Back to the future: the market for building conservation skills in the 1990s

Presents the findings from a preliminary survey of 180 firms which specialize in conservation and refurbishment work on historic structures. Recognizes the growing importance of this subsector of the construction industry in a period when refurbishment is seen as a more attractive option than demolition and planning boards are keen to protect their local heritage. In two parts, the survey covers 100 crafts based companies and 80 structural engineering firms with questions slanted accordingly. Concludes that crafts based companies are generally small, recent in origin, provide a range of skills and do not confine themselves solely to conservation work. The market for the structural engineer in conservation is smaller but lucrative, and firms work closely with the heritage bodies.