Global Construction Leaders gather in Cardiff to strengthen links with the National Assembly for Wales.

This past week, construction industry leaders from around the world descended upon Cardiff as part of the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Members’ Forum.  As part of this global event, a special reception was hosted for this international audience at the National Assembly for Wales by the Minister for Skills and Science, Julie Jameson the evening of Wednesday 21 June.

The CIOB’s annual international Members’ Forum, last year held in Hong Kong is taking place between June 18 and 23 in the Welsh capital.  As part of this week-long event the reception at the Senedd, on the evening of Wednesday 21 June 2017, will take place between 6pm and 8pm (in the Neuadd event space). 

In attendance will be up to 100 construction industry leaders from all around the world, in addition to many more industry leaders from around Wales and the UK. Speaking ahead of the reception, the Chief Executive of the CIOB, Chris Blythe OBE, said: “During the week of our Members’ Forum, all industry eyes from an international perspective will be on Wales and we welcome the opportunity to meet with Assembly Members and industry leaders from around Wales, the UK and further afield. Our aim is to ensure the work of the construction industry is clearly understood by some of the key decision and policy makers in Wales and it gives them the unique opportunity to showcase what Wales has to offer the international construction industry.”

Skills and Science Minister, Julie James said: “As one of our key priority sectors we are committed to growing Wales’ already impressive construction capabilities and I am delighted to be able to host this event and welcome so many global construction leaders to Cardiff. With exciting projects such as Wylfa Newydd in the North and the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon power plant in the South, this industry provides well paid employment opportunities for thousands of skilled workers across the country and we are determined to ensure that continues.  Ensuring Wales has the right skills and training to meet current and future economic needs sits right at the heart of our Taking Wales Forward agenda and I look forward to discussing this further with those at this reception.”

Gareth John FCIOB, Chairman of the CIOB Hub in Wales, added: “As Chairman of the CIOB Hub in Wales, it really is an honour to welcome our esteemed guests from all over the world to the CIOB’s Members’ Forum and we are very pleased that Wales, indeed Cardiff, has been chosen to be this year’s host city. Cardiff is the capital city of one of the most unique country’s in the world and I am sure that our colleagues at the National Assembly for Wales will take every opportunity to demonstrate what Wales must offer the industry around the world.  I would also like to thank the Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James for so kindly hosting this very special event.”

Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales will update and challenge the industry to think about how they make decisions following the Well-Being of Future Generations Act.

If Welsh construction takes the tough decision to change its approach and embraces the concept of the circular economy then it might add net benefits to the sector of £1 billion. We’ve made this argument before and spelled it out in the recent report: Closing the Circle.

But where do you start? We recommend you save the date: 28th June and book a place in Llandudno to hear from Sophie Howe.

With the Environment Act (2016) and Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015) Wales put in place a framework for sustainable development, the built environment sector has a key role in the success of its delivery. The projects we are building today will impact our future generations.

Building upon the previous event held in Cardiff, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales will update and challenge the industry to think about how they make decisions using the Act.  Followed by a facilitated discussion to highlight current best practice and explore the barriers and opportunities to achieving a prosperous, resilient, globally responsible, healthier and more equal Wales of cohesive communities with a vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language.

The event is kindly sponsored by the North Wales Best Practice Club and is free for delegates to attend.

How to Book: To reserve your place please email CEWales Events stating your full contact details and the names of all delegates wishing to attend.

To become a club member please visit our Best Practice Club.

Leadership is critical to any organisation, business or team – no matter how small and regardless of the project or task. It is also a topic much discussed in construction. The IoD is here to help

As an industry, we need strong and competent leaders on site, in the boardroom and at all levels in between. That’s why CEW is asking all its stakeholders to consider the role of non-executive directors. 

It might be that your business needs objective advice. It might be that you as an individual can offer that support. But how does it work? The role of the NED has never been more important to companies of all kinds. There is a growing acceptance at both director and shareholder level that NEDs play a vital role in maximising board effectiveness and ensuring good governance, in both the private and public sectors. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that as NEDs become more important it also means they must be prepared to commit the time needed to fulfil the demands of the job and be aware of their duties and responsibilities. 

We invite you to attend the Role of the Non-Executive Director course to gain a thorough understanding of the essential requirements and skill set of this role with practical advice from an experienced portfolio non-executive director. 

But also consider how else the IoD can help. The IoD offers a range of courses about the role of directors and the importance of corporate governance. Now, the UK Corporate Governance Code places only limited emphasis on the importance of training, stating that all directors should “regularly update and refresh their skills and knowledge”. But, regardless of experience, all directors need help to understand the latest legal and regulatory parameters, as well as understanding their role, responsibilities and limitations at board level. This helps them as individuals, but it also helps the development of their respective organisation and its people. 

