More than half of small building firms say that rising material prices are squeezing their margins and the same percentage have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Small and medium-sized (SME) building firms were asked which
Renfrewshire Council has invested £7.2 million of its budget to improve routes across Renfrewshire. Part of the continuing physical and economic regeneration of the area, the programme is set to be delivered in 2018/19 and it will include the resurfacing and improvement of a number of high profile routes and
Claremont Group Interior Solutions LLP has acquired Bartle House in Manchester in a £2 million deal. The 7,071 sq ft, three storey building in Oxford Court was purchased from Stonebridge and will contribute to Claremont’s involvement in the North-West property market. “This investment by Claremont Interior Solutions LLP enables us
United Living has a three year programme of refurbishment work in Thurrock, Essex on its agenda and is currently looking to sign up new suppliers and subcontractors. A trade networking event was organised with Constructionline to outline the opportunities available on the programme and give attendees the chance to join
New roofing guidance for housebuilders has been published by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA). How to Build Compliant Spandrel Panels, which is endorsed by the NHBC, has been updated to include information about single-skin cladding for spandrel panels. The guide now has a page featuring fermacell Gypsum Fibreboard as an
Architects are set to benefit from a new ARCHICAD training facility following the relocation of Graphisoft UK’s training centre in Nottingham. The new facility based at Castlebridge Office Village in Nottingham offers a bright and spacious training space, ideally suited to the needs of delegates. The central location of the
Keltbray acquired some of Dunne’s assets from the administrators FRM Advisory after the latter went into administration in July. This purchase includes Dunne’s former yard and head office at Bathgate in Scotland, as well as plant used for the construction of reinforced concrete structures. In a statement to Construction News, the company
The residential real estate market in Dubai maintained its stability in the year to April 2016, despite prices falling, according to the latest analysis report on the emirate. Despite a 9% year on year drop across the mainstream market, the General REIDIN sale price index remained relatively flat on a
Furness BS announces two new variable rate mortgages Furness Building Society has announced today that it has launched two variable rate products at 90% LTV, aimed at those taking their first step onto the property ladder. The new products carry a pay rate of 1.99% for two years (with a
A number of new Higher Education courses are springing up in the UK with one common feature – they are all appealing to a more diverse range of applicants. And with a need to encourage more women and under-represented groups into engineering these new courses are very welcome. This
More than half of small building firms say that rising material prices are squeezing their margins and the same percentage have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Small and medium-sized (SME) building firms were asked which materials are in shortest supply and have the longest wait times. The average results were as follows (in order of longest to shortest wait times): 1) Bricks were in shortest supply with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 2) Roof tiles were second with the longest reported wait time being up to six months; 3) Insulation was third with the longest reported wait time being up to four months; 4) Slate was fourth with the longest reported wait time being up to six months; 5) Windows were fifth with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 6) Blocks were sixth with the longest reported wait time being up to four months; 7) Porcelain products were seventh with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 8) Plasterboard was eighth with the longest reported wait time being up to two months; 9) Timber was ninth with the longest reported wait time being up to two months; 10) Boilers were tenth, with the longest reported wait time being more than one year. SME building firms were also asked by what percentage different materials have increased over the past 12 months. On average, the following rises were reported: Insulation increased by 16%; Bricks increased by 9%; Timber increased by 8%; Roof tiles increased by 8%; Slate increased by 8%; Windows increased by 7%; Blocks increased by 7%; Plasterboard increased by 7%; Boilers increased by 7%; Porcelain products increased by 6%. The impact of these material price increases includes: More than half of construction SMEs (56%) have had their margins squeezed, this has gone up from one third (32%) reporting this in July 2017; Half of firms (49%) have been forced to pass material price increases onto their clients, making building projects more expensive for consumers, this has gone up from less than one quarter (22%) reporting this in July 2017; A third of firms (30%) have recommended that clients use alternative materials or products to those originally specified, this has gone up from one in ten reporting this in July 2017; Nearly one fifth (17%) of builders report making losses on their building projects due to material price increases, this has gone up from one in ten reporting this in July 2017. