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Construction Government Policy Nationwide Sureties

UK sees unprecedented surge in infrastructure approvals

In its first year in office, the Labour government has overseen a record-breaking number of infrastructure approvals, setting a new pace for national investment. The decisions taken span across energy generation, transport upgrades, aviation expansion, waste management facilities and water treatment. Together, they mark a significant step in reshaping the UK’s physical and economic landscape.

Key Figures and Highlights

Within the first twelve months, twenty-one major projects received approval, more than any equivalent period in recent history. This represents a major start on the government’s “Plan for Change,” which sets a target of 150 major decisions across the parliamentary term. Among the approvals are the Lower Thames Crossing, valued at an estimated £9 billion, the £2.2 billion expansion of Gatwick Airport, and the Simister Island improvements at the M60, M62 and M66 interchange. These flagship projects sit alongside a host of renewable energy developments, demonstrating that the government’s ambitions are not only broad but also strategically aligned with its climate commitments.

Energy and Renewable Power

A significant share of approvals in Labour’s first year focused on renewable energy. Major solar developments, including the Gate Burton Energy Park, the Mallard Pass Solar Project, the Sunnica Energy Farm and the Heckington Fen scheme, will expand the UK’s clean power generation capacity. Additional approvals such as the Cottam and West Burton projects further consolidate solar as a cornerstone of the energy transition. Offshore wind received strong backing, with projects like Rampion 2, the Mona Offshore Windfarm and the Morgan Offshore Wind farm gaining the go-ahead. This wave of energy approvals underscores Labour’s commitment to strengthening energy security while progressing towards net-zero targets.

Transport and Connectivity

Transport infrastructure also features heavily in the government’s first-year decisions. The Lower Thames Crossing, designed to ease congestion and improve freight movement between Kent and Essex, represents one of the largest road projects of its kind. Improvements to critical junctions such as the Simister Island interchange and the M5 Junction 10 Upgrade are aimed at relieving traffic pressure points that have long frustrated drivers and logistics operators. Together, these projects support the smoother movement of goods and people while bolstering regional economies.

Aviation and Expansion

Air transport has also received a boost. Both London Gatwick and London Luton airports have been granted approval for significant expansions. These decisions reflect confidence in long-term growth in air travel demand and underline the government’s willingness to support the aviation sector as it seeks to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The expansions are expected to increase capacity, support jobs and reinforce the role of aviation in connecting the UK to global markets.

Utilities, Waste and Water Management

Beyond energy and transport, a range of critical infrastructure approvals target utilities and environmental resilience. The Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant will undergo a major upgrade to support housing growth and improve environmental outcomes. Similarly, approvals for the Viking CCS Pipeline, the Immingham Green Energy Terminal and the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal strengthen the UK’s industrial capacity and its ability to integrate carbon capture and low-carbon fuels into national systems.

Drivers Behind the Surge

The unprecedented pace of approvals reflects a deliberate policy reset. Labour has sought to streamline planning rules and accelerate decision-making, placing infrastructure delivery at the heart of its Growth Mission. Economic stimulus is a central motivation, as these projects are expected to generate construction contracts, support thousands of jobs and activate supply chains nationwide. At the same time, climate policy pressures have necessitated rapid investment in renewable energy and carbon capture facilities, ensuring that the UK can meet both energy security needs and environmental obligations.

Challenges and Risks

While the surge in approvals is notable, delivery is far from guaranteed. Large-scale infrastructure projects often face environmental challenges, with legal objections and habitat protections slowing progress. Financing remains a critical issue, as inflationary pressures and global competition for capital could affect project viability. The construction sector itself must contend with labour shortages, skills gaps and supply chain pressures, which threaten to undermine delivery schedules. Governance also remains complex, requiring coordination across central government, local authorities and regulators to prevent bottlenecks.

Implications for Stakeholders

For developers and investors, the increase in certainty around approvals encourages long-term planning and reduces perceived risk. Local authorities and communities, meanwhile, must prepare for heightened consultation demands and the delivery of associated local infrastructure. For the construction and engineering sectors, the approvals translate into concrete opportunities to expand operations, recruit skilled workers and pursue regional growth strategies. Policymakers and regulators must ensure that the new pace of approvals is matched by robust governance, transparency and accountability mechanisms.

Outlook for UK Infrastructure

The first year of Labour’s administration has set a clear precedent: infrastructure delivery is to be accelerated and scaled. With 129 major approvals still required to meet the government’s stated target, the coming years will test both the resilience of planning reforms and the capacity of industry to deliver. Net-zero ambitions will demand increased focus on carbon capture, grid modernisation and renewable expansion, while pressures on cost and supply chains will continue to test delivery. If the current momentum can be maintained, the UK could enter a period of unprecedented infrastructure development, reshaping the economy and the built environment for decades to come.

