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GRAHAM Achieves CIPS Procurement Excellence Standard

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Northern Ireland-headquartered GRAHAM has been officially awarded the CIPS Procurement Excellence Standard, a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in procurement and supply chain management.

This prestigious accreditation is not easily attained—only 300 organisations worldwide have achieved the standard—placing GRAHAM among an elite group of companies demonstrating world-class procurement capability, governance, and strategic value.

The CIPS Corporate Accreditation reflects the strength, professionalism, and strategic value of the procurement function across the organisation. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement of GRAHAM’s procurement team, who have consistently demonstrated best-in-class practices in governance, ethics, sustainability, and value delivery.

More than a badge of recognition, the CIPS Procurement Excellence Standard is a rigorous assessment of how procurement contributes to organisational success. Achieving this accreditation confirms that GRAHAM operates with integrity, transparency, and efficiency in all procurement activities—and that the organisation is fully aligned with international best practices.

Gerard McKeever, Head of Procurement (Civil Engineering), commented:

“This recognition is a significant milestone for GRAHAM. It validates the strategic role procurement plays in driving value, managing risk, and supporting our wider business objectives and our Operations teams to deliver successful projects. I want to thank every member of the team for their commitment and professionalism throughout this journey.

“This achievement reinforces GRAHAM’s reputation as a trusted partner and industry leader, positioning the business strongly for continued growth and innovation. Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone.”

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Abloy UK calls for greater awareness of compliant access solutions amongst Health and Safety Managers

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Security expert Abloy UK is calling for greater awareness of compliant access control solutions amongst Health and Safety Managers, to ensure workers across critical infrastructure, commercial facilities and high-risk environments are protected and secure.

Many businesses are putting themselves at risk of financial loss and reputational damage due to lack of understanding of safety legislation and compliant access control. With this in mind, Abloy is highlighting the need for greater understanding of the role access control has within health and safety strategies.

Fatalities and injuries in the workplace remain a serious concern, as according to the latest figures, 124 workers and 92 members of the public were killed in work related accidents over the last year. Additionally, more than 600,000 injuries were reported, leading to 33.7 million working days lost and £21.6 billion in costs to the UK economy.[1]

In some cases, these incidents involve unsafe access to hazardous or restricted areas, including plant rooms, electrical infrastructure, maintenance zones or escape routes that have been misused or blocked. Whether intentional or accidental, unauthorised access to these locations creates significant safety risks for both workers and the public.

For example, in industrial and commercial environments, individuals entering confined spaces or machinery zones without the correct training or authorisation can be exposed to life threatening hazards. In public spaces, unsecured emergency exits or staff only areas can lead to safety breach, vandalism or misuse during evacuations.

David Rock, Market Development Manager, at Abloy UK, explains: “These insights highlight the need for increased awareness around access control in life safety management. Every time we reduce the chances of someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time, we lower the risk of injury, improve compliance and protect organisations from disruption.”

It is recommended that life safety access control includes systems that can restrict access to hazardous areas and manage permissions in real time. For example, Abloy’s electromechanical eCLIQ solution offers complete control over which key cards can access certain areas. This can be integrated into permit to work procedures, ensuring that only trained, competent individuals are able to access the correct areas.

Not only this, but eCLIQ offers traceability, tracking and audit trails, allowing for a complete overview of who accessed certain areas, including more remote locations, and when they did so. Having this capability offers a more organised approach to health and safety, allowing organisations to have complete insight into movement patterns and identify potential breaches before they escalate. 

By creating a verifiable record of all access events, organisations can more easily investigate incidents, demonstrate compliance to regulators and provide evidence during audits. This also supports a culture of accountability, as employees and contractors are aware that their access history is recorded and monitored.

By using a solution like this, access rights can be granted and taken away easily, which is important if an individual’s training has expired and they are no longer allowed to have access to a certain area or machinery. It is also useful to have this feature if key cards are lost or stolen, which aids the protection of both staff and public, deterring unlawful behaviour and removing threats in high-risk environments.

