SpecFinish - July 2016 by FIS Finishes and Interiors Sector

ÂŁ3.50 July 2016

www.specfinish.co.uk

FIS Awards showcase Page 17

Plastering: Productive opportunities p15

Facades: Early involvement is key

p26

Market analysis: Focus on education p29

www.specfinish.co.uk

INSIDE THE JULY ISSUE OF SPECFINISH 04 Voice of the industry: Moving on 15 Plastering: Skills and productivity 17 FIS Contractors Awards 2016: The 2016 winners revealed 26 Facades: Early involvement makes all the difference 29 Market Analysis: The changing landscape of student accommodation 30 Head to Head: What creates the perfect project? 32 Legal: More case law on payment notices 34 Health and safety: Occupational health – stop monitoring, start preventing 36 Training: A detailed look at the new Apprenticeship Levy FRONT COVER: Lakeside Ceilings and Partitions’ drywall project achieves Gold at FIS Awards.

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.

Printer: Emmerson Press

02 Advertising 01926 420660

Britain decides on Europe As SpecFinish went to press the country had taken a big step forward to deciding its future outside the European Union. The promise of new opportunities, tackling the housing crisis, creating greater international trade and making sure the country has the right skills weighed heavily on voters. The majority of companies operating in the finishes and interiors sector work predominantly in the UK so there is not expected to be much change in the near term. In advance of the referendum vote, FIS was unable to establish a consensus position within its membership and therefore remained neutral, as did other key trade bodies within the construction industry. FIS chief executive David Frise explained: “This has been a political issue and now we know which route we are to follow, we must refocus our strategy of being committed to developing skills in our sector, driving up standards and ensuring that members have a platform to create opportunities. “Much debate took place about what continued access to the EU market would mean and the relevance of compliance with EU directives. British Standards are, of course, highly regarded, and FIS is active in updating relevant standards such as BS 5212 and protecting members’ interests.” FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk

Emerging design talent Shaw Contract Group has partnered with The Cass Faculty of Art, Architecture and Design, at London Metropolitan University, to recognise talented design students with its new A2d Emerging Talent Award. Interior design students at The Cass were asked to explore the working space of BT Sport’s broadcasting centre situated in the former Olympic press buildings in Queen Elizabeth II Park, Stratford. Factors under consideration included wellbeing, space planning and spatial experience. The judges selected Nadezda Berga as the winner of the A2d Emerging Talent Award with the people’s prize – judged by the public – going to Anastasiya Vodolagina. FIND OUT MORE www.shawcontractgroup.com

Rising metal prices creates uncertainty Despite the collapse in steel prices specialist contractors in the finishes and interiors sector are bracing themselves for significant rises in the cost of metal components used in ceilings, drylining, partitioning and SFS. During recent weeks suppliers and manufacturers have been advising contractors that metal prices will be going up and that quotations may need to be revised. Suppliers have said a number of factors are currently influencing the price of steel globally and steel coil suppliers have warned of substantial price increases up to 25 per cent in the second half of 2016. David Frise, chief executive at FIS, said: “A combination of significant price rises, difficulty in negotiating longer-term agreements and a reduction in the amount of steel exported from China are identified as the prime causes by manufacturers. This may also lead to longer lead times for procurement. Members are advised to check tender quotes and be aware of additional costs.” Ann Fisher, global procurement category director – boards and ceilings, at SIG, said: “We’ve worked very hard to maintain price stability in a market sector that is still under pressure. If the market dynamics force metal component prices to change, we need to understand, and substantiate to the

market clearly, the facts and the evolution of price changes to demonstrate why they’ve changed so that we can work with our supply chain partners to plan changes in the most effective way for supply of contracts.” Angela Mansell, operations director at Manchester-based Mansell Finishes, said: “Price increases are a real risk for subcontractors to manage and specialists could catch a cold if they’ve been signing up to jobs now and fixing their price for 12 months. My advice would be to say no to fixed price.” Tom McLoughlin, chief executive at MACS Plasterboard, commented: “The price increases will have a definite knock-on effect on subcontractors’ profit margins, especially if they are working on longer-term projects and don’t have the ability to rationalise the price increases. Subcontractors will have to determine whether they pass on the price increase to main contractors.” Business leaders say main contractors should get orders placed quickly to secure greater certainty of over costs. FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org

www.thefis.org

Costs rise during first quarter The latest State of Trade Survey from Build UK, which covers the first quarter of 2016, has shown that costs are continuing to rise with two thirds reporting higher labour costs than 12 months ago. Respondents reported that while output rose slightly, 39 per cent experienced an increase in building costs with 43 per cent saying labour costs had increased compared to the previous quarter. Contractors also mentioned having difficulty in recruiting supervisors, managers, professional and technical staff along with bricklayers and cladders. Contractors remained positive overall about future prospects with 52 per cent expecting an increase in workload over the next year. Industrial and commercial sectors were seen as particular growth areas. Suzannah Nichol, chief executive at Build UK, said: “There continues to be mixed messages in terms of growth; however, industry intelligence shows increasing levels of activity over the last quarter. Employers are experiencing rises in both material and labour costs as they head towards maximum capacity and this continues to highlight difficulties in recruiting appropriate skills at all levels.”

FIS Contractors Awards 2016 winners announced

Stortford Interiors (UK) took Gold in the Specialist Joinery category at the Contractors Awards for its installation of a bespoke joinery package at the exclusive Fitzroy Club, London. The Awards were announced at the annual FIS Awards Lunch, held at The Dorchester Hotel, London, on 7 June, where more than 460 members and guests gathered. FIND OUT MORE Turn to pages 17 to 22 for the winners’ gallery

FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk

Solutions for any Drywall Application

• • • • • •

Metal systems fully tested and certified with all major board brands. Thermal laminate products for RMI and New Build solutions. A wide range of finishing and jointing products available. Fixings to secure any drywall application. Access panel and riser door solutions. Speedline Drywall products are available exclusively from SIG plc.

Find a Speedline Drywall Stockist nationwide at

www.speedlinedrywall.co.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 03

COMMENT & OPINION www.specfinish.co.uk

Editor’s column So, what was all that referendum stuff about? Take away the political debate and the fallout from last month’s vote will have a huge impact on the future of the finishes and interiors sector. There’s a lot of trust being placed in the winning team. While all the forecasters we now chose to believe say that construction output will continue to grow over the medium term, the skills shortage won’t go away, and it is probably the biggest challenge facing the whole industry. The introduction of Trailblazers (turn to page 36) as the new standard for all apprenticeship qualifications, the new Apprenticeship Levy and a resulting restructure to CITB funding mean taking on an apprentice seems more complex than before. Is the sector just rearranging the deck chairs, or is it a real opportunity? With resources likely to continue to be in short supply this will add pressure to costs, and inevitably the viability of some contracts. But even with the collapse in steel prices, specialist contractors in our sector are bracing themselves for significant cost increases on metal components used in ceilings, drylining, partitioning and SFS (see page 2). Anecdotal evidence suggests that price rises for similar components are higher in the UK than in other European countries. A huge part of the conversation during the last few months has been around regulations and creating a common market, so are we seeing early signs of regional price differentials growing? Undoubtedly, the market in parts of the country is hot. More and more we’ve heard about relationship building in the supply chain to allow contractors and their subcontractors to work in confidence and avoid conflict. Whether it is materials or skilled labour, the ultimate ingredient of success is an integrated supply chain working to a common goal with complete trust. Without trust, have the last few months of turmoil really been worth it all?

Adrian JG Marsh Editor 04 Advertising 01926 420660

Moving on As this edition goes to print the result of the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union will just be known and the fallout, whatever the result, will just be kicking off. There is likely to be a period of instability in government, as much of what has been said cannot be “unsaid”. The debate has been divisive and it is difficult to see how a government with a slim majority and such clear divisions will govern in the short term. A period of uncertainty is therefore probable and we will quite possibly continue to see little government activity in areas that impact upon FIS members in anything other than a broad economic sense. It will be our job at FIS to attempt to make sense of the outcome and work out how it will impact members. We already know there are a number of issues affecting members that will be subject to change, these include skills and training, availability of skilled labour, material prices, the impact of digitisation and new market opportunities. The availability of skilled labour has been highlighted by many members as an important issue for some time. Many supplement their workforce with labour from other EU countries and this is unlikely to change in the short term, regardless of the vote. There are, however, three government-led initiatives that will change the way we train apprentices and upskill staff. First are the new Trailblazer Apprenticeships which will change all apprenticeships and see the introduction of the new Digital Apprenticeship Service and Institute of Apprenticeships to police the frameworks. We then add the new Apprenticeship Levy payable for companies with a payroll of over £3 million, the details of which are still in preparation but it does mean that some members will pay this and the CITB levy. The third issue is the future of CITB. They need to gain consensus (a vote conducted every three years by the industry to retain the construction levy scheme) next summer. The industry could decide it no longer wants a construction training

levy. That, as they say, is a full agenda and takes some explanation about how this will change the training landscape. FIS will be issuing guidance and providing help through this process to ensure that members get a good return on whatever levy they are paying. I would urge members to become involved in the discussion, as much of the detail has yet to be decided. If you care about the future of training and skills in the sector, whether contractor or manufacturer, your contribution could make all the difference. Please complete this short online survey: www.thefis.org/apprentice-survey Material prices are another area of uncertainty. Before the vote, it was evident that double-digit steel prices were due in the summer. These rises are unrelated to the uncertainty around the vote but stress the impact of globalisation and, indeed, if there is political instability following the vote, this could impact the pound, causing further rises in imported products. Planning for this will be difficult but not impossible provided sufficient notice is given. We always try to look for the good news and there are two areas that might offer a little relief. Firstly, the Bonfield Review on energy efficiency will be published this month with recommendations that will increase demand for members’ services and products. The second is a change in the way we deal with flooding. One of the consequences of climate change is the increased frequency of weather “events” leading to flash flooding. We simply won’t be able to stop it raining and flood defences will not cope. We will therefore need to make buildings – old and new – more resilient. Simple things like moving electrical sockets above the water line and water-resistant products. This will be an opportunity to innovate, something we really can do well. DAVID FRISE FIS chief executive www.thefis.org

VIEWPOINT

www.thefis.org

Communication: a grumpy old man’s view Nevill Long’s managing director, Dave Bonner, tells SpecFinish how, aside from personal milestones such as marriage and the birth of children, there have been three significant dates which, for him, heralded major changes, not only in his life but in the ways we all work and communicate within our businesses today. When Microsoft released ‘Office’ on 1 August 1988, with its now rudimentary package of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, the way in which we worked was turned on its head. Overnight, we gained the ability to type fluently, compile complex statistics with complicated formulas, and create whizzy presentations with words and images flying in from all corners (accompanied by

the sounds of Formula 1 cars leaving the grid, if so desired). Our desktops evolved further. With ‘Outlook’ we abolished the need to talk to one another, instead opting to fire calendar invites through cyberspace and sit waiting for confirmation from the person sat opposite. With the arrival of the iPhone on 1 June 2007, we gained the advantage of mobility. Making

ourselves available around the clock, we would feel guilty if we didn’t check our emails constantly while on holiday. How else were we going to explain the horrendous roaming charges? By the time 3 April 2010 brought us the iPad, we no longer had an excuse for failing to open our email attachments. Work was now truly 360 degrees, 24/7.

