OFTEC appoints new CEO Published: 22 April, 2016 Paul Rose has been appointed as the new chief executive for OFTEC (the Oil Firing Technical Association). He will take over on 1 August 2016 from Jeremy Hawksley, who is retiring. Currently OFTEC’s technical director, Mr Rose has worked in a number
The Electrical Industries Charity is delighted to announce it is now accepting applications for the Virgin Money London Marathon, which takes place on 23 April 2017. Register today and secure your place in one of the largest fundraising events on the planet. Hurry applications are closing soon.
Category: Construction Industry Today | Subscribe to Construction Industry Today Feed Published Fri, Mar 18th 2016 ISG is to deliver the British Antarctic Survey’s £3.4 million Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre at the organisation’s headquarters in Cambridge. Posted via Industry Today. Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday The new Aurora Cambridge
Hampshire County Council specifically wants small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to pitch for slots on its minor works framework Estimated total value of work to be let through the framework during its four-year term is between £112m and £240m. The minor works framework is divided into five lots: Lot
One of the biggest challenges facing the engineering leadership community in high-risk industries is delivering value to the business. Given that safety and risk management is and should be the highest priority, how can businesses deliver safe design / operations AND maintain competitive advantage? Learning Outcomes Understand the specific challenges
4 April 2016 | Sixty-four per cent of retail chains operating in the UK plan to implement the National Living Wage (NLW) for all employees irrespective of age, according to a survey by global advisory firm Willis Towers Watson. In addition, nearly half (45 per cent) report that they
Good news for those already on the property ladder as it has been announced that the annual growth of housing price has seen a notable increase of over 10% this March, with both quarterly and monthly increased also reported in the most recent index. The total increase came in at
In recent news it can be seen that St John’s College has now appointed Turnstone Estates as the development manager for assisting in the delivery of a brand new office, and research and development building at the park’s south gate. The project, the Maurice Wilkes Building will also see Savills
Christian Winter, 32, has been served a sentence for community service after deceiving a landload about gas safety checks. The illegal gas fitter was actually unregistered and trading under CJS Winter Plumbing and Heating Services. Christian the unregistered gas fitter illegally installed a gas boiler at the landlords property and
Teapots are the nickname for independent oil refineries in China, the oil refineries are causing an increase in market share, and the slowing economy is rewarding the refineries who have more flexible and adaptable business models, it piles further pressure onto margins for the country’s oil majors who have found
OFTEC appoints new CEO Published: 22 April, 2016 Paul Rose has been appointed as the new chief executive for OFTEC (the Oil Firing Technical Association). He will take over on 1 August 2016 from Jeremy Hawksley, who is retiring. Currently OFTEC’s technical director, Mr Rose has worked in a number of technical roles for the organisation since joining it in 2005. He was appointed as chief executive following a competitive selection process during which external candidates were interviewed. OFTEC chairman Nick Hawkins said: “Paul is very well known in the oil heating sector having been technical director at OFTEC since 2011. He represents OFTEC on a number of national and European technical panels relating to heating. Paul is a member of the Chartered Management Institute, Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE), and is a UKAS technical assessor in the area of ‘certification of persons’, a route to registering with a competent person scheme. “The Board is confident that Paul is the right person to take OFTEC forward and to ensure that oil heating and cooking has a bright future.” Source link
The Electrical Industries Charity is delighted to announce it is now accepting applications for the Virgin Money London Marathon, which takes place on 23 April 2017. Register today and secure your place in one of the largest fundraising events on the planet. Hurry applications are closing soon. The London Marathon remains one of the biggest charity fundraising events in the UK, and the Charity is urging members of the industry to take part in this iconic event and raise much-needed funds to help those in our industry when they need it most. The Virgin Money London Marathon has received over 253,000 applications for the 2017 event. It is time for you to do the same and join them at this historic sporting event. Don’t wait until it is too late to do something incredible next year. The deadline for applications is on Thursday 1 September 2016. All applicants will be notified if they are successful by 31 October 2016. Managing director, Tessa Ogle said: “The Virgin Money London Marathon is one of the most famous races in the world that receives thousands of participants each year who are challenging their personal abilities to raise money for those who matter to them the most. In the past two years, the charity’s runners took to the streets of London and raised thousands of pounds for the Electrical Industries Charity. We are hoping to raise even more money in the upcoming year. “Now is your opportunity to challenge yourself and to show your support for your charity by securing your place and raising money for those who need your help the most.” Book your place today. For further information regarding the minimum donation or to register for a Virgin Money London Marathon place, please contact Vicky Gray email: vicky.gray@electricalcharity.org Source link
