Investing in the future of our industry
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Investing in the future of our industry

News & Updates Investing in the future of our industry Building the future of our industry starts with investing in the next generation. That’s why we were proud to support the fantastic work of the Construction Youth Trust at our client event in London. For nearly two decades, the Trust has been helping young people across London explore careers in construction and the built environment, connecting them with opportunities, developing their skills and helping them build brighter futures. Their work not only changes individual lives but also helps address one of the industry’s biggest challenges: attracting and developing future talent. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, we are proud to have raised more than £900 in support of their vital work. A huge thank you to all our guests, colleagues and partners who contributed on the day. Every penny raised will help the Trust continue inspiring young people and opening doors to careers across our sector. As an industry, we all have a role to play in creating opportunities and ensuring construction remains an accessible, diverse and rewarding career path for future generations. Find out how you can help at: constructionyouth.org.uk Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Investing in the future of our industry June 23, 2026 Podcast Black Cat Chat: S2 E02 with Rich Millington & Peter Fearon Brown June 18, 2026 News Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ???? June 12, 2026

Sandon Global Black Cat Chat
Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 E02 with Rich Millington & Peter Fearon Brown

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: S2 E02 with Rich Millington & Peter Fearon Brown Sandon Global: Building a World-Class Manufacturing Facility In this episode of Black Cat Chat, Andy Clow is joined by Rich Millington, Managing Director of Sandon Global, and Peter Fearon Brown of 2M2 Studio to explore the story behind one of the UK’s most impressive advanced manufacturing facilities. Together, they discuss how a long-term vision evolved from an ageing industrial unit into a purpose-built headquarters designed to support innovation, growth and global ambition. The conversation covers the importance of understanding a client’s business before putting pen to paper, the role design plays in shaping company culture, and how thoughtful workplace environments can bring teams together. Rich and Peter also share the challenges faced throughout the project, including land acquisition, power supply issues and navigating construction during the Covid-19 pandemic. From showcasing cutting-edge manufacturing processes to creating collaborative spaces that break down barriers between office and production teams, this episode highlights how great buildings can become powerful business tools. A fascinating listen for anyone involved in property, construction, manufacturing, workplace design or business leadership. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests from across the built environment in upcoming episodes. Subscribe wherever you get your podcaststo make sure you don’t miss an episode! Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ???? June 12, 2026 News Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth June 8, 2026 News Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop June 5, 2026

Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ????
News

Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ????

News & Updates Black Cat takes on the Elifar Challenge! ???? A valiant team from Black Cat + BCAM swapped surveys, strategies and spreadsheets for a day of competition at the annual The Elifar Foundation Challenge, joining businesses from across the retail property industry to raise money and awareness for a fantastic charitable cause. The challenge tested both body and mind, with teams taking part in a wide range of physical and cerebral activities throughout the day. While we’re not quite troubling the Olympic selectors just yet, we were delighted to finish a respectable 15th out of 20 teams, with plenty of determination, teamwork and good humour on display along the way. The Beaconsfield weather certainly kept us on our toes, serving up everything from sunshine to torrential rain, but thankfully we’d brought enough of our brand new Black Cat hoodies for the 200+ attendees to get themselves warmed up after a proper soaking. At times it looked like a Black Cat convention! ???? Most importantly, it was a brilliant opportunity to support an important cause, spend time together outside the office and enjoy some friendly competition with colleagues and peers from across the sector. A huge thank you to the organisers (especially BCAM’s very own Rosalyn Rudman), the volunteers and everyone who took part. We’ll be back next year aiming to climb a few places up the leaderboard! ???? The Team: Captain Ruth Moorhouse, Tim Cornford, Ginny Ashcroft MRICS, Henry J.B. Smith, Ben Gibson, Annie Gardiner & Andy Clow The Elifar Foundation helps to improve the lives of children and young adults with severe learning and physical disabilities. Find out more about charity here: elifarfoundation.org.uk Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ???? June 12, 2026 News Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth June 8, 2026 News Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop June 5, 2026

Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth
News

Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth

News & Updates Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth ???? As Zeta Analytical continues to expand its business operations in Watford, the company needed larger premises that could support its growing requirements and provide the right environment for both office and laboratory functions. Black Cat’s Sam Sims and Samuel Jennings were instructed to deliver a comprehensive fit-out package, including the installation of a mezzanine floor and the subsequent fit-out of new office and laboratory accommodation.  https://bcteam.centillionhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zeta-Anayltical-phase-1-case-study.mp4 Our appointment included the preparation of initial design drawings by Alan Down, development of Mechanical & Electrical specifications tailored to Zeta Analytical’s operational needs, Principal Designer services by Tony Threadgold under the Building Regulations, procurement and tender management, and full Project Management from initial instruction through to practical completion. The result is a purpose-built workspace designed to support Zeta Analytical’s continued growth, providing the flexibility, functionality and technical capability required for the next phase of their business. A fantastic project to be involved in and a great example of our team supporting clients as their operational needs evolve. Watch this space for updates to this and other projects over the coming weeks! Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop June 5, 2026 Podcast Black Cat Chat: S2 E01 with Jonathan Smith London Fire Commissioner June 4, 2026 Insight, News Tom Smith joins us to lead new Development Advisory service May 29, 2026

Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop
News

Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop

News & Updates Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop This week, our Public Sector Project Management team, led by Amie McGagh, secured planning permission for a new £10m Motor Vehicle and Construction Workshop in Rhyl for our valued client, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. This is a significant milestone for the project and testament to the hard work of the Black Cat and wider project team, who successfully guided the scheme through the Welsh Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) process and achieved full planning consent within a very ambitious programme. The project will see the demolition of the existing automotive workshop, replacing it with a new 60,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility. The new workshop will support progression into advanced technical skills, helping to broaden and deepen workforce capability for priority economic sectors in Rhyl and the wider region. The development will provide a range of automotive and construction training facilities through carefully designed workshops, alongside high-quality spaces for staff and learners. The scheme is targeting an EPC A rating and will also support improvements to the wider site’s environmental performance, accessibility, outdoor areas and social spaces. A huge thank you to the full project team: Client: Grŵp Llandrillo MenaiPM / QS / EA: Black Cat Building Consultancy – Amie McGagh, Ben Pountney, Danny Speakman Fire Consultancy: Black Cat Building Consultancy – Eric Larmett Planning Consultant: Williams Gallagher – Heather Arnell Architect: Saer Architects Limited Structural, Civil & Geotechnical Engineer: WML Consultants Pty Ltd  MEP Consultant: ECS-Building Services Consultants CDM PD: JAD Consulting – James Dean Watch this space for more exciting updates over the next 12 months! Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop June 5, 2026 Podcast Black Cat Chat: S2 E01 with Jonathan Smith London Fire Commissioner June 4, 2026 Insight, News Tom Smith joins us to lead new Development Advisory service May 29, 2026

Black Cat Chat with London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith
Podcast

Black Cat Chat: S2 E01 with Jonathan Smith London Fire Commissioner

News & Updates Black Cat Chat: S2 E01 with Jonathan Smith London Fire Commissioner Black Cat Chat is back! After a short break, Series 2 opens with a truly brilliant guest: Jonathan Smith BA MSc, London Fire Commissioner, joining Andy Clow in the studio for a fascinating conversation about fire safety, building safety and the changing risk profile of  London as it continues to grow. Jonathan talks about the scale and complexity of running London Fire Brigade, the UK’s most challenging fire and rescue service, from high-rise growth and the post-Grenfell building safety landscape, to wildfires, lithium-ion battery fires and the pressures of operating in a true global city. For anyone working in property, construction, development or asset management, this is a timely reminder that safety cannot be treated as an afterthought. As our cities grow upwards and become more complex, fire safety and building safety need to run through every stage of planning, design, construction and occupation. A huge thank you to Jonathan for joining us and sharing such valuable insight. Listen to the full episode of Black Cat Chat: The Building Podcast now. Click here to watch/listen now: Black Cat Chat  Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News News Black Cat Takes on the Elifar Challenge! ???? June 12, 2026 News Supporting Zeta Analytical’s next stage of growth June 8, 2026 News Green Light for £10m Rhyl Skills Workshop June 5, 2026

