Nexans is showing its new anti-theft cable solutions at InnoTrans, which opened yesterday in Berlin; the solution promises to help network operators reduce the high volume of copper cables theft along their railway networks

Nexans, an expert in the cable industry, is launching its new anti-theft cable solutions at InnoTrans, which opened yesterday in Berlin. The solution promises to help network operators reduce the high volume of copper cables theft along their railway networks.

As the challenging economic conditions continue to cause problems for the construction industry, construction contracts are becoming increasingly complex and onerous. In this article, we identify 10 of the most important clauses to look out for when reviewing a prospective contract.

1. Conditions Precedent

Avonside Group Services are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Johnson CMIOSH MIIRSM as Health & Safety Manager for the Group this April.

The management of Avonside Group Services have always been proactive in their approach to Health and safety (for example; all their Branch Managers are NEBOSH trained) and this appointment further demonstrates the positive culture of continuing to improve the health, safety and welfare of staff, operatives and all those who come into contact with their operations.

Construction News and the Construction Products Association are proud to present the 11th Annual Forecasting for Construction conference – providing insight and debate into construction growth 2012-16.

With the UK economy in a double dip recession, it is essential that key construction projects are pushed forward and supported in order to deliver both national and local economic growth.

Galliford Try could consider expanding its housebuilding operations into the north of England within three years, its group managing director told CN.

Group MD for construction Ken Gillespie said the firm is adopting a “disciplined growth strategy” to housebuilding but is focused firmly on the South and South-east at present.

“As the market and [economic] environment hopefully improve, we will see a ripple as we always have done with a recessionary recovery in the country,” he said. “Historically it’s always been south to north.”

Reporting capabilities across multiple technology solutions can help solidify a construction company’s workflow by closing gaps between processes and reducing the opportunity for error. For industries that rely on a mobile workforce, the ability to keep track of employees’ hours and location while giving them the tools to transfer data to and from the jobsite can be key to a successful project.

Especially as mobile devices and mobility solutions become more accessible, affordable, and compatible with backend systems, construction professionals looking to maximize their bottomline are turning to these types of technology solutions that can automate traditionally paper-based processes, such as keeping track of employee hours, and provide new opportunities for visibility.  

The success of a recognised policy

Roto UK, the alternative roof window specialists have launched an industry blog to showcase their roof window systems and share good practice techniques from a well-established and respected, German roof window manufacturer.

The blog, which is located at www.rotoroofwindows.co.uk will cover everything from product and installation details of their 'Designo Range' - top third pivot roof windows; through to industry news and views in the roof window marketplace.

We know that security and safety is important at all times, but at Christmas, that month when the entire country seems to go mad, it is even more imperative to ensure your site doesn't fall victim to crime. With the recession biting hard, opportunistic crime is on the increase and, during the 'silly season' even more so. Remember, it needn't cost the earth to effectively secure your site and ensure that your project doesn't come to a grinding halt due to theft!
CCSec's 6-step guide helps you plan ahead.

Step 1. Start early – It's never too early to start thinking about security and how to protect the assets of the construction site. The layout is important, i.e. do not store valuable materials close to main gates or the perimeter of the site where they can be easily got at by a hiab lorry! Identify the weak areas of the perimeter and strengthen those vulnerable areas. Always include a nominal amount in your prelims for security systems; a few hundred pounds per week would not be too far off!

This is the pilot scheme funded by FMB via CSkills that the Group had the privilege to be chosen for. The idea was to use this as an opportunity for youngsters to get real life site experience with the possibility of impressing the employer, who would then commit to offering an apprenticeship.

7 companies took on eight First Year learners from City College Plymouth.

The full results of this initiative are not known at present, but so far they appear to be very positive and encouraging.