In spite of recent speculation that skills and labour shortages will impact on the future of construction, the industry is nonetheless showing signs of improvement. The latest official figures revealed last month from the Office of National Statistics shows that output in the construction industry in the third quarter of 2014 increased by 0.8% compared to the previous quarter. This boost is said to be driven by the UK Government’s Help to Buy scheme and a renewed willingness by banks to lend to home owners.

While the industry may be moving slowly, innovation from the leading building suppliers is thriving and is testament to the sector’s imminent recovery. To pay tribute to the abundance of product development that the industry has witnessed throughout the year, FC&A has handpicked a selection of suppliers that have continued to stay one step ahead by offering innovative solutions in a very competitive market.

In this bumper supplement ‘Year at a Glance’, we profile the launches and striking projects of 2014 from the likes of barrier specialist Berry Systems, copper expert Aurubis, washroom manufacturer Franke, and ceiling supplier Knauf AMF, to name but a few. To refresh yourself on some of this year’s key launches and outstanding builds turn to page 62.

Elsewhere in this issue, you will find dedicated features on RAIN/SUDS, Modern Methods of Construction, Fire, Health & Safety, Facades, plus a technical focus on HVAC.

Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features and product news at your fingertips via FC&A’s state-of-the-art app. Available for smart phones and tablets, the app can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play or the App Store – simply enter the search term ‘fc&a’.

I hope you enjoy this issue. If you wish to comment on any of the contributions featured within the magazine, please do not hesitate to get in touch at the usual address. In the meantime, on behalf of the FC&A team, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.