Author: Dillan Gandhi

Bouygues targets 2,700 new UK hires including key roles in London construction and energy sectors.

Bouygues has announced an ambitious recruitment drive for 2026, aiming to hire 30,000 people globally, of which 2,700 will be in the UK. Notably, London is a primary focus area for these new roles, alongside Birmingham and the Liverpool-Manchester corridor. As the UK’s largest non-British employer, Bouygues is reinforcing its commitment to construction and energy sectors through its Colas, Bouygues Construction, and Equans divisions.

For high-end residential construction projects across London and the Home Counties, this influx of skilled labour is significant. It reflects broader industry trends addressing workforce shortages and the increasing complexity of urban construction, particularly in heritage-sensitive and sustainability-driven developments. Effective construction management will be critical to integrate new talent smoothly, ensuring projects maintain quality and timelines amid evolving workforce dynamics.

Atico Solutions recognises that such recruitment initiatives can positively impact project delivery by expanding the pool of experienced professionals familiar with the rigorous standards demanded in London and surrounding counties. Proactive planning and robust management frameworks enable the accommodation of new team members while preserving the high standards expected in premium residential construction. This development underscores the ongoing need for strategic workforce management to meet the challenges of sophisticated urban projects.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Meticulous planning and precise execution ensured the £18 million runway resurfacing met strict safety and operational demands.

Holcim UK supplied 35,000 tonnes of specially engineered aggregates for the comprehensive resurfacing of London Luton Airport’s 1.3-mile runway. This £18 million project, completed between November 2025 and March 2026, represents the first full renewal since 2006 and aligns with UK aviation safety regulations mandating resurfacing every 20 years to maintain operational compliance.

From a construction management perspective, the project posed significant challenges due to the airport’s 24-hour operations. The resurfacing work was confined to a narrow overnight window of just under six hours, requiring detailed scheduling to ensure the runway was fully operational for morning flights. Approximately 15 centimetres of the existing surface was removed each night and replaced with a durable Marshall asphalt layer designed to withstand heavy aircraft loads and variable weather.

Holcim’s supply chain was integral to the project’s success, sourcing 28,000 tonnes of aggregates from Bardon Hill Quarry and an additional 7,000 tonnes from Garside Sands. The recycling of removed planings at Holcim’s Croft facility also highlights the growing emphasis on sustainability within construction materials management.

Atico Solutions recognises that such projects demand rigorous coordination between material suppliers, contractors and airport authorities. Effective construction management is crucial in navigating tight operational windows and delivering high-specification materials on schedule. This ensures infrastructure upgrades meet both safety standards and operational continuity, a balance essential to complex developments across London and the Home Counties.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Ringway will deliver essential highways maintenance services across Kent under a new £50 million annual contract.

Kent County Council has appointed Ringway to manage its highways maintenance contract for the next 21 years, valued at £50 million annually. This extensive Term Maintenance Contract covers a broad scope of services including road repairs, winter gritting, drainage management, bridge inspections and maintenance, alongside a 24/7 emergency response capability.

From a construction management perspective, such a long-term contract provides stability and continuity, enabling the contractor to plan and allocate resources effectively over an extended period. The transition from the previous contractor, Amey, who supported major infrastructure projects and introduced innovative technologies, highlights the importance of maintaining service quality while fostering ongoing improvements in network resilience and safety.

For commercial construction projects and infrastructure development within Kent and the wider Home Counties, this contract underscores the critical role of proactive asset management and timely maintenance in reducing disruption and extending the lifespan of key transport routes. Effective collaboration between council authorities and contractors is essential to balance routine maintenance with the demands of larger scale infrastructure schemes.

At Atico Solutions, we recognise that meticulous construction management is vital to navigating the complexities of such contracts. Coordinating multiple maintenance activities while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards requires robust planning and communication. This approach helps projects progress smoothly, minimising delays and ensuring road users experience consistent service quality throughout the contract term.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Star Power’s relocation to Avonmouth enhances operational efficiency and supports regional growth in construction logistics.

Star Power has relocated its South West depot from Portishead to a larger, more strategically positioned facility in Avonmouth, near the M5 motorway. This move aims to improve equipment accessibility and reduce delivery times, reflecting a broader trend in construction logistics towards optimising supply chain efficiency in regional hubs.

