British Sugar TOPSOIL, the UK’s largest supplier of topsoil to the construction, landscaping and amenity sectors, has reported a 5 per cent growth in turnover in the financial year to September 2016 and has plans for further growth. Thanks to the unexpected resilience of the UK economy following the Brexit vote, customer confidence is strong and the company aims to take full advantage with new product offerings.

Commenting on the company’s performance, National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch said: “Five per cent growth in turnover is an excellent result. Despite concerns that customers might be affected by the uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote we have experienced sustained strong demand for our products and been sufficiently confident to continue with new product development.

Gladman Developments Ltd has won a planning appeal inquiry for a residential development at Coalville, Leicestershire. The development of 180 new homes was initially refused by North West Leicestershire District Council in November 2014 and was subsequently examined at a public inquiry a year later. Baker Consultants provided Gladman with ecological advice throughout the planning process, carrying out comprehensive surveys, negotiating with the Local Planning Authority and giving evidence to the public inquiry.

Finsbury Park required a wide range of systems for this outdoor space to be used by university students in London. Sky Garden had to use all their experience and expertise to successfully bring the components together to create this beautiful finished project.

Housebuilder Redrow has been shortlisted for two awards in the BIG Biodiversity Challenge.

Run by ciria (the construction industry research and information association), the awards invite organisations to ‘do one thing’ to enhance their construction site, development or existing building.

As the UK government may be forced to raise the current VAT rate on insulation and energy efficiency products the British Urethane Foam Contractors Association is advising potential customers to install insulation measures now. This will not only save the difference in VAT should the rate go up, but also save money on ongoing fuel bills.

An open letter - signed by leaders of 55 construction and property companies - to the Chancellor of the Exchequer was recently published in the Daily Telegraph. The letter encouraged the government to include "bold energy efficiency targets in their long term economic plan" and asked for all homes to be zero carbon from 2016. There are many factors as to why there is a growing demand for sustainable and energy efficient buildings, these include cost savings on energy and the reduction on global warming. It is clear that in order to reduce carbon emissions and ultimately save money for the end user, the industry must utilise new and innovative approaches for design and construction.

Following a review by the Regulating Authorities, developers at Cribbs Causeway Retail Park on the outskirts of Bristol have turned to Stormwater Management’s D-Rainclean™ bio-remediation drainage channel to prevent contaminated surface water run-off generated by a heavily trafficked car park from polluting the nearby River Trym - a delicate ecosystem that is home to a wide range of protected fauna.

VAT rules are undermining sustainable development by rewarding developers who demolish buildings and penalising those who refurbish.

Duncan Baker-Brown, architect of the University of Brighton’s Waste House, Britain’s first house made almost entirely of thrown-away materials, is calling on politicians to introduce an award system that encourages green retrofit projects to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change.