CIC Cascade March 2007

CIC ConstructionSkills have joined forces with Think! to organise 3 interactive events for young professionals in the built environment running from the 1-3 May 2007.

About Think! Next Generation:
This special event programme will provide a platform for up and coming young professionals to network, contribute to The Think! Charter (5 pledges to green our industry), and develop team working and communication skills.

All Think! Next Generation participants receive a ticket to attend the plenary sessions at the main Think! conference and exhibition.

About Think!:
Think! is a 3 day conference and exhibition that explores the wider responsibilities of the property and construction industries as we deal with the issues of climate change, urban renewal and development. Speakers include Al Gore, Will Hutton & Lord Coe.

For more information on Think! visit www.think07.co.uk

The Think! Next Generation schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, 1 May, 5-7pm: Speed Networking with Sponge*
The most efficient form of networking, but also lots of fun. Speed networking provides a structured environment where you can talk to people you wouldn’t have otherwise come into contact with.

Wednesday, 2 May, 5-7pm: Discussion and Debate: Making the Built Environment Greener
This workshop & discussion will be based on the 5 pledges to help make the built environment green, produced as a result of Prince Charles’ workshop at the conference. The findings will be reported back to the main conference on day 3 during a session chaired by Peter Ainsworth, Shadow Environment Secretary. This is an opportunity for the Next Generation group to contribute directly to the larger Think! debate.

Thursday, 3rd May, 4-6pm: Construction Games & Cocktail Reception
More fun to wind-down, but this time working in project teams to replicate a model building made out of building blocks. Of course, there is a catch – but this will only be revealed later!
Our games will be followed by a cocktail reception and traditional-style networking.

Now fully booked

*Sponge is a network of open-minded individuals who share a particular interest in sustainable development. These individuals generally work in, or are associated with the development of our built environment; from bricks and mortar through design, engineering and planning to communities and regeneration.

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2. North West Regional Annual Dinner - Friday 15th June 2007

With major construction developments taking place across the North West region it has become increasingly vital for businesses to be ‘in the know’. The CIC North West Regional Annual Dinner is an ideal opportunity for companies within the region to network and engage with others within the construction industry.

As well as being informative the evening promises to be fun and entertaining. Guest after-dinner speaker Brian Newbold who is well known on the circuit as “The Man from the Coal Board”, will share many of his hilarious anecdotes including outrageous tales from his time working for the Coal Board. Live music and dancing will ensure that the evening will be one of the most enjoyable in the events calendar.

The North West Regional Dinner is taking place at Urbis (located in the heart of Manchester). Through its exhibition and education programme, Urbis explores the culture and dynamism of cities around the world, covering photography, design, architecture, music, contemporary music.

Venue: Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester.

Times: 7.15pm until 11.30pm (reception drinks 7.15pm, dinner 8pm).

Speaker: Brian Newbold – Entertaining anecdotes from “The Man from the Coal Board”
and former Chartered Surveyor.

Cost: £875 per table of 10 (special rate of £800 if booked by 30 April 2007). (cost includes reception drinks, evening meal, wine with dinner and entertainment).

To book or to obtain further details email Jane Brade on jbrade@cic.org.uk
Booking form

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3. IPHE President sets out the plan for the future

Around 42 guests had dinner with the President of the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) on 7th March 2007 at the Café Royal, London. Peter Ashby MIPHE RP, National President for 2006/2007 was delighted that so many of the Institute’s supporters could join him for the evening.

In the President’s speech, he talked about the importance of petitioning for a Royal Charter and thanked those who are helping the IPHE to achieve this special recognition. He said that now the Centenary Year had passed we should focus on the future of the Institute. To help us do this a business plan has been put in place, which sets out the strategic direction of the Institute and embraces its purpose to enhance the safety and health of the public.

“This year, the Institute will concentrate on public awareness by using national campaigns to bring ‘Carbon Monoxide’, ‘Drinking Water’ and ‘Asbestos’ to the attention of the public and show how plumbing can make a positive impact on lives. To underpin its activity in 2007 the organisation will, by using the campaigns, create customer demand, continue to increase its membership and therefore promote itself in influential circles.

“The focus on public awareness, personal development and technical authority will be rotated in a three-year programme, as set out in the plan. We, as individual members can push forward the 2007 initiative of public awareness in our day-to-day business, confirming our support and enlarging the influence of the Institute.”

Mr Ashby went on to talk about conserving the resources of the planet and urged plumbing and heating engineers to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date, so they can advise consumers about water conservation and energy efficient products.

