ECO-BUILDING PRODUCTS LIGHTS THE WAY FOR REAL BUSINESS BENEFITS

Lincolnshire-based renewable energy products distributor Eco Building Products has replaced the traditional florescent lighting at its Market Deeping premises with a new sustainable system from Envirolighting Ltd and has been so impressed with the results it has signed a deal with the supplier.

Sister companies Lark Energy and Kestrel Timber Frame also had new lighting installed. All three companies, part of the Larkfleet Group, have seen real savings in energy and costs since installing new tubes and switches.

Eco Building Products is a leading supplier of alternative energy technologies, insulation materials and other products aimed at making new and existing buildings ‘greener’.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “The Envirolighting installation cost around £3,000. We are already seeing energy savings of up to 80 per cent and expect payback in less than two years.

“There were no new fittings, just tubes and starters, which keeps costs and installation time to a minimum. We have also installed eco light switches that only turn on some of the lights in a room. If it is too dark, simply flick the switch again and all the lights will come on. As a result, some rooms are using half the number of tubes all the time now, giving us a real saving.”

As a result of the savings that it has made, Eco Building Products is now working with Envirolighting to offer free lighting surveys to its customers and to promote Envirolighting lighting solutions for commercial premises.

Envirolighting contracts manager Paul Fowler said: “We are delighted that Eco Building Products is promoting our lighting solutions. Our surveys include an assessment of current lighting and light levels. We assess contributions of natural daylight to determine if this free light source can be used in conjunction with artificial lighting to maximise energy savings.

“Based on this we generate a proposal, which includes which lighting products we would recommend for each area of the premises, and a full energy report comparing current lighting to proposed. We highlight cost savings and reductions in energy consumption, increases in profit as a result and reductions in the business’ carbon footprint.

“We also often recommend a short trial period where we fit a small quantity of our recommended lighting products in a test area and run them for a brief time so that we can calculate average savings for the entire site. This allows customers to see the benefits of our recommendations without committing to a full project implementation.”

Envirolighting’s solution includes the installation of retrofit fluorescent T5 adaptors which are more efficient than old-style T8 and T12 fluorescents. These T5 adaptors provide the necessary high-frequency ballast to adapt switch start and starterless fittings to accept energy saving T5 fluorescents tubes with simple plug-and-play speed. This energy-saving lighting solution means an easy change to efficient lighting without the need to replace the light fittings or cause disruption.

In addition to the T5 retrofit adaptors, Envirolighting solutions also include sensor control and efficient HID dimming where fittings can be dimmed to ten per cent of their normal output when areas are unoccupied. As the fitting automatically turns back up to full output again when presence is detected, ‘re-strike’ times no longer become an issue.

Ian Greenfield added: “We have joined forces with Envirolighting to further enhance our ability to supply the best in renewable energy products to our customers.

“Eco Building Products is committed to providing the best range of quality renewable energy products available to the trade in this region. Our partnership with Envirolighting will help us to achieve that.”

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Online registration now open for Interbuild Onsite

Interbuild Onsite will provide a clear focus for exhibitors and visitors this year, thanks to the creation of six specific new zones dedicated to important product and business areas for the building trades.

In addition to Commercial Vehicles and Tools, the principal featured zones at Interbuild Onsite now include Kitchens & Bathrooms, Painting, Decorating & Finishing, Installer (plumbing, heating and electrical), Flooring, an FMB Zone (Federation of Master Builders) and an Outdoor area for specialist construction site equipment, such as bulldozers, excavators, scaffolding, etc.

Each product area will be home to the latest vehicles, equipment and innovations from the major brands in these respective sectors. They will also provide focused opportunities for relevant workshops, tests and educations sessions. The FMB Zone meanwhile will occupy an area that will include exhibition space for FMB partners to offer free workshops, seminars and business critical advice. Visitors will be able to engage with insurance, accountancy, legal and other professionals who specialise in supporting small businesses.

Already, key exhibitors taking advantage of the range of value for money stand packages at the show include Ford and Renault in Commercial Vehicles and Irwin Industrial Tools in Tools.

“Interbuild Onsite is the number one national platform for the building trades, providing them with all they need so that they can get the job done well on-site” says Event Director, David Pierpoint. “Commercial Vehicles and Tools remain a stand-out attraction for the show, as they were in 2009. But our aim in 2010 is to make Interbuild Onsite an even better, more productive and complete experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. That’s why we’re re-defining the floor plan to create more clearly themed zones for new products, demonstrations, training, information and debates”.