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Material prices have rocketed over the past year. The reason for this could include the impact of the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum still feeding through. High demand due to buoyant international markets could also be contributing to price increases. What’s particularly worrying is that when prices have increased mid-project, almost one fifth of builders have absorbed the increase and therefore made a loss. Also, if material price increases weren’t enough of a headache for building firms, they are also experiencing material shortages with wait times ticking up across a range of materials and products. Worst case scenarios include firms waiting for more than one year for a new order of bricks.” Berry continued: “The rise in material prices is not just a problem for the country’s construction firms – it is also a problem for home owners. Half of firms have been forced to pass these price increases onto their clients, meaning building projects are becoming more and more expensive. This problem has worsened recently with more than twice as many firms passing material prices on to their clients now compared with nine months ago. What’s more, home owners should be prepared to have to use alternative materials or products to their first choice. One third of firms have recommended that their clients should use alternative materials or products to those originally specified. Now more than ever, it’s important that builders and their clients keep the lines of communication open in order to stay within time and within budget. Specified products or materials may need to be swapped for alternatives or clients will need to accept the additional cost.” Berry concluded: “We are calling on builders merchants to give their customers as much advance warning of forthcoming material price increases or wait times as possible so that firms can warn their customers and plan ahead. We are also advising builders to price jobs and draft contracts with these material price rises in mind. The FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey shows that almost ninety per cent of building firms are expecting further rises over the next sixth months. This makes quoting for jobs difficult but if builders flag the issue to their client from the outset, and include a note in the contract that prices may be subject to increases, they shouldn’t be left short. What we don’t want is for the number of building firms making losses on projects to increase as this could result in firms going to the wall. A large number of collapsing construction companies will have a terrible knock-on effect in the wider economy.”
Renfrewshire Council has invested £7.2 million of its budget to improve routes across Renfrewshire. Part of the continuing physical and economic regeneration of the area, the programme is set to be delivered in 2018/19 and it will include the resurfacing and improvement of a number of high profile routes and a large number of busy rural and residential streets. “We recognise that a key concern for the Renfrewshire community is the quality and safety of our roads network which is why a significant investment has been made to make improvements,” said Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board. “While all roads cannot be repaired overnight, the investment we are making will ensure that the community begin to see tangible improvements immediately and a continual progress in the quality of our roads throughout the year.” The programme will focus on carriageway resurfacing, such as patching and surface dressing, as well as on addressing drainage improvements, footway resurfacing and crash and safety barrier installation. It will coincide with an enhanced schedule of pothole repairs, which will tackle the effects that severe weather has had on Renfrewshire’s roads. “We recognise there is a significant issue regarding potholes, which is affecting our roads due to the severe weather we faced this winter, with the freezing conditions causing the road surface to crack,” said Councillor McEwan. “This is an issue which has been seen nationally, even occurring on out motorways, and we have invested accordingly to ensure our teams can carry out the necessary repairs. We recognise the frustrations of road users and want to assure them that we are committed to providing a roads network that is fit for purpose and will work hard to address all problems across the area,” she concluded. The initial repairs that are part of the roads resurfacing programme are already underway, while the more extensive resurfacing work is set to begin shortly.
