APHC promotes advantages of trade associations Published: 03 October, 2016 Following a new survey by the Federation of Small Businesses, which reveals that small firms are more pessimistic than positive about the future for the first time in four years, the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) is reminding
Savills has announced the promotion of 38 fee earners to director across its UK business. Overall the firm promoted 242 fee earners including 78 to associate director level and 126 to associate. Mark Ridley, chief executive of Savills UK and Europe, comments: “The growing strength of our business is reflected
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) are pleased to announce the formation of the UK’s first advisory group on built environment issues within a global humanitarian context. The group was launched this morning at a special event during
A leading expert has warned that the use of effective programmes could become more and more significant for contractors looking to protect their interests. This warning has come from Michael Gallucci, the Managing Director for MGPQS ahead of the publication of the new FIDIC Yellow Book. It has been predicted
Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has celebrated its 25th anniversary and raising more than £36,000 for local charities. Tiverton-based Devonshire Homes which has built over 1500 new homes in the West Country and created more than 30 new communities, welcomed guests from across the housing and construction industry
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) is delighted to announce a programme of prestigious speakers for the official launch of its new Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM). The new Faculty will herald a fresh phase of focusing on raising standards and competency in the asbestos industry, and the
Award-winning housebuilder, Story Homes, has launched its first virtual reality (VR) tour, allowing prospective buyers to gain a realistic insight into living in one of the developer’s homes. The VR experience was launched at the housebuilder’s Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven last weekend to mark the opening of the new
Designing Buildings Wiki, the construction industry knowledge base, has joined forces with BSRIA to launch a new competition looking for fresh and innovative ideas in response to the question: How can tomorrow’s challenges be met by today’s buildings? The competition, which is open to students and professionals from all disciplines,
APHC promotes advantages of trade associations Published: 03 October, 2016 Following a new survey by the Federation of Small Businesses, which reveals that small firms are more pessimistic than positive about the future for the first time in four years, the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) is reminding industry members of the many business advantages to be had from belonging to a trade organisation. The report, which involved surveying 1,035 small firms between July and August this year, revealed the second largest fall in confidence in the Index’s history and was also the first survey undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses since the Brexit vote. The results mark the third quarter in a row that confidence amongst small businesses has fallen. Mike Cherry, national chairman of FSB, said: “The political shock of the Brexit result has taken place at a time of weakening business confidence. […] Small firms are resilient and will survive the current fragile economic outlook, but to avoid an economic slowdown this data should be a wake-up call for our elected politicians.” John Thompson, chief executive at APHC, said: “Trade organisations such as APHC offer a wide range of benefits which help members of the plumbing and heating industry to run profitable as well as highly professional companies, from discounts on business essentials such as trade insurance and debt collection through to communications on vital industry news and developments, support winning business and lobbying to Government on important industry issues. In these tough times for small businesses, it really does make sense to be part of an established industry body with the experience and resources required for its members to develop their companies and flourish, however bleak the outlook.” Image courtesy of Shutterstock/Arthimedes Source link
Savills has announced the promotion of 38 fee earners to director across its UK business. Overall the firm promoted 242 fee earners including 78 to associate director level and 126 to associate. Mark Ridley, chief executive of Savills UK and Europe, comments: “The growing strength of our business is reflected in the progression and development of our staff, which is highlighted in this latest set of promotions. As a company we strive to support our employees throughout their career progression and ensure we continue to provide a best in class service for clients. I would like to congratulate these individuals on their promotions and thank them for their on-going dedication and commitment.” Director Yvonne Lee Business Space Cambridge Richard Lowe Business Space Manchester Paul Bennett Central London & International Finsbury Circus House Edward Nicholson Central London & International Margaret Street Ben Arnold Development Wimborne Peter Blake Development Margaret Street Ed Keeling Development Reading Emmanuel Pitman Development Margaret Street Bob Shattock Development Guildford Gareth Turner Development Margaret Street James Laverack Housing and Healthcare Margaret Street Sandy Livingstone Housing and Healthcare Margaret Street Izzy Bradshaw Lettings Marylebone Lorenzo Carraro Lettings Margaret Street Matt Parish Lettings Westminster Charlie Collins Planning Southampton Stuart Garnett Planning Southampton Matthew Sobic Planning Manchester Sarah-Jane Bingham-Chick Residential Exeter Charles Holbrook Residential Sloane Street Riyan Itani Residential Margaret Street Chris Jarrett Residential Cheltenham Matthew Morton-Smith Residential Westminster Geri O’Brien Residential Jersey Peter Strang Steel Residential Edinburgh Andrew Hawkins Residential Development Sales Margaret Street Jason Margetts Residential Development Sales Canary Wharf Oliver Green Retail Margaret Street Christopher Batterby Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) Lichfield Gi D’Angibau Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) Chelmsford Alastair Gemmell Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) Perth David Holmes Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) Chelmsford Nathan Pearce Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) Salisbury Chris Spofforth Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) Haywards Heath Matthew Watson Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) York Mark Watt Rural, Energy & Projects (REP) Darlington James Emans UK Investment Margaret Street Nick Okell UK Investment Manchester Source link
