Welcome to the October edition of Future Constructor & Architect. In this month’s issue, FC&A reflects on the necessary steps before embarking on any construction work.

In this edition’s Voice of the Industry, FC&A talks to Thomson Ecology’s Nancy Thomson about the importance of timing and forward planning when dealing with wildlife. Under Section 40 of the Natural Environment Research Council, there is now an obligation for developers to enhance the biodiversity of their chosen site. Therefore in order to avoid costly delays, immediate action must be taken. Find out more on page 18.

Meanwhile, in our Sustainability in Development focus, Tom Luck, Sustainability Consultant at Eight Associates, reflects on the value of trees on development sites. In the past, the removal of trees was seen as a traditional approach before construction work could commence. However, a change in attitude, Government targets – and law – now consider trees a valuable asset to new projects. See page 13 for more information.

Elsewhere in this issue, you will find dedicated features on Balustrades, Interiors & Lighting and Floors, Walls & Ceilings plus official show highlights on the upcoming events, Scotland Build and the Build Show.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or the App Store.