Building Digest Weekly- 17 May 2024
Building Magazine
The UK's leading magazine for construction professionals featuring the latest industry news, expertise and intelligence.
Lots to report on this week: an interview with Wates Group chief executive, a visit to Oxford Street's former House of Fraser store which is being refurbished, this week’s print and digital edition with a big focus on politics after the local elections, plus a view on the importance of marking mental health awareness week. Explore it all below.
‘On some levels, it’s a straightforward industry but it has significant challenges’ – Wates’ new(ish) CEO on what he’s learnt so far
Eoghan O'Lionaird has been the Wates Group chief executive for just over a year. The chief executive is fairly new to construction, having previously worked for an electronics firm, a mining company as well as a life sciences conglomerate before being made the CEO of a listed marine business. O'Lionaird tells David Rogers about his background, his thoughts on the industry and how he started his role at the firm.
It’s M&S’s Oxford Street neighbour – and it’s being refurbished, not demolished
The former House of Fraser store is just half a mile from the M&S flagship which the retailer controversially wants to knock down and rebuild. Thomas Lane meets the team to find out how they are making the refurbishment work.
We are in a world where business leaders appear more radical than the Labour party
Keir Starmer looks certain to be our next prime minister, but where are the details beyond the aspiration to ‘get Britain building’? Building's editor Chloe McCulloch runs through the election focus coverage in this week's digital edition
It’s time to prepare for change – although we don’t have much to go on
The local election results confirmed what we already suspected about the likely outcome of the forthcoming general election. Anticipating where opportunities might be found under a new government is another matter, but Arcadis' Simon Rawlinson stirs the tea leaves
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5 minutes with … Andrew Williams at Quinn London
5 minutes with … Andrew Williams at Quinn London "Every day is different and never boring when you are working on historical buildings that are all unique."
Quinn London Ltd heritage director, Andrew Williams , discusses the nature of his job, the highlights of his career, his thoughts on the built-environment and the construction industry as well as the importance of asking questions. Find out more here.
It’s time to take mental health in construction as seriously as physical safety
People who work in construction are four times more likely to die by suicide compared to other sectors, with anxiety, stress and depression contributing towards cases of ill health in the sector over the last few years. Senior construction safety consultant at Thomas & Adamson, Rob Bewick, discusses why the construction industry workforce might be particularly susceptible to mental health struggles and why employers and management must prioritize supporting the wellbeing of construction workers.
Events update
This week we hosted Social Value Live. A CPD-accredited event addressing key sector issues including community-focused design, affordable housing solutions, human-centered construction, and social value measurement. You can catch up by watching on demand now.
In June, we have announced both our Housing Today Live webinars:
Today is the last day to submit your entries to Architect of the Year Awards - so explore all the categories and get your entries in!
Building Awards deadline is also closing shortly, so get those coming in by 7 June.
From the news desk
Our journalists have reported on some of the biggest stories here at Building HQ. Below are some of the built environment stories our team have been working on this week.
Thank you and have a great weekend!