SpecFinish - September 2016

ÂŁ3.50 September 2016

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Flooring – the final flourish Page 14

Fire protection: Getting it right

p12

Legal: Be clear about payment

p24

Skills training: A shared approach

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INSIDE THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF SPECFINISH 04 Voice of the industry:

Time for clarity 12 Technical: Fire protection 14 Flooring: It’s the final flourish 17 M&E: Enhancing design

through collaboration 18 Report: Brexit creates

uncertainty 21 Technology: New FIS training

on BIM 22 Ceilings: Changing

specifications 24 Legal: Check payment terms 26 Trends: Ceiling tiles 28 Market analysis: Offices sector 30 Health and safety: Working

at height 32 Training: A shared approach

to apprenticeships FRONT COVER: This geometric tile floor at Hotel Indigo in York is fixed with UltraTile adhesive from Instarmac.

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

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Calls for Prime Minister to adopt productivity action plans The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group has called on the prime minister to confirm that construction is within the remit of the new Economic and Industrial Strategy Cabinet Committee.

SEC Group has also asked the prime minister to consider targeted and measurable action plans to raise productivity levels in all industry sectors.

SEC Group is proposing an industry three-point action plan to overcome the lack of cash flow security through greater use of project bank accounts and the ring-fencing of cash retentions; replace outdated and inefficient procurement and contracting practices with modern, ‘smart’ methods involving collaborative delivery and greater exploitation of digital technologies; and, develop a level playing field for competition that encourages reputable SMEs to invest in innovation that will

improve productivity, because ease of entry to the industry, false self-employment and lack of regulatory enforcement contribute to poor skills levels and, ultimately, poor-quality outcomes.

SEC Group’s chairman, Trevor Hursthouse OBE, said that in the wake of the Brexit vote, the construction industry needs to re-shape itself: “Post-Brexit we have to be leaner and fitter as an industry to add greater value to our clients, not cost, and to enable investment in the technologies that will ultimately improve the commercial health of the industry’s SMEs that deliver the bulk of its output. We are asking that the government gets on board to help us drive the necessary changes.”

FIND OUT MORE www.secgroup.org.uk

Challenge, Change and New Apprenticeship Opportunity to feature at Levy to go ahead FIS Annual Conference in 2017

Challenge, Change and Opportunity will be the themes for the 2016 FIS Annual Conference on Thursday 13 October, at the St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Chepstow, Wales.

Jane Knight, FIS operations director, said: “This year’s FIS conference is another great opportunity to network with your peers and learn at first hand what’s hot in the finishes and interiors sector. Yet again there will be a strong interactive element that will encourage members to work and discuss industry issues together.”

Guest speakers will include Professor Noble Francis, Construction Products Association’s economics director, who will talk about the current economic position and outline forecasts for construction markets; Trevor Rees, from Rees Worx, will discuss recruitment and labour issues post Brexit; while Kieran Parkinson, from BSI, will look at Technical Standards.

Martin Coyd OBE, of Lend Lease, will provide a follow-up to the mental health campaign, which featured so prominently at the 2015 Conference, to update delegates on what’s been happening and outline further plans for the future.

The government has confirmed that a new Apprenticeship Levy will go ahead in 2017. Employers with a pay roll bill of more than £3 million will pay the new 0.5 per cent levy and those within scope will pay both this new levy and the CITB Levy.

Employers with fewer than 50 employees will also have 100 per cent of training costs paid for by government if they take on these apprentices. This will help to ensure every young person, regardless of background or ability, has the chance to make their first step into work.

Apprenticeships and skills minister Robert Halfon said: “Our businesses can only grow and compete on the world stage if they have the right people, with the right skills.”

Steve Radley, director of policy at CITB, said: “This announcement brings mixed news for construction, but it’s good that government has responded to what we said on the challenges faced by smaller firms.”

The aim is to give employers more control and access to better quality training. Employers will have the power to determine exactly what training their apprentices receive and what provider they receive it from.

FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org/fis-events/fis-conference

FIND OUT MORE Turn to page 32: A shared approach to training

www.thefis.org

Siniat launches on-site productivity research Siniat has launched a productivity research project with BRE (Building Research Establishment) to identify ways of improving productivity in the drylining industry.

