I read with interest the articles on markets that could ease the burden of recession and on the complex regulations associated with loft conversions (20 February, pages 46 and 62)

As specialists in the design and construction of basements, we are working more and more with architects, as part of their team offering specialist advice on planning or structural issues.

Multi or single-level basements can provide many broad benefits, including better use of existing land stock and, of course, they offer an answer where a loft conversion will not provide any advantages, or where planners say taller building are not be permissible.

Much has been written in the general business press recently about 鈥渘ew thinking on how to do business鈥�. Taking advantage of the opportunities presented by this downturn to reshape companies and even sectors, and how different parties can work together, is an interesting challenge for the construction sector.

Robin Knowles, managing director, The London Basement Company

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