‘Get used to it.’ Can contractors’ hardening attitudes to risk be really much of a surprise?
Last year’s business failures have hit a nerve. Firms finally seem fed up with construction’s rough and tumble, writes Dave Rogers
The government must do more to boost UK infrastructure
The chancellor missed an opportunity for meaningful demand-side stimuli in the Budget. With an election looming, the government must be more ambitious if it is to win the confidence of business leaders, says KPMG’s Holly Davis
Election year: why there is so much at stake for construction
Politicians are looking for a positive message and ways to kick-start economic growth,which might be why they are suddenly keen to be seen visiting construction sites
Construction industry gossip: Time for a bit of site seeing
The latest chatter around the industry
Why definitions are proving a challenge in the context of building safety
What constitutes a high-risk building? Investors and insurers are looking beyond the inconsistencies within the Building Safety Act to ensure greater fire safety protections, says Steven Rodd, partner at Workman LLP
‘We’ve had enough. Sort yourselves out or we’ll stop working for you.’ A specialist tells main contractors what to do next
There is a rot at the core of how construction is procured and it begins with clients and main contractors. Something has to change, says Mike Wharton
Championing permeable materials in a world of climate change
As the UK grapples with the fallout of storm Jocelyn and rising rainfall, Sean Scott explores the spectre of flooding that looms large over our homes and communities
This Budget was a missed opportunity to close the skills gap
Given the limited impact of Jeremy Hunt’s headline announcements he should really have focused on solving other pressing matters, says Si Harris of Randstad UK
‘If you can’t see it, you can’t be it’: why International Women’s Day is important for construction
Today we profile 12 women around the world succeeding in male-dominated professions – here’s why we need to share their positive stories
A 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
This 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
M&S High Court decision won’t tip the scales away from a retrofit-first future
The low-carbon case for retrofit has become so strong that economic arguments for new-build may no longer secure support, suggests Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis.
Let’s give social impact the attention it deserves in commercial schemes
Engaging in socially responsible practices is morally commendable and strategically advantageous, says Alex Groot, project director at M3 Consulting
To retain or rebuild? M&S case shows the industry needs rules
The High Court ruling overturning Michael Gove’s decision to deny M&S permission to redevelop its Oxford Street store shows that a framework setting out the conditions for redevelopment is urgently needed
Meet the productivity evangelists and their tribes
There are many ways to solve the productivity challenge and they need not be mutually exclusive, says RLB partner Paul Beeston
What’s in the Arbitration Bill?
Steven Carey explains the amendments to the Arbitration Act 1996 that are set to come into effect later this year, and their likely effects
Legal abroad: Doing business in Kenya
Our series on operating under foreign jurisdictions turns to Kenya, where a familiar legal system and language, and strong dispute resolution processes make for good opportunities
Building safety case reports explained
The requirement for principal accountable persons to prepare safety case reports under the BSA has now come into force. How can this best be done?
Planning rules relaxed for wave of mini nuclear reactors
With small modular reactors – which can be built quickly offsite – seen as the future of nuclear, the government wants to simplify the relevant planning process
Professional liability may extend further than consultants think
A recent case clarifies what kinds of claims can be made against consultants if they fail in their duties, writes Theresa Mohammed
Ruling means court-ordered alternative dispute resolution extends beyond construction contracts
The appeal court has ruled that parties in any kind of dispute – not just construction – can be court ordered to use alternative dispute resolutions (ADR), explains Tony Bingham
New ruling says late payment may not be grounds for termination
Cash flow is likely to worsen for contractors and subcontractors following a TCC judgment clarifying termination rights relating to late payment
Adjudication: how did it all get so complicated?
Tony Bingham looks at an ordinary adjudication of mind-bending complexity and wonders how this haas become the new norm
