Finishing
the Building Year with a Flourish
FMB's
report on 2002 highlights continued growth in fourth quarter of 2002 but
skilled labour shortage continues to restrict growth.
Figures published on 28th January by the Federation of Master Builders
(FMB), which represents over 13000 small and medium-sized construction
companies in the UK, indicate that business for small and medium-sized
building firms across the UK continued to grow during the last three months
of 2002. The FMB's latest quarterly 'State of Trade Survey' for the fourth
quarter of last year reports strong figures for both workload and employment,
with 40% reporting increased workloads and 26% increased employment. However,
the ongoing problem of the chronic shortage of skilled labour continued
to restrict industry growth and limit builders' capacity.
As in the previous survey for the third quarter of 2002, the continuing
rise in the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) of private housing
remains the driving force behind this sustained growth as homeowners look
to unlock equity or take on finance to improve their property. The non-residential
sector also prospered, with healthy increases in both industrial and commercial
work.
The overall mood amongst those surveyed remains positive. Expectations
for the first quarter of 2003 are for further increases in both workload
and the workforce. The main increase in work is expected in both new build
and RM&I of private housing, whilst the change in R&M of non-residential
buildings for private clients is also expected to be positive. Prospects
beyond the next quarter still appear relatively good, judging by the enquiries
about possible future work.
The labour market remains relatively tight, with the proportion indicating
difficulty recruiting direct employees and hiring sub-contractors again
around two-thirds. These repeatedly high figures illustrate the extent
of the problem of sourcing skilled labour.
Commenting on the latest figures Ian Davis, director general of the FMB
said: 'The last quarter of 2002 once again saw FMB members enjoying increased
workloads overall with private domestic work remaining most buoyant and
driving the market. Our members remain optimistic for 2003 but the recurring
nightmares of labour shortage, VAT on domestic RMI work, and unfair competition
from 'cowboy builders' remain, amongst other things, matters that the
FMB feels very strongly about. In particular, concerns about the recruitment
and training of tradesmen to form the industry's future workforce, the
availability of training facilities and the distances that people in some
parts of the country must travel to obtain training in construction skills,
were all raised by the latest survey. Whilst there are no quick fixes
for any of these problems, these and other issues are all factors that
the FMB is looking to campaign on this year.
'We welcome, for example, the Government's plans to offer youngsters the
opportunity to learn practical skills via a more flexible national curriculum.
The long-term benefits should be more people coming into the industry
at its grass roots. A logical knock-on effect would be that legitimate
builders will have greater capacity and can take on more work, meaning
less waiting time for customers who might otherwise use rogue traders.
Allied with a reduction on VAT on domestic RMI work, these are practical
steps that can be taken to tackle the problem of 'cowboy' builders.'
Workload changes
Of the builders surveyed across the UK, 40% reported an increase in workload
in the fourth quarter of 2002 with a further 41% stating that business
had remained steady. 19% reported a drop in workloads. Whilst all areas
reported a respectable rise in workload, Wales and Scotland recorded the
highest percentage of builders (both 67%) enjoying an increase. The North
West was next with 66% of builders, followed by Yorkshire and Humberside
(43%), Northern Ireland (42%) and the West Midlands (41%). Only two areas
(the North East and East Midlands) saw slightly more builders reporting
and downturn in workload than an upturn.
Growth sectors
As in the previous State of Trade Report, the results for private work
are better than those for public sector clients this time round too, for
both residential and non-residential work. By type of work, the demand
for repair, maintenance and improvement of existing privately owned housing
is again the major driver behind the increased workload in October, November
and December 2002. 35% of builders reported an increase in this type of
work with a further 54% reporting constant workload levels throughout
the quarter. Only 11% reported a decrease. Private new build also fared
well, with 22% of respondents reporting an increase in this type of work.
In non-residential building, 31% of builders reported an increase in industrial
construction work, better than expected (only 21% predicted an increase
in the Q3 survey). Commercial work too saw 29% of builders enjoying increased
workloads and private renovation and maintenance work 23%.
Future workloads
Looking ahead to the first quarter of this year, there is a relatively
strong expectation that workloads will remain healthy. Of the builders
polled, 31% expect to see an increase in business, while a further 48%
believe their current level of work will be maintained. The highest levels
of optimism were in Wales, where 64% of builders expect to see a rise,
followed by Northern Ireland (55%), Scotland (40%), London (35%), the
South East and Eastern regions (both 34%).
