FBE WEST ANGLIA OFF TO A FLYING START

The West Anglia branch is off to a flying start, following its inaugural meeting on 1^st February.

Nearly 100 people from the construction industry in West Anglia gathered at the Haycock Hotel near Peterborough for the event entitled 'Change and modernisation in difficult times'. Delegates discussed the sector and heard from leading speakers about ways to increase sales and performance in the current economic downturn.

Having been dormant since 2003, the fbe's new committee has big plans for 2011, with a list of exciting speakers and activities for its new and existing members to enjoy.

Ian Brant, branch chairman and Associate Director at Brant Associates Ltd (a leading Construction Dispute Resolution and Quantity Surveying firm) said: "In the current economic climate it is more important than ever that we provide support and opportunities to our colleagues within the industry, which is why we have resurrected the West Anglia branch of the fbe. It also provides a great opportunity to catch up on news and discuss the built environment in our region. The first event was a resounding success and we are looking forward to growing the branch throughout 2011".

Following the success of our Launch Event, In March we are pleased to welcome Andrew Cooper from Musketeers Group Ltd to tell us about the pitfalls and solutions to Japanese Knotweed ahead of the growing season.  The Musketeers Group have presented to RICS, ICE and other leading groups within the industry with very favourable reviews and we are delighted to secure their time to educate us.

To give you a taster here are a few facts about Japanese Knotweed:-

• It can grow through Tarmac
• You won't get a mortgage if it is found adjacent to your house
• To dig out a single plant SEPA recommend you excavate 245m3 ground
• It was found on two of the main Olympic 2012 sites
• It's sap is toxic

The fbe West Anglia branch will meet on the first Tuesday of every month.