Sell more windows, sell your business, pay less tax

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Only the FIT for Business Seminar programme features these key issues and many more…

The FIT for Business seminar programme has been announced and once again sessions have been included that strike right at the heart of the key issues facing Britain’s window and door fabricators, installers, specifiers and other professionals.

For glass and glazing business owners such issues as ‘Exit Planning’ are covered, a subject facing hundreds of business owners looking to sell or hand on their businesses; and of course, another session looks at the resultant issues regarding taxation.

Broader topics relating to legislation are also covered by The FIT for Business seminars which look closely at important factors in the planning and specification fields, with presentations covering Glazing in Conservation Areas for example; and BIM – Building Information Modelling – a key subject for any companies involved in public works. And an issue that simply cannot be ignored are MTCs…every installer should understand how MTCs are affected by the Building Regulations.

A FIT Show regular is sales guru Paul Clifton, who breaks from his UK tour with his Window Installer Sales Lab to tell delegates ‘How to transform your business from Average to Fortune’. Sales Superstar Paul’s previous presentations have filled the theatre and demand is bound to be high for his next daily show. Another highlight is the UK debut of SageGlass, the amazing glass that tints on demand. A live demonstration will be possible following a full installation of the product in the exhibition hall itself.

Divided into four groups of presentations: Industry; Public Sector & industry; Business; and Specification & Design the 2016 FIT for Business Seminars are up-to-the-minute and topical, presenting 22 sessions over three days on key subjects delivered by the foremost experts in their fields. Many presentations are followed by Advice Clinics in which one-to-one sessions with the presenters will be possible, on a first-come, first served basis.

Attendance to all sessions is free of charge to FIT Show visitors. The full programme can be seen at www.fitshow.co.uk/seminars where visitors may also register online to receive regular updates about The FIT Show and for when they visit, smooth their way into the halls and seminars.

 

The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show takes place at The International Centre Telford on 12th, 13th 14th April 2016. Visitors can reserve their free tickets now by visiting: http://www.fitshow.co.uk/reserve-your-tickets. General information on The FIT Show can be found at: www.fitshow.co.uk.

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Ecobuild joins forces with the Job Show to help meet construction industry skills gap

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In response to an industry-wide skills shortage, Ecobuild, the UK’s largest show dedicated to construction and energy, has launched a partnership with The Job Show™, the nationwide quality recruitment and careers event, to create a construction-focused job show which will run alongside Ecobuild on the last day of the show, 10th March at ExCeL London.

The Construction Job Show™ in partnership with Ecobuild has been designed to bring together employers of all sizes and disciplines with the very best would-be employees, and is built on The Job Show’s proven track record of uniting talented individuals with fantastic career opportunities, creating connections that benefit both parties.

For construction industry companies, the show gives them the opportunity to recruit their next generation of workers, ensuring they have the manpower – in terms of both capacity and competency – to meet growing, post-recession workloads and address any emerging skills shortages.

Jobseekers will be able to take in a wide variety of potential employment options and take their first steps to a career in fields as diverse as engineering and architecture, surveying to project management.

Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director, said “With The Construction Job Show™ we have responded to industry demand to provide a dedicated space that will go some way to addressing the current skills shortage affecting the construction industry. With the recent news from Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) predicting an additional 232,000 job roles being created over the next five years, we believe this skills gap will be a core topic being discussed on day three of Ecobuild, which has a conference programme dedicated to Next Generation.

“The industry is changing at a pace never experienced before and as such there’s never been a wider range of opportunities available for those looking to embark on a career in construction across a wide range of disciplines.”

Victoria Clarke, Co-founder and Director of The Job Show™ said “We are delighted to launch The Construction Job Show™. As a dedicated ‘sector’ driven recruitment event we believe we can offer an excellent forum to showcase industry job roles as well as Apprenticeship and training opportunities for our generation of the future.

“With the increasing demand for new recruits across the construction industry, the timing of The Construction Job Show™ is excellent, being staged on the last day of Ecobuild, an event that already gathers the leading construction companies together.”

The Construction Job Show™ will be held in the South Gallery Rooms on the last day of Ecobuild 2016 on Thursday 10th March. For more information about the event or to book a stand space please click here or telephone Victoria on (01733) 555717 or mobile 07804 735856.

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 Ecobuild to provide food for thought with provocative next generation conference

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A programme on next generation thinking delivered by some of the most influential and innovative figures in the construction industry has been announced by Ecobuild. The conference takes an inventive look at the materials, practices and thinking which could shape our future living, from creating a swimmable commuter route on the capital’s canal, to smart buildings which operate without human intervention.