Compliant escape door systems (EDS) are essential for a successful health and safety plan as they allow for safe, compliant escape during emergencies. In normal use, an EDS maintains security to prevent unauthorised entry, but when triggered by a fire alarm or power failure, it releases instantly to provide a quick evacuation route.

This capability is important for safeguarding both employees and members of the public, as delayed or blocked exits can significantly increase the risk of injury or loss of life. Escape routes always need to be functional, even in the event of a technical fault or power outage.

When managing electrically controlled escape door systems, it is important to refer to NCP 109 Issue 4. It includes enhanced guidance on compliance to support a safe and secure approach to controlling escape doors.  The issue mandates that access control systems on escape routes must comply with European Standards, specifically EN 179, EN 1125 and EN 13637.

Meeting legislative requirements, EN 1125 and EN 179, not only ensure legal adherence but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to occupant safety and emergency preparedness.

EN 13637 also needs to be considered, particularly when electrically controlled escape doors are present. As the standard is relatively new, it is important that Health and Safety Managers understand the need for greater control of escape doors and routes, without compromising on safety or the ability to escape in an emergency.

Including EDS within a wider access control plan helps to maintain site security in everyday operation while guaranteeing unrestricted escape when needed. This means that safety is not compromised for the sake of security and vice versa.

By integrating solutions like eCLIQ and the Abloy EDS, organisations can create an intelligent, layered system that prevents unsafe access, enables rapid evacuation and meets the most stringent safety standards.

Industry support is available, the Abloy Academy offers training for those who want to become more proficient in the latest compliance legislation, safe locking strategies and integrating access control into wider safety management plans. 

Through training, individuals like Health and Safety and Facilities Managers can gain the knowledge needed to specify the correct systems and implement solutions that actively reduce risks while strengthening compliance.

David Rock concluded: “People tend to forget that health and safety isn’t just responding to incidents, it’s about preventing them in the first place. Too often, organisations only look at access control and escape provision after something goes wrong. 

“By taking a proactive approach and implementing a preventative strategy, you can protect your people, meet compliance requirements and avoid the costly consequences of inaction.”

For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK visit www.abloy.com, email info@abloy.co.uk or call 01902 364 500.

[1] https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overview.htm

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Vattenfall IDNO unlocks £1 million in savings for EV charging hub

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  • Vattenfall IDNO’s grid consultancy service has enabled a faster and cheaper energisation of a new 10-bay electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in Devon. 
  • Working in partnership with Ionity GmbH, Vattenfall IDNO’s consultancy saved Poppy Properties over £1 million via expert value engineering. 
  • The connection was made three years earlier than the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) had originally quoted.   

When Poppy Properties Ltd set out to develop a new roadside retail and EV charging hub at Dolbeare Meadow, they faced a significant challenge: the local DNO’s initial connection offer required costly network reinforcement and would have delayed the project by several years. Recognising the impact this would have on the site’s viability, Poppy Properties turned to Vattenfall IDNO for a solution. 

Vattenfall IDNO’s Grid Consultancy team took a proactive approach, taking over direct negotiations with the DNO and conducting a detailed technical review of the available options. By challenging the original assumptions and reapplying for a more appropriately sized connection, Vattenfall IDNO was able to secure access to spare capacity on the network. This not only reduced the connection cost by over £1 million but also brought the energisation date forward by three years – enabling Poppy Properties to open their EV hub and retail park on schedule. 

Throughout the three-year project, Vattenfall IDNO provided end-to-end support. The consultancy team coordinated technical revisions, managed legal agreements, and navigated commercial changes, ensuring Poppy Properties were kept informed at every stage. When the original Charge Point Operator withdrew, Vattenfall IDNO helped identify and engage a new partner, keeping the project on track. 

Vattenfall’s integrated team of engineers, legal experts, and project managers worked closely with Poppy Properties to overcome every barrier. Land rights were secured in time for grant funding, and on-site delivery was overseen to ensure the new connection met Vattenfall’s rigorous technical standards. 

