Answer extracted from the Re:Construction podcast — listen to the full episode below.
Who's taking over at Construction Index after Bishop and Taylor?
Will North is the successor, taking on both the daily online news service and the magazine at Construction Index. He brings a proven journalism pedigree, having edited Cranes Today long after Taylor and Bishop moved on, and is widely known from his contributions to the Engineering Matters podcast.
North's appointment marks a natural transition after David Taylor and Phil Bishop decided to step down following 200 episodes. As discussed in their final episode, the pair had anchored Construction Index's editorial voice for years, but the organization needed fresh leadership to drive both the daily publication and magazine forward.
The editorial continuity is notable: North's experience at Cranes Today positioned him as one of the few editors who could take on the full scope of duties Taylor and Bishop had managed. His familiarity with construction industry publishing, combined with his regular presence on the Engineering Matters podcast, gives him established credibility within the sector's professional community.
For readers and listeners who knew Taylor and Bishop's work, North's background offers reassurance that Construction Index's journalism standards will be maintained under new direction—a point reinforced by his long tenure in similar editorial roles.
A Succession Built on Industry Experience
What makes North's appointment significant is that it avoids bringing in an outsider unfamiliar with construction industry dynamics. His prior editorship at Cranes Today means he understands both the technical depth the audience expects and the rhythm of daily news cycles in this sector. Many editors would struggle with the dual responsibility of managing both a real-time news service and a monthly or quarterly magazine; North has already demonstrated capability across publication formats.
The podcast contributions add another dimension to his profile. Regular appearance on Engineering Matters shows that North is not confined to print journalism—he is comfortable communicating directly with industry audiences through audio, a skillset that matters increasingly for modern editorial leadership.
Taylor and Bishop's combined experience represented approximately 80 years of construction journalism between them. While no single person can replicate that depth overnight, North's track record suggests he has the editorial judgment and industry knowledge to build on their foundation rather than restart from scratch.
See also
How did Phil Bishop begin his career in construction journalism and what was his initial role?
Phil Bishop joined Cranes Today in 1986 as an editorial assistant, and quickly progressed through editorial roles as colleagues departed, giving him early leadership responsibility in a specialized publishing house.
What was David Taylor's career entry point into construction journalism and what conditions prevailed in the publishing industry at that time?
David Taylor joined New Civil Engineer magazine in 1987 during boom times for civil engineering, when the industry and its publications were thriving, shaped by strong institutional backing and growing professional demand.
How long have David Taylor and Phil Bishop been hosting the Reconstruction podcast, and why is episode 200 their final episode?
David Taylor and Phil Bishop started Reconstruction in January 2020 and have hosted for almost exactly six years. Episode 200 marks the end of their tenure, representing a natural breaking point for the show's founders.