Our lives have been changed forever. Although I wouldn’t turn back the clock, I do think we could be in danger of losing the personal touch along the way. Technology can undoubtedly save a lot of time, but we shouldn’t underestimate the benefit of real conversation. At Nevill Long we know how important effective communication is in building meaningful business relationships. It’s that understanding, developed over time, which has seen us maintain our customer service focus and grow into the UK’s longest established ceiling distributor. As we’ve moved from ink and quill, to typewriter, telex, fax, phone and email, we’ve never lost the ability to find the right way to connect. As the late Bob Hoskins would have said, “It’s good to talk”. DAVE BONNER Nevill Long Managing director www.nevilllong.co.uk

www.specfinish.co.uk 05

PRODUCTS

www.specfinish.co.uk

Wondertex launches rapid-setting filler and smoother

New TOPIQ acoustic ceiling solutions from Knauf AMF Knauf AMF has launched an innovative range of high-performance acoustic ceiling solutions. AMF TOPIQ is a soft board, fleece-lined rock mineral wool panel with a colour coating on the visible side and edges. The product is lightweight, provides the highest rating for fire safety and maximises sound absorption without having to be suspended a long distance from the ceiling. Four styles are available. TOPIQ Prime ceiling tiles have a maximum sound absorption coefficient (aw) of 0.95, helping to absorb sound in the speech-related frequency range of 250 to 4000Hz. The TOPIQ Efficient Pro tile range helps to make meeting rooms, offices and other areas where private conversations take place even quieter as the tiles achieve the highest sound absorption coefficient of 1.0. The TOPIQ Efficient Pro Hygena ceiling tiles have an anti-microbial coating which is resistant to the growth of bacteria and mould, making them a good option for areas with stringent moisture-resistance requirements and strict hygiene standards. All AMF TOPIQ ceiling tiles come in sizes 600 x 600mm, 600 x 1200mm and 625 x 1250mm. TOPIQ Sonic Element are frameless ceiling rafts that can be used to create a monolithic finish. The rafts are installed with fixing wires attached to anchor points on the rafts to give the impression of floating. Different shapes and colours are available and each raft is fully colour coated on all sides. www.amfceilings.co.uk

The new prem fill & finish rapid from Wondertex is a powder blend rapid-setting filler and smoother designed for filling and finishing plasterboard joints and smoothing unwanted textured surfaces. Developed for plasterers and decorators, the product is multi-use and offers a quick turnaround for plasterboard jointing, surface smoothing, repair and snagging work. It can be applied to painted surfaces, saving time for contractors. Prem fill & finish rapid has a 30-minute working time, is available in 7.5kg buckets / 56 to a pallet and achieves coverage of up to 60 linear meters of tapered-edge plasterboard jointing. www.wondertex.co.uk

Golf academy solution from Sektor

Sektor has completed a unique project for the Golf Academy at Loretto School, an independent school in Edinburgh, by combining practical tuition space, private indoor studios and office accommodation. The Sektor team installed the Sektor 25 partitioning system to sit seamlessly alongside the academy’s new indoor golf practice facilities. Full-height glazed panels maximise light and ensure that each private studio offers a quiet and bright environment for independent study, as well as providing excellent visibility of the practical golfing area. Chosen for its frameless aesthetic and acoustic properties, the Sektor 25 partitioning system provides a performance of up to 39dB to limit the impact of noise from the practical golf teaching facilities. Craig Murie, managing director at SJS Property Services, said: “The Sektor team offered the full package of flexible design knowledge, product availability and swift turnaround, which meant the experience for us and the end-result for our client were perfect.” www.sektorinteriors.com

Armstrong launches an even sounder offer to acoustics Armstrong Ceilings has launched Perla OP dB, a premium mineral tile combining the high sound absorption of its OP range with the high sound attenuation of its dB range. The product will help specifiers, particularly in the education sector, reduce the amount of sound transferred from traffic routes to learning areas and also reduce the noise of rain on lightweight roof constructions, an issue for the offices sector. Using the Perla OP dB tile shows a 20dB improvement compared to roof-only construction. The Perla OP dB tile performs to sound absorption Class A (aw = 0.90), sound attenuation Dnfw 40 dB and sound reduction (single-pass) Rw 20 dB. It comprises 36 per cent recycled content, is fully recyclable and available as Perla OP dB board in 600mm x 600mm and 1200mm x 600mm, Tegular in 600mm x 600mm and MicroLook 90 in 600mm x 600mm. www.armstrong-ceilings.co.uk 06 Advertising 01926 420660

PRODUCTS

http://www.specfinish.co.uk/products/

With on-site, day-to-day support and their invaluable local site knowledge, SIG always deliver on their promise. MARK HOEY CONNEELY GROUP AN SIG CUSTOMER

Build your name on us Sourced with expertise Delivered with confidence

INSULATION | INTERIORS | TECHNICAL INSULATION FIXINGS | CONSTRUCTION ACCESSORIES | COMMERCIAL DRAINAGE

As the UK’s leading specialist construction supplier, 58 years of experience has given us an unparalleled understanding of our customers and their unique demands. Customers trust us to deliver on our commitment of supplying more than 500,000 market-leading products on time, in full, every time. Of course, we couldn’t do this without our vast warehousing capabilities, over 60 branches nationwide and a fleet of more than 500 specialist vehicles. This steadfast reliability has earned us our excellent reputation, which is reinforced by our unrivalled technical experts, who are always on hand when you need them. See how we can help, visit buildyournameonus.com

www.specfinish.co.uk 07

PRODUCTS

www.specfinish.co.uk

Rockfon’s acoustic tiles are ready for action A new £2.6 million sports complex at Corelli College, London, has been kitted out with ceiling solutions from Rockfon to provide acoustic control and satisfy the requirements of BB93 Building Regulation standards. Rockfon Samson wall absorbers were chosen for the main sports hall for their exceptional acoustic comfort – a necessity in such a noisy, echoey space – and fire safety properties, as well as their ability to withstand impact from ball sports and the tough daily use expected in a high-activity area. For the college’s high-moisture showers and changing areas, Rockfon Koral ceiling tiles were specified. The tiles are durable and have a wipeable surface that will help maintain their shape and colour, even at relative humidity (RH) levels of up to 100 per cent. Smooth matt white Rockfon Artic ceiling tiles were installed throughout the college’s circulation areas, in classrooms and in the dance studio to provide high light reflectance and the required sound absorption. www.rockfon.co.uk

Upgraded Hilti M-class vacuums improve on-site dust control

Style’s moveable walls divide the office Style is the sole UK distributor for the DORMA range of moveable walls. The company’s Moveo ComfortDrive system has been installed at the offices of Boston Consulting Group in Canary Wharf, London. Moveo ComfortDrive is a fully automatic sliding wall solution that can quickly create a solid divide with exceptional 55dB acoustics at the press of a button. The stretched-fabric-finished panels come in a variety of finishes, from laminate through to polished wood veneers, and additional features include acoustic sound absorption boards, magnetic display boards, dry wipe marker and projection surfaces. Single or double inset pass doors can be included for ease of access. Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director, commented: “We’re seeing a significant growth in specifications for fully automatic partitioning walls. The speed and flexibility they deliver allows the room configuration to be quickly changed, numerous times a day if required.”

Hilti has further optimised its harmonised Dust Removal Systems (DRS) portfolio with upgraded VC 20-UM and VC 40-UM vacuum cleaners for a more comfortable, safe and productive working environment. The two new vacuum cleaners have been engineered to maximise suction in both wet and dry on-site conditions. Both are ergonomically designed, equipped with larger wheels for improved handling and have a new switch to de-activate automatic filter cleaning – known as Airboost – making them suitable for use in quiet environments, such as hospitals. The VC 20-UM has a dust capacity of 23kg and the VC 40-UM has a larger 40kg capacity. An extended range of filters is available for standard, performance and dry applications, optimising the DRS depending on the task in hand. These upgrades mark the latest development for Hilti in its DRS portfolio, whereby the tool, consumable, accessory and M-class vacuum work in harmony to remove the maximum amount of dust at the point of contact.

www.style-partitions.co.uk

www.hilti.co.uk

www.shawcontractgroup.com

08 Advertising 01926 420660

It all matters for Shaw Contract Group Commercial carpet flooring manufacturer Shaw Contract Group was shortlisted for a Mixology16 Award in the Environmental & Sustainability category for its ‘Everything Matters’ campaign. The awards recognise innovation within the commercial interiors sector and are judged by architects, designers and consultants. Shaw Contracts’ campaign was recognised for its positive impact on the environment as well as the community. The award nomination is a testament to the group’s continuous sustainability efforts. Launched earlier this year, ‘Everything Matters’ focuses on every aspect of the company’s activity. Ninety per cent of the group’s carpet products are Cradle to Cradle Certified with a Silver rating and Shaw Contracts’ continually works on optimising its products and processes to meet the rigorous parameters of this Cradle to Cradle Product Standard, including an expanded list of banned chemicals, increased thresholds for renewable energy use and water stewardship in the manufacturing process.

PRODUCTS

http://www.specfinish.co.uk/products/

Knauf Airless Finish Light

See plastering in a new Light

The new Knauf Airless Finish Light available to use with the popular airless piston pump machines. Say goodbye to traditional plastering methods with this highly-efficient alternative for finishing walls and ceilings. •

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 more call 03700 613700 or visit www.knauf.co.uk/readymix

www.specfinish.co.uk 09

PRODUCTS

www.specfinish.co.uk

Global textures inspire new Interface collection

British Gypsum helps keep to the beat

Interface has launched a new collection of ‘Skinny Planks’ and squares inspired by textures found around the world throughout history. The company’s new World Woven carpet tile global collection, developed by Interface’s exclusive product designer David Oakey, can bring a hand-crafted feel to interior projects. “The beauty of hand-weaving is that it’s closer to nature than the synthetic uniformity of ‘modern’ machined production,” commented Mr Oakey. “In a traditional Scottish tweed, for example, what looks like solid green actually has at least 10 to 15 colours, which is similar to the way nature works with colour.” The World Woven collection includes six 25 x 100cm Skinny Planks and three square ranges, each with eight colour options. Committed to pioneering sustainability in the industry, Interface created the styles with 100 per cent recycled content nylon in factories that are increasingly powered by clean energy.

