?July 2010

AIS award winners celebrate in style

The results of the 2010 AIS Contractors Awards were announced at the AIS President's Lunch on 8 June at the luxurious Dorchester hotel in London. Once again support for the awards was tremendous, with the fit out category proving exceptionally popular. The judges commented that the quality of entries was as high as ever, with a 'bunching up' of the top projects in each category, leaving a very fine line between the winning entries and those that did not receive an award. Those contracts which narrowly missed out on an award received a certificate of excellence in recognition of the high standards of workmanship and technical expertise demonstrated. Recipients are featured in the award winners brochure which was circulated to 26,000 readers with Building magazine and shown on the AIS website. Roger Adams, practice principal of architects Bisset Adams, who judged the finalists of the Interior Fit Outs category said: 'This was a very novel experience for me, and one that had unexpected results. Having made the shortlist, it goes without saying that the standard of workmanship on all 11 projects was extremely high. However, being honest I was looking for something else - the schemes that I would view and think 'I wish that was in my portfolio'. I was not disappointed.

Simon says... no more!

'The range and complexity of the installations visited was phenomenal. As different as chalk and cheese, each project had its own quirks and challenges, the commonality being that they were all delivered with exceptional results. 'One recurring theme was the dogged determination of the contracting teams to see the project through and hand over to the client a scheme that not only achieved the brief, but would be instrumental in taking their business forward. 'What particularly impressed me is how the contracting teams overcame significant site challenges, in several cases changing the function of the space. On occasions this was achieved without the necessary support from their respective design teams. 'Meeting and overcoming all these obstacles with such exceptional results bodes well for the future, because in my opinion there will be less demolish and new build and much more clever conversion of existing spaces for new uses.' The AIS Contractors Awards are held annually to promote high levels of craftsmanship and design. The architect or interior designer of the Gold award winning project also receives an award. For the winners and more on the President's Lunch turn to pages 8 and 9. At the AIS AGM on 19 May chief executive Simon Forrester formally announced his intention to leave the Association at the end of July, having been offered a career opportunity at a trade federation management company. Simon commented: 'My decision to leave was not taken lightly. I take enormous pride in what the staff team and Board have accomplished. Since I started in 2005 we have grown and developed in every way, and in my view we are without equal in the association market, fighting well above our weight. There is no finer construction association out there, and I have faith that the best of AIS will be seen in the days and years ahead. 'My main regret is that I won't be here as AIS goes on to the next level. The quote goes that the real test of a leader is the performance of the company he leaves behind.

AIS meets chief construction adviser

In July, AIS chief executive Simon Forrester met the Government's chief construction adviser Paul Morrell OBE to discuss priorities for the sector. Mr Morrell previously attended the AIS President's Lunch and was impressed by the passion for excellence shown by the Contractors Awards. AIS drew Mr Morrell's attention to the key role of specialist contractors in decarbonisation, and he welcomed the notion that it is not just clients and main contractors that have an input to the low carbon agenda. Through routes such as the AIS Integrated Management Standard (AIMS), training courses on environmental awareness, and fact file sheets, AIS ensures members are ready to do their bit. This includes such simple things as reducing energy use in their businesses, through to maximising waste reduction on site. Mr Morrell said Government is considering how to remove carbon from construction, and will be releasing its findings later this year. In the meantime, civil servants will be spending time with small to medium sized construction companies, including AIS members, to help Government better understand the issues that SMEs face. In conclusion Mr Morrell put forward a challenge to AIS members to answer the following two key questions: 1 Where is the waste in the system? 2 Where would transformation of practice and processes make a clear difference? AIS encourages its members to assess their environmental impact and ask the two questions of themselves. The answers will help members become more efficient businesses, well placed to meet the demands of clients and government alike. A full interview with Mr Morrell will appear in the October edition of Interiors Focus. www.bis.gov.uk/constructionigt On that basis, I feel my legacy is in very good hands. AIS has a great depth of talent and an outstanding staff team. We have a strong, independent Board, who are leading through the transition and in the future. I offer my heartfelt thanks for the brilliant opportunity I have had to work with you all.' AIS president Martin Romaine said: 'We are extremely sad to see Simon leave. It is thanks to him and the skilled, motivated AIS team, that over the last five years the AIS profile has been greatly enhanced, and we have created an Association model to be proud of.' AIS operations director Jane Cook will take over full operational control of the Association and a new chief executive will be appointed on a part time basis to represent AIS externally. Simon can be contacted at simon.forrester@gmail.com MEMCOM 'NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR' 2010

ASSOCIATION OF INTERIOR SPECIALISTS

KickStart from AIS

AIS has introduced KickStart, an information service to provide help and advice for personal and business development within the interiors sector. AIS chief executive Simon Forrester said: 'AIS recognises that many interior companies value AIS membership and would like to join, but currently do not meet its strict vetting criteria. 'KickStart offers support to both new and existing companies that aspire to be AIS members but cannot join at present. The programme provides business support to help companies develop and in time become members of the Association.' www.ais-interiors.org.uk FEATURING Apprentices key to green revolution CompeteFor... fit for purpose? Economic with the truth Protection racket ...and more!x www.ais-interiors.org.uk

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