Technology

Cyber attacks can have a significant effect, both internally and on prospects of winning work. Ian Weinfass investigates what can be done to minimise this disruption and looks at why openness and transparency is being urged in this often-secretive element of business risk

How digitisation can unlock a number of productivity benefits for construction and engineering firms

It’s a little over a month since Boris Johnson pledged to “build, build, build”, during a speech that set out the government’s approach to post-COVID economic recovery. The prime minister also vowed to build back “better”, “faster”, “greener” and “bolder”. As chief executive of a design, engineering and project management…

Amid all the stories about layoffs, insolvencies and other calamities caused by the virus crisis, it was uplifting to research this week’s feature about more positive outcomes of the pandemic. Three construction firms gave detailed accounts of how digital technology had helped them grapple successfully with the unpredictable events of this…

The pandemic has put unparalleled emphasis on good teamwork and clarity of communication. Lem Bingley investigates the role of digital technology in helping construction firms cope with the crisis

The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 were expected to scupper the market for high-rise buildings. “Why would you build a tall building if someone could aim a plane at it?” says Steve Kennard, director of regeneration at developer Hadley Property Group, recalling the wave of misgivings that swept the…

Ahead of what could prove to be a defining period in its history, Ian Weinfass speaks to the head of the government’s centre for infrastructure expertise on adapting technology to boost construction’s productivity and post-pandemic recovery

The advice to never let a crisis go to waste, widely attributed to Winston Churchill, has often been cited during the coronavirus pandemic, typically by those hoping some good might emerge from a time of such great distress. Gillian Charlesworth, chief executive of building research and standards organisation BRE, tells…

As the world gets back to work, governments, analysts, scientists and businesses now face the task of trying to rebuild a safe and compliant workplace, so that the global economy can restart. The UK construction industry employs more than two million people directly, with more than 3.5m across the overall…

A new $265bn annual profit pool awaits those willing to embrace construction's revolution. But, as consultant McKinsey warns Zak Garner-Purkis, as much as 45 per cent of the current value added by contractors is at risk.