ÂŁ3.50 March 2016
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The changing face of partitions Page 24
Technical: Sustainability drives success p14
FIS President’s Awards: Winners and finalists p19
Legal: The battle for cash retentions p26
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INSIDE THE MARCH ISSUE OF SPECFINISH 04 Voice of the industry: A wider approach to good health 14 Technical: Sustainability – a driver for success. 16 Lighting: LEDs – ready for the spotlight. 19 FIS President’s Awards: Success and achievement in the finishes and interiors sector. 24 Partitions and Linings: How the sector is innovating. 26 Legal: The fight continues to protect cash retentions. 30 Technology: Jim Nania on achieving BIM Level 2 compliance. 34 Health and Safety: Right decisions make a safer workplace. 36 Training: On the topic of Trailblazer Apprenticeships. FRONT COVER: Sektor’s frameless glass partitioning systems installed at Space Solutions in Glasgow.
CONTACT US EDITORIAL Editor: Adrian JG Marsh Assistant Editor: Jenny Gibson Email: newsdesk@campbellmarsh.com SpecFinish, Althorpe Enterprise Hub Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa CV31 2GB Design: Matthew Glover ADVERTISING Advertising enquiries: Adam Turner Tel: 01926 420660 adam.turner@campbellmarsh.com FIS Tel: 0121 707 0077 www.thefis.org Email: info@thefis.org FIS, Unit 4, Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Rd, Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH ISNN: 2055-2025 (Print) SpecFinish magazine published on behalf of FIS by Campbell Marsh and the views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those held by FIS or the publishers. The publishers shall not be under any liability in respect of the contents of the contributed articles. The Editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or alter articles for publication. © All editorial contents SpecFinish 2016 SpecFinish is distributed to members of FIS and other selected leading finishes and interiors businesses.
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Pace of growth slows The Construction Products Association’s (CPA) latest forecast estimates growth for the construction industry of 3.6 per cent in 2016, which is a downward revision from the autumn 2015 forecast of 3.8 per cent primarily because of slower UK economic growth. The CPA forecast remains positive, largely due to the inclusion of HS2 main works for the first time; however, risks that threaten construction activity have intensified, particularly from weakening global economic growth, the EU referendum and skills shortages. Professor Noble Francis, economics director at
the CPA, said: “The key fundamentals for the sector are generally positive and construction growth is set to be more balanced. Private housing work, especially in London and the South East, provided the majority of growth between 2012 and 2015. During this forecast period, however, all three of the largest construction sectors – private housing, commercial and infrastructure – are expected to drive industry activity.” FIND OUT MORE www.constructionproducts.org.uk
Price rises fail to take account of falling commodity prices An investigation by SpecFinish has discovered that the rising cost of materials in the interiors sector is failing to match a drop in commodity prices and fuelling concern among specialist contractors. In 2010, as oil prices approached $150 per barrel, material costs soared in the interiors sector. But today, as oils prices slide below $30 per barrel and CPI inflation stands at 0.2 per cent, specialist contractors are raising concerns about a 4 per cent rise in plasterboard in January. Andrew Measom, managing director of Measom Dryline, said: “These prices are not fixed. It’s not justified. They are just putting the price up and it could go up again next month.” And as UK steel production capacity shrinks specialist contractors are also concerned that prices could soon rise.
Paul Little, managing director of fit-out group Coen Building Solutions, said: “The fear we’ve all got is that with all these steel plants closing, the cost of steel will become more expensive as we have taken capacity out of the UK. We’re losing the skills.” The CPA’s economics director, Professor Noble Francis, commented: “A degree of the commodities price falls have been due to an economic slowdown, and consequent fall in demand, from some large emerging economies such as China. If the economic slowdown continues in emerging economies, that could impact upon UK economic growth and, consequently, UK construction growth.” FIND OUT MORE Turn to page 13 for a special report into commodity price changes
Industry calls for retentions money to be protected Professor Rudi Klein, barrister and chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group, has called for cash retentions to be placed in a ring-fenced or protected account so they are not misused. The government is working towards abolishing retentions by 2025 but at any one time £3 billion worth of retention monies are outstanding in the construction industry. Professor Klein said: “Retention monies should be placed in a secure deposit account. The purpose of retention monies is to provide security in the event that a contractor does not, for whatever reason, return to remedy defects. But the abuse in the system is nothing short of scandalous. “If cash retentions were protected, this would
also deter those wishing to deduct and use them for purposes for which they were not intended. When considered fully, why would anyone object to funds belonging to a small business being protected from misuse or loss?” An industry source, who didn’t want to be named, told SpecFinish: “Retentions are old fashioned and often used by some main contractors to hold onto our money.” In 2015 approximately £40 million worth of retentions were lost because of insolvencies. The largest loss in 2015 was caused when GB Building Solutions went bust owing trade creditors £9 million it held in retentions. FIND OUT MORE Go to page 26: “The battle to protect retentions”
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CITB calls for more apprentices CITB is highlighting the need for more apprentices as its new figures, released in January, forecast annual average growth of 2.5 per cent for the next five years – and a massive 232,000 jobs to be created. CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) report – the industry’s most comprehensive and up-to-date – predicts sustained growth from 2016–2020, driven by infrastructure and private housing. Steve Radley, policy director at CITB, said: “All types of training, and especially apprenticeships, will be vital to delivering this pipeline of work. This positive forecast should inspire more people to start apprenticeships, and more firms to take them on.” The commercial construction sector will experience growth of 3.4 per cent per annum, while private house building will also experience sustained growth across the forecast period. Output in the house building
sector is expected to return to pre-recession levels by the end of the forecast period, reaching £26 billion by 2020. Annual growth is predicted in all the UK’s regions and nations up to 2020, with Wales faring best with year-on-year growth of 7.1 per cent, followed by the South West (4.4 per cent), London (3.5 per cent), and the North West (2.6 per cent). In response to the ongoing skills challenge, CITB is launching a series of partnerships in 2016 with local and regional training providers to make sure the right training takes place where it is needed most. It is also continuing to work closely with the construction industry to further develop Go Construct, an industry-led web portal, to showcase the opportunities in the industry and encourage more people to join the sector.
College Champions initiative supports plastering students A plastering champion who showcased his skills on the world stage is helping to cement the futures of other students hoping to follow in his footsteps. Rob Johnson (above right) excelled in his Level 3 Plastering Diploma at Redcar & Cleveland College, winning a place to compete in the 2015 WorldSkills Championships where he was awarded a Medallion of Excellence in plastering and drywall systems. The 22-year-old returned to the college to mentor the current crop of plastering students as part of the college’s new College Champions initiative, which brings in high-achieving former students to encourage others in their line of work. His tutor, Richard Cochrane (above left), said: “Rob really is an inspiration to the college.”
www.citb.co.uk
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COMMENT & OPINION www.specfinish.co.uk
Editor’s column
Is it scandalous? The Small Business Bill is continuing to tackle issues of late payment. Late payment has been a scourge of the construction industry, with medium and smaller-sized companies bearing the brunt of the pain. The Construction Industry Council set a target of 30-day payment periods by 2018, with the aim of 45-day payment periods being achieved by this year, but all the survey data suggests payment delays of 100 days are not uncommon. Cash retentions, which are withheld as a form of security to encourage firms to return to remedy defects, are a bone of contention for contractors. In reality we all know that retentions are used to improve the working capital of organisations holding them, usually a main contractor. Each year small businesses see millions of pounds worth of retention monies withheld with a stream of excuses as to why they can’t be released, or these retention monies are arbitrarily off set against other works. It’s also not uncommon for main contractors holding them to go bust. At any one time £3 billion of your money is tied up in retentions. Ultimately this means that small firms are financing bigger firms to a huge amount. Even if you accept that some form of stick is necessary to encourage subcontractors to make sure defects are rectified, is it legal that the holder of retentions uses this money – your money – as though it’s sitting in their personal piggy bank; well, legal it is..! Retentions should not be allowed to continue in their current form, and steps to protect your money are very welcome (see page 29). There were changes made to landlord deposits in the residential sector; surely the same can be made to happen in the construction industry? It is scandalous that there are no controls over the use of your money.
Adrian JG Marsh Editor
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A wider approach to good health Last year, half a million working days were lost through site injury, yet 1.2 million were lost through work-related ill health. Mental health is often a taboo subject but it received the most reaction at the FIS annual conference last November. Many think mental health is too remote for them to pay attention to it, but one in four experience mental health issues each year. Back in 2003 more than 200 construction workers committed suicide, more workers than in any other industry sector according to Building magazine. There were calls for action to reduce this appalling human tragedy, yet little has been achieved. In 2015 male suicides were at their highest level for 14 years. Martin Coyd OBE, regional head of environment, health & safety – Europe at Lend Lease, told our conference that mental health is something we don’t talk about. A room full of hard-headed businessmen were probably wondering what this had to do with running their business. But 45 minutes later, delegates were describing how they could have been one of those victims, how they had felt isolated and unable to ask for help. The theme dominated discussion that evening. I’m pleased to announce our support for Mates in Construction – launched at the Construction Health Summit in January. The first FIS Mental Health First Aid course takes place on 22 March, and we will run further courses, drive this important project and continue to support Mind and the Samaritans at events. The construction industry can be a tough place to work; it can also, of course, cause lasting health issues. One that is evident in
our sector is muscular skeletal injury caused by lifting heavy plasterboard. You don’t see many old dryliners for good reason – they have succumbed to back or shoulder injury through prolonged lifting and twisting. With the skills shortage ever-present, it makes no sense to drive experienced people out of the industry: we should develop systems and work practices that do not cause injury. As part of the FIS philosophy we are supporting a campaign to reduce plasterboard weight and are working with manufacturers, merchants, clients, contractors and HSE to ensure this change doesn’t cause major disruption to the industry. This requires an industry-wide plan that everyone can buy into. Weight will be incorporated in a major review of the British Standard, and there are also plans to reduce waste in the sector. It makes no sense to deal with each in isolation, as one will inevitably impact upon the other. There were nearly 60,000 cases of work-related illness caused by either mental health or musculo-skeletal disorder in 2014– 15; 84 per cent of total illness. As Martin Coyd said: “If the whole industry joins forces, we can shoot the lights out. I believe it is a great opportunity for a game changer and to transform the whole industry in creating the best places for all our people to work, thrive and enjoy life.” DAVID FRISE FIS chief executive www.thefis.org
VIEWPOINT
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Let’s celebrate the specialist The partition industry has seen many changes: the 70’s use of drywall factory-made wall systems, aluminium in the 80’s and timber systems in the 90’s. Not forgetting the recent years, which have brought glass, glass and more glass! During this time, the one thing that has not changed is the need for specialists in our industry, as SIG Distribution’s sales & marketing director, David Hope, highlights. Like the skilled joiner of the past, the specialist interior contractor has to evolve to meet customer demands. With the increase in demand for value engineering, and contracts being awarded to general contractors, we have a responsibility to ensure that value does not come at the price of performance, quality, design, flexibility and, of course, safety.
