National Painting and Decorating Show – Save the date!

Make sure you get along to this year’s National Painting and Decorating Show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, 1st and 2nd December.

It’s the biggest show ever, with masses of new products, ideas and incentives for anyone involved in the painting and decorating sector.

Over 100 stands will be displaying everything from paints to wallcoverings, tools to workwear, access equipment to spray machines, – and there will be some fantastic ‘show-only’ discounts on offer.

With free entry, including a choice of over 30 MasterClass presentations during the two days, it really is an event not to miss.

Go to www.paintshow.co.uk to register for free tickets – and get a great goody bag when you arrive!

/by

Ecobuild focuses on facilitating export growth with UKTI partnership for 2016 event

,

Driving its focus on enabling growth for the UK construction and energy sectors, Ecobuild has announced a partnership with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to facilitate global export opportunities as part of an exciting range of initiatives at the 2016 event.

Having this week led the launch of the government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign which aims to inspire 100,000 additional UK exporters by 2020, UKTI is partnering with Ecobuild 2016, bringing its Export hub to the event. The Export hub, a mobile event space that is travelling the length and breadth of the UK for a year, will give face-to-face assistance at Ecobuild to businesses looking to start or grow their exporting, whilst also using the latest technology to connect these businesses with live export opportunities.

Trade Advisors from UKTI’s international network will be on hand to discuss demand for UK products and services in specific markets and give practical export advice. Representatives from India, South Africa, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, India, Portugal and New Zealand are already confirmed to take part at Ecobuild 2016. Interested companies will be able to pre-book meetings at Ecobuild with expert trade advisors from UKTI as well as meetings with international buyers at www.ecobuild.co.uk

Jason Castelino, Programme Manager at UKTI’s Construction, Environment & Water and Transport Sector Team commented: “The Exporting is GREAT campaign will give UK companies the chance to discover not only their potential to export their products & services, but how to go about it. Our closer relationship with Ecobuild in 2016 offers a great opportunity to talk to a wide range of companies in one place, offer them expert advice on the first stage of their journey and help them meet representatives from overseas markets.”

Martin Hurn, Event Director, Ecobuild commented: “As the world becomes ever more globalised and digital, the potential for companies to reach out to new lucrative markets has never been greater. Our close alliance with UKTI, for the 2016 event ties in closely with Ecobuild’s strong agenda to foster and support UK construction growth. The partnership allows us to offer growing companies the chance to learn about how to export from Government and international trade experts, meet buyers and explore real business opportunities.”

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

/by

Ecobuild announces call for papers

,

Last night saw the launch of the most wide-ranging review of the impact of digital construction ever seen in the UK construction industry, to be undertaken by Ecobuild in partnership with Building magazine and Building Design (BD), with a call for papers from professionals across the sector.

At the offices of Ecobuild organiser UBM in central London, a high level construction industry audience heard Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director, explain the scope of the review, which will be published in the run-up to Ecobuild 2016 and distributed to pre-registered attendees. The review will gather views from companies, associations and individuals on how digital construction methods – one of the key drivers for change in the industry – including BIM, procurement, on site technologies and smart building systems are impacting on their businesses, and their predictions for the future.

UBM266_xlargeOver 100 leading contractors, developers, architects, industry bodies and consultants – including representatives from Wates Group, Laing O’Rourke, UK-GBC, Barratt Homes, HTA Architects, Education Funding Agency, Turner & Townsend and Ryder Architecture – also had a sneak preview of some exciting new features that are being introduced at Ecobuild 2016. Those in attendance were also given a snapshot of the major industry speakers confirmed and an explanation of how the event has evolved for 2016.

Martin outlined the event’s key focus on infrastructure, digital construction and off-site, three themed conference days covering the growth sectors of Homes, Architecture and Next Generation, and the new exhibition feature areas including SMART focusing on smart technology and DISCOVER featuring innovative construction materials.

