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Taylor Wimpey Supports Homelessness Charities with Winter Essentials and Funding

Taylor Wimpey East Anglia has donated 1,355 socks, gloves, scarves, and hats to homelessness charity Ipswich Housing Action Group as part of its Wrap Up Warm campaign.

The campaign has delivered over 14,000 winter essentials to 24 homelessness centres across England, Scotland, and Wales, supporting national charity partners including CRASH, St Mungo’s, and CRISIS.

Hayley Kendall, Advocacy Services Manager at Ipswich Housing Action Group, said: “The number of people who are street homeless accessing the Chapman Centre has significantly increased in the last year. As the weather gets wetter and colder, we have struggled to keep on top of the demand for warm and dry clean clothes. People experiencing homelessness are already more likely to suffer from poor health, and these donations are essential to help prevent illnesses or health conditions from developing or worsening over the winter period.”

Olivia Peters, Head of Sales at Taylor Wimpey East Anglia, added: “Ipswich Housing Action Group provides vital service and support to homeless people and we hope that our donation will go some way to providing some comfort to those without a home this Christmas.”

Taylor Wimpey focuses on three community priorities to maximise its social impact: promoting aspiration and education in disadvantaged areas, tackling homelessness, and supporting local projects linked to its regional developments. Its national charity partners include The Youth Adventure Trust, Every Youth (formerly End Youth Homelessness), Crisis, Magic Breakfast, and St Mungo’s. Each regional business also has a charity budget for local organisations.

The company encourages employee involvement through fundraising and volunteering. In 2024, more than 350 colleagues participated in the annual Taylor Wimpey Challenge, raising £157,000 for Youth Adventure Trust and other charities, with over £1 million raised through the ten-year initiative. Staff also took part in CRASH’s Christmas washbag campaign, assembling more than 3,000 essential toiletry kits for homeless charities and hospices across the UK.

In total, Taylor Wimpey donated and fundraised around £1 million for registered charities and local community causes in 2024. This includes funding progression coaching at Crisis, where £145,000 supported three lead workers in Edinburgh, Oxford, and Newcastle, helping people with complex needs access services and build skills.

The company has also supported Every Youth, sponsoring the 2024 Sleep Out and other campaigns, bringing total contributions to over £1 million since 2011. Nick Connolly, CEO of EveryYouth, said: “At EveryYouth, our mission is to create a society where every young person is empowered to thrive. This support from Taylor Wimpey plc has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.”

Taylor Wimpey has donated more than £1 million to St Mungo’s since 2017, funding Construction Skills Centres in London and now Bristol, helping people gain employment skills and training in construction.

Government Fairer Funding for Peterborough delivers major budget uplift

Peterborough City Council will see the amount available to spend on local services rise by £76m by 2028/29 when compared with 2025/26. This represents an increase of 31 per cent in Core Spending Power, which includes Government funding alongside income from Council Tax and Business Rates.

The uplift follows the Government’s Fairer Funding settlement, which revises how funding is distributed to councils across England and Wales. The changes are intended to direct more support to areas experiencing higher levels of deprivation and greater demand for public services. Under the Government Fairer Funding for Peterborough, the council expects a more stable and predictable financial position.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “This is a hugely important moment for Peterborough and the most exciting Christmas present we could ever have hoped for.

“I would like to thank our MPs for their support in banging the drum loudly for fairer funding for local authorities. For years we have called for further funding to help us pay for the increased demand on our services compared to other areas – we have finally been listened to.”

She said the authority had worked to stabilise its finances after extended reductions in funding, but that a fairer allocation was necessary to secure the city’s future. The Government Fairer Funding for Peterborough settlement provides an increase in funding over the next three years, allowing the council to plan ahead.

“This settlement gives us the certainty we need to plan ahead – with our funding increasing over the next three years – helping us to protect vital services, improve our financial health and invest in the things that matter most to residents,” she said.

The announcement also marks the first multi-year funding settlement for councils in a decade. It is intended to simplify numerous funding streams and focus resources on areas with the highest levels of need, giving local authorities greater stability to plan, invest and deliver services.