Category: Construction Industry Today | Subscribe to Construction Industry Today Feed Published Fri, Mar 18th 2016 ISG is to deliver the British Antarctic Survey’s £3.4 million Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre at the organisation’s headquarters in Cambridge. Posted via Industry Today. Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday The new Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre is funded by UK Government through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) with support from Cambridge University, and is a research-led organisation that seeks to be a world-leader in polar science and operations – encouraging global collaboration in the field. The new centre is a joint venture between British Antarctic Survey (BAS), NERC and Cambridge University, and is the first scheme to be commissioned in a wider development masterplan for the university’s west campus. The Aurora Cambridge Innovation Centre will enable BAS to further promote research and entrepreneurial activity into climate change, environmental stewardship and technologies for challenging environments. The scheme includes the refurbishment of the organisation’s existing building and the construction of a new 5,400 sq ft two-storey extension, with an eye-catching hexagonal glazed cladding system referencing the molecular structure of ice. ISG will create a 50-seat lecture theatre, two 40-seat seminar rooms and four meeting rooms on the first floor of the glass-fronted extension, with a new library and reception area at ground floor level. The centre will also offer a 32-desk, open plan collaboration area, providing work and study space for those with an interest in the organisation’s environmental research. The company will upgrade the building’s mechanical and electrical services infrastructure, as well as existing welfare amenities and improve circulation areas, including the construction of a new staircase. Externally, ISG will carry out landscaping and planting works, including the provision of a green sedum roof. Liam Duffy, ISG’s regional director – East, commented: “Climate change and environmental challenges are amongst the most urgent issues facing the scientific community, and the work we are carrying out for NERC at the BAS headquarters in Cambridge will make a significant contribution to research and collaboration. The scheme has been designed to offer flexible and multi-functional spaces that foster close working and knowledge sharing and we are delighted to add this win to our growing portfolio of leading-edge scientific and research projects across the UK.” Source link
Hampshire County Council specifically wants small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to pitch for slots on its minor works framework Estimated total value of work to be let through the framework during its four-year term is between £112m and £240m. The minor works framework is divided into five lots: Lot 1 (building works, valued between £1 and £250,000); Lot 2 (building works, valued between £250,000 and £1m); Lot 3 (building recladding, valued between £1m and £2m); Lot 4 (doors and windows, valued between £1 and £500,000); Lot 5 (roofing works, valued between £1 and £250,000). Interested companies need to submit their pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) by 28th June 2016. This can be found online at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/hampshire. The contract notice (2016/S 102-182002) published on the OJEU can be seen online at http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:182002-2016:TEXT:EN:HTML. The National Federation of Builders said that it applauded Hampshire County Council for making construction work available to local SME contractors. Chief executive Richard Beresford said: “We urge our members with experience in the region to bid for work as this will encourage future, similar opportunities in Hampshire. Opening up construction work opportunities to SMEs is crucial for local authorities because it ensures value for money. For every £1 spent with an SME, 90p remains in the local economy.” This article was published on 13 Jun 2016 (last updated on 13 Jun 2016). Source link
One of the biggest challenges facing the engineering leadership community in high-risk industries is delivering value to the business. Given that safety and risk management is and should be the highest priority, how can businesses deliver safe design / operations AND maintain competitive advantage? Learning Outcomes Understand the specific challenges in HSSE management for high risk industries and explore solutions. Understand the journey of organisational cultural change for success. Understand the application of Technical Risk Management for low probability and high consequence events. Understand good practice for technical leadership in high-risk industry. Delivery Method In this Master Class we aim to outline concepts and principles based on technology, risk and project management good practice. We are delighted to have several high profile guest speakers (former senior leaders from high-risk industries and regulators). These interactive guest speaker sessions are a great opportunity for delegates to learn from invaluable project and operations experience. A short pre-work will aim to identify delegate challenges in Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE). During the Master Class our subject