blog

AIS launches second Best Practice Guide

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:32:51 +0100

AIS has launched the second in its series of best practice guides. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, the guide to the selection and installation of top fixings for suspended ceilings has been designed to promote best practice on the choice, installation and testing of fixings for suspended ceilings.

To download a copy click here.

Interiors Insight – flyer inserts

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:08:00 +0100

The next issue of Interiors Insight will be published in July and members are reminded that loose inserts can now be distributed with the publication. With a circulation of approximately 4,000, Interiors Insight is read by key contractors and suppliers within the industry, as well as selected specifiers with a particular interest in interior fit-out.

Prices start at just £367. To include an insert in the next issue contact the AIS office on 0121 707 0077.

For full details click here.

John Hood Obituary

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:16:52 +0100

It is with sadness that we announce the death of John Hood.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday 16 May at 2pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Symonds Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7EE and afterwards at The Ramada Hotel, Symonds Road.

Donations can be made to the Oxlip House Residents' Association c/o the undertaker: Armstrongs Funeral Service, 43 St Andrews Street North, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1TH

Manchester RoadShow

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:35:30 +0100

As part of its Building a Better Contractors programme, the AIS RoadShow will be heading to Manchester on 31 May 2012.

On the agenda:
• How to improve your bidding skills to win more work and increase your bid success rate
• E-Learning: AIS is working with the Construction Library to provide members with e-learning via the internet
• SKA - the standard for sustainable fit out, and what this means for contractors and suppilers

To reserve a place, complete and return the booking form.

Benefit of the week – free credit checks

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:59:00 +0100

AIS members can take advantage of the AIS credit checking facility.

To request a credit check, simply email credit-check@ais-interiors.org.uk with the full company name, address including postcode and wherever possible the company registration number.

We will then send you an email containing a full report on their creditworthiness, registered address, any CCJ's, credit limit, company accounts (where available) and full details of any directors. You can even check your own organisation to see what your rating currently is.

Please pass this on to anyone in your organisation who might need to check a credit rating on a company.

Requests for up to five credit checks in one day will be processed within 24 hours, requests for more will be processed within five working days.

JTC Newsline

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:52:30 +0100

The latest issue is now available to read. Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest tax issues, items include:

• Abolition of zero rates for Listed Building Work
• Claiming back CIS deductions
• New ways to register for taxes online and incorporate companies
• Car Benefit percentages

Sponsor an AIS event and raise your company profile

Tue, 15 May 2012 03:00:00 +0100

There are a small number of sponsorship opportunities available for the AIS President’s Lunch .

This event is the highlight of the AIS calendar and attracts over 470 members and guests, including many architects and other specifiers. Sponsoring this event raises your profile across the whole interiors community.

If you are interested in sponsorship contact Clair Mooney on 0121 707 0077.

AIS AGM and RoadShow Meeting

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:30:00 +0100

If you have not yet done so, this is your last opportunity to book a place at the AIS AGM and RoadShow Workshop on 16 May.

The event is being held at the Kensington Roof Gradens, London and will comprise a BBQ networking lunch and will also see AIS launch its new Best Practice Guide - A guide to selection and installation of top fixings for suspended ceilings.

For full details on the event click here.

Credit management in a nutshell

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:50:51 +0100

AIS will be hosting a credit management webinar on 17 May at 12 noon. Space is limited so to reserve your webinar seat click here.

This webinar is designed to target the areas which will enhance the credit and collections performance.

AIS Charity Challenge winner

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:28:27 +0100

The votes have been counted and the winner of the AIS Charity Challenge is Stonham House. We are planning the fit out for early October and we will be contact with those members that have kindly pledged labour and materials shortly.

A few positive signs emerge but public construction to fall

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:26:24 +0100

The arrival of Spring injected a sorely needed dose of optimism into some areas of the construction industry. However for the vast majority of building contractors, irrespective of size, the first three months of 2012 were still extremely challenging and the subdued state of orders and enquiries levels remains a key cause of
concern.

To read the latest CPA trade survey click here.

CPA Weekly Notes

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:00:00 +0100

To read the latest weekly notes click here.

