by Nicky Smith | 6 Apr, 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 | 4 Apr, 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 | 4 Apr, 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 | 29 Mar, 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 | 27 Mar, 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 | 27 Mar, 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.
