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There's a growing swell of opposition to the government’s Eco-Towns plans, says Ross Sturley

Local communities are objecting, largely on a NIMBY basis. Various eco-warriors (and people like architect Richard Rogers) are saying that they're just a bad idea, and that in any case they can’t really be eco-towns if they’re…

After 17 years of economic growth, the UK is now facing tougher times, says Jonathan Hook

The related businesses down the supply chain, from aggregate companies to building product manufacturers and distributors are feeling the impact to varying degrees.The timing and size of this impact will depend on the end user…

The industry has made tremendous progress since Egan, as an imminent report from Constructing Excellence will tell us. By Chris Gilmour

Frameworks, negotiation and two-stage tenders have provided an environment in which collaboration between the players has flourished, resulting in better projects and increased client satisfaction.But in a climate of hardening…

The outlook for the UK economy has changed markedly over the past few months, says Allan Wilen

As the credit crunch has begun to bite, firms and households alike are reappraising their spending.While most forecasters expect continued, albeit weak growth, significant risks remain. The Bank of England’s initial response has rightly…

Poor energy performance is a ticking time-bomb for the wrong type of buildings, says Hugh Mulcahey

Two years ago, Gensler’s report, Faulty Towers, anticipated the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates and pondered their impact. Now the ticking is becoming harder to ignore.From April, commercial buildings 10,000 sq m or larger have…

Shouting about what differentiates you from rival firms helps to win business and charge a premium, says Ross Sturley

Those of you who have ever made a cold sales call, or met up with any prospective customers at events, will probably have been asked the question: “So, why should I use…

Economic slow down or melt down? Collapse or correction? Only time will tell. But the market out there is more difficult to predict, says Chris Gilmour

The latest statistics from the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform show a dip in orders - two per cent down in the three…

Organisations embarking on major capital investments are recognising the need for improved upfront planning. By Jonathan Hook

Organisations embarking on major capital investments are recognising the need for improved upfront planning.A key part of this is the procurement strategy. Methods have been developed to address high-profile failures, the complex nature of…

Over the past decade, the construction sector has lagged behind the manufacturing and retail sectors in sourcing materials from low-cost countries. By Jonathan Hook

However, with construction companies facing growing pressures of low margins and cost inflation, they are increasingly realising the potential benefits of low-cost sourcing (LCS).While LCS-suitable material remains…