Leicestershire-based construction business, WP Developments Leicestershire Limited, now in its tenth year of trading, continues to specify West Fraser‘s CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero as its preferred flooring solutions across new build residential projects.

The firm recently completed the flooring works for 20 new-build homes on a David Wilson Homes development in Wigston, North Leicestershire. CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero were used to deck out all joists across the plots, forming the structural base for finished floors and providing a robust working surface for follow-on trades.

“Consistency and reliability are key for us, especially on larger multi plot projects,” William Woolhouse explained. “CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero give us confidence that the finished floor will stand up to site conditions and deliver the performance expected by major housebuilders.  The product quality is consistent, performance on site reliable and we have complete confidence in the finished floor which is obviously crucial. For us, it’s important that sheet materials feel solid underfoot and behave predictably from one board to the next. CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero deliver exactly that.”

In general, there is a host of reasons the company specifies the West Fraser collection. Speed of installation allows the teams to progress quickly and efficiently while the finish is dependable and durable even before the final floor coverings are installed. This combination of speed and predictability helps maintain programme momentum on multi plot developments where efficiency is critical. “They’re easy to handle, cut and fix,” William added. “Because they work so well with our standard workflow, there’s no disruption or need to adapt how we operate.”

All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation.  Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified and created from locally grown timber, cutting the embodied carbon associated with transportation.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

The post Why this Midlands firm chose West Fraser flooring on site appeared first on PHPD Online.

The new larger DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 models follow the path of innovation set by the DX230LC-9 and DX260LC-9

Develon has expanded the company’s Series 9 Smart Crawler Excavator range with the launch of the new larger DX360LC-9 37 tonne and DX400HD-9 42 tonne models, adding to a new unique and innovative excavator platform built on full electronic hydraulic (FEH) technology and integrated artificial intelligence. The new models join the 23 tonne DX230LC-9 and 26 tonne DX260LC-9 models revealed for the first time at the Bauma 2025 Exhibition and launched across Europe during last year.

Powered by the Develon DX08V engine providing an output of 227 kW (304 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1995) and a maximum torque of 1230 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm, the DX360LC-9 has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7512 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 11,113 mm.

The Develon DX08V engine is a new feature, replacing the previous Scania engine, at the heart of the DX400HD-9, providing an output of 254 kW (341 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1995) and a maximum torque of 1460 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm. The DX400HD-9 has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7512 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 11,113 mm.

New groundbreaking design

Develon Series 9 excavators represent a fundamental shift in how operators interact with heavy machines. For example, by moving from hydraulic pilot controls to a sophisticated FEH system, Develon has unlocked a suite of smart features designed to increase job site safety and precision while lowering the barrier to entry for newer operators.

Like all Series 9 machines, the new DX360LC-9 and DX400HD-9 models achieve this goal by combining 10 (ten) ground-breaking technologies and will redefine and set new industry levels of Productivity, Safety, Operator Convenience and Sustainability.

“This represents much more than just adding our next generation of excavators – it’s about setting a new standard for the whole industry,” says Stephane Dieu, Product Manager for Develon Excavators in Europe. “With our new Series 9 range, the machine is no longer just a tool — it’s an intelligent partner. By combining FEH controls with AI-powered safety and a tablet-style interface, we are giving our customers a level of control and site awareness that was previously impossible.”

The intelligence behind the power

Develon Series 9 excavators feature several industry-leading innovations:

• AI-powered safety and intelligent E-Stop: The new smart around view monitor (SAVM) camera system uses artificial intelligence to identify humans in the work zone. With the addition of a new radar system that detects objects up to 6 m away, the machine can automatically trigger an intelligent E-Stop to halt the excavator’s swing or travel if a person is detected in the danger zone set at 4 m distance.
• Operators can set Virtual Wall digital boundaries to prevent the excavator boom or bucket from striking overhead power lines or underground obstacles.
• Full electronic hydraulic (FEH) precision: The shift to FEH allows for stick steer travel via joystick thumbwheels. FEH controls also allow for greater customization, including joystick sensitivity, response time and joystick button layout, for operators to maximize precision.
• Smart-ready grading: Every Series 9 excavator is factory pre-equipped for 2D and ready to be upgraded to 3D systems, featuring built-in IMU sensors for ‘plug and play’ compatibility with providers like Trimble and Leica.
• 12-inch touch screen: A vertical tablet-style touch screen replaces the traditional monitor. It offers a customizable, split-screen interface where operators can monitor 2D grade systems, AI camera feeds and machine vitals simultaneously.

