Industry News

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Construction industry 'has benefited from migrant workers'30/04/2008 13:27:46

The UK's construction industry has benefited from the influx of migrant workers into the sector, according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

John Slaughter, the body's director of external affairs, has stated that those in the trade would view the introduction of such labour as 'largely positive', but added that it did not mean that less importance has been based on developing skills in Britain.

The expert went on to explain that the availability of skilled migrant workers cannot be matched by joining the industry through a college system, as the latter 'takes time'.

He added: 'I don't think there's any evidence that the influx has been unhelpful to bringing forward new recruits into the industry from the indigenous population.

'It hasn't harmed the possibilities for the indigenous population to develop skills.'

A recent report by the BBC stated that a House of Lords committee recently ruled that the introduction of migrant workers into the UK has been of 'small benefit' to the area's economy.

ScotAsh wins Queen's Award28/04/2008 11:37:40

ScotAsh, a company which specialises in the production of green construction products, has announced it has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise.

A joint venture between energy provider ScottishPower and Lafarge Cement UK, the company has been recognised for its work in the area of sustainable development.

It is also the second time in the past three years that the firm has won a Queen's Award, after it was also given the prize for innovation in 2005.

Over the past year, the company sold around one million tonnes of its products, which include cement, grout and stabilisation materials.

The managing director of ScotAsh, Peter Quinn, said: 'Receiving a Queen's Award is a great honour.

'To receive two such awards in different categories in such a short timescale is a rare distinction that underlines the merits of our strategy and workforce.'

At the end of last year, ScotAsh also reached the safety milestone of five years without a lost time accident.

Manchester project wins award23/04/2008 16:08:28

A regeneration project in Manchester has been named the most considerate construction site in the UK in a major awards scheme.

Managed by Birse Civils, New East Manchester and English Partnerships, the Beswick development beat around 6,500 sites to scoop the National Considerate Constructors Scheme prize.

The site has been praised by schools and other organisations in the community for its clean and professional appearance, while it was also found to meet regulations in the Code of Considerate Practice.

Birse Civils' regional managing director Dave Lowiss said the award was a 'testimony' to the team working on the project.

'It demonstrates our commitment to presenting a professional public image of the construction industry on behalf of our customers and to the local communities in which we work,' he added.

Carillion was also a major winner in the awards scheme, scooping the Gold Considerate Constructors prize for its work on the Project HAL development in north London.

Skanska awarded new office contract22/04/2008 13:20:21

Construction group Skanska has announced it has been awarded a contract to build a new office development in London.

Development Securities gave the firm the contract for the Two Kingdom Street project in Paddington Central, which will involve the construction of a 13-storey building.

Commercial interiors opportunities may arise on the 46,200 square metre development, which is expected to feature ten floors of office space as well as two levels of studio workspace.

Solar panels will be installed to contribute to the building's hot water services, while the reception is set to feature bespoke panel wall linings and specialist lighting.

Julian Barwick, director of Development Securities, called Skanska a 'great team', before adding that he looked forward to the completion of the building in 2010.

Earlier this month, Skanska was also awarded a contract by Minerva to construct a new 14-storey development in the City of London.

The St Botolphs project is expected to include the creation of 560,000 square feet of grade A office space.

ODA announces high levels of site safety21/04/2008 13:22:58

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has revealed that over two million working hours have been carried out on its construction sites without an accident being reported.

According to the organisation, around 2,000 people have worked to clean and clear the Olympic Park site since July in preparation for the building of new venues.

The organisation has also stated that work on the stadium for the sporting event is expected to begin in May, which is three months ahead of schedule.

John Arnitt, the ODA chairman, said that reaching over two million working hours without an accident is a 'great achievement' and is due to the 'dedication of teams on the site'.

However he added: 'A big challenge lies ahead of us as we prepare for the start of the 'big build' and construction work starting ahead of schedule in May, but we will continue to ensure that health and safety comes first.'

News of the safety landmark has come after the ODA announced the creation of an adjudication panel which will work to avoid disputes that could arise during construction work for the sporting event.

