Optimism across the industry as growth hits highest level in seven years

Our Video of the Week comes from Alpha Heating Innovation and provides a demonstration on how its new ARES Tec 900kW commercial boiler was used at a community college for a rapid warm up time.

News of the week includes how construction workers are being hit hardest by real hourly wage cuts of 13.4% between 2008 and 2013, compared to 7.6% across other sectors. We also feature a prize draw from Fernox offering installers the opportunity to win £50,000 worth of heating products.

Finally, the Buildingtalk team were at the receiving end of an April Fools Day prank when we included a story from Energy Live News about a dog who could sniff out power cuts, whilst we featured a sneaky story about how David Cameron had called for 250 eco-friendly Teletubby houses to be built in Kent.

Top 10 stories

Video of the week – Commercial boiler featuring plate exchanger optimises heat transfer

Flat roofing system ensures roofs stay in place during windy weather

Resin Bound Surfacing showcased on ITV as flood prevention product

Sustainable timber company employed to supply certified hardwood

Stainless steel runners and patch fittings from MWE available in UK

Solid and veneered oak collection launched from Howarth timber

Prater complex building envelope for Tesco Woolwich delivered on time

LED lighting products featured in new National Lighting catalogue

Balcony connector range includes three new thermally insulated systems

Recycling targets set to be achieved with opening of new laboratory

Latest Projects & Other Stories

Modular decorative panels installed at Jaguar Land Rover exhibition

Medium voltage switchgear company launches new website

Exterior landscaping of new build developments could help make a sale

Panic exit door devices provide a quick escape in the event of a fire

Concrete repair products used to restore clinic’s roof and staircase

Fire panel with touch screen control installed at Mansfield stadium

Heating products up for grabs for installers in new Fernox prize draw

Construction skills shortage proposals put forward in online debate

Integrated pumping system work wins Wilo a Technical Innovation award

Split and Sky Air Systems added to the Energy Technology List ???

Tweets of the week

Are apprenticeships a good way of dealing with the skills shortage within the construction industry?

Some 71% of builders and contractors do not feel supported by Whitehall policy

Fancy staying in an invisible glass hotel? The Mirror Cube tree house is the perfect hideaway

UK construction increase maintained in March as growth among housebuilders continues

Construction of £600m Mersey Gateway to begin next month and will officially open in 2017