Birmingham-based Lyndon SGB, a leading scaffolding and access contractor, has rebranded as Brand Access Solutions by BrandSafway. The name change reflects the company’s alignment with BrandSafway’s global operations and reinforces its commitment to safety, innovation, and customer-centric growth.

Operating across England, Scotland, and Wales, Brand Access Solutions is on of the UK’s largest providers of temporary construction access, offering scaffolding, motorised access, suspended platforms, edge protection, and temporary roofing. The company’s extensive expertise supports major infrastructure and commercial projects nationwide.

“Our new name strengthens our position in the market while continuing our legacy of safety and service excellence,” said Centin Baxter, Regional Vice President, Europe. “We remain committed to helping clients complete projects safely, on time, and within budget.”

Brand Access Solutions has played a crucial role in landmark projects, including The Historic New Register House in Edinburgh, Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, and Manchester Town Hall. With over 1,100 specialists across 15 UK locations, the company is well-equipped to handle projects of any scale.

While the trading name has changed, day-to-day operations, service offerings, and safety commitments remain unchanged. The company, part of BrandSafway’s global network, continues its mission to deliver world-class access solutions.

For more details, visit www.brand-accesssolutions.com.

The construction industry is bracing for cost increases of up to 7% in 2025, as economic and geopolitical uncertainty continues to disrupt supply chains and inflate material and labour costs. These findings come from Building a Resilient Future: Adapting to Uncertainty in 2025, a new report from Currie & Brown, the cost and project management consultant.

Despite ongoing challenges, booming sectors such as digital infrastructure and renewable energy present opportunities for growth. However, navigating these opportunities will require resilience and adaptability. The report identifies three key factors driving cost inflation:

Economic Uncertainty Persists

While inflation has leveled off and interest rates have stabilised, political volatility, trade protectionism, and conflicts worldwide continue to make the economic outlook unpredictable. These pressures will affect the cost and availability of materials and labour, adding to overall construction costs.

The Digital Revolution Drives Competition

The rapid evolution of AI and digital technology is reshaping industries globally. While this transformation fuels demand, it also intensifies competition for specialised materials needed for tech-sector projects, further escalating costs.

Labour Shortages Intensify

The construction industry is facing a chronic shortage of skilled workers, a challenge set to deepen in 2025. Sectors experiencing rapid growth—such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and housing—are expected to see labour costs rise as companies compete for talent.

Alan Manuel, Group CEO of Currie & Brown, warns that cost inflation has become an unavoidable reality for the industry. “Year-on-year price increases are expected, but the real challenge is uncertainty. Macro-economic and geopolitical instability will continue to create volatility. Resilience will be the key to success in 2025 and beyond.”

Strategies for Navigating Cost Increases

The report outlines three crucial strategies for construction firms to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities:

  1. Adaptability: Diversifying supplier networks and fostering collaboration can help companies spread risk and shield themselves from unforeseen economic turbulence.
  2. Addressing Skills Shortages: Investing in training, planning for workforce availability, and recruiting from adjacent industries (such as technology and healthcare) can help alleviate the skilled labour gap.
  3. Leveraging Data: More precise data analysis will allow companies to stress-test projects, improve cost forecasting, and adjust quickly in response to unexpected challenges.

“There is clear potential for growth in 2025,” concludes Manuel. “However, success will require pragmatism, collaboration, and careful planning to absorb potential future shocks.”

Shrinking order books and rising cost pressures during January 2025 contributed to the weakest business activity expectations since October 2023, according to the latest S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’Index.

During January all three categories of construction work see a reduction in output during January and cost inflation accelerates to a 21-month high. The modest fall in total industry output was recorded at the start of the year, thereby ending a 10-month period of sustained expansion.

At 48.1 in January, down sharply from 53.3 in December, the headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’Index™ (PMI®) – an index tracking changes in total industry activity – registered below the 50.0 no-change threshold for the first time sinceFebruary 2024.

Construction companies cited delayed decision-making by clients on major projects and general economic uncertainty had weighed on business activity at the start of 2025. A number of firms also commented on the impact of subdued market conditions in the residential building sector. Latestdata showed that house building (index at 44.9) decreased for the fourth successive month and at the fastest pace since January 2024.

Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “Output levels decreased across the board in January, with particularly sharp reductions seen in the residential and civil engineering categories.

“Construction firms noted the fastest fall in residential work for 12 months as market conditions remained somewhat subdued. Anecdotal evidence suggested that caution regarding demand for new projects was prevalent at the start of 2025, despite strong policy support for house building andhopes for a longer-term boost to supply via planning reform.

