1. Is Google set to launch a BIM-busting construction app
Google’s apps and operating system have already “disrupted” Microsoft’s business – and now it could be planning to do the same for BIM and online collaboration in the construction industry. Read more…
2. Aecom floats £14bn canal proposal
DECC’s chief scientific adviser David McKay gave a positive reception to an Aecom proposal to build a visionary new north-south mega-canal that would help solve future problems of water supply, power transmission and sustainable transport. Read more…
3. CSCS shake-up builds image of the industry
The new higher hurdle for acquiring a labourer’s green card was welcomed by the industry, but the jury was still out on the value of the new Academically Qualified Person’s card. Read more…
4. Brussels set to enshrine BIM in EU procurement rules
The forthcoming revision of the EU procurement directive is to embrace BIM and digital working on public contracts, paving the way for other EU countries to adopt a UK-style BIM mandate in future. Read more…
5. CSCS shake-up – full details new NVQ and academic cards
The CSCS card scheme revealed details of a new shake-up that seeks to set a higher competence standard for holders of the operative’s Green card by linking it to a new Level 1 NVQ from July 2014. Read more…
6. Skanska claims industry first with 3D printed cladding
A Skanska-built office project in the City of London achieved an industry first by taking 3D printing out of the research labs and into a live project environment. Read more…
7. Self-build family home costs under £50,000
A Cardiff-based architect won an ideas competition to design a generously-sized 100 sq m family house that could be structurally completed by self-builders for just £41,000. Read more…
8. Level 7 NVQ holders get fast track to chartership
Anyone holding or studying for an Edexcel Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management will no longer need to take a professional competence assessment in order to complete the CIOB’s Professional Review process and become chartered. Read more…
9. The industry comments on the Thatcher years
CM invited senior industry figures working in construction in the 1980s to share their personal memories of the late Baroness Thatcher, and to sum up how her policies helped re-shape the industry then and now. Read more…
10. Balfour Beatty running ‘pay for early payment’ pilot
Balfour Beatty confirmed it was running a three-month pilot on “supply chain finance”, the controversial mechanism that gives subcontractors access to sums owed by Tier 1 contractors earlier than the contract states in return for paying an interest charge. Read more…
Top Agenda story
The jobs market reawakens
As the slumbering jobs market appeared to be coming back to life after five years in hibernation, Denise Chevin looked into who’s in demand, where and why. Read more…
Top Management story
The seven deadly leadership sins
Clive Chandler on the no-nos that will impact on your effectiveness as a leader. Read more…
Top On Site story
We’re all on a journey – and all roads lead to BIM
The industry’s BIM journey is underway, but there’s no map, no speedometer and no satnav. But as our case studies show, everyone is getting there at their own pace. Read more…
Top International story
Qatar spends nearly £1m on research to help it build BIM
Two UK professors were awarded a grant of $900,000 by Qatar to study how Building Information Modelling could save it billions of dollars on its massive development plans. Read more…
