STATE OF TRADE
Tall buildings need a second staircase
All new buildings taller than 18m will require a second staircase. The new rules, confirmed by Housing Secretary Michael Gove, come after an initial threshold of 30m was set. Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research at the Chartered Institute of Building, said: “We have always believed the proposal to mandate secondary
staircases for buildings over 18 metres tall to be the best solution as it provides a more comprehensive strategy in ensuring all high-risk buildings have more than one means of a safe entrance and exit. Not only does it make exiting buildings in the event of an emergency easier, but it also allows emergency workers to avoid interruption.” Simon Allford, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said: “This is a significant moment. Over six years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it is hugely positive and reassuring to see the Government listening to the united call of experts on fire safety, bringing greater coherence and certainty for industry. Mandating second staircases in new homes over 18 metres is a vital step towards a safer built environment for all. We are pleased to have played our part in this.”
79% FMB members reporting material
cost increases in Q2 2023. Source: FMB State of Trade Survey Q2 2023
69% FMB members increasing their prices . Source: FMB State of Trade Survey Q2 2023
The Scottish Procurement Alliance has invited contractors – including plumbers, joiners, bricklayers, electricians and landscapers – to pitch for a place on the new £100 million refurbishment & modernisation framework. The RM3 framework aims to guide Scotland towards its 2045 net zero targets by retrofitting and repurposing social and public buildings, with a focus on kitchen and bathroom refits, electrical works, mould prevention, fire safety upgrades, heating system installations, and other energy efficiency works. Lesley Anderson, Regional Director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance, said: “The framework is an exciting opportunity for SMEs and larger organisations to get the chance to deliver on meaningful projects within the public sector. It has a huge emphasis on encouraging local supply chains, so we’re also hoping it will have huge benefits to local economies too.” Refurb and modernisation framework open to Scottish contractors
19% FMB members reducing new staff hires due to increased outgoings. Source: FMB State of Trade Survey Q2 2023
11
Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker