Entries by Joe Bradbury

A slow start to the year?

The RICS UK Residential Market Survey for January highlights that 2019 is off to a slow start, showing a subdued backdrop as enquiries, sales and new instructions all fall further. In the near term, contributors sense little prospect of a turnaround, as concerns over the potential impact of Brexit, alongside affordability constraints continue to cause […]

Robots to fix underground pipes and help cut roadworks

£26.6 million investment to build micro robots that can help repair the UK’s vast underground pipe network preventing disruptive roadworks and using robotics in hazardous work environments to avoid workplace injury. New micro robots will be built to repair the UK’s huge underground pipe network, significantly cutting the disruption caused by the 1.5 million road […]

Renewables break 100% threshold for electricity demand

Wind output in November broke through the 100% threshold for the first time, with 109% of total Scottish electricity demand being met from renewables, enough to power nearly 6 million homes. Another milestone is that for 20 out of the 30 days, wind production outstripped demand. Gina Hanrahan, Head of Policy at WWF Scotland said […]

A blow to the UK’s construction industry?

A potential exit from the European customs union and the single market without a transitional period could have a significant impact on supply chains say leading accounting, tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Alex Altmann, Partner and head of the German desk at Blick Rothenberg, said “The construction industry in the UK is dependent on […]

Construction output rises despite Brexit uncertainty

The Government must not be complacent about the damage a ‘no deal’ Brexit would cause amid positive signs of growth in the UK construction industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the construction output figures for November 2018, published by the Office for National Statistics, Sarah McMonagle, Director of External Affairs at […]

Intelligent systems will help UK transition to clean and affordable energy

New small-scale renewable electricity providers to be guaranteed payment for excess electricity supplied to the grid under government proposals unveiled this week – protecting consumers from unfair costs associated with current scheme. Plans for Smart Export Guarantee could build a bridge to the smarter energy system of the future, which can help unlock technological innovations […]