Coming in from the cold

Article Abstract:

Several UK construction firms are hoping to reap benefits from the slow restart of the Russian economy during 1999, although the threat of political instability until April 2000 means the economy is not expected to make a full recovery until then. Firms which decided not to pull out when the economy collapsed in August 1998 have had to cope with mounting corruption, a fall in financial backing and almost non-existent outside investment, although they remain positive. A 62 million pounds sterling contract has been awarded to UK construction firm Bovis to refurbish a Russian department store.

Author: Knutt, Elaine
Industry Overview, Construction industry, Russia

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Make-or-break time for engineers

Article Abstract:

The UK's consulting engineers are beginning to face significant change. Some are considering linking with fellow consulting engineers to create extremely large consultancies, while others are looking at deals which will allow them to create closer links with contractors. Smaller consulting engineers are beginning to accept that they will have to improve their services and marketing if they are to remain competitive. There are likely to be challenges to the traditional role of the consulting engineer as the client's adviser.

Author: Knutt, Elaine
Management, Engineering services, Engineering firms

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


DOE told to raise social homes target

Article Abstract:

The House of Commons environment committee is putting pressure on the UK government to set a higher target for the provision of social housing than the DOE's estimate of 60,000 units a year. The committee has concluded that this estimate needs to be some 20-30,000 units higher if the true demand for social housing is to be met. The DOE has also been criticised for taking no action to deal with the backlog of repairs to existing social housing stock.

Author: Knutt, Elaine
Planning, Public housing

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.