Latest News & Events
Fall in Scottish house-building prompts call on Chancellor to reverse capital spending cuts
June 4th, 2013
42% Reduction in the number of new homes completed since the height of the market in 2007
Updated Housing Statistics for Scotland Published this Morning
June 4th, 2013
Number of new homes completed in 2012 fell by 47% since height of the market in 2007
Nicola Sturgeon MSP visits Forth Crossing to Promote Young Women in Construction - Scottish Apprenticeship Week
June 2nd, 2013
Successful positive action event encouraging female participation in the constuction industry receives the support of the Deputy First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon Visits Forth Crossing to Promote Women in Construction for Scottish Apprenticeship Week
May 23rd, 2013
Deputy First Minister joins Lothians and Fife school pupils building a replica model of iconic bridge
62,500 Scottish Building Jobs Lost in Five Years, New Figures Reveal
May 8th, 2013
62,500 jobs lost in the space of five years
Trade Bodies Voice Collective Concern Over Increasing Regulatory Burden and Costs
May 3rd, 2013
Trade bodies collectively voice concern over Scottish Government proposals
Ed Milliband's Admission on Blanket VAT Cut Prompts Criticism
May 1st, 2013
Ed Milliband criticised for his admission on blanket cut in VAT
SBF Welcomes Scottish Government Moves to Tackle Late Payments
April 18th, 2013
SBF welcomes speeding up of payments
Cash Flow Boost for Scottish Construction Industry
April 18th, 2013
Construction industry to benefit from initiative to speed up payments to contractors in public sector developments
9,000 Scottish building jobs lost as construction output slumps to ten-year low
April 17th, 2013
Modest rise in construction output bu annual output from industry remains at its lowest level for ten years
Scottish Gross Domestic Product Q4, 2012
April 17th, 2013
Scottish GDP grew by 0.5% during 4th quarter of 2012
Largest Rise in Employment for 12 Years With Unemployment Below 200,000 for First Time Since 2009
April 17th, 2013
ONS Figures show employment rose by 39,000 in last quarter
Scottish Building Federation Raises £1500 to Help Fight Prostate Cancer
April 16th, 2013
SBF presents cheque to Prostate Cancer UK
25,000 Modern Apprentices in Scotland
April 12th, 2013
Scottish Government and SDS have confirmed target to offer at least 25,000 people training while in employment
New Survey Reveals Late Payments 'Epidemic' in Scottish Construction Sector
March 25th, 2013
Late payments have reached 'epidemic proportions' says SBF
Budget will 'boost Scots economy', says Michael Moore
March 21st, 2013
An extra £176m for Scotland over next two years
Budget 2013 'Does too Little to Support Construction Sector'
March 20th, 2013
SBF welcomes plans to target additional funding towards shovel-ready construction projects but criticises refusal to introduce VAT cut
Highland Council Sheds More Jobs
March 12th, 2013
GMB reports of more job losses at Highland Council
Chancellor Urged to Change Economic Courses to Tackle Dismal Construction Performance
March 4th, 2013
Need for change of economic strategy
'Reverse Dundee & Angus Capital Spending Cuts', Urges Newly Elected Local SBF President
March 4th, 2013
Karen Nicoll elected as first Dundee & Angus female President
Construction PMI Hits Lowest Level Since October 2009
March 4th, 2013
February data points to a sharper slide in UK construction output....
New Orders in the Construction Industry - Q4, 2012
March 1st, 2013
Headline figures in Constant (2005) Prices, Seasonally Adjusted
Sustaining Falling Youth Unemployment Requires Renewed Construction Apprenticeship Push
February 20th, 2013
SBF calls for renewed focus on supporting apprenticeships
Construction Decline in 2012 Requires Action to 'Turn Industry Around'
February 11th, 2013
To turn the industry around, it's increasingly clear that the Government needs to provide a stimulus to public and private sectors alike.