However, not all regions shared this optimism. In the East Midlands for
example, builders felt a little more cautious about what 2003 would bring,
with 42% expecting work to decline, compared to 28% who expected it to
grow. Similarly, in the North East 36% predict a decrease in workload
(compared to 24% who expect and increase); In Yorkshire and Humberside
these figures are 33% versus 16%.
By type of work, the majority of builders expect workloads in all sectors
to remain constant. However, expectations of increases are strongest in
respect of work on private housing - both new build and RM&I, with
22% and 25% of all builders respectively expecting an increase in workload.
There is also a very narrow positive balance of 'higher' and 'lower' replies
(i.e. those respondents predicting an increase in workload compared to
those who anticipate a decline) regarding prospects for repair and maintenance
work on non-residential buildings for private clients.
Work enquiries
42% of all builders reported a rise in enquiries, an increase of 3% on
the third quarter results, whilst 34% saw a constant level of enquiries,
indicating that new business leads remain strong. The area with the highest
percentage of builders reporting an increase in new business enquiries
was Wales (76%), followed by London (62%), the North West (58%) and Scotland
(53%).
Although all areas reported a respectable rise in enquiries, in regions
such as Yorkshire and Humberside, Eastern Counties, Northern Ireland,
the West Midlands and the North East this figure was countered by similar
percentages reporting a decrease.
Not surprisingly, the highest increase in new business enquiries were
related to private housing RMI work, followed by private new build and
non-residential public and private renovation and maintenance work. The
commercial sector also fared well, with 22% of builders reporting an increase
in enquiries in this market.
Employment trends
Looking at employment trends in the fourth quarter of 2002, 26% of all
respondents reported an increase in employment whilst 58% said the size
of their workforce had remained constant - exactly the same percentages
as the previous survey.
The areas with the highest percentage of builders reporting an increase
in workforce were the North West (57%), the North East (38%) and Scotland
(35%). That the majority had a static workforce, despite overall increases
in workload, supports the ongoing issue of labour shortages and highlights
the difficulties of retaining labour.
Looking forward to the first quarter of 2003, 8% of all builders expect
their workforce to decrease, down from 10% last time, whilst 17% hope
to take on more people in the next few months if they can source suitably
qualified labour (down from 19% in Q3 2002). The vast majority (75%) expect
their workforce to remain constant. That 92% expect to maintain or increase
their workforce indicates continued optimism generally in the marketplace.
The Labour Market
The ongoing problem of sourcing labour is still a major issue for small
and medium sized builders in the UK, but has slightly improved this quarter
with 65% of all those surveyed reporting problems, down from 69% in Q3
2002.
46% said that they had experienced problems recruiting directly employed
skilled labour in the last quarter, down from 51% in the previous quarter.
There was also a 1% decrease in the overall percentage of builders reporting
problems in obtaining the services of skilled sub-contractors, down from
49% in the third quarter to 48% in the fourth.
The region with greatest percentage of builders experiencing problems
sourcing labour was London (73%), followed by the West Midlands (71%),
Yorkshire and Humberside and the North West (both 70%), the South West
and Wales (both 69%) and Scotland (68%).
NFB
Slams TV Bosses for 'Scaremongering'
Britain’s bona-fide builders have slammed TV bosses for scaremongering
the public with yet more exposés on cowboy traders in a bid to
boost ratings.
Industry body the National Federation of Builders, which represents thousands
of professional firms said on 20th January that homeowners were fed up
with ‘lifting-the-lid’ style documentaries on rogue builders
and wanted helpful advice instead.
A recent survey of homeowners carried out by the NFB found that over 80
per cent would rather watch informative programmes about finding a reputable
tradesman.
The comments follow the screening of the BBC’s latest offering, Rogue
Traders, which is broadcast on Thursday evenings on BBC 1.
Paul Kendrick, spokesman for the National Federation of Builders, said:
'We, more than anyone, are keen to stamp out rogue builders - but all
these programmes do is create a climate of fear and lack of trust of any
builder.
'The best way to rid the industry of the cowboys is to educate homeowners
so they can take the right steps to avoid them in the first place. All
programmes like Rogue Traders do is showcase people’s misery and
heartache in a bid to boost viewing figures.
