News

Tier one contractor Costain is conducting intensive clay investigations at a proposed site for the UK’s first planned reservoir in more than 30 years, with the aim of reducing the risk of cost overruns. The firm is leading clay compaction trials (CCTs) at the site near Abingdon, in Oxfordshire. If approved,…

This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth? Wessex Water has named 45 contractors to a framework agreement covering mechanical and electrical (M&E) minor works across its operational region. The agreement supports the delivery of the company’s AMP8 capital investment programme and is split into three…

A cladding company has been fined £225,000 following the death of a worker who fell through a fragile roof while replacing cladding panels. Leslie Bennion, 61, died after falling from a height of 6 metres while working on a roof at Gaerwen Industrial Estate in Anglesey on 24 January 2018.…

Construction sector output decreased for the fourth consecutive month amid “heightened business uncertainty” in April, according to newly released data. The latest S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data, released on Wednesday (7 May), showed an activity index of 46.6. This was up slightly from the March figure…

This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth? Procurement body Fusion21 has appointed 40 firms to its latest decarbonisation framework, which is expected to be worth up to £1.5bn over four years. The new framework replaces an earlier version and is intended to help public sector…

Ex-employees of Bowie Construction have been awarded payouts by an employment tribunal. Twelve workers brought the claim against the former groundworks specialist, which went into administration in June 2024, on the basis that it did not hold a formal consultation process. The company ceased trading in March 2024 and the…

A window manufacturing firm in Sheffield has been fined after a 19-year-old worker lost parts of two fingers in a cross-cut saw incident. Ford Windows Ltd was ordered to pay a £100,000 fine plus costs following a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates Court on 28 April, according to the Health and…

Construction activity is showing signs of having turned a corner, buoyed by a surge in housebuilding, according to the latest industry analysis. In the May 2025 edition of its construction index, Glenigan found activity had picked up pace in the three months to April, with the value of underlying project…

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is due to consider whether to reappoint the same contractor as it looks to restart a stalled railway scheme that is 70 per cent complete. Work to build White Rose Station, close to White Rose business park and White Rose shopping centre in south-west…

This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth? Moat Homes has launched a £504m procurement for repairs and maintenance across its housing portfolio, using a collaborative contracting model to support long-term strategic partnerships. The appointed contractor will carry out responsive repairs, estate maintenance and works to…