Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
UK Construction News Archive for August 2007
31/08/2007
£65 million in PFI credits has been awarded by Defra to a North Yorkshire partnership to improve local waste management facilities in the region. Plans include increasing recycling and composting as well a mechanical and biological treatment plant and an energy from waste plant. As a result North Y
31/08/2007
Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation, Stewart Baseley, has criticised a call from the National Consumer Council (NCC) to give statutory protection to all new home buyers. Mr Baseley stated: "The NCC’s claim that new homes buyers have no more protection than those buying a new kettle i
31/08/2007
Bell Equipment UK has opened a new depot in Scotland to reflect its complete customer support commitment to its growing customer base. The move goes a long way towards achieving the company’s objective of increasing its current UK product support division by 50 per cent, which represents a substant
31/08/2007
Bakewell based Pinelog is looking to appoint a Scottish distributor/installer for its market-leading range of domestic indoor swimming pools. The announcement follows a decision taken by Pinelog to replicate in Scotland the success it is enjoying with its other distributors. Marketing Director Ian
31/08/2007
Corporate finance firm CFI property has announced it is putting together a syndicate in order to buy a major shopping centre in Athlone, Ireland for an estimated €345 million. It is understood the company is seeking to raise €100 million from investors along with Ulster Bank Wealth and the Sherry F
31/08/2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has brought the safe operation of heavy goods vehicles into sharp focus following a successful prosecution brought against Tow Law-based W. E. & I. Wright Limited. The prosecution followed an investigation into an accident to an employee, who was seriously inju
31/08/2007
Ten young people have secured places on a new modern apprentice scheme set up by the Renaissance Consortium with the support of New East Manchester, Skills Solution and MANCAT. The ten trainees, aged 16-21 years, have initially been given a two-year contract with housebuilder, Lovell or Adactus Hou
31/08/2007
Marbrex, the low-maintenance wall-covering range from Swish Building Products has been used to complete the refurbishment of more than 90 luxury cabins on an exclusive cruise ship. The Black Watch is a luxury cruise liner operated by the Fred Olsen Shipping Line, which sales around the world from t
31/08/2007
West Midlands-based manufacturer of handcrafted bathroom products, The Imperial Bathroom Company Ltd, is the latest company to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA). Commenting on its membership, Imperial’s Managing Director, Antonio Garrido, said: "Imperial Bathrooms is delighted to ha
30/08/2007
Construction companies have only a short time left to enter the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Awards for Environmental Excellence, which will recognise and reward companies that have introduced successful measures to reduce their environmental impact. This is the first time that
30/08/2007
Responding to recommendations from the Planning Inspectors’ Report on the South East Regional Spatial Strategy, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation (HBF) Stewart Baseley has hit out against the suggestion of annual housebuilding targets for the region of 32,000 homes. The HBF argues
30/08/2007
A new exhibition at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is set to provide a fascinating spotlight on the extraordinary architecture that makes New York such a vibrant city today. This heritage dates from its earliest days as a colonial 17th Century settlement, through phenomenal growth
30/08/2007
Grangemouth based Carronvale Group has appointed Jim Preston as its new Group Chief Executive. He joins from Persimmon Homes East Scotland where he was Managing Director, and takes over following the retirement of Andy Leck who was with the group for more than 11 successful years. Jim's new role w
30/08/2007
Consultancy and engineering firms are set to benefit from reliable and up-to-date economic and statistical information on the UK construction industry following the launch this week of a new Quarterly Economic Bulletin by the Association of Consultancy and Engineering (ACE). The electronic update,
30/08/2007
The Highways Agency will be holding a public exhibition on Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September to explain the work that will be taking place on the M4 between junctions 5 and 7 from October. The exhibitions will be open to the public from 1pm to 7pm on Friday 31 August and from 9am to 1pm on
30/08/2007
Time is whizzing by and the 2007 Bathroom Conference is coming closer. This year’s event will take place at the Oxford Belfry on 30 October and promises to be an occasion not to be missed with expert speakers appealing to anyone who works in the Bathroom Industry. The theme for this year’s Confere
30/08/2007
Residents of west Belfast are protesting over plans to construct a six-storey apartment block on the former site of Andersonstown police station. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has appointed the Carvill Group as the developer to build 30 flats, a community facility and several shops. L
30/08/2007
The Scottish branch of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) is set to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the historic town of Dunkeld in Perthshire, on Saturday 27 October 2007. The AGM is free to attend, and the day will include a walking tour of the surroundings, which
29/08/2007
A group of business and professional leaders has welcomed the government's proposed Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), but has warned it must be given the resources it needs to do the job properly. The leaders of the nine representative bodies have written to planning minister Yvette Cooper
29/08/2007
Cairn Housing Association has awarded a major partnership contract to Connaught Partnerships Ltd to maintain almost 1,000 properties throughout Scotland. The three-year major partnership contract will, for the first time, see Cairn Housing Association use a single multi-trade contractor, with Conna
29/08/2007
Taylor Wimpey, the UK’s largest homebuilder, has appointed Willie Burns as director and general manager for their George Wimpey East Scotland office. Mr Burns, who will be based at the company’s Dunfermline office, will lead the company as it strives to build on its operations in key locations suc
29/08/2007
Households should receive council tax rebates to encourage them to install solar panels and wind turbines, an independent think tank has claimed. The New Local Government Network says planning laws should be relaxed to increase the take-up of green energy. It also suggests local authorities could
29/08/2007
Airport projects are something of a speciality for aluminium roof welding specialists M.R. Site Services, as welding work has recently been completed at Birmingham and Newcastle airports as part of their forward expansion programmes. This adds to a string of airport projects completed by M.R. Site
29/08/2007
