Buildingtalk election manifesto + brickies boom-time + latest Buildingtalk newsletter

On the economic front, last month commercial construction came close to doubling 2013 figure according to the latest BarbourABI report.  India’s biggest housing developer is to spend £3bn on UK projects and China continues invest in infrastructure.  

It is also Brickies boom-time as skills shortages mean subcontractors ramp-up hourly rates. Construction wages rose 4% overall in July.

Latest products on Buildingtalk this week include a new finishing plaster from British Gypsum that means fast re-skimming without the need for pre-treatment. Also a keyless door lock from Assa Abloy with a useful ‘attack code’ function that enhances safety.

Saint-Gobain have just announced that Buildingtalk is the confirmed media partner for their next on-line industry debate. I will also be visiting the Nottingham University zero carbon house shortly – a fascinating new build project that they are supporting.  You can follow @Buildingtalk via Twitter for regular updates.

And finally, as we endure the last Party Conference season before the Election in the Spring – with Labour already promising a ‘brownfield first policy’ for new homes – let me have your suggestions to add to the Buildingtalk shopping trolley of proposals from the construction industry.

We will publish these in our own mini election manifesto and see what response we get from the prospective ruling class of 2015.

Email Howard Chapman via [email protected]

LINK TO TOP 10 PROJECT & PRODUCT STORIES

via this week’s BUILDINGTALK NEWSLETTER

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Self primer with 8 years protection for wood popular with clients

TOP 10 TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Rabbit hutch Britain – why do we have the smallest homes in Western Europe?

Brickies boom-time as skills shortage mean subcontractors ramp-up hourly rates & construction wages up 4% in July

India’s biggest housing developer to spend £3bn in London to give UK housebuilders some competition

Brownfield first policy for new homes agreed at Labour Party Conference

Does this sound like you…… Men more likely to extend lunch breaks and have a pint during summer

Saint-Gobain announce that Buildingtalk is confirmed media partner for their next debate!

Builders risk cashflow problems & higher tax as HMRC clamps down on accounting errors

Alternative approach to implementing sustainable drainage systems set to take effect in Spring 2015

August commercial construction close to doubling 2013 figure says latest BarbourAbi report

How to make housing affordable in the UK when the government has cut funding