September Event - Construction Act Webinar

A Webinar video to update the session on the Construction Act in September.  Paul Brampton takes you through the changes.

October 2011 - The East London Line

Andy Nettleton of Balfour Beatty (Balfour Beatty) took the meeting through the issues surrounding the redevelopment of the London Overground East London Line. The line threads through a dense urban landscape throwing up numerous challenges ton its constructors including finding space for new expanded & new structures as well as extending the reach of the line itself. The LCEC chair,Andrew Bowles, commented on "Andy's for a fascinating and informative presentation" Simulation of Shoreditch High Street Station - JSA Opus
Some asides from the evening:
"Another great evening" 
"Diverse questions illustrated the sheer breadth of the project's undertaking and achievements"
"A slightly different topic, but thoroughly enjoyable and very interesting" 
"My first event - I shall definitely be joining"

LCEC September 2011 Event - Construction Act Overview

Paul Brampton and Steven Hayward from the construction and engineering team at IBB solicitors presented the October 2011 changes to the Construction Act to a full house at the London Capital Club on 13 September 2011. The presentation included a look at the 'old' Construction Act and a more detailed consideration of the new regime and its practical implications. The presentation was very well received.

We have lived with the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (colloquially "the Construction Act") for over a decade. In 1998, when the law was introduced, the regime seemed quite alien and difficult to operate - Building Magazine (17/4/98) described it as “the most significant piece of legislation to hit the industry for decades” - but we all adapted our working practices accordingly with the result that it has become second nature to work within the confines of that legislation now.

Times change. Part 8 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 amends the Constriction Act. It applies to all contracts entered into on or after 1st October 2011 in England and Wales . New rules make it more difficult to hide behind the terms of a contract to delay making payments whilst at the same time enhancing the payee's right to suspend works in the event of non-payment.

Some commentators welcome the new rules as a victory for smaller companies protecting them from employers who stifle cash flow causing many smaller firms to go bust. Others say the changes are unnecessary adding to administration when the industry is on its knees and new building orders are at their lowest since the 80s. Seeking to avoid the new legislation, some construction companies are racing to get contracts signed ahead of October 1st, even if the building work is not due to start for several months.

Post presentation comments included
"The evening was very informative. The handouts produced ... were excellent"
"Made a somewhat dry topic interesting. Thank you"
"It was the first time I attended an LCEC event. It was informative, professionally presented, pleasant and a relaxed venue, above my expectations"
"It was combination of learning and networking"
"Excellent handouts - among the best I've received from an event"

LCEC July 2011 Event - Renewable Technology for the Built Environment On-site talk and tour of CEREB

LCEC - July 2011 - CEREB Site Visit from Mike Colquhoun on Vimeo.

Did you attend the event?  If so we would like to hear from you Click here to take survey 

CEREB is Located at roof level of the new London South Bank University teaching facility K2, the Centre has direct access to data from all the different innovative technologies providing the services to the working building. The data from the monitoring systems is available via web interfaces that will allow it to be used for collaborative research worldwide, which gives the Centre an important international dimension. There is also the ability to showcase developing technologies and to trial new products in a real life setting where the results can be closely monitored. This makes it an invaluable resource for understanding how to design, operate and manage technologies for future low carbon buildings - both new build and retrofit

The talk and tour was hosted by Ken Shaw, Centre Manager. There was ample opportunity to find out more about CEREB, its technologies and projects, what’s been working well and what hasn’t. Following the talk there was a tour to view some of the technologies together with the usual networking.

LCEC June 14 2011 Event - Heron Tower Visit The story behind the project

The club was delighted to be able to offer this fantastic opportunity to visit the latest tall building on the City’s sky line. The event was attended by over 70 club members which figure does not include hosts, speakers and club officers. A truly memorable and enjoyable event!

Over 200m tall and 46 storeys high the building offered an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of London from another vantage point. We were treated to a presentation from Paul Simovic of architects KPF and Jonathan Inman of Skanska who constructed the project, who spoke about the unique aspects of the design of the building for client Heron International and some of the technological innovations introduced and the challenges overcome. As always there was an opportunity to ask questions followed a chance to enjoy the view with a glass of wine and networking as usual.

LCEC May 2011 Event - The Practical Use of Social Media in Construction

LCEC May 2011 Event - The Practical Use of Social Media in Construction from Mike Colquhoun on Vimeo.

Did you attend the event?  If so we would like to hear from you Click here to take survey.

There was a full house for the event which followed on from the one Paul Wilkinson did for the club last year. Paul was joined by Philippa Grantham of Studio Klaschka in providing more insight into how social media can be applied in the contracting environment. Robert Klaschka, Studio Klaschka, supported Philippa and Paul during the Q&A session which followed the initial talk. A lively debate ensued demonstrating the level of interest there is in the ever evolving toolset offered by this medium.

LCEC April 2011 Event - The Retrofit Challenge

LCEC April - The Retrofit Challenge from Mike Colquhoun on Vimeo.

Did you attend the event?  If so we would like to hear from you Click here to take survey in addition you can use the survey to ask a question that wasn't answered at the event!

The event was very well attended - likely to be a record! Retrofitting and its many issues were outlined by the speakers - Richard Quartermaine, Ian Goodfellow, Alex Moody and Jonathan Brookes. There were lively discussions during the Q&A sections which carried on afterwards over a glass or two of wine!  Retrofitting and sustainability are hot topics which are likely to be revisited again soon.