Claremont Group Interior Solutions LLP has acquired Bartle House in Manchester in a £2 million deal. The 7,071 sq ft, three storey building in Oxford Court was purchased from Stonebridge and will contribute to Claremont’s involvement in the North-West property market. “This investment by Claremont Interior Solutions LLP enables us to extend our serviced office business beyond Birchwood and into the central Manchester market and complements the more traditional building of 15 Oxford Court, which we purchased in 2015. We very much see this as a long-term investment,” commented on the purchase Mike Gardner, Chairman at Claremont. “Bartle House is just over 60% occupied and I have every confidence that with the quality we offer, as well as the personal service and focus that we can bring, we will soon increase this to the levels we enjoy in Birchwood, which are in excess of 90%,” he continued. The deal’s advisors were Hugh James Lawyers and Tony Howcroft of Hallams Agents. Claremont Group Interior Solutions LLP is part of the Claremont group of companies, offering serviced office accommodation in Birchwood, Warrington, which is branded as The Breeze. With a £40 million turnover, Claremont offers office interior design and fit-out capabilities that cover the entire process, from initial conception to completion and handover. The company’s consultancy services help customers define their needs and set the scope of the project, including workspace consultancy, building appraisals, space planning, interior design and technology consultancy. Their contracting services cover all scenarios, from Cat A and Cat B fit-out, to design and build, refurbishment, move management, furniture and technology procurement and integration. All of this is supported by their rigorous project and cost management methodology, and their ongoing post-occupancy support, which ensures the spaces Claremont creates continue to deliver value for their customers’ organisation over the long term.
United Living has a three year programme of refurbishment work in Thurrock, Essex on its agenda and is currently looking to sign up new suppliers and subcontractors. A trade networking event was organised with Constructionline to outline the opportunities available on the programme and give attendees the chance to join United Living’s approved supplier list. The key trades expected to attend the event include: Kitchen renewal, Bathroom and WC renewal, Central Heating renewal, External door replacement, Electrical works, Damp remedial works, Any associated asbestos removal, as well as Cyclical decorations and repairs, External wall insulation, Roofline renewal work such as fascias, soffits and downpipes, Window replacements, and Structural repairs and modifications. “We are delighted to expand our operations into Thurrock and we are committed to providing opportunities for local businesses to work with us to provide a first-class service,” said Daren Moseley, Managing Director for United Living South (Refurbishment). “This event is an opportunity to meet with local contractors that would like to work with our group in a full range of trades. We can’t wait to meet them on the day.” Registration for the event is free and is available for both Constructionline and non-Constructionline members at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/united-living-supplier-engagement-day-tickets-45102958162?aff=efbneb. The drop-in session will take place on the 24th of April, between 9.30am and 3.30pm at Aveley Football Club, Parkside, Park Lane, Aveley, South Ockenden, RM15 4PX.
New roofing guidance for housebuilders has been published by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA). How to Build Compliant Spandrel Panels, which is endorsed by the NHBC, has been updated to include information about single-skin cladding for spandrel panels. The guide now has a page featuring fermacell Gypsum Fibreboard as an example of how single-skin cladding can replace two sheets of plasterboard either side of a spandrel panel, without compromising fire and acoustic requirements. Jonathan Fellingham, TRA chairman, said: “The first version of the guide we published last year proved to be very useful to housebuilders. “We decided to update the guide to add more useful information for housebuilders on single-skin cladding options for spandrels. We take our collaboration with the installers of our products seriously and are committed to offering guidance to increase quality and accuracy wherever possible.” Throughout the guide there are technical drawings and 3D renders showing safe and compliant installation methods for spandrel panels. Where necessary these have also been updated to show closer detail of bracing, and to demonstrate different ways to restrain spandrel panels. Further guidance will be published throughout 2018 providing the latest advice on all aspects of the design, manufacture and safe installation of roof components. www.tra.org.uk
