Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
UK Construction News Archive for October 2008
31/10/2008
Lovell has been awarded a £8.4 million, three-year contract by Dudley Council in the West Midlands to work on the council's housing refurbishment programme. Lovell will be carrying out internal improvement work to identified properties over the length of the contract. The upgrading work will includ
31/10/2008
When the new 'Control of Noise at Work' regulations came into effect for music and entertainment venues on 6th April this year, acceptable noise exposure levels for employees reduced by 5dBA. Those running music venues and other areas of high noise must now ensure that the health and safety of the
31/10/2008
Fewer firms expanded their property portfolios over the last six months, and firms are planning to reduce their property holdings in the coming half year, the latest Confederation of British Industry (CBI)/GVA Grimley Corporate Real Estate Survey revealed. The twice-yearly survey, conducted between
31/10/2008
Inspace, the social housing specialist that is part of Willmott Dixon Group, is the highest placed social housing contractor in NextGeneration's 2008 report measuring the sustainability performance of the UK's top house builders. The report entitled 'Developing homes for a changing climate', ranks
31/10/2008
Up to £5 million will be committed to promoting new ways to encourage community participation in planning Communities Secretary Hazel Blears confirmed today. The new grants are part of a major Government drive to put communities in control, strengthen active citizenship and give people more say ove
31/10/2008
Anthony Joubert from La Chapelle Heulin, France has been named Construction Manager of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), for the £10.5million development of Liberty Wharf in Jersey. French national Anthony exploited his European expertise with huge success on this project. He
31/10/2008
Leicester City Council's Cabinet has agreed that the authority is to support the Co-op's proposal for an Eco-Town in Pennbury, subject to certain conditions being met. The proposal was discussed at a special meeting of the Cabinet held on Wednesday. The Cabinet passed a resolution put forward by
31/10/2008
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who in a few short years has gone from Naked Chef to national hero, is now turning his attention from British school dinners to bringing la cucina Italiana to the local high street. The first collection of restaurants serving quality, authentic and affordable Italian fo
31/10/2008
Work on a brand new £6.5 million Sevenfields Primary School building has started and is expected to be completed in December 2009. The multi-million pound state of the art school in Leigh Road, Penhill, is the 19th school to be built, extended or refurbished so far as part of a programme of improve
31/10/2008
Members of Bournemouth cabinet will be asked next month to support proposals to establish two new Children's Centres, in Iford and Winton. The proposal is to develop a Children's Centre as part of the redevelopment of the Sports and Rugby Club facilities in the playing fields on Iford Lane, and to
30/10/2008
Shepherds Bush will not be allowed to become a car park for Westfield shoppers according to west London council chiefs. Britain's third largest shopping mall, Westfield London, opened today with Hammersmith & Fulham Council saying it is prepared to pull out all the stops to sort out potential parki
30/10/2008
House prices has fallen by 1.4% this month according to a new report by the Nationwide Building Society. The price of a typical house is now £158,872, almost £30,000 less than a year ago. Sellers are reluctant to reduce asking prices and this could be hindering market activity. Fionnuala Earley, N
30/10/2008
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has announced that, having concluded an extensive review of suitable sites and viable alternatives, its preferred stadium option is to remain at the Club's spiritual home in Tottenham. The Club is preparing plans for a world class scheme incorporating a new stadium,
30/10/2008
National regeneration agency English Partnerships has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to regeneration and innovation in housebuilding, in a unique lifetime achievement award. This one-off award, the 2008 Housebuilder Special Award, was formally presented to English Partnerships at
30/10/2008
The long-awaited last link in an important route between Riverside and Norwich city centre is a step closer after Government funding was agreed yesterday. The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has announced it is putting £730,000 into the fund for the construction of St Anne's Wharf bridge,
30/10/2008
Construction firm Lovell is giving two teenagers the chance to build careers in the construction industry as it carries out major housing improvement works in Norwich. Trainee carpenter Joe Jackson and trainee bricklayer Matty Smith have both joined the company under its apprenticeship scheme. Joe
30/10/2008
New statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal a reduction in the numbers of people killed, injured or made ill by work during 2007/08. Reported major injuries at work fell by around 9% since the start of the decade and this trend continues. Work-related ill-health has al
30/10/2008
An Ulster manufacturer's self-adhesive building product has picked-up a top industry award in London. Classic Marble's Classi Seal was named UK Housing Product of the Year at the Housebuilding Innovation Awards 2008, earlier this month. The London event, held in the exclusive Millennium Mayf
30/10/2008
Work will start next month on a £5 million project aimed at bringing thousands of high quality jobs, workspace, community facilities and new homes to Pool in West Cornwall. It will see major improvements to the East Hill junction, off the A30 dual carriageway, which are crucial to a wide range of r
30/10/2008
The University of Nottingham has joined forces with Network Rail to launch a new multi-million pound research programme in infrastructure asset management. The programme will be headed by a new professorial position in the Department of Civil Engineering at Nottingham, jointly-sponsored by Network
29/10/2008
In response to the news that repossessions have risen by 70%, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that five million people could be waiting for a council house by 2010. Chairman of the LGA Environment Board, Cllr Paul Bettison, said: "With the banks overstretching their credit facilit
29/10/2008
Property, mining and power company UK COAL has been given the green-light to develop a 300-acre former colliery site in West Yorkshire, with around 917 new homes and a business and commercial park at the hub of what will be one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects. Around 1,000 new jobs
29/10/2008
A parliamentary reception was held yesterday evening in response to the growing row over Gordon Brown's tax on empty commercial property where numerous MPs hit out at the devastating effects of the tax. The event, which saw a House of Commons dining room packed with concerned MPs, was hosted by the
29/10/2008
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has urged the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, to bring the borrowing rules used in the UK into line with those used across the rest of the European Union, when he announces changes in today's Mais Lecture. The rest of Europe uses the General Government Financi
29/10/2008
Chesterfield Borough Council has secured a further £660k in partnership funding from the Alliance SSP to repair properties in the town centre. The Chesterfield Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) now has a potential £2.1 million to invest in the town centre. The money will be added to funds from
29/10/2008
A new New Local Government Network (NLGN) paper published outlines ways in which the 2008 Housing and Regeneration Act can help to better empower housing tenants. The paper, written by Ian Keys, External Affairs Director for Pinnacle and one of those heavily involved in the lobbying over the Act, l
29/10/2008
Leading support services and construction company Carillion has finished a newly constructed parallel route in Brierley Hill for clients Dudley Council. On Monday, motorists and road users were able to access the full length of the new road for the first time. The phased opening, which started at
29/10/2008
Willmott Dixon is the preferred bidder on contracts worth £43 million, which are the first two schemes in the £106 million Middlesbrough Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme to transform eight schools. The company aims to reach financial close in November with Middlesbrough Council to pr
29/10/2008
Lovell is giving a young man from Derby the chance to build a career in the construction industry as it carries out major housing improvement works in the area in partnership with affordable housing provider, Amber Valley Housing. Trainee carpenter Robert Loomes, 21, is currently learning his trade
