As we approach the three-month milestone since our expansion into Birmingham and our new office, we spoke to Darren Wright, Birmingham Location Director, to catch up on how things are progressing in the WWest Midlands, the exciting projects that our team are working on and plans for the future.  

Back in May of this year, we announced our expansion further into England with our new offices in Manchester and Birmingham, and the addition of our New Location Director, Darren Wright. Since then, we have witnessed our Birmingham team continue to grow and settle in to the WW Way.

Settling into life at Wallace Whittle

It has been a busy first few months for Darren and the team in Birmingham. Reflecting on the initial period, Darren shared: 

“It’s been a positive start in the new office, with a smooth induction into life at Wallace Whittle. We’ve onboarded new staff and collaborated with other offices on major projects. It has been wonderful to meet and connect with fellow directors, such as Andy Forbes in Aberdeen, Stephen Osborne in Edinburgh, and our closest neighbor, Paul Dean, who supports us from Manchester and Warrington”

At Wallace Whittle, collaboration and communication are fundamental to our success, ensuring our teams can work seamlessly together across various locations and projects. This inter connectivity is facilitated through our emphasis on quality and standardisation, enabling our teams to leverage diverse expertise and collaborate effectively. 

Our Birmingham team combines local knowledge with industry-wide expertise, covering a broad range of disciplines and sectors. While residential and commercial projects are strongholds for the Birmingham team, their proficiency extends to mixed-use developments, office fit-outs, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). Darren elaborated: 

“Patryk, our Senior Public Health Engineer, and I have substantial experience in the residential sector. I have also worked in a team specialising in office fit-out projects and gained valuable experience in various sectors across the UK and Internationally. Harry, our Senior Electrical Engineer, complements our team with his extensive expertise in commercial projects and residential developments. Together, along with the rest of the team, we are well-equipped to handle a diverse range of projects.”  

Key Projects and Sectors

The current market in the UK necessitates that our Birmingham office remains adaptable, seamlessly functioning across various sectors. In collaboration with our 8 offices in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, we leverage our ability to serve a diverse range of industries. This adaptability enables our team to deliver customised solutions and designs that meet the unique needs of each client. 

Some of Birmingham’s current works include the following:

With the Birmingham Smithfield project receiving approval from the city council’s planning committee in June, and Wembley Greenway securing funding with construction expected to begin by the end of this year to welcome the first students for the 2027/28 academic year, it’s been a busy few months for our newly opened office. In addition, these significant projects, we are actively engaged in further developments within the PBSA and Life Sciences sectors. We look forward to sharing more details about these projects soon. 

Events and Community Engagement 

Since the office launch in May, Darren represented our new West Midlands office at UKREiFF from May 21-23, alongside our other regional directors. The West Midlands UKREiFF sessions underscored the region’s transformative power as a driving force for real estate and regeneration opportunities. This proved highly relevant to our Birmingham team and their current projects, including our work on High Street in Digbeth, a significant residential development featuring 481 units. 

“UKREiFF provided an excellent opportunity to network and learn from other directors while gaining insights into ongoing projects within the local area. It was particularly valuable to hear from speakers who outlined the critical updates following the 2023 trailblazer deals impacting Manchester and the West Midlands. These trailblazer deals, which aim to decentralise power and grant more autonomy to local authorities, have a direct influence on our projects in Birmingham and surrounding regions.”  

As part of our commitment to community engagement, every Wallace Whittle office supports a local charity. Our Birmingham office has chosen to fundraise for St Basils, an organisation that assists young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. St Basils supports over 4,000 young people annually across the West Midlands region. In line with this commitment, members of our Birmingham office participated in the Hike for Homeless initiative to raise funds for St Basils. This challenging 23-mile hike, featuring climbs of 468m, 341m, and 596m, took place against the stunning backdrop of Sugar Loaf Mountain. This effort highlights our dedication to making a positive impact, both locally and regionally, as we continue to strengthen our presence in Birmingham and beyond! 

Local Market and Community

Our Birmingham office is actively working to integrate into the local market and community. Through targeted efforts to build brand awareness, we’re looking to address unique market challenges and establish a strong presence within this region, and beyond.

“It’s been great to join Wallace Whittle during such an exciting period of expansion and growth across the business. The past three months have been particularly busy for us here in Birmingham. Promoting the company’s proud history of delivering quality products and service is fundamental to maintaining our existing local client base and shaping relationships with future clients. Our efforts will continue to focus on integrating into the local market while upholding the high standards that Wallace Whittle is known for.” 

