News
Government Update to Remediation Acceleration Plan
The Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP), first published in December 2024, set out the government’s strategy to speed up the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding and improve outcomes for residents.
An update published today (17 July 2025) outlines the significant progress made so far and introduces new measures to fix buildings faster, identify at-risk 11m+ buildings, and ensure residents are supported throughout the process.
The measures below aim to overcome persistent barriers and ensure residents are - and feel - safe in their homes.
Key measures include:
- Equal funding access for social landlords, supported by a new joint delivery plan with regulators.
- A new Remediation Bill introducing a Legal Duty to Remediate and criminal penalties for inaction.
- A Remediation Backstop to intervene where landlords fail to act.
- Tougher fire assessment standards to cut delays and clarify scope.
- Support for Local Remediation Acceleration Plans (LRAPs) with targeted funding.
- A new National Remediation System (NRS) to track all 11m+ buildings and improve data-sharing between partners organisations.
MBO Completed at Building Surveying and Property Consultancy
From left to right: Josh Christopher (Langton’s Accountants), Michael Jones (E3 Cube), Jayne Croft (Glenville Walker), Eliot Laughton (E3 Cube), Sarah Bell (E3 Cube), Craig Clark (E3 Cube), Matt Robinson (HSBC)
E3Cube, a specialist multi-disciplinary building surveying and property consultancy headquartered in Liverpool, has successfully completed a management buyout (MBO) as part of a strategic growth plan focused on expansion into new sectors and services.
The business, which also operates an office in Birmingham, was founded in 2013 by John and Justine Fay. E3Cube has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality consultancy and project delivery services, particularly within the education sector.
The MBO has been undertaken by four senior members of the management team — Michael Jones, Eliot Laughton, Craig Clark, and Sarah Bell — who will now lead the business into its next phase of growth. While the education sector will remain a key focus, the new leadership team is set to expand E3Cube’s presence within decarbonisation, health, commercial, industrial, and residential markets.
[Michael Jones], on behalf of the management team, said: “John and Justine have established a remarkable business in E3Cube, and on behalf of the management team, I want to express our sincere appreciation for their hard work and achievements.
As we look ahead, maintaining our edge through efficient, high-quality building services design will ensure we stay competitive, resilient, and focused on our people. While the education sector will always be central to what we do, we’re excited to expand our reach into decarbonisation, as well as commercial, industrial, and residential projects.”
John Fay, added,
“Justine and I are incredibly proud of the collaborative, quality-driven culture that runs through every part of E3 Cube. It’s a culture our clients genuinely value and feel, and one that the new management team, with over 34 years of combined experience at E3 Cube, has played a key role in shaping and strengthening.
This management buyout ensures that the culture, which has been central to our growth and success, will be preserved and nurtured. We couldn’t be happier to hand the business over to such a familiar, talented, and committed team. They are perfectly placed to lead E3 Cube into its next phase of growth and diversification, while continuing to deliver the outstanding results our clients expect.”
The MBO was supported by a number of professional advisors. Langtons Chartered Accountants acted as lead advisors to the management team, with Simon Mills, Josh Christopher and Ben Lewtas supporting throughout the transaction as well as securing funding from HSBC. Legal advice to the management team was provided by Denise Walker and Jayne Croft at Glenville Walker whilst HSBC’s funding team was led by Sam Roden and Matt Robinson.
On the sell-side, the outgoing owners were advised by Rob Richardson from accountancy firm MHA with legal advice provided by Laura McMorland from law firm Bermans.
The completion of the MBO marks a significant milestone for E3Cube as it looks to the future with a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation and market diversification.
Leaseholder Protections Consultation
On 4 July 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with the Welsh Government, launched a wide-ranging consultation on the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA).
The consultation seeks views on the detailed secondary legislation needed to bring these reforms into force, alongside further proposals to strengthen protections for leaseholders and freeholders in England and Wales.
To find out why this Consultation matters CLICK HERE
Scope of the Consultation
The consultation is split into two parts:
- Part 1 covers the implementation of LAFRA, including secondary legislation on service charge transparency, building insurance, litigation costs, and leaseholders’ rights to information.
- Part 2 proposes additional reforms around major works, reserve funds, property management regulation, and protections for fixed-charge leaseholders.
It applies to both England and Wales and invites views on whether different approaches are needed across the two nations.
