Construction National

True cost of fossil fuel subsidies continues to slow renewable energy adoption

Cheap power sells a pleasant lie. Families and industry benefit from lower petrol and bill prices. That tale is intriguing. It's not. Fossil fuel subsidies distort markets, promote waste, and hide taxes, debt, and health costs. Politicians say they're practical. Under scrutiny, that defence fails. Oil, gas, and coal money crowds out cleaner investment, locks in infrastructure, and delays innovation. Renewable energy faces a government-subsidised system.

Read more: True cost of fossil fuel subsidies continues to slow renewable energy adoption

Buildout AI talent platform set to tackle construction industry skills shortage

A pioneering AI-powered recruitment platform launched by two West Midlands entrepreneurs is set to tackle the chronic skills shortage in the construction sector.

Founded by James O’Donoghue and Jack Hurdley, Buildout AI aims to connect young people looking for careers in the construction industry and established professionals with the right opportunities — and every employer with the talent that will define their future.

Read more: Buildout AI talent platform set to tackle construction industry skills shortage

England’s new Land Use Framework raises questions for housebuilders

Lucion Survey, a UK-wide survey and environmental consultancy supporting the housebuilding sector, is urging developers to prepare for increased complexity following the publication of England’s first Land Use Framework.

Published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the framework sets out how land in England will be used more strategically to deliver 1.5 million new homes while protecting agricultural land and restoring nature.

Read more: England’s new Land Use Framework raises questions for housebuilders

NASC warns of up to 40,000 scaffolding vacancies as skills gap deepens

NASC, the UK’s leading trade body for scaffolding and access, has published its Skills Gap Report 2026, warning that the UK scaffolding and access sector faces a growing workforce shortage that could affect the delivery of construction, maintenance and infrastructure projects.

The report, based on responses from NASC full member companies, provides the first evidence-based snapshot of workforce capacity across the sector. It finds that 56% of firms currently have at least one vacancy, with an average of 4.4 open roles per organisation, equating to around 1,760 vacancies across the NASC membership alone.

Read more: NASC warns of up to 40,000 scaffolding vacancies as skills gap deepens

Church’s locally listed status adds to contractor’s challenges

When Hyssop Project began its first venture into the renovation of a church building, they encountered more than they first expected. The company’s founder and director SHEAHAN THORNE describes how the project developed.

Through an architect friend who attends the Hackney Evangelical Reformed Church on Lauriston Road, Victoria Park, we were initially asked to strip back elements of the building’s internal fabrics which was experiencing severe symptoms of dry rot and wet rot.

Read more: Church’s locally listed status adds to contractor’s challenges

Suzannah Nichol Named Patron of CIP Construction H&S Manual

Construction Industry Publications (CIP) is delighted to announce that Suzannah Nichol, OBE, Build UK Chief Executive, has become the new Patron of the CIP Construction Health and Safety Manual. She succeeds the previous patron, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

Suzannah’s association with the Manual began more than 30 years ago, when she first contributed as a practising Health and Safety Manager, and it has continued through every stage of her career, from Health and Safety Director at the Construction Confederation to her current position as Chief Executive of Build UK. She has been an integral member of the editorial panel, and it is this long standing, unwavering support of the Manual throughout her career that reflects her belief in its enduring value to the industry and makes her the ideal Patron.

Read more: Suzannah Nichol Named Patron of CIP Construction H&S Manual

UK Asbestos Training Association announces new partnership with CAI

UKATA, a leading authority in asbestos training, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with CAI. This partnership solidifies the collaboration between the two organisations, with a shared aim of enhancing asbestos-related education and training opportunities within the aerial, satellite, audio-visual, and signal distribution industry.

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both organisations to collaboratively promote asbestos awareness and enhance safety protocols within the industry. By leveraging their combined expertise, resources, and industry insights, UKATA and CAI aim to reinforce efforts in preventing asbestos-related illnesses while upholding the highest standards in asbestos management.

Read more: UK Asbestos Training Association announces new partnership with CAI

York Handmade wins prestigious award at the brick oscars

The York Handmade Brick Company, one of the leading independent brickmakers in the country, has won the Sustainability category in the prestigious 2025 Brick Awards.

York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, triumphed for its acclaimed brickwork at York Racecourse.

Read more: York Handmade wins prestigious award at the brick oscars

The UK’s leading construction show is back at Olympia and breaking all records!

London Build 2025 is bigger than ever, with more speakers, more topics, more exhibitors, and more attendees than any year before. The show has grown into the UK’s leading and most influential gathering for the built environment.

Over 38,000 attendees are expected this year, making it the largest edition yet. London Build 2025 will turn Olympia into a festival of construction, packed with live DJs, entertainment, interactive workshops, and networking parties. It’s set to be the most exciting mix of business, learning, and fun that the industry has ever seen.

Read more: The UK’s leading construction show is back at Olympia and breaking all records!

Ground source heat pump sector backs new unified trade body — HPA UK

The Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA), together with the Heat Pump Association (HPA) and the Heat Pump Federation (HPF), has formally agreed to merge into a single, unified trade body — Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK) — launching in January 2026.

This landmark decision marks a defining moment for the UK’s low-carbon heating sector, bringing together the full spectrum of heat pump technologies under one powerful voice.

Read more: Ground source heat pump sector backs new unified trade body — HPA UK