Ensuring best practice through early contractor involvement
How to reap the benefits of an alternative procurement route: Atypical projects require different solutions. Progressive methods of construction allow clients and contractors to overcome challenges in a variety of ways, ranging from modern manufacturing or delivery methods to improving the procurement process. Traditionally projects have been defined, designed and delivered by three distinct parties. […]
Industry Insights – Positive Signs for a better 2022
Bumps in the road to recovery shouldn’t deter the construction industry from a productive and positive 2022, sector commentators have said. Increases in the values of contract awards during the last quarter of 2021 – up by 46% compared to the previous three months – and an increase in planning approvals make for an optimistic […]
2021 Wrapped – Elland Steel
Reflecting on the year’s wins, challenges and strong recovery. It’s been another memorable year – this time, though, for many more of the right reasons. After the problems created by the pandemic in 2020, the construction sector has been making a steady recovery through 2021. While supply chain challenges and price rises have rumbled on […]
Forecasting for fluctuating steel prices
Recommendations on navigating and mitigating for the risk of further rises to steel prices. With ongoing steel price rises and supply chain uncertainty, a crucial question for contractors and clients is how to adequately forecast for projects. Rising steel prices have been a cause for concern across many sectors since the outbreak of the pandemic, […]
BCSA launches 2050 Decarbonisation Roadmap
Industry leaders have published new guidelines on how structural steel contractors can work to decarbonize their operations. The British Steelwork Contractors Association (BCSA) has yesterday(Monday, November 22) launched ‘UK Structural Steelwork: 2050 Decarbonisation Roadmap’. The 22-page Roadmap sets out how the sector can work collaboratively and realistically to achieve targets of net zero carbon emissions […]
Industry insight – Construction industry activity and the impact of Cop26
Cop26 has dominated news headlines in recent weeks as world leaders gathered in Glasgow to agree how to tackle the global climate crisis. With commitments being made and plans being agreed, talks will now turn to how industries and individuals can contribute to reducing carbon emissions. The construction industry has an important role to play […]
Guidance on getting fire protection right
Revised guidelines makes calculating coatings for fire protection clearer, delivering effective fire protection is one of the most important measures when developing or renovating buildings. Since the Grenfell Tower disaster building regulations have been refined and tightened, to ensure all materials and methods deliver compliant and safe structures. Preventing further tragedies is paramount. Requirements for […]
What to consider when adapting a structural frame
To create a truly sustainable construction sector, working with the building stock we already have is key. Retrofitting or reconfiguring existing buildings – including adapting their structural frames – will be essential for the construction and built environment sectors to meet demand for modern, flexible spaces for working, living, leisure and travel. This will not […]
Industry Insight: Fresh challenges for the construction industry
The construction industry continued to face market challenges head on throughout September, but it’s now anticipated upheaval in the energy and fuel markets could create knock-on effects for businesses. As gas price rises and panic buying at the fuel pumps dominated the national headlines, industry reports were focussed on the consistency of growth and recovery […]
How materials shortages are influencing the shed market
Ongoing supply chain challenges are continuing to impact the construction sector and are even influencing decision-making and design on projects. As industry commentators say material shortages are creating a ‘crisis’, some contractors are identifying new or alternative material types to keep pace, especially within the shed market. The problems stem from global industry closures throughout […]