Scotland’s third Green Home Festival is set to be launched by Scottish Government minister Dr Alasdair Allan, who will open the week-long series of shows delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland reach net zero by 2045 by transforming our homes. Dr Allan, who was recently appointed as the acting Minister for Climate Action, […]
Category: construction
TICA becomes 29th member of CICV
The CICV has welcomed the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) as the 29th member of the influential coalition of trade and professional bodies.
National Association of Shopfitters welcomed as latest CICV member
The Construction Industry Collective Voice has welcomed the National Association of Shopfitters as its 29th member
CICV praises industry for embracing payment campaign, but says more work needs to be done
The CICV has praised the industry for embracing its drive to improve payments and cashflow – and says the positive response to its recent campaign demonstrates that there is a real appetite for change across the sector.
CICV offers Best Practice Guide and webinar to help with cashflow
The CICV has followed up the results of its recent payments survey by issuing a new Best Practice Guide to help contractors and sub-contractors improve cashflow and prevent costly and damaging disputes.
Industry still blighted by serious payment issues, CICV survey reveals
Construction businesses in Scotland are still suffering the scourge of late payments, outstanding retentions and unexpected charges, a new survey by the CICV has revealed. Some 68% of respondents to our poll said their payment terms were altered negatively, with 60% claiming adjustments to payments were made with little or no explanation. And 69% of […]
CICV launches major payment and cashflow survey
THE Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) has launched a new survey to help establish an overview of the current state of payments and cashflow in the Scottish construction industry. Created by the CICV’s Pipeline & Commercial sub-group, the survey is structured so that answers are anonymous, with no possibility of respondents being identified. All information […]
CICV chair Alan says ‘quick wins’ are essential for Accord to succeed
CICV chair Alan Wilson says the new Scottish Construction Accord needs some “quick wins” to maximise industry engagement and convince the wider sector of its value. Launched last month by Scotland’s public sector and construction industry, the Accord is a shared commitment to help businesses thrive, enhance working conditions for employees, improve the delivery of […]
CICV: Industry must pull together to make new Accord work
The CICV has welcomed the launch of the new Scottish Construction Accord – but has also urged all elements of the construction industry to embrace it and work together to make it effective. Launched last week by Scottish Government Minister Ivan McKee, the new initiative is a collaboration between the industry and the public sector […]
CICV calls on Scottish Government to intervene on timing of UKCA mark
The CICV is calling on the Scottish Government to intervene and help address concerns raised by Scottish construction businesses over the introduction of the new UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark. The unique alliance’s Post-Brexit and Trade Group has written to Business Minister Ivan McKee (pictured above) requesting assistance as CICV businesses grapple with new UKCA […]
CICV: Rising costs reflect ongoing global turmoil
The CICV has reassured clients that ongoing price rises for projects are caused by global events not “profiteering” – and says any increases only reflect the spiralling costs that are affecting the whole construction industry. Clients have voiced concerns at the increasing costs of construction work, but the body insists this is due only to […]
Topics revealed for CICV’s first Green Home Festival
Sustainable building materials, heat pump myth-busting and a tour of an energy efficient tenement will be among the shows at this year’s Green Home Festival, organisers have revealed. Alternative heat sources and exploring how we will live and travel in 2045 will also be high on the agenda at the five-day hybrid event, which is […]
CICV welcomes RMAS as first new member of 2022
The CICV this week welcomed another major organisation to its ranks as it continues to widen its scope and offer practical support and guidance for Scotland’s building sector. Resource Management Association Scotland (RMAS) is the latest body to join the unique collective, which now has 29 full members from across Scotland and beyond. CICV Chair […]
Forum changes name to Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV)
After nearly two years dedicated to steering the Scottish building sector through the worst crisis in its history, the Forum has changed its name to reflect its expanded remit and ongoing collaborative vision for the future. The unique alliance of trade associations and professional bodies has been rebranded as the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), […]
Forum members reveal their Christmas wish-list for 2022
After a year in which the construction industry in Scotland moved from crisis to recovery and rebuilding, members of the CICV Forum are looking forward to 2022 in a positive frame of mind. Asked about their wish-list for the sector for the coming year, its leading members expressed a strong desire for the continuation of […]
Forum announces launch of new Green Home Festival
Building on the achievements of COP26, the CICV Forum has announced it will be holding a dedicated low-carbon homes festival in 2022, delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation. Running from 8-12 August, the Green Home Festival will engage the public and businesses in the global challenge, offering demonstrations […]
Forum’s work recognised by MSPs in Scottish Parliament motion
Members of the Scottish Parliament from all the main parties have paid a remarkable tribute to the ongoing work of the CICV Forum as the unique collective continues to support the recovery of the country’s construction sector. MSPs from the SNP, Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have backed a motion tabled by Labour politician Monica […]
New video issues safety reminders as restrictions are relaxed
The CICV Forum has issued another in its series of engaging advice videos, reminding workers how to keep themselves and others safe as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed. The 90-second animation is the latest in a string of easy-to-follow Forum films designed to help construction workers protect themselves and their colleagues, customers and families after […]