“The forward-looking survey indicators were also relatively downbeat in January. New orders decreased at the fastest pace since November 2023 amid many reports of delayed decision-making by clients. Reduced workloads, combined with concerns about the general UK economic outlook, led to a dip in business activity expectations to the lowest for 15 months.”

Sub-contractor charges increased at an accelerated pace in January, with the rate of inflation hitting a 21-month high. This was despite areduction in sub-contractor usage for the fifth time in the past six months.

Finally, around 38% of the survey panel predict a rise in business activity over the year ahead, while only 17% forecast a reduction.

The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is urging the UK government to address severe delays caused by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) approval process, which is significantly impacting the construction sector. These delays, far exceeding the expected 12-week timeline, are stalling high-rise, commercial, and residential developments—particularly in London and other urban areas.

Since the introduction of the new regulatory framework in April 2024, only a limited number of projects have received approval, leaving FPS members struggling with design finalisation hold-ups and a lack of incoming work. The delays are causing a domino effect across the geotechnical, demolition, and wider construction supply chains, creating uncertainty in an already fragile market.

And according to freedom of information research by consultancy Project Four, more than 90 major new-build projects are stuck in a bottleneck awaiting Gateway 2 design approval to start work. Just 11 new-build jobs are reported to have cleared Gateway 2 checks, although only two of these are understood to have passed through the present checking regime. The delays are also holding up retrofit works on over 600 existing High Risk Buildings (HRB) classified as over seven storeys or 18metres.

While the FPS fully supports the Building Safety Act and the role of the BSR in improving safety and accountability, the prolonged approval times are proving unsustainable. Many FPS members are now considering job cuts and reduced investment—moves that could worsen existing skills shortages when projects eventually move forward.

FPS Chair Malcolm O’Sullivan warned: “Approval times of six months or more are simply not viable. These delays are undermining investment, recruitment, and the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.”

The FPS is calling for clearer guidance, increased resources for faster approvals, and closer collaboration between the BSR and industry stakeholders. Without urgent reform, the sector faces significant instability, threatening the UK’s ability to meet its housing and infrastructure goals.

Hygiene Pro Clean (HPC) understands the serious risks that mould infestations pose to residential and commercial properties—from structural damage to significant health hazards. That’s why HPC provides rapid-response mould remediation solutions, tailored to effectively eliminate mould and prevent its return.

HPC’s process begins with a thorough inspection of a property. HPC then accurately quantify the extent of mould growth, identify the root causes, and propose a strategic action plan to address the issue and eradicate mould.

Using HPC’s cutting-edge ultrasonic atomisation technology, HPC ensures deep cleaning and complete eradication of mould spores from both visible surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. This state-of-the-art method guarantees a more thorough and efficient removal process, restoring your property to a safe and healthy state.

Prevention is key to maintaining a mould-free environment. HPC implements solutions to tackle moisture issues, enhance ventilation, and create conditions that inhibit mould from returning. Our proactive approach ensures long-term protection for your property.

Upon completion, HPC provide a certification that validates the remediation work and confirms that your property meets stringent air quality standards. This certification offers you peace of mind and assurance of a healthy indoor environment.

Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, Hygiene Pro Clean is your trusted partner in creating and maintaining a mould-free space.

Find out more about the HPC Ultrasonic Atomisation system: CLICK HERE

The UK government has set ambitious sustainability goals: within the next five years, all new buildings should be designed to be net zero-carbon, and within the next decade, 100% of new developments must achieve net zero-carbon status. Adrian JG Marsh looks at the challenges the specialist fit-out contracting sector faces.

For the fit-out sector, net-zero-carbon targets present both a challenge and an opportunity. The industry must embrace radical change in materials, procurement, and construction processes while ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with regulations. One of the most effective ways to accelerate this transition is through well-structured framework agreements that prioritise sustainable outcomes.

The Urgency of Net-Zero-Carbon Fit-Outs

Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, with a significant portion coming from embodied carbon—the emissions associated with materials, manufacturing, and construction. Fit-out projects, particularly those in commercial and retail sectors, contribute heavily to this footprint. Many interior refurbishments occur every five to ten years, leading to frequent material wastage and high energy consumption.

To align with net-zero-carbon goals, the sector must prioritise circular economy principles, including designing for longevity, reusing materials, and minimising waste. It also requires a shift towards sustainable procurement, where low-carbon and recycled materials become the norm rather than the exception.

