The UK construction industry is going through a transformative period as of late, driven by advancements in technology, a big focus on sustainability, and an ever-growing demand for skilled workers. As the industry evolves, new skills are becoming more and more essential to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us. To navigate… Read More
Posts By: Jim Burns
The future of construction: 5 technologies to watch
The UK construction industry has undergone a period of rapid transformation in recent years, primarily driven by advancements in technology that are revolutionising the way we design, build, and manage projects. From BIM to robotics and automation, there is a range of innovative tech that is set to reshape the future of construction in the… Read More
A guide to career paths in the UK construction industry
The UK construction industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, offering a wide range of career paths for those with diverse skills and interests. From more hands-on physical roles to strategic planning and management, there really is something for everyone. In this article, we explore the various paths available to those looking for a career… Read More
Beyond the bricks and mortar: The human side of construction
With the advancement of interesting new technologies such as AI, it can be easy to get swept up in the possibilities and forget about the real people who make construction a reality. With that in mind, we thought that now is a good time to put the spotlight on the people beyond the bricks and… Read More
Mental health in construction
Construction is not an easy line of work, and it comes with a lot of pressure and stress in the form of tight deadlines, heavy labour, and long hours away from loved ones. Taking all of these factors into consideration, it’s not surprising to learn that many in the industry struggle with their mental health,… Read More
The impact of 3D printing on the construction industry
For the longest time, the construction industry has been reliant on tried and tested building techniques and materials, with incremental improvements marking the pace of progress. But a new technology is emerging that has the potential to completely reshape how we approach construction, and that technology is 3D printing. At Cornerstone Projects, we understand the… Read More
5 ways to reduce waste on your construction site
Construction is a very important industry, but it has been known to generate a significant amount of waste. This waste can come from leftover materials, packaging, or even mistakes during the building process. While some waste is inevitable, there are some steps that construction companies could be taking to minimise their environmental impact, and potentially… Read More
A guide to sustainable building practices
The UK construction industry plays a significant role in shaping our environment, impacting everything from resource consumption to energy use. With environmental concerns at the forefront in today’s landscape, sustainable building practices have become increasingly crucial. With that in mind, we’ve decided to put together a guide to the core principles and practical approaches of… Read More
2024 predictions for UK construction
The last few years have been nothing if not interesting to say the least, with the highest of highs with things like innovative building solutions, and the lowest of lows thanks to a global pandemic. With each passing year, it feels like every step forward we take is met by a fresh challenge to test… Read More
Cornerstone Christmas Close Times AND last survey times before Xmas…
It’s nearly that time of year and we need to take a well earned break for Christmas. We will therefore be closing at lunchtime on Friday 22nd December 2023 and will re-open at 8.30 Tuesday 2nd January 2024. That really means to receive a FULL desktop utility search back before Christmas close, you need to… Read More
Seasonal safety: 365 days of outdoor worker protection
Although working outdoors can be significantly rewarding, and provide a feel of independence and freedom, safety measures must be considered. Sectors such as agriculture, construction and forestry can come face to face with hazards that other fields don’t need to prepare for. Ensuring that all workers are safe whilst pursuing tasks requires careful and structured… Read More
8 essential skills every project manager needs
There are few roles as vital to the success of a construction project as the project manager. As project manager, you are responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of the project, ensuring everything is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. In order to be successful in this role, it’s… Read More
The link between skills shortages, national infrastructure delivery, and economic growth in the UK: Urgency and collaborative solutions
As the Marketing Manager of Cornerstone Projects Ltd, I am deeply invested in the success of the construction industry and the efficient delivery of national infrastructure projects. However, the current skills shortage in our industry poses a significant challenge that directly impacts the timely delivery of the UK’s national infrastructure pipeline and has far-reaching implications… Read More
Meeting the demand: The importance for skilled workers in construction
The construction industry plays a vital role in shaping the infrastructure and economic landscape of this country. However, the urgent need for skilled workers in construction has become a pressing challenge that requires immediate attention. We here at Cornerstone Projects Ltd have explored the implications of the skills shortage in the industry and discussed collaborative… Read More
Are you cutting corners on utility searches to save money?
When it comes to excavation or construction work, one crucial step that should always be taken and maintained is conducting thorough utility searches. Utility searches involve identifying the location of underground services such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunication lines before any digging or construction takes place. This is the first step in the process… Read More
How to survive any downturn in construction: Essential strategies for success
The construction industry is known for its cyclical nature, with periods of economic downturns and uncertainties that can impact businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s a recession, a slowdown in the housing market, or unforeseen challenges such as a global pandemic, surviving a downturn in construction requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and adaptability. In this… Read More
Health & Safety in Construction: Our 2023 Survey Results
Between expensive fines and legislation changes, health and safety has been a hot topic in the construction industry. So, we decided to conduct a survey to find out exactly what you know (and don’t know) about the current health and safety legislation. We surveyed consultants, principal contractors, sub-contractors and construction workers – and found some… Read More
Is the current UK health and safety legislation fit for purpose?
The UK has undergone some major health and safety legislation changes in the last few decades to protect workers in the construction sector. The Construction Design and Management Regulations in 2015 and The Control of Asbestos Regulations in 2012 are just two of these. While these new regulations aim to protect construction workers, they also… Read More
Top 5 most expensive health & safety fines of 2022
In 2022, the top Health and Safety fine reached a whopping £5 million – exceeding 2021’s highest fine by £1 million. Many of the significant fines in the last year were due to fatal falls. Construction companies need to double-check their height risk measures this year and ensure their legislation knowledge is up to date…. Read More
Delays in the construction industry: Our 2022 survey results and how they compare to 2016
From the pandemic to Brexit, the construction industry has faced countless challenges in the last six years. Whether it’s supply chain battles, budget inaccuracies or labour issues, these challenges often lead to significant delays on projects across the UK. But that’s not to say these hurdles didn’t exist before – in 2016, we asked construction… Read More
Christmas Closing Times
Cornerstone Projects will be closed from midday on Friday 23rd December 2022 and will re-open at 8:30am on Tuesday 3rd January 2022 Most of the utility companies are closed during this period so it makes sense for us to have some downtime during this period. You can still submit your enquiries through the website during… Read More
A list of the major construction projects started since 2017
In 2016, Cornerstone Projects conducted a survey of construction industry professionals on the prevalence and costs of delays in major construction projects. The survey highlighted that fact the delays were not only a regular occurrence but the financial knock on effects were also significant. A significant amount has changed since 2016 but has the industry… Read More
A list of factors causing delays and negatively affecting the construction industry since 2017
In 2016 Cornerstone Projects conducted a survey of construction industry professionals on the prevalence and costs of delays in major construction projects. The survey highlighted that the delays were not only a regular occurrence but the financial knock on effects were also significant. A significant amount has changed since 2016 but has the industry made… Read More
How to get promoted in UK construction
Construction is a great industry to get into, with opportunities for progression available for those who want to apply themselves. But simply showing up and doing the job isn’t going to help you rise through the ranks, and some extra effort is required in order to land that dream role. If you’re looking to make… Read More