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
Blog
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
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
Building a house – Part 2
Planning approval was finally granted in early May 2022. It seems that the planning department have a massive backlog of work and are, of course, blaming covid….. nearly seven months to process a relatively simple planning application that was only marginally different to that previously granted seems ridiculous but apparently six months is now about… 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
8 tips for your first day in construction
Starting a new job can be both exciting and stressful, especially if you’re starting a career in the construction industry. You’ve got a lot to learn and a long way to go, but it all starts with your first day on-site. The key to success is to show up with the right attitude and determination,… Read More
Building a house – Part 1
I’ve always wanted to build my own house and have spent hours designing houses in my (infrequent these days) daydreams. The problem has always been where – my family lives in a beautiful part of the Wirral close to good schools etc and with good transport links so we have no desire to move anywhere… Read More
What is a utility survey?
Utility surveys are essential before any work can start on a construction project, and are at the core of what we do as a business – but what exactly do they do? In this article, we take a look at what a utility survey is, and why it’s so important to get one before a… Read More
What has COVID-19 taught construction?
The last 2 years have been some of the hardest in recent memory, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it is still having to this day… From lockdowns to social distancing to wearing masks, our “normal” way of life has been thrown aside in order to protect people and prioritise health and safety…. Read More
UK construction events (hopefully) happening in 2022
Attending any of these upcoming construction events across the UK? As a part of the UK construction industry, attending events up and down country is always a great experience. Getting first looks at new and innovative tech and software is exciting, and there are plenty of networking opportunities. At the beginning of each year we… Read More
Planning a project shutdown for Christmas
Have you prepared your site for a quiet Christmas period? Now that December is well under way and Christmas is fast approaching, its time to start thinking less about construction and more about wrapping presents. Your mind may be on the Christmas dinner and some quality time on the sofa, but work needs to be… Read More
The materials shortage in UK construction – explained
One of the most common complaints we’ve heard over the last year or so regards the mass materials shortage across the UK construction industry. Starting back at the beginning the COVID-19 pandemic, things have only gone from bad to worse when it comes to the shortage, and things are still looking rather bleak. With low… Read More