Following on from the recent Scottish Budget, Jim Baxter, who has been financial director at Allanwater Homes for the past 27 years, outlines what he believes can be done to help address Scotland’s housing shortage, alongside his thoughts on improving the country’s planning system.
It’s the time of year to reflect on what the Institute and the wider construction community learned in 2024 and what we should take forward into 2025, writes Caroline Gumble, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Insight: When retrofitting listed buildings, Thomas & Adamson director Hamish Paterson suggests that the main concern is finding the balance between modern sustainability goals and protecting history and heritage in our towns and cities.
Andrew Morrison discusses key business sale trends anticipated for 2025, including factors such as tax changes, generational shifts, technological advancements, and economic uncertainties.
Professor Kim McKee highlights the growing challenges in the UK’s private rental sector, including affordability, tenancy insecurity, and the diverse needs of renters.
Researchers in the social sciences are increasingly using innovative methodologies to promote collaboration and generate impact. Appreciative Inquiry (AI – not to be confused with Artificial Intelligence) is one such approach. This blog by Dr Gareth James highlights the principles, strengths and limitations of an AI approach, and offers some critical reflections on its use in housing research.
A new “failure to prevent fraud” offence will impact organisations across the UK and internationally, requiring them to complete risk assessments and implement rigorous fraud prevention procedures and policies in place if they are to avail themselves of a statutory defence, writes Tom Stocker.
“This budget invests in public services, lifts children out of poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency, and supports jobs and economic growth.” That’s according to the finance secretary, Shona Robison, in the Scottish government’s 2025/26 budget statement, writes Jennifer Young.
Opinion: Albyn Housing Society CEO Kirsty Morrison highlights the importance of having enough homes important it is to ensure there are enough homes should the proposed Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and other initiatives in the Highlands are going to be successful.
As Scotland anticipates the Budget announcement and a new government tax strategy on 4 December, Ross Stupart outlines what could help businesses to thrive north of the border.