August 18, 2026
Pipeline perks up as project starts plateau

Pipeline perks up as project starts plateau

Short-term economic easing indicates construction sector recovery still on track for 2027 Today, Glenigan | A Hubexo Product (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the August 2026 edition of its Construction Review. The August Review focuses on the three months to the end of July 2026,

Read More »
How Contractors Can Prepare for Legal Disputes Involving Out-of-State Parties

How Contractors Can Prepare for Legal Disputes Involving Out-of-State Parties

Dozens of complex construction disputes reach formal litigation every day across the United States. When your project involves out-of-state property owners, general contractors, or specialized suppliers, a simple payment disagreement can turn into an expensive jurisdictional mess. Preparing for these legal battles requires a clear strategy before you file formal

Read More »
5 Best Fencing Systems for Baseball and Softball Fields

5 Best Fencing Systems for Baseball and Softball Fields

The right field fencing balances safety, flexibility and the realities of your facility. From impact-focused systems to portable and semipermanent options, here are five fencing systems for baseball and softball fields. 1. SPECTO® Fencing System by Grand Slam Safety If athlete safety is a priority for your field, SPECTO® from

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

August 18, 2026

Manchester’s Local Plan Review: Final consultation opportunity underway

Manchester’s Local Plan Review: Final consultation opportunity underway

The Local Plan is a guide to development and growth in the city over the next fifteen years and Manchester people are invited to have their say for the final time yesterday. The Plan is a legal requirement for every Council to set out a long-term framework about how development should be considered through the planning process, including new housing – as well as affordable homes – green spaces, development that creates employment opportunities, infrastructure projects such as roads, health facilities and schools – and how the city will achieve net zero carbon.   The Plan complements a range of strategies and policies that look to deliver the vision of the Council.   An initial consultation took place in September 2025 starting a process of review and engagement through the last year. This consultation attracted 2,184 responses that have since been considered by planning officers to help update the draft local plan.   The Local Plan is currently going through Regulation 19, which is the final version of the plan before it is referred to a government inspector for public examination.  The public will be asked for their comments relating to how ‘workable’ the draft plan is in practice, which is a requirement set out by Government. This ‘test of soundness’ asks the public: does the plan meet its objectives.   Key changes to the draft local plan following previous consultation:  Take part in the Local Plan consultation  Local people, community organisations, businesses and stakeholders can take part in the consultation, submitting their views online via an online platform and all details are available on the following council web page  A hard copy of the consultation will also be made available in Manchester Central Library.   The consultation will remain open until Monday 28 Sept.   The previous Manchester Local Plan was adopted in 2012. The current review was delayed while the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone plan was adopted, into which the Manchester Plan must align.    Following consultation, the final draft of Manchester’s Local Plan will be submitted to a government inspector with an expectation that the plan will be adopted in the summer of 2027.  Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said:   “It’s important that future development plays its part well in making sure Manchester remains a great place to live, with great homes that our residents can afford in attractive neighbourhoods that they want to live in with quality green spaces nearby. This is the role of the Local Plan – to help guide development to help us deliver our vision and ambition.  “The Local Plan will complement a range of other strategies delivering for our city, in particular our housing strategy that has set an ambitious target to deliver at least 36,000 new homes by 2032 – 10,000 of which will be social, Council and genuinely affordable homes. And the Local Plan looks to increase the target of social rent and affordable homes each year to deliver the homes our residents need.  “Last year we saw thousands of responses that have helped guide our Local Plan review. This is the final chance for Manchester people to comment on the updated draft local plan, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to take part of play their part in guiding development in our city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Pipeline perks up as project starts plateau