Updated Infrastructure Plan Welcomed - But Produrement Reform and VAT Cut Still Vital
February 5th, 2013
SBF warmly welcomes the updated Infrastructure Plan by the Scottish Government, but urges further action
Construction PMI Signals Moderate Fall in Output Levels at the Start of 2013
February 5th, 2013
UK construction companies indicated that 2013 started with a moderate reduction in business activity.....
BBC: UK Economy Shrank at End of 2012
January 25th, 2013
Economy could re-enter recession as economy shrinks by 0.3% in last three months of 2012
Further Fall in Unemployment in Scotland
January 23rd, 2013
Latest figures show fall in unemployment by 14,000
Falling Output Fuels Fears of Triple Dip
January 14th, 2013
More than £8bn has been wiped off construction's value to the UK economy, warns SBF.
Construction Output - November 2012
January 11th, 2013
Total volume of construction output in November 2012 estimated to be 9.8% lower than in November 2011 accodring to the latest ONS statistics.
Construction Industry Scheme to Promote Improved On-Site Skills and Health and Safety
December 21st, 2012
SBF asks Scottish Government to introduce new policy for assessment of skills, competence and safety standards on construction sites.
Further Construction Job Losses Predicted in 2013 as New Orders Continue to Fall
December 21st, 2012
Stark conclusions of the latest SBF Scottish Construction Monitor
Swinney Delivers on Jobs and Growth
December 20th, 2012
Finance Secretary John Swinney gives a programme of capital projects the green light
Chancellor's Construction Funding Boost Reinforces Need for Urgent Procurement Reforms
December 6th, 2012
Redirection of additional public funds towards capital investment is hugely welcome, but the release of these funds places an even greater onus on policy-makers
Scotland to Receive Extra £500m in Treasury Cash
December 6th, 2012
George Osborne promises Scotland its share of an additional £5bn to see spent on buildings and infrastructure.
Housing Statistics: Scottish Industry 'Still Has a Mountain to Climb' on the Road to Recovery
November 29th, 2012
SBF warns Scotland's housebuilding industry there is a long way to go
More Investment Needed
November 26th, 2012
Nicola Sturgeon urges the UK Government to increase the money available for Scotland to spend on infrastructure projects
Plea for Political Action as Construction Job Numbers Continue to Fall
November 14th, 2012
Employment in the UK construction industry has fallen by 57,000 over the past year.
SBATC Employers Induction Seminar - Aberdeen College, Monday 26 November 2012
November 13th, 2012
The latest SBATC Employers' Induction Seminar is taking place on Monday 26 November 2012 at Aberdeen College, at 09:30am, all local apprenticeship employers are welcome.
Deepening Construction Crisis is Threatening UK Economic Recovery, Warns SBF
November 9th, 2012
Official output figures show deepening crisis in the industry.
SCDEA - Account Take Over Fraud
October 1st, 2012
Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency - Account Take Over Fraud
'Extra School Funding Needs to Put Shovels in the Ground More Quickly', Says SBF
September 26th, 2012
SBF welcomes the acceleration of funds for the Schools for the Future programme, but notes money will only start to be spent in 2014
A Scottish Budget for Jobs & Growth - SBF Reaction
September 20th, 2012
SBF welcomes the announcement of the Scottish Government's draft budget 2013-14 but urges further action
A Scottish Budget for Jobs and Growth
September 20th, 2012
Setting out the budget to Parliament, Finance Secretary John Swinney pledged £180 million over two years for construction, skills and employment and a green economic stimulus.
SBATC Apprenticeship Awards 2012 - Deadline Extension - 5 October 2012
September 17th, 2012
The deadline for the submission of nominations for this year’s SBATC Apprenticeship Awards has been extended until Friday 5 October 2012.
Poor Scottish Construction Figures Confirm Case for Reinforced Capital Investment, Says SBF
September 17th, 2012
"These figures demonstrate continuing tough trading conditions for Scottish builders."