Tom Smith joins us to lead new Development Advisory service
Insight, News

Tom Smith joins us to lead new Development Advisory service

News & Updates Tom Smith joins us to lead new Development Advisory service We’ve appointed Tom Smith MRICS as a Director, based in Manchester, to establish and lead its new Development Viability Advisory service throughout the UK, marking a significant expansion of the firm’s capabilities. Having previously held roles at CBRE, Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, and most recently leading AspinallVerdi’s Manchester office, Tom is a Chartered Surveyor specialising in development viability, delivery strategies and town centre regeneration. He brings a strong track record across both the public and private sectors, including senior roles advising on complex, large-scale schemes and supporting local authorities in bringing forward deliverable development. In this new role, Tom will lead the launch of our new national Development Advisory service line, focused on providing early-stage, commercially grounded advice to unlock challenging or stalled sites. The service will support clients across masterplanning, viability, delivery strategies, development partner procurement and funding, bridging the gap between strategic vision and genuine delivery. Tom commented: “Black Cat is an incredibly exciting and unique outfit which has built a very strong reputation in building consultancy. My focus will be on providing clear, commercially robust viability advice at the point where it has the most impact, helping clients navigate complexity and bring forward deliverable schemes.” The appointment comes at a time of increasing demand for integrated advice across viability, design and delivery, particularly for town centre regeneration and the work of Mayoral Development Corporations. Ben Golby, Black Cat founder, said: “We’ve built our reputation on providing practical, delivery-focused advice, and the addition of Development Advisory is a natural progression for the business. Tom has a strong track record of working on complex regeneration projects and understanding what it takes to move schemes forward, and his experience adds a new dimension to the support we can offer our clients.” Tom is already supporting Amstone Ventures, a developer with a proven track record in residential-led regeneration. Amstone delivered Clipper’s Quay and is currently progressing One Knightsbridge in Stockport, a key scheme within the town’s wider regeneration programme. This news was also shared by Place North West here.    Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News Insight, News Tom Smith joins us to lead new Development Advisory service May 29, 2026 Insight, News We’ve won Best Place to Work in the Construction & Building Materials​ May 22, 2026 Team News Welcoming James Ryan to the team! May 21, 2026

Welcoming James Ryan to the Black Cat team!
Team News

Welcoming James Ryan to the team!

News & Updates Welcoming James Ryan to the Black Cat team! We’re delighted to welcome James Ryan MRICS to the Black Cat team! A Chartered Building Surveyor with 18+ years’ experience, James brings a strong mix of Project Management, Condition Surveys, PPM and Design expertise across the commercial, public and private sectors. He’s known for delivering clear, practical advice with a sharp focus on programme and budget. He’s also given back to the profession as a former RICS North West Regional Board Non-Executive Member. Outside of work, you’ll find James coaching grassroots football, following Liverpool FC and trying (his words, not ours) to improve his golf game. Great to have you with us, James! Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News Insight, News We’ve won Best Place to Work in the Construction & Building Materials​ May 22, 2026 Team News Welcoming James Ryan to the team! May 21, 2026 Team News Welcome to the team Brad! May 20, 2026

Welcoming Bradley McNally to the Black Cat Team!
Team News

Welcome to the team Brad!

News & Updates Welcome to the Team Brad! We’re pleased to welcome Bradley McNally to Team Black Cat! Brad joins us as a Graduate Building Surveyor, bringing more than seven years’ experience in the property industry, including hands-on experience across Project Management, Contract Administration and Commercial Refurbishment projects. He’s worked across a range of sectors, including industrial and office, and has also supported professional instructions including Schedules of Condition and Dilapidations. Brad is currently progressing through his APC as he works towards Chartership, bringing a proactive approach to learning, a collaborative mindset and a clear focus on delivering high-quality outcomes for clients. Welcome to the team, Brad. Great to have you with us! Latest News… All Posts Blog Insight News Podcast Team News Team News Welcome to the team Brad! June 1, 2026 Team News We’ve won Best Place to Work in the Construction & Building Materials​ May 22, 2026 Team News Welcome back Gemma! February 25, 2026

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