The research will assess the speed of installation for a range of drywall systems, including taping and jointing systems, and twin frame and single frame partition systems, to identify best practice and potential areas of improvement. The project will also measure process waste for each system type and will look at health and safety aspects.

Siniat and BRE will focus on drywall systems for multi-residential schemes as one of the sectors most under pressure to accelerate build times to meet the UK’s housing shortfall.

The investigation will be conducted using CaliBRE, a site efficiency and productivity measurement tool developed by BRE that measures ‘waste’ by assessing the proportion of time in each construction process measured that does not add value to the construction project. The tool forms part of a suite of digital construction performance tools including Yellow Jacket and SmartWaste.

Neil Ash, managing director for Siniat UK, said: “This research will help us to further target our innovation work into the next generation of dry construction systems which can help our customers to drive efficiency on-site, cut down installation times and ultimately deliver better projects.”

FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk

British Gypsum announces scheme for experienced plasterers

A new scheme from British Gypsum will help put UK homeowners in contact with reputable plasterers as part of its new Certified Plasterers Scheme.

British Gypsum is now calling on experienced plasterers to join its scheme following a successful trial in Nottinghamshire. Applicants must have domestic plastering experience and be able to demonstrate an excellent approach to customer service and on-site skills, with references.

British Gypsum will assess all applications before accepting plasterers onto the scheme.

Certified Plasterers will be able to use the British Gypsum logo on marketing materials and their details will be added to the Find a Plasterer database, which matches plasterers with homeowners looking for reputable tradespeople. Homeowners using the scheme receive a British Gypsum two-year workmanship guarantee.

FIND OUT MORE Call British Gypsum on 0115 784 2354

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COMMENT & OPINION www.specfinish.co.uk

Editor’s column

Change can create opportunity Two words sum up what the events of summer 2016 have brought: hope and opportunity.

But what’s vital in the new world is that while some hope everything works out, we all know that to be successful, our sector must grasp these new opportunities.

We will no longer be able to blame others for our own failures, and now, even more than before, the finishes and interiors sector must take responsibility to ensure that it is fit to tackle the future.

At the very heart of the new order is the need to compete even harder in a market that is facing a huge challenge with resources, rising material costs and a growing workload, even if it is rising at a slightly slower pace.

Throughout this issue we read that our sector is at the centre of the modern construction industry, installing project-critical elements on every contract.

Homes and commercial buildings don’t become functional until the walls, floors and ceilings are in position. Whether you’re a fit-out contractor wrestling with M&E services (see page 17) or you’re trying to finalise the floor finishes (see page 14), the message is the same: pre-plan to prevent problems.

Finishes and interiors contractors are as much a part of an integrated supply chain that has to work together as every other trade contractor is. But to achieve, the sector needs to ensure it is operating at the most productive level possible and, by getting involved early, there are opportunities for this productivity to receive a boost.

It is down to specialist contractors to make sure that their workforce – new and existing – has the right skills so that their packages are installed to the highest standards. Specialists cannot achieve this in isolation; they need to collaborate and work in partnership across the supply chain.

Déjà vu. More than 20 years ago, Latham and Egan were proposing these ways to raise standards: the need for early involvement, the importance of lean construction methods and the need for the right skills.

My hope is that we see the opportunity and really do change the way we work.

Adrian JG Marsh Editor 04 Advertising 01926 420660

Time for clarity “If you’re not confused, you’re not paying attention,” said business guru Tom Peters, and I have to confess, I have been paying attention and I am confused about what Brexit will mean for the sector. I’m reading lots of articles and opinion pieces and listening to the experts with increasing confusion about what is relevant and what is not. How are we supposed to understand when it is evident that the there was no plan in place for this eventuality?

Some very basic questions remain to be answered, not least of which is whether we will remain in the single market. This has implications for the free movement of labour across the states and raises the possibility of trade tariffs being imposed. Add to the mix elections in Germany, Holland and France, which will muddy the waters and make sensible deal-making more difficult. Neither side will want to cut off their noses to spite their faces, but uncertainty is not good for any of us.

