Have you booked your seats and cleared your diary for the biggest night in the Welsh construction calendar?

There are less than six weeks to go until the CEW Awards 2013. Are you ready? Judging is under way and our shortlisted candidates are biting their finger nails as they make their presentations and await the results. So, will you be at SWALEC on 5th July?

It is the landmark event in the Welsh construction calendar, tables and sponsorship opportunities are running out fast. It is an outstanding occasion to meet up with old colleagues, share new ideas and celebrate the success of the industry across a variety of projects and sectors.

In 2012 Torfaen County Borough Council’s construction team stole the show winning Client of the Year at both the CEW and then winning the same category at the CE UK awards in 2012 as well as Buyer of the Year in the 2013 Wales National Procurement Awards. The team’s long-term partnership with Kier Wales delivered significant benefits to local communities, which was amply demonstrated by the award-winning school campus project at Blaenavon.

Take a look at the winners from last time; then book your tickets for SWALEC!

Government consultation on the installation of sprinklers within domestic buildings is drawing to a close – have you had your say?

Sprinklers are the sort of building service item that are not given a second thought until they are really needed – in a fire. Sadly, the number of people who die in their home as a result of fire is still too high. This is why a Cwmbran high rise is set to become the tallest block of flats in the UK to be retro-fitted with a fire sprinkler system.

'The Tower', a 22-storey high building owned by Bron Afon Community Housing is to have a sprinkler fitted in every one of it's 80 flats and in it's communal areas. Duncan Forbes, Bron Afon's chief executive, said; “Sprinkler systems are the most effective way of fighting fire and preventing loss of life. We are proud that this work is setting an example as the most challenging of its kind in the UK.”

As part of the Government’s Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Measure in 2011, there are plans to introduce regulations to make automatic fire suppression systems (sprinklers) compulsory in all new and converted homes and right now it is seeking to make changes to the Building Regulations to make sprinklers and fire suppression systems compulsory in new and converted homes. This went to consultation – which is due to close on 17th June. CEW has been involved in events promoting the use of sprinklers in Llandudno and Cardiff where there have been some energetic discussions and positive feedback.

There is still time to join the discussion. Go to the Welsh Government website to add to the debate before it ends on 17th June.

The Built Environment Sustainability Training (BEST) programme was officially launched at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay on Wednesday 1st May 2013 to an enthusiastic audience. Jeff Cuthbert AM Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology launched the BEST programme, commenting “Equipping our workforce with the skills to support ‘green' job opportunities is vital to make industry more competitive and help Wales to meet its ambitions to become a truly sustainable nation.  I welcome the focus on 'sustainability' and the priority to take a long-term view of the major skills required by an ever-changing industry. This is particularly relevant given the rate of technological change and the evolution of building practices and the need to keep pace and innovate and create a sustainable built environment.”  The BEST programme is supported by the European Social Fund, through Welsh Government.

Additional speakers at the event included Professor Phil Jones of Cardiff University who provided an uplifting speech on sustainability in the built environment, stating that the School of Architecture was pleased to be leading the BEST programme along with sponsors Asset Skills, Construction Excellence in Wales, CITB, the Energy Saving Trust, Proskills and Summit Skills. John Edwards of CADW provided a brief overview of retrofitting traditional housing in Wales and emphasised the lack of skills of the existing workforce on existing building techniques. Dr Julie Gwilliam, BEST Programme Director, provided an overview and how the project aims to provide additional training to the Welsh built environment workforce.

The event then broke off into three discussion groups including procurement, equality and diversity and Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC) to receive views of the attendees at the event.

Capital funding in Wales was given a boost in early May when Finance Minister, Jane Hutt announced a £76.5M investment package from the Welsh Government for housing, schools, flood protection and transport promising to safeguard about 1,400 jobs.

The £76.5M package unveiled by the Finance Minister includes £30m more to increase housing supply, £25m investment in school buildings, £11.5m for a railway and station in Ebbw Vale and £10m more to protect homes, businesses and communities from the risk of flooding. The Welsh Government had published an Infrastructure Investment Plan for Growth and Jobs in May 2012, which delivered additional investment of around £1.1bn in infrastructure projects across Wales.

Ms Hutt said that the additional £75m supported the priorities set out in the plan for growth and jobs and ensured ‘every Welsh pound is used to boost jobs and growth’.

“The main benefits of investment are gained over the long term. But in present circumstances, the jobs created in constructing new infrastructure are vitally important, and this latest package is expected to support around 1,400 jobs during the construction phase,” she said. “This significant package of investment clearly demonstrates our commitment to stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, mitigating the impact of the UK Government’s Welfare Reforms and reducing poverty in Wales.” To find out more visit the Welsh Government News website.

The news comes at a critical time for Welsh construction whose morale was hit hard this month with the news of that the £68m-turnover steel specialist Rowecord Engineering has been put into administration. The Newport firm had previously delivered landmark projects at the London Olympics and worked with Tata Steel.

Look out for our story on the Major Project Delivery Task Group to see what CEW is aiming to achieve with Government to ensure a vision and growth for Wales.

The CEW Major Project Delivery Task Group held its first meeting and it was greeted with enthusiasm and ambition for a vision and goal for Wales. 

The Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan for Growth and Jobs was the inspiration for setting up the CEW Major Project Delivery Task Group. As the report states, “Infrastructure investment is one of the highest priorities for the Welsh Government. It can provide an important and much needed stimulus, creating the conditions for increased and sustainable growth.”