“We are delighted that Interbuild Onsite is still attracting a great line up of commercial vehicle manufacturers and are looking forward to signing up other vehicle brands in the coming months” explains Event Director, David Pierpoint. “The show has always been an excellent platform on which to showcase new developments and innovations and this year will be no exception. With a strong line-up of commercial vehicle exhibitors to see this year, visitors are going to have a particularly rewarding time at the event in October”.

Charles Peugeot, Head of Citroën Commercial Vehicles comments: “As a major supplier of light commercial vehicles to the construction and building services industries, Citroën is once again pleased to exhibit at Interbuild Onsite to meet existing and new customers in these key industry sectors. Citroën LCVs appeal to operators in these sectors thanks to their optimum financial, operational and environmental performance, as well as the ability to offer bespoke products to suit all needs. Interbuild Onsite allows us to demonstrate our products directly to these operators.”

Mark Beal, Experiential Marketing Manager at Ford of Britain, says: "Interbuild Onsite is an important part of our overall van marketing strategy. Being able to reach businesses who operate one or a few vans means we can target a discrete audience and that's extremely valuable. We are very proud that the Ford stand at Interbuild Onsite is always staffed by our own employees and this means we can talk expert to artisan. We enjoy interacting with current and potential customers and they seem to enjoy talking about what is new in the world of Ford commercial vehicles. Job done!"

“Renault Business is delighted to be participating in this year’s Interbuild Onsite exhibition as it provides us with an ideal and timely opportunity to present our brand new commercial vehicles to the construction market” adds Darren Payne, Director, Fleet and Commercial Vehicle Operations at Renault. “Renault has been number one van selling manufacturer in Europe for 12 consecutive years and this year we are confident that we will consolidate this position with our enhanced product line-up. From the recently launched Kangoo Maxi Crew Van to the tough New Master and New Master converted vehicles out later this year, we have a comprehensive award-winning range of practical, reliable and ultra-efficient vans to suit the needs of the building trade.”

Once again, Interbuild Onsite will co-locate in Hall 4 with Glassex, the premier event for the windows, doors and glazing markets. Glassex traditionally attracts installers and fabricators who are also major purchasers of trucks, tools and other on-site equipment and services.

Alongside Interbuild Onsite in Hall 5 is BEST - Built Environment Solutions & Technologies - the new built environment exhibition where innovative products offer practical solutions to real challenges. BEST will span a wide range of market sectors including education, private housing, affordable housing, hotel & leisure, infrastructure, retail, community and amenity, health, industrial and offices showcasing construction excellence across the entire built environment.

Online registration has now opened for Interbuild Onsite. Visitors can now sign up to receive their free badge for the event by registering in advance using priority code EREG2 via Interbuild Onsite’s dedicated website, interbuildonsite.com, saving them the £20 entrance fee. Tickets will be issued prior to the event, allowing visitors to bypass the on-site registration procedures and avoid the inevitable queues on the day, guaranteeing fast-track entry.

Having registered, visitors can benefit from regular email updates which will automatically supply them with the very latest show news as well as a range of exclusive show offers and discounts. In addition, visitors can browse the show’s exhibitor list and check out testimonials from a collection of exhibitors who took part in the 2009 event.

They will be featuring new products and technologies for the industry alongside a raft of other exhibitors, such as Evolution Power Tools, Fluke UK, Irwin Industrial Tools, Sortimo International, UK Plumbing Supplies and X L Joinery, amongst others. A number of new interactive feature areas have been introduced for 2010, including a Retrofit Skills demonstration programme, a tool demonstration area and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Zone. A series of free flooring skills demonstrations from the Flooring Industry Trade Association (FITA) will also be making a return to this year’s event.

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Lakesmere: Lakesmere installs a complex roof structure for the new Terminal 2 Building at Heathrow Airport

The £2.2 billion facility at the new Terminal 2 Building at Heathrow Airport will provide a new hub for Star Alliance Airlines, which includes British Midland, Lufthansa and United and will be capable of handling 30 million passengers a year by 2019.

The check-in area alone will be the size of three football pitches and, with Phase 1 due for completion in 2014, it provides an ideal opportunity for Lakesmere, the UK’s leading envelope provider, to showcase its innovative approach to what is considered to be the largest construction project currently on-site in the UK.

Lakesmere has commenced work as part of a £15 million contract for BAA to design and install a complex roof structure for the new Terminal 2 Building at Heathrow Airport.

Designed by leading architects Foster & Partners, the project will be delivered by a dedicated team at Lakesmere’s head office in Winchester and will result in the employment of up to 60 new site operatives.

