A need to construct new image
By JIM DOW
THE construction industry has an image problem and its biggest priority
is to overcome the chronic skills shortage that has plagued the industry
for years, according to KPMG’s 2008 Global Construction Survey.
Eddie Norrie, head of people services for KPMG in Scotland, says it is
surprising that the industry believes that individually they are doing
enough to couner the problem, but as a whole it is deficient.
“Surely it is now time for some collective action?, he asked. "One of
the first things construction companies should do is to develop a fresh
approach to recruiting in order to attract the best graduates in a very
challenging global
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Construction must learn the lessons of other industries
environment.
“The construction industry must take positive steps to combat the image
problem it recognises it has if it is to compete for the best graduates.
‘The war for talent’ should start way before the graduate recruitment
rounds. Construction must learn the lessons of other industries and
start building a positive and attractive image while potential employees
are still at school and not wait until they are graduating.”
Other challenges faced by the industry included failing risk management,
escalating costs, tough new environmental standards, and the global
issue of sustainability, he added.
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SL offers to be scrutinised
By Jim Dow
THE closing date for offers for the former Scottish Life HQ building
in St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, has passed and the agent, DTZ, is having
a close look at those received.
James Thomson of DTZ said there had been a good level
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of interest in the property.
He added: “We have had a good number of offers but now we will be
looking at the substance behind the offers because it is not the price
but where the money is coming from.”
It’s the price tag that was put on the building which has caused a
bit of comment, with something north of £5 million seen by some as a bit
ambitious.
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| DM Hall splashes into City Quay
By Tom Hardy
PROPERTY consultancy DM Hall has opened a new custom-built office at
Shed 26 on Dundee’s City Quay. The new premises offer some 50 per cent
more space than the firm’s previous office at South Tay Street.
To take advantage of what it sees as a growing market in Dundee, the
firm intends to set up a commercial department at Shed 26.
Partner Gordon Croft, who heads the Dundee operation, said: “It’s a move
which enables us to serve our clients better, while at the same time
making us more accessible to them.
"The addition of a commercial department is also a logical step,
reflecting the sustained growth we are seeing in city property.”
Schemes which give DM Hall confidence in Dundee’s future include: plans
to expand the Overgate retail complex; the City Quay retail scheme,
which is being transformed into a 21st century office development; and
the high level of activity in the student accommodation sector in the
city centre.
Jim Honeyman, associate at the Dundee office added: “The council is also
encouraging new development at the north west end of the city, in the
Liff area, whereas previously most development had taken place in the
north east."
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