How not to build.
Let’s face it the UK is falling apart, in so many ways, but its inability to build infrastructure is one if its biggest problems. With a limited number of large construction firms capable of major projects, a government terrified of Nimbys and which chops and changes after projects have started, soaring costs and bad management this should not be a surprise.
But to fix this mess will not be easy, the construction industry needs re-organising, re-training and supporting with long term policies and commitments that are not changed or salami sliced when work has already started.
HS2 now seems destined to be a lame duck, crippled by political short-termism, cost cutting, delays, back stabbing local MPs, and the huge changes to its eventual size which have destroyed its whole purpose.
It is obviously too much to hope that politicians from all parties could just agree on a list of vital infrastructure projects and stick by them whoever was in power or what the budget was like from year to year.
But at least some joined up thinking would be good, and we desperately need more experts who can manage huge projects, be they new rail lines or nuclear power stations.
So, maybe the UK’s government should concentrate on training managers at the highest levels, make them gain experience in countries which can build these things and bring that experience home.
If we can’t change the completely incompetent way the government handles infrastructure, we might at least make sure that the people building it are up to the job.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.
By Jonty Bloom Media