Pipeline perks up as project starts plateau

Short-term economic easing indicates construction sector recovery still on track for 2027 Today, Glenigan | A Hubexo Product (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the August 2026 edition of its Construction Review. The August Review focuses on the three months to the end of July 2026, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report providing a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the past year. Glenigan’s August Construction Review reveals a few rays of sunshine poking through an otherwise overcast industry landscape. It will provide some much-needed optimism to a sector that has been battling an extraordinary set of headwinds since the start of the year. A massive jump in Main Contract Awards, which rose 17% against the preceding three months, and soared a staggering 169% compared to 2025, is perhaps the strongest indicator that market confidence is returning. This can, in part be attributed to an activity spike in major projects, particularly in the healthcare, where various schemes in the New Hospital Programme reached the contract awarded stage. This includes the Leighton Hospital scheme, the Frimley Park Hospital as well as various others. Similarly, if somewhat more modestly, Detailed Planning Approvals picked up by 10% during the Review period and, despite dipping 3% year-on-year, this modest rise compared to the previous month indicates the pipeline is gradually refilling. It certainly offers a tentative sign that recovery, if not immediate, is on the horizon, echoing Glenigan’s own Forecast prediction of an 11% sector-wide performance increase in 2027.  The refreshingly positive stats in the August Review can be largely credited to substantial gains in a number of commercial verticals, particularly Hotel & Leisure, as well as an acceleration of activity in both public sector and civils. However, before contractors and subcontractors get dazzled by these strong figures, it appears that intent is yet to properly translate into activity. Project starts are still stubbornly stagnant as the appetite to commit shovel to soil remains subdued, against a backdrop of lukewarm investor confidence and renewed uncertainty around public spending. This resulted in a 7% drop against the previous three months. Yet, whilst activity remains low, there are signals that a long period of decline is starting to bottom out, with levels breaking even (0%) compared to 2025. Looking at the results, Allan Wilen, Glenigan’s Economics Director, says, “There are plenty of reasons for readers to be cheerful when going through the August Review, especially following such a tumultuous and unpredictable six-months. Whilst a degree of uncertainty persists, labour and material costs are stabilising. Industry prospects appear to be turning a corner, but, before we get too excited, these green shoots are fragile and, as we’ve seen before, could wither away on the merest market change.” He continues, “the construction supply chain should stay mindful that the recovery will be shaped by wider economic conditions, investor confidence and public sector spending priorities. Remember, in spite of the excellent Main Contract Awards and Planning Approval figures, conversions into actual starts remains the litmus test of the sector’s performance over the back end of the year.” Taking a closer look at vertical highlights… Residential: Housebuilding slips as social housing steadies the ship Residential had a bruising three months, with project starts sliding 39% year-on-year even as main contract awards jumped 60% and detailed planning approvals eased back 22%. Private Housing bore the brunt, tumbling 52% to £2,434m despite holding a 40% share of the sector, while Private Apartments dipped 23% to £1,630m and Social Sector Housing softened 27% to £821m. The awards uplift hints at work waiting in the wings, though the sharp fall in starts underlines the ongoing pressure on near-term workloads. Regionally, London held top spot with starts worth £1,250m, even after a 16% dip. The North West proved the steadiest performer, barely moving at £962m with just a 1% decline. Elsewhere the picture soured, project starts in the South West, West Midlands and Wales all declined sharply against the previous year. However, Wales offered a rare bright spot, posting strong growth in planning approvals that points to a healthier pipeline further down the line. Private non-residential: Offices and hotels shine while industrial cools Private non-residential was a real mixed bag. Offices held firm, with starts dipping just 3% but approvals climbing 54% on the back of a buoyant mid-market: the £20-50m band rose 18% to £627m and the £50-100m band leapt 80% to £361m. Hotel & Leisure told a similar tale, with main contract awards rocketing 787% and approvals up 56%, even though starts eased at 17%. Industrial had a tougher time, with starts down 43%, though a 147% surge in approvals signals a pipeline gathering pace. Retail stayed muted, with starts off 16% but awards up 72%. Regionally, London ruled office activity, with value soaring 30% to £1,531m. The East of England led Industrial starts, up 218% to £465m, while Yorkshire & the Humber topped Hotel & Leisure at £178m and Scotland jumped 177% to £123m. The North West led Retail, climbing 223% to £50m, with Yorkshire & the Humber and Northern Ireland also enjoying strong runs against the previous year. Public sector: Health leads the charge as schools await their moment The public sector offers plenty of cheer. Health stole the show, with starts up 32%, awards rocketing 634% and approvals climbing 65%, buoyed by the New Hospital Programme and NHS capital commitments. Hospitals made up more than half of starts, rising 75%, while Nursing Homes & Hospices climbed 44%. Community & Amenity also impressed on paper, with awards up 182% and approvals up 95% despite starts falling 34%, led by blue light projects and a 466% surge in military work. Education was the odd one out, with starts down 44%, though a 204% jump in awards and the Schools Rebuilding Programme point to brighter days ahead. Regionally, the South East led Health starts

Read More »
How Contractors Can Prepare for Legal Disputes Involving Out-of-State Parties

