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Farrans Glanua and NI Water address plastic waste with the Responsible Plastic Management Program

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Farrans Glanua and NI Water have joined forces with the Responsible Plastic Management Program to work towards their shared goal of sending zero plastic to landfill. Work has already started on several projects across Northern Ireland.

Plans to reduce the amount of plastic being sent to landfill are in place as part of the trunk main works at Fofanny, Tullywhisker and Blacklough to Crocknabohill.

Working together, Farrans Glanua and NI Water, as part of the IF105 Integrated Partnerships Framework, are upgrading the Fofanny strategic watermain, which brings water from Fofanny Water Treatment Works (WTW) in the Mournes west towards Mayobridge and Newry, providing supply to a population of over 30,000.

The construction works, which includes the commissioning of the new trunk main and outlet mains with associated connections, fittings and maintenance, have been progressing well, with works now running through the main street of Hilltown, County Down.

Crocknabohill is situated within the Lough Macrory Water Supply Zone and receives a gravity supply of water from Blacklough. During periods of high consumer demand, lack of hydraulic capacity within the upstream network results in reduced supply. With population growth within the area, the Crocknabohill – Blacklough project will bring significant improvement to the local water network.

During several plastic audits, pipe coverings had been identified as a single use plastic waste stream that could be eliminated from operations. NI Water and Farrans Glanua have been working closely with the supply chain to remove this product from material procurement by purchasing hard, reuseable, recyclable covers instead.

The new initiative, replacing the ‘single use’ plastic socks with collectable end caps which are washable and reusable results in less single use plastic, the avoidance of fly away littering and will continue to ensure a clean water supply. This targeted project results in responsible plastic management for this trunk main framework, ensuring as little waste as possible, better circularity and a zero plastic to landfill objective.

Gary McFadden, NI Water Senior Project Manager, said:
“NI Water strives to work in an environmentally responsible manner, demonstrating high standards of environmental care in our projects. We are pleased to work together with Farrans in association with the Responsible Plastic Management Programme to help reduce plastic and work towards our common goal of sending less plastic to landfill.”

John Murphy, Utilities Director at Farrans, said:
“We are delighted to be involved in the Responsible Plastic Management Program and working with NI Water to tackle plastic waste on our projects. Sustainability is embedded into our core business strategy and culture. Farrans Glanua’s actions to date have included packaging refusal, single use plastic audits, training and awareness sessions, a review of our procurement to eliminate plastic in our supply chain, removal of plastic from our marketing and stationery departments and the integration of recycled plastics in our PPE and materials. This project in partnership with NI Water is another significant step in our journey to our zero plastic waste goal.”

Aaron Marshall, RPM Engagement Director, added:
“It is so fantastic to see the commitment to sustainable practices on behalf of both Farrans Glanua and NI Water in this critical infrastructure development for Northern Ireland.

“A focus on Zero Plastic to Landfill means efforts in avoiding unnecessary plastics, opportunities for reusable plastics and ensuring plastic is segregated as a resource for recycling rather than treated as a throw away waste. That’s circularity in action.”

NI Water and Farrans Glanua continue to maintain a strong focus on environmental protection, ensuring the lowest impact is made on the natural environment during the construction and operation of water assets.

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NI house sales up 12% and price growth strengthens

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PropertyPal Northern Ireland Housing Market Update Q2 2025

The Northern Ireland housing market continued on a strong footing through the second quarter of the year, with over 7,100 home sales between April and June. This is up 12% compared with the same period in 2024.

As well as more sales, residential properties also reached ‘sale agreed’ four days faster than in the April to June period last year.

Price growth also strengthened, with the average house price in Northern Ireland increasing by 8.9% on an annual basis to just over £230,000. Breaking the figures down by council area, Derry City & Strabane experienced the highest average price rise at 14.5% over the year.

In the rental market, the average rent reached £976 per month in the quarter, an increase of 7.3% on last year, and interest remained strong, with an average of 57 enquiries for each advertised rental property.

Jordan Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer at PropertyPal, commented on the housing market:

“Northern Ireland’s housing market continued to perform strongly through the second quarter of the year, with activity levels and price growth both ahead of long-term trends. There were approximately 7,100 newly agreed sales between April and June, which is around 3% above the long-run average. Properties are also selling more quickly, with the average time to secure a buyer now just 38 days, down from 42 this time last year, and well below the longer-term average of 50 days.

