The future of infrastructure needs artificial intelligence and new ways of working January 15, 2019 During our morning commutes to work, many of us will grumble about unreliable trains, packed tube carriages, or too much traffic on our highways. And yet, despite these complaints, we tend to keep a stiff upper lip and bear with the current state of infrastructure, rather than question how things could become better. But if [...]
Opinion: It’s about time gas boilers were axed, but developers need to be investing in smart, sustainable technologies from the outset April 5, 2019 In his recent Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced that from 2025 newly built homes will not be connected to the gas grid, meaning that gas boiler installation will be a thing of the past. It is good to see the government taking on board the recommendation of the Committee on Climate Change, which called for [...]
Kier Group boss leaves struggling outsourcer ‘with immediate effect’ January 22, 2019 Kier Group’s boss has left the business with immediate effect, the struggling construction company said today. Chief executive Haydn Mursell will also stand down from the board of directors as it searches for his successor. Read more: Kier operations director leaves firm for Grenfell cladding company Chairman Philip Cox will act as executive chairman and work [...]
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled from Ecuadorian embassy within ‘hours to days’ April 5, 2019 Julian Assange is set to be expelled from the Ecuadorian embassy he has been residing in since 2012 within the next few hours to days, according to WikiLeaks, which quotes a "high level source" within the Ecuador state department. Assange has sought refuge inside the embassy in London since a British judge ruled he should [...]
UK services sector shrinks for first time in over two years April 3, 2019 The UK’s crucial services sector contracted in March amid widespread reports of Brexit uncertainty constraining demand, bringing to an end over two-and-a-half years of growth. Aside from a brief dip seen after the European Union referendum, the latest reading of the services purchasing managers’ index (PMI), which gives an overall view of the sector, was [...]
Workers face uncertain future as Ineos says it could be forced to close down Middlesbrough plant March 24, 2019 Britain’s largest private company has told the government it could close a manufacturing plant in the north east, with over 2,000 jobs on the line. The Middlesbrough plant, which makes acrylonitrile, a key component of acrylic clothes, is facing EU regulations which would cost the firm €100m. Read more: Ineos takes over US white pigment [...]
Labour plans to nationalise industries will cause ‘profound harm’ to UK economy, says CBI chief March 28, 2019 Labour party plans to renationalise key industries such as rail would cause "profound harm to the economy", the UK's largest business group has said. Carolyn Fairbairn, the head of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the party's plans to bring rail, utilities and public services would "hurt the very people they are intended to help and [...]
Stansted Airport chooses Mace as main contractor for new £150m arrivals terminal January 8, 2019 London Stansted Airport has awarded construction company Mace a £150m contract to complete its new arrivals terminal. Work on the new terminal, which is projected to cost between £120m and £150m, is due to start in the spring and is scheduled to be completed by 2020. The new terminal is the flagship project in the airport's [...]
Investment to hit lowest rate since financial crisis, UK business body warns March 18, 2019 Business investment in the UK will decline by one per cent in 2019 amid further Brexit uncertainty, making it the worst year since the financial crisis, the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) has today predicted. Economic growth in 2019 will be just 1.2 per cent, the BCC, the national body of 53 chambers of commerce, also [...]
Whisky makers warn of damage in store in no deal scenario December 19, 2018 The makers of Scotch whisky have issued a warning to MPs that a no deal Brexit scenario would strike a damaging blow to the £4.5bn industry, which is the UK's biggest food and drink export. The Scotch industry, which supports 40,000 jobs across the UK, is particularly sensitive to the fall out from a no deal Brexit because 90 per [...]