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