The economic indicators and ‘confidence’ polls are still infected by the shock in the immediate aftermath of the result and by the fact we were actually in decline prior to the vote. The world economy is not doing very well as indicated by the long-term historically low interest rates. It is also very difficult to get truly impartial, objective views; many newspapers and columnists are looking for the “I told you so moment” – so who to believe?

In truth, it may be some time before the picture becomes clear, and we will have to live with that uncertainty. What we need is for the government to tidy up areas of uncertainty that they have generated and are nothing to do with Brexit. I attended a briefing on the new Trailblazer Apprenticeships recently and left very confused about the best route for the sector. Trailblazers are coming into operation; the first three in construction have been approved with more to follow. FIS is participating in two: Interior Systems, and

Plastering and Drywall. It is planned that sometime before 2020, only trailblazers will be able to use the term ‘apprenticeship’ and attract funding from government, although others may still attract funding from CITB. The problem is that the process is lengthy and could lead to employer funding being lower than what would have been available under the current CITB funding arrangements.

Then we have to factor in the impact of the new Apprenticeship Levy. The announcement of how this will operate was understandably delayed, but last month the government confirmed that it will come into force in April 2017, although much of the detail is still unknown.

A new report on skills by Lord Sainsbury was published in July which is set to change post-16 education. Students will be able to embark on one of 15 new pathways, including construction, engineering and manufacturing.

How will this affect apprenticeships?

Add to this the uncertain future of CITB as it deals with the impact of reduced levy resulting from the new Apprenticeship Levy and faces the consensus vote next summer about whether the industry wants to continue with the construction levy scheme.

Confused? As we know, you want to take on apprentices, but this should not be an all-consuming activity. It is our job at FIS to try and work out what will work for you, allowing you to get on with running your business with the right skilled workforce. Our plea to government is to please clarify this situation as quickly as possible because if we are to reduce the number of EU workers in the UK, we need to train people to replace them as quickly as possible.

DAVID FRISE FIS chief executive www.thefis.org

VIEWPOINT

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Misconceptions in fire specification

While fire resistance is a basic and fundamental requirement of building regulations, many misunderstandings exist in the marketplace leading to the mis-specification of drylining products. Several materials have an important role in increasing the fire resistance of buildings, and plasterboard can play one of the key roles in reducing fire spread and saving lives in the event of a fire. Mandeep Bansal, Knauf technical services manager, provides some important details.

Fire resistance has become one of the leading areas of enquiry encountered by the Knauf Technical Services team. The main area of misconception comes in the specification of wall and ceiling elements. It is important to understand that due to the inherent nature of fire spread, fire

compartmentation is delivered through system design and understanding the various associated testing methods applied for the given type of construction, i.e. wall or ceilings/floors. This of course can have a bearing on the type and the number of layers of gypsum plasterboards required.

Section two in the Approved Document B of the Building Regulations states that provisions must be made during the selection of building materials to account for fire spread. In circulation spaces, internal linings are the point at which fire spread can be the most prevalent and can thwart the escape of occupants.

Various solutions exist to meet the Building Regulation requirements. However, it is not possible to fully meet these requirements without adopting an approved system. A collaborative approach to building is required and it is important to ensure the construction interface details between walls, floors and the external envelope are designed to help with fire compartmentation.

MANDEEP BANSAL Knauf Technical services manager www.knauf.co.uk

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PRODUCTS

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Rockfon solutions control acoustics at sports centre Spray plaster from Knauf assists with rapid build speeds Knauf Airless Finish spray plaster has been specified by off-site construction company Danilith at one of its projects in Norfolk.

Danilith’s unique construction method uses factory-produced brick-faced insulation panels to deliver a bespoke home in just 18 weeks, and Knauf’s spray plaster was specified to assist with this rapid build time. Traditional plastering methods require a bonding agent to be applied to the concrete panels prior to plastering, but Knauf Airless Finish can be applied directly onto the concrete substrate.

The ready-mixed plaster is applied using a piston pump machine and can reach up to three metres from floor level, removing the need for scaffolding, steps or hop-ups. A two-man team on-site at the Norfolk project were able to complete 60m2 of ceilings in less than 12 minutes.

