Kate Macbeth FCIM

Always great when Planning Approval is granted and this one is no exception. The team have worked incredibly hard to get to this point and look forward to delivering the next phases. #missioncritical #datacentres #architectureanddesign #planningapproval #teamwork #campus #sustainabledesign #breeam

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This week the U.K. goes to the polls, will the incoming government be looking to the construction sector to kick-start economic growth? Pick Everard review the economic back drop, potential policy change and look at what construction professionals see as important steps to move the sector forward with Gavin Mason and Ciaran Gunne-Jones. #Construction #Development #MarketIntelligence #IndustryTrends

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A walk down the Thames, and a few thoughts about creativity, perfection and imperfection. My latest substack post... https://lnkd.in/eznUakhr #creativity #photography #perfection

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🔍 Gain Valuable Insights into the UK Construction Sector 🔍 Curious about the latest trends and developments in the UK construction sector? Our comprehensive report provides in-depth analysis and economic research to keep you informed. Click the link below to access the report and stay ahead in the construction industry: https://ow.ly/s2Ns50RFvGJ #EconomicResearch #UKConstruction #IndustryInsights #AllianzTrade #MarketAnalysis

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Ahead of #UKConstructionWeek next week, I sat down to chat with Mat Ilic and Blair Harvey to discuss the evolving construction industry, from changes to new technologies, challenging the misconceptions of a builder and how we need more skilled workers if we are to help the property industry to become carbon neutral. Listen to the full episode via the link below! 

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How the Labour Party Can Fulfil Its Manifesto Promises to the Construction Industry The Labour Party’s recent electoral victory presents a significant opportunity to transform the construction industry through strategic policies and initiatives. Here’s how they can achieve their manifesto promises: Investment in Infrastructure and Green Projects Labour’s commitment to infrastructure investment is pivotal. Prioritising projects that generate employment, stimulate local economies, and improve connectivity is essential. Key areas include: Transport: Expanding public transport networks, upgrading rail systems, and investing in sustainable transport options to enhance mobility and reduce carbon footprints. Broadband: Accelerating the rollout of high-speed broadband in underserved areas to support economic growth and digital inclusion. Energy: Supporting renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar installations, to create green jobs and move towards a sustainable energy future. Housing: Building affordable, energy-efficient homes with an emphasis on social housing to address the housing crisis and promote sustainable living. Skills and Training Addressing the skills shortage in construction is crucial for industry growth. Labour can: Apprenticeships: Increase funding for apprenticeship programmes, encouraging young people to join the construction sector. Upskilling: Invest in training for current workers, particularly in emerging fields like green construction and digital technologies. Diversity: Promote diversity and inclusion to attract a broader talent pool and foster innovation within the industry. Sustainable Practices Labour’s net-zero emissions target by 2030 aligns with the construction industry’s need for sustainability: Green Building Standards: Strengthen regulations to ensure new buildings meet high environmental standards, promoting energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Retrofitting: Encourage retrofitting of existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce overall carbon footprints. Circular Economy: Advocate for the reuse and recycling of materials in construction to minimise waste and promote sustainability. Local Procurement and SMEs Supporting local businesses and SMEs is vital for economic resilience: Public Contracts: Prioritise local companies in public procurement processes to boost regional economies and create local jobs. Access to Finance: Facilitate funding opportunities for small businesses to help them grow and compete in the market. Collaboration: Foster partnerships between large contractors and smaller firms to promote knowledge sharing and innovation. Digital Transformation Embracing technology can enhance efficiency and productivity in construction: The complete article on this title could not be posted due to space restrictions. This can be found on this link: https://lnkd.in/eX6wqrkR

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Richard Risdon, Managing Director UK and Europe at Mott MacDonald has called for urgent action by the government on skills shortages in the construction industry. As highlighted in his recent New Civil Engineer article, this is not just a sector issue but a national imperative. Following the general election, it's crucial that we advocate for a strategic partnership between the government and our industry to address recruitment challenges. Our national infrastructure projects need to move from plans to reality, with our government’s support but that goes beyond just a pipeline of work – it requires the people to deliver it too. It's time for us to come together and push for a strategy that not only resolves the current skills gap but also ensures a sustainable talent pipeline for the future. By doing so, we can leave behind a legacy that will stand the test of time. Read Richard’s article in full here: https://mottm.ac/4cHbfpM #constructionindustry #skillsshortage #infrastructuredevelopment #strategicpartnership 

