July sees fall in both workload and staffing forecasts Optimism remains as staffing levels are higher than a year ago After a record high forecast in June, July 2015 saw a significant note of caution with the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index falling sharply to +22 (down from +44). Practices nevertheless reported that their overall workload is growing at an annual rate of 8% and that current staffing levels are 6% higher than they were a year ago. All nations and regions in the UK returned positive balance figures, with practices in the North of England the most optimistic (with a balance figure of +48). Practices of all sizes remain upbeat about work prospects. For small practices (1–10 staff) the balance figure is +17, medium-sized practices (11–50 staff) returned a balance figure of +55 and large practices (51+ staff) a balance figure of +50. The private housing sector workload forecast fell to +23 in July 2015 (from +39 in June). The commercial sector workload forecast saw a moderate fall down to +13 in July 2015 (from +19 in June). The public sector workload forecast dipped slightly to -1 in July (from +2 in June) with practices expecting little medium-term change in public sector expenditure levels within the built environment. The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index also declined this month, standing at +12 in July (down from +20 in June). The employment market for salaried architects remains very positive; 98% of respondents expected their staffing levels either to increase or to stay the same over the next few months. Small and medium-sized practices are still confident about increasing their staffing levels (balance figures of +6 and +42 respectively); however, large practices are more likely to be actively appointing new staff, with a balance figure of +67. RIBA Executive Director Members Adrian Dobson said: “Despite the fall in our headline index, it is important to state that our forecast remains firmly in positive territory. This drop seems largely to have been driven by some loss of confidence by our practices in the medium term outlook for work in the private housing sector, especially in London and the South of England. Private housing has been the main driver of increases in architects’ workloads in the last couple of years, so this is a development that we will be monitoring closely in the next few months. It is too early to say if this is a definitive trend and the crucial autumn period will give a better indication of the prevailing sentiment.” “Our participating practices continue to suggest that the majority of firms are seeing solid growth in workloads, though there is significant pressure on fee levels and profit margins on projects typically remain tight, constraining salary levels. Future Bank of England interest rate rises may yet dampen activity in the key private housing and commercial sectors, but with the current low inflation environment looking set to continue this seems to remain a relatively distant prospect at present. The overall economic environment for architects continues to be positive, despite the cautionary note sounded by this month’s survey results.” ENDS Notes to editors: 1. For further press information contact Callum Reilly in the RIBA Press Office: 020 7307 3757 callum.reilly@riba.org 2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Visit www.architecture.com or follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates www.twitter.com/RIBA 3. Completed by a mix of small, medium and large firms based on a geographically representative sample, the RIBA Future Trends Survey was launched in January 2009 to monitor business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession. 4. The Future Trends Survey is carried out by the RIBA in partnership with the Fees Bureau. Results of the survey, including a full graphical analysis, are published each month at: http://www.architecture.com/RIBA/Professionalsupport/FutureTrendsSurvey.aspx 5. To participate in the RIBA Future Trends Survey, please contact the RIBA Practice Department on 020 7307 3749 or email practice@riba.org. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete each month, and all returns are independently processed in strict confidence 6. The definition for the workload balance figure is the difference between those expecting more work and those expecting less. A negative figure means more respondents expect less work than those expecting more work. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index, which for July 2015 was +22 7. The definition for the staffing balance figure is the difference between those expecting to employ more permanent staff in the next three months and those expecting to employ fewer. A negative figure means more respondents expect to employ fewer permanent staff. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index, which for July 2015 was +12   Posted on Thursday 27th August 2015 Source link