“This strength is reflected in buyer activity across PropertyPal too, with search volumes up 12% year-on-year and enquiries per advertised property increasing by 3%. This sustained demand has contributed to continued growth in house prices, with the average home now valued at around £230,000, up 8.9% over the past 12 months.

“Price growth in Northern Ireland is the highest across all UK regions, with recent Nationwide figures showing a similar trend, in contrast to the more modest 2.9% growth across the wider UK market.

“While economic uncertainty and some softening in labour market conditions may temper momentum slightly, household finances remain in relatively good shape. The Financial Conduct Authority’s recent plans to ease lending restrictions, alongside the prospect of further interest rate cuts later this year, should support affordability and help maintain activity in the months ahead.”

Discussing the rental market, Jordan Buchanan adds:

“The rental market has seen some encouraging shifts in recent months, with supply levels up 16% year-on-year and key demand-side indicators showing signs of softening. While this is a positive step for the long-term sustainability of the sector, the market still remains imbalanced, with demand well above historic norms.

“On average, there are now 57 enquiries per advertised rental property, more than double the long-term average, though notably down from the peak of over 100 enquiries a couple of years ago. It currently takes around 37 days to find a tenant, slightly longer than this time last year. The average rent now stands at £976 per month, a 7.3% annual increase and a 1.7% rise in the last quarter.

“Looking ahead, continued growth in the sales market, supported by more favourable borrowing conditions, is expected to provide more options for prospective buyers, which in turn should help to ease pressure on the rental sector. While headline rents are likely to continue rising, we expect the pace of growth to moderate over the remainder of the year.”

The areas of Northern Ireland with the most properties sale agreed in Q2 2025 were:

  • Botanic, Belfast: 223
  • Titanic, Belfast: 206
  • Ormiston, Belfast: 195
  • Lisnasharragh, Belfast: 173
  • Newtownards: 172
  • Lurgan: 169
  • Bangor Central: 169
  • Craigavon: 160
  • Ballyclare: 153
  • Castle, Belfast: 151
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MILWAUKEE® Unveils New to World Steel Pipe Cutting Solution

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MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18 FUEL™* Steel Pipe Cutter, the first solution truly optimised for cutting steel pipe on the job. Optimised for residential service plumbing and mechanical contractors, this steel pipe cutter delivers outstanding productivity by providing the easiest, consistent clean cuts, the fastest cut to connection process, and controlled cuts on both installed and new pipes.

THE M18 FUEL™ STEEL PIPE CUTTER SETS A NEW STANDARD IN STEEL PIPE INSTALLATIONS, WHERE CUT QUALITY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A QUALITY PIPE CONNECTION.

The solution’s linear actuation of the blade ensures precise, straight cuts through the pipe, eliminating the challenge of manually controlling blade angle accuracy required by traditional multi-purpose cutting tools. When paired with the solutions foldable cut fence, the steel pipe cutter delivers the easiest, consistent clean cuts. This consistency reduces the time spent on filing and deburring, leading to faster preparation times and less rework. These innovations unlock up to 4x faster cut and preparation times compared to multi-purpose cutting tools, providing plumbing contractors with the fastest cut to connection on steel pipe installations.  

The M18 FUEL™ Steel Pipe Cutter delivers controlled cuts on both installed and new pipes. For installed pipes, the solution’s linear blade actuation ensures precise, square cuts, minimising alignment challenges introduced by multi-purpose cutting tools. An integrated positive stop further mitigates the risk of overcuts in tight spaces. For new pipes, the foldable cut fence allows easy, one-handed perpendicular alignment, enabling square cuts without the need for a pipe vise. 

The M18 FUEL™ Steel Pipe Cutter is exclusively compatible with the steel pipe cutting blade. This proprietary blade is paired with the steel pipe cutter to unlock fast, square cuts, with clean finishes. The blade’s tungsten carbide teeth also deliver the durability expected of the most demanding jobs, making up to 200 cuts per blade.  

MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18 FUEL™ Steel Pipe Cutter is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 315 solutions.

*M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivalled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run time, and durability on the job site. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.