Introducing a new era of earthmoving

Develon is taking job site productivity to the next level with the Series 9 range. These next-generation crawler excavators provide smart technologies and performance and versatility features to help operators work smarter and more efficiently. Together these provide up to 10% greater fuel efficiency and up to 7% increased engine output to allow operators to move more material with less overheads.

“We’ve built on the success of our existing excavator platform with the new Series 9 machines, which are engineered with a full electric over hydraulic control system, replacing traditional mechanical pilot controls to deliver up to 10% greater fuel efficiency,” says Stephane Dieu. “A new smart around view monitor camera system, Advanced Lift Assist, remote smartphone starting and factory 2D grading system help keep operators safer and more productive.”

Increased operator productivity

With greater lifting power, the Series 9 boosts excavator operators’ productivity throughout the workday. Advanced Lift Assist, a new optional feature in the Series 9 machines, displays the excavator’s current lifting capacity and alerts operators to potential tipping hazards. Advanced Lift Assist is an industry-first technology that uses a lifting force table to highlight risk zones during manoeuvres and on slopes or uneven ground.

“Our new Advanced Lift Assist uses a colour-coded arrow system on the monitor to show operators how to work safely in various terrains,” says Stephane Dieu. “This factors in the machine’s tilt to verify safety even when operators are working on slopes, allowing operators to work confidently without the risk of rollover.”

The excavator breaker assist feature prevents blank firing, protecting internal components from unnecessary wear while reducing the physical strain on the operator. With auto breaker, constant button pressing is eliminated for smoother operation in demolition applications.

The excavator’s new optional weighing system helps operators easily monitor production levels and manage volumes to make sure dump trucks are loaded to the proper and safe capacities. Plus, the new stick steer feature lets operators steer the tracks using the joystick, which simplifies movement in tight spaces.

The newly designed joystick gives operators the ability to personalize controls for maximum comfort and ease. It enhances movement with options like stick steer and thumbwheel steer, in addition to traditional levers and pedals. This flexibility ensures smoother, more precise operation that is tailored to the operator’s preferred style, making every task easier to manage.

Advanced Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) technology is used to continuously monitor critical components like hydraulic oil, engine oil and main pumps. This smart system predicts maintenance needs to help minimize downtime and lower service costs. The premium option includes the controller, pressure sensors, vibration sensors to provide diagnosis, and abnormality detection functions for the main pump, swing motor and swing reduction gear.

Available through the My Develon fleet management app, a Bluetooth^®-enabled digital key lets operators unlock the cab and start the engine without a physical key.

For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

The post Develon expands Series 9 excavator range appeared first on PHPD Online.

The new Spring Summer 2026 launch from Bathrooms to Love, the premium bathroom brand from leading distributor, PJH, is full of sophisticated new designs and inspiration to take customers to the next level.

Featuring over a hundred product additions, from new on-pointe designs to the latest bathroom innovations, the refreshed Collection is packed full of aspirational ideas and presented in an enhanced 348-page brochure layout (See it Here).

Satisfying the latest up and coming bathroom trends, the new portfolio continues to take inspiration from nature, focussing on muted colour palettes, natural tones, organic forms, and contrasting finishes and textures. Paired with premium product quality and reliability, alongside PJH’s class-leading, next-day, nationwide delivery service, makes for a perfect all-round bathroom supply solution.

Highlights of the Collection span the Modular Furniture, Ceramics, Heating, and Showering categories, supported with aspirational new brochure photography, product tips and advice. In furniture, CHIC is the epitome of modern, understated style – a floor-standing, handleless range with a unique circular door design, elegant metal legs and ample cupboard storage. Meanwhile the popular KUBA range has been extended to include further handleless units in its fluted, oak- and walnut-effect, textured finishes. It also welcomes a new Matt White colour option, boasting the same soft, signature curves and flexible storage.

