All Comment articles – Page 6
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CommentNow is not the time to panic about low planning approvals
As poor statistics continue to roll in Steve Reed and Matthew Pennycook must hold their nerve, stick to their plan and be patient, argues Paul Smith
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CommentWe have a system that avoids employment: The lessons to be learnt from City & Guilds research
Nicola Hodkinson discusses how the industry can fix the skills gap, speaking from the experience of running a company where apprentices account for more than 11% of the workforce
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CommentHow Cornwall cracked the procurement code to deliver maximum local economic impact
When Cornwall Council set out to boost its local economy through capital delivery, it did not just tender a framework, it reimagined how public money could work harder for local communities. The resulting joint venture created a blueprint for local delivery which delivers the government’s goal of “getting Britain building” ...
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CommentLabour must rethink private finance for infrastructure projects
Seven years after PFI was scrapped, the Labour government is being forced to reconsider private finance for infrastructure as it grapples with empty public coffers and ambitious construction targets.
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CommentThis month’s construction industry gossip: One in the AI
The latest chatter around the industry
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CommentWhat’s driving consultants’ race to invest in AI and digital technology?
Our Top 150 Consultants survey shows the vast majority of firms are convinced AI will transform their businesses
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CommentWhat consultants want from the government to get construction really moving
Construction is one of the UK’s great strengths, delivering day in, day out. With the right clarity and leadership from the government, it could do even more, says Adrian O’Hickey, senior partner at Ridge and Partners
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CommentData centres and energy demands – how do we square the circle?
The insatiable energy demands of AI-driven data centres could have a profound effect on UK energy markets. We need a joined-up conversation, says Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis.
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CommentOut of the classroom and into construction: I’m looking for a career in the built environment – and it isn’t easy
Even with excellent A level results, many school leavers are still struggling to navigate the best route towards a career in construction, writes Oscar Sitwell - and two industry veterans, Mark Farmer and Colin Wood, offer some advice
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CommentFragmented and misunderstood – why our sector risks losing a generation
If we want young people to join our industry, we must show them an industry worth joining, says Ashley Wheaton, vicechancellor at the University of the Built Environment
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CommentThe main event: why local stakeholders are the most important people on major projects
It is not political backing but winning the support of the people ‘on the ground’ who are most affected by a project that is key to its eventual success, writes Beth West
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CommentStick to the payment process – or pay the price
A new ruling underlines the rigidity of the payment process: no pay less or similar notice, then no wiggle room in sum due
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CommentWhat the immigration white paper means for construction
The proposals are a potential minefield for the construction industry
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CommentHow to find out what people really think about new homes
Councils should seek the views of a representative sample of the local population, rather than a minority with vested interests, argues Paul Smith
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CommentTime to deliver: how alliancing can unblock the building and renewal of Britain’s infrastructure
The case is well established, the policy environment has caught up and tools are available. What remains is the willingness to apply these principles, say Jason Russell of AtkinsRéalis and Jacqui Archer of Aecom
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CommentBeware what you promise on WhatsApp – it could be a binding contract
Informal messages can form a binding contract even without formal documentation
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CommentIs maintenance spending going to be enough to overcome the social infrastructure backlog?
The government’s commitment to repair and maintenance is certainly encouraging, but Karl Horton of the Building Cost Information Service believes additional funding is likely to be needed
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CommentWhen is an interim account not an interim account?
An employer attempted to argue that an interim application for payment on account wasn’t detailed enough, but the High Court disagreed
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CommentBricks, bots and building back better: Why the UK must embrace circular construction
We still demolish too much and recycle too little. An urgent shift in mindset is required, writes Richard Steer