A range of British Gypsum systems has been used in the refurbishment of Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, the new home and headquarters of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO). Soundproofed spaces to accommodate rehearsals and performances were a particular requirement, so an acoustic interior lining solution was essential. Glasgow-based Veitchi Interiors, an FIS member, carried out the fit-out. Ronnie Szczotka, Veitchi’s site manager, said: “The main concern was to reduce the amount of sound travel between rooms. GypWall CLASSIC and GypWall AUDIO systems have made a huge improvement to the acoustics throughout the building, which has allowed the RSNO to use each room to its full potential without having to worry about the noise.” Veitchi installed over 6,000m2 of British Gypsum plasterboard, including Gyproc SoundBloc, and because the concert hall is both a working environment and a public space, Glasgow City Council requested the highest levels of air quality to enhance wellbeing. Gyproc SoundBloc with added ACTIVair technology was selected to achieve this: the technology captures VOCs and converts them into non-harmful inert compounds, eliminating the risk of re-emission. ACTIVair is effective through a paint finish and does not impact on the board’s fire or acoustic qualities. Mr Szczotka added: “We are seeing more and more requests for innovative ways to improve indoor air quality. Some of the rooms at the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall don’t have natural sources of ventilation, so there is no escape route for formaldehyde. It is therefore imperative that the indoor air is kept as clean as possible by finding ways to reduce the amount of formaldehyde in the air.” GypWall Classic and GypWall AUDIO partition systems and Casoline MF Ceilings systems were used to meet the project’s performance requirements.

www.interface.com

www.british-gypsum.com

Make lite work of heavily trafficked areas

Limelite High Impact Finishing Plaster is ideal where you need a first class, hard wearing surface. Combined with Limelite Renovating Plaster, it creates a durable, breathable finish that can’t be achieved with traditional Gypsum based plasters. •

Perfect for busy areas where walls are subject to bumps and knocks

•

Water vapour permeable

•

Suitable for use as part of a damp proof system

•

BBA approved when used with Limelite Renovating Plaster.

For more information, visit limeliteplaster.co.uk or call 03444 630 046

10 Advertising 01926 420660

PRODUCTS www.thefis.org

New Weber EWI colour keeps an old tradition A new red brick colour has been created for the Saint-Gobain Weber External Wall Insulation (EWI) system chosen by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) for its property upgrade programme. The weber.therm XM EWI system, finished with weber.rend RB Render Brick in the new Georgian Red colour, accurately matches the established red brick Georgian properties in the area, a requirement of RMBC’s senior building surveyor. The 88 properties being renovated – built in the 1930s – were identified as hard to treat, some with solid walls and some with narrow cavities of varied dimensions. To achieve a target u-value of 0.28W/m²K from 1.48W/ m²K, 80mm of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation was fixed to the outer walls as part of the weber.therm XM system and finished with the weber.rend RB Render Brick finish, a combination of two coloured mortars used together to create the brick effect finish. www.netweber.co.uk

Fermacell helps Waitrose customers Scotts with modular welcomed in by GEZE classroom venture Fermacell’s gypsum fibre drylining boards have been used by timber frame manufacturer Scotts of Thrapston to line the walls and ceilings of a new modular classroom building. The project, for Weldon Church of England Primary School, in Northamptonshire, was the first of its kind for Scotts, who specified 153 of Fermacell’s 1200mm x 2400mm x 12.5mm boards to line the flat-pack 18.5m x 6.5m modular classroom. Scotts selected Fermacell boards for their density, robustness and impact resistance – essential features for a classroom interior. The boards’ fire- and moisture-resistant properties were also important as was the lack of skimming required. Fermacell boards have already been used on a second modular classroom project for Scotts at Sutton Benger Primary School in Wiltshire.

GEZE has supplied the automatic glass doors for the new flagship Waitrose in Chester, which features large expanses of glass cladded in bronze to reflect the site’s industrial heritage. Glassolutions developed a unique curtain walling system that allows the store’s glass facades to visually float. The architectural glazing specialist looked to GEZE to provide six sets of glass sliding doors, positioned on both the upper and lower floors. The main entrances feature bi-parting automatic sliding glass doors powered by GEZE’s Slimdrive SL NT drives, ideal for elegant glass facades thanks to an operator height of just 7cm, which is almost invisible in elevation. Upstairs, the cafe terrace is accessed via a glass door with a bronze frame powered by a Slimdrive EMD-F electromechanical swing door operator, which is discreet and sits neatly on the frame. It provides assisted manual or automatic opening using the operating button with guaranteed constant opening and closing speed. GEZE’s powerful single TSA 160 NT automatic swing door operators have also been fitted to three storeroom doors.

www.fermacell.co.uk

www.geze.co.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 11

TECHNICAL www.specfinish.co.uk

Be aware of specification risks At some time or other, we’ve all done it: either scanned the spec and made an assumption, in the case of responding to a tender, or been tempted to cut and paste, when writing the spec. Both actions carry huge risks that anyone in contracting would rather avoid. FIS technical manager Joe Cilia looks at what these risks are and where to look out for them. I read recently that “specifications are crucial, as they represent what the client is buying”, which is true, but I think they also contain their expectations, even though the client may not be clear about what these expectations are. So, it’s always worth looking beyond the spec for clues. For example, if the sales brochure for the new flats say “high-end and luxurious”, yet the spec refers to a standard that might be more suitable to the inside of a service riser, or worse, and you quote for a level 1 finish (from BS EN 13914-2), then you might just be storing up a big problem when it comes to snagging the job. Remember that some finishes are just not right for the job, and plastering carries the heaviest expectation of them all. If you see “tape and fill”, but know that a crown of up to 3mm just won’t do, then it’s worth pointing it out, asking the question and providing an extra over cost for a skim coat so the client can make an informed choice. It will save time and money in the long term. The key points to look out for when responding to an invitation to tender are performance, interface and workmanship. Performance is what the product you’re installing is expected to do. In the case of a wall, it might need to hold back fire, sound or even the weight of people who might fall on it. Don’t scrimp here; you will be asked to provide evidence that your 12 Advertising 01926 420660

proposal meets the standards asked for. This evidence can only come from the manufacturer who has had the product tested independently. Don’t – under any circumstances – mix and match products, unless you know they have been tested as a system. Lives can really depend on this. Interface. The spec should clearly describe what happens where elements of the building touch. For example, where a ceiling and a wall meet, or a slab and the head of the partition need to accommodate a live-load deflection, there should be a clear description for what’s required. And finally workmanship, which can sometimes become separated from the performance element, will often refer to British Standards that are crucial to how the finished work will be judged and snagged. FIS recently published a Fact File about writing a smart specification (right). Although aimed at architects, the same points apply if you have design responsibility. If you are writing a specification you should consider the project and avoid the default position of using the last successful iteration of a spec. Although this can save time, other elements that could be considered leading to an alternative and perhaps more successful conclusion could be missed. When I talk to specifiers, the two key questions are often about what it will look like and what it will cost. Yet, while you can specify the cheapest and best looking product,

it may not perform, be available or meet the environmental requirements of the client. This is why FIS produced the Fact File ‘11 key points for writing a smart specification’. The guide brings home the message that there is a whole resource available from manufacturers who employ technical support staff whose job is to ask those questions and interpret the requirements. These resources are available to design and build contractors, too.

Manufacturers would rather be involved in helping to set a specification than trying to unpick one where it may have gone wrong. The digitisation of the sector will certainly change the way that information is exchanged at all stages of a project, no more so than where BIM is being used. At the early stages, information will be asked for and provided using predefined levels of detail (LOD), concerned with what it looks like, and levels of information (LOI), concerned with what it does. This information will be available from the manufacturers in Product Data Templates (PDTs), which use a common language and terms defined by the sector. As technology changes the way we do business, it is being designed to ensure that information – data – is not lost as each stage of the project moves from, say, design to construct or construct to operation, but continues to grow. This change should, and could, help us to understand ‘what the client is buying’, but the key thing at all stages is to ask, ask and ask again, just to be sure that you know too. FIND OUT MORE JOE CILIA joecilia@thefis.org

FIS Fact File: 11 key points for writing a smart specification 1. Talk to the manufacturer 2. Performance is king (fire, sound, etc.) 3. Consider the interface with other elements 4. Understand the use – for now and the future 5. Understand the budget 6. Understand the programme and site conditions 7. Understand the vision and client aspiration 8. Ensure the performance and workmanship requirements and standards are clearly included 9. Understand the implications of maintenance 10. Understand the environmental implications 11: Don’t be afraid to specify something new

TECHNICAL www.thefis.org

New labelling system to improve fire safety FIS and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) revealed a new Fire Performance Partition Labelling Scheme as part of a commitment to improve safety at Firex International last month. The labels, available from the leading distributors, will identify any partition that is fire-rated and highlight where to go for advice before cutting holes through it. Each will feature a link to the ASFP website, which will provide suitable advice on how to cut a hole and correctly ‘fire stop’ the work to ensure the performance of the partition is maintained. This simple scheme will ensure that retrofit contractors know when a partition is a barrier designed to provide protection from fire and prevent its spread, and that

New standard for suspended ceilings

any penetration must be made good to maintain its performance. The labelling scheme will reduce the risk of breaching the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and help building owners avoid costly and disruptive remediation work, while ultimately saving life and property.

The long-awaited BS EN 13964:2014 Suspended ceilings – Requirements and test methods standard has now been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). The new standard will coexist with BS EN 13963:2004+A1:2006 and then supersede it from April 2017. This will allow manufacturers and specialist contractors time to understand, organise and carry out what they need to do to comply with BS EN 13964:2014. There are significant technical changes between this 2004 and 2014 standard. Full details can be found on page 105 of BS EN 13964:2014, which is available from the BSI online shop http://shop. bsigroup.com. The BSI Technical Committee B/548, Suspended Ceilings was chaired by FIS and included four FIS members. An enhanced summary of the changes is available on the FIS website www.thefis.org/bs-en-13964

FIND OUT MORE www.asfp.org.uk and www.thefis.org

FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org

SHEATHING

Building Board Systems

FIRE

ACOUSTICS

from your solutions-focused construction partner

RENDER BOARDS

PARTITIONS

WALLS

FLOORS EN 13986:2004

FSC® C084663

ROOFS

www.euroform.co.uk info@euroform.co.uk

Contact our technical/sales team for a quotation

01925 860999

This advert is a general guide and specific technical advice is recommended before proceeding with any transaction. Full technical information available on 01925 860999.

www.specfinish.co.uk 13

FEATURE

ACOUSTICS IN OFFICE DESIGN

www.specfinish.co.uk

Gyproc Habito takes the weight without specialist fixings. Gyproc Habito is an innovative new plasterboard solution that reflects homeowners’ growing desire for greater flexibility of space in their homes, allowing them to change items attached to the wall with minimum fuss. Part of the Rooms Made For You range and fitted in the same way as standard plasterboard, Gyproc Habito enables homeowners to fix items simply by screwing directly into the surface of the wall. Capable of supporting as much as 15kg off a single screw, it’s ideal for heavier objects such as mirrors, paintings, curtain poles and even flat screen TVs. Ease of fixing isn’t the only advantage for homeowners. With its unique strength and durability, Gyproc Habito is also exceptionally resistant to everyday knocks. Available to order now from your local British Gypsum stockist.

