New measures designed to protect the public from incompetent “cowboy” builders were announced by the government on Wednesday and given a cautious welcome by MPs. Tradesmen who operate self-check schemes, which allow them to assess their own work, will be required to meet higher standards, the Department for Communities and Continue Reading
Sir John Armitt talks about constructing the Olympic Park
Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority spoke to the CIOB Brunel Centre members and students at UWE Bristol about the challenges of building the venues for the London 2012 Olympic Games. With thanks to Sir John Armitt, University of the West of England Bristol and Constructing Excellence Continue Reading
Homeowners ‘not compromising on bathroom designs’
The desire to create a beautiful, comfortable and stylish bathroom seems to be as strong as ever, if one expert is to be believed. Matteo Bianchi, director of the Matteo Bianchi Studio, explained his belief that people are simply not willing to compromise on the hard furnishings of their washroom. Continue Reading
UCATT welcomes Miliband Gangmaster comments
Leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband has said he will consider extending the scope of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) to other sectors known to have exploited workers – statements that have been welcomed by the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT). In a speech to the Continue Reading
FREE COSHH Assessment Packs
We are really happy to announce that our friends at the National Safety Centre have put together a FREE COSHH assessment pack which contains a Task-based Risk Assessment Form with COSHH compliance, access to a vast online library of managed Safety Data Sheets and a template COSHH risk assessment procedure/policy. Continue Reading
Grant Shapps welcomes housebuilding figures
Figures showing a rise in the number of affordable housebuilding starts have been welcomed by housing minister Grant Shapps. Statistics published by the Homes and Communities Agency revealed 19,967 residential construction projects began on-site, while 59,451 were completed, in the year preceding March 31st 2012. Mr Shapps said this data Continue Reading
CIOB making construction a career of choice
Careers advice in UK schools can be hit or miss and in some cases non-existent. The Chartered Institute of Building has been campaigning to improve the guidance young people receive and the access they have to a professional career. Within the national curriculum the CIOB is working with the b-live Foundation to Continue Reading
CIOB calls for reviewers of its Complex Projects Contract
The Chartered Institute of Building is calling for reviewers of its international complex projects contract following its launch in New York. The last major form published by the CIOB was the first standard form of construction contract ever produced. It was published jointly with RIBA in 1871, over 140 years Continue Reading
Bentley Issues 2012 Be Inspired Awards Call for Submissions
18th June 2012: Bentley Systems, Incorporated, the leading company dedicated to providing comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure, today announced that it is accepting submissions for the 2012 Be Inspired Awards global competition. The deadline for entries is August 3, 2012. The Be Inspired Awards is held in conjunction with Continue Reading
Connect-a-Desk Laptop and Tablet PC Holster
As part of our Mobile Surveying Solutions we now provide a Universal holster for surveying ‘hands free’ this holster can be used for a variety of different Tablet PC’s, UMPC’s, netbooks, laptops even clipboards. Includes everything you need to use your computer while walking or standing. Adjustable to fit any Continue Reading