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The author reflects on the significance of the Mipim 2008 property event in Great Britain after he commented a couple of years back that such event is rather expensive. He predicts that the event will be busier, more relevant and better value, despite warnings that many agents may not attend due to a lacklustre property market. He believes that events like Mipim revives the fragile market amid the credit crunch and the looming recession.

The author looks at the importance of adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR). He defines CSR as a policy or decree that governs a response of an organisation to environmental and social issues. He cites that CSR involves the creation of an operating environment that balances a commercial objective against the demands of a changing society. He asserts that corporate responsibility is increasingly viewed as an important part of the corporate profile.

The author discusses the benefits and limitations of mergers in the construction industry. Some issues to manage in mergers cited by the author include the transfer of skills, migration of clients and combining of cultures. He notes that it is human factors that make or break a merger and not just consultancy. He states that mergers can bring the employees massive insecurity that can lead to low morale, which affects customers as a result.

The author focuses on the infotainment TV channel called Gleeds TV (GTV) founded by construction consultants in England. He cites modern technology and enthusiasm as factors that prompted them to establish GTV. He acknowledges the difficulties experienced by GTV staff in launching a TV station that is going to educate and inform and can entertain the audience to keep them interested. The staff members have decided to use an open university-type approach in educating the viewers.

The author comments on the strategy of contractors to pass the project's risk to their clients under partnering. He explains that under partnering, contractors were no longer forced to engage in tender lotteries and were regarded as preferred partners. He notes that in the pre-2012 boom, partnering has changed meaning in which contractor have become construction consultants who try to evade risk. He adds that clients may not believe the excuses of contractors for their increase in prices such as labor shortages.

The author comments on issues concerning the zero-carbon policy. He emphasizes the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance sustainable lifestyle. He discusses the issues concerning sustainable development and zero-carbon emission in houses. He argues that the development of a carbon strategy is needed to reach the zero-carbon goal.

The author comments on the significance of communication to a mass audience for construction professionals and the industry as a whole. He believes that the ability to communicate with customers and potential employers is key to business growth. He recognizes that articulating what the brand represents and publicizing its values is becoming a necessity rather than an option.

The article focuses on Our Hut, an organization that aims to involve children in the process of preparing models for a proposed scheme. The organization aims to take the built environment into primary schools to move the industry. According to the author, few schools are involving children in bringing the construction team into the classroom as the project develops. Despite this fact, there is an increasing acknowledgement of the influence of design on people's well being.

The author examines some of the errors of the eighties, the rise and demise of construction management and management contracting and any similarities with the current market. He describes the phenomenon behind the feeling that U.S. contractors could build faster and cheaper than their British counterparts. He cites the most common reason put forward for the use of management contracting. The author also argues that management contracting was brought down by the total lack of coordinated design.

The author addresses the role of humanity in the issue of global warming. According to the "Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" report, it is not too late to reverse the trend created by 20th-century consumption. Alan Murray of the "Wall Street Journal" says that if the Congress wants to enact legislation capping carbon-dioxide emissions, this is the time to act.

The article examines the plan of Arup and the Shanghai Industrial Investment Corp. to build an environment-friendly city on the island of Chongming. Dongtan will become the first self-sustaining city ever built since renewable energy resources will power all transport, residential and commercial buildings. Farmers will also be encouraged to use organic methods.

The article reflects on the importance of brand protection. It says that a company's image is reflected by how the brand is perceived. The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog) in England intends to use the 2012 Olympic Games as a brand. The British parliament, to help Locog, has passed an act preventing unauthorized association with the games to prevent bad publicity that may damage the brand. Branding in the construction industry is not as important as it is for consumer goods.

The article deals with the bowling trip of the reporters of the periodical "Building" with the staff of the architecture firm Carey Jones. The trip had a shaky start wherein three or four reporters were late. According to one of the public relations officer of Carey Jones, bowling events are good for networking.

The author comments on the Marché International des Professionales d'Immobilier (MIPIM) Asia Exhibition in a Hong Kong, China. He describes the event as cute and reminded him of the old days of Cannes. The contingent for Great Britain include the South East England Development Agency and Graham Cartledge of Benoy.

