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Major works to start as part of £145million investment in new transport connections and school in Paisley

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Works are set to begin next month (November) on a key Paisley route as part of a £59million investment in new transport connections to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), adding to a new £85.5million state-of-the-art secondary school and enhanced active travel links in the area. 

Renfrewshire Council is leading the ambitious programme which will see the creation of a new road and junction next to the site of the former Chivas building on Renfrew Road which will serve the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus and connect into a new road bridge across the White Cart river. 

The new route will significantly improve access to Shortroods, AMIDS and Glasgow Airport from Paisley town centre, Renfrew and the M8 motorway, with the AMIDS South project including: 

  • A new road bridge at Paisley Harbour for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from Harbour Road to Inchinnan Road 
  • A 1.7km gateway route along Abercorn Street, Harbour Road, and Inchinnan Road, linking the town centre to AMIDS and Glasgow Airport 
  • A new walking and cycling route called the Gallowhill Link which will use the former railway underpass at the retail park to safely cross Renfrew Road 
  • A number of improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure on Greenock Road between Inchinnan Business Park and AMIDS have already been complete 

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This significant investment is another example of this council’s ambition and the new transport links and state-of-the-art school will transform Renfrew Road and this section of the town. 

“Communities from across the White Cart river will be more connected to the town centre, pupils will have easier access to the new school and opportunities for work, leisure and education will be more readily available for local people. 

“The project will make it easier to access AMIDS which is one of the most significant developments we have ever undertaken and is already attracting high-quality jobs and world-leading industry to Renfrewshire. It will provide a significant boost to the area’s economy so it is incredibly important we provide the appropriate access to what is becoming known as Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation – and that is what the AMIDS South project will do.” 

As well as infrastructure investment, AMIDS South will also generate economic benefits through local apprenticeships, graduate roles, work experience placements, subcontracting opportunities for local businesses, as well as school, college, and community group visits and public events.  

Bob Grant, Chair of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “AMIDS South marks a significant milestone for Renfrewshire’s economic future. Improved transport links, new infrastructure, and high-quality development space will make it easier for our businesses to connect, collaborate and grow. This project will strengthen supply chains, attract new investment, and create the right conditions for innovation and long-term prosperity across our business community.” 

Farrans Construction has been appointed to deliver AMIDS South and the new road and junction are scheduled for completion by summer 2026, with the entire project due to be finished by Spring 2028. 

The first set of works on Renfrew Road will begin on Monday 3 November from just before the roundabout at the former Chivas site to the entrance of West College Scotland and will include an outside lane closure on both sides of the road. This first phase of works will be in place for 25 weeks as part of a 52-week programme of works on Renfrew Road. 

Patrick Murray, Scotland’s Regional Director for Farrans, said: “Since we were awarded the contract to deliver this project, we have been working closely with Renfrewshire Council in final preparations for our site operations to begin. We recently held a successful Meet the Buyer event in the area and met with over 70 local suppliers to discuss packages we will be procuring in the coming months. We will be focused on minimising disruption throughout our programme of work, and we will be communicating directly with key stakeholders to keep them informed.” 

Farrans and the Council will meet directly with local businesses, hold public information events, regularly contact stakeholders, update the council website, and use social media and the local media to provide updates as required. 

Local people can be kept informed regularly about AMIDS South by signing up to the project newsletter via www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/amids-south.  

AMIDS South is funded by £38.8million from the UK Government Levelling-Up Fund, £18.8million from Renfrewshire Council, and £1.5million has been provided by Transport Scotland for the Gallowhill Link. 

The £85.5m Paisley Grammar School Community Campus is being delivered by Renfrewshire Council, supported by funding from the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Improvement Programme.   

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Gleeds wins key role on Cornwall’s new Women and Children’s Hospital

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International property and construction consultancy Gleeds has been appointed to deliver external project management expertise for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust’s (RCHT) new Women and Children’s Hospital in Truro. The development is one of the South West’s most significant health infrastructure projects and part of the government’s New Hospital Programme (Wave 1).