Lewis & Hickey is celebrating its first venture into the booming Asia-Pacific residential market, as work will soon begin on a unique luxury residential development in the Taiwan capital, Taipei. Following the architect’s design submission to Taiwan-based property developer Kingland Group, 50 mansi
29/08/2007
In the wake of one of the wettest UK summer's since records began - a new network, LANDFORM (Local Authority Network for Drainage and Flood Risk Management) has been launched to deliver improved communication and knowledge-sharing about flood risk and surface water management. LANDFORM (managed by
29/08/2007
The Energy Crops Company has just made it much easier for architects, specifiers and builders to install wood-pellet fired heating systems with the launch of its free Wood Pellet Design Guide. The guide provides information on all the practical aspects of wood pellet heating, including system desig
29/08/2007
Marbrex, the low-maintenance wall-covering range from Swish Building Products has been used to complete the refurbishment of more than 90 luxury cabins on an exclusive cruise ship. The Black Watch is a luxury cruise liner operated by the Fred Olsen Shipping Line, which sales around the world from t
28/08/2007
Pontypridd Station has closed for two weeks from Monday August 27, as part of a major investment scheme to extend 42 platforms across Wales. Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport said: "The work being carried out in Pontypridd is part of our £13.2 million
28/08/2007
Scarborough Borough Council has launched a public consultation on a strategy to determine developments for the future of the Borough's ports. The Council’s Ports Strategy aims to recognise the importance of the Borough's ports, not only in terms of heritage, but also as key drivers for the future e
28/08/2007
The owners of a Glasgow-based plastics factory have been fined £400,000 for safety breaches which resulted in nine deaths, it has emerged. ICL Plastics and ICL Tech were each fined £200,000 each at the High Court at Glasgow following a joint investigation into the explosion and building collapse at
28/08/2007
Funds totaling £600,000 are to be made available to wind and watermills in England to enable these historic structures to be repaired and set working once again. The scheme has been launched by environmental and community grant-making charity GrantScape, using monies donated by Waste Recycling Grou
28/08/2007
Politicians from across the UK and from all political parties have announced their support for the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) latest campaign. The FMB has issued a leaflet warning householders of the dangers of rogue door-to-door maintenance traders masquerading as professionals, selling a
28/08/2007
Gary Driscoll has taken up a new position within the Eurocell as Business Development Manager to create opportunities within the public sector and new build areas for Eurocell Building Plastics. As part of developing business within these sectors, Gary will be working closely with existing and new
28/08/2007
A team of Land Registry experts was on hand at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show on Wednesday, 15 August to tell visitors about the benefits of voluntary land registration. A new Land Registry trailer was set up at the show at Motcombe and was visited by more than 100 people. Land Registry staff
28/08/2007
Three more ranges have been added to the extensive plumbing section of the latest Screwfix catalogue (issue 88) with the addition of Endex, Tectite Sprint and Yorkshire Solder Ring plumbing accessories. Manufactured by Yorkshire Fittings, the new additions include system solutions for both first
27/08/2007
Interbuild 2007 and NICEIC are set to present the latest Government thinking on a number of legislation topics in a series of seminars throughout the show, held on 28 October - 1 November 2007 at the NEC. The most important is the introduction of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7
27/08/2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning dutyholders to ensure they take proper precautions when working in buildings where asbestos may be present. The warning follows an investigation at Woodhouse Close Leisure complex in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Wear Valley District Council was
27/08/2007
Ten design teams have been shortlisted by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for two of the temporary arenas for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The teams will compete for the contract to design both the Basketball and Fencing arenas, which will be located within the Olympic Park. T
27/08/2007
A new publicly run “super-prison” is due to be built to replace ageing Victorian jails in Aberdeen and Peterhead. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill confirmed the news during a visit to Peterhead prison and also announced funding of £120 million annually which would allow for the construction of the
27/08/2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to demolition companies of the importance of finding out as much as possible about the buildings or structures that they are about to demolish. Central Demolition Limited of Bonnyside Road, Bonnybridge were fined £50,000 at Edinburgh Sherif
27/08/2007
The £60 million development of a Dorchester town centre site has moved a step closer with news of the exchange of an important legal document. West Dorset District Council and Simons Developments Ltd have signed the development agreement for the Charles Street site. The lengthy document sets out h
27/08/2007
Scottish Executive Minister Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the arrival of two new design certification schemes for the energy performance of buildings in Scotland. The Approved Certification of Design Scheme (ACOD) will bring major benefits for building designers, clients and developers. It will re
27/08/2007
A new road-building product could help prevent hundreds of tonnes of waste a year in the UK, and save the average construction company thousands of pounds a year. As a re-usable alternative to timber profiles, the Cross-Bone is designed to have an immediate and measurable impact on waste reduction,
24/08/2007
Politicians from across the UK have thrown their weight behind the latest Federation of Master Builders (FMB) campaign. The Federation say its "Beware the Summer Doorknockers" awareness campaign has received an unprecedented amount of support from politicians. Some politicians have got in touch req
24/08/2007
Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), has congratulated the quarry industry on its continuing drive to improve its health and safety performance. Mr Callaghan's comments come after a recent visit to St Austell's Imerys china clay quarry. He said: "My first official visit
24/08/2007
Scottish Enterprise Glasgow is part funding a new graduate diploma in engineering in a bid to increase high level skills in the construction industry. Delivered by Stow College, the move is designed to ease the path for engineering technicians holding HNC or HNC qualifications to become incorporate
24/08/2007
