Editorial

Citation

Hoxley, M. (2002), "Editorial", Structural Survey, Vol. 20 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2002.11020baa.001

Editorial

We are always being told that because of globalisation the world is now a very small place. It is a long time since I was in practice (nearly a decade) but those friends I have who are practising surveyors have been amazed at the impact of the events of 11 September 2001. In particular those professionals who count multi-nationals among their clients were horrified to see their order books shrink so rapidly in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. Although their volume of new instructions has returned to much healthier levels the economic shock that this single but huge event has caused has been considerable. Another impact of 11 September 2001 upon surveyors is the continuing delay of the Government to bring forward a new Homes Bill. Not surprisingly the need for other more pressing legislation has delayed the reintroduction of proposed reforms to home buying and selling. This delay has enabled critics of change (notably conveyancers and estate agents) to muster their opposition to the seller's pack and in particular to the home condition report. It is looking increasingly unlikely that we will see reform as envisaged by the original Homes Bill.

Other events across the Atlantic may well impact upon property and other professionals. The ENRON auditing scandal is likely to see an increased clamour for Government regulation of the professions. Just at the time when most property professional organisations are busy strengthening their internal monitoring and disciplinary processes the ENRON affair has come at an inopportune moment. These events have also demonstrated the considerable fragility of the good name and branding of professional service firms. The world may well be a smaller place but across that world, clients of professionals expect and demand the very highest ethical standards. It is only by living up to these high standards that the professions will be able to keep their good name and be able to continue to regulate themselves free from Government intervention.

In view of the above discussion it is appropriate that several papers in this issue of the journal take an international stance. Abdul-Aziz's paper presents an interesting account of the application of total quality management processes by Japanese contractors operating in Malaysia. Balendran et al. from Hong Kong review the increasing use of fibre reinforced polymer (rather than steel) in reinforced concrete and describe several case study projects across the world. Pickard and Pickerill compare the funding of historic building conservation in a number of different countries in Europe and beyond. The two other papers have more of a domestic flavour – Edwards and Nicholas review health and safety in the construction industry and focus on the role of plant operators. They make interesting suggestions for changes in the training of such operators. Janet Wright's excellent paper takes a close look at sandstone decay in the built heritage of the Potteries.

Finally I would like to offer my personal congratulations to one of the Editorial Advisory Board of Structural Survey, Peter Fall, upon recently becoming President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It will certainly be a busy year for Peter but I hope that he finds time to enjoy his new role.

Mike Hoxley