Construction’s productivity debate often starts with labour shortages and output on site. CITB expects the sector to need 206,000 recruits between 2026 and 2030, but the latest IN Site also looks at time lost before work begins.
A late design freeze leaves specialist packages, interfaces, and costs unresolved, so changes become harder to manage once work is under way. Lee Jackson, Technical Director at Travis Perkins, argues that housebuilding needs earlier agreement on design information rather than relying on site teams to absorb the consequences.
The same timing problem runs through the rest of the issue. Trackunit’s Federico Rio explains how full-fleet connectivity can help equipment OEMs improve service, forecasting, and machine design. Steve Chesters of HadleyFRAME discusses where pre-panelised steel can reduce labour and shorten programmes, while warning that late procurement can remove those benefits.
Contract and technical responsibility receive the same treatment. Dr Stuart Kings of Sypro considers what a ban on retentions could mean for day-to-day contract management. Bluebay Managing Director Lucy Furnival describes how suppliers are being asked to provide more technical support and take clearer responsibility under the Building Safety Act.
The edition also covers load-bank testing for temporary power, moisture protection for mass timber, and duplex stainless steel in offshore construction. These are different subjects, but each raises the same practical question: was the risk dealt with before it reached site?
Construction still needs more people. It also needs fewer avoidable delays. Read IN Site Issue 3 in full.