CALA Homes is re-structuring its Scottish home-building business, creating a new regional company for the north of Scotland, appointing a new Scottish Chairman and appointing three new Managing Directors. Gerry More becomes Chairman of CALA Homes in Scotland and a group board director, with Kevin W
24/08/2007
ITT Flygt pumps are proving star performers at a £7 million waste water treatment works in the Scottish Highlands. The pumping specialist’s N Pump range is being used in three roles at Scottish Water’s new Aviemore treatment works. It receives and treats sewage from homes in the area, and can handl
24/08/2007
Businesses across the UK are being urged to ditch their 'dodgy' old ladders and exchange them for a new one, as part of a Health and Safety Executive campaign that will run until the end of August. Each year thousands of workers sustain injuries in falls from ladders. According to the HSE in 2006/2
24/08/2007
With less than two months until the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) penalties come into force on 19 October, Access Accounting is warning contractors filing paper-based returns to ensure their manual systems are adequate or face fines from HM Revenue & Customs of up to £3000. Kevin Misselbrook,
24/08/2007
Designer Ben de Lisi is set to speak at the 2007 Bathroom Conference, to be held at the Oxford Belfry on 30 October. The theme for this year’s Conference is ‘The Consumer - Designing for Life, Trend and Spend’. Delegates will learn all about emerging markets, what consumers really want as a result
23/08/2007
The completion of the merger last month of Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey, created the single largest house builder, that will build more than 1 in every 10 of all new private houses built in the Scottish market. The new company, Taylor Wimpey, will retain both the Bryant Homes and the George W
23/08/2007
Interbuild 2007 is the first UK trade exhibition to use completely recyclable carpet. Visitors to the five-day event (28 October – 1 November) will receive the ‘green’ carpet treatment as just one of a series of steps taken to show Interbuild is serious about sustainability. Energy efficient lighti
23/08/2007
The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) North Wales Branch recently announced it is launching a Construction Specialist Group with the aim of providing a forum for members and others engaged in or with interests in the construction industry. The Group will allow the opportunity to ex
23/08/2007
Highlights from the RIBA Trust's autumn season will include a look at the listed buildings and structures in New York with the exhibition of black and white photographs, Landmarks of New York, which is set to open on 6 September. Also opening in September will be an exhibition looking at the six bu
23/08/2007
Taylor Wimpey, one of the UK's largest homebuilders, has appointed Andy Wyles as Divisional Managing Director in Scotland. Mr Wyles, will lead the newly merged company as it aims to meet the future housing needs of communities across the region. Andy Wyles joined the company in 1979 from college a
23/08/2007
Three Kubota mini excavators working on demolishing internal structures and floors of a multi-storey building in Leeds city centre have been fitted with a specialised exhaust gas purification system. Hull-based Kubota construction equipment dealer and plant hirer, Venco Plant Services Ltd, hired ou
23/08/2007
Architects, quantity surveyors and building contractors are set to benefit from new electronic pricing software being developed by Hunter Douglas. The Staffordshire-based facade and sun control specialist is reaching the final stages of development for a system which will cut lead times for specifi
23/08/2007
Following the huge success of its launch show, dates for The Tile & Stone Show 2008 have been confirmed. The event will return to ExCeL, London from Sunday 29 June to Tuesday 1 July 2008. Over 150 exhibitors will be attending, attracting leading architects, specifiers, interior designers, planners
22/08/2007
Consent was given under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to Severn Power Ltd for the construction of an 800MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station at Uskmouth, Newport, South Wales. The station has also been given deemed planning permission under section 90 of the Town and Country
22/08/2007
Construction has commenced on a luxury £20 million in Belfast's city centre. The Fitzwilliam Hotel will have more than 130 luxury rooms and is being planned as a five-star hotel, which will make it the second in the city centre. Businesswoman June Burgess owns the site and hotel, through her compa
22/08/2007
Morgan Sindall has launched an integrated professional design and project management business. The formation of Morgan Professional Services (MPS), follows the acquisition of AMEC’s national construction, civil engineering and design business, Design & Project Services (DPS) in July. MPS, which ha
22/08/2007
A second new household supplier is set to enter the water industry in England after Ofwat launched a consultation into proposed services for a housing development in Northamptonshire. The regulator is proposing to grant an ‘inset appointment’ to Independent Water Networks Limited (IWNL) which will
22/08/2007
Yorkshire Forward, together with UK Trade and Investment, is supporting the development of an industry-led forum for companies operating in the water and wastewater treatment sector. Mark Lowe, Operations Director for water treatment experts Aqua Enviro Ltd, will lead the forum. The forum will inc
22/08/2007
Leading construction firm Mansell has announced a senior promotion within its Moray office. Iain Lumsden, 42, has been appointed General Manager of Mansell’s Elgin office, following the successful expansion of the firm’s business activities across the region. Iain initially joined Mansell in 1993
22/08/2007
Sheffield based Intocast, the largest stockists of firebricks in the UK, has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions, increased sales and stopped used and damaged firebricks from going to landfill by reusing and recycling, thanks to a scheme funded by Yorkshire Forward. The Business Resource Efficienc
22/08/2007
Marshalls plc, one of the UK’s top hard landscaping transformation companies supplying products to the construction and landscape markets, has introduced a new depth size in one of its leading concrete block paving (cbp) ranges, Mistral. The new Mistral 60mm depth size was developed by Marshalls to
21/08/2007
National construction company Morgan Ashurst, part of construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall, is set to start work on a £134 million, public private partnership (PPP) scheme to design and build six new secondary schools in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Morgan Ashurst will be working wi
21/08/2007
Investment in the construction industry is running at a higher rate now than at any time since 2000, according to a latest survey by the Construction Products Association. Responding to increasing concerns about product shortages, the survey, contrary to this view, has demonstrated the industry’s c
21/08/2007
With stand space 93% sold out and over 800 companies confirmed, Interbuild 2007 is living up to its ‘record breaking’ predictions. “Encouraging sales led us to believe that this year’s show would be a success from the start,” stated Interbuild Event Director, Gordon Thomas. “Now, with just weeks to