Accidents Construction Nationwide Sureties Safety

Unqualified contractors pose critical safety risks

The construction industry faces an escalating safety crisis as unqualified contractors continue to perform specialist work without proper certification or training. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have issued a stark warning regarding the dangers of multi-trade firms operating beyond their competencies. Recent investigations have highlighted the severe consequences of such practices, including increased health hazards and fire risks.

Specialist Work Requires Verified Competence

Projects carried out by non-accredited contractors frequently involve complex installations, such as ductwork and thermal insulation. Poorly executed work in these areas can lead to serious structural and environmental issues. One cited case revealed ducting installations with inadequate insulation, causing rapid condensation, mould growth, and subsequent health hazards. The presence of mould can escalate within 24 to 48 hours, spreading spores throughout affected areas, significantly endangering residents’ health and wellbeing.

Nathan Wood, BESA’s London & South East regional chair, emphasised that price pressures often force clients to engage multi-trade contractors, whose lack of specialised knowledge results in substandard installations. “Specifications are frequently value engineered, pushing multi-trade firms to compete on price rather than expertise, creating a high-risk environment,” he stated.

Unqualified contractors pose critical safety risks — Image by Pawel Szymczuk from Pixabay

Implications of Awaab’s Law on Contractor Competence

The forthcoming implementation of Awaab’s Law in October 2025 underlines the importance of verified contractor competence. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died due to prolonged mould exposure, the law imposes strict deadlines on landlords to resolve damp and mould issues. However, without trained and accredited professionals, the legislation risks becoming a procedural formality rather than an effective safeguard for public health.

Fire Hazards from Improper Insulation

Beyond mould and condensation, incorrect installation of flammable materials has emerged as a pressing concern. The use of non-certified Polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards in ductwork, which can possess Euroclass E or F fire ratings, exemplifies the heightened fire risks associated with unqualified work. Chris Ridge, TICA’s technical director, stresses that a competent insulation specialist would avoid such hazardous applications. The failure to verify contractor capabilities often results in these dangerous oversights, endangering both buildings and occupants.

The Need for Rigorous Contractor Vetting

Both BESA and TICA call for stringent verification of contractor qualifications and organisational capabilities before awarding contracts for safety-critical projects. Ensuring that all operatives are properly trained and accredited is essential not only for compliance but for safeguarding residents and building users. Organisations must adopt thorough vetting procedures, evaluating prior project experience, certification credentials, and adherence to industry safety standards.

Moving Towards a Safer Construction Sector

Addressing these risks requires a cultural shift within the construction sector, prioritising safety and expertise over cost-cutting. Multi-trade contractors must operate transparently, with clients rigorously assessing their capacity to execute specialised work safely. Industry associations recommend continuous professional development and mandatory accreditation for all workers performing high-risk installations, fostering a culture of competence and accountability.

Accidents Civil Engineering Construction Nationwide Sureties Safety

A417 Missing Link scheme clocks up 2,000,000 hours without incident

Since the A417 Missing Link scheme hit the ground in Spring 2023, there have been nearly 2,000,000 hours of work with no RIDDOR reportable incidents – that’s the equivalent of 8,300 days of keeping workers safe on site.

Excellent safety record on the A417 Missing Link scheme

A RIDDOR reportable incident refers to Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Regulations, which must be followed if a serious incident, or specified injury, or fatality occurs, and is a standard measure across construction to monitor safety performance, all of which could mean delays to the scheme’s delivery.

Around 500 people each day are working on the £460 million transformation of the A417, an important route between Gloucester and Swindon that helps connect the Midlands/North to the South of England. It’s an alternative to the M5/M4 route via Bristol.

Since work began, the improvements scheme has also:

poured over 3,050 cubic metres of concrete
moved 1.6 million m3 of earth
laid 18km of drainage pipes
fitted 1,682 tons of reinforced and structural steel
laid 10,000 tons of road surfacing
progressed building six new bridges

Contractor Kier is carrying out the work for National Highways and is aiming to have the project open for traffic in Spring 2027.

Excellent safety record on the A417 Missing Link scheme — Cowley Lane overbridge bridge lift

Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is always the number one priority for National Highways. We think nobody should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads and do all we can to try to make that happen.

“For our contractors, Kier, to record over two million working hours without a serious incident is a fantastic achievement. We are pleased that the stringent safety measures put in place on site are paying dividends, and I’m confident that it will continue to do so.”

RIDDOR, which stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, is a UK law that requires employers and those in control of work premises to report certain workplace incidents HSE. This includes work-related deaths, injuries, specified occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences (near misses).

Gavin Jones, Project Director for Kier, added: “The health and safety of our people and supply chain is our number one priority, so to see this reflected in this project by achieving no RIDDOR reportable incidents since 2023 is something I am extremely proud of.”

