Getting serious about retrofit + VAT reduction to boost UK economy

The findings of the ‘Retrofit for the Future’ study will be launched at the Retrofit Live event held at the Centre of Refurbishment Excellence (CoRE) next month and will include discuss the outcomes of the recent £17m programme. We need to get serious about retrofit and this event and study will point the way forward.

The GGF campaign to cut VAT on maintenance and home improvements has been boosted by a recent report from Experian that says this could add £15billion to the UK economy plus create 95k jobs and save tonnes of CO2. With an election round the corner maybe this is campaign will catch the eye of the Chancellor.

Among the top stories this week, we include a report on the carbon footprint of clay brick manufacturing and project story on a new movable wall system creating space at the top BMW showroom in Mayfair. Check-out all the summaries below for more new product and project stories.

Finally, was The Shard the thin edge of the vertical wedge? With London’s skyline set to be filled with 250 more towers, is it time to challenge this trend? Comment via the Buildingtalk Tweet on this.

TOP 10 STORIES

VAT reduction will boost the UK economy by £15 billion by 2020

Retrofit event will reveal study findings and discuss implications

New roofing campaign for architects raises awareness of the NFRC

Steel door and window range achieves low U values in public areas

Specification tool kit introduced to visitors at Ecobuild 2014

Carbon footprint report based around clay brick manufacturing emissions

Secondary glazing systems specification expected to rise

Anti-slip flooring products showcasing at Plant and Asset event

Timber workshop provides information on EC5 standards for engineers

LED Luminaire suitable for installation in retail environment centres  

LATEST PROJECTS & OTHER STORIES

Forte Silencio movable wall system creates versatile space in BMW Mayfair showroom

Software tools upgrade hydraulic performance of flow controls

Slip resistant flooring fitted at centre to create a safe surface

PVC-U pipe safely transfers chemically treated water to swimming pool

Access control lock system gives greater control to security managers

Doorset ranges displayed at Laidlaw’s refurbished interior showroom

Galvanising work carried out on life size steel plant structure

Polished plasters company exhibit at Shanghai design event 

Test and measurement products new to FLIR’s range of building tools

Maintenance work carried out across properties in the West Midlands

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Plans to speed up the construction of the HS2 rail line in the north

Can London cope with the 250 tall towers proposed or under construction?

Construction output in Jan up 1.8% on Dec & Q4 2013 up 1.5% on Q3

Top reasons for working in construction – what you love most about the job?

Ten-point programme for climate protection in building sector – position paper

The Shard uses enough glass panels to cover 8 football pitches constructed using 95% recycled material