Feedback from initial meetings with clients in the area has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the value of our services and approach. By leveraging the local expertise of our Birmingham staff and collaborating with the offices from further afield, this ensures that projects resonate with the community and meet the specific needs of our clients.   

WWith the first three months of our Birmingham office complete, we eagerly look to the future of the region. From the exciting projects currently underway to upcoming initiatives, the development of our existing staff, and the further growth of our team, we are committed to contributing to the region’s growth and development. 

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand and innovate, we invite you to explore our career opportunities in the region. If you’re interested in joining our forward-thinking team or have a project that could benefit from our expertise, we encourage you to get in touch at [email protected] or explore the roles listed below. 

It’s been a few months since Steven Dunn, our Scotland Director joined us at Wallace Whittle. To get a deeper insight into his experiences and thoughts on his journey so far, we caught up with him over coffee at our favourite local spot in Edinburgh.  

We first caught up with Steven in our Edinburgh office to see how he is settling in and to discuss the projects that have significantly shaped his first 100 days. With major initiatives underway across Scotland and across various sectors, Steven highlighted the Monklands Replacement Project as particularly noteworthy. This project stands out not only for its internal task force within Wallace Whittle but also for the external collaboration involved and the overall importance of this state-of-the-art healthcare facility. 

The Monklands Replacement Project, one of our current healthcare endeavors, involves a significant team effort from multiple offices. Steven shared: 

“Without a doubt, Monklands Replacement Project is one of my project highlights, the level of collaboration involved across the Scottish and English businesses has been fantastic, and it’s a testament to the teams and the technical quality that has gone into it so far.”  

Recently, we reached a significant milestone on the Monklands Replacement Project with full planning approval granted by North Lanarkshire Council for the digital and Net Zero Hospital in Airdrie. The progress of Monklands has generated significant buzz, not only within our offices but across the industry as a whole. 

Culture & Ethos

Steven joined our existing team of Directors in the Scottish region, which includes Glasgow Director Barry McKeane, Edinburgh Director Stephen Osborne, and Aberdeen Director Andy Forbes. Based out of our Edinburgh office on Thistle Street in the heart of the New Town, Steven has quickly integrated into our vibrant company culture.  

At Wallace Whittle, we pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, and the ongoing growth across our regions has brought several fresh faces to our offices. Including new team members in sustainability, MEP disciplines, and even a few trainees and work experience participants. When asked about his transition to Wallace Whittle, Steven shared: 

“From Day One, I’ve been made to feel welcome, the whole team has been great to help get me settled in quickly, and that is not just in Edinburgh and Glasgow, it’s across the whole Scottish region. To the guys in Northern Ireland, to the team down in the newly opened Manchester and Birmingham office, it has just been a seamless transition, and it feels like I have been here more than 100 days” 

Collaboration is at the core of our company culture, with the welcoming of new faces into our team showcasing this as we work seamlessly across our eight offices in the UK. Our optimised systems and standardised approach allows our newer staff, and established team members alike, to collaborate effortlessly with clients and fellow colleagues. This interconnectivity not only strengthens relationships across disciplines and regions but also ensures that every team member, new and old, can contribute to our overarching success. 

Future Growth

With Steven joining the team in February, and with the addition of our recent expansions in Birmingham led by Darren Wright and Manchester led by Paul Dean, this signifies promising growth within the UK. With vast expertise shared amongst our directors covering numerous sectors and industries, Wallace Whittle’s future growth plans sound both promising and exciting. 

“I think growth plans across Wallace Whittle, certainly in the Scotland region, well-established business, we’ve got really good coverage across all sectors, and we definitely have plans to expand further, but we can’t give it all way now…” Steven shared. 

In addition to our significant geographical growth, our teams across offices are also continually expanding, encompassing MEP, sustainability, and head office staff. This ongoing growth not only enhances our capabilities but also strengthens our position in the market, ensuring that Wallace Whittle remains at the forefront of industry developments. 

Experience & Expertise

Steven brings extensive experience and market insight to our team of Directors in Scotland. In his previous role, he was instrumental in delivering projects across various sectors, such as commercial fit-outs & refurbishments, retail developments, data centers, and education. This background aligns perfectly with the key sectors that Wallace Whittle focuses on in Scotland. 