William Palk, Partner at Poppy Properties Ltd, said:

“Without Vattenfall’s support, this project simply wouldn’t have been viable. Their team helped us navigate a complex and costly DNO process, find an affordable connection route, and get our EV hub energised much earlier than the DNO proposed. Their Grid Connections Consultancy service and final adoption of the network have saved us more than a million pounds.” 

The result is a fully energised 1.5MVA connection for Phase 1, with future capacity secured for site expansion. The Asset Adoption Value rebate provided by Vattenfall exceeded the cost of contestable works, meaning the site was delivered for the price of the non-contestable works alone. Consultancy fees were waived following asset adoption, providing Poppy Properties with three years of expert grid support at no cost. 

Bilgin Oralerkaya, Grid Consultancy Manager at Vattenfall IDNO, said:

“This project is a great example of how Vattenfall’s Grid Consultancy service can unlock significant value for developers. By combining technical expertise with proactive negotiation, we helped Poppy secure a faster, more cost-effective connection and avoid unnecessary reinforcement costs.”

The Dolbeare Meadow project demonstrates the value of Vattenfall IDNO’s Grid  

Consultancy for delivering faster connections, substantial cost savings, and expert support for complex energy infrastructure projects. 

For more information on Vattenfall IDNO’s grid consultancy service, visit here.

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£100 MILLION UK INVESTMENT UNVEILED AS JCB MARKS 80th BIRTHDAY

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JCB is marking its 80th birthday with news of a £100 million investment in ultra-modern manufacturing facilities at its global headquarters in the UK.

The project at the company’s plant in Rocester, Staffordshire, will see the installation of a fully automated powder paint plant costing £60 million as well as a full modernisation of the shop floor, with new machining centres, friction welders and cylinder boring machines.

The investment was announced as the British family company prepares to celebrate its 80th birthday – and that of its Chairman Anthony Bamford – tomorrow (Oct 23rd).  The company is making the occasion by giving the entire global workforce of more than 19,000 people an additional day’s holiday on October 24th.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said investing in the World HQ, JCB’s home since 1950, was an important and logical step for the company. Lord Bamford said: “Basing JCB in the UK makes business sense, just as it has always made business sense. The work ethic in our country remains strong – especially in the Midlands, with its deep engineering heritage.

“It makes perfect sense to invest heavily in our British factories and the £100 million we are investing now will put us at the forefront of our industry. Obviously, we are expanding overseas, not least in America, where we have been for decades. But the UK is our home. 

“We directly employ more than 19,000 people around the world, more than 8,000 of whom are in the UK. And even though around three-quarters of our UK production is exported, we continue to make a huge contribution to this country and to the national economy.

Anthony Bamford was born on October 23rd 1945 on the same day as his father Joseph Cyril Bamford founded JCB. Today inventor and entrepreneur Sir James Dyson paid tribute to Lord Bamford as he and JCB prepared to celebrate their 80th birthdays. He said: “Anthony Bamford is a wonderful example to us all for his entrepreneurship, his engineering, design, and  manufacturing. He has built what was a small British manufacturing company into one which is a true global success story and one we are all very proud of.”

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BAGNODESIGN Introduces the Carlyle Collection at HIX

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BAGNODESIGN is set to unveil its latest collection at HIX 2025, introducing Carlyle as the centrepiece of its hospitality offering. Designed with the refined elegance of American five-star hotel living in mind, Carlyle combines classic form with contemporary functionality, making it the ideal solution for luxury hotel and spa bathrooms.

Visitors to Stand 23 will experience the full Carlyle range, which delivers a timeless design language across brassware, furniture, sanitaryware, and accessories. With subtle detailing such as scalloped mixer edges, octagonal mirrors and luxuriously profiled furniture, Carlyle creates a sophisticated yet highly practical bathroom environment. This makes it a compelling choice for hoteliers and designers seeking a cohesive specification that balances style with durability.

