By Kenny Ingram, Vice President for Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Industries at IFS Making predictions that hold water even a year or two out is always difficult. So I fully expected that predictions I had made for the industry just a few months ago would have to go completely out the window given the global pandemic. There certainly are substantive changes in the economic picture contractors face. GlobalData had predicted an uptick in growth in the sector, but has revised those projections down to .5 percent growth from 3.1 percent. What this means is that engineering and construction firms will…
Author: Guest Columnist
By Richard Dunbar, Head of Research, Aberdeen Standard Investments The COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing any of us has ever experienced. The crisis will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for people, businesses and society as a whole. The asset management industry also faces monumental challenges, as it seeks to continue to turn savings into investments for clients large and small. This task has perhaps never been as great – and the lessons we have learned will be vital in helping rebuild the world that awaits. I believe we are up to the challenge. But first, we must ask a few questions…
by Andrew Skudder, CEO of CCS The fourth industrial revolution and the paradigm-shifting effect it will have on all industries has been a hot topic for years. While there have certainly been skeptics, some of the digital technologies that have emerged promise to unlock profound efficiencies, transparency and competitiveness. Huge strides have been made in digitising and transforming the construction industry already, but an uptake in blockchain technology is poised to be a game-changer in the built environment. Understanding Blockchain Blockchain shot to prominence through Bitcoin, as it is the platform that enables the crypto currency. However, innovators have found…
by Barbara Williams When it comes to consumers, different generations bring different demands and outlooks to the market with their purchasing choices. No matter which generation you are from, however, one thing is clear: we need to take sustainability seriously in 2020. As awareness of this fact increases, the pressure is on businesses to define the key drivers behind consumer purchasing decisions. Shoppers with a mind to reduce their impact on the environment are on the rise, with as many as 71.4% considering it when they buy their groceries. As this trend continues, companies will need to shift their…
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