The landmark scheme represents the largest single investment in healthcare in Cornwall. It will create state-of-the-art facilities to support maternity, neonatal and paediatric care, alongside obstetrics and gynaecology services, transforming care for women, children and babies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Gleeds will work with the RCHT programme team, providing external project management expertise, coordinating design and delivery partners, supporting business case development, and ensuring the programme remains on track for time, cost and quality. Coreus will work alongside Gleeds as sub-consultant, adding capability and capacity as part of one integrated team for RCHT.

Andrew McNulty, UK Head of Healthcare at Gleeds, said, “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of family-centred healthcare in Cornwall. We are excited to be part of the team that will deliver it. Gleeds has a strong track record in the sector, with experience on complex schemes such as the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Airedale and Leighton Hospitals.”

“Our success in this highly competitive process reflects the strength, expertise and collaborative approach of our healthcare team. We look forward to helping deliver a hospital programme that will make a lasting difference to patients and families across Cornwall,” he went on to say.

Brian Johnson, Director of Estates and Facilities and Senior Responsible Officer for the Women and Children’s Hospital Programme at RCHT, added, “We are delighted to have Gleeds on board, working alongside our in-house project teams at RCHT. This award completes the appointment of the professional team needed to help build the new Women and Children’s Hospital that’s fit for the 21st Century. Delivering our scheme is an immense programme of work and their external expertise and knowledge in healthcare gleaned from other similar schemes will give us greater resilience and confidence in delivering an outstanding new hospital for our communities across Cornwall for many years to come.”

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New Guide Highlights Full Potential of BESS in Construction

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Energy solutions specialist Aggreko has released a guide for construction managers which demystifies common misconceptions surrounding battery energy storage systems (BESS) and highlights the extent of the technology’s applications in the sector.

With 21% of construction managers surveyed in Aggreko’s latest research report stating that they were most likely to choose BESS as a greener technology for their site, Building with BESS showcases how construction professionals can reduce both noise and emissions when operating in urban areas, all while increasing energy resilience and on-site efficiency.

Tom Adlington, Sector Sales Manager, Building Services & Construction at Aggreko said: “We aim to demonstrate how BESS can address some of the major challenges that construction sites face on-site every day – from the need to minimise noise, to cutting energy consumption, saving on fuel and reducing carbon emissions.

The guide highlights the real-world applications for battery storage, from efficient load management to overcoming grid challenges and scheduling power, including many that are not yet well-known to the industry.

Tom concluded: “To achieve goals such as reducing carbon emissions and meeting project deadlines, the sector requires certainty. So much rests on a construction site having a reliable power supply, yet misconceptions can deter construction managers – even if the solution may be ideal for the challenges they are facing. 

“Outsourcing BESS from a specialist can also allow you to harness the benefits of this technology without any of the risks associated with an up-front investment. I would encourage everyone to read this guide so you can understand how it can benefit your next project.”

Read Building with BESS.

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HKC announces training roadshow across Ireland

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HKC has announced its 2025 SecureHub Roadshow, a nationwide series of events created to connect with professional installers, showcase the company’s latest innovations in connected intruder alarm systems, and highlight the benefits of joining the HKC partner network.

Running until 20th November 2025, the HKC SecureHub Roadshow will visit 13 locations across Ireland. Each event will give installers the chance to gain hands-on training, explore new technologies, and see first-hand how HKC is continuing to evolve with innovative, future-proof solutions.

The events will showcase SecureHub, a new wireless alarm panel for residential and small commercial use. Supporting up to 100 SecureWave two-way devices, it integrates seamlessly with HKC’s sensors, keypads, sirens, panic buttons and life safety detectors, giving installers the flexibility to design tailored, reliable systems.

