Author: Dillan Gandhi

Innovative carbon-storing materials are being trialled in London’s high-end office refurbishments to support net zero goals.

Overbury’s installation of Adaptavate’s Breathaboard at Legal & General’s new London headquarters at 10 Coleman Street marks a significant step in low-carbon construction within Greater London. The project, aiming for operational Net Zero emissions by 2030, retains approximately 95% of the existing building’s structure and integrates low-carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps.

The use of Breathaboard, a carbon-storing wallboard, represents an innovative approach to reducing embodied carbon in fit-out works. By capturing and storing carbon within the building fabric, this material contributes to lowering the overall carbon footprint of the refurbishment, aligning with the increasingly stringent sustainability requirements for high-end commercial developments in London and the Home Counties.

From a construction management perspective, adopting new materials like Breathaboard requires careful coordination during installation and close collaboration with product innovators to ensure performance data is accurately captured. This trial phase is essential for validating the practical application of carbon-negative products in complex refurbishment projects.

Atico Solutions recognises that effective construction management is critical in navigating the integration of emerging sustainable technologies. By maintaining rigorous oversight and fostering strong partnerships with suppliers and contractors, projects can successfully incorporate innovative solutions that meet both environmental targets and client expectations, ultimately advancing the delivery of sustainable, high-quality developments across London and the surrounding 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.

Back to blog

The acquisition strengthens construction supply chains across London and the Home Counties with high-quality fencing solutions.

BRCK Group's recent acquisition of H. S. Jackson & Son marks a significant development in the supply of premium fencing and perimeter security products across London, Greater London, and the Home Counties, including Kent and Surrey. This move enhances access to high-quality timber and steel fencing solutions, which are critical for both residential and commercial construction projects in these regions.

H. S. Jackson & Son, established in 1947 and headquartered in Ashford, Kent, is renowned for its durable fencing products backed by 25-year guarantees against rot and insect damage. Their expertise spans a wide range of sectors such as government infrastructure, education, industrial sites, and premium residential developments. The company’s proprietary Jakcure process ensures longevity and reliability, factors that are increasingly important in construction projects subject to stringent planning and heritage requirements in the Home Counties and London.

For construction managers, this acquisition means easier procurement of trusted fencing and perimeter security systems that meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards. It supports the growing demand for secure, long-lasting boundary solutions in sensitive development areas, including those with heritage considerations or requiring acoustic barriers.

Atico Solutions recognises that effective construction management benefits from strong partnerships with suppliers who provide quality, guaranteed products. BRCK’s integration of H. S. Jackson & Son aligns with the need for reliable materials and services that help projects progress smoothly through planning and construction phases, ensuring compliance and client satisfaction 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.

Back to blog

Fraudulent health and safety test results in Essex have been revoked following a prison sentence for the organiser.

A recent investigation into fraudulent Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) testing in Essex has resulted in a significant prison sentence for the primary offender. William White, co-director of a training centre in Halstead, was sentenced to over two years in prison for facilitating 511 fraudulent CITB HS&E tests. Two other individuals involved received suspended sentences and community service. The fraudulent results have since been revoked by the CITB, safeguarding the integrity of health and safety qualifications within the region.

This case highlights the critical importance of rigorous verification and compliance processes in construction-related testing and certification. In practical terms, construction managers operating across London, Greater London, and the Home Counties, including Essex, must remain vigilant when engaging with training providers and ensure all health and safety qualifications are legitimate and up to date. The consequences of relying on compromised certification can be severe, potentially affecting project safety standards, regulatory compliance, and reputational standing.

Atico Solutions recognises that strong construction management frameworks play a vital role in mitigating risks associated with fraudulent activities. By maintaining thorough due diligence, regular audits, and clear communication channels with certifying bodies, projects can progress smoothly without compromising on safety. This incident serves as a reminder that robust oversight not only protects workers on site but also supports the wider construction ecosystem in maintaining high standards across all stages of development.

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.

Back to blog

The Clare House redevelopment will deliver 145 affordable homes with a focus on sustainability and community regeneration.

Clarion Housing Group has confirmed The Hill Group as the main contractor for the Clare House redevelopment in Tower Hamlets, London. This project will deliver 145 new homes exclusively for social rent, addressing the acute housing demand in the borough while contributing to the wider regeneration efforts in the area.