matter experts and delegates will work together to consider sustainable solutions to the main challenges identified. Draft Programme includes Day 1 Approx Timings 12:00 – 17:00 Registration and Lunch Welcome: Prof Andrew Curran HSE Chief Scientific Adviser (HSE) Introductions and Overview of the Event: Prof Gale (UoM) Keynote Speaker TBC Ice Breaking Exercise – The Marshmallow Challenge: Prof Andrew Gale (UoM) Challenges with Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE): Dr Moray Kidd (UoM) Technical Risk Management for Low Probability & High Consequence Events: Matt Clay (HSL) Evening Meal Fire Side Chat: Keynote Speaker TBC Day 2 Approx Timings 08:30 – 16:00 Learning Circles – Reflections from Day 1: Dr Moray Kidd (UoM) All Technical Risk Management for Low Probability & High Consequence Events: Matt Clay (HSL) Guided Tour of HSL How to avoid Project Wreckages: Prof Andrew Gale (UoM) Mindful Leadership in Technical Safety: Rosemary Whitbread (HSL) Plenary Discussion: Dr Moray Kidd (UoM) Closing Remarks and Evaluation Who should attend Engineering or project managers aspiring to become future senior leaders within high-risk industries. Venue The Masterclass will be run at the Health & Safety Laboratory in the spa town of Buxton. Buxton is in the heart of the Peak District and has good links to mainline train stations and Manchester International Airport. Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitbuxton.co.uk Cost The cost of this Masterclass is £1200 per person, this price includes an evening meal on 9th November. Delegates will receive a Statement of Achievement on successful completion. This Masterclass is run in partnership with The University of Manchester DOWNLOAD MASTERCLASS FLYER Source link
4 April 2016 | Sixty-four per cent of retail chains operating in the UK plan to implement the National Living Wage (NLW) for all employees irrespective of age, according to a survey by global advisory firm Willis Towers Watson. In addition, nearly half (45 per cent) report that they will exceed the NLW and pay up to £7.50 an hour. The survey says that over a quarter (27 per cent) of employees currently earn less than the NLW, 43 per cent of whom are over 25. The survey shows that small and large retailers are more likely to offer at least the NLW to all of their employees regardless of age, while only half of mid-tier retailers (10,000 to 49,000 employees) plan to do so. Tom Hellier, UK practice lead, rewards at Willis Towers Watson, said: “It is good to see that a number of employers are embracing the spirit of the law and not just doing the bare minimum. Lesser implementation of the NLW to all employees is lower in mid-sized employers, but these organisations tend to have larger numbers of people in the under-25 bracket. With this in mind, it’s possible that the cost implications for mid-sized retailers are simply higher.” Additionally the survey reports that 36 per cent of firms expect the NLW to affect higher earners, of which 38 per cent will review pay for the whole workforce, however, more than half (59 per cent) expect no impact on current staffing models. Hellier added: “Only a small number of companies foresee an immediate reduction in headcount or recruitment activity, or an increased reliance on part-time or seasonal staff, although this contradicts some research which predicts long-term job losses. An area that does cause employers anxiety, though, is the potential for pay compression and, in particular, the potential costs associated with maintaining appropriate pay differentials across the organisation. “Another common theme we see in the research is concern that the NLW will reduce retailers’ ability to differentiate from other organisations when it comes to pay. This will emphasise the importance of brand and the employee value proposition when it comes to attracting and retaining people into lower-paid jobs, which I believe will lead to some interesting innovation in this area in the months to come.” Source link
Good news for those already on the property ladder as it has been announced that the annual growth of housing price has seen a notable increase of over 10% this March, with both quarterly and monthly increased also reported in the most recent index. The total increase came in at an increase of 10.1% annually, which has led to the present average price for a home now sitting at £214,811 as highlighted in the Halifax index. This comes alongside figures highlighting monthly growth at 2.6% when compared against the month previous, with growth over the first quarter of the year sitting at around 2.9%. Of course, the good news builds upon the success seen in the year up to January and February, where a markedly successful rise of 9.7% was reported. A key success can also be seen in the simple fact that those rises reported since the start of 2015 have successfully sat between a comfortable range of 8-10%. The results recorded go a great way to recovering lost ground from the 1.5% fall in February, which only goes to show that quarterly reports do far more to highlight the longevity of the sector than those on a monthly basis. This, of course can be attributed to the oft volatile state of the market, but the results thus far do indeed indicate a long-term stability in the growth of prices. Of those results seen, the prices for flats has been seen to rise at a rate far more sharp than prices across other property archetypes, which was highlighted in another related, but separate piece of research from Halifax. Most specifically, a 57% increase on average housing prices was reported, which sits at a value far more considerable than the rise of 37% seen across all residential properties in the reported time period.