From a construction management perspective, the consolidation of operations into a single, well-designed site facilitates better coordination between engineering and logistics teams. Enhanced site layout and increased space contribute to smoother workflows and higher service standards, which are critical in managing complex residential and commercial projects across London, Greater London, and the Home Counties.

The Avonmouth facility also aligns with environmental sustainability goals by reducing the company’s operational footprint. This focus on sustainable practices is increasingly important in construction management, particularly when navigating planning and policy frameworks in areas such as Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire, where environmental impact assessments are a key consideration.

Atico Solutions recognises that effective construction management depends on streamlined logistics and operational efficiency. Star Power’s strategic move exemplifies how careful planning and investment in infrastructure can support project delivery timelines and quality while responding to evolving industry demands and regional development trends.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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A national retrofit strategy can unlock the potential of heritage assets to meet climate goals in London and the surrounding counties.

At a recent industry conference, a significant focus was placed on the role of heritage buildings in contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Experts agreed that rather than being seen as obstacles, listed and historic buildings across London, Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire can be integral to achieving sustainability targets if approached with the right framework.

The discussion highlighted the importance of developing a national retrofit strategy that prioritises investment in decarbonising heritage assets. This aligns with the broader policy direction advocating for enhanced funding and tailored methods to improve energy efficiency while respecting the architectural and historical value of these buildings. Such a strategy would support the balance between preserving cultural heritage and meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards in construction and refurbishment.

From a construction management perspective, successfully navigating heritage projects requires a nuanced understanding of both conservation principles and modern sustainability techniques. Effective collaboration between conservation officers, sustainability specialists, and contractors is essential to deliver compliant, energy-efficient solutions without compromising the historic fabric.

Atico Solutions recognises that meticulous planning and proactive stakeholder engagement are vital in managing heritage projects within the London and Home Counties region. By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices with heritage expertise, construction managers can help ensure that these buildings remain viable and valuable assets in the evolving low-carbon built environment.

Source: Construction Management

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Wates appoints George Mosey as permanent MD for London construction to drive performance and customer outcomes.

Wates Group has confirmed George Mosey as managing director for construction in London following a successful interim period. With over 17 years of senior industry experience, Mosey’s appointment reflects a commitment to leadership stability and operational excellence within one of the capital’s key construction firms.

In practical terms, Mosey’s role centres on steering Wates Construction London’s strategy and day-to-day operations with a clear focus on performance and delivering positive customer outcomes. His leadership builds on a continuous improvement programme initiated earlier in 2025, aiming to enhance efficiency and quality across projects. This approach is particularly relevant in the high-end residential sector, where meticulous attention to detail and client satisfaction are paramount.

For construction management professionals operating in London and the Home Counties, such leadership appointments underscore the importance of strong governance and strategic direction in navigating complex developments. Effective management ensures that projects meet stringent standards while adapting to evolving market demands and regulatory frameworks.

At Atico Solutions, it is evident that robust construction leadership like Mosey’s plays a crucial role in maintaining momentum and delivering excellence. Clear strategic vision combined with a focus on continuous improvement helps high-end residential projects progress smoothly from planning through to completion, benefiting clients and stakeholders alike.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Planning consent for 1,600 homes in Newham will revitalise a brownfield site with mixed-use space and community amenities.

The London Borough of Newham has granted planning consent for a significant residential-led development in the Royal Docks, marking a pivotal step in the regeneration of this underutilised industrial brownfield site. Ballymore’s project will deliver 1,667 new homes, including affordable and family housing, alongside over 11,000 square metres of flexible workspace designed to maintain the area's productive character while introducing new residential uses.

Designed by Allies & Morrison, the scheme complements Ballymore’s existing Royal Wharf and Riverscape developments, which together form a substantial community of over 4,100 homes. The new development will enhance local infrastructure with more than 10,000 square metres of public realm and 8,000 square metres of communal open space, prioritising pedestrian and cycle routes and activating ground floor frontages to encourage local business and community engagement.

From a construction management perspective, projects of this scale and complexity demand rigorous coordination to balance residential and commercial requirements, especially when integrating public amenities and green spaces such as the £1 million investment earmarked for Lyle Park improvements. Effective stakeholder management and phased construction planning will be essential to minimise disruption and ensure timely delivery.

