CONTENTS


he UK construction supply chain needs to begin planning for a period of contraction amid economic and political uncertainty, that’s according to a construction lawyer at Manchester-based law firm, Slater Heelis, which provides advice to businesses on managing the legal risks of procurement and


Bridging the construcon contracon gap T


construction. Matt Grellier, head of construction at Slater Heelis, issued the warning on the back of the latest UK Construction PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) figures which show the sector shrinking for the third month in a row. These figures, derived from a survey of 170 construction companies, suggest the sector has now been in decline for five of the past six months, with


commercial construction the worst performing category. “The PMI figures point to a dip in business confidence amid Brexit uncertainty and the prospect of a general election,” says Grellier. “We are seeing a slowdown in purchasing activity and delays to contract agreements. Businesses in the UK construction supply chain need to act now in order to safeguard their futures and be ready to take advantage when the market does, inevitably, upturn. There are many reasons to be optimistic for the future. “Businesses in the construction sector can manage risk by taking appropriate professional advice to ensure they are protected as best they can amid political and economic uncertainty. For example, contracts and supply chains can be checked to see if


From the Editor


there is exposure in the event of a no-deal Brexit, due to price increases and delays in procuring imported materials, or labour shortages. We are in a critical period for businesses across the construction supply chain and those who take the necessary precautions and plan strategically will be best placed to flourish in the future,” Grellier advises. The track record of the PMI has seen some significant fluctuations over the past 10 years and the sector came back strongly after the 2016 dip, so there remains much to be positive about. And while new construction may have slowed down, the building


refurbishment business, including the installation of more energy efficient, lower emission plant and intelligent control equipment, remains buoyant. Plus, there is a growing need for improved infrastructure projects, such as the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, to continue, so this is hopefully just a bump in the road for the construction industry.


Neil Mead, Editorial Director Editor: Neil Mead


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Total average net circulation: ABC 17,291 January to


December 2018 ISSN 1042-310


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10 16 THIS MONTH


4 INDUSTRY NEWS Latest news, industry updates and appointments


7 EVENT PREVIEW BESA Conference 2019


8 BSEE 40TH ANNIVERSARY The filling of commercial heating and chilled water systems over the years


9 INDUSTRY COMMENT: BCIA Getting smart with building management


10 BSEE 40TH ANNIVERSARY The evolution of smoke control


11 EVENT PREVIEW Lux Live: Bringing lighting to life


12 FIRE, SECURITY & SAFETY Seeing smoke detection clearly


14 FIRE, SECURITY & SAFETY Does the proposed fire safety regulatory system overhaul go far enough in Fire Engineered Solutions?


16 FIRE, SECURITY & SAFETY One security solution doesn’t fit all


20 COMBINED HEAT


& POWER Maxing returns with CHP


21 INDUSTRY COMMENT:


BPF PIPES GROUP Evaluating the environmental impacts of product choice for hot and cold water supply in buildings


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk 22 COMBINED HEAT


& POWER Bridging the energy gap


24 COMBINED HEAT


& POWER Targeting urban air quality when cogenerating heat and power


26 LIGHTING, LIGHTING


CONTROLS & LIFI Meeting the needs of the people


26 LIGHTING, LIGHTING CONTROLS & LIFI Lighting up the City of London’s next skyscrapers


28 LIGHTING, LIGHTING


CONTROLS & LIFI Lighting control made easy


29 PUMPS Pump installation offers an award winning renewable solution


30 TELECOMUNICATIONS Get ready for the 5G ‘revolution’


34 INSTALLATION NEWS 37 WHAT’S NEW?


41 WEB LOCATOR, RECRUITMENT & TRAINING 42 BUYER’S GUIDE


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER OCTOBER 2019 3 28


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