General

When you reach a certain age, it dawns upon you that you have more life behind you than you do ahead. So perhaps it is natural to long for the past and to mourn its passing. I look back at those I have lost personally. Family and friends. I look back at those we have…Read moreRead more

Remember when you were studying maths at school? The teacher was never satisfied that you’d got the correct answer without cheating. They insisted that you “show your workings.” As a writer, I don’t normally do that; often because there are no workings; just a flash of inspiration and some furious typing. But today, I’m going…Read moreRead more

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” According to a large number of inspirational mugs and posters, this famous quote comes from none other than Albert Einstein, although that’s actually disputed. Regardless of who actually said it, the basic premise is correct. And yet, here in the field…Read moreRead more

Each year, the nation falls silent to remember those killed in the service of their country. That hush is replicated at funerals and to mark the passing of a family member or friend. The silence has many meanings. For some, it is an opportunity to reflect quietly upon those they have lost. For others, it…Read moreRead more

I have two boxer dogs: a brother and sister, Diesel and Echo. We didn’t name them – Those are the names they had when we rescued them. Although, given that I write about demolition and construction equipment, Diesel does seem to be an apt name. They are both fourteen years old now. In dog years,…Read moreRead more

Demolition and construction companies claim that their workers are their greatest asset. So explain this. A company will spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on a new excavator. Over the next few years, they will lavish that machine with the finest fuels and lubricants money can buy. The machine might only be in the fleet…Read moreRead more

We live in an age where it’s easier to demolish a tower block than to navigate the regulatory minefield leading up to it. I’ve been around this game over thirty years, and if you think the walls are what stand in the way, think again. It’s the wall of red tape. And it’s getting thicker…Read moreRead more

I have no heart, yet I’ve felt every beat of yours. I have no voice, yet I’ve roared in your name. I have no memory, and yet I remember it all. You needed strength. Unflinching, uninterrupted power. The moment you summoned me all those years ago, I answered. I’ve coursed through the arteries of your…Read moreRead more