On 16 November, we attended the IET Innovation Awards in London. Along with 3D Repo and Balfour Beatty, we had been shortlisted in the Information Technology category for BID4Free.
Bid4Free is an open source online 3D platform for the construction industry where subcontractors can tender for projects at no additional cost.
Unfortunately, we weren’t crowned winners on this occasion but were very happy with a ‘Highly Commended’.
The BIM Forum has released the 2016 version of its Level of Development (LOD) Specification. This is a reference guide that enables practitioners in the AEC Industry to specify and articulate with a high level of clarity, the content and reliability of Building Information Models (BIMs) at various stages in the design and construction process. Follow the BIM Forum website link on the right to download your free copy.
The People’s Pension can help FIS Members understand automatic enrolment workplace pensions. They have UK-based people ready to help – over the phone, by email or via webchat. Their online help centre is full of useful guides, videos and handy checklists.
Your business can’t afford to ignore ‘automatic’ enrolment as it does require some of your input to keep within the law. We have added a helpful document within the employment section on our Knowledge Hub here.
One of the most significant rulings in employment law history came about at the end of last month, when the cab-hailing firm Uber lost a landmark tribunal decision over drivers’ working rights. The tribunal found that as the drivers worked regularly for and were subject to the terms of the firm, that they were not genuinely self-employed, and therefore should be given workers’ rights – such as holiday pay, pensions, and so on.
With Uber set to appeal, the ruling is not yet set in stone. However, it is worth noting at this stage that this could have ramifications for companies in the construction industry who use the same CIS workers on a regular basis, as the same logic could be applied.
FIS will be keeping a close eye on developments and the possible implications for our sector. We will also be responding to the Taylor Review which will look at workers’ rights following the growth of the ‘gig economy’, as this may also impact our sector.
On Monday 7 November, the annual Plaisterers’ Training Awards took place in London. The awards recognise the highest standards of achievement in training and education within the UK plastering trade.
We are delighted to hear that one of our approved training providers, Now Get Qualified Ltd, won the British Gypsum Trophy. This is judged on the best combined results gained by an independent training provider at NVQ Level 2 and Diploma in drylining.
Now Get Qualified Ltd are approved by FIS as a training provider and their vast selection of courses covering NVQ Level 2 to 6 can be viewed and booked on FIS CourseSight: https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/training/courses-index/
November’s edition of the Joint Taxation Committee’s Newsline provides information on:
HMRC are still struggling with the new CIS system that has been designed for them. If any FIS member encounters a problem, please contact Liz Bridge.
The Newsline is available to read here.
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.