Edinburgh Chamber Appoints a New President
September 10th, 2012
Mr. Alex Macleod is appointed new President of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
Latest Scottish Construction Survey: Procurement 'Lottery' Requires Radical Reform
August 27th, 2012
SBF calls for immediate radical reforms to public procurement.
Latest SBATC Employers 'Induction' Seminar
August 20th, 2012
The latest SBATC Employers' Induction Seminar is taking place on Monday 27 August 2012 at the Thistle Hotel, Inverness at 10:00am, all local apprenticeship employers are welcome.
CHAP Group Founder Set to Retire
August 8th, 2012
Alasdair Craigie is to retire from his role as CEO of Westhill-based CHAP Group
SBATC Apprenticeship Awards 2012
August 7th, 2012
Search is on for Scotland's top apprentices of 2012.
Renewed Calls for Investment as Construction Bankruptcies Continue to Climb
August 3rd, 2012
SBF calls for additional public investment as bankruptcies soar.
SBATC Apprenticeship Awards 2012
August 3rd, 2012
Nominations are currently being sought for the 2012 SBATC apprenticeship awards to be held at the Scottish Parliament in December.
Latest GDP Figures 'Show UK Construction Sector Officially in Double-Dip Recession'
July 25th, 2012
Latest GDP figures show UK construction sector officially in double-dip recession
UK Exchequer Secretary David Gauke Describes Householders Who Pay Tradesmen in Cash as "Morally Wrong"
July 24th, 2012
SBF State Very Simple Solution to Problem Identified by UK Exchequer Secretary
SBF Backs First Minister's Capital Spending Call
July 18th, 2012
Scottish figures show a sixth consecutive quarter of stagnation in the Scottish construction industry.
9,000 Jobs Boost Does Not Disguise Need for UK Policy Change
July 18th, 2012
The latest labour market statistics show employment in Scotland is rising and unemployment continues to fall.
Delays to Planning Process Hampering Construction Recovery, Warns SBF
June 28th, 2012
Deteriortaion in performance of Scotland's planning authorities is hampering recovery in the construction secctor.
Over £100m to Stimulate Economic Growth
June 27th, 2012
John Swinney announces £105m package of economic stimulus
Important Changes to Your Holiday Pay
June 26th, 2012
Take Home Holiday Pay Will be Affected After 30th October 2012
Staff Illness While on Annual Leave - European Court Ruling is Extra Burden for Businesses
June 22nd, 2012
Staff who fall ill on holiday will be able to claw back the sick days after they come back to work.
Construction Bosses Urge Change of Economic Strategy as Industry Output Plummets
June 15th, 2012
The latest output figures are stark and show a dramatic fall in construction activity during April
Output in the Construction Sector - April 2012
June 15th, 2012
Output in the Construction Industry in Constant (2005) Prices
SBF Applauds Balfour Beatty for Speaking Out on Apprenticeships
June 13th, 2012
Balfour Beatty speaks out out on the issue of apprenticeships in public construction contracts.
Latest Scottish Housing Statistics 'Confirm Major Crisis'
May 30th, 2012
Latest housing statistics provide confirmation of a further slowdown in private sector housebuilding for the full year 2011.,
Housing Statistics
May 30th, 2012
Updated housing statistics have been released today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.
Minister Backs Search for Scotland's Top Building Apprentice of 2012
May 25th, 2012
The SBATC has officially launched the search for the 2012 SBATC Apprentice of the Year at a special event at Edinburgh Castle this week.
Minister Backs Search for Scotland's Top Building Apprentice of 2012
May 25th, 2012
The SBATC has officially launched the search for the 2012 SBATC Apprentice of the Year at a special event at Edinburgh Castle this week.
Construction Apprentice Numbers Stabilising as Scottish Industry Looks to the Future
May 21st, 2012
The economic downturn has had a dramatic effect on construction apprenticeship numbers in Scotland but the industry is starting to turn the corner with more apprentices registered last year than in 2010.
