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/430/May-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/430/May-24th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the rising number of applications in Architecture ; Building Surveying courses at Northumbria University Year after year, the phrase ;lsquo;skills crisis;rsquo; continues to be one of the main talking points when it comes to discussing employment in the construction industry. Warnings of the ever-decreasing levels of workers in our industry at present, and of the skills our industry will have in the future, can be seen all around us, even more so since the economic... Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/429/May-23rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/429/May-23rd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include forthcoming events on NEC3, Lean Construction, 5 A Side Football Tournament and more To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link May 23rd... Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/428/May-17th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/428/May-17th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the increasing use of Twitter for business I;rsquo;m sure most of you reading this will be regular users of social networking sites, in particular sites like Facebook and Twitter, and know how they are changing the way we communicate as both individuals and businesses. 500 million of us are registered ;lsquo;tweeters;rsquo;, with it estimated that 175 million tweets are sent each day. Sites like this used to be primarily used to keep in touch with family and fr... Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/427/May-16th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/427/May-16th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include return of the Charity Quiz Night, G4C 5 A Side Football Tournament and more... To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link May 16th ... Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/426/CENE-Awards-Twenty-Thirteen---Winners-Announced-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/426/CENE-Awards-Twenty-Thirteen---Winners-Announced-.htm Read this special newsletter to find out the winners/highly commended's from the recent CENE Awards. To view the newsletter please click below: CENE Twenty Thirteen Awards ... Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/424/May-10th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/424/May-10th-Journal-Column.htm Irene Liddle discusses construction contractors Those who know me know how passionate I am about my job. As part of my business consultancy work, I assist construction related contractors to build brilliant businesses, productive people and positive profits, and a few weeks ago, I heard something that deeply saddened me. I found out that a long established, local, sub-contracting business are probably going to lose a ;pound;4 million, four-year contract which they are expecting; a contract wh... Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/425/May-9th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/425/May-9th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features an article from Esh Group along with forthcoming events from RIBA, Watson Burton and APM. To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link May 9th ... Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/423/May-3rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/423/May-3rd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses Construction GDP and why it shows we the UK didn't go into a triple-dip recession A report released last week showed that construction GDP, the total value of all work conducted, dropped by 2.5 per cent in the first three months of this year. Reduced private sector investment, due to a lack of confidence and certainty in the economy, looks to have been a large factor in the fall. A delay in promised funds by the Government also seems to have played a part in the re... Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/422/May-2nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/422/May-2nd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include events from BIM Academy, APS, First Friday and more. To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link May 2nd ... Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/421/April-26th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/421/April-26th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the new regulations to prevent unfair and long payments Last month, a new set of regulations were enforced in England to prevent unfair, long payment periods from occurring, something many of us in construction feel far too often. Applying to both businesses and public authorities, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2013 came into force on March 16 and aims to develop existing regulations on the issue of delayed payments. Existing legislation detai... Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/420/April-25th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/420/April-25th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from Cundall, last chance to book your tickets at the CENE Awards ; events from APS ; G4C NE To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link April 25th ... Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/419/April-19th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/419/April-19th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the impact Margaret Thatcher left in the region for the industry Last Monday, people throughout the country were divided when news of Baroness Margaret Thatcher;rsquo;s death broke. Upon hearing the news, our region in particular felt a spectrum of emotion towards the former Prime Minister, reminiscent of her time in Parliament. The huge number of obituaries that have been released since her death show the late Prime Minister in classic construction settings, fro... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/418/April-18th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/418/April-18th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include events from CENE, Northumbria Uni, Esh Group and the forthcoming CENE Awards To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link April 18th ... Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/416/April-11th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/416/April-11th-Newsletter.htm Read today's newsletter which includes an article from Newcastle College along with forthcoming events on Building Regulations, NEBOSH, ADePT and more To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link April 11th ... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/417/April-12th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/417/April-12th-Journal-Column.htm Mark Siddall discusses energy performances in homes. Over the last number of years, researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University have conducted coheating tests to help determine the problem of heat loss from buildings. They have repeatedly found that homes, built to Part L of the Building Regulations and the various levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes, are not performing as expected. Until recently, the researchers had consistently found that the energy demand of the homes was betwee... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/415/April-5th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/415/April-5th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses this week deaths on construction sites and how these can be avoided During 2011/12, 49 employees were killed whilst working on construction sites, with an additional 2,884 major injuries reported. To try and reduce these figures, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) last month visited, unannounced, over 2,000 construction sites throughout the UK where refurbishment or repair work was being carried out, to ensure high-risk activity, such as working at height, ... Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/413/April-4th-Newsletter-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/413/April-4th-Newsletter-.htm This weeks newsletter includes events from Bank of England, Northumbria University, Muckle LLP and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link April 4th ... Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/414/March-29th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/414/March-29th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses SSIP Construction firms throughout the country have, for a long time, found the procurement process complex and time consuming. A recent survey by Constructionline found thatmore than a third (37 per cent) of construction firms in the North East felt the length of the pre-qualification process was one of their biggest challenges, with nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) saying they wanted a simpler procurement process. One of the main issues constructers said made the ... Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/412/March-28th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/412/March-28th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include NEBOSH training, CENETENDERS Training and Building Regulations along with more forthcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link March 28th ... Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/411/March-21st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/411/March-21st-Newsletter.htm Features this week include events from Assessment North East, NBS, Northumbria Uni and training for the NEBOSH Construction Certificate To view this weeks news please click on the below link March 21st ... Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/410/March-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/410/March-15th-Journal-Column.htm James Ritchie discusses the proposed changes to the CDM Regulations With the North East apparently being the only UK region with a positive balance of payments, we have much to shout about and construction is one area where good things are happening. After many years of hard work, the larger construction companies have realised that running efficient, tidy and safe sites is good for their ;lsquo;bottom line;rsquo;. Health and safety within the construction industry has improved significantly ... Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/409/March-14th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/409/March-14th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include events on Building Regulations, NEBOSH Construction Certificate and Flooding. To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link March 14th ... Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/408/March-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/408/March-8th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses her delight for the industry with the rise in construction orders We;rsquo;re now three months into the year, and figures released at the end of last week show that last year, construction orders increased by 0.4 per cent- a small step in the right direction for the construction industry. The figures also showed that in the fourth quarter of 2012, construction orders increased by 3.4 per cent compared with the previous three months- this represents a ;pound;370m rise... Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/407/March-7th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/407/March-7th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include articles from APS and Constructing Excellence as well as the latest events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the date below March7th ... Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/405/February-28th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/405/February-28th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes events from DWF Law,Assessment North East and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link February 28th ... Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/406/March-1st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/406/March-1st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the horse meat scandal ; how it can affect the way the industry cuts costs We;rsquo;re all getting used to hearing about the ongoing horsemeat scandal. For the past three weeks, everywhere we have looked there has been printed articles and TV coverage keeping us to date with the latest findings. The constant battle to cut costs throughout the supply chain, to get the lowest possible price, is seen as one of the root causes of the horsemeat saga. Numerous produc... Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/404/February-22nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/404/February-22nd-Journal-Column.htm Robert MacLeod discusses The Equality Act 2010 and why does it matter The Equality Act 2010 became law almost three years ago, yet a recent Government survey found that over 80 per cent of private sector businesses - construction included - either had not heard of the Act or knew very little about it. For those of you who are unaware, the Act puts in place various obligations that make employers liable for any acts of discrimination, harassment or victimisation committed by their employees w... Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/403/February-21st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/403/February-21st-Newsletter.htm Features this week include events from Muckle LLP, Room4 Consulting, DWF Law and more. To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link February 21st... Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/402/February-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/402/February-15th-Journal-Column.htm Alan Hymers discusses the risks and prevention methods to flooding Last year was one of the wettest on record with North East England experiencing two inches of rain- around two weeks;rsquo; worth- in just over 15 hours one day in June.A number of severe rain stormscaused mass road closures in and around our region with 15 hour train delays being experienced between London and Edinburgh. Damage caused by flooding is extensive and expensive to rectify, resulting in families being relocated whi... Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/401/February-14th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/401/February-14th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include making the most of your membership, win a bottle of bubbly helping CENE to get more likes for their Twitter ; Facebook page, as well as the latest news ; events. To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link February 14th ... Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/399/February-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/399/February-8th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses schemes to build on success for the region In January 2005, the Government made a pledge to help around 80,000 people into home ownership by 2010. In May 2005, the Labour Government said it hoped to increase this to 110,000. In 2007, a paper titled ;lsquo;Homes for the future ;ndash; more affordable more sustainable;rsquo; vowed to increase the output of new affordable housing by at least 70,000 by 2010-11, which was to include at least 25,000 new shared ownership ... Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/400/February-7th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/400/February-7th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features BES Consulting Engineers progressing their stage with BIM and forthcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link February 7th... Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/398/February-1st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/398/February-1st-Journal-Column.htm Adam Stewart discusses the Green Deal Monday was the official launch of the Government;rsquo;s largest energy efficiency scheme to date, the Green Deal, with people across England, Wales and Scotland able to make their homes more energy efficient without the upfront costs generally associated with carrying out energy efficiency works. The aim of the Green Deal is to decrease energy bills, by reducing a building;rsquo;s consumption of electricity, gas or oilthrough building fabric improvements... Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/397/January-25th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/397/January-25th-Journal-Column.htm Tom Tweddell discusses community benefits within tender document In recent years, construction has had to deal with public sector tenders that have included requirements for various community benefits, ranging from apprenticeships to expanded supply chains- otherwise known as social clauses. In the last year, the public sector has tried to bring community benefits within a more joined up approach of their activities. This has involvedexamining how these additional benefits can be measured thr... Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/396/January-24th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/396/January-24th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from Northumbria Uni on their new internship scheme and events from G4C, CIOB North East and Muckle LLP To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link January 24th ... Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/395/January-18th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/395/January-18th-Journal-Column.htm Peter Tighe discusses the importance of trying not to breach contracts ; how it effects those on either side At the Geneva Group, our customers regularly approach us stating their clients have withheld money because either they have done something wrong or, more specifically, have breached their contract. It is a common misnomer that a breach of contract often leads directly to damages being levied against the party who has breached the contract. This is rarely true. Damages resultant from a... Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/394/January-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/394/January-17th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include changes to the board of directors at DESCO, New Heritage opportunities and events from Muckle's, DWF and RICS To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link January 17th ... Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/393/January-11th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/393/January-11th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses insolvency In 2012, a number of construction companies called on the Government to help protect smaller firms during insolvency problems. As the year ended, it seemed our wishes had been granted when Business Secretary Vince Cable, suggested plans could be made in the near future to change current insolvency rules. Insolvency is the inability to pay debts to debtors, resulting in companies going into liquidation or individuals being declared bankrupt. Insolvency h... Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/392/January-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/392/January-10th-Newsletter.htm The first newsletter of 2013 includes sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 Awards, First Friday and events To view the first newsletter of 2013 please click on the below link January 10th Newsletter ... Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/391/January-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/391/January-4th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the year ahead for the construction industry 2013 is here. A year where we hope construction will finally be recognised for the positive effect it can have on our country;rsquo;s economy. Last year was, without a doubt, another tough year for our industry. However, a new year allows for reflection on the mistakes made in the last twelve months and brings hope for the time ahead. For the coming year, I have four main wishes for construction. Firstly, I would like... Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/390/December-28th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/390/December-28th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood gives us a review of 2012 It;rsquo;s that time of year when everywhere you look there are reviews of the last twelve months and predictions of what we can expect from the coming year. 2012 has been a phenomenal, yet difficult, year for the construction industry. From the outset, this year was set to be a memorable one with Jubilee and Olympics celebrations set to take place. However, for construction, the year began with a bleak outlook, the poor economic climate was beginn... Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/388/December-21st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/388/December-21st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the safety of climbing ; working on ladders At this time of year, the number of people climbing up ladders onto the roofs of houses, just like Santa Claus, increases dramatically. The majority of those using ladders are doing so to put up their outdoor Christmas decorations. Over the festive period, there are more ladder related accidents than any other time in the year. For some unknown reason, some of us seem to lose our sense of danger and forget how hazardou... Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/389/December-20th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/389/December-20th-Newsletter.htm Read the last newsletter of 2012 to hear whats happening in 2013, sponsorship opportunities available for our Awards and First Friday To view the last newsletter of 2012 please click on the below link December 20th ... Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/386/December-14th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/386/December-14th-Journal-Column.htm David Clark discusses discusses energy Do you know how much energy your building uses and whether this is good, bad or average? If you have a landlord, do they provide this information? Making energy use visible to occupants and owners is the first step to saving energy and reducing energy bills. We already have the tools to do this ;ndash; the Display Energy Certificate (DEC) ;ndash; what we are currently lacking is the incentive to publicly display these in commercial buildings. DECs provide... Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/387/December-13th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/387/December-13th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from Cundall, Lend Lease and future events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link December 13th... Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/385/Construction-Industry-celebrates-the-best-of-the-best.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/385/Construction-Industry-celebrates-the-best-of-the-best.htm Constructing Excellence National Awards celebrates success The best in the construction industry were recognised at the sixth Constructing Excellence National Awards in London on November 30. The shortlisted from around the UK attended the prestigious event at London;rsquo;s Guoman Tower hotel on Friday night. The winners from each of Constructing Excellence;rsquo;s Regional Awards were put forward for the National Awards, with 14 awards up for grabs this year. This year;rsquo;s final incl... Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/382/December-7th-Journal-Column-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/382/December-7th-Journal-Column-.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the success of the National Constructing Excellence Awards Last Friday, the best of the construction industry was celebrated at the sixth Constructing Excellence National Awards in London. The ceremony was set against the backdrop of London;rsquo;s Tower Bridge at the impressive Guoman Tower hotel. The winners from the eight regional Constructing Excellence Awards were put forward for the 14 national categories, with nominees coming from all over the UK. ... Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/383/Constructing-Excellence-National-Awards-Winners-Special-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/383/Constructing-Excellence-National-Awards-Winners-Special-.htm Check out the winners from the recent Awards in London To view this special newsletter please click on the below link December 6th... Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/384/December-6th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/384/December-6th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include events like Finanicial Crime in the Construction Industry, 2013 Awards Launch and More To view todays newsletter please click on the below link December 6th... Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/380/November-30th-Journal-Column-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/380/November-30th-Journal-Column-.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the empty homes week This week is Empty Homes Week- a week dedicated to tackling the increasing issue of empty homes all over the country. More or less every day we hear about increasing house prices, how the house market is at a standstill and how for the economy to grow we need to build more houses. Yet how often do we hear about the number of vacant homes that could be used to tackle some of those issues? By empty, we do not always mean abandoned or void propert... Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/381/November-29th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/381/November-29th-Newsletter.htm Features this week includes G4C Quiz reminder, CENE 2013 Awards Launch and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link November 29th... Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/379/November-23rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/379/November-23rd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood dicsusses the new CITB-Construction Skills innovative apprenticeship sharing scheme which has just been announced We all know how hard it is at present for companies to take on new employees and spend resources ;ndash; time and money - training them to the highest standard. With this in mind, I was pleased to see CITB-ConstructionSkills last week announce an innovative apprenticeship-sharing scheme that allows youngsters to be trained by a number of industry professionals. T... Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/378/November-22nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/378/November-22nd-Newsletter.htm Read this weeks newsletter which includes events from Generation 4 Change, CENE launching the 2013 Awards and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link Nov 22nd... Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/377/November-16th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/377/November-16th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Open Doors weekend Last week, a number of leading industry bodies came together to host the first ;lsquo;Open Doors Weekend;rsquo; the industry has ever seen. The initiative was the first of its kind for our sector and intended to raise the profile of construction, challenge stereotypes portrayed in the media and encourage the public, local communities and potential employees to get involved in an ever-changing industry. The event, organised collaborativel... Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/376/November-15th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/376/November-15th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from 4041 Building Contractors, events from RIBA North East, G4C North East and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below: November 15th ... Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/375/November-9th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/375/November-9th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses PQQ process After months of campaigning for a universally standard pre-qualification questionnaire (PPQ), the Publicly Available Specification 91 questionnaire was introduced to the construction industry in 2010. The questionnaire was designed to enable buyers of potential suppliers to assess how suitable companies were. The idea being that in having a universal questionnaire, every organisation would be judged in the same way. It was officially mandated for use f... Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/374/November-8th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/374/November-8th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include upcoming events from Generation 4 Change and Room4 Consulting To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link: November 8th... Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/373/November-2nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/373/November-2nd-Journal-Column.htm Mark Massey discusses the rising costs of living in the city Hundreds of families are moving out of Newcastle every year as a shortage of housing and rising costs make living in the city unaffordable. In 2010, according to the latest available figures, an average of more than 13 families moved out of the city every week.They left behind an imbalanced population with less than a quarter (22.6 per cent) with managerial or professional jobs, compared to a national average of 27.3 per cent.In add... Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/372/November-1st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/372/November-1st-Newsletter.htm Features this week include how to book tickets for the CENE Awards Dinner and forthcoming events from G4C North East and HSE To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link November 1st ... Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/371/October-26th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/371/October-26th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Governments Green Deal 'Golden Rule' On the first of October, the Government launched their largest energy efficiency scheme to date. Described as the biggest home-improvement scheme since World War II, The Green Deal will become available to all households across the UK in the new year. In the current economic climate, we would all like to save a bit more money, and by making our homes more efficient, we can begin to do that. However, to make our homes ;lsqu... Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/370/October-25th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/370/October-25th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features a survey from Northumbria University on Waste along with forthcoming events from improving your sustainability to the new fee for intervention from the HSE To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link October 25th ... Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/368/October-22nd-Journal-Column-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/368/October-22nd-Journal-Column-.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Construction4Growth campaign. Last month, over nine hundred leaders from the construction industry came together to launch a national campaign called ;lsquo;Construction4Growth;rsquo;. The campaign has been designed to boost our industry, ensuring the various construction pledges the Government have made are met, and the economic benefits of the industry are realised. Campaigners will also lobby the Government to increase investment, develop skills and encoura... Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/369/October-18th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/369/October-18th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include forthcoming events such as First Friday, CE National Awards and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link Oct 18th ... Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/366/October-11th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/366/October-11th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include forthcoming events such as BIM for Learners, BIM Intermediate and more... To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link October 11th... Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/367/October-12th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/367/October-12th-Journal-Column.htm Read Catriona Lingwood's column this week discussing reducing carbon At present, one of the biggest discussion points in the construction industry is how we measure the efficiency of sustainable buildings and materials, in contributing to the reduction of the UK;rsquo;s carbon emissions levels. In 2008, the Climate Change Act stated that the UK must reduce its carbon emission by at least 34 per cent by 2020 and cut down greenhouse gas emissions 80 per cent by 2050. To achieve this, the Act ... Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/365/October-5th-Journal-Column-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/365/October-5th-Journal-Column-.htm Jamie Fiveash discusses the UK's biggest pension reform also known as Automatic Enrolment and how this will effect not only you but your employers This month, we will see the first group of an estimated 10 million employees enrolled into a workplace pension scheme. Automatic Enrolment (AE) is the biggest pension reform UK employers and employees will have experienced in decades and requires employers to put in place a suitable workplace pension, automatically enroll eligible workers and contr... Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/364/September-28th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/364/September-28th-Journal-Column.htm Gordon MacPherson discusses the dangers of confined spaces The harsh reality of confined spaces was yet again brought to our attention two weeks ago, when two young men and their father were killed in a slurry pit in Ireland. Many do not realise the dangers of confined spaces with a number of people dying each year because of the unsafe practices of entering or working in them. By confined space, I do not mean a lift or room. A confined space is defined as ;lsquo;any place, including any cham... Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/363/September-27th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/363/September-27th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features an article from Faithful+Gould along with the latest events in the CENE Calendar To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link September 27th... Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/362/September-21st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/362/September-21st-Journal-Column.htm Martin Hawthorne discusses reducing carbon within the home When it comes to achieving the Government;rsquo;s carbon reduction targets, there is no better place to start for most people than in the home. Unless the home in question already benefits from the highest eco standards, such as the German passivhaus levels of efficiency, there is always something that can be done by way of environmental upgrade. However, would it not be easier if all new homes were built to a significant eco standard ... Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/361/September-20th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/361/September-20th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features an article about the dangers of confined spaces, Trade Training Associates apprentice launching his career and forthcoming events To view this week's news please click on the below link: September 20th... Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/360/September-14th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/360/September-14th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses David Cameron's proposed plans to boost the economy Last week saw the Government launch what could be argued as their fourth attempt to boost the economy. Plans to kick start the construction sector, ease a chronic housing shortage and help stimulate the flagging economy were announced but for many it is a case of too little too late. The Government insists the proposed changes will help to improve the state of our economy, in particular giving the construction sec... Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/359/September-13th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/359/September-13th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include B;CE named as Pension Scheme of the Year along with an up to date list of future events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link September 13th ... Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/357/September-7th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/357/September-7th-Journal-Column.htm Joe Ridgeon discusses George Osbournes plan to deregulate planning laws Whilst most of us were out enjoying the last of the summer sunshine on Sunday, Chancellor George Osborne was signalling plans to deregulate planning laws, just months after publishing the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Suggesting that the prospect of developing on Green Belt land may become reality by the end of October, will be seen by many as another U-turn in the Government;rsquo;s decision-making. Only a f... Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/358/September-6th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/358/September-6th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter features articles from F+G, Cundall and forthcoming events To view this weeks newsletter, please ckick on the below link September 6th... Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/355/August-31st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/355/August-31st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Montague Report It is no secret that the UK housing market has been, and still is, in a period of turbulence and although a number of reports have shown that the sector will recover, figures released this month seems to show that things are not improving quite as quickly as we had hoped. The average house price fell by 2.4 per cent in August due to seller;rsquo;s fears of a double dip recession with the number of new houses being built in England also falling f... Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/356/August-30th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/356/August-30th-Newsletter.htm Features this week focus on BIM events in the region and other events To view this weeks news please click on the following link August 30th ... Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/354/August-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/354/August-24th-Journal-Column.htm Stephen Hamil discusses BIM How and when the UK emerges from recession is still far from clear but one thing for certain is that the construction industry will play a key part in stimulating future economic growth and employment. The significant contribution the sector makes to the North East economy, accounting for 10% of regional GDP, is no news to regular readers of this column, nor is the on-going battle to maintain output and prevent further job losses. What they might not be aware of th... Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/353/August-23rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/353/August-23rd-Newsletter.htm This week features events from Andrew Thomas, Room4 Consulting, Watson Burton and more...read on to find out details To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link www.cenenews.co.uk/newsletter.php... Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/352/August-17th-Journal-Column-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/352/August-17th-Journal-Column-.htm Peter Buchan discusses the future of the built environment In June, we at Ryder Architecture instigated a debate with a group of cross industry professionals focused on the future of the built environment, with the overarching view of forging a new approach to education and practice for the sector. In my opinion, educational institutions across the built environment need to rethink the ways in which they train students to engage with industry. There is much need for a radical change if we are... Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/351/August-16th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/351/August-16th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from Ryder Architecture as well as forthcoming events To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link August 16th... Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/349/August-10th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/349/August-10th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona discusses the new City Deal and how this is a positive boost for the region Last month, at a time when the UK and international economy is facing a low level of growth, a series of deals with core cities in the country to help them invest in improving critical infrastructure, local skillsets, creating jobs, while crucially supporting local businesses was announced by the Government. With Newcastle being one of these core cities to receive the ;lsquo;City Deal;rsquo;, the possible impa... Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/350/August-9th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/350/August-9th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include forthcoming events such as Customer Service Excellence and the new series of Raising Your Game workshops To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link August 9th ... Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/347/August-3rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/347/August-3rd-Journal-Column.htm Paul Crowther discusses the success of launching G4C as well as FaulknerBrowns success in designing world class facilty for the Olympics Constructing Excellence;rsquo;s regional group Generation for Change, otherwise known as G4C, brings together the younger generation of construction industry professionals with the overarching aim of improving future working practices and driving the positive change the industry needs. Established with people who are in the early stages of their career, G4C ... Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/348/August-2nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/348/August-2nd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from Cundall as well forthcoming events from Room4 Consulting and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link August 2nd ... Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/346/July-27th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/346/July-27th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the second quarters figures for Construction Architecture was one of the many sectors in the construction industry hit hard when the country went into recession back in 2008. Building budgets were severely slashed and a number of companies were forced to cut jobs and eventually close due to the lack of work and funding available. The impact of the recession can still be felt all around the country, with a number of forecast reports showing very little to look forw... Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/345/July-26th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/345/July-26th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features includes info on CENE's new structure and upcoming events To view this weeks news please click below July 26th... Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/344/July-20th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/344/July-20th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the decreasing number in upcoming students enrolling into Construction courses at University I have written before about the current state of the construction industry, particularly in our region, and the lasting impact it will have going forward. Last week, the Universities ;amp; Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) released figures showing that the number of students applying to study architectural courses at university has dropped significantly compared to this time... Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/343/July-19th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/343/July-19th-Newsletter.htm Todays newsletter includes an article from The NBS, Cundall, Hartlepool College as well as upcoming events To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link July 19th... Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/342/July13th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/342/July13th-Journal-Column.htm Christine Thornley discusses the recent RIBA report on how our industry is in danger of becoming a profession only accessible to the wealthiest of students. A recent report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed that our industry is in danger of becoming a profession only accessible to the wealthiest of students. With increasing student fees and the poor economic climate, students from lower income backgrounds are becoming increasingly deterred. The report, which lo... Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/341/July-12th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/341/July-12th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include articles from Coast ; Country, Faithful+Gould and Cundall whilst also forthcoming events. To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link July 12th... Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/340/July-6th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/340/July-6th-Journal-Column.htm Paul Taylor discusses the new Biz Generator programme and launching an event to increase business sales A competitive and successful construction sector is critical to our region. Major construction projects boost regional economies and supports vital job creation and growth. With construction contributing ;pound;6.2 billion to the North East economy annually, helping construction industry colleagues to compete effectively against tough competition and to bid successfully for contracts is a pr... Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/339/July-5th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/339/July-5th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article on the Charity Quiz Night, Biz Generator event and more. To view this week's news please click on the below link July 5th... Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/337/June-29th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/337/June-29th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses a possibility of another downturn in employment within the construction industry After an already challenging few years, the construction industry looks set to go through another upheaval. A recent report showed national construction levels will fall by 3 per cent during 2012 with a further 45,000 skilled workers and trades people expected to lose their jobs. The annual Construction Skills Network report, conducted by CITB-ConstructionSkills in partnership with a nu... Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/338/June-28th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/338/June-28th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include changes happening to CENE, BIM events, G4C events and more. To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link June 28th... Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/335/June-21st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/335/June-21st-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include upcoming events from APS, Corepeople Recruitment, BIM Academy and more To view the latest news please click on the below link June 21st... Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/336/June-22nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/336/June-22nd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the 'Bedroom Tax' and the effect on the social housing industry Of all the changes that the Government announced for its Welfare Reform Act, I think the potential impacts of the ;lsquo;bedroom tax;rsquo; have been the most controversial. Due to come into effect in April 2013, the consequences of this new under-occupancy tax have seemingly not been thought through fully in terms of the ramifications it will have on social housing tenants. Under the bedroom tax, ... Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/334/June-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/334/June-15th-Journal-Column.htm Daniel O'Mahoney talks about Localism Act and how it effects the community In the past, if the public wanted to protest about a new development the choices were limited. However, two recent pieces of reform are aiming to change that. The Localism Act and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have both been designed to give more power to the people when it comes to developers being granted planning approval on new schemes. As it stands, there are some significant flaws in the plan... Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/333/June-14th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/333/June-14th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes forthcoming events from Corepeople Recruitment, Waterstons, APS, Bradley O'Mahoney and more To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link June 14th... Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/332/June-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/332/June-8th-Journal-Column.htm Peter Tighe discusses a case between a subcontractor and contractor In a relatively recent case of the Technology and Construction Court, Mr Justice Coulson was required to decide on a matter which involved a contractor claiming damages from its subcontractor because of an alleged implied term in relation to interim progress. The case involved a groundworks contractor who was under subcontract to a main contractor, the material obligations of which were to start work in September 2010, take 46... Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/331/June-7th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/331/June-7th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include upcoming events from Waterstons, BIM Academy, Bradley O'Mahoney and the Charity Quiz Night To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link: June 7th ... Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/330/June-1st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/330/June-1st-Journal-Column.htm Rob Hirst discusses the worrying cause of Asbestos to building sites in the North East During February and March 2012, the Health ;amp; Safety Executive carried out a targeted inspection campaign visiting over 3200 refurbishment sites across the UK. Here in the North East, Inspectors visited a total of 215 sites and had to take formal enforcement action at 56 of these sites by issuing Enforcement Notices either to prohibit work activities, or to get matters put right. Alarmingly 30 of these not... Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/329/May-31st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/329/May-31st-Newsletter.htm Features this week include Sandcastle Challenge, Jubliee June Membership Offer and exciting new events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below: May 31st... Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/328/May-25th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/328/May-25th-Journal-Column.htm Lynda Peacock discusses the housing sector Having worked in housing development for more years than I care to remember, we in the sector find ourselves in without question a worse recession than that of the nineties. In my mind, the Coalitions;rsquo; somewhat timid attempt at planning reform will not help solve this present crisis, and evidence from the Institute of Economic Affairs, supports this stating that not enough is actually being done to help reduce the extraordinarily high cost of ... Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/327/May-24th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/327/May-24th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features includes news from Mackellar Architecture, Willmott Dixon along with upcoming events To view this weeks news please click on the link below: May 24th... Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/325/May-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/325/May-17th-Newsletter.htm This week includes upcoming events from UKTI, CENE Club, Quiz Night To view this weeks newsletter please click the below May 17th... Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/326/May-18th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/326/May-18th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood PassivHaus homes The Government has committed to reducing all carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and it is estimated that housing in the UK accounts for 27% of all carbon emissions. Housing research and development organisation NHBC Foundation, together with the Zero Carbon Hub, has charted the energy savings that could potentially be achieved from living in different types of energy efficient new homes following its UK-wide research into consumer attitudes towards zero carbon... Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/324/CENE-Announce-Awards-Winners.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/324/CENE-Announce-Awards-Winners.htm To view the winners from the recent CENE Awards please follow the link To view please click below: May 14th... Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/322/May-11th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/322/May-11th-Journal-Column.htm Helen Watson speaks about the NESRB upcoming event The North East Sustainable Resources Board (NESRB) was established to provide leadership and vision to promote and develop the concept of waste as a resource, as well as maximising the commercial opportunities from those resources. The concept for the Board arose following a study which assessed partnership-working on sustainable resource management and waste projects in the region. Despite a strong network of agencies and organisations, the ... Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/323/May-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/323/May-10th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include APS Awards and events from APS, CECA, G4C and Antoinette Oglethorpe To view this week's newsletter please click on the link below: May 10th... Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/321/Northumbria-Universitys-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/321/Northumbria-Universitys-Newsletter.htm To view the first edition of Northumbria University's newsletter please click on the link below N.University... Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/320/May-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/320/May-4th-Journal-Column.htm Ross Smith discusses the NECC's new report; Unlocking the barriers One of the stated aims of the current Government is to address the relatively large role played by the public sector in the North East compared to other regions. The most obvious approach to achieving this has been to make substantial cuts to public sector budgets, while initiatives such as the Regional Growth Fund and enterprise zones are designed to increase private sector investment. It is too early to judge the long ter... Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/319/May-3rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/319/May-3rd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from Constructing Excellence and upcoming events from Environmental Academy, G4C and Antoinette Oglethorpe To view this week's newsletter please click on the link below: May 3rd... Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/318/April-27th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/318/April-27th-Journal-Column.htm Stuart Anderson discusses roles of gas engineers The recent conviction of an experienced gas engineer for Manslaughter by Gross Negligence has again highlighted the stark importance of continual training and monitoring of engineers. Investigations revealed that Andrew Hartley had failed to correctly secure a gas flue to the turret elbow when installing a new boiler which led to the unfortunate death of 24-year-old Zoe Anderson from monoxide poisoning. From the smallest of domestic services... Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/317/April-26th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/317/April-26th-Newsletter.htm This weeks featues includes upcoming events from Corepeople Recruitment, G4C North East and Watson Burton To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link April 26th... Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/315/April-19th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/315/April-19th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter features forthcoming events with Corepeople Recruitment, G4C North East, Antoinette Oglethorpe and more! To view this week's newsletter please click on the link below April 19th... Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/316/April-20th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/316/April-20th-Journal-Column.htm Graham Smith discusses his delight for Gentoo in becoming one of the first Green Deal pioneers Earlier this month, a group of twenty-two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) pledging to become the first Green Deal pioneers. The group, which consisted of a range of organisations that intend to deliver the Green Deal, including Gentoo, will work closely with DECC to ensure that the operational processes behind the Green Deal ... Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/314/April-13th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/314/April-13th-Journal-Column.htm Peter Tighe discusses arbitration The selection of a particular dispute resolution strategy or platform (adjudication, arbitration litigation etc.) in the UK construction industry can be somewhat of a minefield. The majority of the industry would accept that over the past 10 years, adjudication has become the primary method of dispute resolution. Whilst adjudication is unequivocally beneficial to the industry, just like any other dispute resolution platform, it is not without its faults. Part... Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/313/April-12th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/313/April-12th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes upcoming events from UKTI, G4C, EEIF and the Charity Quiiz Returns! To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link April 12th... Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/312/April-6th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/312/April-6th-Journal-Column.htm Ian Cooper discusses the future of A-Levels Education Secretary Michael Gove caused a stir this week with the announcement that he intends to give universities a greater role in designing A-levels in the near future, but we in the construction industry would like to see the importance of Employers recognised in this debate. I am a firm believer in bringing the younger generation up through the industry by way of learning ;lsquo;on the job;rsquo;. Academic achievement is not synonymous with emp... Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/310/March-29th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/310/March-29th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include upcoming events and feedback from the Environmental Management Support Initiative To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link March 29th... Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/311/March-30th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/311/March-30th-Journal-Column.htm Rita Callender discusses the new Environmental Management Support Initiative which will support SMEs in the North East The Environmental Sector is expanding from an increasing concern about climate change and pollution. As a result, environmental regulation is getting tighter and affects more businesses than ever before. Governments, businesses, industry and individuals are adjusting in order to reduce their impact on the environment. This week saw The Environmental Academy working with Co... Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/309/March-23rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/309/March-23rd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the National Planning Policy Framework Planning shapes the places where people live and work and plays a vital role in building our economy and supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities. So, to me, the red tape that surrounds the planning process should really be as liberating as possible. In the run up to Chancellor George Osborne;rsquo;s Budget announcement this week, there were more and more questions raised in our industry about the effects the propose... Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/308/March-22nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/308/March-22nd-Newsletter.htm News this week includes an article from Faithful+Gould and info on forthcoming events To view this weeks news please click on the following link March 22nd ... Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/306/March-16th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/306/March-16th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Sunday Times Top 100 companies to work for The most comprehensive survey of workplace opinion in the country has been announced this week ;ndash; The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to work for. Being on one of these prestigious lists brings with it several benefits to an employer - it gives their staff something they can be proud of; improves motivation, retention and productivity. Research has also shown that employee engagement directly affects their customer... Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/307/March-15th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/307/March-15th-Newsletter.htm This week's newsletter contains an article on Cundall turning Red for charity and forthcoming events This week's newsletter contains an article on Cundall turning Red for charity and forthcoming events www.cenenews.co.uk/newsletter.php ... Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/305/March-9th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/305/March-9th-Journal-Column.htm Andrew Milnes discusses the Generation for Change Are you in the early stages of your career in the built environment? Are you finding it hard to have your voice heard and make real changes in the industry? If so, Generation for Change, or G4C, would like to welcome you to our launch event to tell you who we are and what we want to achieve with Built Environment professionals like you. The UK construction industry has never needed its future generation as much as it needs it now.Consider ... Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/304/March-8th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/304/March-8th-Newsletter.htm This weeks news includes an article from B;CE, the VAR Initiative and forthcoming events To view this weeks news please click on the link below: March 8th... Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/303/March-2nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/303/March-2nd-Journal-Column.htm Malcolm Wright discusses how more and more companies/individuals are now going to work abroad In these exceptionally challenging times for our industry, particularly in this region where the pipeline of prospects and availability of ;lsquo;war chests;rsquo; is at its lowest levels in recent memory, the attraction of extending business interests beyond the borders of the UK is stronger than ever. Considering opportunities in foreign markets can be daunting, exciting and challenging. When we ar... Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/302/March-1st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/302/March-1st-Newsletter.htm This weeks news includes an article from RenewPlus as well as the upcoming events such as ConstructED, BEIN and G4C NE Launch To view the newsletter please click on the link below: March 1st... Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/300/February-23rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/300/February-23rd-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include an article from Faithful+Gould and upcoming events To view this week's newsletter please click below: 24th February... Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/301/February-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/301/February-24th-Journal-Column.htm Ian Cansfield discusses the new CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a new charge that local authorities in England and Wales will be empowered to charge on most types of new development. The government set out proposals to reform the Community Infrastructure Levy in the Localism Bill, which received Royal Assent in November 2011 becoming the Localism Act. The money received through CIL can be used to fund a wide range of infrastructure that is need... Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/299/February-17th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/299/February-17th-Journal-Column.htm Douglas Kell discusses the vocational education system within the Built Environment industry. Recent news that the engineering diploma will be downgraded in value from five GCSEs to one could augur badly for this country;rsquo;s recovery, without some parallel adjustment. Education Secretary Michael Gove confirmed the step last month after Professor Alison Wolf reviewed the vocational education system. Before entering parliament, he was in journalism; she is an academic. Nowhere have I read t... Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/298/February-16th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/298/February-16th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include upcoming events and articles about an Introduction on CENE and new offerings To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link: February 16th... Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/296/February-9th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/296/February-9th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include upcoming events, latest news and tender opportunities To view this week's newsletter please click on the link below February 9th... Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/297/February-10th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/297/February-10th-Journal-Column.htm Christine Thornley discusses the recent RIBA Architects Journal Survey Last month, shocking data from The Architects' Journal;rsquo;s first Women in Architecture survey showed that almost two-thirds of women believe the building industry has yet to accept the authority of the female architect. The results from the survey make for quite depressing reading for women in architecture, and don;rsquo;t exactly make for an enlightened modern profession in 2012. Of course, for us female architects... Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/294/February-3rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/294/February-3rd-Journal-Column.htm Ian Brimer discusses North East Procurements new programmes and keeping apprentices in work In this day and age, businesses need to answer to two aspects of their operations. Firstly, the quality and efficiency of their management ;ndash; in terms of both people and processes. Secondly, the nature and scale of their impact on society and the communities we live in. This latter aspect is what we know as corporate social responsibility (CSR). It is the way in which companies manage the processes... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/295/February-2nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/295/February-2nd-Newsletter.htm This weeks news includes how construction workers can claim back tax and upcoming events To view this week's news please click on the link below February 2nd... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/293/January-27th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/293/January-27th-Journal-Column.htm Simon Lewis discusses the new CIOB Small Works Contract I am a firm believer that works contracts should be fit for purpose and as user friendly as possible. We;rsquo;re not all lawyers. We shouldn;rsquo;t have to be, to be able to understand a contract that we have to use on a daily basis; all contractors, whatever their size, should be able to easily interpret them. As we all know in the construction industry, it is vital to keep all works contracts both as up to date as possible - to in... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/292/January-26th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/292/January-26th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features a new added on benefit for members, last week of the sale and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click below January 26th... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/291/January-20th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/291/January-20th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Governments Red Tape Challenge Regulation is a good thing. It protects consumers, employers and employees, and the environment. It helps us to build a more fair society, and can even save lives. But over the years as we all know, regulations ;ndash; and the inspections and bureaucracy that go with them ;ndash; have built up and up! But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our industry is being given a chance to comment on building regulations as part of ... Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/290/January-19th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/290/January-19th-Newsletter.htm Read this weeks news to find out how to claim tax refunds, Red Tape Challenge and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link: January 19th... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/289/January-13th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/289/January-13th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how important it is not to miss the HMRC deadline for tax One penalty worth missing It's tax self assessment time again. The Construction Industry has long had a reputation for complexity when it comes to personal tax affairs so it may be understandable, but not excusable, that those needing to self-assess their tax leave it to the last minute. The great danger is in missing HMRC;rsquo;s deadline of 31 January for submitting your tax return. File your return a da... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/288/January-12th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/288/January-12th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from the APS, upcoming events such as Bid Writing, BEIN Launch (help with working overseas) and more To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below: January 12th... Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/287/January-6th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/287/January-6th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the upcoming prestigious North East CENE Awards The search is on for companies and organisations making their mark in the North East;rsquo;s Built Environment. Constructing Excellence in the North East;rsquo;s eighth annual awards will celebrate what is being achieved in the sector across the whole of the region. The current economic climate may be tough, but there still are plenty of success stories that deserve to be shouted about. In fact, it is probably now ... Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/286/January-5th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/286/January-5th-Newsletter.htm Featuring in the first newsletter for 2012 are upcoming events such as Bid Writing, Funding Debate, Controlling Fumes and BEIN Launch To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below January 5th... Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/285/December-30th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/285/December-30th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the outlook for the construction industry next year 2011 has certainly been a challenging year for the construction sector.Growth was hampered by planning barriers, weak credit conditions, and the scaling down of public sector investments and expenditure. A recent survey, conducted by hire company Speedy Services in conjunction with the Confederation of British Industry, outlined the negativity running through the sector especially for SMEs, which seemed to be hit t... Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/284/December-23rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/284/December-23rd-Journal-Column.htm Steven Ord discusses the Peoples Pension The most significant changes to workplace pensions in decades are now less than a year away. Auto-enrolment is being implemented to encourage more people to save towards retirement. These fundamental changes require companies to meet certain legal requirements that will bring complexities and challenges in terms of cost, administration and employee engagement. Companies, in all sectors including construction, will need to plan now how best to i... Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/283/December-16th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/283/December-16th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how the weather interrupts the construction industry Looking at weather forecasts it appears that the bad weather is finally on its way and I;rsquo;m sure the construction industry is collectively praying that we do not have a repeat of last year. You may vividly remember the more picturesque, yet chaotic, scenes last year. The snow was falling thick and fast, and while young children were revelling in the winter wonderland, there was an extremely audible groan fro... Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/282/December-15th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/282/December-15th-Newsletter.htm The final newsletter for 2011 includes NVQ funding available, Winter Sale and upcoming events in the New Year To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below: December 15th... Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/281/December-9th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/281/December-9th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the concerns over housing shortages The demand for housing is expected to grow by more than 200,000 homes a year, of which only 100,000 are currently being built. However the Government;rsquo;s recent Autumn Statement outlined its new housing strategy which aims to address this housing crisis.The Prime Minister and his Deputy have hailed the new initiative as a sign of the coalition;rsquo;s determination to reverse the slow rate of property building. The strateg... Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/280/December-8th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/280/December-8th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article about G4C North East, Theatre Royal Site Visit as well as upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below: December 8th... Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/279/December-2nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/279/December-2nd-Journal-Column.htm Peter Tighe discusses construction adjudications In theory, construction adjudication should be a relatively low cost method of dispute resolution.However, unlike in litigation or arbitration, it generally requires the disputing parties to bear their own legal costs.Therefore, it can turn out to be an expensive option. Whatever the outcome of the award, a party may be left with a relatively large legal bill which is not in proportion to the amount of money in dispute. This legal bill must be ... Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/278/December-1st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/278/December-1st-Newsletter.htm This week includes an article from Constructing Excellence, Crutes Law and Business opportunities in the Middle East To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link December 1st... Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/277/November-25th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/277/November-25th-Journal-Column.htm Paul Oldridge discusses youth unemployment So, youth unemployment has exceeded one million for the first time in nearly 20 years. It may seem that this is unsurprising, considering the state of the economy in the last few years, but it is wholly unacceptable nonetheless. If businesses sit back and accept this statistic as simply another indicator of the UK economy and the problems it has faced, we will find ourselves gradually slipping into a skills void as experienced people leave the work... Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/276/November-24th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/276/November-24th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include article from B;CE, Cundall and upcoming events. To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link November 24th... Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/275/November-18th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/275/November-18th-Journal-Column.htm Phil Young discusses FiT's In April 2010, the Government introduced feed-in tariffs (FiTs) ;ndash; payments to households and companies that generated their own energy ;ndash; to encourage the installation of renewable energy technology such as solar panel roofing. So far, they have proved to be a significant driver of investment in green energy generation. However, the scheme has been a victim of its own success. Despite announcing that the tariff would remain unchanged until April 2012, the ... Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/274/November-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/274/November-17th-Newsletter.htm This week features an article from SES as well as feedback from Working at Height and Mock Mediation To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below: 17th November... Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/273/November-11th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/273/November-11th-Journal-Column.htm Stephen Larkin discusses the new pledge from the Government for Infrastructure Improvements The North East securing a multi-million pound funding pledge from the Government for infrastructure improvements is welcome news indeed for the region. A total of more than ;pound;22m - ;pound;5.69m for the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and ;pound;16.71m for the North Eastern LEP ;ndash; is available in the region to help kick-start projects that have been delayed due to the economy. Good ... Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/272/November-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/272/November-10th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes upcoming events such as Mock Mediation, Working at Height, CENE Awards Launch, Environmental Impact Assessment and more To view this weeks newsletter please click the link below November 10th... Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/271/November-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/271/November-4th-Journal-Column.htm Rob Langley discusses Mediation Mediation is frequently favoured by parties involved in a dispute as a way of resolving their differences without full recourse to the courts. Mediation is less combative than a court setting and is more geared towards getting parties to find common ground and look at the positive aspects and the best resolution for both parties.Due to this, 80% of all cases that enter mediation are settled unlike the litigation process which is unpredictable, produces winners... Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/270/November-3rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/270/November-3rd-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include articles from Esh Group, EC Harris and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below November 3rd... Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/269/October-28th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/269/October-28th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Green Construction Board The Green Construction Board (GCB), which is co-chaired by business minister Mark Prisk and the chief executive of Lend Lease EMEA Dan Labbad, had its first meeting this week. The GCB will work in tandem with the government and UK construction industry to develop and put in place a long-term strategy framework to encourage sustainable growth and green innovation within the construction industry. This affiliation should be welcomed a... Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/268/October-27th-Newsletter-.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/268/October-27th-Newsletter-.htm This week\'s newsletter includes Northumbria Uni Students success at BIM Academy and upcoming events To view this week's newsletter please click the link below: October 27th If you would like to be added to our database please go to contact us page and enter your details.... Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/267/October-21st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/267/October-21st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the National Planning Policy Framework This week saw an end to the ten-week consultation period on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The changes to the NPPF aims to reform and simplify planning law for local communities and succeeded in cutting more than 1,000 pages of policy down to just 52. The Department of Communities and Local Government argues that this more streamlined version of the planning system will provide more affordable homes and ma... Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/266/October-20th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/266/October-20th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include an article from Gentoo Group and upcoming events To view this week's newsletter please click on the below link October 20th... Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/265/October-14th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/265/October-14th-Journal-Column.htm Peter Tighe discusses the changes to the Construction Act This month, amendments were made to the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and the Scheme for Construction Contracts (England and Wales) Regulations 1998. The Act and Scheme have remained untouched for the last 12 years so these changes are rather significant. Among other things, the amendments have created new payment provisions which must be incorporated into a construction contract. If not then all payment provisi... Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/264/October-13th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/264/October-13th-Newsletter.htm This week's features includes upcoming events from CENE, CECA, EEIF and Hay ; Kilner. To view more details please click the below link October 13th... Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/263/October-7th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/263/October-7th-Journal-Column.htm Rita Callender discusses going 'green' With environmental awareness becoming increasingly necessary, one of the oldest sayings in the book has never been so apt; ;lsquo;Waste not, want not;rsquo;. ;lsquo;Going green;rsquo; are buzzwords businesses hear often, but recent research has shown that many are doing little to monitor their carbon footprint. More than 100 construction products businesses were recently questioned and nearly all of them recognised that sustainability is instrumenta... Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/260/October-6th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/260/October-6th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include news from Cundall ; Crutes Law as well as the upcoming events To view the latest newsletter please click the below link October 6th ... Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/262/September-30th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/262/September-30th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses Ed Balls new 'Five Point Plan' Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls announced his five-point plan to kick-start the economy, at the Labour Party Conference this week. Point four of the plan called for an immediate one year cut in VAT from 20% to 5% on home improvements, repairs and maintenance. This move would greatly benefit the construction and refurbishment industry and the announcement was welcomed by the building sector for which this issue has been the focus of a ... Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/259/September-29th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/259/September-29th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include Morgan Sindall's Meet the Buyer event along with the latest news To view the latest newsletter please click the below link September 29th... Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/261/September-23rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/261/September-23rd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Governments scheme to help open up new opportunities for businesses within the UK Construction companies are used to having to deal with the peaks and troughs and the cyclical nature of the business environment in which they operate. At the same time, within in their businesses, they strive for service and product excellence by focusing on continuity when it comes to their policies, procedures and practices. It would benefit not only the construction sector, ... Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/257/September-22nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/257/September-22nd-Newsletter.htm This weeks features upcoming events such as KPI, Construction Act and more. To read more about the latest news and events from CENE please click on the link below September 22nd... Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/255/September-16th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/255/September-16th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how to make homes as energy efficient as we can At a time when power prices are soaring the need for people to make their homes as energy efficient as possible has never been more timely. It is also important that the carbon footprint of properties is reduced as we strive to protect the environment for future generations. However, while much of the focus seems to be on the consequences of not saving the planet we also must consider the monetary cost of making home... Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/256/September-15th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/256/September-15th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include Meet the Buyer, Save Money, Save Carbon, KPI Launch and more events. To view this weeks newsletter please click the below link September 15th... Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/254/September-9th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/254/September-9th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how home ownership will decrease to 63.8% over the next decade This country seems to be obsessed with home ownership unlike some of its European counterparts where renting is the norm. Home ownership in England will slump to just 63.8% over the next decade- the lowest level since the mid 1980s - as an entire generation is effectively locked out of the housing market, according to a new study. Huge deposits, combined with high house prices and strict lending criteri... Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/253/September-8th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/253/September-8th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes an article from Esh Group and forthcoming events such as Retrofit the Region Conference. To view this weeks newsletter please click the below link September 8th ... Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/252/September-2nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/252/September-2nd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how important it is for companies to change effectively to ensure they have a committed and loyal workforce ready to embrace post recession opportunities In the current financial climate, some companies in the construction sector are having to reduce overheads and lay off staff to survive until the economic upturn emerges. The natural reaction for many employers is to concentrate on those who are losing their job. Often they lose sight of those who remain with th... Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/251/August-26th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/251/August-26th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses apprentices in the Construction industry and why it is important they are recognised The need for employers to cultivate and nurture new talent is vital to ensure that companies are ready to capitalise on the opportunities that will emerge when the recession comes to an end. GT Contracts, a North East-based interiors company, is leading the way in the development of young people through continued support of those who choose to follow a career path in the constructi... Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/250/August-19th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/250/August-19th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood is disappointed with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as they get their figures wrong As the American writer Mark Twain once noted: ;ldquo;there are three kinds of lies ;ndash; lies, damned lies and statistics;rdquo;. This adage of treating statistics with caution was certainly reflected in recent data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The construction industry was somewhat taken aback by the information, which indicated what appeared to be a m... Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/249/August-18th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/249/August-18th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news includes forthcoming events such as Retrofit the Region Conference, Asbestos Awareness and our Charity Race Day To view this weeks e-news please click below August 18th... Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/248/August-12th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/248/August-12th-Journal-Column.htm Ross Smith discusses how Local Authorities should be making it easier for local firms to bid for work Constructing Excellence in the North East today is adding its weight to the calls for local authorities in the region to make it easier for local firms to bid for work. Research published in 2007 revealed that a mere 45 per cent of the ;pound;3.5bn of public sector work contracted out in the region is won by local companies. Tender criteria, such as setting a minimum turnover for applicants a... Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/246/August-11th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/246/August-11th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include upcoming events and articles from Mosedale Gillatt Architects, Esh Group and CSkills To view this weeks newsletter please click August 11th... Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/245/August-4th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/245/August-4th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include articles from Niven Architects, Wates Living Space, Sanderson Weatherall and WorldSkills UK To view this weeks newsletter please click below: August 4th... Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/244/July-29th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/244/July-29th-Journal-Column.htm John Nielsen discusses the safety on site Safety is of paramount importance on construction sites from wearing the correct personal protection equipment for a particular job to scaffolding being erected in the proper manner. This is a serious issue as the most recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive revealed that the number of workers killed in the construction industry last year had increased. HSE provisional data for the year April 2010 to March 2011, showed the number of w... Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/243/July-28th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/243/July-28th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include an article from Mosedale Architects as well as upcoming events. To view the newsletter please click the link below July 28th... Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/242/July-22nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/242/July-22nd-Journal-Column.htm Neil McMillan discusses the importance of the workforce in any industry It is often said that the best thing about the North East is the people. The warm welcome and friendly accent give the region a great external image, but for those investing in the North East, it is the strong work ethic and passion for quality which really inspires. This is a huge draw and reflects the two-way relationship the region can have with large scale businesses and development. The workforce available can be ... Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/241/July-21st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/241/July-21st-Newsletter.htm This weeks features includes articles from Turney-Wylde Construction, Maia Evolution and Ronfell Group To view this weeks newsletter please click the link below July 21st... Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/239/July-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/239/July-15th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses Retrofitting Retrofitting is a term that is becoming more prevalent within the construction sector. Involving the installation of energy-saving measures in older housing, it is being seen as an avenue that could help stimulate the industry and prove an alternative revenue stream for some construction companies. A new generation of retrofit programmes are likely to be triggered by the Government;rsquo;s Green Deal carbon emission reduction programme. The aim is t... Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/240/July-14th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/240/July-14th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include future events such as Retrofit the Region Conference, Equality ; Diversity and more.... To view this week's newsletter please click the below link July 14th... Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/238/July-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/238/July-8th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses BIM (Building Information Modelling) Developments in technology can be dismissed as too new fangled, too expensive or too onerous to learn how to master. However, industries that reject innovations out of hand without weighing up the benefits do so at their peril. Building Information Modelling (BIM), although far from being a new concept, is a process that is beginning to make an impact in the construction sector. The Government has said that it aims to use ... Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/237/July-7th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/237/July-7th-Newsletter.htm This week includes articles from _space Group and Artis Consulting To view this weeks newsletter please click below July 7th... Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/235/July-1st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/235/July-1st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses reducing water consumption Making the best and most effective use of resources makes good business sense for all sectors and the construction industry is no exception. The aim is for the industry to cut water consumption by 20% by 2012 compared to 2008 levels with the authors of the Forum;rsquo;s report hoping to help those in the sector achieve that goal. Their advice breaks down into three key areas ;ndash; value for money, the work environment and habit. T... Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/236/June-30th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/236/June-30th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include articles from APS, FHM and Kinetic Engineers To view this weeks newsletter please click the below link June 30th... Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/234/June-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/234/June-24th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Governments response to the IGT report It is heartening to learn the Government sees that an efficient, effective and profitable construction industry is at the heart of any growing economy. It has also pledged that a key priority for the year ahead is to boost confidence in the sector to encourage investment and growth. These comments are contained in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills;rsquo; response to the industry;rsquo;s Innovation Growt... Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/233/June-23rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/233/June-23rd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include how much we raised for the NE Charity Quiz and an article from Dunelm Property Services To view this weeks newsletter please click the link below June 23rd... Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/232/June-17th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/232/June-17th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the announcement made by the Governement to sell surplus land to house builders The announcement by the Government to sell off surplus land to house builders was particularly timely as it came at the same time as a report revealed housing projects were in decline. The statistics unveiled by construction industry analyst Glenigan made particularly gloomy reading. Its report said that private housing project starts were down 32 per cent for the three months to May ... Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/231/June-16th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/231/June-16th-Newsletter.htm Features this week includes articles from DESCO, RIBA, Wates and Nigel Wright To view this weeks newsletter please click the below link June 16th... Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/230/June-10th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/230/June-10th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how reducing 20% of the construction will help the Government and the construction industry ;ldquo;The commitment to reduce the cost of construction by 20% is no small thing, but it will help the government and the construction industry. This strategy will stimulate growth by enabling more to be constructed within the funds available.;rdquo; These comments from Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude outlined a key element of the Government Construction Strategy, and ... Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/229/June-9th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/229/June-9th-Newsletter.htm This week's newsletter includes upcoming events To view the newsletter please click the link below: June 9th... Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/228/June-3rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/228/June-3rd-Journal-Column.htm Phil Hughes talks about the success of the Hub in Barnard Castle. For those of us who live in the communities in which we work, it seems only common sense that what we do leaves a positive lasting legacy. In construction, this is as important as with anything else we do in life. When we are gone, our children and grandchildren should be able to benefit from and enjoy the buildings we have created, and we should use the tools at our disposal to ensure the facilities are as sustainable as possi... Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/227/June-2nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/227/June-2nd-Newsletter.htm This weeks enews includes an article from Northern Architecture along with upcoming events To view the latest newsletter pleas click the below link June 2nd... Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/226/May-27th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/226/May-27th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses The new Homes Bonus which Housing Minister Grant Shapps will welcome House building is re-emerging as a noteworthy contributor to the well-being of the construction sector. New figures show that there were about 29,000 house building starts in the first quarter of 2011, an increase of 26% compared with the previous quarter, and the highest quarterly figure for almost three years. Annual housing starts have also increased, with a rise of 22% compared with the 12 mo... Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/225/May-26th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/225/May-26th-Newsletter.htm This weeks news contains articles from Fendor and Mosedale Gillatt along with upcoming events. To view this weeks newsletter please click below May 26th... Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/224/May-20th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/224/May-20th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how the construction sector is doing A tranche of reports on how the construction sector is faring make for a depressing read. The Office for National Statistics has indicated that there was a fall in construction output of 4.7% for the first quarter of 2011. And according to the Construction Skills Network (CSN), construction output in the North East fell by 6% in 2010, a second successive year of decline. This sharply contrasted to the UK as a whole where outpu... Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/223/May-19th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/223/May-19th-Newsletter.htm This week includes an article from Heritage Skills with TV stars joining them to 'Take the Plunge' as well as upcoming events with B;CE and Nimis To view this weeks newsletter please click the link below May 19th... Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/222/Constructing-Excellence-in-the-North-East---Twenty-Eleven-Awards-Special.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/222/Constructing-Excellence-in-the-North-East---Twenty-Eleven-Awards-Special.htm This special newsletter includes all the winners of the Awards! To view the newsletter please click the below link Twenty Eleven Awards... Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/220/May-13th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/220/May-13th-Journal-Column.htm Steven Ord disccuses the new pension scheme from B;CE Construction firm bosses are being given the chance to find out more about reforms to pension schemes, which will affect companies across the North East. Stakeholder pensions schemes (SHPs) were launched back in 2001 by the Government as a way to actively encourage employees to start saving for their retirement, but have they seen much success? A type of personal pension plan that adheres to statutory minimum standards, stakeholder sche... Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/221/May-12th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/221/May-12th-Newsletter.htm This week includes articles from Dunelm Property Services, Sanderson Weatherall and Good Luck to all those Shortlisted for the Awards on Friday 13th May! To view this weeks newsletter please click below May 12th... Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/218/May-5th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/218/May-5th-Newsletter.htm This week included an article from Dunelm Property Services and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below: May 5th ... Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/219/May-6th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/219/May-6th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the post growth figures The predictions were right that the economy grew 0.5% in the first quarter, according to the Office of National Statistics;rsquo; (ONS) announcement last week. But it wasn;rsquo;t just the Labour Party which found reason to bemoan the findings, as a glance at the sector breakdown highlighted a dramatic fall of 4.7% in construction output. Understandably, the industry response was strong. Construction traditionally accounts for 10% of GDP, ... Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/217/April-29th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/217/April-29th-Journal-Column.htm Alison Mee discusses how different meanings of innovation can bring new ideas and add value to the project In order for our industry to stabilise and progress, despite the ongoing economic difficulties an innovative approach is required, and innovation is to be encouraged. As professional problem solvers, when presented with a brief we shouldn;rsquo;t be content to say ;ldquo;we can do it;rdquo; or, perhaps more often, ;ldquo;we can;rsquo;t do it for that budget!;rdquo; Instead, we should look... Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/215/April-21st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/215/April-21st-Newsletter.htm Features this week include articles from Esh Group and Heritage Skills getting support from TV Stars To view this weeks newsletter please click April 21st... Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/216/April-22nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/216/April-22nd-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the achievements in the North East from recent and upcoming Awards ceremonies It;rsquo;s that time of year again when the sector celebrates its achievements and gives itself a well deserved pat on the back. We aren;rsquo;t overly prone to making a big song and dance about our achievements in construction, and it possibly hasn;rsquo;t necessarily seemed all that appropriate to do so in recent years, when there has been so much doom and gloom. Yet, the months of Ap... Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/213/April-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/213/April-15th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the pre-growth figures As the end of April draws near, anticipation is building across the country. No, I;rsquo;m not talking about that first glimpse of the soon-to-be Princess Catherine;rsquo;s dress, but within industry circles there is the expectation that surrounds the announcement of the growth figures for the first quarter of 2011. Will we see positive growth, stagnation, or even confirmation of the country slipping into recession? For those of us in th... Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/214/April-14th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/214/April-14th-Newsletter.htm This week includes an article from B;CE on their new Pensions Reform along with upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click below April 14... Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/212/April-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/212/April-8th-Journal-Column.htm 'Why we need to make wood work' The unintended consequences of Government subsidies encouraging biomass electricity generators to burn wood have been widely reported by the media in recent weeks. Thanks to the soaring cost of wood, panel manufacturers are having to increase the price of products such as chipboard ;ndash; widely used in construction and housebuilding. But now our industry is fighting back with a two-pronged approach designed to both secure future wood supplies and, at the ... Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/211/April-7th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/211/April-7th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include Surgo winning a new health care scheme project and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below: April... Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/210/Shortlist-Announced-for-CENE-Twenty-Eleven-Awards.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/210/Shortlist-Announced-for-CENE-Twenty-Eleven-Awards.htm To view the shortlisted entries in the Awards please click on the following link Shortlist... Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/209/April-1st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/209/April-1st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the post budget response The response from our industry to Chancellor George Osborne;rsquo;s second Budget has been mixed. The diversity of feeling came across in one construction website;rsquo;s e-newsletter, which linked to no fewer than ten articles, each giving comment from various people related to the sector. Among the most positive was PwC;rsquo;s head of construction, Jonathan Hook, who described the ;pound;250 million shared equity scheme as a ;ldquo;wel... Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/208/March-31st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/208/March-31st-Journal-Column.htm Features this week include feedback from this weeks events and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the following link March 31st... Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/207/March-25th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/207/March-25th-Journal-Column.htm Nicola Neilson discusses Glenigan Index The latest Glenigan Index, which gives an overview of residential development, is the bearer of bad tidings. According to the latest figures, released this week, new residential developments fell 41% in the three months to February, compared to those from a year previously. Glenigan economist James Abraham says the fall was ;ldquo;greater than anticipated;rdquo; and that the downturn in private housing project, which started towards end of 2010 contin... Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/206/March-24th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/206/March-24th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news includes forthcoming events and the latest tender opportunities To view this weeks e-news please click below March 24th... Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/205/March-18th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/205/March-18th-Journal-Column.htm Chris Leslie discusses the Plumbers Tax Safe Plan which comes into place soon The fact that last year saw Her Majesty;rsquo;s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) launch an amnesty for GPs and other medical professionals to come forward with any non disclosed earnings probably passed most readers by. Why should a plumber in Plawsworth or a gas fitter in Guisborough care if the taxman was chasing a few men in white coats who had failed to hit the mark with their returns? What might not have been obvio... Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/204/March-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/204/March-17th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes upcoming events such as Charity Quiz, Follow up to Bid Writing and Managing Conflict To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link March 17th ... Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/203/March-11th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/203/March-11th-Journal-Column.htm Richard O'Neill speaks about Tender documents We operate in a world where a single tick in one of a dozen boxes can make the difference between winning and losing a major contract. Tenders, as I am sure I am not the first person to point out, are often seen as the bane of contractors;rsquo; lives. They are, however, the lifeblood of business. We wouldn;rsquo;t spend hours slaving over them if they did not feed our businesses and allow them to grow. So, when we spend a fortune in man hours ... Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/202/March-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/202/March-10th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes upcoming events and the latest tender opportunities To view this weeks newsletter pleaseclick below March 10... Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/201/March-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/201/March-4th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the rising cost of wood In everyday life, the rising costs of food and fuel are making regular headlines. And while these increases affect those of us who work in the construction sector as much as anybody, we are also feeling the strain of hikes in raw material costs. The latest is wood, and one of the UK;rsquo;s largest panel plants is warning that the increases being seen now are here to stay and are higher than expected. Kronospan;rsquo;s chief executive, Lud... Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/200/March-3rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/200/March-3rd-Newsletter.htm This weeks includes an article from Sanderson Weatherall and forthcoming events To view this weeks e-news please click below: March 3rd ... Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/199/February-25th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/199/February-25th-Journal-Column.htm For some tomorrow may never come,by Douglas Kell When you have to walk a financial tightrope daily, 2013 might just as well be a century away. That;rsquo;s how many struggling contractors feel amid rose-tintedforecasts of construction output picking up two years hence. Even that;rsquo;s just a maybe, and hopes don;rsquo;t fill pay packets. By then many good firms in construction and civil engineering, especially smaller ones, may have joined those already having had to shut shop over the p... Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/198/February-24th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/198/February-24th-Newsletter.htm This week welcomes a new Chair and Vice Chair for the Constructing Excellence Club To view this weeks e-news please click below 24th February... Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/196/February-18th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/196/February-18th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the apprenticeship and skills bill Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell is gaining support for her Apprenticeships and Skills (Public Procurement Contracts) Bill, which recently had its second reading. The bill could force big firms to take on more apprentices, by making training a compulsory part of public sector construction. Smaller companies complain that larger competitors are not doing their fair share of training. In some companies, but not necessarily a... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/197/February-17th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/197/February-17th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include articles from the APS, RICS North and Women in Property. To read this weeks newsletter please click on the following link February 17th... Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/195/February-11th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/195/February-11th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses skills in the construction industry With even the gloomiest analysts predicting, at worst, zero per cent growth, and most hovering around the 0.3-0.7 per cent mark, the UK;rsquo;s shock 0.5 per cent contraction caused quite an upset. The blow was particularly severe in the construction sector, with the industry considered a large contributor to the fall. Activity decreased by 3.3 per cent in the last quarter of 2010. Whatever the cause of the contraction, be it... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/194/February-10th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/194/February-10th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include future events such as Bribery Law v SWMP, Managing conflict with Ease and our Annual Awards Dinner To view this weeks e-news please click on the following link February 10th... Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/193/CENE--CIBSE-Twenty-Eleven-Awards.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/193/CENE--CIBSE-Twenty-Eleven-Awards.htm This newsletter includes information which the judges are looking for in the entries. To view this newsletter please click on the following link: February 7th ... Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/192/February-4th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/192/February-4th-Journal-Column.htm Pensions Reform - What next for employers? New rules on company pension schemes, originally given broad approval a couple of years ago, have recently been rubber stamped by the Coalition Government. The roll-out of the auto-enrolment requirement for employers will begin in 2012, with those representing 120,000 people being first to face the regulation. As time progresses, greater numbers of employers with lower staffing levels will find themselves falling into the catchment for auto-enrolment... Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/191/February-3rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/191/February-3rd-Newsletter.htm Features this week include a full list of events and articles from Morrison, Esh Group, LCUK and B;CE To view this week's e-news please follow the link below February 3rd... Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/190/January-28th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/190/January-28th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses construction inflation According to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, December 2010 was notable for the wrong reasons as the sector was caught, figuratively, between a rock and a hard place. The CIPS;rsquo; Construction Purchasing Managers;rsquo; Index showed the industry being squeezed from both sides as a substantial rise in contractors;rsquo; input costs collided with the first fall in construction activity for nine months. The rise in costs ha... Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/189/January-27th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/189/January-27th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include an article from Morrison and Cundall and future events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the following link January 27th ... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/188/January-21st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/188/January-21st-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the rising university fees and what impact it will have We have all seen the news of the Government imposing a rise in university tuition fees, and the aftermath, including protests in London as well as here in the North East. Clearly, the increase is a deterrent to those who are wavering over whether or not university will be the right choice for them, although I am sure that those who really want to take this course in life will find a way. It is wrong to disc... Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/187/January-20th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/187/January-20th-Newsletter.htm This weeks news includes an article from Surgo Construction, Sanderson Weatherall and John Burns becomes the new Chair for CENE To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below January 20th... Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/186/January-14th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/186/January-14th-Journal-Column.htm Douglas Kell speaks about Award winning projects/persons in the North East as well as present projects happening. Adversity often brings out the best in us, and contractors are no different in that respect. While 2010 was again challenging for them, builders and civil engineers have continued to show the worth of their contribution to everyone;rsquo;s lives. The most prominent example is the second Tyne Tunnel, ready to accept the first traffic through by February ;ndash; a job delivered ... Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/185/January-13th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/185/January-13th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes an article from Sanderson Weatherall and exciting events which are coming up To view this weeks e-news please click the following link January 13th ... Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/184/January-7th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/184/January-7th-Journal-Column.htm Mitchell Smith discusses how using social networking sites keeps us in touch with colleagues past and present The construction sector has always relied upon teams and the comradeship which comes with that, so it is no surprise that such spirit runs through in times of hardship. However, during the last recession, keeping in touch with former colleagues involved having an address book the size of a house, especially if you had been made redundant by a large employer. If you heard of an oppor... Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/183/January-6th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/183/January-6th-Newsletter.htm The first newsletter of 2011 includes exciting events and a reminder the CENE Awards Twenty Eleven have been launched To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below link January 6th... Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/182/December-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/182/December-24th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Localism Bill For a South of England born and raised MP, representing a southern constituency and having served as a London Assembly member and on the Greater London Council, Bob Neill could easily be mistaken for someone who may not have much of an eye for the North. But the planning minister;rsquo;s comments in defence of the Localism Bill suggest otherwise. Indeed, fears that incentives such as matching council tax benefits and allowing local authorities t... Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/181/December-17th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/181/December-17th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood looks at how the North East measures the storm 2010 was a pretty tumultuous year for the economy, coming as it did on the back of two years of economic hardship. As an industry that is tied to pretty much all other sectors in one way or another, construction could easily have had a much worse time of it than it did. When looking at the growth in construction jobs, reduction in redundancies and the levelling of wages, it doesn;rsquo;t look like an overwhelmingly bad year. ... Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/180/December-16th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/180/December-16th-Newsletter.htm Features of the last newsletter of 2010 include Lumsden ; Carroll winning training company of the year and events for 2011 To view the newsletter please click the following link December 16th... Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/179/December-10th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/179/December-10th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood is delighted there is good news to end the year on for the construction industry Now that we are into December, we are due some good news in the construction industry. Let;rsquo;s not mince words, for many people 2010 has been what Her Majesty would describe as an ;ldquo;annus horribilis;rdquo;. But the pages of the latest trade press herald a bright spark of hope that things might just be starting to get better. Data released by the Office for National Statistics showe... Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/178/December-9th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/178/December-9th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news contains good news articles from 4Projects and Esh Group. Please click on the link below to view further information December 9th ... Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/177/December-3rd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/177/December-3rd-Journal-Column.htm Remember when you were always told it is good to share? Transferring that to business is the topic of this weeks column I remember it well from my childhood, as well as from witnessing any number of parents talking to their children since: the passing on from generation to generation that sharing is a good thing to do. While we are no longer in our childhood, it is a lesson we should all be remembering in this current era of cuts and austerity. By sharing resources, experience and knowledge... Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/176/December-2nd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/176/December-2nd-Newsletter.htm This weeks features include articles from Cundall, Reprotec and Dunelm Property Services To view this weeks newsletter please click the link below December 2nd... Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/175/November-26th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/175/November-26th-Journal-Column.htm Jonathan Willett of Henderson Insurance Brokers looks at collateral warranties Complex construction projects entail a number of parties becoming involved at different stages starting with the builder or developer and ending with an occupier moving in as either a tenant or owner. But how does a party protect itself from legal claims from another in the chain? Contractors, sub-contractors and professional consultants, such as architects and engineers, are often asked by parties, with which t... Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/174/November-25th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/174/November-25th-Newsletter.htm This week includes feedback from Influencing made easy and BREEAM and the latest events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below November 25th ... Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/173/November-19th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/173/November-19th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood reflects on the continued fall-out of the CSR in this weeks column We have now had some time to settle down and consider what the Comprehensive Spending Review means. In a past column, I highlighted some of the issues which will have an impact on the construction sector and related industries, both positive and negative. Unsurprisingly, as the finer details of what many of George Osborne;rsquo;s announcements really mean to individual people and businesses are still slowly co... Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/172/November-18th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/172/November-18th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features inclde articles from Maia HR Solutions, and Sanderson Weatherall To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below November 18th... Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/170/November-12th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/170/November-12th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses the Bribery Act which comes into force in April 2011 This week legal experts urged construction companies to prepare for the toughest new UK bribery law for 100 years. The UK has introduced the law to cement its reputation as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. The new law is only five months away and businesses need to review their practices before it takes effect. First it is important to understand what the legislation means. The UK Bribery Act is d... Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/171/November-11th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/171/November-11th-Newsletter.htm This weeks e-news includes the launch of the CENE Awards, BREEAM and other events happening in the region To view this weeks e-news please click the below link November 11th ... Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/169/November-5th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/169/November-5th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses PAS 91:2010 A regular topic ;ndash; you could call it a bug-bear ;ndash; of this column in recent years has been the amount of time that people within the industry spend on filling in pre-qualification questionnaires, or PQQs. People whose time could be better spent working in the core business often find their office hours disappear when faced with a 25 page document which needs filling in from scratch. If there is ever a question which has been repeated too oft... Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/168/November-4th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/168/November-4th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features upcoming events, latest tender opportunities and sponsorship opportunities To view this weeks newsletter please click the following link November 4th ... Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/167/October-29th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/167/October-29th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how the sector must move on after CSR As I am sure was the case with most of you, I awaited the comprehensive spending review with a mix of interest and dread. I don;rsquo;t need to outline the problems the construction industry has faced since the economy went into decline, suffice to say that action was needed and we all know that we are going to share the pain. However, there was good and bad to come from the Chancellor;rsquo;s CSR announcement. Let;rsquo;s... Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/166/October-28th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/166/October-28th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes information on the CIH Annual Conference/Exhibition, Shepherd Construction Manager winning an award and upcoming events To view this weeks newsletter please click on the following link October 28th... Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/163/October-22nd-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/163/October-22nd-Journal-Column.htm Martin Heddon looks at the region's green energy potential in this weeks column The North East can lead the way in green energies and it is hugely encouraging to see efforts to promote the region as such gathering pace. The latest news out of the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), in Blyth, this week, is that plans for its proposed offshore demonstration site in consultation with 18 global turbine manufacturers for tenancy agreements, are moving ahead. Narec is working to meet the r... Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/165/October-22nd-Environmental-Academy-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/165/October-22nd-Environmental-Academy-Newsletter.htm In this issue it will show upcoming training courses in conjunction with The Environmental Academy To view this newsletter please click below October 22nd... Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/164/October-21st-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/164/October-21st-Newsletter.htm This weeks features includes an article from The APS, Dunelm Property Services and My Place Youth Centre To view this weeks newsletter please click October 21st ... Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/161/October-15th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/161/October-15th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses how many housing associations could raise up to £30 billion In difficult economic times, it can often be the case that doing the same old things is not enough to get by. Indeed, I have previously stated that a little creative thinking might very well go a long way. The right of centre Policy Exchange think tank appears to have taken the same view, although its latest statement, backing innovation in raising capital, has not met with resounding support. Then again, w... Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/162/October-14th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/162/October-14th-Newsletter.htm This weeks newsletter includes Seaham Safety Services Open Day and feedback from PPG6 and Regeneration event To view this weeks newsletter please click on the link below October 14th... Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/159/October-8th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/159/October-8th-Journal-Column.htm Modular mix a boost for construction A revolution is being forecast in the construction industry; an offsite revolution. Contractors are expecting the government to turn to modular construction for a range of projects following the Comprehensive Spending Review. An interim report to education secretary Michael Gove is set to recommend reliance on off-site manufacturing for school projects and this option is likely to be replicated in several other sectors including health and defence. Con... Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/158/October-7th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/158/October-7th-Newsletter.htm Features this week include Lisa Stafford joining Dunelm Property Services and Cundall completing cycling challenge for Childrens hospice To view this weeks e-news please click on the below link October 7th... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/160/October-1st-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/160/October-1st-Journal-Column.htm The effect the summer spending cuts has had on companies in the UK Forget summer sunshine, this was the summer of spending cuts. The June Budget delivered a blow to the construction industry on capital spending and the pain is not expected to fade when the nights draw in. The construction industry anxiously awaits further cuts in the autumn spending review and the increase of VAT in January. More than half of respondents to a survey by trade publication Construction News said business was qui... Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/157/September-30th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/157/September-30th-Newsletter.htm This weeks features includes new appointments for Dunelm Property Services and 4Projects nominated for a Top Computing Award To view this weeks newsletter please click on the following link September 30th... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/156/September-24th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/156/September-24th-Journal-Column.htm Government unlocks £150m for college builds Things are looking up for colleges in the region after the government unlocked ;pound;150m of building work. A total of 149 further education institutions across England will receive grants. Six of the beneficiaries are in the North East. Colleges have been waiting to learn their allocation since the announcement, in May;rsquo;s emergency Budget, of the extra funding. The approximate overall value of the construction work is ;pound;150m. The key... Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/155/September-23rd-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/155/September-23rd-Newsletter.htm Features an Award for CENE, articles from NISP ; Cundall and Business Opportunities To view this weeks e-news please click below September 23rd ... Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/154/September-17th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/154/September-17th-Journal-Column.htm Catriona Lingwood discusses a negative outlook for the industry For the first time in 12 months, contractors are not predicting a positive outlook for the commercial sector. Expectations for growth are now negative, according to the Savills Commercial Development Activity report. The report, published every month, found that a net balance of -1.2% of respondents expected a rise in activity over the next quarter. This contrasts sharply with the balance of +5.3% expecting growth when questioned... Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/153/September-16th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/153/September-16th-Newsletter.htm Features include upcoming events and feedback from The Equality Act and NISP event To view this weeks e-news please click below September 16th... Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/152/September-10th-Journal-Column.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/152/September-10th-Journal-Column.htm Douglas Kell discusses the uncertainty over LEP's By now Eric Pickles should be looking over his factotums;rsquo; shoulders as they plough through responses to Government local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) proposals to replace existing regional development agencies (RDAs). It;rsquo;s hoped the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government gets some inspiration for the eventual structures. The nebulous outline so far from himself, and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation... Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/151/September-9th-Newsletter.htm http://www.cene.org.uk/news/art/151/September-9th-Newsletter.htm This week's e-news includes articles from the APS and our new online training To view this weeks newsletter please click on the below lin 9th September... Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 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/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... Fri, 23 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/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... Sat, 17 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/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 ... Fri, 09 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/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... Tue, 06 Jul 2010 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 ... Tue, 06 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/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/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/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