29/10/2008
A housing landlord forum set up 10 years ago by Harrogate Borough Council is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a trade fair on 4 November. The council created the forum as a way of helping landlords and letting agents through the increasing impact of legislation on such things as managing house
28/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning machine operators to ensure that they adhere to safe working practices when using excavators, following HSE's prosecution of an excavator driver after a pedestrian was killed in Maida Vale, Westminster, in February 2007. Colin Clifford, 50, from Enfi
28/10/2008
The credit crisis and the slump in the housing market will be high on the agenda when delegates gather for the largest housing conference in the east of England. Economist David Smith of the Sunday Times and David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation will debate the prospects for
28/10/2008
Kier Group has secured in excess of £110m of construction work on five schools as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme in Kent, the largest school building scheme in Europe. The signing of the contract between Kent County Council, Building Schools for the Future Investments a
28/10/2008
Osborne has secured a place on the new BAA 'Commodity Build' framework. As one of five contractors selected to be on the framework, Osborne will contribute to the delivery of up to £650m of BAA's Capital Investment Programme over a five year period. The scope of works includes building, refurbishme
28/10/2008
Interserve, the services, maintenance and building group, has been awarded the £30 million contract to design and build a new maternity ward and day surgery for Poole Hospital, Dorset. The new unit will be built with the hospital's main site at Longfleet Road and the new development will accommodat
28/10/2008
Members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) reported that the housing market in September still provided challenging times for its members but that the re-emergence of first time buyers may be the first sign that the recent Government intervention is beginning to work. The research
28/10/2008
The new team in charge of the affordable housing regulator, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), have told MPs they will use new powers to drive up the quality of services provided by social landlords and make sure tenants have a say in how their estates are run following the TSA's launch at the beg
28/10/2008
A multi-million pound engineering contract that would supply diggers to prepare for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, has been welcomed by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. UK-based JCB and a Russian civil engineering contractor announced the £23 million contract on the second day of the Busines
28/10/2008
The Green Homes development at Norfolk Park in Sheffield is complete and will be officially opened on Saturday 1 November at 12 noon with the last of the development's apple orchard planted to celebrate the event. Built to the Environment Trust's latest Green Homes specification, the scheme feature
28/10/2008
British Energy, the UK's largest electricity generator, is to hold seven public meetings in and around Bradwell to discuss the potential for new nuclear build at the site. The company owns land to the east of the Magnox station which it is assessing for potential new nuclear development. British En
27/10/2008
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has taken the first steps towards removing the 50% London wide affordable housing target. He has opened negotiations with London boroughs to agree an alternative programme of 50,000 new affordable homes across the city over the next three years. Instead of imposing th
27/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning individuals and companies of the dangers of working in construction after a joiner suffered leg injuries and damaged hearing. The joiner, who was subcontracted to Galliford Try Construction Ltd, was injured when an over-inflated pipe stopper exploded
27/10/2008
Miller Construction has secured financial close on the £80m Inverclyde Schools PPP project during the most challenging economic period in the last decade. As the main stakeholder in the Education for Inverclyde (e4i) consortium, Miller Construction has played a key role in securing the significant
27/10/2008
Tesco, Nokia, BA and McDonald's have joined the BPF's fight against empty rates with open letter to Gordon Brown published in Property Week magazine. Household names like B&Q, British Airways, Next and Legal & General have joined property heavyweights like Brixton, Canary Wharf and Land Securities
27/10/2008
The major rebuilding of a flood-damaged culvert in Llwydcoed, Wales, is due for completion within the next few weeks depending on weather conditions. Extensive repair work to stablise sections of the B4276 and the massive culvert below the surface have proved a major undertaking following the adver
27/10/2008
The first of 30 new permanent bridges in the Olympic Park has been lifted into place. A 250-tonne crane was used to lift three 55 metre-long steel beams into place to form the main supports of the bridge. The bridge spans the River Lea in the north of the Park to form an east-west link across the
27/10/2008
A bold action plan to boost the crisis-hit property market has been launched at the Plymouth Regeneration Forum. The action plan, prepared by the Council's Planning Services, seeks to keep up the momentum of the city's regeneration over the next two years. It follows the announcement made a Cabine
27/10/2008
Following the release of the HomeBuy Agent Competition Prospectus, applications to become agents from 1 April 2009 are now being taken by the Housing Corporation. For the first time, the competition is open to organisations other than Housing Associations, including local authorities, Housing Corpo
27/10/2008
Kier South East has begun construction of a new £18m luxury 4 star hotel and country club for Marriott at Lingfield Park Racecourse. The premier development is due for completion in 2010 and will make Lingfield Park the first racecourse to have an on-site hotel in the UK. The 116-bedroom hotel will
27/10/2008
The first office led development within Birmingham's Eastside regeneration area has been unveiled by Quintain Estates & Development, following the granting of detailed consent for Phase One of the 1 million sq ft City Park Gate scheme. Phase One of City Park Gate comprises two office buildings tot
24/10/2008
Unite, Britain's biggest union, says the decision of two overseas contracting companies not to use any UK labour to build a power station in Britain is an absolute scandal, and makes little sense given the present tough economic conditions. Unite has been informed by the two Spanish contracting com
24/10/2008
Energy regulator Ofgem has launched Energy Best Deal, a campaign to empower low income customers with the information to help them make the most of the energy market. The campaign has been devised by Ofgem and Citizens Advice and has been funded by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DEC
24/10/2008
A bold action plan to boost the crisis-hit property market has been launched at the Plymouth Regeneration Forum. The action plan, prepared by the Council's Planning Services, seeks to keep up the momentum of the city's regeneration over the next two years. It follows the announcement made at this
24/10/2008
Thousands of staff at manufacturing firm JCB have agreed to reduce their working week in an attempt to save their jobs. In a two-thirds majority, members of the GMB union revealed around 2,500 members of seven JCB factories throughout England and Wales agreed to accept a 34-hour week to save the jo
24/10/2008
Landlords in Bristol who rent out houses, bedsits and flats to multiple tenants are being targeted in a campaign by the city council's private housing team to make sure they are licensed. The team will be going door to door from mid-October to identify landlords who haven't licensed their propertie
24/10/2008
The 'Cut the VAT' Coalition has announced that the National Trust has become the latest organisation to join the campaign. The National Trust, which has over 3.5 million members, cares for over 300 historic houses and gardens, monuments and mills, along with over a thousand kilometres of coastline a
24/10/2008
Henchman, pioneer of the safe hedge cutting platform, a height adjustable podium step, is set to showcase its new range of industrial products at Interbuild, 26th - 30th October. On show will be the Henchman Podium Step range. A safe, stable platform for working at height inside or out with both ha
24/10/2008
Businesses looking for smart, modern premises in Newcastle city centre have more choices than before after Network Rail completed work on two schemes. Network Rail, through its property arm Spacia, has invested £1.8m developing two sites around Central Station, offering commercial premises of varyi
