Re:Construction

Bishop & Taylor discuss latest developments in funding fire safety remediation, the composition of top contractors’ management teams and RoSPA’s Safer Stairs campaign. They also discuss Liebherr’s decision to stay in Russia despite economic sanctions.

 Bishop & Taylor mull on the chancellor’s spring statement, the earthmoving industry and biodiversity net gain… along with a few of their usual detours, of course.

Bishop & Taylor discuss, among other things, comments recently attributed to Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Jacob Rees-Mogg. They also explore social value with Andrew Lowe of Social Value Portal.

Bishop & Taylor look ahead to next week’s spring budget statement from Rishi Sunak but don’t expect any U-turns on red diesel. They also discuss non-executive directors (aka Neddies) and whether loyalty should be part of the job spec. But first they enjoy Sir Rod Stewart filling in potholes.

Bishop & Taylor are joined by Brusk Korkmaz, CEO of AIM-listed Hercules Site Services, and his CFO Paul Wheatcroft

Bishop & Taylor discuss the vacant chair at the Construction Leadership Council, the Pallet Loop scheme and the lurking perils of expiring PFI contracts.

With Taylor Wimpey choosing its next CEO from within, against the advice of a major shareholder, Bishop & Taylor discuss succession planning. They also make a plea for greater clarity from marketing copywriters and discuss the breadth of construction’s corporate slogans, from “we build stuff” to (Taylor’s favourite) “redefining the boundaries of ambition”.

Bishop & Taylor are joined by Sarah Meek, managing director of mental welfare charity Mates in Mind. They also meet Nick Barnes of Allied Mechanical Engineering, who explains how recent VAT reforms have further squeezed the middle of construction’s supply chain.

Bishop & Taylor discuss reports of Kier buying Taylor Douglas, CARES (the UK Certification Authority For Reinforcing Steel) expelling manufacturers, and the arbitrary 18-metre cut-off for the new building safety regime.

Taylor has been watching Greg Wallace in a JCB factory; Bishop accuses Michael Gove of grandstanding; and they share views on the 2022 New Year Honours.