'Consumer confidence in the building industry is at an all time low and
it’s suffering its biggest recruitment crisis to date.
'By promoting the work that reputable, professional builders do –
and showing consumers how to find them – programme makers could help
us promote the industry as a great career choice for school leavers.'
Paul added: 'The vast majority of builders in this country are honest
and hard-working, but the cowboys give them a bad name. We’re sending
out an open invitation to broadcasters to work with us to make informative
documentaries – ones that will help consumers spot the cowboys before
they strike and get the hassle-free results they deserve.'
The NFB offers the following advice to those looking to hire a builder:
* Start your search by getting a referral from family or friends who have
recently had work done. Or, check with a trade association, such as the
National Federation of Builders, for details of reputable builders in
your area. The NFB has strict membership criteria covering workmanship,
financial status and health and safety and also operates a Code of Practice
to help safeguard customers. Its members are required to provide eight
references from customers, suppliers and financial institutions. Some
other trade associations may not be as rigorous, so you may want to check
their membership criteria.
* Don’t be fooled by the badge! There have been cases of bogus builders
fraudulently claiming membership to official trade associations, so call
and make sure they are a bona fide member.
* Ask each builder you’ve selected to provide at least two or three
references - then check them. Contact the people who provided the references
and find out how happy they were with the quality of workmanship and the
builder’s conduct.
* Once you’ve got a shortlist of builders, obtain quotations and
make sure they give full details in writing of what’s covered and
what’s not. Ask them to confirm whether any planning permission is
required for the work and whether they will need to apply for Building
Regulations approval.
* Avoid a ‘VAT-free’ deal. You won’t have a valid contract
if there is no proof of payment and a builder who is VAT registered is
more likely to be above board.
* Put details of the job down in writing – the more thorough you
can be, the better. Your contract should outline what work is to be done,
start and completion dates, security and safety, catering and lavatory
arrangements, disposal of waste materials and hours of working.
* Be straight about money with your builder and agree payment terms clearly
in writing. The National Federation of Builders encourages its members
to use the JCT building contract for homeowners and occupiers – a
straight-forward, plain-English contract – which sets down in writing
what’s expected of you and your builder, such as payment terms and
agreements, helping to avoid any potential disputes. For a copy, priced
£9.95, call CIP on 0121 722 8200 or order it online at http://www.buildingcontract.co.uk.
* Avoid paying a cash deposit - it shouldn’t be needed unless you
request specialist building materials or the job is likely to take a long
time to complete.
* Ask whether the builder is insured against claims covering property
damage and personal liability in the case of accident or injury.
* Consider taking out a warranty, which insures you against future problems
with your building work. The NFB operates 'Benchmark Plan' - a members-only
insurance scheme which pays out the cost of correcting any building work
defects for periods up to 20 years after the job is completed.
* Two useful publications, called 'Avoid Cowboy Builders' and 'Finding
the builder who’s right for you', are available free of charge from
the National Federation of Builders, Construction House, 56-64 Leonard
Street, London, EC2A 4JX. Tel: 0207 608 5150.
* Consumers can also search for a reputable, professional builder on the
NFB’s website http://www.builders.org.uk
Construction:
The Challenges & Opportunities Ahead
Speaking
at a major industry led conference assessing construction's prospects
for the next three years and beyond, Allan Wilén CPA Economics
Director highlighted the crucial role of government investment plans in
driving industry growth. At the event organised by the CPA and Interbuild,
he commented 'We are forecasting a 5% per annum rise in public sector
expenditure on construction over the next three years, offsetting a weakening
in private sector activity'.
Speaking at the conference, David Smith, Economics Editor for the Sunday
Times, warned that over the forecast period private sector output would
face slow UK economic growth and in particular weak manufacturing output
and poor business investment.
Housing consultant John Stewart, commented 'House price inflation is set
to slow sharply over the coming year, dampening the sales of new homes.'
He stressed, however, the underlying demand for new homes remained undiminished
but warned that tighter planning regulations were limiting the long term
supply of new homes.
James Roberts, CB Hillier said 'The forecasts anticipate that weak business
confidence, lower rental values and rising availability rates will depress
new office construction activity over the forecast period.' He added 'whilst
retail construction output is expected generally to cool over the next
three years as consumer spending growth slows, the refurbishment of retail
warehousing for traditional high street firms will be a bright spot.'
