March 26, 2013
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Source: Wiki Commons
Members of the international construction industry recently flocked to Saudi Arabia for the third annual Big 5 Saudi construction show. The four day event, held at the Jeddah Centre, spanned two halls; hosting 550 exhibitors from 36 different countries. On show were new technologies, heavy machinery, mezzanine flooring and fit-outs. A variety of workshops were also held.
Construction is thriving again in Saudi Arabia
The Middle East Technical Review revealed that a recently commissioned report, entitled ‘Saudi Construction Market: Unveil Opportunities Ahead’, indicates that the construction of water and power utilities and real estate represent the two largest sectors in the industry. Water and power is responsible for 32.9% and real estate for 32.2% of all construction.
Andy White, group event director for DMG, told the Review “We see a real interest from the international market, with many looking to find out more about the market, key trends as well as present their products and services to potential buyers”.
Dr. Hani Mohammad Aburas, Mayor of the Jeddah Municipality expressed his belief, at the opening, that Saudi Arabia will remain at the forefront of the global construction industry due to the support it receives from government. He also mentioned that his municipality is working on a number of construction and infrastructure projects with the emphasis on sustainability. As such it was no surprise that the theme of sustainability ran throughout the four day event.
Sustainable construction
Ame.info listed a number of sustainable companies offering products and technology at the construction trade show including that of Qatar Steel. The company manufactures hot briquetted iron / direct reduction iron which contributes to the reduction of toxic emissions from their plant.
Apricus Solar presented its latest range of flat plate collectors and Andre Cossette displayed its 65dB sound barrier blocks; these concrete blocks are said to have the highest thermal efficiency in its category.
It seems that those who missed the trade show will be able to attend next year as White told the Saudi Gazette that: “The influence of the Saudi construction market on the industry as a whole is unquestionable. We launched the Saudi event in 2011 with unprecedented success and have seen consistent year-on-year growth with international companies representing a majority share of our exhibitors.” Whether you’re interested in heavy machinery or cantilever racking it seems that the Big 5 Saudi construction show has become a not-to-be-missed calendar entry.
October 24, 2012
Positive construction news
In positive construction news out of London, last week, the achievements of 20 young people were honoured at the Young Builder of the Year awards. The construction industry has made a concerted effort to improve the unemployment situation of the youth in these difficult economic times and the country may see more youths in the sector sporting work gloves.
Young Builder of the Year
The House of Commons in London commemorated the achievements of young individuals in the industry that have received qualifications and have gotten employment in the construction industry. There has been a significant trend among leaders in the construction industry as well as many large firms that are encouraging and facilitating the youth of the United Kingdom in this time of recession. There were two primary categories of the Young Builder of the Year awards:
- Currently employed individuals aged between 16 and 24-years-old
- Individuals still in educational institutes aged between 14 and 16-years-old
The individuals and firms that shortlisted the 20 candidates for the Young Builder Awards were:
- Skanska
- UK Contractors Group
- Council and Industry Training Board – Construction Skills
- Civil Engineering Contractors Association
Individuals recognised
The individuals that were recognised received awards of money as well tool kits that will most likely include boiler suits and other elements, and training. The inspiring trend of the construction industry helping Britain’s youth is a fine way to combat unemployment and the recession and has a host of benefits for both organisations and the individuals themselves.
May 11, 2011
People and governments are looking for new and innovate ways to recover after the recent economic crises. In the UK small and medium enterprises are looking towards and export related recovery but the economy requires a larger project. Construction seems to be the way to go. A fast recovery for the UK construction industry is vital to the country’s future growth and recovery from the economic crisis.
The construction sector accounts for a large portion of the UK economy. A recent report by Drivers Jonas Deloitte (DJD) revealed that construction of prime commercial property in London almost doubled in the past 6 months which means that we are seeing a lot more high visibility clothing around. Whether or not this effect will be long term is not set in stone. Construction’s invariably volatile nature creates a challenging environment for analysts to determine the construction trend and the only thing that can be establish is that any conclusion is risky at best.
Construction companies are still at the will of investors, developers and owners. All these people must have the confidence and resource to commence with new construction projects. But with the increased demand of tenants because of the slow but stable recovery of the economy, investors and developers have got the incentive to precede with new construction contacts. 25 new construction schemes were launched in the past 6 months. Now, a total of 6.4 million square ft is under construction. A steadily-growing demand for new building stock and the significant value of some contracts has given us room for much optimism and will certainly increase the demand for high visibility jackets. More encouragement investment in construction in London is however needed.
After the recession is closing across the globe, construction in Ireland is seeing a fresh resurgence in the development industry offering a boom in construction industry jobs in the upcoming year. In the upcoming year, a guaranteed 1500 construction industry jobs are being created due to international investment in Ireland, including large players such as Intel, Apple and Google all planning headquarters in Ireland. This couldn’t have come at a better time for Ireland’s economy that has been struggling and needing a boost and construction jobs will make the industry buoyant after plans have been confirmed to take place over 1.5 million square meters of construction.