All articles by Matthew Richards – Page 3
-
FeaturesHigher, further and richer
There are fantastic opportunities for construction firms in the tertiary education market, but, of course, universities are hard to get into and demand high quality work. In fact, you may want to take notes
-
Features
Ready for the ride?
With the stock market stuck in the doldrums, the allure of a management buyout has never been stronger. But be warned: going private is a roller-coaster ride that requires guts, patience and the ability to hold on by the seat of your pants …
-
FeaturesUnder the volcano
There are two kinds of city on the precarious slopes of the global construction economy – those making the uphill climb and the rest heading down with singed feet.
-
Features
Dealing in design
You're an architect, you're pitching for a job and the client asks: how much? Not to panic – former architect Robert White can help you with the bottom line.
-
Features
Clickstart!
The latest survey of contractors' websites reveals that, with a few exceptions, the industry is failing to use the internet to its – and its clients' – advantage. We explore how, by following a few basic principles, construction firms can realise their online potential
-
FeaturesAmerican dreams
At last: the USA, the world’s biggest polluter, has woken up to sustainable construction – which means that UK firms’ green expertise gives them a real competitive edge. But they’d better make use of it fast …
-
Features
The nightmare we're trying to wake from
What use is insurance if you go broke trying to pay for it?
-
Features
Bad news for the City
The year will have a poor results season and a difficult housing market
-
Features
The Vikings have arrived
This year, France’s domination of the European contractors league table was brought to an end by a Swedish assault. And, as Matthew Richards reports, Skanska isn’t the only firm with global ambitions.
-
FeaturesHighlights of 2002
If you’re looking for one building that symbolises 2002, it has to be Swiss Re, the City tower that’s the last word in first-class design and construction – and is still largely unlet. If you want more than one, read the next 12 pages as Building rewinds the past year ...
-
FeaturesModels of solid light
Once upon a time, it would have taken a craftsman weeks to build an architect's model from drawings. Now you just press a "go" icon and, hey presto, a laser crafts a miniature edifice in resin. Matthew Richards explores the world of rapid prototyping
-
News
Skanska to bid for £290m Beijing subway job
Skanska has set up a joint venture with Beijing's largest contractor to bid for a £290m extension to the city's subway.
-
FeaturesWhat's going on, John?
One minute Prescott is slamming housebuilders for the shortage of new homes, the next he's hitting key developments with planning demands so tough that the schemes screech to a halt. No wonder the industry is a little dazed and confused …
-
NewsContractor Haymills launches office fit-out division
Private contractor defies slump in South-east commercial market to create subsidiary called Whitespace.
-
FeaturesThe Fight for survival
Who needs competitors when your friends in the insurance industry can put you out of business with a single phone call? Matthew Richards reports on construction's increasingly untenable position – and how it can find a way out
-
News
Insurance crisis to bring sites to a halt 'by Easter'
Leading roofing contractor predicts that premium levels will force specialists out of business within months.
-
FeaturesAnd this is now
Aldershot's Royal Pavilion used to be Queen Victoria's stand for reviewing Britain's imperial army. Now it's a good spot to see the latest Californian thinking on office design
-
FeaturesMoney spinners
So far Britain's record on wind farming has been all bluster and no bite. But the government's green energy policy is about to trigger a surge in investment – with plenty of opportunities for construction companies.
-
FeaturesIf winter comes …
The Swiss Re tower is going to be a fine skyscraper, but as demand for offices in London cools, 250,000 ft2 of it is still unlet. The forecast? Developers are going into hibernation and any contractors caught out in the open are in danger of severe exposure.
-
NewsMultiplex blows final whistle on old Wembley
Australian contractor starts demolition of national stadium, with twin towers due to go in November.