In ceramics, going one step beyond rimless WCs, is Bathrooms to Love’s own new SWIRLUX toilet range. Featuring innovative rimless 360° flushing technology, these toilets have been carefully designed and moulded to provide a unique swirling action to help reduce water usage, whilst maximising toilet efficiency. This category also welcomes new COMFORT-HEIGHT WC’s, as well as new statement WASHBOWLS.

Industrial design elegance from a new GUNMETAL finish, is an introduction to the showering category. With deep, dark grey metallic accents, new Iconix Wetroom Panels with a Gunmetal profile project high-end, sophisticated looks. To coordinate, a new shower and brassware range, also in striking Gunmetal, joins the Collection. Other additions to showering include an innovative WETROOM STORAGE SHELF column, and ULTRA-SLIM TRAYS boasting an incredibly strong yet lightweight structure.

On the heating front, a luxurious new ELECTRIC RADIATOR family includes an intelligent built-in thermostat control with a sleek, modern design. With great energy saving properties this range is available in a variety of styles and finishes. In addition, three new stylish standard LADDER RADIATOR ranges also join this category.

This latest launch is supported with new showroom POS, attractive display deals, video reels, augmented reality sales tools, social media promotion, website updates, consumer PR activity, and of course, PJH’s excellent ‘First Choice’ service promise. Available to order now via the PJH Partners Portal.

Further information: Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0345 450 8932 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

The post Bathrooms to Love launches Spring Summer range appeared first on PHPD Online.

Award-winning homebuilder Lioncourt Homes has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting biodiversity and wildlife across its developments after becoming a part of the Homes for Nature initiative, led by the Future Homes Hub.

A street scene from Lioncourt’s Martley Fields development 

Homes for Nature complements the Government’s Biodiversity Net Gain targets and encourages housebuilders to take a more proactive approach to supporting wildlife within new communities.

As part of the commitment, Lioncourt Homes will introduce a range of ecological measures designed to create nature-inclusive developments that support local ecosystems while enhancing residents’ wellbeing.

Under the scheme, every new home delivered by Lioncourt Homes will include an integral universal bird nesting brick or box and hedgehog highways. These simple but effective features provide safe nesting and movement routes for wildlife and will be delivered as standard on all new developments.

In addition to these measures, Lioncourt Homes will continue to incorporate nature-friendly planting schemes designed to support pollinators and enhance ecological diversity, alongside sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) where appropriate. These features may include rain gardens, balancing ponds and permeable surfaces, which help manage surface water responsibly while also creating valuable habitats for wildlife.

Furthermore, the commitment encourages a range of additional ecological enhancements, many of which are already being delivered across Lioncourt developments. These include insect and bee bricks, bat roosting tiles and boxes, bug hotels and hibernacula, providing vital shelter for insects, birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians throughout the year.

Lioncourt Homes will review progress annually and report on installations, working closely with the Future Homes Hub to monitor outcomes and identify opportunities to further enhance biodiversity.

Interpretation boards will also be installed within public open spaces to help residents understand the ecological features within their community and the benefits they bring.

Gemma Corrigan, Senior Urban Designer at Lioncourt Homes, said: “Joining the Homes for Nature initiative marks an important step in the continued evolution of Lioncourt Homes as we scale the business and strengthen our technical and environmental standards across every new development.

“Working in partnership with the Future Homes Hub allows us to embed robust ecological measures into our core specification from the outset, ensuring the homes and communities we create are resilient, future-ready and aligned with long-term biodiversity objectives.

“By standardising these features across our pipeline, we’re not only supporting wildlife and enhancing green infrastructure today, but also future proofing our developments.

“In creating new ecological spaces it is essential that our approach to design and delivery continues to improve as well as perform both environmentally and socially for years to come.”

The living room of Lioncourt’s showhome at Martley Fields

Ed Lockhart, CEO at Future Homes Hub, said: “Homes for Nature was conceived to help make sure new homes bring benefits in terms of improved wildlife as well as places for people to live and wider economic benefits.

“At a national level, this initiative, which Lioncourt Homes has committed to alongside 27 other leading developers, has the potential to make a major contribution in the survival of important species such as swifts and hedgehogs. I was delighted to see that the swifts were already making themselves at home.”

The Homes for Nature commitment will run until 2030 and applies to all new planning applications submitted from September 2024 onwards.

