National Timber Group, Britain's largest timber merchant, is on the brink of breaking up as it faces insolvency, with notices of intent to appoint administrators filed for each part of the group. Established by Cairngorm Capital in 2018, the group consolidated several timber companies, including Thornbridge and Arnold Laver, but reported a pre-tax loss of £6.3 million on a £197 million turnover for 2023. Now controlled by Sylvan Span and led by CEO Mark Dixon, the group is in advanced talks to sell substantial parts of its business while seeking additional funding to stabilise operations.

Dubai-based developer Arada has acquired an 80% stake in the £2.5bn Thameside West development at London's Royal Docks, marking its second major investment in the city's residential market. The Foster & Partners masterplan includes at least 5,000 residential apartments over 47 acres, with 1,000 homes in the first phase starting construction in 2027. The project, featuring a kilometre of waterfront and extensive green spaces, aims to transform the former industrial site into a connected, sustainable neighbourhood with 35% affordable housing.

O’Brien Contractors has commenced the infrastructure phase at the 606-acre Fairham development in Nottinghamshire, following the completion of major earthworks ahead of schedule. This £100 million investment, led by Clowes Developments and Homes England, will support the construction of 3,000 homes and over a million square feet of employment space. The current phase involves installing essential infrastructure such as highways, drainage, and utilities, including water, gas, electricity, and telecoms, while coordinating with local councils and National Highways to minimise transport disruption.