Forum issues new guidance and urges caution over easing of restrictions
As Scotland moves towards further easing of restrictions, the CICV Forum has issued more timely guidance and sounded a cautionary note, urging the sector to keep its focus on health and safety to protect colleagues, customers and families. The unique collaboration says the sector is “not out of the woods yet” and, with COVID-19 still […]
Forum welcomes new CLF Chair Ivan McKee and pledges continued support
The CICV Forum has pledged its ongoing commitment to the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) and has warmly welcomed its new Chair, Scottish Government Minister Ivan McKee. The Forum is now a key contributor to the CLF, having realigned its infrastructure to be consistent with the mission of its fellow sector body. At its full […]
Candidates back industry regulation at special Forum hustings
Regulation of the construction industry is essential for a safer and more productive future, election hopefuls from Scotland’s main political parties told a special digital hustings hosted by the CICV Forum. The importance of skills and training in the industry also won unanimous cross-party agreement from panellists during the exclusive event held online this week. […]
Key industry figures reveal highlights as Forum marks its first anniversary
After marking the anniversary of its first-ever meeting, key members of the CICV Forum have revealed their personal highlights of working together for the ever-expanding collective. The unique collaboration of trade associations, professional bodies, companies and individuals has helped guide the industry and public through a year of massive upheaval with a wealth of information […]
Forum backs Minister’s call for VAT cut to boost economy
The CICV Forum has welcomed a call by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart for the reduction of VAT on repairs and maintenance. The industry collective has backed a letter which the Minister sent to the UK Secretary to the Treasury, pressing for a reduced rate on all renovations, as well as expanded eligibility criteria and the […]
Minister for Construction among proposals in Forum manifesto
In an unprecedented show of co-operation, commitment and collaboration, the construction industry in Scotland has come together to issue its first-ever manifesto detailing the crucial steps which need to be taken to secure a viable and sustainable future for the sector. Acting through the CICV Forum, a comprehensive range of trade associations, professional bodies, companies […]
Construction warned: Don’t take your foot off the gas
Scotland’s construction industry has been recognised for playing its part in the battle against COVID-19 – but has been warned not to take its “foot off the gas” after recent cases were reported on sites across the country. The alert came from Russell Adfield, Head of Construction Sector and Policy at the Health and Safety […]
Forum welcomes three more organisations as full members
After nearly a year of practical support and proactive guidance for Scotland’s building sector, the CICV Forum continues to attract new members, this week welcoming another three major organisations to its ranks. As widespread interest in its work remains undiminished, the Forum has been joined by the Association of Brickwork Contractors, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing […]
Essential construction work ‘can continue during lockdown’
Essential construction work is being allowed to continue in Scotland, following the lockdown announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday 4 January. Specific rules have been given to tradespeople, governing what type of work can be carried out during this time. Domestic workTradespeople should only go into a house to carry out or deliver essential work […]
Forum backs calls for industry to ‘play its part’ during lockdown
The CICV Forum has echoed calls for the industry to “play its part” during lockdown and has urged workers to keep following vital health and safety guidance. The Forum has reminded contractors to observe new rules after the Scottish Government strengthened lockdown restrictions on Wednesday, making the ‘stay at home’ guidance enforceable by law. The […]
Becky scoops award for tireless health and safety work
The chair of the CICV Forum’s health and safety sub-group has received one of the building services industry’s top honours for her tireless work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the sector’s workforce was able to operate as safely as possible. BESA health & safety advisor Becky Crosland received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the H&V News Awards […]
Minister joins Forum in urging sector to stay safe outside work
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has joined the CICV Forum to remind construction workers to stay COVID smart in their social lives and when travelling to and from jobs. Mr Stewart insisted it was “essential” for the sector’s staff to keep following guidance to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus among customers, colleagues, […]
New travel animation helps keep sector moving safely
The CICV Forum has released the latest in its series of engaging COVID-19 animations – this time offering essential advice on how workers should travel to and from work safely. Produced in response to sector feedback, the latest guidance outlines a range of practical measures that contractors can follow to protect themselves and help prevent […]
Animations remind public to let contractors work safely
The CICV Forum has launched a colourful new social media campaign reminding the public to let construction workers do their jobs safely as Scotland strives to rebuild the sector. Released under the theme of #RebuildingTogether, the latest initiative uses two short animations to highlight the need for co-operation and respect for workers operating in difficult […]
New health and safety guidance helps careful return continue
As Scotland’s building sector continues its recovery, the CICV Forum has issued a raft of new health and safety guidance to help steer workers through the phased return. Seven new pieces of open source collateral have been released, offering in-depth industry advice on topics including face coverings, hand washing, domestic working and what to do […]
SBF becomes latest member to sign Conflict Avoidance Pledge
