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Transforming the industry for the better

Thursday, 7th June 2018

Sarah McMonagle of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explains the organisation’s three point plan to reform the sector’s approach to quality, in the wake of Grenfell. Let’s be honest, the construction industry does not have the greatest image in... View Article

RICS responsds to ‘New powers for councils to deliver homes for local families’: provides opportunities to turn ‘NIMBYs’ into ‘YIMBYs’

Wednesday, 6th June 2018

RICS has responded to Housing Minister Dominic Raab MP’s ‘New powers for councils to deliver homes for local families’. Abdul Choudhury, RICS Policy Manager commented: “In the first major housing announcement from the new Housing Minister Dominic Raab MP, the... View Article

Four questions for selecting the right door canopy

Tuesday, 5th June 2018

While they may only form a small element of developments, door canopies can play a huge part in the end result. They can finish off projects perfectly, as well as instantly add a touch of individuality and aesthetic appeal too.... View Article

SME builders now better represented on CITB Board, says FMB

Monday, 4th June 2018

The appointment of two construction SME representatives to the CITB Board is an important step forward, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the CITB’s announcement regarding the new appointments to the CITB Board, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the... View Article

Construction growth hindered by Carillion fallout, political outlook and sector uncertainty – BLP Insurance comments on latest PMI

Monday, 4th June 2018

Following the release of today’s Construction PMI figures, Phil Harris, Director at BLP Insurance, comments on how residential housing is boosting the construction industry while commercial projects are likely to dampen overall sector growth in future: “The unchanged pace of... View Article

Countryside being lost to housing at an alarming rate, despite increase in brownfield development

Friday, 1st June 2018

The amount of farmland, forests, gardens and greenfield land lost to housing development each year has increased by 58% over the past 4 years, according to an analysis by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). CPRE’s analysis of an... View Article

Lessons from Carillion: reform of the use of retentions in the construction industry at last?

Thursday, 31st May 2018

The Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes) Bill 2017-19 (the “Aldous Bill”) was introduced as a Private Members’ Bill in January by Peter Aldous MP and is expected to have its second reading in June this year. The aim of the Aldous... View Article

Government must be realistic about skills of construction T Level students, says FMB

Wednesday, 30th May 2018

The Government must be realistic about the capabilities and work-readiness of students who have completed construction T Levels, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the Government’s response to the T Level consultation, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB,... View Article

FSF calls for clarity in implementation of Hackitt recommendations

Tuesday, 29th May 2018

The Fire Sector Federation (FSF) welcomes the completion of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety and its recommendations for a much needed change in the culture and regulatory environment relating to construction. However, the FSF is concerned... View Article

Bureau Veritas considers the impact of the Hackitt Review

Friday, 25th May 2018

As the long-awaited Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety by Dame Judith Hackitt was published last week, prompting much debate among the media, general public and industry alike, Bureau Veritas considers the long-term repercussions of the recommendations and calls... View Article

Construction products to contribute towards halving energy use in buildings

Tuesday, 22nd May 2018

Dr Diana Montgomery, Construction Products Association Chief Executive said: “The importance of this announcement cannot be underestimated. Our sector employs over 333,000 people and advances will drive a more sustainable, higher skilled workforce. This is a significant opportunity for us... View Article

Redrow reacts to the latest apprenticeship statistics update from the Department for Education

Friday, 18th May 2018

The latest apprenticeship starts data published today by the Department for Education has revealed a 40 percent drop in apprenticeships starts in February compared to the same period in 2017. The data shows that there were just 21,800 apprenticeship starts in February... View Article

Self-employed among worst-hit by ‘recklessness, hubris and greed’ at Carillion

Thursday, 17th May 2018

Self-employed suppliers were among those most harmed by what a new joint report from two Commons Committees calls ‘recklessness, hubris and greed’ at Carillion. Carillion was well known for its poor payment practices, extending its supplier payment period to 120... View Article

Statement from the Housing Committee on the Mayor’s ‘Building Council Homes for Londoners’ programme

Wednesday, 16th May 2018

In response to the Mayor of London’s announcement today on council homes, Sian Berry AM, Chair of the London Assembly Housing Committee, said: “The Mayor’s announcement today, which aims to kick-start the building of more council homes, is a step in the... View Article

Government must transform how it works with construction post-Carillion, says FMB

Wednesday, 16th May 2018

The Government must learn from Carillion by enforcing fair payment and opening up public sector contracts to smaller firms, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the joint report on Carillion from the Work and Pensions and Business, Energy... View Article

Comment on Intergenerational Commission report

Tuesday, 8th May 2018

Mark Farmer, chief executive of Cast, said: “The price and availability of land is a major problem within the housing market. Developers have increasingly been accused of overpaying for land by suppressing affordable housing provision and challenging quotas through the planning... View Article

Let’s face the music and dance

Wednesday, 11th April 2018

James Parker looks at the prospects for house building and gives his forthright views on Brexit. Yes, the weather has been appalling in recent weeks – and certain world leaders might be more than troublesome – but you can’t blame... View Article

Do we need a use it or lose it approach to landbanking?

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

Editor of Housebuilder & Developer, James Parker looks at whether government needs to do more to get housebuilding moving. Depending on who you listen to, the number of unbuilt housing sites with planning permission is either shamefully high or scandalously... View Article

RICS on housing announcement – Urging developers to ‘do their duty’ shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what’s needed

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

Lewis Johnston, Parliamentary Affairs Manager, RICS : “The planning changes announced today, under consultation, effectively mark the end of the localism experiment for housebuilding. In threatening to remove planning powers from councils who fail to deliver their target of new... View Article

Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, comments on Markit / CIPS UK Construction PMI:

Tuesday, 6th March 2018

“Todays data continues to show the UK construction industry facing significant challenges – the increasing cost of materials and staff pressures is having an impact on the sector’s confidence, which is compounded with continued uncertainty over Brexit. It is essential... View Article