Emma Howard, Guardian Sustainable Business 20th October 2015 Hundreds more jobs will be lost at solar power companies if planned changes to government policy come into force in the new year, 25 small businesses have told the Guardian. The solar and energy efficiency companies have already made 32 staff redundant between them and more than a dozen of the firms said they expect to close if the changes come to pass as expected, with the total loss of more than 350 jobs. The losses would be in addition to 1,000 jobs that have already been axed after four solar power companies in the past fortnight announced they were going into liquidation, blaming the Government cuts to support for solar. Unions also joined the criticism on Monday, saying the Government should not have “slashed” subsidies. The businesses the Guardian spoke to accused the Government of “actively destroying UK renewables” and “stopping an industry in its tracks”. Most specifically, they referred to a proposed 87 per cent cut to the solar Feed-in Tariff, a Government incentive scheme for small solar installations. Some firms also cited the closure of support for the flagship Green Deal scheme that incentivised homeowners to invest in insulation for their homes. Many reported that they are experiencing a surge in demand before the change to the Feed-in Tariffs comes into force on January 1 2016. The Renewable Obligation (RO) scheme, a separate solar subsidy for larger solar installations of up to five megawatts, is also set for early closure in April. Nick Pascoe, managing director at Orta Solar, which is in the process of closing, making four permanent staff redundant and affecting 11 more contractors, told the Guardian: “The rest of the world has recognised that renewable electricity inspires countless entrepreneurs to set up localised generation businesses and that it can challenge the market share of the established monopolies. “However, this Government are so much in the pockets of those established monopolies that they are doing their bidding in actively destroying UK renewables. Their stance is out of step with the rest of the industrialised world and is a dreadful blight on the UK.” The director of another failing solar company accused the Government of “willfull destruction” of the industry in order to make way for fracking and nuclear energy. Like this story? Please subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter at the top of the page for more content like this. Related content:Green policy Source link

12 July 2016 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has been awarded a £170 million contract to modernise baggage handling at Heathrow Airport.  The project, which has been awarded through the Heathrow Airport Limited Delivery Integrator Framework to which Balfour Beatty was appointed in 2014, involves upgrading and installing baggage screening and handling systems at Heathrow’s eastern baggage facility. The company will use its technological expertise across the project including the latest Building Information Modelling techniques to define the most efficient approach to design, manage logistics and to interface with live airport operations. Source link

Thinking of building a big house extension or your own home in 2016? You aren’t alone! The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Thursday 17 December) published new research forecasting the main trends in UK housing design for the year ahead. Over the course of 2015, RIBA Chartered Architects have reported the design trends in greatest demand: Sustainable and energy conservation measures – demand for sustainable materials, advanced insulation products, water conservation and recycling features Larger extensions and bigger new build bespoke houses Adaptable designs – increased demand for homes that can make living easier for ageing occupants and live-in relatives Family social hubs – multi-functional open-plan spaces are still highly desirable An increase in land availability and the relaxation of planning restrictions have led to an increase of one-off single houses and housing extensions. 55% of our Architects reported that bespoke homes and housing extensions are getting bigger in size. As the ageing population increases, more of us are planning ahead for later in life by seeking designs solutions to facilitate easier living. Adaptations to make independent living simpler, or adjusting a family home layout for the addition of an older family member are the two main drivers in this growing market. The popularity of generous multi-functional living spaces – combining cooking, dining and living space shows no sign of diminishing – when these spaces are combined with direct access to gardens and outside space, they are even more popular with 66% of our Architects reporting a demand. Sustainability and energy conservation are no longer niche concerns but factor prominently in the design decisions of many clients. 70% of our Architects expect to see an increase in specifying advanced insulation products and 66% expect to see a rise in the use of solar/PV panels. RIBA President Jane Duncan said: “The appetite for building or improving your own home for your family and future shows no sign of abating, with architects experiencing increased demand from creative and ambitious homeowners. This new RIBA report gives a glimpse of what to expect in housing design for 2016 and beyond. It shows the insight, value for money and peace of mind that an architect can bring to any housing project.” Find your own architect in 2016 Choosing an accredited RIBA Chartered Practice will give you peace of mind. They comply with strict criteria covering insurance, health and safety and quality management systems. Use the RIBA’s free ‘Find an Architect’ directory at www.architecture.com/FindAnArchitect and search for an RIBA Chartered Practice that is right for you. You can create your own shortlist from over 3,000 practices and 40,000 projects. Architects are highly skilled, and professionally trained to turn your aspirations into reality. ENDS Notes to editors 1. For further press information contact Howard Crosskey howard.crosskey@riba.org  2. To download the full report click here: https://riba.box.com/s/furxttrnl3hlne98mjrvv7403v9ediw9  3. To ‘Find An Architect’ visit www.Architecture.com/FindAnArchitect  4. Alternatively, RIBA can create a tailored shortlist of practices with the appropriate skills and experience on your behalf. The service is confidential and provided free of charge. Contact us on 020 7307 3700 or email clientservices@riba.org. Posted on Thursday 17th December 2015 Source link

