I’m new to contracting, do I need directors’ and officers’ cover?
For brand new contractors, the world of business insurance can, quite frankly, be a bit overwhelming. As an employee, insurance…
As a construction contractor, you know how important it is to keep up with current news in the sector so that you can get to grips with things such as legislative changes affecting tradespeople, projects that are going out to tender, and news of cutting edge innovation in the industry.
Of course, the mainstream press reports on all of this, but it’s usually pitched towards huge construction companies, not limited company tradespeople. This can be frustrating when you want to understand how news affects your small business.
Thankfully, there are lots of blogs out there targeted towards construction contractors that give you a healthy mix of news, top tips, and interesting reads for self-employed tradesmen and women. We’ve done the legwork to give you a list of 10 of the best – so grab a cup of builder’s tea and check out the 10 that made the cut.
1. UK Construction Blog
UK Construction Blog offers news on the UK’s top construction companies and has been going for more than a decade. Because it reports on what the biggest players are up to, it gives limited company construction contractors an insight into where work may be coming up, as well as an insight into the wider state of the industry. Plus, it’s also home to useful posts on careers and training, as well as hints and tips for contractor life.
2. Construction Enquirer
Construction Enquirer describes itself as the best read news website in construction and it’s easy to see why. It covers pretty much all elements of the construction industry and, as such, has access to some pretty rich data which it uses to create up-to-date league tables of large contractor wins and – of particular interest to limited company contractors – regularly updated freelance trades pay rates by location. It also covers contractor payment records by all of the big firms. It’s a great all-round resource.
3. Construction News
Construction News began life before blogs, before the internet, before computers, way back in 1871. It calls itself the leading provider of news, insight and events for the UK construction industry. As well as news – covering all aspects of the industry – it also features more political and opinion-led articles in its Agenda section, a wealth of industry data, plus events and jobs, with a huge Careers in Construction section.
4. Building
Building is another website with a long legacy. It’s been providing journalistic coverage, news, analysis and data to the construction sector for over 170 years.
The site hosts news coverage of all aspects of construction, with everything from environmental concerns and materials shortages, right down to HS2 and Crossrail. It also has a great CPD section that allows you to gain CPD points from accredited modules, allowing you to expand your skills with ease.
5. Construction Management Magazine
Aimed at senior construction professionals, Construction Management Magazine puts a wealth of news, views, jobs and CPD at your fingertips. What sets this blog apart is its fascinating Technical section which specifically looks at news and features about technology and construction.
Want to know more about panelised modern methods of construction in new homes? Or perhaps you want to better understand the Future Homes Standard? Maybe it’s robotics in construction that tickles your fancy? This is the place.
6. Professional Builder
Professional Builder is the internet counterpart of the magazine of the same name. Aimed, as the title suggests, specifically at builders, the news focuses on stories and features that are essential to the trade.
On the lighter side, the DI-WHY? Section shows off DIY horror stories that highlight why you should always hire a professional tradesperson, while their Mental Health section looks specifically at mental health issues within the construction industry and provides a wealth of useful resources.
7. Housebuilder
Housebuilder, as you might imagine, is focused specifically on the house-building industry and is a must-read for construction contractors focused in that field. Their news covers all aspects of industry, while their features and comment sections position them as industry experts.
8. National Tradesmen
National Tradesmen is a recruitment site for tradespeople, founded by carpenter turned software engineer, Greg Nelson. The site is useful enough for contractors in and of itself, but its News section is a great resource for contractors looking for stories particularly focused on trades rather than big business.
9. The Construction Index
The Construction Index describes itself as the leading online source of information for the construction and building industry. It prides itself on being completely free to access, with no paywalls or subscriptions. As well as thousands of news articles, it also houses the UK’s largest construction search engine, which gives details of products and services from more than 87,000 UK construction companies.
You can add your own business to it for free.
10. The Kingsbridge Knowledge Hub
The Kingsbridge Knowledge Hub is our very own blog. While it’s not specific to the construction industry, it instead focuses on news and comment pertaining to contractors more generally – particularly relating to IR35 and insurance issues.
If you need to get to grips with the new IR35 legislation, or want to find out more about employers’ liability insurance, the Knowledge Hub is the place to go.
And while you’re visiting the site, you could always take a look at our tradesman insurance, which is particularly aimed at protecting construction contractors just like you.
