Category: Opinion
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A fickle, volatile, conflicted ecosystem: construction needs stability
Construction’s great strength is its ability to adapt, but it needs better strategic direction from government to deliver on policy promises, writes Brian Green, author of an upcoming CIOB report. Yet, while construction as an industry and producer of the built environment craves and thrives on stability and a long-term strategic direction, it is trapped…
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Paul Gandy’s five pointers for construction project managers
I’ve taken a few. Some by choice, some not. After working on Wembley with Multiplex, I went from being a managing director to running a defence construction business with Carillion. On paper, that looked like a step back. But actually, it was a great move. I got back to delivering projects and into the public…
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What’s your construction business worth? Seven things to consider
There’s no magic formula, but here’s a simple benchmark to use as a starting point when looking to acquire a business under £2m PBT:1x-4x PBT+ Assets– Liabilities+ Free cash Factors that increase multiples:• Solid pipeline of future work• Low customer concentration• Clean, consistent financial reporting• Documented systems and processes• Strong, stable second-tier management• Recurring revenue…
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Thank you – and keep the lion flying!
In her last column as CIOB’s CEO, Caroline Gumble reflects with pride on the members and staff dedicating their lives to the construction industry. A few weeks ago, I attended my last CIOB graduation ceremony in London in my role as CIOB’s CEO. I was thrilled to see more than 100 new members don their robes,…
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Will planning reforms deliver the government’s housing targets?
The target of 1.5 million additional homes in England incorporates new-build houses as well as conversions, demolitions and change of use. To boost the construction of new homes, the government loosened planning rules and regulations, which had previously created bottlenecks, to speed up planning processes and provide sustainable growth. View the original article and our…
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Industry must act now on building safety
This leadership summit is attended by senior representatives from our leading members representing the major institutions and associations in the construction industry, including incoming CIOB president Paul Gandy, and the institute’s director for policy, research and public affairs, Eddie Tuttle. View the original article and our Inspiration here
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How’s the government going to ‘get Britain building’?
The government has published two major planning announcements aimed at the housebuilding sector. David Parry explains what’s in each of them. (Image: Paul Maguire via Dreamstime) The end of May saw the publication of two major government announcements for the construction sector, both setting out further intentions to free up the planning system and get…
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Rising wage costs are eating into construction’s margins
The industry’s persistent skills shortage is pushing wage inflation while also thwarting project delivery, writes Nitesh Patel. Wages in construction are rising at a faster pace than across the wider economy. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that average weekly earnings in the industry accelerated to 7.5% in the year to February, from 6%…
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Five things construction firms need to know about the new Fair Payment Code
Many construction firms were signatories to the PPC, but most had signed up when bidding for contracts and forgotten about the commitment they had made. Many were not engaging with the PPC, the person who had championed joining the PPC had moved on, there was no ownership, and firms were no longer complying. View the…
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a new chapter for black professionals in the built environment
In an industry as vast and vital as construction, leadership should reflect the diverse talent that drives it forward. Yet, for too long, black construction professionals have been underrepresented at the highest levels, within construction professional bodies and as decision-makers within the built environment. View the original article and our Inspiration here