With built-in 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, SecureHub ensures constant connectivity to the SecureComm Cloud for monitoring, diagnostics and control via the SecureComm 2 app. Featuring a modern touchscreen keypad, flexible zoning, robust standby power and EN50131 Grade 2 certification, it delivers a powerful, user-friendly solution for dependable building security.

Alongside the launch of SecureHub, HKC is also helping installers take advantage of growth opportunities through recurring revenue models. With cloud-connected platforms like SecureComm creating a permanent link between installer, system and user, businesses can now offer service plans that include app access, remote health checks and ongoing support. This shift transforms installers from one-time contractors into long-term service providers, generating predictable monthly income while strengthening customer relationships.

Damian Lloyd, Marketing Lead at HKC, explains: “At HKC, we see our installer partners as the foundation of our success, so the roadshow is about building even stronger relationships with our existing network, while also welcoming new partners who want to grow their businesses with us. These sessions will give installers valuable insight into our solutions, tools, and support, helping them to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.”

Paul Fitzgerald, Managing Director of HKC, added: “We’re investing in the future of security by delivering innovative systems such as SecureHub that are both powerful and easy to use. But just as importantly, we’re investing in our partners, because their expertise on the ground is what brings our technology to life. The roadshow is our way of ensuring every installer has the training, knowledge, and confidence to deliver the very best to their customers.”

The 2025 HKC SecureHub Roadshow will take place on the following dates:

  • Tuesday 21 October – Carlow, Talbot Hotel
  • Wednesday 22 October – New Ross, Brandon House Hotel
  • Tuesday 28 October – Cork, Rochestown Park Hotel
  • Wednesday 29 October – Tralee, Manor West Hotel
  • Thursday 30 October – Limerick, Kilmurry Lodge Hotel
  • Tuesday 4 November – Navan, Ardboyne Hotel
  • Wednesday 5 November – Mullingar, Park Hotel
  • Thursday 6 November – Cavan, Crystal Hotel
  • Tuesday 11 November – Sligo, Clayton Hotel
  • Wednesday 12 November – Castlebar, Breaffy House Hotel
  • Thursday 13 November – Galway, Clayton Hotel
  • Tuesday 18 November – Letterkenny, Mount Errigal Hotel
  • Thursday 20 November – Dublin, HKC HQ

For more information about the HKC SecureHub Roadshow 2025, visit https://bit.ly/470bf4f

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EXTRA DAY OFF FOR 19,000 EMPLOYEES AS JCB MARKS 80TH BIRTHDAY

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THE OUTSTANDING contribution of JCB employees across the globe is being recognised with an extra day’s holiday to mark the company’s 80th anniversary.

More than 19,000 people at 22 plants around the world will celebrate the family digger maker’s remarkable international success story with the holiday on Friday, October 24th. In the UK, more than 8,000 employees based at JCB’s plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham will enjoy the extra day off – giving everyone a long weekend.

It will be 80 years on Thursday, October 23rd since the late Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE founded JCB in a 12 ft x 15 ft lock up garage in Uttoxeter – on the same day his son Anthony was born. Lord Bamford took over from his father as Chairman in 1975 and has overseen the company’s expansion into a global manufacturer making more than 350 different products for the construction industry and agriculture.

Lord Bamford said: “JCB would be nowhere if it wasn’t for the efforts of our employees around the world and this extra day’s holiday is a small token of my family’s gratitude as we mark our 80th birthday.”

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Grant Westfield to debut new Naturepanel launches and Multipanel XL Offset at HIX London 2025 (Stand 2)

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Grant Westfield will unveil new Naturepanel collections and the latest addition to the Multipanel Tile Collection at HIX London 2025, taking place at the Business Design Centre on 26 and 27 November 2025. Hoteliers will be able to see the products first on Stand [2].

Naturepanel: new Shiplap and extended Wood Slat

Naturepanel, Grant Westfield’s nature-inspired waterproof wall panel brand, expands with a new Shiplap collection and additions to its Wood Slat range.