“I was brought on board by the existing directors to assist with the company’s growth plans. Wallace Whittle is a well-established brand with a distinguished network already, and I hope to complement that, support further growth, and help diversify our portfolio.” 

Within Wallace Whittle, Steven has joined our team of directors with a focus on developing the Central Belt in line with our strategic plans. His commitment to assembling a fresh team of industry leaders further aims to drive innovation and success within the region. 

Future of Wallace Whittle

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand throughout Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, we are excited about the opportunities ahead, including team expansion and potential growth across regions. 

“i think we’re well established in Scotland, we’re evolving and expanding down south in England with established offices now in Manchester and Birmingham, we’re expanding into new regions, and hopefully we’ll continue that theme for many years to come!” 

Our recent expansions in Birmingham and Manchester highlight our dedication to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service nationwide. With a current team of over 30 staff members in central England, we look forward to the opportunities ahead as we expand our team and strengthen our presence, making a positive impact across the UK. 

Our initiatives for staff also show promising results, with record attendance at our recent academy sessions. This growth will continue as we onboard new staff at all levels, ensuring we maintain a strong and capable team ready to meet the demands of our expanding operation that provide a high quality of service.

At Wallace Whittle, we pride ourselves on Quality of Product and Quality of Service.

Our Building Information Modelling (BIM) verification, is just one of the many ways we re-assure our clients that we have the in-house expertise to deliver BIM Stage 2 projects, in compliance with the RIBA stages and industry standards.

We have had another successful BIM Stage 2 Verification Audit, conducted by BSI (British Standards Institution), for our 8th year in a row!

The audit, conducted on Wednesday, May 15th, and Thursday, May 16th, 2024, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality assurance, standardisation and the implementation of BIM processes. This audit is a crucial evaluation of an organisation’s ability to adhere to industry standards and deliver high-quality products and services through the virtual construction process.

The audit covered multiple projects within Wallace Whittle, ensuring compliance with BIM processes and the effectiveness of our BIM Standards. Our experienced digital engineers utilise BIM from the early concept stages of projects, to visualise design intentions and make informed decisions. We use an in-house suite of standards, in conjunction with powerful BIM authoring software, to build our design within a 3D environment which we are then able to share with our design partners to provide the process with an efficient means of communicating information.

Our ability to work in this manner allows our design to be passed on to the construction phase, adding value & support to such things as offsite project management, reducing abortive time on site and avoiding re-design resulting in waste materials.

Our experience integrating data into our models at the design phase provides our clients with the option to develop progressive operational data which assists with future aspects of the project, providing a full audit trail which lays the foundations for digital building asset management.

The auditor’s attention to detail was thorough over the two days. Throughout the audit evidence was reviewed to verify the implementation of our BIM processes across various projects. The feedback received regarding our BIM Standards was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the dedication and hard work put in by the team. 

The Auditor noted that during the assessment it was clear that working processes were well managed and aligned with local processes and the applicable standards, and some of the key positive elements observed during the assessment were: 

1. The BIM processes reviewed across the organisation are in line with the business strategy.
   
2. The retention and accessibility of records which were reviewed and accessible for the remote assessment must be commended.
   
3. The dedication of staff is seen during this assessment.
   
4. There were no non-conformances highlighted during this assessment 

Paul Hargreaves, Associate Director & Academy Manager, Paul Underhill, Associate BIM Technician and Andrew Masson, Senior BIM Technician, played crucial roles during the audit, which was overseen by our Quality and Standardisation Manage & Associate Director, Raymond Kelly. Their expertise in navigating through our systems and processes, and ease of guiding the auditor to the required evidence were instrumental in the successful outcome. 

“It was really pleasing to see that when our systems are put under scrutiny by an external auditor, we, as a business, can prove that we are delivering our projects to the ISO 19650 industry standard.  This is a reflection of the hard work of all the staff day in, day out across the offices.”  Paul Underhill and Andrew Masson 

As a result of the audit, Wallace Whittle has achieved re-verification of its BIM Stage 2 for another year. 

This achievement is a testament to everyone within the Wallace Whittle team, it demonstrates our dedication to maintaining high standards, delivering quality products and services, and a consistent approach to applying BIM processes. 