Tom Lane, Editor, Building Design, told the assembled audience how the profile of the magazine’s highly respected BD Architect of the Year Awards will be raised further in 2016 when it moves to London’s ExCeL to become a key highlight of Ecobuild 2016’s day two focus on architecture. He also described further enhancements to the awards and outlined the key topics that Building Design will be covering during its seminar slots at Ecobuild 2016.

Martin Hurn commented:

“The Leaders Reception was a crucial opportunity to bring our high calibre audience of industry leaders together to not only tell them about this ground-breaking review of digital construction methods, but also to give them an enticing glimpse of what we have planned for Ecobuild 2016.”

“The attendees responded warmly to the fact we have initiated a major piece of cross-industry research which will be captured in a comprehensive State of the Nation report,” he added. “There was also strong approval for the themes and features we have developed for Ecobuild’s evolved proposition for 2016.”

For further information about the digital construction review, please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk/digitalconstruction

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

/by

Ecobuild Evolution given the seal of approval by construction industry

,

Ecobuild has reinforced its position as the leading UK exhibition and conference for the construction and energy market, with a record number of visitors pre-registering to attend following the launch of the event’s evolved proposition.

Passing the 10,000 pre-registrations mark with six months to go to until the 2016 event reflects the success of Ecobuild’s strategy of refreshing the event to focus on growth and market priorities and align with its audience’s key topics. Held annually at ExCeL, Ecobuild is the construction industry’s number one meeting place, and the only UK construction and energy event that attracts over 40,000 professionals annually from across the built environment supply chain.

Ecobuild has identified key growth areas for the industry including wellness, housing, energy efficiency, infrastructure and technology and tailored the conference programme and exhibition around them. The conference’s three themed days cover Homes, Architecture and Next Generation – which will look at a broad range of future challenges for construction.

A high profile speaker lineup on the first housing-dedicated day includes Tony Pidgley, Chairman of leading housebuilder Berkeley Group and Richard Sheridan, Chief Executive of developer Keepmoat. Highlights of day two include Design Panel chair of HS2 Sadie Morgan, and outspoken architect and broadcaster, Jonathan Meades. The final day will include key sessions looking at future design approaches from architects Alex Smith of [Y/N] Studio and Sam Martin, director of Exterior Architecture, and social entrepreneur Anna Hill, founder of Space Synapse.

Over the years leaders across the industry have become reliant on Ecobuild, each have their own reasons why Ecobuild has a vital place in their business. 5 Days, 5 Voices is a series of video stories from key leaders in the industry talk about their future and what the event means to them. The first is sustainability leader Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council, giving a strong endorsement of the event and describing its importance for UK-GBC.

Also already thinking ahead to next year’s event are Kevin Bohea, Commercial Director at Recticel, and Alison Furness, Marketing, Sustainability and CSR Manager at AkzoNobel. Giving the construction marketeer’s perspective on the show’s direction is Simon Trott, Managing Director at construction specialist PR Consultancy Shaw & Underwood.

Ecobuild’s exhibition features two major new features for 2016 to engage visitors. SMART showcasing intelligent building technology and DISCOVER featuring cutting edge products, materials and construction methods both bring fresh approaches to enabling visitors to interact with and experience innovations at the show.

In 2015, 96% of the top UK architectural practices attended Ecobuild, as well as 84%% of the top 25 UK contractors and housebuilders. As well as a networking opportunity for visitors and a chance to see the latest technical and product innovations in the market first hand, the exhibition is a crucial chance for companies to meet decision makers, with 65% of visitors authorising or specifying products, and 71% at managerial level or above.

Martin Hurn, Director, Ecobuild commented: “It’s fantastic that the industry has responded so positively to the proposition that we have driven forward for Ecobuild focusing on key growth areas and future drivers, while retaining sustainability at its heart. The record numbers of registrations tells us that we are on the right track in making sure Ecobuild gives industry suppliers and buyers what they need.”