Procurement as a Catalyst for Net-Zero Fit-Outs

A key driver of sustainable fit-out projects lies in procuring developments through effective framework agreements. These agreements, used by public and private sector clients, establish long-term partnerships between clients, contractors, and suppliers, streamlining the delivery of projects while embedding sustainability at their core.

Framework agreements can:

  • Set Clear Net-Zero Requirements: Embedding stringent sustainability criteria at the procurement stage ensures that all appointed contractors and suppliers are committed to net-zero-carbon principles.
  • Encourage Innovation and Collaboration: Long-term partnerships enable the supply chain to invest in research, develop new materials, and explore more efficient construction methods.
  • Reduce Waste and Improve Circularity: By focusing on sustainable sourcing, frameworks can mandate the use of reclaimed materials and modular components that reduce embodied carbon.
  • Drive Cost-Efficiency in Sustainable Solutions: Early engagement through framework agreements can make sustainable choices more affordable by scaling demand for low-carbon materials and processes.

Several existing frameworks, such as Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services, are already incorporating sustainability requirements, but more targeted efforts in the fit-out sector are needed to accelerate zero-carbon progress.

Key Strategies for Achieving Net-Zero Fit-Outs

  1. Low-Carbon and Recycled Materials

The selection of materials plays a critical role in determining the carbon footprint of fit-out projects. To meet government targets, fit-out firms must prioritise:

  • Reclaimed and recycled materials, such as timber, metal, and glass, reducing demand for virgin resources.
  • Bio-based materials, like hempcrete, bamboo, and mycelium insulation, which store carbon and minimise environmental impact.
  • Circular economy principles, including re-using furniture and fittings rather than purchasing, ensuring amortising use across multiple fit-outs.
  1. Energy-Efficient Fit-Outs and Smart Technology

Net-zero-carbon buildings must not only be constructed sustainably but must also operate with minimal energy consumption. The fit-out sector can contribute by integrating:

  • Smart lighting and HVAC systems that adapt to occupancy and external conditions, reducing unnecessary energy use.
  • Passive design strategies, such as maximising natural light and ventilation, to lower operational energy demand.
  • On-site renewable energy solutions, like solar panels and energy storage, to support net-zero operations.
  1. Reducing Waste Through Modular and Offsite Construction

Traditional fit-out projects generate high levels of construction waste, much of which ends up in landfills. Shifting towards modular and offsite construction can significantly reduce waste and carbon emissions.

  • Prefabricated interior elements (such as walls, ceilings, and furniture) can be manufactured offsite, ensuring precision and minimising material waste.
  • Modular components can be disassembled and repurposed in future fit-outs rather than discarded.
  • Standardised design principles can enable more reuse and adaptation over time.

Overcoming Barriers to a Net-Zero Fit-Out Sector

While progress is being made, several challenges remain:

  1. Cost Perception: Many clients still believe net-zero fit-outs come with a high price tag. However, long-term savings in energy efficiency and material reuse often offset initial costs.
  2. Supply Chain Readiness: Many suppliers are yet to scale up low-carbon material production. Stronger demand through framework agreements can drive supply chain transformation.
  3. Regulatory Gaps: While building regulations are evolving, clearer guidelines on embodied carbon reductions in fit-outs are needed to drive widespread adoption.

Industry leaders must work closely with policymakers to establish incentives, funding mechanisms, and stricter carbon reduction mandates to accelerate change.

A Defining Moment for the Fit-Out Sector

The UK government’s zero-carbon targets present a critical opportunity for the fit-out sector to lead the way in sustainable construction. Through proactive procurement, circular economy principles, and smart technologies, the industry can transform how interior spaces are designed, built, and maintained.

Framework agreements provide a structured pathway to achieving these goals, ensuring long-term commitment and collaboration across the supply chain. By embedding zero-carbon principles at the procurement stage, the fit-out sector can move decisively towards a more sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient built environment.

Now is the time for industry stakeholders to embrace innovation and bold action, securing not just compliance with upcoming regulations but also a competitive advantage in the evolving real estate landscape.

 

Mounting evidence shows that smaller construction firms are struggling to stay afloat, with nearly 7,000 businesses now in critical distress and a 58% rise in extreme financial pressure across the sector. Young sole traders appear most vulnerable, with research from Fix Radio revealing that 36% of Millennial and Gen Z tradespeople say their business is on the brink of collapse. A further 27% want to expand but lack the know-how to proceed.