So what does the specialist interior contractor of today need to provide? Expertise, professionalism and the commitment to provide the very best service. This can only be achieved if this ethos is felt by everyone throughout the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the specialist distributor, who can themselves add value through support on acoustics, off-site construction,
quality assurance and conformity. And finally, this ethos must be felt by the interior specialist, who builds their reputation on the products and services supplied to them, and by ensuring customer demands are not only met, but succeeded. As we go into the future, customer demands will continue to put pressure on all, safety and performance will continue to take
precedent and we will continue to see an increase in demand for performance-led systems, including fire screens, which provide insulation and integrity. Aesthetics and environment are increasingly important and the interior space can be enhanced through clever use of lighting, manifestation, design panels and customised designs. As an industry, we must all strive to use our expertise to ensure the customer understands the value of the specialist interior contractor. With the need to give our support for our industry bodies, and following the formation of the new FIS Partition Forum, I believe the future looks bright for our industry and that we have the right people who can shape the future. Let us not be afraid to promote our specialisms. DAVID HOPE SIG Distribution Sales & marketing director www.sigplc.co.uk
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SmartPly fits the bill at Passivhaus archive facility A timber frame structure featuring an airtight layer of 18mm SmartPly OSB3 has helped the new £8 million Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre to become the UK’s first archival storage building to meet Passivhaus standards. The 3,350m2 facility, formed of two distinct structures connected via an entrance foyer and reception area, was designed by Architype. Appointed timber frame specialist Cygnum specified SmartPly OSB3 for the inner face of the external walls and ceiling following their successful installation at two Architype Passivhaus schools. SmartPly OSB3 met the project’s strict requirements for proven performance and extremely low environmental impact. Manufactured in accordance with EN 300, the boards are made of timber strands cross-oriented in layers with a zero added formaldehyde resin binder to ensure no internal gaps or voids for increased strength. In addition, SmartPly OSB3 offers a fully certified alternative to softwood plywood and boasts FSC Chain of Custody certification – a key requirement for this type of low-carbon construction. www.smartply.com
Sustainability and training – key topics for British Gypsum British Gypsum’s annual Corporate Responsibility Review has highlighted a number of key milestones, including it becoming the first manufacturer of interior lining systems to achieve a BES 6001 ‘Excellent’ rating for its UK-manufactured Thistle plasters, Gyproc plasterboards, Glasroc specialist boards and Gypframe metal components. The company also attained a consecutive fifth year of zero waste to landfill by reusing and recycling around 45,000 tonnes of waste. The review also covers British Gypsum’s work with local communities to limit its environmental impact, as well as highlighting its support for local projects through financial and material donations, and giving staff time off to lend a hand. As well as helping address the national skills shortage through its Thistle Partnership programme with 69 UK colleges, British Gypsum has introduced a series of e-learning modules on its website for builders’ merchants and distributors. The series, which went live in January, will cover new build properties and renovation projects. Seven modules focus on real-life customer scenarios for internal wall, ceiling linings, partition systems and internal finishes, with modules on the ‘customer challenge’ and next-generation Thistle finish plasters due for launch by June 2016. www.british-gypsum.com 06 Advertising 01926 420660
GEZE doors give uninterrupted views for cancer centre All-glass system swing doors from GEZE have been installed at the Patricia Thompson Building for Maggie’s Cancer Centre, in Oxford, which has been designed around a calming treehouse concept. The main entrance to the building, which is built on stilts, is approached via a land bridge and features a pair of integrated all-glass system (IGG) swing doors from GEZE, each powered by a TSA 160 UFO underfloor operator. The IGG system was specified because its profile and fittings are integrated invisibly between the panes of glass, meaning there are no bulky or visible elements on the glass surface. The underfloor operator is also concealed, helping to deliver an entrance system that doesn’t detract from the overall design of the centre, which gives panoramic views of the trees, thanks to its expansive glass facades. GEZE also installed a single IGG swing door to the rear of the building, fitted with a TS 550 NV floor spring and a solenoid bolt. www.geze.co.uk
Weber gives clubhouse protective facelift Saint-Gobain Weber’s flexirend highbuild has been used as part of a major interior and exterior refurbishment of Walsall Wood Football Club’s Clubhouse. Weber’s flexirend highbuild is a weather-resistant resin-based render coating that contains biocide to inhibit organic growth. The render can be used on almost any surface, including traditional cement rendering, fair-faced concrete and existing exterior grade paint and cement boards. Internally, Weber flexirend highbuild can be applied to gypsum plaster, drylining and insulation boards. Flexirend highbuild is available in six traditional colours and can be textured to a variety of designs. The render is supplied ready-mixed in 15kg buckets, which will cover 6m² of surface area, and is usually applied by hawk and trowel, but can be applied by roller or spray action. Thirty buckets were used on the clubhouse. www.netweber.co.uk
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Starke Arvid Transit Bench recognised for safe working
Heritage properties get protection with Tarmac’s Limelite Limelite plasters from Tarmac offer a moisture-absorbing alternative to gypsum plasters, which, although a common choice in most new build properties or standard refurbishments, are susceptible to moisture retention and can cause long-term damp problems. For those working with protected or heritage properties where long-term preservation takes priority, a gypsum plaster should be ruled out. Heritage projects need to consider both the immediate requirements of the build and how the build will stand the test of time. A lime-based plaster such as Tarmac’s Limelite uses moisture-absorbing properties to reduce the risk of condensation and therefore control the atmospheric humidity. There are four Limelite plasters available in the range – Renovating, Impact Finishing, Backing and Onecoat – alongside mortars, renders and grout.
Swedish brand and new FIS member Starke Arvid develops and produces equipment for efficient plasterboard handling on construction sites. Starke Arvid’s Transit Bench has been used by Cameron Drywall Ltd for transporting and storing board at the Prime Four development in Aberdeen. This £100 million business park is being developed by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine. The Transit Bench minimises the manual handling of heavy board and provides a stable waist-height horizontal platform from which to cut and lift. When vertical and on its four swivel castors, it easily transports board along corridors and through door openings. And for maximum manoeuvrability or on uneven surfaces, the bench can run on its two large centre wheels. In one easy operation, the bench usefully converts from a vertical trolley to a horizontal workbench. Cameron Drywall received a Blue Star award from Sir Robert McAlpine on the Prime Four project for safe working practice and reducing manual handling as a result of using the Starke Arvid Transit Bench. www.starkearvid.co.uk
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New app from Forza Doors answers your questions Forza Doors has developed an app to provide an off-line fast-track route to answering questions relating to the performance and installation of timber fire doors, frames and screens used in the commercial interiors sector. The Forza KeyFaq’s app covers: permitted door elevations, configurations and available frame styles – with or without glazed vision panels. Specifications include: maximum door leaf sizes, acoustics, structural/mechanical and insulation performance data, as well as available door finishes and FSC Standards and Accessibility Criteria. Download the app from Apple or Android stores under the heading Forza Doors. www.forza-doors.com 08 Advertising 01926 420660
Style creates versatile teaching areas for university Style has designed and installed a combination of moveable wall systems for a new teaching block and pavilion at Nottingham Trent University. Maximising the use of the new buildings was key to the design, and Style’s versatile partition system achieves this by allowing the teaching space to be quickly reconfigured as required. In the teaching block, the fully automatic DORMA Moveo Comfortdrive system lets lecturers divide the teaching space with just the push of a button, removing the need to call upon facilities staff for every room layout change. DORMA Variflex was chosen in the pavilion for its suitability for busy environments. The panel faces are manufactured separately to the frame so can be changed easily and cost effectively if damaged, or if the room design alters. The panels have an acoustic rating of 55dB. Style also installed a magnetic whiteboard finish so that lecturers can write on the moveable walls during classes. www.style-partitions.co.uk
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Knauf Airless Readymix Plasters
The new way to achieve a quality finish
The complete range of Knauf Readymix Plasters can now be used with the popular airless piston pump machines, making them a highly-efficient alternative to traditional plaster for finishing walls and ceilings. With high impact resistance and inherent flexibility, Knauf Airless Readymix Plasters are less prone to chips and cracks. Supplied pre-mixed to the correct consistency for spray application, no direct water supply is required on site and wastage is less than 1%. To find out how the new Knauf Airless Readymix Plaster range can enhance your next project, call 03700 613700.