24/10/2008
Construction at the new Nailsea Community School in North Somerset is five months ahead of schedule thanks to Faithful+Gould. Faithful+Gould was appointed by North Somerset Council to act as project managers and technical advisors on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project to design and c
24/10/2008
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) will this week conclude a health and safety educational programme for over 2,000 children from schools within the five boroughs around the Olympic Park. Since this summer, 1,164 students from 14 primary schools and more than 1,000 students from nine secondary sc
23/10/2008
One of Staffordshire's most respected civil engineering and construction firms, Toft Johnson (Construction) Ltd, has been bought by Shropshire-based Wrekin Group plc. Toft Johnson was established over 40 years ago and employs approximately 35 people. It specialises in the construction of public bui
23/10/2008
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has published new industry guidance on mortgage arrears and possessions. This will help lenders ensure that their arrears management policies fulfil the objective of making repossession a last resort. The CML has taken into account feedback from advice agencie
23/10/2008
The Housing Corporation and the Local Government Association (LGA) have called on housing associations to continue their close working relationship with local authorities during the current economic downturn in order to help boost affordable housing supply. A joint letter to associations from Corpo
23/10/2008
The construction industry in Swansea got a boost with the news that contracts for a new £10 million development have just been signed. New affordable homes will be built on land made available for development by the Welsh Assembly Government on the SA1 Swansea Waterfront site. Coastal Housing Grou
23/10/2008
The Government has announced new rules to help protect homeowners, who may be facing the threat of repossession. New court protocols will help make repossessions a last resort, and the Government is proposing that companies engaged in sale and rent back schemes, which may target vulnerable home ow
23/10/2008
Figures issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have revealed that every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases, and this number is set to increase. Former tradesman and England and Arsenal footballing legend, Ian Wright, has given his support to help highlight the importance
23/10/2008
Manchester City Council's Executive has approved proposals to develop the Whitworth Street West area of the city centre. The development framework unveiled includes ambitious plans for this important southern gateway that will enhance the area in a manner consistent with other city centre developme
23/10/2008
Sperian Protection UK has appointed a new National Product Sales Manager for its gas detection division, Sperian Instrumentation, under which it manufactures and supplies gas detection equipment. Andrew Hughes joins Sperian from MSA where he was Business Development Manager for six years. With a
23/10/2008
Origin Design Studio emerged in 2008 as a result of the longstanding success enjoyed by the architectural division of the Peter Cole Consultants Group. The practice is young and progressive, specialising in creative architectural design, planning applications, building regulations and construction s
23/10/2008
The Montclair Y.M.C.A in New Jersey, America has two swimming pools and shower facilities that require constant hot water - presenting a big challenge to the management and maintenance teams. With such a demand on the heat exchangers, limescale build-up has been a perennial problem; not only does it
22/10/2008
Two Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) employees will support the government's drive to improve the access of financially excluded people to bank accounts, savings, home contents insurance and affordable credit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has appointed CIH to build a team of Finan
22/10/2008
Centrica, through its British Gas New Energy division, has announced that it has acquired the low carbon solutions company, Semplice Energy Ltd, for a total cash consideration of £1.5 million (including the repayment of debt). An initial consideration of £1.2 million has been paid on acquisition w
22/10/2008
Global real estate adviser DTZ surveyed local authorities across the UK about their property portfolios and found that, despite the pace of change accelerating, the state of ageing buildings is impacting costs and productivity. Over 40% rated their property portfolios as being in either poor or ve
22/10/2008
Shelter has called on the Government to stop newly nationalised banks repossessing homes unless absolutely necessary, after research by ROOF magazine found that Northern Rock's repossessions are on the increase. Shelter says the Government, which now has a stake in more than 40% of the mortgage mar
22/10/2008
The Office of Fair Trading has issued a Statement of Objections alleging that eight construction recruitment agencies have breached the Competition Act 1998. The Statement of Objections sets out the OFT's proposed findings against A Warwick Associates, Beresford Blake Thomas, CDI AndersElite, Eden
22/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging employers to ensure safe working at height after a man was left paralysed from the waist down following a fall of two storeys at a construction site in central London. T. J. Myles & Co (Contractors) Ltd of Ickenham, Hillingdon, was found guilty of bre
22/10/2008
Galliford Try has been awarded an £11 million contract to build 'Excellent' eco-rated accommodation for the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) at its training and conference facility in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire. The contract which forms part of a Home Office Framework, will involve
22/10/2008
Metsec Purlin Division has supplied its light gauge galvanised steel purlins for the roof of Plymouth University's new faculty of Art. The roof structure presented a number of challenges due to its complex shape and load. Unlike standard 'square' buildings, the roof incorporated seven different roo
22/10/2008
A two-year project to deliver a teachers' toolkit on reducing energy and waste has been completed. Funded by the Local Strategic Partnership and delivered by Harrogate Borough Council's Environmental Strategy Unit, the aim is to get schools to commit to reducing their energy and waste by 10%. Coun
22/10/2008
Council officials in north Derbyshire were celebrating recently as the joint Building Control service reached their first birthday. In 2007, Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Councils joined their Building Control services together and have been celebrating a year of providing a loc
21/10/2008
Building contractors are struggling through the credit crunch with financial losses caused by poor performing utility companies, according to the latest findings from the National Federation of Builders (NFB). The survey, which generated a record number of responses from contractors, painted a damn
21/10/2008
Construction union UCATT are angered and dismayed following fresh leaks from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding the forthcoming inquiry into construction deaths. In July Government ministers, as part of the Warwick Agreement, agreed to hold a major inquiry into the high number of death
21/10/2008
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, has announced that its proposed 250 Mega Watt (MW) offshore wind farm project, off the Lincolnshire coast, has received official consent. The Lincs project would, subject to investment approval, be capable of supplying around 170,000 British Gas custome
21/10/2008
Richard Diment, Director General at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) met with Conservative Leader David Cameron and Shadow Chancellor George Osborne at a meeting of small business leaders to discuss how politicians could support businesses that are struggling in the difficult economic climate
21/10/2008
The Housing Corporation's National Clearing House has funded Bloor Homes and housing association Sanctuary Group to deliver 335 affordable homes with another potential 700 in the pipeline. Following discussions with Bloor and Sanctuary during the summer, support was given to a wide range of propose
21/10/2008
The UK has overtaken Denmark to become the world's number one for wind farms built offshore, with 597MW fully constructed. The achievement has been made possible after building work finished at Centrica's Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms near Skegness. Offshore wind farms now have the potential to
21/10/2008
A £13 million deal to buy unsold homes off the market to use as affordable housing has been announced, as part of the Government's programme of action to tackle current difficulties in the housing market. The deal is the first to go through the Government's new National Clearing House, which enable