Among measures taken by contractor Kier to ensure safety include a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management system, with the procedures strictly enforced on site; numerous industry-leading, innovative and award-winning processes, tools, and equipment have been introduced to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all team members; an open and honest culture, where everyone on the project has a voice meant issues and concerns could be dealt with quickly; and lessons learned for improvement.

The landscape-led A417 scheme is not only creating a vital transport link in the Cotswolds, but also incorporates world-class environmental practices that respect and enhance the surrounding landscape and habitats, including:

four miles of new dual carriageway connecting the existing A417 Brockworth bypass with the existing A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley
a section to the west of the existing Air Balloon roundabout that will follow the existing A417 corridor. However, the section to the south and east of the Air Balloon roundabout will be offline, away from the existing road corridor
a new junction at Shab Hill, providing a link from the A417 to the A436 towards Oxford and into Birdlip
a new junction near Cowley, to replace the existing Cowley Roundabout
the existing A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Cowley Roundabout is being repurposed. We are converting some lengths of this existing road into a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while retaining other sections to maintain local access for residents.

The latest information on the scheme is available at National Highways’ A417 Missing Link.

Construction Nationwide Sureties News Training

GTG Glasgow deliver accredited construction courses to meet demand

GTG Training has announced that it will be delivering construction courses from its state-of-the-art training centre in Glasgow.

This move comes in response to the growing demand in the industry to meet workforce needs.

The Glasgow training centre will provide high-quality education and hands-on experience for individuals pursuing careers in construction. With the industry’s recent growth, such training initiatives are vital for ensuring there is a well-equipped workforce to handle future challenges.

Construction growth focusses on private housing, infrastructure and repair and maintenance. The new courses offered at GTG will cover a wide range of skills and disciplines – including Lifting Operations, Plant Operator, Site Safety Plus, Working at Height, Vocational Qualifications and Construction Health and Safety.

GTG Glasgow deliver accredited construction courses to meet 2028 demand — Image: GTG Glasgow

The courses are aimed at those who are looking to gain employment in the construction industry or who want to upskill or refresh their current training. Whether it’s working with heavy machinery, working at height or even refreshing health and safety knowledge, there’s a large selection of construction courses to choose from.

The team at Glasgow training centre recently delivered the first NPORS Appointed Person course – a five-day course that teaches delegates to safely and effectively plan lifts, as well as the legislation and regulatory requirements for being an ‘appointed person’ for planning lifts.

While working with an experienced team of instructors at their industry-leading facilities, delegates can be safe in the knowledge that they are getting the best learning experience, as GTG Training has been accredited by NPORS and are now a CPCS test centre in partnership with CAT Solutions, two leading awarding bodies in the construction industry.

Pauline Bryan, GTG Operations Manager, said: “The addition of construction courses significantly enhances our training offering and is just the beginning of our commitment to the industry. We are also planning to expand our training facilities to accommodate more hands-on, practical courses, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the demands of the sector.”

From Plant Operator and Construction Health and Safety to Senior Management qualifications, GTG has a range of courses and qualifications available to suit individual needs in their training centres in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Wolverhampton.

With years of practical experience and an in-depth knowledge of industry standards, GTG’s expert trainers are dedicated to providing a high standard of practical, hands-on training and theoretical learning, as well as on-site assessment.

Civil Engineering Construction Nationwide Sureties Public Works Contract

£18m loss caused by Severfield bridge faults

Severfield plc, one of the UK’s largest structural steel specialists, has confirmed an £18 million financial hit linked to remedial work on two defective bridges. The announcement has sent ripples through the infrastructure sector, raising fresh concerns over quality assurance, design review processes, and long-term risk exposure in public infrastructure delivery.

The fault, reportedly due to incorrect design assumptions and insufficient load assessments, affects a major logistics infrastructure project—though the client remains unnamed for legal reasons. These issues, detected only after installation, necessitated partial demolition and redesign, sparking a significant cost liability for Severfield.

Timeline of the Project Failure and Financial Fallout

Severfield revealed that the structural issues were discovered during post-installation load testing, which highlighted unacceptable deflections and potential long-term fatigue problems. The bridges, now subject to redesign and reinforcement, were initially hailed as flagship components of a key logistics corridor supporting freight and HGV distribution.

The company has since reached a confidential agreement with the client to jointly address the fault and mitigate further losses, though Severfield will absorb the majority of the remediation cost. Speaking to investors, Severfield noted: “We deeply regret the disruption caused by these bridge defects and are taking all necessary steps to strengthen our quality assurance and engineering oversight.”

