State of trade survey confirms continuing market improvement

Posted on by Posted in Construction, DIY, Drainage, HVAC Industry, Plumbing Industry News

roderickpettigrewBusiness is continuing to improve for members of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES), with increased order books and enquiries being reported more or less across the board, according to the latest state of trade research carried out among the membership.

The survey, which covers the period from January to June 2014, also reveals growing confidence in future commercial prospects, with 56% of respondents feeling positive about future prospects, resulting in the “net optimism measure” rising from +35% to +49% compared with six months ago.

Improved trading conditions are reflected by a welcome stabilisation in tender prices, but also by an increase in labour costs as skills shortages begin to bite once again. Rises in materials costs, however, were less evident than at the start of the year.

In fact, 58% of respondents reported an increase in their order books – twice as many as last time – and almost half had experienced higher enquiry levels.

Geographically, more companies in East Anglia, East Midlands and the South West of England reported improvement in business levels than in other regions, with only firms in Northern Ireland recording a decline in enquiries and recruitment, along with static order books and turnover levels.

In terms of market sectors, firms active in service and facilities and industrial/ commercial installation were able to see the biggest improvement, although business also grew in the domestic sector, where a decline in both order books and enquiries was picked up by the previous survey.

As many as 38% of respondents were able to confirm that they were employing more people than six months ago, while 44% expected to recruit during the second half of 2014. The use of agency labour had also risen significantly – as had the number of firms hiring apprentices or trainees, which showed an increase of more than a fifth.

Chief executive, Roderick Pettigrew, pointed out that this was the third successive B&ES survey to have painted a brightening picture for building engineering services – and, by implication, for the construction industry as a whole.

Roderick said:

“With enquiries, order books and turnover all on an upward trend, our members are beginning to credit that a sustained and increasingly robust recovery may genuinely be on its way.

“I am also pleased to note that our members are recruiting again – most significantly at apprentice and trainee level – especially in the light of the skills shortages that are already beginning to appear in many areas of the workforce.”

He went on to note the growth in the residential market – which had been slower to show than in other sectors – and expressed the hope that prospects in Northern Ireland would soon catch up with those in the rest of the UK.

A total of 16% of B&ES member firms took part in the fifth B&ES state of trade survey – up from 13% last time. The research was undertaken in July of this year by independent consultant Lychgate Projects, and a full report of the findings can be found on the B&ES website at: www.b-es.org.

 

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Business welcomes Scottish ‘No’ vote

Posted on by Posted in Useful Resources

scottishflagThe decision of the Scottish people to stay in the United Kingdom has been welcomed by business leaders.

Yesterday a referendum on the question of Scottish independence, 2,001,926 residents of Scotland voted to stay in the UK against 1,617,989 who voted ‘Yes’ in favour of independence. That made 55.3% for the union and 44.7% for independence.

John Cridland, the director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said:

“This is a momentous day for our United Kingdom and this result will be greeted by a collective sigh of relief across the business community. Business has always believed that the Union is best for creating jobs, raising growth and improving living standards, and welcomes that the people of Scotland want to play an integral role in this internationally successful partnership.

“As the debate now moves to the question of further devolution, it is important that it does not undermine the strength of the single internal market and it is in the best interests of citizens living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as those in Scotland.

“Such a difficult campaign inevitably leaves scars which will take time to heal and we now need politicians, businesses and citizens to unite to achieve a better future for all in the UK.

“Now is also the time to rebuild relationships outside the UK to reassure international investors and other partners that we will emerge stronger and more confident in the months and years ahead.”

The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) was less excited by the result and just wants an end to uncertainty.

SPF director David Melhuish said:

“The uncertainty over Scotland’s constitutional future is now settled and it is important that political certainty is now regained if market confidence is to be secured in the commercial property sector.

“Certainty on the content and substance of the UK political parties’ proposals to enhance the powers of Holyrood and a commitment by the Scottish government to work constructively with this process is vital if we are to ensure normal business and investment activity in the wake of the uncertainties expressed during the referendum campaign.”

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New Whirlpool built-in fridge freezer

Posted on by Posted in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Whirlpool-ART872-fridge-freezer-picWhirlpool says it is responding to the current trend for open plan living that has led to a greater appreciation of appliances that integrate seamlessly and blend into the living area with the addition of a new built-in fridge freezer, the ART 872 A+ NF with 6TH SENSE  technology, which it says not only helps extend the life of food, but also reduces food waste and energy bills.

This new ART 872 A+NF, A+ energy rated fridge freezer incorporates Whirlpool’s core technology, patented 6TH SENSE  that detects temperature variances and restores it to the correct level five times faster, such as when loading the refrigerator after a weekly shop.  It creates the optimal environment for food preservation which, says Whirlpool, will help to reduce unnecessary food waste and making a difference to the planet by reducing living expenses.

