Posts By: Jim Burns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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