All Leader articles – Page 38
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CommentThe new conquistadors
"If the Spanish come storming ashore, it will be the most audacious foreign bid for a British company in history."
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CommentPoor old us
For the first time this week, we reveal the full extent of the pensions crisis facing the construction industry: together, the largest 20 contractors have a £1bn deficit.
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CommentNow we know
After months of screaming headlines, legal grandstanding and bar-room speculation we finally found out for sure on Monday what many had assumed for some time: Wembley stadium may not be ready in time for its showcase FA Cup Final game in May.
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CommentOn the way to the forum
“Item 1: If we scrapped ourselves tomorrow, would anybody notice?” One suspects that this is unlikely to appear on the agenda when members of the Strategic Forum for Construction next meet. But it wouldn’t be a bad starting point for their discussions, would it?
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Comment2005: A landmark year
Twelve months suddenly seems like a long time in contracting. There’s long been a theoretical debate within construction groups about what a contractor is, what it does – and whether that’s worth doing.
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CommentThe PFI suggestion box …
The Treasury’s review of the PFI can’t come soon enough. The renewal of the grim Whipps Cross hospital was hampered rather than helped by it, and the refurbishment of St Bart’s is demonstrating how much money can be lost in a few weeks.
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CommentAnd he’s off …
Congratulations to English Partnerships’ boss David Higgins, who has finally been persuaded to take the job of building the stage for the largest sporting extravaganza ever to be seen on our shores.
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CommentA peach of a deal
Another week, another round of corporate activity. But the one that stands out is Persimmon’s £640m offer for Westbury Homes.
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CommentLet’s be reasonable
We should get one or two things straight at the outset. We’re not against the Building Regulations.
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CommentWhat’s wrong with Procure 21
After five years and more than £2bn worth of projects, the government’s Procure 21 programme is at a pivotal turning point.
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CommentA new twist in an old story
Something distinctly odd is going on at the Treasury. First we have Gordon pledging to follow in Tony’s footsteps when he finally gets to step into his size 10s.
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CommentWe have the results
PFI needs a thorough examination. It’s certainly not on its deathbed, but it clearly isn’t working as it should, and if not treated soon, it may soon be in serious trouble.
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CommentThe pursuit of youth
This week Building unveils its first ever Graduate Advisory Board to inform the industry of the pertinent issues that are facing young people working across the sector.
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CommentEntering the dragon
Europe’s relations with China remained centre stage this week. But in all the furore over bra wars and trouser mountains, it’s easy to lose sight of the sheer force of the Chinese economy.
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CommentOur lost billions
“A considerable amount of waste is incurred in the industry as a result of poor logistics,” concluded the Strategic Forum’s industry report Accelerating Change in 2002. Three years later, we now know roughly how much waste we’re talking about – £3bn.
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CommentBrave new housebuilding
When Wimpey threw down the gauntlet to outspoken fashion designer Wayne Hemingway and his wife Gerardine, competitors brushed it off as a PR stunt.