Atico Solutions recognises that high-quality construction management is crucial in navigating planning conditions and delivering mixed-use developments that respond to both community needs and economic objectives. This approval reflects a positive trend in London and the Home Counties towards sustainable urban regeneration, where careful planning and execution can transform former industrial sites into vibrant, multifunctional neighbourhoods.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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 The completion of the Rivenhall facility highlights how sustainable infrastructure projects are reshaping construction across Essex.

The recent handover of the Rivenhall Integrated Waste Management Facility in Kelvedon, Essex, represents a significant achievement in regional construction and environmental infrastructure development. Commenced in October 2022 and completed by April 2026, this facility is the first Waste to Energy plant in Essex designed to process nearly 600,000 tonnes of residual waste annually while generating 55MW of electricity, sufficient to power over 125,700 homes.

From a construction management perspective, delivering a complex, two-line energy plant within a former quarry setting required meticulous planning and coordination. The project’s success hinged on effective collaboration between Kanadevia Inova and Indaver, ensuring that the construction and commissioning phases met stringent operational and environmental standards. The integration of long-term service agreements further highlights the importance of ongoing support post-handover to maintain operational efficiency.

This development not only addresses local waste management challenges by reducing landfill dependency and carbon emissions associated with long-distance waste transport but also exemplifies how sustainable infrastructure projects can be delivered within the Home Counties. Atico Solutions recognises that such projects benefit greatly from comprehensive construction management practices that prioritise site-specific challenges, stakeholder collaboration and future-proofing through service continuity. These elements are crucial in realising infrastructure that supports both environmental goals and community needs.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Van Elle’s deepest continuous flight auger piles at Bow Green demonstrate advanced foundation solutions for complex London projects.

Van Elle’s Rock & Alluvium division has completed the installation of continuous flight auger (CFA) piles up to 40 metres deep at Berkeley Group’s Bow Green development in London. This marks the deepest CFA piling operation undertaken by Van Elle and is among the deepest in the UK. Over a nine-week period, 594 piles ranging from 400mm to 750mm in diameter were installed using specialist rigs, including the Llamada P240 and Soilmec SR-45, complemented by a Klemm 709 for areas with restricted access. This approach ensured efficient installation despite the site’s challenging conditions.

The Bow Green site is uniquely constrained, situated between active railway lines, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, and Bow Common Lane. These factors require meticulous logistical planning and technical precision to mitigate risks associated with proximity to live rail infrastructure and residential neighbourhoods. The foundation work supports four residential blocks, including social housing, as part of a wider regeneration delivering up to 1,764 homes across buildings up to 19 storeys high, alongside significant landscaped green space on a former gas works site.

From a construction management perspective, this project underscores the importance of advanced piling techniques and specialist equipment to meet the demands of urban developments within Greater London. Careful coordination with stakeholders and adherence to stringent safety protocols are essential to navigate complex site constraints. Effective management ensures that deep foundation solutions contribute to the structural integrity and longevity of high-density residential projects while respecting the surrounding environment.

Atico Solutions recognises that successful delivery of such technically demanding groundwork relies on comprehensive planning, robust risk management, and the integration of cutting-edge construction technologies. These elements are critical in facilitating smooth project progression in sensitive urban locations, ultimately supporting the regeneration and sustainable development objectives that are central to London and the Home Counties.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Delays in retention payments continue to place pressure on cash flow and quality assurance across heritage construction projects.

Recent research highlights that over half of construction professionals have faced delays in retention releases or final account settlements within the past year. This issue is particularly pertinent in the management of listed buildings and heritage projects across London, Greater London, and the Home Counties, where meticulous quality control and cash flow management are critical.

The delays stem partly from fragmented communication between site teams, commercial departments and finance, leading to unreliable live data on project margins and costs. For heritage projects, where compliance with stringent safety and quality standards is essential, these administrative inefficiencies can hinder timely decision-making and risk compromising defect rectification processes.

Government reforms banning retention payments aim to improve cash flow for smaller contractors but present challenges in heritage work, where retention has traditionally ensured that defects are addressed post-completion. Without retention, the risk increases that contractors may be less incentivised to return for necessary remedial works, potentially impacting the long-term preservation of listed structures.

Effective construction management in this environment requires robust systems that maintain clear, real-time records linking site activity with financial reporting. This transparency supports prompt payment processing and helps safeguard quality standards. Atico Solutions recognises that integrating comprehensive project data and fostering close collaboration between all stakeholders is vital to navigating these evolving payment practices while preserving the integrity of heritage construction projects.

Source: Planning, Building & Construction Today

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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