With a two-coat application, Knauf Airless Finish is applied between 1-2mm thick and dries to a consistently smooth finish with a white appearance, meaning less work is required once handed over to the decorators. www.knauf.co.uk

GEZE Slimdrive sliding doors are the perfect fit Glazed sliding doors from GEZE have been specified for the stunning elliptical Library Walk Link that creates a passageway between Manchester’s Library and Town Hall.

The stunning atrium features 26 glass panes of 7.4 metres high and a spectacular rooftop sculpture of a cloud formation created from 30 tonnes of mirror-polished stainless steel.

Reflecting the unique curve of the passageway, GEZE installed its energy-efficient Slimdrive SC automatic curved sliding doors to create two main entrances to the atrium. Waagner Biro, which created the glass construction, specified the Slimdrive SC door operator for its sleek appearance and versatility as the system can be tailored to a bespoke radius and door dimensions.

As well as the main entrances into the atrium, GEZE installed Slimdrive SL NT automatic sliding doors on either side of the link to provide access to the Library and Town Hall. www.geze.co.uk 06 Advertising 01926 420660

The new Deep End Activity Centre at Rawlins Academy College, in Leicestershire, is a former swimming pool converted into a multi-use fitness studio and activity space.

The centre has hard and highly reverberant surfaces, and to help create a healthy acoustic environment in which speech can be heard, Rockfon acoustic wall absorbers and ceiling islands have been installed throughout.

Rockfon Eclipse suspended ceiling islands, hung from wires to give a floating appearance, are made of 40mm stone wool.

They offer the highest performance in sound absorption as both sides absorb sound and contribute to reducing reverberation time.

Mobile room partitioning means the multi-functional centre can be divided into two areas, creating more acoustic control challenges. Rockfon VertiQ A wall panels with Class A sound absorption have been fitted to limit the transference of unwanted sound between the areas. The 40mm panels have a woven surface that can withstand occasional impact from ball games, making them a practical option for high activity areas. www.rockfon.co.uk

Armstrong Ceilings gains RIBA approval for health and wellbeing CPD A new CPD from Armstrong Ceilings on the topic of Health, Wellbeing and Productivity has been approved by RIBA. The new CPD explains how to integrate user-centred interior design to positively impact the health, wellbeing and productivity of occupants. It covers the major challenges of acoustics, lighting, air quality, temperature and decor and outlines results from surveys on indoor air quality. Information is also presented on how ceilings systems that provide solutions for a variety of user comforts can also deliver green building credits, such as BREEAM, LEED and Ska. The Health, Wellbeing and Productivity CPD can be booked directly with Armstrong. www.armstrong-ceilings.co.uk

New firestop cast-in device from Hilti Hilti has launched the CFS-CID firestop cast-in device for new construction in-situ concrete slabs, featuring a thinner, more powerful integrated firestop collar to allow greater tolerances around pipes and a smaller footprint.

The new ETA-approved firestop device is available in four sizes covering a range of pipe diameters from 40-160mm, and has a standard height of 250mm.

Modular 150mm extension tubes can be securely attached to increase the height of the cast-in device for use in thicker slabs. These can be stacked and cut to achieve any required elevation.

An external thread gives a secure connection to the lid and the ability to add CFS-CID accessories, including a manifold adapter to create a 280x280mm square opening which creates a 75mm void ideal for pipe junctions, manifold or elbows. www.hilti.co.uk

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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

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Speedier installation from Sektor partitioning systems

Clestra Hauserman’s innovation awarded a Red Dot

Sektor has updated its three central partitioning systems in response to detailed customer feedback, resulting in a choice of systems with simplified installation and a high-quality, long-lasting finish.

The new Sektor 30, Sektor 90 and Sektor 115 systems significantly improve installation times through a reduced number of components and clever design features. The Sektor 30 system has a new glazing channel gasket which is fitted within the framework to reduce the risk of shrinkage and movement more common with an old wedge gasket.

The Sektor 90 and 115 systems feature a new skirting design that’s easily fixed using a clip, while the entire range has been improved through a series of cleats that guarantee a secure fix of the aluminium profiles.

