Tag: SMEs
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How’s the government going to ‘get Britain building’?
The government has published two major planning announcements aimed at the housebuilding sector. David Parry explains what’s in each of them. (Image: Paul Maguire via Dreamstime) The end of May saw the publication of two major government announcements for the construction sector, both setting out further intentions to free up the planning system and get…
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Sustainability in SMEs: How one company is leading the way
For many SMEs, setting and achieving ESG targets can feel like a challenge. Limited budgets, pressure for short-term profitability, and value engineering often put sustainability at risk. Add to that the need for cultural change, clear KPIs and a fast-paced commercial environment – and it’s easy to see why progress can stall. View the original…
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Masonry matters: a mission to boost skills
A new association promises to solve the masonry sector’s recruitment and training challenges with an approach that targets micro companies. March this year saw the launch of the Masonry Association of Great Britain (MAGB), a new organisation that aims to boost recruitment and upskilling in the masonry sector. Current systems are not working, says the…
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Construction employers claim nearly £130m in CITB grants
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has released the year-end figures for its Grants Scheme, which provides support for construction employers and learners. During the 2024-25 financial year, CITB allocated nearly £130 million in grant support. Of this funding, £71.4 million was provided through various apprenticeship grants, supporting more than 30,000 learners and 10,000 employers,…
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More SMEs should explore student work placement for trades, says CIOB member
DHG Build Solutions is working with Gateshead College to offer work placement for students of construction trades. Andy Britten MCIOB, senior project manager at DHG, said the initiative came about after the company’s electrical department took on an apprentice. “As a bigger company in the ‘small’ company bracket, we never previously considered apprentices or work…
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‘I’m working with construction SMEs to boost their innovation’
Dr Graeme Larsen FCIOB, associate dean (sustainability) at the University College of Estate Management, on opening up the current discourse around healthy communities. What are you working on at present? I am working on a number of initiatives, with the key focus being strategic and operational sustainability. This relates to the development of new taught…
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All About Crowdfunding for SMEs
If you are an SME or have an idea you want to put out there as a business, then crowdfunding is a new growing business trend that could be beneficial to look into. It has already helped fund some of the coolest business ideas to date. At one point, financing a business included asking numerous…