Developers of the MeyGen tidal project will combine with a local windfarm to export power to the grid at times when tidal capacity is low. The current distribution network is constrained until wider transmission upgrade works are completed in the next few years, but the deal with
Independent inspections of construction sites have led to concerns over the use of dust masks in the industry. The results of the 10,000 site visits made by the Building Safety Group (BSG) earlier this year reveal that many workers may not be correctly fitting the protective masks. According to the
Member companies from the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (ECA) South East region recently met with Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon. During the meeting, the delegation discussed prompt payment and retentions and highlighted the impact that both have had on businesses and the industry. “These issues have blighted businesses
Bellway Homes the property developer has recently launched the Hampden Gardens development on new homes. Located in Thame, the development offers a wide selection of houses that are thought to be idea for families. This site consists of two, three, four and five bedroomed homes in either detached or semi-detached
As HMRC begin notifying construction firms of the need to carry out status checks on the self-employed subcontractors they engage, tax specialist Qdos Contractor has urged these businesses to take the right steps to make accurate decisions or risk six figure tax liability. In recent weeks, HMRC has sent letters
Developers of the MeyGen tidal project will combine with a local windfarm to export power to the grid at times when tidal capacity is low. The current distribution network is constrained until wider transmission upgrade works are completed in the next few years, but the deal with the four-turbine windfarm will result in improved utilisation of the grid network without affecting MeyGen’s generation. The partnership between the developers, Atlantis, and Lochend Wind Energy will also demonstrate the feasibility of blending sustainable sources of generation as a long-term solution. Atlantis chief executive Tim Cornelius said: “We believe this to be a world first, and to show that the predictability of generation from the tides can also benefit other forms of renewable energy by allowing those generators to accurately forecast and access spare grid capacity. “Tidal power makes for more efficient grid use and management, and we are delighted to have been able to assist a local wind farm in getting connected.” The first phase of the MeyGen project was connected to the distribution network last month and is expected to deliver first in power at the end of this year. “Sharing transmission assets in this way and capitalising on the predictability of tidal power will ensure that, in the long term, our energy needs are better served whilst also maximising access to a constrained network in the immediate future,” Cornelius added. Source link
Independent inspections of construction sites have led to concerns over the use of dust masks in the industry. The results of the 10,000 site visits made by the Building Safety Group (BSG) earlier this year reveal that many workers may not be correctly fitting the protective masks. According to the findings, there was a 58% increase in breaches of the regulations surrounding the use of personal protective equipment between the first and second quarters of 2016. The majority of these breaches were associated with the way companies “face-fit” dust masks, the BSG said. This is a particular concern, the BSG said, as the masks help to reduce the risk of workers inhaling dust containing dangerous chemicals. These substances can lead to fatal diseases including lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and silicosis. In total, the BSG inspections found that occupational health non-compliance issues rose by 28% between Q1 and Q2 this year. Of these, there was a 13% increase in infringements concerning dust fumes and a 43% rise in violations associated with the control of substances hazardous to health. The results have prompted BSG managing director Paul Kimpton to call for construction firms to regularly review their health and safety protocol to ensure they remain compliant with the most recent legislation. “Everyone involved in construction has a responsibility in managing risks to health, and all parties must take ownership of their part of the process. Construction dust is not just a nuisance. It can seriously damage your health and cause life-changing lung diseases,” he said. It comes as huge steps are being taken across the construction industry as a whole to reduce health and safety risks. Alison Rodgers, Health and Safety Strategy Manager at CITB, said: “The figures highlight the need to eliminate dust at the source. This should be either through design, dust extraction and capturing, rather than relying on protective equipment which should be the last resort. “The Construction Dust Partnership works hard to raise awareness among employers and workers about the serious health risks caused by dust exposure. It is pushing for new methods to be explored to keep construction workers safe.” Source link