How Contractors Can Prepare for Legal Disputes Involving Out-of-State Parties

Dozens of complex construction disputes reach formal litigation every day across the United States. When your project involves out-of-state property owners, general contractors, or specialized suppliers, a simple payment disagreement can turn into an expensive jurisdictional mess. Preparing for these legal battles requires a clear strategy before you file formal claims. Navigating cross-border construction litigation requires strict adherence to evidence laws and procedural rules. Managing records, securing out-of-state testimony, and coordinating legal teams early keeps control in your hands. Establish Centralized Document Preservation Protocols Contractors must secure every piece of job-site data long before an attorney files a complaint. Digital communication, daily logs, change orders, and submittals form the backbone of your legal defense or claim. Soaring construction dispute numbers highlight the legal risk contractors face when cross-border logistics collapse. When out-of-state entities are involved, document discovery becomes significantly more complex and contested. Storing records on a unified, cloud-based platform ensures that remote parties cannot claim data was lost or destroyed. Enforce a strict litigation hold as soon as a project shows signs of serious distress. Instruct all field personnel to preserve text messages, email threads, and daily photos without exception. Secure Subpoenas and Out-of-State Evidence Gathering testimony or sworn financial documents from non-party witnesses located in another state presents a major procedural hurdle. Courts do not hold automatic jurisdiction over individuals who reside outside their state borders. To compel testimony or evidence from an out-of-state witness, contractors must utilize specific interstate discovery laws. Understanding Florida subpoena domestication is essential when your dispute involves witnesses, subcontractors, or material suppliers located in Sunshine State jurisdictions, for instance. This process converts an out-of-state subpoena into an enforceable local court order without restarting the entire legal process, and it differs by state. Handling this process early prevents unexpected trial delays and keeps out-of-state witnesses accountable to your defense team. Draft Specific Choice of Law and Venue Provisions Your contract terms dictate how smoothly an out-of-state dispute proceeds once arguments begin. General contractors and trade partners must ensure their agreements clearly define which state laws govern the contract and where disputes must be heard. Arbitration clauses can simplify multi-state conflicts by establishing neutral ground for all parties involved. However, mandatory venue clauses require meticulous drafting to ensure they remain legally enforceable across state lines. Construction dispute research shows that vague contract language consistently drives up legal expenses and extends litigation timelines. Clear forum selection clauses eliminate lengthy preliminary battles over which court actually holds jurisdiction. Consult experienced construction counsel to audit your standard master service agreements annually. Updating forum-selection language protects your firm when working with out-of-state partners. Coordinate Local Legal Counsel and Jurisdiction Experts Litigating against an entity based in another state often requires a multi-jurisdictional legal team. Local counsel brings invaluable familiarity with specific court rules, regional judges, and local discovery customs. Your primary attorney can direct overall case strategy while local counsel manages court appearances and state-specific procedural filings. This approach stops minor administrative errors from derailing critical evidentiary motions. It also provides immediate leverage during court-ordered mediation sessions. Establishing these legal relationships before a project begins saves vital time when urgent injunctive relief or lien filings become necessary. Verify Multi-State Insurance Coverage and Defense Obligations Cross-border disputes regularly complicate Commercial General Liability coverage when policy choices collide with local statutes. Insurers often issue reservation-of-rights letters when out-of-state subcontractors face defect claims across state lines. Contractors must immediately tender defense claims to primary and excess carriers upon receiving any formal dispute notice. Verifying additional insured status across every out-of-state agreement prevents unexpected out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Mitigate Multi-Jurisdictional Risks Before Filing Claims Contractors who take proactive operational steps consistently secure better outcomes in multi-state disputes. Documenting field changes in real time, standardizing contracts, and executing proper subpoena domestication routines keeps your business protected. Reviewing your current project portfolio for out-of-state exposures is the best way to safeguard company assets before a dispute arises. Explore our site for more content that contractors need to keep their operations running smoothly.

