All articles by James Wates
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CommentConstruction needs solutions – and it needs them now
The Building the Future Commission is an overdue opportunity to effect real change, says James Wates
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CommentDear Ms Truss … work with us to build a better nation
If the new prime minister takes the right actions in partnership with the construction industry, she might just win the next general election, says James Wates
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CommentA time to stick together – and play fair
Everybody has a role to play in coping with the far-reaching consequences of the war in Ukraine. Collaboration is key, writes James Wates
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CommentOur construction minister needs real clout and a long-term contract
Lee Rowley is the government’s sixth construction minister within the past three years. It’s no surprise that some in the industry are grumbling
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CommentGet that September spring in your step
This has always been the month for getting back to normal, our batteries recharged – but it’ll require extra measures this year to get everyone’s bounce back, warns James Wates
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CommentConstruction has an image problem that is harming recruitment. We have to change
A lack of diversity combined with an out of date mindset means the industry is at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting new talent, says James Wates
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CommentThe Construction Playbook requires team players
This 80-page document should help unite clients and industry in a common goal, says James Wates
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CommentThe Grenfell Inquiry reveals the urgent need for a culture change in construction
Cutting corners is never in anybody’s best interest, says James Wates
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CommentWe are reaching a tipping point for off-site work
The strategy is in place and momentum is building. Now publication of the government’s construction playbook could help drive real change, says James Wates
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CommentWe have risen to the challenge by working together
At a time of national crisis the construction sector can be proud of the way it has put self-interests aside and acted collaboratively, says James Wates
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CommentWe can boost the economy with good risk management
James Wates outlines five key steps to improve risk management
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CommentGenuine opportunity for transparency
We operate in a fragmented industry and we must raise our game. Clear reporting by companies could serve to transparently build up trust
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CommentDespite the Brexit gloom, there's plenty to feel confident about in construction
Enough doom and gloom – there are many ways we are making this industry better, and many more ways we can make it better still. The key is to be confident
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CommentWe desperately need to instil a positive culture - not box-ticking exercises
We need to think differently about corporate governance to regain public trust – a realistic set of principles will help companies achieve this
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CommentSocial skills
The collapse of Carillion should lead to a renewed focus on the positive impact that construction businesses can have on society
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CommentCharting a course for change
The construction industry needs reform – that much is clear. It’s time to recognise the factors we can’t control and tackle the ones we know we can
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CommentGet better soon
The fallout from Carillion’s collapse and the recent gender pay gap data underline the urgent need for our industry to change
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CommentLet's get it together
To fix the industry’s problems on inefficiency and building quality, we need better collaboration between builders, engineers and architects early in the process
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CommentDiversity is all
The skills shortage means it is vital to recruit more women into the industry, yet the female workforce is still only 13% – so what should we be doing to encourage more women to join?
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CommentReady for a game changer
Construction in the UK faces some big changes and tough challenges - a CLC innovation hub can help the industry succeed