How the covid-19 pandemic has changed construction
Five years on from the first lockdown, lessons have been learnt and the industry has managed to move forward, Heather Holbrook of Thomas & Adamson writes
Here’s how we can deliver the right homes in the right places
As the government sets out plans for 12 new towns, recent visits to Nansledan highlight the importance of high-quality design, placemaking, and long-term stewardship. Hugh Petter argues that the best outcomes will come from a legacy development model—where landowners retain an active role—rather than speculative land sales. To deliver genuinely ...
Compliance in pole position: the parallels between procurement and Formula 1
Success in both is all about the right strategy, the greatest efficiency and complete compliance with the latest regulations, says Simon Toplass, group chief executive at Pagabo and a motor racing fan
Are KPIs in the Procurement Act the equivalent of a shipping forecast for the built environment?
Whether their inclusion will lead to better results remains to be seen, but they do represent a shift towards outcome-based contracting, says RLB’s Paul Beeston
Are the Building Safety Act’s own processes the biggest hurdle in the high-rise development race?
With some minor modifications, the act could be an effective tool for improving building safety while still encouraging the delivery of projects in a timely and cost-effective way, says Robin Holme at TFT
Lessons for the NHP from a digital-first hospital
A hospital due to open near Glasgow in 2031 provides a blueprint for the government’s revamped programme
Construction industry gossip: Tales from the riverbank
The latest chatter around the industry
The UK’s skills approach remains fractured – we need joined-up thinking
Businesses including my own are working hard to build pipelines of talent to match the expected demand, but Skills England must bring the industry response together, says T&T’s Patricia Moore
We all have answers to the skills crisis, so let’s share them
Attracting and retaining talent is one of construction’s biggest headaches, but good employers are finding new ways to stand out – are there wider lessons for the sector?
Planning reform and housing delivery in the year ahead – a lot to do but the signs are promising
Paul Smith describes the current planning reform landscape and finds positivity in the government’s general direction of travel
Backing the builders over the blockers signals real intent from the government
Labour’s development ambitions are bold and challenging. Industry must work with the government to create a positive cycle of growth, says Viral Desai at AtkinsRéalis
The chancellor has put infrastructure at the very centre of her growth plan – so where is the sense of excitement?
Backing for big and bold projects should help boost sector confidence, but with such long time horizons it all feels a bit distant
The Building Safety Act is changing project procurement. Here’s how to navigate the way ahead
New safety requirements could signal the end of single-stage design and build, says Steve Jackson at AtkinsRéalis. Expert advice and collaborative working are the keys to a smooth transition
How to fix the broken paradigm of risk transfer and procurement in construction
Design and build contracts have led to a “design and dump” mentaility that is unsafe and unsustainable. Kevin P’ng proposes a radical alternative
Is it time to stop building in the wildfire affected areas of California?
The recent fires in the hills around Los Angeles are the most costly in US history. Does it really make sense to live in these heavily wooded places?
The government’s Remediation Action Plan explained
Catherine Gelder and Frances Gordon-Weeks on the government’s plan to resolve building safety delays
Let’s sort out the payment rules
The recent ruling in Placefirst vs CAR highlights the ongoing confusion around the payment and pay-less rules
It’s time to shake up adjudication
Poor decisions, low competence, bias – adjudication has got itself into a mess. So, what’s to be done? Tony Bingham has the answers
Construction law in 2025: what can we expect in the year ahead?
Sheena Sood sets out what to expect in the year ahead for construction law, including a variety of regulatory changes
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
