All articles by Matthew Richards – Page 4
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FeaturesA message to you
Georg Sieber knows what direction people panic in. He knows what terrorists are about to do. He even knows how to stop them, although clients don't always listen. We met the brilliant psychologist who has a chilling warning for contractors.
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News
Meacher backs RICS’ global plan
A BODY set up by UK building consultants to promote international best practice has been praised by environment minister Michael Meacher at its inaugural meeting in Johannesburg.
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FeaturesAfter the fall
A year after the day that everybody said would change everything forever, we have apparently returned to business as usual. But, as Matthew Richards reports, the commercial and psychological trauma of 11 September is still very much with us
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Features
The International Brigade
A gutsy band of UK consultants have stormed the Johannesburg world summit to take up the flag of global sustainability in construction. Matthew Richards reports on their manifesto – and asks: where on earth are the contractors?
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FeaturesPipe beams
Depressed by its gloomy offices, a company in Washington DC saw its dreams of a brighter future come true with the help of a rooftop mirror and a giant glass pipe …
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FeaturesShadow boxer
Tory construction spokesman Robert Key is something of a country gent – but don't expect him to pull any punches Gordon Brown's latest spending spree or the industry's skills crisis.
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NewsThe Worldcom effect
In the aftermath of the Worldcom scandal, construction share prices are being slashed over fears of accounting malpractice. But, asks Matthew Richards, are investors' concerns justified?
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FeaturesNaked ambition
Peter Stringfellow has made a mint from the industry, and now former contractor John Gray is on a mission to take his chain of lap dancing clubs to the regions. Matthew Richards asked the Californian entrepreneur about how design is key to the clubs' money-making potential
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Features
Train in vain
Labour's transport policy hasn't exactly been scoring points with the public. And now, the Institute of Directors has revealed that even bosses in their first-class carriages are becoming disillusioned. The good news is that Max Fordham has a bright idea …
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Features
Storm warning
Clients are increasingly refusing to accept that extreme weather is an excuse for handing over a building late. At the same time, the weather is, as you may have noticed, becoming more extreme. Matthew Richards reports on a troubled outlook for Britain's contractors
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FeaturesUnder the spotlight
Recent campaigns by environmental pressure groups have exposed the construction industry to a barrage of bad press, with the aim of shaming firms into changing their ways.
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FeaturesWheels and deals
When construction's biggest companies buy each other, they turn to Richard Smee to make it happen. Matthew Richards finds out what drives one of Europe's key consultants – and is rather surprised to find out what he drives …
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NewsBalfour, Kier and Jacobs face trial for bribery
Lesotho expected to bring case against three British companies after official jailed for 18 years.
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News
Queen faces illegal timber probe …
BUCKINGHAM PALACE has been accused of using endangered species of hardwood to renovate a gallery.
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FeaturesChina in our hands?
Early gold could be on offer at Beijing 2008 – if the team from the British construction industry manages to bring home juicy contracts. Matthew Richards assesses its chances
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News
Prescott drums up trade in China
Deputy prime minister John Prescott will lobby top Chinese officials in Beijing next week in an attempt to help British companies win contracts for the 2008 Olympic Games.
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FeaturesBye-bye blunder
… and, many would say, good riddance. As the demolition of the DoE's former headquarters on Marsham Street begins, Matthew Richards looks back at the lifetime of the ugliest building in the country.
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Features
So what happened to Labour's big ideas?
In 1997, after 18 years of Tory rule, Tony Blair’s Labour government won power with gushing promises of integrated transport systems, world-class public services and an urban renaissance. Five years on, it’s time to make an assessment of how many it has delivered on.
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NewsRogers attacks Brown's 'short-sighted' Budget
Cities must be renewed before NHS or money will be 'partly wasted', says former chairman of urban taskforce.
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News
Wilson should quit 'neglected' construction, says Tory MP
Ex-construction minister Robert Key claims Wilson's construction brief is overwhelmed by energy needs.