As well as providing an intriguing and highly provoking glance at the future construction of buildings and surrounding infrastructure, the programme, which is being hosted on day three of Ecobuild, offers a host of imaginative solutions on the question of how best to nurture talent within construction.

Among speakers giving their forthright, expert – and at times – provocative views include David Hancock, Head of Construction at the UK Cabinet Office; Andrew McNaughton, Director of Engineering at Tidal Lagoon Power; and Sam Martin, Director at Exterior Architecture.

One of the conference’s many stimulating presentations features a talk on the Thames Deckway by Anna Hill, founder of Space Synapse. Proposed as a first step in reinvigorating the River Thames’ role as a major movement corridor, this £600 million scheme could provide a floating cycle path from Battersea to Canary Wharf. The Deckway is seen by some as a delightfully unconventional solution to London’s deep-seated traffic and pollution problem.

With the capital in mind, the LidoLine is another real next generation idea being floated during the programme. It examines a proposal to transform London’s Regent’s Canal into a swimmable commuter route. This environmentally-friendly and healthy alternative to the bus would take the form of a clean basin being inserted into the canal, allowing swimmers to journey safely to work alongside boats.

The day’s conference programme will be rounded off with the final of The Big Innovation Pitch. Delivered in partnership with Marks & Spencer, The Big Innovation Pitch is an opportunity for companies to pitch innovative building products and solutions in the hope of becoming a potential supplier to the retailer. The finalists will give their final pitch to a panel of judges under the careful watch of host Rachel Riley from the Gadget Show and Countdown.

This lively session might just generate a revolutionary idea or concept to change the UK building industry. For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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Evinox Energy to Exhibit at Ecobuild in the District Energy Pavilion

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Evinox Energy will be exhibiting in the District Energy Pavilion at Ecobuild, taking place from the 8th to the 10th March at the ExCeL London. Ecobuild is the leading exhibition and conference for the UK construction and energy market, attracting over 40,000 industry professionals from across the entire supply chain. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, focusing on market priorities such as housing, infrastructure, technology and innovation.

The District Energy Pavilion will provide visitors with the opportunity to meet with a selection of suppliers and industry experts all in one area, and includes a comprehensive, informative seminar programme, featuring the latest information about efficient heat networks.

We specialise in communal & district heating systems, and manufacture our own range of modern heat interface units (HIU’s), designed with efficiency and end user comfort in mind. We will also be presenting a seminar in the District Energy Pavilion at the exhibition, where we will be discussing efficient heat network design and management.

Visit us on stand E4280 to find out more about our metering & billing solutions for communal & district systems, and smart control technology. Our systems combine effective HIU control with excellent after-sales end-user support and flexible metering and billing services, ensuring the building owner has a hassle-free, efficient development and residents enjoy a comfortable and relaxed place to live.

We look forward to welcoming you at the event. You can register now to attend the exhibition for free by visiting www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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Ecobuild conference puts spotlight on housing

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Some of the most influential and outspoken names in the UK housing industry will present their visionary and powerful opinions in the housing themed sessions on Day 1 at Ecobuild. Supported by BRE, the conference covers property issues ranging from the need for high quality volume housing and commercial viability of ultra-low cost and low energy homes, to the challenges of refurb and retrofit.

The programme, being hosted by broadcaster Cathy Newman, embodies state of the art design and construction, leaving no stone unturned to establish what our future housing needs are and what can be done to deliver it. Among speakers giving their forthright, expert – and at times – provocative views include Tony Pidgley, Chairman of Berkeley Group; David Sheridan, Chief Executive of Keepmoat, and Rowan Moore, Architecture Critic for the Observer. All three will provide a unique and inspiring look at what makes good housing.

Professor Phil Jones, Chairman of Architectural Science at Cardiff University, is another of the day’s dynamic speakers. Prof Jones led the team which developed SOLCER, the UK’s first purpose-built, low-cost energy smart house which is capable of exporting more energy to the national electricity grid than it uses. The property was built for a mere £100,000. Prof Jones’ teaching and research activities cover a range of subjects in the field of energy use, environmental design and sustainability in the built environment.

With each session designed to give a glimpse at the future of housebuilding and home creation, Colin Usher, director of John McCall Architects, provides a presentation on “Living for Tomorrow”, in which he offers common sense solutions to low-energy, cost-effective future living. In 2014, John developed a house which runs on a utilities bill of just £15 per year.

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Stephen Fry to join the building & construction industry at Ecobuild 2016

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Stephen Fry has been announced as the special guest at Ecobuild 2016, the UK’s largest show dedicated to construction and energy.

The erudite writer, actor and campaigner joins a lineup of industry visionaries, leaders and experts.