Construction management for this scheme involves careful coordination of multiple phases, beginning with improvement works to the nearby Jasmine Park play space, which started in May 2026. Main construction is scheduled to commence in April 2027, with completion expected in 2029. Such timelines require meticulous planning to ensure smooth transitions between site preparation, construction, and community engagement activities.

The redevelopment has been redesigned to meet modern standards of sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. This emphasis reflects current trends in high-end construction management across London and Greater London, where delivering environmentally responsible social housing is a priority. The project also highlights the importance of collaboration, as Clarion and Hill have built a strong partnership on previous developments, fostering quality and sustainable community outcomes.

From a construction management perspective, projects like Clare House underscore the value of integrated planning, stakeholder coordination, and adherence to sustainability benchmarks. Effective management ensures that social housing schemes not only meet delivery deadlines but also contribute positively to the urban fabric and residents’ quality of life.

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.

Back to blog

The latest digital innovations are transforming heritage construction management in London and the surrounding Home Counties.

Digital Construction Week, returning to Excel London this June, provides a vital platform for exploring how cutting-edge technology is reshaping construction management, including heritage and listed building projects across London, Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. The event showcases developments in AI, BIM, digital twins, robotics, and net zero strategies, all of which have practical applications in managing complex restoration and conservation work.

For heritage projects, where precision and sensitivity to historic fabric are paramount, digital tools such as reality capture and information management platforms enable more accurate documentation and planning. BIM facilitates the integration of conservation requirements into project workflows, ensuring compliance with listed building regulations while improving communication between stakeholders. Robotics and digital twins offer innovative ways to monitor and simulate interventions, reducing risk and enhancing decision-making.

From a construction management perspective, embracing these technologies helps streamline project delivery in areas with stringent heritage controls. It allows teams to anticipate challenges, coordinate multidisciplinary inputs effectively, and maintain transparency with regulatory bodies. This approach is particularly crucial in London and the Home Counties, where the density of listed buildings demands meticulous planning and execution.

At Atico Solutions, recognising the value of digital construction advances is essential to navigating the complexities of heritage projects. Integrating these tools into our management processes supports the preservation of architectural heritage while delivering high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.

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.

Back to blog

Innovative materials and processes are reducing carbon emissions in residential road projects across Greater London.

A recent residential road improvement in the London Borough of Redbridge highlights significant progress in low carbon construction techniques. Heidelberg Materials UK, in partnership with Kenson Highways, utilised evoZero cement and advanced asphalt technologies to deliver a project with substantially reduced carbon emissions. The evoZero cement is produced using carbon capture technology in Norway, allowing for near-zero carbon cement to be supplied without increasing transport emissions. This cement was used in kerbs, edging haunching, and the footway sub-base, demonstrating its versatility in residential infrastructure.

The project also incorporated asphalt containing 25 per cent reclaimed asphalt and a bio-binder known as CarbonLock, which absorbs and permanently locks CO₂ within the pavement. This innovation contributes to a 25 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional hot mix asphalt. Additionally, the asphalt was produced using Heidelberg’s Era 140 warm mix process, which lowers production temperatures by up to 40ºC, cutting fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 15 per cent. This method also improves working conditions and accelerates project delivery.

From a construction management perspective, this project exemplifies the importance of close collaboration with suppliers and technical teams to integrate novel materials effectively. Managing the supply chain to ensure product performance while meeting sustainability targets is essential for achieving carbon reduction goals in high-end residential projects. Such coordinated efforts enable projects to progress smoothly and deliver on environmental commitments without compromising quality or timelines.

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.

Back to blog

Industry leaders gather in London to explore digital tools shaping construction management and project delivery.

Digital Construction Week, held at London’s Excel, offers an intensive two-day programme showcasing the latest advances in digital construction technology and practices, attracting over 9,000 professionals from across London, Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. The event provides a comprehensive platform with more than 230 seminars and 150 exhibitors, focusing on practical applications of digital tools within the built environment.

Key sessions examine critical themes such as asset intelligence, the integration of AI in compliance and decision-making, and the evolution of Building Information Modelling (BIM) over the past decade. Discussions led by industry experts highlight how digital twins can transcend mere visualisation to deliver actionable project intelligence, while emerging platforms promise to enhance real-time collaboration among site teams, subcontractors, and clients. These innovations address long-standing challenges in construction management, including improving data accuracy, streamlining communication, and automating compliance processes.