To view the videos, please click here.

/by

Ecobuild taps into Intelligent Building Technology

,

With the global market for smart building technologies forecast to triple to £14billion by 2019, Ecobuild, the largest and longest running sustainable design and construction event, has announced a new show feature that will focus on this growing industry trend.

SMART will be the centrepiece of the Energy section of the exhibition, with live room sets demonstrating how smart technology including controls, metering, intelligent lighting and connected appliances can work together to bring greater efficiency in real world settings. As well as a domestic living room, visitors will be able to explore a retail environment, office, garage and bathroom to see what the latest intelligent building technology can deliver.

The development of the feature is a direct result of demand from show visitors. At the centre of the building industry for over a decade, Ecobuild was attended by over 40,000 industry professionals last year. “In a survey of Ecobuild visitors, 72% want to learn about new services & technologies. Our new SMART feature will bring this to life and fulfill that need,” commented Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director.

“This exciting new feature will not only provide a wide variety of ways for visitors to see and interact with intelligent building technology in live settings,  it will also see exhibitors collaborating to show their products working together to provide maximum efficiencies. This is how the full benefits of this technology are realised and SMART will be a unique platform to showcase it to the industry.”

Located around the central cluster of live room sets will be 12 Hubs of Excellence, showcasing exhibitors who are bringing innovative smart technology to a wide range of end users and commercial clients.

SMART has been designed with architects, housebuilders, specifiers, developers, energy assessors and sustainability specialists in mind. It will allow them to learn how smart building technology can revolutionise how their buildings are controlled. In addition, the feature is being created for installers attending Ecobuild 2016, showing them how integrating smart building technology can provide cost savings and carbon reductions for clients as well as maximum convenience and added value to their businesses.

Ecobuild 2016 takes place from 8th to 10th March 2016 at London’s ExCeL, and is the industry’s meeting place to debate, discover products and share success. Ecobuild attracts over 40,000 visitors from the entire built environment supply chain. It is designed to cater for architects, consultants, local authorities, developers, contractors, housebuilders, project managers, engineers, sustainability managers, facility managers, energy assessors, BIM professionals and installers. A total of 96% of the top UK architectural practices, and 84% of the top housebuilders and contractors, attended Ecobuild 2015.

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

/by

ECOBUILD ANNOUNCES UK-GBC AS EXCLUSIVE LEAD PARTNER

,

The UK’s construction meeting place Ecobuild is putting sustainability at the core of the event by confirming the leading campaigning body for green construction issues the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) as its exclusive lead partner for 2016.

The partnership reflects the two leading organisations’ closely aligned commitment to inspire best practice and push boundaries to demonstrate the value of sustainability throughout the industry. Ecobuild and UK-GBC have worked collaboratively to advocate a focus on long-term sustainability policy to Government, as well as continuing to make a strong case for sustainability across the industry. Ecobuild is also a partner of the World Green Building Council of which the UK-GBC, itself representing over 400 member organisations, is a member.

Ecobuild UK-GBC is collaborating with Ecobuild on the development of compelling content for visitors to Ecobuild 2016, and will be hosting thought-provoking Leaders’ Debates on each of the three conference days which focus on Homes, Architecture and Next Generation respectively. In each debate Chief Executive of UK-GBC Julie Hirigoyen will pose five future challenges for the construction industry to a panel of Industry Leaders and Future Leaders, including major housebuilders, consultants, architects, main contractors and developers who will respond with practical ideas on delivery. UK-GBC will also be providing more bite-sized content in several fringe conference sessions around the main arena.