The brassware in the Carlyle Collection is offered in a curated palette of finishes, including Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Soft Bronze, PVD Oyster and Anthracite. This flexibility allows designers to integrate the collection into both traditional and modern interiors with ease.

Coordinating bathroom furniture is available in Dark Oak with Soft Bronze accents, Silver Oak with Oxide, or Matt White with Brushed Bronze, providing multiple configuration options to suit project requirements.

Carlyle has been developed to meet the demands of the high-end hospitality sector, where premium aesthetics and product longevity go hand in hand. For specifiers and project managers, it offers a complete solution that simplifies the design process while delivering a high level of visual consistency across all bathroom elements. For retailers, Carlyle introduces a new commercial opportunity for clients who value timeless design and elevated performance.

Alongside Carlyle, BAGNODESIGN will also present other standout collections including Fonteyn, showcasing the brand’s continued commitment to excellence in bathroom design and innovation.

To explore the Carlyle Collection in person, visit BAGNODESIGN at HIX 2025, Stand 23.

For more information, visit www.bagnodesign.it or contact SANIPEX GROUP on 01924 233977.

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Over a Third of Homeowners Say Messy Bedrooms Impact Their Wellbeing

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New research from The Panelling Centre explores how the ‘floordrobe’ has become a familiar feature in many Irish bedrooms

Key findings:

  • 1 in 3 (36%) of homeowners say messy bedrooms negatively impact their mood
  • 1 in 4 (27%) are unhappy with their bedroom storage with over half (55%) admit to keeping a ‘floordrobe’, letting clothes pile up on the floor
  • 83% of tradespeople say homeowners underestimate how much storage they need in their bedroom
  • 4 in 10 (40%) have avoided a date night at home because their bedroom was too messy
  • 2 in 5 (40%) say they’ve been turned off dating someone with a cluttered room
  • 3 in 10 (30%) say bedroom mess sparks arguments, mostly between partners (76%)
  • The Panelling Centre teams up with psychologist Dr Clodagh Campbell to explore how our bedroom environment impacts overall wellbeing

Over a third (36%) of homeowners say a messy bedroom has a negative impact on how they feel and over half (55%) admit to keeping a floordrobe, letting clothes pile up on the floor. That’s according to new research from The Panelling Centre, Ireland’s leading destination for fitted wardrobes, kitchens and appliances.

The new study from The Panelling Centre, carried out among 750 homeowners and 175 tradespeople, examines the connection between bedroom clutter and wellbeing, revealing how mess affects mood, relationships, and the growing need for smarter storage solutions.

As part of the campaign, The Panelling Centre has partnered with Dr Clodagh Campbell, also known as The Wellness Psychologist, to shine a light on how our surroundings influence mental wellbeing, and how smart, well-designed storage can help create calmer, more positive spaces.

Romance on the Rocks

According to The Panelling Centre study, bedroom mess doesn’t just affect peace of mind, it’s also impacting love lives:

  • 4 in 10 (40%) have avoided inviting a romantic interest over because of how messy their bedroom was
  • The same number (40%) say a messy bedroom has turned them off dating someone
  • 3 in 10 (30%) admit that clutter leads to household arguments, most often between partners (76%)

Clothes, Clutter, and Chaos

More than half of homeowners (55%) say clothes left on the floor are their biggest source of clutter, while 47% blame items left on bedside tables and 22% point to laundry baskets bursting at the seams.

Nearly half (47%) of those who share a bedroom with someone say they both tidy to keep things neat, yet 47% still admit to living with clutter.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Clodagh Campbell said: “Our surroundings have a powerful influence on our mental wellbeing. The bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place to rest, reset and restore, but when it’s full of clutter, it can have the opposite effect.”

“The Panelling Centre’s research shows that over a third of homeowners (37%) feel a clean, tidy bedroom improves their mood and mental health, while 36% say mess has the opposite effect. That link between our physical environment and emotional state is something I see every day in my work. Simple changes like adding smart storage, decluttering or improving layout can make a profound difference to how we feel, sleep and even connect with others at home.”