Working alongside its key supply chain partners and utilising the latest 3D design technology and logistical planning tools, Lakesmere’s in-house design team developed a sophisticated technical solution for the unique 40 000m² sqm ‘eyebrow-shaped’ roof. The result meets the stringent acoustic, thermal and energy performance requirements demanded for the 180,000sqm building sited alongside a major international runway.

The demanding performance requirements of the building necessitated a sophisticated technical solution from Lakesmere that included a structural deck sitting off the main steelwork, supporting a thermally-efficient Kalzip standing seam roof. In turn, this incorporates innovative glazed roof lights, offering a high level of solar control and acoustic insulation, along with photovoltaic power generating panels and sophisticated sun-shading.

Commissioned by main contractor HETCO, a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and Ferrovial, Lakesmere will complete the roofing package during 2012 and will employ more than 70 staff on the project - good news for both the region and the industry.

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Lakesmere appoints new Construction Director for South East region

Lakesmere has appointed Anthony Kirkby to the role of Construction Director, as part of the expansion and development of its South East region.

Having enjoyed a successful career as a Construction Manager since joining Lakesmere in 2008, Anthony’s promotion will see him take over responsibility of the day to day operational activities of the South-East team which is based at Lakesmere’s head office in Winchester.

Matt Nicholson, Managing Director of Lakesmere South, comments; “As a valued member of the Lakesmere team, Anthony has made a significant difference and contribution to the success of the region and we are confident that this appointment will allow us to take better advantage of the opportunities that present themselves within the South-East.”

Lakesmere South-East was created in 2006 when, in keeping with Lakesmere's customer-focussed management strategy, it was felt that creating an additional team to support the South region would facilitate the provision of an improved and more targeted service. Since then the South-East team has continued to thrive, working on a number of high-profile contract wins most recently the London Aquatics Centre for which Anthony and his team won the prestigious ‘Product Performance Award’ at the Balfour Beatty London Aquatics Centre Supplier Awards.

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Travis Perkins takes delivery of Fuso Canter light trucks

Travis Perkins operates a fleet of 1,850 commercial vehicles across its eight businesses, which include the Wickes DIY chain. Travis Perkins plc has become one of the first customers in Britain for the new, low-emission Euro 5 Fuso Canter light truck.

It has already taken delivery of seven 3.5-tonne Canter 3C13s and has a further seven on order from Wellingborough-based Mercedes-Benz dealer Intercounty Truck & Van – the German manufacturer’s dealer network is also responsible for sales and support of the popular Canter light truck range in the UK. All have alloy dropside bodies by Newland Coachworks, of Northampton, and 500kg DEL Slimjim column tail-lifts.

The Travis Perkins Group made its first investments in Canters after running a demonstration unit supplied by Intercounty. “We’ve been using that vehicle in Scotland for the last two years and it hasn’t missed a beat,” said Group Transport Operations Manager Liam Holland.

“The Canter has a strong, robust chassis and we know from our experience with Intercounty’s demonstrator that it’s very reliable. With the body and tail-lift fitted the truck still has a very competitive payload of just under a tonne. Importantly, it also offers an exceptionally high, 3.5-tonne towing capability, which makes it particularly attractive for operation within our tool hire business.”

Travis Perkins supplies in excess of 120,000 product lines from its network of more than 1,200 branches nationwide. Its first seven Euro 5 Canters, one of which works in the colours of the group’s heavy building and construction materials division Keyline, are being used primarily to deliver tools and plant such as mini diggers to customers’ work sites.

Power for the Canters comes from a state-of-the-art 130hp 3.0-litre diesel offering 300Nm of torque, which not only meets Euro 5 emissions limits but also the even more stringent – and voluntary – Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle (EEV) standard.

The light weight of this European-built engine and the new, six-speed manual gearbox through which it transmits its power contributes to the Euro 5 Canter’s increased payload and improved fuel efficiency.

“The Canter’s three-year, unlimited mileage warranty is also very reassuring,” said Mr Holland, “while the feedback from the staff who drive these vehicles has been entirely positive.”

In addition to its new Canters, Travis Perkins has bought 32 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313CDI vans from Intercounty this year. These are now in service with its City Plumbing Supplies and Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery divisions.

“The Sprinter is a great all-round package,” added Mr Holland. “It’s reliable, economical on fuel, popular with our drivers and, like the Canter, backed by a very good warranty.”

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Multi Utility Services Contractor Pulls Out All The Stops To Keep Housing Developer On Track

Careful coordination has enabled Crown Utilities and house builders Mansell to rescue an affordable housing project from delays arising from the failure of the original contractor. As the contractor for the unified installation of gas, water and electricity connections, Crown Utilities managed all utility processes so that the scheme went to plan and schedule.