The President thanked all his guests for coming and presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers, to show his appreciation for all the support she had given him. He also presented the Coventry Branch Secretary, Stanley Wilcox, with an Exceptional Service certificate. Stanley has been a member of the Institute for 40 years and Branch Secretary for 20 years.

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4. Walk away from clients seeking unreasonable liability, ACE tells consultants

Consultants and engineers should walk away from clients who demand unreasonable levels of liability or refuse to agree caps on liability, say the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).

ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin said: “Some clients in our industry are demanding unrealistic levels of liability cover from consultants in the mistaken belief that this ‘insures’ them against potential loss. ACE is aware of several clients who are ‘serial offenders’ in this area, often asking for unlimited liability on even small projects. Clients asking for such unlimited liability should be aware that their approach is not sensible. If a consultant goes out of business as a result of one client’s unreasonable claim, they will no longer be around when the next one comes along.”

ACE argues that a fairer and more sensible approach is for consultants to negotiate a cap on their liability with clients. “If a contract does not incorporate a cap and the consultant is sued for an amount that exceeds the insurance policy, the firm will be exposed to uninsured losses and so a cap gives clients and consultants a degree of certainty they would not otherwise have. Whenever feasible, the cap should be discussed and specifically agreed by all parties,” said Ogunshakin.

“If a client refuses to negotiate a cap then the consultant should ask themselves whether they want to work for that client. They may be better off walking away,” he said.

Unless otherwise agreed, consultants’ liability under an appointment contract is unlimited. ACE argues that unlimited liability should be avoided otherwise a consultant’s potential liability could be greater than their insurance cover. Although liability cannot be restricted in relation to damages for death or personal injury, parties can agree to limit any other liability such as for breach of contract or negligence. This can be done in a variety of ways, including by agreeing a financial cap, a figure beyond which the consultant will not be liable.

ACE says that the limit of liability should be agreed with the client and should be “reasonable” within the terms of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 but should be no greater than the consultant’s PI cover.

According to ACE, clients, including those in the public sector, are acting irresponsibly by demanding unrealistic or unlimited levels of liability cover. ACE is calling on consultants to come forward with examples of client bad practice. “Consultants and engineers who feel they are being bullied by clients to accept ridiculous liabilities should come and talk to ACE,” said Ogunshakin. “A sensible liability regime is in the interests of both the demand and supply side of our industry and ACE will do all it can to promote dialogue and best practice in this area,” he said.

For further information visit www.acenet.co.uk

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5. BIFM Awards entry deadline extended

There is only one month left to enter the BIFM International Investors in FM Excellence Awards. Entries from across the FM profession and industry in the UK and beyond must be submitted on or before Monday 16th April 2007.

Does your facilities manager, team or project deserve recognition? You could be picking up an award at the most prestigious social and networking event in the FM calendar.

The BIFM Awards Gala Dinner, with outstanding entertainment, will be staged at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday 8th October 2006.

There are 11 award categories, reflecting the wide scope of facilities management:

Best Practice in New Build
Impact on Organisation and Workplace
Best Practice in a Fit-out Project
Facilities Manager of the Year
Best Practice in a PFI/PPP Project
Communications and Marketing
Innovation
Sustainability
Technology
Customer Service
Best Article in FM Journalism

The BIFM International Investors in FM Excellence Awards are designed to recognise the innovative ways in which facilities management delivers best practice and adds value to working life, contributing to the success of corporations, organisations and individuals.

The Awards are open to the whole of the industry, not only members of the BIFM.

For further details please visit the BIFM website or call Marguerite at FMevents on 0141 639 6192.

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6. Bidding for Gold Launch

The Bidding for Gold initiative was launched at the Chartered Institute of Building’s headquarters in Ascot on Wednesday 15th November. The launch brought key clients and developers together with Small to Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in the south east construction and built environment sector to explore opportunities together.

Bidding for Gold is a European Social Fund (ESF) and Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funded project, run in partnership with Business Link, the Chartered Institute of Building and the South East Centre of the Built Environment.

The initiative provides support and training to SME’s in the construction and built environment sector, to help them form flexible groups to bid for construction projects they may be unable to tender for as a single organisation. The project runs from July 2006 to June 2008.

Bob Heathfield Chairman, South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE) and Past President of the Chartered Institute of Building said, “Bidding for Gold presents a unique opportunity for SMEs to improve their ability to become involved in some of larger construction contracts that are being generated here in the South East. Those delegates I spoke to were pleased that SMEs were finally being recognised as an important element in the growth of the construction industry and welcomed the chance to network while improving their skills. There are of course challenges ahead but with help from programmes like Bidding for Gold I sincerely hope to see this part of the industry prosper from the significant opportunities in the future.”

