Managing water in a wetter world

Michael White, business development director of Alumasc Water Management Solutions, says climate change, increased urbanisation and more extreme weather is causing problems for our built environment. Incorporating high capacity steel rainwater systems into our buildings is an effective and affordable... View Article

Construction safety should never be compromised comments BSIF

The recent (21st October 2015) BBC Newsnight investigation into the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card brings the health and safety of UK construction workers into focus. Commenting on the investigation, Alan Murray, BSIF CEO said: “We have a very good... View Article

Construction consultants comment on new housebuilding proposals

Commenting on the proposals for 200,000 new ‘affordable homes’ to be announced in David Cameron’s Conservative Party Conference speech later today, Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive of leading property and construction consultants McBains Cooper, said: “The construction industry will welcome these... View Article

One million recruits needed to beat housing crisis

According to a white paper produced by EC Harris, construction companies will need to recruit one million new recruits by 2020 if the industry is to build the homes the country needs. The paper, ‘People and money – fundamental to... View Article

Right to buy pledge will increase housing pressure

The Conservative pledge to re-introduce the Right To Buy for Housing Association tenants as highlighted in the Queen’s speech today could scupper plans for a much-needed expansion in public sector housing according to Simon Hay, CEO of the Brick Development... View Article

Story Homes’ statement on Queen’s Speech

Steve Errington, Chief Executive of Story Homes, commented on the Housing Bill outlined in the Queen’s speech. He said: “Story Homes welcomes the Government’s plans for Starter Homes which will help to provide more houses for first-time buyers – who are... View Article

CIOB responds to the Queen’s Speech announcements

As the Conservatives begin their term in government, the Chartered Institute of Building provides its reaction to today’s Queen Speech. With the announcements in today’s speech already documented, the CIOB is keen to engage with policy makers on the commitments... View Article

CITB statement in response to today’s Queens speech

Steve Radley, Director of Policy at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), said: “It’s great to see the Government  setting out its ambition for three million more apprenticeships. Employers and Government now need to get together to work out how to... View Article

BPF Comments on Queen’s Speech

BPF urges EU Referendum certainty The British Property Federation (BPF) has commented on the impact that the European Union Referendum Bill, announced in today’s Queen’s Speech, could have on the real estate industry. Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British... View Article

New BIS Secretary right to tackle late payment, says FMB

Proposals by the New Business Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, to combat late payments to small firms have been cautiously welcomed by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Late payment has plagued the... View Article

Autumn Statement reforms stamp duty

Housing commentators had to wait until almost the end of the government’s Autumn Statement before George Osborne announced major reforms to stamp duty. Before he detailed the changes to the threshold payments the Chancellor explained: “I am introducing today a... View Article

Council planning budgets should be ring fenced, says FMB

Council planning departments should be treated as front line services and protected from local authority spending cuts, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the recommendations of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee Report on the... View Article