Lioncourt Homes’ first development to deliver all measures in full will be Foxwood Place, a new scheme in Fernhill Heath near Worcester.

Located off Dilmore Lane, Foxwood Place will deliver up to 130 new homes alongside generous areas of public open space, providing the ideal setting to demonstrate Lioncourt’s comprehensive ecologically led approach.

Lioncourt Homes recently secured a five-star customer satisfaction rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) for the 11th consecutive year, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to quality, sustainability and customer care.

For more information on Lioncourt Homes, please visit www.lioncourthomes.com.

The post Lioncourt Homes strengthens ecological commitment through Homes for Nature initiative appeared first on PHPD Online.

Chris Hemmings, Partner, Carter Jonas discusses density: The Building Safety Act is not the only barrier to building upwards. What needs to change to unlock delivery?

The word ‘density’ is increasingly used in the context of planning and development. In places with the greatest need for new homes, land is scarce, boundaries are tight and opportunities to expand outwards are limited. In those circumstances, building more homes almost inevitably means building more densely.

Unpacking the density gap

And yet the UK is failing to do so. Centre for Cities’ report Flat Britain: The urban density gap and how to close it shows that if British cities were built at the density of their French or Japanese peers, they would contain at least 2.3 million additional homes across their urban cores.  Furthermore, if the density of London’s urban core (Zones 1 – 3) matched that of Paris, the capital would have at least 500,000 more homes. The problem is not limited to London: the report also states that the density gap is greatest in Britain’s big cities outside of London – these 12 alone comprise over half of the total gap.

Recent data from the Greater London Authority shows that the number of flats and houses being built has declined in each of the past three years, from 38,987 in 2021-22 to 28,756 in 2024-25. In the first half of 2025 , fewer than 2,200 homes began construction in London, according to data from Molior, compared with 8,500 in the first six months of 2022 and more than 13,500 in the first half of 2018.

Additionally, GLA data shows that London’s housebuilding has fallen to its lowest level in more thana decade and cites the difficulty in getting official approval to build flats from the building safety regulator after the cladding crisis.

That logic for higher density is well understood by planners and policymakers: it is acknowledged that higher-density development supports sustainable transport, makes better use of existing infrastructure and helps to underpin town centres and local services. In theory, it is an efficient response to constrained urban conditions. In practice, delivering density has become increasingly difficult, due to market and regulatory factors.

Now more than ever, there is a substantial gap between the political ambition for density (which will be fundamental to housing targets being met) and delivery on the ground.  This is most evident in London, though the issues are increasingly apparent  across other urban areas too.

New bottlenecks emerge

The Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced with the important objective of tightening the regime and restoring confidence in higher-risk buildings following the Grenfell Tower fire. Few in the industry would dispute the need for a stronger safety regime and more effective oversight. However, its implementation has brought with it approval bottlenecks  with knock-on effects for how and where developers are prepared to build.

The requirement for Building Safety Regulator sign-off at Gateway 2, before works can begin on higher risk buildings, has introduced a new layer of uncertainty into development programmes. Target timescales are frequently exceeded, and in the absence of settled precedent, developers are often unable to predict how long approvals will take. For schemes that rely on height to achieve viability, this uncertainty quickly becomes a material risk.

Cost pressures mount

The problem is compounded by cost pressures. The requirement for second staircases in buildings over 18 metres reduces net internal area and efficiency. Furthermore, compliance costs add up across design, procurement and construction and taken together, these factors have encouraged a shift away from taller buildings towards mid-rise.

The forthcoming Building Safety Levy (proposed for October 2026) adds another layer to an already complex viability picture. Although the levy is modest when viewed in isolation, it does not operate in isolation – sitting alongside high affordable housing requirements, biodiversity net gain, energy performance standards and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges, all at a time when the Government’s Help to Buy scheme was phased out and Registered Providers focused investment on their existing stock.

On marginal urban sites, where density is often the only route to making schemes stack up, these cumulative burdens matter. The levy is payable early in a scheme’s life and in full, which has implications for cashflow as well as headline viability. For larger developers this may be absorbed, albeit reluctantly. For SME developers who lack the same economies of scale, the impact is proportionally greater.