The development in Greenbrook Street, Bury, comprises 26 houses and eight flats sold on a part ownership basis and marketed by Plumlife on behalf of the Great Places Housing Group. Continuity of electricity supply for the neighbourhood was essential so the first task for Crown Utilities was the installation, commissioning and making live of a new substation to give a 500KVA supply. At the same time a 30KVA landlord’s supply was installed and a redundant sub-station dismantled and removed.

Crown Utilities provided multi utility electricity, gas and water services in accordance with Plumlife’s plan for the release and sale of the properties. Installing utilities in this unified way made it possible to win back lost time. There were technical complications. Crews had to work around existing buried high and low voltage power cables, take services across roads and follow a plan for careful traffic management.

Andy Kay, joint managing director at Crown Utilities explained, “We were already the chosen utility infrastructure partner when Mansell’s took over the contract. Despite all the engineering complexity and site problems we were able to meet the challenges and help them pull the programme back to schedule. Following the success of Greenbrook Street, Mansell’s have placed more orders with us including the New Islington development in Manchester’s Ancoats area requiring multi-utility service connections to 18 properties.”

Crown Utilities is one of only a few contractors in the UK with MURS accreditation (Multi Utility Recognition Status) with all crews able to install gas, electricity and water in a single combined operation.

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Professional Construction Management

Professional construction management refers to a project management team consisting of a professional construction manager and other participants who will carry out the tasks of project planning, design and construction in an integrated manner. Contractual relationships among members of the team are intended to minimize adversarial relationships and contribute to greater response within the management group. A professional construction manager is a firm specialized in the practice of professional construction management which includes:

Work with owner and the A/E firms from the beginning and make recommendations on design improvements, construction technology, schedules and construction economy.
Propose design and construction alternatives if appropriate, and analyze the effects of the alternatives on the project cost and schedule.
Monitor subsequent development of the project in order that these targets are not exceeded without the knowledge of the owner.
Coordinate procurement of material and equipment and the work of all construction contractors, and monthly payments to contractors, changes, claims and inspection for conforming design requirements.
Perform other project related services as required by owners.
Professional construction management is usually used when a project is very large or complex. The organizational features that are characteristics of mega-projects can be summarized as follows:

The overall organizational approach for the project will change as the project advances. The “functional” organization may change to a “matrix” which may change to a “project” organization (not necessarily in this order).
Within the overall organization, there will probably be functional, project, and matrix suborganizations all at the same time. This feature greatly complicates the theory and the practice of management, yet is essential for overall cost effectiveness.
Successful giant, complex organizations usually have a strong matrix-type suborganization at the level where basic cost and schedule control responsibility is assigned. This suborganization is referred to as a “cost center” or as a “project” and is headed by a project manager. The cost center matrix may have participants assigned from many different functional groups. In turn, these functional groups may have technical reporting responsibilities to several different and higher tiers in the organization. The key to a cost effective effort is the development of this project suborganization into a single team under the leadership of a strong project manager.
The extent to which decision-making will be centralized or decentralized is crucial to the organization of the mega-project.
Consequently, it is important to recognize the changing nature of the organizational structure as a project is carried out in various stages.

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Resolution of Construction Contract Disputes

Once a construction contract is reached, a variety of problems may emerge during the course of work. Disputes may arise over quality of work, over responsibility for delays, over appropriate payments due to changed conditions, or a multitude of other considerations. Resolution of contract disputes is an important task for project managers. The mechanism for contract dispute resolution can be specified in the original contract or, less desireably, decided when a dispute arises.

The most prominent mechanism for dispute resolution is adjudication in a court of law. This process tends to be expensive and time consuming since it involves legal representation and waiting in queues of cases for available court times. Any party to a contract can bring a suit. In adjudication, the dispute is decided by a neutral, third party with no necessary specialized expertise in the disputed subject. After all, it is not a prerequisite for judges to be familiar with construction procedures! Legal procedures are highly structured with rigid, formal rules for presentations and fact finding. On the positive side, legal adjudication strives for consistency and predictability of results. The results of previous cases are published and can be used as precedents for resolution of new disputes.

Negotiation among the contract parties is a second important dispute resolution mechanism. These negotiations can involve the same sorts of concerns and issues as with the original contracts. Negotiation typically does not involve third parties such as judges. The negotiation process is usually informal, unstructured and relatively inexpensive. If an agreement is not reached between the parties, then adjudication is a possible remedy.