Christina Montague Regional Strategy Adviser, CITB-ConstructionSkills, Southern counties commented, "Improving business performance and competitiveness of construction companies is one of the key challenges facing the industry; this project should help to meet this challenge in the south east."

Bob Langton Chairman, Business Link Solution for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire added, “This injection of funding from the European Social Fund, ahead of the 2012 Olympics in the UK is just the sort of tonic needed for the construction industry. There is a shortage of skilled operative’s right across the south east and this programme will create the right environment to attract more skilled people into the sector. Business Link is delighted to be supporting this initiative which will enable more SME’s to play their part in this exciting period.”

Speakers include:-

Stella Bellem Head of Cultural Policy, South East England Development Agency and the South East Group for the 2012 Games
Brian Moone Director Mace Business School
Bob Heathfield Chairman, South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE) and Past President of the Chartered Institute of Building
Christina Montague Regional Strategy Adviser, CITB-ConstructionSkills, Southern counties
Bob Langton Chairman, Business Link Solution for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Sarah Peace, Bidding for Gold Project Manager, the Chartered Institute of Building
Tony Myhill, Bidding for Gold Project Manager, South East Centre for the Built Environment (SECBE)

Participating SME’s will:

Discover potential business within the South East arising as a result of preparing for the 2012 Olympics.
Gain a perspective on procurement training available through the project.
Build networks with other construction professionals and organisations.

Further information is available by contacting the below:-

Bidding for Gold Project Administrator, the Chartered Institute of Building, Englemere, Kings Ride, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7TB. Tel 01344 630791 email: biddingforgold@ciob.org.uk

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7. The Open Award for Technical Excellence in Architectural Technology – Now open for entries

The Institute’s premier award is now open for 2007 to all architectural professionals.

Entrants must demonstrate their achievement of technical excellence in construction by illustrating the composition of ideas put into practice and presented in a working format.

The winners will receive:

Winner (First prize) £1500, a cast plaque for permanent attachment to the project and certificate

Highly Commended (Second prize) £750, a cast plaque for permanent attachment to the project and certificate

Commended (Third prize) £550, a cast plaque for permanent attachment to the project and certificate

The judges will consider the following key areas:

Innovation
Consideration of fabric, structures and services at design stage
Sustainability
Health and safety
Quality of work and craftsmanship
Evidence of life-cycle costings and assessment
Access considerations
Working to budgetary constraints

Application forms are available from CIAT Central Office.

Completed application forms must be received by 8 June 2007. Judging will take place during
June/July and the judges may wish to visit the project; if this is the case you will be contacted.

The results will be announced and presented at the President’s Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday 17 November 2007 at the Manchester Town Hall, Manchester.

Entries or any queries should be directed to Diane Dale, Practice and Technical Director, CIAT
(diane@ciat.org.uk, 020 7278 2206)

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8. Careers in Africa UK Summit

Global Career Company, an international recruitment consultancy focusing on Africa, Asia and Russia will be hosting the Careers in Africa UK Summit in London on May 4th – 7th 2007.

This annual consortium event brings together graduates and professionals seeking careers in Africa with leading multinationals and African companies. Now in its fifth year, this Summit is the worlds leading recruitment event for Africa.

The Careers in Africa UK Summit is an invitation-only event featuring pre-scheduled interviews, presentations and networking sessions with leading employers from across Africa. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for internationally oriented African candidates and those with an interest in the construction profession to meet with leading HR directors and Senior Business Representatives from various organisations over one weekend.

Companies that have already confirmed to attend the Summit are Africon, Alcan, Angola LNG, Baker Hughes, Barloworld, BP Angola, Celtel, Chevron, Cisco, Coca-Cola Bottlers Luanda, Coca-Cola SABCO, Diageo, DNV Angola, Eskom, Exxon Mobil, FirstRand Africa & Emerging Markets, Friesland Foods, Group Five, Heineken, Impala Platinum, Lafarge, Millicom, Movicel, OPS, Oracle, SAB, Sasol, Shell, Standard Bank, Telkom, Vodacom, Vlisco and WAMCO.

Candidates wishing to be considered for the event should apply online at www.globalcareercompany.com/ciauk where Details on the event, participating companies and available opportunities can be also be found.

9. Events

The events page of the CIC website is frequently updated visit the events page for details.

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	For general information please contact CIC

Construction Industry Council is a company no. 2388396 limited by guarantee, registered in England. CIC registered office: 26 Store Street London WC1E 7BT