Shiplap brings a relaxed, characterful look suited to boutique bedrooms, spa areas and guest bathrooms, while the Wood Slat family adds fresh neutrals and warm oak tones for calm, minimalist schemes. Both use the brand’s Hydrolock joint system to create a near-seamless, completely waterproof finish.

For taller spaces often found in heritage hotels and contemporary atria, Naturepanel now offers a new taller panel option across selected Wood Slat décors, helping designers achieve floor-to-ceiling finishes with fewer horizontal joins.

Multipanel: XL Offset joins the Tile Collection

Multipanel, the UK’s leading bathroom wall panel brand, introduces the XL Offset design to its award-winning Tile Collection.

The new format delivers the look of on-trend staggered, brickwork-style tiling with a pale grey etched grout line, providing a sleek, uninterrupted surface that reads as calm and contemporary in both compact and large-format bathrooms. Panels are supplied in A and B formats to create the offset pattern on installation.

XL Offset launches in four décors: Cremona Marble, Crystal Marble, Valmasino Marble, and White Terrazzo. Each supports spa-inspired palettes that are popular in hospitality refurbishments and new-build hotel programmes. The Hydrolock joint enables quick, clean installation and a watertight finish without grout.

Speed, hygiene and guest-ready durability

For operators, the practical benefits are clear. Both Naturepanel and Multipanel eliminate grout, reducing cleaning time and helping to maintain a fresher look between maintenance cycles. Multipanel states that its panels can be installed up to five times faster than tiles, minimising room downtime during fit-outs or rolling refurbishments.

Panels across both brands are manufactured in the UK from FSC-certified materials, are 100% recyclable and carry a 30-year warranty, supporting durability targets and sustainability goals in hotel asset plans.

www.grantwestfield.co.uk

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Sika® shortlisted for NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year Awards 2025

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Sika® is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted in multiple categories for the prestigious NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year Awards 2025. The winners will be revealed at the NFRC Awards Luncheon on 24th October at The Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.

Sika® has been shortlisted across four categories, and five projects. This recognition not only highlights a commitment to excellence in roofing solutions, but also celebrates the outstanding work of our valued customers who have delivered award-worthy projects. For the Single Ply category, Sika® and Aim Developments Ltd have been shortlisted for the Robin House project. The 650m2 roof refurbishment took place at a children’s hospice in Scotland, where project teams were required to install a complex roof whilst ensuring the critical services the hospice were providing were not impacted.

In the flat roofing category, Sika® and Roofing Advisors (UK) Ltd, have been shortlisted for their work on the BT Kirkcaldy re-roofing project. Taking place at a critical British Telecom (BT) hub, the 642m2 roof refurbishment was on a live operational site which housed extensive BT cable racks, alarms, and essential building services, meaning uninterrupted functionality was crucial.

For the Multi-discipline Project over £250K, Sika® alongside Procladd (Scotland) Ltd have been shortlisted for the project at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, providing a suitable and cost-effective roofing solution for an innovative new building. Also in the same category, Sika® and BriggsAmasco have been shortlisted for the Rothesay Pavilion project, an extensive refurbishment of 18 roofs on a grade A-listed pavilion set in the heart of Rothesay’s community.

Lastly, in the Solar category, Sika® and Ashton Building Systems (Scotland) have been shortlisted for the innovative, sustainable installation of a 311m2 roof on J. Smart’s office building that is focused on energy efficiency and long-term durability.

 Mark Gatrell, Business Unit Manager, Roofing at Sika® commented on the shortlisting: “These nominations reflect Sika’s commitment to delivering high-quality and compliant roofing solutions, alongside partners who deliver excellence through demonstrated competence across a number of challenging projects. The team looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry alongside fellow nominees.

With a strong portfolio of projects across multiple categories, Sika® looks forward to the Awards Luncheon on 24th October, celebrating both the shortlisted projects and the continued commitment to quality and innovation in roofing.

