Devolution white paper delivers changes that support needs of local policymakers
Much detailed thinking is still required but there is plenty to applaud in the government’s proposals to give greater powers to local authorities, says Oliver Steele of Mott MacDonald
Is the UK’s infrastructure ready for 96mph storms?
As the number and intensity of storms increases, Dr Liz Marlow of Cundall considers how we might become better prepared
Labour’s devolution revolution: Ambitious and risky but it makes a lot of sense
Labour’s alternative to a failed levelling up strategy is a much more ambitious programme of devolution. Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis considers the implications for development and construction
Construction industry gossip: New year opener
The latest chatter around the industry
‘Why?’ is the question we should be asking in 2025 – and here is the answer
By focusing on outcomes rather than procedures we can bring about the change the industry so deperately needs, says RLB’s Paul Beeston
How to look for and find confidence in UK construction
A few weeks into 2025 and already it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the relentless bad news cycle. Here are some bright spots on the horizon
What to expect from AI in construction in 2025
Artificial intelligence is here to stay and, as its capabilities evolve, we will be able to deliver more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective projects, writes WSP’s Diego Padilla-Philipps
We’ve survived another year… So what happens next?
We may be approaching the end of a particularly turbulent and damaging few years but the outlook is still full of obstacles and challenges, says Mark Farmer
A happy new year? Industry experts share their forecasts for 2025
The past 12 months have been turbulent politically and economically. Does the year ahead look like an improvement or more of the same? A range of figures from across the industry give their views
The industry needs Lendlease to stick around because Mace and Multiplex can’t build everything
It is not good for anyone that some of the sector’s most high-profile projects are bid by just two firms, writes Dave Rogers
Act now and make the new year a time of real change
Bold leadership, greater diversity, a circular approach and a focus on cracking the housing crisis are on my wishlist for 2025, writes Ellie Jenkins of Akerlof
The new NPPF: the time for waiting is over
There is much to like in the updated planning guidance but ministers should demand that new housing targets are delivered sooner rather than later, writes Paul Smith
Being deaf has not held me back from becoming a surveyor
We need to work harder at being inclusive and value the skills people with disabilities bring to the workplace, says Helen Booker-Hunt at Acivico Group
In 2025 we will see the economic consequences of 2024’s political decisions
With a relatively stable government in place, a plan to build 1.5 million houses, investment in green energy and a new infrastructure fund, we may well be viewed as a better bet by those who deserted us post Brexit, says Richard Steer
Has 2024 been another lost year?
Our new government has squandered a promising start, it needs to work harder to harness the full potential of the construction sector
Legal abroad: How Saudi Arabia’s revised arbitration rules will help mega-projects
The SCCA Rules 2023 will ensure a more transparent and internationally compliant legal process, smoothing the way on Saudi’s increasing mega-projects
Sexual harassment at work: employers’ new duties
Ashley Scriven explains changes in the employer’s duty to protect employees from sexual harassment
Looking back at the legal year: 2024 in construction law
In 2024 fire safety dominated the legal space, while liability caps and conditions precedent also produced a glut of cases
How can we make Henry Ford-style housebuilding work?
Nick Pinder, Mariya Rankin and Magdalena Prus explore the contractual and regulatory implications of a cookie-cutter approach to housebuilding
Tinkering with design and build won’t fix anything – but alliancing can
Martin Davis disagrees with Tony Bingham’s diagnosis and remedies with design and build; rather, he says, it’s integrated collaborative teams that bring transformative outcomes, and one proven methodology is insurance-backed alliancing
One standard to rule them all?
Gabrielle Coppack, Nick Turner and Matthew Bool on the publication of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard pilot
Statutory adjudication - the 2024 survey results are in…
An annual survey shows referrals rising strongly, with inadequate contract administration the leading cause of disputes – and women still under-represented
What routes do contractors have to claim against cladding firms?
Contractors facing cladding claims from property owners have more than one possible route to claim in turn against the manufacturers