21/10/2008
In her first speech as Housing Minister Margaret Beckett stressed her support for housebuilders, and willingness to hear ideas from the industry. Speaking at the 'Housing Market Intelligence' conference in London, HBF Executive Chairman Stewart Baseley told representatives from the house building s
21/10/2008
Willmott Dixon will create another landmark on the banks of the River Usk in Newport after securing the £26 million contract to build the new City Centre Campus for the University of Wales, Newport. The project is adjacent to the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre built by Willmott Dixon three year
21/10/2008
CB Richard Ellis has been appointed as planning consultant by the UK Centre of Medical Research & Innovation in relation to their plans for a 60,000 sq m world class medical research centre next to St Pancras International Station. The client is a partnership between the Medical Research Council, U
20/10/2008
Gross mortgage lending reached an estimated £17.7 billion in September, a decline of 10% from August and 42% from September last year, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Gross lending for the third quarter is estimated at £62 billion down 16% from the second quarter of 2008 and 37%
20/10/2008
A major £775,000 restoration scheme to repair a landslide in Pontypridd, Wales, has been completed. The Danylan Landslip Restoration Scheme involved the restoration of around 8,000 tonnes of material that slid down the mountainside following a period of inclement weather. Contractors Dawnus Constr
20/10/2008
The National Housing Federation (NHF) has welcomed the announcement by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband that he is ready to legislate to force the energy companies to introduce fairer pricing for prepayment meters customers, if the firms do not do so voluntarily. However, the Federation has warned that
20/10/2008
Birmingham industry is following the national trend of falling behind in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation, says Ellie Cooper, who has recently been appointed as Senior Carbon Management Consultant at Faithful+Gould. EPCs are broadly similar to the labels now provided with household
20/10/2008
The HSE's decision not to prosecute anyone involved in the death of Mr Zbigniew Swirzynski has been met with dismay by construction union UCATT. Mr Swirzynski, a carpenter, was killed on 15 January 2007, when a tower crane collapsed and crushed him on the site he was working on in the centre of Liv
20/10/2008
Llanfoist Fawr Primary School has officially opened a new modern and especially designed, conservation conscious building in Monmouthshire, Wales. The £4 million school, which benefited from over £2.3 million of Welsh Assembly Government funding was built with timber entirely from sustainable resou
20/10/2008
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has announced that its international intensive training seminar, the Masterclass, is to come to Brussels. The Brussels event is part of the long-running series held across the globe, and organised by the CIOB in partnership with international construction
20/10/2008
A house owner has been ordered to pay over £5,000 after failing to comply with building control regulations. Manchester City Council took court action against Zuba Yasmin Khan, after he failed to apply for the correct approval, despite repeated requests from City Council officials. By law, council
20/10/2008
A Bognor Regis landlord has paid the price for flouting housing laws. Peter Gurr, 62, owner of 62 Linden Road, Bognor Regis, was successfully prosecuted by Arun District Council at Chichester Magistrates Court for refusing to register his property as a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). Mr Gurr
20/10/2008
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) sponsored the Construction High Flyer Award at this year's East of England Construction Training Awards, which took place at the SAS Radisson Hotel in Stansted. The awards celebrate people and companies that are making an impact on the construction industry
17/10/2008
Questions have been raised over the future of the new Construction and the Built Environment Diploma after just over 1,500 students signed up for the course last month - that's 8,500 less than first predicted. According to figures from the Department of Children Schools and Families (DCSF) By July
17/10/2008
The multi-million pound Wembley Stadium redevelopment picked up a number of top accolades at an award bash last night. The stadium won Best Commercial Project at the Local Authority Building Control Awards, and came runner-up in two other coveted categories. Located in Brent in London, the sche
17/10/2008
Taylor Wimpey plc has announced that Christopher Rickard has been appointed Group Finance Director and will join the Board as an Executive Director with immediate effect. Chris will take over this position from Peter Johnson, who announced his intention to stand down from the Board in July 2008. Pe
17/10/2008
Richard Ellis, Chair of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) - the lead regional development agency on matters relating to the environment, farming and rural affairs - has welcomed yesterday's commitment by government to cut UK GHG emissions by 2050 Richard Ellis, EEDA Chair, also said: "W
17/10/2008
Freefoam's commitment to consistently delivering high levels of service to its customers is proven once again with data confirming that it is currently running a product order fulfilment rate of 98.8%. This rate is particularly impressive given the fact that, unlike some suppliers, Freefoam include
17/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned companies to ensure work at height is carried out safely after a man fell from a lorry in Lincoln. European Metal Recycling Ltd, which has two depots in Lincoln but is based in Warrington, Cheshire, was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £2,454 costs by
17/10/2008
The 2008 Constructing Excellence awards in the East Midlands rewarded many regional landmark buildings and recognised the huge efforts and contributions made by those championing innovation in the industry. Turner & Townsend was commended for its Project Management of the Heart of the National Fores
17/10/2008
Nick Edwards, General Manager of Medi-Test is exploring a new perspective on the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. The introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act earlier this year has focused the attitudes of businesses on their health and safety obligati
16/10/2008
Centrica, through its British Gas Business division, has announced that it has acquired Building Management System Integrators Ltd (BMSi) for a cash consideration of £7 million. The acquisition, which includes an additional earn-out mechanism of up to £3 million, will launch British Gas Business's
16/10/2008
The removal of a VAT concession on the wages of temporary housing staff will cost social housing organisations £135m and lead to major job losses at a time when the sector can least afford it, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and Procurement for Housing (PfH) have warned. The Tre
16/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning landlords to ensure gas appliances are safe for tenants after two people were poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO), from a boiler in their flat that had not been properly maintained. Mr Soley Fikret, landlord of a block of flats in Mare Street, Hackney,
16/10/2008
Balfour Beatty, the international engineering, construction and services group, has announced that work is to commence on the A421 road scheme between the M1 and Bedford. Work on the design development, statutory process and environmental statement has now been successfully completed. The project
16/10/2008
Construction union UCATT have won a landmark victory at the Employment Appeal Tribunal against housing giant Redrow Homes, over the use of substitution clauses in contracts. Many construction companies, especially housebuilders, have attempted to avoid paying holiday pay, through these and similar
16/10/2008
Building contractor Volker Stevin has won the contract to design and build a head office building and cold storage distribution centre for Heron Foods in Melton, near Hull. The frozen food retailer, who has 140 stores nationwide, has contracted Volker Stevin to build a bespoke cold store distributi
16/10/2008
It is a new beginning for tenants in west Salford as a new Registered Social Landlord, City West Housing Trust, takes over ownership of nearly 15,000 council homes in Salford. The move, voted for by tenants, and supported by Salford City Council, secures a £900 million investment programme for the
16/10/2008
West London has a brand new station as Wood Lane station has opened on the Hammersmith & City line. Wood Lane in White City will provide a new link for the local community and will be one of the stations providing access to the new Westfield London retail and leisure centre, just 200 metres away.
