Mark Beard's view on the future of professional institutions in the construction industry.

We seem to inhabit an increasingly polarised country, but I have an old-fashioned view that we all achieve more when we put our differences to one side and work together. I was disappointed then, to read the recent piece in Housing Today entitled ‘Architects hit out at offsite drive’ – the contents of which more than lived up to the headline.

Year 4 pupils tour the site of the project to refurbish their school.

How to spark an interest in Construction and Engineering? That is the challenge for everyone involved in these industries. The well-documented skills shortage is exacerbated by the lack of awareness of the many different career opportunities available. A partnership between Beard and SATRO provides a link between business and schoolchildren.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is celebrating the successful completion of the new toll houses which were designed by RIBA award winners Purcell architects and built by award-winning local construction company Beard.