Rising stress levels are compounding the crisis, with 35% of young sole traders reporting the highest levels of anxiety they have ever experienced. Many cite late or missing payments as a major contributor to financial uncertainty, making it harder to maintain cash flow and keep their businesses afloat.

Industry experts warn that without better financial safeguards and support, the sector could see a worrying loss of fresh talent. Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio, is calling for more guidance and resources to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses.

Key solutions include improved methods to tackle late payments, strategies to manage overheads, and better financial planning tools. Additionally, education around pricing, contracts, and client communication could empower younger tradespeople—34% say this would be the biggest aid to their business.

With thousands of firms at risk, urgent action is needed to support the next generation of tradespeople and prevent a wider collapse in the construction sector.

Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, which requires individuals to be competent to undertake their roles, CSCS is making changes to the Labourer and Trainees card from 1 February to “better align with the competency expectations of the Act” and encourage more new entrants to start on a ‘Red’ card with a recognised training pathway.

Labourer card ‐ The initial validity will be reduced from five to two years and only operatives who continue in a labouring role will be able to renew their card for five years by providing evidence they are employed as a labourer. The accompanying CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test will also have its validity extended to three years so any operatives who do continue in a labouring role can use it to renew their card.

Trainee card ‐ In order to provide a simplified route into the industry for new entrants with prior training, individuals who have attained an approved Level 2 (or above) occupation related non‐competence qualification will be eligible for a two‐year Trainee card. More information on the routes to a Trainee card can be found in this flowchart.

All CSCS cards obtained via Industry Accreditation have now expired and the CITB funding available to support individuals who require a qualification to move onto the appropriate card has been extended until 31 March 2026.

The CITB has survived another review. Findings of the Department for Education ITB Review, which was conducted by Mark Farmer in 2023 and finalised last year, have not supported calls to abolish the CITB.

The report stresses the vital need for the work of the Industrial Training Boards (ITBs) within the construction and engineering construction industries and concludes that the ITB levy-grant model should be retained. Indeed, it states that the role of the ITBs should be strengthened and calls on them to do more.

It reinforces that both the CITB and ECITB exist to meet the industries’ specialist skills needs. The ITBs are needed to address the market failure in training provision, driving up skill levels and incentivising training that would otherwise not take place.

The Minister of State for Skills, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, supported many of the recommendations laid out in the report including that the ITB model should be retained.

Among the 17 strategic recommendations, the review proposes that the CITB and ECITB should form a single body. The Government’s position is that while there are significant benefits to greater alignment and collaboration between the two ITBs, there are currently no plans to legislate to create a single body. A steering group will be set up to consider implementation of all recommendations.

In the meantime, the Minister has requested greater collaboration between the CITB and ECITB on specific areas such as infrastructure across Great Britain, increasing trainers, clean energy jobs and skills passporting. Work is already underway to develop joint action in these areas.

Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB said: “Importantly, the report recognises the significant skills challenges facing the construction and engineering industries and the vital role that the ITBs play in helping address these. Further, it asserts that the best way of doing so is to retain the ITB model and industry-specific levies.

“Grant funding for apprenticeships and new entrants is vital, with more than two-thirds of apprenticeship starts in the construction industry being employed by companies of fewer than 50 employees.

“We are already well advanced in improving our engagement with employers and learners, such as the nationwide rollout of our Employer Networks and the significant improvements at our National Construction Colleges.

“Additionally, we’re addressing many of the areas identified within the report through our strategic plan. We are working with industry and all our partners to develop a training and skills system that works now and in the future. A system that supports industry in training its workforce and helps bring skilled and diverse workers into industry.

“We already work in close collaboration with ECITB on some key areas and we will expand this into a more formal collaboration where it offers value to the sector.

“We must move at pace to work together to tackle the joint needs of industry without the delay and disruption that legislative or structural changes would surely bring and that would inevitably be detrimental to industry success. We need to be laser-focused on addressing industry needs by providing standardised levels of competence, alternative routes into industry and making it easier and cheaper to access high-quality training.”

Andrew Hockey, CEO of the ECITB, said: “The report highlights the value that both the ECITB and CITB make to our respective industries. It cites the ECITB’s work on Connected Competence, our programmes to grow new entrants and our Regional Skills Hub initiative as good examples of what needs to be done, and what can be scaled up.

“We welcome closer collaboration with the CITB, particularly in the area of infrastructure skills where there is the most commonality between the ITBs’ respective footprints.