The frameless Sektor 115 partition, a full 100mm premium system, focuses on privacy but still lets light flood in. The system can reach up to 54dB; likewise, the Sektor 90 system has optimum acoustics performance up to 50dB. This, accompanied by both systems’ ability to transition from solid to glazed thanks to innovation in the gasket used, provides a seamless aesthetic for a high-end look.

The new Sektor partitioning systems are now available exclusively at CCF.

A free-standing modular workspace solution developed by prefabricated relocatable partition specialist Clestra Hauserman has been recognised with a prestigious Red Dot Award.

A Red Dot is the international hallmark for new design concepts and innovation. Clestra Hauserman’s IRYS concept, developed with HOK Product Design of global architecture company HOK, was one of 5,200 products and innovations from 57 countries entered into the Product Design category of the Red Dot Awards 2016.

IRYS has been created to meet the challenges of fitting out open-plan offices by offering an aesthetically pleased modular solution that is functional, flexible and economic. Utilising the latest technology, it provides workspaces that free-stand to create autonomous areas within the office environment and are not joined to the building.

The innovative modular concept, which can be reconfigured in size, shape and location within a few hours, allows the seamless integration of features such as lighting, airflow management, electrical wiring, AV equipment and storage. Designed to enhance wellbeing in offices, IRYS can accommodate up to 12 people and can be finished in fabric, wood and steel.

www.sektorinteriors.com

www.clestra.com

SmartPly Propassiv exceeds Passivhaus levels for airtightness Wall cassettes manufactured from SmartPly Propassiv structural OSB3 panels have been installed at a two-storey timber frame home in Maidenhead.

The residential property took just two weeks to erect before being finished with SmartPly’s structural air and vapour-tight panels.

SmartPly Propassiv is well-suited to ultra-low energy buildings, as it has integrated vapour control properties and airtightness engineered into each panel, and can be readily cut and fixed using standard timer frame fixings, removing the need for the secondary installation of additional membranes, sealants and foams.

The building’s exterior has been protected with SmartPly’s Medite Vent, a high-performance breathable sheathing panel for vapour permeability and high weather resistance. The SmartPly Propassiv and Medite Vent boards work together to encase the timber frame and insulation while providing additional rigidity to the overall structure.

After 19 days, once SmartPly Propassiv had created the perfect insulation envelope, tests showed the completed home achieved 0.55 air changes per hour (ACH), which compares very well against the Passivhaus requirement of 0.6 ACH.

The weber.rend OCR pre-blended one-coat render system has been used in the construction of the £12.5 million Flitwick Leisure Centre in Bedfordshire, which opened earlier this year.

Weber.rend OCR is a technical basecoat render for stable substrates, including brickwork, blockwork and concrete. The faster application times achieved by Weber’s pump-applied render system saved labour costs and helped to speed up the construction programme.

For the leisure centre project, weber.rend OCRT, a lime-free version, was specified as a background render for 2,000m2 of tiling in the pool areas, and weber.rend OCR was used on 500m² of painted walls with 200m² of weber. rend LAC render mortar used on low-level concrete walls, first treated with weber.rend aid to ensure a strong bond.

www.smartply.com

www.netweber.co.uk

08 Advertising 01926 420660

Weber render system makes good time at leisure centre

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PRODUCTS

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Renovating plaster is ideal for ageing social housing properties

Selectaglaze has installed secondary glazing to a Grade II-listed building in the heart of London’s West End. The renovation and conversion of 5-6 Connaught Place from its post Second World War use as office space to luxury homes was undertaken

by Redrow London. Main contractor John Sisk & Sons turned to Selectaglaze for the most effective way to reduce external noise levels.

Secondary glazing from Selectaglaze was fitted to the room side of the existing primary windows. With a gap of at least 100mm between the primary and secondary glazing, 45dB is achievable. Along with noise reduction, secondary glazing helps to eradicate draughts by trapping them in an insulating layer and reduces heat loss, helping to create a more comfortable living space.

A total of 69 toughened safety glass units were installed in five different styles, including curved units to mirror the styles of the primary windows.