16/10/2008
Hundreds of shoppers greeted the completion of Miller Construction's latest project as Bolton Market Hall was opened to the public. Staff at Miller have spent almost three years restoring the Victorian Market Hall in Bolton Town Centre as part of a £40 million project for its client, shopping centr
16/10/2008
Willmott Dixon Group's interior design and fit-out business Kanvas has won the contract to transform the London office of one of the largest creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world, responsible for TV hits like Idols, Got Talent and The X Factor. The interior specialist will ref
15/10/2008
Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is offering a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the conviction of the vandals who stole metal cable from a Walsall substation this weekend, leaving more than 200 families without electricity. Engineers spent the w
15/10/2008
Construction union UCATT have succeeded in winning jobs back for five young workers employed by Mitie Property Services. The workers who are carpenters and plasters all successfully completed apprenticeships with Mitie in July 2007 and were given a further 12-month temporary contract. During this t
15/10/2008
The first steel has been erected on the Olympic Stadium reaching 35 metres above the ground and creating a visible landmark for miles around the Olympic Park. Steel terracing supports, each weighing 35 tonnes, are being lifted into place above the podium level to hold the 55,000 seats in the upper
15/10/2008
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) is to publish a new contract for pre-construction services. The new agreement, which will be available from November 2008, will have separate versions for the appointment of a general contractor and a specialist for pre-construction services. The Pre-Constructio
15/10/2008
An award-winning partnership between British Energy's Sizewell B nuclear power station and Leiston High School has produced its first British Energy apprentice. One of the 21 GCSE Double Engineering students who began the partnership in 2006 has just signed up as a four-year apprentice with British
15/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched new guidance for involving employees in managing workplace health and safety at a conference in London. The guidance has been brought right up-to-date to reflect the current diversity of working arrangements. Chairing the conference, attended by
15/10/2008
Getting people onto the property ladder despite the current economic gloom is the aim of a major event due to be held at Plymouth's Guildhall this week. The two-day event, which will be held on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October, is designed to provide a gateway to affordable housing for would-be bu
15/10/2008
The UK Government must be allowed to build wind farms closer to the shore if project developers are to meet renewable energy targets, a new study has urged. The report, launched by the Carbon Trust, said the relaxation of the constraints that dictate where winds farms can be constructed could cut £
15/10/2008
Harrogate Borough Council's housing service is the country's top performer and staff are celebrating news that they have been shortlisted in three different 2008 housing awards. They have been chosen from 130 entries as finalist in the Sustainable Social Housing Landlord of the Year category for t
15/10/2008
Construction and management consultants, Turner & Townsend has just celebrated the launch of its new office in Liverpool. To launch the new venture, the company hosted an evening reception on 8 October at the Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool's exclusive Beatles-inspired venue. Turner & Townsend ha
14/10/2008
The latest indications from the Federation Of Master Builders' (FMB) State of Trade Survey for the third quarter of 2008 show that construction industry conditions remain gloomy with little sign of any improvement in the short term. Housing market conditions continue to deteriorate and instability
14/10/2008
Estate agents are selling - on average - just one property a week as the housing market continues to slump. A survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed the number of houses being sold across the UK during the three months to the end of September was the lowest since the
14/10/2008
Rok has signed a new agreement with airport operator BAA. The five year framework agreement will cover a number of building improvement projects valued between £2m and £20m. The award, which could be worth in the region of £130m, is in addition to the long term framework agreement Rok already has
14/10/2008
Around five million people are entitled to a rebate of up to £71 from the big energy companies, a leading campaign group has told energy regulator Ofgem. The National Housing Federation (NHF) is calling on Ofgem to compel the energy firms to pay the rebates, after the regulator produced a report ru
14/10/2008
Construction union UCATT has called for the sacking of the managing director of Carlisle Housing Association, after a BBC Programme revealed that its workers and tenants had been needlessly exposed to asbestos. On Wednesday 7 October the BBC Inside Out North East programme revealed that workers and
14/10/2008
In August there were 42,200 house purchase loans, 15,600 of them to first-time buyers, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). At £6 billion, house purchase lending was 63% lower than in August 2007. Both the number and value of house purchase loans were the lowest since the CML began c
14/10/2008
Today's current economic crisis provides an ideal opportunity to re-evaluate and identify new and better procurement methods essential for restarting the UK's struggling house building market in the UK - a key conclusion drawn by PRP, URBED and Design for Homes at the launch of their research paper,
14/10/2008
New figures released by national charity Citizens Advice reveal that more people are seeking advice on how to manage mortgage and secured loan arrears and fuel debts. Getting help, says the charity, can make a huge difference in coming to a workable agreement with your lender or fuel company to ma
14/10/2008
Lovell, which is working on a major housing improvement programme in Bradford, is giving two local teenagers the chance to build careers in the construction industry. Mohammed Tafoor, who lives in Manningham, and Shaun McBride, from Lidget Green, are both learning their trades with Lovell under the
14/10/2008
The Leicester Miller Education Company (LMEC) has appointed Rick Moore as Chair of the Board. A widely respected member of the Leicester community, Rick has served the city in a number of roles including Chair of The Leicestershire Economic Partnership which is responsible for driving forward the e
13/10/2008
Accordia in Cambridge designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Alison Brooks Architects, and Macreanor Lavington has won the 13th Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize in association with The Architects' Journal. The presentation of the UK's premier architectural award took
13/10/2008
Plans to install a new synthetic pitch at The Sheepmount Stadium in Carlisle have taken another step forward following a £24,500 grant from Sport England. Work will now start on the new facility tomorrow and is planned to be completed by mid-February next year. It will be built on one of the upper
13/10/2008
The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) suggests that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) latest fuel poverty figures of 3.5m could be somewhat lower than reality. Less than a fifth of the UK's homes are actually insulated to the necessary standard and many millions
13/10/2008
The Regional Winners for the Master Builder of the Year 2008 have been announced and the quality of entries has once again raised the bar. The Awards, organised by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in association with Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, are unique, as every entrant must be nominated by a
13/10/2008
A small helping hand is being offered to the local construction industry by Bristol City Council with free advertising in its ever-growing construction and building services directory. The 'Bristol First' directory aims to ensure that anyone looking for a contractor can find the right one easily. I
13/10/2008
A new speculative green office building on Cardiff's waterfront is set to save tenants over a third on running costs as well as reducing their carbon footprint. The environmental credentials of the landmark 3 Assembly Square building prompted Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housin
13/10/2008
British construction firms are being encouraged to take advantage of the multi-billion pound infrastructure opportunities in South Africa, according to a report released by UK Trade & Investment. Launched in London on Friday, the report entitled 'Building South Africa: Opportunities for the UK Cons