Stephen will be interviewed by broadcaster Will Gompertz at the culmination of the day’s conference programme on Wednesday 9th March.

The audience can expect to hear Fry’s forthright and entertaining views and insights around issues close to his heart – areas that will resonate with the Ecobuild audience. The session will afford audience members a rare opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A session.

Martin Hurn, Director of Ecobuild, said: “Stephen personifies the spirit of Ecobuild to inform, entertain and inspire the industry. He is the most exciting speaker we have welcomed in Ecobuild’s history of thought leadership. We couldn’t have hoped for a better conclusion to what promises to be a fascinating day on the Ecobuild Arena.”

After the discussion, Fry will go on to host the prestigious BD Architect of the Year Awards dinner held at ExCeL that evening. Recognising excellence across 13 categories, the awards celebrate the very best practices currently operating in the UK.

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 which takes place from 8th to 10th March at London’s ExCeL, visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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VISION – The future of the built environment

Launched in 2015, Vision is the event for architects, specifiers, clients and suppliers. Held annually, it is the place where these communities come together to discuss, debate and showcase the latest innovations and developments in architecture, design and the built environment.

The event focuses on new and innovative building products and materials and provides ideas and solutions for new and inventive ways to achieve better building design solutions and comply with changing legislation.

Through a series of seminars and case studies delivered by leading international speakers, alongside a carefully curated exhibition of cutting edge products and solutions, Vision is the meeting place for professionals connected to the built environment and a unique opportunity for suppliers to showcase their products.

With over 190 exhibitors, 160 speakers and 5000 visitors, Vision is the must-attend event of 2016 for the architecture, design and construction industries. Entry and access to all seminars is free of charge when you register in advance.

For more information please visit: www.visionlondon.com.
Email: info@visionlondon.com
Tel: +44 (0) 203 3633 2237

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The competition is heating up

With the judges set to meet at the beginning of December to decide on what will undoubtedly be another stellar shortlist, preparations for the industry’s leading event are well underway.

The ACR News Awards panel comprises several distinguished figures from across the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. After the deadline for entries (30th November), the judges will draw up a shortlist for each category and the winners will be announced on the awards night.

The 2016 event will take place at the Vox Conference Centre, a first class banqueting facility which comes as part of a unique and exciting £150m new development. This prestigious venue is situated at the heart of the UK’s transport network and it’s on the doorstep of the NEC, making it very convenient for visitors to The ACR Show.

Advanced Engineering, Bitzer, CDL, First Choice, Hawco, Samsung and Smith Brothers Stores have all pledged their support for the ACR News Awards as sponsors of the event; joined by Toshiba in recent weeks.

Toshiba is to sponsor the highly coveted ‘Contractor of the Year’ award. David Dunn, general manager of Toshiba said: “Training, Innovation and service excellence are key to the industry’s future. The awards highlight and reward achievement in these vital areas and provide a national stage to recognise examples of best practice across the industry. As a leading manufacturer we are delighted to support the awards, which embody and reflect our own values as a company.’”

ACR News editor Lynn Sencicle said: “Contractors are the keystone of the industry, dealing with different environmental challenges with almost every job. They are operating in a highly competitive environment with end-users that don’t always understand the technology. This is a fantastic opportunity for contractors to showcase to the world just how great they are.”

Commenting on the sponsorship opportunities available to brands, ACR News magazine’s Steve Bennion said: “With the ACR News Awards taking place alongside The ACR Show, the event looks set to draw an impressive number of people. It’s a fantastic opportunity for companies to reach a targeted and highly engaged audience, while showing their support for the industry.”

Tickets for the event are now available; for early bird rates, contact Tom Chambers on 01622 699113 or email tchambers@datateam.co.uk.

Early bird rate finishes 11 December.

For more information visit www.acrnewsawards.com

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Ecobuild supports delivery of infrastructure revolution with new Ice partnership and Zone for 2016

A new partnership between Ecobuild, the UK’s leading event for the construction industry, and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has been launched today ahead of the 2016 Ecobuild conference. The partnership will focus around a major new conference and exhibition centre – The Infrastructure Revolution Hub – which will enable industry to come together and discuss ways it can maximise the opportunity for growth, following Government’s commitment to infrastructure as key economic driver.

At the heart of the Hub will be a large conference area which will debate the key issues for the infrastructure sector across the three days of Ecobuild. The Hub will also feature products and services key to this growth sector and the ICE genius networking bar, making it one of the key destinations at Ecobuild for infrastructure professionals looking to make connections with the people that matter.