A third dispute resolution mechanism is the resort to arbitration or mediation and conciliation. In these procedures, a third party serves a central role in the resolution. These outside parties are usually chosen by mutually agreement of the parties involved and will have specialized knowledge of the dispute subject. In arbitration, the third party may make a decision which is binding on the participants. In mediation and conciliation, the third party serves only as a facilitator to help the participants reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Like negotiation, these procedures can be informal and unstructured.

Finally, the high cost of adjudication has inspired a series of non-traditional dispute resolution mechanisms that have some of the characteristics of judicial proceedings. These mechanisms include:

* Private judging in which the participants hire a third party judge to make a decision,
* Neutral expert fact-finding in which a third party with specialized knowledge makes a recommendation, and
* Mini-trial in which legal summaries of the participants’ positions are presented to a jury comprised of principals of the affected parties.

Some of these procedures may be court sponsored or required for particular types of disputes.

While these various disputes resolution mechanisms involve varying costs, it is important to note that the most important mechanism for reducing costs and problems in dispute resolution is the reasonableness of the initial contract among the parties as well as the competence of the project manager.

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Exova names Key Supplier by MoD

Recognised for the quality of its work by being named on the UK Ministry of Defence’s Framework Agreement for Technical Support (FATS) is none other than Exova, the world’s largest dedicated testing group.

The Ministry’s latest Framework Agreement for Technical Support (FATS) includes Exova as a supplier for 20 specialist fields, known as Narrow Capability Areas. These include metals and metal matrix composite technology, materials research, marine vehicles and rail transport.

Exova will be a supplier on the FATS framework until April 2014 following a six month competitive tender exercise by the MoD. A number of Exova services may be called on including those serving sectors in aerospace, fire safety technology, general engineering and energy.

Tim Cornes, head of Exova’s General Engineering division, said: “This agreement further demonstrates our capability to support customers operating at the cutting edge of design and manufacturing where the need for the highest levels of safety, quality and performance is paramount.“We have a proud track record of meeting government Defence needs around the world and we look forward to supporting Britain’s requirements in the same way.”

The FATS agreement has been developed to enable fast and efficient procurement of technical support in ‘the provision of applied technical knowledge’ and includes technical studies, project support and engineering support.

Exova specialises in testing across key industry sectors from food and pharmaceuticals to aerospace, oil and gas, fire, engineering and construction.

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ISG Knightsbridge Double Awarded by Cadogan

The latest schemes, at 123 Sloane Street and 12 Herbert Crescent by prestigious Chelsea-based property investment company is chaired by Viscount Chelsea, who has taken over recently from his father the Earl of Cadogan, whose family assets make up its portfolio, added to the live projects ISG is currently carrying out for Cadogan at 107-109 Cadogan Gardens and 18 Cadogan Garden.

The fit out of 123 Sloane Street will see ISG carry out a complete refurbishment of the Grade II listed terraced building, which is an 18th century town house retaining many of its original heritage features. The challenging 22-week scheme involves reconfiguration of the internal layout within strict English Heritage guidelines and includes lowering the floor level in the basement to increase headroom.

Structural alterations to the basement and ground floor levels will require ISG to underpin the front retaining wall and a bespoke kitchen and dining area will be created in the newly enhanced basement. ISG will also install highly efficient mechanical and electrical services within the luxury accommodation, delivering advanced A/V, lighting and security systems, as well as an energy efficient climate control installation.

The high specification fit out of the property includes conservation of original features and the installation of reclaimed parquet flooring throughout the common areas. Externally, ISG will construct a link between the building and the client’s neighbouring property and the contractor will also landscape the garden to a new design.

At 12 Herbert Crescent, ISG will carry out a 44-week refurbishment programme that will create a luxury, contemporary town house residence, setting a new benchmark for Cadogan’s rental portfolio. Located close to the world famous Harrods store in the heart of Knightsbridge, the property will retain its external façade but ISG will comprehensively strip back the interior to create a high quality, contemporary residence. The internal fit out will include a fitted wine cellar in the basement, a bespoke kitchen and high specification A/V equipment throughout, including a home cinema.

Externally, ISG will demolish an existing extension to the rear of the property and replace this with a new two-storey structure, which incorporates a roof terrace.

Grahame Roberts, divisional managing director of ISG Fit Out, commented: “These latest projects are part of a continuing programme of estate improvement by Cadogan and the quality of the completed refurbishments combined with their stunning locations will place these properties amongst the most prestigious rental accommodation in the world.

