Mark Robinson
Putting RAAC front of mind
With a shake up in the Cabinet, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) cannot slip down the agenda, and the problem isn’t contained to schools and hospitals, says Mark Robinson.
Procurement standards: Supporting SMEs
Mark Robinson looks at how councils can put their best foot forward when it comes to supporting and engaging with local SMEs - and help to mitigate the impact of this year’s recession.
Calm after the Carillion storm
After the collapse of Carillion greater oversight and impartiality are vital in ensuring the outsourcing model is fit for the future, says chief executive of Scape Group Mark Robinson.
The Treasury should back commercial councils, not punish them
Mark Robinson calls on the chancellor to enable local government to borrow to invest.
Why we must reform public sector procurement
There is a growing clamour for post-Brexit public procurement reform, writes Mark Robinson.
School place shortage is at crisis levels
It is vitally important that greater collaboration between the private and public sector is fostered in order to face the uphill battle local authorities and schools have on their hands, wrights Mark Robinson.
Learning from the school places challenge
Government support for grammar schools and rising demand from communities mean councils face a tough challenge on providing enough local school places. Mark Robinson explains why authorities must be returned to the driving seat on education
Scotland leads the way in tackling UK housing shortage
Mark Robinson says the rest of the UK should take a lesson from Scotland on tackling the housing crisis.
Learning lessons from the Spending Review
Has Osborne done enough to address the school building challenge? Mark Robinson analysis the pressure on councils and gives key advice to boost construction
Understanding the EU procurement directive
New EU procurement rule changes aim to make the process of supplying local authorities less onerous for both the supplier and the buyer as well as open the market up to smaller companies. Mark Robinson outlines the 10 key headline points
The great e-Scape: How to survive the squeeze
Councils must work more closely than ever before to share best practice – as Mark Robinson explains.
On the bright side of the EU
As attention in Europe focuses on the storm clouds gathering over finance, Mark Robinson finds a ray of sunshine in the new EU procurement Directive