All articles by Richard Steer
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CommentWhat the construction sector needs from this month’s Budget
The chancellor has rolled the pitch ahead of her much-anticipated Budget with an unprecedented ‘emergency’ press event in Downing Street. Richard Steer considers her options for the main event on 26 November
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CommentBricks, bots and building back better: Why the UK must embrace circular construction
We still demolish too much and recycle too little. An urgent shift in mindset is required, writes Richard Steer
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CommentWe need more than warm words if we want to save the high street
The demand is there for a broader range of uses but the government has a vital role to play in revitalising our town and village centres, writes Richard Steer
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CommentSpring statement and Trump tariffs… How can the built environment respond?
Fiscal developments over the past 10 days pose a multifaceted challenge for industry leaders to negotiate. Planning, innovation and collaboration will be key if we are to succeed, writes Richard Steer
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FeaturesWhy diversity is the blueprint for the built environment’s future
Amplifying female voices in this traditionally male-dominated field can help to break down longstanding barriers, writes Richard Steer, chair of Gleeds Worldwide
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CommentWe urgently need a government that can stoke industry optimism
The prime minister has a golden opportunity to inject confidence in the UK for investors, developers and financiers, says Richard Steer. Only then will his much-touted growth agenda stand a chance
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CommentIn 2025 we will see the economic consequences of 2024’s political decisions
With a relatively stable government in place, a plan to build 1.5 million houses, investment in green energy and a new infrastructure fund, we may well be viewed as a better bet by those who deserted us post Brexit, says Richard Steer
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CommentRachel Reeves could get a lesson in harsh reality from business
Where was the incentive from the chancellor to grow? If construction doesn’t expand, the UK doesn’t build, argues Richard Steer
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CommentGrenfell shames us all – but our politicians are just as culpable
Those named and blamed in Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s report largely got what they deserved, but they were not alone in the way they operated. We may have learnt and changed since 2017, but there is still a long way to go, says Richard Steer
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CommentLabour’s housebuilding dream could be a nightmare to realise
It seems shrewd of the new government to have got housebuilders onside at an early stage, bt is all the talk of large-scale social, affordable and accessible housing provision realistic, asks Richard Steer
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CommentA new government – and a chance for construction to be heard
Keir Starmer steps in to No10 with much to do and the economy in a perilous state. He would be wise to engage with the built environment sector more successfully than his predecessors, says Richard Steer
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CommentThis election should bring us back to the centre
The policies of the Liberal Democrats are positive and progressive. The party could have real influence on how we are governed for the next five years, says Richard Steer
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CommentWho will speak up for the builders?
The Co-op Live debacle is symtomatic of the awful PR that too often plagues our sector when high-profile projects go wrong, says Richard Steer
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CommentWe’re a nation of NEETs. Something must be done
The UK has one of the worst productivity rates in Europe and we need to get more people working. Who will take ownership of this national tragedy, asks Richard Steer
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CommentA celebration of diversity: An introduction to the Women in Construction special report
Be inspired by female construction leaders from around the world interviews with 12 industry leaders of today and tomorrow
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CommentThis was not the Budget to fix broken Britain
Radical thinking and major surgery are urgently needed, but the chancellor offered little in yesterday’s statement to get the industry excited, writes Richard Steer
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CommentHas MMC gone from an industry salvation to a pseudo solution?
Once touted as the answer to all our productivity woes, MMC increasingly looks like it may have been just another wacky idea with little chance of success in these uncertain times, writes Richard Steer
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CommentIs 2024 already lost to dithering and delay?
The last few years have not been easy but we will have to wait a little longer before the outlook starts to improve, writes Richard Steer
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CommentProcrastination over HS2 is the one thing we don’t need right now
Rishi Sunak’s dithering and doubting over key infrastructure projects and the green agenda is damaging the UK’s prospects for economic growth and our global reputation, writes Richard Steer
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CommentSunak and Starmer should give construction the attention it deserves
There is an opportunity for the two biggest parties to put the built environment front and centre, writes Richard Steer