In recent news it can be seen that St John’s College has now appointed Turnstone Estates as the development manager for assisting in the delivery of a brand new office, and research and development building at the park’s south gate. The project, the Maurice Wilkes Building will also see Savills and Carter Jonas as the scheme’s letting agents. To follow from the successful planning application for the building (37,000 square feet in total), another application has now also been submitted to further improve upon the proposal already in place. Should the new proposal receive the green light, the new building will be able to provide a highly inviting HQ opportunity, with the availability of Grade A office space alongside that of space for research and development space (totalling in at some 63,000 square feet). The space also has a notable degree of flexibility, allowing for considerable space customisation as well as multi-occupancy. The development is expected to be positioned within St John’s Innovation Park, a central hub of innovation and research within the Cambridge R&D cluster. Already playing host to some of the most high-profile and successful technology companies in the world, the space will provide prime position aside other key innovators such as Qualcom, Telstra, Samsung, and the St Johns Innovation Centre itself. Commenting on the development of the building, Savills Cambridge’s Head of Office, Rob Sadler expressed his recognition of the Innovation Park, then commenting on how the Maurice Wilkes Building will effectively offer more space to allow for the park itself to continue drawing in business for Cambridge itself. Also providing his thoughts, Turnstone Estates’ Chris Goldsmith showed enthusiasm with the appointment to the development, commenting: “This adds to a collection of joint ventures with landowners spanning many years where we successfully deliver and develop high quality outcomes for our partners.”
Christian Winter, 32, has been served a sentence for community service after deceiving a landload about gas safety checks. The illegal gas fitter was actually unregistered and trading under CJS Winter Plumbing and Heating Services. Christian the unregistered gas fitter illegally installed a gas boiler at the landlords property and undertook a gas safety checks at the property owned by the landlord in Kingskerswell. The gas fitter decieved the landord by working in gas fitting at the property despite him having no competencies in gaswork or even being registered on the Gas Safe Register for gaswork, The case was heard at The Exeter Crown Court and further investigations found the he deceived the landlord using faked Gas Safe Register information including a fake registration number and produced records to this effect. The gaswork was established to be below par and illegal when the boiler Christian had installed and also passed as safe for the three consecutive years was later inspected by a properly and legally registered member of Gas Safe. The engineer later found a range of faults with the work as classified the faults as dangerous. When the landlord was made aware of the defects she challenged CJS Winter Plumbing and Heating Services but Mr Winter continued his deception stating repeatedly that her was legitimately a gas engineer and registered with the appropriate bodies. In court, Mr Winter pleaded guilty to breaching several regulations including Regulation 3(3) and 3(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and another regulation in Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Mr Winter was convicted to a suspended prison sentence of 1 year, he was told to undertake 200 hrs work unpaid and was ordered to pay £3,327.80 costs.
Teapots are the nickname for independent oil refineries in China, the oil refineries are causing an increase in market share, and the slowing economy is rewarding the refineries who have more flexible and adaptable business models, it piles further pressure onto margins for the country’s oil majors who have found themselves to be inflexible and undependable to meet the needs of cheaper alternative oils. Now accounting for 20% of China’s capacity in oil refining, the teapots are responsible for the growth in imports after Beijing had allowed them new import quotas at the end of last year. Their competitors are running at higher operating costs and rates and the teapots contribute to a new wave of exports in China’s diesel exports and fuel demands. The success of the teapots comes as a surprise to many after years of attempts by Beijing government limiting the independent refinery companies to crude supplies and restricting their access to bank loans. The economy slowed and the teapots’ lower costs in operating allows China to stay supplied with alternatives to expensive fuels, cushioning a lot of the impact to the economic growth in the industry and relating industries. Russian crude has been routinely and regularly purchased by teapot companies that the Chinese border had to undertake an upgrade to accommodate them. The oil industry is undertaking some major changes with some teapot refineries, sixteen of the teapot refineries such as Dongming have formed an oil coalition for importing oil, making purchases of spot crude from places in the Americas and Middle East. Dongming is potentially going one step further than its competitors by looking at singing an annual agreement with industry giant BP. With growing cash flow and confidence many teapots have announced plans to refineries in other areas in Asia later this year including Malaysia and the Indian Ocean coast.
