The UK Construction Blog

From re-fitting a city office to redeveloping schools, keeping the customer satisfied can be particularly demanding in the business of construction.

The finalists just announced in the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Construction Manager of the Year Awards (CMYA) have all proved themselves more than equal to a wide range of challenges, combining resourceful and creative application of building technology with inspiring project and team management and top communication skills.

Through a rigorous selection process by top industry judges, drawn from Fellows and Members of the CIOB, the Construction Manager of the Year Awards is tough and commendations are both hard earned and prestigious. Chris Blythe, Chief Executive of the CIOB said, “It is no secret that the construction industry faces some challenging times. But what is encouraging is the ingenuity and skill showed by our finalists this year and their ability to make the sometimes impossible possible.

“You could be forgiven for thinking that the 2010 competition would somehow suffer because of the recession, but that simply has not been the case and shows just how special and unique this level of recognition is. This year we have over 100 finalists from a record number of entrants from every level of the industry. In fact this year we have our youngest ever entrant. The judges have not only been blown away by the standard of entry but also the support from the clients. This will be another year to remember for CMYA there is no doubt about that.”

The award has seen some significant changes in the 30 years that the CIOB has been recognising and celebrating management excellence across the construction industry. Effective public private partnerships, the use of emerging technologies and successful solutions to environmental challenges are just a few of them.

Winners and medalists will be announced on Thursday October 14th at the awards dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. You can find a full list of the finalists and further information about the awards at www.cmya.co.uk. The sponsors for CMYA 2010 are: The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Hays, CIOB Insurance Services, Sprecher Grier Halberstam, IHS, BT Global Services, Hill International, COINS, and Premier Guarantee.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has been confirmed as Event Partner at the new Built Environment Solutions and Technologies Show (BEST)

With over 45,000 members worldwide, the CIOB is considered the international voice of the building professional, and joins a prestigious roster of partners already committed to the BEST show, which includes Dyson, Barratt Homes, Birmingham Local Education Partnership, Network Rail, Crossrail, BAA and Land Securities.

BEST, which replaces Interbuild Specifier and incorporates the Infrastructure structure show, takes place from 18-20 October 2010 at the NEC in Birmingham.

As the built environment’s new trade event, BEST offers visitors the opportunity to view and purchase new products and technologies from across each of the main construction markets.  A highlight of the event is the six free seminar programmes, covering topics including retrofit and low carbon, as well as innovations within the residential, education and commercial property sectors.

Saul Townsend, Press & Communications Manager at the CIOB commented, “The CIOB is delighted to be a partner of the BEST show and we are looking forward to engaging with our members and other professionals in the industry on a number of key issues. Not least the low carbon agenda which despite the downturn in the economy is still a vital topic for the built environment. The BEST show is an ideal platform for us to exchange knowledge and to hear new ideas.”

Chartered member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members share a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the build environment.

The CIOB will also participate in the show’s Low Carbon themed seminar programme, with Vice President, Alan Crane, speaking on Monday 18 October. Through his presentation, ‘Calculating carbon footprint – how realistic and accurate can you be?’, Alan will review the results of the CIOB embodied carbon study, and its implications.

Entry to BEST is free for those who register in advance (saving £20) when using priority code ECIB at www.best-show.co.uk/register

For a full exhibitor list and seminar programme visit www.best-show.co.uk