14 Advertising 01926 420660

PLASTERING

FEATURE

www.thefis.org

Productive opportunities

schooling in plastering and drylining, Knauf claims it is up to three times faster than traditional recently celebrating the delivery of plastering methods. 500,000 training days since its first academy opened in the 1960s, but it “Using a traditional method, with has also increased its input through a topcoat and a basecoat, would simply have taken too long for the its ‘Thistle Partnership’ tie-in with training centres and colleges across six to eight weeks we had available,” explained Nick Brady, owner of the the country. main contractor. “And I don’t think “For the 2016-17 college academic year we are increasing our there is a team of plasterers on the island big enough to do the work.” Thistle Partnership support from These may be rosier times for the construction Such systems can be applied up 69 to 75 colleges around the UK. to 20mm thick in one application All colleges will be attending CPD industry, but the dark days of the recession are and are suitable for use directly days in June and July which provide still casting their shadow across the sector. training on the latest innovations and onto blockwork, uneven in-situ Paul Thompson finds out how the plastering products used in the interiors sector. concrete or thin joint blockwork. These CPD days are an integral part These plasters also help speed up sector is attracting new recruits and developing the process because they dry of keeping colleges up to date with products to boost productivity and deliver quality. new products and systems, as well rapidly and are easy to finish – just spray, level, sand and paint. And as new legislation in the because the job requires fewer construction industry,” explained operatives, it is easier to supervise David Hall, National Technical Academy manager at British Gypsum. making the maintenance of a But the development of new and high-quality, consistent finish easier. Ultimately it will be a innovative systems is also vitally combination of training, important to keep the sector apprenticeships and product productive. By making the development that will help stave plastering process more efficient those skilled trades can cover more off any major impact of temporary skills shortages; ground and be available to help British Gypsum's Thistle Partnership supports UK colleges. contractors, specifiers, architects, those less-experienced coming up clients and manufacturers all have Many time-served skilled craftsmen of drive to push apprenticeships, moves through the ranks. to make their mark in helping Spray-applied plaster is one all trades, in high demand at the peak to ensure there are a set number address it. such product that promises to of the construction boom, took the of trainees on any given project Mr Hall from British Gypsum speed up the plastering process decision to hang up their tools during are commonplace. The difficulty is and release more skilled trades to added: “With approximately the downturn. This, coupled with a finding the calibre of school leaver apply the finishing touches. In fact, 230,000 extra tradespeople needed scarcity of new trades being attracted that is ready to embrace the world by 2020, it’s essential that we take the process was showcased on to the industry thanks to a perceived of work and knuckle down on-site. Grand Designs at a huge house on a proactive stance on improving lack of employment opportunities, In a bid to help draw more staff the Isle of Wight. Brady Building & productivity and recruitment within has seen an existing skills shortage into the business, Conneely has the construction industry. The skills deepen further. teamed up with colleges in north and Groundworks used Knauf MP75 shortage impacts every level of the Projection Plaster to provide a Skilled plasterers and dryliners south London to develop a training tough, smooth white surface ready supply chain, but as manufacturers are in just as much short supply as plan that sees those interested in any other trade, but without a magic becoming plasterers and dryliners get to receive decoration. The plaster we’re in a position to implement real change at all levels of the was delivered to site pre-mixed, wand, the professionals of the future a foothold in the industry. construction process – from ready to use, and is specifically are not going to appear overnight. “We put them on a 12-week designed for machine application. contractors to apprentices." Even if the industry could suddenly unpaid course at college and then, attract the numbers of new workers it following satisfactory completion needs there would still be a lull while of the course, they work as paid these new recruits are training and apprentices on our projects for 12 gaining experience. months. We have a strict reference “There is no doubt it is becoming checking regime in place, but even more difficult to find skilled staff,” said then there will be those who realise Tony O’Halloran, regional construction it’s just not for them and drop out. director at interior finishing and That can be disappointing, but we exterior facade specialist Conneely only want those prepared to work Group. “We work hard to keep our hard and move on in their career,” gangs busy. They can be very difficult commented Mr O’Halloran. to replace and we don’t want to lose Manufacturers too are joining in our best trades.” with the bid to bring more young With corporate social responsibility apprentices into the industry. British charters running through the Gypsum is one that supports those conscience of most clients and main interested in a career in the sector. Knauf's MP75 Projection Plaster can be applied up to 20mm thick. contractors alongside the government’s It has, for many years, offered www.specfinish.co.uk 15

FIS AWARDS www.specfinish.co.uk

THE INVESTMENT BEHIND THE FUTURE OF DRY CONSTRUCTION Siniat, the leading manufacturer of dry construction materials, has acquired Steel Frame Systems manufacturer EOS Facades. This is an ideal combination of two key suppliers to the industry. Siniat and EOS have worked together in delivering multiple projects incorporating Siniat Weather Defence, the award-winning external sheathing board revolutionising the dry construction sector. The addition of Steel Frame Systems to its already extensive portfolio of solutions further strengthens Siniatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technical expertise to build on its mission to develop industry-changing solutions for drywall contractors.

This investment is just one of the ways weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re shaping the way people build. Discover more at www.siniat.co.uk

16 Advertising 01926 420660

FIS CONTRACTORS AWARDS 2016 www.thefis.org

Celebrating excellence across our sector Construction industry leaders and senior members of the architectural and interior design communities gathered alongside FIS members and sponsors for the annual FIS Awards Lunch on 7 June, held at The Dorchester Hotel, London. The Lunch is much-anticipated in the finishes and interiors sector calendar, and this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event was once again a sell-out with more than 460 members and guests joining to celebrate the winners of the Contractors Awards 2016. This year, FIS president Steve Coley was accompanied by compĂ¨re and guest speaker Tony Hawks, a TV and radio comedian and best-selling author.

Representatives of the sponsors presented the Gold and Silver places to the Contractors Award 2016 winners, with certificates of excellence also awarded for high standards of workmanship and technical expertise.

www.specfinish.co.uk 17

FIS CONTRACTORS AWARDS 2016 www.specfinish.co.uk

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by

WINNER G Cook & Sons PROJECT Architects Benevolent Society, London ARCHITECT Purcell

PARTITIONING GOLD Swift Refurbishments PROJECT UBM offices, London ARCHITECT Gensler

Sponsored by

SILVER Moda Interiors

PROJECT The Diamond building, University of Sheffield ARCHITECT Twelve Architects 18 Advertising 01926 420660

FIS CONTRACTORS AWARDS 2016 www.thefis.org

INTERIOR FIT OUT – OVER £1M

GOLD Collins Construction

PROJECT Wainbridge, London ARCHITECT JRA / MCM

Sponsored by

SILVER QOB Interiors

PROJECT Howick Place, London ARCHITECT Coffey Architects / Ab Rogers Design

INTERIOR FIT OUT – UNDER £1M GOLD Profixed Interiors PROJECT Amey, Sherard Building and Winchester House, Oxford

Sponsored by

SILVER Tapper Interiors

PROJECT Graypaul, Nottingham ARCHITECT Axis 3

STEEL FRAMED SYSTEMS Sponsored by

GOLD Atkin Trade Specialists

PROJECT Chaucer House, CATs College, Canterbury ARCHITECT Clague

GOLD Errigal Contracts

PROJECT Angel Lane student accommodation, London ARCHITECT HCD Group www.specfinish.co.uk 19

FIS CONTRACTORS AWARDS 2016 www.specfinish.co.uk

SUSPENDED CEILINGS Sponsored by

GOLD BPC Interiors

GOLD Bespoke Drywall

PROJECT World Duty Free, Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport

PROJECT Aon, London ARCHITECT Gensler

DRYWALL CONSTRUCTION – RESIDENTIAL GOLD PIB Contractors

PROJECT Lexicon Tower, London ARCHITECT Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Sponsored by

SILVER Roseville Contracts PROJECT Bournville Retirement Village, Birmingham

DRYWALL CONSTRUCTION – COMMERCIAL GOLD Lakeside Ceilings and Partitions PROJECT Farnborough Business Park, Hampshire ARCHITECT ESA Architecture

Sponsored by

SILVER G Cook & Sons PROJECT Birch Hall, Essex ARCHITECT Purcell

PLASTERING – INTERNAL Sponsored by

GOLD (Humber Salver) David Fisher & Sons

PROJECT Lews Castle and Museum, Isle of Lewis ARCHITECT Malcolm Fraser Architects / Simpson & Brown Architects

LUNCH SPONSORS GOLD INSULATION | INTERIORS

SILVER

BRONZE 22 Advertising 01926 420660

AWARDS Looking for a wide range of partitionFIS systems featuring unrivalled inside knowledge?

www.thefis.org

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

AN ENCON GROUP COMPANY

CEILINGS

DRYWALL

www.specfinish.co.uk 23

PARTITIONS

LEGAL

www.specfinish.co.uk

YOUR EXPERIENCE OUR QUALITY PRODUCTS & SUPPORT

Together weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll build it better For hints, tips and advice visit: facebook.com/builditbetter or visit www.catnic.com

Lintels / SSR2 Roofing & Cladding / Plasterbead & Mesh / Builders Metalwork Qwikpost / Steelwork / Loadsafe / Juliet Balconies

24 Advertising 01926 420660

A Tata Steel Enterprise

REPORT

www.thefis.org

Smarter working is critical to success Productivity is at the heart of all businesses and despite a torrent of new ‘innovations’ over the past 10 years, the evidence shows that UK productivity has slumped. Last month a Smartworking Summit looked at what is working and what is not. Adrian JG Marsh reports.