This setback contributed to a reduction in Severfield’s adjusted operating margin, which fell to 5.4% from 6.4% the previous year, despite a modest revenue increase to £491.5 million. The total exceptional cost linked to the faulty bridges accounted for more than half of the company’s adjusted profit before tax, which was reported at £32.5 million for the year ending March 2025.

Structural Oversight and the QA Gaps Exposed

While Severfield did not explicitly blame external parties, it acknowledged that flaws emerged from a combination of design misinterpretation and inadequate stress testing. Industry insiders suggest that the issues could point to broader failings in structural engineering validation, especially for complex bridge designs exposed to heavy commercial vehicle loads.

These faults raise questions about whether early-stage risk reviews and third-party audits were sufficiently robust. It also highlights the challenge faced by contractors operating under Design and Build models, where the balance between engineering design, cost containment, and delivery timelines often creates pressure points vulnerable to error.

Financial Implications Beyond the Project

The £18 million loss is the largest single-item hit Severfield has taken in over a decade and follows a string of large infrastructure wins. The company’s share price reacted modestly, with analysts crediting Severfield’s wider portfolio diversification and strong forward order book of £508 million.

Nevertheless, there are lingering concerns about long-term reputational risk and whether future public-sector tenders may be affected. Institutional investors have begun probing governance around project assurance. According to reports, Severfield has now established an internal task force to overhaul its engineering validation protocols.

“This incident, while regrettable, has provided a catalyst for strengthening our internal procedures and client reporting systems,” a company spokesperson confirmed.

Industry-Wide Impact and Future Safeguards

The Severfield bridge faults are not an isolated case. The National Highways Authority recently cited the need for enhanced structural performance monitoring, particularly for bridges constructed using steel box girders and pre-tensioned spans. While no regulatory action has been taken against Severfield, pressure is mounting for an industry-wide response to reduce the risk of similar failures.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has called for a revised standard for third-party design checks and post-construction performance audits. There are also growing calls for changes to procurement models, urging clients to favour collaborative design-build-operate contracts that share risk more equitably between client and contractor.

Severfield’s Recovery Strategy

Despite the challenges, Severfield remains committed to its long-term growth strategy. Its India-based joint venture, JSSL, remains profitable, and several high-profile commercial and defence contracts in the UK and Ireland are progressing on time.

The company confirmed that no further losses are anticipated from the bridge issue and that lessons learned are already being integrated into live projects. In the meantime, Severfield has suspended bidding on similarly complex bridge packages until its new QA regime has been externally validated.

“We continue to work transparently with all stakeholders to ensure structural integrity and public confidence in the built environment,” said the board in its closing remarks.

The £18 million loss incurred by Severfield on account of bridge faults is more than a corporate mishap—it is a stark warning to the UK construction sector. With infrastructure reliability under increasing scrutiny, particularly for bridges exposed to heavy vehicle traffic, the case underscores the critical need for robust engineering, clear accountability, and proactive risk management from design through to commissioning.

As Severfield moves to recover and learn from this episode, the broader construction industry must take note: in the business of bridges, shortcuts and assumptions come at a high cost.

Cladding Construction Construction Materials Government Policy Materials

Government enforces legal deadlines for cladding remediation

More than seven years after the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, the UK government has taken decisive action to accelerate the removal of unsafe cladding from buildings across England. In a significant update to the Remediation Acceleration Plan, announced on 17 July 2025, new legal deadlines have been set for landlords to complete remediation works, backed by severe penalties for non-compliance. This move aims to address the ongoing crisis that has left thousands of residents living in unsafe conditions for far too long.

Key Deadlines and Penalties

The updated plan introduces strict timelines for landlords to ensure the safety of their buildings. For buildings over 18 metres in height, all remediation work must be completed by the end of 2029. For buildings between 11 and 18 metres, the deadline is set for the end of 2031. Failure to meet these deadlines without a reasonable excuse will result in criminal prosecution, with potential penalties including unlimited fines and imprisonment. This marks a significant escalation in the government’s approach, aiming to hold landlords accountable and ensure that residents are no longer left in limbo.

Building Height	Remediation Deadline	Penalties for Non-Compliance
Over 18 metres	End of 2029	Criminal prosecution, unlimited fines, imprisonment
11–18 metres	End of 2031	Criminal prosecution, unlimited fines, imprisonment

Legislative Framework

To enforce these deadlines, the government plans to introduce a new Remediation Bill, which will make the duty to remediate a legal requirement. This legislation will also grant powers to bodies such as Homes England and local authorities to step in and carry out remediation works if landlords fail to act, ensuring that progress is made even in cases of non-compliance. The bill is expected to be brought forward as soon as parliamentary time allows, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Funding and Support

Recognising the financial burden on social landlords, the government has committed over £1 billion to support remediation efforts in the social housing sector. This funding aims to level the playing field, giving social landlords equal access to government funding schemes as their private sector counterparts. The Cladding Safety Scheme has been expanded to include buildings under 11 metres in exceptional cases, further broadening the scope of support. Additionally, the Building Safety Levy, set to take effect in October 2026, is expected to raise £3.4 billion over ten years to fund remediation efforts. Exemptions for affordable, supported, and small-scale housing, along with discounts for previously used land, will help balance safety and affordability.