The really determined can make a bull case for Travis Perkins, builders’ merchant and favourite hang-out for DIY-aficionados. Determination is needed, as both share price and fundamentals are bleak. Since June, the shares are down a quarter, falling 5 per cent on Wednesday’s trading update. Travis, unlike rival Wolseley, is 99 per cent exposed to barely-growing UK construction. And awesome kit like the DeWalt Cross Line Laser and Hammer Drill, yours for £200, is made overseas. The pound’s collapse means either the price must rise, hurting customers’ wallets, or Travis’s margins will suffer. This leaves nothing but unpleasant choices. Travis announced some branch closures and job losses in its latest quarterly results, which despite market disappointment could have been worse. There was like-for-like sales growth in most segments, particularly the consumer side (6 per cent, year-on-year). The exception was plumbing and heating, hit by the gradual end of government-funded efficiency schemes; a blow, but by its nature not one that will repeat. The bull case has various other parts. There is a government vow to build more houses; yes, a promise often broken, but this government will be all the more keen to keep it, given what a “hard Brexit” does to other drivers of growth. Also, builders and households are less indebted than during the last recession, which saw Travis shares fall 85 per cent. Its own balance sheet is in better shape, too, with net debt below one times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. A price of 11 times 2016 earnings, according to UBS, is not expensive. Add to this a record of cost discipline (Travis made profits through the financial crisis) and you have your bull case. Against this, no one, including Travis, has any idea of how the inflation about to hit the high street will affect sentiment. Hence Travis’s belt-tightening which, if echoed by their customers, will lead to a DIY recession with no instruction manual. Email the Lex team at lex@ft.com Sample the FT’s top stories for a week You select the topic, we deliver the news. Source link

Solar panel VAT rate ‘to stay at 5%’ Published:  24 March, 2016 The government has announced it will keep the reduced VAT rate on energy-saving materials such as solar panels and heat pumps. There had been fears the rate of VAT applied to these products would rise to 20% following a European Court (EC) ruling that the reduced rate breached EU laws. Following the EC ruling, HMRC published a consultation proposing to increase the VAT rate as of 1 August, 2016. However, the Labour party tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill that would empower the Treasury to give solar and other energy saving materials lower rates of VAT. This has gained cross-party support in recent weeks, and the Prime Minister told the House of Commons on 21 March that the government would not oppose the amendment. Treasury aides have now confirmed that the installation of all energy saving materials “including solar panels, wind turbines and water turbines will continue to benefit from the current, reduced rates of VAT”. The European Commission has also said it will bring forward proposals to allow “flexibility” in the VAT rates applied to different products within EU countries. The renewable industry has reacted positively to the news, with the Solar Trade Association (STA) describing it as “very encouraging”. A large number of organisations including the STA, the Builders’ Merchants Federation (BMF), the Association of Conservation of Energy, Sustainable Energy Association and the Residential Landlords Association have all campaigned vigorously against the VAT rise. Leonie Greene, head of external affairs at the STA, said: “The solar industry owes a big thank you to the MPs of all parties who rallied in support of solar over the last week and put their name to the amendment.” The STA estimated that an increase in VAT from 5% to 20% would add £900 to the cost of a typical residential solar photovoltaic panel installation. Brett Amphlett, policy and public affairs’ manager at the BMF, commented: “Now the legislation has been passed, improvements can continue to enjoy the 5% rate to make homes warmer, cut bills and save money. That is good news for merchants, manufacturers and solar panel installers.”   Source link

£5,000 and paid apprentice up for grabs Published:  04 August, 2016 IRWIN Tools has launched its annual Nominate a Tradesperson competition to find the UK and Ireland’s ‘Ultimate Tradesperson’. IRWIN is on the lookout for trade professionals to nominate themselves or colleagues and share their stories of when they have gone above and beyond to get a job done, no matter how big or small. Tradespeople worldwide rely on IRWIN for superior performance on the job and now IRWIN wants to celebrate the UK and Ireland’s best. The successful candidate will receive a year’s paid apprentice for 2017, £5,000 to help build their business and a range of IRWIN products including IRWIN’s new Pro Comfort Screwdrivers, WeldTec Circular Saw blades and VISE-GRIP cutting pliers. The winner will be announced at the Build Show on 18 and 19 October at the NEC in Birmingham. Ahead of the 2016 winner being crowned, from June to October, a monthly winner will receive a prize package with IRWIN tools up to the value of £660 as well as an all-expense paid trip for two to the Build Show to the value of £850. Amber Popowicz, senior brand activation manager, said: “We established Nominate a Tradesperson to find tradespeople who, through their skills and dedication, make a real difference. This could be a tradesperson who has shown their commitment to instilling their skills in the younger generation by working with apprentices or someone who always goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional client service.” Source link

