Weekly News Bulletin – 21st September 2018

Over the last week, Building UK reminded us that it is almost time for the UK Construction Week. The event is going to take place at the NEC between 9-11 October and will include a wide range of informative and interesting seminars and exhibits. The shows presented at the event will tackle challenges and opportunities, as well as celebrate the achievements of the industry. Are you joining any of the events and if so, which ones? Use your time wisely throughout the weekend, and if you have not yet signed up for your free visitor tickets, there is still time to do so.

NewStatesman reported that British manufacturing is still alive and is ranked in the top ten manufacturing nations in the world within the construction sector. The industry is employing 2.7m people and represents 69 per cent of all business development and research. We recommend that you read the article to find out more about the new, so-called ‘Industrial Strategy’ that the Government launched last November. The plans will aim to boost productivity and create good jobs while increasing the earning power of people throughout the UK.

PBC Today spoke about the best mobile applications to help ease the workload of people within the construction industry. The digitalisation of all industries, including building and construction, is inevitable and with the boom of smart technology over the past couple of decades, it is near impossible to imagine living without it. Whether you are tech savvy or not, we recommend you take a look at the compiled list of mobile apps that could help in a number of ways, from boosting productivity to managing teams more efficiently.

India-GB news covered an important piece of research by the University of Bath in collaboration with colleagues from Goa Engineering College. The research has found plastic bottles could play a key part in reducing the growing waste problem in India and the rest of the world. Plastic has the potential to be used in the the construction of new buildings and as a partial replacement for sand in structural concrete. The research paper has been chosen to receive the Atlas Award, in recognition of its potential global impact.

Finally, Flux Magazine reviewed the ever-growing importance of the industry and the benefits a course in construction could have on young people, and how this will ultimately impact the sector in the long run. Construction workers have in one way or another built the entire world around us and it is important to value their skills. The industry is constantly growing and there is a field to interest almost anybody. It is important that the different sectors and companies tackle any obstacles that might come their way and inspire others to take part.

Here at Metsec, we strongly believe in the future of the industry and recommend you check out the courses available in the article and read more about the benefits of getting involved.

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UK Construction Week gives building professionals control
UK Construction Week (UKCW) returns to the NEC between 9-11 October with a jam-packed three-day event where you can walk away feeling positive and ready for the future.
https://www.building.co.uk/focus/uk-construction-week-gives-building-professionals-control/5095565.article

Giving meaning to “Made in Britain” in a digital age
The Minister for Business and Industry believes British manufacturing is on the cusp of a renaissance.
https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/manufacturing/2018/09/giving-meaning-made-britain-digital-age

Top smartphone apps for builders and surveyors
Advantage Home Construction Insurance (AHCI) takes a look at the best smartphone apps making waves in the construction sector
https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/bim-news/top-smartphone-apps/47182/

UK-India research finds plastic bottles could support eco-friendly construction
A research project led by the University of Bath in partnership with colleagues from Goa Engineering College has found plastic bottles could play a part in the construction of new buildings – a move that could also help tackle India’s growing waste problem.
http://indiagbnews.com/industry/uk-india-research-finds-plastic-bottles-support-eco-friendly-construction/

Why take a construction course? There are many reasons
The construction industry is one which has stood the test of time. For hundreds of years, construction workers have in one way or another built the entire world around us.
http://www.fluxmagazine.com/construction-course/