Raymond Kelly our Quality and Standardisation Manager shared “Achieving BIM Re-Verification following the 2-day Audit by BSI once again demonstrates our commitment and indeed supports our commitment to continually focus on delivering quality of product, quality of service, standardisation and consistency across all projects and aspects of the business.” 

This is the 8th year running we’ve received this verification with no non-confomaties, further demonstrating our commitment to ongoing excellence and our will to continue to push the boundaries of quality within the construction industry.   

Are you looking for a fulfilling way to share your expertise? Look no further! Wallace Whittle are looking for experienced individuals to join their WW:Academy Team on a flexible, part-time hybrid basis.

The opportunities are diverse, catering to individuals with varying areas of expertise. Whether you excel in training and development, technical documentation, or quality assurance, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful impact.

1. Training and Development: Assist in shaping the next generation of engineers by contributing to the creation of training materials and development programs.
2. Technical Documentation: Play a crucial role in updating and maintaining technical documents, templates, and standards, ensuring accuracy and relevance in an ever-evolving industry.
3. Quality Assurance: Help uphold the highest standards by participating in quality and technical audits, ensuring consistency and excellence in the services provided by Wallace Whittle.

1. Recently retired engineers who are looking to give back and share their knowledge with the next generation.
2. Current engineers who are looking at retirement, but would consider moving to one/two days a week.
3. Engineers who are looking to get back into work on a part time/flexible basis.

Your years of experience and expertise will not only benefit the company but also contribute to the continual growth and development of engineering professionals. By sharing your knowledge, you’ll help maintain and elevate the quality of products and services delivered by Wallace Whittle.

These positions offer flexibility, allowing you to work part-time and focus on areas where you excel. Don’t worry about administrative tasks – the in-house team will provide support, so your valuable time can be dedicated to what you do best.

1. Short, medium and longer term contracts.
2. Fixed or flexible working hours.
3. Agreed days of commitment that work for you!
4. Competitive payment for your time.

We spoke to Richard Thomas, who is currently working with us as part of this initiative.

“Everyone is under so much pressure to get things done we have forgotten to pass the basics on to our young engineers. There are building blocks which when taught, give foundations to all that goes thereafter. The gut instinct of what is right and what is wrong is part of engineering. These basic building blocks help in getting this core understanding firmly at the centre of a young engineers career, giving them the foresight to see a situation which cannot be taught from a book.”

“I don’t want to let my experience nor anyone else’s for that matter just disappear into the ether when we all at one point face retirement. Joining the Wallace Whittle Academy team means being given the opportunity to pass on knowledge to the next generation and it’s already been rewarding. I would absolutely recommend getting involved.”

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the industry and eager to support the next generation of engineering professionals, we encourage you to get in touch. Join us in shaping the future of engineering excellence!

If you’d like to arrange a chat with our Academy team about getting involved, please email Raymond Kelly, Quality & Standardisation Manager – [email protected]

WWith our Warrington Office celebrating its 10th birthday this year, we thought we’d start the celebrations by looking at some key projects!  Over the past decade, our Warrington office has made a lasting impression with its innovative designs and hard work. Operating primarily in the North of England but serving far beyond, the office has seen tremendous growth and has contributed to some incredible projects. 

From life sciences to luxury hotels, the Warrington Office displays a diverse array of expertise across sectors, including: 

• Kadans Upper Brooke Street, Manchester – Life Science. R&D facilities complemented by a mix of ground floor uses and enhanced public realm. We are providing MEP, Energy & Sustainability design services to deliver an all-electric low carbon solution.
• The Store Oxford – Leisure/Hotel. The Store Hotel project involves the refurbishment and extension of the former 1738 Boswell & Co. department store in the centre of Oxford, into a 4-star boutique hotel. We provided full MEP, energy, and vertical transportation design services and construction support. 
• Victoria Infirmary, Northwich – Healthcare. The works involve the creation of a new department which will house two operating theatres and related support accommodation, at the Grade 2 listed Victoria Infirmary conservation site in Northwich. We are providing full MEP, Energy, BREEAM and NZC services.
• BT Warrington – Data Centre & Commercial Office. Wallace Whittle developed the design in line with BT’s MEP, IT, BMS and Security standard requirements. With 6000m² commercial office, staff welfare and resilient infrastructure facility.
• Prestwick Educational Campus – Education. We provided full MEP design and Sustainability consultancy services to one of the first all-electric educational campuses. The campus is comprised of classrooms, multi-purpose & communal rooms, welfare facilities, a nursery & sports hall. MEP environmental services included ASHPs (Air Source Heat Pumps) and an extensive PV Array. 
• North Boddingtons – Residential. We are providing full MEP, VT & Energy design consultancy services to Boddingtons, Manchester. The scheme consists of 28 storeys and comprises 505 residential apartments above ground floor commercial and ancillary spaces.

