Tag: Scotland

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, […]

CICV responds to Scottish Government announcement to end solar PV funding

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 […]

CICV survey finds 59% of homeowners lack knowledge to choose heat pumps

CICV’s third Green Home Festival aims to bridge information divide with expert-led sessions and demonstrations A new survey from the CICV has uncovered a significant knowledge gap among UK homeowners regarding renewable heating technologies. Alarmingly, 59% of respondents said they lacked the necessary information to confidently transition from traditional heating systems, such as gas boilers, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 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 […]

Organisers hail success of first CICV Green Home Festival

Scotland’s first-ever Green Home Festival has been hailed as a resounding success, with organisers already planning next year’s event to cater for the growing interest in low-carbon construction and sustainable living. More than 350 delegates signed up for the five-day renewables jamboree organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), enjoying a series of in-person […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Forum mask campaign urges greater safety during lockdown

With essential construction work set to continue during the latest lockdown, the CICV Forum is urging operatives to make a safe start to 2021 with a colourful new face mask campaign. The unique collective has launched an animation and downloadable infographic to remind workers that it’s vitally important to help protect everyone by following the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

New campaign urges workers to stay safe in social life too

As the easing of lockdown measures continues across Scotland, the CICV Forum has launched a new social media campaign urging construction workers to stay safe in their social lives. Using two engaging animations and free downloadable posters, the collective is calling on sector staff to protect colleagues by following physical distancing guidelines in their private […]

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 […]

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 […]

Animation puts workers in the picture about safe return to work

In another practical step to help the sector’s restart, the CICV Forum has released a short film outlining the key health and safety steps that all staff should take during the return to work. Entitled Working Together, the 90-second animation illustrates the positive day-to-day measures that workers in the construction industry can take to protect […]

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 […]