Leading CICV Forum member the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has followed in other organisations’ footsteps by signing up to the Conflict Avoidance Pledge (CAP). A joint initiative by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Institution of Civil Engineers and other major professional bodies in the built environment, the CAP aims to […]
Forum proposes school action plan to help pupils return safely
The CICV Forum has submitted a proposed building action plan to the Scottish Government which it claims would help reopen schools across the country and get children back to lessons safely. The campaigning collective has written to Kevin Stewart, MSP, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, outlining a series of practical proposals which […]
Forum welcomes move to Phase 2 of government route map
The CICV Forum has welcomed further easing of restrictions to help get the sector in Scotland back to work – but insists health and safety and collaboration must continue to be at the heart of an industry-wide approach. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a range of new measures on Thursday 18 June as the Scottish […]
Forum consultation extended to whole construction industry
The CICV Forum has extended its wide-ranging consultation on the future of the sector to the whole Scottish construction industry. Originally launched last week among the Forum’s 50 member organisations, all other parties are now invited to give their opinion on what they want for the industry after COVID-19 – and how it might be […]
Forum welcomes announcement of return to domestic work
The CICV Forum has warmly welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that domestic work will be included among the scope of construction work now permitted. The news has been eagerly awaited by all parts of the industry for whom domestic work makes up a major part of their business, and follows recent restart discussions between the […]
Construction moves to Phase 1 of lockdown
The First Minister today (28 May) confirmed that Scotland will now move to Phase 1 of easing the COVID-19 lockdown. Further details are available here. In her latest announcement she confirmed that the construction sector will be allowed to implement the first two phases (as below, Phases 0 and 1) in its restart plan with […]
Phased return welcomed – but safety and collaboration is key
The CICV Forum has welcomed the first tentative steps announced to get the sector in Scotland back to work – but insists health and safety and collaboration must be at the heart of the phased return. The collective – which has been working towards restart with a number of bodies, including the Construction Leadership Forum […]
Forum issues five-point plan to help contractors
The CICV Forum has written to Holyrood urging the Government to adopt a five-point plan to assist contractors through the worst of the COVID-19 crisis. The collection of 23 trade and professional bodies has addressed its appeal to Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning. The letter asks the Scottish Government to […]
Infographic offers key to understanding essential work
A new CICV Forum infographic aims to provide greater clarity over essential work and help the public understand exactly what construction projects key workers can carry out. The infographic was developed by the Forum after key workers reported being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects. Forum members reported an increasing number of tradespeople […]
Forum welcomes support for Conflict Avoidance Pledge
The CICV Forum has welcomed the news that the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is backing the new Conflict Avoidance Pledge. The CLC this week announced their support for the pledge, which sees clients and contractors committing to implementing conflict avoidance measures in their contracts and on site. The measure, which was developed by the Royal […]
Forum urges vital measures to improve cashflow and save businesses
The CICV Forum has presented Holyrood with a paper of comprehensive recommendations to ease the cashflow crisis as the group continues fighting to save Scotland’s construction sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper, which outlines a series of urgently-needed actions to improve liquidity in the industry, will go to both public and private sector clients, […]
Forum bids to keep key workers safe from intimidation
The CICV Forum is helping to provide greater visibility on what constitutes ‘essential work’ to prevent key workers being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects. Forum members have reported an increasing number of tradespeople being intimidated and verbally abused by the public while carrying out legitimate projects in line with CICV Forum guidelines. […]
Cashflow piles on agony for businesses, Forum survey reveals
Cashflow has completely dried up for nearly 80% of firms in the construction industry in Scotland, according to businesses which responded to a major survey carried out by the newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum. More than half of firms who took part in the poll also say they’re owed vital monies from public and […]
Low value dispute construction adjudication service implemented
CICV Forum member the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has begun providing a low value construction adjudication service to give UK SMEs a simple and cost-effective procedure that will make solving disputes more accessible and quicker for lower value claims. The RICS service will now operate in accordance with the ground-breaking Low Value Disputes […]
CICV Forum issues clear guidance on working practices
The newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has taken immediate action to provide clarity for the sector in Scotland. The group – which represents most professional construction bodies in Scotland – took action following advice from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this week that all building sites with the exception of any hospital work should close. Concerned about conflicting […]
New forum calls for urgent action to protect industry
A new forum of respected construction bodies has suggested a number of simple actions that the Scottish Government could introduce immediately to help with cashflow and protect jobs against the “crippling” background of coronavirus. The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum – which represents the majority of contractor business in Scotland – has sent a joint letter to […]