BWB sets out plans to double in size as built environment industry confronts new challenges
Integrated engineering and environmental consultancy BWB is aiming to double the size of the business over the next five years.
The Nottingham-headquartered company has delivered a series of landmark projects during the past year, including continuing work at East Midlands Gateway and the 800-bed build-to-rent Barnum development near Nottingham Railway Station.
Led by CEO Graham Sant, BWB now employs more than 370 people, with offices in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester alongside its headquarters at Waterfront House, Nottingham.
It has just embarked on a five-year growth strategy driven by a series of major changes
affecting every aspect of the bult environment.
Graham explained: “We enjoyed another strong year of performance in 2024, and this has given us a springboard to focus on long-term horizons so that the business is well positioned to take continuing advantage of its strengths in the strategic trends driving change.
“The whole of the built environment industry is confronting challenges related to climate
change and scarce resources, increasing urbanisation, technology advances, and the
shifting dynamics of globalisation and demographic change.
“As a business that is focused relentlessly on client needs, we continue to invest heavily in the skills, insights and solutions which meet those needs so that we can remain agile, innovative and responsive.”
Graham added: “The critical component is people and our commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of expert professionals is why we are the only business in our sector that has achieved the Investors in People Platinum standard.”
BWB’s expertise spans urban development, public infrastructure and future mobility, with its sustainable growth solutions applied to city centre regeneration, shaping transport hubs and driving the transition to low carbon energy.
Recent projects include the Tea Factory – the BBC’s new headquarters in Birmingham – the
Broadmarsh Bus Station and upcoming works at the Guildhall redevelopment.
BWB has also developed its annual Healthy Places Snapshot, based on insights from 50 industry leaders in local government, development, architecture, urban design and planning.
Anthony Hart, BWB’s Regional Director for the East Midlands, said: “What these insights tell us is that healthy placemaking has got to play a part in unlocking the growth that we’re all looking for, particularly here in the East Midlands.
“We’re really encouraged to see the new East Midlands Combined County Authority and Mayor Claire Ward launch an Inclusive Growth Commission. That tells us that the approach to unlocking the region’s potential is going to be informed by concepts like healthy placemaking – which we’re passionate about – and an understanding of the role this plays in inclusive and sustainable progress.
“There are numerous opportunities to fire-up the East Midlands economy – we have global leaders in advanced manufacturing, expertise in clean energy, one of the biggest trade gateways in the UK at East Midlands Airport, incentivised sites at the Freeport and EMCCA’s own Investment Zones.
“There are also landmark opportunities such as the South Derby Growth Zone, where we have supported Infinity Park. With the right approach and a more progressive planning system there’s no reason why we can’t shift the dial of regional growth.”
Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group
Long Sutton Dentistry in Lincolnshire has been sold to an expanding group.
Set up by the previous owners, Kenny Doig, Jez Hyland, and Sam Wright, in 2013, it is located in the market town of Long Sutton, near Boston and Spalding in South Lincolnshire. Over the last 12 years, it has grown into a four-surgery practice and become a mainstay for the local community.
The practice was brought to market to allow the sellers to concentrate on their other business interests.
Following a confidential sales process with Tom Morley at Christie & Co, it has been sold to The Dental Design Studio.
Dr Kenny Doig, former owner of Long Sutton Dentistry, said: “It’s reassuring to know that our staff and patients are in excellent hands, thanks to DDS’s outstanding track record of professionalism and expertise. The trust and confidence we feel stems directly from their proven capabilities.
“We would like to express our appreciation for Jeff and Larry, who made every interaction a pleasure. Their approachability and professionalism ensured the process was not just straightforward but truly instilled confidence that we had made the correct decision to sell to a group rather than a large corporate.”
Dr Jeffrey Sherer, Clinical Director at The Dental Design Studio, said: “We’re very happy to have acquired Long Sutton – our twenty-second dental practice. It is a fantastic practice with a great team, and we are so pleased to have it as part of our group.”
Tom Morley, Associate Director – Dental at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to represent, Jez, Kenny, and Sam in the sale of Long Sutton, and I wish Larry and Jeff all the best with their new acquisition. Another successful sale in the East Midlands demonstrates to the market that quality private practices are continually acquired by aspirational groups.”