“Delivering the quality of finish required to create such aspirational homes demands a contractor that has vast experience of meeting exacting standards. ISG has the proven expertise to address the challenges of listed building restrictions, enclosed city sites and fast-track programmes, and we are delighted to be building upon our relationship with Cadogan.”

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Market Research Salary

Individuals that work in market research analyze what ideals and desires frequently motivate consumers to buy certain goods and avoid other goods. They often use sales statistics, feedback from consumer reports and surveys. This information helps companies design effective public relation campaigns, advertising and to choose only highly effective media. The results of the research can estimate the success of a product or a product line and help determine how a new product is designed.

Salary Overview

Salaries are affected by several factors such as the state and metropolitan location and what industry the company is part of. Generally, cities will pay more than towns in rural areas. The applicant’s level of education and training, professional certifications and membership to associations also can make an impact on how an employee is paid. For example, a market analyst that has a master’s degree is more likely to start at a higher salary than one with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following salary information as of May in 2009.

A market research analyst’s median annual salary was $61,580. Individuals that worked in the scientific, technical and management consulting services earned highest pay of $64,360.

Individuals employed as marketing managers earned a median salary of $110,030. Managers of securities and commodity exchanges made the highest mean wage of $153, 060.

The median salary for survey researchers was $35,380. Those that worked in the science research and development service made the highest industrial wage of $62,280.

Job Description and Outlook

A market research analyst is responsible for determining the potential sales of a service or product. They analyze the statistical information of sales history to estimate future sales and then give management the data required to make an informed decision on how a service or product is created, priced, promoted and distributed.

A marketing manager supervises the design and development of a company’s general strategy for marketing. Their duties include keeping an eye the on progress of research performed externally and internally, how marketing promotions are used, designing new products for specific demographics and implementing advertising strategies. Often, marketing managers supervise market research analysts and other research employees. They also work with various managers to ensure a coordinated strategy for producing new items and promoting current products to consumers.

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Business Administration Salary

Business administration managers direct, coordinate and plan a variety of services that allow companies to operate in an efficient manner. They often coordinate facilities maintenance, space allocation and property procurement. They may also supervise centralized operation to ensure that the meet the needs and standards of different department within the organization. Business administration managers may also supervise telecommunications management, security and transportation services for the organization.

The duties for business administration managers tend to vary from company to company, depending on the size of the organization and the industry in which it works. Smaller companies may have only one business administration manager, which is called an office manager, while larger companies may have a team of business administration managers dividing the work load and specializing in different areas according to their level of expertise.

Salary Overview

Specific wages of business administration managers may vary greatly depending on the industry they work in, their specialty and the geographical area in which the business is located. Median income salaries of business administration managers in 2010 were $73,520. The middle fifty percent earned between $52,320 and $98,990. The bottom ten percent earned less than $38,460 per year and the upper ten percent earner more than $129,770 per year.

Business administration managers who managed corporations had a median income of $85,980 per year, those who managed hospitals had a median income of $77,860 per year and those who worked for local governments had a median income of $74,458 per year. Business administration managers who were employed by professional schools or universities had a median income of $72,460 per year, while those working for state governments had a median income of $65,690 per year.

Job Description and Outlook

Business administrators spend the majority of their days in an office environment, but may be required to make inspections around the building or grounds to supervise facilities that fall under their management duties. Half of business administrators work a forty hour work week, with the other half working considerably longer hours. In many cases, uncompensated overtime is expected of the business administrator in order to ensure that deadlines are met.

The exact duties of the business administrator may vary as significantly as the range of administrative services that they are expected to execute for the organization. Business administrators may serve as contract administrators, construction administrators or supply administrators depending on the organization where they are employed.

Employment in this field is expected to grow at the national average for most positions. Growth for the upper level jobs in this field will grow at a slower pace due to stiff competition. For the middle-tier positions, competition is lower so employment prospects will continue to look good for this level for the next ten years. Business administrators who specialize in facility management have the best employment prospects. Business administrators who are engaged in management consulting should also have a significant increase in their employment prospects due to companies outsourcing routine managerial duties.

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Insurance Agent Salary

Insurance Agents are important for people who are looking to purchase life insurance. Life insurance plays an important role in a families financial future. In most households, it takes two people to bring in a sufficient income to help take care of a family. Life insurance can ease the minds of many people who work for a living to provide for their family. If anything happens to them, it could cause financial devastation to their families. Purchasing life insurance will ensure that if anything happens to them, their families will be well taken care of. Becoming a life insurance agent can be a rewarding career when a person knows that they are having a direct impact on helping to ease the minds of their clients. The salary for a life insurance agent can vary depending on the type of agent they are, and which company they work for. Many agents can make up to $45,000 a year.