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New wall-based acoustic absorbers from Ecophon Ecophon has expanded its vertical acoustics offer with the addition of Akusto One panels to its Akusto family, which currently consists of Akusto Wall and Akusto Screen. Walls, screens and now panels within the Akusto range are designed to reduce echoes, enhance speech clarity and improve acoustic performance. The new Akusto One vertical independent sound absorbers come in circular, rectangular and square-shaped designs, are 40mm deep and have white or grey painted edges. By combining these standard shapes, innovative designs and patterns can be created on a wall. The panels are lightweight and easy to install – using Ecophon’s innovative Connect One accessories – and provide a cost-effective solution for exceptional acoustics and innovative aesthetics. Good acoustics are a crucial component of any well-designed interior space, with commercial, educational or healthcare settings all demanding varying acoustic requirements. To suit the environment in which the panels are being used, Akusto One can be produced in either a smooth, easy-to-clean surface or a fabric textured finish that boasts a more colourful, on-trend palette for expressive wall or screen solutions. For more challenging spaces such as sports facilities, impact-resistant wall panels are available.
The panels are manufactured from third generation high-density glass wool with high recycled content and no added formaldehyde, meeting the strictest indoor climate standards in the world. The wool also meets fire safety demands and has been tested and classified as non-combustible according to EN ISO 1182. Ecophon’s marketing manager, Will Jones, said: “Installing Akusto One really is as quick and easy as hanging a picture, making the specification of these creatively shaped panels an effective solution from a design, acoustic performance and cost perspective.” www.ecophon.co.uk
Instarmac makes further positive impacts on the environment
Metsec SFS specified for new headquarters Metsec has provided steel framing system (SFS) products to the new headquarters of Wrexham-based outsourced switchboard company Moneypenny. The £15 million 91,000 sq. ft scheme is set for completion in April this year. Main contractor Pochin Construction brought Metsec on board to provide SFS continuous and infill walling across all three floors of the new office block. Metsec’s design team reviewed the structural external wall options and produced initial construction principles using BIM in Revit, utilising specially designed dead load cleats at first-floor level to support a continuous external SFS walling system. Infill walling was utilised on the ground floor areas, enabling Metsec to complete the design in Revit. The large number of M&E services required meant that the ground floor slab was not installed at the beginning of the project – Metsec’s continuous walling solution is usually installed ground floor up. For this development, it was implemented first floor up by using the dead load cleats with infill walling bringing together the ground floor and first floor. www.metsec.com 10 Advertising 01926 420660
As part of ongoing investment in environmental initiatives, Instarmac has introduced AdBlue to its 34-strong vehicle fleet. AdBlue is an additive used alongside diesel to reduce mono-nitrogen oxide emissions produced from vehicle exhausts by transforming these harmful toxins into nitrogen and water vapour, reducing the emissions’ negative impact on the environment. AdBlue is the latest of many environmental initiatives that Instarmac – which counts Wondertex as one of its brands – has introduced over recent years. The company’s fleet features technologies to maximise efficiency, enabling drivers to stay in the ‘green zone’ and make the best use of fuel to further reduce harmful emissions. Instarmac has also invested in Grey Water and Intelligent Lighting Systems alongside solar panels and climate control across its entire building. And as of 2014, Instarmac has recycled 100 per cent of its waste. www.instarmac.co.uk
1STOP from Siderise has many uses Siderise is relaunching its 1STOP multipurpose acoustic and fire cavity barrier slab to raise awareness of its four key applications. 1STOP is a unique, one size (1200 x 600 x 90mm), foil-faced, multipurpose stone wool insulation slab that can be used in suspended ceiling voids and raised floor voids, and for tops of walls and profiled metal deck corrugations. In ceiling void/raised floor void applications, 1STOP subdivides concealed spaces, and when installed directly above or below a partition, it maintains fire compartmentation and room-to-room acoustic control. In tops of walls and profiled deck applications, 1STOP prevents the rapid spread of flames, gases and smoke at the top of compartment walls. It is a Class A1 material and provides 60 minutes’ insulation and integrity fire protection in each application. New trade counter materials and sales documentation are now available providing key technical and application information. www.siderise.com
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Hidden Strength Quick and easy. Ready prepared modular OSB3 panels providing secure anchorage for fixtures in drywall systems. Find out more call 01322 424900 or visit smartply.com.
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FEATURE www.thefis.org
Falling commodity prices not reflected in interiors sector materials Falling oil and steel prices are having a dramatic impact on the wider economy, but the cost of materials in the interiors sector is failing to match a drop in commodity prices and fuelling concern among specialist contractors. Steve Menary investigates for SpecFinish. A major component of interior contracts, plasterboard, went up by 4 per cent in January according to pricing information obtained by SpecFinish. CPI annual inflation stands at 0.2 per cent. Andrew Measom, managing director of Measom Dryline, said: “These prices are not fixed. It’s not justified. They are just putting the price up and it could go up again next month.” While steel has not gone up, there has been no reduction, even though the international price of raw steel is so low that UK manufacturers are unable to compete. Angela Mansell, operations director at Mansell Finishes, commented: “Historically, there were points in the recession where rises were justified. The suppliers will never admit it, but we’re paying inflated costs and it renders our installation uncompetitive. Prices have gone up 4 per cent in boards but not in metals, yet commodity prices are crashing around the world. We’re closing steel plants. I don’t see the steel price going down. It’s not gone up, but where’s the real price?” With UK steel plants such as Redcar closing due to cheap imports flooding the market, the cost of coiled steel is now around £600 per tonne and specialist contractors are concerned that
prices could soon rise. “Plants closing down doesn’t overly help us to be more competitive because we are all buying from the same place,” said Paul Little, managing director of fit-out group Coen Building Solutions. “The fear we’ve all got is that with all these steel plants closing, the cost of steel will become more expensive as we have taken capacity out of the UK. We’re losing the skills.” The latest Construction Products Association (CPA) trade survey said a decline in global oil prices had “filtered through into lower fuel and energy costs” with just 14 per cent of heavy side manufacturers and 8 per cent of light side firms reported an increase in costs in Q4 [2015]. The CPA’s economics director, Professor Noble Francis, commented: “Overall, the direct short-term impact of commodities price falls is positive, but there may be a negative medium-term impact. “The benefits of the commodities price falls have been on the input cost side. These have been especially
welcome in keeping construction inflation relatively subdued during a period in which labour costs have been rising as a result of a recovery in construction activity, especially in the house building sector.” In the drylining sector, discounts to the quoted rates are rife according to specialist contractors, who suggest that a 24 tonne delivery of standard eight by four board costs between £10,000 and £12,000. The same board is sold for £6.50 a sheet to consumers by high street outlets such as B&Q. At that rate, a 24 tonne delivery of board – excluding haulage rates – should be around £7,000. That suggests that the difference is delivery costs. The Road Haulage Association says that hauliers forward-buy fuel but will not say by how much. But with oil prices plummeting and set to drop further as Iranian oil re-enters the market, the price of fuel could fall further. “With the fall in fuel costs it’s got to be cheaper to move board around,” added Mr Measom. Many suppliers are reticent to discuss pricing. CCF, Knauf, Metsec
and Tata all declined to comment. British Gypsum marketing director Sarah Brook said: “All manufacturers face the challenge of dealing with fluctuations in the price of materials and running costs. At British Gypsum we review this regularly and negotiate price adjustments directly with customers, while ensuring a strong focus on continued investment into new products and systems.” Siniat managing director Neil Ash said: “Whilst key commodity prices are falling, we have faced increasing cost pressures on other key raw materials, gypsum in particular. This is because the progressive closures of the UK’s coal fired power stations have led to falling gypsum output and, as a result, increased cost.” For specialist contractors, the knock-on impact of pricing could be on quality. “The logistics and prelims are being squeezed, particularly supervision,” added Ms Mansell. “If we were paying the right price for metal there would be more float in the main contractor’s price to make sure the supervision was better and to check quality because people out there are cutting corners.” FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 13
TECHNICAL
SUSTAINABILITY
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Sustainability: a driver for success
There is a real risk that if we do nothing to support sustainability, resources will eventually run out; at best, they will become more expensive and harder to obtain. But what if your business does nothing while your competitors look seriously at the benefits of developing sustainable plans and strategies? FIS technical manager Joe Cilia explores sustainability within the finishes and interiors sector.
Today, there are many recognised ways for manufacturers to demonstrate the environmental credentials of their products. These include Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), BRE’s Green Guide, Cradle to Cradle certification and the SKA environmental labelling scheme, which is aimed squarely at the fit-out sector and used by designers when designing schemes against the RICS SKA rating system. Chair of the RICS SKA Rating Technical Committee Elina Grigoriou explains. “Designers are relying on manufacturers to support their efforts and design out end-of-use waste and toxicity through the manufacture of a material/product and its existence, and use, within an interior. If a manufacturer has not asked the questions relating to these issues for all their products, they will be taking a big risk in the sustainability of their own business. It’s encouraging to see many starting to take action, one issue at a time in some cases, and lead the way in industry improvement.” Manufacturers are also seeing the benefit of working towards a circular economy where products are returned to the manufacturers at end of life with the materials being used as a resource to manufacture new products. Flooring and ceiling 14 Advertising 01926 420660
manufacturers are among the first in the fit-out sector to develop products and processes that allow resources to be reused in this way, and so are enjoying the benefits of being early adopters. “The move towards BIM now makes it easier to incorporate circular economy thinking into the off-site manufacture of building components for simple on-site assembly,” highlights Charlie Law from Sustainable Construction Solutions Ltd. “This increases productivity, reduces waste and allows for easier disassembly at the end of the component’s service life for reuse or remanufacture.” Sustainable products are just one way of measuring the environmental impact of a fit-out. The design of the interior to promote wellbeing and increased productivity, the methods used by the fit-out contractor to reduce waste and the impact of the work are also key points to be considered. Reducing waste in the process of refurbishing or constructing a new interior is an obvious way of being sustainable while saving money. The key to achieving these savings is planning. It should start with a pre-construction survey to establish what materials can be reused, upcycled or recycled before the last resort of landfill.
