All Comment articles – Page 487
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Comment
A problem of our making
Regarding the controversy over Staythorpe power station’s use of foreign workers, power plants for the UK are bought through international tender on a turnkey basis
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The skyline just got safer
When ǿմý launched its Safer Skyline campaign almost two years ago, the crane industry was in crisis
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A game of risk
I appreciate the risk taken by specialist construction companies, but I fear that Peter Lewis is not looking far enough when he says specialist contractors are at “the end of the chain and bearing the full weight of the risk”
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The full footprint
We need to start making an effort in not only looking at the energy used in running a development once it is completed but also the cost to the environment in constructing it and then demolishing the structure once its useful life has expired
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Defeats, green shoots and fees
It’s tough out there and firms are holding their cards close to their chests and their cash even closer. But the important thing is not to panic and take it one day at a time
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The price of darkness: Rights of light
The right of light has become a hot topic in the courts, so developers who want to avoid making costly mistakes should read this illuminating article...
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A fair exchange is no robbery: Currency fluctuations
Money matters: Currency fluctuations have never been much of a concern, but with the pound at an all-time low, parties need a more advanced approach to managing risk
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Cold comforts
As we all huddle for warmth and HSE inspectors don their crash helmets to go and play in the snow, some observers spy green shoots rising out of the frozen earth. Unnamed observers, obviously...
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ǿմý buys a pint … for Sonnemann Toon
“I read ǿմý in the toilet,” announces Gary Toon as I hand him his pint. I’m not really sure where to go with that. “Er,” I begin in response, but am saved by Cressida, his wife and fellow partner in their architectural practice, Sonnemann Toon
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Bond. Which bond?
While Ian Yule’s article focuses mainly on an “on demand” bond and highlights the particular case of Permasteelisa, his opening paragraphs promote myths about performance guarantee bonds
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O ye who believe... : Sharia and mediation
This second of two articles on dispute resolution under Islamic law looks at arbitration – a system that has found wide acceptance in the Islamic world
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Old people aren't dead
Let’s design homes that encourage elderly people to live fulfilling lives – rather than sticking them in institutional spaces in which they simply bide their time
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Coming of age
So, “like collaborative working, being sustainable was a child of the boom years”. If so, now is the time for both to come of age and be taken seriously
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Pure and simple: Construction Act changes
The proposed changes to the Construction Act payment rules are all very clever, but they won’t wash in the down-to-earth world of construction. We want something simpler
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Rightmove wrong interpretation?
Why is it that when I looked at the data presented in the press release covering the newly launched Rightmove consumer confidence survey I came to a very different interpretation from that given?I am not an expert in survey work, but I am always interested in how they are put ...
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...on the subject of gloom, here's the latest state of trade survey
The latest industry state of trade survey covering construction product manufacturers and contractors gives a reasonable view of just how rosy things are. It is put together by the Construction Products Association. I will leave you to judge.Here are a few key findings: 78% of construction product ...
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Don't look for a paradigm shift in one month's Halifax figures
Those in the housing industry will be mightily relieved by the Halifax figures released today.Seasonally adjusted the rise in the price of an average house was put at 1.9%. Unadjusted the rise was a less spectacular 0.9% with about £1,300 added to the average house price.However shortlived this upward blip ...
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Lack of grit and the economic crisis
Why is it understandable in the current British economy that councils are running out of grit? That was the thought that came to mind as I walking to work this morning.For me it was an enjoyable walk as the fresh snow creaked under my boots and I had the extra ...