In social housing projects, cost often dictates what building materials are used, meaning housing association properties are usually supplied with gypsum plaster, which is cost effective and quick to apply.

As gypsum plaster easily absorbs and retains moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and substrate, this can leave it susceptible to damp and the resulting growth of mould and salts. The majority of UK social housing stock is relatively old, therefore damp can be a key issue.

Where double glazing enhances the property by improving heat retention and sound insulation, it can also diminish ventilation and increase humidity levels, adding to the damp problem. A lightweight renovating plaster, such as Limelite, can mitigate the potential humidity and air-flow issues faced by ageing social housing properties by allowing moisture to pass through it, which dramatically reduces the likelihood of damp occurring.

The plaster’s breathability effectively controls damp passing through walls.

And renovating backing plaster also provides a quicker drying time – typically one day – whereas gypsum backing plasters can take up to 10 days.

www.selectaglaze.co.uk

www.limeliteplaster.co.uk

Secondary glazing from Selectaglaze chosen for renovation

Make lite work of meeting BBA standards Finish Limelite Renovating Plaster with a coat of High Impact Finishing Plaster and you’ve got a 2 part BBA approved plaster system.

Perfect for all sorts of applications from heritage projects to hospitals and social housing.

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BBA approved system

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Lime content protects against mould

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Suitable for use as part of a damp proof system

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Breathable for quicker drying

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Non-combustible to BS476:4

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

10 Advertising 01926 420660

PRODUCTS www.thefis.org

Magnetic flooring from Kingspan gives easy underfloor access Kingspan’s pioneering Attiro oak flooring can be easily laid over raised access flooring to give an authentic look without limiting access to the underfloor service voids.

European oak-veneered Attiro, available in a variety of shades, provides an alternative solution to conventional square wooden panels bonded to the raised floor, which have previously been most commonly used to maintain access.

Individual Attiro staves secure magnetically to Kingspan’s steel encapsulated raised floor panels and, in contrast to inaccessible tongue and groove wood flooring, can be

lifted in any part of the floor in seconds.

Because the product is installed at fit-out stage, there is less chance of damage. If a stave does need to be replaced, it can be easily removed and a new one put down, with the floor being ready to walk on again immediately.

Attiro can help projects to gain LEED and BREEAM certification because only FSC, European-sourced oak and Class E1 plywood are used in its manufacture, in accordance with the European standard for wood-based panels. www.attiro.co.uk

Fermacell boards help Privacy on demand with with hotel development DORMA Magic Glass partitions from Style Modular timber construction specialist Carbon Dynamic has specified Fermacell gypsum fibreboard panels to line 13 five-star garden lodges at the luxury Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness.

Carbon Dynamics manufactured and fully fitted out the 26m2 modular garden lodges before delivering to site and installing in less than two days onto pre-prepared, low-impact foundations.

The Fermacell boards that clad the lodges’ interiors were chosen to give a high-quality modern wall and ceiling finish and to contribute to acoustic insulation. The boards are fire resistant to Class A2-s1, d0 and perform to thermal conductivity 0.32W/mK. Matt Stevenson, managing director of Carbon Dynamics, said: “Fermacell boards give superior performance in terms of fire, insulation, acoustic and environmental credentials. Critically, Fermacell does not move or crack when we move our modules and so requires little, if any, remedial work.”

Style has installed the first DORMA Magic Glass partitioning wall in the UK for credit rating provider DBRS, which is located in the Walkie Talkie building in central London.

This clever ‘transparent to opaque’ solution provides instant privacy at the press of a button while retaining all the benefits of a glass dividing wall offering 50dB Rw acoustic performance.

DORMA’s Magic Glass features liquid crystals suspended in a conductive layer. When an electric current is passed through, the crystals rearrange themselves in tight formation to create a clear glass wall. When the Magic Glass is turned off, using a wall-mounted or remote control switch, the wall turns into a milky, opaque partition, giving privacy as and when required.

www.fermacell.co.uk

www.style-partitions.co.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 11

TECHNICAL www.specfinish.co.uk

Getting fire protection right can save lives Fire protection can be categorised in two ways: active and passive. Where active fire protection deals with solutions such as fire suppression systems, passive fire protection provides protection to the building structure, protecting both the lives of those in the building and those entering it to extinguish a fire. FIS technical manager Joe Cilia looks at the passive side of this life-saving requirement.