CIRIA is the construction industry research and information association. FIS has been working closely with CIRIA to produce the ‘Fit-out environmental good practice on site guide (C757)’. Philip Charles, CIRIA project manager, comments: “There are internal and external drivers for projects to be more efficient and reduce their environmental footprint, and it is more important than ever to engage and effectively communicate the practical steps that can be taken. To support this, CIRIA has worked collaboratively with industry stakeholders to develop this guide. Alongside advice on a range of issues to consider before, during and after construction, it highlights that robust project planning and a collaborative approach enables environmental issues to be positively managed.” Willmott Dixon Interiors Limited is one of the guide’s funders. The company’s principal sustainability manager, Simon Tranter, explains:
“We chose to support the guide because it represents a real opportunity to put the environmental agenda firmly at the heart of the fitout sector. The guide demonstrates that environmental considerations are integral to all aspects of the project lifecycle. Having all the essential information in one place will really help to engage the critical stakeholders. This is an essential document for anyone involved in fit-out and refurbishments.” FIS is aware of many initiatives where off-site production has had a practical and positive impact on construction, resulting in shorter construction times and reduced waste, and providing flexibility for future reconfiguration. This has all been achieved while using products that have been designed for deconstruction and disassembly, which means materials, and therefore resources, can be easily recycled and so offer greater opportunity for closed-loop recycling. But if the finishes and interiors sector ignores the need to provide sustainable products integrated into sustainably designed projects it could leave a vacuum for engineers, designers and tier 1 contractors to develop materials and methodologies that may circumvent current solutions. So, it’s up to our sector to be innovative, to look at where the market is pulling and be open to new thoughts and ideas. If we don’t, be assured there will be those, possibly from outside the current supply chain, that do. FIND OUT MORE Joe Cilia joecilia@thefis.org
The CIRIA’s ‘Fit-out environmental good practice on site guide (C757)’ The guide is aimed at those responsible for managing fit-out projects and is focused on the contractor/site manager. The construction industry is under increasing pressure to ensure its activities have reduced impact on the environment. The fit-out sector faces unique challenges – providing a quick turnaround, controlling costs and working around site constraints – while having the potential to significantly impact the sustainability of the space both during fit-out and in use. The guide provides advice on environmental good practice. The guide can be purchased from www.ciria.org/c757, or requested by emailing enquiries@ciria.org
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It’s our specialist subject. There’s a vast array of interior partitions available – glazed, hardwood-framed, movable and many more – so you need more than just the right choice of systems, you need impartial, expert advice. At Nevill Long we’re the specialists, not just in ceilings, drywall and partitions, but in technical knowledge and industry experience. So whether it’s from a leading brand or our own Longline range, you can be sure your system will combine excellent aesthetics with all the performance you need. That’s what makes us the Distributor of Choice. For your nearest Nevill Long branch or to download our Partitions Guide, visit nevilllong.co.uk
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FEATURE
LIGHTING
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LEDs – ready for the spotlight
confidence that the market is capable of meeting any current or future demand.” And that demand is building across all sectors of the market. LED lighting is just as likely to be specified by designers looking for an installation in a residential development as it is in a city centre office block. New build projects Manufacturers have been talking up the benefits are more likely to be complete LED installations, but the demand for of installing LED lighting systems for years. systems in retrofit and refurbishment projects has soared, according to Paul Thompson looks at how the market has Dave Clements, managing director finally matured enough to deliver. of bespoke lighting solution provider Champions of LED lighting new build projects on time. Future Designs. “It has got to the installations have long spoken about Hampered by long production point where LED has the new build the advantages their specification lead-in times for LED lights, the office market pretty much sown up can have over the use of standard reluctance to switch from standard and there are no more fluorescent fluorescent light fittings. They have fluorescent systems is easy to lights specified, particularly in the claimed that light emitting diode understand, but times change and lucrative market across London based systems offer better light over recent years not only have those and the South East. Refurbishment coverage, provide a clearer light, are lead-in times fallen considerably but schemes, too, driven by landlords more energy efficient and, demand has increased. and property managers wanting importantly for building owners and Just four years ago lead-in times to drive efficiencies through their landlords, save cash since they first for manufacturers were between portfolios. They can make came to the market. six and eight weeks. Now those substantial savings by swapping to same systems can be turned around LEDs,” he commented. According to manufacturers, the latest LED systems offer superior light in about three weeks. Production Whole office block with no shadowing, have a longer life, capacity has increased as demand refurbishment projects can be are virtually zero maintenance, are from the market has increased; hampered by the letting pattern of better for the environment and can no-one particularly cares which was the building, though. If more than quickly pay back any initial investment the chicken and which was the egg, one client is renting space in the thanks to this improved performance. demand is being sated and there block it can be difficult to find a time But their uptake has always been is more than enough capacity to when all those business are able to deliver any further hike. held back by higher front-end costs offer access to fit-out contractors. than those of the cheaper “I think the LED market has The work might have to be done on fluorescent lighting systems. matured in the UK over the last four a piecemeal basis over a number Property owners and developers years or so,” said Paul Etherington, of years, but this will still offer have been blind to the efficiency of managing director at fit-out and landlords the opportunity to make LED lighting and happier splashing lighting installation specialist BW. significant savings. out less money on cheaper systems “People are much more willing to “There is no reason why LED and to deliver building refurbishment or specify LED installations. There is fluorescent lighting cannot be run
Future Designs’ lighting for One Canada Square at Canary Wharf.
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concurrently. For instance, the property owner or manager may wish to install LED systems in common areas such as the reception foyer, stair and lift cores or toilets while a tenant opts not to update on the letting floor. Considerable savings through lower maintenance and lower energy use can still be made on those communal areas,” added Mr Clements. One of the bonuses in the rise in popularity of LEDs in refurbishment projects is the ease of their installation. Being lighter and slimmer than fluorescent systems there is no need for expensive, invasive work that can take weeks to complete. “In some cases we have had to go back to the bare bones of a building, but more often than not, like most projects, if you get your specialists involved early enough then you get your benefits through the design process. Not only do you get an enhanced product but the existing structure can be used to suspend the LEDs,” said Mr Etherington. Peter Gibbons, managing director at Bristol-based advertising and communications firm Genius Consultancy, is one property owner that is reaping the rewards of making the change from fluorescent lighting to LED at his Georgian city centre office block. “We have noticed a significant difference in our energy use. It has dropped considerably since we had the LED systems installed. As well as the cost savings our team has noticed an improvement in the
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years ago I did a talk to the British Institute of Facilities Management. I told them ‘don’t install LED yet’. Things have changed now. The capacity is there in the industry to meet increased demand and people accept the huge savings they offer over their lifetime. Pay-back times for that initial increase in up-front costs are plummeting as the price of new LED products falls thanks to
increased demand. “Modern LEDs are everything a lighting designer, manufacturer, building owner and user would want. They are a quantum leap in lighting design and now at last blue chip businesses have seen the light.” FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org
New interior for a City of London investment bank.
quality of the light they deliver,” he said. According to Mr Gibbons his LED installation gives a “cleaner” light that is more even and dresses the space better than its fluorescent counterparts. “I think the light they deliver is more direct and better quality than the linear and deep-box
fluorescent lighting we had before. It is the same specification, but just a cleaner light.” It is a message that finally seems to be getting through to architects, designers, landlords and property developers. Mr Clements added: “Around four
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FIS PRESIDENT’S LUNCH
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Success and achievement in the finishes and interiors sector Dedication, commitment and achievement were at the centre of proceedings as FIS recognised apprentices and top employees across the finishes and interiors sector at this year’s President’s Lunch and Awards. Some 300 industry leaders packed Plaisterers’ Hall, the largest livery hall in the city of London, last month to celebrate this major industry event. New on the agenda for 2016 were the President’s Awards. These awards have been introduced to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals who have demonstrated excellence, dedication and commitment to their personal development, organisation, and the finishes and interiors community. Details of the award winners and finalists are provided on the next few pages. FIS president Steve Coley outlined how critical resources are to the success of the finishes and interiors sector and that skills development remains one of the three top priorities for the Association; driving technical competence and building our community are the other two.
FIS has helped train over 300 operatives to NVQ level 2, provided part funding for some 400 health and safety courses and fully funding 20 apprenticeships. Mr Coley reported that since becoming president, the finishes and interiors sector training funding initiatives, developed with the help of CITB, have helped train over 300 operatives to NVQ level 2, provided part funding for some 400 health and safety courses and fully funding 20 apprenticeships. On the topic of the skills shortage and imported labour, Mr Coley commented: “Importing labour is nothing new for us Brits.” He went on to explain how “after the Second World War, immigrants helped to rebuild London and other devastated cities. Of course, the difference between then and now is we have that little gem called health and safety to tackle. Not to mention skills cards, welfare, pensions, the working rule agreement and
FIS PRESIDENT’S LUNCH FILLER PHOTOGRAPH TO BE SUPPLIED BY FIS ON WED 24TH FEB getting paid – the list goes on!” Mr Coley wrapped up with a mention of how FIS can support its members in delivering on these requirements with the Association’s many initiatives, including the BIM ToolBox and the many industry forums. David Frise, FIS chief executive, introduced the nominated charities – Mind and the Samaritans – and gave an overview of the inspiration behind a new industry charitable collaboration, Construction United. This was inspired by the FIS conference speech given last year by Martin Coyd OBE of Lend Lease. Mr Frise said: “Last year, Martin drew our attention to some shocking statistics, including the fact that in the same year that 42 people died working in construction, there were 150 suicides.” Construction United is a week-long PR initiative to raise trade and public awareness of key issues within the construction industry, including mental health and skills shortages, through a series of events and fund-raising activities. Writer, presenter and comedian Dominic Frisby entertained guests after lunch and talked about the impending EU referendum, the crazy UK housing market and the small matter of the turmoil currently going on in the financial markets. All this seriousness was balanced out by some funny and thought-provoking topics, and some strange, but true, stories along the way. The President’s Awards winners were revealed by David Frise in the categories of: Apprentice of the Year, Outstanding Employee, Future Leader and Lifetime Achievement. Read on to find out the details…
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FIS
FIS PRESIDENT’S LUNCH
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The President’s Awards –Winners and Finalists The addition of this new awards programme to the annual FIS President’s Lunch was announced in 2015, making 2016 its first year.
