This year has been another eventful one for construction professionals: from the continued skills shortage through increased interest in carbon accounting to the shock collapse of ISG, members will likely look back on the past 12 months with a mix of reticence and relief.
In case you missed them, here is a selection some of the articles published by Construction Journal covering the key topics of 2024.
Sustainability certification proves all-round benefit
Sustainability is an issue that gains increased priority every year. In 2024, Construction Journal published a series of articles about businesses taking accountability for their own emissions, and how this has had a positive effect on both their staff and productivity.
Companies of all sizes now have ways to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, whether that is B Corp status, PlanetMark accreditation or ISO 14001 certification.
In February, the journal spoke to James Beckly and Scott James of Ward Williams, the first chartered surveying company to become B Corp-certified.
They emphasised that following B Corp principles and doing what is best for the planet need not negatively affect profitability. Rather, the certification has allowed their business to upgrade the services it provides in a number of key areas.
This has made staff happier, and allowed the company to meet more complex customer demands – all while reducing emissions and continuing to grow in size and earnings.
Diverse talent sought to redress skills shortage
Attracting and retaining talent remains an issue for construction going into 2025. The Construction Industry Training Board reported in May that the sector needs an extra 251,500 workers by 2028 to meet expected demand – the equivalent of adding 50,300 new workers per year.
A range of plans have been proposed to address this issue. In September for instance, RICS President Tina Paillet announced that the organisation would be funding a number of bursaries to attract new entrants to the profession.
Construction Journal also published a series of articles from women members, asking them how the sector can address gender imbalances when it comes to attracting new talent and retaining knowledge in senior roles.
The first-hand experience of these professionals shows that while the industry has a lot of opportunities for women, much more needs to be done to address attitudes around gender and gender roles at all levels of education and employment.
In January, the journal ran an article by 2021's RICS Matrics Apprentice of the Year Chloe Hartley, in which she described her experience undertaking and completing the APC.
If the sector is to attract more fresh talent, apprenticeships will play a vital role because they provide training in practical scenarios along with financial support while learning on the job.
Revisions and case law emphasise importance of contracts
This year's announcement of an update to the JCT suite was received positively in the sector.
Modernisation of the contracts' language as well as allowing for the use of email for the service of notices were considered welcome changes. The new role of dutyholder under the Building Safety Act 2022 was also acknowledged through a number of changes.
Meanwhile, it was another busy year in the Technology and Construction Court, where the issue of letters of intent reared its head again in CLS Civil Engineering v WJG Evans [2024] EWHC 194 (TCC).
As journal contributor Claire King outlined, although there may be a desire on all sides to get started on a project enthusiasm should not get in the way of signing a complete contract.
The use of letters of intent in this and other instances therefore continues to present issues that might otherwise have been avoided.
Publication of Construction Journal will resume in the new year, addressing topics such as research and development tax credits, the Procurement Act 2023, Z clauses, whole-life carbon assessments, alternative dispute resolution procedures, and building liability orders.