It was at Ecobuild last year that FC&A was launched, I can’t believe that a year has passed – and what a year it’s been. The whole construction industry is still in turmoil, and last year’s much mentioned ‘green shoots’ are still waiting to open fully. Optimism is strong though, in many sectors, and Ecobuild reflects that – looking forward not only to the next year but to future generations. We’re looking forward to meeting up with lots of old friends at this year’s Ecobuild, and making many new ones too. Do call in and see us, we’re at Stand N60. And if you’ve just picked up your first copy of FC&A at Ecobuild, don’t forget you can subscribe (for free!) on our website to receive a copy every month.

One of the great advantages of this job is that I get to know about so many of the new building materials and methods that become available. However, this changes many parts of my life, no longer can I just go to a concert, now I have to look up and ponder the acoustics, and sometimes point out the HVAC to my no doubt delighted companions! “Did you know these fire doors are held open by electro-magnets – they release to close the doors if the alarms go off?” and “Ooooh, look, they’re using passive ventilation!” I recently went for a drink in a very swanky hotel, and, ignoring the gorgeous decor, told the people I was with all about the piled foundations, that I’d seen on a site visit two years ago! I’m not good to go out with.

Congratulations to Professor Edward David Brynmor Jones and George William Bolsover, Chairman of Aggregate Industries, who were both awarded with the CBE in the 2011 New Year Honours List, for services to Architecture and to the Construction Industry respectively, also Tony Hardiman, Chairman of the National Insulation Association, who was awarded an MBE for services to the Energy Industry. Many congratulations also to all of those who have gone unrewarded but have worked tirelessly to keep their companies afloat in really difficult times – unlauded but much appreciated.