The Devil is in the detail/the proof is in the pudding. Whichever cliché you pick, this Budget above any in living memory will be judged by its outcomes rather than its announcements. But it was certainly good to hear the rubber stamping of the widely expected extension of stamp duty exemption, and its much-needed support … Read more
With shafts of restriction-easing light starting to spear through the gloom of the third national lockdown, the 2021 budget focused on maintaining much-needed emergency support measures to lessen the damage wrought by Covid-19. The chancellor, a fiscal conservative, again made it clear that support measures are time limited and will be withdrawn in the autumn. … Read more
Yesterday, the UK Government published their long-awaited National Infrastructure Strategy. This strategy outlines the government’s plans to develop the UK’s infrastructure networks. It’s three central objectives are economic recovery; levelling up and strengthening the Union; and meeting the UK’s net zero emissions target by 2050. By providing up to £27 billion, the government wants to … Read more
It’s generally accepted that offsite construction and DfMA (design for manufacture and assembly) offer leaner construction in a precision factory environment with better health and safety credentials and less wastage. But while on the one hand they haven’t yet been widely embraced, on the other the landscape is constantly evolving – with knock on effects … Read more
In the second of Barbour ABI’s articles looking at what organisations can be doing to be as lean, efficient and productive as possible in uncertain times, we take a look at data management and what can be done to make the most of the vast pools they acquire. Speaking at a 2018 event at which … Read more
With Britain’s exit from the EU leaving many organisations navigating turbulent waters, Barbour ABI is examining – over a series of articles – what construction businesses can do to prepare for uncertain times and best focus their resources. One area that deserves scrutiny during Brexit – and may be about to get an infrastructure construction … Read more
You may have seen the recent announcements from UK Government relating to “sweeping reforms” of the planning system. To summarise the changes – they propose the introduction of new planning rules from September 2020 to allow land to be designated into three categories depending on how the land and buildings are to be used: for … Read more
The UK’s impending exit from the EU is likely to be an epochal moment. Depending on the form of the exit, the impact of Brexit on the construction industry could be minor, or there could be very severe economic consequences. Assessing the different outcomes of Brexit Considering the major impacts of a non-disruptive Brexit and … Read more
The regeneration of town centres and high streets is a hot topic in the UK. According to The Guardian, Britain’s high streets recorded 1,234 more store closures than openings in the first half of 2019. The retail industry is under extreme pressure as spending habits change to reflect a more digital world. Internet shopping is … Read more
The Northern Powerhouse is a regional grouping, of the North East, the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber and North Wales. First coined by the coalition government of 2010-2015 to drive investment in skills, innovation, transport and culture in northern regions of Great Britain. Has the Northern Powerhouse initiative boosted construction activity in the region? … Read more
Place of registration: Barbour ABI Limited Company number: 13427982, Registered office: 5th Floor, 133 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7BX