Reflecting on a decade marked by triumphs, challenges, and an unwavering dedication to quality, Warrington’s journey symbolises our commitment to progress.

As Wallace Whittle continues to chart its path in the north of England, we look forward to the next 10 years in Warrington and the newly opened Manchester and Birmingham offices!

You can read more about our expansion here.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our expertise in England – [email protected]

WWe welcomed our largest gathering of Academy members yet at our WW:Academy training sessions, across levels 2, 3 & 4 in May and June.

Staff from our eight offices across the UK took two days away from their desks to come together and engage in discussions, team-building exercises and sessions aimed at enhancing leadership skills and fostering cross-discipline communication. 

These groups consist of three levels. Level 2 are our Junior and Graduate staff, Level 3 are Mid-Level to Senior and Level 4 are our Management and Next Generation Leadership. Academy courses last varying lengths of time depending on stage and we had record numbers of attendees as we continue to bring in new staff at each level. Since launching in 2022, we’ve had 54 staff participating in our Academy with the biggest group at Level 2.

As part of our commitment to excellence, we invited leading external experts to speak at our sessions. Project Managers Thomas & Adamson, BDP Architects, and FES presented on the themes of lessons learned and sparked valuable conversations.

Thomas & Adamson led an interactive talk on best collaboration models and aligning expectations, emphasising the importance of cross-discipline communication and effective collaboration. They spoke at length with our Level 2 members to provide a deeper understanding of the role of Project Management across a project and we thank Murray Halliday, Richard Burgham Pearson, Kieran Toner and Andrew Campbell for their time.

BDP Architects shared a compelling case study of the Newmains & St Brigid’s Community Hub project, which both WW and BDP worked on for North Lanarkshire Council. They shared the architectural journey in designing a project like this school merger with local community services, from public consultations to concept drawings, down to final designs. This project is now a much appreciated hub with spaces for everyone, but wasn’t without its challenges and there were some great learning points to pass on to the next generation. Thanks to Lindsey Mitchell, Brad Morrison and Sandra Gallagher from BDP for their time taking us on the architectural journey of a project.

Our speakers from FES took us on-site, explaining the critical role of integration of communication in the early stages of design and seamless collaboration with external parties and providers throughout the project lifecycle. This session provoked a lot of conversation at all levels, with our members asking about common issues and how to avoid these in future between MEP Consultants and Contractors. Stuart Lochrie and Gordon McNeil gave an honest and engaging insight and we appreciate them giving us their time and expertise.

A thread across all external sessions was early intervention and prevention, specifically with regards to communication and project work across stages. Discussions centered around expectations vs RIBA stages/BG6 guidelines, timelines and avoiding overspend. This contact time is invaluable for our engineers, particularly our newer generations who haven’t spent as much time in contact with wider design teams and on site yet. Bringing in new perspectives has sparked conversation, debate and given our teams an advantage for the future. 

This year, our two-day training kicked off with a session led by our QA & Standardisation Manager and our Academy Manager. They reiterated the crucial importance of Quality of Product and Quality of Service, a core message that has been central to our training since the inception of WW:Academy. Notably, each session from the external presenters also emphasised this theme.

The session reviewed our continuous improvements, outlined future goals, and highlighted positive feedback from satisfied clients. Additionally, it featured an interactive quiz on the BS EN ISO 19650 standard naming convention protocols, adding an engaging element to the learning experience

At our previous sessions at the end of 2023, we set our Academy members a presentation task, a fee-bid for a project, which they had to deliver in teams to our Glasgow Director, Barry McKeane, alongside Ian Gracie, Drum Property Group. This time, Barry came along to deliver his own feedback and takeaways from watching those presentations. He highlighted key areas for development but also explored the idea that people have different strengths, and not everyone will thrive in that environment but can, for example, provide key technical knowledge. It was a really interactive session where members addressed their ‘Umms’ and ‘Emms’, their speed of delivery, presentation layouts and shared tips for the nerves!

