April 26, 2023
Proposed increase in planning fees could relieve hard pressed local planning authorities, but may be too late for others

Proposed increase in planning fees could relieve hard pressed local planning authorities, but may be too late for others

Proposed planning fee increases could help local planning services address capacity, recruitment, and performance challenges, which the RTPI says threaten the Government’s goals to boost home ownership and level up. However, these increases may not come soon enough for councils with scheduled staffing cuts, according to Royal Town Planning Institute

Read More »

Leeds College of Building Celebrates Electrician Training Milestone

One hundred electricans have benefitted from free Level 3 ‘18th Edition Wiring Regulations’ training at Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, re[boot] and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sector-specific qualifications within regional

Read More »
5 Technologies Every Commercial Building Needs

5 Technologies Every Commercial Building Needs

Commercial buildings need to serve a range of different purposes. They must be commercially viable and act as attractive spaces for clients and customers, they must be practical and allow staff to carry out their work properly, and they must be safe to protect all occupants. To address these varied

Read More »
Types of Gas and Oil Industry Accidents and Your Legal Options

Types of Gas and Oil Industry Accidents and Your Legal Options

The gas and oil industry is known for being one of the most dangerous industries in the world. Workers are exposed to hazardous materials, high temperatures, and high-pressure equipment, leading to severe mishaps and injuries. Suppose you are affected in a gas or oil accident. In that case, it is

Read More »
How to Choose Between Spread Betting and CFD Trading

How to Choose Between Spread Betting and CFD Trading

When it comes to investing in your favourite construction materials manufacturer or building company, there are plenty of options available, with spread betting and Contract for Difference (CFD) trading being two of the most popular strategies. However, they differ in terms of risks and rewards, so it is important to

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

April 26, 2023

Proposed increase in planning fees could relieve hard pressed local planning authorities, but may be too late for others

Proposed increase in planning fees could relieve hard pressed local planning authorities, but may be too late for others

Proposed planning fee increases could help local planning services address capacity, recruitment, and performance challenges, which the RTPI says threaten the Government’s goals to boost home ownership and level up. However, these increases may not come soon enough for councils with scheduled staffing cuts, according to Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) evidence released today. Heads of planning services within the RTPI’s consultation response believe the fee increase coming in 2024 to be too late. Some councils have already scheduled staffing cuts for the 2023-24 financial year. The RTPI states that a 35% fee increase for major applications and a 25% increase for all other applications would constitute an above-inflation rise. RTPI members expect these increases to help local planning services overcome capacity, recruitment and performance challenges. To avoid future financial cliff edges, the RTPI has urged the Government to safeguard these potential gains by annually adjusting fees in line with inflation and allowing councils to “ring fence” this additional income for planning service provision. Richard Blyth, Head of Policy Practice and Research at the RTPI said, “Our members have previously warned that capacity, recruitment and performance are threats to the government’s ambitions to strengthen our plan-led system, boost home ownership and level up. We believe that increased planning fees will provide crucial assistance to local planning authorities in urgent need of support. “However, while increased fees are an important first step, we do not see them as a silver bullet to meeting the capacity requirements. We’ve also encouraged Government to address the fundamental questions on how our planning system will ensure good – not just fast – decisions in the public interest. “Proposals to collect better data on local planning authority performance in England are a positive step. The RTPI will continue to advise Government on how improvements in ‘customer experience’ should help the entire community, not just developers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »

Leeds College of Building Celebrates Electrician Training Milestone

One hundred electricans have benefitted from free Level 3 ‘18th Edition Wiring Regulations’ training at Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, re[boot] and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sector-specific qualifications within regional skill shortage areas. Since July 2020, one hundred employed and self-employed electricians have completed the specialist training at Leeds College of Building. Re[boot] funding from July 2020 – March 2022 helped to upskill 70 electricians; a further 30 qualified through Skills Connect funding from January – March this year, with the latest cohort completing in Spring. The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations programme is aimed at practicing electricians with relevant experience and allied professionals needing to update and enhance their understanding of current wiring regulations. This is an essential qualification for anyone looking to certify that their installation work meets current building and wiring regulation guidelines. Colleges from the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have delivered training to over 700 people in the region so far, and provided a springboard for careers in priority areas such as Digital, Engineering, Manufacturing, Green Skills, and Construction sectors. Yasmin Ali, Business Engagement Manager at Leeds College of Building, said: “We’re delighted that 100 individuals have gained sought-after qualifications through our partnership with the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). “Tutor Adrian Holland has been exceptional in delivering training on the latest electrical industry standards, helping students attain excellent pass marks. As a result, uptake for the training has been superb. This work is essential to help sustain in-demand professions such as these.”  Georgia Williams, Project Manager at West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, said: “It’s great to see that the work of our colleges, in partnership with WYCA, has made such an impact on the region. Leeds College of Building has worked hard to deliver the 18th Edition to electricians and through the Skills Connect and [re]boot projects, we’ve been able to allocate funding to make the course accessible and remove some of the barriers to learning for those wanting to progress within the sector. “We are continuing to work with WYCA, local employers, and our colleges to offer more opportunities to people who want to progress in their careers through Skills Connect and Skills Bootcamps programmes whilst addressing skills gaps for employers in the region.”   To find out more about construction and built environment training for adults (18+), visit the Leeds College of Building website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
5 Technologies Every Commercial Building Needs