FIS has created the President’s Awards to seek to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals in our sector. Individuals who have demonstrated dedication, excellence and true commitment to not only their personal development, but to their organisation and the finishes and interiors community as a whole.
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All award entrants were judged by a panel, led by the FIS president. There are four award categories:
Apprentice of the Year This award is open to any individual who has demonstrated commitment to their own personal development and progression, and to that of the organisation they work for, whilst undertaking a craft apprenticeship in the employment of an FIS member. The nominee should have successfully completed at least six months of their apprenticeship at intermediate or advanced level at nomination closing date.
Outstanding Employee This award recognises professional and support staff who have made an exceptional contribution to an FIS member organisation.
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Future Leader This award is open to high-potential individuals in the early stages of their management career employed by an FIS member.
Lifetime Achievement Award This award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the finishes and interiors sector over a sustained period of time.
FIS PRESIDENT’S LUNCH
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Apprentice of the Year WINNER Lorrie-Ann Frater, apprentice quantity surveyor at MACS Plasterboard Systems
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Lorrie-Ann joined MACS Plasterboard directly from school. She is training to be a quantity surveyor and working towards a BTEC Level 3 in Construction and Built Environment and an NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations General Level 3. The judges were particularly impressed by how Lorrie-Ann, in just a short space of time, has gained the respect of her peers, developed a wide technical knowledge, and excelled in customer care and financial awareness. FIS president Steve Coley commented: “It is hugely encouraging to see a female showing such enthusiasm within the male-dominated industry. The way in which she embraces challenge and the fact that she has already been given projects of her own to manage is commendable.”
Finalist
Finalist
Vijay Baines, apprentice plasterer at Taylor Hart
Corey Parker, apprentice ceilings and partitions fixer at Taylor Hart
Despite a difficult start, Vijay has picked up a wide range of wall finishing techniques, including internal render, in just over a year. His speed and efficiency are improving all the time and the quality of his skimming is exceptional. The judges were impressed by his commitment and drive and his excellent knowledge of products and performance.
In just over a year Corey has become a proactive and positive member of the Taylor Hart team, respected for his eye for detail and a check twice, build once attitude. The judges commended Corey’s commitment to health and safety and his proactive approach to personal development. At Corey’s request, he recently undertook both first aid and IPAF training to further his skills.
Outstanding Employee WINNER
Andy Parkin, director at The Window Film Company UK After joining the company in its infancy, Andy has undertaken a variety of roles including sales, design work and installation. He has been instrumental in delivering year-on-year growth, contributing to the company’s expansion. MD Micky Calcott, who nominated Andy, said: “His desire to learn and then share his knowledge with co-workers has seen him develop into a highly successful team leader. His commitment to continual improvement has seen him seek out and implement new working practices and processes, ensuring the best possible customer service as well as fostering an enjoyable working environment.” The judges commented: “Andy’s commitment to the organisation is demonstrated by his relationship with all members of the organisation. He inspires confidence in those around him through the experience he has gained, as he has helped grow the business.”
FIS PRESIDENT’S AWARDS PHOTOGRAPH OF WINNER/FINALISTS TO BE SUPPLIED BY FIS ON WED 24TH FEB
Finalist
Finalist
Frank Lohan, contracts manager at Stortford Interiors (UK)
Damian Hill, product training manager at SIG
Professional, innovative, enthusiastic and skilled are just some of the words used to describe Frank’s commitment to Stortford. The judges were particularly impressed by his outstanding management of the organisation’s largest project to date. “Frank ticks all the boxes,” they commented. “He is clearly a man on top of his game whose enthusiasm becomes infectious.” .
Damian’s role is to provide product training at all levels to employees within SIG’s network of 311 branches, which he does with enthusiasm and passion. He has been instrumental in developing a range of training programmes to increase both employees’ and customers’ knowledge.
www.specfinish.co.uk 21
FIS
FIS PRESIDENT’S LUNCH
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Future Leader WINNER
FIS PRESIDENT’S AWARDS PHOTOGRAPH OF WINNER/FINALISTS TO BE SUPPLIED BY FIS ON WED 24TH FEB
Stephen Byrne, project manager at Stortford Interiors (UK) Since joining Stortford in 2014 as a project manager, Stephen has demonstrated wide-ranging abilities which are key in this progression to becoming a future leader in the business. “Stephen’s skill at managing the various processes involved in a project is exemplary,” commented Stortford chairman and CEO Jim Nania. Stortford used Stephen’s management of a challenging 10-storey CAT A fit-out at the Shard to demonstrate his abilities. His contribution over and above his specialist area, particularly pioneering the introduction and integration of a new tablet-led Quality Assurance system, SnagR, demonstrated his forward-thinking. The judges said: “An outstanding nominee. Professional development in respect of technical knowledge in addition to managing a new team shows ability to undertake a range of activities in the leadership role. Stephen has clearly improved the performance of his team and demonstrated innovation, client management and delivery.”
Finalist Claire Ratcliffe, associate director – design at Paragon Interiors Group With a background in design, development and regeneration, Claire joined Paragon in 2008 as a project co-ordinator. Her role has since evolved and she heads up a team of 12 talented designers to introduce new innovations, added value services and approaches. The judges commented: “Claire has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and the potential to develop further. She is obviously heading for the top in her profession.”
Lifetime Achievement Award WINNER
Howard Winter, Sound Interiors Howard retired in June 2015 having completed 25 years with Sound Interiors. His unrelenting enthusiasm, drive and knowledge has benefited everyone he has come in to contact with, whether they be manufacturer, supplier, main contractor or end user. Howard was nominated by former colleague Graham Flynn, who said: “I don’t believe it is unreasonable to suggest that he is not only a loss to the business but also a loss to the industry. Some would say he was forceful in his approach but I would argue that he was passionate, dedicated and determined, and who wouldn’t want him fighting in your corner?” Tony Grindrod, construction director at North West BAM Construction Ltd, mirrored Graham’s comments: “Howard has represented the very best of the construction industry over the years and his professionalism, ability to deliver and shear enthusiasm in doing what he does should be an example to the industry and to any company director.” Passionate about training, Howard is a qualified Construction Ambassador for the CITB. He has spent months in partnership with Manchester Chamber of Commerce organising interviews and events in local communities to raise the profile of the finishes and interiors sectors and help recruit more apprentices. As well as championing training and
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quality standards, Howard has raised thousands of pounds for charity. On a personal note, Peter Walters, former MD at CCF, concluded: “Howard is as honest as they come, and has a great attitude and personality. It was always enjoyable to be in his company as he is genuinely the nicest man that one could work or spend time with.”