A good example of fire-stopping cables and pipes.

The category of passive fire protection can be further segmented into structural fire protection, that is, structural elements such as steel beams and columns, and fire protection that provides compartmentation.

Wilf Butcher, CEO for the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), said: “Fire-stopping is perhaps one of the least understood, but most commonly installed, elements of all passive fire protection systems.”

As a specialist contractor, you might be asked to provide structural fire protection to mezzanine floors by installing a fire-rated ceiling below the floor.

However, it is more common to be involved with the type of products specified to create compartmentation or escape routes using partition doors and 12 Advertising 01926 420660

cavity barriers.

Guidance describing fire protection is outlined in Approved Document B (Fire safety) of the building regulations and also in BS 9999. Fire-rated products can be tested using BS EN1364:1 and BS 476:22. These tests will certify that a product has achieved 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes’ fire resistance and also provide information about how the system performed at holding back the fire (integrity) and the heat (insulation). Although solid partitions can be efficient at integrity and insulation, glazed fire screens will require more specialist glass incorporating intumescent layers to provide protection.

Pressures to reduce costs can lead to assumptions about mixing individual products that have not been tested together. This is often true where fire doors are specified,

and individual elements such as the door leaf, frame, ironmongery and seals are procured on the assumption that they will perform.

However, the only way to ensure that products will perform together is to test them together in a laboratory or to get them assessed by a fire engineer.

There are three aspects that help to ensure a fire-protective product performs over its installed lifetime: design, construction and maintenance.

Design

The designer is responsible for ensuring that the materials specified perform. That means checking the products’ test data as well as ensuring that the element abutting the system is at least equal to, or greater than, the performance of the element being specified.

Designers and fire safety engineers can decide on the best solution for the building, so never assume that guidance in Approved Document B (Fire safety) will be adopted.

Mr Butcher of ASFP explained: “A good example is a soil pipe passing through a wall. Just sealing around the pipe will be inadequate because the fire will cause the pipe to melt, leaving a large hole for the fire to pass through. One solution to this is a pipe collar. Inside is an intumescent material that will expand, eventually crushing the pipe before the flame and smoke can pass through the wall or floor.”

Construction

It is crucially important that systems are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. These instructions can also specify the necessary fixings; any deviation at all from the system specification or method of build must be confirmed in writing before the work is commenced. It is often too late when the product has been installed to try to unpick things, and this can also lead to costly remediation work.

Chris Barlow, product development director at Encon, said: “Adopting the recommendations from specialist associations such as the ASFP and engaging with the supplier to ensure that the product you use is fit for purpose are important to ensure conformity.”

Maintenance

It is relatively easy to see that an intumescent strip has come away or that a door closer has failed, but it is more difficult to know that a plug socket cut into a partition or a hole cut in the wall above the ceiling or below the floor has compromised integrity. To help facility managers recognise the performance of a partition long after it has been installed, FIS and ASFP have introduced the ‘Fire performance labelling scheme’.

This simple label is stuck to the partition in both the ceiling and floor voids to highlight that the partition is fire-rated and that cutting holes could destroy its integrity. The label also provides a quick link via QR code to relevant

TECHNICAL www.thefis.org

advice from ASFP. Dave Bonner, managing director at Nevill Long, said: “This simple scheme clearly identifies a fire-rated partition and tells anyone who is considering penetrating it what the implications are and what they need to do. The use of the sticker has the potential to save property and, importantly, lives.”

Effective fire-stopping comes down to fully understanding the requirement and the interface to ensure the correct specification, as well as using competent and trained operatives who understand the method of installation required to achieve the correct fire performance. Follow this guidance – and always seek advice from experts whenever necessary – to avoid your installation coming under question at an inquest to ascertain what went wrong where a fire destroyed property, or life.

FIND OUT MORE JOE CILIA joecilia@thefis.org

Installation contractors to report on plasterboard waste on-site As of July, FIS contractor members are being asked to provide quarterly figures on plasterboard waste generated from offcuts and on-site damage. The returns figures will be calculated using the difference in m2 of plasterboard delivered to site versus the quantity installed.

