by Nicky Smith | Mar 2, 2018 | Main News Feed
February data pointed to a continuation of the subdued growth conditions reported across the UK construction sector at the beginning of 2018. Total business activity increased only marginally during the latest survey period, while new work decreased for the second month running.
Anecdotal evidence suggested that fragile business confidence and ongoing political uncertainty remained key factors holding back client demand. At the same time, strong input cost pressures were reported in February, with higher raw material prices, fuel bills and staff wages reported by survey respondents.
Survey respondents cited fragile client confidence, a headwind from political uncertainty and a continued lack of tender opportunities to replace completed work on infrastructure projects.
Construction companies indicated that business confidence moderated since January and was at one of the lowest levels seen in the past five years. Some firms noted that resilient UK economic conditions had supported optimism. However, there were also reports that Brexit-related uncertainty continued to influence decision making and act as a drag on the demand outlook.
Duncan Brock, Director of Customer Relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “The sector was feeling as flat as a pancake in February with falls in new orders for the second month in a row and with just a marginal rise in overall activity, as ongoing political and economic uncertainty shouldered the blame. Cost pressures continued to creep up and bear down on purchasing activity as raw materials became even more expensive and in shorter supply, and vendor performance degraded again impacting on the completion of projects. A talent shortage also gave staff the power to demand higher wages, adding to the overall cost burdens for business.”
Download the full report here.
by Nicky Smith | Mar 1, 2018 | Main News Feed
In the March edition of SpecFinish, Helen Yeulet, FIS Skills Delivery Director looks at the need for specialist contractors to demonstrate competence in the sector and how the CSCS card has an essential role to play.
Technical Director Joe Cilia meets up with interior and architectural photographer Marek Sikora to ask “what makes a good picture?” Marek provides some useful pointers for fit-out contractors.
Simon Lewis, a partner in the Construction and Engineering team at Womble Bond Dickinson, considers the implications for the supply chain following Carillion’s demise.
Read more in the March edition of SpecFinish online via the Publications section of the website or the PDF version here.
by Nicky Smith | Feb 28, 2018 | Main News Feed
During February, we welcomed three new companies to the FIS membership; MP Drywall and SBR Refurbishment are contractor members and Building Additions Ltd is a supplier member.
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.
All FIS contractor members are reminded that they can enter the Scottish Awards here; we look forward to seeing your entries!
by Clair Mooney | Feb 28, 2018 | Main News Feed
After the Lobbying (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent in April 2016, the Lobbying Register website was launched in October 2017. It was also announced that the Act would come into force from 12 March 2018, impacting any individual or business who engages in ‘regulated lobbying’.
From 12 March, individuals or businesses engaged in regulated lobbying will be required to record details of their activities on the new online lobbying register. The Register is also searchable by anyone with an interest in finding out about regulated lobbying activity that has taken place.
Regulated lobbying includes activity which takes place face-to-face with MSPs, members of the Scottish Government, Scottish Government Special Advisers or the Scottish Government Permanent Secretary and which relates to Scottish Government or parliamentary functions.
In the run-up to the Act coming into force, the Scottish Lobbying Registrar’s team has produced a 5-step guide to help businesses establish whether or not what they are doing falls under the terms of the Act.
Ultimately, the Scottish Lobbying Act will increase transparency in how businesses engage with key political stakeholders in Scotland. With the right procedures in place, businesses will be able to continue their lobbying and gain more systematic insight into their political engagement.
by Nicky Smith | Feb 28, 2018 | Main News Feed
After the Lobbying (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent in April 2016, the Lobbying Register website was launched in October 2017. It was also announced that the Act would come into force from 12 March 2018, impacting any individual or business who engages in ‘regulated lobbying’.
From 12 March, individuals or businesses engaged in regulated lobbying will be required to record details of their activities on the new online lobbying register. The Register is also searchable by anyone with an interest in finding out about regulated lobbying activity that has taken place.
Regulated lobbying includes activity which takes place face-to-face with MSPs, members of the Scottish Government, Scottish Government Special Advisers or the Scottish Government Permanent Secretary and which relates to Scottish Government or parliamentary functions.
In the run-up to the Act coming into force, the Scottish Lobbying Registrar’s team has produced a 5-step guide to help businesses establish whether or not what they are doing falls under the terms of the Act, see link on the right.
Ultimately, the Scottish Lobbying Act will increase transparency in how businesses engage with key political stakeholders in Scotland. With the right procedures in place, businesses will be able to continue their lobbying and gain more systematic insight into their political engagement.
by Nicky Smith | Feb 27, 2018 | Main News Feed
In response to the Dame Judith Hackitt Interim Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has initiated the following work streams:
- Design Construction & Refurbishment
- Procurement & Supply
- Occupation & Maintenance
- Golden Thread
- Quality Assurance & Products
- Competence
- Residents’ Voice
- Regulation & Guidance.
The Construction Products Association has been invited to contribute to Golden Thread, Quality Assurance & Products and Regulation & Guidance, with meetings having commenced during the week of 19 February. The work streams are presently focusing on scopes and CPA will be coming to its membership as questions arise. In the interim, if FIS members have any contributions that they would like to submit, contact joecilia@thefis.org or alternatively email CPA at IRG@constructionproducts.org.uk and CC joecilia@thefis.org