Contact the IoD direct, or call CEW on 02920 493322 or visit the IoD web site and see what course might be right for you.

Council’s approval deemed a ‘major step forward’ for 125,000m² scheme. 

Swansea Council’s planning committee has approved an outline planning application for the Swansea Central development site, a 125,000m² scheme consisting of land north and south of Oystermouth Road.

Plans for land south of the road, on an existing car park, include a 3,500-capacity digital indoor arena and conference centre above a new multi-storey car park, as well as a hotel of up to 13 storeys.

New shops, restaurants, cafés, landscaped public areas, cinema and car parking spaces are among the plans for the former St David’s shopping centre site north of Oystermouth Road. A pedestrian bridge across Oystermouth Road is also planned to link both sides of the development.

Rivington Land is managing the development of the overall scheme for Swansea Council.

Martin Nicholls, the council’s director of place, said the approval of outline planning consent for this scheme was “a major step forward” for the regeneration of Swansea city centre.

“It means we can now especially push on with our plans for the site that’s south of Oystermouth Road, which will form the first phase of the overall development.

“Working in partnership with Rivington Land and their design team, detailed design work will now take place on the planned indoor arena, hotel, multi-storey car park and pedestrian bridge. We also soon hope to appoint an indoor arena operator as the southern development site’s anchor tenant, who can work with us on the design and specification of the attraction,” he added.

Nicholls said that once specific plans were in place, planning consent would again be needed, “but we’re looking to start work on the southern site of the overall development by the late spring or early summer of 2018”.

Other imminent work will include a detailed travel plan and the appointment of a hotel operator.

David Lewis, chief executive of Rivington Land, said: “The Swansea Central scheme will considerably enhance the city centre’s shopping attraction, while also giving residents and visitors a much-improved dining, leisure and recreational experience.

“We’re continuing to press ahead with the development on the council’s behalf, with the aim of delivering the venue and hotel on the south site in 2020, and completing the whole development in 2022.”

Writing in Building magazine, Alan Bainbridge, portfolio director at the BBC, explains that offices are becoming more ‘civic’ in nature and can benefit from stronger links with their communities.

Office developments are now working harder than ever to connect and relate to their social context and surrounding communities. This often involves moving away from fortified commercial entrances, where a perimeter line clearly delineates inside from out. Instead our offices – in a range of subtle and bold ways – are becoming more civic in nature.

This shift may manifest itself through a bustling, publicly accessible reception space that blurs the line between private and communal areas. The same could be said for recent emphasis on the careful cultivation of the public realm around developments, which again mediates between open and closed spaces and plays a significant role in creating vibrant workplace neighbourhoods.

The BBC is also using its procurement process to root our buildings within their local context. We are in the process of delivering the new ID:SR Sheppard Robson-designed BBC Wales Broadcast Centre in Cardiff, which is a new national headquarters that will allow us to further champion Welsh programming. This will involve moving into the heart of Cardiff, which – as well as being a part of a wider plan to regenerate the neighbourhood – will give the BBC an opportunity to feel much more part of the city as well as being closer to our audiences, staff and partners. But how will the design, and the specification process, help us achieve this?

Working with ID:SR, we have recently announced the winners of a student competition to find Wales’s brightest design talent. The winning students – James Gould (University of South Wales) and Emily O’Reilly (Carmarthen School of Arts) – are now developing furniture and fabric designs for the new BBC Wales Broadcast Centre. These include fabric designs inspired by Dylan Thomas, carrying subtle references to the Welsh poet’s work, as well as modular pieces of furniture that is suited to the agile working culture of the BBC. The process is incredibly rewarding, and allows a narrative of sourcing and promoting Welsh talent to run throughout the building.

Another example of local sourcing for the interiors is the use of Melin Tregwynt Welsh wool within the BBC Wales Broadcast Centre. The raw material and the manufacturing process are both local. By using the wool, we are part of the area’s wider social and economic ambitions, helping reverse a trend for wool to be sourced from Australia and New Zealand, re-establishing Wales as a centre for wool production. This is an investment in the communities that will allow BBC Wales to thrive.

Working with local businesses makes it easier to have regular visits to suppliers’ workshops and studios. This increases dialogue and scrutiny over what is being specified, and encourages more face-to-face communication. Often the result is a specification process that is not just transactional but also an iterative process where you have a clearer idea of what you are getting; better quality control; as well as the ability to fine-tune products so they are tailored to your requirements.

There is much to be said about forging local connections and appreciating the talents and qualities that are available around us. I am not advocating an insular approach, where borders constrain the quality we bring to complex developments, but rather striking a responsible balance between the procurement of local, national and international talent and manufacturing. 

