NFDC rule change surely has a target in mind. Following a meeting 0n 21 March, the National Federation of Demolition Contractors has announced a rule change. Henceforth, NFDC Officer positions from Regional Vice-Chairman up to President can only be held by persons who have been employed on a PAYE basis for a minimum of two…Read moreRead more
News
Who is getting ousted?
Simon Barlow steps down
Simon Barlow has stepped down as both chairman of the National Demolition Training Group and second vice president of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors. The news comes as Barlow’s Rye Demolition company appoints administrators to oversee the company’s liquidation. Barlow was (and is) passionate about demolition training. So his decision to leave his NDTG…Read moreRead more
A small victory
Councillors stick with decision to demolish Birmingham’s Ringway Centre. Birmingham’s landmark Ringway Centre – described as one of the city’s ‘brutalist icons’ – is set to be demolished despite a campaign to save it. Birmingham City Council’s planning committee yesterday approved plans for the building in Smallbrook Queensway to be demolished and for three apartment…Read moreRead more
Squibb creditors left high and dry
Construction Enquirer has reported that creditors hit by the demise of demolition contractor Squibb Group late last year have no prospect of getting their money. Squibb collapsed in 2023 owing twenty four point six million pounds to its creditors. The company has cited the impact of covid and a drop in scrap sales in its…Read moreRead more
Ringway demolition now in doubt
Yesterday, we reported that the demolition industry had scored a notable victory over the refurbishment sector as Southwark Council gave the go ahead to bring down the controversial Maydew House. Unfortunately, it now appears that the refurb industry could be on the verge of scoring an equaliser in Birmingham. Architects Journal is reporting that Birmingham…Read moreRead more
Demolition 1 – Refurb 0
Having already spent upwards of £15 million attempting to refurbish the Maydew House tower block, Southward Council in London has given the go ahead for the block to be demolished. The council had previously wanted to refurbish the 26-storey Bermondsey block – spending £15 million on works and plans – only to scrap the project…Read moreRead more
Chinese manufacturers stand accused
Chinese excavator manufacturers stand accused of excavator dumping – selling machines at a significantly reduced price to gain a foothold or to secure market share to the detriment of incumbent manufacturer. In response to complaints made by British manufacturer JCB, the Trade Remedies Authority has opened two new investigations into the import of excavators from…Read moreRead more
Another project hits the buffers
Demolition contractor Colin Smith & Sons will have to hold off on its plans to tear down the vacant Mill Street building after the city council asked for more information on the plans for the site. Liverpool City Council has scuppered Mill Street Developments’ proposals to demolish the former Dingle flour mill, having refused the…Read moreRead more
HSE targets demolition dust
The Health and Safety Executive is set to launch a summer campaign targeting construction sites across Great Britain, with inspections focusing on preventing life-threatening diseases caused by dust at work. The campaign, supported by HSE’s Dust Kills initiative, will provide free advice to businesses and workers on the control measures needed to prevent exposure to…Read moreRead more
HSE cancellations up 200-fold
The prospect union says there has been a 200-fold increase in cancellations of HSE investigations due to resourcing shortfalls. The number of HSE investigations cancelled because of insufficient resources in 2016-2017 was two. In the period of 2021-2022, that figure had risen to 389.