Highland Construction Bosses Seek Funding Reassurances from Ministers at Special Summit
May 15th, 2012
Highland construction bosses will seek urgent clarification on the level of future funding to be committed to affordable housing across the region when they meet Scottish Government ministers in Inverness today (Monday, 14th May 2012).
The Official Statistics on Construction Activity Just Got Worse....
May 11th, 2012
While industry surveys suggest there are grounds to hope that recovery may be on its way, the official statistics on construction activity just get worse.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 21st to 25th May 2012
May 10th, 2012
SDS' Scottish Apprenticeship Week is taking place this year from 21st to 25th May 2012
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 21- 25 May 2012
May 8th, 2012
Working in partnership with ConstructionSkills, SBATC will be participating in two SAW events - all employers of apprentices are welcome!!
Fresh Call for Investment as Scottish Construction Bankruptcies Skyrocket
May 4th, 2012
An alarming rise in Scottish construction firms going bust requires immediate action to prevent further job losses, industry bosses have today warned.
Construction Output Fall Signals Need for Urgent Capital Spending - SBF
April 25th, 2012
SBF states that the latest GDP figures make for grim reading.
Construction Should be Top Election Issue
April 16th, 2012
Local election candidates are being urged to make investment in building projects a top priority
SBF Comments on February 2012 ONS Figures
April 16th, 2012
SBF comments in February 2012 ONS figures
Parliament Approves Changes to the CITB-ConstructionSkills' Levy Order
March 20th, 2012
Parliament Approves Changes to the CITB-ConstructionSkills' Levy Order
Highland Builders Welcome Decision to Approve Inverness West Link
March 9th, 2012
Highland construction employers have strongly welcomed Highland Council's decision to approve a preferred route for the proposed Inverness West Link.
Homes for Scotland Announces Appointment of new Chief Executive
March 8th, 2012
Home building industry body Homes for Scotland has announced the appointment of Philip Hogg as new Chief Executive.
Professor Ewart Keep Raises a Critical Issue When he Asks Whether the Rapid Growth in Apprenticeship Numbers in Scotland has Led to a Trade-Off Between Volume and Quality
February 29th, 2012
The construction sector has traditionally been the cornerstone of Scotland’s apprenticeship system and remains the most popular modern apprenticeship framework.
Building Sector Confidence Drops as Employers Anticipate Tough Conditions in 2012
February 20th, 2012
A challenging outlook has prompted a further drop in confidence in the Scottish construction sector.
Unemployment in Scotland Rose by 16,000 in Period October to December
February 15th, 2012
Unemployment in Scotland rose by 16,000 in the three months from October to December to reach 231,000 according to official figures.
Adoption of the Scottish Budget for 2012-13
February 9th, 2012
Michael Levack, SBF Chief Executive comments on the adoption by the Scottish Parliament of the Scottish Budget for 2012-13.
Public Sector Procurement Reform - Launch Public Consultation Immediately, says SBF
February 6th, 2012
SBF comments on Infrastructure and Cabinet Investment Cabinet Secretary Alex Neil’s announcement today (6th February) that he intends to introduce further reform to the public procurement process,
Public Sector Procurement Reform - Launch Public Consultation Immediately, says SBF
February 6th, 2012
Key conclusions of Jim and Margaret Cuthbert’s report ‘Using Out Buying Power to Benefit Scotland’ that many Scottish businesses are being locked out of public procurement will come as little surprise to many in the construction sector.
Scottish Budget - Still Time to Build a Budget for Housing
January 25th, 2012
Housing and construction groups join forces for call to support jobs and communities.
Partner Announced to Deliver £200m Public Sector Infrastructure Programme for West Scotland
January 23rd, 2012
SFT has announced the appointment of WellSpring Partnership Limited as the partner to deliver over £200m of public sector infrastructure projects for West Scotland's 17 hub partners.