Long Sutton Dentistry was sold for an undisclosed price.
Labour’s £600m investment to strengthen construction workforce in the East Midlands
The UK government has committed £600 million to address the growing shortage of skilled construction workers, focusing on increasing workforce numbers nationwide by 2029.
This initiative forms part of Labour’s Plan for Change, which aims to boost the industry by training 60,000 workers and expanding access to construction jobs for young people. Key elements of the plan include creating new training opportunities, expanding apprenticeship programmes, and introducing technical colleges focused on construction skills.
For businesses in the East Midlands, this investment is a significant step toward addressing the long-standing labour gaps in the construction sector. The region, already home to 130,000 construction workers, stands to benefit from these measures, which are expected to provide a sustainable talent pipeline for major housing and infrastructure projects.
These moves come after a significant contraction in the workforce, with approximately 320,000 construction roles lost nationally between 2019 and 2024. The new funding is seen as crucial in revitalising the sector, ensuring that it can meet the UK’s housing and infrastructure demands moving forward.
Training group diversifies with acquisition of Derbyshire firm
Sheffield-based Realise Training Group, backed by Endless’ Enact fund, has taken a step forward in its buy-and-build strategy with its acquisition of Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre, based in Derbyshire.
The announcement marks the next phase of its journey, as Realise formalises a new group structure and strategy, broadens its commercial offerings and diversifies into another regulated employment sector.
The move comes at a time when regulatory and policy changes, brought in by the government, are driving demand for upskilling in key sectors, including more heavily regulated apprenticeship sectors linked to unlocking UK economic growth.
It also aligns with the £600 million investment into the training of up to 60,000 skilled construction workers, announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.
Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said: “We are committed to not just off-the-shelf products such as apprenticeships, skills bootcamps or adult skills, but to being a fully integrated training solutions business. We listen to the training problems of organisations and our teams create a bespoke solution.
“As well as supporting investment in green energy and the push for net zero through our Smart Gas acquisition, we are continuing to focus on reducing economic inactivity and promoting social mobility throughout the UK.”
Paul Denvers, partner at Endless, said: “We are delighted to see how Realise is going from strength to strength and entering new markets within the apprenticeship and adult education sector.
“Expanding into additional regulated employment markets will help bring more learners into the high demand sectors, as well as continuing to support quality delivery in the critical infrastructure sectors we are well established in.”
The Smart Gas acquisition was supported with advice from James Cook from Womble Bond Dickinson, Russ Cahill from Tax Advisory Partnership and Paul Fox from Fox Lloyd Jones.
Realise recently secured a multi-million-pound facility from OakNorth.
Leicestershire care farm for autistic children and vulnerable learners approved
Blaby District Council has approved plans for Peaceful Paddocks, a nature-based care farm at Fossefield Farm in Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire. The facility will provide therapeutic and educational activities for autistic children and those at risk of school exclusion.
Designed to support up to 10 children aged five to 18 at a time, the project includes a log cabin for educational and welfare needs and a stable and tack building. The farm may also offer short sessions for adults with learning difficulties and dementia.
The initiative, led by Brian and Hazel Sutton, aims to assist children struggling with traditional classroom environments, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Quickline expands full fibre broadband to 6,000 more premises in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Quickline is expanding its Project Gigabit rollout, bringing full-fibre broadband to an additional 6,000 homes and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The expansion, backed by £11 million in public funding, will ensure improved connectivity in underserved areas.
The move increased the total government investment in Quickline’s fibre network to over £300 million, covering more than 170,000 premises. The rollout targets rural communities across West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, aiming to provide fast, reliable internet to businesses and residents in hard-to-reach locations.
Project Gigabit, funded by the UK Government, focuses on delivering gigabit-capable broadband to areas lacking access to next-generation speeds. The latest expansion is based on updated data to prioritise locations with the highest need.
The East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2025!
Following another successful event in 2024, Business Link Magazine is gearing up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, which will mark 10 years of the prestigious event!
Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, and offering an opportunity to network and celebrate with respected business leaders, this year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony will take place on Thursday 2nd October at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham.