5 Technologies Every Commercial Building Needs

Commercial buildings need to serve a range of different purposes. They must be commercially viable and act as attractive spaces for clients and customers, they must be practical and allow staff to carry out their work properly, and they must be safe to protect all occupants. To address these varied and disparate needs, there is a range of technological solutions that building owners must be aware of. Things like window openers and smart tech are becoming increasingly commonplace in commercial buildings and can offer a number of benefits. We’ve listed five of the most important technologies for commercial buildings below. Read on to check them out. Electric Window Openers Electric window openers are fully automated windows that can offer commercial building openers a range of incredible benefits. The windows can be set to timers and programmed to open and close depending on the time, temperature, or the weather. This solution can save time and eliminates the risk of leaving a window open overnight. What’s more, electric windows can be operated remotely. This makes them perfect for windows in hard-to-access places, where reaching to the open window can be difficult or even dangerous. Smart Lighting As the owner of a commercial space, cost saving is no doubt one of your top priorities. As energy bills skyrocket, conserving energy expenditure has become absolutely essential. Smart lights can be set to timers to ensure they only come when needed, or they can be programmed to detect motion. Both of these options can see you make incredible savings and cut your energy consumption considerably. Touchless Controls Commercial buildings are often densely populated places with hundreds of different people interacting and working together. What this means is that bugs and illnesses can spread quickly, which can have a serious impact on business if large portions of the workforce are affected. Touchless controls such as toilet flushes and bathroom taps can effectively limit the spread of harmful bacteria. They make for a cleaner and more sterile environment that will keep your staff and customers safe. Smart Locks Commercial buildings are often used to house expensive equipment or sums of cash. This makes them an attractive target for thieves and criminals, which means commercial building security is a top priority. Traditional locks can be vulnerable and are often a weak point in a building’s security system. What’s more, traditional locks invite human error. All it takes is for someone to leave the door unlocked and thieves have an immediate entry point. Smart locks can be operated remotely to ensure this doesn’t happen. In addition, they can be unlocked using unique biometric data such as a fingerprint to give your commercial building extra security. Pest Management Systems Pests are the scourge of commercial buildings. Not only can they cause damage and spread disease, but their presence can also see you violate health and hygiene laws and could see you face financial penalties. Pest management systems automate the process of pest control and use humane methods. Rather than poisons, these systems can release pheromones and use sound to deter pests whenever they are detected. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Types of Gas and Oil Industry Accidents and Your Legal Options

