Comment from Antony Oliver
Getting more from less: how to survive the recession
Delivering more for less is without question going to be the mantra for the civil engineering and construction industry over the next half decade - and perhaps beyond.
Major projects dictate headlines, but also our future
Major infrastructure projects. They’re sexy, exciting, glamorous and headline grabbing. But unfortunately, the constant focus by the media and the industry on a few “grand projects” drives many of you mad.
We must ensure that what we build is what we want
When it comes to delivering value for money in civil engineering, the critical but too often overlooked issue is still making sure we have a solid grasp of the client’s needs.
We need to get the job done the best way we can
There is nothing like discussion and proposals on the reform of planning regimes to reinforce the benefits of benign dictatorships. When it comes to efficient and effective decision making, they really cannot be beaten.
High speed rail: Nothing is guaranteed in this world
In the next few weeks the government is expected to publish the long awaited and much trailed white paper on its high speed rail aspirations for the UK.
Graduates, get out there and sell yourselves
According to the Association of Graduate Recruiters’ (AGR) winter survey, this year looks set to be a good one for students leaving university looking to find work.
We need to make our work place a safer place
The deaths of two railway workers this week in separate, unrelated falls from the Tay Bridge and Forth Rail Bridge serve once again to highlight the dangers that still exist in the construction industry.
Get ready to embrace new cost cutting challenges
It’s official. According to the Office of National Statistics the UK has finally emerged from recession.
Engineers must rebuild a more secure Haiti
The challenges faced by the people of Haiti are immense. It is clear that an earthquake striking at the heart of such a community has had devastating consequences.
Snow joke: We can not let this happen again
If you believe the forecasters, the nation should soon at last be released from the grip of the recent Arctic-like conditions. And for many, the relief will not come too soon.
2010 - opportunities or despair for civil engineers
Welcome to a new decade - whatever it’s called. The question of course is whether 2010 will turn out to be the year of opportunity or the year of despair for civil engineers. While there are no crystal balls there are a few certainties.
Go out and get what you deserve from the industry
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the need to invest in our graduates. To be honest I have been flattered and shocked by the scale of responses posted online at nce.co.uk.
We have to deliver a lot more for a lot less
It is clear from the comments in this week’s NCE Local Government File that local authority highways teams are going to find life becoming tough over the next few years.
More flooding. More chaos. Time to listen and act
The scenes from Cumbria of lives, homes and businesses turned upside down by the power of flood water seem horribly familiar.
Regardless of the election, private financing is vital
Shadow chancellor George Osborne’s suggestion that the private finance initiative is “flawed and must be replaced” is baffling. Because whatever administration that follows next Spring’s General Election, the massive shortfall in public finances will be top of the list of problems to solve.
Infrastructure needs some holistic thinking
The National Policy Statements set out this week by energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband to fast track plans for nuclear power, wind farms and clean coal generation are a welcome step to making the nation’s low carbon infrastructure aspirations a reality.
We need to up our game to match the graduates
This week I have the honour of taking part in the final judging assessment for the 2009 NCE Graduate of the Year Award. Six of the profession’s top new entrants will vie for this coveted, career enhancing annual award.
We need action on infrastructure and we need it now
What will you be doing in 2025? Where will you be living? How and where do you plan to travel? Will you still have a job? If you are anything like me then the answer is most probably: “Absolutely no idea - I hope I survive through to Christmas!”
Let's not repeat past mistakes and just get on with it
Even in the middle of the worst economic crisis in memory you can count on the construction industry to find something positive to say.
Let's start backing the right transport horse now
I had to use an aeroplane this week. I didn’t want to use an aeroplane but the reality of 21st Century London to Scotland train travel meant that I just couldn’t make the timings work unless I did.
Antony Oliver
Antony Oliver is Editor of New Civil Engineer and PPA Business Editor of the Year 2008.
Whether the issue is rail, roads, bridges, airports, earthworks, power, education, recruitment or environment policy he is always interested and usually has got a view.
He is also passionate about ensuring that the next generation sees civil engineering as a realistic career option and as a trustee of engineering disaster relief charity RedR-IHE, is keen to ensure that young and old engineers are able to channel their energy and expertise into life saving activities across the globe.
