Home Blog Page 53

Apprenticeship system reform and workforce initiatives: what construction leaders need to...

The government has unveiled more details on the £725 million overhaul of the apprenticeship system, signalling a continued push to rebuild the skills pipeline and to tackle long-term labour shortages.
The latest BMF industry forecast predicts further stagnation until H2 2026

BMF industry forecast predicts no real growth until H2 2026

The Builders Merchants Federation has released their forecast for 2026, stating that growth is not likely until the second half of 2026.
The Leeds United stadium expansion will boost the economy in the city of Leeds

Planning permission secured for Leeds United stadium expansion

Planning permission has been granted for an expansion to the Leeds United stadium, Elland Road. Seating capacity will be boosted to 53,000.
HBC's Rachel LeGood explores how the 2025 Future Homes & Buildings Standard goes further on energy efficiency design

Part L in practice: Bridging energy efficiency design and building control

Hertfordshire Building Control's Rachel LeGood explores the changes brought about the 2021 Part L updates- and how the 2025 Future Homes & Buildings Standard goes further on energy efficiency design.
Aerial view of Bristol Temple Meads train station in cloudy day, UK

Muse selected for 10,000 home Bristol Temple Quarter scheme

Muse has been selected by Bristol Temple Quarter LLP (BTQ LLP) as its preferred development partner for Temple Meads West and St Philip’s Marsh.
UK construction mentoring will be vital to closing the skills gap, say the FMB

FMB: Need for UK construction mentoring “never been more urgent”

The Federation of Master Builders has released a statement supporting firms to fund further mentoring schemes to close the skills gap.

The hidden cost of poor RFI management

Newforma’s own RFI overview and guidance frames RFIs as formal clarification that helps protect quality, reduce rework, and keep workflows smooth.

Application for Rhydycar West allowed to proceed, despite planner recommendations

Despite recommendations against the project, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has allowed the Rhydycar West project to continue.
The Building Heroes partnership has sponsored the launch of the Darlington Skills Academy

Building Heroes partnership launches new construction skills academy for veterans

A new partnership between Lovell, Morgan Sindall Construction and Building Heroes launches sponsorship of the Building Heroes Darlington Skills Academy.
The new Homes England regeneration leader will bring redevelopment across five regions

New Homes England regeneration leader appointed

John Reid has been announced as the new Homes England regeneration leader and is set to join the agency in March.
Oxford, UK – 20th March 2024: The building detail and architectural features of the building located at in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Europe. No people seen in the photograph. Architectural Features of Central Oxford Building Location: Central Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom Date of Photograph: 20th March 2024 The building exhibits a blend of Gothic and Victorian architectural styles, common in central Oxford. The façade is characterised by ornate stone carvings and pointed arches. The structure primarily uses local limestone, which lends a distinctive warm, honey-coloured appearance, typical of many historic buildings in Oxford. Large, arched windows with intricate tracery and stained glass are prominent. The windows are set within deep reveals, providing a sense of depth and shadow. The roofline is punctuated by steeply pitched gables and decorative finials, contributing to the vertical emphasis typical of Gothic architecture. The main entrance features a grand, pointed arch doorway, often adorned with detailed stonework and flanked by columns. Elaborate cornices and parapets run along the building’s edges, incorporating decorative stone motifs such as fleur-de-lis and other heraldic symbols. The building maintains a balanced and symmetrical layout, with a clear emphasis on verticality and proportion. Flying and engaged buttresses are present, providing both structural support and decorative appeal. The architectural style reflects Oxford’s historical significance and its long-standing association with academia and ecclesiastical heritage. This building exemplifies the rich architectural tapestry of central Oxford, seamlessly integrating historical elements with a timeless aesthetic.

Why specialist expertise is essential to preserve the UK’s built heritage...

