Bosch has launched a new generation of 18 V cordless screwdrivers; the new ‘dynamicseries’ and a ‘robustseries’ which are now available from specialist retailers from £236 to £405. All four models have new functions which Bosch says offer a higher level of comfort for professionals such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and heating installers. The compact ‘dynamicseries’ range of tools combines …

A man who fitted central heating boilers at two houses in Greater Manchester has received a suspended prison sentence, after he admitted he did not have the required safety registration to do the work. Christopher Dignam, trading at Blue Flame Plumbing and Heating Services, has never been on the Gas Safe Register, the body which ensures those who carry out …

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched two new Truckman hardtops for its Amarok pick-up. Available in a wide range of colours, the RS and Utility hardtops are said to offer customers a practical yet stylish storage area. Volkswagen says they differ from the current ‘luxury’ GLS and Grand hardtops as they have been designed for more commercial use. Features of the …

DEWALT is claiming to have “changed the game” in the power tool market as it unveils a range of 54V power tools that offer new levels of runtime and performance. With the new XR Flexvolt range Dewalt promises tradespeople they will be able to undertake heavy-duty construction applications without the need for mains power. This innovation means that you can …

A stonemasonry company in Perth has been fined after an apprentice stonemason was seriously injured from contact with an overhead power line. Perth Sheriff Court heard how 20 year old apprentice Rodd McFarlane was working for T& M Stonemasonry, carrying out repairs at Waulkmill Cottage in Perth. During this work, McFarlane erected a tower scaffold to carry out some re-pointing …

ForgeFix,  has introduced a new range of power tool accessories. The range was developed drawing on ForgeFix’s thirty years of industry experience as well as specialist input from a panel of trade professionals including joiners, plumbers and general builders. Products, which will be sold under  ForgeMaster brand,  include high speed steel , SDS hammer drills for masonry, flat wood and auger …

The average costs for electricity generated by solar and wind technologies could decrease by between 26 and 59 per cent by 2025, according to a report released today by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).  The Power to Change: Solar and Wind Cost Reduction Potential to 2025, suggests that with the right regulatory and policy frameworks in place, solar and …

Adseal Colours has launched two new DIY concrete staining kits which include all the products needed to recolour or completely change the colour of both interior and exterior concrete surfaces. They contain a stain from a choice of 12 different solid colours as well as a paving sealer, an applicator brush, protective gloves and easy to follow instructions. Kits are …

A gas engineer has been sentenced to 120 hours of community service for putting tenants at risk in rented homes in Chelmsford. Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard that James Wilkinson was Gas Safe- registered for some types of gas appliances, but had been carrying out work for which he was not competent. Wilkinson was contracted to work on gas warm air …

A new apprenticeship scholarship programme has launched today, which will give two construction companies the chance to benefit from the placement of an apprentice who will be completely funded to work for them for 12 months. The initiative is being launched by the construction audit, contract and payroll provider, Hudson Contract, to celebrate its 20th anniversary and also provide opportunities …

With figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealing that almost nine in 10 (88.5%) of the 2,381 vans it weighed last year were overloaded, Venson Automotive Solutions is urging van owners to ensure their vehicles are safe and legally road compliant. Van operators need to take into consideration how their vehicles are used, including the working environment …

Building Lives, the award-winning construction training charity, is to close at the end of the month due to a lack of sustainable funding. Building Lives was started by Lakehouse founder Steve Rawlings in 2010 and has taken those furthest from the workforce and trained them for successful careers in construction. The charity’s closure comes at a time when skills shortages …

More than 80% of bosses of small construction firms will overwhelmingly base their decision to remain or leave the EU on their broader personal beliefs instead of their business interests, according to a new poll by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The poll also showed that: Builders rank the UK Government’s ability to freely legislate in a way that specifically …

UCATT  has voted for a merger or transfer of engagements to Unite the Union following a period of financial difficulty. The dedicated construction workers union said it made the decision in order to preserve its existing structures and to maximise the representation of construction workers in all sectors. Following the vote UCATT will now enter into full negotiations with Unite …

Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced dual-clutch automatic transmission versions of the Citan which are priced from £15,820 and will be available from June 2016. Selected Citan 112 variants will be available to order with the new 6G-DCT automatic transmission. Citan panel van and Tourer models with the 112 petrol engine can benefit from the double clutch transmission, which combines the comfort …

A new apprenticeship standard for plastering has been approved by the Government as part of the trailblazer initiative, with a new bricklaying standard to be agreed in the near future. The new standards, which have been designed as part of a collaboration led by construction SMEs from across England, will be rolled out as soon as autumn 2017. Welcoming the …

Construction union UCATT has accused the government of pouring money down the drain after discovering that while 167, 000 young people started training courses for jobs in the construction industry in 2014/15, in that same year only 18,000 secured an apprenticeship in the building trades. The figures were divulged – via a UCATT Freedom of Information request – by the …

Honeywell has introduced a new range of single-use, moulded masks featuring a PU foam seal that has been designed to improve safety, performance and comfort. The 800 series masks are made of high performing, humidity and low breathing resistant material making them well suited to environments where workers are exposed to hazardous materials found in dust, mist and fumes. The …

Build UK, the building contractors association, has released a new industry standard covering the use of different coloured hard hats on construction sites.

Jordan Daykin, the owner of GripIt fixings and the greatest success on Dragons’ Den to date, is urging fellow inventors and entrepreneurs who work in trade professions to turn their great ideas into reality by entering the Travis Perkins Innovation Awards (TPIA) before the 30th June deadline. Now a £14 million business, Jordan and his GripIt fixings are a testament …