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FEATURE
PARTITIONS & LININGS
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The changing face of partitions
audio visual technology into the partitioning system to speed up installation. These new systems enable the installation of cabling, for example, to be undertaken by the partitioning contractor. Steve Neilson, MD of Worksmart Contracts, says doors and door frames have been a main line of innovation over the last few years. In particular he says the development of double-glazed doors from a few of the system Over the past 20 years the offices in which people work will probably not manufacturers has led the way have changed as much as the technology people use to get their work done. “in increasing the sound performance and quality while Technological changes and in particular mobile technologies are shaking retaining a fully glazed solution up the traditional layout of fixed workplaces and partitioning by enabling rather than losing acoustic people to work more flexibly. As a consequence more and more businesses performance through the door”. are starting to adopt novel office layouts which, in turn, are starting to drive Kye Edwards of partitioning manufacturer SAS International innovation in the partitioning sector. Andy Pearson reports. acknowledges the impact that changing work styles are having on “The office environment is rapidly reducing the reverberation within particular application. office layout. “Pods are becoming changing,” said Ian Strangward, MD of a room to improve clarity of audio Patrick Devlin, MD of interior fit-out project management and spoken word,” he said. partitioning and interiors contractor more prominent for meeting firm Architectural Wallsz and chair of Furniture manufacturer Vosseler, agrees that there is now an spaces, particularly in media and tech offices where the move is the FIS Partition Forum. One of the Orangebox, for example, has increased focus on office acoustics, away from cellular offices,” he changes resulting from the evolution already muscled in on this particularly the increased use of said. However, he highlighted how in mobile technology, according to Mr developing market with its Air range audio visual equipment and video Strangward, is a move towards what of acoustic pods. However, steel and conferencing. “We have introduced lawyers and accountants will still need privacy afforded by good he calls “the sharing economy”, glazed partitioning manufacturer a perforated panel system which or collaborative consumption, as it Troax Lee is already active in this incorporates acoustic absorption to partitioning solutions. is sometimes known. This is where market. “We make meeting pods both improve the sound quality in a In addition to technology driving individuals can rent space in an for firms such as John Lewis,” said room and stop noise break-out from change in the partitioning sector, underused part of an office, for Cassandra Pelkey-Hook, export sales the space impacting the surrounding Mr Edwards predicts that future changes to environmental and example. “Companies are recognising and marketing coordinator at the areas,” he explained. health and safety standards could that their offices are a big asset that is company. Its 4-sided self-enclosed In response to this growth in often underused,” he explained. pods are assembled from the audio visual and video conferencing start to drive change. “Increasingly rigorous environmental standards company’s various single and double in offices, Vosseler’s innovative Of course, having a stranger or group of strangers sit in the corner of skin partitioning systems to suit a new partitioning solutions integrate such as SKA and BREEAM could your office will necessitate changes, the main one being an increased need for privacy. “The sharing economy is starting to drive a different style of office that partitioning manufacturers will have to adapt to,” he continued. “You will still need the acoustic isolation of private meeting rooms but you may not need conventional offices with desks.” He anticipates sharing economy offices will “probably start to morph into mini hotel receptions with a coffee bar in the corner and maybe a gym at the side to make the place attractive to workers to lease”. In these new offices, Mr Strangward explained how “acoustic pods” will be in demand from innovative partitioning suppliers. “In terms of innovation it will make acoustics far more important; not just in reducing sound Sektor’s glass partitioning systems have created a tailored office design for pet supplies company Zooplus. breakout from a space but also in 24 Advertising 01926 420660
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drive the market for reusable, relocatable partitions,” he commented. Similarly, future evolution of health and safety legislation may start to have an impact on the design of partitioning systems, particularly those systems with large glazed panels. Mr Edwards continued: “Designers want big glazed partitions in old buildings that are being refurbished, but the problem is that these are often too large to fit in the lifts and so heavy glazed panels have to be carried by hand up the stairs.” Future changes to health and safety rules could bring an end to this practice, ending the trend for large frameless glazed partitions with, instead, the industry seeing many more smaller panels used “perhaps with transoms introduced into the system”. Partition glazing is an area in which Architectural Wallsz’ Ian Strangward also predicts change. He expects a move to modular glazing solutions manufactured off-site. Currently most partitioning systems are fitted by installing a
supporting frame; the areas left open to house the glazing are then site-measured and the bespoke glass is then manufactured, which generally takes about seven days before it is delivered to site for installation. “There is a market for glazed units to be assembled as a semi-finished product in the factory to cut down on-site labour,” he explained. “The innovation will come from manufacturers that can develop an innovative, flexible product that has the capability to create a bespoke office environment.” The biggest driver for innovation in the whole of construction, and not just the partitioning sector, is Building Information Modelling (BIM). This is the year – the deadline is April 2016 – when all government projects will have to be developed in a BIM environment. “Partitioning companies that are developing digital data for input into the BIM project model are going to be the ones that will win all the large-scale projects,” said Mr Strangward.
Troax Lee tailors its partition systems to create bespoke 4-sided self-enclosed structures.
However, he highlighted that there are some demountable partitioning suppliers using BIM as an opportunity to steal a march on their competitors by developing software that not only generates installation drawings and cost information but that also enables occupiers to reconfigure the partitioning layout virtually. The software then identifies that, say, 85 per cent of the partitioning system can be reused in the new layout and then produces a list of the additional
partitioning components that need to be purchased to adapt the existing partitioning system for the new application. With all these developments a foot, perhaps the next 20 years will see the offices in which people work change faster than the technology they are using to carry out their work. FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org
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LEGAL
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Cash retentions: the fight continues Barrister Professor Rudi Klein provides an update of progress on lobbying to protect cash retentions.
The £40 million lost last year could have funded 4,000 apprentices in the construction industry! The government’s review of retentions
The government is now undertaking a cost benefit analysis of the retention system. It aims to eliminate retentions by 2025. The following is from a House of Commons debate:
Construction Sector: Cash Retention David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP):
“What steps are the Government taking to tackle cash retentions within the construction sector?” The Minister for Skills (Nick Boles): “We are working with the industry through the Construction Leadership Council and its supply chain payment charter, which includes a commitment to zero retentions by 2025”.
The retention scam
Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group revealed that some local authorities were deducting 10 per cent retentions – double the norm – and others were using retention monies for the purpose of investment on the overnight money markets!
•
Parties withholding the monies will often seek to blackmail small firms by refusing to release the monies unless they were prepared to reduce their final accounts.
At any one time, £3 billion worth of retention monies are outstanding in the construction industry. As well we
•
The final part of the retention monies is usually expected to be released after one year. In reality, the wait for the release of the monies can be upwards of two years – in some cases as long as five or six years.
•
•
In 2015 approximately £40 million worth of retentions was lost by small firms because of upstream insolvencies. The largest loss resulted from the demise of GB Building Solutions. In law, retention monies belong to the firm from whom they were withheld; they are deducted from payments that have become due. Furthermore, on public sector projects, subcontractors will always lose their retention monies when the main contractor goes bust. The main contractor does not have such risk since public bodies don’t go into insolvency.
One of the themes in the Enterprise Bill relates to payment practices with the small business commissioner being tasked with adjudicating payment complaints against large companies. I covered the shortcomings in the proposal for a small business commissioner in the January issue of SpecFinish, but during the debate on the Bill in the House of Lords the government acknowledged that it also needed to address the practice of withholding retention monies in the construction industry.
all know, the ostensible purpose of retention monies is to provide security in the event that a contractor does not, for whatever reason, return to remedy defects. But the abuse in the system is nothing short of scandalous. The withheld monies are rarely released voluntarily. The cost in chasing the monies and challenging refusals to release the monies often means that small firms write off millions of pounds of retentions each year.
• The monies are invariably used to improve the working capital of the party withholding them. Research carried out last year by the 26 Advertising 01926 420660
HANSARD 15 Sep 2015: Column 891 All this is welcome. A review of the retentions system is long overdue and, assuming it leads to the abolition of the system, so much the better. (As long ago as 2002, the Trade and Industry Select Committee recommended the phasing out of the system. This recommendation was repeated again by the same Committee in 2008.) But, in the meantime, small businesses in the industry continue to suffer unacceptable abuse and the risk of losing their monies due to insolvencies. Even if we were to assume that the practice of deducting cash retentions will be eliminated by 2025 and if the insolvency losses incurred in 2015 are to be repeated each year, then by 2025 small businesses in the industry will have lost £400 million!
What still needs to be done
The overriding priority now is to ensure that, until this happens, cash retentions are placed in a ring-fenced or protected account. A suitable model is the tenancy deposit schemes that operate under the 2004 Housing Act. Deposits paid in connection with shorthold tenancies must be placed in a government authorised deposit scheme. Similarly, retention monies should be placed in a secure deposit account. This would accord with legislation already introduced in certain EU states, certain Australian and US States, and, very recently, in New Zealand. If the government was to adopt a similar solution this would complement its current review and, far from pre-empting a solution which the government might come up with, it would help realise the aim of abolishing
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LEGAL www.thefis.org
What can SpecFinish readers do now? The Enterprise Bill is now in the House of Commons. Send this article to your MP. Ask if your MP would support a measure for inclusion in the Bill that cash retentions are placed in a retention deposit account (similar to the model already adopted for tenancy deposit schemes). retentions by 2025. If cash retentions have to Moreover the available solutions for be placed in trust, or in a deposit account, this effective protection of cash retentions are would also deter those wishing to deduct and very limited. A legislative solution would use them for purposes for which they were not be the most effective solution to protect intended; there would be little point in these funds (as other jurisdictions have withholding the cash unless one can use it. acknowledged). When considered fully, why would anyone If we were to achieve this, banks and other object to funds belonging to a small business lending institutions would be prepared to being protected from misuse and/or total increase their lending to small firms on the loss (often because of events over which that back of the security provided by retention business has no influence or control)? This monies being held in a secure account. This issue has already been addressed in a different would, in turn, help to promote growth and sector – the rented property sector; why not productivity in the small business sector, which HIR SpecFinish Half Pg Ad_Layout 1 15/02/2016 14:33 Page 1 apply the same principles to cash retentions? the government says it is keen to promote.
MEP Hire Mechanical, Electrical & Low Level Access Specialist
Do you have any cash retention horror stories? Let your MP know and forward them to the Editor (anonymity will be preserved unless you state otherwise). It’s about time that we ended the scandal of the abuse and misuse of cash retentions.
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FEATURE
TECHNOLOGY
www.specfinish.co.uk
No clear route to BIM Level 2 compliance In January’s SpecFinish, we heard from London Drywall’s John Butler on the BIM-related issues he sees in the building finishes sector. Continuing the BIM theme, Jim Nania, chairman of interior architectural contractor Stortford Interiors, discusses the challenges that the supply chain faces in its attempts to become BIM Level 2 compliant.
Common platform
We work with a number of tier 1 contractors, but as they each have different interpretations of BIM requirements, the software to go with these requirements differs too. This can make life difficult for smaller contractors. Without the resources of tier 1 major contractors, smaller contractors have to throw their hat behind the one system used by the majority of their current clients, and hope that it fits all.
Third party accreditation
Our second frustration comes about because protocols haven’t been finalised. Even though the government has set the April 2016 deadline, it is our understanding that all of the protocols for BIM Level 2 are yet to be completed. Without these protocols in place, there can’t be an industry certification scheme that is vital for third party accreditation to be compliant. As it stands, we need external auditors to give validation, otherwise we have a situation where there are companies stating they are compliant, but only doing so by self-certifying. This is confusing: the compliancy process cannot be completed when the protocols have yet to be. The industry is relying on self-certification; surely that raises a question over the compliance of the businesses making self-certifying claims. At Stortford Interiors, we always want to see third party accreditation so that when we state we are BIM Level 2 compliant, we have our certifications to prove that we are.