13/10/2008
Minister for Children and Education Jane Hutt attended the official opening of Foundation Phase-friendly Ysgol Clawdd Offa in Prestatyn, a flagship learning facility in North Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government's School Buildings Improvement Grant contributed £6.45 million towards the building of
13/10/2008
Lovell has been chosen by Mount Green Housing Association to design and build a £4.4 million housing development in Ashtead, Surrey. Lovell will create 35 one and two-bedroom apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership at the site in Howard Close. The new homes will replace existing flats
13/10/2008
Freefoam Plastics, the market leader in environmentally friendly and UV protected roofline and rainwater products, has continued to grow with UK sales up over 6% during the first three quarters of 2008 compared with the same period last year. The growth in sales highlights Freefoam's continued inves
10/10/2008
Shelter has challenged banks and mortgage lenders to pass on the 0.5% interest rate cut and help hundreds of thousands of struggling homeowners. Shelter figures show more than 900,000 hard up homeowners are now constantly struggling or falling behind every month with their mortgage payments. If pa
10/10/2008
HSS Hire, the UK's leading tool hire specialist, has received its delivery of brand new "Hawk" 2.6Kva Diesel Generators, the smallest noise compliant generators available in the UK. HSS is the UK's only hire retailer to have access to this product, having signed a 12 month exclusivity deal with Harr
10/10/2008
Plans for an extension of Stansted Airport, which would increase passenger numbers by 10 million, have been given the go-ahead by the Government. Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon made the announcement today, which would see an increase in flights from 241,000 to 264,000 - and raise the number of pass
10/10/2008
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has welcomed the co-ordinated Government and Bank of England action to address the current economic uncertainties and bolster consumer confidence. The Bank had acknowledged that there is no sign of inflation rising and so a Bank Rate cut was necessary and justifie
10/10/2008
East Midlands Development agency (emda) is making grants available to support collaborative projects in technology transfer and new technologies. The grants, known as 'Demonstration Grants', range from between £100,000 and £500,000 to support collaborative work in technology transfer and new techno
10/10/2008
Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan has opened a pioneering hydrogen energy research and demonstration centre in Baglan Energy Park, Port Talbot. The Baglan Energy Park Hydrogen Demonstration project has been developed by the University of Glamorgan in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council to d
10/10/2008
The DWC GROUP, which has its Head Office in Essex, has since 2004 acquired three companies in a move to significantly expand its penetration into the specialised sector of the construction industry which concentrates on remedial damp proofing, basement waterproofing & conversions, timber treatment,
10/10/2008
Construction union UCATT have welcomed the appointment of Ian Pearson as the new construction minister. However, the union said Mr Pearson's predecessor Shriti Vadera "entirely failed to engage with the union or its concern during her tenure in the post". UCATT were outraged to recently discover th
10/10/2008
Electro-Services Ltd, a major plant hirer to the utility sector, has added mini excavators to its growing roster of specialist equipment with an investment of £1.2 million in market leading Kubota machines. It is one of the largest single orders received by Kubota so far this year and is part of El
10/10/2008
A traditional craftsman is working hard to 'forge' a link between modern architectural style and traditional skills - by keeping 'alive' handcrafted ironwork forging to provide a bespoke metal work service to domestic and professional clients alike - while also representing all that is best in moder
09/10/2008
UK house prices have fallen at a record rate during the year to the end of September, according to Britain's biggest mortgage lender. The Halifax attributed the fall - which has seen house prices lose 13.2% of their value - as the biggest ever recorded by its house price index. The drop means the
09/10/2008
Soaring fuel bills will plunge 2.6 million customers into debt by the end next year, forcing many low income families to decide whether to heat or eat this winter, according to new research. The report, commissioned by the National Housing Federation (NHF), predicts 1.5 million electricity customer
09/10/2008
New designs that show what the Olympic Village will look like after the Games have been unveiled along with the latest images of progress being made on site. More than 300 workers are now on the Olympic Village site putting in place its foundations. Concrete columns are being inserted into the soil
09/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers that they face prosecution if they fail to ensure the safety of people working at height. The warning came after a North East roofing company, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £17,028 at Sunderland Magistrates' Court after it fa
09/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers that they must take appropriate steps to reduce the risks to the health and safety of their staff. The plea comes following the prosecution of a Lincoln company which exposed its employees to potentially damaging levels of noise, and an inc
09/10/2008
New powers to help keep homes affordable for communities in rural areas were set out today as Housing Minister Iain Wright launched two consultations. Under the proposed new powers, rural communities with severe housing shortages could be designated as protected areas ensuring affordable housing is
09/10/2008
Ian Pearson MP, as the eighth new Construction Minister since 1997, must be a roaring champion for the interests of small building firms if the construction industry is not to suffer further in the economic downturn, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Director of External A
09/10/2008
In recent years, there has been a huge increase in public and corporate interest in environmental issues. Nowhere is this more evident than the move towards certifying timber and timber products to demonstrate that these have come from well managed forests. Mike England Timber Company Limited Timbe
09/10/2008
Affordable housing will be provided elsewhere under plans for housing at a former commercial site in Hendy, Wales. Carmarthenshire County Council's planning committee will consider a reserved matters application for 35 houses on land at the former Griffiths Pallet Services site at Heol y Parc. The
09/10/2008
HSS, the national tool and equipment hire company, has given its nationwide fleet a fresh new look. The company's distinctive yellow and blue livery has been given an update which maintains the recognisable branding but with a more contemporary twist. HSS has also extended the fleet to provide a lar
08/10/2008
British Waterways has today announced plans to generate renewable energy at canal and riverside locations across the UK. Working with Partnerships for Renewables, British Waterways is the first public corporation to explore opportunities for wind turbines and small-scale hydro power schemes. The pro
08/10/2008
Carillion's joint venture businesses in the Middle East have negotiated three new contracts worth approximately £205 million, of which Carillion's share of the revenues generated will be some £113 million. In Dubai, Al Futtaim Carillion (AFC) has secured a £125 million contract to build two further
08/10/2008
On 6 October Cherwell District Council's Executive agreed that the Banbury Canalside scheme should be further developed, with the prospect of around 1,200 much needed new homes for the site along with restaurants, cafes, shops and leisure opportunities. The development will see significant economic
08/10/2008
The UK's housing system is fundamentally broken and needs far-reaching wide-scale, holistic reform to deliver fair, affordable and flexible housing in the future. This is the stark conclusion of a policy document published today by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), which makes over 20 recom
08/10/2008
Ofgem has failed some of the poorest customers in the country and should be 'scrapped' says the National Housing Federation (NHF), in response to the energy regulator's initial report on its energy market probe. Ofgem said that the big energy companies should stop charging poor people on prepayment
08/10/2008