“As the review acknowledges, there is significant benefit in both ITBs collaborating more closely on infrastructure; nuclear new build being a clear example where workers in both civil construction and the engineering construction industry (ECI) work alongside each other.

“We are already working with the CITB and partners on strategic skills planning for Sizewell C with a view to developing whole-career training pathways and interventions that span both the civil and ECI phases of that project.

“Formalising this approach for nuclear and other key infrastructure projects – such as those centred around the decarbonisation of the UK’s industrial clusters – will be highly beneficial and should strengthen delivery and impact.

“We have started the process of scoping the recommendations and developing plans to implement them, which will involve consultation with industry and government. We are already addressing many of the structural skills challenges highlighted by the review and will further build upon these as we develop our new strategy, which will be published later this year.

“In the meantime, we will continue to deliver our mandate from industry to lead industry learning. This includes attracting new entrants, expanding the entry pathways into industry and supporting high-quality training provision.”

Last reviewed in 2017, the ITB review assessed the role and effectiveness of both the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).  The review results from a requirement, set by the Cabinet Office, for all public bodies to be reviewed periodically.

View the full report along with the Government’s response 2023 Industry Training Board (ITB) review

Bradford College, one of the biggest education and training providers in the region, has recently restored a five-storey mill. The £5.8m renovation transformed the building into a state-of-the-art higher education centre, enhancing Bradford College’s existing STEM science and digital facilities. The new building includes dentistry training facilities, a prep-room, six higher education digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite and clinical suite.

CHALLENGE

At Bradford College, architectural team Bond Bryan Ltd and main contractors Tilbury Douglas faced the task of finding an interior ceiling solution that accommodated the building’s soffits, necessitating reduced suspension points.

They also needed a complete ceiling system that not only met the mandated acoustic standards for education environments but also offered aesthetic qualities conducive to productivity and comfort.

SOLUTION

Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, collaborated with Bond Bryan Ltd to develop a solution that exceeded all project requirements.

A range of Zentia’s tiles, including Prestige, Sonify Baffles, Aruba, Oplia hA dB, and Arena, were specified. These tiles are installed on a DecoFrame SL2 grid to create a floated suspended ceiling, addressing both acoustic needs and reduced suspension points.

In the reception area, white rectangular Sonify Baffles were installed to create a feature ceiling that enhances the space’s acoustics. These hanging acoustic baffles provide creative freedom with the largest range of standard colours available in the UK market and deliver exceptional acoustic performance.

The Oplia hA dB tile features a smooth laminated finish with superior sound absorption and attenuation, ideal for workplaces and educational settings. With a Class A sound absorption rating and 40 dB attenuation, these tiles effectively reduce impact noise from metal cladding above the ceilings.

Prestige tiles offer balanced acoustical performance for larger open-plan spaces and a smooth, finely textured surface. Aruba, known for its versatility, and Arena, an affordable and reliable option with a finely-sanded surface for balanced acoustics, are also being installed in the new interior.

Leigh Bennett, Senior Project Manager at Tilbury Douglas Limited, commented on the successful project: “The Zentia ceilings and acoustic products used at Garden Mills provided the right aesthetic contrast for the period features while still performing acoustically. Bradford College is really happy with the look and feel of the building.”

The ceilings were successfully installed in the summer period of 2024 by subcontractors John Atkinson Interiors, a member of Zentia’s award-winning Pinnacle Partnership Scheme. As a Pinnacle Partner, John Atkinson Interiors benefit from an exclusive off-cut recycling scheme, enhanced specification support, and advance access to new product updates, among other advantages.

Gareth Caddick, Contract Consultant at John Atkinson Interiors & Acoustics commented on the intricacies of the project: “The renovation of older structures always offers up challenges not seen on new build contracts. Garden Mills was no exception to this rule. Simply distributing materials through narrow access routes and staircases took careful planning with all other trades. Works to the ceilings were carried out in pre-agreed phases and with the assistance of Zentia and their distribution network we were able to plan deliveries to meet the individual deadlines. Zentia’s off-cut recycling scheme together with our off site waste segregation ensured we were able to nearly eradicate any waste to skips. The completed ceilings now offer class leading acoustics giving each space a fresh and inviting environment conducive to learning.”

By integrating advanced ceiling solutions that cater to both aesthetic and functional requirements, this project not only enhances the architectural integrity of Bradford College and its campus, but also ensures an optimal environment for learning and productivity. It marks a significant milestone in creating spaces that are both beautiful and conducive to education.