Commenting on specific sectors Allan Wilén added 'School building
and health facility will be especially fast growing areas of activity,
with a sharp rise in both PFI schemes and traditionally public funded
projects. Infrastructure output is also set to rise, buoyed by major projects
such as CTRL and Terminal 5, higher road investment under the Ten Year
Transport Plan and increased capital expenditure by the water industry.'
The event, organised by the Construction Products Association and Interbuild,
was well attended by 200 leading industry figures, and generated a good
deal of thought-provoking debate. Following the success of the conference,
the organisers are planning to hold a repeat event in 2004.
Web: http://www.constprod.org.uk
Government
Statistics Confirm Association Fears
The
latest figures released by the Office of National Statistics this month
confirmed the Construction Products Association's fears, set out in its
recent report 'Achievable Targets? Is Government Delivering?' that the
Government is struggling to deliver key investment programmes for the
built environment.
Allan Wilén, Economics Director, commented: 'These figures highlight
industry concerns that the necessary investment is not getting through.
The Government is committed to raising public gross capital expenditure
by 28% this year to £28.4 billion. Our analysis of the public finance
figures suggests that the Government has committed just over half of these
funds during the first nine months of 2002/03. Whilst expenditure is typically
skewed towards the end of the financial year, these figures show there
is a considerable mountain to climb before April.
'In particular the Government must address the issues surrounding the
PFI process, the lack of in-house resources among local authorities and
other bodies and excessive planning delays. The Association's report 'Achievable
Targets? Is Government Delivering?' found, for example, that improvements
to the social housing stock have been seriously delayed by the slow progress
of the large scale voluntary transfer programme whilst local road improvements
are being frustrated as councils lack the necessary resources and expertise.
'The Government must ensure that it does not get to the point where it
is so far behind its targets that it cannot catch up.'
Web: http://www.constprod.org.uk
Slowdown
Forecast for Construction Industry Despite Increased Government Spending
Growth
in construction output is expected to slow significantly in the next two
years before picking up again in 2005 according to the latest forecasts
from the Construction Products Association.
Output in 2002 is expected to have increased by over 7% - the largest
annual increase since 1988 - driven by a significant increase in Government
spending on construction. A sharp decline in private sector investment
over the next two years will reduce output growth to 3.7% in 2003 and
just 0.6% in 2004, before it begins to pick up in 2005 when the industry
is expected to grow by 1.3%.
Commenting on the figures, the CPA's Chief Executive, Michael Ankers said:
'These forecasts suggest that public sector expenditure on construction
will grow at nearly 5% per annum over the next 3 years at a time when
private sector investment is declining. These forecasts should allay any
fears that the industry will not have the capacity to deliver the Government's
investment programme, and indeed demonstrate that this is a good time
for the Government to invest in the much needed improvements to the infrastructure
and built environment of this country.
'The forecasts pinpoint the fall in private sector investment to reductions
in office and industrial building, a cut back in retail expansion in the
light of reduced consumer spending, and a cooing in private housing activity.
There are some bright spots, however, with increases in private infrastructure
where the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow will have a major impact over the
period, and in the leisure sector where the rebuilding of Wembley will
make an important contribution.
'Public sector investment in construction is expected to remain strong
throughout the period as the Government's plans for increased spending
on social housing, school buildings, hospitals, and transport begin to
gather pace.
'The forecasts also look at the factors likely to influence the level
of construction output up to the end of the decade. Public sector investment
is expected to remain strong given the long horizon to many of the Government's
plans; reform of the planning system is seen as key if we are to deliver
major projects and the required level of new housing provision; improvement
to the existing private housing stock will remain a growth area, partly
driven by changes to the building regulations.'
CPA FORECAST - Winter 2002/03
Construction Output 2000 2001 2002
2003 2004 2005
Public Housing 1,112
1,172 1,360 1,565 1,720 1,890
Private Housing 6,543
6,268 6,895 7,170 6,955 7,095
Total 7,655
7,440 8,255 8,735 8,675 8,985
The
annual 2002 compendium of statistics covers all aspects of housing and
includes the following highlights:
* At the end of March 2002 there were 21.3 million dwellings in England,
an increase of 1.44 million, or 7 per cent, on the number at the end of
March 1992. 14.9 million, or seven out of 10, were owner occupied and
4.2 million, about one fifth, were rented from a local authority or a
registered social landlord. The remaining 2.2 million were rented privately.
