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.
by Nicky Smith | Mar 27, 2018 | Main News Feed
We have seen examples of non-system (third-party) products being promoted for use in performance systems, and although they have performance claims and test evidence, they may not have evidence of being tested in manufacturers’ systems.
This may not come to light until compliance evidence is requested, by which time the product may be installed and any performance warranties from system manufacturers become null and void, with dire consequences.
We recommend that any changes to a system by including third-party products are checked before installation and that a letter of confirmation is requested before proceeding. If you are in any doubt, check with your system supplier.
If you have any questions, please contact Joe Cilia, Technical Director: joecilia@thefis.org
by Nicky Smith | Mar 27, 2018 | Main News Feed
The HMRC will be running free webinars in April, providing members with advice and support regarding the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Whether you’re new to CIS or building on your existing knowledge, the online help will explain how the scheme works and your responsibilities.
CIS for subcontractors – Thursday 12 April – 5 pm to 5.45pm
This webinar provides guidance to businesses and includes:
– An overview of the scheme
– Getting started in CIS
– Payment & Deduction statements
– Records you need to keep
Register here
CIS for contractors – Friday 13 April – 9 am to 10 am
This webinar includes:
– An overview of the scheme
– Engaging and paying subcontractors
– What information you need to report to HMRC
– How long you need to keep records for
Register here
You will be able to ask questions during the webinars using the on-screen text box.
by Nicky Smith | Mar 22, 2018 | Main News Feed
More and more public and private stakeholders are considering indoor air quality (IAQ) as a very relevant building performance characteristic. However, existing schemes at national and EU level are falling short of providing a comprehensive system covering design, construction and product information to guarantee reasonable levels of indoor air quality.
The CPA, in discussion with the Subgroup on Dangerous Substances (SGDS) and other stakeholders, have questioned if the focus on product performance only, without including design of buildings/rooms and the installation, is not falling short of creating an efficient approach to provide a safe indoor air environment. The experts of the SGDS have clearly pointed out that this will require more professional expertise than they could provide – in particular, the input of designers and contractors.
FIS members are invited to provide comment and/or work on a European Commission proposal on a global/holistic approach to indoor air quality. Interested member companies or individual experts should download this document and then contact the UK representative Tim.Yates@bre.co.uk by 6 April 2018, cc’ing joecilia@thefis.org
If enough interest is received, respondents will be invited to a brainstorming meeting in Brussels before the summer.
by Nicky Smith | Mar 21, 2018 | Main News Feed
Robert Barker, FIS membership manager, will be retiring on Monday 26 March. Robert joined the company in September 2006 when it was known as the Association of Interior Specialists (AIS). Previously, Robert has worked for a number of members including Burgess Architectural Products (now Burgess CEP), SAS International, Nevill Long Contractors, Sabre Contractors, Phoenix Flangeclamp and Roskel Contracts. With over 45 years in commercial interiors, Robert has been both a contractor and product sales manager. In the mid-90s he ran his own company called Associated Louvres and Diffusers (ALD) and over the years has worked in Europe, USA, South Africa, Turkey and the Middle East.
David Frise, CEO said: “Robert has been a great servant of the FIS, he has used his vast knowledge about interiors and finishes to help members through many of the pitfalls of fit-out. He has a wealth of experience about products and good practice and a “rolodex” that meant he always knew who to contact. We are going to miss him very much.”
From all of us at FIS we would like to take this opportunity to thank Robert for his hard work and dedication to the role, and we’re sure that you will join us in wishing Robert and Rita a very happy retirement.