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) are pleased to announce the formation of the UK’s first advisory group on built environment issues within a global humanitarian context. The group was launched this morning at a special event during Habitat III, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in Quito, Ecuador. The UK Built Environment Advisory Group (UKBEAG) brings together the collective expertise of the three founding institutes and their professional members to support a range of humanitarian and development partners, including UK and international governments, in preparing for and responding to humanitarian crises from floods, droughts and earthquakes to conflict situations. Together the founding member institutes have over 100,000 members working in more than 150 countries throughout the world. Their skills in sustainable development, planning, infrastructure, architecture, structural engineering and project management will provide critical expertise as well as technical capacity, remotely or in the field. The UKBEAG will also offer support to the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), together with associated humanitarian agencies. Speaking today RIBA President Jane Duncan said: “I am delighted that RIBA has co-founded the UK Built Environment Advisory Group, a vital new global resource for communities facing humanitarian disaster and the agencies that support them. RIBA is committed to supporting and enabling our members to share their expertise with communities preparing for or reacting to crisis, and are very pleased to have established this new network for involvement in the humanitarian field.” Phil Williams, RTPI President, said: “As towns and cities around the world experience ever increasing pressure from growing populations and climate change, it is all the more important that urban planning expertise and training is shared to help communities become more resilient against man-made and natural crises. The Royal Town Planning Institute represents some of the most experienced planners in the UK and worldwide and is proud to have co-founded the UK Built Environment Advisory Group to enable our members to get involved in humanitarian work to help communities and aid agencies.” Martin Powell, Chief Executive of the IStructE, said:“I am delighted that the Institution is a co-founder of the UK Built Environment Advisory Group. Our members are based in over 100 countries around the world and have essential skills and expertise that can have a big impact, helping to save lives or rehabilitate people in response to crises. “I am sure that the UKBEAG will help address the real requirement for better links between people with expertise and people in need.” More information on the UKBEAG can be found here: www.ukbeag.org Notes to editors For further press information contact Melanie Mayfield in the RIBA Press Office melanie.mayfield@riba.org 020 7307 3662 The United Kingdom Built Environment Advisory Group – Supporting Humanitarian Action (UKBEAG) is open to other professional institutes by invitation. www.ukbeag.org The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA @RIBA The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) promotes the power of spatial planning in creating sustainable, inclusive and prosperous places and vibrant communities. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RTPIplanners @RTPIPlanners or @internatRTPI The Institution of Structural Engineers is the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering. It is a leading source of expertise on all structural engineering and public safety issues in the built environment. www.istructe.org @iStructE Posted on Wednesday 19th October 2016 Source link
A leading expert has warned that the use of effective programmes could become more and more significant for contractors looking to protect their interests. This warning has come from Michael Gallucci, the Managing Director for MGPQS ahead of the publication of the new FIDIC Yellow Book. It has been predicted by Michael that new conditions in ever increasing volumes could mean that implementing programmes and cost controls could be even more important. Mr. Gallucci works to advise a range of construction companies as well as speaking around the world about construction project contract law. The use of programmes are vital when submitting claims for delays or combating counter-claims. These programmes then become yardsticks to use to measure the effects of delays. Mr. Gallucci’s company, MGPQS delivers financial and contractual services in the property sector. From this perspective it is thought that contractors need to consider whether or not they have the right amount of the right personnel in their admin teams in order to ensure that they can produce, revise and update programmes in order to remain up to date with accurate cost records. FIDIC requires that the contractor follow a baseline programme. The new edition also introduces new clauses in a range of critical areas which includes early warning, the ramp up to the requirement for accurate monitoring and record-keeping. The new Yellow Book is expected to increase the administrative burden which is placed on contractors. The report is also set to reset the balance of responsibilities that takes place between employers and contractors. This means that employers may no longer have an open-ended claims window as the Federation looks to introduce new deadlines for both parties. It is vital that, for the development of the FIDIC books, parties are encouraged to work together in order to encourage parties to work together in order to resolve matters before claims. The additional conditions that have been introduced with the FIDIC Yellow Book could lead to fewer disputes being escalated, a benefit to all relevant parties.
Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has celebrated its 25th anniversary and raising more than £36,000 for local charities. Tiverton-based Devonshire Homes which has built over 1500 new homes in the West Country and created more than 30 new communities, welcomed guests from across the housing and construction industry to a special event to mark the company’s milestone. At the silver anniversary event near Cullompton the housebuilder announced the firm, which employs 40 staff, has raised more than £36,000 over the last two and a half years for a selection of local charities. Devonshire Homes’ charity partner for 2017, Children’s Hospice South West, were presented with a cheque for the firms latest fundraising efforts which includes a donation from Devonshire Homes on the completion of every private house sale. Devonshire Homes’ recently appointed managing director Tony Lane, confirmed the company has ambitious growth plans and has put in place strategic partnerships which are facilitating the firm achieving their growth potential. “Devonshire Homes’ has carefully developed partnerships with DCH, the Housing Growth Partnership and HCA which are enabling us to develop the vision we have of increasing the number of high quality affordable homes to the West Country” Tony commented. Devonshire Homes recently launched new homes developments in Crediton and Landkey and is actively selling homes in five locations across the county. Looking to the future Tony explained: “Devonshire homes has provided 1000’s of residents with new homes over the last 25 years and the ongoing success of the firm will be reliant on us remaining true to the firms’ basic philosophies – a commitment to employ highly skilled people and an uncompromising approach to deliver quality customer service. We’re delighted we’ve clocked up 25 years and this sets the stage for the next 25 years of home building excellence.” Devonshire Homes is currently selling properties at The Tors, Bovey Tracey; Rivel’s Green, Cullompton; Ladywell Meadows, Chulmleigh, Mazzard View, Landkey; and Tarka View, Crediton. For more information on new homes from Devonshire Homes please visit: www.devonshirehomes.co.uk
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) is delighted to announce a programme of prestigious speakers for the official launch of its new Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM). The new Faculty will herald a fresh phase of focusing on raising standards and competency in the asbestos industry, and the launch will take place at an evening reception at the Conrad Hotel in Westminster on 11 October 2017. Speakers will include: Craig Barker: Asbestos Manager for Marks & Spencer Property David Fishwick: Consultant NHS Respiratory Physician, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals; Chief Medical Advisor, HSE Mavis Nye: President of the Mavis Nye Foundation (and sufferer of Mesothelioma) Martin Stear: Chartered Occupational Hygienist, and Registrar of FAAM The key themes and expert speakers will focus on: the problems and consequences of asbestos; how to identify the needs of specific situations; and what solutions are appropriate/available. Another key message for the event is “raising standards and reducing risks”. What is FAAM? FAAM is BOHS’ new Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management, and its overarching aim is to provide a community for professionals in the asbestos industry. FAAM’S vision is to: Pursue excellence for all those who practise in the asbestos assessment and management profession Establish, develop and maintain standards of competence in asbestos assessment and management practice for those who are members of FAAM Act as the guardian of professional standards and ethics in the profession of asbestos assessment and management Why is FAAM needed? Asbestos still kills around 5000 workers each year, with around twenty tradesmen dying each week as a result of past exposure. Details of prosecutions for unsafe asbestos practices continue to be reported in the media with concerning regularity. Tackling issues related to asbestos continues to be a challenge, with the UK still possessing one of the highest rates of mesothelioma (a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure) in the world. Cancer Research UK outlined that there were over 2,500 deaths from the disease in 2014, with 94% of cases being deemed as preventable. Karen Bufton, President of BOHS commented: “This is an exciting and pivotal time in BOHS’ history. In 2017 we have achieved significant progress by delivering a wide variety of new initiatives, including developing and launching a unique new course for the construction