A tribute to Howard Bernstein, the visionary who saved Manchester
David Rudlin celebrates Howard Bernstein’s strategic foresight and the transformative projects that underscore the enduring impact of his civic leadership
Defining our professional value in the AI era
The debate over the role that artifical intelligence should play in our industry tends to go round and round, but really we need to move it forward – and faster, says Martha Tsigkari of Fosters + Partners
Swimming in the Seine: What a wonderful, romantic ambition and true Olympic legacy
The Paris Olympics has had to tackle political, environmental, and urban planning challenges, writes Sophie Thompson
In the rush to build 1.5 million homes how do we safeguard quality?
Starmer’s government wants to build at a speed and scale not seen since the 1970s, sadly the building spurts of the past resulted in homes of dubious quality
Labour’s plans for growth hinge on attracting new skills to construction
We as an industry must transform our image if we are to attract the brightest and best, but the government must help – and recognise the vital role that we have to play, writes Patricia Moore
Construction industry gossip: It all went swimmingly
The latest chatter around the industry
Starmer’s been in post for a fortnight: Do we dare be hopeful?
Early signalling from the new government is positive, let the hard work begin
First impressions of the new regime – and I‘m cautiously optimistic
One week in, what pointers do the government’s first steps provide for construction’s future prospects? Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis picks out some highlights.
Will Labour backbenchers try to block planning reform?
The election result means many traditionally anti-development constituencies now have Labour MPs with small majorities. Will they oppose Starmer’s green belt plans? And if so will he stand up to them, asks Paul Smith.
How AI can help us to create a more inclusive and equitable world
In the final part of his examination of the role artificial intelligence can play in our future, Diego Padilla-Philipps envisions a world in which human creativity and individualism, passions and emotions will always have a place
A new government – and a chance for construction to be heard
Keir Starmer steps in to No10 with much to do and the economy in a perilous state. He would be wise to engage with the built environment sector more successfully than his predecessors, says Richard Steer
Only by building with factory precision can the next government hit housing targets
The parties’ election pledges to build more houses will remain unattainable using traditional methods, writes Tide Construction’s Christy Hayes
Construction must recruit to make progress
Regardless of who forms the next government, the industry needs to change its mindset and create a much bigger skills base to address the challenges that lie before us, says Mark Wild
Will Labour’s apprenticeship reforms really solve the skills crisis?
The next government must provide tangible support for employers, educational institutions and apprentices if construction is to play its full part in driving economic growth, says Nicola Hodkinson
What we need now is good governance
With the general election looming, it is worth reflecting on what is required to deliver the best outcomes within our industry, writes Paul Beeston of RLB
The Latham report, 30 years on
Constructing the Team called for a more collaborative industry approach and directly led to the introduction of statutory adjudication. But how well is adjudication working today?
Smash-and-grab claims – and how to avoid them
The contractual time limits on issuing payment and pay less notices are generally pretty tight – be mindful of your obligations or risk becoming liable for payment in full
Cladding remediation liability under the Building Safety Act
The Court of Appeal has clarified the criteria by which the secretary of state should make decisions on liability for cladding remediation, and when developers might reasonably challenge them
Legal abroad: Doing business in India
Our series turns to the subcontinent, where potential uncertainty over arbitration has recently cast a shadow over this land of legion construction opportunities
Fresh intentions: an update to the letter of intent form
The new standard letter of intent form has been published by the City of London Law Society
The Post Office scandal and the fallibility of wanting to win
Expert witnesses are seen as unbiased, but they have a human flaw – the wish to win for their team. That’s part of what went wrong at the Post Office
Proper contract execution is vital
Theresa Mohammed on a reminder to be express in the scope and terms of appointments and to properly execute contract documents
Get up to speed on heat network regulation
Operators, suppliers and developers of heat networks need to be aware of the evolving regulatory landscape, with new requirements coming in under the Energy Act 2023
Bring your data protection up to scratch
Beverley Flynn and Georgie Barrow explain why construction firms need to improve their data protection
How a new ruling provides fresh clarity on building liability orders
Sheena Sood on a new ruling that offers key guidance on the building liability orders created under the Building Safety Act
On second thoughts… the slip rule in adjudication
Tony Bingham explores the limits of an adjudicator’s power to correct their own mistakes after the award has already been issued