Technology and Innovation Weekly Digest

Welcome to the Technology and Innovational digest where we explore the latest innovations driving sustainability and efficiency across the industry. This week, we will look how the UK plans to grow its digital capabilities through the £14bn AI infrastructure plan. We also cover CBRE’s recent acquisition that will enhance building operations and workplace solutions, as well as a new expansion bringing pod hotels to London. Additionally, we cover Willmott Dixon’s role in the NHS’s decarbonisation framework and Beams’ new funding that aims to digitise the UK home renovation market.

Aaliyah Pollock- AI, Data & Tech Analyst

UK Government Announces 14bn Plan to Boost AI Infrastructure

The UK government has announced a £14bn plan to help build digital infrastructure, positioning the UK as a global leader in AI. As part of the plan, the government aims to create AI growth zones that will “speed up planning approvals for the rapid build-out of data centres, give them better access to the energy grid, and draw in investment from around the world.” Companies like Vantage, Nscale, and Kyndryl have committed to invest in UK data centres, creating over 13,000 jobs.

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CBRE Acquires Industrious to Launch New Building Operations & Experience Segment

CBRE have announced the acquisition of Industrious National Management, a leading provider of flexible workplace solutions. This acquisition will form a new segment called Building Operations & Experience (BOE), combining CBRE’s property and facilities management services to deliver innovative, scalable solutions for offices, warehouses, and data centres. Led by Jamie Hodari, Industrious’ chief executive officer and co-founder, the new BOE segment is expected to drive future growth in workplace experience and operations.

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LyLo Plans European Pod Hotel Launch in London

As part of their European expansion, an Australian budget hotel chain is set to open its first European pod hotel in London, with Southwark as a key target area. Currently operating 608 pods across New Zealand and Australia, Lylo’s pod concept is inspired by Japanese capsule hotels, that offer compact rooms with a bed and storage, and shared amenities like bathrooms and kitchen areas. Lylo’s Managing Director said “We are thrilled to introduce LyLo to Europe, with London as the perfect city to launch our first property. Our innovative pod hotel concept has already proven successful in New Zealand and Australia, and we are confident that the European market will embrace our unique blend of affordability and community-focused design.”

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Willmott Dixon appointed a supplier on £500m NHS Decarbonisation Framework

In attempt to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, Willmott Dixon has been appointed as a supplier for the £500m NHS’s Shared Business Services Decarbonisation Framework. This initiative aims to help NHS Trusts and public sector estates improve energy efficiency and sustainability. With experience working on over 50 healthcare construction projects, Wilmott Dixon will implement measures such as insulation, solar energy, and renewable heating across the UK.

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Beams Raises $9M to Digitise UK Home Renovation Market

Beams, a UK-based start-up that aims bring efficiency and simplicity to home renovations, has secured $9m Series A funding raising its total to $13.3 million. The round was led by ETF Partners, with backing from investors like Giant Ventures, Firstminute Capital, and Borusan Ventures. Founded in 2022, Beams has developed a pricing engine that can predict costs and timelines using data from over 6,000 building projects, along with 3D scanning technology for precise designs. They also provide a marketplace for contractors, connecting customers with trusted builders, ensuring quality and accountability.

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