Hard hat or graduation cap? In construction, we need both
Our skills challenge is about perceptions as much as pathways, and we need to tackle the two together, writes Patricia Moore at Turner & Townsend
Consultants have a unique vantage point on the built environment professions review - they must use it
The government’s call for evidence on the future of built environment professions closes in days. Andy Hay of Hollis argues that consultants, sitting between clients, contractors and regulators, are best placed to explain how the system really works
Building Safety Act compliance: Who owns the risk at gateway three?
After many found difficulties at gateway three, housebuilders are now alert to challenges at the regime’s third and final approval stage. Charis Beverton looks at what the sector and regulator can do to avoid a repeat of the problems
Delivery at risk: how the industry can step up as councils navigate change
At a time of uncertainty, local authorities will look to firms to help create stability through shared capability and stronger expertise, writes Caroline Compton-James
The real planning problem starts after permission is granted
Securing consent faster is only part of the challenge. If contractors are appointed too late, projects can inherit the most expensive version of the approved scheme, writes Beth West
Change is in the air: how Burnham can boost housebuilding
In his last column as chief executive of Barratt Redrow, David Thomas outlines some ways of boosting housebuilding while reminding us why it is important
Paul Morrell: The problem with reforming construction professions is knowing where to start
Former government chief construction adviser examines MHCLG’s call for evidence on professions, trades and occupations - and argues progress will stall unless government is clear about what it can fix
Cross-industry collaboration at its best: The human story behind the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
The UKNZCBS is so much more than the sum of the technical parts that made it. Tamsin Tweddell explores the human capabilities which made it possible
Why Burnham needs to be bold and go Dutch to tackle the youth jobs crisis and address our construction skills shortage
With nearly one million young people classified as Neet and the housebuilding sector facing a shortfall of 1.3 million tradespeople, Vistry’s Stephen Teagle argues the Burnham government needs a radical approach to technical education
Why social value must start with place, not policy
Andy Burnham is right to champion social value - but turning a place-based idea into a national rule is how it fails, says Ellie Jenkins
Crisis management to national renewal – what does the built environment need from Andy Burnham’s first 100 days?
With Andy Burnham installed at No 10 today, Richard Steer sets out the practical steps a new prime minister should take in his first 100 days to unlock stalled projects, stabilise investment and rebuild capacity
This month’s construction industry gossip: Feeling hot hot hot
The latest chatter around the industry
Office to resi needs a shot in the arm - here’s how to do it
A decade after PDR were made permanent, some are questioning if the bubble has now burst. But with MHCLG launching a fresh consultation on potential amendments last month, Jonathan Childs explains how we might get conversion rates back to their peak
Burnham has the vision – now industry needs the detail
The incoming prime minister’s devolution pitch chimes with construction’s priorities, but his first months in office will show whether regional growth can move from speech to delivery, writes Chloe McCulloch
Data can open doors to new development
Accurate data monitoring in real time not only increases industry efficiency and productivity but can change user behaviour and reassure the public that new development is beneficial, writes George Williams at Stantec
Corporate structure no longer a shield for manufacturers
A landmark Building Safety Act ruling makes manufacturers and suppliers still liable for defective products sold in the UK, even if their UK subsidiary has gone bust or they are based overseas
Planners can’t assume demolition is less green
Nicholle Kingsley on a new ruling that proves demolition is not automatically the less sustainable option
The how and why of collaborative contracting
Richard Adams unpacks the trend towards greater collaboration in the UK construction industry’s procurement and contractual models
Don’t get caught out by AI hallucinations
A solicitors firm got a flea in its ear after submitting AI hallucinations in court papers – but proper penalties are needed
What will the construction products reform white paper mean for you?
Paul Scott, Avita Rajoo and Sandra Kortus explain the impact of the planned reforms contained in the construction products reform white paper