Specifications

M18 FUEL™ Steel Pipe Cutter

M18 FPCS-502X

  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Battery System: M18 FUEL™
  • Arbor Size: 12 mm
  • Blade Diameter: 114 mm
  • Max. Cutting Capability (steel): 33.7 mm
  • No Load Speed: 3140 rpm
  • Weight with Battery Pack (EPTA): 3.7 kg (M18B5)

Kit Includes: (1) M18 FUEL™ Steel Pipe Cutter, (2) M18 B5 Battery Packs, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (1) HD Box

Blade for M18 FUEL™ Steel Pipe Cutter – FPCSB (4932500399)

To find out more about M18 FUEL™ Steel Pipe Cutter, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu

Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information.

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Griffiths Farrans JV hands over Bristol Airport’s Public Transport Interchange early

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One of the region’s largest public transport interchanges was officially handed over today ahead of programme to Bristol Airport by leading building contractors Griffiths Farrans Joint Venture.

The development will provide more frequent connections for people to travel to and from Bristol Airport by bus and coach.

The £60 million project, part of the Airport’s £400 million transformation programme, enables more sustainable journeys and will see around 250 public transport movements a day.

The two-year build of the Public Transport Interchange (PTI) boosted the local economy providing 120 jobs on site during the peak of the project with over 60 new jobs created, as well as supporting the local supply chain. The concrete supplier was based less than five miles from the Airport and 30% of suppliers came from within a 50-mile radius. The project also provided work opportunities for those looking to get into engineering and construction careers, with 15 apprentices and T Level placements from Weston College among those to work on the project.

The Public Transport Interchange was opened today by Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, Sadik Al-Hassan MP and Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport.

The transport interchange, which is located on the top of a new multi-storey car park, boasts 16 bus/coach bays, whereas previously there were five. It means for the first time customers can benefit from a dedicated bay for each service, sheltered bus canopy including a covered Silver Zone bus waiting area, live transport information screens, and there’s now an integrated system online to book onward travel with Great Western Railways. There’s level access to the terminal forecourt via a new covered bridge link.

A record number of people are now using public transport to commute to and from Bristol Airport. The A1 Flyer bus service alone carried more than 1 million passengers in 2024 with a further 300,000 using the A3 Flyer service. Currently there are 135 daily movements on the A1 flyer with a 44% increase in the last year.

Work on the PTI began in May 2023 and has seen more than 100,000 tonnes of stone and material crushed and reused on site and 90% of wood and metal has been recycled. The construction site also enabled the new Volvo EC230 electric excavator, which was the first of its kind in the UK, to be trialled. As part of the construction process quarterly collaboration workshops were held involving Bristol Airport, Griffiths Farrans JV and key supply chain members.

Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport said:

“We’re delighted to open the Public Transport Interchange ahead of schedule and on budget transforming our customers’ experience during the busy summer holidays.

The Public Transport Interchange has provided vital skills and employment for local people and apprentices, and sourced regional suppliers, helping to boost the local economy. Engagement with local schools and charities has also been at the heart of the development.

And we’re delighted to announce that the A1 and A3 Flyer bus service will be completely electric from 2026. This is all part of our commitment to net zero operations, and by more than doubling the number of bus and coach bays this demonstrates we are committed to encouraging customers to use public transport where possible. The increase of passengers using the Flyer bus service, as well as 20% of staff is a step in the right direction.”

Declan Doherty, Contracts Manager at Farrans, said:

“I would like to congratulate our JV team and our client for the collaboration and focus which went into delivering this project ahead of programme during the peak summer travel period for the Airport. We are looking forward to hearing the feedback as customers get to experience the modernised facilities, drop-off and pick up areas on the top tiers of the car park, waiting areas and enhanced accessibility. We utilised modern methods such as offsite construction to reduce our carbon footprint and worked closely with the local community to deliver an impactful social value plan. Farrans specialise in the aviation sector, which often comes with its own unique set of challenges, and we are proud to have added another successful project to this portfolio.”

Simon Dunn, Regional Director of Griffiths and Governor of Weston College, said:

“Griffiths is proud to have supported the development of apprentices and T-placement students on this project and to see them grow their careers through meaningful, hands-on experience. Several of our apprentices have progressed significantly during their time on site, gaining exposure to real-world challenges and working alongside experienced teams. It’s exactly the kind of opportunity that helps turn classroom learning into long-term career progression.”