Policy responses  

Due to the rapid slowdown in completions in London as a result of  recent regulatory changes and general market conditions, the GLA is consulting on changes to its affordable housing policies for a temporary short period to help stimulate the development market, most notably a reduction in the fast-track affordable housing planning route threshold from 35% to 20% on privately owned sites.  The Government is also consulting on providing CIL relief for residential schemes in London, also for a short-term period. Whether the short period of time for implementation makes a real difference to market activity, remains to be seen.

Moreover, these changes may call into question the introduction of the Building Safety Levy, or provide justification for greater relief for residential schemes where viability is already problematic.

Alongside safety and cost, potential leasehold reform adds another layer of uncertainty. The Government has stated its ambition to move towards commonhold for new flats and is currently consulting on a Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. However, the timing and practical transition could significantly impact development output.

Commonhold remains largely untested at scale in England and Wales. The majority of developers are cautious about being early adopters, lenders remain unconvinced about risk and security and buyers are wary of a step into the unknown.

The outlook  

From my perspective, a balanced approach is essential. Reforming leasehold to address its shortcomings while building confidence in commonhold over time would allow the market to adjust. Moving too quickly risks undermining the apartment market on which higher-density delivery depends.

There are ways to reconcile density with safety and deliverability. Mid-rise buildings, typically between six and ten storeys, can achieve high densities without triggering the most onerous aspects of the higher-risk regime (although any residential scheme of 7 storeys or at least 18 metres high  requires approval from the Building Safety Regulator). Mansion blocks and perimeter blocks deliver efficient layouts and good amenity while sitting comfortably within established urban fabric.

Construction methods also matter. Robust structural systems, simple geometries and repeatable design solutions are easier to verify and less prone to delay. Early engagement with the Regulator, particularly where modern methods of construction are proposed, can reduce risk later in the process.

Crucially, the regulatory system itself could evolve. A more proportionate approach for simpler or mid-rise schemes, clearer guidance on Gateway submissions and better integration between planning and building control would all improve predictability without compromising safety.

The need for density is not going away. If anything, it will intensify as housing targets remain under pressure and urban land becomes scarcer. The question is whether the current framework allows that density to be delivered at scale.

Safety must remain paramount. But safety delivered through uncertainty, delay and cumulative cost risks suppressing supply. A more calibrated approach, one that recognises different levels of risk, supports viable schemes and manages reform carefully, would help to close the growing gap between ambition and delivery.

If we want more homes in the places people need them most, we need to make building upwards possible again, not just in policy terms, but in practice.

For more information on Carter Jonas visit Carter Jonas Estate Agents & Property Consultants

The post What’s stopping building density? appeared first on PHPD Online.

Cameron Homes has exchanged contracts to acquire a 2 Ha (5-acre) site in the Worcestershire village of Honeybourne, on the north-western fringes of The Cotswolds. Outline planning is in place for 40 dwellings, granted by Wychavon District Council.

Accessed from Stratford Road, the site is within a short walk of village amenities and a 15-minute walk from Honeybourne train station, which has frequent services to Evesham, Worcester and London. The direct service to Paddington station takes under 100 minutes.

Sheldon Boseley Knight acted on behalf of the vendor, with Deeley Group securing the outline planning consent in mid-2025. 40% of the homes are to be allocated for affordable housing.

The Staffordshire-headquartered five-star HBF housebuilder has previously constructed developments in the nearby villages of Long Marston, Lower Quinton, Luddington, Blockley, and Tredington. White Ridge Architecture has been appointed by Cameron Homes to prepare a Reserved Matters application for submission to the local planning authority this summer.

John Hickman, Group Land Director for Tara Group and Cameron Homes, said: “We’re really pleased to secure this site, as Honeybourne is such a highly desirable North Cotswolds village with so many scenic attractions within easy reach. Future residents will be able to reap the benefits of a semi-rural lifestyle, while having shops, amenities and Honeybourne train station in easy walking distance.”

“We’ll be submitting a detailed planning application for a quintessential £14m Cameron development of beautifully designed and detailed family houses this summer.”

Charles Davis, Director of Sheldon Bosley Knight, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Cameron Homes on this land deal, which will see this prime site brought forward for much needed family and affordable housing. We look forward to seeing the plans come to life later this year.”

