Weekly News Bulletin – 7th December

It’s been another interesting news week, with the announcement of a new £72m Core Innovation Hub highlighting the Government’s commitment to technologies such as augmented and virtual reality to transform the construction sector and improve UK infrastructure. The Government believes the hub will help to position the UK as a world leader in the latest technological developments, and create new jobs.

There was good news for UK manufacturing, as Production Engineering Solutions reported that the sector performed well in November, despite Brexit uncertainty. It’s great to see the industry growing as we head into 2019 and we hope this is a consistent trend throughout the new year.

On a similar note, UK construction activity has also seen growth, with the industry expanding at its fastest rate over a four-month period. Construction hiring particularly stood out as it rose at its fastest rate since December 2015. This is good news for the industry and we’re pleased that it’s finishing the year on a high.

BIM Today reported that ‘the revolution will be digitalised’ as it featured a piece urging the construction sector to get to grips with the latest technologies available to ensure it doesn’t get left behind. Here at Metsec, we encourage the supply chain to utilise software and processes, such as BIM, to ensure we can work together more efficiently and collaboratively. We recommend reading the piece below for more information on how to maximise the digital opportunities within construction.

There seems to be no escaping the skills gap, and this was again emphasised by Sky News as it reported on the potential post-Brexit skills shortage that could affect UK manufacturing. As we move into 2019, it’s important the industry works harder to not only make the itself more attractive to the next generation of professionals, but ensure that there are adequate opportunities for the those looking to enter into manufacturing.

For your weekly news update, please follow us on Facebook (MetsecUK), Twitter (@MetsecUK) & LinkedIn (voestalpine Metsec plc).

UK manufacturing industry facing post-Brexit skills shortage

British manufacturing is facing a post-Brexit skills shortage with too few trained workers and not enough youngsters wanting to learn, according to a survey.

https://news.sky.com/story/uk-manufacturing-industry-facing-post-brexit-skills-shortage-11571824

BIM, digital life, the universe and everything…

The revolution will be digitised. Construction companies need to get on board now – or get left behind, says John Eynon

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/bim-news/bim-built-environment-john-eynon/49750/

UK construction PMI growth edges up to four-month high

British construction activity grew at the fastest pace in four months in November, spurred by house-building and commercial work, though Brexit worries weighed on firms’ outlook for the coming year, a survey showed on Tuesday.

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-economy-pmi/uk-construction-pmi-growth-edges-up-to-four-month-high-idUKKBN1O30WF

UK manufacturing shows resilience amid Brexit uncertainty

The UK manufacturing industry has shown strength in November, recovering from October’s disappointing data and taking a positive view of the way ahead.

https://www.pesmedia.com/uk-manufacturing-industry-brexit-uncertainty/

Virtual reality to revolutionise UK’s construction sector

Virtual reality, digital design and offsite manufacturing technologies are the future of UK construction thanks to £72 million investment from the government.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/virtual-reality-to-revolutionise-uks-construction-sector