Weekly News Bulletin – 3rd November 2017

This week, we shared news from The Guardian that the upcoming fourth industrial revolution could unlock £445bn for the UK over the next decade and create success for Britain after Brexit. With the constantly changing landscape of the industry and evolution of technology, we are excited to see what the fourth industrial revolution will bring.

We also saw the East Midlands Business Link’s article which believes apprenticeships will have a major role to play in bridging the skills gap the construction industry is reportedly experiencing. Here at Metsec, we invest heavily into our apprenticeships because we appreciate just how important they are to the industry. We’d love to hear your views on the skills shortage in the UK and if you are seeing any immediate effects.

City AM reported that the UK’s manufacturing output has increased more than expected in October. With the story indicating that there is more strength in the economy than expected, we hope this positive news continues in the final months of the year.

News from the Express & Star revealed that Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has commented on the impressive manufacturing industry in the Black Country, we’d like to take this chance to also share our pride of being a Black Country business with a view to keep innovating in the industry.

We shared an article from our own sales director for framing. We would recommend reading this article if you are interested in the reasoning behind how inbound and outbound project costs can sometimes differ, and what you can do about it.

Bath Chronicle revealed that the West of England Combined Authority is aiming to boost construction opportunities in the areas through an estimated 82,500 jobs by 2036. We will keep you updated as we know more.

Finally, we shared an insightful thought piece from The Construction Index in reaction to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) calling for evidence for its inquiry into construction quality. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the quality of construction materials.

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Fourth industrial revolution could unlock £445bn for UK, report reveals

Report led by Jürgen Maier says deal between government and industry could put Britain at forefront of new technologies and create thousands of new jobs
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/oct/30/fourth-industrial-revolution-could-unlock-445bn-for-uk-report-reveals

Apprenticeships have major role to play in bridging skills gap, says Minister

Employers hold the key to tackling the nation’s skills shortages – and recruiting more apprentices is a major part of the solution, says Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton.
http://www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/advice/30158/

Fuel to the fire: UK manufacturing output increased more than expected in October

The UK’s manufacturing output increased more than expected in October, a closely-watched index has shown, adding further fuel to expectations of an interest rate hike tomorrow.
http://www.cityam.com/274952/fuel-fire-uk-manufacturing-output-increased-more-than

Boris hails Black Country firms

Boris Johnson hailed the Black Country’s proud manufacturing heritage at the region’s annual showcase in the Houses of Parliament.
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/politics/2017/11/02/boris-hails-black-country-firms/

Inbound vs Outbound Project Costs: How the industry can bring these two figures closer together

Sales director for framing at voestalpine Metsec plc, examines why there can be a significant difference between projected costs versus final costs and reviews how changing the approach to planning the project can bring these figures closer together.
http://cinmagazine.co.uk/inbound-vs-outbound-project-costs-industry-can-bring-two-figures-closer-together/

Construction industry to receive job boost from West of England Combined Authority

The West of England Combined Authority will aim to boost construction opportunities in the area by helping the industry fill the estimated 82,500 jobs that will be created by 2036.
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/news/bath-news/construction-industry-receive-job-boost-709932

CIOB asks: Why are we building such rubbish?

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has issued a call for evidence for its inquiry into construction quality – or, more pertinently, the absence of it.
http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/ciob-asks-why-are-we-building-such-rubbish