The article expresses a sentiment against the Age Discrimination Act. It seeks to clarify the legislation on retirement age. It shows how the industry can suffer due to shortage of working people in the 35-40 age bracket. It predicts that it will cause a dramatic effect on recruitment as well as on business development strategy.

This article offers views regarding the extent into which the British government may intervene with the housebuilding industry. It discusses some of the challenges of constructing buildings such as coping with the specifications from both the client and the society. It also addresses the concerns of the industry toward a proposal that the government should acquire the freehold interest in all land to embark on state expenditures competing with private traders of building contracts.

The author expresses optimism over the future of cost and project management consultancies in Great Britain as of May 2012.

The author examines the impact of the European financial crisis on the British construction sector as 2011 draws to a close. According to the author, the prospect of a double dip recession has become a reality in the construction industry. The author emphasizes that medium or larger-sized firms operating in the built environment in consultancy, design, and contracting are facing an uncertain future.

The author talks about forecasting future fiscal trends for the construction industry and cites former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan who used the sale of men's underpants as an economic indicator during recession.

In the article, the author discusses the latest developments and challenges in the British construction industry as of December 10, 2010. He cites the appointment of Paul Morrell as construction adviser, as well as Morrell's "Low Carbon Construction Innovation and Growth" team. He presents the meeting he organized to allow the major players in the industry to meet with business secretary Vince Cable to discuss the issues confronting the sector.

The article comments on key business and economic indicators affecting the construction industry in Great Britain as of August 2008. The prevailing economic slump has displaced about 10,000 workers in the second quarter and house prices have fallen at their fastest rates. Speculations on the possible benefits of the construction industry from the wind turbines project of the government are cited.

The author reflects on several issues regarding the British construction industry. He states that the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has organized a debate about sex, where Will Alsop proposed the motion and Jonathan Meades expressed his opposition to it. He mentions that former construction minister, Margaret Hodge, has taken over the architecture brief at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The author calls on the British government to admit the real cost of the preparations being made for the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London, England. He states that the Olympic Games is one of the most exposed, risk-laden and economically challenged projects the country has undertaken. It cites the rise of the budget for the Olympics and predicts that the final cost is likely to reach £12 billion.

The author reflects on Christmas parties of companies in Great Britain. He mentions his favorites such as the Sir Robert McAlpine event at the Park Lane InterContinental which attracts more politicians and the Land Securities party at Claridges. He also emphasizes the importance of an employer's management of any event.

The article talks about the understated budget and the expected rise in the cost for the London Olympics. With the increasing labor costs, energy costs, and security considerations, the project will overshoot the budget by over 1.5 billion pounds. A look back on the budget versus actual spendings of other Olympic venues was also presented. Olympic expenses, more often than not, tend to exceed the budget, however, the long-term benefits should always be considered.

Focuses on a debate over sustainability and environmental protection in Europe. Decision of Mayor Ken Livingstone of London, England to cut carbon emissions by 20 percent; Need for European financial institutions to convert their energy sources; Role of politicians in the issue.

Focuses on housing rebuilding efforts launched in Sri Lanka after the tsunami in 2004. Impact of the tsunami on buildings in the country; Information on the recovery programme launched in Sri Lanka; Reasons behind the delay of providing housing to tsunami victims including building skill shortage, building material shortage and lack of suitable land.

Discusses issues surrounding the aftermath of the 2012 Olympics in London, England. Views of Sir Steve Redgrave on the Olympics; Notions about the Olympics; Notions about the challenges facing Great Britain after the Olympics.

The author comments on the increased attendance at the Marché International des Professionnels d'Immobilier (MIPIM) trade show for the construction industry held in Cannes, France. Firms who send representatives to the event get little in return. MIPIM started as a venue to swap business cards and make project negotiations. More people started getting involved, particularly from mainland Europe.

Argues in favor of energy provision by nuclear means. State of the British energy industry; Challenges of the nuclear option; Recommendations.

The article expresses views on the emergence of limited liability partnerships in the construction industry in Great Britain. Limited liability partnerships made an impact on contractors, architects and developers. The lack of basic skills of numeracy and literacy affect the performance of new graduate entrants who are not concerned whether they work for such partnerships.

Focuses on globalization. Factors to consider when planning for a global expansion of the business; Key to success in global expansion; Commitment for global expansion in an organization.