The CICV is celebrating the success of its third Green Home Festival, which saw record audiences attend a week of shows about sustainability and low-carbon living. Held in Charlotte Square Gardens as part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe, more than 500 delegates attended the five-day celebration of renewables, which combined advice with hands-on demonstrations […]
Category: news
Minister for Climate Action Dr Allan set to open the CICV’s third Green Home Festival
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, […]
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.
Surveys reveals deep-rooted payment challenges in Scottish construction sector
A new survey conducted by the CICV has found that Scottish construction businesses continue to struggle with late payments, payment reductions and unresolved disputes. Despite government and industry efforts to address financial challenges in the sector, the poll highlights that there is still a significant gap between purported initiatives and actual improvements in payment practices. […]
CICV: Clearer messaging needed to help public navigate net zero journey
Scotland’s second Green Home Festival has been hailed another resounding success – but its organisers have also insisted that government and industry must work closer together to deliver clearer guidance and “myth-bust” the misinformation around low-carbon living. More than 500 delegates signed up for the five-day renewables jamboree organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice […]
Minister tells festival launch: Climate change is ‘defining issue of our time’
Climate change is the “defining issue of our time” and we all have a role to play to ensure we successfully transition to net zero in Scotland. That was the message from Minister of Housing Paul McLennan as he officially opened the second Green Home Festival on Monday 14 August as part of the 2023 […]
Groups urged to discover how churches can be resurrected at Festival
Religious and community groups are being urged to attend the CICV’s upcoming Green Home Festival and discover how Scotland’s abandoned churches can be transformed into energy efficient social housing that benefits whole communities. In Bringing Churches Back to Life, architects will explain what happens to former churches and community halls at the end of their working […]
Housing Minister Paul McLennan set to open Green Home Festival
The second Green Home Festival is set to be launched by Scottish Government minister Paul McLennan, who has agreed to kick off the week-long series of shows delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation. The Housing Minister is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the first session of […]
CICV: Poll shows there is “appetite for change” among homeowners
As it prepares to host the upcoming Green Home Festival, the CICV says that the results of a recent survey show that there is “very real appetite for change” among Scottish homeowners looking to make their homes more eco-friendly. The team behind the week-long renewables jamboree have welcomed a new poll by environment organisation WWF […]
CICV says industry ‘needs to be brave’ about new green technology
As the organisers of this year’s Green Home Festival, the CICV is urging homeowners and the construction industry to “be brave” and embrace innovations like microwave heating to help build a more sustainable future and meet net zero targets. Scotland’s second renewables jamboree will kick off in less than two weeks, delivering 11 free shows […]
Public urged to embrace heat pumps at Festival as new poll reveals hesitancy over take-up
Homeowners are being urged to overcome their resistance to heat pumps at the upcoming Green Home Festival after a new poll revealed that there continues to be considerable public reluctance to sustainable heating alternatives. Despite their pivotal role in achieving Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets, heat pumps were the choice of just 22.2% of respondents […]
TV Anna set to cook up a storm in CICV kitchen show
TV presenter and award-winning designer Anna Campbell-Jones will be the star guest at this year’s Green Home Festival, which starts in 50 days as part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The co-host and judge of hit BBC Scotland show Scotland’s Home of the Year will be a keynote speaker at the second week-long event, […]
First shows confirmed and tickets now available for Green Home Festival
The first four shows have been confirmed for the 2023 Green Home Festival, with tickets now available for the free week-long event in Edinburgh.