Celebrating Quality Plumber Week Published:  03 October, 2016 Now in its third year, Quality Plumber Week is once again celebrating the UK’s dedicated and hard-working plumbing and heating engineers. Taking place from 3 to 9 October, the week will be building on the success of previous years to unite the entire industry in shining a spotlight on the vital role plumbers’ play in our communities. The nation’s plumbers are a highly skilled and dedicated workforce that delivers safe water and heating to our homes and workspaces, yet most of us take these services for granted.  Doing the jobs most people would rather leave, plumbers often come to the rescue with burst pipes and broken boilers yet they also provide consumers with the latest advice on heating technologies, energy saving tips and water safety.  Organised by Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC), the week also stresses the importance of using properly qualified, trained and accredited plumbers in a bid to reduce the numbers of rogue traders operating in the industry. Homeowners are encouraged to check if their tradesperson has professional qualifications and accreditation to a professional trade body to avoid being a victim of sub-standard work.  By raising the profile of plumbing as a respected profession, it’s hoped that more young people will be encouraged to consider an apprenticeship in the sector. Recent research from APHC found that attitudes towards apprenticeships appear to have shifted in recent years – 86% of people polled agree that school leavers should be encouraged to consider an apprenticeship rather than being pushed into the Higher Education route, with only 2% disagreeing.  With apprenticeships once again becoming an accepted option post-16 education, the trade needs to promote the benefits and positives of becoming a plumber or heating engineer to create a new generation of professional tradespeople. On a positive note, plumbing apprenticeships remain the most sought after with around 5,500 plumbing apprentices enrolling on a course in England and Wales in 2015.  The week will also highlight work within the industry to tighten up Building Regulations enforcement, to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for the many professional tradesmen who comply with the UK’s rigorous construction standards. Research carried out by APHC found that 74% of heating businesses believe that stricter enforcement would be beneficial to their businesses as competitors undercut their prices by bypassing regulations and 69% agree that customers are willing to breach building regulations to save time or money – despite these being in place to protect them. A worryingly high 69% had also discovered areas of non-compliance when visiting sites.  John Thompson, chief executive, APHC added: “Quality Plumber Week is once again uniting plumbers to showcase the world-class professionals we have working to keep up with our demand for fresh, clean water on tap and instant heat at our fingertips. The perception of plumbers and plumbing, as well as trades in general, appear to be making positive strides and we’re encouraged by the numbers of young people recognising the benefits of a career in the industry.  “We hope that everyone will come together to celebrate our industry and raise awareness to homeowners that there are many highly qualified professionals out there – who are proud of their trade and work they do each day. “ Plumbers are also being encouraged to get involved and win a prize at the conclusion of the week, donated by various suppliers across the industry. Quality plumbers can support the campaign using the #QPW16 to be entered into the prize draw. Working with partner trade suppliers the total prize value now stands at £2,200. For more information on Quality Plumber Week and to learn how you can get involved visit www.aphc.co.uk/quality-plumber-week. Source link

Browser does not support script. Contact us Patrik Schumacher, Partner of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), is to deliver the keynote at the RIBA Smart Practice Conference in Nottingham on 22 September 2016, providing invaluable insights into the globally renowned practice. How is ZHA organised internally to optimise on potential business worldwide? How does it keep ahead of technology? How does it uniquely position itself as a premier design office by investing in a rich research culture with a dedicated internal research unit and established links to academia internationally? A Partner at ZHA since 2002, Schumacher has been part of the practice for 28 years. He is responsible for founding DRL (Design Research Laboratory) at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. He has held professorships at Innsbruck University, University of Applied Arts in Vienna and Harvard University. He the author of several significant publications, including most recently Parametricism 2.0: Rethinking Architecture’s Agenda for the 21st Century (Architectural Design, March 2016). With the sudden loss of Zaha Hadid in March, Schumacher is the remaining Partner at ZHA.  Supported by its directors, Schumacher is tasked with taking the 400-strong practice forward. This year’s RIBA Smart Practice Conference, ‘Future Forward’, accents how an innovative approach to business-thinking, new technologies and research can propel practices forward. Sessions are organised around current business drivers, longstanding research and technology, drawing from a range of exciting speakers that encompass big names and emerging offices. Speakers include: Mark Burry of the University of Melbourne, celebrated for his work overseeing the completion of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona; Xavier de Kestelier, co-Head of the Specialist Modelling Group at Foster + Partners; David Green, Principal at Perkins + Will and CEO of AREA Research; Josef Hargrave of Global Foresight Manager at Arup; Rob Jackson, Associate Director at Bond Bryan Digital; and Deborah Saunt, Founding Director at DSDHA. The conference will be opened by RIBA President Jane Duncan. Early bird rate tickets for Future Forward: Smart Practice Conference go on sale online on 2 June: www.architecture.com/FutureForward   The conference is to take place at the Nottingham Conference Centre in the city centre, 10.00 am – 5.00 pm with drinks at Nottingham Contemporary until  7.00 pm.    ENDS For further information contact Howard Crosskey howard.crosskey@riba.org  +44 (0)20 7307 3761   A limited number of free tickets will be made available for the media to attend.   Patrik Schumacher will be available for interview at the conference.   For further information and tickets visit: www.architecture.com/FutureForward   The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com   Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA   Posted on Thursday 2nd June 2016 Source link