Progress and Challenges

Despite these measures, the pace of remediation has been criticised as too slow. As of June 2025, only 44% of the 2,800 social housing buildings identified with unsafe cladding in England had begun remediation works. This statistic underscores the urgency of the government’s new approach and the need for accelerated action. The plan also includes measures to identify all buildings over 11 metres with unsafe cladding, with a National Remediation System to track progress and ensure transparency. Over £5 million has been allocated to Metro Mayors to develop Local Remediation Acceleration Plans, further supporting regional efforts.

Voices from the Top

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner emphasised the importance of this plan, stating: “More than seven years on from the Grenfell tragedy, thousands of people have been left living in homes across this country with dangerous cladding. The pace of remediation has been far too slow for far too long. We are taking decisive action to right this wrong and make homes safe. Our Remediation Acceleration Plan will ensure those responsible for making buildings safe deliver the change residents need and deserve.”

Building Safety and Fire Minister Alex Norris added: “We are determined to make buildings safe and protect residents. Since publishing our Remediation Acceleration Plan, we’ve made strong progress, and this update goes further to drive accountability and remove barriers to speed up remediation. There is now a clear pathway to remediate every building with unsafe cladding. We expect everyone to play their part in giving residents and leaseholders the peace of mind that they deserve.”

Impact on Stakeholders

This updated plan has wide-ranging implications for various stakeholders:

Landlords and Developers: Faced with legal obligations and potential penalties, landlords and developers must prioritise remediation works to avoid legal repercussions. The Developer Debt Collection programme, involving 53 major developers, aims to recover £700 million for taxpayer-funded remediation, with £120 million expected in 2025/26.
Leaseholders and Residents: The plan offers hope for safer living conditions, though the timelines may still seem distant for those currently residing in affected buildings. Continued support to reduce reliance on measures like Waking Watch is also part of the plan.
Social Housing Providers: With dedicated funding, social housing providers are better equipped to address safety issues, but the scale of the problem requires efficient allocation and utilisation of resources.

Addressing Criticisms

While the government’s plan has been welcomed for its ambition, campaigners from groups like End Our Cladding Scandal have called it “extremely disappointing” and “performative,” citing uncertainties for leaseholders and the need for more immediate action. The long timelines, particularly for medium-rise buildings, may leave some residents feeling vulnerable. The government has responded by emphasizing enforcement, with over 50 local authorities already taking action against 483 buildings and plans to strengthen the Building Safety Regulator’s capacity.

A Path Forward

The government’s latest update to the Remediation Acceleration Plan represents a critical step forward in addressing the unsafe cladding crisis. By setting legal deadlines, introducing robust enforcement mechanisms, and providing substantial funding, the plan aims to ensure that all buildings with unsafe cladding are remediated within specified timeframes. While challenges remain, particularly in accelerating progress and addressing leaseholder concerns, this decisive action signals a commitment to learning from past tragedies and prioritising the safety of residents across England.

Construction Construction Bonds Nationwide Sureties

What is the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill?

Tool theft is a plight on tradespeople throughout the UK, with 4 in 10 having experienced the crime. However, significant changes could be on the horizon, with the second reading of the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill set to take place on the 4^th July.

A common issue raised is the sentencing of the thieves that are responsible, with many in the construction sector feeling that the punishment isn’t severe enough for the crime, due to the significant impact tool theft has on tradespeople’s livelihoods. However, the Bill looks to impose harsher penalties for the theft of tools used in trades.

Tool Theft

Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, trades insurance provider, explains the Bill and outlines how tradespeople can proactively prevent their tools being stolen.

What does the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill aim to do?

The purpose of this Bill is to amend current sentencing guidelines to impose harsher penalties for the theft of tools used in trades.

Currently, tool theft is categorised as ‘harm category 3’, because most instances of theft are of a value under £10,000.

The Bill proposes that tool theft should be reclassified as causing ‘significant additional harm’ to the victim of the theft, which would enable magistrates to increase the severity of the offence to ‘harm category 2’ when it comes to the sentencing – even if the value of the theft is under £10,000.

Additionally, the Bill is looking to standardise the calculation of financial loss to include not only the physical cost of the tool itself, but the additional costs that often come with tool theft such as:

The cost of repairs to any vehicle from which the tools were stolen – such as fixing damage to a van’s locks
Loss of earnings resulting from the theft – such as being unable to work
The cost of any interruption of business resulting from the theft – such as being unable to fulfil a contract

What is the current status of the Bill?

