Author Archives: Greg Pitcher

Bam has apologised for “technical issues” that have delayed the opening of a £36m leisure centre in Scotland. The contractor said it was working on repairs to Blairgowrie Recreation Centre after a second leak was found from its swimming pool. Bam started work on the scheme in June 2023 and…

A specialist contractor body has called for the creation of a national electrification taskforce to boost the UK’s transition to renewable energy. The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) said a cross-government panel could coordinate efforts across different areas including transport, housing and skills. This was one of 10 recommendations published this…

The UK arm of Irish contractor JJ Rhatigan has grown its turnover by four-fifths and its pre-tax profit by almost two-thirds in a bumper set of results. London-based JJ Rhatigan & Co (UK) Ltd posted revenue of £154.4m for the 12 months to 31 October 2024, up 80.9 per cent…

UK construction growth could be delayed because of the fallout from US tariff hikes, an industry body has warned. The Construction Products Association (CPA) said big private sector projects could stutter while investors wait to gauge the outcome and impact of global import duty hikes. In its 2025 Spring Forecast,…

Jersey’s markets watchdog has warned contractors to be “aware of their responsibilities” after research revealed a widespread belief that a lack of competition was pushing up the price of construction on the island. The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) said it would “pinpoint areas” requiring action in light of the…

Newcastle City Council expects to sign a deal “shortly” with Morgan Sindall to replace Willmott Dixon on a long-delayed £34m leisure centre project in the city. The local authority this week insisted that work on the West Denton scheme, initially due for completion over a year ago, would finally start…

Turnover and profit each fell last year at offsite manufacturer Merit Group Services, although the firm hopes to see long-term growth from its investments in research and development (R&D) and automation. The Northumberland firm posted turnover of £79.8m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2024. This was down 10…

A senior Labour MP has called for the government to be "fiercely vigilant" about who invests in UK infrastructure. Liam Byrne, a former Cabinet minister who now chairs the Business and Trade Committee, warned that "not every cheque is written with our interests in mind". The UK government has been…

Lindum Group grew its profit and revenue in a year during which its long-serving former chairman stepped down. The Lincolnshire-based contractor posted turnover of £198.8m for the 12 months to 30 November 2024. This was up 7 per cent from the prior year – when Lindum finished 88th in the…

Ministers have confirmed plans to allow hydrogen-powered plant on public roads. The government’s formal response to a consultation held last year on the issue said it had “decided to proceed” with the law change. It comes weeks after transport minister Lord Peter Hendy told Parliament the government would push ahead…