All articles by Richard Steer – Page 4
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UK economy: Steadying the ship
Whatever the outcome of the EU referendum, it’s important that those on both sides of the debate now work together to get the UK economy and construction back on course after months of uncertainty
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BIM for the masses
While big firms are embracing BIM and the benefit it brings, a large section of the industry is made up of SMEs that are struggling to see the point. It’s time to make sure everyone in the supply chain is part of the BIM process
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We hold the key
Michael Gove’s recent rhetoric about rehabilitation may open the door to designing the UK’s new generation of super-prisons as institutions of redemption, a million miles away from the high-tension, low-hope jails across the Atlantic
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A big year
Construction starts the year at the epicentre of political and economic debate, and over the next 12 months it will be constantly under the spotlight - here are the hot topics to keep an eye on
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Footing the bill
The new housing bill would cut permanently the regulation on converting office or light-industrial sites into housing, circumnavigating both local authorities and affordable housing obligations. So who would be the winners and losers?
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A lack of understanding
Construction delivers around 7% of the country’s GDP. So why does this Conservative government seem so intent on running the industry that has underpinned the economic recovery into the ground?
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Construction – the lazy lie
Suggestions that UK workers, particularly within the construction industry, could be working harder are unfair
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China: The great leap Westwards
The impact of shares plummeting in Shanghai could result in Chinese ambitions turning to the UK construction market
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The confidence trick
QSs may have their faults, but the greatest is they have lost faith in their own abilities. How can they keep up with prices, and retain the trust of clients?
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The ONS needs to figure out the problem
Following recent revisions to their data, the Office of National Statistics could benefit from listening to those who work in the industry day-to-day
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Construction 2025: Where were you?
The government’s strategy document outlined a utopian vision for construction. What happened?
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The first 100 days
Construction was vital to the UK’s economic recovery and acknowledged as such in the election campaign of all the major parties. Now, the new government must put words into action
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The science of talent spotting
We need to get more sophisticated in how we recruit construction professionals - let’s ditch the random CV trawl in favour of focused data analysis
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A matter of public record
In a skills-strapped construction sector, contractors can start to pick and choose who they want to work for. So public bodies better start playing nice
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Housing: A pre-election blame game
As politicians struggle to explain how they will address the housing shortage they inevitably start to criticise housebuilders and their business models
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There can be no delay in recruiting more women in construction
As the skills shortage gets worse, there can be no excuse for failing to recruit women
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A year of certain uncertainties
With the general election imminent, we’ll see many domestic decisions being put off until May. However, there’s plenty of unpredictability surrounding international markets to keep us all occupied
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The Autumn Statement - one week on
Stamp duty reform may be welcome, but we need more action to fill the skills gap
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Landlords - the new pariahs
The private rented sector gets a bad press, but it’s time to shine a little light into the darkness