bobcat now offers extensive lineups of compact machinery (including loaders, excavators, telehandlers, compact tractors and mowers) and material handling equipment (including forklifts and warehouse solutions), plus a broad range of attachments, parts and services. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat.

About Doosan Bobcat

Doosan Bobcat is a company within the Doosan Group. Doosan Group is a top-tier global enterprise that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Doosan Bobcat is based in Bundang, South Korea.

To learn more about Bobcat’s products, attachments and services, visit www.bobcat.com.

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Abode 2026 Kitchen Trends for the UK wet zone

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Abode, award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen sinks and mixer taps, boiling water taps, bathroom taps and showering solutions provide expert insights into the latest kitchen trends shaping the UK wet zone in 2026.

Considered the number one room for investing in sinks and taps, the kitchen continues to impact the desirability factor of a home and next year, tone and texture will be used to support a greater sense of collaboration between the furniture and essential fixtures and fittings. The experts at Abode have identified 5 core kitchen trends impacting both home and lifestyle in 2026, and these include:

1. Traditional Texture meets Quiet Luxury – Traditional kitchen cabinets continue to evolve in 2026, with modern updates providing a new take on various design classics like painted Shaker, natural timber, and Provincial design schemes. This has led to a rise in traditional-style texture with aged finishes, decorative shapes, and signature design elements being used in the wet zone to make a centrepiece in the traditional kitchen space. Following a recent breakout for key components that echo the rising trends for fluted glass units and wall panels, vertical groove cabinetry, and ornamental hardware in 2026, the latest sinks and taps are presenting new opportunities to fully coordinate with the furniture and kitchen décor. Top products for achieving traditional texture include fluted Butler sinks in neutral colourways, traditional-style boiling water taps, and mixer taps with decorative spouts, collars, and handles in timeless finishes like brass, bronze, and nickel.

The quiet luxury aesthetic also focuses on providing an evergreen style in the kitchen this year, with a sophisticated mix of luxurious materials and classic pieces often in muted tones, which provide a neutral backdrop for timeless design elements like decorative hardware in tactile metallics. Used to add depth and interest across the fixtures and fittings, variations of brushed and antique brass continue to dominate the latest furniture, sink and brassware trends with novel design options that provide the opportunity to pair essential kitchen solutions in one space. Dark bronze is the new kid on the block in 2026, which also supports the trend for traditional texture where rich finishes come to life in the kitchen space. Extremely versatile in contemporary and traditional design schemes, warm metallic finishes remain the go-to for anyone wanting to add a touch of quiet luxury in the traditional kitchen. On the cool side of the spectrum, polished nickel has emerged as a new alternative to chrome, with gunmetal seeing a 200% increase in the last 12-months.

2. Space Saving Functionality – Over the past year, online search trends reveal a recurring theme for multi-functional kitchen taps with pull out spray taps and boiling water taps ranked as the most popular. Helping to maintain a healthier, happier, and more efficient household, functional products go hand in hand with both home and lifestyle by making daily chores easier and more time efficient. In fact, trends for greater utility are shining a light on wet zones with 5 IN 1 functionality, which let you blend key items in the kitchen to support and enhance the functionality of your sink and prep area. The latest trends are requesting pull out and professional style mixer taps, and sensitively-styled boiling water taps that when paired with push-button handsprays deliver domestic hot, cold, filtered cold and steaming hot water on demand with powerful spray function to make light work of making hot drinks, cooking, cleaning, food prep, and filling large pots.

Workstation sinks and accessories that prioritise functionality have also come into fashion and are only set to grow, as they become a great way to maximise space in the wet zone and enable more tasks to be carried out in style. Benefits include special bowl variants, durable materials in granite, ceramic and stainless steel to achieve a higher-end aesthetic, coloured sink designs and complementary wastes and overflows that coordinate with the brassware, along with optional drainers, slimline rinsers, and add-on accessories that enhance the workflow of the sink area and overall kitchen hygiene.

3. Nature-inspired Minimalism – Contemporary interiors are focusing on natural materials, matt finishes, and minimalist design elements next year, as a way to help the kitchen adopt a more personal style aesthetic that resonates with both home and user. Focusing on clean lines, hidden functionality, and a neutral colour palette, the contemporary kitchen space will be designed for living in 2026, with an emphasis on pared-back design that presents clear worksurfaces, and a sense of spaciousness. Low maintenance is key here with a rising demand for natural materials that lean towards linear profiles, durable finishes and encourage a higher quality of life. From incorporating natural materials across the surfaces and hardware, to choosing fixtures and fittings in complementary finishes with practical features that elevate the user experience, products motivated by the trend for nature-inspired minimalism is helping today’s kitchen owners take more control in the design process to create environments, which blend modern minimalism with a deep connection to the natural world. 