Storage to the Rescue

When asked what would help, homeowners were clear, better storage is key:

  • 1 in 4 (27%) say they’re dissatisfied with their current bedroom storage
  • 37% stash clothes on chairs, 24% in suitcases and 21% on the floor
  • The dream solutions? Built-in wardrobes (35%), walk-in wardrobes (19%) and clever furniture storage (16%)

Gary Higgins, General Manager at The Panelling Centre said: “Clutter in the bedroom isn’t just about mess, it’s affects mood, mindset, and even relationships. The good news is that the right storage can transform a space. At The Panelling Centre, we know that every home is different, that’s why we offer clever, customisable solutions that make the most of every room. Whether it’s built-in wardrobes, sliding robe sets, or walk-in wardrobes, our goal is to help homeowners create spaces that deliver the perfect balance of function and style.”

The Experts Provide Solutions

Most tradespeople (83%) believe clients underestimate how much storage they need, and 62% say they have been asked to help tackle clutter. The professionals agree that insufficient built-in wardrobes (54%) and poor room design (39%) are the main causes of messy bedrooms.

When recommending or installing storage, tradespeople favour tailored solutions:

  • 61% opt for custom built wardrobes
  • 38% recommend wardrobe accessories like pull-out racks, rails and shelving
  • 30% install walk-in wardrobes
  • Only 13% suggest simply adding a larger wardrobe, highlighting that bespoke solutions are the most effective use of space.

The Panelling Centre’s expert team is available to guide homeowners through storage options tailored to their needs. Visit The Panelling Centre online to request a free appointment with an expert consultant and create a bedroom design that’s stylish, calm, and clutter free.

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Pioneering report sets the course for nature-positive engineering in coastal and marine environments

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  • $44 trillion (over 50% of global GDP) is moderately or highly dependent on the ecosystem services that nature provides, but biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history
  • A pioneering new report outlines ways nature-positive engineering (NPE) could help halt the decline of biodiversity while unlocking economic opportunities
  • New policy and technical capacity listed among key levers to enable the safe development of NPE at scale 

A global engineering coalition has issued an urgent call to action to the industry to solve the climate crisis through ecology-inclusive engineering frameworks.

The Foresight of Nature-Positive Engineering, a new report from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, in partnership with the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI), sets out the blueprint for the safely scaled application of nature-positive engineering (NPE) in ports, offshore renewable energy and in coastal protection and adaptation.

Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history, with average extinction rates 100 to 1,000 times higher than the past ten million of years[1]. While crucial to human development, the built environment has had a significant impact on the climate crisis, causing high carbon emissions, habitat loss and resource depletion.

Yet, authors argue, infrastructure could serve as a key leverage point for nature recovery by embracing the principles of NPE. The transformative approach, as defined by the report, involves actively protecting, restoring and enhancing natural systems to deliver measurable ecological gains while simultaneously supporting societal wellbeing and need.

Savina Carluccio, Executive Director of the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) and author of the report, said: “Engineering has long driven human progress, but it has also contributed to ecological degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate instability. These changes are having a significant impact on the maritime system, where rising sea levels and severe weather patterns pose a significant threat to the safe operation of marine infrastructure, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Today, engineers face both a responsibility and an opportunity to become stewards of the natural systems we all depend on, which are under immense pressure. This demands a fundamental shift in infrastructure development—moving from viewing nature as a constraint to recognising it as a critical ally in achieving human and planetary well-being.

Nature-positive engineering takes concrete steps to deliver measurable gains for nature, moving beyond “doing less harm” to “doing more good” on a path toward regeneration. It has shown promise in coastal and marine environments, but now is the time to scale it.

This Foresight Review is a rallying call to mobilise the profession to lead the transition to infrastructure that enables both people and nature to thrive.”

Three sectors have already begun to embrace principles of NPE:  coastal protection, offshore renewable energy and ports. Solutions like living shorelines reinforced with native vegetation, marine protection structures enhanced with ecological features, or fish hotels incorporated within the design of wind farms to protect fish from predators, featured in the report, have all been successfully implemented across the world.

