David Bell, md of Estimation (right), explains how a combination of the right software and mobile technologies can bring efficiencies to service and maintenance work

WHEN something goes wrong with the building services the usual course of action is to call in a service/contracting company with the necessary resources to fix the problem. If the equipment manufacturer or installer provides such a service under a warranty or service agreement, then this may be a satisfactory solution. The question that has to be raised in this scenario is how cost effective is it to have separate service agreements for each component within the building? Also, in older buildings tracing the OEM or installer can be a problem. The route that a number of companies are now taking is to appoint a specialist maintenance company.

With compulsory registration on its way, it’s time to look at what schemes are currently available and what’s to come

We’ve said it before but how long will it be before China is no longer the home of cheap manufacturing? According to Business Week magazine, labour shortages in the land that once propelled human reproduction into the Guinness Book of Records are propelling wages to even greater heights. In some industries, wages are reported to have risen by 40% or more last year and staff are becoming more mobile and more choosy.

HFCs join the fray as CO2 takes a bow at MAC summit

A round-up of supermarket news and gossip