http://www.www.cene.org.uk The latest news from Constructing Excellence North East en-en http://www.cene.org.uk/images/logo.jpg http://www.cene.org.uk http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/150/September-3rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/150/September-3rd-Journal-Column.htm Dave Stitt explains why it is important to look after your employees and what led him to become an inspirational performance coach I think I was typical of the people in the construction industry who need help. I;rsquo;m not just talking about any kind of help, but specifically help with people and team performance. Through a mixture of engineering skills, hard work and determination, with a sprinkling of good luck thrown in; I became what some firms call ;ldquo;a leader;rdquo;. What qualif... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/149/September-2nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/149/September-2nd-Newsletter.htm This week's e-news is an events issue. Check it out to view some interesting events happening To view this weeks newsletter please click on the following link September 2nd... Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/148/August-27th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/148/August-27th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses there are more losses to come in the industry Growth in the construction sector slowed last month, according to the respected Construction Purchasing Mangers;rsquo; Index from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). The index readings take into account a number of criteria including new orders, employment and expected future activity. Any reading above 50 indicates an expansion of growth. July;rsquo;s figure was 54.1, a sharp decrease in growth fro... Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/147/August-26th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/147/August-26th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an exciting array of events coming up and articles from Whelan Construction and Lean Construction To view this weeks e-news please click below August 26th... Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/146/August-20th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/146/August-20th-Journal-Column.htm Steven Ord discusses the governments plans to scrap the retirement age and how important a better healthcare schemes are within a company The Government;rsquo;s plans to scrap the default retirement age from October 2011 have been met with celebration from some camps and consternation by others. But where should the construction industry stand on this issue? Construction is an industry which needs workers who are both physically fit and mentally active. While it is perfectly reasonable to s... Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/145/August-19th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/145/August-19th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news contains an article about CENE Club Membership increasing and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click the link below August 19th... Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/144/August-13th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/144/August-13th-Journal-Column.htm Darren Hepburn outlines why Corporate Social Responsibility is important within a company Construction does not take place in a vacuum. Building work affects the natural and built environments and the people who live in them. The Construction sector has a duty to all three. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a word generally seen in the context of critical newspaper articles and heated town meetings. However, the concept suffers from a case of bad press, or, perhaps worse, antipathy fro... Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/143/August-12th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/143/August-12th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news contains some interesting and exciting events happening in September/October and November. Please read on or look at our website for more details To view this week's newsletter please click below August 12th... Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/142/August-6th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/142/August-6th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the terms of paying contractors within a certain period of time A recent case highlighted by the Forum for Private Business has brought to light a sad reality for those working down the supply chain. As an industry, we all welcomed the pledge that main contractors on Government jobs would be paid within 10 days. However, the further you work your way down the supply chain, the greater the need for a quicker cash flow. The reality, according to the Forum, is that ... Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/141/August-5th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/141/August-5th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news includes CIC to feedback to Andrew Stunell, upcoming events and the latest tender opportunities To view this week's newsletter please click below August 5th... Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/140/July-30th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/140/July-30th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the potential of Local Authorities abandoning framework agreements Track record, quality and cost are usually pretty much at the top of the tick-list when filling in tenders to work for local authority clients, whether you are in the construction sector or any other industry. But a worrying trend has emerged that has seen local authorities increasingly concerned with the financial performance of a contractor. Pre-qualification register Constructionline has survey... Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/139/July-29th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/139/July-29th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include feedback from The Housing Forum Conference, World Class Places and upcoming events To view this week's e-news please click below July 29th... Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/138/July-23rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/138/July-23rd-Journal-Column.htm Paul Elwell discusses how important Health ; Safety is within a company and who looks after it I was in the bathroom of a local, North East business recently when a sign caught my eye. Placed at eye height above the mirror it read: ;ldquo;Meet the person most responsible for your health and safety.;rdquo; The message was clear, and it is true. What most of us forget is that health and safety starts with the individual. Companies, although held responsible, can only do so much. Heath and ... Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/137/July-22nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/137/July-22nd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include feedback from the Development of CENE and Summer Social events To view this week's newsletter please click the below link July 22nd... Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/135/July-16th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/135/July-16th-Journal-Column.htm Martin Hawthorne discusses the housing schemes which will be affected by the budget Following the grant last week of ;pound;390m from the Government, which adds to the ;pound;170m previously announced, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has narrowed speculation on which schemes will be affected by their budget cuts. The demand that the agency make ;pound;230m in savings caused disquiet but it is simply a necessity being replicated, albeit mostly on a smaller scale, across the country by i... Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/136/July-15th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/136/July-15th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news contains articles on the Sandcastle Ball, The CIOB meeting and upcoming events To view this weeks e-news please click the following link July 15th... Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/134/July-9th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/134/July-9th-Journal-Column.htm James Ramsbotham believes the cuts the Government are putting into place will effect the SME's in the North East Region One of the most welcome, but overlooked statements in the recent emergency Budget was the commitment by the Chancellor not to make further cuts into capital budgets. It wasn;rsquo;t a headline grabbing statement like a 2.5% VAT increase, but it;rsquo;s critical for our regional economy. Of course, we shouldn;rsquo;t get over-excited ;ndash; all we were promised was no mor... Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/133/July-8th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/133/July-8th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include Spotlight on....Mary Anne Roff, Sandcastle Challenge and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below July 8th... Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/132/July-2nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/132/July-2nd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Glenigan report Construction projects throughout the industry have started moving again and according to new figures the number of jobs being put on hold has fallen to its lowest level in two years. Latest figures projected by business intelligence unit, Glenigan, have shown just 198 projects went on hold in May, down from 731 only 12 months earlier. The project hold data was also a significant improvement on April;rsquo;s figures, when 409 projects worth ;p... Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/131/July-1st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/131/July-1st-Newsletter.htm This week includes articles on 'Best of the Best' event and how well the rowers did on Sunday down in Durham City To view this weeks e-news please click below July 1st... Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/130/June-25th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/130/June-25th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Budget and how the Tyne and Wear Metro will be a boost for the North East George Osborne gave a surprise ;ndash; and unprecedented ;ndash; boost to the construction industry when he announced no further reductions in capital spending as part of his first Budget. ;ldquo;Careful choices;rdquo;, he said, would be made about how the money will be spent, with priority given to ;ldquo;a significant economic return to the country;rdquo;. Previous governments have ta... Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/129/June-24th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/129/June-24th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include upcoming events and articles on Turner ; Townsend rowing and Spotlight on... To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link June 24th... Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/128/June-18th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/128/June-18th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood is shocked about particular trades lacking in young people Many, if not most, regular readers of this column will have grown up in a time when learning a trade was the norm, here in the North East. I dare say a large number of you will have started your own careers that way. Anecdotal evidence I have come across recently, suggests that despite a lot of talk and even a fair bit of action to create apprenticeships in recent years, that some of these trades are heading danger... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/127/June-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/127/June-17th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include feedback from the Manual Handling, Noise ; Vibration event,upcoming events and the latest tenders To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link 17th June... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/126/June-11th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/126/June-11th-Journal-Column.htm Nick Collins discusses how essential Business Continuity is within a company Here in the UK, approaches to business continuity are becoming far more holistic. However, in the North East the association with business continuity and IT is still incredibly strong. This may go some way to explaining why some businesses in the construction industry have not been able to reap the benefits of investing in an effective business continuity management system (BCMS). Tender documents from the public s... Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/125/June-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/125/June-10th-Newsletter.htm Features include an article on a Summer Social BBQ, Northumbria University winning an Award and a Charity Cycle To view this weeks newsletter please click the link below June 10th... Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/124/June-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/124/June-4th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood comments about the BSF funding With the new Lib-Con coalition in full swing, it seems that a review of government spending has put many projects on the back burner, with no discussion of when or even if they will continue. The Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, under previous government legislation, intended to provide huge investment to re-build or renew nearly every secondary school in the country. More than ;pound;1bn worth of school projects in the North Eas... Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/123/June-3rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/123/June-3rd-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news includes articles about the Great North Run and Lean Construction. To view this weeks newsletter please click on the date below: June 3rd... Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/122/May-28th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/122/May-28th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood talks about the governments savings and the new Construction Minister Newly appointed Chancellor, George Osborne has announced more than ;pound;6bn of savings the Government wants to make this financial year, including ;pound;170m savings from property. Within the ;pound;6.25bn figure there were also large targets for saving ;pound;1.15bn by cutting government consultancy services. A further estimated ;pound;1.7bn saving is to be made by renegotiating contracts with the Gover... Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/121/May-27th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/121/May-27th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news includes feedback from the HSE event yesterday, upcoming events and the latest tender opportunities To view this weeks e-news please click the following link below: May 27th... Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/120/May-21st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/120/May-21st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Coalition Agreement The arrival of any new Government brings an element of uncertainty. When it comes to the construction industry under the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, this is no different in a number of ways. Despite there being no place for housing minister Grant Shapps in the Cabinet, both the Tories and Lib Dems appear to agree on a more regionally independent approach to communities. The Conservatives say they are all for ;ldquo;localism;rd... Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/119/May-20th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/119/May-20th-Newsletter.htm Features in this week's e-news includes upcoming events and articles from the RIBA Awards, Coast 2 Coast Challenge and the CIH Golf Day To view Thursday's newsletter please click below 20th May... Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/117/May-13th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/117/May-13th-Newsletter.htm Features include a thank you article from Northumbria University, upcoming events and the latest tender opportunity To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link May 13th... Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/118/May-14th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/118/May-14th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood is delighted the commercial sector is showing signs of recovery from the recession The Construction Products Association (CPA) has changed its forecasts for growth over the next three years as the commercial sector is showing increasing signs of recovery. The commercial sector, the industry;rsquo;s largest before the recession, is predicted to suffer even more than previously thought at the beginning of the year, but then recover more quickly. Revised statistics have been... Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/116/May-12th-Awards-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/116/May-12th-Awards-Newsletter.htm Includes the list of Winners and Highly Commendeds from the Evening To view the newsletter please click the following Awards... Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/115/May-6th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/115/May-6th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include a press release from Cundall celebrating their Corporate Responsibility and Environment Award, latest tenders and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link May 6th... Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/114/May-7th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/114/May-7th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood is delighted with the response of the Constructing Excellence, RICS and the ICE Awards Glitz and glamour are two words not often associated with construction, but for one night a year they dance hand in hand with leaders and friends of the industry for the Constructing Excellence Awards. Tonight;rsquo;s event at Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel, celebrates the outstanding developments which have been rolled out across the region and the work carried out by contractors ... Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/112/April-29th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/112/April-29th-Newsletter.htm Features include feedback from Constructing your Future Career and Working Well Together event To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link April 29th... Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/113/April-30th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/113/April-30th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how Directors of construction firms will have to take a serious look at the way they handle contracting agreements and make sure that vital regulations are in place to prevent any form of corruption happening. A new Bribery Bill, which has been rushed through Parliament, could radically change the way construction firms organise their businesses if the Act is rubber stamped. The Bribery Bill will provide law enforcement with harsh outcomes for directors who are fou... Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/110/April-22nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/110/April-22nd-Newsletter.htm This week includes feedback from CREf - The Designers Role event, latest tender opportunties and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link 22nd April... Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/111/April-23rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/111/April-23rd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how the recession has had effects on the steel industry The steel industry is suffering the full force of the recession and forecasts are for it to continue well into this current year. Predictions for structural steel usage have been reported at 50 per cent lower in 2010 than in 2008. The economic downturn has seen one of the UK;rsquo;s largest steel contractors, Severfield-Rowen, see its turnover fall 11 per cent in the year to 31 December 2009 to ;pound;349.4 m... Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/109/April-16th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/109/April-16th-Journal-Column.htm Paul Elwell discusses the new Regional Working Well Together Group and how it can help people in the industry In the last 25 years more than 2,800 people have died from injuries they received working in the construction industry and many more have suffered serious injuries or been made ill.In 2008/09, there were 53 fatalities in the construction industry, that;rsquo;s an average of one person per week. Workplace injury and work-related ill health combined accounted for 3 million working days lo... Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/108/April-15th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/108/April-15th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include the CIBSE North East shortlist, the latest tender opportunities and events coming up Please click on the following link to view this weeks newsletter April 15th... Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/106/April-8th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/106/April-8th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include the shortlisted entries for this years Awards and up coming events To view this weeks newsletter please click below: April 8th... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/107/April-9th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/107/April-9th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood talks about how the construction industry is the most carbon efficient in the world It may come as a surprise to find that new data released suggests the UK;rsquo;s construction industry is one of the most carbon efficient in the world. It is well documented in the press and largely encouraged by politicians, that as a nation we need to move towards creating a greener environment and it is often construction related industries that come under scrutiny. Research by constru... Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/105/April-1st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/105/April-1st-Newsletter.htm This week's newsletter includes an update of the judging process for the Awards, upcoming events and the latest tender opportunities To view this week's newsletter please click below: April 1st... Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/103/March-26th-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/103/March-26th-Column.htm Glyn Neasham introduces a new Code of Conduct/Service Level Agreement created by the HBF, HSE and Utilities companies. Once more, the North East is leading the way. We;rsquo;re used to doing that, whether it is in innovation, adaptability or simply passion for our football teams. This time, it is a case of common sense, but one which people told me was impossible to achieve. The utility providers and house builders agreed that pulling together a service level agreement/code of conduct, to ... Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/104/March-25th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/104/March-25th-Newsletter.htm Articles include ETEC’s new groundwork project, The Prince’s Trust’s Million Maker Corporate Challenge and the usual details of tender opportunities and forthcoming events. To view this week's e-news, click on the link below: March 25th Newsletter... Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/102/March-19th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/102/March-19th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood comments on the Government’s announcement that carbon emissions from housing are to be reduced by 29 per cent by 2020, in line with the launch of the new ‘warm homes’ standard for social housing. The launch of the new ;lsquo;warm homes;rsquo; standard for social housing sees the Government pressing for carbon emissions from housing to be reduced by 29 per cent by 2020. This is obviously a mammoth task, put forward at the recent Ecobuild conference and one which the major en... Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/101/March-18th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/101/March-18th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include feedback from NE IEP, Ready...Compete, Win event and up coming events To view this weeks edition of the newsletter click below: March 18th... Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/100/March-12th-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/100/March-12th-Column.htm Jon Jo MacNamara discusses the future of planning in line with the proposed Conservative Green Party Paper As an industry which deals with design, we know a lot about symmetry, but this is the first time I can recall proposed legislation enforcing it. But that indeed is what the new Conservative Party Green Paper is proposing. Unveiled by Shadow Minister Caroline Spelman, the long-awaited planning paper laid out a number of points the Tories said would instil localism back into the planning... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/99/March-11th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/99/March-11th-Newsletter.htm Features include an update on the Awards, details of a course being offered by RENEW and details of our forthcoming events. To read this week's e-news click below: March 11th Newsletter... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/98/CENE-is-moving.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/98/CENE-is-moving.htm Please read below to find out Constructing Excellence's new contact details CENE is moving!!!!! As of Monday 15th March 2010 Constructing Excellence in the North East will relocate to Allergate House, Durham. Please make sure that all relevant people in your organisation are aware of these changes including your Accounts Department and that all correspondence is sent to the address below: Constructing Excellence in the North East Allergate House Belmont Business Park Belmont Cou... Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/95/March-5th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/95/March-5th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood comments on the shock tactics that are proving to be necessary to shock us into treating Health and Safety as a priority The wording was along the same lines as those we have seen or heard countless times before: Simple mistakes can shatter lives;hellip;your actions could stop them from happening. It was the image of an everyday building site on the Health and Safety Executive advert which made me stop and take real notice. The shocking element was the worker who played th... Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/96/March-4th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/96/March-4th-Newsletter.htm Features include feedback from the Sustainability and Homes events, upcoming events and the latest tender opportunities Please click on the following link to view the first newsletter of March 4th March... Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/94/February-26th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/94/February-26th-Journal-Column.htm Terry Hanlon, ConstructionSkills, discusses the skills shortagec in the Construction sector. The prognosis for the North East construction industry in the short term is very severe with construction output expected to have contracted by around 19% in 2009.A further, but marginal, decline is projected for 2010, but consistent recovery is not forecast until 2011, with a slow and steady return to moderate levels of growth. Over the whole of the 2010 to 2014 period, construction output in the UK ... Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/93/February-25th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/93/February-25th-Newsletter.htm Features include article on Tyne Tunnel 2 Site Visit, Awards update and the lastest tender opportunities To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link 25th February... Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/91/February-19th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/91/February-19th-Journal-Column.htm Barry Oliver talks about the new plans being put in place for April regarding late payments to firms. We all know what it;rsquo;s like. You send an invoice marked ;ldquo;30 days;rdquo; and a month later, often more, you;rsquo;re still waiting. Or, a few days later, the telephone rings and you;rsquo;re informed there is an error in the wording so a fresh invoice needs to be raised and issued and the 30 day cycle starts all over again ;ndash; this is despite the Late Payment of Commercial Debts... Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/92/February-18th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/92/February-18th-Newsletter.htm Features include Erika\'s five minutes of fame, upcoming events and an update on the Awards Please click on the following link to view this weeks newsletter 18th February... Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/90/CENE-Awards-2010--Special-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/90/CENE-Awards-2010--Special-Newsletter.htm This special newsletter contains information about what the judges are looking for in each award category and how you can book a table at this years Awards. To view the newsletter please click the following link: Awards 2010... Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/88/February-12th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/88/February-12th-Journal-Column.htm Don Ward talks about the new FIT scheme which will be available from April. Having represented the UK on a number of European energy standards I am pleased this week to see the unveiling of Feed in Tariff which will revolutionise UK energy generation by putting people in charge of their own energy. The scheme, known as the FIT will, from April, pay people for all the renewable electrical power they produce and is intended to be complemented by the Renewable Heat Incentive, which is due to foll... Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/89/February-11th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/89/February-11th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include feedback from CSR club event, Awards 2010 update and CENETENDERS Information To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link 11th Feb... Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/86/February-5th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/86/February-5th-Journal-Column.htm A colleague in our industry was taken aback by a government declaration from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Now, was it the present one or the one before who said it? Government chairs nowadays are switched at a speed that would guarantee disaster in any company boardroom. Anyway, the declaration was that it was everyone;rsquo;s duty to pay their fair share of tax, and that tax evasion and tax avoidance wouldn;rsquo;t be tolerated. Our colleague says: ;ldquo;That seems odd to me beca... Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/87/February-4th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/87/February-4th-Newsletter.htm Features include feedback from Safe Minds Work Safely event, the latest tender opportunities and upcoming events Please click below to view this weeks newsletter 4th Feb... Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/85/January-29th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/85/January-29th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood is delighted to announce the launch of the Awards for a sixth year running Apparently, we came out of recession this week but times are still exceptionally hard for people involved at all levels of the construction sector. However hard we are finding things, though, it is important to remember that our industry is not all doom and gloom. Indeed, there continues to be excellent work carried out throughout the North East and, indeed, outside of the region by those who are ba... Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/84/January-28th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/84/January-28th-Newsletter.htm Features include information on our CENE Awards Launch, feedback from the Envirowise events and the latest tender opportunities To view this week's newsletter please click on the following link 28th January... Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/83/January-22nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/83/January-22nd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood looks at the quality of schools and how it has an effect on the pupils I;rsquo;ve never understood how, in this day and age, anybody can look at the construction industry and say ;ldquo;it;rsquo;s just bricks and mortar;rdquo;. While some people still hold that outdated view, the reality is much more than that as I am sure intelligent readers who have made it as far as the business pages would be aware. The truth is, whenever you build something, whether it is a house, an ... Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/82/January-21st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/82/January-21st-Newsletter.htm Features include feedback from CREF event, Awards update and the Lastest Tender Opportunities To view this weeks Newsletter click on the following link: 21st January... Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/81/January-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/81/January-15th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses an announcement for a further £122m being used to boost council housing The announcement this week of a further ;pound;122m into the pot for new council housing is undoubtedly a boost to our industry. At the time of housing minister John Healey;rsquo;s announcement, officials were quoted as saying the move would create 7,500 new jobs and around 100 new apprenticeships, which is excellent news. The cash is being handed to 73 local authorities and these councils ar... Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/80/January-14th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/80/January-14th-Newsletter.htm Features include sponsorship opportunites and booking a table at our Awards, Latest Opportunities and more events To view this week's newsletter please click on the link below: 14th January... Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/78/January-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/78/January-8th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Building Futures programme. It has been almost a year since the Conservative Party first announced its proposed ;lsquo;localism;rsquo; policies, but as a general election comes ever closer it is an agenda that still divides many in the industry. No sooner had 2010 got underway than a group of some of Britain;rsquo;s biggest property developers became the latest to raise concerns about the plans to hand over more power on planning decisions to local authorities... Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/79/January-7th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/79/January-7th-Newsletter.htm Features include, latest opportunities, upcoming events and an article on the new Hydroelectic Power Station 7th January... Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/77/December-18th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/77/December-18th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood is delighted the Construction Industry has been growing since June with figures to confirm this from Office of National Statistics With this being the last column for 2009, I was hoping to end the year on a more upbeat note, longing to hear something more positive coming out of the dreadful recession that we have been discussing for the last twelve months. Well, my prayers were answered when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released figures which suggested that the co... Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/76/December-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/76/December-17th-Newsletter.htm Features include the lastest tender opportunities, Spotlight on...me and a final update of X Factor winner Joe. To view 2009 last newsletter please click the below link Christmas Newsletter... Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/74/December-11th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/74/December-11th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the governments new Rural Masterplan Fund When the National Audit Office (NAO), the Government;rsquo;s own spending watchdog, pours scrutiny over the way in which some Whitehall departments operate, you would think they would listen. Only last month, this column highlighted the results of a report by the NAO which found that there was a lack of procurement know-how among civil servants in the commercial sector and that consequently taxpayers were paying a fortune ... Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/75/December-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/75/December-10th-Newsletter.htm This week’s e-news features articles on the Hadrian Awards, details of Malcolm Wright’s Santa Ride for Zoë’s Place and a sample of the latest tender opportunities for our region. To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link; 10th December... Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/72/December-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/72/December-4th-Journal-Column.htm Douglas Kell dicusses the potential loss of thousands of jobs in civil engineering While many, including the Bank of England, argue that the UK is beginning to see glimmers of light in what has been a deep and dark recession, we in the civil engineering sector are telling a gloomier tale. The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) is warning that thousands of jobs could be cut in the future due to a collapse in expected workloads with only 9% anticipating a workload increase. The ... Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/73/December-3rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/73/December-3rd-Newsletter.htm Features include the latest tender opportunities, feedback from Biomass event and the Tyne Tunnel 2 site visit To view Decembers first newsletter please click on the below link: http://www.cenenews.co.uk/microsite/newsletter.php?nid=156 ... Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/71/Local-businesses-recognised-for-National-Awards.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/71/Local-businesses-recognised-for-National-Awards.htm Business support organisation, Constructing Excellence in North East is celebrating this week, after three of it;rsquo;s eleven regional award winners were acknowledged at the third annual Constructing Excellence National Awards ceremony, held at Lords Cricket Ground, London on Thursday 19th November. The awards ceremony was the grand finale to celebrate the successes of the eight regional Constructing Excellence awards which have taken place across the country during 2009. Two of the Nort... Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/70/November-27th-Column---Chief-Construction-Adviser-Announced.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/70/November-27th-Column---Chief-Construction-Adviser-Announced.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the appointment of Paul Morrell OBE to the post of Chief Construction Adviser. The flags are out as we welcome the long-awaited news that Paul Morrell OBE has been appointed as the first ever Chief Construction Adviser to the Government. What fantastic news it is that Mr. Morrell will be a conduit between Whitehall and the construction industry. We are an industry which has waited so long for a voice ;ndash; well, for us, Mr. Morrell can shout from the rooftops.... Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/69/November-26th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/69/November-26th-Newsletter.htm This week's e-news contains information about the new Chief Construction Adviser, Spotlight on...Chris Leslie and details of our next event. To view this week's e-news, click thelink below: November 26th Newsletter... Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/68/November-20th-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/68/November-20th-Column.htm The use of public funds by the government is often a debate which aggrieves the masses, particularly in today;rsquo;s unsteady economic climate. With that in mind, I was particularly concerned by a report by the National Audit Office, the government;rsquo;s spending watchdog, which highlighted the lack of procurement know-how among civil servants in the commercial sector, costing the taxpayer a fortune in outside consultants. The report has put the microscope on 43 government projects ... Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/63/November-19th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/63/November-19th-Newsletter.htm This week’s e-news contains articles on the CIH Conference, our Worker Engagement seminar, and also a great story about Interserve completing the Three Peaks Challenge, for charity. To view this week's newsletter, please click below: November 19th Newsletter... Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/61/November-13th-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/61/November-13th-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the new HCA framework. I wrote last week about the effect of the recession upon our industry and how important it was that something was done to give it a boost. And while there is still a long way to go, and a lot more that we hope will be done by politicians sooner rather than later, it was heartening to hear some positive news which could potentially have a far-reaching impact on the sector. The Homes and Communities Agency;rsquo;s (HCA) new Public Land Initi... Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/60/November-12th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/60/November-12th-Newsletter.htm This issue of e-news contains articles about improvements to our website, a good news story about plans for Hartlepool and the usual events and opportunities. Please click on the below link to view this weeks Newsletter November 12th Newsletter... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/59/November-6th-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/59/November-6th-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the actions needed to make a difference to our sector. You would have to have been living on another planet to have missed the effect the recession has had on our industry. Sites across the country have ground to a halt, and it;rsquo;s not just housing that has been affected: offices, shops and regeneration projects have all been postponed. Construction and all related businesses have been shaken to their foundations and it will take more than a little remedial work... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/58/November-5th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/58/November-5th-Newsletter.htm This week’s issue of e-news includes the usual details of forthcoming events and tender opportunities along with articles about our Constructive Innovation event, a follow up piece about Universal Sealants parent company of Visul Systems featured last week and details on how you can get involved with an Envirowise survey. Please click on the below link to view this weeks Newsletter November 5th Newsletter... Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/56/30th-October-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/56/30th-October-Journal-Column.htm The Conservative party;rsquo;s proposals to bar safety inspectors from entering building sites are sure to divide the industry, and they raise a number of interesting and important issues. Shadow business secretary Ken Clarke is drawing up plans to restrict the powers of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and instead allow construction firms to arrange their own externally audited inspections. Under the proposals, part of the Conservatives;rsquo; Regulation In The Post ;ndash; Bureaucra... Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/57/October-29th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/57/October-29th-Newsletter.htm Features in this issue include Haymarket Hub Site visit, latest opportunities and Compete4 event If you would like to view this weeks edition of our Newsletter please click the following link 29th October... Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/54/October-22nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/54/October-22nd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include CIH Conference ; Exhibition and Building the 2012 Olympics event Please click on the below link to view this weeks Newsletter 22nd October... Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/55/23rd-October-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/55/23rd-October-Journal-Column.htm NORTH EAST PERFECTLY POSITIONED FOR NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE The North East is in pole position to benefit from the sale of a radioactive waste processing plant, in Cumbria following the announcement that there are five organisations bidding for the ;pound;1.5bn Sellafield contract. Work is expected to begin on-site in April next year with Sellafield planning to award the contract on 31 January 2010. Major names in the nuclear business are bidding for the contract including consortia from Singapore... Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/51/WHAT-IS-A-CIVIL-ENGINEER.