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Water bills can be reduced by up to 40 per cent if simple steps are taken to increase efficiencies, according to the Construction Industry Council’s Water Conservation in Business. The guide, which costs £5 and can be obtained from the CIC, contains industry advice, as well as case studies of successful cost-saving projects. Details: CIC, 020 7637 8692

An abuse of market power_2

There are legitimate concerns about large members of online marketplaces abusing their position, to the detriment of smaller competitiors, argues Dick Jennings

The Visionary’s Handbook_2

Watts Wacker et al Capstone, £15.99 Rating: 2/5

Council joins consortium_2

Portsmouth City Council has signed up with the Central Buying Consortium (CBC) for local authorities. The CBC allows 17 local authorities to combine their purchasing power to get the best deals for goods such as gas, electricity and IT. The councils control a turnover of £750 million.

Supplier base faces cuts_2

Buyers of printed circuit boards (PCBs) are continuing to cut their supplier bases, according to a new report. But they are avoiding formal partnerships, writes Elizabeth Bellamy.

Net not seen as critical_2

Although 88 per cent of businesses have an Internet presence, only 16 per cent believe e-commerce would play a critical role in their survival, according to a recent survey.

Bill makes UK e-friendly_2

The long-awaited e-commerce bill, which applies a light regulatory touch to the fledgling sector, is set to make the UK one of Europe’s most e-friendly countries early in the next century.

Changes made to RIP bill_2

New safeguards have been incorporated into the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. Companies will now have the right to sue law-enforcement agencies if confidential material is leaked because of their negligence. This gives firms that are asked to hand over encryption keys for reading electronic documents a right of redress.

Jobs market stands still_2

Purchasing, logistics and distribution recruitment will remain minimal over the next six months, according to Cranfield School of Management, writes Cathy Hayward.

Gas price hike explained_2

Cold weather and growing gas exports caused the recent sharp rise in gas prices, according to Callum McCarthy, director-general of energy-market regulator Ofgem.