Six ways to improve procurement
In the light of recent headlines about the contractor sector and unsustainable margins, Mike Turner has six key recommendations
We are boxed in by bonds and the chancellor’s promises
Jeremy Hunt’s success in calming financial markets with the autumn statement leaves a lot of unanswered questions observes Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis
Industry should look in the mirror: Laing O’Rourke’s losses do no one any good
A personal disaster for the UK’s biggest private contractor is also a window into where contracting seems to be right now, writes Dave Rogers
It’s time to deliver communities that work for those who live and work in and around them
The arrival of thousands of new homes and jobs alongside existing communities can sound daunting to existing residents. But developments such as Waterbeach and Oxford North, which support the thriving knowledge economies of Cambridge and Oxford, can enhance lives across the board, writes Jonathan Kendall of Fletcher Priest, masterplanner for ...
Understanding the JCT Young Professionals Group
The group combines JCT’s history of leadership and collaboration to support the next generation of construction industry leaders
The chancellor delivered the wrong kind of planning reform
It is wishful thinking to believe the latest financial incentives announced on Wednesday will suddenly speed up planning decisions
Adapting procurement for a volatile market
Market volatility and economic headwinds have shifted industry focus towards dealing with the immediacy of that uncertainty, but we should not forget about longer-term solutions too, says Paul Beeston of RLB
Let’s build the future with some creative thinking on skills
Technological progress means we now need wider skill-sets than ever before if we are to meet the demands on the sector, writes Patricia Moore of Turner & Townsend
In the race for sustainability, how do we make Grade A buildings last for generations ahead?
It’s important to approach refurbishment with an eye toward maximising sustainability while still ensuring the building is safe, functional, and comfortable, writes James Silver
How firms can achieve net zero without breaking the bank
The use of localised supply chains should become mandatory if we are to reduce industry emissions, Neeral Shah of Yardlink says
We must be nimble and flexible if we are to keep up with accelerating AI
The pace of change in AI is breathtaking. Non-specialists like you and me need to take note says Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis
Can we have too much of a good thing when it comes to sustainability standards?
The construction industry must eliminate unnecessary complexity to meet the UK’s ambitious decarbonisation targets
Boom and bust: is there a way out of this wasteful cycle?
Contractors face a harsh environment right now and it would help to get clarity from higher up the supply chain on pipeline, procurement and payment
Construction industry gossip: Winners and losers
The latest chatter around the industry
At 75, King Charles is still a figurehead for sustainability within the built environment
King Charles III is celebrating his 75th birthday this week. Having dedicated years of his life to protecting the planet and developing sustainable initiatives, Neil Foster explores his impact
The top causes of UK disputes? Incorrect design and poor workmanship
While research reveals design errors are a top issue globally, the UK is unusually prone to poor workmanship disputes – but has fewer claims related to project management
Report on adjudication reveals growing popularity but also demand for change
A new report on statutory adjudication reveals most survey respondents want redacted decisions published and a quarter suspect adjudicator bias
Adjudication: it isn’t always pay now, argue later
The loser in an adjudication case can seek a stay of payment if it plans to appeal and the winner is financially unstable
PFI project handbacks to the public sector – what we’ve learned so far
The first wave of handbacks give clear pointers for the rest of the PFI projects due to be handed back over the next few years
Defining ‘without predudice’ in construction contracts
The case of AZ vs BY casts light on the principle of without-prejudice privilege and its importance
Will the Procurement Act 2023 really transform public procurement?
We now have the tools we need to make procurement fit for purpose, we all have a responsbibility to ensure this transformation happens, write Rebecca Rees
Compulsory purchase compensation in light of HS2 Supreme Court ruling
The Supreme Court decision earlier this year on the land for Curzon Street station could have far-reaching consequences
What are building safety remediation orders?
How the new provisions under the Building Safety Act will work
How retrofit impacts on procurement
How does building retrofit impact on procurement and do adequate standard form contracts exist for its delivery? Peter Hibberd explains
Review your contracts for potential RAAC liabilities
Given what happened with cladding, it would be wise to review your RAAC exposure now
Harnessing contracts to meet energy efficiency requirements
Getting the contract right is vital to ensure that office improvement works to meet rising efficiency standards hit the target EPC
