 |
Constructing Excellence East Midlands Regional Awards
Have you Booked your Place?
There are still opportunities to take part in the celebration, taking place on Tuesday, 14th October 2008 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham. Tickets are selling fast for the Awards Celebration, don’t leave it too late to book your table, make sure your team are shown the appreciation they deserve by taking part in this prestigious occasion.
We are also offering a range of sponsorship opportunities which represent a unique investment for your business to be associated with the regions construction event of 2008. Association and brand recognition will raise the profile of your operation in the region, follow the link to find out how you can get involved.
read more » |
|
 |
London 2012 Cultural Olympiad Launch Week-end
The London 2012 Games are not just about sport. They will also celebrate cultures, people and languages – in London, the UK and around the world.
The four-year Cultural Olympiad kicks off on September 26-28 with a huge range of inspirational programmes. Working closely with colleagues throughout the arts and heritage world, they will push cultural projects to their limits and beyond.
read more » |
|
|
Small Business Research Initiative
We have been asked by Technology Strategy Board to help publicise their reformed Small Business Research Initiative to regional businesses. The first pilot SBRI competition has recently been opened, with the MOD, and closes on 30th September and there may be many companies in the region who may be interested. The two current competitions are extremely broad in scope (one on energy, one on reducing the cost of maritime operations) and there are many opportunities for a whole range of technology businesses. The TSB have stated they would like to see proposals from start-ups although anyone can compete, with the best proposal winning. This could be a good opportunity for the winning businesses to get a contract with a large Government customer, and the greater the number of 'good applicants' we have, the easier it will be for the TSB to expand the programme.
The TSB have an ambition of £100m commitment to support SBRI by 2011-12. In addition to energy and maritime operations, are expecting potential confirmation of Health in September.
read more » |
|
 |
Attend the Construction KPI MasterClass on 2nd October and you will…
- Learn the principles of using KPIs to benchmark and improve performance
- Learn the 7-step process of implementing KPIs using the UK Construction Industry
- KPIs and with the help of practical examples.
- Discover how the new KPIzone website helps you select and manage your KPI data
- Hear how organisations have implemented performance measurement successfully and the benefits they gained.
- Receive a £50 discount off the full subscription price for KPIzone
Many organisations are now using the Construction Industry KPIs to measure the effectiveness of partnerships and frameworks, demonstrate performance during prequalification and to drive forward a programme of continuous improvement.
read more » |
|
|
THINK TANK Says Skills Regime is Too Complex
The current skills regime is far too complex and local authorities should be given more power over skills provision, a think-tank has said.
In the report, Licence to Skill: Streamlining the skills system by devolving skills to local authorities, The New Local Government Network (NLGN) said it approves of forthcoming government reforms to UK skills policy in which funding and responsibility for upskilling 16-19 year olds will be devolved to local authorities and sub-national agencies.
read more » |
|
|
Constructing Excellence National Club Day
Constructing Excellence are currently in the process of putting together the agenda for 2008’s National Club Day. This event will be held on 29 October 2008 in Manchester at the Cube Building.
It is anticipated that this will be a half day meeting to provide an opportunity for those involved in the Club network to find about the latest updates from Constructing Excellence and to share best practice from across the network.
read more » |
|
|
Train to Gain and the Third Sector
The Government defines the third sector as consisting of non-governmental organisations that are value driven and that principally reinvest their surpluses to further social, environmental or cultural objectives, this includes voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals.
Many people work and volunteer in the third sector. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2007 shows that there are 611,000 paid workers in the UK voluntary sector, as well as an estimated 11 million volunteers. Recent figures also suggest that, every year, the sector contributes £7 billion to UK GDP and £25 billion to society overall.
In a newly released guide, published by Learning and Skills Council National Office, Shirley Cramer, Chair, Third Sector Advisory Group, National Council member, LSC writes: “This guide is an excellent way for third sector employers to understand the real relevance and value of Train to Gain. I hope it will be helpful to employers, employees, training providers and anyone else who supports and advises third sector organisations as they strive to meet the aspirations of their clients – particularly those who are currently not connected to either the education system or the labour market.”
read more » |
|
|
INTERREG IV B North Sea Region programme
Boosting Innovation in Construction Products and Processes (BICEPS)
Financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Interreg programme is aim at stimulating transnational cooperation in the EU. The programme is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The 7 North Sea Programme Countries are Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, the Flemish Region of Belgium, the UK and Norway.
The region is connected by the North Sea, and the programme area is made up of regions in the 6 member states and Norway that border the North Sea. In size the region covers an area of 664.000 km2, 14% of the EU25 area and a population of approximately 60 Million, 13% of the EU25.
The areas in the region share many of the same problems and challenges. By working together and sharing knowledge and experiences it is hoped that a sustainable and balanced future will be secured for the whole region.
read more »
|
|
|
Low Eco Town Housing Standards Criticised as Unsuitable
There have been huge criticisms to the Government's decision that any houses built under the beleaguered eco towns programme would only have to reach Code for Sustainable Buildings Level 4, this comes against a background of mounting legal challenges and developers getting 'cold feet' over the schemes.
read more »
Associated Articles:
- Experts lay down the gauntlet to Eco-Town developers
- Greener homes for the future
- Code for Sustainable Buildings Level 3
- Code for Sustainable Buildings Level 4,
- Code for Sustainable Buildings Level 5&6
- Press release from the East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA)
|
|
 |
East Midlands House Sales Fall Further with Little Sign of Respite
The average number of transactions per surveyor, in the East Midlands, fell further in August according to the latest RICS Housing Market Survey. The survey published today (9 September 2008) says a lack of mortgage finance has continued to stifle the ability of buyers to access the market.
