All Building the Future articles
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FeaturesImmigration: Why the system needs reform for construction to flourish
In an in-depth report published by the Building the Future Think Tank this week, we look at how Brexit has changed the way we recruit foreign workers – and the implications of that decision. Read the first part of our analysis today
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FeaturesMaximising procurement as an enabler for construction in the North-west of England
Our Building the Future Think Tank regional roundtable, in partnership with Constructing Excellence, was held in Manchester recently, and saw industry experts come together to brainstorm ways to maximise procurement in the North-east. Hollie Tye reports
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CommentLabour’s housebuilding dream could be a nightmare to realise
It seems shrewd of the new government to have got housebuilders onside at an early stage, bt is all the talk of large-scale social, affordable and accessible housing provision realistic, asks Richard Steer
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FeaturesLeading from the front: Driving sustainability through the retrofit agenda in the North-east of England
Our second Building the Future Think Tank regional roundtable for 2024 was held in Newcastle last month, with industry experts coming together to brainstorm ways to push forward retrofit in the North-east. Jordan Marshall reports
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CommentA new government – and a chance for construction to be heard
Keir Starmer steps in to No10 with much to do and the economy in a perilous state. He would be wise to engage with the built environment sector more successfully than his predecessors, says Richard Steer
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CommentThis election should bring us back to the centre
The policies of the Liberal Democrats are positive and progressive. The party could have real influence on how we are governed for the next five years, says Richard Steer
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CommentWho will speak up for the builders?
The Co-op Live debacle is symtomatic of the awful PR that too often plagues our sector when high-profile projects go wrong, says Richard Steer
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CommentWe’re a nation of NEETs. Something must be done
The UK has one of the worst productivity rates in Europe and we need to get more people working. Who will take ownership of this national tragedy, asks Richard Steer
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FeaturesAddressing construction productivity challenges in the East of England
Our first Building the Future Think Tank regional roundtable for 2024 was held in Cambridge last month, with industry experts coming together to brainstorm ways to meet the productivity challenge in the East of England. Jordan Marshall reports
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CommentIntensification must come with flexibility built in
We undoubtedly need more building in our cities, but it must be easily changeable if we are to extend its shelf-life, writes Sadie Morgan
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CommentLondon’s old problems require new solutions
The capital is congested, polluted and expensive but, thanks to the insight and ingenuity that its people possess, the way it functions can be mended, writes Sadie Morgan
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NewsWinners of Building’s Future Thinkers competition revealed
Six up and coming construction professionals recognised for ideas on how future proof the industry
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CommentWe’re running out of materials – and of time to do something about it
To secure a liveable future we need to develop our understanding of materials and identify more opportunities for their reuse, writes Andrew Mellor of PRP
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NewsBuilding the Future Commission’s early findings to be revealed in September
Join our inaugural conference in Westminster for updates on progress so far and to help shape the commission’s work
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FeaturesPhoenix rising: Plans for the ‘largest timber development in UK’ take shape
A new East Sussex-based developer is seeking to disrupt the housebuilding sector and create a template for higher density, walkable neighbourhoods, writes Ben Flatman
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CommentCentralised pool of experts could solve local authority planning crisis
A bold, fresh approach is needed to tackle the shortcomings of a system under so much strain that it is damaging the sector and wider economy
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FeaturesThe power of four: how UK’s biggest builders are working together on £1bn prisons programme
ISG, Kier, Laing O’Rourke and Wates have joined forces to build four new English prisons, pooling their resources and skills to form one big collaborative team. Here’s how it works
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FeaturesTime for Plan BEE: collaborative learning that helps deliver a more competent industry
Can cross-disciplinary courses help engender collaborative working and greater levels of professional competence? Ben Flatman finds out
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FeaturesMeet the commissioners: Simon Wyatt
Simon Wyatt talks about the need to improve building quality, collaboration and diversity
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FeaturesMeet the commissioners: Rebecca Rees
Rebecca Rees discusses the need for procurement reform, workforce diversificiation and her love of the Eden Project biomes