Category: construction

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 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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]