Additionally, 6TH SENSE Fresh Control technology preserves food freshness up to four times longer compared to a Whirlpool fridge freezer without 6TH SENSE control by maintaining humidity throughout the entire fridge and not in just one drawer, says the company.

6TH SENSE Fresh Control constantly checks and maintains the refrigerator’s humidity between 70 to 85 per cent; unlike traditional models, which guarantee only 30 per cent. Foods, such as fruit and vegetables, don’t dehydrate and their nutritional value, vitamins and anti-oxidants are all preserved for longer, resulting in less food wastage.

The flexible internal space may be customised to suit daily and long-term needs. The interior has five safety glass shelves of which four are adjustable, and there are four door balconies.  While the new energy efficient LED lighting system affords better visibility and space management and reduced energy consumption too.

The ART 872 A+ NF has a total net capacity of 264 litres, comprising of 201 litres for the fridge and 63 litres for the freezer.

Neil Austin, trade marketing manager at Whirlpool UK said:

“The refrigerator is the most frequently used appliance in the home.  With the kitchen becoming the heart of the home and a living space where the family spends most of their leisure time, it is important that all appliances fit seamlessly into a kitchen environment that reflects the consumer’s personal style and tastes.

“At the same time modern refrigeration appliances have to be powered by the latest technologies to ensure that food is kept as fresh as possible, and as efficiently and as long as possible.”

www.whirlpoolcorp.com

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Renewables industry unifies around key tests for next government

Posted on by Posted in Renewable Energy

renewables-next-governmentRenewable energy trade bodies have come together to launch ‘key tests’ for the political parties ahead of the next general election.

The grouping, which includes Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, BHA, the British Photovoltaic Association, the Renewable Energy Association, RenewableUK, Scottish Renewables and the Solar Trade Association, has launched a renewables manifesto statement and campaign hosted on the Action for Renewables website. Action for Renewables encourages public support for more renewable energy and is chaired by environmentalist, Dr Tony Juniper.

Providing 15% of Britain’s power today, renewables are set to provide nearly a third by 2020. Renewables are based on new technologies that are steadily getting cheaper for consumers. Whether through gas shocks from Russia or oil shocks from the Middle East, renewable energy will protect British businesses and consumers.

The trade bodies have set out six key tests for the next government, and a campaign has been launched encouraging members of the public to write to the different party leaders to encourage them to take forward the principles into the General Election.

The six key tests laid out by the grouping are:

  1. Support the Climate Change Act to keep us on course to meet our carbon commitments and back global efforts to tackle climate change.
  2. Set a new renewables target for 2030 of 30% of UK energy
  3. Back the Independent Committee on Climate Change’s recommendation to set a binding target for low carbon electricity by 2030.
  4. Fund the Renewable Heat Incentive for new applications after 2016.
  5. Boost the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to reach the ten per cent renewable energy target for transport by 2020.
  6. Reform the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure the market takes account of all sectors’ polluting cost of carbon emissions.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Dr Juniper, chair of action for renewables and former executive director of Friends of the Earth, said:

“The renewable energy bodies have come together with clear and simple propositions. We need consistent and strong backing for renewable energy, not only to cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change, but also to harness the opportunities for growth and jobs and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuel imports from insecure parts of the world. A range of technologies have important roles to play and I hope voters will contact party leaders and ask them to support out manifesto because none of these technologies can flourish without political backing.”

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RenewableUK 2014 Careers Fair Open for Stand Bookings

Posted on by Posted in Renewable Energy

renewables20143

Following the success from last year’s RenewableUK Careers Fair Exhibition, we are pleased to announce that bookings are now open for this year’s event.

The Careers Fair will take place on Thursday 13th November 2014 at Manchester Central on the final day of RenewableUK 2014 Annual Conference and Exhibition.  This day is free for all to attend the exhibition.

Who will you meet?

The RenewableUK Careers Fair will provide your organisation with the platform to meet candidates seeking to enter renewables. Potential recruits will be able to attend free of charge to meet companies, recruitment specialists, private and public vocational training providers and academic education institutes.

The Careers Fair will be marketed specifically to people with transferable skills who are considering a change of career or training options as well as undergraduate, MSc and PhD students specialising in wind and wave & tidal energy and for the first time, this year, other forms of renewable energy will also have the opportunity to exhibit.

Cost to Exhibit

RenewableUK Members (all levels) = FREE of charge

Non-member Academic & Research Institutions = £99.00 + VAT

All other Non-Members = £249.00 + VAT

To book

Go to the RenewableUK Careers Fair 2014 webpage, open the exhibition floorplan, and select your preferred 3 stand locations from the Careers Fair plan. Complete the Careers Fair Contract (attached), fax it to: +44 (0)20 7901 3001 or email it to: Exhibitions@RenewableUK.com, and wait for email confirmation of your assigned stand. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Numerous passes are available for RenewableUK 2014 – see the event website for full details of the event.

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