From August 1, construction bosses can apply for a slice of an £170 million pie for training.

Nearly five times as many construction firms are experiencing "critical problems" in 2008 compared to last year, according to figures from Begbies Traynor, the UK business rescue specialist.

Building services provider JS Wright has created a new maintenance and facilities management division.

The managing director of Wolseley UK, Nigel Sibley, has been replaced by the chief executive of Wolseley Europe to cut costs in the face of tough UK market conditions.

Ed Balls has praised Barnados for its new construction school designed to halt the rising number of NEETS (those Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Fernox has launched a Protector Check dip test strip that allows installers to identify the presence of Fernox Protectors in central heating systems, on-site and accurately in just 60 seconds.

Geocel has launched a brand new fast cure multi-purpose adhesive unlike any board fixing adhesive available today. INSTA-STIK MP adhesive is perfect for fixing plasterboard, waterproofing board insulation board and most common building materials, making it the perfect fixing solution for plumbers.

The new iDialog uninterruptible power supply from Riello UPS offers compact and versatile power protection with advanced features for office-based desktop PCs, workstations and small entry-level servers.

Newly available from leading solar products specialist, Schüco International, is a range of copper hot water storage cylinders designed to achieve maximum performance with Schüco solar heating systems.

Checkatrade, the UK's leading trade web based information and directory service, has thrown down the gauntlet to trade professionals with an on-line ''Two Minute Challenge''.

Ferroli launches two new compact 18kW models to complete its flagship Optimax HE range of wall-hanging, gas-powered domestic boilers.

Plumbing contractors looking to source and install proven renewable energy systems will find that Ecofirst Limited, a company established in 2006 by sustainable housing pioneers, ZeroC (formerly Cornhill Estates), has all the answers they need.

CIAT Ozonair Ltd have launched a new range of air-to-water heat pumps with capacities of up to 40kW. Called the Aquaciat Grand Inverter, the new range represents the culmination of the company's experience and expertise and offers a number of major advantages.

Sandy Balls holiday centre, located in the new forest has opened a new Bistro restaurant in the heart of its leisure complex, near Fordingbridge in Hampshire.