Sunday, February 24, 2013

Infrastructure fails moved by the Government

THE cost of the construction of infrastructure projects in the North East have failed to pick up during the second quarter of 2012, despite the Government's efforts to boost the sector through private sector investment. Infrastructure workload throughout the Northeast fell in the three months to June, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Market Survey Construction Surveyor, and little improvement is now seen in the sector since 2007. This is despite efforts by the government to stimulate the economy through infrastructure projects are privately funded. Last November, Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to raise 20 billion pounds from pension funds to help fund government projects of high speed railway power station. The Government has signed a memorandum relating to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) and the industry body, the National Association of Pension Funds (Napf) to launch infrastructure fund to invest in new projects. The low level of activity seen in the construction sector in the North East with 10% more respondents reporting falling rather than rising workloads. However, it is the public sector where the greatest pressure continues. Perhaps not surprisingly, given the economic climate, we expect revenue in the region continues to deteriorate, with net falls more than the national average. RICS said that it reflects the continued pressure on margins as input costs in the North East increased faster than output prices. Surveyors noted that increased competition will lead some companies to bid for work at below cost to secure the contract. The North West is one of the few places to see a decrease in workload with the North, Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the South, Midlands and Wales saw the number of stable jobs. Looking continue, despite a bleak picture for the sector during the three months to June, surveyors in the North East is optimistic, with a net balance of 21% more surveyors predicting workload will increase in the next 12months. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, said: "The infrastructure workloads failed to take in the North East, despite the Government's efforts to boost the sector through private investment. "Action is needed to support the rhetoric for the construction industry to play a key role in driving the economy forward over the next few years. "Scary, benefits will continue to be squeezed into a couple of surveyors in the North East reported increased levels of competition led some companies to bid for work at prices below cost in order to secure the contract. ' Nationally, the RICS survey says 4% of respondents reported falling rather than rising workloads.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

John Rudge cement his place in the history of bricklaying

A novice bricklayer won gold in the northern part of the Guild of Bricklayers Competition for the third year in a row. John Rudge, 21, from Hartlepool, was named the regional winner after being impressed by the selection panel to demonstrate its ability to develop specialist wall as part of the competition. Having recently completed his Level Three Diploma in Bricklaying trowel and work in Hartlepool College of Further Education and NVQ in construction, Rudge could not wait to start a full-time career in the building industry. Rudge, who worked as an intern at Yuill Homes' Cecil Court development in Hartlepool, said: "I am very pleased that won regional competitions. This is a great achievement for me to win once, became so successful in the competition for three years running really means a lot to me. "Working with the talented vendors in place with Yuill Homes over the past few years has helped me to improve as an apprentice bricklayer, and it is great to put what I learned in college skills. "I can not wait to start a full-time career in the building industry, and I hope to continue to develop my skills and experience." Working in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education, teaching methods Yuill Homes offers local trainees, working towards NVQ in development, the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience that is essential for the development of their skills, giving them a higher chance of having construction work in the future. Rob Burrell, head of production at home Yuill, said: "The reason why we have an award winning builder is not only because we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality, but we are sure that we apply The most talented traders to do the job. ' Graham McPhail, director of internships at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: "Everyone at the college is pleased John well known big brick. He has shown what it takes to succeed with determination and a willingness to learn after recently become unemployed.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Looking after all your conference needs

THE Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel combines leading edge technology with complete relaxation. Luxury here shame filled air of style and sophistication. Is a unique environment that inspires thoughts focused, creative and objective. This theme continues throughout, with 17 state-of-the-art conference suites and meeting rooms, all equipped with the latest technology. Choose from our 17 suites at the conference, meeting rooms and comfortable meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 800 guests all carefully designed to accommodate the most fascinating events or intimate. Outstanding equipment business, including a special 24-hour business center, high speed internet access, audio visual and concierge services are available for each event. With a team of experienced and expert support services, you are free to focus on things that really matter - hone your business strategy, make critical marketing decisions, to meet new clients or only recently achieved celebrate. From day one you will be given a special event organizers to assist with all your planning. The red jacket event manager will take care of every detail on the day. And to ensure that all sharing the same goals that they agreed Three Golden Key to you - it is your primary goal is to ensure your event's success.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Help businesses improve challenge

The Journal North East businesses are set to learn how to make money from climate change. The findings of the study saw the economic opportunities and implications of climate change in North East England announced on June 11. A free event in the morning, Making Money From Climate Change, will take place at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle and is set to share the results of the study, commissioned by ClimateNE. This includes cost benefit analysis necessary response to adaptation to climate change and the opportunities presented in the transition to a low carbon economy. Andrew Sugden, director of membership and policy in the East Chamber of Commerce, said: "Climate change is the second pressing issues facing the UK and other countries around the world, and is a real commercial opportunity for many companies. This event will not only launch the results of the main study but also provides information and practical assistance to businesses on how to identify new commercial opportunities associated with climate change can help their businesses become successful. "There will also be information on how businesses can save money by protecting themselves from the dangers of climate change and take charge of energy and carbon intensity. "This suggestion is also in the hands of how to access available grants, loans and other funds offered to help the business to gain maximum benefit from engaging with this agenda." The findings of the survey on business attitudes and perceptions of climate change in North East England, showing the current level of activity on a shared agenda. State Paul Watson, chairman of the Association of North East Council, said: "The regional government in North East England is committed to working with ClimateNE and the business community to build strength and natural resources our position as a leader in the low carbon economy in the future. "Climate change is a significant challenge, but with challenges come opportunities, such as the development of new green industries and the transition to a low-carbon economy, which will bring investment, jobs and skills. "The opportunity is an integral part of our vision for a sustainable future, not only to deal with the impacts of climate change, but as an integral part of our plans for economic recovery." Speakers include Ryan Maughan of Comesys Europe Ltd, Alice Owen from Arup, John Pettifer of the Federation of Small Businesses and John Barton of updating. Morning rounded lunch where delegates can talk to counselors and specialists from climate change and browse the exhibits. Confirmed exhibitors Link, Business in Resilience, Community Business and Climate Change Adaptation project, Community Energy Solutions, Elecscoot Ltd, Environment Agency, see, Federation of Small Businesses, the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP), North East of Chambers of Commerce, renew, Tees Valley Green Business Network and the effects of the UK Climate Programme (UKCIP), among others