Member companies from the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (ECA) South East region recently met with Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon. During the meeting, the delegation discussed prompt payment and retentions and highlighted the impact that both have had on businesses and the industry. “These issues have blighted businesses in this industry for too long now,” said Kevin Bush, ECA regional manager for the South East. “It is unacceptable for businesses to have to wait beyond a fair date to receive payment for a job or project, or have to become part of a practice like payment retentions – particularly when the option of Project Bank Accounts is there. We’re extremely grateful to Mr. Fallon for taking the time to discuss these issues with us and to understand why we and our members feel so passionately about the need for Government to take urgent action to ensure fair and prompt payment.” Michael Fallon MP said: “It was a pleasure to discuss late payments and retentions with the ECA. These issues are needlessly holding back businesses from expanding and recruiting. The Government is actively looking at this area and experienced representatives like the ECA have an important role to play in the process.” Pictured from left-to-right: Denis Bonnici (Bonnici Electricians), Michael Fallon MP, Stephanie Chessell (Carrington Electrical), Tony Cheeseman (A&A Service & Maintenance) Source link
Bellway Homes the property developer has recently launched the Hampden Gardens development on new homes. Located in Thame, the development offers a wide selection of houses that are thought to be idea for families. This site consists of two, three, four and five bedroomed homes in either detached or semi-detached house styles that are located in the town of Thame, Oxfordshire. It is important to Bellway Thames Valley, the division of the company carrying out the work on this development, to give help build communities as well as homes, and get involved with those living in the nearby area. As a part of this commitment to give back, Bellway Homes have been named as the sponsor for John Hampden Primary School’s first sports kit. The school have already unveiled their new kit at a local cross country event held at Oxford Spires Academy. At this event three teams qualified for the County finals that will take place in the Spring. David Nutt, the Head of Year Six and sports teacher at the school has said that the children were proud to show off their new kit at the Oxford Spires event and look forward to defending their Chairman’s Cup title at the County finals. The Oxfordshire school places a strong emphasis on sports, teaching children from 3 to 11 who participate in an hour of sports during the lesson times, and also have the opportunity to take part in up to four hours of sports on an extracurricular basis. Sports teach the children dedication and self-discipline, with external coaches also working with the school in order to help children to view sport as an integral part of a happy and healthy life. The Sales Director at Bellway Thames Valley, Steve Garton has said that they are delighted to help the school and wish them luck in their sporting fixtures. The prices of the Hampden Gardens start from £425,000 for a three-bedroom home, £510,000 for a four bedroomed property and £930,000 for a five-bedroom home.
As HMRC begin notifying construction firms of the need to carry out status checks on the self-employed subcontractors they engage, tax specialist Qdos Contractor has urged these businesses to take the right steps to make accurate decisions or risk six figure tax liability. In recent weeks, HMRC has sent letters to many construction businesses advising them to put their sole trader workers through its CEST tool within 30 days. CEST is the technology designed by HMRC to determine a worker’s tax status; used ultimately to decide whether they should be taxed by their contractor as an employee. Should a business engaging a subcontractor be deemed to have made an incorrect decision following an investigation by HMRC they will be liable for any resultant PAYE tax and national insurance. Seb Maley, Qdos Contractor CEO urged construction firms to take the initiative when setting the status of the sole trader contractors they engage: “While letters from HMRC are not formal enquiries, there’s every chance they will be a big concern to construction firms. Without taking the appropriate steps there’s a chance these businesses could face action from HMRC and risk having to pay huge sums of missing tax. “This isn’t a reason to panic, more a sign that construction firms should be proactive and begin making well-informed and accurate status decisions irrespective of whether they have received a letter from HMRC or not. “CEST is not mandatory when it comes to determining status. The tool itself has been widely criticised for missing out key points which can lead to inaccurate decisions. “To protect their own liability and to ensure the continued use of self-employed subcontractors, it’s vital that construction firms assess the way in which they are currently making decisions. Building firms with modest subcontractor workforces could be liable to significant tax and NIC bills which could run into six figures, particularly when you consider HMRC can go back four years under normal circumstances.”
