Weekly News Bulletin – 15th December 2017

This week, we shared news that The Construction Industry Advisory Network (CONIAN) has now been established. Following debates earlier this year that there is not enough support for health and safety performance in the industry, the CONIAN is intended to act as a platform in the industry for reducing risk. What are your thoughts? Do you believe that working with this body will promote a safer environment?

Construction Enquirer reported that whilst there is the largest fall in workload for 5 years, forward-looking figures suggest that profits will soar in 2018. Here at Metsec, we hope to see a growing industry in 2018.

On a similar topic, Express and Star shared news that the West Midlands is expected to be the fasting growing UK region outside of London and the South East until 2020. With a predicted 1.8% Gross Value Added (GVA) each year until 2020, the region’s performance is set to surpass other regions, such as East Midlands (1.7%), North West (1.5%) and Scotland (1.5%). One of the reasons behind the expected surge is the increase in employment – a recorded 110,000 more jobs in June 2017 compared to the previous year. Have you seen a growth in your place of work?

Finally, we shared news that Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled plans for an international centre of manufacturing expertise. Estimated to cost £65 million, The National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland (NMIS) will be built near Glasgow Airport and aims to attract investment for the country. We’ll keep you updated as we know more.

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HSE launches construction advisory network

The Health & Safety Executive has set up an advisory network to help work with the construction industry to improve workplace safety.
http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/hse-launches-construction-advisory-network

Construction outlook brightens despite output gloom

Latest Government construction output and orders figures suggest there is light on the horizon despite the biggest fall in workload for five years.
http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/12/08/construction-outlook-brightens-despite-output-gloom/

West Midlands economy set for the fast track

The West Midlands is expected to be the fastest growing UK region outside of London and the South East until at least 2020, according to a new report
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2017/12/12/west-midlands-economy-set-for-the-fast-track/#ihK48H4DvhZ8trlv.99

New £65m National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland is launched

Nicola Sturgeon unveils the international centre of manufacturing expertise during a visit to the Inchinnan factory of Rolls-Royce – a founding member of the University of Strathclyde’s existing Advanced Forming Research Centre
http://www.insider.co.uk/news/national-manufacturing-institute-for-scotland-11674975