Weekly News Bulletin – 27th April 2018

This week we shared news from the Construction Enquirer that construction output is expected to stagnate this year before growth in 2019. Whilst the construction industry is seeing growth in infrastructure and private housing, commercial work has seen a 20% drop so far. With the poor weather at the start of the year and the Carillon collapse being attributed for this slowdown of work, have you noticed a flat line of work in the industry?

In similar news, latest data from the Builders Merchants Federation has shown that sales are up by 4% in February 2018 when compared with February 2017. The product categories performing well included plumbing, heating & electrical, timber & joinery and workwear. We hope that this trend continues as we move further into the year.

The Telegraph released news that half of UK manufacturers fall victim to cyber-attacks. With evidence showing that attackers are already targeting UK factories, it is thought that many more attacks will have gone undetected. We’ll keep you updated as we know more.

Express & Star reported on the start of the Black Country Business Festival. The two-week festival, full of business-related free seminars and networking events, is one of the largest events of its kind in the region. Companies and organisations from Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and the city of Wolverhampton will attend the festival alongside political and business figures. Running until May 3^rd, will you be attending any of the 120 events taking place?

We also shared an important piece from the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce calling for a closer tie between businesses and colleges. The director of productivity and skills for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) says that more communication is required to help young adults fill the new jobs and bridge the West Midlands skills gap. Here at Metsec, we like to invest in our apprentices because we understand the value of the younger workforce.

Finally, we shared an interesting article from PBC Today explaining why the construction industry is looking towards 3D over 2D models. As explained by PBC Today, 3D visualisations are more relatable and add the much-needed dimensions that 2D models lack. With BIM Level 2, 3D models also included embedded data to enable all stakeholders in the construction project to fully understand the implications. Do you use BIM Level 2?

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Growth to rebound to 2.7% next year after flat 2018

Construction output will stagnate this year before accelerating to 2.7% in 2019 and 1.9% in 2020 as major infrastructure projects gather speed.

http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/04/23/growth-to-rebound-2-7-next-year-after-flat-2018/

Builders’ merchant sales keep rising

The latest data from the Builders Merchants Federation shows sales up 4.0% in February 2018 compared with February 2017.

https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/builders-merchant-sales-keep-rising

Half of UK manufacturers fall victim to cyber attacks

The UK has already suffered stealth cyber-attacks on more than 80 manufacturing plants, with criminals deploying tactics that could put critical national infrastructure at risk.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/04/22/half-uk-manufacturers-fall-victim-cyber-attacks/

Black Country Business Festival: Biggest event of its kind in the region gets under way today

Companies and organisations from across the boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and the city of Wolverhampton have come together for the first ever Black Country Business Festival over the next two weeks.

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2018/04/23/black-country-business-festival–biggest-event-of-its-kind-in-the-region-gets-under-way-today/#FwXSQXM37gwewOTP.99

Skills expert calls for closer ties between business and colleges

Closer ties between colleges and local business leaders are critical if we are to close the West Midlands skills gap and help youngsters fill the new jobs being created, a conference in Birmingham heard.

https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/latest-news/news/2018/4/24/skills-expert-calls-for-closer-ties-between-business-and-colleges/

2D to 3D Models: Entering the Third Dimension

As you’ve likely heard or read, the construction industry is in a state of transformation: from flat to fat; from two to three dimensions

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/bim-news/2d-to-3d-models-entering-the-third-dimension/40555/