21/08/2007
New Government Public Works Contracts introduced earlier this year have significant legal implications for public sector employers and contractors alike, and must be considered seriously, according to a recent seminar on the subject at Matheson Ormsby Prentice. The much debated Public Works Contrac
21/08/2007
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is delighted to announce that Jack Pringle, President of the institute has been awarded the rank of Commandeur in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. This is France’s highest cultural accolade. Previous recipients include Jac
21/08/2007
The Plumbing and Heating Industry Alliance (PHIA) has pledged to continue its campaign to highlight the increasing number of complaints from people who have paid large sums of money for so called 'Fast Track' training to become plumbers, fitters and now electricians. Organisations, under the aegis
21/08/2007
JCB has launched a move to reduce plant theft by announcing it will start fitting immobilisers and government sanctioned tags to new machines as standard. All machines will conform to Construction Equipment Security and Registration Scheme (CESAR) standards. With one-in-three of all machines sold
21/08/2007
Scafftag has launched a pocket memo for ladders and podiums that provides easy to assimilate safety and maintenance information checklists for reference both before and during use. The pocket memo contains inspection checklist for ladders on one side and podiums on the other. The user can quickly r
20/08/2007
Construction group Laing O’Rourke is currently looking for more locations to build manufacturing plants so it can carry out three-quarters of its work using off-site methods. Chief Operating Officer Tony Douglas is heading the search. Presently, only 10 per cent of its work is manufactured off-site
20/08/2007
The Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), Sir Bill Callaghan has received a Distinguished Service Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), in recognition for his outstanding contribution to health and safety management at work. The RoSPA annual awards scheme
20/08/2007
Leicester window fabricator and installer ASF has been awarded the prestigious title of 'Sub-Contractor of the Year' by David Wilson Homes. ASF using Eurocell’s Eurologik system, scored highly throughout the year to beat off stiff competition from both regional and national contractors to secure fi
20/08/2007
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is working with ConstructionSkills and its trade member Ploughcroft to run training courses on installing solar panels on roofs. New Associate members Solar Century, Viridian Solar, Alpha Boilers and Worcester Bosch – the main manufacturer used
20/08/2007
Doors By Design, Scotland’s leading manufacturer of high quality veneered and laminated doorsets, has announced ambitious plans for expansion this coming Autumn. A £200k inward investment programme will allow the Company to move from it’s existing 6000sq ft premises in Inchinnan Business Park, near
20/08/2007
The British Security Industry Association has announced a number of new appointments following its recent AGM. Stuart Lowden, Managing Director, Security Services at Wilson James Ltd, is the new BSIA Vice-Chairman, replacing Jim Harrower who has completed his second stint as Vice-Chairman of the As
20/08/2007
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT), the UK’s leading contract authoring body with more than two-thirds of projects using its contracts, has completed Revision 1 to the JCT05 suite. Published by Sweet & Maxwell, the revision not only incorporates Amendment 1, published in April to cover changes mad
20/08/2007
Mitsubishi Electric Living Environmental Systems’ proactive stance on reducing carbon emissions has seen the company shortlisted in the Environmental Pioneer of the Year category at the prestigious RAC Cooling Industry Awards 2007. Mitsubishi announced a comprehensive ten-point plan in its Green Ga
17/08/2007
The London Borough of Redbridge has selected Bellway Homes as development partner to bring forward a flagship scheme as part of the regeneration of Ilford town centre, known as ‘Unity Square’. Commercial property consultants Drivers Jonas had advised the Borough. The £100 million project will prov
17/08/2007
A new bridge carrying Lodge Lane over the A5117 at Deeside Park will start to take shape overnight on Saturday 18 August when two beams are lifted into place. A giant crane will be used to lift the 40 tonne beams into place over the road as part of a £51.4 million junction improvement scheme. The
17/08/2007
Heads were turned at this year’s Eisteddfod as the judges surprised everyone by awarding the Gold Medal for Architecture to a private building. Penarth-based architects Loyn & Co scooped the prize in recognition of their conversion of a 19th Century Water tower in Cyncoed. The Gold Medal is the la
17/08/2007
The Web is having a significant and positive impact on the fortunes of builders, according to a new study released today. The research by thebestof, a national network of local marketing websites, run by local people, that champion the best businesses in their area shows that small and medium sized
17/08/2007
Envirowise has announced a new support package to help companies in the Scottish construction sector take action on waste. An in-depth practical guide detailing the benefits of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) is launched today and will be followed by an interactive toolkit and regional workshop
17/08/2007
The web is having a significant and positive impact on the fortunes of builders, according to a new study. The research by thebestof, a national network of local marketing websites, shows that small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) plan to grow their businesses by on average 38% in the coming yea
17/08/2007
Oxford Brookes University has announced that several high profile public and private sector organisations - including English Partnerships and Mace - have signed up to support some of their employees during the launch year of the MSc Project Management in the Built Environment. As the first MSc of
17/08/2007
Leading construction firm Mansell has announced a senior promotion within its Moray office. Iain Lumsden, 42, has been appointed General Manager of Mansell’s Elgin office, following the successful expansion of the firm’s business activities across the region. Iain initially joined Mansell in 1993
16/08/2007
The Welsh Assembly Government has issued proposals which would make it easier for individuals to install small-scale energy generation equipment, such as solar panels or wind turbines, on their homes. The aim of the consultation is to reduce the need for planning permission for such equipment, ther
16/08/2007
Gladedale (Northern Division) Ltd is to place a major focus on Fife for future growth, unveiling a series of new developments in the area valued in excess of £80 million. As part of a continued growth strategy, the leading housebuilder – formerly Bett Homes – has announced the creation of in excess
16/08/2007