During the last decade workforces have endured many ‘new’ concepts: open plan, hot desking and even ‘spatial adjacency’. Technology has been a key driver and employees have had to cope with moving from floppies to clouds, and from the simple internet to ‘i’ everything. Research from smartworking specialists Quora Consulting found that productivity of the developed economies over the last decade is down by 3.9 per cent, with UK productivity crashing by 17 per cent. Quora’s study also showed that the result of changes in working practice, and office design and layout, has left workforces permanently distracted and increasingly interrupted. This is taking a heavy toll on productivity. Businesses are now moving away from a siloed support function culture to one that is focused on retaining and attracting talented people. John Blackwell, Quora’s managing director and veteran of the corporate boardroom, said: “The upshot is that some enlightened businesses are no longer willing to have their employees shoehorned into unsuitable space, in inappropriate locations, that stifle their ability to attract, recruit and retain talent. “Only half the workforce think the way that their workplaces are designed and laid out optimises their productivity, something that drops to 1-in-3 for those under 30. “Last year a senior real estate director told us that of some 40,000 properties, not one was fit-for-purpose. This sends a clear message to architects and designers of workspaces that, irrespective of the flourishes, flounces and debates over open plan vs fixed offices, they are completely missing the point.” Last month a Smartworking Summit debated the changing nature of work and its far-reaching economic impact on organisational performance.

At the heart of this was how businesses harness their culture and values so that they can plan their property portfolio to maximise performance. Mr Blackwell said: “These Summits are our riposte to the mass of industry-siloed events that fail to reflect the real world. Having groups of property professionals attending events for property professionals and paying to listen to property professionals hardly seems to add any value. Instead, our Summits only feature industry leaders and property directors talking openly about how they’re addressing the changing nature of work.” Simon Hay, chief executive at customer data specialists Dunnhumby, saw creating and maintaining the right culture as vital to ensuring an efficient and productive work space. He said: “Be clear on your values and culture will come alive. Different people have different skills, we are all a social animal, so having the right work environment is directly linked to better productivity.” Johnny Dunford, property director at financial services company BNP Paribas, said: “There’s going to be more measurement. We’ve tended to measure what we can see but occupiers are looking at the productivity of space, not just the cost per square metre. We must put the individuals who use the space at the very centre of the property experience. We do this in retail and hospitality but not so much in corporate space.” Offices are also getting smarter, according to Mr Dunford. “We’re able to control our work

environment in more detail. Smart lighting, heating and even sensors that measure how many people are in an office are becoming commonplace,” he added. This technology plays a vital role in making buildings work more efficiently. Buildings are healthier, there’s more daylight, systems help to maintain temperature and remove airborne dust, and therefore create a cleaner environment that can reduce illness spreading among employees. Business software giant Citrix forecasts that by 2017, about half of businesses would have a mobile working policy, and by 2020, nearly three quarters of people would work away from the office as often as they worked at a desk. This is not necessarily ‘home working’ but working from where ever they actually are. Offices have also become more fun places for eclectic client groups. Google’s headquarters in Zurich has a massage room, aquarium and a slide to deliver engineers smoothly and quickly to the canteen. Josefin Holmberg, from Thomson Reuters, believed that while some of the gimmicks have grabbed the news, they actually lose value after a short period. “After two months the pool table lost its attraction and we ended up storing boxes on it! Fundamentally it’s the culture of the organisation that creates an efficient working environment,” she commented. Mr Blackwell saw the design and location of work spaces as pivotal. “Looking at creating the physical bricks and mortar of the work environment is actually one of the toughest things to do,” he explained. “For any organisation to balance what jobs people will be doing and where they’ll be doing it in the future, with what their property assets will need to look like and where they will be, is one of the biggest challenges to get it right.” Employees are also taking more responsibility for their own work space. Deloitte’s Amsterdam office was designed with one empty room on each floor for employees to put what they wanted in it; most went for games such as table football. At Jaguar Land Rover, where office space is at a premium, the property team has even given employees the responsibility for managing the design and fit-out of their own work places. Attracting and retaining talented people is business critical. In today’s competitive environment, employers of all sizes need to make sure that their office environment allows their culture to grow and harness the power of people who work together and enjoy working together, in a stimulating work space. Transforming concept into reality is at the heart of smartworking.

Quora’s final Summit of 2016 is on 5 October. www.quoraconsulting.com www.specfinish.co.uk 25

FEATURE

FACADES

www.specfinish.co.uk

Early involvement makes a difference As is nearly always the case, the earlier the specialist contractors are involved, the better and more suitable their part of the project will be. But, just because something is desirable, it doesn’t mean it’s what happens in practice. Andy Pearson reports on the highs and lows of facades.

21 Wapping Lane, where Stanmore Contractors provided the external facades and glazing.

When it comes to selecting the most appropriate facade solution, main contractors and architects have a lot to gain from talking to the facade contractor early in the project, in a lot of cases at a similar time to discussing the groundworks packages. In most cases, the architect will specify the cladding material and/ or the performance criteria that the facade solution must achieve in terms of fire resistance, acoustic performance and the maximum wind loads the system will be expected to withstand. This can also be further complicated by various consultants being involved. The architect may also wish to see two or three different cladding options, which can further confuse the bid process as facade contractors will price a plethora of products. “If a project requires it, we offer the client suggestions for alternative materials or systems that always meet their criteria but which may also deliver additional 26 Advertising 01926 420660

benefits to the project, such as cost savings, ease of installation or shorter lead times,” said Sam Faux, managing estimator of OCL Facades. “We were recently asked to look at alternatives to a Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) product, whereby we offered a StoneLite Stone Panel solution. This enabled our client to remain on programme due to lead-in times and manufacturing periods, as well as offering cost benefits to the project,” explained Mr Faux. Talking to the facade contractor as early as possible will enable main contractors and developers to benefit from the experience facade contractors have of installing a range of facade systems from various manufacturers. One increasingly frustrating issue facade contractors are having to contend with is that of the main contractors ‘subdividing’ facade works into smaller packages, such as SFS framing, windows and curtain wall, and facade cladding

for installation by individual ‘smaller’ contractors. Mr Faux added that “although on face value subdividing appears to deliver a financial benefit, when you dig deeper and compare all elements, issues can arise between these elements, which then ultimately removes the cost saving achieved at the start”. Angela Mansell, operations director at Manchester-based Mansell Finishes, commented: “What clients realise is that facade work is structural and therefore specialist. It’s not chunky drywall and often involves design, therefore, it’s essential specialist contractors have the skills to know what they are doing. And working on the outside of the building means higher risk and demands a different way of planning works to internal applications.” Another issue vexing facade installers is when main contractors and developers leave the appointment of their services until late in the project, by which time much of the facade design has already been developed, often without input of the facade contractor’s experience, particularly on issues such as buildability. As a result, late appointment of the facade contractor can lead to compromises having to be made to the facade because of the limited time available to design and procure the system before installation is scheduled to commence. Often the reason for a facade contractor’s late involvement is that main contractors have entered into early stage design agreements with facade system manufacturers. The advantage of this arrangement to the main contractor and manufacturer is that the facade design can be developed and agreed with a manufacturer earlier in the programme, eliminating lead-time issues, while the facade installer package is still being negotiated. This arrangement is not without its issues, though, as Peter Baker, commercial director of Stanmore Contractors, explained. “The problem with this solution is that the facade design may not have been fully coordinated with the windows, fire-break locations or ventilation design, or it may not fully reflect the as-built structure, so there is still an element of design input needed from the facade contractor, but there is very little time in which this input can be accommodated.” Mr Baker continued: “For this reason, the challenge is to persuade clients not to enter into early stage design agreements.” When contractors are involved at the outset, Mr Baker says that the facade contractor can have “a big influence” on the products used. “Clients do listen to us; while we don’t take responsibility for the performance of products, clients do take on board our knowledge of how products have performed on a previous project,” he explained. “If I’m signing up for design responsibility for a large project, I want to use a manufacturer with good technical support whose products I’ve used before.”

FACADES

FEATURE

www.thefis.org

OCL Facades’ development of the former Walthamstow Stadium site.

According to Mr Baker, product familiarity is one of the main reasons that Stanmore Contractors’ team of 19 facade designers use just two lightweight steel framing manufacturers and one sheathing board supplier. “It ensures we keep continuity and consistency on all of our jobs,” he commented. A big advantage of winning the SFS facade contract is that it gives the contractor a shout at the project’s drylining package too. Mr Baker added: “A lot of clients want a one-stop-shop for facades and drylining.” Combining facade and drylining packages can also be advantageous for the project.

“Most high-end residential buildings in London have a floor screed these days, so if we’ve got the drylining package as well as the facade package we can almost dictate our own programme,” Mr Baker explained. “It means we can get the framing system up and the sheathing boards fitted to make the floors semi-watertight, which allows us get our screeding and drylining teams underway.” Ms Mansell agrees that the need to make a building watertight early in the construction programme is important and that the choice of sheathing solution depends on the building height. She said: “18 metres is key. Over this (height), it must be a non-combustible and proven weather-resistant board – some gypsum-based boards have limited life span when exposed to weather.” Manufacturers too are offering a one-stopshop for lightweight facade systems and drylining packages. Knauf, for example, has launched its ThroughWall Solution. This is a synthesis of various existing Knauf systems to produce a complete facade and drylining system. “With the exception of the finishing cladding, we supply all of the components that fit behind it, including the sheathing board, metal infill framing system, insulation, etc. – even the plasterboard,” said

Charles Johnston, business development director for facades at Knauf. Mr Johnston says the advantage of having a single supplier and one point of contact for the external and internal elements of a project is that it “reduces the design risk and adds to the ease of interface between the envelope and the internal drywall package to deliver optimal acoustic performance as well as excellent fire, thermal and airtightness performance”. Similarly, it should mean that if problems do arise in both the specification and installation process, remedies can be supplied from Knauf alone, rather than the blame being shifted from one manufacturer to another. A similar offering is expected from the Etex Group following its acquisition of EOS Facades. Etex already owns drywall product manufacturer Siniat and passive fire protection specialist Promat. Following the acquisition, the company has set up Etex Building Performance to create innovative new solutions aimed at reducing installation times. “By combining forces, we will provide pioneering solutions and industry-leading technical expertise,” said Neil Ash, former head of Siniat UK who is now the new head of Etex Building Performance UK. Watch this space…

HIGH-PERFORMANCE ACOUSTIC SCREED ISOLATION The Shard - London

Everyman Theatre - Liverpool

Regupol® E48

Regupol® 6010BA

REGUPOL® UNDERSCREED RANGE

An extensive range of underscreed materials to help meet your impact and airborne sound requirements to comply with part ‘E’ of the Building Regulations.

