Concerns over impact of funding cuts on consumer and market confidence In response to the Scottish Government’s decision to discontinue funding for solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage under the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme, Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV, has voiced serious concerns regarding the potential setbacks this poses to Scotland’s […]
Category: industry
CICV backs new Transformation Action Plan unveiled by CLF
The CICV has welcomed a dynamic new Transformation Action Plan for the Scottish construction sector that has been unveiled by the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF). The collaboration between government and industry launched the plan at a special ceremony in Edinburgh this week – and the CICV says it offers a unique opportunity to move the […]
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.
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 members invited to exclusive commercial EV open day
CICV members are being invited to an exclusive electric vehicle (EV) open day to help them find out more about the transport of tomorrow and how it could help their business. Representatives from member organisations can visit the Western Commercial dealership at Broxburn anytime between 10am-4pm on Tuesday 15 November to chat to their team and ask […]
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 […]
Patrick Harvie to launch Green Home Festival at special ceremony
The CICV’s week-long series of events delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation will be officially opened on Monday 8 August 2022 by Patrick Harvie as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights will be the keynote speaker at […]
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 issues winter warning and insists industry must stay COVID smart
As Scotland prepares for its second coronavirus cold snap, the CICV Forum has urged the sector to focus on health and safety to protect colleagues, customers and families from another winter of discontent. The collective warns that COVID-19 is still a serious threat and vaccinations can only help so much – insisting that it’s vital […]
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 […]
Forum urges businesses to sign up to local gift card scheme
The CICV Forum has thrown its weight behind the new Scotland Loves Local gift card campaign – and has urged businesses and the public to sign up and help support tradespeople in their area. Designed to revitalise grassrooots communities hit by COVID-19, the scheme will see the creation of gift cards for each of Scotland’s […]
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 […]
New Forum guide offers advice on professional indemnity insurance
In its latest initiative as a major voice within the Scottish construction sector, the CICV Forum has unveiled a new guide to the crucial and increasingly complex issue of professional indemnity insurance (PII). The easy-to-understand downloadable document, produced by the Forum’s unique collaboration of trade associations, professional bodies, companies and individuals, outlines the state of […]
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 […]
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 […]
New economic report will help Forum assist with green recovery
The CICV Forum has published an in-depth report aimed at helping public bodies make decisions on where public funding in construction gives the highest economic returns to help support a green recovery. The report, carried out by Fraser of Allander Institute at University of Strathclyde, was commissioned by the Forum to improve understanding of how […]
Forum helps workers stay safe with new and updated guidance
The CICV Forum has issued a suite of new essential guidance to help the construction sector’s operatives continue to work safely on essential projects during lockdown. The campaigning collective has made three revised advice documents available to companies, associations and workers across the country, covering the latest health and safety information in a comprehensive range […]
Forum members reveal Christmas wishes for 2021
Cooperation and collaboration, greater worker welfare and a top-to-bottom revolution of the construction sector are all top of the Christmas wish-list for members of the CICV Forum. With a year of massive and unprecedented upheaval drawing to a close, we asked our 100-plus members to reveal their greatest wishes for 2021 – with the answers […]
Forum welcomes CICES and GGF as new members
After nine months of proactive support for Scotland’s building sector, the CICV Forum continues to attract new members, this week welcoming another two major organisations to its ranks. As widespread interest in its work remains undiminished, the Forum has now welcomed the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) and the Glass and Glazing Federation […]
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, […]
Industry urged to have its say in recovery plan
The Scottish construction industry has been urged to have its say in the new draft recovery plan for the sector, launched last week by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF). The plan, which has been created collaboratively with the industry, sets out the pathway for joint action in response to the impact of COVID-19 on […]
Forum secures £40,000 funding to identify investment areas
In yet another example of its innovative approach to stimulating and growing Scotland’s building sector, the CICV Forum has secured significant grant funding to help it explore the most fruitful avenues for expansion. The unique collective has successfully applied for £40,000 of funding from the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), one of Scotland’s unique Innovation Centres which links […]
Forum collaborates in creation of new CLF recovery plan
A draft recovery plan for the construction sector in Scotland has been launched by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF), with input from members of the CICV Forum. The plan, which has been created collaboratively with industry, sets out the pathway for joint action between industry and the public sector in response to the impact […]
Forum receives CSIC funding for two innovation projects
Two ground-breaking CICV Forum projects are among those being supported by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) i-Con Innovation Challenge Fund, part of a support programme set up earlier in the year in response to Covid-19. With a combined project value of nearly £250,000, almost £125,000 has been awarded by CSIC to six successful applicants who […]
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 […]
100th member and 50th piece of advice celebrated
The CICV Forum is celebrating a double milestone this week – welcoming its 100th individual member and releasing its 50th piece of guidance. The Forum’s Commercial sub-group has been joined by Bridget Lambert,Strategic Procurement Manager at Renfrewshire Council, who is already contributing her expertise to help the industry continue its phased return. At the same […]
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 asks: What kind of industry do we want in the future?
The CICV Forum has launched a major consultation among its members to discover what stakeholders want for the Scottish construction industry after COVID-19 – and how to achieve it. With companies beginning a phased return to work, the wide-ranging questionnaire addresses multiple issues which have not gone away during the pandemic and suggests that the […]
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 […]
After lockdown, managing cashflow will be the real test
Quarry boss Marcus Paine says he’s already looking at life after lockdown – but fears uncertainty over cashflow could leave many SMEs like his family business between a rock and a hard place. The businessman – currently President of CICV Forum member The Stone Federation (GB) – has spent 26 years building up quarrying firm […]
Forum signs up to Conflict Avoidance Pledge
The CICV Forum has added its name to a growing campaign for more collaborative working 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 […]
Fast-track adjudication for low-value disputes welcomed
The CICV Forum has welcomed the launch of a new fast-track summary adjudication process for low-value disputes, complete with a capped adjudicator’s fee. As the economic effect of the Covid-19 impacts severely on the construction industry, many contractors in the smaller end of the market are struggling to access dispute resolution even under the reduced […]
Signage helps contractors carrying out essential work
The CICV Forum has issued protective signage for key workers carrying out emergency and essential projects in another initiative to support the construction sector in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The posters and stickers, designed to be displayed on sites or on vans, carry the legend ‘Key worker on site: carrying out essential work’. They […]
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 […]
Momentum and membership rise as Forum support continues
The reach of the CICV Forum continues to grow, with more organisations coming on board to help play their part in the recovery of the industry. A total of 78 individuals are now involved, representing 48 different official construction bodies from across Scotland and beyond, including Government agencies, private companies, professional services firms and training […]
Forum praises HMRC, but says real test is still to come
The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has hailed the “speed and efficiency” of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme rollout – but says the real test will be if all claims are paid on time. The specialist body said the successful launch by HMRC last week could provide a “vital lifeline” to companies across the country. […]
SFT paper addresses impact of COVID-19 on hub contracts
The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) has produced a paper on how authorities may interpret the provision of the Scottish Government’s Construction Policy Note 1/2020 for existing construction projects in the hub programme. By presenting this view, the SFT hopes that there may be a common approach adopted with appropriate levels of collaboration between authorities and […]
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 […]