Spec Finish

News www.thefis.org 9 SIG rejoins CPA Specialist building products distributor, SIG, has re-joined the Construction Products Association (CPA), which engages with government policy makers to develop evidence-based policies and solutions for UK construction product manufacturers and suppliers. Managing Director Philip Johns said: “In the current climate, we find ourselves in challenging times including new legislative changes and adopting a new norm in working. Our customers need practical advice on how they can adhere to the changes and still run profitable businesses. There’s been much industry talk about changes at policy level.” www.sigplc.com Upturn forecast for prefabricated volumetric building systems The prefabricated volumetric building systems market is likely to be one of the sectors to see upturn from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research. Editor at AMA Research, Alex Blagden, said studies show that steady growth in this market is expected up to 2024, underpinned by the increasing use of off- site construction methods. Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, there are several factors that are expected to underpin a return to growth. These include an increasing number of public sector procurement frameworks, that include systems suppliers and an increase in the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). There is also a probability of an increase in the use of volumetric systems, and other types of offsite technologies, as a solution to the ongoing shortage of skilled building tradesmen. Main contractor receives diversity recognition Willmott Dixon has featured in the annual Times Top 50 Employers for Women list in recognition of its efforts to promote gender equality. The Times, in partnership with corporate responsibility charity Business in the Community (BITC), recently published its 2020 list of the 50 best employers for women in the UK based on a four-month review process to assess the ambition and impact of their equality policies. Willmott Dixon has set a target for gender parity by 2030 across all job functions and the latest recognition is testament to its ongoing efforts. In its latest Gender Pay Gap report, Group Chief Executive Rick Willmott stated: “The proportion of women in all grades has increased, and in the case of women in senior grades, this is up from 11 to 12.5%. That’s important, as having a higher representation of women in senior roles is a key priority for us.” The company has been previously named as the highest-placed UK company in the Financial Times’ first ever list of Europe’s most diverse and inclusive companies, and was also in the top five of the 2020 Sunday Times Best Companies to work for list. Rick added: “Achieving our stated aspiration to achieve gender parity in all grades by 2030 does not mean any form of ‘positive’ discrimination; achieving our aims will be done by our company being regarded as one of the best places for people from all parts of society to enjoy a rewarding and balanced work life.” www.willmottdixon.co.uk