Sunday, February 24, 2013

Groups provide a platform to influence

Reliability is a regional group build, Generation Change - otherwise known as G4C - bringing together young professionals with the overarching goal of the construction industry to improve work practices and future needs of the industry drive positive change. Founded in people in the early stages of their careers, G4C has 16 board young professionals who meet monthly. We planned the initiatives and activities for the 100-plus members who joined since the launch in March 2012. Our most recent event saw the role of the North East business to play in the 2012 Olympics. For example, Steve Sparks of 4Projects talk about their role in providing collaborative solutions to every major project in the Olympic park, Mike Hall, a partner in the FaulknerBrowns architects, demonstrated history of successfully designing skills at Olympic venues, and Andrew Bacchus, Head of UKTI Global Sports, talks about the future opportunities that led to Rio 2016 and beyond. Being involved in G4C is a platform for young architects like myself to get involved in the wider construction industry, influence on other initiatives in the sector, and to develop a dialogue between young professionals to promote positive change in the region. Since London was awarded the 2012 Olympics, FaulknerBrowns been involved in the design of equipment for sailing and Canoe Slalom events. The popularity of both areas has exceeded all expectations. The Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, designed by FaulknerBrowns, opened in 2005 and, in 2010, we were invited to do an extension for the facility to meet the press and the number of viewers for the Olympics. The Lee Valley White Water Centre was officially opened in April 2011 - the first new-build facility to be completed for the London Olympics in 2012 - has received more than 140,000 visitors in the first 12 months of opening. Becoming a member of G4C has given me the ability to influence the thinking of modern industry. Offers the opportunity to progress beyond the normal path of career and ability to shape the future of the UK construction industry. I would encourage any young professionals in a similar situation to take advantage of the team, and help us to influence the future development for the area.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Balfour Beatty started work at the end of the park

Building giant Balfour Beatty has started work on a £ 2.3m end of the park in South Tyneside. And the company, which serves more than 200 staff in the North East, has agreed to ensure that a quarter of all subcontractor work is stored in the borough and provide opportunities for training and experience in jobs for the local community. Phil Morgan, regional director of Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, said: "We are very excited to start on site in Harton Quays Park and to assist the development of the area for residents and visitors." Stretching along the Tyne from the ferry landing at Customs House, Harton Quays Park featuring trees, grass and a curved embankment promenade drink stalls, and amphitheater. Project was funded by a joint South Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency and the Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Eileen Leask, led the grass-cutting ceremony to get the work going. He said: "This park in a beautiful setting and I think is very popular with local and visitors alike. It offers something new and different for people visiting South Shields town center and also for people working in the area. "We have a good South Marine Park at the end of the town, and soon we will have a good public space in our riverside. I can not wait to come back here when done. ' This project was made possible thanks to the strong financial backing of the Home and Communities Agency. Martin Wilks, Capital Development Manager at the agency said: "The start of work is good news for residents of South Shields. Brings the reality of riverside park one step closer. It is fascinating to see the plans and ideas started to become a reality. ' Park was developed as part of a wider regeneration masterplan for the South Shields Riverside and is scheduled for completion in spring 2013.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Cycling fans to create a hub for all things bike

TWO old school friends started the business 15 years ago bike holiday extended to create social enterprise cycling East. Paul and Andrew Straw Snedker came up with the idea for The Hub Cycle to promote and encourage cycling in the region. The couple run run saddle, with Jill Hetherington from Cycle Centre in Byker, which organizes cycling holidays both domestic and overseas. Now the business moved to Newcastle City Council Ouseburn Regeneration Centre Spiller Quay, where new social enterprises are based. Mr Snedker said: "The Hub Cycle is an interesting concept that offers a unique meeting place for people interested in spinning regardless of their ability. "We realized there was great potential for working with businesses like thinking. Rent cycling hub space-related businesses and will allow renters to grow and thrive while offering customers a one-stop shop for their cycling needs. In addition to housing and escape BikeRight saddle, hub will also include space for training, renting bikes, services, and information about cycling. Paul and Andrew assisted by the senior partner of the Law Firm of Gordon Brown Gordon Brown in the deal. He works closely with clients and owners of Newcastle City Council. Brown said: "The Hub Cycle is an innovative idea. Paul and Andrew are very enthusiastic and have excellent contacts in the industry has successfully launched and ran to escape the saddle for 15 years. "The new facility gives them a great opportunity to expand and grow the business. I wish them every success for the future. '

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Pension reform concerns

Approximately 2/3 of small businesses in the UK no closer to enroll their staff into pension schemes workplace is required under the new law, according to a new survey. And more than four in 10 do not think the new rules, said the report, from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). We also found that a quarter of 500 small firms were asked to consider the law but does not act on them. Six of the 10 companies requesting to know little or nothing about pension reform - which came into force for large companies than in October 2012 - with only 12% claiming to know a lot about This, and only 8% have an implementation plan in place. Such low levels of knowledge and activity may reflect the performance of pension reform now extended to 'date from June 2015 to April 2017 - is set to the smallest business in the UK. About six of the 10 companies with more than 50 employees are not currently offer their employees pension scheme work, with only one-quarter provision for staff both full and part time. And the gap between small firms (10-49 employees) and micro (1-9 employees) are remarkable, with 65% of the final scheme of the offer altogether. Under the pension reform, all employers are required to auto-enroll staff into a pension scheme, to make contributions on their behalf, to register with the Pensions Regulator and tells employees how the changes will affect them.