Category: News
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Review proposes CITB and ECITB merger
1. Intervention is still needed in both sectors due to ongoing market failure. 2. Retain and repurpose the levy-grant system. 3. Construction and engineering construction sectors face common strategic workforce challenges. 4. Strategic focus is required on safeguarding industry capacity and capability. 5. Need to refocus on whole workforce skills and not just new entrants.…
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McLaren appointed for £60m Fosters development in London’s West End
McLaren Construction has been appointed to build the £60m first phase of a Foster & Partners-designed development on the corner of New Bond Street and Grafton Street in London’s West End. The 5,400 sq m retail and office development for O&H Properties includes lower ground, ground and first-floor retail space, five storeys of office and…
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In pictures | The best images of January
A round-up of the most impressive construction pictures from the past month. Tarmac and National Highways have trialled a new concrete retexturing technique on a section of the A30 in Cornwall that can reduce noise by up to 7dB. A single-pass process treatment creates grooves in the existing concrete pavement while grinding is applied onto…
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McAlpine to build electric arc furnace at Port Talbot steelworks
Tata Steel’s EAF project lead, Peter Jones, added: “We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine to support us on this once-in-a-generation investment project. Our new arc furnace will be one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, so it is important that we work with highly skilled…
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CIOB has ‘much to gain’ from government’s AI strategy
CIOB says any AI deployment must be ethical and have ahuman-centric approach. Justin Stanton reports. Image: Blackboard373 | Dreamstime.com The CIOB Innovation Advisory Panel has welcomed the government’s artificial intelligence (AI) plans, announced in January. The 50-point AI Opportunities Action Plan seeks to make the UK a global leader in AI and includes recommendations for a national data…
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Project underway to rescue medieval thatched building
Dr Steve Sherlock, heritage adviser at National Highways, said: “The barn dates from around 1450 and was originally part of the Waltham Abbey estate. It is thatched with water reed and, at 44 metres long, is one of the largest thatched barns in Britain. The rethatching is no mean feat for the team of specialists.”…
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McLaren hires McAlpine FCIOB as new commercial director
McLaren Construction’s managing director for construction management and specialist projects, Vince Lydon, said: “Glen brings a wealth of experience in construction management delivery, which is exactly what we’re looking for to strengthen this capability at McLaren and respond to client demand to effectively manage risk on construction projects. View the original article and our Inspiration…
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Dozens of firms suspended after substandard solid wall insulation jobs
The government has suspended 39 businesses that installed poor-quality solid wall insulation using publicly funded energy efficiency schemes. Routine checks carried out by independent quality body TrustMark uncovered cases of substandard solid wall insulation fitted under the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). Around 65,000 households have had solid…
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CMA closes probe into suspected concrete admixtures cartel
The Competition and Markets Authority has dropped an investigation into suspected conduct relating to the supply of chemical admixtures and additives for use in concrete, cement and related construction products in the UK. The competition watchdog’s statement said that it closed the probe “on the grounds that [it] no longer constitutes an administrative priority”. It…
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Skanska launches new asphalt reuse guidance
Infrastructure engineers at Skanska have updated an essential guide for the road surfacing and maintenance industry in the UK. Andy Simms, materials engineering manager, and Max Townsend, senior waste and resources manager, led the update of the Managing Reclaimed Asphalt guidance to ensure it meets current legislation. The guide helps users determine whether asphalt contains…