More Focus – Page 579

  • Features

    Tower of strength

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    A Liverpool housing trust has found a cheap way to stop brick cladding on high rises from collapsing. So why isn't everyone using polyurethane foam?

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    When sleep is at a premium

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    Last week, Dominic Helps welcomed new legal cost insurance that protects against a worst-case scenario. It can help you get a good night's sleep if you can afford it.

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    Keep it going

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    Sustainable construction is not to be dismissed as flavour of the month . It is the shape of things to come and, particularly in relation to energy consumption, is set to have a major impact on procurement practices.

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    Limited clarification on TUPE

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    When can an employer change employees' terms and conditions of employment following a TUPE transfer? The answer remains hazy.

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    PFI: the state of the art

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    The move from private finance initiative projects to public-private partnerships has thrown up innovative devices to free procurement from legal and commercial constraints.

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    External affairs

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    Specifiers working on major projects have a wide choice of external envelopes available to them. What factors should they consider before making their decision?

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    Merger mania

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    When HBG Construction was formed, three bespoke IT set-ups had to be integrated. How did IT services director Martin Brunning ensure that all systems were go?

  • Features

    Happy hunting

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    Vivienne Packer of construction and property headhunter Alexander Hughes tells Nancy Cavill how to get noticed and what to do when you get the call.

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    Appointments

    1999-02-19T00:00:00Z

    Contractors David Corry has joined Højgaard & Schultz Construction as commercial director. David Wheeler has been appointed business development director at civil engineering and utilities contractor McNicholas. John Fidler has been appointed surveying director at Try Construction. Housebuilder Mike Killoran , group financial controller at Persimmon Homes, ...

  • Features

    The City firm taking control of construction

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    It has £60bn at its disposal. If it wants to, it can sack the board, split the firm or sell it. And, more and more, it wants to. Meet Phillips & Drew Fund Management, harbinger of a new breed of investor.

  • Features

    Builder to the stars

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    Irène Beard doesn't look like your conventional builder, but then her clients are hardly run-of-the-mill. Take Ringo Starr, for example

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    The new prescription

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    Boots wanted an office to help implement new work patterns and keep faith with its seminal 1960s building. DEGW obliged with a new take on the office of the future.

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    Risky business

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    Lucrative contracts overseas are a draw for UK firms. But, as the recent kidnappings in Yemen show, staff security can be threatened when a work spot becomes a trouble spot.

  • Features

    Race to the top

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    How long does it take four men to fit a roof? If they use prefabricated roofing panels imported from The Netherlands, just two days.

  • Features

    Wrongful arrest

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    If a contract had a clause that says the employer can boot you off the job for not tying your shoelaces, would it be upheld by the courts? In England, quite possibly; other countries are more sensible

  • Features

    Keep it covered

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    Legal cost insurance is a welcome option for smaller firms that have to submit to the threat of conglomerate litigation fees, whether they win or lose.

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    What's the damage?

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    When can the result of one legal action be used to prove liability and determine the amount to be paid out in another?

  • Features

    Direct payment or bust

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    The analysts have forecast a slowdown for construction, so it might be time to take another look at the provisions for direct payment to subcontractors in the event of insolvency.

  • Features

    Don't lose touch

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    The first of a new series on marketing tools and techniques looks at how an up-to-date database of clients and contacts can help you win new business.

  • Features

    PIMS number one

    1999-02-12T00:00:00Z

    Schal's paperless project information management system has been such a hit at the Royal Opera House that the whole project team is now on-line.