The second reading takes place on the 4^th July 2025, and will be the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill.

Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North and the MP responsible for the bill, will open the second reading debate. When the debate concludes, the Commons decides whether a Bill should be progressed to the next stage by voting.

For more details on the Bill and its progress, you can visit the UK Parliament’s official page: https://Bills.parliament.uk/Bills/3908.

How can tradespeople prevent their tools from being stolen?

While the Bill is a positive step towards deterring tool theft, the process for it to become law will take time and is several months away (should the Bill proceed). However, tool theft is often conducted by opportunists, so by taking measures to secure their tools, tradespeople can put off potential thieves. We have outlined our top five recommendations below.

Enhanced security measures on vehicles

Installing alarms or enhanced van locks (e.g. double deadlocks, slam locks or lock protection plates) can help to deter thieves. Consider installing dashcams or interior cameras in the van itself, and ensuring that the area the van is parked in is well-lit and secured area where possible.

Remove tools from vehicles overnight

41% of tool theft occurs from vans that are parked at home – yet only 2% of tool theft occurs inside the home itself. Whilst it may seem like an inconvenience, parked vans are a target for tool thieves and taking your tools out of your vehicle at the end of the day will significantly reduce the risk of them being stolen.

Invest in video security if you park at home

Installing video doorbells and CCTV at home not only acts as a visible deterrent to would-be thieves, but can also act as evidence should the worst happen. With the introduction of battery powered devices in recent year, it is a relatively low-cost and straightforward way to put off tool thieves.

Tool marking, registration and tracking

Taking a proactive approach that makes tools unattractive to criminals can include:

Property marking: Use UV pens, engraving tools, or forensic marking products (e.g. ImmobiMark, SmartWater or SelectaDNA) to mark tools with identifying information.
Install trackers: For larger, expensive equipment you could consider installing discreet trackers and for valuable hand tools, Bluetooth or RFID tags linked to a smartphone app could come in useful.
Register your tools: Register tools with Immobilise, which is a free online registration service that allows the public to record ownership details of their valued possessions. This means that theft alerts are immediately visible on police system and if your registered items are recovered by police, they can return them with ease.

Arrange tools insurance

By arranging an appropriate level of tools insurance, you can cover the cost of replacing your equipment if it is stolen. It’s worth checking that your policy can provide cover on a 24-hour basis should you need it, and choosing an insurer with a reputable claims team that settle claims quickly to minimise disruption to your business.

The Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill will be a positive step for the trades and construction sector, with harsher penalties acting as a potential deterrent for thieves. However, it’s never been more important for tradespeople to protect their tools through proactive measures to prevent theft, and insurance cover that will provide peace of mind should the worst happen.

Civil Engineering Construction Nationwide Sureties Structural Engineering

Steel framework rises at Britain’s largest gigafactory in Somerset

We are witnessing a defining moment in the UK’s green industrial revolution as the first steel structures are now being erected at the future site of the country’s largest gigafactory, located in Bridgwater, Somerset. This £4 billion mega project, led by Agratas (a Tata Group enterprise), aims to produce over 40GWh of battery cells annually—enough to support 500,000 electric vehicles per year.

Spanning over 620 acres at the Gravity Smart Campus, this new battery manufacturing plant will play a critical role in securing the UK’s position within the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, while revitalising local economies through thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Precision Engineering: Steel Assembly Now Underway

Construction has now entered its vertical phase with the first steel components craned into position in late June 2025. The framing marks the initial structure of Building A, which will house the cell assembly lines and electrode processing halls. These industrial spaces demand millimetre-level precision and robust, vibration-resistant foundations, designed to support cleanroom-grade environments essential for lithium-ion cell production.

The speed of progress follows meticulous groundwork, including deep piling, utility routing, and environmental groundwork to mitigate flood risk and ensure habitat preservation on this former airfield site.

Steel Framework Rises at Britain’s Largest Gigafactory in Somerset — Image: Agratas

Clean Energy and Circular Supply Chains at the Core

Designed with sustainability at its heart, the Somerset gigafactory will integrate solar PV, rainwater harvesting, and advanced heat recovery systems to lower operational emissions. The site is also targeting a future link to local wind generation assets, positioning it among the most energy-efficient battery facilities in Europe.

Crucially, a major emphasis has been placed on the development of a circular battery ecosystem. Plans are already in motion for on-site battery recycling and the establishment of secure supply chains for raw materials such as nickel, lithium and cobalt. This will reduce dependency on volatile global markets while improving the factory’s ESG credentials.