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Mott MacDonald’s Richard Patterson highlights the importance of starting out with low-risk, low-value construction or consultancy contracts using the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC). Learn more below👇 #NewEnginneringContract #NEC4

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Quantity surveyors, project managers, engineers and architects can now submit their details online to feature in our annual rankings... Building Magazine has launched its prestigious Top 150 survey of consultants for 2024 which ranks the sector by company size as well as providing a unique insight into sentiment amongst professional services firms. The annual list covers the largest companies employing mainly #QuantitySurveyors, #surveyors, #ProjectManagers, #engineers and #architects by fee turnover. The #Top150 also provides a breakdown of the #chartered specialists which is ranked by #StaffNumbers. The survey includes sentiment questions that will cover market conditions, #skills, the rise in the use of #Artificialintelligence in #construction and political priorities for the sector ahead of the upcoming #GeneralElection. Last month, Building launched an interactive version of the list allowing you to analyse key information from the Top 150 dating back to 2017. Top 150 Consultants interactive tables | News | Building This subscriber-only benefit gives you access to data and trends for the last six published lists, where each company featured and as well as detailed breakdowns of fees, staff, numbers of offices and more. Interactive tables >> https://lnkd.in/eNFtTaWE Building editorial director Chloe McCulloch said: “The Top 150 list provides a fantastic snapshot of the services sector – and we’re really excited also to be offering the new interactive tool that provides you to track results past survey results. The list relies on companies of all sizes participating so we have as accurate a picture of the market as possible. Please make sure you fill in the survey here.” The deadline for filling in the survey is Friday 14 June. Companies can start filling in the survey and return to complete it at a later date ahead of the deadline. Last year, the Top 150 Consultants 2023 league table was topped by Mott MacDonald and AECOM for the second year in succession – they were followed by Arup, WSP and Arcadis in third, fourth and fifth spots respectively. This year’s league table will be published online and in print in the autumn. Any questions about entering the Top 150 Consultants league table, please email top150@assemblemediagroup.co.uk. KELLER / Laing O'Rourke / Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure / Vistry Group / Glencar / M&J Evans Construction Limited / Persimmon Homes / Berkeley Group Plc / Avant Homes / Cala Group Limited /Curo Construction ltd / Higgins Group / GMI Construction Group PLC / Costain Group PLC / Skanska / Taylor Wimpey plc https://lnkd.in/eeHqaMht

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A new initiative from CIBSE - the CIBSE Chartered Organisations programme. Becoming a chartered organisation with CIBSE signifies a dedication to upholding exceptional standards and embracing the principles of best practice and professionalism. #WeAreCIBSE #CharteredOrganisationProgramme #Competence #Excellence #Engineering

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The Sustainable Futures UK Report 2024 conveys the results from a comprehensive survey conducted by NBS, in association with the Sustainable Energy Association and supported by Glenigan and RIBA. It provides valuable insights into the priorities and perspectives of professionals in the industry, covering various aspects of sustainability such as sustainable outcomes, barriers to achieving sustainability, the role of specification and project information, and the future of sustainability policy. The report is available to download below 👇

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The Sustainable Futures UK Report 2024 conveys the results from a comprehensive survey conducted by NBS, in association with the Sustainable Energy Association and supported by Glenigan and RIBA. It provides valuable insights into the priorities and perspectives of professionals in the industry, covering various aspects of sustainability such as sustainable outcomes, barriers to achieving sustainability, the role of specification and project information, and the future of sustainability policy. The report is available to download below 👇

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Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. A Labour victory is not yet certain. But, given the current state of the polls many across industry are turning a keen eye towards Labour’s frontbench for a look at who they might be dealing with in Westminster come 5 July – and construction is no exception.  So who are the key Labour figures? Daniel Gayne explains more about who all the key Labour figures are for the built environment in this piece for Building Magazine 👉 https://lnkd.in/e3QAfPax

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Explore 'The Solve' by Walker Architects - a monthly insight on tackling today's design challenges with people-first solutions. Discover our 26 Guiding Fundamentals that shape every decision we make, ensuring optimal solutions for every design challenge. Don't miss out as we explore insights and stories in future issues: https://lnkd.in/etVXFRWm)

