The Government has published its long-awaited new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introducing another significant set of changes to England’s planning system.
There have already been plenty of headlines about a new ‘default yes’ for development around railway stations, greater support for housebuilding and plans to make the planning system simpler and more consistent. But what exactly is the NPPF – and what could the latest changes mean for housing development in England? Keep reading for a summary at some of the key things worth knowing.
After weeks of hot, dry weather, recent wildfires across the UK have provided a stark reminder of just how quickly fire can take hold. And while temperatures may be starting to fall, large parts of England remain affected by drought, leaving ground and vegetation exceptionally dry.
Construction sites always carry potential fire risks, but these conditions provide another reason to take a fresh look at how those risks are being managed. With much of the country still tinder dry, read on as we look at some of the most common causes of construction site fires and the practical steps that can help prevent them.
As exam results start to arrive, thousands of young people across the UK will be thinking about college places and future careers. For some, the next step is already mapped out. For others, deciding what to do after school or college can feel like a daunting prospect.
When many people think about construction, they picture someone laying bricks, operating machinery or working on a roof. While these are all vital careers, the truth is that construction is one of the UK’s most diverse industries – offering opportunities for people with a wide range of interests, skills and ambitions. Whether you enjoy practical work, technology, creativity, problem-solving or organisation, there’s likely to be a role that’s right for you. Find out more in our blog this week.
The first Making Tax Digital (MTD) quarterly update deadline – 7 August 2026 – is fast approaching and around 864,000 self-employed people, including many construction subcontractors, will need to submit their first digital update to HMRC.
Making Tax Digital represents one of the biggest changes to Self Assessment in recent years. If you’re affected, now is the time to understand what the changes mean and make sure you’re prepared. Read on to find out more about the new reporting requirements and some practical steps you can take before the deadline.
On a hot, dry summer’s day, it doesn’t take much for dust to become part of the job. A passing dumper, a quick cut through concrete or a few minutes of sweeping can send fine particles into the air. While it may seem little more than a nuisance, construction dust can pose serious risks to workers’ health and to those living and working nearby.
The good news is that dust doesn’t have to be such a problem. By understanding the risks and adopting the right control measures, contractors can protect their workforce, minimise disruption to neighbouring communities and maintain cleaner, safer sites throughout the summer months. Keep reading to discover why dust control matters and the practical steps every construction site can take.
There are moments in sport that remind us what great teamwork really looks like. Spain’s performance in Sunday’s World Cup final was one of them. They didn’t win through technical ability alone, but through the way they stayed true to their identity and held themselves together when it mattered most.
In many ways, their approach reflects what the strongest workplace teams do every day. They remain consistent, have clarity about their roles, work together as a connected team and stay composed under pressure. Read on as we explore four lessons every team can take from Spain’s World Cup triumph.
With speculation continuing around Andy Burnham potentially becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister, attention is beginning to turn to what a Burnham-led government could mean for different sectors of the economy – including construction.
Much remains uncertain and any policy proposals would, of course, need to progress through Parliament before becoming reality. However, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has recently published its analysis of the possible implications for the built environment. Drawing on this, today’s blog explores five areas that construction businesses may wish to keep an eye on.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of the construction industry, with businesses under growing pressure to reduce environmental impacts, deliver social value and demonstrate responsible business practices.
While we already have a strong set of policies and procedures in place at Sheriff Construction, there is always more to learn and opportunities to improve. That is why we became a member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. We have already achieved Bronze level membership and are currently working towards Silver. Read on to find out more about the School and how it is helping us strengthen our approach to sustainability across the business.
Construction can be a highly rewarding industry to work in, but it can also be demanding. Tight deadlines, long hours, financial pressures and the responsibility of delivering projects safely and efficiently can all take their toll on people’s wellbeing.
While there has been growing awareness of mental health in recent years, many within the industry believe more needs to be done to address the factors that contribute to poor mental health in the first place. That is the thinking behind a newly published Mental Health Joint Code of Practice so read on to find out more about this initiative and what it could mean for the future of mental health in construction.
Although water availability is often taken for granted in the UK, it is in fact a finite resource and global pressures linked to climate change, population growth, pollution and increasing demand on infrastructure are placing greater strain on water resources worldwide.
Construction activity can also contribute to unnecessary water consumption and environmental harm if not managed responsibly. In the approach to World Environment Day on 5th June, why not read our blog to learn more about why this issue matters to our industry and some practical measures you can take to better manage your water use.