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Naturepanel Extends Portfolio with the Launch of Newly Created Wood Slat Range

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Naturepanel, the multi award-winning interior wall panel brand from Grant Westfield, has extended its portfolio following the launch of its newly created Wood Slat collection.

Building on the success of its hugely popular Bleached Cuneo Oak, Brown Cuneo Oak and Warmia Walnut slat wall panels, Naturepanel has launched new decors — Grained Alpine White, Grained Angora Grey, Grained Stone Green and Beige Grey Lorenzo Oak — into the Wood Slat range.

The new, seven-strong collection of long, narrow wooden planks has been carefully curated to enhance modern and minimal interiors while breathing new life into the ever-popular Japandi trend where natural materials and a neutral colour palette take centre stage.

Infinitely elegant, the four woodgrain Wood Slat décors exude natural warmth and rustic charm. Utilising the latest technology, each woodgrain panel is etched with a 6.4mm graphite grey shadow line, which provides the depth of traditional wood panelling without the maintenance, while the coloured panels feature a colour-matched shadow line.

Walls, Naturepanel is endlessly versatile and can be fitted vertically or horizontally. Panels are quick and easy to install thanks to Naturepanel’s unique Hydrolock tongue and groove system, which creates a smooth and seamless waterproof finish.

Perfect for feature walls, Naturepanel can be used within all rooms of the home, including kitchens, dining and living rooms, as well as bathrooms and shower rooms.

All panels within the Wood Slat collection are available in standard 598mm x 2400mm formats as well as the new, larger 598 x 2700mm size, and come with Naturepanel’s 30-year warranty.

Find your nearest Naturepanel showroom at www.naturepanel.co.uk or call 0131 290 286

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Shankill women’s centre wins UK award for community benefit at London ceremony

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Shankill Shared Women’s Centre scoops award at RICS UK Awards Grand Final

The UK’s most inspirational recent building projects went head-to-head at the RICS Awards Grand Ceremony in London last night where the Shankill Shared Women’s Centre won Community Benefit Project of the Year.

Opened in June 2024, Shankill Shared Women’s Centre is a multi-million pound purpose-built facility for women and families from all communities in North and West Belfast.

It claimed the prestigious category ahead of major schemes from across the UK, from Liverpool to London, Nottingham, Plymouth and Gateshead.

Other winners on the night included the Natural History Museum in London, the Stephenson Building at Newcastle University, the prestigious Welcome building in Bristol, and the Thames Tideway Tunnel in London.

Spanning 3,250m² across three floors, Shankill Shared Women’s Centre includes a multi-purpose hall, nursery, education rooms, youth units, health facilities, and a café.

Funded through the EU PEACE IV Programme, the centre promotes social cohesion and offers services focused on education, wellbeing, and youth empowerment. Designed by TODD Architects and project managed by W H Stephens, it provides a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. Since its 2024 completion, it has become a hub for personal development, community connection, and growth.

The RICS UK Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies.

Commenting on Shankill Shared Women’s Centre the judges said: “In 1987, eight inspired women felt that they had missed out on their education due to the troubles and formed this organisation to provide facilities to help women ‘’from cradle to grave’.

“This new centre is the culmination of over 35 years of determination and hard work, now providing a full range of activities for women of all ages, including a nursery for children of pre-school age, educational and health activities – particularly strong for teenagers – and good spaces for outside organisations to rent.

“This outstanding project was borne out of the community with individuals from that community involved in all stages of the development and is now serving women from all sectors of the locality of Belfast. This new centre is the culmination of 35 years of determination and hard work, now providing a sustainable community service to an area where there is a long-standing need for such services.”

The prestigious annual event was held at the Hilton Park Lane, London on Thursday 16th October.

Alongside project categories, the winners of the special category awards for infrastructure and environmental impact, as well as the team awards for outstanding contributions to surveying for SMEs and large firms were announced. The winners of the Ambassador of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award were revealed at the ceremony too.

