Building Weekly Digest: 7 October

Politics took centre stage this week with the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, from where architectural editor Ben Flatman posted live blogs tapping into the mood of delegates and industry representatives. In contrast to an increasingly fractious and divided Tory party, the Opposition is looking more unified than it has been for years. Labour has taken a firm lead in the polls and has announced some eye-catching policies that put net zero targets at the heart of its strategy for the economy, so we have taken a look at who is in the shadow cabinet and where they stand on the big issues. But it's not all party politics this week, we also take a deep dive (forgive the pun) into solutions that could protect homes from the increasing risk of surface flooding. To top it off we have a whole host of events coming up, so to find out about it all take a look below.

Tory conference: What does it mean for the industry?

The Tory conference has been making headlines this week, and our architectural editor Ben Flatman was there to post a day-by-day blog with his views on the conference (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4), it's fair to say that while few of the business voices he spoke to question the Truss/Kwarteng aim to grow the economy, many are sceptical about the means they have chosen to get there. It would seem that for many in the industry certainty and stability are the top priority rather than deregulation and tax cuts. We also covered statements made by key politicians at conference, including the government shutting down rumours that HS2 would be sacrificed to demonstrate the sustainability of UK finances, a defence of its retrofit policy and the housing secretary promising to "go further" on building homes.

Meet the shadow cabinet: who are they and what would they do for construction?

For the first time in a long time it feels like Labour may be in the game in a general election.?But who is in Kier Starmer's shadow cabinet? What would they do for the built environment? And what policies have Labour trailed that may impact on construction? A really handy guide here courtesy of?Daniel Gayne?and?Tom Lowe?tells you who the significant people are and what they stand for, which is worth knowing if they do one day end up running the country.

How do we protect our homes from surface water flooding?

More buildings are at risk from surface water flooding than river and coastal flooding, yet this peril receives relatively little attention because surface water floods are shallower and recede relatively quickly. Surface water flooding can affect almost anyone because it is the result of torrential rain overwhelming drainage systems. Climate change and urban densification are making the problem worse and in extreme circumstances people can drown in basement properties. Thomas Lane , our technical director, looks at just how bad it could get and what is being done about it.

Last chance to secure your spot at the Architect of the Year and Building Awards!

With both the Architect of the Year and Building Awards right around the corner time is running out to secure your place! With #AYA2022 taking place in just over a week on 18 October there are only a few spaces remaining! You can secure places here to mingle with the best and brightest in the architecture sector. Meanwhile, the Building Awards, which take place on 1 November have already sold out of all platinum tables! To secure one of the remaining seats in the room visit the site now. The #BuildingAwards2022 are sure to be a night you don't want to miss!

Digital Building Week 2022 to take place next week

Building, along with sister titles Building Design. and Housing Today , are hosting this year's instalment of Digital Building Week next week. Running from Monday through Thursday - the session will feature a wide range of speakers and topics! To explore the programme and register for the free-to-attend session visit the #DBW2022 website now. We'd also love to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Quickbase and Zutec , as well as our Building Boardroom Academy digital construction programme partner PlanRadar

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!