Welcome to the May issue of PSBJ…

In the construction industry, we’re acutely aware of the impact a skills shortage can have on the market, especially when operating within the public sector, where the pressure is magnified. STEM subjects have long been recognised for their potential to enhance national productivity, drive economic growth and play a crucial role in steering the UK towards its net-zero goals. As more companies start to invest in apprenticeship programmes and tailor their recruitment strategies to appeal to younger generations, we’re seeing a growing number of students choosing STEM subjects and expressing an interest in the field.

Consequently, there’s a noticeable increase in the development of state-of-the-art labs and facilities up and down the country designed specifically for these adept students to engage in pioneering research, fostering the next wave of innovations.

In this month’s issue, we delve into two cutting-edge medical facilities poised to nurture the next generation of scientific talent in the UK. The first, BIOS, is a £36.9m state-of-the-art science, health and medical facility located at the heart of Teesside University’s Middlesbrough Campus. Delivered by Wates and Summers-Inman, this facility is set to revolutionise healthcare provision by providing top-tier training facilities for future healthcare professionals. Turn to page 08 for further details.

Elsewhere, we explore the expansion of a landmark facility at London’s King’s College for the Rayne Institute that houses the Gene Therapy Vector Facility (GTVF), which enables the delivery of the latest gene therapies into clinical production. This expansion, costing £5.8m, was undertaken in collaboration with Pick Everard, a multidisciplinary consultancy, to ensure the institute remains at the forefront of its field. Learn more about this facility and the creation of a new micro laboratory on page 12.