The exterior elevations of the 40 homes will be traditionally styled with brick and render to complement the local vernacular. Many of the new dwellings will have frontages to both Stratford Road and Mickleton Road, while others will have views over the open space and fields to the south of the site.

The latest green energy features will be incorporated into this scheme, with a very high EPC rating targeted. Specification highlights will include Smart Hive thermostats, electric vehicle car chargers, and solar PV panels.

The majority of the existing hedgerow around the site will be maintained and managed. As part of the development programme, Cameron Homes will also deliver ecological enhancements and increase the biodiversity of the site through the creation of attenuation ponds and other SUDS features for wildlife habitats.

Honeybourne benefits from a post office and local shops, two pubs, a primary academy, recreational spaces, a refurbished village hall, takeaways, and the regional family attraction All Things Wild. Broadway – referred to as ‘the jewel of The Cotswolds’ is under five miles from the development site.

Established in 1994, Cameron Homes is currently delivering over 200 homes across 11 live developments and has a pipeline of future sites expected to deliver circa 1,000 new homes.

For further information on Cameron Homes: https://cameronhomes.co.uk/  

The post Cameron Homes acquires north Cotswolds site appeared first on PHPD Online.

Staffordshire-headquartered Cameron Homes has acquired a three-acre site in Rutland’s county town of Oakham, which has detailed planning consent for 50 open market houses. The site forms the final undeveloped residential land of the Barleythorpe Sustainable Urban Extension, where circa 1,000 new homes have been built over a 14-year period.

The site is accessed south of Wheatfield Way via an existing scheme constructed by Allison Homes, who has sold the final two parcels of land to Cameron Homes. Other housebuilders that have delivered new homes across the consortium site since Outline planning was granted in 2011 include Bellway and Charles Church.

Cameron Homes will commence work on site during the spring, with the target date for the first residents to take occupation being Q4 2026.

John Hickman, Group Land Director for Tara Group and Cameron Homes, said: “We are very pleased to acquire this excellent site in Oakham, as we will be able to launch it to the market this year. We’ll get spades in the ground during the spring and work to handover the first of the homes before the end of 2026.

“Securing an ‘oven-ready’ development opportunity with detailed planning for open market housing enables us to deliver the quality product that’s synonymous with the Cameron brand. We’re proud that the Oakham North consortium site will be concluded by a housebuilder with a 30-year reputation for constructing thoughtful, energy-efficient homes.”

Oakham town centre offers a range of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as good schools and transport links. The local station provides direct trains to cities and towns such as Birmingham and Leicester, with regular services to London Kings Cross via Peterborough.

The exterior elevations of the 50 homes will be constructed in buff brick and complementary grey roof tiles. Traditional design features will include soldier course brick headers and sills, plain casement windows with a horizontal glazing bar, formal panelled doors, and porches or canopies. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into this scheme, with a very high EPC rating targeted. Specification highlights will include Smart Hive thermostats, electric vehicle car chargers, and solar PV panels.

The soft landscaping will include retaining and enhancing the existing mature vegetation on site, supplemented by the planting of 80 new trees, 50m of native hedge planting, 590m2 of wildflower meadow, along with ornamental hedge planting and specimen shrubs.

Established in 1994, Cameron Homes is currently delivering over 200 homes across 11 live developments and has a pipeline of future sites expected to deliver circa 1,000 new homes.

For further information on Cameron Homes: https://cameronhomes.co.uk/  

The post Cameron Homes delivers last phase of consortium site in Rutland appeared first on PHPD Online.

Calldene Structural Timber Solutions, one of the South East’s most experienced structural timber engineering specialists, has completed the latest investment phase at its Dover Trussed Roof Company site with a £60k premise modification to increase production capacity and support truss assembly.

By increasing ceiling height to an existing production facility, the investment provides a dedicated space for truss assembly, enabling more efficient use of the current building footprint. This intelligent engineering boosts manufacturing capabilities by improving assembly capacity and increasing Calldene’s overall production output by 20%.

The expansion creates a new space for truss assembly and is also a crucial investment in safer working practices and improved conditions, enabling further efficiency in the production process. The combination of reduced manual handling and increased circulation capacity will contribute to higher productivity and smoother workflows.

