09 February 2010 | 05:35:35

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LATEST NEWS
Bellway announces strong balance sheet General

Bellway announces strong balance sheet

08/02/2010 - 15:02:37
Tories to promote sustainable building General

Tories to promote sustainable building

08/02/2010 - 14:52:36
Construction workers top lottery luck list General

Construction workers top lottery luck list

08/02/2010 - 13:40:37
Activity falls slow in construction sector General

Activity falls slow in construction sector

05/02/2010 - 15:06:15
Government to consider stamp duty reduction for bulk purchases General

Government to consider stamp duty reduction for bulk purchases

05/02/2010 - 13:15:54

INDUSTRY HEADLINES

Passivhaus project using dense concrete blocks
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Housing affordability - How does your city rate?
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Fire engulfs building site
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New Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard for Zero Carbon Homes
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Major Fire in Peckham, South London
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BBC NEWS

Ice 'probable cause' of BA crash
London
Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:23:39 GMT
The fault which caused a plane to crash land at Heathrow airport in January 2008 was "unrecognised", a report says.

Man killed ex as children watched
Cumbria
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:31:19 GMT
A man stabbed his ex-wife to death in front of her children and then tried to kill his stepfather, a court hears.

Gascoigne bailed after takeaway row
North Yorkshire
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:14:51 GMT
Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne and another man are arrested after a disturbance at a takeaway in North Yorkshire.


INDUSTRY NEWS

Radio 4 Face the Facts Programme, High Rise - Low Safety
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Major fire in the timber frame of an unfinished block of flats in Blackpool
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BBC WEATHER

London
Tuesday at 0800 GMT: cloudy. 19°C (66°F)
Temperature: 19°C (66°F), Wind Direction: SW, Wind Speed: 9 mph, Relative Humidity: 81%, Pressure: 1025mB, Rising, Visibility: Very good



MET OFFICE WEATHER WARNINGS!


08/11:19 London & South East England: Heavy Snow
ADVISORY of Heavy Snow for London & South East England valid from 0001 Fri 12 Feb to 2359 Fri 12 Feb


08/11:14 London & South East England: Heavy Snow
ADVISORY of Heavy Snow for London & South East England valid from 0001 Thu 11 Feb to 2359 Thu 11 Feb




H+H CELCON VIDEOS

Rå Build Method Video
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H+H Thin-Joint System Video
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H+H Flooring System Video
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 Advertising campaigns


Top Story
Let's get on with it!

As we start 2010 in the grip of the coldest winter for 30 years we may be forgiven for asking, is this the result of global warming? Whether it is the result of climate change or not, the sooner we can get back to better building conditions the better!

Most house builders and manufacturers reported a stronger final quarter of 2009 and we must not lose any momentum as we start a critical year for our industry.

The case for brick and block construction has never been stronger, so it is time to remind everyone of some of the simple facts about the product we all know and trust:

  • Masonry is 15% cheaper than timber frame
  • Brick and block is available off the shelf offering maximum flexibility in unpredictable times
  • 93% of homeowners prefer this method of construction
  • Locally produced masonry reduces transportation, creates jobs and offers true sustainability
  • Brick and block producers are leading the way in achieving Responsible Sourcing
  • Brick and block offers the thermal mass we will need if our climate continues warming
  • Masonry performs well in the event of a fire

In an election year it is time to take the gloves off. The concept of social housing being constructed from imported lightweight systems that cost more money and carry inherent exposure to arson is now unacceptable. We must make sure that public money is made to work harder and that it is invested safely to build more homes that will provide cost-effective accommodation for the 5 million people on housing waiting lists. Brick and block homes will last over 150 years, making this the only sensible investment to make. Their construction will also create UK jobs, protect our skill base and provide opportunities for young people to come into the industry.

We all need to make the time to have some vital conversations with those who wish to govern us. The facts are simple, our industry is truly sustainable, brick and block is made and installed in the UK, offers much better value and our products are safe and durable. In short.....

.....Masonry construction is good for UK PLC!

 

 

Mike Leonard

Director

Modern Masonry Alliance

SOCIAL BUILDING UPDATE
Council house rent increases to be halved Council house rent increases to be halved

05/02/2010 - 11:25:06
Social housing waiting lists are multiplying Social housing waiting lists are multiplying

04/02/2010 - 13:34:12
Age charity says housing report misses 'bigger picture' Age charity says housing report misses 'bigger picture'

01/02/2010 - 17:55:54

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T-ZERO


T-ZERO is a non-profit project initiated by some of the UK's leading energy conservation and housing charities, housing associations, architects and buildings performance specialists, together with English Heritage and the Housing Corporation. It is supported by the Technology Strategy Board (formerly DTI) and its brief is to develop novel ways to reduce environmental impacts from existing housing, working towards a future goal of a zero carbon built environment.

T-ZERO is developing an interactive web-based tool that puts energy and environmental performance expertise in the hands of the householder, housing stock manager, designer or builder.

Visit www.tzero.org.uk to register for more information


 

Get Britain Building

 

 
 
Make a difference!Wolseley joins the Get Britain Building coalition

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Make a difference!Biggest Construction Coalition Calls on Scottish Government to Prevent 16,000 Scottish Job Losses

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Make a difference! Make a difference!
Support our campaign now.
Lobby your MP directly

Download draft letters here

 
   
 

Budget Submission 2009 - the benefits of boosting home building and renovationBudget Submission 2009

The benefits of boosting home building and renovation
 
 

GBB banners go up at all Ibstock brick sitesGBB banners go up at all Ibstock Brick sites
 
 

Heading: BBC Radio WM interview with Mike Leonard, Modern Masonry Alliance Director.BBC Radio WM interview with Mike Leonard, Modern Masonry Alliance Director.

Listen here
 

Get Britain BuildingWe call on the Government to Get Britain Building now.
Click on the link below to sign the E-Petition to the government.


SIGN THE PETITION

   
 

Get Britain Building Get Britain Building vehicle stickers.
Show your support

Car sticker 95x245mm – 7p each
Van sticker 255x260mm, 13p each
Lorry sticker 305x325mm – 20p each
Plus postage.
To order, email info@britishprecast.org or call 0116 253 6161

 
 

VAT TrapArticle in Mail on Sunday - 22nd March 2009

The VAT trap: Two people created new homes in the same village, but only one received a big tax bill...

read more
 
     

The Human cost of the building crisis

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Listed events on MASONRYFIRST.COM

Manchester Construction Best Practice Club Free CPD Event
23/02/2010


Social Housing conference
24/02/2010


Constructing the Recovery – New Homes for a New Decade
25/02/2010


Ecobuild
02/03/2010


The Next Generation of Housing: Affordability, Flexibility and Choice
11/03/2010


NHF Leaders Forum 2010
11/03/2010


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