Nov 30 2018 Weekly News Bulletin – 30th November This week Business Weekly reported that the former head of the Institute of Manufacturing (IfM), Professor Sir Mike Gregory, praised the assets the UK has in manufacturing. Gregory believes that UK manufacturing can positively impact the global economy, which is news that we welcome here at Metsec. BIM also continues to remain in the news agenda, and we saw industry experts urging the construction sector to adopt a more open approach and greater standardisation if it’s to progress, as reported by PBC Today. We recognise the importance of BIM, as it enables the industry to work more collaboratively and efficiently. Discover how we’re working with BIM here. Did you attend this year’s Black Country Business Festival? If so, we have good news, as it will be returning in 2019 from May 13 – 24th. Find out more information via Express and Star below. Apprenticeships featured in the news again this week, as new research from The 5% Club revealed that they well be pivotal in helping employers embrace new technological developments. Our award-winning training scheme welcomes new apprentices every year, and has seen more than 100 people join Metsec over the last two decades. A report found that spending in smart cities within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) will likely double in the next four years, which is great news for the region. Did you know we have a Middle East division that supplies an extensive range of light gauge, galvanised steel purlins across the GCC? Find out more here. For your weekly news update, please follow us on Facebook (MetsecUK), Twitter (@MetsecUK) & LinkedIn (voestalpine Metsec plc). UK manufacturing can grow impact on global economy, says former IfM chief UK manufacturing has come far and retains the capability to impact the global economy, an industry leaders’ summit was told. https://www.businessweekly.co.uk/news/manufacturing/uk-manufacturing-can-grow-impact-global-economy-says-former-ifm-chief BIM event calls for openness in digital construction The sixth Building Information Modelling event saw industry experts urge a more open approach and greater standardisation in the digital construction sector https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/bim-news/bim-digital-construction/49545/ Region’s big business showcase returns to the Black Country The region’s biggest business showcase is set to return to the Black Country next year following the huge success of the inaugural event. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2018/11/23/regions-big-business-showcase-returns-to-the-black-country/ Use apprenticeships to get ready for the workforce of the future Apprenticeships will play a vital role in helping employers embrace new developments in technology, according to research from The 5% Club. https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/use-apprenticeships-to-get-ready-for-the-workforce-of-the-future/ Smart city spending to double by 2022 in the Middle East and Africa The amount spent by smart cities on technology is set to double in the coming four years within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. https://www.constructionglobal.com/equipment-and-it/smart-city-spending-double-2022-middle-east-and-africa