Commenting on the grand final winners, RICS UK Awards National Chair, Kerry Gibbs, said: “It is an honour to judge these awards. We had the pleasure of visiting each of the winning projects, and to meet with the teams behind them, and to see their passion is a truly heartwarming experience. These projects play an integral role in their communities, and wider local economies, and these awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the success of the surveyors across the UK delivering them.

“The teams and individuals behind these projects should be very proud of their successes, a huge congratulations to all of the winners.”

For further information on the RICS UK Awards please visit the RICS website.

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Bradley NI rebrands to Simon Brien Bradley, marking a new chapter of growth

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  • Bradley NI rebrands to Simon Brien Bradley, having joined forces with Simon Brien, Northern Ireland’s leading estate agency.
  • This franchise partnership will expand their business from three offices in Newry, Warrenpoint and Newcastle to become part of an eight-office network, alongside Simon Brien’s existing offices in Belfast, Newtownards and Holywood.
  • The same local team will continue to run the rebranded business, combining local knowledge with the scale, reach and innovation of the wider Simon Brien and Sherry FitzGerald networks.

Bradley NI has officially rebranded as Simon Brien Bradley, celebrating the launch with a ribbon-cutting at its newly rebranded Newry office. The move marks the start of an exciting new chapter of growth and expansion for the well-established Co. Down firm.

Through this franchise partnership, Bradley NI’s three offices in Newry, Warrenpoint and Newcastle will rebrand to Simon Brien Bradley, forming part of an eight-office network with Simon Brien’s existing branches in Belfast, Newtownards and Holywood. The same trusted local team will remain in place, ensuring that clients continue to benefit from local knowledge while gaining the additional scale, reach and innovation of the wider Simon Brien and Sherry FitzGerald networks.

Simon Brien is part of the Sherry FitzGerald Group, the largest estate agency in the Republic of Ireland, with more than 100 offices and 600 professionals across the island. This gives Simon Brien Bradley clients access to broader expertise, knowledge, and marketing reach than ever before. Simon Brien has become synonymous with service excellence, built on traditional values of customer care, underpinned by world-class technology.

From early October, all offices, ‘For Sale’ boards and marketing materials will carry the new name, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. The rebranded firm will continue to deliver a comprehensive range of property services including Residential, Commercial, Lettings & Property Management, New Homes, Fine Homes and Professional Services. Clients will also benefit from cutting-edge, technology tools such as MY Simon Brien, a 24/7 online bidding platform allowing buyers to bid at a time that suits them.

Garrett O’Hare, Managing Director of Simon Brien Bradley, said: “Our business has had roots in the Co. Down property market since 1915. I am delighted to be taking the business to new heights with Simon Brien while retaining our strong ties to the local community. We are excited by Simon Brien’s innovation in marketing and technology, which will allow us to offer the best possible service to our clients. Our new 24/7 online bidding platform, MY Simon Brien, is revolutionary for the market, giving customers flexibility like never before. This partnership is set to deliver bigger reach, stronger marketing and smarter technology for our clients. We are confident that our rebrand to Simon Brien Bradley is just one of many milestones to come.”

Simon Brien, Managing Director of Simon Brien, added: “We are delighted to welcome Garrett and his team to the Simon Brien network. We have ambitious plans for our business across Northern Ireland, and the launch of a franchise model is central to that strategy. While the strength of the Simon Brien brand is important, what matters most is the local reputation and high-quality estate agency service that Garrett and his team are known for. Together, we are a great match and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. This expansion is just the beginning as we look to bring the Simon Brien service to even more clients across Northern Ireland.”

For more information about Simon Brien and their services, please visit www.simonbrien.com or contact Simon Brien Bradley in Newry: newry@simonbrienbradley.com; Warrenpoint: warrenpoint@simonbrienbradley.com; Newcastle: newcastle@simonbrienbradley.com

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