Regional Regeneration: Employment and Skills Legacy

The gigafactory is expected to directly create up to 4,000 jobs in Somerset and contribute to the generation of around 11,000 supply chain roles nationwide. Working in collaboration with local colleges and national skills initiatives, the project is establishing a battery technology training academy to develop next-generation engineers and production technicians.

Investment in upskilling will be pivotal, with the site aiming to employ a 60% local workforce by the time full production begins in 2027. Apprenticeship schemes, STEM outreach programmes and graduate recruitment campaigns are already underway, underlining a long-term commitment to regional economic transformation.

Strategic Importance for UK EV Supply Chain

Located just off the M5 corridor and near Bristol Port, the Somerset site has been strategically chosen for logistical connectivity to both domestic vehicle manufacturers and international export routes. Major automotive clients, including Jaguar Land Rover and other Tata Motors affiliates, are expected to be among the first to benefit from the gigafactory’s output.

In a post-Brexit environment, securing sovereign battery production is vital to meet rules-of-origin regulations under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, while also reducing exposure to overseas supply chain disruption. The facility will directly support the UK’s ambition to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

Community and Environmental Stewardship

The developers have worked closely with Sedgemoor District Council, the Environment Agency and local stakeholders to address community concerns and embed sustainability from day one. Biodiversity net gain commitments include wetland habitat creation, protected species relocation and new green corridors for wildlife.

Community benefit funds and local business incubation hubs are also planned, helping ensure that the wider Bridgwater area shares in the prosperity this investment will bring.

Final Foundations for a Battery-Powered Britain

With the first steel frame now standing, Britain’s flagship gigafactory project is transitioning from concept to reality. The build signals not just the emergence of a new industrial landmark, but a generational shift in how the UK powers its vehicles, economy and future.

This steel is more than structure—it is a symbol of the UK’s charge toward electrification, energy security and long-term industrial resilience.

Civil Engineering Construction Nationwide Sureties

14 BESA Member Firms Suspended Over Non-Compliance

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has taken decisive action by suspending 14 member companies from its directory following a recent audit of compliance procedures. This decision, made public in June 2025, underscores BESA’s commitment to upholding professional standards in the building services sector.

BESA’s suspension of these firms follows internal reviews that uncovered multiple breaches relating to competency standards, certification gaps, and failure to meet the updated regulatory requirements introduced under the Building Safety Act. This development has sparked serious discussions across the construction, HVAC, and building engineering sectors about quality assurance and the integrity of supply chains.

What Prompted the Suspensions?

According to industry sources, the suspended companies failed to provide adequate evidence of their continued competence and compliance with mandatory technical standards. Areas of concern included:

Lapsed technical accreditations, particularly around health and safety, gas and ventilation installations
Failure to meet CPD (Continuous Professional Development) requirements for key operatives
Incomplete or outdated documentation relating to competency certifications
Non-adherence to Building Safety Act provisions, especially concerning high-risk buildings

These suspensions are not permanent, but the companies in question must remedy their deficiencies and undergo a thorough reassessment before rejoining BESA’s membership roster.

The Impact on Contractors, Clients, and the Wider Supply Chain

Suspension from BESA’s membership list can have substantial repercussions. Many clients and main contractors rely on the BESA directory to source qualified, vetted suppliers. Losing BESA accreditation can:

Jeopardise existing contracts, especially on public sector or framework projects
Invalidate tender eligibility for clients requiring BESA affiliation
Damage company reputation, leading to lost business and long-term trust issues
Undermine supply chain confidence, increasing compliance scrutiny on partners

For the wider industry, this situation serves as a warning against complacency in standards verification. With heightened regulatory focus post-Grenfell, particularly around building safety and mechanical services, lapses in compliance can no longer be tolerated.

Strengthening Governance Across Building Services

BESA’s actions highlight the necessity of robust internal governance. Firms seeking to protect their reputation and eligibility must prioritise:

Routine internal audits to ensure certification and qualifications remain valid
Proactive CPD investment to keep pace with regulation and innovation
Comprehensive record-keeping to support compliance demonstrations during inspections
Early adoption of digital compliance tools, including automated certification tracking systems

Recommendations for Affected Businesses

Suspended firms should act swiftly to restore their status. Key actions include:

Engaging independent compliance consultants to identify gaps
Scheduling urgent re-training for technical staff
Auditing all project files and updating documentation
Engaging directly with BESA’s technical compliance team to confirm remediation pathways

Demonstrating transparency and commitment to rectifying issues is critical in expediting reinstatement.

The Role of Accreditation in a Post-Grenfell Environment

Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, regulatory bodies have imposed strict scrutiny on the credentials of contractors working on buildings—especially high-rise and high-risk residential blocks. BESA’s response aligns with this climate of zero tolerance for lapses in competence.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) now works in tandem with professional bodies to monitor industry standards. Companies must expect continued cross-referencing of accreditations, certifications, and audit outcomes across multiple databases and licensing bodies.

