The versatility and efficiency of Layher’s Allround scaffolding system is being clearly demonstrated as part of a major refurbishment project in Sheffield. Installed by Silverstar Scaffolding, the modular design rises up to 35 lifts – approximately 70 metres – to provide multi-level access for a new Vita Student residence being built by Create Construction. Tony Clarkin is Managing Director of Silverstar Scaffolding and draws attention to key benefits arising from the use of the Layher system.

Figures released in early September by Markit have shown that the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) has risen to 57.3, up 0.2 on July’s figures. While not as strong as the boom of 2014, where the industry was seeing returns of over 60 for much of the year, these figures represent a stable growth not seen in a decade.

Recent months have seen the steady building up of a head of steam in the construction industry. Output has been improving and confidence returning - albeit with a bit of a dip in the run-up to the General Election.

It’s now only a few weeks until FIM Expo at the Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, on Wednesday 14th October.

Interserve, the international support services and construction group, has been awarded a £12.3m contract by Leeds City Council to improve and refurbish the historic Kirkgate Market in Leeds City Centre, via the YORbuild framework. The redevelopment will primarily modernise the Grade 1 listed building.

StreetwiseSubbie, the UK’s leading specialist contractor support and advice organisation, has launched a package of online video presentations designed exclusively to help specialist contractors ‘Win Work, Get Paid, Make Money’ and these are now available at www.conferencevideo.streetwisesubbie.com

Following recent stories of asbestos being mishandled across the country, the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has issued a warning that adequate training in asbestos safety management is being ignored by many, and the health of many workers may be being compromised.

Sundolitt XPS, extreme strength, extruded polystyrene is helping provide high insulation levels, strength and rigidity to a new swimming pool which will play an important role in the rehabilitation of injured and sick police officers from Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The pool installation, at Castlebrae Police Treatment Centre in Auchterarder, Perthshire, is part of a £2.5 million redevelopment to improve and extend facilities to accommodate the needs of some 1,650 serving and retired police officers who use the centre each year. The work includes the new – much larger – pool alongside a new hydrotherapy pool and a larger fitness and exercise hall with a purpose-built spin bike studio.

Stirling Lloyd is proud to announce that its Eliminator Bridge Deck Waterproofing system has gained European Technical Assessment (ETA) certification from the European Organisation for Technical Approvals (EOTA) through the British Board of Agrément (BBA). The ETA is based on the testing requirements as set out in European Technical Approval Guideline (ETAG) 033. Eliminator is the first UK manufactured system to achieve this level of accreditation.

The NASC President Kevin Ward’s ‘New Apprenticeship Challenge’ to create 400 scaffolding apprentices in his two year tenure has been achieved – three months before the November 2015 deadline.