by Nicky Smith | 2 Mar, 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 | 1 Mar, 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 | 28 Feb, 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 | 28 Feb, 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 | 28 Feb, 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 | 27 Feb, 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
by Nicky Smith | 22 Feb, 2018 | Main News Feed
FIS Skills proudly rolled out its flagship BuildBack programme in Birmingham on 16 February with an assessment day held for employers and trainees at South and City College. This is the first instalment of a nationwide rollout planned for BuildBack as part of the Fit-Out Futures strategy of enabling new entrants into the sector.
The BuildBack programme puts job seekers through two weeks of college training followed by two weeks of onsite work experience with an employer, to equip them with the skills and competencies required to pursue a career in drylining.
The event enjoyed full attendance and participation from all partners and trainees. Recognised and respected names from industry attended including, Taylor Hart Ltd, Lakeside Ceiling and Partitions Ltd, BAM Construction Midlands Ltd and Mee Refurb Ltd. It was an opportunity for employers to look around the college facilities, talk to college staff, meet the BuildBack trainees and fellow employers and partners supporting the programme.
Bob Howlett, faculty head of technology and construction said: “I thought the assessment day was a great success, I had the chance to speak to both candidates and employers and was impressed by the commitment of both, candidates obviously enjoyed the practical session and were keen to join the programme and seek opportunities in the sector. I am sure this is the start of a lasting partnership with FIS which will undoubtedly bring benefits to learners, employers and the City of Birmingham as it continues to grow and prosper.”
The trainees selected from the assessment day will begin the Specialist Upskilling Programme (SUP) in drylining in early March for two weeks. After completion of the SUP, free semi-skilled drylining trainees will be available for work placements for two weeks, providing wage-free assistance on projects from the 26 March 2018.
Phil Eves, employment and skills co-ordinator, BAM Construction said: “The BuildBack assessment day was very interactive, it gave us an opportunity to engage with the supply chain, have direct conversations with the trainees and other employers who attended and see first-hand the high quality of the college facilities that will be delivering the programme.”
Midlands based employers can register their interest in taking trainees for work placements at skills@thefis.org
Further information on the BuildBack programme can be found in the Skills Hub here.
by Clair Mooney | 21 Feb, 2018 | Main News Feed
NBS Research is carrying out this research on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). It is about how you use guidance to help you understand and comply with the Building Regulations, and in particular how you use the Approved Documents.
The survey can be found here – please complete by 6 March 2018.
If you would like more information on Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Buildings Regulations and her Interim Report it can be found here.
by Nicky Smith | 15 Feb, 2018 | Insurance, Main News Feed
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, anecdotal evidence emerged of fire insurance companies revising terms for professional indemnity and other forms of insurance.
As part of the Construction Products Association’s work for the Industry Response Group (IRG), CPA is joining with BuildUK and CIC to survey a cross-section of the industry to understand the extent of this problem for organisations operating in areas deemed high risk. The CPA would like to encourage the FIS membership to participate and disseminate to any deemed able to contribute to the results.
To participate in the short survey click here. The survey will close on 9 March 2018, all responses are anonymous.