Architects are set to benefit from a new ARCHICAD training facility following the relocation of Graphisoft UK’s training centre in Nottingham. The new facility based at Castlebridge Office Village in Nottingham offers a bright and spacious training space, ideally suited to the needs of delegates. The central location of the venue is also convenient with good transport links nearby. “It was great to start in our new premises. We’ve received some brilliant feedback from delegates who have already attended courses at our new facility,” said Gemma Sewell, support and training manager at Graphisoft UK. “We have a team of six highly-experienced support staff who provide our customers with personalised technical support. The additional space and open plan layout will allow us to work more closely together and will enable us to grow our team as necessary so that we can continue to provide a high level of service,” she added. According to Brendan Sexton, BIM manager at maber, an architectural practice headquartered in Nottingham, “It’s often best to take time out of the office to fully concentrate on learning new skills. Graphisoft’s new training facility is the ideal environment to do just that. As always, the standard of training by the Graphisoft team is exceptional, and with the new facility we expect to be frequent visitors over the coming months.” Training groups are kept to a maximum of six delegates to allow the courses and trainers to focus on individual requirements. Graphisoft offers several training courses tailored to suit the needs of architects with varying degrees of knowledge about ARCHICAD. All courses include a mixture of discussions, exercises and assessments to help trainees develop skills in ARCHICAD. The essentials course introduces delegates to the principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and demonstrates positive and productive ways to use the software. The advanced course goes beyond the essentials, showing delegates the most productive ways to use all ARCHICAD’s tools and covers workflows, templates and documentation. Bespoke training courses are also available, which allow courses to be tailored to the specific requirements of the customer. Find out more about training with Graphisoft at: http://www.graphisoft.com/training/training-courses/
Keltbray acquired some of Dunne’s assets from the administrators FRM Advisory after the latter went into administration in July. This purchase includes Dunne’s former yard and head office at Bathgate in Scotland, as well as plant used for the construction of reinforced concrete structures. In a statement to Construction News, the company said: “Keltbray sees this as an opportunity to broaden its capability and services portfolio, widen its geographical reach and to respond to market demands.” Dunne Group fell into administration on 19 July, after workers at Dunne and its five subsidiaries were understood to have been pulled from multiple sites including 100 Bishopsgate, with Brookfield Multiplex. Brookfield Multiplex replaced Dunne with Byrne Group on 100 Bishopsgate and its One Blackfriars job three days after the contractor went into administration. The concrete specialist was also working on Mace’s Newington Butt’s scheme in south London and was replaced by concrete contractor Getjar earlier this month. CN Summit Keltbray chief executive Brendan Kerr will be speaking at the CN Summit on the subcontractor panel. Mr Kerr will appear alongside Francis Keenan, managing director of FK Group and Jim De Waele, managing director of Keller UK. Click here for the latest programme and CN readers can contact Ilja Ryndin on 020 3033 2609 or by email Ilja Ryndin@emap.com to secure a discounted delegate rate. Source link
The residential real estate market in Dubai maintained its stability in the year to April 2016, despite prices falling, according to the latest analysis report on the emirate. Despite a 9% year on year drop across the mainstream market, the General REIDIN sale price index remained relatively flat on a monthly basis, with no noticeable changes in the performance of both apartments and villas, says the report. Dubai’s prime market continued to outperform the market average with the prime price index down 5% in the 12 months to April 2016 compared to the previous 12 month period, the report from international real estate firm Knight Frank. It says that it is encouraging that prices in the prime segment increased 2% on a quarterly basis between the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. The performance of prime apartments outweighed that of villas, with the index pointing to a 2% quarterly increase over the same period. In turn, prime villas recorded no significant price change. The Knight Frank report also says that a number of factors have supported this regulation in prices and are set to support the return of confidence to the market including the government commitment to infrastructure spending. It points out that while it is too soon to estimate the impact of the Expo 2020 on the residential sector, continued government spending on infrastructure projects geared towards the event such as Route Metro 2020 and Dubai Parks & Resorts will promote confidence in the market and is expected to draw further inward capital. There is also likely to be some control of