Building Weekly Digest: 15 July

Hope everyone experiencing the heatwave hitting parts of the UK has been keeping cool this week! Today we published online and in print this month's magazine, where we unpack what the latest political upheaval means for the sector, and earlier in the week we ran an event looking at Part L reform. Explore all this and more below.

The July issue is out!

What a month it has been! In this edition we take a look at the outside forces having a significant impact on construction. We talk to Mace construction boss Gareth Lewis about how he plans to beat inflation , we look at what the recent political upheaval might mean for construction and our editor Chloe McCulloch considers the impact on the race to net zero, plus we analyse what a CMA probe means for the demolition sector . We also talk to the lead architect of the world's skinniest skyscraper and take a look at the new Shakespeare North Playhouse near Liverpool . That's just the tip of the iceberg, we have packed loads more into 76 pages, with plenty of comment, analysis, interviews and features. You can get your copy here (Picture credit: Tom Campbell)

Contractors undergo corporate shake ups

Certainly one of the biggest stories of the week was yesterday's news that Wates chief executive David Allen was leaving the business with immediate effect . Building understands that Allen, who became chief executive in April 2018 , replacing?Andrew Davies who left in late 2017 to join?Carillion ?before that firm imploded at the start of 2018 , is not leaving for another job or because of ill health. Instead it is understood there was a boardroom disagreement about the future of the business. Meanwhile, roofing and facade specialist Prater is parting company with its veteran chief executive as part of a wider rejig by its German owner. The company, which has been owned by Lindner for the past 11 years, said Richard Unwin was leaving under plans to “complete the integration of Lindner Prater into the heart of the Lindner Group”. (Picture credit: Wates)

Part L: What do the changes mean for the sector?

We also hosted a super popular webinar on what Part L regulation changes mean for the sector this week. In the session, which was chaired by technical editor Thomas Lane, there was a summary of the changes effective from 15 June and the panel discussed who would be affected and the role of digital technology in Part L compliance. You can catch up for free on demand here

Construction industry gossip

A staple the week our print magazine comes out is our monthly gossip column penned by none other than?Mr?Joseph Aloysius Hansom, who founded Building in 1843. This month he delves into what went down at the BCO conference, which firm's office has to keep a close eye on security within its carpark and the boss of a contractor who could have a second career as a tour guide.

Have a great weekend and stay cool!