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
Blog
Gender equality in construction – A 2025 update
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
Attracting Gen Z to construction: What works in 2025?
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
Winter weather and the impact on UK construction projects
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
Cornerstone Christmas Close Times AND last order times before Xmas…
It’s nearly that time of year and we need to take a well earned break for Christmas. We will be closing at lunchtime on Tuesday 24th December 2024 and will re-open at 8.30 Thursday 2nd January 2025. To receive a FULL desktop utility search back before Christmas close, you need to confirm your orders early… Read More
Essential winter safety tips for UK construction workers
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 future of construction: Automation and how it changes everything
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 future of construction: What skills will be in demand?
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 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
Building a house – Part 3
So its been a busy last few months! After appointing a local contractor to excavate the basement and construct the reinforced concrete slab and walls we finally started excavating on the 27/03/23. The basement is approx. 31m x 7m x3m deep so there was quite a lot of spoil to remove especially as there needed… 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