Final Thoughts

The suspension of 14 BESA members marks a turning point in the construction and engineering services sectors. It serves as a sobering reminder that accreditation is not a one-off badge but an ongoing commitment. Industry leaders must embed compliance and training into their core operations—not as a formality, but as a cornerstone of sustainable, accountable business practice.

Construction

Hydrogen construction breakthrough at Thames trial

The Lower Thames Crossing project’s plan to replace diesel with hydrogen in its heavy construction machinery, and help accelerate Britain’s transition to clean power, came a step closer today, following the successful conclusion of its first hydrogen trial in partnership with Gallagher Group, JCB and hydrogen supplier Ryze Power.

The trial was hosted at the family-run Gallagher’s Hermitage Quarry in Kent, and was carried out using a JCB 540-180H Loadall powered by a hydrogen combustion engine fuelled with low carbon hydrogen.

The machine replaced the use of an existing diesel-powered JCB Loadall for masonry work and successfully demonstrated the safe operation of hydrogen combustion powered equipment and mobile refuelling infrastructure.

Image: National Highways – JCB 540-180H Loadall powered by a hydrogen combustion engine being refuelled with low carbon hydrogen

The trial proved that the equipment would not only meet the project’s needs but would produce zero tailpipe emissions and save around 205kg of CO₂ per machine, per week when compared to traditional diesel fuelled equivalents.

The Lower Thames Crossing is a pathfinder project exploring low-carbon construction. It has set itself a target of a 70% reduction in its construction carbon, against its original calculations, and a significant proportion of the reductions will be achieved by eliminating diesel from its construction sites by 2027.

When construction gets underway, which could be as early as 2026, it will use electric vehicles and plant, and hydrogen to power its heavy construction machinery – a first for a major project in the UK.

The contract for the supply, storage and distribution of hydrogen to its construction sites is expected to be awarded later this year.

By buying the largest ever volume of hydrogen on a UK transport project, the Lower Thames Crossing will accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel by providing its supply chain the confidence to invest in hydrogen-powered machines, as well as develop the new skills required to operate and maintain them.

It will also help jumpstart the highly anticipated development of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary, which the Thames Estuary Growth Board estimate to be worth £3.8 billion GVA and would create 9,000 highly skilled jobs by 2035. Hydrogen hubs are already emerging across the UK, and the certainty and scale of demand created during the construction of the Lower Thames Crossing would push the establishment of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary.

JCB’s hydrogen engines have undergone rigorous testing, surpassing 22,500 hours in engine test cells while JCB hydrogen-powered machines have completed over 30,000 hours of testing on the company’s proving grounds and 25,000km on the road.

Matt Palmer, Executive Director, Lower Thames Crossing said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is a Pathfinder project, designed to be the greenest road ever built in Britain. At the heart of these plans is the use of clean low-carbon hydrogen power, and by using it on such a large scale to power our heavy construction machinery that is traditionally hard to electrify, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate the construction industry’s shift away from diesel, and help kick start the creation of a hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary.”

Tim Burnhope, Group Director – Special Projects at JCB said: “The JCB engine is fuelled by hydrogen gas, a zero CO2 fuel rather than diesel, which is a fossil fuel. JCB is the first in the world to deploy this technology in machinery like this, which makes it perfect for sustainable construction and quarry operations.”

Ryze Power Sales Director, Alex Webster, said: “We know how transformative hydrogen can be when used in the construction sector – something that this successful trial has proven. It’s incredibly satisfying to see this first-of-its-kind project start to come to fruition. Hydrogen has a vital part to play in the UK’s energy mix and this project will not only help with decarbonisation, but will be a huge step forwards in the creation of strong and thriving hydrogen ecosystem in the Thames Estuary and beyond.”

Sean Connor, Managing Director, Gallagher Group said: “A part of our own journey to NetZero and in keeping with our drive for low-carbon, sustainable construction solutions, Gallagher were delighted to host and carry out this Hydrogen Trial in Partnership with JCB, Lower Thames Crossing and RYZE. As an award-winning NetZero Trailblazer, Gallagher are proud to be at the forefront of adopting new innovative solutions.”

The Lower Thames Crossing is a new road and tunnel under the Thames designed to tackle congestion and unlock economic growth by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London and creating a reliable route that better links the ports of the south-east with the midlands and the north.

It plans to be the greenest road ever built in the UK, and will plant at least 1 million additional trees, create a new community woodland at Hole Farm, new public parks in Thurrock and Gravesham and create or improve almost 40 miles of pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, 3 miles of path for every mile of road.

The project received planning permission in March 2025 and is now working with the government on funding options.  Construction could start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.

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