World Mental Health Day 2026
Written by Martin Boardman
Founder & Managing Director
At MWB Design & Build, I’ve always believed that looking after our people should be one of our biggest priorities.
In the construction industry, we spend a lot of time focused on delivering projects, meeting deadlines, managing pressures and ensuring everyone gets home safely at the end of the working day. But it’s just as important that we look after the people undertaking the work, not just their physical safety, but their mental health and wellbeing too.
Last Thursday, we took an extended brew break, with plenty of bacon and sausage butties, tuna sandwiches and fruit for the health conscious in the team, to give everyone a little extra time away from their usual routines to sit down, have a chat and enjoy each other’s company.
It might seem like a small gesture, but I genuinely believe these moments matter.
Construction can be a demanding industry, both physically and mentally. There are deadlines to meet, problems to solve, clients to look after and the everyday pressures that come with running and working in a busy business. It’s easy to get caught up in it all and forget that sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest difference.
Breaking Down the Barriers Around Men's Mental Health
Men’s mental health is something I believe our industry needs to take particularly seriously.
Construction remains a predominantly male industry, and for generations there’s been a culture of putting on a brave face, keeping your problems to yourself, and simply getting on with the job.
Thankfully, attitudes are changing, but there is still work to do.
As business leaders we need to create an environment where people feel comfortable talking, where asking for help isn’t seen as a weakness and where looking out for each other is just as important as looking out for someone’s safety on site.
Of course, mental health doesn’t just affect men. We have some amazing women working across our business, in architecture, design, project management, administration and the wider team, their wellbeing is every bit as important. They face their own pressures and challenges, both inside and outside work, many with work and family commitments to balance, and it’s important that everyone, regardless of gender or role, feels equally supported, respected and valued.
Ultimately, we are all busy people, and we all have things going on in our lives that others might know very little about.
One thing I’m particularly conscious of as our business continues to grow is the responsibility we have towards the younger members of our team and those just starting out in construction. We are fortunate to have some very experienced people working across MWB, colleagues who have spent many years in the industry and have an enormous amount of knowledge, skill and experience to pass on.
I believe one of the most valuable things they can do is take the time to support, encourage, and mentor our younger colleagues and apprentices.
Starting out in construction can be daunting. There’s a huge amount to learn, mistakes will inevitably be made, and confidence takes time to develop. Having someone experienced who is prepared to offer advice, explain how things work, share their knowledge, and provide a bit of reassurance can make all the difference.
And sometimes, it’s not even about teaching someone something new. Simply telling someone ‘Well done’, or ‘top job today’, a pat on the back can mean far more than we might realise.
We can all be guilty of pointing out when something hasn’t gone quite right, but perhaps we don’t always spend enough time recognising when someone has done a good job. A little encouragement costs nothing, but it can build confidence, improve morale, and help someone feel that their contribution is genuinely appreciated.
I also believe that this works both ways. Our younger colleagues bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and new ways of thinking, and there is plenty that those of us who have been around a little longer can learn from them too.
The best teams are those where people of all ages and experience levels respect, support and learn from one another.
We won’t always know what someone is going through inside and outside work, and we certainly don’t need to think we have all the answers. But taking a moment to ask how someone is doing, having a conversation, listening without judgement, or simply making someone feel included can make a real difference.
Last weeks extended brew break was just one small way of putting that into practice. It wasn’t about expecting everyone to open about their problems or turning a bacon butty into a counselling session!
It was simply about getting everyone together, having a laugh, enjoying a bit of time away from the pressures of the working day and reminding ourselves that we are all part of the same team. I would like to think we are building a business where people enjoy coming to work, feel comfortable being themselves and know that if they are having a difficult time, there is someone they can turn to.
We are not going to get everything right all the time, and like any business, there will always be pressures and challenges. But I believe it’s important that we constantly try to create the right environment for everyone.
As an employer, we have a responsibility to do more than simply provide a job. We should be helping people develop, build confidence, feel valued and, hopefully, enjoy what they do.
Our people are without doubt our greatest asset. Our building and architecture projects come and go, but it is the people, their skills, their commitment, and the relationships we build along the way that really makes a strong and resilient business.
Let’s keep looking out for each other, make time for a chat, share our experience with the next generation, and remember to give someone a pat on the back when they have done a good job.
And if that occasionally involves an extra brew and a bacon butty, then all the better!
Celebrating Our BIBAs Journey
Written by Kat Gallagher & Laura Pascoe
Office Administrator & PA to the Managing Director | Office & Accounts Manager
At MWB Design & Build, we believe great design and build is about much more than architecture and construction. It is about people, places and creating a lasting impact.
After 11 years in business, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate how far we have come and, most importantly, recognise the people who have helped us get here — our dedicated workforce, trusted suppliers and skilled contractors who deliver exceptional work for our clients every day.
To celebrate their achievements, we entered the BIBAs — Lancashire’s premier business awards, which recognise the county’s leading companies, entrepreneurs and business community.
Three Categories, Three Finalist Places
We were delighted to enter three categories:
Small Business of the Year
Construction Business of the Year
Apprentice Team of the Year
Following a rigorous judging process, we were thrilled to be selected as finalists in all three categories.
The journey to the finals was certainly not without its challenges. Our entries involved three detailed applications, followed by three 45-minute panel interviews with our Managing Director, Martin. We welcomed a panel of five judges to our offices and construction sites on three separate occasions, giving them the opportunity to meet employees across the whole business and see our work first-hand.
By the time of the final visit, we had even become pretty good at posing for what became known as the ‘BIBA Bend’!
