Higher and degree apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a valuable career development tool, providing opportunities for individuals to 'earn while they learn.'
A level playing field
Among the most technically ambitious of the Government’s planning reforms announced as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill is the new Infrastructure Levy, which on the face of it appears to be a quicker, fairer way of funding new infrastructure and could even be useful in helping Local Authorities to finally get a grip of affordable housing. The current S106 mechanism - based loosely on floor space - is open to interpretation and often sees projects held up by contractural biccering. New proposals base the levy on the gross development value of the finished project, so both the authority and the developer know where they stand from the get-go.
Also open to interpretation is the language used in the Procurement Bill (see page 29). Rees-Mogg says his post-EU procurement revolution will ’free businesses from straightjackets’ but according to law practice Eversheds Sutherland, the Bills approach to the principles of procurement law appears somewhat unclear. Expect big changes to buying, possibly even by the latter half of 2023.
On the road to net zero, this issue takes a look at Clean Air Zones including Oxford CC’s trailblazing ‘ZEZ’ and a retrofit scheme that can help commercial vehicles operate in the zone. Smart City Business summarises fascinating research into smart city lighting projects and how they can be replicated as well as the innovative use of smart tech in UK ports.
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Danny Wright, acting editor
Higher and degree apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a valuable career development tool, providing opportunities for individuals to 'earn while they learn.'
The Blue Light Show launches this year and is set to become the only cross-collaborative event focused on bringing together emergency services professionals.
Highways UK 2025, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 15–16 October, stands as the UK’s leading event for the highways and road infrastructure sector.
Covering a myriad topics from building safety to insolvency, housing reform to the skills agenda, diversity to historical buildings, UK Construction Week London’s seminar programme features speakers from Westminster, Premier League football clubs and beyond.
What’s more, the 300+ talks and workshops at UKCW London (ExCeL, May 7-9th) are all fully CPD accredited by the CPD Group, solidifying UKCW’s commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences for industry professionals.*
Keynote speakers at UKCW London include:
Experience and unforgettable 1 hour journey through maritime history and breathtaking landscapes.
Seal Watching Harwich is a magical wildlife experience loved by both adults and children.
Behind every dazzling burst of light at London's New Year's Eve fireworks display lies months of meticulous planning. Tom Smith, managing director at CarnDu, chairman of the EIG and secretary of the BPA, takes us behind the scenes of this world-famous event
Pauline Beattie, ABPCO's newly appointed co-chair, and a director of Conference Care, talks about Best Practice and its value as part of the event delivery process