Budget for building boom + making more of UK manufacturing

Budget for building boom making more of manufacturing in the UK

George Osborne’s latest Budget put the building and construction sectors right at the heart of a recovery that continues to gather pace – you can read the industry feedback via our summary below.  Major infrastructure projects are boosting the economy plus Barbour ABI report that house building orders are heading back to their peak with contracts up 72% in February, compared to the same month last year.

The government also signaled its support for manufacturing in the UK. Construction products are big business and now best placed to the lead the way in creating a more robust and balanced economy for the future. A good example is IKO Polymeric that provides innovative solutions and for the roofing and waterproofing industry. Last week I visited their new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield and was impressed how they are ‘raising the standards in sustainable manufacturing’ plus creating more UK jobs as well as skills for the future via apprenticeships.

Check-out the links below to details on the latest product and project news plus an interesting feature about retention agreements.  On the information technology front, we look at how new cloud-based CMS is helping deliver time and cost savings of up to 70% through efficient project management, and how cost and programme management software supports QS staff with preparing Bills of Quantities.

Finally, we have a great photo of construction workers with nerves of steel, dismantling a crane used to build Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building.

TOP 10 STORIES

Budget puts the building industry at the heart of UK economic recovery

Retention agreements are crucial for construction project management

IKO Polymeric lead the way in responsible UK manufacturing

Dust control system purifies the air whilst keeping noise to a minimum

Glanded pump designed to reduce energy consumption in properties

Water cylinder produces constant hot water supply in the home

Construction account software systems productively manage cash flow

Internal and external hybrid wall insulation system exhibiting at show

Odour extraction system provides natural ventilation in bathrooms

Health and Safety accreditation reduces need for checks for new work

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

How the latest Adoddle CMS creates savings through more efficient project management

LATEST PROJECTS & OTHER STORIES

Cost and programme management software supplied to Middle Eastern firm

Solar panels, heat pumps and harvesting system produce sustainability

Water conservation and recovery system installed at Giant’s Causeway

Curtain walling system fitted to improve energy efficiency at office

Soil and waste system fitted at college for low maintenance solution

Electrical installation firm creates new jobs after European expansion

Timber building materials supplied for Ideal Home Show sculpture

Acoustic panels made from natural wood fibre installed at school

Adhesive range nominated as Tomorrow’s Flooring Product award winner

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Housing shortage could cost London £85 billion by 2025

Construction workers with nerves of steel dismantle a crane more than 2,000ft high

This is the Statue of Liberty under construction in Paris in 1884

Will Government support for shale gas undermine investment in renewables?

House building contracts in Feb worth £1.83bn, up 72% from same month in 2013

Budget puts the construction industry at the heart of UK economic recovery

The trampoline bridge was never constructed, but what fun design ideas would you build?