All articles by Simon Rawlinson – Page 5
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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
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CommentPolitics without the mudslinging
Sir John Armitt’s proposals for a National Infrastructure Commission are to be welcomed, but can politics be taken out of planning so easily, asks Simon Rawlinson
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CommentThe vision thing
Boris Johnson has set out his Vision for 2020 in typical bravura style. But there’s precious little of the focused thinking that made the Olympics such a success
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CommentBIM: Method in modelling
The new BIM protocol and standard should finally put an end to the industry’s ad-hoc approach to managing information, says Simon Rawlinson
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CommentPrepare for recovery
It’s undoubtedly going to be another tough year, but if the industry is able to think longer term, 2013 could prove a turning point
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CommentChancellor moves into the fast lane
What caught my eye from the Autumn Statement was the Northern Line extension and Osborne’s support for the Heseltine report
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CommentRecovery? Don't hold your breath
If Mervyn King is to be believed, we shouldn’t get too excited about signs of recovery in the housing market. Construction still has a long way to go
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FeaturesInfrastructure: Water companies
Water companies are changing their business models and the way in which they work with their construction partners. Simon Rawlinson and Mike Nugent of EC Harris examine the water industry’s growing focus on whole life performance
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CommentInfrastructure investment
The CBI’s latest survey restates the business case for continued investment in infrastructure, but progress is still worryingly slow
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FeaturesProcurement: Regulated utilities
Over the next two years £60bn of construction spend is due to be procured by regulated utilities. Getting the procurement strategy right is critical. Simon Rawlinson of EC Harris looks at the options
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CommentJam tomorrow but what about today?
This week’s announcement of £9.4bn of railway spending is great news. But we need to invest in housing to get out of the current slump