The Code of Estimating Practice from the Chartered Institute of Building has been updated in recognition of how the procedure, practice and process of construction have changed. Estimating is the systematic calculation of projected construction and overhead costs for a construction project and it is an essential skill for a
Robinsons, the construction and manufacturing specialists, have launched a new Architectural division as part of their expansion plans, consisting of a team that will bring a wealth of skills to the table. The team will assist in a wide range of architecture related work, including obtaining planning permissions, building warrant
Andrew Avanessian is taking the time to explain why the construction industry is as vulnerable as other sectors when it comes to cyber-attacks, particularly to the latest scam known as ‘social engineering’. Because there is a number of third parties involved in the construction supply chain, there are numerous ways
The Code of Estimating Practice from the Chartered Institute of Building has been updated in recognition of how the procedure, practice and process of construction have changed. Estimating is the systematic calculation of projected construction and overhead costs for a construction project and it is an essential skill for a successful contractor. It’s a process that the CIOB believes needs to be modernised, made more reliable and more dynamic. This latest edition of the code examines the processes of estimating and pricing, providing best practice guidelines for those involved in procuring and pricing construction works. This includes a new approach to estimating which links production planning, resource requirements, time management and control of costs. “Estimating is at the core of every construction project. If the estimate is wrong, everybody suffers; the contractor, client, consultants and companies involved in the supply chain” said author of the publication Professor Roger Flanagan PPCIOB. “A new approach to estimating is necessary to keep the industry relevant and ensure accurate and reliable pricing is at the heartbeat of construction.” The code, long established as a leading publication in the construction industry, now includes more contextual and educational material alongside the code of practice, the only code of practice on construction estimating. This publication is important reading for construction contractors, specialist contractors, quantity surveyors/cost consultants and for students of construction and quantity surveying. For more information and to purchase this latest publication, visit Wiley. Please note members receive a 20% discount off this purchase.
Robinsons, the construction and manufacturing specialists, have launched a new Architectural division as part of their expansion plans, consisting of a team that will bring a wealth of skills to the table. The team will assist in a wide range of architecture related work, including obtaining planning permissions, building warrant applications, structural engineering certification, site surveys, locations and plans. “Anyone can contact us and we’ll be delighted to speak to them about their planning and building application needs. We’ll cover all aspects from domestic to industrial to agricultural projects,” explained Andrew Robb, Design Manager. “It is a great alternative and I think people will want to engage with us. I’m very passionate about what we do and the fact that we will be able to do a good job for our customers.” The team is formed by three people: Andrew Robb, Senior Technician Alistair Gowan, who has around 20 years of experience in dealing with planning applications and building warrants, and Junior Technician Jordan Graham, who has experience in the latest 3D building software and could help the clients visualise their ideas and bring them to life. Andrew also mentioned the importance of providing opportunities for young people to break into the industry. “One of the things we are really keen to progress is creating a school engagement programme; we are planning to go out to career days for example and really try to engage young people in the industry. We feel that it is important to give back and explain the different roles that are available in construction, the benefits, and also to ensure that we can use our passion for the industry to engage young minds and help them start their careers,” said Andrew. Robinsons’ future plans also include expanding its Lockerbie headquarters. “We’ll be redeveloping the look of the area to make it more visible to customers coming in, and redeveloping the car park to make way for more visitors to our site. We’re hoping to do some big open days in the summer to get the local people involved and family days where we can get local young people in to educate them on what we do and try to spark an early interest in joining our team,” said Emma Porteous, marketing manager.
Andrew Avanessian is taking the time to explain why the construction industry is as vulnerable as other sectors when it comes to cyber-attacks, particularly to the latest scam known as ‘social engineering’. Because there is a number of third parties involved in the construction supply chain, there are numerous ways through which cyber criminals can access a company’s data. His tips on how to avoid the social engineering attacks include: security hygiene, meaning that companies should use strong and unique passwords for all systems and patch software and systems regularly; protect the keys to the kingdom, meaning that employees should not have any administrator privileges, unless they really need it; and layer your defences by adopting an in-depth approach to security and run an application control software. ‘Social engineering’ is a tactic that involves the disclosure of sensitive information without being aware of it. This typically takes the form of a phishing email and might look as if it comes from a trusted supplier or another third party, but in reality, it is an attacker masquerading as a familiar source. They might trick you into transferring funds to a new account, or simply opening an attachment that allows them to access the wider corporate infrastructure. To defend your company against these attacks, educating your employees is not enough. Technical measures should be taken as well. Focus on the basics and you’ll be in a very strong position to defend against internal and external attacks – including those that start within the supply chain. Upcoming legislation aiming to help raise standards in cyber defences is also on its way with the General Data Protection Regulation coming into force on the 25th of May. This will give the Information Commissioners Office much more clout when it comes to dishing out financial penalties and companies could be fined up to 4% of their turnover or £17.8 million, whichever is higher.