Things appear to be on the up for the British economy, and the construction industry is along for the ride. While we are not out of the woods just yet, construction companies can begin to look for new techniques and technologies to reduce the work time required while maximising results.

This blog covers some of the news highlights that you may have missed this month:

How to manage distress in UK construction supply chains

If you suspect distress within your supply chains, taking early action to protect your position is critical. It is also crucial that you fully understand your options, considering both your contractual and non-contractual rights and obligations. There are usually a number of practical steps and commercial implications of exercising those rights, some of which are explored in this Insight.

UK manufacturing production rises for first time in eight months

The seasonally adjusted S&P Global / CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) posted 49.3 in February, up from 47.0 in January and the earlier flash estimate (49.2). Although the PMI remained below the neutral mark of 50.0 for the seventh successive month, this was the best reading during that sequence.

‘Landmark moment’ for new post-Grenfell building safety regime

Deep Cracks

Those responsible for the safety of high-rise residential buildings in England have six months from April to register with the new Building Safety Regulator. Building Safety Regulator chief Peter Baker has hailed the “landmark moment” as the watchdog called for registration of tall residential buildings in England.

New data reveals half of construction workers feel lonely at work 

The findings, conducted by NESCAFÉ as part of the ‘Make Chat Work’ campaign, are announced amidst recent concerns around wellbeing in the construction industry – with a report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Issues Affecting Men and Boys recommending more stringent mental health provisions should be written into construction contracts.  

Construction ‘remarkably resilient’ in major UK cities

Construction activity remained buoyant in 2022 in four of the UK’s major cities outside London, according to new research by Deloitte.

The company’s latest regional crane survey found 74 new project starts in 2022 across the central areas of Belfast, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, compared with 72 the previous year.