Thanks to the exclusive partnering agreement Ecobuild and UK-GBC will be able to harness their combined strengths further with a closer working relationship at the 2016 event, which will enable UK-GBC to bring its messages to an audience of over 40,000 visitors. In addition, with many of the organisation’s members exhibiting at Ecobuild, the event provides an important opportunity for UK-GBC to reconnect and communicate directly with them.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of UK-GBC commented: “It has never been more important for the industry to lead on demonstrating the business case for implementing higher sustainability standards and to share that across the different segments of the industry. Ecobuild is the biggest platform for getting our message across and we will be using this important opportunity as lead partner at Ecobuild 2016 to disseminate key messages including the need to decouple growth from adverse environmental impact.”

Alison Jackson, Group Director, Exhibitions, UBM EMEA Built Environment commented: “We share core values with UK-GBC and having them as lead partner will enable us to promote sustainable construction even more actively in 2016. This close collaboration is one way we are ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of Ecobuild.”

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

/by

FIT show a systemfest as most big name profile companies take part

,

More than a dozen PVC-U and aluminium systems producers are showing at The FIT Show when it opens on April 12th, 13th and 14th next year, the biggest gathering of such companies for a decade.

With many of the industry’s established stalwarts exhibiting there are also one or two newer names joining the throng and all are claiming something new on offer, including brand new systems. However, all are keeping their big items under wraps for the time being.

FIT Show managing director Paul Godwin worked on Glassex for more than a decade and says this is the most impressive gathering of such companies for probably 10 years: “There has been a significant rationalisation of the systems companies since the heady days of the ‘80s and ‘90s but the dozen plus systems companies exhibiting at next year’s FIT Show is the best turnout for a decade, and includes most of the big names.

Companies exhibiting so far include: Deceuninck, Duraflex, Eclectic, Eurocell, Ikon, Liniar, Profile 22, Rehau, Selecta, Spectus, Swish, Synseal and VEKA.

“This is great news for the window industry,” Paul continued. “That these companies are investing millions of pounds in design, development, new machinery and tooling at this time is great news for all of us. It shows great faith in the future of the industry.

“As many of these companies are revealing brand new, ground-up systems, it presents an excellent opportunity for fabricators and installers that may be looking at additional or alternative systems, who can use the opportunity to compare most of the major brands, all under the same roof at the same time.”

Paul suggests that it shows an extraordinary commitment to The FIT Show: “That The FIT Show has become a key part of the window, door and conservatory industry’s calendar is confirmed by these and other exhibitors coordinating their product development cycle with the Show. We see that as a big responsibility and will be pulling out all the stops to make sure the 2016 FIT Show is the best so far. It is already the biggest in terms of the number and variety of exhibitors and should be in everyone’s diary: 12th, 13th 14th April 2016 at the International Centre Telford!”

More information on The FIT Show can be found at: www.fitshow.co.uk.

/by

UKCW’s roll call of recognisable names

,

With just weeks to go before the industry heads to Birmingham for UK Construction Week, planning a visit around the comprehensive seminar schedule is vital. Delivering high-level insights into the key issues facing the construction industry from a raft of recognisable names, the Main Stage seminar programme is integral to the event.

Each seminar will consist of an hour-long panel discussion, covering a key topic. Visitors will not fail to recognise the TV personalities – themselves international broadcasters, journalists and authors – heading up the seminar programme.

John Humphrys will facilitate day one of proceedings on the main stage. The programme will commence with a welcome and keynote presentation from the government’s chief construction advisor, Dr Peter Hansford. He will set out the priorities and plans for construction industrial policy over the next electoral cycle. The day will proceed with discussions on product and process innovation, tackling how the industry can break away from traditional construction and engineering processes.

A series of speakers, including RICS’ Jeremy Blackburn, CPA’s Dr Noble Francis and CIAT’s Gary Mees will next discuss the economic environment and its impacts on the industry, considering how we can protect construction from potential economic weaknesses. The image of the industry as a whole will also be under the spotlight, with contributions from Brian Berry of the FMB, Christina Jackson from Amey and Tim Carey from Willmott Dixon. Among others they will consider how the industry has an image problem – governments do not value the construction industry as a key driver within the UK economy and it is not perceived by the public as a modern employer.

