As a ‘wet behind the ears’ youth on site working in Leeds, I asked my boss what would happen when we had finished sorting out all these houses with damp problems. The answer that came from the old lag who had taken me under his wing was typically pragmatic and Read the full article…
It is not often you come across news that the Government is prepared to pay ‘over the odds’ to make contaminated land right again. You might even be partial to thinking “pigs might fly” before anything like that happens! However, on this occasion, it really does seem to be true! Read the full article…
Being described as “a reasonably sensible, bluff bloke from a builders’ trade association” by ‘Quentin Letts’ in the Daily Mail may not have been the highlight of last week, but it did make me giggle. Unfortunately, the other good people on the panel with me on Tuesday morning, giving evidence Read the full article…
The Science and Technology Committee yesterday held its anticipated session on Japanese Knotweed and its impact on the built environment. The sessions were broken into two parts. Firstly, focusing on the scientific evidence around the impact of Knotweed; and then secondly focusing on the response of bodies with an interest Read the full article…
Over 130 people logged onto the joint CABE and PCA webinar on Japanese Knotweed featuring our very own Dr Peter Fitzsimons’ earlier this week. Peter, PCA’s Technical Manager, explained the legislative framework which requires property developers and home owners (especially those undertaking development works) to carefully manage the treatment and/or removal of Read the full article…
We really do believe in the importance of providing appropriate and relevant training in which to build a career upon. This belief enabled our very own Training Manager to fully realise her potential and build a future career with the PCA and beyond. Five years ago Jade Stocker, now the Read the full article…
[January 2019] National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a specialist trade apprenticeship, geared up to the unique needs of the structural waterproofing sector. The Structural Waterproofing (Below Ground) Apprenticeship Programme takes its first intake of participants in mid-February. Developed with and supported by the CITB, the Read the full article…
Just as everyone’s thoughts were switching to mince pies and Christmas pudding, the government released ‘Building a safer future: an implementation plan’ on the 18th December. It is their official response to the independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety by Dame Judith Hackitt that highlighted the need for Read the full article…
[November 2018] A national trade body is urging horticulturists and gardeners to help stem the spread of invasive plants as part of their autumn maintenance regime. Experts at the Property Care Association (PCA) have produced a series of tips to help contain a range of non-native weeds and prevent their Read the full article…
[November 2018] Facilities managers/landlords/property managers/building managers/social housing professionals urged to put air quality in order as temperatures drop As winter approaches, a national trade body is issuing a timely reminder to facilities managers/landlords/property managers/building managers/social housing professionals to ensure air quality management is on their radar. With the arrival of Read the full article…
[November 2018] Householders urged to get their homes prepared for the winter ahead With the arrival of dark nights and dropping temperatures, a national trade body is urging householders to put in place some simple measures to help protect their properties from the seasonal weather conditions. According to the Property Read the full article…
[November 2018] Stress at work is a fact of life for almost everyone. From the technicians dealing with rush-hour traffic, problematic or difficult customers and the unexpected and unplanned challenges of dynamic work sites, to the pressures of finding, servicing and directing work experienced by surveyors and supervisors, to the Read the full article…
[October 2018] A national trade body has reported a significant number of dry rot cases in homes. Reports of the fungal timber decay taking hold in properties from members of the Property Care Association have risen – and the trade body says a number of factors could be behind the Read the full article…
[October 2018] The PCA represents many important specialist Property Care industries but if column inches in the newspapers this year is a guide, then Japanese Knotweed Control is surely one of the most topical! But neither we, nor our members, are just ‘all about knotweed’ and this is demonstrated by Read the full article…
[August 2018] Last Week PCA Technical Manager for Invasive Weeds, Peter Fitzsimons, completed his NPTC ‘Knapsack spraying’ certificate (PA1/PA6aw). This has helped Peter understand more about the standards used to assess Japanese knotweed technicians. These tests are a statutory requirement for the use of herbicides etc. in the weed control sector. Peter said “Having now Read the full article…
[July 2018] A national trade body says a new study into Japanese knotweed reinforces the fact the invasive weed’s impact on property is at odds with its reputation in the UK. According to the Property Care Association (PCA), research led by Dr Mark Fennell and Professor Max Wade of AECOM, Read the full article…
[June 2018] This month we were delighted to issue six more Level 2 NVQ certificates in Insulation and Building Treatments (Wood Preserving & Damp-proofing) to candidates that have now completed their PCA Apprenticeship programme. This brings the total number of NVQ’s issued under the PCA Damp & Timber Apprenticeship (SAP) Read the full article…
[June 2018] A training programme and professional-use register have been launched, enabling users of biocides in wood preservation products to demonstrate their specialist credentials in the safe and effective use of timber protection chemicals. The move comes as, over the past few years, restrictions over the use of biocides have Read the full article…
[April 2018] National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has welcomed new research into the treatment options for Japanese knotweed. Researchers from Swansea University have recently revealed their findings on how best to tackle the invasive, non-native plant. The research involves what is believed to be the world’s largest Read the full article…
[April 2018] National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has produced a new video showcasing the importance of best practice in the specialised structural waterproofing industry. Available to view here the short film guides viewers through the training and qualifications which set out professionals in the sector able to Read the full article…
