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all the latest construction news Brick Awards 2025 shortlist
The Brick Development Association (BDA) has announced the official shortlist for the 49th annual Brick Awards – the UK’s longest-running and most prestigious awards programme celebrating excellence in clay brick architecture and design. Highlighting the enduring beauty,
versatility, and sustainability of clay brick, the Brick Awards honour outstanding projects and individuals
who are redefining architectural excellence through innovative brickwork. Now in its 49th year, the Brick Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the outstanding use of clay brick in the built environment. The 2025 shortlist showcases a remarkable array of projects, each demonstrating bold design, architectural integrity, and an enduring commitment to sustainability and innovation. A distinguished panel of industry experts meticulously evaluated entries across 11 diverse categories – from housing and education to public and commercial buildings, recognising those that demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship, creative design, and the responsible use of clay brick in contemporary construction. Winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel,
London on 5 November, 2025, hosted by renowned impressionist and broadcaster Jon Culshaw. The evening will bring together leading architects, developers, brickwork contractors and brick manufacturers to celebrate the creative and technical achievements that clay brick makes possible. Brick Development Association Chief Executive, Robert Flello, said: “Each
year, the Brick Awards spotlight the incredible talent and creativity driving our industry forward. As we approach our 50th year, this shortlist not only reflects the enduring appeal of clay brick but also the innovation and sustainability that define its future.” For further information visit
www.brick.org.uk
Construction Products Association welcomes Government’s new 10-year Industrial strategy
The Construction Products Association (CPA) has expressed strong support for the UK Government’s newly launched 10-year Industrial Strategy. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the strategy as a turning point for the British economy, delivering long-term certainty for business through significant public investment across eight high-growth sectors – including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital and defence – underpinned by an £86bn R&D package. Central to its vision is addressing industrial energy costs: more than 7,000 manufacturing firms will be exempted from green levies, and network charge rebates for energy-intensive industries will be significantly increased. The CPA, representing the UK’s £68.6bn construction products manufacturing sector,
welcomed the clarity and ambition shown. It emphasised the critical importance of aligning implementation with the needs of industries like construction products manufacturing, which accounts for 11% of total UK manufacturing output and employs over 407,900 people. Peter Caplehorn, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association,
said: “We welcome the renewed commitment to a long-term industrial strategy. The strategy must not only be ambitious—it must be consistent, clear, and rooted in real engagement with industry. Delivery is everything, and we look forward to working with government to make this vision a reality.” The CPA particularly appreciates the proposed consultation on industrial electricity pricing and plans to increase rebates for eligible manufacturers from 60% to 90%.
Universal Studios UK: Key sustainable factors to consider
Lee Ackerman, net zero manager at Connectus Utilities commented: “The plans for a Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire offer exciting prospects – however, the development’s long-term success hinges on a robust and sustainable utility strategy. Meeting the upcoming EPC targets (C by 2027, B by 2030) for leased buildings demands a serious commitment to green technologies from the outset. The potential for on-site renewables like air, ground, or water source heat pumps, alongside solar and wind, must be fully explored and strategically implemented. “Crucially, the sheer scale of this
project raises significant questions about grid capacity for both electricity and water. Planners must clearly outline how these substantial demands will be met and if network upgrades are necessary. The role of gas also needs careful consideration given sustainability goals and EPC requirements. Questions should be raised around whether hydrogen could play a more prominent role in powering the park, as an alternative fuel option. “The surrounding land offers a valuable opportunity for integrating significant renewable energy generation. Furthermore, efficient energy procurement, metering strategies for a high-voltage supply, and market pricing dynamics will be critical. Beyond the immediate site, exploring synergies like utilising waste heat from potential nearby data centres could offer innovative sustainability solutions. “Ultimately, as we look to the future
of large-scale developments, it will be interesting to see if Universal Studios can set a new benchmark for truly integrated and sustainable infrastructure in Bedfordshire, demonstrating how major attractions can meaningfully contribute to our environmental goals.”
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