All articles by Richard Steer – Page 9
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CommentGekko redux
Back in the eighties, Hollywood’s apotheosis of the cynical, sleazy financier had a real-life counterpart in the contractors who used new procurement systems to fleece hapless clients. And now they’re coming back …
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CommentActually, we can handle the truth
The government is still not prepared to admit the real cost of the Olympics, but treating us like children and hoping that nobody will notice when it creeps towards £12bn is asking for trouble
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CommentApocalypse cow
The only way we can save humanity from climate change is if we all pull together. But that’s not likely if bankers keep insisting on aircon, hedge funds keep looking for profit and cows keep … doing what cows do
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News
Isn’t it time for a little bit of discrimination?
Allowing overseas project managers and QSs to stay in the UK would be a surefire way of bridging Britain’s talent Gap
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CommentCultural revolution II
The eco-city being planned by Arup outside Shanghai sounds like a publicity stunt. But it’s not. It’s an audacious attempt to change the world
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CommentFun, frolics and self-immolation
Richard Steer offers season’s greetings to you all, and hopes your office party doesn’t finish up in the Sunday papers, A&E or, indeed, the High Court
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CommentImage aware
Companies spend millions protecting and promoting their brands. Now the Olympic Committee is trying to make “London 2012” into the next superbrand, but can you really claim ownership of a date and a city’s name?
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CommentMIPIM flies east
MIPIM Asia might not measure up to MIPIM France, but it’s far less stuck up and people actually talk to each other. Just a shame the UK stand was so dismal
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CommentAge can wither
Age Discrimination Act — Giving employees the right to carry on working for ever will have a devastating impact on the development of businesses, as older workers hinder the succession of younger talent to the top
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CommentBack here in the real world …
Richard Steer wasn’t surprised to read that the cost of the London Olympics is set to rise – they nearly always do. What counts is what you get for the money
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CommentStuff happens
Here’s an immutable fact: the world is changing faster than we can put buildings up. So, when it comes to big construction schemes, it’s naive to expect a precise specification and no changes mid-project
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CommentAn abominable attitude
If you think saving the planet is not the responsibility of either the construction industry or UK plc, think again. Everybody has a part to play - including you and me
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CommentOn the beach
Sixteen months after Sri Lanka was hit by the Boxing Day tsunami, many people are still living in tents. What has gone wrong with the relief effort?
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CommentLondon 2013
The success of London's glossy Olympic bid presentation hinged on the city's ability to provide a legacy beyond 2012. So shouldn't we start doing something about it?
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CommentTime to Cannes MIPIM
MIPIM started as a harmless chance to swap business cards in the sun. That was before it all got out of hand, with parties and the rise of the sinister ‘Organisers'
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CommentTaking power
With the search for a more secure energy supply pointing to a nuclear revival, the building industry must be ready to exploit opportunities when they come
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CommentNew blood and treasure
Why are QSs so obsessed about limited liability partnerships when they're facing an altogether more challenging problem from their own staff?
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CommentGoing global
Global expansion should never be a vanity project and requires mastery of a tricky formula, but the payback for clients, staff and corporation can be immense