industry, and launching the ‘Breathe Freely in Manufacturing’ campaign. Moreover, we’re now introducing a major new faculty – FAAM.” Karen continued: “I’m delighted that BOHS is launching this important new faculty. BOHS has been providing international leadership on protection against asbestos since the 1960s, and continues to pioneer excellence in standards’ setting in the field of asbestos. There is wide acceptance that there remains a compelling need to improve standards of professional competence in many areas of the asbestos industry, which is why FAAM‘s vision is so critical.” Karen concluded: “FAAM’s vision is to establish, develop and maintain standards of competence in asbestos assessment and management practice for its members, and act as the guardian of professional standards and ethics in the profession of asbestos assessment and management. BOHS is excited about the forthcoming launch event in London, which will mark the official opening for membership, and celebrate the work achieved so far in bringing industry experts together to form FAAM.” If you would like to find out further information about FAAM, please click here, or contact BOHS at the following link http://www.bohs.org/faam.
Award-winning housebuilder, Story Homes, has launched its first virtual reality (VR) tour, allowing prospective buyers to gain a realistic insight into living in one of the developer’s homes. The VR experience was launched at the housebuilder’s Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven last weekend to mark the opening of the new ‘Marlborough’ apartment. Visitors were invited to try out a VR headset and explore the two-bedroom property. Story Homes has worked closely with virtual reality experts, Revolution Viewing, to produce the tours, which provide a detailed, high resolution, 360 view of the interior of the properties. Steve Errington, Chief Executive of Story Homes, said: “Every element of the customer experience is important to us, and looking around our show homes is a key part of this, so we wanted visitors to be able to experience our homes in the most immersive way possible. The VR tours are also accessible from anywhere via computer or mobile phone, so prospective buyers can now explore a Story Home without even having to travel to a development. “Virtual reality is becoming more and more prominent in the property sector, and we are keen to remain at the forefront of the industry when it comes to using innovative technologies. The feedback from visitors has been very positive so far – they have found it beneficial to be able to get such a realistic feel for what it would be like to live in one of our homes.” Story Homes plans to roll out virtual reality tours across more of its house types and developments in the near future.
Designing Buildings Wiki, the construction industry knowledge base, has joined forces with BSRIA to launch a new competition looking for fresh and innovative ideas in response to the question: How can tomorrow’s challenges be met by today’s buildings? The competition, which is open to students and professionals from all disciplines, is seeking original ideas for design solutions to the future trends that will affect the built environment. It asks the question; how can buildings be designed today to ensure they are resilient to the changes they will face tomorrow? Ideas could relate to: Urbanisation and demographics. Climate change. Digital technologies. Energy and efficiency. Health and wellbeing. And more… We are looking for ideas, so they don’t have to be long answers, but answers should be made up of two parts: Identify a significant future challenge. Offer a design solution for how that challenge could be tackled in today’s buildings. The winner will receive £500 worth of BSRIA membership, training or publications, and along with 4 runners-up, will be featured in BSRIA’s Delta T magazine and on Designing Buildings Wiki. Designing Buildings Wiki co-founder, architect Dr Gregor Harvie said: “We already know many of challenges that will confront us in the next few decades, and the buildings we are designing now will have to face those challenges. So it is crucial we consider what design features we should be including in buildings now to ensure they have long-term resilience. This competition is an opportunity to put forward innovative, inspiring and even controversial ideas to help start the debate.” The closing date for the competition is 2nd November 2017. Winners will be announced during the week commencing 20th November. Find out more on the competition page: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BSRIA_competition Or email Michael Brooks at: m.brooks@designingbuildings.co.uk
