Weekly News Bulletin – 8th June 2018

This week, we saw news from The Business Desk that the Midlands has been ranked among one of the most innovative communities in the country by the UK Tech Innovation Index. This is based on strengths across sectors such as AI, data and advanced manufacturing, with the most notable clusters of innovative activity in Birmingham and Coventry. Do you think that the Midlands leads the way for innovation in manufacturing?

The Construction Index revealed that three new board trustees have been named for the Construction Industry Training (CITB) Board. With two of the trustees coming from the under-represented small-medium sized enterprise (SME) sector, it is hoped that this will help to boost industry representation and help ensure that SMEs have their voice heard on industry affairs. With the CITB responsible for the governance, strategic direction and monitoring of business performance, the trustees will help to progress the next stages of the CITB to form three separate ‘nations councils’ for England. What are your opinions of the recently reformed CITB?

We also shared our short film on BIM. As the first cold roll forming company to be certified to BIM Level 2 by the BSI, we are passionate about communicating just what BIM Level 2 can do for your company. Click below to see a bite-sized overview and how it can provide impressive cost savings.

In related news, we heard from BIMTODAY that the UK BIM Alliance has been working to champion the use of plain language to tackle BIM confusion. With an aim to keep BIM transparent and accessible, we welcome any steps taken to make it open for all. What are your opinions? Do you think that the use of plainer language for BIM will make it easier to use?

The Construction Enquirer reported on the industry growth consolidation after the shaky start to the year.  Based on the CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index for May, the figure remained the same as April but crucially remained around the 50 mark, which signals continuing expansion. But with future growth optimism decreasing and rising costs of fuel, plastic and steel, we’ll keep you updated as we know more about growth in the construction industry.

Finally, we saw an interesting thought piece from the Sandwell Business Ambassadors via the Express & Star, exploring why is it time to address the women in STEM (science technology, engineering and mathematics) shortage. We would recommend reading this article, which examines why the lack of women in the STEM disciplines is a concern and what we can do to address this issue.

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Midlands’ innovation hailed in latest Data City index

The Midlands has significant strengths across a range of sectors including AI and data, clean growth, advanced manufacturing and ageing society, according to the latest UK Tech Innovation Index released today.

https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/news/2014761-midlands-innovation-hailed-latest-data-city-index

New CITB directors boost industry representation

Three new board trustees have been named for the Construction Industry Training Board, with two of them coming from the previously under-represented SME sector.

https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/new-citb-directors-boost-industry-representation

BIM in 2 Minutes

BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is the collective pooling and sharing of information on a project.

https://www.metsec.com/bim/bim-2-minutes/

Construction consolidates after shaky start to year

Construction buyers reported a steady continuation of industry growth following a dip in output earlier this year.

http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/06/04/construction-consolidates-after-shaky-start-to-year/

Constructing Plain Language Pledge to tackle BIM confusion

The UK BIM Alliance has been working with Dan Rossiter, the European and International Standards convenor for BIM terminology, to shape how the Alliance can lead by example in championing plain language

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/bim-news/constructing-plain-language-pledge-to-tackle-bim-confusion/41936/ 

Time to address the women in STEM shortage

A leading Sandwell businesswoman says it is time to address the ‘women in STEM’ shortage .

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2018/06/05/time-to-address-women-in-stem-shortage/