Councillor Qayyum said the settlement builds on other recent commitments to the city. “This announcement follows the huge amounts of additional funding committed to Peterborough by the Government in the past year, including the £40 million Pride in Place funding, £1.3 million to continue running our successful Family Hubs programme and most recently £20 million committed for the delivery of a new city centre swimming pool by the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund.”

Landguard Engineering Sold to Northern Industries in Strategic Steel Acquisition

Forward Corporate Finance has acted as lead adviser on the sale of Landguard Engineering, a specialist steel fabrication company based in Harwich, Essex, to Danish-headquartered Northern Industries Group.

Founded in 2013, Landguard Engineering provides end-to-end steel fabrication services, including in-house design with 3D modelling and CFD analysis, workshop fabrication, and the production of custom acoustic enclosures, explosion-controlled containers, and ventilation attenuation systems.

The acquisition expands Northern Industries Group’s engineering and manufacturing presence, complementing its existing portfolio of businesses including the Steelway Family, CEL Sheet Metal, and JHT Engineering.

Forward Corporate Finance, led by Rob Dukelow-Smith and Ollie Geddes-Smith, guided Landguard through the entire process, from pre-marketing preparation and identifying potential buyers, to negotiation, due diligence, and completion.

Peter Wilson, former chair of Landguard, said: “Since I started the business with my great friend Andy March, our intention was to provide local jobs for young people in Harwich. In Northern Industries, Rob and Ollie have found the right business to take Landguard to its next stage of development. I cannot thank Rob enough for his unwavering commitment to finding a way to get the sale completed, and both Hannah and I are delighted with the outcome.”

Rob Dukelow-Smith added: “It was a pleasure working with Peter, Hannah and the management team at Landguard, including Alf Hardes and Peter Etherden, on the sale to Northern Industries. The business has an excellent reputation, an enviable customer base, and a highly capable team with a unique set of skills in the steel fabrication market. This transaction provides a great outcome for everyone involved, and we wish the team at Landguard and Northern Industries every success in the future.”

Legal support for the transaction was provided by Sarah Lewis and Zoe Zhang of Prettys Solicitors.

East Hemel Development Plans 4,000 Homes with Parks, Schools, and Jobs

Plans have been lodged for a large-scale development on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, covering nearly 1,000 acres. The proposal by The Crown Estate aims to deliver up to 4,000 homes across two neighbourhoods, incorporating a mix of ownership options including affordable housing.

The development will also feature community and healthcare facilities alongside up to four new schools. Each neighbourhood is intended to have its own hub of amenities, with extensive green spaces and parks woven through the site. More than a third of the area is set to remain publicly accessible, including a 63-hectare country park to the north and a valley park to the south.

In addition to housing and community infrastructure, East Hemel will provide 1.8 million sq ft of employment space, including a central employment zone and innovation hub. The project forms part of the Hemel Garden Communities programme, which aims to deliver up to 11,000 new homes in Hemel Hempstead by 2050, alongside thousands of new jobs.

Rob Chesworth, head of strategic land at The Crown Estate, described the development as “a rare opportunity to create a place that will serve the people of Hertfordshire for generations to come, providing quality homes and jobs, and supporting the wider ambitions of the area.” He highlighted the input of local residents, stakeholders and partners in shaping the plans through events including site visits, study tours, design workshops and public drop-ins.

The outline planning application, now submitted to St Albans City & District Council and Dacorum Borough Council, seeks to establish the principles of the development and set out its key parameters. The project is intended to create vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community well into the future.

Calls for safety action at Bluntisham B1040 crossroads after fatal crashes

A resident has called for urgent action at a dangerous road junction in Cambridgeshire following a series of serious and fatal collisions.

Roy Fabb lives near the B1040 at Bluntisham, close to the Wheatsheaf crossroads, where multiple crashes have occurred in recent years. One of the most serious incidents took place in 2019, when three passengers travelling in a minibus were killed and eight others were injured.