“This has been an exemplary project – proof of what is possible when you establish a collaborative and integrated team from the outset. The partnership between Griffiths, Farrans, Bristol Airport, and our local supply chain has delivered an accelerated programme in a complex, live environment. It builds on more than a decade of continuous collaboration, and we are looking forward to continuing our support as Bristol Airport evolves.”

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HENRY BROTHERS APPOINTED TO BUILD NEW COMMUNITY DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE

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Northern Ireland headquartered contractor, Henry Brothers has been appointed to build the new Broad Marsh Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Nottingham.

The scheme has reached a significant milestone with enabling work due to start at the city centre site on Lister Gate at the end of this month (July).

This key stage in the programme follows the formal signing of contracts between Homes England – the new landlords of the site – and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) – who will run and staff the centre.

The new NHS facility is one of a number of CDCs being funded by the Department for Health and Social Care, which aim to improve population health outcomes and efficiency, as well as reduce waiting times and health inequalities. 

Ian Taylor, MD of Henry Brothers, said:

“Henry Brothers is proud to have been appointed as part of the team delivering the new Community Diagnostic Centre which is being created in the heart of the Broad Marsh regeneration development in the centre of Nottingham.

“Henry Brothers has wide experience of delivering exciting public sector schemes in the health sector and we look forward to working closely with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to develop this CDC which will play an important role in reducing the backlog of patients waiting for diagnostic tests.”

Arup are the structural and civil engineers on the scheme, which has been designed by Leonard Design.

CDCs have been designed to be a ‘one-stop shop’ to support Nottingham’s clinicians and patients by providing direct access to diagnostics services such as MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, ECG, and lung function testing in a facility nearer to home rather than in an acute hospital setting. This allows for more rapid diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, which in turn will help patients access the life-saving treatments they need more quickly.

Health Minister, Karin Smyth said:

“The Broad Marsh Community Diagnostic Centre will make a real difference to patients, delivering faster diagnoses and helping reduce waiting times, all closer to home.

“Its location, in Nottingham City Centre, will make getting tests, checks or scans simpler and more convenient, something we’re replicating across the country through centres like this one.

“By bringing vital healthcare services into the community, we’re making diagnosis and treatment more accessible for everyone. Thanks to the investment and reform our Plan for Change is delivering, the government is cutting waiting times and building an NHS fit for the future.”

Over the last year, the Broad Marsh CDC project team has been working with both the old and new landlords of the city site – Nottingham City Council and Homes England – on design approval.

The complexity of the site, including its connection to the main Broad Marsh centre structure, and the existence of asbestos, has meant a longer design and evaluation period. Now that contracts are in place it means that enabling works can begin shortly, with Henry Brothers appointed to lead on the build.

NUH’s Deputy Medical Director, Mark Simmonds, said:

“We have been working very hard with our partners over the last year to get us into this position of readiness, and we are really excited to have reached this key stage in the development.

“Earlier diagnosis is better for everyone, and this centre will be vital in reducing the number of people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire waiting longer for diagnostic tests. It will also enable patients to access these tests in a community setting without needing to travel to a hospital.” 

Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, added:

“Our CDC will not only help to improve the health of the local population and meet the growing demand for diagnostic services, but it will also help free up capacity in our hospitals, providing a better patient experience for many more people across our hospital sites.”

The Broad Marsh CDC has been conveniently located near to the new Broad Marsh bus station and car park and is a short walk from the train station and tram stop. Disabled parking is also available nearby. Whilst construction is in progress, NUH will continue to provide community-based diagnostics tests behind NEMS Platform One, near the Nottingham Railway Station.

Alison Crofton, Chief Property Officer at Homes England, said:

“This is an important milestone in the transformation of Broad Marsh and will form part of the vital services and infrastructure that will support a cohesive and thriving community.

“Our close working relationship with both Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has been key to the strides made so far and we look forward to seeing the work progress to bring the Community Diagnostic Centre to completion.”

Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Property and Communications, said:

“This is a really positive step and an exciting development in the transformation of this key part of our city. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked on this project and helped it become a reality.

“The creation of a new Community Diagnostic Centre is great news for Nottingham residents as it speeds up access to vital scans and medical testing, which in turn will accelerate both diagnosis of serious conditions and the start of life-saving treatment for patients.