* 130 thousand new dwellings were completed in England during the financial
year ending 31 March 2002. Of these, 116 thousand – or nearly 9 out
of every 10 – were built for owner occupation with nearly all the
remaining being built for registered social landlords.
* In mid 2001, it is estimated there were 20.7 million households in England,
about 20 per cent more than that recorded in 1981.
* In 2001, the average price of houses sold in England was £120,000
– for new dwellings it was higher at £143,000. House prices
in 2001 were about 10 per cent higher than 2000 (based on the ODPM mixed
adjusted house prices index), with regional prices ranging from 13 per
cent in the South West to 4 per cent in the North East. Property in London
and South East were slightly affected by the temporary levelling off in
prices towards the end of 2001.
* Results from the Survey of English Housing carried out in the year to
the end of March 2001 showed that 2.2 million households (nearly 11 per
cent) had moved in the year prior to interview. Moving households included
34 per cent of private renters, 15 per cent of social renters and 34 percent
of owner-occupiers.
More at this link
Output
in the Construction Industry: Third Quarter 2002
The total volume of construction output in the year to the third quarter
of 2002 rose by eight per cent compared to the previous twelve months.
Overall new work rose over the same period, despite a decrease in the
private industrial sector. Repair and maintenance rose, with increases
in the private housing and private and public non-housing sectors easily
offsetting a fall in the public housing sector.
Output in the third quarter of 2002 rose by two per cent compared to the
second quarter of 2002 in volume terms and increased by six per cent in
current prices.
The total volume of new work in the year to the third quarter of 2002
was 10 per cent higher compared with the previous year and was three per
cent higher in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter. The
total volume of repair and maintenance work was four per cent higher in
the twelve months to the third quarter of 2002 compared with the previous
year, and rose by one per cent in the third quarter of 2002 compared to
the previous quarter.
New private housing work in the year to the third quarter of 2002 was
eight per cent higher compared with the previous year and the third quarter
was nine per cent higher than the second quarter of 2002. New work in
the public housing sector in the year to the third quarter of 2002 was
17 per cent higher (on a small base figure) compared with the previous
year and the latest quarter was one per cent lower than the previous quarter.
New infrastructure output in the twelve months to the third quarter of
2002 was 11 per cent higher compared with the
previous year, but the third quarter of 2002 was unchanged compared with
the second quarter of 2002.
New construction work in the private industrial sector in the year to
the third quarter of 2002 was nine per cent lower compared with the previous
year, but the third quarter was four per cent higher than the previous
quarter. New private commercial output in the year to the third quarter
of 2002 increased by 11 per cent compared to the previous year and increased
by one per cent in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of
2002. New work in the public
non-housing sector (excluding infrastructure) in the year to the third
quarter of 2002 rose by 25 per cent compared to the previous year and
the third quarter rose by four per cent compared with the previous quarter.
Housing repair and maintenance work (including improvement work) in the
public sector was three per cent lower in the year to the third quarter
of 2002 compared with the previous year and was two per cent lower in
the most recent quarter compared with previous quarter. Housing repair
and maintenance work in the private sector in the twelve months to the
third quarter of 2002 was five per cent higher compared with the previous
year and was one per cent higher in the third quarter compared to the
previous quarter.
Repair and maintenance work in the public non-housing sector in the year
to the third quarter of 2002 was nine per cent higher compared with the
previous year, but was eight per cent lower in the most recent quarter
compared with the second quarter of 2002. Repair and maintenance work
in the private non-housing sector in the year to the third quarter of
2002 was six per cent higher compared with the previous year and was seven
per cent higher in the most recent
quarter compared with the previous quarter.
New
Construction Orders: October 2002
Orders
in the twelve months to October 2002 rose by five per cent compared to
orders in the previous twelve months and orders in the three months to
October rose by three per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.
Orders in the three months to October rose by one per cent compared to
the previous three months. A strong rise in the private industrial sector
was offset by a fall in infrastructure orders.