Mr Fabb, who is from Somersham, said his family uses the junction every day and that it “worries him sick”. He said his concerns are heightened when traffic is heavy, particularly “busy in the evenings in the dark”.

The B1040 runs between St Ives and Somersham and is crossed by the road linking Bluntisham and Woodhurst. Mr Fabb said there had been several other collisions at the junction beyond the 2019 crash.

That incident resulted in Ksaizek being jailed for five years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. He failed to give way at the crossroads and struck another vehicle.

Mr Fabb said he found the road signage unclear when approaching the junction. He also raised concerns about electronic warning signs that have recently been installed, saying they did not always function as intended.

“The traffic from St Ives towards Somersham is continuous, and drivers crossing the carriageway sometimes take risks, which lead to accidents,” he said.

“If you are doing 50mph [80km/h] with less than 100ft [30m] to the Give Way sign, you are going too fast.”

He added that road markings on the approach to the junction were badly faded, further contributing to the risks.

Mr Fabb and his daughter Rachel have started a petition calling for improvements at the Wheatsheaf crossroads. He said it has attracted about 10,000 signatures.

Ms Fabb said she had experienced a near miss at the junction while travelling with friends. She said a “car dashed across… without stopping” directly in front of them.

Cambridgeshire County Council, which is responsible for the road, said it was aware of ongoing concerns. A spokesperson said extra signage had been installed and confirmed there are plans to buy land next to the junction, although there have been “delays in the process”.

“We are working towards delivering a completely new junction that includes a signalised crossing, as a longer-term solution,” the spokesperson said.

“We are making progress and the planned junction improvements will be delivered as soon as possible.

“No further intermediary works are currently planned, prior to the construction of the new junction.”

Why Facilities Management Is No Longer a Background Function

Facilities management rarely attracts attention when it works well. Buildings are safe, systems function, and spaces are fit for purpose. But as organizations become more complex -operating across multiple sites, sectors and compliance regimes – the role of facilities management has moved quietly from the background into a more strategic position.

Octavian Facilities Management is one of a growing number of UK-based providers shaped by this shift. Founded in 2009, the company has expanded alongside increasing demand for consistency and accountability in building operations.

Rather than positioning facilities as a standalone service, Octavian’s model reflects a broader change in how organisations think about the spaces they operate from – not simply as assets to maintain, but as environments that influence cost, safety, productivity and reputation.

From Reactive Maintenance to Managed Environments

Historically, facilities management was largely reactive. Issues were addressed as they arose, often through fragmented supplier networks with limited oversight. That approach has become increasingly difficult to sustain as buildings face tighter compliance requirements, rising energy costs, and greater scrutiny around health and safety.

Octavian FM’s growth has been built around a more structured approach. The company combines planned preventative maintenance with reactive support, aiming to reduce disruption rather than simply respond to it. This balance reflects an industry-wide move toward proactive management, where visibility and planning are as important as response times.

Scale Without Losing Local Context

One of the persistent challenges in facilities management is balancing national coverage with local responsiveness. Large organisations often struggle with inconsistency across regions, while smaller providers can lack the capacity to support complex portfolios.

Octavian FM operates in the space between those two extremes. Its nationwide delivery model is supported by regional teams and local supply chain partners, allowing standards to be applied consistently while maintaining local knowledge and accountability.

This structure reflects a pragmatic response to client expectations: the ability to manage multiple sites under a single framework, without losing the flexibility required to deal with individual buildings and local conditions.

A Business Built on Continuity

While the facilities management sector has seen significant consolidation and outsourcing over the past decade, Octavian FM has maintained a focus on continuity – both in service delivery and in client relationships. Family values remain part of the company’s identity, influencing its emphasis on consistency, reliability and long-term engagement.

Quality control, accredited systems and ongoing monitoring play a central role in maintaining standards across contracts, but the underlying approach is deliberately straightforward: deliver what is needed, measure it properly, and improve where required.

The Quiet Importance of Getting It Right

Facilities management is rarely visible when it succeeds, yet its impact is felt across every part of an organisation. Octavian Facilities Management’s development reflects a wider recognition that buildings and environments are not neutral backdrops, but operational factors in their own right.