Drawing on some of these examples, the report goes on to outline its three key recommendations to accelerate the implementation of NPE on a larger scale.  These include, the creation of a policy-driven enabling environment, leveraging technology for integrated planning and procurement; the launch of a toolkit to build technical capacity among both professionals and those in education; and the establishment of a global engineering NPE alliance to promote knowledge sharing and showcase examples of best practice.

An estimated $44 trillion (over 50% of global GDP) is moderately or highly dependent on the ecosystem services that nature provides. As well as preventing the collapse of these services, NPE could also be the key to unlocking significant economic opportunities, as experts estimate that three quarters of the infrastructure that will exist by 2050 is yet to built[2].

Jan Przydatek, Director of Technologies at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “Critical infrastructure is essential to keeping people safe and supporting economic activity, but it doesn’t need to come at the expense of biodiversity. It’s time to go beyond carbon-neutral infrastructure that minimizes harm to fundamentally transform the way we approach the built environment for the next generation.

The practice of nature-positive engineering is in the early phase of implementation. The scaling of nature-based solutions at the scale required, will only be possible when it is embedded in engineering practice that builds future infrastructure.

Although the report focuses on coastal and marine environments, its findings are equally applicable to development on land and at sea.”

To download the Foresight review, please visit the Lloyd’s Register Foundation website. The Foundation is also looking for engineers to join our expanding community of practice on nature-positive approaches and safer sustainable infrastructures. Join the mailing list for more information. here.

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Chancellor is right to keep fixing the foundations

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

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce plans that will save businesses £6bn by 2029 at the Regional Investment Summit held today in Birmingham.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders, said: “Today’s small businesses are tomorrow’s regional and big businesses. Removing disproportionate regulation, reporting and form filling is vital in helping them establish themselves and grow.

“The digitisation of planning is also hugely welcomed. It encourages further modernisation which enables future placemaking, helps businesses plan ahead, and ensures the UK is more attractive to investors”

The Chancellor will announce a ‘blitz on business bureaucracy’ in front of 350 firms. It includes:

  • 100,000 firms qualifying for simpler corporate reporting rules
  • Funding for regional projects
  • Investment in advanced manufacturing spaces and laboratories
  • How Government projects are already unlocking development
  • How service infrastructure is being digitised

Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle MP supports the Chancellor in her efforts to enable business, saying: “A central part of our Industrial Strategy is slashing needless red tape that blocks business growth, and today is precisely about that. 

“We are backing Britain, backing British businesses to thrive and grow and as part of our Plan for Change, these changes will boost jobs and grow the economy right across the country.” 

With economic growth as her main strategy, the Chancellor will reinforce her growth message using examples such as Blyth’s new AI Growth Zone and a major offshore wind farm in Teesside.

Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said: “SME firms were looking at Labour to fix blocks to their business. There may be no overnight miracle or silver bullet, but the Government is clearly listening. The onus is on businesses to tell the Government what bureaucracy needs slashing and which foundations need fixing.”

“Digitisation of planning is the foundation in most urgent need of fixing. Every utility company and local authority stores data differently, meaning it is hard for everyone – including Government – to identify successful or failed projects.

“The Chancellor’s announcement might not be glamourous or make headlines, but it will help the Government analyse and plan what needs to change. This is the start of the long-term modernisation strategy the nation desperately needs.”

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NI Water Welcomes Infrastructure Minister to Dungannon Wastewater Treatment Works

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NI Water was delighted to recently welcome Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to Dungannon Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) to view progress on a £44 million programme of work.

The extensive programme of work to upgrade the existing Dungannon WwTW off Moygashel Lane is progressing well and is the first step in creating a robust wastewater system, which will help increase capacity for future social and economic growth in the Dungannon area by helping to accommodate development as well as protecting the environment.

The original plant dates back to the 1970s, and once complete, this £44 million investment will raise the capacity of the Works by 75% – from its original design. This will accommodate the equivalent of over 100,000 customers in the future, both domestic and trade.