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I'm really looking forward this year's UKREiiF and especially our day-1 discussions in the AtkinsRéalis pavilion relating to thriving and connected places. Please reach out to discuss how this agenda relates to rail connectivity across the North and synergizes with our Net Zero goals. AtkinsRéalis UKREiiF #UKREiiF2024 #SustainableFutures #EngineeringABetterFuture 

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#News: A team of international placemaking experts has been appointed to help set out the future vision for developing #Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. West 8 & BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd), who have led on major schemes in New York, Toronto, Shanghai, Melbourne, Rotterdam and Hamburg, have been chosen by the City Council to work on creating an ambitious and visionary plan for Liverpool’s iconic waterfront over the next 25 years. Their teams of landscape architects and urban designers will be supported by consultants at WSP (connectivity and movement) and ekosgen (social impact), to look at a 5 mile strip of the waterfront from the Festival Gardens site in the south to Bramley Moore Dock in the north. The Council intends that this plan will form part of an approach to ensure developments coming forward are more inclusive, and the strategy will identify key challenges and opportunities for change to maximise benefit for communities along and adjacent the waterfront. In addition, there are key challenges and opportunities around maximising investment opportunities and economic activity in the docks, connectivity and linkages – north/ south and west/east, public realm and quality of place, conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment, as well as climate change and the city’s ambition to deliver net zero by 2030. Liverpool’s draft waterfront plan will have seven defining aims: 1. Maximise the waterfront’s contribution to the city and city region’s economy. 2. Maximise the benefits of investment along the waterfront and ensure any revitalisation will benefit hinterland communities. 3. Enhance connectivity along the waterfront and in-land, promoting active travel. 4. Ensure the conservation and enhancement of the significance of the City’s heritage assets and support the interpretation of Liverpool’s distinct historic maritime environment. 5. Inspire excellence in quality of place and urban design, reconnect people with the water and reinforce the waterfront as a great location for business, homes, play, culture and tourism. 6. Identify key infrastructure needed to support the regeneration of the waterfront. 7. Consider environmental improvements and green infrastructure to improve the public realm and deliver sustainable, creative and innovative solutions to address the impact of climate change. It is intended that the final waterfront plan will be taken forward for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Full story: https://lnkd.in/e-tgiqJ9 #TheNextChapter Liverpool BID Company I Royal Albert Dock Liverpool I National Museums Liverpool I Liverpool Waters I Liverpool ONE I The Yacht Club Liverpool I Baltic Triangle Area CIC I Nuala Gallagher I Samantha Campbell I Sophie Bevan I Jacqui McKinlay I Ian Williams I Claire McColgan CBE I Susan Finnegan I Camilla Mankabady I Matthew Ashton I Jenny Turnross I Kate Bull I Ben Heywood

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Join me next week to hear this important discussion!

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The main point I took from this was Trevor Steven's comment that mental health & wellbeing was pretty much invisible at the show. It's fantastic that UK Construction Week programmed some talks and panel discussions, but his example of Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity #makeitvisible being tucked away in a corner hit home. Mental wellbeing (part of what we call brain fitness, alongside your brain health and cognitive ability) is an invisible problem. It's happening in people's heads. Until it's critical and someone has a breakdown, burns out or decides taking their own life is the only way out. I'm not excusing it, but I do understand why employers find it so difficult to tackle this problem. If you can't see it and measure it it's very difficult to manage it. So there's not a lot you can do to tackle it and it falls down the priority list. All employers have had to rely on are surveys and questionnaires (useful snapshots maybe, but intermittent, unreliable, often seen as intrusive and pointless by employees); campaigns trying to persuade people to talk more about their mental health like Get Construction Talking (important, but an uphill battle to say the least); Employee Assistance Programmes (like health insurance, important if you need treatment, but irrelevant or even unavailable to the vast majority and with a business model built on keeping take-up low); and Mental Health First Aiders (fantastic, particularly as sign-posters, but not always an easy option for colleagues to turn to). We need all of this . . . With the exception of more surveys. We definitely don't need more surveys. We need action. We need to collaborate. But above all we need new approaches, new technology, that unlock the ability to measure, manage and improve mental wellbeing at scale and bring about systemic change. We believe FC Laboratories Ltd can be part of that change. Whether you're an employer, a contractor, a client, a supplier, an industry body, a charity or an individual worker if you'd like to join us please get in touch. #mentalhealthawarenessweek is 13-20 May so the time is now!

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Link to download the 2024 NBS sustainable futures report below 👇

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