This week’s Notes give an overview of the latest Markit/CIPS PMI for construction. The third relevant authorities workshop on project data management will take place on 5 December at the Building Centre in London. Read the Notes here.
Under a new government scheme launched last week, small businesses who have had finance requests rejected by banks will be matched with alternative finance options. Nine of the UK’s biggest banks will pass on the details of rejected small businesses to three finance platforms who will then share these details with alternative finance providers, facilitating a conversation between the business and a finance provider.
These new rules make it easier for businesses to access finance, giving permission before their details are shared to Funding Xchange, Business Finance Compared and Funding Options.
Research shows that 71% of businesses seeking finance only approach one lender and many give up rather than seeking alternative investment options.
According to the Construction Trade Survey released on 7 November, growth was reported throughout the construction industry supply chain in Q3 of 2016, marking a fourteenth consecutive quarter of growth. Construction product sales volumes increased for manufacturers at the beginning of the supply chain and output was reported to have been higher for main contractors. Although specialist contractors, SME builders and civil engineering firms also reported continued growth in Q3, balances were weaker than reported a quarter earlier. Read the full survey here.
FIS has launched a BIM training package, based on its BIM Toolbox, that will allow specialist contractors to demonstrate their BIM capability and complete core PQQ requirements with confidence.
Contractors completing the training will gain an understanding of the processes and terminology required for achieving BIM Level 2 – by understanding the requirements laid out in PAS 1192-2 and other BIM documents published by BSI and the Construction Industry Council.
The training will enable participants to demonstrate their BIM capability to main contractors and prequalify by completing the PQQ requirements in the relevant sections in PAS 91 and CPIx forms with appropriate evidence of compliance.
The programme will enable provide specialist contractors with the knowledge to embed practical BIM procedures and processes into their business via four options:
• A standalone BIM quality management system
• Integration of BIM procedures into your exiting ISO 9001 management system
• UKAS Accredited ISO 9001 certification with integrated BIM procedures
• An integrated management system that will secure Triple ISO certification (quality management, environmental management, health and safety management) with integrated BIM procedures.
The programme consists of a mixture of meetings and online sessions to explain the BIM process and provide ongoing feedback until completion.
For more details, contact Andrew Foy on 07528 571357 or andrew@foycertification.com
Nominate individuals you feel have made a difference to your organisation and our sector. Award entrants will be judged by a panel, led by the FIS President. The awards are free to enter and entries must be received by Wednesday 30 November 2016.
Winners will be presented at the President’s Lunch at Plaisterers’ Hall on 7 February 2017.