A clear guide
Stortford Interiors is a huge supporter of the concept of BIM – the company believes in what is a fantastic concept. Having said that, we feel that there are three issues to be addressed on the road to becoming Level 2 compliant, which all businesses must be by April 2016 if they wish to be involved with centrally procured government-funded projects. As a reminder – and as helpfully outlined in FIS’s BIM ToolBox for Specialist Contractors – the specific elements of BIM Level 2 are: 3D object-based models; 2D drawings in CAD or PDF format; digital non-graphical information (specifications, schedules, programmes, progress reports and cost information); and structured data to allow the building operator to manage the 30 Advertising 01926 420660
building. And achieving BIM Level 2 maturity requires: file-based collaboration and library management; input by all parties during the project lifecycle; production of a series of domain-specific models; the context of a common data environment; and provision of a single environment to store shared data and information. So, what’s stopping specialist contractors being able to achieve – and prove – BIM Level 2 compliance? As we see it, there are three key issues. The first is that there isn’t a common platform to work with; secondly there’s a lack of third party accreditation; and finally there isn’t a simple guide for small businesses to follow because the processes differ greatly.
The third issue is to address the fact that we have to go down various routes to satisfy tier one contractors’ individual BIM requirements. Because of these diverse requirements, there isn’t a clear, accessible and uniform guide for small and medium sized specialist contractors, who have limited funds to complete the process. We’re committed to putting resources behind what is necessary to get Stortford Interiors to BIM Level 2 compliancy and are confident in doing so. We’re working closely with FIS. They’re leading the way for our sector by producing useful guidance such as the BIM ToolBox, which can be downloaded from their website. This has helped us enormously. The government and major clients started the process; they now need to lead it. BIM Level 2 is a standard that must be achieved right through the supply chain to the tier 1 contractor. The way BIM Level 2 stands at the moment, we feel it is being compromised. FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org
FEATURE
TECHNOLOGY
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MARKET ANALYSIS
WINTER 2015 FORECAST
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Construction outlook remains upbeat for five years Despite the ups and downs – a strong first half, a slowdown in the third quarter and weakness in early data for Q4 – construction industry output in 2015 was estimated to have expanded by a healthy 3.9 per cent to reach £131.6 billion, according to the Construction Products Association’s latest winter forecast. CPA economist Amandeep Bahra looks at 2016 and beyond.
Even though 2015 output was strong, expanding at a healthy 3.9 per cent, construction output for this year is forecast to grow only 3.6 per cent, down from the 3.8 per cent predicted in the CPA’s autumn forecast. This downward revision primarily reflects the weakness in private housing repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) and in commercial retail. Beyond 2016, the outlook appears bright for the construction industry, with growth rates revised up for each year until 2019. In 2019, construction output is projected to reach a value of £153.9 billion, which is 15.3 per cent higher than its pre-recession level in 2007. So, what is the outlook for key sectors? 32 Advertising 01926 420660
More or less the same for housing
Without doubt, the housing sector will remain among the key players. This will be led by the private housing sector, with output estimated to have risen 7.0 per cent in 2015 and starts up by 5.0 per cent. Looking ahead, the conditions for the private housing sector will more or less remain the same as 2015. First, government policies such as Help to Buy schemes will continue to stimulate demand, while housing supply will remain constrained. Second, problems surrounding the recruitment of skilled labour and the inevitable feed-through into higher costs for house builders are likely to hold back the sector’s ability to deliver on housing numbers. Despite this, there is still a degree of
optimism for the medium-term and, as a result, we expect output in the private housing sector to grow 5.0 per cent in both 2016 and 2017. For 2017, this is an upward revision compared to the 2.0 per cent projected in the autumn forecast, reflecting the increased government stimulus underpinning demand.
Regional markets remains attractive
The overall picture for commercial will broadly remain the same, with growth unsurprisingly led by the offices subsector. As in 2015, activity will continue to increase outside of London, particularly in Manchester and Birmingham, as companies and investors look to expand beyond the capital. In Birmingham, 969,000 sq. ft of office space is currently under construction, with development at its highest in 13 years, according to Deloitte’s latest Birmingham Crane Survey. This includes some of the largest projects such as the 210,000 sq. ft head office for HSBC at Arena Central and the £500 million redevelopment of Paradise Circus. In addition, work on Birmingham’s tallest building, which will provide 150,000 sq. ft of office space and forms part of the £200 million Beorma Quarter development in Digbeth, is expected to start this year. Despite increased investor interest in regional markets, London will still provide some support to the subsector. On one hand the economic backdrop remains largely supportive, with business investment and employment levels strong. On the other hand, the London offices market remains highly exposed to the uncertainty in the global economy. In addition to this, new orders fell 18.6 per cent in 2015 Q3, a second consecutive quarterly contraction, reflecting cost pressure on developers. So, are we likely to see growth rates ease? Is it time to call caution for the London offices market? Setting aside these concerns, the pipeline appears strong in the capital, with major projects underway, including the 867,000 sq. ft 100 Bishopsgate and 120 Fenchurch Street. Overall, across Great Britain, offices output is forecast to grow 7.0 per cent in both 2016 and 2017.
A retail surprise?
In the retail subsector, despite favourable economic conditions and growth led by consumer spending, output was estimated to have contracted by 10.0 per cent in 2015. For this year, no growth is forecast, followed by 2.0 per cent growth in 2017. Asda is expected to slow expansion of small convenience stores in London and hold back 1,000 click-and-collect sites across the UK by 2018, instead planning to refurbish 95 large existing stores. In contrast, discount retailers are continuing recent strategies to gain market share through expansion. Aldi, for example, expects to open 80 new stores in 2016, part of its
WINTER 2015 FORECAST
MARKET ANALYSIS www.thefis.org
plan for 1,000 stores to be delivered by 2022. Despite the mixed picture for supermarkets, previously a strong driver of retail construction growth, major shopping centre expansions, such as the £400 million redevelopment of Oxford Westgate and the £1 billion redevelopment of Croydon’s Whitgift shopping centre, will also contribute to growth.
Spotlight remains on warehouses
Strong growth of online shopping has also meant that activity remains skewed towards the warehouses industrial subsector. In December, on a yearly basis, online retail sales rose 8.2 per cent, whereas overall retail sales fell by 1.0 per cent. Given the increase in online retail, there is widely expected to be a structural change in the retail industry in the next ten years. Reflecting this underlying demand, warehouse take-up levels reached 17.5 million sq. ft in the first three quarters of 2015, which is one million above the long-term average, according to Savills. With this trend expected to continue, the warehouses subsector is forecast to grow 10.0 per cent in 2016 and 5.0 per cent in 2017. All in all, the outlook for construction appears optimistic. With continued growth expected in housing and offices, the prospects for the supply
chain remain bright. We hasten to point out, however, that key risks remain, notably around skills shortages and labour costs which are already impacting projects. Piling on to the challenges,
uncertainty around the global economic growth, particularly the weakness in China and uncertainty regarding the EU referendum, are posing a downside risk over the forecast period.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
www.specfinish.co.uk
Right decisions make a safe workplace Health and safety measures are often focused on processes and machinery, and how best to protect employees and the general public from the dangers inherent in each. However, the people involved in every process also present potential hazards. And this is where behavioural health and safety programmes can help. Visible health and safety measures are easy to spot on construction sites. A couple of instantly recognisable examples of these being the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring that guard rails are in place to help keep people out of harm’s way. But to focus solely on these kinds of provisions is dangerous in itself; in every process, there are people involved. These people also present potential hazards that need to be considered and addressed as part of any comprehensive
health and safety plan, and focusing on behavioural safety is the way to do this.
What is behavioural safety?
At the most basic level, behavioural safety attempts to define what is, and is not, acceptable behaviour in the workplace. Of particular interest is the mitigation of incidents that are believed to have been caused by human error. Behavioural safety is as much a culture of
welfare-first thinking as it is a series of procedures; a management-led drive to encourage responsible behaviour in the workplace. Employees at every level need to be reminded to give careful consideration to their on-site activities, following each one through to its logical conclusion. If they discover a potential risk during this period of self-evaluation, they will need to adjust their actions accordingly. In this way, behavioural safety becomes a
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form of constant personal risk assessment, but one that doesn’t negatively affect the working culture that makes the workplace enjoyable for employees. That said, some employees may need an amount of ‘re-education’ to reverse bad habits.
What are the challenges of implementing behavioural safety plans?
Although the goal of any health and safety programme is to protect employees, there are often political hurdles to adoption of behavioural safety Why is behavioural safety standards. Many employees will so important? feel that they are being unfairly The way that employees act as singled-out by management. they carry out their duties has Some may even feel that they a direct bearing on workplace are being made to carry the safety. A bit of banter here, a blame for organisational bad habit there, and the failings, particularly if there is potential for accidents increases little evidence of these behavioural exponentially. Left unchecked, these changes being enacted at every level behaviours can become ingrained in your of the business. company’s culture, creating potential blind spots If the culture shifts too far towards placing in all of your projects and processes. Should this the blame for accidents onto the individual, your happen, your business will find it increasingly hard business may struggle to identify and implement to protect employees because risk assessments organisation-wide improvements. will naturally ignore poor behaviour and practices This negativity makes it hard to execute a that have become the norm. behavioural safety programme successfully. It Behavioural safety programmes have the is even harder to keep one running when faced added advantage of encouraging dialogue with outright hostility from the people you are between employees and management. With trying to protect. Open communication between feedback at all levels, businesses can boost safety employees and management will be essential to provisions and potentially gather information that underscore the message that behaviour in the can be used for other purposes, such as workplace is a serious matter, one that has increasing efficiency or cutting costs. potentially massive repercussions.