4. Personalised design – Synergy between the furniture, sink, and taps has put personalised design in its own style category in 2026, and this heightened level of coordination is encouraging a look which is highly sophisticated and perfectly streamlined. The ability to coordinate the functional elements in a kitchen such as the appliances, sinks, and brassware is not only complementing the most desired furniture trends but also other products like the worktops, flooring, hardware, wall paint, soft furnishings, and even lighting solutions. The most desirable colours sit within the neutral palette and include sinks and taps in white, black and variations of brown and grey. Helping to create a strong style identity in popular interior styles like Japandi and Scandi-style kitchen schemes, as well as the very latest transitional schemes that blend traditional painted furniture with contemporary design elements. Reflecting the ongoing affinity for unique, customised kitchen design, notable style trends include a return to natural wood, bespoke cabinet colours like pink and taupe, custom sink and tap finishes, accent materials, and interchangeable hardware that adds texture and individuality.

5. Eco Considerations – Whether classic or contemporary, tomorrow’s kitchen is guided by natural design elements, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient solutions as sustainability drives the design conversation towards greener and nature-inspired product choices. As many homeowners are now considering how product choice can positively (or negatively) impact the environment, Abode identifies a growing desire for sustainably sourced products made from recycled materials, natural materials like stone and wood, or products with renewable features that support recycling. Saving water and energy in the kitchen has helped to spark an upturn in conscious consumerism, and this growth for products that deliver tangible rewards and perform well in A-C rated homes has led to eco-friendly taps being in high demand. Top innovations that are saving time and money at the kitchen sink include mixer taps with limited flow rates that save water, energy saving boiling water taps that only heat the amount of water you need, filtered water taps that eliminate buying and transporting bottled water, and products which are part of recycling schemes to lessen the environmental impact.

Leanne Stansfield, Digital & Marketing Director at Abode explains, “Our product marketing team use several methods to stay up to date with the latest interior styles and industry trends. Our annual research includes analysing customer feedback, organising focus groups to gather insights, attending UK and international exhibitions, evaluating industry-specific performance reports and the global press, as well as social listening across our growing online communities. Taking a combined approach to market research and customer feedback means we stay abreast of mainstream and emerging trends in the kitchen design sector so we can intentionally drive our NPD schedule year in, year out.”

For more information, please contact Abode:

Call 01226 283 434, email info@abodedesigns.co.uk or visit www.abodedesigns.co.uk

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London regeneration project on course for net zero with Kooltherm Pipe Insulation

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Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation has been fitted as part of Phase 4 of the North West Quarter regeneration project in South Kilburn. The 225-home development is being delivered by Countryside Partnerships and the London Borough of Brent. To meet planning requirements, the development needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions (as defined within the London Plan) and effectively limit overheating risk. The specification of Kooltherm Pipe Insulation helped meet these requirements.

The development has been designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards and incorporates 95 council homes along with a further 130 homes for private buyers. Its design takes inspiration from surrounding Victorian mansion flats, and care has been taken to support occupant wellbeing with virtually all of the spacious homes featuring dual aspect windows.

As part of the major redevelopment plan, the project needed to meet the requirements within the London Plan for it to be “net zero carbon”. This required it to achieve a minimum 35% additional on-site reduction in CO2 emissions compared with a property built to Part L 2021 of the Building Regulations, with any remaining demand covered through carbon offset. A range of measures have been implemented to help achieve this, including connecting the development to the South Kilburn District Heat Network. To limit heat losses from secondary pipework, Kooltherm Pipe Insulation was fitted on Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) and Boosted Cold Water Service (BCWS) pipework by Ace Thermal.

Kooltherm Pipe Insulation achieves a 25-year aged thermal conductivity as low as 0.025 W/mK (at 10 °C mean), making it one of the most thermally efficient insulation materials commonly used for insulating pipework. This performance made it possible for Ace Thermal to insulate all internal pipework to a high standard with a thinner thickness of insulation than would have been possible with lower performing alternatives, supporting ease of installation within service spaces.

Scott Bunyard, Director at Ace Thermal Insulation, commented:

“Our team has completed all installations to programme working with the client. Kooltherm Pipe Insulation provided a straightforward solution to meeting the heat loss requirements across all of the LTHW and BCWS systems. Our work has also included fitting made-to-measure jackets on all risers throughout and insulating the substation and tank rooms in thicknesses up to 65 mm to further minimise heat losses.”

In addition to supporting the project in meeting its net-zero carbon commitments, the specification of Kooltherm Pipe Insulation was also important for limiting overheating risk. As part of the planning process, an analysis was carried out to CIBSE TM 59 assessment criteria to ensure that no corridors exceeded an operative temperature of 28°C for more than 3% of the total annual hours in a year. Limiting heat losses from pipework within these areas was critical to passing this requirement.  The overheating analysis showed that with the specified thickness of Kooltherm Pipe Insulation, all of the modelled corridors passed the requirements.

To support specifications, Kooltherm Pipe Insulation is available as a freely downloadable BIM file from NBS Source and an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificate can be downloaded from the Kingspan website.

To help project teams understand the impact of pipe insulation specifications on operating costs and carbon emissions, Kingspan Technical Insulation also offers the Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation Carbon Calculator. This free service allows specifiers to compare how the use of pipe insulation specifications to key standards, including BS 5422 enhanced thicknesses and CIBSE CP1, can impact operational emissions and costs.Please click here to login or register for free.

