The use of cash retentions is commonplace in the construction industry. Some £3bn of retentions remain outstanding in the UK construction industry at any one time. With the collapse of Carillion, however, has the industry had enough? Jonathan Hyndman, Partner at Rosling King, investigates.

Here Simon Crowhen, National Sales Manager at Topcon GB, looks at the challenges facing the construction industry and the latest technologies which can help the industry to work smarter.

In recent news, The Irish Times revealed that 70% of Irish construction firms have cut exposure to the UK ahead of Brexit and have begun looking for new opportunities elsewhere in mainland Europe. Like most other industries, Brexit has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the construction industry, with the risk of currency volatility looking to be one of the industry’s main issues for longer-term projects.

Considering the significant amount of our time we spend outside of our own homes – in offices and in public buildings such as schools, hospitals and shops – we’d hope that all the materials and equipment of which they’re comprised are safe from fire hazards and other risks, writes Koen ter Linde, Vice President of enterprise in Europe, CommScope.

Sarah Reay, Managing Director of Construction Marketing Experts (CME), discusses the company’s recent survey of challenges in the architectural sector and how effective marketing can help to address them.

GPT Waste has recently launched its latest White Paper for the construction sector. The White Paper, ‘Cost savings for the construction industry, delivered through targeting the volume of waste produced’, seeks to educate the expanding construction sector of the savings that are available through improved waste management.

Maggie’s Oldham, the world’s first building made from hardwood cross-laminated timber (CLT), has opened in the UK. Designed by dRMM Architects and supported by the American Hardwood Export Council, this is a pivotal moment for modern architecture and construction.

Late, partial and non-payment continues to cause serious problems within the construction industry. Jonathan Hyndman, Partner at solicitors firm Rosling King, looks at the issues to be considered before an unpaid party suspends performance or seeks to terminate following non-payment.

John McMullan from EPDM roofing specialist, Firestone Building Products, discusses why sustainability needs to be part of a ‘built to last’ construction culture, and discusses the role of the roofing sector in driving better long-term performance from the fabric of a building.

Michael Hiscock, Partner in the Construction and Engineering Team at Wright Hassall, talks to FC&A about navigating payment plans and schedules.