Private housing orders in the twelve months to October 2002 rose by 10
per cent compared to the previous twelve months. Orders in the three months
to October rose by 12 per cent compared with the previous three months
and rose by 11 per cent compared with the same three months a year ago.
Public housing and housing association orders in the year to October 2002
rose by eight per cent when compared to the previous year. Public housing
and housing association orders in the three months to October fell by
14 per cent compared to the previous three months, and by nine per cent
compared to the same three months a year earlier. All comparisons in this
sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size.
Infrastructure orders in the twelve months to October 2002 fell by two
per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the three
months to October fell by 17 per cent compared with the previous three
months, and were 19 per cent lower than in the same period a year earlier.
This was mainly due to the roads sector.
Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the twelve months
to October 2002 were 16 per cent higher when compared with the previous
twelve months. Orders in the three months to October were unchanged compared
with the previous period, and were 13 per cent higher compared to the
same three months a year earlier.
Private commercial orders in the twelve months to October 2002 were nine
per cent higher compared to the previous twelve months. Orders in the
three months to October were two per cent higher compared to the previous
period, and were eight per cent higher than in the same period a year
earlier.
Private industrial orders in the twelve months to October 2002 fell by
17 per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the three
months to October were 28 per cent higher than in the previous period,
and were seven per cent higher compared to the same period a year earlier.
Both factories and warehouses were strong in October.
In
October 2002, it is estimated that 15,300 dwellings were started in Great
Britain and 15,500 completed.
Seasonally adjusted comparisons
After allowing for seasonal variation, total starts in the three months
to October were up 15 per cent on the previous three months and up 2 per
cent compared with the same period a year ago. The increase on the previous
three months is largely due to the very low figures in June.
Completions were up 2 per cent on the previous three months and also up
2 per cent compared to the same period a year ago.
Seasonally adjusted figures for England show larger increases for starts.
Total starts were up 20 per cent on the previous three months and up 3
per cent on the same period a year ago. Total completions were up 2 per
cent on the previous three months and also up 2 per cent when compared
to the same period a year ago.
Publication of housebuilding figures
ODPM is proposing to publish housing starts and completions quarterly
from financial year 2003/04, because the monthly figures are so variable
that the quarterly figures are better for assessing trends.
Firms
Keeping up to Date with Quality Mark
Builders
in key regions across the country are being kept up-to-date about developments
with the Government-backed Quality Mark Scheme, thanks to distribution
of the latest magazine on the project.
Thousands of copies of the Quality Mark quarterly newsletter are being
posted to businesses who have already signed up for accreditation, or
who have either attended or simply been invited to presentations on the
Scheme.
The latest newsletter includes a foreword from Construction Minister Brian
Wilson who says the regional roll out of the campaign will continue across
the country in the New Year and that 'the Scheme's ease of use is key
to its growing popularity.'
Circulation of the newsletter to various sectors of the construction trade,
consumer groups and other organisations is part of the Government's ongoing
commitment to promote and publicise the Scheme as membership grows and
the roll-out campaign continues.
Quality Mark was launched to deal with the rising number of complaints
about Britain's number one consumer problem: cowboy builders in the domestic
repair, maintenance and improvement sector, where, nationally, Britain's
Trading Standards officers registered 106,000 complaints over the last
year. These figures are thought to be the tip of the iceberg and official
complaints are estimated to be rising at around 5% a year.
The Scheme was developed by Government in partnership with representatives
of the construction industry, consumer groups, local authorities and others.
Its dual purpose is to bring peace of mind and protection to consumers
at the same time as promoting rather than penalising legitimate practitioners
of the 20 associated building trades who work in people's homes.
The Scheme works by placing contact details of builders and tradesmen
who reach the standard required by the Quality Mark on a single national
register. This can be accessed free-of-charge by phoning low cost call
centre number 0845 300 80 40 or via the internet at http://www.qualitymark.org.uk
Pilkington
Glass Products and Technology
Pilkington
has refurbished its Exhibition Centre to bring the product and technology
exhibits up to date, and to introduce new interactive and visual displays,
including Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass and the Citroen C3
windscreen.
Based at the Pilkington European Technical Centre at Lathom, Lancashire,
where most of the company's research and development programme is undertaken,
the Exhibition Centre is principally used as a design and specification
aid for specially invited Pilkington customers and specifiers. The Centre
is not open to the general public.
