All articles by Simon Rawlinson – Page 4
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CommentSteel yourselves
As the UK steel industry takes a body blow at Port Talbot, commodity prices for construction are set to rise
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CommentConstruction’s best kept secret?
Construction businesses are creating great opportunities for young people – but the news isn’t always getting out
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CommentFloods reaction: Simon Rawlinson, Arcadis UK
Given the events following Storm Desmond the need to reassess flood risk assumptions is clear – so that the right investments are made in the future and so the public better understands the problem
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CommentOne step forward, one step back
George Osborne’s National Infrastructure Commission announcement was good for the long-term health of the industry but voter-friendly policies on starter homes risk deepening the housing crisis
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FeaturesInternational costs 2015
Economic recovery in the UK and currency fluctuations have triggered big movements in the relative construction cost rankings of cities around the world
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CommentSkills crisis: Performance anxiety
Construction’s skills crisis could put a break on growth in the sector. Tackling low productivity is essential if construction is to remain affordable
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FeaturesProcurement update: BIM
As the 2016 deadline for the UK government’s mandate gets closer, the take-up of BIM on projects and programmes is accelerating
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CommentPeople and money
With Britain building again, contractors are in short supply and people with the right skills even more so. Before the next crash comes along, the industry must look at ways to foster stability and maintain the workforce we need
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CommentA plague on all their houses
All the main parties tell us that housebuilding is a high priority for them, but none come close to the ambition needed to address the housing backlog
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CommentBudget 2015: It's the (local) economy, stupid
Osborne’s last coalition Budget signalled that the future of construction is local and devolved
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CommentBanging the drum
It can be hard for lobby groups to make their priorities heard over the clamour of mainstream national politics. But the unusual dynamics of May’s general election could give construction its chance
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CommentThe BIM gatekeepers
Faced with the need to train a large number of the construction industry in BIM, where do you start? Focusing on the gatekeepers will have the biggest immediate impact
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FeaturesInternational costs 2014
Economic recovery and a strong pound seem to have seen a big move for the UK in EC Harris’ annual rankings
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CommentGrowing pains
While the Monetary Policy Committee ponders a rise in interest rates, they’d be wise to take a closer look at what’s happening in construction - where lessons can be learned that have a bearing on the wider economy
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FeaturesProcurement update
Construction is now 12 months into its recovery and project procurement has become much more challenging - even in the regions. SImon Rawlinson of EC Harris takes soundings from projects and considers the best options in a fast-moving market
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CommentSimon Rawlinson picks 'We can do more for unemployed youngsters'
Nick Raynsford’s blog pointed out in March that while our industry has a large and growing skills gap, the actual number of apprentices employed in construction is falling
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CommentThe skills timebomb
Our industry is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit people with the right skills, yet there is no sense of urgency when it comes to training and development. Why not?
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FeaturesInfrastructure: Flood management
This year’s extreme weather has highlighted the increasing risk of flooding and the difficulties faced in prioritising investment. EC Harris examines the UK’s approach to flood risk management
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CommentInfrastructure: How much is too much?
Is it possible to have too much infrastructure? New research of global economies suggests it might be, and also reveals that there are many factors at play if investment in infrastructure is to be successful
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CommentOffshore wind schemes: Blown off course
As more UK offshore wind schemes are canned, threatening our leading position in the market, we should consider the rocky road towards investment in a diversified energy market