Smart heating market explodes in 2016 Published:  22 June, 2016 A new report on the UK smart heating market from MTW Research indicates that sales of ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) heating devices have grown by 3,000% since 2010, with volumes set to rise by a massive 40% in 2016. Led by smart heating controls, the report suggests that sales in the IoT heating market is offering healthy opportunities for manufacturers and distributors in 2016, boosted by product development and growing consumer demand. MTW points to the explosive growth for this sector in recent years, with demand rising for smart boilers, connected TRVs, smart controls and a host of heating related IoT devices and applications. MTW’s director Mark Waddy said: “We are seeing unprecedented growth for smart heating across a range of products in 2016. Every month we are seeing more manufacturers and distributors expanding their range and grabbing the opportunities that smart heating is offering.” Reviewing the size and trends for several smart heating sectors, the 120-page report suggests that the market is set to become characterised by rising sophistication and connectivity as end users demand greater monitoring and control of their heating. Features such as geofencing, remote operation and enhanced efficiencies are identified by MTW as among the key benefits of smart heating that are driving demand growth in 2016. Mr Waddy added: “Our findings suggest that 50% of consumers are likely to install smart heating products in their homes in the next five years, highlighting a market with massive growth potential in the near term.” The report also reviews the total UK IoT market, pointing to almost 900 million IoT devices in use in the UK in 2016. The findings indicate that growth in connected devices is rising by 13% in 2016, reflecting a market which is outpacing the overall heating market by a factor of four. MTW believes that the heating market is set to slowly polarise into non-connected products in the lower value spectrum, with smart heating devices boosting growth at the higher value end of the market. The report also reviews the conventional heating market and notes that modest yet tangible growth is forecast for the more traditional heating products market over the next few years. The full report is available to purchase online at www.marketresearchreports.co.uk. Source link

CIPHE champions water efficiency Published:  04 October, 2016 Did you know that 748 million people – or one in 10 of the world’s population – do not have access to clean water and have to make do with what water they can, including dirty or contaminated streams, rivers or ponds? Likewise, are you aware that half of all hospital beds in developing countries are filled with people suffering from diseases caused by poor water, sanitation and hygiene? These (and other equally scary statistics) have been compiled in a recent water efficiency paper published by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) for the World Plumbing Council (WPC). The paper outlines the importance of water efficiency, where the focus is on reducing the amount of water required for a particular purpose – restricting waste, but not restricting use. The CIPHE is championing the water efficiency message in the UK to help preserve one of our most precious of natural resources. Kevin Wellman, chief executive officer of the CIPHE, said: “We all have a role to play when it comes to water efficiency. The average person in the UK uses 150 litres of water a day, we need to bring this figure down. “Schemes such as the ECA Water Technology List and the European Water Label can do much to help consumers and installers alike make informed choices when it comes to purchasing products which utilise water. In our view, demonstrating product efficiency is a positive and proactive step to having consumers commit to water efficiency and energy conservation. We urge all manufacturers to get on board with these voluntary schemes, there is no doubt that water efficiency can have a massive impact on the amount of water we use daily, not just in the UK but on a global scale.” To download your copy of the Water Efficiency Paper please visit http://tinyurl.com/hg8jcmt or email lesleyc@ciphe.org.uk.   Source link

Apprentices give evidence to Parliamentary inquiry Published:  10 August, 2016 Three representatives have given verbal evidence to a UK parliamentary inquiry looking into apprenticeships on behalf of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). Apprentices Niall Watson of Derry Building Services and Charlotte Burton of NG Bailey participated in the session, alongside Frank Clayton, who is head of group learning and development at NG Bailey. Both apprentices took part in a lively date with the MPs, describing how they got into their careers, including the limited role of their schools in this process. Their own experiences of undertaking apprenticeships were also discussed during the session. ECA director of skills and employment Alex Meikle said: “The ECA would like to thank the three attendees for their participation in this important inquiry which seeks to understand why there is a growing skills gap in engineering. “We hope this inquiry will help inform the government as to how to ensure young people are given the right careers advice and offered the necessary training to get ahead in the industry.” The session was chaired jointly by Hartlepool MP Iain Wright and Stroud MP Neil Carmichael. Following the session, the organisers said that MPs found it incredibly useful and that it would influence the future direction of the inquiry. In due course the inquiry will ask new Skills Minister Robert Halfon MP to give evidence in response to the points made by the apprentices. The inquiry is being held jointly by the House of Commons Business and Education Committees. Source link

