All articles by Denise Chevin – Page 11
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CommentThe PFI suggestion box …
The Treasury’s review of the PFI can’t come soon enough. The renewal of the grim Whipps Cross hospital was hampered rather than helped by it, and the refurbishment of St Bart’s is demonstrating how much money can be lost in a few weeks.
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CommentA peach of a deal
Another week, another round of corporate activity. But the one that stands out is Persimmon’s £640m offer for Westbury Homes.
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CommentLet’s be reasonable
We should get one or two things straight at the outset. We’re not against the Building Regulations.
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CommentA new twist in an old story
Something distinctly odd is going on at the Treasury. First we have Gordon pledging to follow in Tony’s footsteps when he finally gets to step into his size 10s.
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CommentWe have the results
PFI needs a thorough examination. It’s certainly not on its deathbed, but it clearly isn’t working as it should, and if not treated soon, it may soon be in serious trouble.
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CommentEntering the dragon
Europe’s relations with China remained centre stage this week. But in all the furore over bra wars and trouser mountains, it’s easy to lose sight of the sheer force of the Chinese economy.
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CommentA sure-fire disaster
The government’s track record of commissioning IT projects is dismal: the Passport Office, the Child Protection Agency and the NHS have all been involved in notable disasters.
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CommentA culture of collusion
It’s disappointing to see the reputation of the industry taking a battering again. That, inevitably, is the consequence of what the Office of Fair Trading is finding about anti-competitive practices in the construction sector.
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CommentA close watch
More than 50 people killed and hundreds more injured, traumatised or grieving.
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CommentA summertime chill
June temperatures may be soaring, but there’s a chilly breeze wafting through the construction industry.
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CommentA hard way to make a living
It defies logic really. We’ve had 12 years of sustained growth, PFI contracts are going begging and any client you talk to says there aren’t enough good contractors to go round.
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CommentFlexibility is your friend
Flexible working and construction aren’t natural stablemates. Job-sharing or part-time professionals are by and large an anathema, and paid leave for new fathers and mothers is often no more than the statutory minimum.
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CommentWhere did Multiplex go wrong?
We’re used to drama at Wembley but last week’s events are right up there with white horses and Russian linesmen.
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CommentSo, Alun Michael
He may not be the high-profile champion that the industry craved, but the appointment of Alun Michael to preside over construction is better news than many had expected.
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CommentMaking ourselves miserable
“I immediately knew there was something massively wrong with the building as soon as I moved in.
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