The Chartered Institute Of Building (CIOB) survey ‘The Green Perspective’, has revealed that over 94% of construction professionals believe that ‘green’ building is the future for the construction industry. Almost 850 construction professionals took part in the CIOB survey that examined the indust
16/08/2007
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has warned householders in flood-hit areas to guard against cowboy builders as she outlined Government commitment to support communities on the long-term task of reconstruction. According to latest information from the Association of British Insurers 45,000 househ
16/08/2007
A developer and a Brotherton man were fined a total £1,500 at Selby Magistrates after pleading guilty to depositing asbestos on land without a licence. Whinro Ltd of Church Street, Great Gransden, Cambridgeshire and Keith Rotherforth, of Church Street, Brotherton, were also ordered to pay costs of
16/08/2007
A new range of Juliette balconies has been released by bespoke architectural metalwork manufacturer Alpha Rail. Five designs have been introduced by the company to enable developers to make the most of natural light in their properties at all levels, through patio doors or full height windows. Wit
16/08/2007
Robertson Group threw a birthday bash to remember as it helped the Scottish Spina Bifida Association celebrate its first anniversary in its new flagship headquarters in Cumbernauld. The Group threw the party for all of the children from the West of Scotland who attend the centre and its staff. A g
16/08/2007
The maker of some of Scotland's funniest TV programmes is set to put a smile on the faces of the tenants at 53 Bothwell Street after it announced it was moving in. The top independent broadcaster the Comedy Unit will relocate to the refurbished listed building in the heart of Glasgow's financial di
15/08/2007
Clark Contracts has picked up its biggest contract ever with the award of a £7.2 million contract by Renfrewshire Council to refurbish Castlehead High School in Paisley. The year-long contract starts this month and continues the trend towards higher value contracts, including the £6 million contrac
15/08/2007
The Environment Agency has been given the green light to go ahead with its £4.6 million flood defence scheme at Boscastle, after planners approved the replacement Lower Bridge which is a key part of the project. The decision comes after several months of work by the Environment Agency, the National
15/08/2007
Through a process of gradual and organic growth, Dean and Dyball has developed into a £250 million, well-rounded construction and property development business. Still a privately owned family business, it is one of the few to keep its own plant fleet – a fleet that is still expanding. The company's
15/08/2007
Considering how timber could be the answer to the nations building problems is the subject of a pioneering conference to be hosted on 18 September by the Woodfair South West Partnership in conjunction with the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World. The event at Exeter University will lo
15/08/2007
A new and exciting ultimate impact and abrasion resistant partition system for use in areas subject to intensive heavy traffic has been launched by Gypsum Industries. The new system can be used in many applications including for example, hotels, hospitals, schools, shopping centres and partitions
15/08/2007
Powerlectrik is the first electrical accessories brand in the UK to use a screwless design with a magnetic frontplate for switches and sockets - which not only means a modern, contemporary looking product, but also easy installation. This new design is patent-pending. In addition, Powerlectrik is
15/08/2007
Northern Ireland manufacturer Classic marble is the latest company to become a member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Federation (BMA). Classic Marble has been designing and producing resin stone shower trays, wall panels and the award winning Classic Seal for more than 20 years. Commenting on joini
15/08/2007
Speedy Hire is throwing its weight behind the largest celebrity boxing event ever organised by joining forces with the London and Midlands ex-boxers associations. The tool and equipment hire company is backing a 'Hope and Glory' event, which is taking place at the Birmingham International Conventio
14/08/2007
After a year of judging 400 site managers have been named as `Quality Award' winners in this year's prestigious `Pride in the Job' competition. Now in its 27th year, NHBC's Pride in the Job is the only national competition to focus on the contribution the site manager makes in producing high qualit
14/08/2007
A pair of dedicated men are celebrating 40 years service with one of the north-east of Scotland’s oldest firms - plumbing and heating specialist William Wilson. Ronnie Bruce and Davie Davidson joined the century-old Aberdeen company in 1967, and have spent almost 35 years of their careers working t
14/08/2007
Interbuild 2007 has joined forces with leading electrical and lighting internet portal, Voltimum, to create a dedicated centre for the trade during the five day event. With 10 industry heavyweights already confirmed - including Philips, Draka and Osram - the new Voltimum Centre in Hall 3/3a has rea
14/08/2007
TrustMark has approved FENSA Ltd and Exor Management Services as scheme operators to help sign up firms to the award-winning Government-backed initiative which helps householders find trustworthy tradespeople to make improvement and repairs inside and outside the home. TrustMark now has 24 register
14/08/2007
Marley Waterproofing has added to its impressive range of waterproofing products by introducing Uniply PVC into the UK, one of the most established and proven roofing membranes in Europe. Manufactured in state of the art facilities in the Netherlands, Uniply PVC is a roofing membrane with a unique
14/08/2007
Ross Weddle, Berwick Borough’s Local Strategic Partnership Manager, is moving onto his green dream job. Ross, who has been manager of the Local Strategic Partnership for four years, is looking forward to the challenge of developing a new project - Community Renewable Energy (CoRE); the idea for whi
14/08/2007
The Highways Agency has appointed Tracey Barlow as a non-executive director, the Agency's Chief Executive Archie Robertson has announced. Tracey, 42, gained a BSc in Chemistry from the Open University whilst working for ICI as a research student. She has spent the past 20 years working in the utili
14/08/2007
The Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition 2007 is to practice what it preaches this year with the introduction of its very own recycling plant at the show, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 11 to 13 September. With the help of Mil-tek GB Ltd, one of the UK's leading suppliers of air po
13/08/2007
Birmingham City Council has become one of the only three local authorities in the UK to sign up for the Government’s new campaign to ensure all new built homes produce zero carbon emissions by 2016. The only one of England’s core cities to have signed the 2016 Commitment, Birmingham City Council wi
13/08/2007
Construction work has now started on a unique, integrated housing development encompassing independent special needs accommodation, commissioned by Cube Housing Association for its site in Johnstone, west of Glasgow. The Burns Drive development aims to demonstrate best practice by respectfully mee