Regupol® 7210C • Cost effective • Excellent performance

Regupol® Quietlay • Robust Detail E-FC-15TM precast concrete plank

Regupol® E48 • Robust Detail E-FC-6TM beam and block floors

Regupol® 6010BA/SH • High load bearing 50kN/m2 / 100kN/m2

FREEPHONE: 08000 787 027

Regupol® screed isolating materials have been successfully installed in apartments, hotels, gymnasiums, cinemas, theatres, supermarkets, libraries, schools, hospitals ... Regupol® underscreed materials are: • Flexible • Easy to install • Compatible with all subfloors and screeds • Fully recycled and recyclable Scan to view

CASE STUDIES

We offer full technical support on all our products, whether bespoke or standard, and have full UK distribution.

info@cmsdanskin.co.uk www.cmsdanskin.co.uk

Images are for illustration purposes only. This advert is a general guide and specific technical advice is recommended before proceeding with any transaction. Full technical information available on Freephone 08000 787 027.

www.specfinish.co.uk 27

MARKET ANALYSIS

PRIVATE HOUSING

www.specfinish.co.uk

DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT SPACE

NEW PARTITIONING RANGES: SEKTOR 30, 90 & 115 AVAILABLE NOW BETTER PERFORMANCE MORE ROBUST EASIER TO INSTALL AND RELOCATE

GO ONLINE TO DOWNLOAD THE LATEST PRODUCT RANGE GUIDE

INTERIORS FOR THE WAY YOU WORK

People perform at their best in surroundings that are calming and inspirational – in a working environment that’s light, quiet, and comfortable. A healthy workspace encourages happiness and well-being, which in turn leads to more efficient and productive work. That’s the idea behind Sektor, a complete range of interior solutions for imaginative designers and specifiers, skilled installers, and high-achieving end-users. 28 Advertising 01926 420660

VISIT WWW.SEKTORINTERIORS.COM TO FIND YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST AND SHOWROOM

EDUCATION

MARKET ANALYSIS www.thefis.org

The changing landscape of student accommodation

For many years, until recently, the student housing market was known for its cramped dorms that provided basic amenities for students. Over the last five years, however, the landscape of the market has rapidly evolved, reflecting a shift in students’ attitudes towards luxury and purpose-built accommodation. Construction Products Association economist Amandeep Bahra gives an overview of some of the major projects currently underway.

Not only is the student housing market adjusting to a new era of modern students, but it is also racing simply to compete with a rise in the number of students entering into higher education. In 2015, the number of students accepted into universities and colleges reached record levels. This was largely a result of the government’s decision to lift the cap on student numbers, which came into effect from September 2015. The implications of this action, however, are not short-lived. Student numbers are expected to rise over the coming years with the latest UCAS figures already pointing to this. There were 593,720 applications registered by the January deadline for 2016, an increase of 0.2 per cent compared to a year ago. While the bulk of applications were represented by domestic students, EU applicants accounted for approximately 8 per cent of total applications and the number of EU applicants increased by 6 per cent compared to the previous year, which registered 45,220.

Regional university projects

Reflecting this higher level of demand, privately financed education construction output – which includes schools and universities work – was worth £3.9 billion in 2015, a 5.4 per cent increase compared to the previous year and the highest level on record. While we are used to seeing key construction activity skewed towards

London, this isn’t the case for higher education, which welcomed a wave of new university transformation projects across regional markets over 2015. All of these shared a similar vision: to provide students with a ‘luxury’ experience. The new breed of student accommodation includes studio flats and high quality en-suite rooms – also known as student ‘pods’ – that come with high-specification kitchens, typically finished with solid surface worktops and a dishwasher, in addition to a flat-screen TV, high-speed broadband and a double bed. Beyond this, on-site gyms and entertainment rooms are increasingly becoming the norm. The largest projects in the pipeline are two £1 billion ten-year investment plans at the University of Cambridge and the University of Manchester. The latter includes a £175 million redevelopment of Owen’s Park in Fallowfield, Manchester, which will see 3,000 new, modern, high-quality student units forming part of the latter campus masterplan by replacing existing properties. Construction work is expected to take place between June 2016 and June 2021. Despite these major projects, the spotlight remains on Coventry, which is bustling with construction on multiple student accommodation projects. These include a new £73 million Bishopgate development that will provide 1,200 student rooms, and a £50 million mixed-use scheme at Belgrade Plaza, which will

deliver 600 student accommodation spaces through a blend of high-quality studio rooms and cluster flats. Similar developments are also seen elsewhere within the city such as Allied Carpets, Lower Ford Street and London Road. Furthermore, in the Midlands, Newman University has invested £22 million to expand its campus over the next five years in Birmingham. The scheme aims to deliver three new halls of residence, housing approximately 300 student bedrooms, whilst existing buildings will be refurbished to modern standards. The University of Northampton, the University of Liverpool and Glasgow University are also among the herd racing to expand their student housing stock. While the list of projects outside of the capital is non-exhaustive, a similar picture is also painted in the south, particularly in London, which has recently seen University College London (UCL) borrow the largest loan in British university history worth £280 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to fund a new UCL East campus at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. Again, this programme will see construction of new student housing.

Counting the cost for students

It may come as good news that universities are becoming more mindful of changing students’ tastes and preferences, but is this coming at a higher cost for students? According to the NUS/Unipol Costs Survey for 2015, the average weekly rent for purpose-built student accommodation was £146.73 in 2015/16, £6.24 higher than in 2014/15 and, given the new stream of luxury student accommodation, this will undoubtedly push rents up further, going forward. There is a perception that all these new modern developments are targeted towards more affluent students, particularly foreign students. This wouldn’t come as a surprise, though, as international students pay more than double in tuition fees compared to home students and, as a result, are more likely to dictate activity in the student housing market. With the shift towards the high-end market expected to continue for the foreseeable future, are we likely to see affordable options erode? Will more and more students be priced out? Despite these concerns, the CPA expects construction in the privately financed education sector to grow 6.0 per cent this year, followed by growth of 5.0 per cent in 2017, reflecting the healthy project pipeline. www.specfinish.co.uk 29

FEATURE

HEAD TO HEAD

www.specfinish.co.uk

Head to Head – design and construction

The entire supply chain agrees that the most important objective is to make the occupiers happy and meet their objectives. Yet the collective professions of design and construction appear to persist in making the process harder than it should be. So, can the fit-out sector make the process smoother more often – improving efficiency and effectiveness, making the experience better for everyone? SpecFinish brought two leading practitioners together to find out more.

Phil Hutchinson, the strategy director from BDG architecture + design (l) and Anthony Brown, sales and marketing director from workplace fit-out specialist BW.

Two industry experts, both with enormous experience in their respective professions, met to discuss the issues; Anthony Brown, sales and marketing director from workplace fit-out specialist BW, and Phil Hutchinson, the strategy director from BDG architecture + design. Their aim was to highlight and offer some resolution to the issues that create barriers to achieving the perfect project.

The difference between design and construction

From day one the drivers for the professions differ. The architectural and design team are creating a project that inspires the client, provides the solution that they need and that will strengthen their own portfolio and reputation. By contrast the main contractor wants to make this happen yet is beleaguered by cost, risk and managing a multi-skilled labour force. From a very early stage in the build process the perspective of each team begins to split as the top-line strategy moves to an operational mode and then further to a tactical pace. Each skill now has its role to play with the challenge of keeping one eye firmly on the shared end goal, rather than just on the element they are involved in. 30 Advertising 01926 420660

There is always respect, not always appreciation

Undoubtedly there is respect between the design and construction teams. However, it is unlikely that there is full appreciation of the detail – simply because there can’t be, due to time restraints and general logistics. The aim should be to provide common dialogue; to assist this, BW employs its own design managers to address this issue. And to keep the final completed scheme in mind, BDG adopts ideas such as contractor briefings and ensuring that visuals are on show on-site to keep the end result at the front of everyone’s minds. But there is still much more we can do to assist with levels of understanding.

People and relationships

The attitude and personality of individuals can make the most challenging project enjoyable to work on. As Phil points out, the best experiences are with the people who communicate. He explains: “When we come up against a challenge, the most refreshing approach from our perspective from a contractor is that they call us, explain the problem and then offer a number of solutions that we can work on and refine as a team. The worst scenario is walking onto a site and being handed a set of Requests for Information

(RFIs) with an impossible deadline.” The team approach invariably contributes to offering the client and the project a better solution. If we consider the overall team, Anthony highlights that an effective PM can greatly help certain situations by removing the artificial barrier between the architecture and design team, and the construction contingent, who find themselves having to go through an official process to solve an issue when a simple discussion will do.

Designing the perfect meeting

Anthony also highlights the “inherently dysfunctional” site meetings that are too common, whereby the main concern of the participants is to protect their position, rather than taking a holistic view of the issues. For this reason, wherever possible, BW advocates a ‘pre-meeting’ with the intention of shortening the duration of meetings and making them more efficient. In an ideal situation this would of course be the project manager’s job. The best PMs realise that they don’t need to have input in everything but they do need to ensure that the right people are talking to each other to resolve issues. This may well vary from client to client, particularly between the public and private sectors where different governance applies. Phil echoes this view in terms of identifying the key stakeholders at a very early stage of projects and then meetings being better designed. For instance – attendance only by true participants, no chairs, recorded conversations, resolving points before the meeting where possible and a very firm ‘no parking’ rule to ensure that the meetings are effective.

The winning formula

They say the road to recovery begins when the problem is realised. In this discussion at least, the broad agreement was that solutions lie in two key points: (i) Greater shared vision – The architect knows what is important to a client, and the contractor arrives with a budget in mind. Helping all parties truly understand what the client wants could be achieved by appointing the main contractor very early on in the process. An architect will have discussions about ‘vision’ with a client, but very often the first conversation the main contractor has is about cost and thereafter carries the risk for the schematic detail. (ii) Trust in the supply chain – If the occupier’s needs and requirements are communicated across all parties then everyone can begin to understand each other’s risks and challenges. Greater shared vision and trust in the supply chain are achieved by collaboration, which is what all successful projects are consequences of. This brings experts in their own field together, collaborating to extract the best knowledge and experience of each one of these experts.

K REND Silicone Coloured Renders

Scan to view Scan to view

Transforming facades with silicone technology Water repellent Low maintenance Allows structure to breathe Natural looking finish Extensive colour range

www.K-Rend.co.uk

LEGAL

www.specfinish.co.uk

Yet more case law on the statutory payment notice procedure Barrister Professor Rudi Klein delves into the latest case on the payment procedure under the Construction Act. The statutory payment procedure

The payment procedure under the amended Construction Act has been described by judges as “draconian” for the paying party. This is what Mr Justice Coulson had to say in the case of Caledonian Modular v Mar City Developments (2015): “…the employer’s failure to serve a pay less notice… challenging the payee’s notice [or application] can have draconian consequences.” He added: “…it seems to me that, if contractors want the benefit of these provisions, they are obliged, in return, to set out their interim payment claims with proper clarity.” Continuing in the same vein, Mr Justice Akenhead in Henia Investments v Beck Interiors (2015) said: “…an Interim Application… must be in substance, form and intent an Interim Application stating the sum considered by the Contractor as due at the relevant due date and it must be free from ambiguity… If there are to be potentially serious consequences flowing from it being an Interim Application, it must be clear that it is what it purports to be so that the parties know what to do about it and when.” 32 Advertising 01926 420660

The judges here are describing the effects of the statutory default procedure, which is the situation where you submit an application for payment and, in the absence of any notices from the other side, the amount claimed will have to be paid by the final date for payment. Given this “draconian” outcome, the courts have become very insistent that payment applications are issued in accordance with the relevant contractual and statutory requirements. This issue has arisen again in the case of Jawaby Property Investment Ltd v The Interiors Group Ltd (2016).