As organisations continue to demand greater efficiency, compliance and accountability from the spaces they occupy, providers like Octavian FM occupy an increasingly important – if often understated – role in keeping those environments functional, safe and fit for the future. Strategic Facilities Management in the UK: How Octavian FM Reflects a Changing Industry

MKM Building Supplies Takes Long-Term Lease at Luton Warehouse

MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, has agreed a long-term lease on warehouse units at Bilton Way Industrial Estate in Luton, Bedfordshire. The company has taken units 2-6 and 8B, covering 26,590 sq ft, following a deal facilitated by property consultancy Kirkby Diamond.

The firm plans to invest over £1 million in reconfiguring and upgrading the new facilities to suit its operational requirements. MKM, which operates more than 135 branches nationwide, provides materials and expert guidance for trade and DIY projects.

Bilton Way Industrial Estate, located approximately two miles from the M1 motorway, comprises 49 units totalling 420,000 sq ft. The lease was negotiated on behalf of landlord Brightbay Real Estate Partners by Kirkby Diamond, led by senior partner Eamon Kennedy and Paul Quy, head of Milton Keynes agency.

Kennedy commented: “We’re pleased to have secured such a well-respected national brand for Brightbay at Bilton Way. MKM’s commitment to a long-term lease and further investment in the site reflects the enduring strength of the industrial market in Luton and the quality of the estate.”

Mark Pepper, head of Kirkby Diamond’s building consultancy team, added: “The planned reconfiguration will deliver a high-quality, purpose-built facility that meets MKM’s operational needs and enhances the overall specification of the estate. Our team is working closely with both parties to ensure the project adds long-term value.”

Rob Stubbings, estates and acquisition manager at MKM Building Supplies, said: “Bilton Way gives us an excellent base to serve customers in Luton, across Bedfordshire and beyond. The planned improvements will ensure the building is perfectly configured for our operation and future growth.”

Octavian Security: Serious Protection, Thoughtfully Delivered

Good security rarely draws attention to itself. It works quietly, consistently and without drama. For organisations operating in complex, high-value or public-facing environments, that reliability is not a luxury. It’s essential.

Octavian Security delivers comprehensive security solutions designed around real-world risk. Working across the UK, the company provides industry-specific services that help organisations protect people, property and operations – proactively and with precision.

For Octavian, effective security is about proportionality – applying the right measures, in the right locations, based on real operational need.

Visible, Professional On-Site Security

Manned guarding sits at the core of Octavian Security’s offering. The company undertakes single- and multi-site contracts nationwide, deploying fully licensed, highly trained security officers matched to each environment. Officers are briefed not only on site layouts and procedures, but on the operational realities of the sectors they serve. The result is security presence that feels competent rather than intrusive – visible enough to deter, professional enough to integrate seamlessly. This model supports a wide range of environments, from corporate offices and retail estates to construction sites, educational facilities and public-sector locations.

When Security Needs to Move

Static security alone is rarely sufficient. Octavian Security supports on-site services with a suite of mobile and responsive solutions designed to extend protection beyond standard operating hours.

Keyholding and alarm response services provide cost-effective coverage when premises are unoccupied, with licensed guards able to attend incidents, manage access and secure sites efficiently. Mobile patrols add a further layer of deterrence through regular out-of-hours checks, reducing exposure without unnecessary escalation.

Remote CCTV monitoring completes the picture, offering 24/7 oversight through reliable commercial surveillance systems – allowing issues to be identified and addressed before they become incidents.

Technology-Led Security, Delivered In-House

Alongside physical security services, Octavian Security integrates technology and data-driven systems to improve visibility, accountability and response times. Supported by an in-house technology and innovation team, the company develops and deploys its own digital tools – including incident reporting, patrol verification and compliance monitoring – designed to integrate seamlessly with existing site infrastructure. This approach allows Octavian to enhance security operations without unnecessary system replacement, providing real-time oversight and measurable assurance while keeping solutions proportionate to risk.