Designers of the original exhibition in 1995, Communication By Design,
retumed to apply their expertise to introduce advances in graphical design
and presentation to the Exhibition Centre, whilst also taking advantage
of the newest presentation and information technologies. The Centre succeeds
in being informative and entertaining, irrespective of the visitor's prior
knowledge of glass.
With the refurbishment completed, the visitor seeking information on glass
for buildings may now learn from interactive demonstrations including
the Pilkington SpectrumTM optical and thermal calculation computer programme,
CD-ROMs and superb graphics. All ofthe company's latest and most popular
products may be seen, including the very latest innovations such as Pilkington
Activ™, the self-cleaning glass, for which a special demonstration
unit has been created.
Other interactive demonstrations allow visitors to write their own insulated
glass unit specifications, and another unit demonstrates the effectiveness
of glass in noise control. A multifunctional 34mm insulated glass unit
has been installed consisting of Pilkington Activ™, Pilkington Optilam™
Phon, Pilkington Optitherm™ SN, and Pilkington Pyrodur™ EW30.
This is probably the most advanced IGU in the world which, were it installed
in a building would provide the occupants with a window that was self-cleaning,
very tough, sound-proof, thermally efficient and fire resistant!
New products now featured in the exhibition include Pilkington Optimirror™,
the company's copper and lead-free mirror, Pilkington Pyrodur™ Plus,
the new slimline 7.5mm fire resistant laminated glass. Pilkington Profilit™
and Pilkington Optifloat™ Satin add to the aesthetics ofthe Centre.
The Pilkington Exhibition Centre is principally provided as an information
resource for specifiers, customers and end users of Pilkington products,
with visits arranged through local Pilkington sales contacts.
Tel: 01744 28882
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
New
Construction Orders: September 2002
Orders
in the twelve months to September 2002 rose by five per cent compared
to orders in the previous twelve months and orders in the third quarter
of 2002 rose by 11 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.
Orders in the third quarter of 2002 rose by 22 per cent compared to the
previous quarter. This rise was due to strong results in the infrastructure
and private commercial sectors.
Private housing orders in the twelve months to September 2002 rose by
six per cent compared to the previous twelve months. Orders in the third
quarter of 2002 rose by 10 per cent compared with the previous quarter
and rose by five per cent compared with the same quarter a year ago. Public
housing and housing association orders in the year to September 2002 rose
by nine per cent when compared to the previous year. Public housing and
housing association orders in the third quarter of 2002 rose by 22 per
cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 24 per cent compared to
the same quarter a year earlier. All
comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its
relatively small size.
Infrastructure orders in the twelve months to September 2002 rose by one
per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the third
quarter of 2002 were 60 per cent higher compared with the previous quarter,
and were 11 per cent higher than in the same period a year earlier. The
large rise in the most recent quarter was due to high results in both
July and September, partiuclarly in the roads and rail sectors.
Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the twelve months
to September 2002 were 19 per cent higher when compared with the previous
twelve months. Orders in the third quarter of 2002 were 13 per cent higher
compared with the previous period, and were 22 per cent higher compared
to the same quarter a year earlier.
Private commercial orders in the twelve months to September 2002 were
six per cent higher compared to the previous twelve months.
Orders in the third quarter of 2002 were 21 per cent higher compared to
the previous period, and were 13 per cent higher than in the same period
a year earlier. These large rises were lead by the office sector.
Private industrial orders in the twelve months to September 2002 fell
by 17 per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the
third quarter of 2002 were nine per cent higher than in the previous period,
but were six per cent lower compared to the same period a year earlier.
Web: http://www.dti.gov.uk
Government
Failing to Deliver on Promises
The
results of the Construction Products Association's latest annual study
of Government's investment in the UK's built environment and infrastructure
shows that although good progress has been made in some areas, in others
the Government is badly behind schedule. As a result, the provision of
new roads is awarded a 4* rating, whilst reducing the repair backlog in
the NHS estate is awarded just 1*.
Speaking at the launch of Achievable Targets? Is Government Delivering?
Chief Executive, Michael Ankers, said: 'We believe that there is a widespread
commitment across Government to deliver the planned improvements. However,
in many cases delivery is being hindered by drawn out and complex delivery
mechanisms, especially with PFI procedures, and shortages of manpower
and expertise in the public sector to manage these projects.'
