Major project leaders still not up to scratch

Major project leaders still not up to scratch

A report* from the House of Common public accounts committee (PAC) says that not enough has been done to address “the government’s perennial inability to manage and deliver projects on time and budget”. The report, Lessons from major projects and programmes, reiterates the concerns that crop up “time and time again” in government delivery of…

BAM brought in for scaled-back Middlesbrough office block

BAM brought in for scaled-back Middlesbrough office block

CGI of the Boho X building BAM will initially operate under a pre-construction services agreement, with Beijing Construction Engineering Group taking on the role of developer. Boho X is a 60,000 sq ft, seven-storey office building that is part of the Middlesbrough Council’s plan to promote the region’s digital sector. The original plan was for…

Funds secured for £18.9m Highland port expansion

Funds secured for £18.9m Highland port expansion

HIE has approved investment of up to £8.3m in Scottish government funding for an £18.9m project to develop the East Quay at Nigg in Easter Ross. The project is intended to help the Highlands and Islands economy benefit more from the growth in renewable energy development, as well as meeting the needs of existing clients….

Bovis veteran turns digital entrepreneur

Bovis veteran turns digital entrepreneur

Tom Spilsted Construo has been set up for construction workers to ask questions and share information. Construo is owned by the Tom Spilsted, a surveyor who spent 30 years working for Bovis (latterly Lendlease) until 2013. In his last year with Lendlease he was commercial director. “Construo is about sharing practical knowledge and experience, rather…

Turner & Townsend opens Exeter office

Turner & Townsend opens Exeter office

Turner & Townsend director Trefor Evans The construction consultant already has more than 300 staff working in the region, having opened an office in Bristol in 2019. Turner & Townsend is targeting new recruits in project management, project controls, procurement and commercial management to support its activities in real estate, infrastructure and defence across the…

St Modwen picked for £400m spooks and snoopers development

St Modwen picked for £400m spooks and snoopers development

The £400m mixed-use development includes approximately 3,000 new homes and a ‘Cyber Central Cluster’ to bring together cyber businesses and technologies, as part of a wider development known as The Golden Valley Development. The site, to the west of Cheltenham, is next to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and the National Cyber Security Centre. A…

Highways contractor recruits bomb disposal expert

Highways contractor recruits bomb disposal expert

Sian Gidzinski in her old job Sian Gidzinski, who completed two tours of Afghanistan during her 13-year career in the army, has joined Minster Group to oversee the health and safety of its workforce. Her previous role saw her detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in warzones and assisting in explosive ordnance disposal. She also trained…