“But it also builds on the wider redevelopment of an important area of the city centre, which includes a brand-new green space right at its heart. We will continue to work with partners at the NHS and site owners Homes England over the coming months as works progress on this facility.”

Ben Bowley, Director at Leonard Design, said:

“It has been a pleasure working with the project team to design this new facility for NUH. As a Nottingham based consultancy it is very important to Leonard Design to be able work with local stakeholders to positively contribute to transforming our local area through a collaborative design process.”

The CDC will open later in 2026 and once at full capacity will provide up to 140,000 appointments annually. It is also expected to create 75 new jobs across a range of disciplines including consultant radiologists, radiographers, imaging assistants, physiologists and administrators. When the unit is at full capacity it will employ 135 staff.

Henry Brothers, which has an office in Beeston, Nottingham, is part of The Henry Group, a Northern Ireland-based business which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.

For more information, visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk

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Calls to Get Ahead for Site Cooling Amid Soaring Temperatures and Construction Sector Surge

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Amid forecasts of a major boom in UK construction, Aggreko is advising construction managers to take steps to protect site productivity and worker welfare as extreme heat increasingly becomes the norm on building sites nationwide.

The call follows the Glenigan 2025 Summer Forecast predicting a 24% growth in UK construction over the next three years,[1] alongside recent Met Office warnings of unseasonably high summer temperatures and prolonged heat-related risks.[2]  According to the BBC, the UK is now more than twice as likely to experience a hotter-than-average summer, with 2025 expected to continue the trend of intensifying heat from 2015 onwards.[3]

Aggreko’s recent report, Building in Resilience: Weather-proofing European Construction in a Changing Climate, covers this issue in further depth, finding that over 70% of UK construction managers have experienced major weather-related delays, with extreme heat cited as the most significant threat to ongoing works. These delays are financial as well as operational, with 39% of UK respondents reporting penalties due to weather-related disruptions.

With infrastructure investment on the rise, Aggreko is encouraging construction companies to secure the necessary equipment to maintain safe and efficient working conditions for future projects. This includes not only industrial chillers, but also air handling units designed to ensure the ventilation required for a safe and productive work environment, reducing heat stress on workers and equipment.

Tom Adlington, UK Construction Sector Sales Manager for Construction at Aggreko, said: “While the Glenigan forecast signals a strong period of growth for UK construction, our research shows that extreme heat could put this progress at risk. Rising temperatures can lead to equipment failure, material damage and health risks for workers on site.

“By planning ahead and working with experienced partners, businesses can ensure they have access to the right ventilation and temperature control solutions. This is key to keeping projects on track and people safe.”

“As we look ahead to a period of accelerated growth in UK construction, it is vital companies do not overlook the operational risks posed by extreme weather,” Tom concludes. “Through proper planning and ensuring access to the right equipment now, project stakeholders will be well-placed to withstand hotter and more challenging conditions when they arise.


“At Aggreko, our energy solutions help businesses stay agile, efficient and responsive. It’s about being proactively prepared and ensuring that progress isn’t compromised by preventable disruption.”

Click the links to find out more about Aggreko’s cooling equipment and ventilation equipment

For more information on Aggreko’s whitepaper, Building in Resilience: Weather-proofing European Construction in a Changing Climate, click here.

[1] https://www.glenigan.com/report/construction-industry-forecast-2025-2027/

[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/cy75p18jvn5o

[3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/cly13d9eeq0o

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CRL Stone expands Quartz collection with marble-inspired Arabescato Vagli

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Leading solid surface specialist CRL Stone has extended its bestselling Quartz collection with the addition of the stunning marble-inspired Arabescato Vagli.

Designed to bring stand-out style to any kitchen, Arabescato Vagli is a bold and beautiful marble-inspired surface featuring dark and dramatic veining set against a classic white background. The ideal choice for homeowners looking to embrace the trend for statement, nature-inspired worktops with prominent veins, Arabescato Vagli’s distinctive anthracite patterning will bring depth and personality to every space.

Perfect for creating a monochromatic look, Arabescato Vagli is a versatile surface that will complement dark and dramatic interiors and can bring a touch of stylish sophistication to paler colour schemes.