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 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 […]
Topics revealed for Green Home Festival 2023
Building greener kitchens, accessing renewable funding and preventing heat loss through windows and doors are among the main events being planned for this year’s Green Home Festival, organisers have revealed. Air source heat pumps, effective insulation and electric vehicles (EVs) will also be high on the agenda at the second five-day event, which is being […]
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 […]
Construction industry urged to book Festival tickets
Construction professionals wanting to learn more about renewables technology and innovation have been urged to secure their tickets for the upcoming Green Home Festival, which starts a week today at part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe The clock is ticking for environmentally-aware contractors who want to learn about sustainable materials, retrofitting traditional buildings, building green neighbourhoods and […]
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Forum and CSIC launch new Be Covid Smart digital learning toolkit
In its latest initiative to help Scotland’s building sector get safely back to work, the CICV Forum has used cutting-edge technology to create a digital learning toolkit to promote best practice. Working closely with Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), which links business, university experts and public sector providers, the Forum has launched the Be Covid Smart training and learning […]
Employment webinars will advise on redundancy and Job Support Scheme
With the effects of COVID-19 beginning to impact businesses across Scotland, the CICV Forum is hosting two new webinars to advise and answer questions on redundancy, restructuring and other urgent employment issues. The UK Government’s new Job Support Scheme will also be on the agenda at the online discussions, which will again be hosted by […]
David joins expert panel for first Forum webinar
A leading financial expert has joined the panel of experts offering advice on project bank accounts (PBAs) at the first CICV Forum commercial webinar. David Rennie, Relationship Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland, will play a starring role in the opening Forum webinar on Tuesday 15 September, which aims to help construction industry professionals […]
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 […]
Webinars will help with essential commercial issues
The CICV Forum is hosting a series of free advice webinars to help industry professionals improve their contractual and commercial awareness on construction projects. Hosted by leading industry experts, and running fortnightly across six sessions from September to November, the online discussions are aimed at public and private sector employers, contract and commercial managers, architects, […]
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 […]
Forum to host second health and safety webinar
The CICV Forum is to host another health and safety webinar, delivering invaluable updates and the latest developments to help the sector continue its safe recovery. The free online session will take place on Wednesday 26 August and will again be hosted by Becky Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association […]
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 […]
DHF join Forum as new Consultants sub-group created
The CICV Forum has welcomed a new member to its ranks and also set up a specialist sub-group to gather and share expertise from some of Scotland’s leading consultants. Trade association DHF has become the latest organisation to become a full-time member, while the creation of a new Consultants sub-group has seen 12 professional bodies […]
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 […]
Free signage pack helps employers and staff with safe return
As the construction industry gears up for the next stage of its restart plan, the CICV Forum has once again stepped up by producing a pack of free signage to help with the safe return to work. Designed for sites, depots and offices, the 20 open source documents include essential posters, checklists and fact sheets […]
Forum film embraced and adapted by other bodies
An engaging animation by the CICV Forum has proved such a success that it has been adapted and released by a range of other major organisations across the UK and Europe. The short open source film, entitled In This Together, offers clear and practical advice to contractors and occupiers undertaking essential domestic work. Following its […]
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 APS and SPRA as latest members
The CICV Forum has welcomed two new member organisations to its ever-growing ranks as the unique collective continues to attract widespread interest in its work. The Association for Project Safety (APS) and Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) are the latest bodies to become full members of the Forum, which has been at the vanguard of […]
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 […]
Latest advice helps companies preparing to unfurlough staff
The complex question of how to bring Scotland’s workforce safely off furlough and back to work is examined in detail in the latest guidance to be issued by the CICV Forum. With the Scottish Government authorising a phased easing of the lockdown rules, the Forum’s comprehensive 22-page document, Returning from Furlough, provides a practical step-by-step […]
New college safety guide helps apprentices preparing for return
As Scotland’s colleges and training centres discuss reopening, the CICV Forum has helped develop a new set of guidelines designed to keep staff and apprentices safe Compiled by Forum members the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), SELECT and SNIPEF, the presentation outlines practical day-to-day measures that colleges and […]
Forum issues health and safety underpinning guidance
As Scotland’s building sector emerges from prolonged shutdown, the CICV Forum has issued expanded health and safety guidance to help steer companies through the crisis and back to work. The comprehensive 42-page document, Safe Return and Restart, is designed to underpin the Safe Operating Guidance released last week and produced in collaboration between Construction Scotland, […]
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 […]