And also this: http://www.glamorgan-gem.co.uk/article.cfm?id=114131&headline=House%20building%20%E2%80%98important%20to%20Welsh%20economy%E2%80%99,%20says%20AM&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017

Are these homes unique? Are they some of the most impressive homes ever built in Wales. You are the industry. You tell us.

Each is unique, like the remarkable glass-fronted house built into a cliff to the 'Welsh Versailles' that once boasted a wing solely to accommodate up to 56 servants.

Ty Hedfan

Ty Hedfan means ‘The Hovering House’ and this spectacular house designed by architects Featherstone Young has won awards for its architecture. You'll find it in the Brecon Beacons, where it cantilevers over the Ysgir river. It has views of the river and surrounding countryside and the materials used are in tune with their Welsh surroundings, with traditional slate, timber and a planted green roof.

The main living room "floats" over the river and has a log fire. The living, kitchen and dining spaces open on to a raised external terrace with a barbecue and space to eat outside. You can rent it for £1,050 a week here.

Cefn Castell

Cefn Castell has won the Welsh Architecture Award and was up for the RIBA Grand Designs: House of the Year 2015. The futuristic coastal home cleverly incorporated its past into its design.

Designed by Manchester-based architects Stephenson Studio and built on the site of a 400-year-old cottage, the stone remains of this ruin were used to build the new boundary wall. It has amazing sea views over Cardigan Bay.

Large areas of frameless glazing extend the spaces beyond the house into the range of courtyards, gardens and views that surround the property. The master bedroom and balcony occupy the first floor and have been designed to resemble the look of coastal observation stations.

Malator

If this house had been built in 2017, you'd say it was way ahead of its time. Incredibly, it was built in 1998. The earth house appears to be largely underground but has an exterior glass wall looking out over St Brides Bay in Pembrokeshire. Inside, it's just as remarkable, designed around a central fireplace.

It's owned by former MP Bob Marshall-Andrews and was designed by the architects responsible for the Selfridges building in Birmingham. Its turf roof has led to a nickname of "Teletubby house". 

Cilgeraint

Cilgeraint is a remarkable house and became famous across the UK when comedian Jason Manford posted a link to it saying he had "found Iron Man's house". It was up for sale for £2.95 million at the time, in 2014. Perched over the sea at Abersoch, it's got expansive sea views and a stunning contemporary living space. It was commissioned by Manchester-born chartered accountant Stuart Sim in 2009.

Welsh Government Future Land Based Support (Post CAP) Workshops - Conwy - 21st June 2017
The Welsh Government is exploring every opportunity to benefit our farming, land management and food sectors.  Our focus remains on continuing to deliver key economic, social and environmental benefits to Wales. Find out more and book a place.

Welsh Govrnment Future Land Based Support (Post CAP) Workshops - Builth Wells - 23rd June 2017

The UK's decision to leave the EU will mean there will no longer be any CAP financial support from scheme year 2019. Continued financial support for agriculture and environmental measures beyond this date is vital to protect the farming industry and rural communities as a whole. Find out more and book a place.  

North Wales Social - Llandudno Junction -  21st June 2017

Members are invited to join the North Wales Local Member Group at a social gathering in the Old Station Hotel, opposite Llandudno Junction Train station following the Welsh Government Brexit Roundtable in the Conwy Business Centre. Members can come and enjoy a glass of wine and a few nibbles with like minded professionals. All are welcome! Find out more and book a place.

 Social Media Masterclass - Cardiff - 7th July 2017

Are you looking at ways to grow your business? Are you confused by Social Media and which platform would suit you and your business best? This event will provide you with practical tips to optimise how you use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook in order to enhance your sales and business development efforts. Find out more and book a place. 

Young Surveyor of the Year (Awards)

http://www.rics.org/uk/footer/rics-matrics-young-surveyor-of-the-year/  

RICS BIM4SME Awards 2017 - Westminster - 12th September 2017 

http://www.bim4sme.org/event/rics-bim4sme-awards-2017/

The Retrofit Academy’s renowned Retrofit Coordinator Diploma is running in Cardiff this summer – and what’s more eligible organisations can attend absolutely free. This is thanks to funding from the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC). 

It is a six-day course, totalling 48 hours of expert-led learning focused on delivering high quality retrofit projects. The course has been attended by hundreds of built environment and housing professionals since 2014, and usually costs £2000 plus VAT. 

Any organisation can apply who is either based in Wales or active in Wales. 

There are only 15 places available and these will be snapped up quickly - click here to view the flyer.
To apply for a place, candidates will need to visit the UWTSD website.