February Event - Procurement Best Practice

Judging by the attendance the subject of procurement in the industry is still a hot topic!

Richard Ward, a lawyer and partner at Eversheds, co-opted to the BSI, started the session with an overview of BS8534 from its early roots through to its function as a supply chain tool.

This was followed by David Hutchinson, past VP if ICE now with Parsons Brinckerhoff,  who described how he was 'roped in' to working with the BSI.  He noted that for him the main targets were cost, time & performance though many other aspects of import were included such as HSE.


All in all a very interesting, informative session with plenty of questions and topics for discussion over a glass or two of wine afterwards!

January Event - An Evening with Paul Morrell & the AGM

Paul Morrell answered questions from the floor ably assisted by LCEC officers Rajvant Nijjhar and Kathy Bagster.  Paul observed that "we are at an interesting point in history where we cannot afford to hold on to historic models of doing construction" which statement includes the recessionary environment and eco-issues.  A lively and interesting evening as always when Paul gives us his views.  A personal question, how does Paul relax? The answer: he likes to sail, watch plays, ballet & opera and for Sunday's "friends, family and food".

One of the main features of the AGM is the election of officers for the current year. All the current team were re-elected except for Hugh Bantin who has decided to step down. The Officers are grateful to Hugh for his contribution to the success of the LCEC.

December 2011 - Wine Tasting Event

In her usual way Julia Trustram-Eve created a great evening of wine tasting on December 7th.  Julia never fails to entertain with her taste challenges and amazing knowledge of wines.  The quality of the wines that are produced in our green and pleasant land inevitably make a very welcome appearance.  Always surprising, always engaging. 


A great start to the Festive Season! 

LCEC at the Constructing Excellence Awards 2011

The committee members at the Constructing Excellence 2011 Awards.  A full account of the awards and the winners of the event can be visited from here when it is posted to the CE web site.

Clock wise from the left : Rajvant Nijjhar, Keith Maynard, Paul Brampton, Hugh Bantin, a guest, Barry Dobbins, Andrew Bowles, David Hucker, a guest, Kathy Bagster

November 2011 - Energy from Waste

One of today's key topics which concerns everyone. The challenges offered by the fundamental issues surrounding the generation of energy from waste in a eco-friendly way that can adapt to emerging technologies were outlined by Andy King, Energy & Waste Section Leader at Morgan Sindall. The subject is very relevant to the construction industry particularly at the design stage which was echoed by those attending, "very relevant" being the most used words!

Andy's presentation can be downloaded from Click here or watch the following:

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"