NEWS
Data Centres return to pre-Covid levels of confidence
A
return to pre-COVID levels of confidence regarding future demand for datacentres was
an encouraging finding from the latest independent industry survey, which captures the views of over 3000 senior datacentre professionals across Europe, including owners, operators, developers, consultants and end users. The Winter Report 2020/21,
now in its 13th Year is undertaken by independent research house IX Consulting and commissioned by BCS, (Business Critical Solutions) the specialist services provider to the digital infrastructure industry. Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe that 2021 will see an increase in demand, up on the 40% recorded last year, and now back in line with the long-term trending average. Over the past six months, just over 90% of developer and investor/funder respondents reported an increase in their portfolio of technical real estate, the fourth successive survey that a similar proportion has been achieved, with 85% stating that they expect to see a further expansion over the coming year. This represents a significant recovery from the 45% reported six months ago and sits above the long-term average of around 70% monitored during the decade.
James Hart, chief executive at BCS, said: “From the current survey it is encouraging that the reaction which we recorded last year at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding future demand levels for datacentres, has been partially reversed in our latest findings. “If there is one thing the
coronavirus has proven, it is that when faced with a truly urgent imperative, both the public and private sectors can adapt at astonishing speed and scale. Central to that response has been the data centre which has been the engine room enabling the health response, the mass home working effort, maintaining degrees of business continuity as well as keeping disparate families in contact. Last year our industry showed its resilience, agility and relevance, and this will be the lasting legacy of the pandemic for our sector.” In addition to the impact of Covid-19 on the industry, other sections of the report include responses on: the threats to the industry; the ranking of choice factors for new datacentres; key drivers for change such as 5G; and further predictions for 2021 and beyond.
Copies of the report can be downloaded at:
bit.ly/2Yi4R4m
SEC Group comes to a close
A
fter nearly 30 years of actively supporting and promoting the interests of specialist engineering in the construction industry, and against a background of numerous representational successes, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group will come to a close early in 2021. Following on from SEC Group, a new engineering services sector alliance will be launched which, in addition to building on the supply chain achievements of SEC Group, will encompass a wider scope of activity, including key industry themes such as zero net carbon, skills, and building safety.
Throughout its history, SEC Group has been the only body exclusively representing the interests of specialist engineering contractors across the UK and has campaigned to improve the construction industry supply chain trading environment, not least for SMEs which contribute most value to industry projects. Over the many years, SEC Group’s influence and achievements have been extensive. It is recognised by many as being a significant driver for achieving essential change throughout the construction industry. Achievents include a key and crucial role in achieving delivery of the 1996 Construction Act and subsequent updated legislation to help eliminate industry bad practices and support the
supply chain by improving payment security; championing project bank accounts – now mandated for public contracts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and established as the default option for all government procurement; promoting new models of procurement that facilitate true collaboration through focus on quality and value while minimising waste ; continuous and robust campaigning to end the outdated practice of retentions and protect payment to supply chains.
Speaking on behalf of SEC Group members, Steve Bratt, chief executive of engineering services body ECA said: “We would like to express our gratitude to the highly effective SEC Group team for their remarkable contribution to our sector and to the wider industry. Initiatives driven by SEC Group and industry partners over many years have significantly improved the commercial landscape for the construction supply chain”. The engineering services member bodies of SEC Group are currently working with partner organisations to create the new UK engineering services sector alliance. The new alliance, which will include contracting businesses and professionals from across the engineering services sector, will aim to work closely with industry bodies and initiatives across all four nations of the UK.
LORDA N
BEYOND THERMAL ENGINEERING
MADE IN BRITAIN
www.acr-news.com dustrial Estate, Hengoed, CF82 7SS • 01443 812222 •
stuart@lordan-uk.com February 2021 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
