by Ian Morris

Ian Morris, Director of the British Fluid Power Association, looks at the advantages of pneumatic equipment within a range of industrial sectors, and focuses on some of the more recent innovations that have made pneumatics more compelling than ever as an effective means of producing mechanical motion.

Steve Henigan, Partner, Management Consultancy Division, Robinson Low Francis

December saw the long-awaited publication of TV retail guru, Mary Portas’ recommendations on reviving the deteriorating situation in high streets up and down the country.

Keith Riddle, Managing Director of VELUX

It’s all go for green this month, with a number of announcements promising to reinvigorate the Government’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for the UK.

Simon Mantle, NHBC Group Health and Safety Policy Manager

Health and safety continues to remain a priority in housebuilding. Official statistics from the HSE for 2010/11 show that the rate of fatal injuries in construction increased to 2.4 per 100,000 workers compared to 1.9 per 100,000 workers in 2009/10.

by Michael Draper

Some contracts require a contractor to proceed ‘regularly and diligently’ or ‘with due diligence and expedition’.

Rebecca Evans, Solicitor at Thomas Eggar.

The High Court has delivered a stark warning to developers. Press ahead with a development without dealing with rights of light issues at your peril.

by Angus Walker

The new Planning Act regime was put in place for all the right reasons – but, two years down the line, does it really work, or could it be improved? Delaying or rejecting planning applications is not in the interests of the construction industry or the wider UK economy, yet there are concerns the new regime hinders rather than helps. Here, Angus Walker of top 100 law firm Bircham Dyson Bell, looks at the issues and the potential for resolution.

By Michelle LaBrosse, PMP®, Chief Cheetah and Founder of Cheetah Learning

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words, ‘Accelerated Learning’? Perhaps you imagine a person zipping through a book at a rapid pace, soaking up every fact and concept at lightning speed.