At Wallace Whittle, we’ve invested heavily in the development of our staff to ensure a quality of product and service, but also a healthy work life for our teams. We spoke to our Academy Manager, Paul Hargreaves, about these first sessions of 2024. 

“The Academy was really busy this year. After seeing the first staff members develop so well, we’ve now enrolled everyone in the business under the age of 24 in addition to the existing members. We pushed the importance of communication and how the quality of what we deliver reflects on us as individuals and as a business. The Academy is really growing and the messages we’re sending out are being seen throughout the company on a day-to -day basis.” Paul Hargreaves, Academy Manager.

We also have a dedicated Quality & Standardisation Manager, Raymond Kelly, who has 45 years of experience in the industry. He works alongside Paul to drive the learning and development sessions, with a core thread of our non-negotiable drive for quality.  

“Being part of our WW Academy, and in particular these Training Sessions means being part of the development of the younger people coming through the business, which is very rewarding to me on a personal basis. It’s incredibly satisfying, witnessing the growth in individual skill sets and even just the increase in self-confidence especially in those who have been with us over the last few years of the WW:Academy is fulfilling.

The Training Sessions also give me an opportunity to reinforce our message of maintaining the very highest of standards and quality in relation to the WW product to which we continually seek to improve upon. The engagement from our younger staff and their understanding of the part which they play in that objective is very reassuring and puts us in good shape for continual growth in our pursuit to provide a market leading quality of product and quality of service.” Raymond Kelly, Quality & Standardisation Manager.

We wrapped up each level with a face to face session with our Managing Director, Allan McGill. He opened the floor to questions and feedback, and delivered a company update. We truly believe the power of openness and honesty from our senior team is key to trust and dedication across all levels. 

We are proud of this industry-leading initiative as we continue to develop our staff at all levels. From partnering with LinkedIn Learning to provide our on-going digital learning, to bringing in external expertise to widen perspectives – we’re committed to empowering our teams to grow personally and professionally. 

Our directors from across the UK recently participated in the 2024 UKREiiF conference in Leeds. Organised by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, this three-day event serves as a platform where industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders meet, exchange insights, and investigate collaborative opportunities that shape the future of Real Estate and Infrastructure across the entire country. Over three days, our delegates had ample opportunities to contribute to thought leadership and into ongoing projects across the UK and engage with industry speakers. 

The annual gathering featured a compelling agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions and some great guest speakers. With a strong emphasis on exploring the latest trends, innovations, and investment strategies, our objective was to gather valuable insights and cultivate strategic partnerships within the industry. 

“My main takeaway was how Energy Performance and ESG was mentioned as a factor in almost every session I attended, especially now from funders who require well performing assets going forward. Buildings and their occupant’s wellbeing are going to be smarter and more integrated and ever more efficient.” Craig Robertson – Director, England  

Craig also shared his experience attending the session hosted by JLL on Day Two, which outlined the development plans for West Edinburgh. We are currently part of the team on the incredible West Town project, a development by Drum Property Group, which is set to deliver 7,000 New Homes and an array of amenities.  

“The plans for West Edinburgh, including the West Town development was a highlight for me, especially since its in my home city. On the back of delivering St James Quarter, Wallace Whittle are Building Services Consultants, providing MEPH services engineering and energy performance expertise, on two of the biggest developments in Edinburgh this century so far.” 

With our recent expansion into Birmingham and Manchester, our Regional Leads, Darren Wright and Paul Dean, found immense value in exploring up-and-coming projects and attending sessions focused on the region’s infrastructural growth and development. The West Midlands UKREiiF sessions highlighted the transformative power of the West Midlands as a driving force for real estate and regeneration opportunities. These discussions underscored how the region is poised to become a central hub for innovation and economic growth. 

The session “Devolution: Where does the UK go?” chaired by Phil Laycock, provided diverse regional perspectives and crucial updates following the 2023 trailblazer deals impacting Manchester and the West Midlands. Our projects in Birmingham and Manchester are directly influenced by these trailblazer deals, which aim to decentralise power and to provide more autonomy to local authorities.  

For instance, our ongoing project High Street in Digbeth exemplifies this approach. This development includes 481 residential units across two cores, ranging from 8 to 34 storeys, with a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom dwellings. This project not only reflects our commitment to sustainable and innovative design but also aligns perfectly with the opportunities highlighted by the 2023 trailblazer deals. 