Ideal for islands, splashbacks and work surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms, Arabescato Vagli is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. CRL Stone’s unique quartz material has been meticulously engineered to provide homeowners and designers with a superior quality, non-porous surface that is durable and strong. Stain, scratch and heat-resistant, CRL Quartz also benefits from being easy to clean and maintain as well as incredibly hygienic.

Arabescato Vagli is available in a smooth, polished finish and comes in slabs measuring 1600mm x 3200mm and thicknesses of 20mm or 30mm.

For more details, call CRL Stone on 01706 863600, or visit www.crlstone.co.uk

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SERC Lecturers Shortlisted for City & Guilds Membership Awards

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Two members of the teaching team at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) have made the shortlist for the City & Guilds Membership Awards 2025.

Both Paul Mercer and Stephen McGreevy are in the running for the awards which recognise outstanding tutors and trainers across UK and Ireland who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional training, learning, and development.

Paul Mercer, a Principal Lecturer in the School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts at SERC, has been a lecturer since 2008. Paul’s innovation led to the development of outreach programmes aimed at alleviating food poverty. Through projects with local food banks and community organisations, he engages students in preparing meals with donated ingredients and educating communities on cooking healthy meals. This hands-on experience fosters resourcefulness and compassion among aspiring chefs.

Paul also prepares students for local and international competitions, adding excitement to their experience. Coaching them to excel in these contests builds their confidence and ambition, often resulting in awards that enhance their career prospects.

Combining his industry experience with his educational training, expertise, and passion, Paul has developed an innovative, interactive, and engaging curriculum that makes culinary arts interesting, meaningful, and relevant.

Stephen McGreevy, has been a lecturer for over 22 years. Initially employed for his extensive industry knowledge, he has advanced to become Lead Business Skills Manager, heading green technology with the college’s Business Services team.

Stephen’s passion for renewable energy and sustainable practices creates a motivating environment. He has successfully engaged with industry stakeholders to design educational programmes, highlighting how his positive attitude fosters collaboration with communities and government organisations.

Stephen’s expertise in green technology allows him to lead effectively. He has developed pioneering Level 5 qualifications in retrofit and green technology and established a carbon-zero training facility in collaboration with industry leaders. This has positioned SERC as the only college in Northern Ireland offering green skills education in this rapidly expanding sector.

Successful nominees will be announced in the Autumn. They will receive Membership of the City and Guilds of London Institute, with post-nominals MCGI, and will be invited to a London-based ceremony to officially receive this honour.

Visit www.serc.ac.uk
Real Learning for Real Life
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Stroke survivor walks 400 miles across Northern Ireland

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A stroke survivor from Castlereagh in South Belfast has walked over 400 miles across Northern Ireland to raise more than £5,000 in vital funds for the Stroke Association and Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke.

Mark Oliver set off on the challenge on 14th June along with his friend Chris Boyd, also from Castlereagh in South Belfast. They both had life changing strokes in the last two years – at just 45 years old and 43 years old respectively.

Mark’s stroke came as a shock as he has always been fit and healthy. He said:

“My stroke lasted for about 40 minutes which was extremely scary. I was lucky in that I was at home with my partner, Sonia, who has some medical training.

“I had a tear in an artery which caused the stroke. I was kept in hospital for a few days and prescribed medication. I didn’t have any physical side effects, but the mental impact was hard for me – it turned everything upside down.

“Once I was able to, I started getting out walking. From the first walk I had this idea of not letting the stroke define me. I wanted to do something positive from it all. I mentioned this to Sonia, and she told me about her friend Chris. I asked her to reach out to him to see if he wanted to come walking with me as I knew what he was going through and how having a stroke can be a lonely experience.”

Chris had his stroke in October 2023. He went from working as an electrician and DJ to having to learn to walk and talk again. He said:

“Life as I knew it went out the window when I had my stroke. I still haven’t been able to return to work as an electrician due to the vision issues I have been left with.

“I have had two kidney transplants and have been told my stroke was most likely due to long term dialysis which calcified arteries. However, I do think that the lifestyle I was leading didn’t help either as I was doing so much work wise. But everything stopped that night I had my stroke.”

The pair went for their first walk last August and immediately clicked. After their second outing together, the idea of a fundraising walk around Northern Ireland was discussed. Mark and Chris spent months training for the fundraiser walking up to 30 miles a day three times a week.

Unfortunately, Chris injured his knee on the first day of the challenge and wasn’t able to continue with the walk.