Specialist Services for High-Stakes Environments

Octavian Security operates across a broad range of sectors, including corporate, retail, education, logistics and distribution, construction, property management, public sector organisations, and events and exhibitions.

For environments requiring additional control, the company provides specialist services such as event security, canine security units and close protection. These services are delivered by trained professionals, focused on situational awareness, discretion and coordination rather than force or spectacle.

Training, Awareness and Global Risk Support

Security does not end at the perimeter. Octavian Security also delivers workplace training and development programmes designed to improve awareness, preparedness and internal capability. For organisations with travelling employees, the company offers 24/7/365 real-time global risk alerts, enabling businesses to stay informed and respond quickly to emerging threats wherever their people are operating. This broader view of security reflects an understanding that modern risk is dynamic, distributed and rarely confined to a single site.

Security as a Long-Term Partnership

The company positions itself as a reliable partner rather than a one-off provider, continually refining its services to maintain flexibility, consistency and quality assurance. As risks change, security strategies adapt – without unnecessary complexity.

Quiet Confidence, Measurable Results

Octavian Security does not trade in theatrics. Its strength lies in consistency, accountability and an ability to deliver protection that works as intended – day after day.

By combining trained personnel, responsive services and sector-specific expertise, the company supports organisations in maintaining safe, controlled and resilient environments.

Find out more about Octavian Security here.

Frontier Developments Appoints Jo Cooke as New Chief Executive

Cambridge-based video game developer Frontier Developments has announced a change in leadership. Jonny Watts, who has been with the company for 27 years and became chief executive in August 2022, will step down from the role for personal reasons. Watts has overseen a company turnaround, refocusing Frontier on creative management simulation (CMS) games such as Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution, while steering the business through significant operational and strategic developments.

Jo Cooke, currently Frontier’s chief marketing officer, will succeed Watts as chief executive from 1 January 2026. Cooke brings extensive experience in senior publishing roles across the games industry, including positions at Maxis, Curve Digital, and Bastion, and previously worked at Frontier between 2014 and 2017. Watts will remain on the board until 31 May 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.

Cooke said: “The CMS-focused strategy that Jonny has established enticed me to rejoin Frontier last summer as chief marketing officer, and I am thrilled to now be stepping up to chief executive. Jonny will be greatly missed, but I am confident that we will be successful in continuing to deliver on this strategy, listening to our players and making new games that will continue to entertain and engage for years to come.”

Watts added: “It’s been a privilege to contribute to the amazing games Frontier has developed throughout my 27 years. During my tenure as chief executive, I am pleased that we have turned the business around to focus back on our key strengths. The time is now right for me to step down as chief executive, and I am confident in passing the baton to Jo. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, including the people at Frontier, our partners, and, of course, our players.”

Founded in January 1994 by David Braben and based at Cambridge Science Park, Frontier Developments has developed and published a range of popular titles, including the Elite series, Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, and Jurassic World Evolution. The company also expanded into third-party publishing under its Frontier Foundry label between 2019 and 2022, though recent financial reviews led Frontier to refocus exclusively on internal CMS projects. Frontier is listed on the AIM segment of the London Stock Exchange and continues to operate globally, with notable titles like Elite: Dangerous and the upcoming F1 Manager games.

Ilse Howling, chair of Frontier, said: “It’s been a great pleasure working with Jonny, and I am full of admiration for him for achieving our strategic reset to CMS and putting players back at the heart of what we do. Jo’s extensive games industry experience and player-centric outlook mean she is excellently placed to drive the company’s future growth, and to harness our genre-leading games and global IP to delight millions of players around the world.”

David Braben, president and founder of Frontier, added: “I’d like to extend a massive thank you to Jonny for his amazing contribution to Frontier over so many years. I am delighted to see Jo step up into her new role, and I think she is perfect to take Frontier forward for the future. I am very sad to see Jonny go and wish him all the best for the future.”

Frontier plans to release its interim financial results for the six months ending 30 November 2025, along with an update on trading, on 14 January 2026.