All articles by Richard Steer
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Rachel Reeves could get a lesson in harsh reality from business
Where was the incentive from the chancellor to grow? If construction doesn’t expand, the UK doesn’t build, argues Richard Steer
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Grenfell shames us all – but our politicians are just as culpable
Those named and blamed in Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s report largely got what they deserved, but they were not alone in the way they operated. We may have learnt and changed since 2017, but there is still a long way to go, says Richard Steer
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Labour’s housebuilding dream could be a nightmare to realise
It seems shrewd of the new government to have got housebuilders onside at an early stage, bt is all the talk of large-scale social, affordable and accessible housing provision realistic, asks Richard Steer
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A new government – and a chance for construction to be heard
Keir Starmer steps in to No10 with much to do and the economy in a perilous state. He would be wise to engage with the built environment sector more successfully than his predecessors, says Richard Steer
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This election should bring us back to the centre
The policies of the Liberal Democrats are positive and progressive. The party could have real influence on how we are governed for the next five years, says Richard Steer
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Who will speak up for the builders?
The Co-op Live debacle is symtomatic of the awful PR that too often plagues our sector when high-profile projects go wrong, says Richard Steer
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We’re a nation of NEETs. Something must be done
The UK has one of the worst productivity rates in Europe and we need to get more people working. Who will take ownership of this national tragedy, asks Richard Steer
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A celebration of diversity: An introduction to the Women in Construction special report
Be inspired by female construction leaders from around the world interviews with 12 industry leaders of today and tomorrow
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This was not the Budget to fix broken Britain
Radical thinking and major surgery are urgently needed, but the chancellor offered little  in yesterday’s statement to get the industry excited, writes Richard Steer
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Has MMC gone from an industry salvation to a pseudo solution?
Once touted as the answer to all our productivity woes, MMC increasingly looks like it may have been just another wacky idea with little chance of success in these uncertain times, writes Richard Steer
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Is 2024 already lost to dithering and delay?
The last few years have not been easy but we will have to wait a little longer before the outlook starts to improve, writes Richard Steer
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Procrastination over HS2 is the one thing we don’t need right now
Rishi Sunak’s dithering and doubting over key infrastructure projects and the green agenda is damaging the UK’s prospects for economic growth and our global reputation, writes Richard Steer
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Sunak and Starmer should give construction the attention it deserves
There is an opportunity for the two biggest parties to put the built environment front and centre, writes Richard Steer
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M&S Oxford Street: Not just any planning decision – a Michael Gove planning decision…
The secretary of state’s intervention in this case is bizarre, illogical, unhelpful and politically motivated, writes Gleeds chairman Richard Steer
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Housebuilders are not the villains. It’s the system that has to change
It may be politically fashionable, but it is unfair and unwise to criticise the Taylor Wimpeys, Barratts and Bellways for the housing shortage, writes Richard Steer of Gleeds
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A renaissance king takes to the throne in a challenging age
King Charles III is the new head of a diverse and divided state but he has significant strengths and his support for the built environment is welcome, writes Richard Steer of Gleeds
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Missed chances and little to excite in Hunt’s first Budget
Today’s statement revealed a chancellor with few short-term solutions for whom survival to the next general election will be an achievement in itself
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We’re not lazy, we just need more investment
We are one of the largest employers in the UK with the potential to shape our nation’s future. The government must help us make the most of that opportunity, writes Richard Steer of Gleeds
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If last year was a challenge, I’m afraid 2023 doesn’t look any easier
Happy new year? I wish… Many of last year’s issues remain unresolved and we face similar problems in the months ahead, writes Richard Steer
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My World Cup diary: final reflections with glory for Argentina in a tournament where minnows triumphed
Richard Steer enjoyed a thrilling World Cup final at the conclusion of a tournament that often challenged football’s world order