He said:

“Sadly I didn’t get back on the walk. I was there on the last day to walk to Stormont with Mark and some of our supporters. I have only just got back to light gym workouts. I would like to thank everyone who followed our journey. Mark is an inspiration to me and with all his advice on training, healthy eating, and his positive vibes I think we will be friends for life.”

Mark completed the walk on June 26th, and both men have raised over £5,300 which will be split equally between the Stroke Association and Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS).

Alasdair O’Hara, Northern Ireland Director at the Stroke Association, said:

“It was a privilege to visit Mark and Chris at the start of their walk across Northern Ireland. I was hugely impressed by the challenge they set off on and their dedication to raising awareness of stroke and vital funds for the Stroke Association NI and NICHS.

“Every year more than 4,000 people in Northern Ireland face the devastating reality of stroke. When that happens, the Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their loved ones, for however long it takes, to help them find their strength and way back to life. We want more people affected by stroke to know that we’re here to help and support them.

“Life after stroke can be challenging but being active can play a key role in recovery. I’ve no doubt that completing this arduous journey will be an inspiration for others in the stroke community to take their own steps towards being more active too.”

The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families by phone, at home, and in the community. Find out more at http://stroke.org.uk/northern-ireland.

Gavin Adams, Director of Income Generation at Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke said:

“We are so grateful to Mark and Chris for taking on this amazing challenge in support of our charity and the Stroke Association NI. The effort and dedication shown by them both is nothing short of phenomenal.

“Mark’s gruelling journey took him over 400 miles across Northern Ireland and it has helped raise an amazing amount for both charities. It is a fantastic achievement, and we are so grateful. We also want to recognise what a huge part of the challenge Chris was as well by fundraising and spreading awareness. We are very thankful and wish him a speedy recovery.

“People may be surprised to learn that 50% of stroke survivors in Northern Ireland are under 75. As Mark’s and Chris’ stories show, the impact of stroke can be devastating – but NICHS is here to help with expert care and support. Almost 90% of our income comes from public donations, so fundraising efforts like this are vital to enable us to continue to support the local community and provide life-changing services.”

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Greenbox Darlington secures debut 107,775 sq. ft. letting with Wolseleyat Net Zero Carbon logistics hub

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First lease secured for Unit 2 marks major step for the Greenbox JV and Wolseley at the North East’s most modern and sustainable Logistics Park

 Greenbox Darlington, the North East industrial development at the forefront of sustainable logistics, has secured its first letting with Wolseley, one of the UK’s leading merchants in plumbing, heating, cooling, and infrastructure trade specialist.

Wolseley will occupy Unit 2, a 107,775 sq. ft. Grade A unit that forms part of Greenbox’s flagship site built speculatively to Net Zero Carbon in Construction and in Operation standards. This letting is a significant milestone for the ESG-led Greenbox platform, delivered through a Joint Venture between Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, acting on behalf of its clients, and Citivale, a specialist UK logistics developer and asset manager.

Completed in March 2025, Greenbox Darlington comprises three prime industrial units ranging from 84,950 sqft to 215,360 sq. ft., and sets a new benchmark for energy-efficient, future-ready logistics space. Each unit is designed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ standards and developed with Net Zero Carbon credentials as a core principle—not an afterthought.

As a company actively committed to responsible environmental practices, Wolseley’s move into Greenbox Darlington enables the business to align its nationwide operations with its sustainability ambitions from day one. The new Darlington distribution centre will support Wolseley’s extensive network of branches across the UK, ensuring supply chain resilience while operating from a cutting-edge, low-carbon facility.

James Appleton-Metcalfe, CEO at Citivale, commented: “The welcome addition of Wolseley as our first occupier not only validates the strength of Greenbox’s sustainable development model but also reinforces the growing demand for Grade A, Net Zero Carbon logistics space in the North East. We’re proud to partner with businesses like Wolseley that share our values around long-term sustainability and operational excellence.”

Strategically located within the thriving manufacturing and industrial hub of the Northeast, close to the A66 and A1(M) corridors, Greenbox Darlington offers unrivalled connectivity for national logistics operations while contributing to the green transformation of the UK’s industrial landscape.

Greenbox was represented by HTA Real Estate and Savills, with Wolseley advised by Lambert Smith Hampton.

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