A perfect occasion to recognise those behind the changing landscape of our region, the East Midlands Bricks Awards showcase development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also toast the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
For those interested in entering the awards, which have been a highlight in the business calendar since 2015, further information will be released soon, upon the opening of nominations.
New charity partnership for asbestos management consultancy
A Northampton-based asbestos management consultancy has pledged to complete 10 charity events during 2025 to support its new charity partner Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Starting in April, the Acorn Analytical Services team will take part in numerous fundraising feats to raise much-needed cash for the local hospice.
Head of commercial Sian Stone will team up with Ben Simpson and Lewis Dawes to kick off the activities with a parachute jump, swiftly followed by Liam Wood and Noah Woodward in an Ultra White Collar Boxing event in April.
In May, Lois Ashby, Holly Singleton and Sarah Seal will take on the London Moonwalk and the company will also enter a team in the Northampton Dragon Boat Festival.
June sees Danielle and Gen from Acorn Analytical’s lab team take on Cynthia Spencer’s annual Northampton Colour Run and Viviana Pista and Abbie Bruce will be abseiling down the Northampton Lift Tower.
In July Dan Crask, Richard Crockett, Joseph Bell and Alex will brave the Pretty Muddy and August boasts the first ever Acorn coffee morning, in which the keen bakers and cooks will be knocking up some delicious treats to sell.
Finally, in September, Joshua Cannell and Alex will complete the Northampton Half Marathon before Dan takes on a gruelling 100 miles in 24 hours attempt.
Acorn Analytical Services managing director Sam Savage said: “Cynthia Spencer are not new to us, we’ve joined hands on numerous occasions, most notably the Three Peaks challenge back in September. Their dedication and commitment inspire us and we are all eager to scale new peaks together.
“Starting in April, we are embarking on an audacious journey, participating in 10 fundraising events spanning over six months, including the famous Colour Run organised by Cynthia Spencer themselves.
“As we look forward to the upcoming year, we are thrilled to be walking side by side with Cynthia Spencer, giving back to the community and making a difference.”
The Acorn team hope to raise £6,000 in total, to be split across their three partner charities – Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Mesothelioma UK and Muscular Dystrophy UK.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to cover all events. All proceeds from the page will go to the three partner charities. Anyone can donate by visiting: https://gofund.me/0ee714e7
Small business group appoints new chair for the East Midlands
Britain’s biggest business group has chosen Dawn Edwards to lead volunteer local activity in the East Midlands.
Dawn, from Nottinghamshire, has become FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)’s new Regional Chair for the whole of the East Midlands region which covers areas including the counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
FSB has just celebrated it’s 50th year of supporting and representing small businesses and the self-employed, and Dawn sees her role as being a vital one to ensure FSB continues to grow its business community, with volunteering remaining essential to local business support.
Dawn Edwards is the founder and Managing Director of Challenge Consulting, an award-winning management and leadership training company based in Nottinghamshire. She said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to this key role and want to ensure that the voice of small businesses across the East Midlands region is clearly heard.
“Building a business community where we can share experiences and support each other is key to my volunteer role and I look forward to meeting businesses across East Midlands whether virtually or in person.
“I’m also looking forward to working with the local staff team who have many years’ experience of business support across the region.”
In her new role, Dawn will be looking to help champion and represent FSB locally and be a key part of the new English Policy Unit team who discuss local and national issues from across England, to ensure FSB continue to be the leading business organisation representing the needs of small businesses and self-employed to national and local government.
UK’s largest cold store facility reaches completion near Grantham
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, the temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers.
The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions.
Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -200C. The 474,283 sq ft development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy.
The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from retailers.
The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility.
Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site.
An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays.
The project also required precise coordination to accommodate 90 shipping containers of conveyor systems, and McLaren successfully managed an international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia.
With the building now operational, Magnavale has achieved a major advancement in the cold storage sector, setting new standards in automation, energy efficiency, and logistics. The facility’s scale and technological sophistication position it as one of the most advanced cold storage hubs in Europe, supporting the growing demand for high-efficiency food storage solutions.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering this project has been a remarkable achievement, showcasing McLaren’s expertise in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. This facility not only advances the UK’s cold storage infrastructure but also exemplifies our focus on sustainable and innovative building practices.”