Home mortgages in the UK are unlikely to be affected immediately by the decision to leave the European Union, according to finance commentators. However, it could be good news for first time buyers if price growth slows and interest rates fall with some experts predicting that the Bank of England might reduce rates even further than the current historic 0.5%. In the short term, people’s attention will be on interest rates and what impact this will have on mortgage costs, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. ‘While markets are bound to react to the news, the question will be how long it takes for them to settle. We know the authorities will be mindful of this,’ said the CML spokesman. In the medium term, there will also be interest in the extent to which housing transactions are affected by economic uncertainty, and whether this will impact on house prices. The more quickly markets resettle, the lower the impact on the housing market is likely to be. However, any prolonged disturbance would inevitably impact the housing market. ‘For lenders, the treatment of customers and of mortgage applications will be business as usual. People who have received mortgage offers will not see them affected. People facing financial difficulty will continue to be treated constructively and positively,’ the CML spokesman explained. ‘Lenders remain open for business as usual. Mortgage pricing is unlikely to react instantly, although pricing may be affected in the foreseeable future because of the effect on lenders’ cost of funds arising from the perception of economic uncertainty. How long this lasts will depend on how quickly markets resettle,’ he added. Indeed, Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, quickly announced that any measures needed to support financial markets and the UK economy would come into play. These measures could include a cut in interest rates that could reduce home owners’ monthly mortgage payments, a measure repeatedly taken during the financial crisis of 2008. James Roberts, chief economist at real estate firm Knight Frank, believes that an interest rate cut is on the cards. ‘We expect the Bank of England, seasoned by the experience of financial crisis, to respond quickly. An interest rate cut of 25 basis points is a strong possibility at the Monetary Policy Committee’s July meeting, or perhaps earlier if required,’ he said.       Source link

HSE is consulting on revised regulations to replace the Freight Containers (Safety Convention) Regulations 1984, known as ‘the Regulations’ within this document, in order to give effect to the amendments to the International Convention for Safe Containers 1972, known as ‘the CSC’ within this document. The CSC is an international treaty that was ratified by the UK in 1978.  In ratifying the treaty the UK became bound by its terms in accordance with international law. This Consultative Document sets out proposals from HSE to replace the Freight Containers (Safety Convention) Regulations 1984 to give effect to amendments made to the International Convention for Safe Containers 1972.  In response to feedback received during the first public consultation held between 18 January and 25 February 2016 HSE made changes to the original proposal and now proposes to introduce a new set of regulations known as the Freight Containers (Safety Convention) Regulations 2017.  The aim of this consultation is to seek views on the changes. Consultation began on 17 October 2016 and ends on 14 November 2016. View the consultative document. Respond to the consultation using the online questionnaire or download a Word form. Our preference is for responses to be in electronic format but alternatively, you can submit your response by post by 26 February 2016 to: Transportation Policy Team Health and Safety Executive 5.3. Redgrave Court Merton Road Bootle Merseyside L20 7HS Email: FCSCreview@hse.gov.uk Source link

 In December 2015, John Swinney delivered “Scotland’s Spending Plans and Draft Budget 2016 / 17”, and whilst most of the media attention focused on potential changes to the Scottish rate of income tax, the Finance Minister also included less well publicised reforms to empty property rates relief, particularly the treatment of industrial property.   Previously, vacant industrial property had benefitted from 100% rates relief for the duration of any void period.  From 1st April 2016, the Scottish Government reduced this period of 100% relief to three months and thereafter, 10% relief.  Further minor changes to commercial (non-industrial) property were also introduced, summarised in the table below.      Vacant Commercial (excl. Industrial) Vacant Industrial Current Relief 100% relief for 3 months; 10% relief thereafter. 100% relief for duration of void period Proposed Relief 50% relief for 3 months; 10% relief thereafter. 100% relief for 3 months; 10% relief thereafter.   The introduction of these reforms has a significant impact on the industrial property market and with the very short lead-in period, industrial investors have had  limited time to take any action.  Outside of Scotland’s prime industrial areas, vacancy rates remain relatively high and this is reflective of the oversupply of available accommodation and the lack of occupational demand.  Since the implementation of these changes, there has not be enough time to see any evidence of the market’s reaction.  However, we anticipate that a number of negative outcomes could likely arise from this policy: • Speculative development or redevelopment / regeneration projects could not go ahead as the associated holding costs of industrial property will result in considerable risk. • Investor demand for industrial property is likely to be reduced as the risks of ownership will have increased.  For larger multi-let industrial estates, the increased shortfalls on vacant units will erode the net rental income generated by the estate and will reduce the value and marketability of these assets.  In addition, the reduction in net rent will impact on investors ability to service the debt repayments on any assets.  • For some industrial landlord’s of dated stock in poorer locations, the likelihood of long term voids is very real and rather than be faced with vacant rates liability, could deem it financially prudent to demolish the property or render them incapable of beneficial occupation.  The Scottish Government has proposed these changes as it concedes the system is not raising as much revenue as hoped.  However, we would question whether this change in policy will have the desired effect and Savills would suggest the likely knock on effects will be detrimental and reduce the level of investment in the Scottish industrial property market.    Source link

