News

Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI: March

Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI: March

A summary of the data from the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI for March revealed that weaker housing activity growth weighed on the UK construction sector. Other key findings included: Business activity growth eased in March Housing slowdown offset rebound in civil...

Apprenticeship funding guide

Apprenticeship funding guide

CITB has produced an Apprenticeship Funding Guide which provides key points under the following headings: From 1 May 2017 employers with a wage bill of more than £3 million will have to pay the Apprenticeship Levy Selecting an apprenticeship training provider Paying...

Our president in America

Our president in America

FIS president Steve Coley attended the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry's Annual Convention 26-30 March 2017. Steve represented FIS at the American association's event and brought us the latest news, products and systems direct from the convention and...

Building futures with BuildBack

Building futures with BuildBack

The FIS skills team will be showcasing its flagship BuildBack programme at Tyne Metropolitan College's open day on 10 April. This will provide an opportunity to celebrate the success of the first pilot scheme which has taken place in Newcastle. The demand for a place...

Smart gloves will warn workers of vibration dangers

Smart gloves will warn workers of vibration dangers

Smart gloves embedded with tiny sensors have been developed by Nottingham Trent University to help protect workers from exposure to vibration. The technology will warn wearers to stop work when a dangerous level of exposure to vibrations is about to be experienced....

Government propose to introduce a VAT reverse charge in construction

Government propose to introduce a VAT reverse charge in construction

Government has issued a consultation proposing to introduce a VAT reverse charge in construction. This will affect many firms within FIS membership and we should respond as soon as possible; it is likely that legislation will be enacted quickly due to the Government’s...

CMA’s crackdown on price-fixing

CMA’s crackdown on price-fixing

As part of a major crackdown by the Competition and Markets Authority, whistleblowers are being offered up to £100,000 for exposing price-fixing in construction. The reward is being highlighted as the CMA launches its first-ever advertising campaign to stamp out...

Supplier engagement event on 29 March

Supplier engagement event on 29 March

Contractor Durkan is holding a free supplier engagement event on 29 March between 10am to 12pm. They are looking to place deals worth £4m with subcontractors and suppliers on its latest mixed use scheme in Aylesbury. After signing a deal with Aylesbury Vale District...

Progress on CPR Delegated Acts

Progress on CPR Delegated Acts

The CPA has released the updated roadmap showing the progress of the numerous Delegated Acts to the Construction Products Regulation, as at 27 February 2017. Members should be aware of the following issues and progress of these delegated acts: • Classification without...