For construction management in London and the Home Counties, the event underscores the importance of adopting digital strategies that align with regional planning and development priorities. Effective management of digital workflows can significantly reduce project risks and costs, particularly in heritage-sensitive areas and complex commercial developments common in these regions. At Atico Solutions, the emphasis on integrating digital tools with traditional project oversight ensures smoother coordination and more informed decision-making, enabling projects to progress efficiently through planning and construction phases while meeting high standards of quality and sustainability.

Source: Construction Management

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

Back to blog

A major joint venture is underway to manage the two-decade redevelopment of Old Oak in West London.

The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has initiated a search for a private sector partner to oversee a £12 billion joint venture focused on the regeneration of Old Oak, a significant brownfield site in West London. This ambitious project spans around 31 hectares and is set to transform the area into a vibrant urban district anchored by the new Old Oak Common station, which will connect High Speed 2, the Elizabeth line, the Great Western Mainline, and the Heathrow Express.

In practical construction management terms, this project presents a complex, long-term challenge. Coordinating the delivery of approximately 8,000 homes, including affordable options, alongside up to 200,000 square metres of commercial and community space, requires meticulous planning, phased construction, and strong stakeholder engagement. The integration of new community facilities, parks, and a canal-side neighbourhood further calls for sensitive design and heritage considerations within a heavily urbanised environment.

The scale and duration of the contract, with a 20-year term and a potential 10-year extension, highlight the importance of robust governance and risk management frameworks. Effective construction management will be essential to navigate regulatory requirements, infrastructure interfaces, and the evolving needs of the local community over the two decades of development.

Atico Solutions recognises that projects of this magnitude benefit greatly from experienced construction management. Clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and adaptive scheduling ensure that complex urban regeneration schemes like Old Oak progress smoothly, delivering quality outcomes that meet both commercial and community aspirations.

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.

Back to blog

The rebrand unifies fit-out services under a historic name with a growing order book and market confidence.

Paragon, a specialist fit-out contractor established in 2005 and acquired by Interserve in 2013, has rebranded as Tilbury Douglas Fit Out. This change aligns its fit-out and refurbishment capabilities with the Tilbury Douglas brand, which carries a long heritage dating back to 1884. The rebrand aims to present a clearer identity for clients and partners across the construction and refurbishment sectors, particularly in Cat A and B fit-out, workplace transformation and technically complex interior delivery.

From a construction management perspective, this rebranding signals a strategic consolidation of expertise and resources under a well-established name with a strong market presence. For projects across London, Greater London and the Home Counties including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, the alignment enhances client confidence by emphasising a unified approach to technical delivery and internal refurbishment. The growing order book, now exceeding £1.6 billion, reflects the scale and ambition of the business to offer integrated solutions that meet evolving market demands.

Effective construction management is crucial in navigating such transitions, ensuring continuity in project delivery while leveraging the broader capabilities and reputation of the Tilbury Douglas group. This rebranding exemplifies how a clear and coherent brand identity can support operational efficiency and client trust in high-end fit-out and refurbishment projects within the region.

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.

Back to blog

Innovative snake tunnels in Berkshire enable safe wildlife movement across roads to support protected habitats.

In a pioneering conservation effort within Berkshire’s Greenham and Crookham Commons, two specially designed adder underpasses have been installed to connect isolated populations of the UK’s only native venomous snake. This project marks the first use of such wildlife tunnels on UK roads, addressing the critical issue of habitat fragmentation caused by the Old Thornford Road, which previously separated these vulnerable snake groups.

From a construction management perspective, the installation of these 10-metre-long tunnels involved careful consideration of environmental and heritage factors. The structures incorporate features such as wing walls to guide the adders, gravel substrates for natural footing, and basking areas created by clearing surrounding vegetation. Removable grates allow for ongoing inspection and maintenance, ensuring the tunnels remain effective over time. These design elements reflect a sensitive approach to integrating modern infrastructure within protected heathland, a landscape of significant ecological and cultural importance in the Home Counties.

The success of this project demonstrates how construction management in heritage and conservation settings must balance technical requirements with ecological sensitivity. Coordinating with wildlife trusts and environmental agencies, managing site access to minimise disturbance, and selecting durable yet unobtrusive materials are essential practices. This initiative exemplifies how thoughtful construction management can facilitate biodiversity enhancement alongside infrastructure development, supporting the resilience of protected species and the preservation of heritage landscapes in Berkshire and the wider region.

Source: Construction Management

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

Back to blog