The attendees at our first meeting welcomed the plan, but were all agreed that a clearer vision was needed. The launch event for the CEW Task Group held on 17th April, focused upon determining a vision for Wales and asserting the nature of the role the construction industry should play in delivering an economic infrastructure for Wales. The objectives of the Task Group are to provide the Welsh Government with a high level industry group that can act as a ‘sounding board’, a ‘critical friend’ but, more importantly, as a source for solutions that would enable Wales to deliver a ‘world class’ infrastructure from a ‘world class’ blueprint. Out of this came the overriding agreement that a Vision for Wales must now be produced before much more can be done to develop the plan further. Only from a clear vision can correct decisions be made regarding priorities. There was also Task Group agreement that the structure set out in the Strategic Infrastructure Report should be followed.

The response, attendance and commitment at the event made the launch of the CEW Task Group one of the most successful events CEW has hosted. The breadth of ideas that emerged and the energy, passion and belief in the objective was overwhelming.

We are currently awaiting final confirmation from Welsh Government that they will be formalising their relationship with this Task Group and will use it to shape a vision and specify goals for the construction industry and Government to work towards and achieve together for the good of the industry.

Watch for updates and on the CEW website for confirmation from the Government.

Construction is still a major polluter: here are some top tips to help clean up the industry.

The construction industry is a major source of pollution. Individual builders, small/medium enterprises and larger companies are all responsible for the impact they have on the environment. Every year, Natural Resources Wales (previously the Environment Agency) responds to as many as 350 pollution incidents caused by construction. Furthermore, construction, demolition and excavation waste is often found in illegal waste sites; an ‘invisible’ source of environmental pollution from the construction sector.

Construction must perform better. So, the best place to start is by checking out the new Natural Resources Wales guidance for construction companies. It is a big document, but contains simple and effective advice. Day to day prevention of spills can help to reduce financial losses to your business and the risks to the environment. This guide provides advice from specialists at managerial and site level within the construction industry on:
• the common spill threats and the costs
• different types of hazards and how they should be classified
• preventing spills with limited finances
• understanding the effect of environmental damage spills can cause

Please visit the Natural Resources Wales website for information, or call our sustainability and waste teams on 02920 493322 at CEW.

CECA’s latest annual report showcases the strength of civil engineering in Wales.

Even though margins are tight and contract opportunities are limited, it is clear from the CECA annual report for 2013 that civil engineering in Wales is in a robust and confident mood. Despite the economic circumstances the construction industry is dealing with civil engineers throughout Wales are setting an example by promoting training and skills development. What’s more it adheres to the principles of best practice and collaborative working seeking to maximise local employment, respecting the environment, operating safely and focusing on quality and value for money.

CECA make the bold claim that civil engineering and construction can lead Wales out of the recession, if afforded the opportunity and confidence of others to do so. Nick Richards, chairman of CECA Wales probably has a point too. If the whole industry can engage with Government and make the connection with clients in the private and public sector to agree a vision for Wales then the Welsh built environment supply chain can once again leave some lasting legacies in terms of essential infrastructure – perhaps via the Major Project Delivery Task Group.

CECA is a major stakeholder in the Welsh construction industry as well as a strong supporter of CEW.  Its annual report is well worth a read – click here to view the PDF or call our team on 02920 493322 to access a copy.

Supporting Welsh SME’s to implement BIM - Since CEW, supported by Room 4 Consulting, started its programme of support and events on BIM in Wales over year ago we are pleased to have supported over 425 delegates from a mix of organisations including over 35% Clients, 20% Professional Design and Consultancy organisation with the balance including Contractors and manufacturers. Previous delegates are already seeing competitive advantage from a BIM approach.

The work has included over 20 open events, ranging from:

Demystifying - BIM awareness
Delegate quotes “It's given a huge insight into whats coming - very informative”

Intermediate - BIM disassembled
Delegate quotes “It’s evident that everybody has a long way to go with BIM but the presentation has given me reassurance that we are well placed to support the process”

Advanced - with specialised advanced modules looking at the details of BIM in practice
Delegate quotes “I recognise that this is the first of several BIM Advanced courses planned by CEW - I look forward to the others”

“Very useful session in giving an overall view of what a BIM execution plan needs to do and how it fits into the delivery of a BIM project.”

This work fed and complimented by BIM working groups (Experimental, Clients and Suppliers) which have informed and reported back to WG and Value Wales creating the foundations of Wales’ emerging strategy and approach to BIM linked with the Welsh Construction Procurement Strategy.

Client support has been provided through CLAW, the NHS in Wales and Value Wales – enabling a coherent and competent approach across Wales from Clients when considering BIM. This work continues and supports the collaborative procurement exercises underway across Wales.

Working closely with the BIM Task Group the activity has placed three Welsh Companies (one manufacturer and two Contractors) at the heart of the BIM4SME working group and were showcased at the Ministerial launch and on the website for the progress made on their own BIM journey.

The vast majority of delegates work from Welsh offices and businesses (96%) and there has been an exceptionally strong attendance by SME organisations. This shows Wales’ Innovative Built Environment companies are raising their game to deliver the benefits and advantages of BIM.

Delegate demand has resulted in repetition of all the modules and informs the development of further specialised advanced topic specific modules. A further programme of new requested specialism are being delivered over the coming months including BIM4Civils, GSL & BIM, BIM4Housing and others. For more information visit the CEW Website or contact CEWales Events by email or telephone on 02920 493322.