13/08/2007
Thomas Mitchell Group has recently appointed a Regional Sales Manager for their Timber Frame division, in a bid to expand this highly successful part of the business into the North of Scotland. Alex Davidson, previously of RTC Timber Systems, has worked in the production and sales of timber frame f
13/08/2007
Aberdeen-based Active, specialists in air conditioning, ventilation systems and sustainable energy solutions, is celebrating after securing over £3 million of contract wins. The company, which has recently gone through a rebranding process, has won a number of significant contracts including a proj
13/08/2007
German construction group Bilfinger Berger has announced it expects earnings to rise more than 13% in 2007. The firm, which has PFI interests in the UK, said net income and earnings before interest, taxes and amortization will "clearly" rise in the "double-digit" range, according to Chief Executive
13/08/2007
Ammann battled against the elements to ensure their stand at Hillhead was ready on time and their efforts were well worthwhile as they received an unprecedented number of visitors to their stand this year resulting in numerous new enquiries. The Uniglobe 160 which had been erected for the show and
13/08/2007
RDS Technology’s Axlog Alpha was recently award a Merit in the Institute of Quarrying and Quarry Products Association‘s ‘Designing for Safety Awards’ at the recent Hillhead exhibition. The Axlog Alpha is an overload warning system designed to help operators avoid gross vehicle weight overloads on a
13/08/2007
Bette Baths from Shires are known for design flair, quality and substance. Produced in a range of colours, Bette Baths can be fitted with an Anti-Slip base and most have the option of handgrips. Annemarie Tumilty, Marketing Manager for Shires, explained: “The bathroom is becoming more important i
10/08/2007
The UK construction sector hit a three-month high after performing well in July. Latest data from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply UK (CIPS) Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) of construction, have signalled a further marked improvement in operating conditions within the sector. Gro
10/08/2007
The British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) has received a record number of entries for their Best Practice Awards. Submissions have increased year after year since the awards began in 1991. Entries vary in size and focus, ranging from smaller initiatives to large city-wide schemes, including
10/08/2007
Residents on Kings Norton estates in the south of Birmingham city are to be given a say on plans to regenerate their community this summer. Over 4,000 households on three estates - Pool Farm, Primrose and Hawkesley - will be consulted in the next few weeks on the extensive redevelopment programme,
10/08/2007
High profile people from across the sector came together at a recent Construction Industry Strategic Response Forum meeting set up by the Construction Specialist Group (SG) at the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The IOSH called for action from industry and government following
10/08/2007
Saint-Gobain has made good on its pledge to expand in environmentally friendly construction by snapping up Maxit, the industrial mortars business of HeidelbergCement, for an enterprise value of Euro 2.1bn. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, the newly-appointed chief executive of the French group, said the
10/08/2007
A Dartford-based company is leading the field with its photographic-quality images and animations for the building and construction industries. Pixel Aspect’s work creates something far removed from the disappointing ‘artist’s impressions’ or blocky ‘computer-generated scenes’ of recent years, with
10/08/2007
Over 50 customers recently joined Eurocell Building Plastics on Kingswood Close in Coventry to celebrate its relaunch, following the company's major investment in extending its trade counter and adding new merchandising displays. Nigel Langston, manager of the depot, which sells PVCu window accesso
10/08/2007
The latest NSCC State of Trade survey has revealed an increase in the number of businesses reporting that they would be unable to bid for work due to the lack of skilled workers and job applicants. Forty per cent of respondents reported that they had been unable to bid for work due to labour shorta
10/08/2007
IES Consulting is delighted to have worked closely with King Shaw Associates as the building performance analysts on the low energy Innovate Green Office project at Thorpe Park, Leeds. The building, which has been awarded the highest ever BREEAM score of 87.55%, opened for business this month. It i
09/08/2007
One of the largest manufacturer and suppliers of industrial fasteners, gaskets and precision machined components in the world opened the doors of a new world-class manufacturing facility in Leeds on 8 August 2007. Lone Star LWD Precision Engineering Ltd held its opening ceremony at the Airedale Ind
09/08/2007
Following the huge success of the Cold Fusion Bonded Built-Up Roofing and Inverted Roofing Systems, Liquid Plastics have now launched their new Green Roof Systems. Liquid Plastics recognise the substantial growth of the Green Roof Market and the many economic and environmental benefits associated w
09/08/2007
Caledonian Cranes have provided a new programme of uplifting excellence with their newest cast member. The Klaas TC 28, manufactured in Germany, reaches above and beyond normal expectations. The TC 28 trailer crane has a 28 metre reach and a 19 metre radius. It features 360° rotation and is the id
09/08/2007
With a sleek black Sureclad ceramic granite ventilated rainscreen, Shackerley has helped RMJM Architects in Glasgow transform Capitol Park, a new build development of urban ‘crash pads’, into a landmark building on the Clyde waterfront. The 36-unit development, designed for Forrestgate Developments
09/08/2007
The UK's first Masonry Skills Challenge has taken place at Weymouth College, with teams from nine colleges taking part. It was won by James Preston from Bath College, with York College taking the team prize. Organised by Stone Federation Great Britain and sponsored by Construction Skills and DBR
09/08/2007
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has added its weight to the rapidly growing business lobby against the recommendation by MPs that local authorities be given the power to levy unlimited supplementary business rates. Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs said: "I can't believe they th
09/08/2007
After its huge success last year, Grand Designs Live NEC will make a welcome return on 5-7 October 2007. The 2007 show promises to be bigger and better with new show-stopping features, more celebrities and countless experts on hand, guiding visitors through every step of the design and build proces
09/08/2007
Safety Footwear specialist Dickies (UK) has introduced several new products to its already impressive safety footwear range. The new additions include the Bergen Super Safety Hiker Boot, the Antrim Super Safety Boot and the Berwick Super Safety Hiker Boot. To provide protection the boots are fitt
