Former NFDC president returns to steady ship.

In the latest twist in the ongoing saga at the National Federation of Demolition Contractors, former president David Keane has stepped in as acting president, taking up the tiller until the next annual general meeting in March 2019.

The Federation’s presidency was thrown into turmoil earlier this year when Paul Brown was forced to step down when his employment with an NFDC member company came to an end. In a hastily agreed solution, Brown’s vice president Martin O’Donnell and second vice president Holly Bennet were to share the role until the 2019 AGM.

But as we reported just a few weeks ago, with the acquisition of Martin O’Donnell’s company KDC Contractors by Veolia, O’Donnell questioned whether he too might fall foul of the Federation rule that saw his predecessor ousted.

Although the obtuse nature of the statement issued by the NFDC in the wake of yesterday’s National Council meeting makes it impossible to tell if O’Donnell will be permitted to stand as president, it is clear that the presidential mantle will be temporarily taken up by David Keane who last wore the chains of office way back in 2001.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as Acting President of the NFDC in the interim until the next AGM on 8th March 2019,” Keane says. “I will be supported by Martin O’Donnell and second vice president Holly Price both of whom have done an outstanding job for the Federation since their appointment.”

Read more here.

…and in other news, water is wet.

Industry news portal Construction Enquirer is reporting that the cost of skills card issued by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme is set to rise to £36 from September.

The 20 percent rise from the current rate of £30 is the first increase for eight years and applies to all cards administered directly by CSCS.

Graham Wren, CSCS Chief Executive said: “We have managed to maintain the current card price for the last eight years however inflationary pressure, together with increased costs associated with combatting fraudulent activity, have pushed our costs up to the point where the current price is not sustainable.

“In addition, with our current contact centre provider CITB having served notice to exit the service contract the CSCS Board have agreed to invest in new technology and systems to ensure the application process is modernised.”

CSCS says it is announcing the price-rise now to ensure the industry has sufficient time to make the necessary “adjustments” before September.

Sloyan Doyle equipment fleet up for auction this Saturday.

Following the decision of its directors to retire rather than carry on in the demolition business, the equipment fleet of Liverpool-based Sloyan Doyle is scheduled to go under the hammer this Saturday.

The sale is being handled by Shropshire-based auctioneer Malcolm Harrison and contains a truly mixed bag of equipment, vehicles, containers and site storage.

The auction follows just a few weeks after a shock announcement that the company was to close its doors after more than 40 years, its directors choosing to retire.

Incorporated in 1964 as J Doyle & Co (Demolition) Ltd and built up over two generations of the Sloyan family, Sloyan Doyle Demolition is one of the best known and respected names for demolition and recycling in the UK. The company is also a member of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC).

Full details of the auction and the lots available can be found here.