news archive

Councils need to improve their procurement process to include more SMEs.

Construction SMEs missing out in £37bn public sector market

More than 40% of construction SMEs fail to win nine out of ten public sector contracts they bid for, a new report by the Federation of Master... read more

Proposed changes to Part L have been delayed.

Part L delays could prove costly, industry warns

The government delay in responding to its revision of Part L of the Building Regulations could push implementation back to April 2014, industry... read more

Green light for £90m Macclesfield town centre overhaul

Plans to regenerate Macclesfield town centre have been given the go ahead by Cheshire East Council. read more

Airtightness tests determine the energy efficiency level of the building by identifying the level of unwanted draughts.

Building companies offered cost-effective blower door tests

In a move which should guarantee more energy-efficient new buildings at a lower cost to the industry, the National House-Building Council (NHBC) has... read more

Birmingham is set to benefit from new infrastructure.

£100m infrastructure boost for enterprise zones

Green light for 18 projects across the UK including roads, car parks and other infrastructure. read more

The energy efficiency of Britain’s ageing housing stock needs improving.

Fewer than 1% of homeowners sign up to Green Deal

Fewer than 200 people have signed up to the Green Deal, the government’s flagship energy initiative, reports suggest. read more

The BBC contract with Peel Group at Salford MediaCityUK has been criticised

Peel Group reject tax dodge claims

Property developers Peel Group deny claims of corporate tax avoidance from Public Accounts Committee. read more

Tim Yeo, chairman of the Energy and Climate Change Committee, said: "Hafren Power have failed to answer the serious environmental concerns about a potential barrage adequately."

Severn barrage "no knight in shining armour for UK renewables"

Proposals by Hafren Power have "failed to demonstrate economic, environmental and public acts of stability," according to MPs on the Energy and... read more

Mace has helped shape the skyline of London.

Mace hits £1bn target

Contractor hits £1bn turnover target and forecasts £2bn by 2020. read more

Housebuilding activity grew at its fastest rate for more than two years in May.

Housebuilding leads construction growth

Strong residential activity sees construction sector output rise for the first time in six months, according to latest Markit/CIPS UK Construction... read more