Les Fuller, Managing Director at Calldene Structural Timber Solutions, said: “This expansion is an important step in our ongoing investment programme. It’s about creating a safer, more efficient working environment at Dover Trussed Roof Company while increasing capacity and capability – so we can continue to improve availability, lead times and service for customers across the South of England.”

The latest investment aligns with Calldene’s continual improvement path for long-term business strategy and growth, strengthening its position within the structural timber market. Fully operational from March 2026, the site expansion is set to increase product flexibility and scope, benefiting customers served by Calldene’s Canterbury and Lancing operations. In many cases, the additional capability will also reduce the need for ‘two-piece’ frames, helping to cut costs and delivery times while improving structural integrity and installation efficiency for clients.

The building expansion follows Calldene’s recent investment in its first dedicated delivery vehicle, as the business continues to prioritise improvements in capacity, efficiency and customer service. Serving both company’s production sites, Dover Trussed Roof Company and Triad Timber Components, this new truss truck improves delivery services and capabilities to customers across Southern England.

To find out more about Calldene Structural Timber Solutions, click HERE

The post Calldene bolsters manufacturing capabilities with further expansion appeared first on PHPD Online.

Scolmore Group has announced the opening of its new visitor centre in the heart of Canary Wharf, London.

visitor This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to supporting its growing customer base in the South of England.

Located in one of London’s most accessible and vibrant business districts, the new visitor centre offers a dedicated space for contractors, specifiers, and industry professionals to explore the full product ranges from across Scolmore Group’s portfolio of trusted brands. This includes Click Scolmore’s decorative and robust premium wiring accessories, Elucian’s advanced single-phase consumer units and three-phase distribution boards, Ovia’s cutting-edge lighting solutions for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications, ESP’s comprehensive security, and fire protection systems, Espire’s state-of-the-art range of fire and CO alarms, and Unicrimp’s versatile range of cable accessories.

As the business developed and demand for projects in the South of England continued to grow, the requirement to invest in a London-based Visitor Centre and showroom facility became a high priority. The centre comfortably accommodates up to ten guests at a time, providing an ideal environment for hands-on product demonstrations, technical discussions, and project planning.

Whether reviewing the latest innovations in wiring accessories, lighting, or home fire safety solutions, London-based visitors will benefit from direct access to expert guidance and the opportunity to experience the quality and versatility of Scolmore Group’s product offerings first-hand.

Scolmore Group invites contractors and partners to book appointments through their local Area Sales Managers and explore the new Canary Wharf visitor centre. This state-of-the-art facility enhances the company’s existing visitor centre experience at Scolmore Group’s Tamworth, Staffordshire head office, complementing the additional dedicated centres operated by Ovia, ESP, and Unicrimp.

For further information about Scolmore Group’s visitor centres and the full range of products and services, visit https://scolmore.com/marketing-hub-visitor-centre.

The post Scolmore Group unveils new flagship London visitor centre appeared first on PHPD Online.

Wain Group has secured £140 million in new funding from Lloyds and NatWest to accelerate its next growth phase.

The financing will help Wain Group to deliver its growth ambitions which include building more high-quality homes, regenerating land and investing further in sustainable development.

Headquartered in Warrington, Wain Group is made up of housebuilder Wain Homes and strategic land company, Wain Estates. It delivers around 1,400 homes each year and specialises in transforming land into thriving communities, creating long-term value for local people, businesses and places.

The £140m package, provided equally by both banks, reflects Lloyds’ continued commitment to Wain Group and introduces NatWest as a new funding bank.

Together, their support will help Wain Group progress new developments and continue revitalising strategic sites, strengthening the business for its next chapter of growth.

Lloyds is both the Facility Agent and Security Agent, and NatWest was the Hedging Bank.

Andy Campbell, Group Finance Director at Wain Group, said: “Securing this £140m funding package marks a significant milestone for Wain Group as we continue to scale the ambition of our work. It will enable us to deliver more high-quality homes, unlock further strategic land opportunities and strengthen our commitment to sustainable development across the regions we operate.

“We thank Lloyds for its continued support and are pleased to welcome NatWest on board as we enter the Group’s next phase of growth.”

The post Wain Group secures £140m funding to drive growth appeared first on PHPD Online.