From Monday (April 4th), all government-funded construction work must be undertaken using Building information Modelling (BIM). The BIM mandate is the first in a series of major developments in the government’s Construction 2025 strategy. A key strand of which is to have an industry in the UK that is efficient and technologically advanced to meet the growing demands of a …

A new protective glove, the Showa 381, offers increased comfort as well as protection for workers carrying out a variety of tasks.

Over 45,000 new homebuilding workers will be trained by 2019 to help tackle the nation’s housing shortage through a £2.7 million initiative announced by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Home Builders Federation (HBF). The first of its kind, the Home Building Skills Partnership – working with research on their needs from some 40 UK home builders – will …

Hand protection specialist Globus has enhanced its range of chemical-resistant gloves with the launch of SKYTEC Nero – combining chemical and mechanical protection with comfort, dexterity and grip. The new SKYTEC Nero not only protects workers against water-based chemicals but also delivers abrasion and tear resistance performance. The result is a natural-rubber glove ideal for heavy-duty handling, processing and maintenance …

In its third Annual Healthcheck of the UK’s contractors and tradespeople, ECIS has found confidence at its highest level since the survey began with 48% saying they feel confident about the year ahead.

Toyota has introduced its new Hilux at this year’s Geneva Motor show. Available in Single, Extra and Double Cab body styles, the eighth generation Hilux offers a new and stronger ladder chassis, reinforced deck structure, enhanced 4×4 capabilities and  an improved towing capacity. New 2.4-litre D-4D engine The introduction of a 2.4-litre D-4D Global Diesel (GD) engine featuring Stop/Start combines …

Noisy construction work will not be allowed on the weekend in Kensington and Chelsea after the Council’s Cabinet agreed a new Code of Construction Practice on Thursday 11th February. Residents have long complained about noise from construction work and what they believed to be its unrelenting nature. In response the Council produced a draft Code of Construction Practice which was …

Skill builder takes one small step for man as we try out a new footwear product from Base. It seems to me that every time I try out a new pair of work boots or shoes they blow my socks off. I am talking metaphorically of course but the innovation that now goes into protective footwear means that we are …

Deciding between a green roof and photovoltaics (PV) has been a question faced by many over recent years when designing a flat roof; however these two technologies are no longer mutually exclusive with the introduction of Bauder BioSOLAR, which will be officially launched at this year’s Ecobuild. A biosolar roof is the successful combination of biodiverse and extensive green roofs …

Snickers promises a hard wearing garment that’s easy on the pocket with the new Snickers Core Range but does it live up to its billing? Skill Builder takes a closer look. If you are someone who has looked at Snickers trousers and decided that they are a bit beyond your budget you might just be stopped in your tracks by …

Roger Bisby takes a walk across some Isosonic Dekfloor 30 from Thermal Economics as it is being installed in a refurbishment project. Sound insulation can be a tricky business, things that work well in the laboratory may fair less well on site. There are so many things that can undo all that design work, a nail, a screw or a …

Roger Bisby looks at the benefits of investing in an inflatable wedge which has been designed to make fixing and levelling easier. We have looked at pump up bags fairly recently but these are called Hedgehog Easy Air Wedge from easy innovations and have a subtle difference that you can’t see from looking at them. The secret feature is a …

Mumford & Wood, the manufacturer of timber windows and doors, has announced compliance with NBS National Building Information Modelling (BIM) Library Data for core Conservation entrance, balcony, bi-folding, single and French doorsets as well as Conservation casement windows, box sash and spring sash windows. This is in accordance with the Government’s mandate on all publically-funded new-build projects by spring 2016. …

Roger Bisby reports on a job where Ecotherm’s Ecoliner saved the day. We hear a lot about reducing our carbon footprint and saving money on fuel bills but the most noticeable and immediate benefit of insulation is the increased comfort levels. Yes it makes you feel instantly warmer, who knew? The community hall in our case study had the reputation …

Hilti has launched its next generation TE 1000-AVR breaker, which has more demolition power and less vibration than its predecessor.

Well we can’t say they didn’t warn us about climate change, more rain, rising seas, extreme weather. The television is full of images of flooded homes and the miserable aftermath. People being interviewed say that they have never known it this bad. Houses that were once considered above the flood plain are now being deluged and everyone is looking for …