Cement and concrete producers are urging the UK government to accelerate support for emissions-cutting technologies after a new sector report tracked progress towards a 2050 net-zero target. Industry bodies are pushing for capital support and market mechanisms to scale up carbon capture and storage on kilns, switch to low-clinker cements, and expand use of alternative fuels in existing plants. For civil engineers and contractors, the shift implies earlier adoption of lower-CO₂ concretes and closer engagement with evolving cement specifications and supply-chain constraints.

EverMetal Holdings has acquired Sheffield-based Advanced Alloys, adding UK processing of complex nickel, cobalt and minor metal superalloy turnings and trade in high-purity tungsten, tantalum and niobium to its existing US recycler CAI Custom Alloys. The deal links one of the world’s largest superalloy scrap and revert hubs with the largest end-market for superalloys, creating a transatlantic sourcing and processing network for aerospace, power generation, medical and space OEMs. Backed by GEF Capital Partners, EverMetal plans further acquisitions of founder- and family-owned superalloy revert, turnings preparation and toll-processing businesses across North America and Europe.

Holcim UK has appointed long-serving HR leader Hazel Mooney as people director, tasking her with attracting, developing and retaining talent across its cement, aggregates, ready-mix and construction materials operations. Mooney joined Holcim in 2013 and has progressed through several senior roles, including head of people, before serving as interim people director. CEO Adham El Sharkawy points to her deep knowledge of the UK business and workforce as critical for sustaining skills pipelines in a tightening labour and site-based engineering talent market.