Construction National

Magazine, Online Directory and Web Design Service

Skip to content

Wed26082026

Last updateMon, 13 Jul 2026 9am

Midlands Asset Finance expands further north with appointment of new senior BDM

Details: Hits: 3414

Independent financial services broker Midlands Asset Finance (MAF) has bolstered its presence in Manchester and the north east of England by appointing a new Senior Business Development Manager in the region.

Andy Keal has joined the firm on the back of a long and successful career in the property sector with Yorkshire Bank, National Australia Bank and the Bank of Ireland. He has been tasked with growing MAF’s client base in Manchester and the north east.

Why Earned Value contributes to success of major construction firms

Details: Hits: 4852

The growth in the number of major contractors adopting Earned Value for major projects is expanding beyond the remit of public sector bodies, according to Donna Butchart, MD of Prōject (EU). Ltd

However being able to establish an earned value matrix is both tricky and complex, and being able to adapt existing systems for construction organisations is key, particularly when monitoring earned value throughout the life of the project.

There is an increasing trend for public sector contracts to require suppliers to monitor not just the costs and schedules, but also value add, through Earned Value Management. Earned Value management is seen as the best practice methodology, and as a result is being adopted by construction organisations involved with complex client projects.

HBA: Help to Buy is a symbol of failed housing policy

Details: Hits: 3219

On 1 October, as the Conservative Party Conference kicked off in Manchester, the Government announced an extension of Help to Buy for new build homes with an extra £10 billion of funding over five years.

The House Builders Association (HBA) – the house building division of the National Federation of Builders (NFB) – believes that extending Help to Buy will not help to solve the most acute housing crisis in over seven decades.

FIS votes no to continuing the CITB levy

Details: Hits: 3125

FIS, the construction trade body representing the finishes and interiors sector and a CITB consensus federation, has voted to reject the CITB’s levy proposals.

Leading trade organisation FIS represents specialist contractors and manufacturers involved in the installation and fit-out of interior systems, facades, ceilings, drywall, partitions and finishes.

FIS has been canvassing its members at a series of regional and special interest group meetings which culminated in a poll of members during September. FIS members voted by 60 per cent to 40 per cent to reject the CITB levy proposal. Turnout was 13 per cent.

Structural Concrete Alliance announces 2017 award shortlist

Details: Hits: 3225

The Structural Concrete Alliance has shortlisted three projects for the 2017 Structural Concrete Alliance Award for Repair and Refurbishment, with the winner to be announced by former BBC Breakfast Host, Bill Turnbull, at the Concrete Society Awards Dinner to be held at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London on 16th November.

The winners were chosen from entries received from members of the three trade associations which make up the Structural Concrete Alliance: the Concrete Repair Association (CRA); Corrosion Prevention Association (CPA); and the Sprayed Concrete Association (SCA).