by Clair Mooney | 29 Sep, 2017 | Main News Feed
FIS became a CITB consensus federation for the first time this year and conducted its first survey of members on the future of the levy in September. The result of the survey reflected feedback from members over a sustained period, with 60% voting to reject the CITB levy proposal.
CITB and the levy is however likely to continue as a majority of the construction industry have accepted CITB proposal.
Only a small number of federations and companies have rejected the offer and the advantages of FIS gaining consensus status is clear, in that we are now able to register our own distinct vote on the subject. This allows us to press your message and views to CITB and government in a much more effective way.
There are some important lessons to be learned from our members rejecting the levy proposal. Firstly, it is clear that CITB is not serving the interests of members, with only 35p in the pound paid in levy being returned to members, despite a growing skills problem in the sector. For this reason FIS has backed BuildUK’s urgent call for reform of CITB.
Secondly, it is evident that SMEs are not engaging with training and skills because of the complexity of the process and the perceived cost of training. We will continue to work with CITB and training providers to make this process as “frictionless” as possible for contractors. Initiatives such as Coursesight which allows you to book courses, receive CITB grant payments and updates the CSCS card automatically will continue to be promoted.
The FIS Skills team are a dedicated resource set up to help members get the skilled workforce they need.
As a first step contact skills@thefis.org to find out how to get more from the CITB training levy.
by Clair Mooney | 22 Sep, 2017 | Main News Feed
FIS invites members to visit us at UK Construction Week which is being held between 10 – 12 October at the NEC in Birmingham. FIS will be exhibiting within the Surface and Materials Show on Stand M360.
The Surface & Materials Show will showcase the latest surface and material solutions for architects, interior designers, developers and industry professionals looking for cutting-edge innovations within the materials sector. Last year over 30,000 visitors attended the exhibition including 650 exhibitors covering all aspects of the sector.
Book your free place by registering, using our unique registration link https://ukcon-2017-visitor.reg.buzz/?invite=AKARD7XTJ7
- Sign up for the show and get a free VIP ticket to the #iBuiltThis2017 awards and enjoy a champagne reception with canapes.
- Find out the latest membership benefits and offers available just for you.
- Understand the latest technical advice and get a free Clients Guide to Fit-out.
- What does the recent CITB deal mean for you? FIS reveals how you can access the £2million plus pot for our sector.
- Sign-up on our partner engagement wall on the day.
As well as welcoming members and visitors to our stand M360, we have a packed agenda for the duration of the three-day show.
Tuesday 10 October
15.30 to 16.30: Hub 2
David Frise (FIS CEO): CPD Workshop – Current Building Practice is broken, we need a system reboot.
Register at: www.ukconstructionweek.com/site/building-safety
16:45 to 17:45: Surfaces and Materials Stage
#iBuiltThis2017 competition – announcement of winners of the #iBuiltThis2017 competition followed by a champagne reception and canapes.
Register at: https://ukcon-2017-visitor.reg.buzz/?invite=AKARD7XTJ7
Wednesday 11 October
10:45 – 11:15 – Surface and Materials Stage
David Frise (FIS CEO) – FIS Skills presents Fit-out Futures Programme as the solution to the sectors skills gap.
Register at: https://ukcon-2017-visitor.reg.buzz/?invite=AKARD7XTJ7
11.30 to 12:30 – Hub 1
David Frise (FIS CEO) – CPD Workshop – Current Building Practice is broken, we need a system reboot.
Register at: www.ukconstructionweek.com/site/building-safety
15.30 to 16.30 – Hub 1
Joe Cilia (FIS technical manager) – CPD workshop – A guide to specification of products.
Register at: www.ukconstructionweek.com/site/building-safety
by Nicky Smith | 5 Sep, 2017 | Main News Feed
The #iBuiltThis2017 competition is open for entries until midnight on Wednesday 27 September. FIS Skills has launched its image-led campaign to attract young people and promote the construction industry as a career choice. There are fabulous prizes on offer for each of the three age categories:
Age Group 19 and over
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and The London Eye Champagne Experience
Age Group 14-18*
Chessington World of Adventures and overnight stay at the Safari Hotel
Age Group 13 and under*
Family package to LEGOLAND Windsor and an overnight stay at the LEGOLAND Castle based on a family of 4
The Judging Panel has a stellar line-up and includes Amanda Clack, RICS President and Mark Farmer, author of the October 2016 UK Government Review ‘Modernise or Die’.
The competition will run for a period of three weeks, from 4 September. Winners will be announced at UK Construction Week which takes place from 10 to 12 October 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham.
For details on how to enter the competition, there is a step-by-step guide here. To find out more and enter, click here.
*Under 18’s will require prior parental/guardian consent to enter the competition.
by Nicky Smith | 4 Sep, 2017 | Main News Feed
A summary of August’s data from the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI® revealed the weakest upturn in UK construction output for 12 months.
Other key findings include:
-
- Marginal increase in overall construction activity
- Robust rise in house building offset by marked fall in commercial work
- New business declines for the second month running
To view the full report, click here.
by Nicky Smith | 31 Aug, 2017 | Main News Feed
During August, we welcomed five new companies to the FIS membership. As Contractor Members, the three companies are SEC Interiors Ltd, Sussex and Surrey Partitioning Ltd and TimK Construction Ltd.
As Supplier Members, the companies are Safety Signs & Supplies and William Smith Group. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with our new and existing members.
by Nicky Smith | 31 Aug, 2017 | Main News Feed
In the September edition of SpecFinish, Paul Thompson looks at the industry’s shift towards off-site fabrication.
The launch of FIS Skills’ #iBuiltThis2017 is featured on page 18. Find out how you can enter the competition to be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize!
In the technical article, Joe Cilia looks at steel partitioning and why sales are growing.
Read more in the September edition of SpecFinish online here or the PDF version here.
