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An agreement has been signed by Nottingham Trent University and Mace, the international consultancy and construction company, to explore ways of working together.

With a shared interest in Building Information Modelling (BIM) the two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding which will see them explore ways to collaborate on research, shared lectures, placements and more.

The New Year has brought with it an improved, fully revised and standardised CISRS Part 1 training package – which has recently been issued to all CISRS approved training providers.

BALI-NCF, a collaboration between the British Association of Landscape Industries and the National Contractors Forum, has announced that Phil Jones, Managing Director of ISS Facilities Services – Landscaping, has been elected as the Forum’s chairman. He will assume the role with immediate effect.

Young people with a passion for design and engineering have been taken on by Redrow Homes after the housebuilder launched a new technical apprenticeship programme. 

Following a successful pilot scheme last year, Redrow has now developed a bespoke course with Coleg Cambria, based in North East Wales, which results in formal qualifications and is delivered in-house.

A £400 million tourism development, that will bring more than 1,300 jobs to Chesterfield, has been welcomed by the North East Derbyshire town.

News of Peak Resorts was formally announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron during his tour of America this week. The investment is a partnership between a UK development company and US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group. 

Crestwood School in Kingswinford, West Midlands, has chosen bespoke entrance area carpet from Heckmondwike FB to create a striking entrance to the main school building.

The school took advantage of Heckmondwike FB’s bespoke design service which can be used to customise entrance areas with logos or mottos.

The inaugural NASC Apprentice of the Year Award winner – Josh Kerwin of Kaefer C&D Ltd–was presented with his trophy, certificate and £500 cash prize this week by NASC Training Director, Dave Mosley and Diane Wood, award scheme judge and Specialist Account Co-ordinator for CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).

The presentation took place at the offices of his employer KAEFER C&D Ltd in Mansfield, who also received a trophy and £500 to be spent on CISRS training with an approved provider.

Principal contractors are increasingly stipulating only NASC Member companies to carry out their scaffolding and access contracts on construction sites across the UK.

In two out of their three regions in the UK, major UK contractor Wates Living Space are specifying the use of NASC member companies only for their access and scaffolding requirements.

The Minus7 hybrid energy harvesting system, that provides hot water and heating for homes, has received recognition by winning the prestigious award for Energy Efficient Product of the Year in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC+R) category at the 2014 Energy Awards. The awards ceremony was held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on December 2nd and was hosted by comedian Alun Cochrane.