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/51/WHAT-IS-A-CIVIL-ENGINEER.htm Laura Tweddle, chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineers North East graduates and students committee discusses Civil Engineering What is a civil engineer? I get asked this question a lot, because when I tell people I am a civil engineer it often draws blank looks. I;rsquo;m sure I am not alone, in my profession or with many others across the construction sector, in receiving such a response. A civil engineer is not someone who fixes cars or central heating boilers. We don;rsquo;t w... Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/53/Lean-Management-of-your-business-through-effective-use-of-IT.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/53/Lean-Management-of-your-business-through-effective-use-of-IT.htm *Please note- very important* If you have registered for the above event please note due to unforseen cirmcumstances we have had to postpone. Further details will be forwarded to you when they are available to us.... Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/52/Tyne-Tunnel-2.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/52/Tyne-Tunnel-2.htm As you are all aware the flyer went out yesterday promoting a site visit to the new Tyne Tunnel 2 on the 26th November. As I am sure you will appreciate we have received a fantastic response and we have been inundated with bookings. We can no longer take any more bookings but there will be another visitarranged early next year. Please contact Leanne McAngus to request your place to avoid disappointment. leanne@cene.org.uk ... Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/50/CONSTRUCTION-AND-WASTE-SECTORS-UNITE.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/50/CONSTRUCTION-AND-WASTE-SECTORS-UNITE.htm Jo Bennison of Daxi Environmental Ltd discusses the launch of the new Construction Resource Efficiency Forum. The coming together of people who have not always seen eye to eye is definitely an encouraging sight, which happened on Wednesday this week at the launch of the Construction Resource Efficiency Forum (CREF). More than 50 delegates came together from both the Waste Management and Construction sectors to talk about shared issues in relation to resource efficiency and waste management. T... Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/49/October-8th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/49/October-8th-Newsletter.htm Features include a summary of the Silica event and the launch of the CREF and also the latest opportunities To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link 8th OctoberNewsletter... Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/47/October-2nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/47/October-2nd-Journal-Column.htm The Office of Fair Trading;rsquo;s announcement that it was to punish the construction companies behind the price-rigging issue, should allow us all to learn a valuable lesson from the mistakes they have made. Now that those who need to be punished, have been punished, the industry can lay the matter to rest, learn from the errors some have made and look to the future of construction for the North East. While the sector cannot underestimate the damage this issue has caused, we must acknowl... Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/48/October-1st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/48/October-1st-Newsletter.htm Features include feedback from Major Tax Changes and Mock Mediation and the latest opportunities To view the 1st edition of Octobers newsletter please click on the following link below: October 1st... Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/46/TIME-TO-MIND-OUR-Ps-AND-Qs.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/46/TIME-TO-MIND-OUR-Ps-AND-Qs.htm Douglas Kell, Director of CECA North East, discusses PQQs and the potential for change. I am sure many like me in business will be overjoyed to learn that, after years of complaining about bureaucratic red tape strangling our efficiency, we are starting to see a positive response. In the North East, we must commend chief executive Alastair MacColl and his team at Business ;amp; Enterprise North East for going all out to try, within a year or so, to get about 3,000 government schemes in busines... Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/45/September-24th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/45/September-24th-Newsletter.htm This issue of e-news includes details of events, opportunities and Spotlight on...Sarah Wilson. Please click on the following link to view this week's newsletter: September 24th Newsletter... Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/44/September-18th-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/44/September-18th-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Governments plans to invest £127 million into a council house building programme The Government;rsquo;s announcement, last week, of a ;pound;127 million investment in a council house building programme is warmly welcomed by the construction industry. It has, no doubt, been a difficult time across the sector and we hope the Housing Minister;rsquo;s plans will provide a boost for construction and also contribute to the vast number of jobs desperately needed. Mr H... Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/43/September-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/43/September-17th-Newsletter.htm Features include important details of a venue change for the BECONNECTED and reminder for the opportunity to give your thoughts on a new innovative recycled glass brick. Please click on the following link to view this week's newsletter: September 17th Newsletter... Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/42/Hurrah-for-Construction-Tsar.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/42/Hurrah-for-Construction-Tsar.htm John Burns discusses the recruitment of a chief construction advisor Lord Mandelson;rsquo;s department for business and skills, which contains 11 ministers has approved and endorsed last year;rsquo;s select committee recommendation and is creating a high ranking official post of chief construction advisor. As the select committee report made clear, major improvements in value, price and quality are achievable if best practice in public sector procurement can be spread through central governmen... Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/41/September-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/41/September-10th-Newsletter.htm Features include a summary of our Open Event and Golf Day and details of events happening this month. Please click on the following link to view this week's newsletter 10th September newsletter... Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/40/September-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/40/September-4th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the plans for the SFO to crackdown on UK contractors involved in overseas fraud. There have been some major developments this week in the world of construction and I must say I am a little concerned. This week company directors in the construction industry will have received a letter from the Serious Fraud Office reminding them of their responsibilities. It comes after the SFO cracked down on UK Contractors it suspects of being involved in fraud overseas. Part ... Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/39/September-3rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/39/September-3rd-Newsletter.htm Features include Open Event, Crocodile or Handbags event and new taxation consultation Please click on the following link to view Septembersfirst newsletter 3rd September newsletter... Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/37/HMRC-Attack-on-Labouring-Sub-Contractors.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/37/HMRC-Attack-on-Labouring-Sub-Contractors.htm Chris Leslie discusses the proposed changes to the taxation of self-employed workers in construction The ;ldquo;deeming;rdquo; of employment income provisions is experiencing a renaissance as HM Revenue ;amp; Customs (;ldquo;HMRC;rdquo;) look for a viable alternative to countering ;ldquo;false;rdquo; self-employment in the construction arena. By overriding the infamous ;ldquo;IR35;rdquo; PAYE rules, HMRC;rsquo;s proposed ;ldquo;deeming employment income provisions for construction;rdquo; has b... Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/38/August-27th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/38/August-27th-Newsletter.htm Features include Spotlight on..., marketing health check information and further details of our golf day To view Augusts latest newsletter please click on the following link August 27th Newsletter... Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/36/August-21st-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/36/August-21st-Column.htm Phil Young, Director of CENE discusses the use of Frameworks in the construction industry. In the past, this column has referred to the need for, and ability of, frameworks and infrastructure activity to help our sector through these difficult times. A large number of firms have already been benefitting from frameworks, particularly those which work in the housing repairs and maintenance sector, thanks to the Government;rsquo;s Decent Homes initiative. At the start of this month, we had... Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/35/August-20th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/35/August-20th-Newsletter.htm Features include details of changes to the CENE board, a reminder about our open event and a look at some new tender opportunities Please click on the link below to view the August 20th Newsletter: August 20th Newsletter... Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/33/August-14th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/33/August-14th-Journal-Column.htm DO YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS TO BE A CROCODILE OR A HANDBAG? I;rsquo;d never thought of the crocodile as a metaphor for a business before now, but when you think about it, it;rsquo;s rather a good way of looking at how companies need to act to survive a harsh economic winter. Crocodiles have been around since before the dinosaurs, so they;rsquo;ve been through some turbulent times and survived. Sadly, the same can almost be said about the tax man, but that;rsquo;s another issue;hellip; Eve... Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/32/Ignite-August-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/32/Ignite-August-Newsletter.htm Please click on the following link to view August Ignite- Sustainable Voice newsletter Ignite... Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/34/August-13th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/34/August-13th-Newsletter.htm Features include details of the new Chair of the National Club Steering Group, information about a new service offering from the Environment Agency through CENE and details of exciting events which are happening over the next few months. Please click on the link below to view the August 13th Newsletter. August 13th Newsletter... Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/30/August-7th--Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/30/August-7th--Journal-Column.htm Sir Bob Kerslake talks about the recession effects The impact of the recession is testing every aspect of our sector. Nobody underestimates the effects of the economic downturn on house building and regeneration but I detect a resilience that suggests it will not be forced on to the back foot for too long. Not only do I witness a steely determination to kick start stalled projects and see them through, but practitioners recognise that issues such as the chronic shortage of affordable housing... Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/31/August-6th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/31/August-6th-Newsletter.htm Features include Women in Property summer event, CENE Open event and Crocodile or handbag event Please click on the link below to view August's first issue ofour newsletter August Newsletter... Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/28/July-30th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/28/July-30th-Newsletter.htm Features include Spotlight on..., information on our new members page and details of the Crocodile or handbag...you decide event. Please click on the link below to view the July 30thnewsletter: July 30th Newsletter... Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/29/July-31st-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/29/July-31st-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the corruption caused by bogus self employed workers in the construction sector The corruption caused by bogus self employed workers in the construction sector is the focus of a crackdown by the Government. Now that the Treasury consultation document on the plans announced in the last Budget have been released, we can see that it doesn;rsquo;t herald the end for labour-only subcontractors. Under the government proposals, all construction workers will be deemed t... Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/26/July-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/26/July-24th-Journal-Column.htm What;rsquo;s wrong with some straight forward good news about the economy for a change? I know there needs to be a balance in reporting, but it seems that every time there is even a glimmer of a ;ldquo;hurray!;rdquo; it is followed by a ;ldquo;but;hellip;;rdquo; Perhaps it;rsquo;s a na;iuml;ve view, but it really would be nice to one day pick up the paper or a trade magazine and read a piece of positivity not tainted by a knock-down tale of job losses, or predicted doom and gloom. A far fe... Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/27/July-23rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/27/July-23rd-Newsletter.htm Features include feedback from the CEEQUAL event, details of our Mock Mediation event and more opportunities. Please click on the link below to view the July 23rdNewsletter. July 23rdNewsletter... Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/25/July-16th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/25/July-16th-Newsletter.htm Features include Sandcastle Ball, Charity Golf Day and our Facebook page. Please click on the link below to view: July 16th Newsletter... Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/21/July-10th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/21/July-10th-Journal-Column.htm Garvis Snook urges the Government to reduce the VAT rate to keep jobs safe in the industry. I have an abiding memory of the recession in the early '90's when the industry lost some of its most skilled people, the majority of whom have never returned. We need to prevent this from recurring. The effects on this recession on workers in our industry are an enormous concern. Up to half a million jobs could be lost in the current downturn. However, I believe by focusing on the repair and mainten... Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/24/July-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/24/July-Newsletter.htm Features included in this issue, Sandcastle Challenge, Thanks to Catriona's Race for Life Sponsors and July Opportunities Please click on the link below to show the full version of July's Newsletter www.cenenews.co.uk/microsite/newsletter.php ... Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/22/Another-New-Team-Member-for-CENE.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/22/Another-New-Team-Member-for-CENE.htm Constructing Excellence in the North East appoints a new Events and Marketing Manager to the team Constructing Excellence in the North East is delighted to welcome Erika Hartill. Erika joined the team on Friday 3rd July and spent her first three hours at the beach with a class of six year olds for this year;rsquo;s Sandcastle Challenge, organised by the RIBA and Children North East ;ndash; what a way to spend your first day! As Nikki;rsquo;s replacement, Erika;rsquo;s role encompasse... Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/23/June-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/23/June-Newsletter.htm Features include, Catriona's Race for Life, CIH 'housing goes dancing' dinner and June opportunities please click below to be directed to June's Newsletter www.cenenews.co.uk/microsite/newsletter.php ... Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/20/July-3rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/20/July-3rd-Journal-Column.htm The latest statement from the Learning and Skills Council on funding for further education college building projects spells good and bad news for the North East. A total of 13 projects have been prioritised from more than 180 submissions to the LSC, and only Hartlepool College has made the final cut. Furness College joins it on the list. However, even those who have made the list are now being asked to make cost reductions to their initial project plans ;quot; to maximise borrowing within pr... Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/19/June-26th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/19/June-26th-Journal-Column.htm John burns is delighted that 70,000 jobs will be made for the North East due to a new power generator Fabulous. I cannot be alone in feeling delighted with the announcement that we are on the threshold of major opportunities in offshore wind power generation with announcements this week of tender opportunities and a confident expectation that a further 25 GW of capacity can be added to the exisiting 8 GW making a major contribution to carbon reduction and security of supplies. The department f... Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/18/June-19th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/18/June-19th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood raises the concerns for late payments due to small/medium sized companies At a time when businesses in all sectors are working around the clock to keep work- and money- coming in, companies need all of the help they can get from the Government. So, you can imagine, when Lord Mandelson pledged in October 2008 that central government would pay its suppliers within 10 days, the business and enterprise secretary's words were warmly welcomed. But it seems from a survey carried o... Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/17/June-12th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/17/June-12th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood outlines the benefits of the proposed changes to the Prequalification Questionnaire. Gordon Brown and his Government- whoever's still part of it by the time this goes to press- have found themselves on the receiving end of very little in the way of praise of late. Specifically, our industry has had precious little to welcome by way of Government announcements. However, I am happy to give a welcome nod in their general direction as far as plans to overhaul the Prequalificatio... Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/16/June-5th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/16/June-5th-Journal-Column.htm Chris Leslie urges financial vigilance through reasonable tax care. ;quot;Bogus;quot; self employment in the construction arena is back in the spotlight following the Chancellor's recent budget. In these uncertain times the taxman is not expected to be at the top of any contractor's invitation list. So why walk the cliff edge by not taking a reasonable amount of care? Prior to the new Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) being introduced in April 2007, consultations over ;quot;badges of trade;... Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/14/May-29th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/14/May-29th-Journal-Column.htm Michelle Aldous, Chief Executive of Constructing Better Health, outlines the UK's first national programme for occupational health standards in the construction industry Undoubtedly times are tough for companies working in the construction industry. Survival and success for many is going to depend on the retention and sustainability of their workforces, so it is imperative that employers properly invest in safeguarding the interests of their employees. Safety has traditionally been the main f... Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/15/May-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/15/May-Newsletter.htm May's E-news is now available to download. Featuring articles from Rok and Baker Mallett, the latest events including our first annual charity golf day, and a selection of the latest tender opportunities, this months e-news can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. May Newsletter ... Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/13/May-22nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/13/May-22nd-Journal-Column.htm John Burns believes that recent awards indicate design is finally breaking out of the box. Wow. Two huge weeks for designers, constructors and our clients. Weeks of awards initiatives and new challenges. Following hard on the heels of the RICS awards, Constructing Excellence presented 11 excellent regional winners showing high standards of architecture and design. This was followed this week by a record 7 regional awards being presented by the RIBA. All show that we have not just been improvi... Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/12/May-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/12/May-15th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood reviews the HCA's plans to kick start a property investment in the UK This column recently talked about the need for innovative thinking to inspire a kick start for the construction industry. It's clear that something needs to be done There has also been a feeling that our sector hasn't received the funding assistance it deserves, particularly when you look at the billions that have been pumped into the banks to keep them afloat. While it doesn't come close to matchi... Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/11/Additional-Member-of-Staff-for-CENE.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/11/Additional-Member-of-Staff-for-CENE.htm Constructing Excellence in the North East are delighted to welcome Leanne to their team. Constructing Excellence in the North East are delighted to welcome Leanne McAngus, to their team. Leanne, who joins from leading mystery shopping company, Amber Arch, started with CENE on Tuesday 5th May and was instantly thrown into the deep end with just three days to go before the fifth annual Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards! This didn't phase her though, and she proved to be an im... Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/10/Constructing-Excellence-in-the-North-East-Awards---Winners-Announced.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/10/Constructing-Excellence-in-the-North-East-Awards---Winners-Announced.htm The North East's biggest construction gathering celebrates excellence in the region. More than 500 people from across the North East construction industry gathered last night (Friday, May 8) for the 2009 Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards. The Awards dinner is the biggest gathering of the construction sector in the region and 520 people from all sections of the industry came together to celebrate successes and excellence. The Newcastle Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park hosted the ... Sat, 09 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/9/May-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/9/May-8th-Journal-Column.htm As the fifth annual Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards approaches, Catriona Lingwood urges the industry to celebrate and start thinking positively about their achievements. It's time to put on the party frocks- dinner suits for the men, unless they're Scottish in which case tradition tends to dictate a bow tie and kilt combination- and celebrate. For those who have forgotten what that word ;quot;celebrate;quot; means, the Wordsworth Concise English Dictionary defines it as ;quo... Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/8/May-1st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/8/May-1st-Journal-Column.htm Gavin Brown, Regional Treasurer of the Chartered Institute of Housing in the North East, reflects on some recent positivity within the construction industry. The construction industry and good news don't seem to go together very often in the media these days, if indeed the words ;quot;good news;quot; are found in relation to any industry at the moment. However, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) appears to be full of it these days. Good news, that is. As many builders have been sent... Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/7/April-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/7/April-24th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence in the North East, urges the public sector to keep the construcion industry afloat. The latest projections that construcion is facing a 12% fall in output - the worst drop on record - are perhaps no surprise. The forecasts by the Construction Products Association says 2009 started with the steepest decline in output since 1980, and in orders since 1983 and they do not suggest positive growth until 2012. It isn't that long sin... Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/6/Latest-April-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/6/Latest-April-Newsletter.htm April's e-news is now available to download. Featuring articles submitted by three of our club members, a range of up and coming events and the introduction of a new ;quot;spotlight on...;quot; feature which reveals some interesting facts about a well known individual within our region's construction industry, this month's e-news makes for some very enjoyable reading. To download click on the link below. AprilNewsletter ... Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/5/April-17th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/5/April-17th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood laments the rise in the cost of materials since the beginning of 2009. ;quot;These increases are far and away the largest I have been faced with in 24 years as a professional construction buyer.;quot; We may be less than four months into 2009, but the comment above by one contractor refers to massive rises in materials prices since the beginning of the year. The contractor in question claims to have been faced with increases from ;pound;75 per cubic metre for concrete ... Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/4/Shortlist-Announced-for-Constructing-Excellence-in-the-North-East-Awards.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/4/Shortlist-Announced-for-Constructing-Excellence-in-the-North-East-Awards.htm The shortlist for the upcoming Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards has now been announced. Constructing Excellence in the North East are delighted to announce the shortlist for their fifth annual Awards, designed to showcase excellence and celebrate the achievements of the North East construction industry. Drawing up the shortlist was a tremendously difficult decision for the judges this year, due to the sheer amount and exceptionally high calibre of the submissions received. ... Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500