In the news this morning, IHS Markit’s construction PMI has fallen to its lowest level in a year as a lack of new orders hits the commercial building sector in particular. Housebuilding activity was robust, but it was the only sector to show an improvement. Architects need to take control of the housebuilding process to the last lick of paint, the new head of Riba says. It’s time again for the Carbuncle Cup to be awarded, and the shortlist of contenders for the prize includes a Lego extension, student accommodation nicknamed the fag butt and a cake tin slapped on its side.
Construction PMI falls for third consecutive month (FT/£)
The construction purchasing managers’ index fell for a third consecutive month in August, to 51.1 from 51.9, its lowest level in a year.
Architects need to control the whole house-building process (The Guardian/FREE)
Architects should have control of the construction of a building, right down to the last lick of paint, the new president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Ben Derbyshire, says.
Six shortlisted for carbuncle of the year (The Times/£)
An extension to a Victorian mansion in Malvern, Worcestershire, is among the six buildings listed for the carbuncle of the year.
C&C Group takes 47% stake in Admiral Taverns (The Times/£)
C&C Group has teamed up with Proprium Capital Partners to acquire Admiral Taverns from Cerberus Capital Management.
Retail sales growth improves, but on higher prices (The Telegraph/FREE)
Retail sales were 1.3% higher on the year in August on a like-for-like basis, figures from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG showed.
Spending on FMCG up 2.9% in Q2 (FT/£)
Spending on food, drinks and toiletries increased by 2.9% in the second quarter, but the increase was due to a 3.8% rise in prices, with consumers reducing the volume of purchases made by 0.9%, according to Nielsen.
