27 December 2012
HS2 has named the successful bidders for key engineering and environmental consultancy work for phase two of the £33bn high-speed rail project. The winners include Mott MacDonald who were awarded both the environmental and engineering framework packages. The latest consultancy packages for the £13bn Y-shaped stretch of the link north of Birmingham come after the Government confirmed it would publish details of the proposals for Phase Two within the next few weeks. For more on this...
[Read on about HS2 Stage 2 Award Announced]
22 December 2012
The Construction Enquirer reports that developer Argent has gained planning for its ambitious project to transform Birmingham's Paradise Circus. The £450m scheme involves demolishing the old Central Library and constructing 10 new buildings around a series of new squares and streets in the heart of the city. This is good new for Birmingham and will hopefully create a first class sustainable development for future generations. For more on this story visit Green light for £450m...
[Read on about Green Light for Redevelopment of Paradise Circus]
12 December 2012
Loughborough University were asked to produce a report on why the Olympics was so successful; identifying factors which have contributed to the London 2012 Olympic Park being delivered on time, on budget and with an exemplary health and safety record. Their report "Pre-conditioning for success Characteristics and factors ensuring a safe build for the Olympic Park" highlighted the more human factors like respect, trust, clarity, pre-emption, challenge, consistency, collaboration, motivation, empowerment,...
[Read on about The Secret of Success]
6 December 2012
The December 2012 edition of the Ai Solutions Newsletter is now available: December Newsletter.
[Read on about Newsletter - December 2012]
5 December 2012
The HSE has an excellent FREE guide for safe working practices when working on fragile roofs. Falls through fragile roofs and fragile roof lights account for almost a fifth of all fatal accidents resulting from a fall from height in the construction industry. This is often the case when working on older buildings, you need to make your workers aware of the issues and give them guidance accordingly. If you would like to know more please visit www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis5.htm
[Read on about Fragile Roofs - Working Practice]
5 December 2012
Reports are saying that in today's Autumn Statement George Osborne will launch an updated version of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) called Private Finance 2 (PF2). The new PF2 initiative will provide a £1.75bn programme to build and refurbish 219 schools as well as the next generation of hospitals and roads. According to the FT, companies will have to disclose their annual profits from such deals for the first time. It will mean the Government is entitled to take an equity stake in project...
[Read on about PF2 - NEW Private Finance Initiative]
4 December 2012
For those concerned about working on sites where there may be Asbestos; the HSE has provided excellent guidance to assist your decision making process regarding to non-licensed work; follow this link for further information hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a0.pdf. If you require further assistance regarding your Asbestos portfolio then please call Ai Solutions in the first instance on 01525 850080. We have a wealth of experience to offer you as well as software to help manage your ACM registers.
[Read on about Asbestos: Guidance for Non-Licensed Work]
3 December 2012
Those who share our interest in Bletchley Park may be interested to know that 2012 was the celebration of the work of Alan Turing. He has become a household name, associated with the amazing achievements of his life and the tragedy of his early death. Although Alan Turing received the OBE for his wartime achievements, he died tragically in 1954 at the age of 41. This year he would have been 100 years old. His centenary year has prompted an unprecedented celebration of his life, drawing ever more...
[Read on about Alan Turing's Centenary Year Draws To A Close]