This project is being undertaken by local contractor GEDA Construction (Coalisland) and Newry-based Water Solutions Ireland. Many other local businesses in the supply chain will continue to be used throughout the project.

A video of the project can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/1timy9u2iHk

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One Bankmore unveils £40m next-generation Belfast offices to prospective tenants

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Bankmore Investments, a subsidiary of Kainos, today introduced One Bankmore to the Northern Ireland commercial real estate market – the first new build Grade A office building in Belfast since 2023, and expected to be the first in Northern Ireland to achieve BREEAM Outstanding.

The 12-storey scheme provides 11 office floors (c. 75,000 sq ft) together with cafe and restaurant space, creating a vibrant, people-first workplace on the Dublin Road at Bankmore Square. 

The £40 million investment is ideally located in Belfast city centre, bridging the gap between the business district of the Linen Quarter and the globally renowned education hub in the Queen’s Quarter. Located steps from Belfast Grand Central Station, One Bankmore signals a confident new chapter for the city. The scheme connects businesses to both major airports, two world-class universities and the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor. 

Kainos will be the lead occupier, taking four upper floors as its new global headquarters, with the remaining space available to other organisations. 

Developed by Bankmore Investments, the project blends the insights of a global technology company with the flexibility modern businesses expect – launching as a multi-let building rather than a single-tenant scheme. 

Brendan Mooney, Kainos CEO, said the start of tenant engagement marks the creation of a vibrant tech and business hub in the heart of the city.

“From a small start-up to a FTSE 250 technology company, our journey has always been powered by our people – their talent, innovation and ambition,” he said.

“One Bankmore is a clear statement of intent – an investment in Belfast’s future and a headquarters designed to support innovation for decades to come. This is about confidence, collaboration and belief in what Belfast can achieve.” 

Designed as a purpose-built, people-centred workplace, One Bankmore’s entrance lobby opens into casual meeting areas, a conversation pit and a coffee bar/restaurant, with a mezzanine library and reservable rooms for focused or collaborative work. 

For a calmer arrival, a dedicated low-stimulation route leads directly to the lifts, gym, office floors and roof terrace – supporting choice, wellbeing and neurodiversity from the front door. The design embeds wellbeing throughout, featuring a modern gym and studio, roof terraces, and 72 secure cycle spaces with showers and changing facilities. 

Smart systems, including touchless smartphone access, a tenant engagement app, smart lift optimisation and real-time energy/waste monitoring, create a frictionless, intuitive experience day-to-day. 

Striving for best-in-class sustainability, the scheme targets BREEAM Outstanding classification with no on-site fossil fuels, air-source heat pumps, heat-recovery ventilation and low-energy LED lighting. Floorplates are optimised for natural light and views, with operations enabled for net-zero. 

Laura McCarthy, Global Head of Property at Kainos, said it was an exciting time for workspace transformation in Belfast.

“One Bankmore is more than an office – it’s a workplace shaped by our experience as both owner and occupier, designed to bring people together and support how they work best,” she said. 

“From day one we’ve designed for flexibility, wellbeing and connection – offering a social, active ground floor with a quieter alternative for those who prefer it.

“There’s also a high-end gym and roof terraces, with technology that makes sustainability part of everyday working life.

“The planning journey – completed in under four months – reflected true collaboration and a shared ambition for Belfast.”  

Laura McCarthy added that the investment in One Bankmore will act as a catalyst for future growth and regeneration of the wider area.

“Bankmore Square is a historic and cultural site in Belfast, and we believe that the development of One Bankmore will restore it to its former glory and will have a long-lasting, tangible impact on the make-up and regeneration of the wider area,” she said.

Construction is underway with Heron Bros Ltd as the appointed main contractor, with base-build completion targeted for June 2027 and Kainos set to move in that summer. Leasing discussions are now open for the remaining space – marking the next step in Belfast’s new business district.

Visit onebankmore.com for more information.

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