A national construction pay trends index has been launched to reveal that Wales has seen the biggest( 5.3 %) year-on-year increase in earnings amongst self-employed tradesman – compared to just a 1.8 % uplift nationally across England. The new‘ Construction Pay Trends’ index has been developed by construction’ s professional workplace audit and contract solutions provider, Hudson Contract, and harnesses payroll data from over 2,000 building firms across England and Wales. The interactive tool reveals weekly pay differences by region, age and sub sectors such as bricklaying and joinery through to roofing and surfacing contractors. Providing tradesman, building apprentices and other industry

analysts with a unique insight into pay levels, it also reveals the impact weather, location and economic factors have on earning potential. The biggest drop in average weekly pay in the building industry was experienced in the North East which saw a 2.1 % decrease in earnings year-to-date in 2016 compared to 2015. It was closely followed by a 0.4 % decrease in London, with the regional trends illustrated in the following top 10: Wales(+ 5.3 %) Yorkshire & The Humber(+ 4.2 %) East of England(+ 1.8 %) North West(+ 1.7 %) East Midlands(+ 1.7 %) West Midlands(+ 1.5 %) South East(+ 1.3 %) South West(+ 1.1 %) London(-0.4 %) North East(-2.1 %)

Across all construction trades, the highest increase in earnings year-on-year for sub-contractors was within the roofing industry which experienced 6.1 % growth, followed by 4.8 % in plastering and 4.2 % in scaffolding. Those working in the equipment and operator hire industry witnessed a surprising 4.1 % average drop in earnings year-to-date in 2016 compared to 2015. This was followed by a notable yearly pay decrease of 1 % in bricklaying

and only a 1.1 % average increase in earnings for civil engineering tradesmen. Ian Anfield, managing director at Hudson Contract, said:“ We’ ve developed the Construction Pay Trends index to provide the most comprehensive insight into pay levels across the industry. It has revealed some fascinating trends on both a national and regional level, with tradesman in Wales experiencing the sharpest annual growth in earnings.

“ The index will update monthly to reveal the latest pay trends- providing the perfect online career resource for building apprentices through to industry analysts assessing the ongoing health of the construction sector.”

To access Hudson Contract’ s Construction Pay Trends index, please visit: http:// www. hudsoncontract. co. uk / construction-pay-trends /

The UK trade show for construction industry professionals, Jewson Live, is back for a second year, following a popular event in 2015. Featuring a speaker lineup and top trade deals, this free to attend event will take place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on 15th December 2016. More than 180 construction brands will be exhibiting at the show, offering product demonstrations and practical advice on the latest building techniques and services. The event will also feature a stellar line-up of speakers- from footballers to famous architects. Names already signed up include, architectural designer and television presenter Charlie Luxton, former England footballer Dion Dublin, and former international Rugby Union star, Neil Back MBE.

David Fenton, marketing director for Jewson, said:“ Jewson Live offers something for everyone. As well as advice and special offers, the show is an opportunity to get together with like-minded people and discuss what’ s going on in our industry.“ It’ s a great place for tradespeople to get the tools and knowledge they will need for 2017 and beyond. It’ s not all work though- we’ ve got a few

surprises planned for the day too.” New for the 2016 show, Jewson is offering Juice by Jewson, loyalty programme members the opportunity to redeem rewards at the show, for delivery in time for Christmas. Pre-order of rewards to collect at the show, will also be available.

To register for your free place at the event, visit live. jewson. co. uk

The vertical slider window system from Spectus Window Systems has been used in a major Welsh coastal cottage renovation. Supplied by trade fabricator and by Spectus customer, Universal Trade Frames Ltd( UTFL) and installed by Aberystwyth-based installer C & H Windows Glass & Glazing Ltd, the project included ten vertical slider windows in Chartwell green. UTFL director Brian Kruger said:“ The new PVCu windows replaced old, draughty, hardwood vertical sliders, and due to the property’ s seafront position, weather resistance was a big part of the homeowner’ s requirements. Draught-free VS windows are one of the most energy efficient on the market. The Spectus VS window can achieve BFRC‘ A’ Rating, and even up to a maximum‘ A ++’ where circumstances require.“ Thermal properties are enhanced through the use of 24mm double glazed units as standard, and an already excellent weather

performance is increased with a pile seal detail on the sash edges and outer frames.” The property, in a small coastal village in Ceredigion, Wales, had recently been installed with a composite door, and as planning permission turned out not to be an issue the homeowners were keen to replace the existing hardwood windows with more draught-proof and energy efficient replacements in matching Chartwell green colour, while also retaining the heritage look and charm of the cottage. Brian continued:“ The authentic look of the Spectus vertical slider includes optional sash horns, Georgian bars and deep bottom rails, which has won the approval of many planners, even in Conservation Areas and other locations where a heritage look is paramount.”

For further information on Universal Trade Frames please visit: http:// utfl. co. uk /, call 01743 442244, or email info @ utfl. co. uk