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MMC: time to set the standard
07 Sep 2021
Buyers of factory-built homes face a reduced choice of lenders and unfavourable conditions – which is why we urgently need an industrywide MMC standard, argues Ian Atkinson.
Related insights: Construction and Engineering
An update on biodiversity net gain
18 Aug 2021
The Environment Bill, which is making its way through Parliament, includes a strengthening of the existing duty on public authorities to conserve biodiversity. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) describes the process by which new development may increase the levels of biodiversity present on a site, where biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Draeger Safety UK Limited v The London Fire Commissioner (HT-2021-000145)
13 Aug 2021
In a rare example of the High Court agreeing to maintain the automatic suspension in the context of a procurement challenge, the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) has dismissed an application to lift the suspension and instead ordered an expedited trial in a claim concerning the provision of respiratory protective equipment to London Fire Brigade (LFB).
Today’s supply shortages will leave their mark on future contracts
12 Aug 2021
Material shortages are causing contractors and developers to become increasingly entrenched in their views, and more adversarial than ever. The shortage of some key materials – especially steel – is proving so damaging that it could even change the way contracts are negotiated in the UK.
Construction and the face covering conundrum
16 Jul 2021
There is a lot of discussion about masks at the moment as, from 19 July, we will not be legally required to wear these in England. The Government is leaving the decision on whether or not to wear masks down to businesses and individuals. But how do construction businesses make this decision? If you tell your workers "no masks at all", some (especially the vulnerable) may be anxious and refuse to work - but equally, can you really tell your workers "you must wear one" if the legal requirement to do so is lifted? How do you balance safety against risk?
Just at the start: the Building Safety Bill
08 Jul 2021
The Building Safety Bill (the Bill) was laid before Parliament on Monday 5 July. It is likely to take 9 to 12 months to gain Royal Assent and pass into law. It is on any account a substantial piece of legislation: the Bill itself is 218 pages long and taken together with its explanatory notes (257 pages) and supporting documentation dealing with delegated powers, impact assessments, draft regulations and so on the whole package weighs in at an impressive 852 pages. In the pre-digital era it would have made a substantial thump when it landed on your desk.
Skills and infrastructure needed: Bill Scott, OBE, on Freeports
29 Jun 2021
Chief executive of Wilton Universal Group, Bill Scott, OBE, is optimistic about the benefits that Freeports could bring to the UK, but is not without reservations. He highlights the preparation that needs to be done, from addressing the skills shortage to investing in the infrastructure of areas where the ports will reside.
Building safety - the story so far
16 Jun 2021
Changes to building safety aren't just about cladding. They're about creating a thread of responsibility for safety throughout a building's life. This guide is a comprehensive overview of building safety and the story so far.