Get some help
Like most health and safety issues, it often helps to have an impartial third party come on board to help assess current provisions and identify gaps and failings. With the assistance of a third party such as Veritas Consulting, you can create a strategy to address these shortcomings and benefit from the consultancy’s experience to decide how you will go about implementing a behavioural safety framework. Behavioural safety programmes can be expensive – particularly when they identify workplace habits that will require additional investment to rectify. It is vital then that the programme is seen through to its conclusion, otherwise the funding allocated will have been wasted. You need to know what you are trying to achieve, and how to measure progress towards those goals. By taking best-practice advice in this way, your business can avoid many of the pitfalls that cause many improvement programmes to fail. Get in touch today and let us demonstrate how you can better protect your workforce with a behavioural safety strategy. FIND OUT MORE DAVID CANT Veritas Consulting www.veritas-consulting.co.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 35
TRAINING www.specfinish.co.uk
Trailblazer Apprenticeships – The way forward? The challenges we face as a sector are well-known. We’re competing in a global race where the link between education and economic success has never been more important, but many young people leave education ill-prepared for the world of work. FIS training manager Jeremy Clayton considers how Trailblazer Apprenticeships can help trainees to quickly acquire the skills required in our sector. Where school leavers might sometimes lack the skills or attributes of good communication, self-motivation, confidence and character, vocational education is meant to help bridge the gap between school and business. But too many of our young people are left without the ability to realise their potential because the present
system is failing to equip them with the skills needed and wanted by employers. This hits both the employers’ bottom line and the prospects of millions. None of this will come as a surprise to employers struggling with recruitment. But it doesn’t have to be like this. The government wants to put education and employers
together and get young people ready for the world of work. Vocational education will play a vital role in this. The government’s paymaster general, Matt Hancock, commented in August 2015: “We’re transforming qualifications, removing the poorest from league tables, and working with employers and others to develop top-calibre qualifications
like the new Trailblazer Apprenticeships announced in December 2014. We’re helping young people move from education into employment and, indeed, on to apprenticeships where they can learn and develop. We expect many trainees to follow this route. “With our reforms to drive up quality, apprenticeships are truly taking off: tougher standards, grading throughout, more assessments at the end and a requirement for apprenticeships to last a minimum of 12 months.”
Trailblazer Apprenticeships
Trailblazers are groups of employers in common sectors who rewrite the apprenticeships standards for job roles in their sector. These standards will, in time, go on to replace the existing frameworks that the current apprenticeships are based on. Some of our biggest businesses and trade bodies, and, crucially, many smaller firms in the supply chain, are at
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TRAINING www.thefis.org
of skills, knowledge and attitudes that employees need to demonstrate in their sector. But while it’s great to see businesses raising standards in this way, this work can only have a real impact if the funding follows the best training. The government has committed to putting money into the hands of employers so that they can decide which training best meets their needs, and buy it.
FIS is taking steps
the forefront of this reform. The first Trailblazers across eight sectors included BAE, the National Grid, Cisco, Jaguar Land Rover, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Nestlé, the Royal Society of Chemistry and Santander; they quite literally
rewrote the rulebook. These Trailblazers have produced shorter, clearer standards – written by employers for employers – against which they can easily measure themselves. In doing so, they have created a description
Because opportunities to reboot apprenticeships and transform vocational education don’t come along often, FIS has taken the initiative to co-ordinate the work carried out by the National Working Group for the revision of National Occupational Standards, which form the basis of NVQs in our industry, and dovetail this into a new Trailblazer for our sector. In January, FIS submitted an expression of interest to the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills (DBIS) to kick-start the process of establishing a Trailblazer Apprenticeship for the finishes and interiors sector. By pulling together employers and FIS members, and simplifying the language and processes, FIS aims to produce a standard for new entrants into our sector which reflects the skills and knowledge experienced workers achieve. FIS’s aim is to make the Trailblazer more rigorous, more responsive and more ambitious, helping to nail, once and for all, the mismatch between the skills employers want and those that young people have to offer. In doing so, it hopes that employers will be able to tap into the vast reservoir of talent on offer in this country and build a high-quality workforce that maximises productivity, now and for the future. FIND OUT MORE Jeremy Clayton jeremyclayton@thefis.org
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FIS NEWS www.specfinish.co.uk
Calendar of events FIS Awards Lunch Dorchester Hotel, London 7 June 2016 FIS Scottish Awards George Hotel, Edinburgh 9 September 2016 FIS Members’ Meetings Glasgow 22 March 2016 (2–6pm) London 21 April 2016 (9–12.30pm) Birmingham 16 June 2016 (2–6pm) Manchester 29 September 2016 (2–6pm)
Welcome to new FIS members Ben Johnson Ltd www.benjohnson.co.uk
Ben Johnson provides total workplace solutions throughout Yorkshire and the North East.
CCF’s new low-cab trucks designed for safety Distributor CCF has invested in two new Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks designed to protect vulnerable road users and meet the safety criteria of major contractors in London. CCF plays a proactive role in the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) programme and adheres to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). These Econic chassis trucks, which will operate from CCF East London and Borehamwood branches, feature panoramic windscreens and low-level entry cabs to provide improved views and eye contact at the critical nearside front of the vehicle. And,
like all new vehicles in the CCF fleet, the trucks are fitted with electronic proximity alerts. One of the Econic vehicles will include a special jubilee Moffett truck-mounted forklift, purchased at the manufacturer’s 70th anniversary charity auction. All CCF drivers operating within the capital have also completed a Safe Urban Driving course, which includes half a day on a bike to provide experience of being a vulnerable road user. FIND OUT MORE www.ccfltd.co.uk
Starke Arvid Ltd www.starkearvid.co.uk
Starke Arvid produces intelligent materials handling equipment that facilitates work within the construction sector.
Schofield Commercial Interiors Ltd www.sciltd.org.uk
Schofield Commercial Interiors is an independent interior fit-out and refurbishment company based in Derbyshire.
Wow Contracting Ltd www.wowcontracting.com
Wow Contracting are specialist building contractors working across private residential, commercial residential and leisure sectors.
Style Building Ltd www.stylebuildingltd.co.uk
Style Building is a London-based specialist building contractor that provides design solutions for commercial fit-out.
Gypsum Plasterers Ltd www.gypsumplasterers.com
Gypsum Plasterers are specialist interior and exterior subcontractors within the drywall and interior finishes market.
Edmont Ltd www.edmont.co.uk
Edmont takes on diverse projects from historic ‘heritage’ building restoration to modern airport, retail and office fit-out.
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Worksmart completes contract and opens new office Worksmart Contracts Manchester has carried out an extensive refurbishment for QBM Distributors as part of its relocation to offices in central Leeds. The six-week project consisted of full strip-out works, new metal studding and drylining, suspended ceilings, glazed partitions and full electrical and data cabling systems. The work was carried out as part of an agreed development programme with the offices of QBM’s sister company, SFS intec, completed by Worksmart earlier in the year. Richard Cooper, QBM (SFS) director, said: “We had no previous experience of working with Worksmart Contracts until our
office refurbishment in 2015. During the build we had regular and professional update meetings, actions got ticked off and the whole thing came together on time. The project included some tricky details and a few changes along the way, but Worksmart performed well and accommodated our alterations and emerging requirements.” In January, Worksmart opened its new Edinburgh office at Shandwick Place, which will be headed up by regional manager Gary McGurk. FIND OUT MORE www.makeitworksmart.co.uk
FIS NEWS www.thefis.org
George Appleton Carole Bailey reappointed
BW aims for 100 per cent defect-free by 2018
to CITB Council
George Appleton, a sector personality and former managing director of CPD and SIG Ireland, sadly lost his battle with Carole Bailey, group financial motor neurone disease in January at the director at Dulley Ceilings and age of 58. Partitions and FIS board George entered the industry in 1977 member, has been reappointed working nights at TAP Stafford to fund his to the CITB Council for a further university education and then joining the three years. TT Group after he graduated. Commenting on her By 1998 George had progressed to reappointment, Ms Bailey managing director at CP Supplies, which said: “Having sat on the CITB he transformed into a national network of Council during its first year, I interior distribution branches. Along with felt that there was a great deal Colin Fotheringham, George then created more to be achieved and that CPD Distribution. He took the helm at continuity of members would CAPCO in Ireland, which mirrored SIG’s only enhance this. activities in the UK, and consolidated “With the CITB currently undergoing its own internal various businesses to form what is now restructure, we need to ensure that our sector is able to SIG Ireland. achieve maximum benefit from CITB. George was a ferocious Manchester City “I see my key role as promoting our requirements and supporter, a keen follower of Lancashire advising CITB on the issues that matter to us: promoting Cricket and a huge ruby fan. His funeral construction, apprenticeship funding, up-skilling, was held last month and was attended by trailblazing and training.” his large family (George was one of ten children) togetherfor with friends from the FIND OUT 1MORE 27965 Solutions Subcontractors AD 188x130_Layout 23/09/2015 16:10 Page 1 industry and his personal life. www.citb.co.uk
BW has set out its objective to deliver every project defect-free at practical completion, or DF@PC, by 2018. BW explains its approach to achieving this target as being a combination of hundreds of micro-changes within the company and best practice sharing. Key drivers behind the objective are: to reassure clients that their job will be finished to an exemplary standard; to make the client experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible; and to reduce waste, in terms of material and time, which has a clear impact upon the bottom lines of business and those of the consultants and subcontractors they work with. The starting point for BW is having mutual respect among all the parties involved in a project, and understanding that everyone plays a critical part in ensuring that the mutual client ends up with the project they want. BW collects feedback on every party on every project. FIND OUT MORE www.wearebw.com
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www.specfinish.co.uk 39
manufacturing world-class interiors
SAS System 720 at Kingsgate House, Zig Zag Building, London
For over 45 years, SAS International has been trusted worldwide to deliver long-term value. For more information on our comprehensive range of performance and design led systems, please contact us. www.sasint.co.uk
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