Rounding off day one, Dennis Seal of DLS Strategic Ltd and John Stewart of the HBF will explore whether capitalism can fix the housing crisis. Their discussion will look at market-orientated solutions, which might bridge the affordability gap plaguing the country’s housing market.

Presiding over the second day of seminars, Steph McGovern will chair a series of talks that look at skills in the industry. Marie-Claude Hemming from CECA, together with Kim Wortz of RICS, John Patch from Roger Bullivant and the CITB’s Sarah Fenton will begin the day considering how to find and retain talent in the industry.

The skills shortage is the issue for Rupert Scott from TRADA, with Rob Pannell from the Zero Carbon Hub and Pauline Traetto from the BRE Academy. They are joined by Alex Birks from the CITB, Tom Storey of K10 and Bridget Bartlett of the CIoB.

The Birmingham Development Forum is next and outlining a vision of how the Birmingham of the future could and should look, the panel will touch on regeneration and getting the balance of mixed use right. Contributors include Make Architects’ Ken Shuttleworth, Dan Smyth from BDP and Liz Peace from Curzon Regeneration Company, together with Sir Albert Bore from Birmingham City Council. Infrastructure is the order of the day too, with insights into current and upcoming ambitious infrastructure projects in the UK, such as the Silvertown road tunnel, Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo line extension.

Concluding proceedings on the middle day is a debate on the productivity of the sector. Just why can’t the UK build a skyscraper in 14 days? Attempting to address what is holding the industry back is a panel of six speakers, including Crossrail’s John Pelton and Kamran Moazami from WSP/ Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Seminars on the final day of the trade event, facilitated by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, will open with a presentation from Dr David Hancock on how to drive more collaboration between government and the construction industry, what progress is being made towards the government’s Construction Strategy and the Construction 2025 vision as well as how to improve project capability.

Paul Bogle of the National Federation of Builders will join Liz Welton from Coventry City Council next, to look at procurement improvements and opportunities in construction. Working smarter is the topic on the table for a panel of five including Simon Murray from ICE and Kevin Blunden from CABE.

This impressive schedule concludes with a panel discussion – joined by David Philp, Head of BIM Implementation, UK BIM Task Group, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and AECOM – on the outlook for BIM in UK construction and building, with an update on BIM adoption and the next steps, how to enable SMEs to make the most of BIM and how it is currently working for contractors and house builders.

Richard Morey, Group Events Director at Media 10, responsible for UK Construction Week, said: “An overview of the seminar schedule and events on the main stage Seminar Theatre is vital for anyone planning to visit the show. We set out to create an informative programme of content that will complement and enrich the exhibition as a whole. The seminar programme is a key attraction for both visitors and exhibitors. I think the impressive roll call of speakers and the line up of topics will not fail to satisfy anyone attending over the three day event.”

Bringing together nine shows under one roof, UK Construction Week will be the biggest construction trade event the UK has seen in years. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 6 – 11 October (with the trade only days from 6 – 8 October) the event will unite 1,000 exhibitors with an expected audience of 55,000 visitors.

Visitors will be able to attend the Build Show, Timber Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2015, Kitchens & Bathrooms Live, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2015, Smart Buildings 2015 and Grand Designs Live.

For more information please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com or follow @UK_CW on Twitter.

/by

Careers under the spotlight at UK Construction Week

,

As students across the country get stuck into the new academic year, UK Construction Week is celebrating education and training of all kinds – highlighting that there is more than one way to build a successful and rewarding career in construction.

Key to this is the UK Construction Week Career Centre, a dedicated area within the Build Show where house builders, construction firms and other industry experts will be on hand to offer construction specific careers advice to visitors. Covering apprenticeships, on-going training and professional development, the centre will cater for all levels – from seasoned professionals scoping out their next move, to new starters looking for their first break into the construction sector.

Supported by a host of industry bodies, the Career Centre will give visitors a useful insight into a variety of career paths in building, civil engineering, integrated technology installation and other crucial construction trades. Key partners include the Home Builders Federation, the Institute of Civil Engineering and the Women’s Engineering Society, as well as construction skills and apprentices network K10 and major UK house builder Cala Homes.

Visitors will also be able to gain inspiration by hearing the stories of other people who have built a career for themselves in the industry. For example, Heidi Perry, a generator engineer at building machinery supplier Finning, will be sharing her experiences as a female apprenticeship in a male-dominated industry.

Heidi, who took up an apprenticeship after sixth form college, commented: “Finding an apprenticeship wasn’t easy so I applied to Finning to work in the parts department. It wasn’t my ideal job but it was a foot in the door. Luckily, at my interview they asked if I’d prefer to work on the machines and I landed an apprenticeship working on diesel standby generators.

“Now I travel across the country fault-finding, servicing, working on the electrical control systems or fixing broken parts. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn. If you’re thinking of making the move into construction, do it. It’s brilliant fun and you won’t regret it.”

Nathan Garnett, show director commented: “Employing more than 2.2 million people, the construction industry has been the major force behind the UK’s economic recovery – and with £125 billion of public sector and infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the demand for skilled workforce is set to create even more employment opportunities in the years to come. The Career Centre at UK Construction Week will be a really useful source of information for visitors looking to take advantage of this booming work market.”

Bringing together nine shows under one roof, UK Construction Week will be the biggest construction trade event the UK has seen in years. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 6 – 11 October (with the trade only days from 6 – 8 October) the event will unite 1,000 exhibitors with an expected audience of 55,000 visitors.

Visitors will be able to attend the Build Show (incorporating Civils Expo), Timber Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2015, Kitchens & Bathrooms Live, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2015, Smart Buildings 2015 and Grand Designs Live.

For more information please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com or follow @UK_CW on Twitter.

/by

Event Sheds Light On New Advances To Crown Trade Timonox

Crown Paints will be previewing new advances to the Crown Trade Timonox range at an event aimed at specifiers in London next month.
The new Crown Trade Timonox Upgrade system will be demonstrated at The Building Centre in London on the 8th September.
For more than 40 years, Crown Trade’s Timonox flame retardant system has played a key role in fire safety – slowing down the spread of flames and ‘buying’ precious time for buildings to be evacuated.
The system, used on walls and ceilings, can achieve the class 0 status required by legislation including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) in England and Wales and The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
At the event, the Crown Paints’ team will be talking about how a major advance in research and development now means only one coat of Crown Trade Timonox Upgrade Basecoat, followed by two coats of Crown Trade Timonox Emulsion topcoat, is all it takes to offer protection against the rapid spread of flames and improve a Class 4 surface to a Class 0.
Previously four coats were required.
David Spicer, Crown Paints’ Specification Technical Manager, said: “Crown Trade Timonox can help by slowing down and limiting the spread of flames throughout a building, giving invaluable time for occupants to get to a place of safety.
“For properties with more than 10 coats of conventional, old paint in sound condition we have had an upgrade system in our range for some time which enables the surface to be transformed into a Class 0 surface without the necessity of more costly strip and redecoration.”
“Up to now, to achieve Class 0 status, this has involved a four coat application process.”
“Now, as a result of the reformulation, we have reduced the system to three coats, which offers clients considerable savings in labour charges.”
The day will also include ‘Ask The Expert’ advice, with Crown Paints’ representatives on hand to offer guidance on subjects including fire safety legislation, as well as specific application issues.
Information on colour scheming and the creation of inclusive environments will also be available.
The event is taking place place between 12:30pm up to 8pm and will provide an opportunity for an informal chat over some light refreshments.

For more information please contact the Crown Paints Specification team on 0330 0240310 or email info@crownpaintspec.co.uk

For more information about Crown Trade Timonox visit www.crownpaintspec.co.uk/Timonox

/by