Salary Overview

Insurance agents who work for a single Insurance carrier are called captive agents who work under contract. Captive agents can make up to $39,000 a year. Broker agents are freelance Insurance Agents who can work for several insurance carriers. They are mostly paid on commission depending on how much insurance they sell. They can make anywhere from $39,000 and up to $68,000 a year. Independent Insurance Sales Agents will also work on commission, and can make $26,000 a year or more. Depending on how much life insurance they sell, they can earn up to $110,000 a year. Much of the salary for independent agents rely on job performance. The person is in control of their own earning potential.

Job Description and Outlook

Life insurance will always be needed and counted on as long as there are people in the world. There will always be a high need for Insurance Agents. Insurance Agents sell several different life insurance policies to individuals and families who are looking for the right kind of coverage at a price that they can afford. The types of insurance that an agent can sell are life, long-term care, disability, health, and property and casualty insurance. Insurance Agents are also known as “producers,” and as producers of insurance, they must have skills and knowledge on how to present their material to potential clients that will create an interest for them to purchase insurance from them. Insurance can be sold to individuals, families, and businesses. The insurance will help to protect people from disasters, such as fires, theft, storms, vehicle accidents, and large financial losses from damage to property. For most businesses, the insurance can cover employees who have been injured on the job, medical malpractice, and liability claims.

An Insurance Agent will also be responsible for all of the paperwork, reports, and record keeping involved, as well as gaining new clients. Insurance Agents are also responsible for the clients they already have. If a client experiences a financial loss, they must help them to settle their claims.

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Retail Marketing Salary

Retail marketing is the process of determining the value and demand for a product and the act of advertising a brand, product, or store to the general public. Candidates who work in retail marketing can be in either one of two categories: entry level or mid level account coordinators and account executives or higher level marketing account managers.

Employees in this industry coordinate research, develop marketing and advertising plans, assist with product development and assist with public relations duties and responsibilities. Retail Marketing candidates can either be employed directly by a large company, or work for a smaller firm under the direction of a VP candidate or other supervisor.

Salary Overview

In general, Retail marketing and associated industries has the potential to be a very lucrative business to work in. Entry Level and Mid level account coordinators, account executives and marketing specialists can make anywhere between $27,000 annually to $35,000 annually depending on the company or size of firm. In addition companies and firms or agencies also offer quarterly bonuses for excellent performance.

Marketing managers, due to extensive experience and amount of education can make anywhere between $50,000 and upwards to $80,000 or more annually with the possibility of also making commission, and quarterly bonuses.

Both Marketing managers, and marketing account coordinators, executives or specialists will also receive benefits such as medical, vacation, paid time off, sick leave and retirement options. Publicly traded companies may also offer stock purchase options to employees who can set aside a percentage of their net pay to purchase company stock at a discounted rate.

Job Description and Outlook

Retail marketing managers often take full direction of planing a company or client’s marketing strategy. Like lower and mid level employees, marketing managers conduct research, analyze return on investment or ROI data, respond to request for proposals and other tasks. Retail marketing manager are also given the task of delegating work to account coordinators, account executives or specialists. Entry level and mid level marketing specialists should have good computer skills as they may be required to constantly pull monthly expenditure reports, or conduct research on previous marketing campaigns.

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Advertising Copywriter Salary

A career as an advertising copywriter is rewarding in many ways, including financially, personally, and professionally. Advertising copywriters enjoy some of the most diverse and sometimes relaxed work environments of any career, although, the competition and stress level can be extremely high in certain markets. While the traditional hubs of the entertainment industry have been the hot spots for high paying advertising jobs, advances in technology and mobile communications have opened up the market on a global scale. Over a third of all freelance writers are now self-employed and all signs point to the numbers rising steadily of the next eight to ten years.

Advertising copywriters can occupy a wide range of fields including fashion, television, radio, internet, films, and even sporting events. Copywriters can always look forward to demand in their field; the outlook for copywriters has steadily risen over several years to meet its average prediction, even during the recent troubling economic times. Unfortunately, with demand so high, the competition is fierce for many of the higher paying opportunities which require skill, creativity, and a great deal of experience.

Salary Overview

Entry level advertising copywriters can expect to begin their careers in the twenty-five to thirty-five thousand dollar a year range for their first few years on the job. While this is quite fine for an entry level position, the pay scale does grow quite rapidly commensurate with experience and education level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS, the average pay for a salaried writer fluctuates between fifty thousand and seventy thousand dollars per year, and the high end of the pay scale is over one hundred thousand dollars per year. When combined with the growth predictions of the BLS, it all adds up to great pay now and well into the future.

