All articles by Richard Steer – Page 8
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CommentDiminishing returns
Most of the major consultants have now announced pay cuts of between 7% and 20%. Richard Steer explains why this option is the best of a bad bunch
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CommentAbout time, too
It may not float everyone’s boat, but the arrival (finally) of fresh QS Rules of Measurement is pretty exciting for cost managers. And they’re looking good, says Richard Steer
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CommentDefeats, green shoots and fees
It’s tough out there and firms are holding their cards close to their chests and their cash even closer. But the important thing is not to panic and take it one day at a time
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CommentBrace yourselves
2008 was horrible and all the indications are that 2009 will be even worse. Richard Steer tries to muster a little optimism for the year ahead
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CommentA sea of troubles
Looking into the white wall of fog ahead, it’s impossible to discern a safe haven, or the rocks in between. But, says Richard Steer, that doesn’t mean we should lose sight of what we’re about
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CommentThis is no time to think short-term
Sooner or later the market will come back and when it does we’ll be needing young talent. So keep hiring, says Richard Steer, otherwise we’ll lose another generation of professionals
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CommentFortune cookies
As the Olympics move on from China, Richard Steer looks to the future and asks what legacy the Games will leave the People’s Republic – and what they will mean for London
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NewsFrom 2008 to 2012: a legacy of goodwill
London must follow Beijing in making the most of the Olympic opportunity to shine in the world's gaze
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NewsThese Games are China's serious chance to shine
For Beijing, the 2008 Olympics are simply a colossal and consummate marketing exercise, unparalleled in scale, spectacle, cost - and control
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CommentIt’ s like deja vu all over again
The recent glut of bad news has made every headline going and sent the industry into blind panic. But we’ve been here many times before, says Richard Steer, so what did we expect …
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CommentTime to plot a new course?
If the UK economy continues to stutter, maybe you should consider taking your skills to Europe’s emerging economies
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CommentA brave face
We don’t have to pretend that things are better than they are, but if we want to boost people’s confidence in our industry, we should go easy on the handwringing
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CommentWhat a relief
It may look like fiddling while Rome burns but the tax measures in last month’s Budget may actually get our industry to become a bit more eco-conscious
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FeaturesRichard Steer on Mipim
Two years ago Richard Steer wrote in these pages that Mipim was a waste of time, energy and perfectly good booze. This year, he’s quite looking forward to it, thanks for asking. So, what changed?
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CommentDo the right thing
Pursuing the bottom line at any cost is a quick route to extinction in today’s business world. It’s time we all embraced the new era of corporate responsibility, says Richard Steer
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CommentCorporate bloat
Some companies’ merger strategies are little more than an attempt to puff themselves up and appease the egotism of senior management. So, if you get the urge, ask yourself whether your purchase is really necessary
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CommentOurTube: Inside Gleeds TV
So what happens when a bunch of construction consultants suddenly find themselves running a television station. And why would they ever want to?
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CommentPass the parcel
When partnering was introduced, contractors tended to get landed with most of a project’s risk. In these days of high demand, they’re trying to pass it back to clients. But is that a good strategy?
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CommentThe zero game
We need to reach an understanding of what we mean by a zero-carbon home. Until then, the debate will continue to be governed by politics and hot air
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CommentHere’s the pitch
Our industry will never have the skills or resources to communicate to a mass audience in the way of a great film director like Sydney Pollack, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn a trick or two ...