Victoria Madine
FeaturesSurvival of the fittest
Despite all the publicity surrounding the economic downturn, the construction industry is managing to stay afloat – if only just. But long-term survival will depend on the economy’s health. Victoria Madine explains
FeaturesThe only way is up: China’s airport building programme
China will spend £44bn on airports in the next five years and there is plenty of opportunity for British firms to get in on the aviation action. Victoria Madine explains what it takes to break into the market
- Archive Titles
We know best
if the wearer of the shoe is best placed to say where it pinches, then local development trusts are the ideal regeneration vehicle for local communities.
FeaturesUp and coming from down under
This is a good time to be in salary negotiations – especially if you’re a young professional from the antipodes. Victoria Madine analyses the 2004 Hays Montrose/Building contractors’ salary guide, Brett Ryder provides the kangaroo
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The nightmare we're trying to wake from
What use is insurance if you go broke trying to pay for it?
FeaturesGo with the flow
Why has Buro Happold adopted a tiny western Indian engineering firm, dedicated to transforming the water and sewer systems in India's poorest slums? Victoria Madine finds the answer is less a charitable gesture than shrewd business nous
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Looking forwards
Your annual performance appraisal is your chance to talk with managers about your career goals. Victoria Madine tells you how to make the most of it
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Old age tension
This year's Building/Hays Montrose careers survey reveals readers' increasing awareness of the importance – and vulnerability – of their pensions. Victoria Madine rounds up the results
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Don't ask, don't get
It's that crucial moment in an interview when you get your chance to ask something … Victoria Madine suggests 10 questions that are bound to impress
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Just the job
Louise Frostick, senior designer at Inspace Complete, tells Victoria Madine about the highs and lows of working for a fledgling interior design company ...
FeaturesOn easy street
This year's Hays Montrose/Building executive salary guide reveals that top professionals have manoeuvred out of last year's salary cul-de-sac onto streets paved with gold.
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Running to stand still
In last year's Hays Montrose/Building contractors salaries guide, we predicted an industry-wide downturn – and our 2002 survey shows this is exactly what happened. Now, professionals' pay rises are often cancelled out by inflation so salaries are going nowhere, says Victoria Madine.
FeaturesUp with skool
… because going back there as a grown-up is a lucrative career move, according this year's Mirza & Nacey survey of QSs' fees
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The Top 200 Consultants 2002
This year’s consultants league table ranks the biggest 200 consultants in the UK, followed by the top 100 architects, engineers, surveyors, QSs and building surveyors. But does size really matter? We discuss its relevance with the assistance of a canine analogy …Tables compiled by Martin Hewes
FeaturesLean machine
Richard O'Connor is out to slimline the construction industry's waste. Applying the lessons of the automotive industry, he says he can save builders time and money. Victoria Madine finds out just what a professional streamliner has to offer.
FeaturesThe new hedonists
Far from succumbing to Islamic fundamentalism, wealthy Gulf clients are throwing up iconic hotels, casinos and paradise islands like there's no tomorrow. Victoria Madine and Martin Spring found out how British firms can slide into construction's new fast lane
FeaturesWho dares, wins
Interim managers are a bit like the SAS of the construction industry – they come in, clear up the mess and get out again – and construction firms are increasingly turning to them for help in difficult times. But why, asks Victoria Madine, doesn't anyone want to talk about it?
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Wish you worked here?
Earn your true potential! Engineer required to work in jungle. Must be prepared for civil unrest and tough conditions. £60,000+ tax free. Tempted? Well that's where the money is– the 2002 Hays Montrose/Building international salary survey shows that elsewhere in the world, salaries are largely unchanged
FeaturesHow to attract women
The all too frequent perception of women in construction is either as secretaries or pin-ups on site-office walls. But now a small college teaching building studies is deconstructing the industry's macho image. Victoria Madine talks to five of its students – and on page 42, a BAA project manager gives ...