Types of Gas and Oil Industry Accidents and Your Legal Options

The gas and oil industry is known for being one of the most dangerous industries in the world. Workers are exposed to hazardous materials, high temperatures, and high-pressure equipment, leading to severe mishaps and injuries. Suppose you are affected in a gas or oil accident. In that case, it is important to understand the types of accidents that can occur and your legal options for seeking compensation by consulting an oilfield accident law firm. Types of Gas and Oil Industry Accidents Explosions An explosion is one of the most devastating types of gas and oil industry mishaps. Flare-ups can occur when flammable gases or liquids come into contact with a spark or heat source, causing a rapid and violent release of energy. Explosions can lead to catastrophic injuries, including burns, broken bones, head injuries, and even death. Explosions can occur in various gas and oil industry settings, including drilling sites, refineries, and pipelines. Causes of explosions can include equipment failure, improper maintenance, and human error. Fires Fires are another common type of accident. Like explosions, fires can be caused by flammable gases or liquids coming into contact with a spark or heat source. Fires can spread quickly and can cause severe injuries and property damage. They can occur in drilling sites, refineries, and pipelines. Causes of fires can include equipment failure, improper maintenance, and human error. Chemical Exposure Gas and oil industry workers are often exposed to hazardous chemicals, which can lead to serious health problems. Chemical exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Chemical exposure can occur in various gas and oil industry settings, including drilling sites, refineries, and pipelines. Workers may be exposed to common chemicals such as benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and lead. Equipment Accidents Gas and oil enterprise workers often work with heavy machinery and equipment, which can lead to severe accidents and injuries. Equipment accidents can occur when equipment is not properly maintained, workers must be adequately trained to use the equipment, or when employees are tired or distracted. Common types of such accidents in the gas and oil industry include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, and getting caught in machinery. Legal Options for Victims You may be compensated if injured in a gas or oil industry accident. The following are some of the legal options available to gas and oil industry accident victims. Workers’ Compensation It is a type of insurance that benefits workers injured on the job. In many cases, workers’ compensation insurance covers gas and oil industry workers, which can provide medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. Personal Injury Lawsuits If your damage was caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a manufacturer of defective equipment, you could file a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits can compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and other damages. Wrongful Death Lawsuits If you have lost someone in a gas or oil industry accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits can compensate for funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages. Product Liability Lawsuits You could file a product liability lawsuit if a defective product, such as a faulty valve or tool, caused your injury. Product liability lawsuits can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Conclusion Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in a gas or oil industry accident. In that case, pursuing legal representation from an oilfield accident law firm that can help you understand your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve is important. The gas and oil sector pose significant risks to employees due to the nature of the work and the dangerous materials involved. Mishaps can lead to serious injuries, and victims may be entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation, personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits, or product liability lawsuits.

Read More »
How to Choose Between Spread Betting and CFD Trading

How to Choose Between Spread Betting and CFD Trading

When it comes to investing in your favourite construction materials manufacturer or building company, there are plenty of options available, with spread betting and Contract for Difference (CFD) trading being two of the most popular strategies. However, they differ in terms of risks and rewards, so it is important to understand both trading options before deciding which one is best for you. This article will take you through everything you need to know so you can make a smart and informed decision. Understanding the basics of spread betting and CFDs Spread betting is a form of derivatives trading that allows you to speculate on the price movements of various financial markets, such as stocks, indices, commodities and currencies. CFDs are also derivatives products that allow you to trade on the price movements of different markets without actually owning them. Both spread betting and CFD trading involve taking a position on whether an asset’s price will rise or fall in value over a certain period. When you take into account spread betting vs cfd, the main difference between the two types of trading is that with spread betting you can take both long and short positions, while with CFDs you can only take long positions. If you were to take a company listed on the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index like construction products manufacturer CRH PLC, for example, you could take a short position if you expected the value of the asset to go down, or a long position if you thought the price will go up. But with a CFD, you can only take a long position, that is, where you expect the value of the stock to increase. When choosing between spread betting and CFD trading, it is important to consider your investment goals as well as your risk tolerance level. Spread betting may be more suitable for those looking for short-term gains while CFD traders might prefer this strategy due to its greater flexibility and lower costs associated with taking larger positions. Ultimately, both strategies require careful consideration when selecting assets as well as effective risk management techniques. Examining key differences between spread betting and CFD trading While spread betting allows you to take both long and short positions and with CFDs you can only take long positions, another difference is overall how the profits and losses are calculated. With spread betting, profits and losses are determined by the size of the bet multiplied by the number of points that the asset has moved in either direction. With CFDs, profits and losses are determined by the difference between the opening price and closing price multiplied by the size of your position. And when it comes to leverage, spread betting offers higher levels than CFDs do due to its tax-free status. This means that traders can potentially make larger profits with less capital outlay when using spread bets compared to CFDs. Assessing risk management strategies for spread betting and CFDs Risk management is an essential part of spread betting and CFD trading. It’s important to understand the risks associated with these types of investments, as well as the strategies you can use to manage them. One of the most important risk management strategies for spread betting and CFDs is setting a stop-loss order. This type of order allows you to limit your losses by automatically closing out your position when it reaches a certain price level. You should also consider using leverage wisely, as it can magnify both profits and losses. Diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes can also help reduce overall risk exposure. In summary, it is important to understand the differences between spread betting and CFD trading before making a decision. While there are risks in any investment, spread betting is a tax-free way for residents in the UK to speculate on whether a company’s stock will rise or fall. Consider your risk profile, experience level and investment goals as you determine which option is best for you. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »