Cultivating a happy workforce has become an increased priority for businesses globally. Enlightened companies understand their role and responsibility in ensuring the wellbeing of their employees at work and there is growing evidence that when employees are happy, organisations thrive. Jitesh Patel, CEO of Peldon Rose, explores further.

While flat roofs are a superb roof covering solution, failing to factor in fire risks during hot works at the design stage can have catastrophic consequences. Daniel Tucker, Systems Product Manager at BMI UK & Ireland, discusses the NFRC’s Safe2Torch campaign and associated manufacturer support.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the negative spotlight on cladding materials had a major knock-on effect for the construction industry, from builders and sub-contractors to architecture firms. Days after the incident, cladding installed on buildings more than 18m in height was called into question by the Government, leading to significant increases in premiums for Professional Indemnity Insurance. Bryan Banbury, Managing Director of leading independent insurance broker Russell Scanlan, discusses the impact on the insurance industry and advises how companies can plan ahead when renewing policies.

With immigration, the economy and trade being at the forefront of the Brexit discussion over the last two years, little noise has been made about the impact this will have on the country’s construction industry, comments Michael Slater, Regional Operational Manager at Western Thermal.

With the end of the year nigh, many are relieved to see the back of 2018 – the renowned year of ‘uncertainty’, arduous negotiations and back and forth deal or no-deals. However, three months into the fresh, new year of 2019 lies ‘D-day’ for Brexit. Here, FC&A talks to two representatives from top law firm Womble Bond Dickinson about what they believe is on the horizon for the industry prior to and after March’s predicted events. Kathrine Eddon, Head of the Public Procurement Unit, and Michelle Essen, Managing Associate in Construction, take it from here...