©Bloomberg A labour dispute involving workers on Royal Dutch Shell platforms in the North Sea has moved closer to resolution after Wood Group, the oil services provider, reached provisional agreement with unions on a compromise deal. Maintenance workers employed by Wood Group held a series of stoppages on Shell platforms over the summer in the first significant strike by North Sea workers for almost 30 years. More On this topic IN Oil & Gas The dispute, over pay and conditions, highlighted rising labour tensions in the UK offshore energy industry as companies look for cost savings in the face of protractedly low oil and gas prices. Wood Group said on Tuesday it had drawn up a “mutually agreeable proposal” with union representatives that was in “the best interests of all parties”. The deal would be put to a ballot of members by the Unite and RMT unions next week, it added. The dispute has been closely watched as a test of the industry’s ability to reduce labour costs in the North Sea, as well as unions’ appetite to resist cuts. A spokesman for Unite said the deal was “the best that can be achieved in the current circumstances”. Neither side would reveal details of the agreement. Wood Group employees working on Shell platforms had faced an average 3 per cent pay cut under original proposals that prompted the dispute. Unions claimed that some people would see earnings fall by 30 per cent when benefits were included. “The new proposal recognises the skills, flexibility and capabilities of the incumbent offshore workforce, the challenges facing the industry and demonstrates collective leadership in shaping the future of the North Sea,” said Wood Group in a statement. Paul Goodfellow, head of UK upstream operations for Shell, said: “Shell is pleased with this proposal and looks forward to working with Wood Group, Unite and the RMT to ensure that the North Sea remains competitive.” Industry leaders say changes in working practices are unavoidable if the North Sea basin is to survive in an era of low oil prices and declining production. Unions say workers are being asked to bear a disproportionate share of the pain. By the end of this year, the number of oil and gas jobs in the UK is forecast to have fallen 8,000 from its peak of 41,700 in 2014, according to the industry group Oil & Gas UK. When support jobs are included, the number is expected to have fallen from 453,800 to 330,400 — a loss of more than 120,000. The brunt of the decline has been felt in Aberdeen, capital of the UK oil industry and home of Wood Group. Figures from oilandgaspeople.com, a recruitment site, show that average pay for an offshore worker has fallen from about £80,000 a year in 2014 to £62,000. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2016. You may share using our article tools. Please don’t cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web. Source link

1 July 2016 | James Richards Food waste and loss is costing the global economy around $990 billion annually, according to the European Council. At a meeting of its general secretariat, the council highlighted the enormous economic, social and environmental consequences of food waste, which it said amounted to 1.3 billion tonnes a year. Summarising recent initiatives and research in the area, the council presented a range of recommendations for member states and the European Commission. It found that food ultimately lost or wasted consumes about a quarter of all the water used for agricultural purposes; it requires a cropland area the size of China; is responsible for an estimated 8% of greenhouse gas emissions; and contributes to the loss of biodiversity. With countries in the EU currently wasting 88 million tones of food, the European Council said that reforms needed to be made with the aid of new technologies. ‘Bio-refining’ could be “among the economically and environmentally beneficial ways of handling food losses and waste when food resources are no longer suited for people or animals.” The council also referenced a European Commission legislative proposal for an amendment to an existing directive on waste. The amendment would seek to reinforce food waste prevention within EU waste policy. The council called for food waste generation “to be reduced at each stage in the value chain”, and for “improved monitoring and reporting of food waste levels”. The council also urged member states to welcome the development of a common and practical EU monitoring protocol for measuring food loss and waste reduction. To this end, it stated, scientific measurement would help to achieve a baseline to help cross-national cooperation throughout the food chain. It urged member states to prioritise the prevention of food waste and promote the diversion of unavoidable food losses and waste to recycling and other forms of recovery, rather than disposal. The UK may not, however, be bound by any of the council’s findings in the wake of its decision to leave the EU in last week’s referendum. It is not yet clear what relationship the UK will have with the trading bloc, nor how it might reshape existing legislation on waste management.   Source link