The study shows that the Highways Agency has made good progress towards
delivering its targeted programme of improvements, with half of the original
schemes due by 2005 either underway or completed. Although, surprisingly,
the DfES is not attempting to monitor whether the targets set are actually
being met, construction output statistics suggest that Government funding
is filtering through to work on the ground with a 41% increase in educational
projects.
The areas where performance is worst, and where the Association has awarded
only 1*, are health and social housing. According to latest information,
only 19% of the NHS estate is health and safety compliant and just 21%
fire compliant. On social housing, whilst the Government's short-term
target of 100,000 new dwellings by 2004 is likely to be met, the target
is woefully short of the new social housing provision that independent
experts believe is needed.
Whilst the initial progress on some of the road proposals may be encouraging,
continued delays in delivering the multi modal studies - only 4 out of
11 were completed by April this year - raise serious questions about whether
the Government will be able to bring forward the projects necessary to
support its Ten Year Transport Plan.
Commenting further, Michael Ankers said: 'Our report makes 20 recommendations
on how to bring this investment programme back on target. We urge Government
to act on these, and we in the construction industry are ready to help.
How else are we going to lift the UK from its current position at the
bottom of the European league when it comes to investment in the built
environment, and a pathetic 23rd (just above Estonia) for investment in
infrastructure?'
Contact: Jean Emblin
Tel: 020 7323 3770
Email: mailto:jemblin@constprod.org.uk
Web: http://www.constprod.org.uk
Tim
Bids Auf Wiedersehen to Dodgy Builders
Fresh from collecting his Most Popular Drama trophy from the National
Television Awards for Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, the show's star Tim Healy
was back in front of the cameras playing a builder once again.. but this
time for the Government.
Two days after collecting his prize at the Royal Albert Hall, the popular
actor was doing his bit to help promote the Government-backed Quality
Mark Scheme, set up to combat the menace of cowboy builders.
Tim plays the part of a builder who himself falls foul of the cowboys
in a promotional video for the Scheme which will be shown at Quality Mark
presentations up and down the country.
The video portrays Tim as a reputable builder who has been too busy to
work on his new home. In an effort to placate his wife, he has cut corners
and inadvertently got cowboy builders in to do a quick and cheap refurbishment
job - with disastrous results.
Tim walks around his ruined house reflecting on how much trouble he is
in, as pipes burst over his head and power shorts out around him. His
deadpan Geordie humour, typical of the role of Dennis Patterson he has
played so successfully in award winning Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, provides
light relief alongside the serious message of the need to use only reputable
tradespeople found via Quality Mark.
Tim recommends that anyone who wants building work done on their home
guarantees themselves peace of mind by accessing tradesmen from the only
Government-backed source in England and Wales - Quality Mark - either
by phoning the call centre on 0845 300 80 40, or tapping into the website
http://www.qualitymark.org.uk.
In between the filming at a house in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, Tim said
he was looking forward to filming another series of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet,
buoyed up by the success of this summer's comeback of the show after 15
year's absence from the small screen.
Tim Healy said:
'I haven't seen the scripts, as only a couple of them have been written
yet. But apparently we're all back together again and off to a new job,
which goes wrong, naturally. I'm really looking forward to it.'
He revealed that the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet stars are great friends off-screen
as well as on screen. 'Kevin Whately is godfather to my little boy and
I am to one of his lads too,' he said.
Tim's Quality Mark video was likely to get its first public showing to
builders attending a Quality Mark trade launch event at Leeds on Monday
4 November, followed by other trade launches at Nottingham on Monday 25
November and Derby on Thursday 28 November.
Construction Minister Brian Wilson said:
'We are delighted that such a popular personality as Tim Healy is on board
for this Quality Mark video. As one of Britain's best known and best loved
fictional builders, he is the ideal character to speak to our audiences
in an entertaining and informative way about the Scheme.
'It will certainly grab their attention and doubtless play its part in
spreading awareness of Quality Mark, thereby encouraging people in the
domestic building sector to sign up for assessment and membership.
'Quality Mark is the only Government endorsed Scheme of its kind which
can offer complete protection and peace of mind to householders and help
distance reputable builders from the cowboys, who are currently the nation's
number one consumer problem.'