by Nicky Smith | Apr 12, 2018 | Main News Feed
The Chancellor launched a call for evidence at the Spring Statement to examine how charges or changes to the tax system could tackle the problems associated with single-use plastic waste. As part of the government’s call for evidence, the Treasury is examining different solutions to reducing single-use plastic waste across a variety of sectors. The Treasury has contacted CPA to ensure that the construction product sector makes its views known through this Call for Evidence.
CPA would like to hear from FIS members about any views and concerns they might have around potential policies. As well as plastic packaging this could include construction products made from plastic and any members who make products from reprocessed plastic.
The deadline for evidence to the Treasury is 18 May so please provide feedback by 27 April to Joe Cilia, Technical Director: joecilia@thefis.org
Read the document Tackling the plastic problem – Using the tax system or charges to address single-use plastic waste
by Nicky Smith | Apr 6, 2018 | Main News Feed
The following updated documents have been published; please see Transitional arrangements (below) for the date of applicability.
1. Approved Document L1b Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings 2010 edition incorporating 2018 amendments. This changes all references to the (3) below
2. 2018 amendments to 2010 edition of AD L1B – Corrigenda Provides a list of the actual changes in (1) above
3. Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide 2013 incorporating 2018 amendments. These changes introduce revised standards concerning the installation and replacement of gas-fired and oil-fired boilers in existing dwellings. The changes affect Sections 2 & 3 and parts of the Introduction section.
All documents can be found here
Transitional arrangements:
These documents come into force on 6 April 2018 only in respect of:
• Work where a building notice was given or full plans deposited on or after 6 April 2018, or
• Work where the contract for the provision of the work was agreed on or after that date in cases where no notification to a building control body is required
The previous editions of AD L1B and domestic building services compliance guide will continue to apply in respect of:
• Work commenced before 6 April 2018
• Work where a building notice or initial notice was given or full plans deposited before 6 April 2018
• Work where a contract for the provision of the work was agreed before 6 April 2018 where no notification to a building control body was required.
by Nicky Smith | Apr 6, 2018 | Main News Feed
It is with great sadness that we inform members that Keith Wilson passed away peacefully at the end of March. Keith was a director of fit-out contractor Teewey Office Fitters. He was a founding member of the Partitioning Industry Association (PIA) and served on its Board for many years, becoming President in 1983.
His funeral takes place on 20 April at Weybridge Cemetery, Brooklands Lane, Weybridge KT13 8UX at 1pm and reception at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge. For further details, telephone Stuart Wilson on 07786 141039.
by Nicky Smith | Apr 4, 2018 | Main News Feed
Following the successful Midlands-based BuildBack cohort which took place last month, we are pleased to announce that the nationwide roll-out, part of the Fit-Out Futures strategy, will begin at Sheffield College in May.
The FIS BuildBack programme puts job seekers through two weeks of college drylining training followed by two weeks of onsite work experience with an employer, equipping them with the skills and competencies required to pursue a career in drylining.
We will be hosting a series of employer open days across the country; designed for employers to come along and meet with the drylining trainees and programme partners, look around the college facilities and hear more about the BuildBack programme and how it can benefit their business. Our partner colleges are scheduled to be opening their doors on the following dates:
Sheffield – 9 May 2018
South and City Birmingham – 31 May 2018
Wigan and Leigh (Greater Manchester Colleges Group) – 7 June 2018
NPTC Group of Colleges – 14 June 2018
Lewisham Southwark – 20 June 2018
Astins – 21 June 2018
Colchester – 22 June 2018
Silver Trowel – 5 July 2018
For local employers, this is an ideal opportunity to select semi-skilled drylining trainees for wage-free assistance on their projects. Getting involved in the FIS BuildBack Programme by providing work experience is a prime opportunity for employers to prove some aspects of fulfilment of their Section 106 contractual obligations.
Download the BuildBack Employer Flyer to find out more or register your interest via email: skills@thefis.org
by Nicky Smith | Apr 4, 2018 | Main News Feed
March data revealed a setback for the UK construction sector following five months of marginal business activity growth. However, survey respondents noted that unusually bad weather conditions had been a key factor behind the drop in construction output, with snow-related disruption having a particularly negative impact on civil engineering projects. Business activity expectations and job creation both picked up in March, which provides a clear signal that construction firms anticipate a rebound in activity during the months ahead.
The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) fell sharply from 51.4 in February to 47.0 in March, to register below the 50.0 no-change threshold for the first time in six months. Moreover, the latest reading signalled the fastest overall decline in construction output since July 2016. Where a drop in work was reported, survey respondents noted that unusually bad weather had disrupted staff availability and activity on site.
Duncan Brock, Director of Customer Relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “There was some good news as purchasing levels increased slightly, sustained by the respite of pressure from cost increases which were the lowest since June 2016 and where the worst impact of the weak pound on prices may have dissipated. With the strongest job creation this year, firms had a more hopeful outlook for the coming months coupled with the highest level of optimism since June 2017, as they scoured the wider marketplace for opportunities.”
Download the full report here.
by Nicky Smith | Mar 29, 2018 | Main News Feed
During March, we welcomed two new companies to the FIS membership; Komfort is a manufacturer of internal glazed and solid partitions with integrated doorsets. Penlaw is a distributor of drywall and associated building products.
We look forward to a long and successful relationship with our new and existing members going forward in 2018. A range of membership benefits, Special Interest Forums, events and publications are available in the FIS Membership Hub.
