Seven years after Grenfell: We have come a long way, but there is still a huge amount to do
Andrew Mellor reflects on the Grenfell Inquiry’s demand for radical reforms. The message is clear: urgent action is needed to protect lives
Shock and shame: the Grenfell report has exposed construction’s deadly failures
Now we know the full and terrible truth, only urgent and fundamental change will ensure mistakes are not repeated, writes Denise Chevin.
Grenfell: a tale of systemic failures
A legal overview setting out the findings of the inquiry’s final report, its recommendations and the potential ramifications for construction
Rayner’s ‘new homes accelerator’ is the right kind of big thinking to speed up housing delivery
The government’s new homes accelerator highlights how pragmatic action is needed to kickstart housing delivery. It looks like an excellent initiative that should tackle an intractable problem, says Simon Rawlinson of Arcadis
When it comes to productivity, construction needs to sharpen up
The sector needs to act now if it is to address the other challenges it is facing, writes Andrew Jackson, chief executive, construction, Mace
It’s time to take control of construction waste
We have the technology to radically redesign our approach to waste. The government should act to make sure that we use these digital tools, says Chris Clarke at Scape
Skills England proves Labour is serious about its development and growth ambitions
Keir Starmer’s government has got off to a good start but we need a revolution in the way we attract talent to the industry, says RICS president Tina Paillet
Labour must urgently tackle the skills shortage if it is to meet decarbonisation promises
Only by investing significantly in education and training can the government hope to achieve its net zero targets, says James Fiske of the Ð԰ɵç̨ Cost Information Service
Construction industry gossip: As time goes by
The latest chatter around the industry
Partnerships and location are key to success of government’s new towns ambitions
New town developments have had mixed results in the past and there are lessons to be learnt. Four essential factors should be considered if this latest initiative is to work, says Oliver Steele
Take these steps now – and be ready for procurement reform
Contractors need to prepare for the introduction of the Procurement Act in October. Here’s how, says Jane Brighouse
We must retrofit now – there is no time to lose
Australian bank Macquarie now owns 100% of National Gas, raising questions about the direction and desire of industry to retrofit. The new government must take the lead and industry must get off the fence, says Smith Mordak
From Miesian cool to urban discord: Why the new 1 Undershaft scheme misses the mark
As developers push for more floorspace at 1 Undershaft, the historic St Andrew Undershaft church and St Helen’s Piazza face significant disruption, writes Ben Derbyshire
What the principal designer role means for clients and the industry
Almost every project now requires a BRPD and architects must not start design work until they are satisfied the client is aware of their duties under the Ð԰ɵç̨ Safety Act, says Tom Jordan, technical director at Bar Gazetas
Will Labour’s proposed planning changes help to deliver more homes?
This week has been dominated by housing policy including a new towns task force and proposals to build more homes in more places including the green belt. Thomas Lane assesses what implications the proposals may have for new housing supply
Recusal and the Post Office
When a party to a dispute anticipates losing, it may – as a desperate measure – seek recusal on grounds of judicial bias
The right to request predictable work
Employers need to prepare for new workers’ rights legislation that comes into force this year
There’s a lot to learn: construction law resources on and offline
Tony Bingham highlights a newly published construction law compendium and sets out a range of online resources – many free
The Latham report, 30 years on
Constructing the Team called for a more collaborative industry approach and directly led to the introduction of statutory adjudication. But how well is adjudication working today?
Smash-and-grab claims – and how to avoid them
The contractual time limits on issuing payment and pay less notices are generally pretty tight – be mindful of your obligations or risk becoming liable for payment in full