Torus has awarded a £224m multi-contractor framework to deliver 9,000 new homes by 2029 and support retrofit works across its existing 41,000-home portfolio around Liverpool, Warrington and St Helens. The 13 appointed firms include Eric Wright Construction, Seddon Construction, Caddick Construction, Vistry Merseyside, Starship Modular and others covering both traditional build and modular delivery. The framework will be central to scaling fabric upgrades and new-build output, giving regional contractors a structured pipeline of housing and refurbishment projects.

Van Elle has agreed to sell its 2023-formed Canadian subsidiary, Van Elle Canada Inc, including its fleet of road-rail plant, to special purpose vehicle 1560169 B.C. Ltd, in partnership with rail contractor Remcan Projects LP, for approximately CAD $4.7m, with completion targeted around 17 December 2025. The deal comprises an initial CAD $2.7m cash payment, matching the net book value of key fixed assets, plus about CAD $2.0m deferred to 31 July 2026, subject to closing adjustments. Van Elle Canada, originally set up to service the delayed Metrolinx GO expansion, generated £3.5m revenue but a £1.3m loss in the year to 30 April 2025, and will continue to receive specialist rail consultancy support from Van Elle’s UK team.

Wigan-based Marsden Crane Services has added a 150-tonne Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3 all terrain crane as its new flagship, featuring a five-axle carrier, seven-section 66-metre main boom and remote-controlled superstructure functions for safer site operations. With extensions, the crane reaches a 92-metre hook height and 72-metre radius, and can legally travel under STGO with 29 tonnes of its 46-tonne ballast, reducing support transport for many lifts. The unit has already erected Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s new 138 ft Aviktas gyro swing and follows Marsden’s recent addition of a 50-tonne Liebherr LTC 1050-3.1 city crane used for precast lifts at Burnley FC’s stadium.