Read More »
5 Best Fencing Systems for Baseball and Softball Fields

5 Best Fencing Systems for Baseball and Softball Fields

The right field fencing balances safety, flexibility and the realities of your facility. From impact-focused systems to portable and semipermanent options, here are five fencing systems for baseball and softball fields. 1. SPECTO® Fencing System by Grand Slam Safety If athlete safety is a priority for your field, SPECTO® from Grand Slam Safety offers an alternative to hard-surface barriers. Its patented tension-rigging design uses vinyl-coated mesh to create a gentle cradling effect when an athlete makes contact with the fence. This helps limit injury risk. You can specify it as a temporary or permanent system and customize it to field dimensions, including foul-pole and center-field distances. SPECTO® is among the best fencing systems for baseball and softball fields because its weather-resistant mesh requires relatively little maintenance and can be compactly stored, with a complete system occupying just 110 square feet. Softball systems can be installed and disassembled in less than 90 minutes, and transparent mesh preserves spectator viewing. Key Features 2. SportaFence® Portable Athletic Fencing When you need one field to accommodate different age groups, SportaFence® offers rapid reconfiguration. Its patented wheeled system lets you change a field between men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ baseball, or softball regulation dimensions within a single day. Setup can take as little as an hour, so you can adjust field boundaries without building separate permanent layouts. The flexibility can be particularly useful for multi-use complexes and tournament facilities. You can configure additional regulation fields within the existing space, potentially increasing tournament capacity while reducing the infrastructure and labor required for repeated field changes. SportaFence® also provides a level of safety comparable to that of traditional permanent fencing. Key Features 3. Grand Slam Fencing by CoverSports Grand Slam Fencing by CoverSports is among the best fencing systems for baseball and softball fields when you need a portable outfield boundary that works on different surfaces. It offers two installation options, including in-ground and aboveground. The in-ground system uses augers and optional ground sockets for natural turf. The aboveground version uses weighted bases on grass, synthetic turf, asphalt or concrete. You can adjust the fence length by adding or removing sections to suit dimensions ranging from Little League to adult recreational. That capability makes Grand Slam Fencing particularly useful when the fence needs to be moved between sites or to accommodate changes in field size. CoverSports manufactures every system at its Philadelphia facility and can customize layouts around your surface, dimensions and branding requirements. Key Features 4. Sportaflex Premier Fence A lightweight portable system can simplify field changes, particularly across indoor and outdoor spaces. Sportaflex‘s Premier Fence uses individual aluminum alloy frames with poly-vinyl mesh to create a modular setup that can be installed on level surfaces ranging from natural grass to artificial turf. You can choose 4½-foot or 6-foot panels, with optional mounts providing additional stability on soft turf or in high-wind conditions. The system is designed for baseball, softball and other recreational applications, so you can adapt the same fencing infrastructure for different uses. Its patented safety feature may help reduce injury risk during collisions. The aluminum frames are built for repeated use. Sportaflex also offers a separate FastFold fence with a patented steel design for quick setup without ground mounts, making it particularly suitable for turf surfaces. Key Features 5. Sportsfield Specialties Seasonal and Semipermanent Fence Systems Facilities with changing field dimensions can choose between seasonal and semipermanent systems from Sportsfield Specialties. Its seasonal fencing for baseball and softball fields uses ⅛-inch aluminum-reinforced panels with 19-oz premium outdoor vinyl. Semipermanent systems are available in 4-, 6- and 8-foot heights and are installed using ground sleeves for easier removal. The two formats give you different levels of permanence for schools, parks, recreation departments and tournament complexes. Seasonal systems can be installed, removed and reconfigured as leagues or events change. Semipermanent fencing stays in place longer but can still be relocated. Both options are suited to multi-use facilities that need to adjust outfield dimensions without committing to permanent construction. Sportsfield Specialties also produces complementary field equipment, so the fencing forms part of a broader facility upgrade. Key Features Comparing the Best Fencing Systems The differences between fencing systems for baseball and softball fields largely come down to how much flexibility, portability and permanence a facility needs. Fencing System Configuration Standout Advantage Best Fit SPECTO® Fencing System by Grand Slam Safety Temporary or permanent Impact-absorbing mesh Safety-focused facilities SportaFence® Portable Athletic Fencing Wheeled and portable Rapid field reconfiguration Multi-use and tournament facilities Grand Slam Fencing by CoverSports In-ground or aboveground Multiple surface options Temporary and shared-use fields Sportaflex Premier Fence Modular and portable Several mounting options Indoor and outdoor facilities Sportsfield Specialties Seasonal and Semipermanent Fence Systems Seasonal or semipermanent Flexible field layouts Schools, parks and tournament complexes Selecting Fencing Systems for Baseball and Softball Fields The systems meet practical considerations for baseball and softball facilities, including: Frequently Asked Questions Below are some of the most common questions about fencing for baseball and softball fields. Q: What types of fencing systems are best for baseball and softball fields? A: The best option depends on your facility’s requirements. SPECTO® prioritizes impact-absorbing fencing, SportaFence® enables rapid field reconfiguration, while Grand Slam Fencing, Sportaflex and Sportsfield Specialties offer portable, seasonal or semipermanent solutions. Q: What should you consider when choosing fencing for baseball and softball fields? A: Consider the required level of permanence, field dimensions, surface type, installation method and frequency of reconfiguration. Safety features, durability and compatibility with multi-use or tournament schedules can also influence the choice. Q: Are portable fencing systems suitable for multi-use baseball and softball fields? A: Yes. SportaFence®, Grand Slam Fencing, Sportaflex and Sportsfield Specialties all offer configurations suited to facilities where field boundaries need to change. Keep Your Eye on the Ball The best fencing system depends on your field, surface and schedule. Looking closely at each system’s specifications can help you choose a solution that fits the facility and your planned use.

Read More »