A significant financial injection into training for small and medium sized businesses is expected to help the clay industry as the UK and world economy slows down.

By changing the fuels in kilns that fire heavy clay products, companies can reduce costs and benefit the environment. Gas, liquid petroleum gas, heavy oil and coal could, in part, or totally, be replaced by biomass and petrol coke.

David Armitage, Managing Director of York Handmade Brick Co Ltd, Alne, UK, describes the progress made in meeting the company’s green objectives.

Building products company Lime Technology Ltd, Abingdon, UK, is developing novel construction products from natural materials such as lime, hemp, clay and earth to improve the industry's environmental footprint.

Renata Jones from construction packaging specialists M.J. Maillis UK Ltd discusses the Pall-Ex network, a cost-effective method for delivering small consignments of palletised freights.

Ralph Ritchey, Logistics Learning Coordinator for Stoke on Trent College, UK, reviews the impact of legislation on the logistics and transport sector in the Midlands.

As the construction industry has developed, the delivery of building materials has evolved. Specialised mechanical offload vehicles are now able to distribute goods to an array of site locations. Paul Dolan, General Manager for Wincanton looks at tackling the problem of site accessibility and the need to reduce price per unit.

Alan Baxter, Chairman of the UK's Brick Development Association, discusses his 50 years in the industry.

Train to Gain offers employers assistance with employee education and training.

Hanson intends to run in-house training for precast concrete fitters. This will be supported by Proskills through Train to Gain.