Posts By: Jim Burns

When construction work takes place in built-up areas, the risks multiply. Tight spaces, busy surroundings, and a maze of existing infrastructure can make even simple excavation work a potential minefield. One of the biggest and most costly risks faced by contractors and developers in these settings is a utility strike. As someone who’s spent years… Read More

Autumn is upon us, and for anyone managing construction projects, that usually means the busiest months of the year are just around the corner. Shorter days, unpredictable weather, and crowded schedules can quickly turn well-intentioned projects into logistical nightmares if you’re not fully prepared. At Cornerstone Projects, we’ve seen it time and time again. Projects… Read More

Even in 2025, planning permission remains one of the biggest hurdles for builders, developers, and contractors. On paper, the process has become simpler – more councils now use digital planning systems, applications are faster to submit, and guidance is more accessible online than ever before. But in reality? Builders are still getting caught out. Whether… Read More

Summer is often seen as the “peak season” for construction, with longer daylight hours, (usually) better weather, and packed schedules filled with projects that have been waiting for drier conditions. On the surface, it’s a great time to be on-site. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that summer brings its own set of… Read More

As someone who spends their days deep in the details of underground utility searches, I keep a close eye on what’s happening above ground, too. And in 2025, the UK construction industry is in a fascinating place: pushing ahead in some areas, struggling in others, and adopting new technology at a pace we haven’t seen… Read More

In 2018, we published an article outlining the growing appeal of modular buildings within the UK construction industry. Back then, modular construction was steadily gaining attention as a faster, cleaner, and potentially more cost-effective alternative to traditional building methods. However, while the benefits were clear, the sector was still in its relative infancy, with widespread… Read More

The UK construction industry is facing a lot of changes in 2025, driven by a series of government policy changes aimed at addressing longstanding challenges and seizing new opportunities. From building safety reforms to planning system overhauls and workforce development initiatives, these policies are reshaping the landscape for developers, contractors, and stakeholders across the sector…. Read More

In the ever-changing landscape of the UK construction industry, managing and reducing your overheads is absolutely essential for maintaining profitability and keeping your business afloat. As we navigate through 2025, construction businesses face a range of challenges such as fluctuating material costs, labour shortages, and changing regulatory requirements. By implementing effective strategies to minimise overheads,… Read More

In 2018, we published an article called “Is construction the last challenge in the battle for gender equality in the workplace?”. The purpose of this article was to discuss how far the industry had come up until that point, and what it needed to continue improving upon. In 2025, we want to revisit that topic… Read More

The construction industry has been facing a significant skills shortage for a number of years now, and attracting the next generation of professionals – Gen Z – is crucial for securing its future. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z often has different expectations and priorities that previous generations. They’re digital natives, value purpose-driven work,… Read More

The UK’s unpredictable winter weather, featuring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and even the odd spell of snow, presents some significant challenges to the construction industry. From waterlogged sites to freezing temperatures, extreme weather can disrupt project timelines, inflate costs, and compromise the safety of everyone on-site. In this article, we take a look at the… Read More

While not as harsh as some areas of the world, UK winters can still pose significant challenges to construction sites. From harsh weather conditions to reduced visibility, the potential risks to worker safety are substantial. If not addressed properly, these risks could lead to lengthy project delays and severe injuries (or worse) to your workers…. Read More

The construction industry has long been characterised by its reliance on traditional methods and ways of doing things. However, thanks to the always developing technological landscape, change is coming. Automation, once a distant concept or something you’d see in an 80s sci-fi film, is rapidly emerging as a transformative force – and it’s set to… Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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