As health and safety legislation has become ever more stringent, Invicta Forks & Attachments has been receiving a phenomenal demand for its range of stainless steel forks. Stainless steel forks provide an 'ultimate solution' for food-associated environments where cleanliness is vital, as the forks
08/10/2008
The Council of Mortgage Lenders |(CML) has welcomed the measures announced today by the Government, following consultation with the Bank of England and the FSA, to strengthen the capital position of banks and building societies, and to help re-open the market for medium term funding by providing gua
08/10/2008
New figures published by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) show that local and previously unemployed people are continuing to gets jobs on the Olympic Park. More than 2,700 workers are currently on site building the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games. Nearly a quarter of these l
08/10/2008
Future pupils of the new Maine Road primary school visited the former Manchester City Football Club on Monday. The children joined Councillor Sheila Newman to walk around the construction area and look at plans and a DVD showing how their new school is going to look. Set to open in 2009, the schoo
08/10/2008
Kubota, the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators, has introduced a new 3.3 tonne zero tail swing machine in the UK and Ireland. The new U30-3 model sits between the existing 2.5 tonne U25-3 and 3.5 tonne U35-3 machines as part of the company's extensive U Series range. In addition to i
07/10/2008
Chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) Environment Board has responded to Ofgem's report claiming that "energy suppliers aren't giving consumers a good deal". Cllr Paul Bettison said: "Their solution of more red tape completely misses the point. The best way to cut everyone's energy bil
07/10/2008
The Government's housing target of building two million new homes by 2016 is looking further out of reach with the downturn in the construction industry sending growth in private housing workloads to a record low, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Construction Market
07/10/2008
The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed revisions made to the planning policy statement (PPS6) on town centre development and investment. The revisions see the reform of the 'needs test', which government believes is a barrier to competition and consumer choice, and its replacement with
07/10/2008
Leading support services company, Carillion, has secured two further successes in the education sector worth in the region of £100 million. Carillion has been appointed preferred bidder for the £42 million Basildon Academies contract by Essex County Council. This project involves both refurbishment
07/10/2008
A hydrogen refuelling station, funded by Loughborough University and emda, is set to lead the way in the development of green technologies. The facility, which is one of only two that are currently operational in the UK, will enable the University to drive forward its research in this area, as well
07/10/2008
Gas pipeline company National Grid has announced that work to improve the gas network in Hereford Road, Shrewsbury will continue until the middle of October. The scheme to renew the old metal gas main running along Hereford Road started in August and was due to end in the middle of September. Durin
07/10/2008
Turner & Townsend's on-going consultancy support to Advantage West Midlands as part of a programme designed to create a 220-acre Business Park near Wolverhampton continues with the completion of work to the canal tow path works next to the site. The £170 million regeneration scheme, called 'i54' lo
07/10/2008
Freefoam's commitment to consistently delivering high levels of service to its customers is proven once again with data confirming that it is currently running a product order fulfilment rate of 98.8%. This rate is particularly impressive given the fact that, unlike some suppliers, Freefoam includes
07/10/2008
Vaughan Burnand is leaving his position as Chief Executive of Shepherd Construction, a subsidiary company of the Shepherd Group. He has held the position of Shepherd Construction's Managing Director, and latterly Chief Executive, since 2000, having joined the company in 1992. Allan McDougall, cu
07/10/2008
'Machinery Movers', the specialist dedicated magazine for the construction, quarry plant and equipment sector, has merged its separate UK and Ireland editions. Feedback received from readers and advertisers had indicated a preference for complete coverage of the UK and Irish markets in one comprehen
06/10/2008
Ofgem has given the industry notice to end practices that are failing some customers, and to deliver the full benefits of competition to the entire market. In its findings from a seven-month probe into the energy supply market, Ofgem was particularly concerned to see behaviour by supply companies
06/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has named Sally Sykes as Director of Communications. Ms Sykes will be based at HSE's headquarters in Bootle and will oversee the building of a team as the organisation gears up to unveil its five year strategy for health and safety in Great Britain. Ms Sykes,
06/10/2008
News that the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is to consult on appointing a new 'champion' for the construction industry is good news, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The new Chief Construction Officer, a civil service position, would be the main point of eng
06/10/2008
Land Securities has announced that Paul Myners has stood down as Director and Chairman of the company to take up a position as the Under Secretary of State and Minister for the City in the Treasury with immediate effect. A spokeperson from Land Securities said: "The Board thanks him for his valuab
06/10/2008
London 2012 has switched on six new cameras that let the public see the work taking place to deliver the Olympic Park venues and infrastructure. Each of the new 'ParkCams' take pictures regularly throughout the day. The latest images are updated automatically for all to see. The cameras are pointi
06/10/2008
The National Housing Federation (NHF) has welcomed the appointment of Margaret Beckett as the new Housing Minister. The MP for Derby South replaces Caroline Flint, who becomes Minister of State for Europe. Ms Flint had been Housing Minister since January 2008. NHF Assistant Director Helen Williams
06/10/2008
Construction union UCATT are calling on Islington council to defend the jobs of highly skilled craft workers in the borough. Kier Islington is planning to close the borough's joinery shop and transfer work to a separate entity in Harlow. The joinery shop provides doors, windows and stairways for l
06/10/2008
Atkins, Europe's largest design and engineering consultancy, has strengthened its position in the nuclear sector with the acquisition of MG Bennett & Associates Ltd, a multidisciplinary engineering design company, from its founder shareholders for a cash consideration of £2.5 million. With a team o
06/10/2008
One of Europe's most senior politicians is visiting Bristol today on a renewable energy fact-finding tour. EU Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs will visit the Severn Estuary and will be briefed on a range of proposals designed to generate green energy from the Severn's tides. He will also visit
06/10/2008
A useful 'Investment Information Pack' has been put together by Kubota to highlight the benefits of buying or hiring its market leading mini excavators. The comprehensive pack includes an introductory brochure, 'Why It Pays To Invest In Kubota', and a complete product range leaflet, together with i
03/10/2008
At the time of the Interim Results, Taylor Wimpey has announced it is engaged in discussions with certain of the Group's debt providers to amend the future provisions of its existing borrowing agreements, which are likely to be concluded before the New Year. The discussions are continuing on a co
03/10/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety alert aimed at builders and developers, managing agents, landlords and occupiers of residential properties with gas central heating boilers sited on internal walls. The purpose of the alert is to raise awareness of a potential poisoning ris
03/10/2008
Ministers have said that they will continue with their fight against fuel poverty, as Environment Secretary Hilary Benn holds meetings with energy suppliers and the home insulation industry to discuss how to speed up work on increasing energy efficiency in the UK's homes. The pledge comes as Defra
03/10/2008
While speaking at a business conference, Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) Chief Executive David Higgins revealed that strong progress is being made on Olympic Park's utilities and infrastructure. These new facilities are providing the backbone for the Olympic Park both during and after the Games.
