111 | The Top 100
31st August 2022
The episode in which Bishop & Taylor discuss The Construction Index’s latest annual analysis of the UK’s Top 100 construction companies.
Re:Construction
A fortnightly podcast in which veteran construction industry journalists Bishop and Taylor have a natter about some of the week’s events in the UK construction industry, seeking meaning even where none may exist.
110 | Drought & floods, Changing Perceptions and A Cancelled Sale
17th August 2022
As drought turns to floods, Bishop & Taylor discuss reservoir plans and other rainwater strategies. They also consider the implications of a survey that appears to show young people warming towards careers in construction. And they welcome Vp’s refusal to accept unworthy offers.
109 | Decarbonisation and Britain’s energy crisis
3rd August 2022
Tanned and refreshed after their summer break, Bishop & Taylor return to discuss all things energy related, including controlling bills, the cost of heat pumps, repowering wind turbines, importing Moroccan sun and Sizewell C’s prospects.
108 | The Building Safety Act, Demolition Cartels and the Long Wait for Justice
6th July 2022
With the Building Safety Act 2022 now in force, Bishop & Taylor wonder how much of it was needed and why there aren’t more Rick Willmotts in the industry to speak out. They also discuss bid rigging in the demolition industry. Finally, with Genie being recently fined for an incident nine years ago, they wonder why it takes so long for health & safety prosecutions to get to court.
107 | Concrete v Timber, Cooler Asphalt and the Trade Gap
22nd June 2022
The concrete rebar lobby has challenged the sustainability credentials of cross laminated timber; asphalt suppliers are switching from hot to warm mix recipes; and the trade gap in construction products and materials has doubled when it was meant to have halved. Bishop & Taylor discuss all this, and a little more besides.
106 | Weights & measures, Dodgy ladders and Stonehenge (again) – plus the Net Zero shortcut
8th June 2022
The government is consulting on the restoration of imperial units for shopkeepers. Bishop & Taylor have their views. They also discuss telescopic ladders and the latest news on the A303 Stonehenge tunnel project. But first, tune in to learn the fastest way to net zero…
105 | Teachers Wanted, HPC and the Competition Watchdog
25th May 2022
Bishop & Taylor are joined by bricklayer-turned-teacher Dean Carpenter, a supporter of the Further Education Teacher Recruitment campaign. That’s after they discuss the rising costs of Hinkley Point C and the surprisingly long reach of the Competition & Markets Authority.
104 | Queen’s Speech, Vp For Sale and Crossrail Opens
11th May 2022
Bishop & Taylor reflect on this week’s state opening of parliament and the contents of the promised legislative programme, from planning to procurement. They also discuss the ‘For Sale’ sale that has been hung on the still-great company formally known as Vibroplant. And, five years after tunnelling completed, the Elizabeth line is finally opening for paying passengers. Hurrah!
103 | Lower Thames Crossing, Asbestos and Arty Chimneys
27th April 2022
The battle to dig the UK’s longest road tunnel enters the ‘competitive dialogue’ stage; MPs call for more action on asbestos removal; and Thames Tideway’s twisted chimneys turn ventilation shafts into public art. Bishop & Taylor ruminate on it all in their usual manner.
102 | School, Brickies and Rude Buildings
20th April 2022
The Chartered Institute of Building is pressing for the development of an A level in construction – Bishop & Taylor approve. They also discuss the new BBC Three series, Brickies, and have been sent a list of the world’s smuttiest looking buildings, including the new Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.
