Nov 10 2017 Weekly News Bulletin – 10th November 2017 This week we saw news from UK Construction Media that drone technology used in construction is expected to increase rapidly in the future. This comes from survey results that reported a third of respondents currently use drone technology and 70% of those that do not currently plan to in the future. Do you use, or plan to use, drones for the construction industry? We also shared CITY A.M.’s article on how the UK manufacturing industry needs to adopt advances in technology efficiently and effectively to ensure it does not fall behind the rest of the world’s innovation. We’d love to know your thoughts on whether the UK needs to be more innovative or if you think the pace of progression is fast enough. The Manufacturer also offered a brief summary on the key points from this year’s ‘Digitalising Manufacturing Conference’, held at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry. If you were unable to attend, we’d recommend this article for a quick overview of the digital changes expected over the coming year in manufacturing. We saw news from the Construction Enquirer that a Hong Kong investor has plans for 56-floor tapering tower in London. The plans are due to be submitted by spring of next year with construction planned to start in 2019. We’ll update you as we know more. The Telegraph released an article on why apprenticeships are becoming a popular route to a full-time job. One of the many reasons included are that apprentices feel more empowered in an apprenticeship. Here at Metsec, we support and value our apprentices, ensuring they feel challenged and empowered, enabling them to grow in their career at every stage possible. Finally, the Birmingham Mail revealed new plans for a £100m 18-storey apartment complex in Birmingham city centre. With 400 apartments planned and work to begin in 2018, we’ll keep you up to date with any developments in this exciting regeneration. For your weekly news update please follow us on Facebook (MetsecUK), Twitter (@MetsecUK) & LinkedIn (voestalpine Metsec plc) Visit www.metsec.com. Drone technology taking off in construction, says ProDroneWorx Drone technology is beginning to take off in the UK and Irish construction industry, according to a new survey by ProDroneWorx, one of the UK’s leading companies for aerial mapping, inspection and surveying. https://www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk/news/prodroneworx-construction-industry/ It’s high time our manufacturing firms got smarter From robotics to artificial intelligence (AI), advances in technology have been gathering pace over recent years. http://www.cityam.com/275121/its-high-time-our-manufacturing-firms-got-smarter Driving UK competitiveness by digitalising manufacturing Expanded over two days, this year’s Digitalising Manufacturing Conference offered a truly international perspective on the opportunities and threats facing UK value chains. https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/driving-uk-competitiveness-digitalising-manufacturing/ Plan for 56-floor tapering Square Mile skyscraper A Hong Kong investor has unveiled plans for a 56-storey tapering tower in the City of London main cluster. http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/11/07/london-56-floor-tapering-skyscraper-plan-unveiled/ Why apprenticeships are becoming a popular route to a full-time job Apprenticeships are allowing companies to grow talent from scratch, with apprentices reaping the benefits of a hands-on role. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/stem-awards/stem-hq/apprenticeship-route-to-job/ New plans for £100m 18-storey apartment complex Developers reveal vision to regenerate historic former baths site in Birmingham city centre with 500 new apartments http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/business/new-plans-100m-18-storey-13854497