03/10/2008
On Monday 6 October Cherwell's Council Executive will consider a report on the proposed regeneration of the Canalside area in Banbury. This is an area of about 45 acres between Bridge Street, Cherwell Street, and the railway line. It is proposed that the land be allocated in the Council's Local Dev
03/10/2008
BioCity Nottingham stamped its authority as the UK's fastest growing bioscience incubator when the new Laurus Building was officially opened by the Deputy Chairman of East Midlands Development Agency (emda), the Vice-Chancellors of Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham and the
03/10/2008
Ten engineers at E.ON's Kingsnorth power station have been recognised for their long-term dedication to power station operation after notching up over 280 years of service between them. Speaking at a special lunch held for the enthusiastic engineers, Plant Manager Alan Sanderson said: "This really
03/10/2008
Building and maintenance company, Rok, has launched a new business stream. Rok Plumbing Heating and Electrical incorporates five companies, all of which have been acquired in the last 18 months. Corrie and Pitkerro which are based in Scotland; Avonside with offices in Scotland and England; EMB in t
03/10/2008
Two of the world's leading power tool manufacturers have signed up for Toolminder. Both Makita UK and ECHO power tools have fully endorsed and signed up to the full Toolminder software suite from Earlsmere ID Systems Ltd, Earlsmere which also incorporates its Fivesquared vibration management divisi
03/10/2008
HomeBuy Direct, a £300 million initiative aimed at helping up to 10,000 first time buyers currently frozen out of the mortgage market meet their housing aspirations and supporting the house-building industry, has been launched by the Housing Corporation. HomeBuy Direct is part of a package of measu
03/10/2008
The GAP Group has bought its 100th Kubota KX080-3 mini excavator for its rapidly expanding plant hire fleet. This milestone figure was reached when two of the 8.2 tonne machines were ordered for delivery to GAP's Peterborough depot. Kubota's short tail swing KX080-3, the heaviest and newest model
02/10/2008
UK house prices dropped by 1.7% in September leaving the average property costing £161,797 according to figures by the Nationwide Building Society. Overall house prices have fallen 12.4% in a year, however Nationwide said prices will continue to drop in short term but longer prospects are more soun
02/10/2008
There is growing concern over the amount of poor scaffolding work at construction sites across Lancashire and Cumbria. Falling from height remains the most common cause of fatal injury in the workplace, with 45 deaths recorded nationally in 2006-07. In the same year there were 3,409 major injuries
02/10/2008
VSM Estates, a joint venture between Vinci and St Modwen Properties, has been awarded the £41 million contract to deliver Phase 3 of a £180 million construction programme at RAF Northolt. This forms part of Project MoDEL, the Ministry of Defence's estate consolidation and redevelopment programme i
02/10/2008
Planning approval has been granted for the new White Water Canoe Centre in Broxbourne that will host Canoe and Kayak Slalom events during the London 2012 Games. The planning application for the Centre was submitted in the summer following public consultation events with local residents on the venue
02/10/2008
Liverpool One, Grosvenor's £1 billion development in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, has been gathering major regeneration awards. It won the Mixed-use Project of the Year and the Best Use of Planning in Regeneration categories in the Regeneration and Renewal Awards. And it is the overall winn
02/10/2008
Barnsley Council has announced that Bramall Construction has been appointed to deliver phase 5 of a major property improvement programme in east Thurnscoe. Phase 5 will see more than 200 properties on streets including Lancaster, Hanover, Norman, Stuart and Dane streets receive improvement works. T
02/10/2008
Highlighting the crucial need to address issues surrounding rural housing, investment into rural housing is at the top of the agenda at a major Housing Corporation conference taking place on Wednesday 8 October at the London Hilton Metropole, Edgware Road. The Corporation's Investing in Rural Futur
02/10/2008
Improving your home just became a whole lot easier for tens of thousands of families Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint announced. Following regulations laid on the 10 September the new planning rules mean that the majority of homeowners will no longer need to get planning permission to e
02/10/2008
Consultant and management consultants Turner & Townsend celebrated 40 years in Leeds recently by hosting an evening reception at its stunning new offices in Leeds. Turner & Townsend has recently moved into the beautifully restored 16th Century barns adjacent to the listed Low Hall Head Office to ho
02/10/2008
Premier Plant Hire is a huge fan of Kubota's unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' security system after it helped prevent the theft of two of its mini excavators. Thieves failed to start the engine of a 1.5 tonne KX36-3 machine left overnight on a customer's construction site in Coventry, despite drilling
01/10/2008
Westminster Council and English Heritage have mounted a joint legal challenge against the Doon Street Tower development which if built would spoil one of London's most famous views. The council and English Heritage are opposed to Secretary of State Hazel Blears' decision to give the go-ahead to the
01/10/2008
Princess Anne is to officially open the second phase of the new development Liverpool One later today. The launch will also give to the people of Liverpool a newly built open terrace featuring restaurants and bars alongside a new fourteen screen Odeon cinema and the 5 acre Chavasse Park. Phase 1
01/10/2008
The British Property Federation (BPF) has reacted to a new report published by warning that restricting Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) could limit housing supplies for those most in need of affordable homes. The report, published by the department for communities and local government, looks a
01/10/2008
Interserve has won a £6.9 million contract from the University of Glamorgan to undertake the "HESAS" Development providing new health, sports and science facilities at the university's Glyntaff Campus, Pontypridd. The scheme entails the relocation of the Health Education, Sports and Science departm
01/10/2008
A railway depot at the heart of the Olympic Park has been completely cleared to make way for the construction of a new pedestrian land-bridge between the Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Stadium. The bridge will be the biggest in the Olympic Park and will be the main gateway for spectators getting t
01/10/2008
Construction union UCATT have condemned the Conservatives for hypocrisy after the party claimed they wanted to encourage apprentices to go on and study at university. The proposal was made by David Willetts Conservatives shadow Universities spokesperson, in a speech at their conference. Alan Ritch
01/10/2008
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is set to develop a suite of web-based Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes for CIOB Members and industry professionals, in partnership with the CPD Alliance, an online learning initiative founded by Orkell. Saleem Akram CIOB Director said:
01/10/2008
The public across Cheshire are being asked for their views on a proposed new housing scheme called 'Cheshire homechoice'. Cheshire homechoice is a new choice-based letting scheme, which gives residents more options about where they live. It introduces a new way of letting social housing across Ches
01/10/2008
Gothic novelist Horace Walpole's 18th Century Strawberry Hill House in Richmond Upon Thames, London, has received a grant of £400,000 from English Heritage, it has been announced. This latest grant brings the Strawberry Hill House Trust a step closer to raising the £8.2 million required to restore
01/10/2008
Building contractor and plant hirer A.C. Nurden Ltd has added an 8 tonne Kubota KX080-3 model to its fleet, maintaining a 27-year connection with the world leading mini excavator manufacturer. The Malmesbury, Wiltshire, business has been a Kubota user since it was established in 1980, and has opera