The infrastructure seminars held in the Infrastructure Revolution Hub will feature the UK’s leading contractors and industry experts. With a mix of keynote speakers and panel sessions, the seminars will focus on future challenges, opportunities and global best practice. Discussions will cover three overall themes – ‘Creating the infrastructure of the future’, ‘Small cities’, and ‘Modelling climate change’, including decarbonising urban infrastructure, energy generation, unlocking private capital, bespoke planning, collaboration opportunities, modelling demand of growing populations, and flood risk management and mitigation.

The partnership between ICE and Ecobuild follows Government’s announcement of a National Infrastructure Commission – an independent body that will enable longer term, strategic decisions to be made on infrastructure. Government has also committed to investing £100 billion in new infrastructure projects in this parliament. The industry has a crucial part to play and the new Infrastructure Revolution Hub will bring the key players together to drive forward change and innovation.

Leading architect and member of the new National Infrastructure Commission, Sadie Morgan, will also be delivering a session on day two of the Ecobuild 2016 conference.

Nathan Baker, ICE’s Director of Engineering Knowledge, said: “The societal benefit of effectively procured and managed infrastructure is immense. The need for increased collaboration, innovation and managing risk has never been higher than today. To create sustainable infrastructure, it is essential that we embrace new methods of working, increase the use of technology and new materials and develop a highly skilled, diverse workforce. The new Hub will help to bring these challenges and opportunities to the fore and encourage positive action to be taken.”

Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director commented: “The infrastructure sector is a key driver of construction industry growth with the Government putting a major focus on delivery of infrastructure pipeline projects, and the recent strong output figures boosted by the new Commission pointing to sustained performance. The new Hub will enable the sector to come together in 2016 and have the conversation around the shared agenda for delivery of the Infrastructure Revolution.”

Ecobuild 2016 takes place at ExCeL, London from 8th to 10th March 2016. For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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Ecobuild’s big innovation pitch launches call for entries to find the next big sustainable product

Ecobuild, the leading international event for the construction and energy sectors, is again teaming up with Marks and Spencer to provide a platform for companies to pitch innovative building products and solutions in the hope of becoming a potential supplier to the retailer.

Ecobuild’s Big Innovation Pitch is open to any company operating in the UK sustainable built environment market and has been created to unearth innovation across the design, construction and energy sectors. The collaboration supports M&S in discovering the latest innovations that will help its properties perform better and be more sustainable. These goals form part of M&S’ Plan A sustainability strategy, under which M&S aims to source responsibly, reduce waste and help communities, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable major retailer.

Ecobuild’s Big Innovation Pitch presents two prime opportunities for entries to be seen at the event. The 15 shortlisted entries will be displayed at Ecobuild’s new central social hub the DISCOVER bar alongside the shortlists for all 13 categories of the Architect of the Year Awards. Then five selected finalists will make their final pitch to the judges, including Chris Marney, Head of Engineering and Energy at M&S, in a special conference session hosted by Rachel Riley from the Gadget Show and Countdown on day three of the conference, which has the theme of Next Generation.

The Big Innovation Pitch is a key initiative providing a platform for growth, helping businesses fast track their penetration into a wide range of markets. The hugely successful debut at Ecobuild 2015 saw the winning firm Endo Enterprises triumphing over 40 other products entered. A packed arena witnessed the company pitch the benefits of the energy-saving central heating additive it invented, developed and manufactured, to M&S. The retailer was so impressed by the product’s proven ability to save 15% on heating bills using a simple organic solution that it is now trialing it across 18 stores. The competition gives entrants an unrivalled opportunity to receive feedback on their product and the way in which they present it. It also helps M&S remain at the forefront of innovation in this space.

Ben Sallon, Managing Director, Endo Enterprises Ltd, commented that the exposure provided by the event has been very valuable to the firm, in addition to the ability to work with M&S: “winning the Big Innovation Pitch has certainly raised our profile and was a wholly positive experience.”

Munish Datta, Head of Plan A and FM Property at M&S, commented: “as part of our Plan A sustainability programme we are always looking for innovations that will improve efficiency in our energy consumption, water usage and waste management. Partnering with Ecobuild on the Big Innovation Pitch is a great way for the Plan A property team to see innovations and new supply chain partners which have the potential to make a real difference.”

Martin Hurn, Event Director, Ecobuild, commented: “The Big Innovation Pitch is a fantastic opportunity for forward-thinking bright SMEs offering solutions for increasing efficiency and sustainability to get in front of one of the UK’s biggest companies. Companies who want to have a chance take their businesses to the next level are encouraged to take advantage of this rare chance to become a sustainability star of the future at Ecobuild 2016.”

The Big Innovation Pitch is open to any UK company offering innovative solutions, and any firms wishing to enter can find information at www.ecobuild.co.uk/Biginnovationpitch

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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