09/08/2007
Marshalls plc, the UK's leading manufacturer of superior, innovative hard landscaping products, has added a new exciting colour to both its popular Saxon & Perfecta paving ranges. The new colour, Brown, has been specially created by Marshalls to provide architects and designers with a broader, inte
08/08/2007
Environmental Consultants White Young Green (WYG) has bought privately owned transport specialists Savell Bird and Axon (SBA) in an £18 million deal. SBA provides transport advice to the property industry throughout the UK and is recognised as a leader in their field. It has offices in London, Manc
08/08/2007
Newly trained forklift truck operators rose to the occasion to celebrate the first anniversary of Train to Gain, a service funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to help businesses succeed. Leicestershire’s Brett Landscaping, based near Loughborough, is one of the 569 organisations from ac
08/08/2007
Homeless young people in the Bromsgrove District can look forward to a higher standard of accommodation. Cabinet Members have agreed to modernise Hamilton House – a hostel for homeless young people between the ages of 16-25. They agreed to enter into a new relationship with a housing association s
08/08/2007
SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the building services engineering (BSE) sector, has welcomed the Government’s plans for the implementation of the Leitch Review and is delighted with the recommendations it makes for the sector. The implementation plan highlights the need to introduce a d
08/08/2007
SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) is running a new series of technical events throughout autumn 2007 specifically designed for those working with historic buildings. Covering subjects ranging from doors and stairs to wallpaper, historic paint and energy efficiency in old
08/08/2007
Holiday home owners on the Yorkshire coast can rest assured following the recent installation of an ITT Flygt remote waste pump monitoring system. Ensuring waste is efficiently and hygienically pumped away from the sewage plant at Reighton Sands Holiday Park, near Filey, is absolutely crucial to th
08/08/2007
TJI joists have been utilised to create a large industrial mezzanine floor in record time. The 18m x 12.2m mezzanine floor has been installed to create additional production space at the Bristol specialist joinery operation of Fileturn South West, providers of high quality interior fit-outs. The
08/08/2007
Sentinel, the leading UK water treatment specialist, says its range of water treatment concentrates is making life easier for installers, providing a range of simple to use products for effective cleaning, protection and noise reduction in all types of domestic heating systems. The range of concent
07/08/2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned businesses of the dangers of vehicles in the workplace after two incidents involving forklift trucks at a North Wales food manufacturer. Pann Krisp Ltd, based at Wrexham Industrial Park, pleaded guilty of two breached Section 2(1) of the Health and S
07/08/2007
Regulations which have been in place from 1st May 2006 in Scotland require that the hot water to a bath or bidet in new homes or refurbished bathrooms is capped at a maximum temperature of 48°C. This comes in response to the preventable tragedies of injury and even death from scalding. In the UK,
07/08/2007
Doors By Design, Scotland’s leading manufacturer of high quality veneered and laminated doorsets, has announced ambitious plans for expansion this coming autumn. A £200k inward investment programme will allow the company to move from its existing 6000sq ft premises in Inchinnan Business Park, nea
07/08/2007
Young Plant Sales, Kubota Mini Excavators longest-serving UK Dealer, have reported they continue to enjoy great success with the sale of Theft Prevention and Recovery Devices to fit most items of construction plant. Not only do these items lessen the chances of equipment disappearing but also lower
07/08/2007
Construction group Costain has won a contract to work on Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in Wales. The company beat five other companies - Carillion, Alfred McAlpine, Birse and Nutall - to develop the Church Village bypass. Work is due to begin on the Council’s ECI scheme in the first hal
07/08/2007
West Dorset folk have bagged over £460,000 of grants to make their homes more energy efficient in 2006/07. The figure comes from West Dorset District Council, which offers advice about energy conservation and helps local people apply for funding from national grant schemes. District council Leader
07/08/2007
Staffordshire-based Intatec, experts in bathroom safety and manufacturers of thermostatic mixing valves, kitchen and shower bath mixers, is the latest company to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA). Commenting on joining the BMA, Intatec's Managing Director, Stuart Gizzi said: "It is
07/08/2007
Wilo UK offers a wide range of pumps for all applications from small domestic heating system circulators to large commercial pumps for virtually every end use. Pumps for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, water supply and sewage pumps and lifting plants are all available. Wilo provides
06/08/2007
ConstructionSkills has announced that it has made an agreement with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to bring the award-winning Government ‘Achieving Behavioural Change’ (ABC) health and safety course to the wider industry. The announcement was mad
06/08/2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today urged the offshore industry to make further investments to protect the growing number of workers and to meet its future safety goals. HSE safety statistics for the offshore industry for 2006/07 published today show that two workers were killed and 39 suff
06/08/2007
Trimble has announced the next generation of the Trimble® GCS900 Grade Control System, providing contractors with unparalleled speed, performance and flexibility for grade control. The announcement was made at Trimble’s Construction Boot Camp 2007, a field-based, hands-on training event for the con
06/08/2007
Dales Aluminium Building Products have reported a significant increase in specifications for their eaves systems in Scotland which is a result of positive marketing and having a Scot representing them in the region. In England and Wales the company say their success is underpinned by a nationally b
06/08/2007
Marcrist has unveiled a breakthrough in diamond drilling that is expected to reshape the industry. The company's new patent-pending diamond cores will dry-drill 'perfect' holes through virtually any building material in minutes. Combined with the purpose-made DDM2 diamond drilling machine costing j
06/08/2007
One of the largest and most exclusive Self Build, Renovation & Home Improvement Shows is about to take place in Scotland. The event will be held in the Highland Hall, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on Saturday 6-7 October 2007. This year, an extensive increase on the size of the show
06/08/2007
The £75 million regeneration of St Austell town centre has taken a step forward with news that legal contracts have been signed. The South West of England Development Agency (RDA) and developer David McLean Developments have signed a landmark deal that gives the green light for the scheme to procee