Job Description and Outlook

An advertising copywriter’s career usually starts as an internship, assistant copywriter, or as a junior copywriter. As they learn the business, the latest techniques, and prove themselves by researching, editing, proofreading, and performing other tasks assisting the writing staff, they can move on to become a full copywriter. Advertising copywriters typically work with development teams composed of executives, graphic designers, art directors, and writers.

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Accountant Salary

The role of an accountant is very important to the overall success of a firm, whether it is large or small. Their primary concern is to keep accurate records of a firm’s financial position. Accountants are primarily employed by corporations, small businesses, sole proprietors, and government agencies. The four major fields within the accounting industry are public accounting, internal auditing, management accounting, and government accounting.

The challenging workload and love for numbers draw many individuals into the accounting field. Accountants can work in a range of roles that span from broad to very specific. Depending on the role, there are different educational and work experience requirements. Accounting jobs that are more specialized tend to have greater requirements.

Salary Overview

In calculating an accountant’s salary, there are many factors that come into play. One of the major factors is education and experience. Accountants who hold graduate degrees are likely to earn more than those with only an undergraduate degree. Certified Public Accountants tend to earn the highest salaries.

Geographical location is also a determining factor when calculating the average salary of an accountant. The states that employ the most accountants are the District of Columbia, Delaware, Colorado, and New York.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for accountants was $59,430 in 2008. The top 10% earned more than $102,380. The middle half of accountants earned between $45,900 and $78,210. The bottom 10% of accountants earned less than $36,720.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted a survey and reported that in 2009 the average starting salary for candidates with bachelor’s degrees was $48,993 and $49,786 for candidates with master’s degrees.

Accountants typically receive standard health, medical, and life insurance benefits. They also receive standard 401(k) and annual leave benefits. Accountants in high-level senior positions usually receive additional benefits, such as an expense account and the use of a company car.

Job Description and Outlook

Accountants are responsible for ensuring that a firm’s financial records are properly accounted for and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Majority of accounting work involves analyzing and reporting financial data.

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Civil Engineer Salary

Civil engineering is one of the oldest of the engineering professions. Civil engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of infrastructure systems, highways, bridges, dams, water supply and sewage systems, airports, tunnels, and other projects. As current infrastructure needs replacement, there will be increasing demand for civil engineers. Areas of specialty may include environmental, highway systems, architectural, structural, marine, and geo-technical. Requiring at least a bachelor degree, civil engineers are well paid, with average salaries of above $70,000.

Civil engineering professionals are usually based in metropolitan centers, near the hubs of government, industry, and commerce. Job projects frequently involve travel and field work. Using the principles of civil engineering, they must take into accounts such variables as the materials involved in construction of the projects and local conditions including earthquakes, hurricanes, and climate and geologic variables.

Salary Overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics from May 2009, the median salary for civil engineers is $76,590 or $36.82 per hour. In the lower 10th percentile, the annual salary is $49,620 and below, and in the top 10th percentile it is above $118,320.

Salary is based on education level with a bachelor degree being the minimum requirement. A 2009 survey indicated that an average entry-level position for a civil engineer with a bachelor degree is $52,000. Having a master degree or doctorate will increase the beginning salary. As experience is gained in the position, promotions to supervisory levels will have accompanying increases in salaries.

Salaries vary depending on the agency or company that the civil engineer is employed by. According to the BLS, the highest annual mean salaries are in the oil and gas extraction industries and other pipeline transportation industries with mean salaries at $107,430. The natural gas pipeline transportation industry has a mean salary of $96,690. Civil engineers working for state governments average $75,870, while federal positions average $88,040. Regional salaries vary with the District of Columbia, California, Texas, New Jersey, and Louisiana having the highest mean wages.

Training and Education Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor degree is required for entry-level civil engineering positions. Engineering programs at four year colleges require a strong basis in mathematics and science. Physics, geology, engineering science, and chemistry, along with supporting mathematics emphasizing geometry, statistics, trigonometry, and calculus are part of the core curriculum. The real-world application of the sciences and math will be used to solve specific problems related to commerce, industry, and infrastructure.

In addition to science and math, a strong emphasis on written and oral communication and technical writing is required. Engineers generally work on a team, deal with clients, and the public, requiring excellence in interpersonal communication skills, technical reports, and project presentation. Computer abilities are essential, with familiarity in drafting and schematics necessary. Consideration should be given to whether the graduate will immediately enter the workforce or continue in post-graduate studies.

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