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October 2003 |
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Can't spell, can't add up
Poor literacy and numeracy skills are costing the construction industry up to £1 billion every year because of basic mistakes.
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Disc count
Selfridges' stunning new store in the revamped Bull Ring centre in Birmingham is now open for business. Designed by architect Future Systems in conjunction with structural, facade and building services engineer Arup, Selfridges boasts a state-of-the-art fire detection system with cables from Pirelli's FP200 Gold range.The fire detection system is activated by break glass points throughout the store, together with automatic smoke detectors. A public address/voice alarm system is wired into the cable that will normally distribute amplified music throughout the store. M&E contractor on the project was Haden Young.
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Late payment woes continue in UK market
Construction companies have to wait an average of 55·4 days for invoices to be paid, with large companies taking an average 85 days to cough up.
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T Clarke profits up
T Clarke continues to woo the stock market with impressive interim results.
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Insurers to reward good practices
Contractors following best health and safety practice could face lower employers' liability premiums in the future.
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Migrant workers treated no better than slaves
Migrant workers are being employed on UK building sites on poor pay and conditions in a modern form of slavery, claims a union leader.
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Analysts predict acquisitions activity ahead over the next year
The acquisitions market is set to pick up between now and the middle of next year
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Fresh calls for vat reduction
The UK Government could come under pressure from the European Commission following the EC's proposal to reduce the vat on all construction and repair of housing to 5%.
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60% of economy patch cords not up to scratch
Up to 60% of economy patch cords do not meet the Cat 5e standards according to tests undertaken by networks equipment supplier Krone.
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Misuse of subcontractors and agency labour tackled
The ECA has hit out at members who are flouting rules on the use of agency labour, self-employed operatives and subcontracting firms.
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MCG sets health and safety needs
The Major Contractors' Group (MCG) has issued a pre-qualification criteria document for subcontractors looking to work for MCG firms.
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Hills E & M win new residential contract
Hills Electrical & Mechanical has won a £1.5 million contract for the installation of building services in a new residential development at Knotty Ash, Liverpool. The initiative is a partnership between Housing 21, which specialises in developments for older people, and Liverpool Housing Action Trust.The project involves the refurbishment of two ten-storey blocks of 122 flats and the construction of a new low-rise block of 42 flats alongside.
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Presidential view
One cannot overstate the importance of the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS), which exists to ensure that electricians achieve the highest standards of competency and health and safety – key concerns for our members.
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When is an apprentice not an apprentice?
The ECA Council has discussed establishing the date on which an apprenticeship ends.
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Age laws to change
New laws are set to prohibit discrimination based on age.
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Fatal attraction
The introduction of a corporate killing law is getting closer. Is your firm following the best practices that safeguard it from prosecution?
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Energy fit for kings
As students arrive for the new term at Edinburgh University's King's Buildings campus their heating and power needs will be served more efficiently thanks to a new chp scheme.
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Circuit training
We sing the praises of the unsung hero of the circuit protection field – the residual circuit-breaker overload.
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The call of the wild
Do your staff use a mobile telephone to keep in contact while on the road? Word your calls policy carefully
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Broken promises
A firm's insolvency will cause problems throughout the supply chain. We ask: are you prepared for the worst?
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Access for all?
Can you get the products that you need to satisfy the Disability Discrimination Act? We ask why are security manufacturers ignoring the Act?
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Controls in the dock
Controls systems manufacturer Wiremek of Woodbridge, Suffolk has won a £200 000 contract to provide control and lighting panels for Felixstowe Dock.
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Bolton schools heating up
A time-critical programme to replace boilers in Bolton's schools has been met by using skid-mounted packages, reducing installation time by 75%.
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NG Bailey press to fit
Using offsite prefabricated services modules has helped m&e contractor NG Bailey reduce the installation time of a new office complex for the Transport Research Laboratory at Crowthorne, Berkshire.
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Light shopping
A lighting scheme by Riegens Lighting has made shopping at Sainsbury's Maypole superstore in Birmingham a brighter experience.
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Weather power
The Met Office's new headquarters and operations centre in Exeter will be powered by Zucchini busbar.
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Sentry box
MK Electric is introducing a range of three-phase distribution boards, panels and accessories. EMC finds out the thinking behind this market move.
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Best in field
Who is using best practice and why? In the first of a new series, we highlight the divisions in the m&e sector.
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Manchester Electrical Roadshow
Our new Electrical Roadshows initiative kicks off with a stunner at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground. With free entry and free parking, don't miss the chance to meet over 30 top suppliers from the electrical market under one roof. We highlight what's on show
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Faulty thinking
As buildings demand ever higher short-circuit ratings, how do you deal with high fault current levels?
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Home chp means business
Combined heat and power will change the way many of us think about energy in our homes. We find out what contractors must do to benefit from the rise and rise of domestic chp.
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What a turn on
What do flying pigs, a haunted house and topiary have in common? We take a trip to Blackpool to see what it takes to illuminate the town.
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Wrong relay blamed for London blackout
London was plunged into chaos on 28 August with a loss of electricity supply. An incorrectly installed relay protection unit was to blame.
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