For our Founder and Managing Director Martin, the BIBAs were always about more than winning an award. They provided an opportunity to celebrate the people behind MWB.
“A win would celebrate our people and help us attract the next generation of builders, architects, designers and skilled local trades, while also encouraging experienced professionals to join us on our journey.
Ultimately, it would strengthen our belief in pushing the boundaries of residential building, delivering more sustainable homes and, of course, give us a great excuse to celebrate together.”
After months of applications, interviews and judging visits, the BIBAs awards evening finally arrived at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. It was a fantastic opportunity for the team to come together, celebrate the journey and reflect on more than 11 years of MWB Design & Build. The evening was made even more memorable with a live performance from Nadine Coyle.
While we were delighted to be finalists for three awards, we were particularly proud to receive a Highly Commended certificate in the Small Business of the Year category.
It was a hugely proud moment for everyone and a wonderful recognition of the hard work, passion and dedication that our team puts into every project.
The BIBAs experience has been incredibly rewarding. It has given us an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, and look ahead to the future. We would like to congratulate all of the finalists and winners and extend our thanks to the BIBAs judges and organisers for such a memorable evening.
Most importantly, we want to say a huge thank you to our team, suppliers and contractors. This recognition belongs to all of you.
After more than 11 years in business, we’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and excited about what the future holds for MWB Design & Build.
We’ve returned from the BIBAs feeling inspired, grateful and ready for the next chapter.
Celebrating Cayden's Apprenticeship Achievement
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate a fantastic achievement by Cayden, who has successfully completed his Level 2 Bricklaying qualification at Preston College as part of his apprenticeship with MWB.
Since joining MWB two years ago, Cayden has become a respected and valued member of the team. During that time, he has worked hard to develop his skills, gain valuable experience on site and build a strong foundation for his future career in the construction industry. Cayden’s commitment to his apprenticeship and his qualification has been clear throughout his time with us.
A key part of Cayden’s development has been the support and guidance he has received from his colleagues at MWB. Masonry manager, Damian, has played an important role in supporting Cayden throughout his apprenticeship, helping him to develop his practical skills and gain confidence in his work. Our Construction Manager, Wayne, has also been instrumental in providing guidance and encouragement as Cayden continues to progress within the company.
For MWB, apprenticeships are about more than simply gaining a qualification. They are an opportunity to invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople, providing young people with the practical experience, knowledge and support they need to build a successful career.
Cayden’s progress over the past two years is a great example of this. From joining the company as an apprentice to now achieving his Level 2 Bricklaying qualification, he has shown real commitment to both his trade and the MWB team.
We’re immensely proud of Cayden’s achievement and the dedication he has shown to his accreditation, his work and the company. It has been fantastic to watch his confidence and skills grow, and we’re excited to see him continue to develop and take the next steps in his career with MWB.
Congratulations, Cayden, on achieving your Level 2 Bricklaying qualification — a fantastic achievement and one that you should be very proud of!
26 Hours in Switzerland
This spring, Adam, one of MWB Architecture’s Directors and Lead Architects, swapped the Manchester drizzle for crisp Swiss air on a whirlwind 26 hour visit to Switzerland. Hosted by Clear Living, the carefully planned trip packed in world class engineering, lakeside architecture, hands on cooking and cultural inspiration. Efficient, inspiring and unmistakably Swiss.
Precision at Sky Frame, Near Zurich
The journey began just outside Zurich at the Sky Frame showroom and manufacturing facility, a must visit for anyone who appreciates clean lines and precision engineering.
Sky Frame is renowned for its frameless sliding door systems, and seeing them in person was a reminder of what sets exceptional products apart. Ultra slim sightlines, seamless thresholds and expansive glazing panels are all delivered with the precision you would expect from a country famous for watchmaking.
Touring the factory gave Adam the opportunity to see how each component is assembled and quality checked. The finished product may appear simple, but the craftsmanship behind it is anything but.
For architects, visits like these are invaluable. Understanding how a product is made, along with its capabilities and limitations, allows us to specify it with confidence and detail it correctly.
From glazing precision to interior design, the evening continued at Exceptis in Weinfelden. The showroom featured an impressive range of materials, finishes and interior products that sparked plenty of ideas for future projects.
Rather than a traditional showroom reception, the evening centred around a collaborative cooking experience. Architects, suppliers and designers worked together to prepare dinner, discovering that detailing skills do not always translate into knife skills.
The result was a relaxed evening of great food, generous hospitality and valuable conversations. It was a refreshing way to build relationships and share ideas.
The following morning brought blue skies and a visit to a stunning property overlooking Lake Rheinsee, where Sky Frame systems were showcased exactly as intended.
Expansive sliding glass panels framed uninterrupted views across the water, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Seeing the product in its finished setting reinforced how thoughtful specification and careful detailing help create architecture that feels effortless.
The setting certainly helped too.
Back in Zurich, the group reflected over lunch on the previous day’s experiences and discussed how the insights gained could influence current and future projects.
Before heading to the airport, Adam also managed to visit the FIFA Museum. Its immersive exhibitions demonstrated how thoughtful design can shape storytelling and create memorable visitor experiences, making it a worthwhile cultural stop.
By early evening, Adam was back on a flight to Manchester, just 26 hours after arriving.
It may have been a short trip, but it delivered lasting value. Experiences like these strengthen our understanding of the products we specify, build industry relationships and ultimately help us design better spaces for our clients.
Our thanks to Clear Living for hosting such a well organised and enjoyable experience.
Swiss precision, excellent company and a reminder that great design, much like great food, is always best experienced first hand.
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