The facts

Jawaby Property Investment Ltd (JPIL) was the employer. It had entered into a design and build contract (governed by the JCT Conditions albeit with amendments) with The Interiors Group (TIG) for the refurbishment of the reception area and a number of floors in a high-rise office block in London, known as Holborn Tower. The contract sum was just over £4 million. The parties had entered into an escrow agreement. This involved JPIL depositing £1 million in a designated account held by JPIL’s

solicitors. This money was to be held as security against sums properly due to TIG. In the event that JPIL did not discharge payment, TIG would only have to swear a statutory declaration to the effect that a default (i.e. failure to make payment) had occurred and that a specific sum was due; the relevant sum would then have to be paid from the escrow account. Under the contract, TIG was to make monthly applications for interim payments on the 8th of each month. This was also the due date but, if the date of receipt of the application was later, the latter date would be the due date. Not later than five days after the due date, JPIL was required to issue a payment notice. The final date for payment was 30 days from the due date. Any ‘pay less’ notice had to be issued five days before the final date for payment. Everything had proceeded fairly smoothly with TIG having submitted valuations 1 to 6 to APS, the employer’s agent. TIG would send valuations to APS by email to which were attached spreadsheet calculations with detailed back-up sheets and a statement of the final sum applied for. Each valuation

valued the works up to the due date. Once APS had received these documents, it would then “walk the job” with TIG to assess and check the work. APS would then issue a certificate of payment with detailed spreadsheets showing how the assessment had been made. TIG would then issue an invoice for the relevant sum. Problems arose with valuation no. 7. This was for the total gross sum of £2,352,937. On 7 January 2016, in response to a request from APS, TIG sent the following email. “Please see our initial assessment for Valuation 007…” (emphasis added). Eight days later, on 15 January, APS issued a payment certificate for a negative sum, minus £124,604.00. There was no breakdown of this figure or any back-up documentation. Following queries raised by TIG, APS emailed a response on 18 January providing an explanation. In any event, this response was too late to be a valid payment notice; it was served after the expiry of five days from the due date on 8 January. TIG was by now in severe financial difficulties. It threatened to suspend performance and give notice of default under the escrow agreement. JPIL issued proceedings to seek a declaration that it was not in default (i.e. that it had not failed to pay a due amount).

Matters for decision by the judge

The first issue was whether valuation no. 7 was a valid interim application. If it wasn’t, nothing was due. JPIL argued: • that the valuation should not have been sent by email; an amendment to the contract stated that it should have been sent to JPIL’s registered office “by hand, by fax or by post”; and • that the email did not apply for anything and, moreover, the valuation was described as an “initial” assessment, indicating a degree of provisionality. TIG responded that the valuation had been treated by APS as an interim application – otherwise APS would not have issued a

LEGAL www.thefis.org

certificate of payment (by way of a payment notice).

The judgement

The judge quickly dismissed the email issue as lacking merit. Emails were not expressly prohibited. She said: “…it would need clear and express words for service electronically to be impermissible.” In any event, APS (on behalf of JPIL) had waived any requirement for hard copy service since all previous valuations were sent by email. But this was as far as the judge went in supporting TIG’s position. The emailed valuation no. 7 was not a valid interim application because it was described as TIG’s “initial” assessment. The judge added: “Thus it was not (and cannot objectively be construed as) a statement by TIG of what it considered was due to it… but rather only of what it considered it might be due, subject to further consideration.” This was not sufficient to give

rise to “the draconian consequences of the payment regime that follows…” said the judge. Furthermore, the valuation did not include valuation of the works up to the due date (i.e. 8 January). The judge went on to consider the second issue, which was whether there was a valid pay less notice (although this was not absolutely necessary since the application was invalid). JPIL had argued that the APS email of 18 January (which was an attempt to explain its negative certificate) constituted a pay less notice. The judge held that this email was not intended to be a pay less notice; it was a response to queries from TIG regarding the payment certificate.

Conclusion

The outcome of this case was particularly harsh on the contractor, TIG. If the interim application had been valid, the contractor would have got its

money from the escrow account. But, given this “draconian” outcome for the employer, the judge was insistent that the application had to be correct “in substance, form and intent”.

Make sure you read the contract rules applying to the issuing of applications and stick to them – even if they require you to handwrite the application on a piece of toilet paper using a fountain pen!

Sounds like a winning concept Ecophon vertical acoustics

Ecophon Akusto™ is a range of highly effective and visually appealing vertical sound absorbers. They are the natural complement to our ceiling systems. With Akusto it is easy to create workplaces where people feel good and perform at their very best. For further information or for acoustic advice for your internal space, please contact us on 01256 850977, alternatively email marketing@ecophon.co.uk or visit www.ecophon.co.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 33

HEALTH & SAFETY

www.specfinish.co.uk

Occupational health – stop monitoring, start preventing

Moving towards an occupational health focus

There continues to be a noticeable shift in emphasis in our sector from ‘safety’ to ‘health’. In a speech earlier this year to construction industry leaders, Dame Judith Hackitt, the then Health and Safety Executive (HSE) chair, discussed the many improvements made in workplace safety during her eight-year tenure. As Dame Hackitt explained, improving the health of your employees, particularly in the construction industry, will help to increase motivation, productivity and profitability.

WIDE FOLDING PLATFORMS

On the whole, the British construction industry has become quite good at reducing the general safety risks posed to workers on-site. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like steel toe caps and hard hats is now standard to help protect against injury. But occupational diseases continue to be a serious problem. Asbestos-related lung diseases are rising year on year, although these tend to be related to historical exposure. Cases of other illnesses like silicosis – caused by the inhalation of sand and dust particles – continue to be recorded, despite cause and prevention being well understood. These diseases have major implications for businesses. According to HSE statistics, around 95 per cent of all work-related deaths are caused by exposure to dusts and chemicals. Work absences brought on by safety-related incidences steal all the headlines, but occupational illnesses result in twice as many lost man days when employees are too unwell to work.

FOLDING SCAFFOLDS

• Lightweight sturdy work platform • EN131 compliant SWL 150kg for site use • Trigger lock hinges for increased safety • Stabiliser feet for added safety

600mm wide 800mm long 500 or 600mm high

£79 £69

PLASTERBOARD TROLLEY

1.6m only £425

DELTA DECK

• Strong tubular steel construction • Two fixed / two swivel wheels for excellent manoeuvrability • Solid rubber tyres – no punctures on site • Fully assembled – ready for work! • Removeable side rails

Only: £199 Call 01924 420820 for next day delivery www.safetyplatforms.co.uk | info@safetyplatforms.co.uk

34 Advertising 01926 420660

• EN1004 Standard for site use • UK quality manufacture • Height adjustable • Platform on any rung • Trapdoor platform 1.8m x 0.6m • Double guardrails included • Locking castor wheels • Stabilisers & toeboards if required • 1.6m to 6.1m platform heights • Call 01924 420820 for prices

Only: £335

• A one piece access platform • Height Adjustable • Takes less than 1 minute to assemble. • Built in guardrails for increased Safety • Larger working platform than podium • Variable platform height 450mm, 530mm, 600mm, 730mm, 870mm • Working height up to 3.0m • One piece – no items to lose • Built in castors for ease of movement • Folds very compact for storage and transportation

HEALTH & SAFETY

www.thefis.org

Investing in your employees

Logically, if you invest in improving the health of your workers, this should generate a healthy return. If employees are healthy, they are less likely to take time off work, therefore boosting productivity and output. These moves also have a secondary benefit. By demonstrating commitment to your employees’ health, you are also demonstrating that they are a valued part of your business. This helps to raise loyalty and avoid secondary costs for recruitment or basic training for new starters. At a time when skills are at a premium, your business needs to do everything possible to appear attractive to potential employees. And a track record of investing in your workforce is one of the best advertisements possible, helping you to stand out from your competitors as a place where people really want to work.

More than just lung-related diseases

Programmes such as Breathe Freely (www.breathefreely.org.uk), from the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, are, as the name suggests, focused on reducing lung-related occupational illnesses. But there are other occupational conditions that also need to be considered.

Musculoskeletal disorders continue to be a problem

Working on construction sites is physically demanding, greatly increasing the potential for injury. PPE goes some way to reducing these risks, but other afflictions are caused by poor work habits. Lifting and manual handling takes place almost every day on-site, so employees should be used to doing so safely. Yet, despite this expectation, manual handling accounts for 64 per cent of all work-related injuries in the construction sector. Employers have also known about the risks associated with manual handling for decades – so it’s time they started to take the lead in managing them. Further investment in handling technologies

can help to protect workers against injury and help them to be more effective and productive. In Dame Hackitt’s words, “productivity gains can often go hand in hand with risk reduction”.

Workplace stress – it’s not all in the mind

Workplace stress has a serious effect on the wellbeing of your employees – around 20 per cent of all self-reported illnesses recorded by employers last year were stress-related. And like any illness, stress may result in your workers having to take time off work to recover. Identifying the causes of stress is notoriously difficult, particularly as each individual responds to workplace pressure differently. But factors like ineffective management or poor working conditions are common contributing factors. Hard as it may be, your team needs to raise site standards across the board in order to minimise the risk of any employees developing a stress-related medical condition.