Green Deal and Internal Wall Insulation Pilot Course

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:57:44 +0100

CITB-ConstructionSkills is planning to run a five day Specialist Up Skilling Programme for Internal Wall Insulation Systems which is due to start on 21 May. The programme will be delivered at the British Gypsum Drywall Academy in Kirkby Thore, Cumbria.

As part of the pilot, grants are available from CITB-ConstructionSkills towards the course fees and NVQ assessment. Full details can be downloaded here.

If you are interested in participating, contact Bill Brown, project manager at CITB-ConstructionSkills on 07843 343 636 or bill.brown@sckill.org

Green Deal

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:30:15 +0100

NSCC is keen to ensure that they are talking to all organisations who may have a role to play in the Green Deal, which is being launched in October 2012, and will only be applicable to domestic premises (although this may be widened out to the commercial sector if the initiative is successful). Members are therefore requested to review the list of Green Deal measures (click here to view) and let AIS know:

1. If your company currently install any of these measures in domestic properties
2. If your company would provide any of these measures should the Green Deal be extended to commercial properties

Please email the information to info@ais-interiors.org.uk by Friday 18 May.

NVQ funding

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:01:04 +0100

Safety Plus, a national training/assessment provider, currently has access to government funding which will help reduce the cost of NVQs ranging from level 2 to level 6. Subject to eligibility, NVQs may be fully funded at both levels 2 and 3.

If members wish to secure funding please contact Mick Dodd on 07816 277392 where he will be more than happy to discuss your requirements and eligibility. Further information is available here.

Please note that funding for next year (2012-2013) will be limited and employers will be expected to contribute alot more towards their NVQs.

Crown Representative for SMEs

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:45:22 +0100

Stephen Allott was appointed Crown Representative for SMEs in February 2011. The aim of the role is to build a more strategic dialogue between HM Government and smaller suppliers – giving those suppliers a strong voice at the top table.

Stephen has produced some top tips for SME bidders. To view these click on the following link www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/crown-representative-smes-stephen-allott

Stephen will also be speaking at the AIS Roadshow workshop on 16 May. Click here for details.

Contract wallcovering report

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:39:31 +0100

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has been working with AIS, the British Coatings Federation and the British Contractor Furnishers Association to consider whether proposed changes to Approved Document B would inadvertently disadvantage wallcoverings, because of how they are assessed under European Classification for Fire performance.

Members are invited to comment on the outcomes of the report from the steering group. Click here to view.

Cabinet Office Mystery Shopper Scheme

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:37:02 +0100

In 2011 the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude, announced a package of measures to open up the way that Government does business.

The Government has taken action to ensure that small firms and organisations are no longer shut out of procurement processes because of excessive bureaucracy and petty regulation. As part of this, the Cabinet Office has developed a Mystery Shopper Scheme so businesses can continue to tell Government where there are still issues. An extension to the service to include issues relating to unfair practices in the supply chain was announced in March 2012.

To provide information, complete the online form here. Full details can be found at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/cabinet-office-mystery-shopper-scheme

AIS Conference - 50% discount for CITB registered levy paying contractors

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 +0100

This year's AIS Building a Better Contractor Conference will take place on 13 November at the Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club, Meriden, West Midlands.

The Conference will focus on providing tips and advice to assist in the strategic development and day-to-day running of your business, as well as showcasing the winners of the AIS Best Practice Awards. The event will be followed by a drinks reception and dinner.

Why not stay the night and join AIS and join AIS and fellow members for a golf day on the Forest of Arden’s championship course. AIS has negotiated a room rate of £99 + VAT inc breakfast. Accommodation at this rate is limited - so book now!

50% discount for CITB registered levy paying contractors!

For full details and a booking form click here.

* At this stage places are limited to two per company. If you require more than two places please advise and we will add these to a waiting list.

Supported/Sponsored by:

AIS Conference

This year’s AIS Conference is being held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel on 14-16 October.

Book before 30 April and pay just £550 per couple, plus kids stay free!

What’s in store:

· An expanded business programme starting Friday to deliver more business value to attendees.

· Presentation of the AIS Best Practice Award winners.

For more information on the conference click here.

Construction Industry Forecasts - Spring 2012

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:03:20 +0100

The Construction Industry Forecasts for Spring 2012 is now available to download.