Construction competition held in Preston16/04/2008 12:00:28

Preston is playing host to a major construction competition designed to showcase the talent of young workers in the trade today.

The SkillBuild north-west regional heat at Preston College is featuring some of the area's finest talent, the best of which will be then picked to represent their region in a national final in October.

Competitors are judges on their skills in a number of fields, including carpentry, bricklaying and joinery, reports the Lancashire Evening Post.

Speaking to the newspaper, the head of Preston College's construction academy Dave Brown said: 'Today's construction qualifications are about demonstrating competence, not measuring skill levels.

'This competition allows trainees to demonstrate excellence within their craft, raise the standards and inspire others.'

Ucatt, one of the construction industry's leading trade unions, recently claimed that encouraging more talent to join the sector is a 'key priority' for the trade.

The organisation also stated that work-based apprenticeships are ideal to promote career opportunities to those interested in the field.

CIOB announces new training event15/04/2008 12:29:19

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has announced plans to hold a training event about delay and disruption in construction contracts.

Scheduled to be held from June 11th in London, the event is part of a series of seminars being held across the globe to highlight issues being affected by professionals within the sector.

The conference, which has been organised with Hill International, will explore the approaches that companies can take to avoid potential disputes over construction projects.

Michael Brown, director of CIOB International, said the event was 'a crucial vehicle to disseminate comprehensive information and advice to update the industry's top professionals about key industry issues'.

He added: 'Delegates are informed about potential issues and then equipped to address them by improving both their own and their business' efficiency and professionalism.'

News on the CIOB's event has come after the organisation also recently launched a new guide for the construction industry about the implementation of Site Waste Management Plans.

ODA launches dispute panel09/04/2008 11:42:24

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has launched a new panel created to avoid any contractual disputes during work for the sporting event.

Called the Independent Dispute Avoidance Panel (IDAP), the expert panel will work with both the ODA and contractors in an effort to stop any problems arising which may affect construction work related to the London 2012 Games.

An adjudication panel will also back up the work of the IDAP and rule on disputes that could not be avoided.

Dr Martin Barnes, the chair of the IDAP, said the 'innovative approach' of avoid disputes rather than resolving them is 'essential'.

'The panel brings an independent perspective to helping ensure that the London 2012 projects are completed on time and within budget and enhance the reputation of UK construction,' he added.

Balfour Beatty and a consortium featuring Robert McAlpine have recently been awarded contracts by the ODA to build major venues for the Games.

Galliford Try 'delighted' with award win07/04/2008 12:29:53

Housebuilder Galliford Try has revealed it is 'absolutely delighted' with its win at the Building Awards last week.

The company's Linden Homes division received the Housebuilder of the Year award at the major industry event, which was created to reward best practice and innovation in the construction trade.

Linden Homes was praised by judges specifically for its ambition and diversity in its housing designs, as well as its development of brownfield sites.

Galliford Try's managing director Chris Coates said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be awarded the title of Best Housebuilder from Building.

He also dedicated the win to staff from right across the company, saying their hard work is 'invaluable to maintaining such a high standard across the Galliford Try Homes group'.

Verry Construction was also among the winners at the annual awards ceremony last week, scooping the prize for Contractor of the Year.

The chairman of the Construction Industry Council, Nick Raynsford was also named Personality of the Year.

HBF: Prefab housing 'better for environment'01/04/2008 13:33:08

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has stated that prefabricated housing can be more eco-friendly than more traditional forms of home building.

John Slaughter of the organisation has said that the housing, which is partially manufactured off-site in factory environments, can offer homeowners a high level of energy efficiency.

He explained that the use of exact specifications on the buildings means that air tightness and insulation quality is generally of a high standard.

'There could be a number of elements as to why prefabrication is more environmentally friendly, but probably the most obvious area will be in terms of environmental performance standards,' he added.

Mr Slaughter's comments on the benefits of prefabricated housing have come after the HBF also welcomed the government's decision to review its planning application processes.

The organisation's executive chairman Stewart Baseley said it was time for the government to 'get to grips once and for all' with the system, before adding that the process should be 'fit for purpose for the 21st century'.