“We are once again delighted to work with a valued client and trusted partner to provide not only a much-needed affordable housing led scheme but also modern energy efficient homes for Digbeth and its community. Sharing our expertise, we hope to create and contribute to a vibrant neighbourhood.”  Darren Wright – Director, Birmingham 

As we continue to contribute to projects within this region, we are excited to be part of the positive changes and opportunities these deals bring to the West Midlands and Manchester.  

Another key takeaway was the focus on securing viable and sustainable funding and the promising future of the funding landscape over the next few years. The conference highlighted particularly promising prospects for projects related to PBSA, Co-Living spaces, and hotels. These sectors are expected to present significant investment opportunities over the next 18 months. 

“My first time at UKREiiF was a hugely positive experience. The event programming, content, and particularly the delegates that made the time to be available across the various days was truly first class.” Steven Dunn – Director, Scotland  

“Whilst acknowledging and discussing some of the key issues our industry faces right now and in the coming years with funding and the availability of capital, there was also a great deal of positivity and opportunity.

It was reflected in many conversations had during the debate sessions and casual conversations across my two days in Leeds – the future is looking bright.”

Our UK & Ireland Healthcare Leads Paul Cooper and Jonathan Blackhurst joined our regional Director for Ireland, Gavin McCausland to represent Wallace Whittle as we grow our presence in the healthcare sector within Northern Ireland.

The conference served as a platform to exchange ideas and insights with fellow industry professionals. Discussions on topics like the journey to net zero were particularly impactful. Chris Matthew from the Department of Health for Northern Ireland delivered a talk titled “Unlocking the Potential, the Passion, and the Commitment,” which covered the decarbonisation of the estate. This resonated deeply with our commitment to sustainable healthcare infrastructure and our ongoing projects with health trusts across the NHS estate.

“The informative presentations on Procure 23 and the New Hospitals Programme were a couple of favourites that gave a great insight into the progress of the NHP and the toolkits procure 23 provides for project success.” Jonathan Blackhurst, England Healthcare Lead.

Helen Sturdy, from NHS England, delivered a thought-provoking talk on the first day, focusing on the new NHS Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Toolkit. She emphasised that “the new NHS Modern Methods of Construction Toolkit and accompanying User Guide are intended to provide a framework and key themes to create a coherent Modern Methods of Construction strategy.” At Wallace Whittle, we have extensive experience with MMC with the imminent handover of the new Surgical Centre for NHS Golden Jubilee, a facility designed from the ground up to fully utilise Modern Methods of Construction.

“It was a great couple of days in Belfast seeing the importance that is being placed on healthcare by IHEEM NI and the local Trusts and delivery partners.  I was particularly impressed with the talks that were put on looking to receive knowledge and lessons learned from other parts of the UK on their healthcare programmes.” Paul Cooper, Scotland & Ireland Healthcare Lead.

Eamon Sullivan and Alpa Patel, from the New Hospital Programme, delivered a fantastic presentation on the first morning, with a particularly compelling discussion. They explained that “Hospital 2.0” is a standardised design for future hospitals, which will benefit patients and staff through digital solutions and optimised hospital layouts. This approach aims to decrease the average time required to develop and build hospitals while also reducing costs through economies of scale. 

While there are challenges in implementing repeatability and standardisation for MEP services in a healthcare environment, Wallace Whittle has extensive experience in this area. Our ongoing design for the Monklands Replacement Project is a prime example of how we effectively utilise repeatability to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. To find out more about some of our processes, read our piece on Ceiling Coordination.

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At Wallace Whittle, our dedication to healthcare engineering excellence is unwavering. With 20+ years experience within the industry, we specialise in designing and optimising HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, water management, and all crucial components for the efficient operation of healthcare facilities.

Moreover, sustainability is at the forefront of our approach. We prioritise green energy solutions and employ innovative practices to minimise environmental impact.

“We had a great time meeting with different healthcare clients and introducing them to Wallace Whittle’s healthcare knowledge and experience in Scotland, England, and Ireland. We are looking forward to strengthening these relationships in the healthcare industry as we expand our Belfast office!” Gavin McCausland, Ireland Director.

As we continue our commitment to supporting trusts and projects across the UK and Ireland, especially towards sustainability, Wallace Whittle remains dedicated to driving positive change in the healthcare industry.