To see what's changing - key forthcoming measures and proposals - CLICK HERE
How You Can Get Involved
Help Shape TPI's Response - TPI is preparing a comprehensive response to this important consultation – and we want your voice to be heard. Your expertise and insights are invaluable in helping us ensure the sector is accurately represented and that our submission reflects real-world experiences.
👉 CLICK HERE to complete our short survey and:
- Express your interest in contributing to discussions;
- Share your views on any part of the consultation.
Join our Consultation Workshop
To support members in drafting and submitting their own consultation responses, we are hosting a special 90-minute workshop as part of our Policy Hour series. TPI’s policy team and sector experts will guide you through the consultation and answer your questions.
Date: Wednesday 27 August
Time: 9:00–10:30am
Location: Online
👉 REGISTER HERE to book your place.
The deadline to respond to this consultation is 26 September 2025.
If you have any questions about the consultation or how to get involved, please contact us at policyteam@tpi.org.uk.
Watling Appointed to Handle Godwin Sites
Watling Real Estate has been appointed in connection with five sites under the ownership of companies within Godwin Group, the distressed Birmingham-based property developer.
The sites include locations in central Derby, St Paul’s in Bristol, Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, Erdington in Birmingham and Hockley Heath near Solihull.
Alex Sweetman, a director in the Leeds office of Watling Real Estate, said: “These high-profile appointments involve several regionally significant schemes and we expect a buoyant level of interest from the market”.
“The portfolio comprises a mix of full consented schemes plus sites currently being promoted through the planning process.”
In Derby, Watling will be bringing to market The Landmark, a fully-consented 202-unit residential scheme presented within three tower blocks. The site had previously been marketed by agents Avison Young.
Wisbech Gateway is a prominent 8.5-acre Cambridgeshire site adjacent to the A47 with outline planning permission for a roadside development including hotel, petrol filling station, retail units, drive through restaurants, a hotel and industrial. Agent Rapleys had previously been marketing the units off-plan.
A further site located in central Bristol, off Newfoundland Road, is currently being promoted to support a 101-bed purpose-built student scheme, having previous received planning permission for a hotel-led mixed-use scheme.
The two further properties in Hockley Heath, Solihull and at Central Square Shopping Centre in Birmingham comprise residential-focused development opportunities currently promoted to support 41 and 30 dwellings respectively.
Sweetman said “We’re currently working closely with lenders and other stakeholders and plan to launch our campaign in the coming weeks.”
More information can be obtained from Alex Sweetman on alex.sweetman@watling.com
Watling Real Estate is the UK’s largest and most experienced real estate restructuring practice with 18 staff including eight registered property receivers. The firm offers nationwide coverage through offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol.
The Landmark Derby
Newfoundland Road, Bristol
Principle Wins Management Contract for Prestigious Art Deco Mansion Block in Knightsbridge
Principle Estate Management has been appointed to manage Ovington Court, a distinguished 38-unit mixed-use Art Deco building on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge.
The purpose-built mansion block, designed by Murrell and Pigott in 1930, is located between South Kensington and Knightsbridge tube stations, with world-class amenities, restaurants, shops and transport facilities on the doorstep.
The portered block is at the top of Ovington Gardens by Brompton Road, with the green open spaces of Hyde Park and the museums of South Kensington located less than half a mile away, and minutes away from Harrods.
The building comprises commercial premises across the basement, ground floor and parts of the first and second floors, with residential flats spanning from part of the basement and ground floor through to the eighth floor.
Brett Williams, managing director at Principle Estate Management, said: “With this instruction we’re building real momentum in this part of London which is home to some of the UK’s best prime real estate and heritage buildings. We recently won the management contracts for Empire House and Dalmeny House in Kensington and we see significant growth in high-end, resident-led mansion buildings such as Ovington Court.”
Principle was recommended to the head lessor for Ovington Court at Wall Properties Limited following their proven track record in managing prestigious London properties.
A spokesperson for Wall Properties Ltd said: “We needed expert, professional support at Ovington Court and Principle fits the bill with a proven track record and a growing reputation in London.“We are now in the process of carrying out their 100-day action plan as part of the Principle Promise, which includes a review of Building Safety Act requirements and a Long Term Maintenance Plan. We’re looking forward to seeing improvements in the building.”
The management of Ovington Court demonstrates Principle’s continued expansion in London’s most sought-after locations, where their expertise in heritage and mixed-use buildings is increasingly in demand.