supply as there is a general consensus among developers of the need to phase out residential projects in line with demand and strong liquidity with the residential real estate market in Dubai continuing to attract capital from strong liquid markets such as Saudi Arabia and India, two of the traditionally top buyers of real estate in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, sale prices remained relatively stable on the back of a shortage in quality residential supply with the General REIDIN sale price index recording a 1% increase year on year in the first quarter of 2016. The report says that while demand has declined on the back of corporate restructuring and cutbacks in government spending, this has been balanced by a slowdown in the delivery of projects, thus keeping the market steady. ‘Looking ahead, the residential market in the UAE is expected to soften over the second half of the year. While it’s difficult to predict when the next growth cycle will be, we expect the residential market to level out by the end of 2016 before seeing gradual recovery in 2017. We expect prime residential properties will continue to outperform the market average in the short to medium term,’ the report says. ‘We expect Dubai to continue attracting investments both regionally and globally. However the outlook for the emirate in general and the real estate sector in particular depends on a number of fundamentals,’ it explains. ‘Further volatility in oil prices, the European Union referendum in the UK, the US presidential elections in November and ongoing geopolitical tensions are likely to impact the behaviour of currencies, investor sentiment, and demand for property,’ it concludes. Source link
Furness BS announces two new variable rate mortgages Furness Building Society has announced today that it has launched two variable rate products at 90% LTV, aimed at those taking their first step onto the property ladder. The new products carry a pay rate of 1.99% for two years (with a £1,499 fee) and 2.45% for three years (with a £999 fee) and are available for both purchase and remortgage cases, with a free legal package on remortgages. Both products start with a 2% early repayment charge which then drops to 1% in the final year of the products life. Sue Heron, Furness Building Society’s Marketing and Sales Director, commented on the launch: “We are delighted with the launch of these new products which we feel will especially appeal to those looking to get on that first step of the property ladder. One of the benefits of recommending Furness Building Society is that we do not use credit scoring to assess applications. Every case is looked at individually by an experienced underwriter, by working in this way we are able to apply some flexibility in our decision making.” Source link
A number of new Higher Education courses are springing up in the UK with one common feature – they are all appealing to a more diverse range of applicants. And with a need to encourage more women and under-represented groups into engineering these new courses are very welcome. This free one day workshop organised by the Women’s Engineering Society will take place on 18 October at the Warwick Manufacturing Centre and will look at these various new models of engineering education. Our speakers will explore the different courses and ideas that are currently in the planning with a view to sharing best practice and creating a new type of inclusive engineering education. Registration is required. Please click here. Programme 10.00-10.30: Registration, Coffee & Tea 10.30-10.40: Welcome & Introduction 10.40-12.15: Session 1: New Courses in Engineering Education •Keynote: The Accelerated Integrated Masters Liberal Engineer Degree (AIMLED) – a new approach to Engineering Education •Karen Usher – co-project Leader, NMiTE, Hereford •Electronic Engineering •Dr Stefanie Kuenzel – Royal Holloway •Humanitarian Engineering •Georgia Kremmyda – civil engineering degree leader, Warwick University 12.15-13.00: Lunch 13:00-14.15:Session 2: New Concepts in Engineering Education •Big Ideas for Education •Peter Finegold – Institution of Mechanical Engineering •Integrated and Inclusive Mathematics in an Engineering Curriculum •Carol Morris – Deputy head of school of engineering and innovation, Open University •Women Into Engineering Courses •Douglas Morrison – curriculum head, STEM Industry Academies, City of Glasgow College 14.15-14.45: Coffee & Tea 14.45-16:15:Session 3: Inclusion in Engineering Education •The Emotional Rescue of Engineering Education: A Practical, Engaging Approach to Transformative Change •David E. Goldberg – president, Big Beacon •Tools for Teams to Improve Inclusion •Dr Jan Peters – director, Katalytic •Inclusive Engineering: a New Module for Undergraduates •Dawn Bonfield – CEO, Women’s Engineering Society 16:15-16:30: Closing remarks You may also be interested in watching this video:http://letmedoitmovie.com/ For further details or to be included in the programme please contact Benjamin Palmer, WES Events Manager on events@wes.org.uk. We thank the Warwick Manufacturing Group for the use of its venue. Source link