Key findings for the region:
- The average number of transactions per surveyor, in the East Midlands, fell further in August
- The survey says a lack of mortgage finance has continued to stifle the ability of buyers to access the market
- The RICS house price balance deteriorated slightly in the region - 87 percent more East Midlands Chartered Surveyors reported a fall, rather than a rise in house prices
- The average number of transactions per surveyor (over the last three months) is now at 17 in the East Midlands
- The balance of surveyors reporting new buyer enquiries increased with 48 percent more East Midlands Chartered Surveyors seeing a fall, rather than a rise, compared to 76 percent in July.
read more » |
|
 |
Limited Potential in Wind Power?
Following 18 months of research by the Meteorological Office and Entec it has been confirmed that there is limited potential in small-scale wind energy, concluding that it is best limited to rural areas.
Published by the Carbon Trust and intended for Government policy makers the conclusions confirm earlier research carried out by BRE on the limits of micro-wind generation
read more » |
|
|
A Consultation on Smart and Advanced Metering for Small and Medium Sized Businesses and Sites, and other Non-Domestic Customers
Closing Date:17-10-08
In August 2007 the Government published its consultation, Energy billing and metering: changing customer behaviour. This followed publication of the 2007 Energy white paper: meeting the energy challenge which underlined the Government’s commitment to the reduction of carbon emissions and highlighted the role that consumers could play in reducing their own energy consumption. Among other things, the consultation invited views on a proposal to require gas and electricity suppliers to install smart meters in those parts of the SME sector, above a certain usage threshold, where it is cost-effective to do so.
The Government published its response to the consultation in April 2008. It noted that, in general, there had been support from respondents for the smart metering proposals for business. The Government confirmed that it will require electricity and gas suppliers to provide advanced meters to electricity customers in Profile Classes 5-8 and gas customers with annual consumption above 732MWh by 2013. This consultation is now seeking evidence about advanced or smart metering for businesses and public sector organisations below these thresholds.
read more » |
|
| |
|
|
Sustainability ‘Speak’
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
- Mandatory for all homes bought and sold in England and Wales from June 2007.
- Key part of the home condition report, which will be included in the Home Information Pack (HIP).
- EPCs provide an A to G rating for properties to reflect both their energy efficiency and carbon emissions (environmental impact).
- Details will be provided on how to improve the A to G rating through energy efficiency measures.
- EPCs will inform both home buyers and sellers what the current average costs are for heating, hot water and lighting, as well as how to cut costs with energy efficiency measures.
- The most energy efficient homes – which should have the lowest fuel bills – are in Energy Efficiency Rating band A.
- The EPC Environmental Impact Rating says that better-rated homes should have less environmental impact through carbon dioxide emissions.
- The EPC has to be prepared by a ‘qualified home inspector’ (domestic energy assessors).
- The EPC will have a maximum validity of 10 years.
- If the dwelling is changed during the period of the EPC and the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings) rating is affected, for example a new boiler or cavity wall insulation is installed, then a new EPC will be required if the dwelling is to be sold or rented out.
read more » |
|
 |
Transforming the UK's Existing Housing Stock
Several dozen existing homes have already been renovated as demonstration projects to achieve low CO2 emissions – at or close to the level required – whilst also ensuring comfort and health, and providing increased resilience to increases in fossil energy costs.
Whilst this number of demonstration projects barely scratches the surface of the problem, they do reinforce the arguments made in the published studies based on computer models and – most importantly – they do so in a very practical, down-to-earth way. Some of these demonstration homes have been used successfully as tools for learning through open days and study tours.
read more » |
|
 |
Is your Company Seeking Investment
emda is looking for Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) applications that demonstrate how companies will improve business productivity and skills levels; develop new products and processes; maximise potential opportunities in niche, fast growing or export markets; or meet the priority sectors and technologies set out in emda’s Regional Economic Strategy (RES).
The SFIE scheme criteria are straightforward and relate to location, need, the size and type of the business, the nature and size of the investment, viability, and the quality of the project. Grants are awarded as a proportion of the project’s total investment, paid in instalments on reaching targets which are set out in a formal offer of support.
read more » |
|
|
London 2012 business opportunities
Now that Beijing has handed over to London, business opportunities related to the Games will increase as we countdown to 2012.
All London 2012 business opportunities are advertised through the London 2012 Business Network. emda has supported the development of the network and any businesses wishing to find out about getting involved should register on www.london2012.com/business. |
|
 |
UK Green Building Council
Part of the World Green Building Council federation, membership of the UK-GBC is growing as new national green building councils are established across the globe.
The UK-GBC was established to create a partnership between government, industry and other stakeholder groups, believing government policy should be ambitious, based on expert advice, and delivered in the most efficient and effective way; the UK-GBC take a lead role in facilitating dialogue between the sector and Government.
The UK-GBC’s aim is to promote technical knowledge, encourage research and innovation and the spread of best practice, and to help industry and other decision makers play their part in creating more sustainable buildings, both new and existing.
read more » |
|
|
Invitation to join Derbyshire Independent Training Group
EMCBE, with support from Construction Skills and Industry, are in the process of establishing an Independent Training Group (ITG) in Derbyshire. An Independent Training Group consists of employers who wish to influence the way training is arranged and delivered to their employees.
The mission of the ITG is to improve the performance of Derbyshire based Construction Company training, the business commitment to apprenticeship schemes and access to grants that will improve the skills and knowledge in our companies to win more work.
The first meeting was held on 14th August attended by 25 organisations and we have received strong commitment from relevant companies and key stakeholders. This training group will work in collaboration with Derby Constructing Excellence Club and support large and small companies.
read more »
|
|
|