The future of health and safety

To continue raising standards, your business will need to start considering, and addressing, issues that cannot be seen, as well as those that can. Thinking about the long-term health implications of the conditions on your sites is vital to keeping your workers safe, both now, and well into the future. Whether employees commit their entire career to your business or not, you have a moral obligation to protect their health, and there are immediate benefits to be had – even if these are just in terms of reduced absenteeism. You can contact Veritas Consulting on 0800 1488 677 for more help and advice on occupational health strategies. FIND OUT MORE David Cant Veritas Consulting www.veritas-consulting.co.uk

Fines on the increase for safety breaches Newport-based pipe manufacturer Asset International Limited is one of the latest companies to be hit with a huge penalty following changes to the Sentencing Council Guidelines for Health and Safety Offences introduced in February this year. The company was fined for safety failings after seven cases of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) were reported between April 2014 and July 2015. An HSE investigation established that

employees had been using vibrating tools without proper training or practical controls to reduce vibration risk, and that no sufficient risk assessment or health surveillance had been carried out. Asset International Limited was fined a total of £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £27,724 after pleading guilty to offences under Regulations 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. HSE inspector Joanne Carter said after the hearing: “The serious and irreversible risks

from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome caused by working with vibrating tools are well known. This case shows there is no excuse for not putting in place a management system which includes risk assessment, control measures, health surveillance and information, and training to reduce these risks to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.” FIND OUT MORE www.hse.gov.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 35

TRAINING www.specfinish.co.uk

Large-scale changes ahead to apprenticeships The one guaranteed constant around apprenticeship provision at the moment is change. The introduction of Trailblazers as the new standard for all apprenticeship qualifications, the new Apprenticeship Levy across all sectors and a resulting restructure to funding through CITB mean taking on an apprentice seems even more complex than before. Do these changes provide the sector with a threat or an opportunity? FIS training manager Jeremy Clayton provides some all-important details. Trailblazer Apprenticeships are becoming the new standard by which an apprentice is measured. They will therefore be the only mechanism with which to gain funding for training. FIS is spearheading the Interior Systems Trailblazer which is on track for sign off at the beginning of 2017. Several FIS members provided excellent input to the process to help ensure this Trailblazer

is fit for purpose for our sector. Utilising expertise from the National Occupational Standards working group also enabled a fast-track approach to delivering the requirements set out by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (DBIS). FIS has also been involved in the consultation that incorporates plastering and bricklaying within a Trailblazer, led by the Federation

of Master Builders (FMB). British Gypsum originally submitted a Level 2 expression of interest for a plastering Trailblazer from a group of its customers. This was referred to the FMB, who was tasked with looking at the similarities involved. British Gypsum and the FMB are being encouraged to work together on a final solution. From this, it is clear that DBIS is trying to

‘streamline’ the number of standards through this process, so it is important for FIS to continue to be engaged with all who look like they have a small interest in the sector. Funding for all future apprentices will require a Trailblazer as the standard. From April 2017, this will be paid out primarily through the use of a new digital voucher scheme, underpinned by the new UK business-wide Apprenticeship Levy. This new levy will be calculated on the entire pay bill at a rate of 0.5 per cent. However, allowances worth £15,000 for each tax year will be available to offset against this. This means the levy will only be payable on pay bills over £3 million, because 0.5 per cent of £3 million is £15,000. This allowance will operate on a monthly basis, accumulating as the year goes on, with all payments handled by HMRC through payroll calculations. With a delay to consensus, CITB is looking at managing the payment of dual levies by those in the higher bracket but promising to mitigate the

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST BRANCH, VISIT WWW.CCFLTD.CO.UK

36 96876 Advertising 01926 420660LS) press ad FINAL.indd CCF specfinish (188x130mm

08/06/2016 13:57

TRAINING www.thefis.org

impact on firms in scope during this transitional period. Details of this are expected this month. The Apprenticeship Levy at first glance may not look like it will affect SMEs who don’t fall into the £3 million payroll bracket, and as such won’t be paying the levy from April 2017. Julian Carter from construction consultancy SECBE thinks next year holds some interesting options for our sector: “The Apprenticeship Levy could mean companies in scope may look to use the monies that they are contributing to bring in apprentices into their extended family, either directly or indirectly through their supply chain, if the rules allow. This could be a benefit to the industry as a whole, as subcontractors work with many lead contractors and therefore support from lead contractors could help the supply chain,” he explained. “The biggest shake up could be for those companies who are now faced with paying for college courses for any apprentices that they employ. As it stands, and there are still unknowns, any company employing an apprentice will be responsible for contributing towards their tuition costs. There will be rebates achievable, depending upon certain criteria.

Plaisterers’ Training Awards open for training providers However, the possibility exists that candidates aged 19 or over could be excluded from apprenticeships because part of the rebate will only apply to 16- to 18-year-olds. Companies could consider age as a factor.” Mr Carter continued: “In addition, a rebate is earnt if the company has fewer than 50 employees, which could mean that companies with more than 50 employees will think long and hard before taking on apprentices if it is going to cost them more money above and beyond employment costs.” There are still lots of uncertainties, but clearly there are both opportunities and threats to apprentices in our sector. How are we as a sector going to respond to the changes? How will your company respond? FIS would appreciate your views in this short survey: www.thefis.org/apprentice-survey

It’s time to prepare your submissions for two categories in The Plaisterers’ Training Awards: The Formula Snelling Cup and The British Gypsum Trophy. The Formula Snelling Cup is a fibrous and heritage plastering training award established to recognise the training of practical craftsmen specialising in traditional plastering. The Award is for independent training providers and colleges with independent work-based assessment units or those that provide in-house training. The British Gypsum Trophy is a drylining competence award for independent training providers and colleges with an independent work-based assessment unit. It recognises achievement in producing practical drylining craftsmen whose all-round ability will increase employability in their chosen field. Application forms can be downloaded now from www.plaistererslivery.co.uk/education-training/ applications. Closing date is 26 August.

Brand

FINISH IN HALF THE TIME Formulated for plasterboard jointing, surface smoothing, repair and snagging work

Adheres to painted surfaces Rapid Setting 30 minute working time

NEW

Special prices now available, please contact Wondertex:

01827 871871 wondertex.co.uk

WonderTex 130x185 advert .indd 1

Now also available from 11/03/2016 16:49 www.specfinish.co.uk 37

FIS COMMUNITY NEWS www.specfinish.co.uk

Calendar of events FIS Scottish Awards George Hotel, Edinburgh 9 September 2016 FIS Conference St Pierre Marriott Hotel and Country Club, Chepstow, Wales 13 October 2016 FIS Golf Day St Pierre Marriott Hotel and Country Club, Chepstow, Wales 14 October 2016 FIS Members’ Meetings Manchester 29 September 2016 (2–6pm) Renaissance Hotel, Manchester

Welcome to new FIS members Pure Office Solutions www.pureofficesolutions.co.uk

Office interior specialists providing high quality office furniture and innovative design.

U Value Insulation www.uvalueinsulations.co.uk

International company providing the building industry with vast product choice and in-depth technical expertise.

ISG UK Fit-Out www.isgplc.com

Construction services company delivering fit-out, construction, engineering services and a range of specialist solutions.

TGM Contractors www.tgmcontractors.co.uk

Contractors providing drylining, suspended ceiling installation, external steel frame system installation, render and floor screeds.

Bene www.bene.co.uk

Specialists in the design and furnishing of office and work environments.

Service Ceilings Ltd t/a SCL Interiors www.serviceceilings.co.uk

Providers of a full interiors package covering internal partitioning, suspended ceilings and fire control.

Visual Interiors and Partitions www.vipartitions.com

Interiors finishing contractor specialising in suspended ceilings, partitioning, plastering, steel framing and drylining.

B W Shrimpton www.bwshrimpton.co.uk

Providers of a full range of finishing trades to main contractors and private clients.

38 Advertising 01926 420660

Two more WYG contracts makes it five for Saracen Interiors

Saracen Interiors has been awarded a further two contracts worth £150,000 to refurbish offices in Birmingham and Southampton for project management and technical consultancy WYG. The 250m2 Birmingham job is a fast-track office refurbishment with a three-week turnaround time. The Southampton contract includes alterations to partitioning and air conditioning, installation of emergency lighting and decoration in WYG’s 600m2 office. Michael Page, Saracen Interiors’ joint managing

director, said: “We’ve come a long way with WYG and have developed a core understanding of the company’s culture and its needs. Our aim has been to present ourselves as an extension of the WYG team and, as a result, they call on us for projects of differing sizes around the UK.” Saracen recently completed office fit-outs for WYG in Swindon, Leicester and Liverpool. FIND OUT MORE www.saraceninteriors.com

Stortford Interiors wins Paddington Central fit-out contract

Wates Construction has awarded the £2.8 million interior fit-out contract at Paddington Central to Stortford Interiors. The 47-week project will include the fit-out of the 14,000m2 nine-storey office and residential complex. Designed to maximise space and efficiency, each floor will feature a large corner terrace and a glass pod for using as a creative area. The new building will also include a communal roof terrace, and entertaining and sporting facilities. The Stortford package includes the installation of drywall, metal-pan suspended ceilings and glass

wall details, as well as the following specialist joinery from Parkrose: laminate faced door sets, ironmongery, Douglas Fir panelling, seamless skirting and architraves, and external balcony decking. FIND OUT MORE www.stortford-interiors.com

FIS COMMUNITY NEWS www.thefis.org

New online showcase for Linear Projects

NHS glazing contract for Worksmart

Linear Projects has launched a new website. The new site promotes Linear’s full range of interior fit-out services and uses large imagery to showcase recent projects within the commercial and public sectors. The company has offices in Glasgow and Manchester. FIND OUT MORE www.linearuk.com

CCF expands roofing products team

Worksmart has been contracted by Balfour fire-rated and non, throughout the wards and Beatty to provide glazed solutions for NHS public areas; over 500 pieces of glass were Ayrshire & Arran’s new £46 million mental health installed into 140 individual screens consisting of and community facility, Woodland View. 23 different screen types. The project placed emphasis on supporting local Steve Neilson, Worksmart’s managing director, contractors and Worksmart was one of many local said: “This has been an excellent project for us, beneficiaries. The company’s modern apprentices – working closely with fellow FIS member Forza to including FIS Scottish Awards Apprentice of the Year provide the best client solutions in a nominees James Harker and Stephen Hart – were challenging, condensed timescale.” involved from the project’s inception. 27965 Worksmart erected a combination of bespoke FIND OUT MORE Solutions for Subcontractors AD 188x130_Layout 1 23/09/2015 16:10 Page 1 Forza primed timber glazed screens, both www.worksmartcontracts.co.uk

CCF has appointed two roofing insulation specialists to focus on its new commercial and industrial flat roofing range. Gaynor Dukes and Lyndon Gray will offer technical support and solutions to CCF customers on the new range of single ply and inverted roofing products, introduced at the end of 2015. Contractors will now be able to choose from a choice of flat roof insulation alongside membranes and accessories. FIND OUT MORE www.ccfltd.co.uk

Solutions for Subcontractors provide the help, support and advice that you need to succeed in the construction industry. As specialists in construction contracts and quantity surveying we understand your issues and can provide you with strategic, commercial advice in plain English. WE CAN HELP YOU WITH: Contract Vetting Late or No Payment Letters of Intent Contra Charges Adjudications Final Accounts, Preparation Negotiation and Settlement Training and Seminars Termination of Contracts Plus Other Contractual Disputes...

For more information on how we can help you, please call us on: 0845 604 8322

www.solutionsforsubcontractors.com

www.specfinish.co.uk 39

manufacturing world-class interiors

SAS System 200 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

+44 (0)118 929 0900

enquiries@sasint.co.uk