06/08/2007
It's always nice to receive praise for a job well done, but to receive an “Oscar” from a recognised national body adds that extra touch. Redrow site managers Ian Winsor, now based in Farnborough as project manager, and Dan Smith, based in Thatcham, have been chosen from 18,000 entrants to pick up t
03/08/2007
Work is to start on the UK’s first virtual reality construction management training centre in the heart of Coventry, West Midlands. Regional Development Agency Advantage West Midlands has signed a contract with Coventry University Enterprises for a grant of £6.3 million to build and develop the Cen
03/08/2007
Acting on behalf of Exchange Court Properties Limited, Knight Frank has let 245/251 Union Street to up-market retailer Cruise who will open their first store in the city. The two units are located in the heart of the Aberdeen’s shopping district and total 7,835 sq ft. The premises comprise basemen
03/08/2007
Detailed plans of how Northern Ireland’s first Fire Station and Community Fire Safety Centre could look have been unveiled. Leading Ulster architectural firm Knox & Clayton was one of just six companies chosen by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) to present their vision for the n
03/08/2007
McCarthy & Stone, which provides two-thirds of Britain’s conventional private sheltered housing after 30 years in the retirement sector, has unveiled plans to launch its Assisted Living scheme in Scotland. Already available in the South, McCarthy & Stone’s Assisted Living has become an increasingly
03/08/2007
Applecross Properties, the Edinburgh house builder, has agreed terms on new headquarters located in Edinburgh Park, the first major move for the company in its 28 year history. Applecross will be the first tenants of 7 Lochside View, a flagship building within the Edinburgh Park development, ending
03/08/2007
The latest figures have revealed that orders in the twelve months to June 2007 rose by 3% compared with the previous twelve months, and orders in the second quarter of 2007 rose by 3% compared to the same period a year earlier. Orders in the second quarter of 2007 rose by 5% compared to the previou
03/08/2007
Plans to install the world’s biggest tidal energy turbine in Northern Ireland have been delayed. The turbine, which would be the first of kinds in the world, was due to be installed close to the mouth of Strangford Lough at the end of the month. The SeaGen commercial energy system is to be install
02/08/2007
The construction industry continues to go from strength to strength with output increasing again during the second quarter of 2007, according to the latest joint Trade Survey Report from the Construction Products Association and the Construction Confederation. Overall, there has been a continued ac
02/08/2007
The New Street Gateway funding partners, Birmingham City Council, Network Rail, Advantage West Midlands and Centro today had a very positive meeting with Department for Transport officials and the new Minister for the West Midlands, Liam Byrne, as part of an on-going support for its detailed apprais
02/08/2007
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) announces the shortlist for the Structural Awards 2007 on 3 August 2007. A record number of 151 projects were submitted this year, with 46 projects making the shortlist. Established in 1968, the annual Structural Awards have seen a record number of
02/08/2007
Interbuild’s ‘Test The Trades’ challenge is back at the 2007 show for a second year – and this time it’s bigger and better. This year the challenge will run for the full five days of Interbuild, 28 October – 1 November at the NEC, Birmingham. Hitting back at skills shortage, this year Test The Tra
02/08/2007
A new system to help homebuyers get green grants worth hundreds of pounds to lower their fuel bills and make their homes greener has been announced, linked to the introduction of Homes Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates. Most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £1
02/08/2007
Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council’s tenants have been packing out the two show homes set up to demonstrate the standard of homes they can expect to live in if they vote yes to the transfer of their homes to a new not-for-profit landlord. Hundreds of tenants and their families from across the Borou
01/08/2007
Dublin firm Richmond Building Products have now launched their new sustainable building product range known as Richmond Green. There are many different reasons why a product can be classified as “sustainable”. Each of the products in Richmond’s new green range have different properties that have he
01/08/2007
The funding package for the multi-million pound regeneration of Brixham was given a boost last week as Torbay Council officially accepted an offer from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) for £8.4m towards the project. The RDA Board agreed in January to invest in the project
01/08/2007
Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has praised the work of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners during a visit to the Port of Belfast. The Minister said: “The Port of Belfast is a major economic asset for the North and I am delighted to have this opportunity today to see the scale of the ope
01/08/2007
Devon County Council's Executive has approved the submission of the Major Scheme Bid for the A380 Kingskerswell Bypass. The cost of the South Devon Link Road scheme has been revised in line with latest Government guidance and is now estimated at around £129.9 million. A major factor has been a 26%
01/08/2007
Work has begun to build a £20 million landmark foyer building for the southwest’s premier music and performance venue – Colston Hall in Bristol. Local young musicians from the city’s innovative REMIX youth music project and the city’s Wellbeing Choir help launch the work with performances amongst
01/08/2007
Robertson Group has made a series of appointments to support the company’s long-term expansion strategy within the construction sector. Andy McPherson, Paul Joannou and Gerry O’Donnell have joined the Group’s Construction Executive as Operations Director, Commercial Director and Finance Director re
01/08/2007
akp Scotland has scored a major coup with the appointment of James Andrew, former Chief Executive of fit-out, social housing and maintenance services company Morris & Spottiswood, as an Associate Director with the company. James Andrew, who has more than 40 years experience in the industry, joins t
01/08/2007
Michael Donaldson, Product Manager for Fife based Donaldson Timber Engineering’s (DTE) Structural Insulated Roofing System (SIRS), has become the first person in the UK to graduate with an MSc in Timber Industry Management. This postgraduate course, which was launched by Napier University’s Centre
01/08/2007
The government's Home Information Packs have come into force in England and Wales, amid claims that they will make house selling more expensive. The packs contain title deeds, local searches and an energy performance certificate, which will provide information on reducing energy consumption and mak
