Will project bank accounts really address payment problems? We already have several pieces of legislation dealing with late payment. If these haven't improved payment practices, why should a voluntary arrangement on project bank accounts make any difference?
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The weight of pressure on SMEs - the backbone of the UK construction industry - is increasing daily as the credit crunch continues to bite.
Last week’s study by The National House-Building Council (NHBC) found that consumers were discouraged by some of the features and requirements of Code level 6 zero carbon homes - and most respondents claimed that they would prefer a higher specification kitchen or bathroom to personal investment in energy efficient measures. It highlights the fact that UK home-owners are not prepared to make the changes needed to live in “zero carbon” homes.
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CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility, has become a buzz-word in companies over the past few years and there has been a definite transformation recently towards companies (and individuals) having a genuine interest and actively looking to be involved in such projects. Yet how many employers still undertake CSR just to list it on their annual report or add it to their tender submission?
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The impact on an individual of being trapped in a low-skilled life should not be underestimated. Yet it is easy to overlook and to assume someone else should have responsibility for helping disadvantaged people. The fact that there are many causes, usually complex and interlinked, is often a further disincentive to offering help.
Continue reading "Construction could do more to help the socially excluded" »
I've been concerned for some time about the trend in the industry for smoke control systems in multi-storey buildings to be 'over-engineered' and in some cases unnecessarily costly and cumbersome, leading to delays and budget issues.
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Must be some mistake, surely. No, not a Private Eye joke but my reaction to the really grim standards of health and safety revealed on many refurbishment projects during our recent targeted inspection campaign. The figures speak for themselves: 1108 sites visited; 1419 contractors seen; 395 enforcement notices issued; and 13 prosecutions under consideration. And this for part of the industry that knew they were in our sights
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How long have we been banging on about the value of whole life costs? How many of us are embracing this aspect of our industry?
I would argue, not many!
Latham and Egan seem to be a life-time away, yet what progress have we really made?
Step forward a potential saviour!
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