The nation’s built heritage represents a tangible link to our cultural past. Historic buildings, monuments and landmarks are the architectural legacy of previous generations, demonstrating their styles and fashion, innovations, craftmanship and ability to build with the materials to hand.
Many built environment workers are struggling to cope with the pace of change

Over 20% of built environment workers have considered changing profession

New research has shown that more than 20% of built environment workers have considered leaving the profession in the wake of change.
The December 2025 construction PMIs show further decline

December 2025 construction PMI shows continued decline

The December 2025 construction PMI shows a continued sorry state, but with an improved confidence colouring the new year.
Construction Industry, Construction Site, Industry, UK, Protection

Construction firm fined £60,000 after worker injured following fall from height...

Ace Infra Ltd pleaded guilty after a wall collapsed, causing an employee to fall through an unprotected floor opening onto a concrete floor and suffer multiple fractures and a dislocated shoulder.
Former Carillion directors were aware of the company's dire state but did not disclose it

Former Carillion directors fined by financial authority

Former Carillion directors Richard Adam and Zafar Khan have both been fined for misleading the market before the company's collapse.
Top Down View of Diverse Team of Business Professionals and Engineers Working Together on Architectural Plans in a Corporate Office. Focused Colleagues Using Laptop, Tablet, Blueprints and Documents.

University of Cambridge joins CCBP Academic Advisory Group

The University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership have joined the Centre for Construction Best Practice’s Academic Advisory Group. The partnership reinforces the centre’s ambition to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia through evidence-based research in the built environment.
Black woman, overlay and global tech at night for research, information technology or digital job. Iot, smile and future 3d world hologram in dark workplace with person networking and cloud computing, representing human-centric technology

AI is not about cutting-edge; it’s human-centric technology

In AI, it’s not about simply being cutting-edge; it’s about designing human-centric technology built around real people and their daily workflows, says Charles Sheridan, chief data & AI officer at Nemetschek Group.
Welsh cowboy builders have cost the country over £200m

Welsh cowboy builders cost £239m, FMB investigation finds

The Federation of Master Builders is once again calling for a builder licensing scheme, as they find that Welsh cowboy builders cost homeowners millions.
Is the construction industry ready to transform – or just talking about it? A recent Trimble-panel discussion hosted by the Offsite Alliance brought together industry experts to explore how offsite construction methods can deliver on the UK’s (very) ambitious housing targets, the value of the “kit of parts” approach and the move to industrialised construction

Breaking down barriers: How digital collaboration can unlock offsite housing delivery

Is the construction industry ready to transform – or just talking about it? A recent Trimble-panel discussion hosted by the Offsite Alliance brought together industry experts to explore how offsite construction methods can deliver on the UK’s (very) ambitious housing targets, the value of the “kit of parts” approach and the move to industrialised construction.
Successful engineer working at construction site

The Building Safety Act: Clarity, accountability and better buildings

The Building Safety Act is the biggest suite of improvements to building and fire safety in living memory. Implementing it is challenging for both the government and industry. Experts from the multidisciplinary construction consultancy Watts Group advise about how to respond effectively and deliver future-proof buildings.
The new Construction Industry Scheme consultation is open until later this year

Government Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) consultation opens

The government Construction Industry Scheme has launched, seeking feedback on proposed changes to come into effect in April.
Gateway 2 applications are on a positive trend according to the BSR update

BSR makes record Gateway 2 decisions shortly before excision from HSE

The Health and Safety Executive has released an update on behalf of the Building Safety Regulator regarding Gateway 2 decisions.
SMETER-HTC can deliver improved retrofit outcomes

Improved retrofit outcomes highlighted in new NRH report

A new report from the National Retrofit Hub has shown that using SMETER-HTC before projects can deliver improved retrofit outcomes.
New Kier appointments will create an infrastructure division aimed at growth

Kier announces new infrastructure division and key appointments

A new infrastructure division at Kier sets the company up for further growth, alongside key senior appointments.

Accessibility by design: What construction can learn from film

In this reflective piece, Ian Streets, NRAC Consultant, About Access, explores how powerful short films can challenge attitudes to disability by turning the accessibility conversation on its head. Drawing on past and present examples, he considers why the message that “the world is harder when it’s not designed for you” still resonates today.
National Timber Solutions has been saved from administration

National Timber Systems saved from administration

National Timber Systems has been bought by Premier Forest Products, saving 160 jobs as the company is pulled from administration.