With Kingspan Technical Insulation’s free Pipeline Technical Advisory Service, which can be contacted on 0808 168 7363, clear advice and guidance can be accessed at every stage in a project.

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LKAB Minerals launches Gypsol ZL to cut floor installation costs by 66 percent

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LKAB Minerals, a leading supplier of high-quality industrial materials, today announces the launch of Gypsol Zero Laitance (ZL), an innovative floor screed that cuts labour and material costs by 66 percent.

Gypsol ZL is a cutting-edge anhydrite-based screed that does not create a layer of fine particles on the surface known as laitance, which needs to be sanded before a finish is applied. If standard anhydrite-based screeds are not sanded, it can cause issues for the floor. Users of Gypsol ZL can factor in a lack of laitance and save on the labour costs associated with the sanding stage that is typical for the application of anhydrite-based screeds. 

In addition to labour cost savings, Gypsol ZL is effective at a thickness of only 15 millimetres, which means less product is needed per square metre. Even if applied at a greater thickness, for example 50 millimetres, it can dry in just 14 days, reducing time to project completion.

Ben Bland, Commercial Manager for Andricite, Gypsol Binder & Screeds at LKAB Minerals said “As per industry standards, all screeds require sanding. It is well-recognised that anhydrite-based screeds require sanding to remove laitance, which makes Gypsol ZL a game-changer for the market. This innovation comes at a critical time for the construction industry when our customers are facing economic headwinds and are looking for cutting edge solutions to improve the efficiency of commercial and residential developments.”

The efficiency gains from Gypsol ZL are supplemented with sustainability benefits; the new screed carries 88 percent fewer embodied carbon emissions than cementitious alternatives. Furthermore, it is designed to support efficient heat transfer in underfloor heating, which is a key component of the UK Government’s Future Homes Standard.

Darren Meredith, Sales Manager at Niche Energy Solutions said “LKAB’s range of anhydrite options has a quality, consistency and robustness that is second to none. In an industry where neglect of the correct post installation guidelines can be rife, the missing piece in their puzzle was a zero laitance option. I’ve been really pleased to bring this to live environments in the early stages and am delighted with the results.

He said “I’m a big believer in this development, and I’m thrilled to say my enthusiasm is being shared by our customers. A faster drying, zero laitance solution using LKAB’s technology and suppliers – every box ticked, and I look forward to seeing its growth.”

Manufactured in Runcorn, Gypsol ZL is now available to customers in the UK and Ireland for use across all forms of projects.  

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Scotland emerging as key growth market for data centre developers – new report

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Scotland’s combination of renewable energy, available land and skilled talent is creating strong interest among developers assessing new large-scale data centre projects, according to new analysis by Lichfields.

The study by the planning and development consultancy highlights how the UK’s data centre industry currently contributes around £4.7 billion to the economy each year, with forecasts suggesting a further £44 billion could be added by 2035 through construction and operation. Scotland is well placed to capture a significant share of that growth, producing 113 per cent of its electricity consumption from renewables in 2022 and exporting surplus clean power to the grid.

Lichfields’ analysis references a previous site-shortlisting exercise led by Scottish Futures Trust, Crown Estate Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, which identified a range of potential locations including Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and parts of the Highlands, with the right combination of renewable capacity, land availability and technical expertise. However, most large-scale schemes remain concentrated in southern England, reflecting differences in planning support and grid capacity.

Dan Evans, Associate Director at Lichfields, said: “For developers, Scotland offers something few regions or countries can match – abundant low-carbon energy, space for expansion and a strong engineering base. The combination of renewable generation, cool climate and established technical skills creates ideal conditions for sustainable data centre operations.

“Across the UK, we’re seeing growing demand from investors and operators looking for sites that balance performance, cost and environmental responsibility. Scotland’s renewable strength and land availability tick those boxes, but delivery confidence remains key. Developers need clarity on where projects will be supported and how long approvals will take. A consistent national position, backed by local planning frameworks, would make a real difference in turning interest into investment.”

The analysis points to several practical measures to help maintain momentum, including allocating land for data centre development in new Local Development Plans, using Masterplan Consent Areas to simplify consents for complex or multi-use sites and encouraging early coordination between planning authorities, developers and energy providers.

It highlights the £3.9 billion regeneration of the former Ravenscraig steelworks in North Lanarkshire as evidence of growing confidence in Scotland’s potential. The project, which includes one of the UK’s largest AI-ready data centres, will support around 2,000 long-term jobs and deliver a £1.2 billion construction boost, contributing an estimated 0.4 per cent to Scotland’s GDP each year once operational.

Dan added: “Scotland has an opportunity to position itself as a genuine alternative to traditional UK data centre clusters. By combining its renewable capacity with a more agile planning approach, it can attract long-term global investment, create skilled employment and strengthen its reputation for sustainable growth.

“Developers are ready to commit where policy, infrastructure and delivery are properly coordinated. With the right signals from government and local authorities, Scotland could move from potential to performance very quickly.”

For more information, visit: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/watt-next-for-scotland

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