NEWSBRIEF

WATER VENTURE FOR CHRISTIANI

Christiani and Nielsen's process engineering division has teamed up with two Yorkshire-based companies to offer a complete works package covering the refurbishment and renewal of water utilities. The package is targeted at water companies that are about to embark on the next Asset Management Programme, which runs from 2000-2005. Joining Christiani and Nielsen in the new consortium, Water Power, are Dobson Civil Engineering and Ovic.

SCOTTISH PENSION SCHEME LAUNCH

The Scottish Building Employers' Federation (SBEF) has launched a new pension scheme in conjunction with Scottish Amicable. People who join the scheme will be able to convert to a stakeholder contract without penalty or be offered a high contract value if they choose to transfer to another pension plan. The SBEF has agreed special discounted terms and the flexibility to alter contributions as circumstances change.

CORDEROY EXPANSION IN SCOTLAND

The London-based quantity surveyor Corderoy has expanded by acquiring the Scottish QS Kean Kennedy. This will give the group a 20 strong operation in Edinburgh and Glasgow with an annual fee income in excess of £1 million. Senior partner John Notman said: "Scotland is now a major player within the Corderoy Group."

SITE ACCIDENTS AT FIVE YEAR LOW

Fatal accidents to workers and the public caused by construction activity have fallen by over 17.5 per cent in the last five years, according to the Construction Industry Board. Building on the success of the "Working Well Together" campaign, launched by the Health and Safety Executive last month, the CIB has given the scheme its "whole-hearted support" and vowed to encourage companies from all parts of the industry to sign up.

CIC LAUNCHES NEW PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The new building control performance standards were released by the Construction Industry Council this week. The guidelines are the result of 18 months research by the Building Control Services Steering Group, which comprises of leaders and representatives from the CIC, Local Government Association, and the Association of Corporate Approved Inspectors. The standards codify best practice and provide for continuous improvement in the delivery of building control services.

HILLS ELECTRICAL DOES A BANK JOB

Hills Electrical has won a £4.5 million electrical contract at the Bank of England to refurbish office space in the City of London. The Grade I listed building, in Threadneedle Street, requires the invisible installation of lighting, power, and building management service systems in keeping with the neo-classical style of the property. The work is expected to be completed next year.

CARDBOARD to be used for school building

A team led by engineers Buro Happold has begun work on a project to develop and build a multi-purpose cardboard building for Westborough Primary School, Essex. The project is part funded by the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions (DETR). The project team aims to achieve a building using 90 per cent recycled materials, and for the building to be 90 per cent recyclable at the end of its life. The team also includes architects Cottrell and Vermeulen, and manufacturers Smurfit Paper and Board Mills and Essex Tube Windings who will test the cardboard materials.





SAFETY AWARDS FOR KENDALL

Kendall Cross Holdings has won the prestigious Northern Counties Safety Group Best Company Award for their safety performance for construction sites in the region. In addition, six of the company's 12 site managers have won safety awards for their individual sites, with Ian Howmans, site manager at the recently completed Claypath development in Durham City, winning the George Bowerback Rose Bowl for best individual site manager throughout the group. The awards are based on site audits and compliance to Health and Safety legislation.