All articles by Sir Michael Latham
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CommentA lesson in subeconomics
Cost consultants whisper in their client’s ear, ’take the lowest bid’. But by the time they’ve paid for poor quality products and claims and variations, it just doesn’t stack up
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Comment
Any which way
As money for schemes is squeezed, clients will opt for lowest price tenders. But contractors will then seek to boost their income through claims and variations, warns Sir Michael Latham
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CommentWhat politicians really think
It is in a government’s nature to cut capital spending before public revenue. But the Charter 284 cause can be served by appealing to politicians’ worst instincts
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CommentSir Michael Latham: The triumph of ConstructionSkills’ diploma
ConstructionSkills’ diploma is already proving a success with pupils. If employers continue to back it, it will make a huge difference to our training effort, says Sir Michael Latham
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CommentVive la restoration: Sir Michael Latham on the importance of heritage stock
What better time than now, when the construction of new buildings is at a low ebb, to focus on the restoration and maintenance of heritage structures
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CommentKeeping on keeping on: Sir Michael Latham on training
Building facilities for the wider education sector is one thing, but construction also has to make sure it keeps its own training system up to scratch
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CommentToo much monkey business
It seems that clients are reverting to the primitive practice of lowest cost single-stage tendering. Trouble is, lowest cost means guaranteed minimum quality
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CommentA confederacy of dunces
The post of a chief construction officer is a splendid idea, but it will only work if the holder has real power – and Whitehall may not be willing to let that happen
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CommentHow to stay healthy
Hands up all those who have been tempted to cut training on safety during the downturn? Do so and your business will suffer
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CommentBad old days
The lack of cash in construction could usher in a return to mutual mistrust between contractors and clients
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CommentLet’s work together
Sir Michael Latham The business and enterprise select committee’s proposal for a chief construction offer has been taken up. Now we need to push for integrated teams
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CommentWho will be the champion?
The most important proposal in the Construction Matters report is that construction should have a champion in government. Sir Michael Latham sets out a job description
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CommentLearn as you go
The construction and built environment diploma is to be launched this September, and the industry is working well with colleges to expand its reach. But how do we make sure it succeeds?
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CommentForesight saga
Analysis by the Construction Skills Network has revealed that there will be little or no construction growth by 2012. Sir Michael Latham explains why getting to grips with forecasting data is essential for future business
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CommentLiving in harmony
The Olympic park can be completed on time and without conflict between the sectors – but the strategies to ensure good relations must be sorted now.
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CommentTrust exercise
Sir Michael Latham recalls his lobbying for a construction contract based on fairness and trust and is pleased to see that a new JCT form is underpinned by these very qualities
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CommentGet it together
A subcontractor that feels ripped off by the main contractor will hardly sing the praises of partnering. But as long as the whole team is involved, it really can work
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CommentBring back the DoE
Construction has been bounced around portfolios since 2001. But this industry needs a dedicated minister, working out of a strong Department of the Environment. Come on, Gordon, do the right thing
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CommentCracking it
Sir Michael Latham CITB–ConstructionSkills is doing more than ever before to provide the construction industry with a highly skilled modern workforce. Here’s how...