Latest Scottish GDP Figures Show Construction Output Still Falling
January 18th, 2012
Latest GDP figures for the Scottish economy have today (18th January 2012) shown a fourth consecutive quarter of stagnation in the Scottish construction industry.
Q3 2011 GDP Figures Released
January 18th, 2012
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today announced the release of GDP for Scotland for 2011 Q3.
Loss of 30,000 Construction Jobs 'Requires Immediate Action to Get Firms Building'
December 19th, 2011
Latest labour market figures for Scotland for the third quarter of 2011 show a further 7,000 jobs lost from the Scottish construction industry during the three months to September.
East Kilbride Plasterer Named Scottish Craft Apprentice of 2011
December 9th, 2011
Kenny McAllister is Crowned Scotland's Craft Apprentice of the Year for 2011
East Kilbride Plasterer Named Scottish Craft Apprentice of 2011
December 9th, 2011
Kenny McAllister has been crowned Scotland's Craft Apprentice of the Year.
Six Join Forces to Call for Extra Housing Investment
December 7th, 2011
Housing and Construction Groups Lobby Scottish Government
SBF Welcomes £60bn Infrastructure Plan
December 6th, 2011
SBF comments on the launch today (Tuesday, 6th December) of the Scottish Government's Infrastructure and Investment Plan.
Capital Spending Announcement
December 6th, 2011
Capital spending worth up to £60 billion will mean substantial investment in Scotland's rail network and the dualling of road network between all of Scotland's cities, Alex Neil confirmed today.
SBF React to Chancellor's Autumn Statement
November 29th, 2011
The Chancellor's autumn statement provides little comfort to construction firms that the economic environment is likely to improve any time soon.
Construction Industry Plan to Rebuild Growth Unveiled
November 24th, 2011
A rebalancing of public expenditure in favour of capital investment, a targeted cut in VAT on works to make homes greener, and new models for financing major infrastructure are needed to unlock growth in the UK’s strategically crucial construction industr
David Cameron Vows to Get Britain Building
November 21st, 2011
First-time buyers of new homes will be able to borrow up to 95% of their value as part of plans to get "Britain building again".
Stalled Construction Output Prompts Call to Cut Procurement Costs
November 11th, 2011
SBF raises further concerns with ONS figures released today (11th November 2011).
Output in the Construction Industry - Q3, 2011
November 11th, 2011
The total volume ofconstruction output fell 0.2% in 3rd quarter of 2011.
Increase in Youth Unemployment Gives Cause for Concern
November 9th, 2011
Reports that unemployment amongst young people is rising throughout Scotland give serious cause for concern.
SBF Comments on Latest UK Construction PMI
November 2nd, 2011
SBF Chief Executive Michael Levack comments on the latest UK Construction PMI, published 2nd November 2011.
Falling Confidence and Construction Apprentice Numbers Prompt Calls for Government Action
October 20th, 2011
Scottish Building Federation Chief Executive Michael Levack has called for more government action after GDP figures showed a 2.3% decline in construction output between April and June this year.
“Construction slump in GDP figures must be a wake up call” – Levack
October 20th, 2011
Scottish Building Federation Chief Executive Michael Levack has called for more government action after GDP figures showed a 2.3% decline in construction output between April and June this year.
Search is on for 2011 Scottish Craft and Civil Apprentice of the Year
August 22nd, 2011
The Scottish Building and Apprenticeship Training Council (SBATC) has officially launched its search for Scotland’s Craft Apprentice of the Year 2011.
We're on Twitter!
August 1st, 2011
Follow latest tweets and soundbites from the Scottish Building Federation on Twitter
Construction Bosses Back 'Budget for Jobs' Call
Construction bosses have backed Scottish Government calls for a UK Budget for jobs next week and say the construction industry should be top of the Chancellor's list for support.