This FIS initiative comes as the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) announces that in 2015, the overall total of recycled waste from production and construction activities was 45.9 per cent to new plasterboard, cement and agricultural use, just short of the 50 per cent target.

This is a step-change from 10 years ago when less than 20 per cent of construction waste was recycled, which was the starting point for a recycling initiative instigated through the Ashdown Agreement and led by the GPDA with support from the Waste and Resources Action Programme

(WRAP) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

To maintain the momentum of the last 10 years, the industry has adopted two new targets under the ongoing Plasterboard Sustainability Partnership (PSP) action plan: a 10 per cent carbon reduction in plasterboard manufacturing by 2020 (based on 2010 levels) and increased closed-loop recycling of construction and demolition waste to 10 per cent by 2020.

The recycling figures from FIS members will help the sector agree waste targets with the PSP and understand where waste arises during installation to help deliver alternative processes that reduce waste and save money.

FIND OUT MORE joecilia@thefis.org

HARBRINE

www.specfinish.co.uk 13

FEATURE

FLOORING

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Flooring – the final flourish The vast array of floor coverings available today has freed up designers to develop ever more outlandish flooring schemes. It is often specialist floor finishes that bring the entire design concept together, introducing not just the practicality of a floor covering but also the final tick in the box from the architect. Paul Thompson reports.

In offices across the country, staff can expect to be ushered to their work stations, discussion pods and breakout zones on a cornucopia of different floor coverings in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes and colours.

Similarly, in the retail sector where floor finishes have become an important part of the design package, helping lead shoppers into retail nirvana, there is a bewildering array for the design team to look upon.

But such is the level of specialism in some of these flooring methods that there can be some difficulty with stretched lead-in times. This can be particularly difficult at the end of a project when all parties are desperate to get the scheme completed and signed off.

Preparation is the key to avoiding any such issue, according to Michael Page, joint managing director of workplace consultant Saracen Interiors. He said: “The use of flooring can be one of the most cost-effective, striking and compelling ways in which you can transform an office space. It’s great because it can be a relatively cheap way to make a huge impact or, at the very least, add the final flourish to a job. Ultimately though it all comes down to time.”

If the design is finalised at an early enough stage then contractors and suppliers are able to line up the delivery of flooring products, safe in the knowledge that they will have enough to complete the scheme. Later

Saracen Interiors’ fit-out for Tata Communications at Vintners Place, in London, incorporated a creative approach to flooring.

14 Advertising 01926 420660

Shaw Contract’s Grain + Pigment is a wide-format luxury vinyl plank.

changes in the design can cause havoc with lead-in times.

“Many a project has come unstuck at the end thanks to a missing box of carpet tiles. Different coloured tiles are manufactured in batches. If you are short you could be waiting weeks until that colour tile is manufactured again. If you are sourcing from abroad then you have to factor in shipping time too,” added Mr Page.

“The key is to be precise when it comes to procurement. Allow the usual percentage for waste but then make sure you add to this if you know you’re looking at a long lead time.

Allow a margin of error and, crucially, manage client expectations.”

The manufacturing process is something that is often forgotten about when designers start to look at different coverings, patterns and textures. While the myriad of potential materials may be appealing to those putting the finishing touches to a project’s design, they can be difficult for manufacturers to manage.

Andrew Jackson, marketing director at flooring manufacturer Shaw Contract, said: “We hold some of our most popular products in stock

for a quick turnaround, but other than that, it will be on a six-week lead-in.

There are too many options for us to be able to stock everything. There is also a difference between ‘made to order’, which is where one of our designs is not stocked but has to be made up, and ‘custom made’, which is an absolutely bespoke product.”

Holding material and products in stock is a luxury that other areas of the flooring sector do have. With demand for floating and acoustic flooring systems on the rise from developers working in all sectors, system manufacturers have the benefit of being able to rely on stock to help draw them out of any potential lead-in issues.

“Our products are capable of being used in most applications – if in doubt ask – and that means we tend to get a very steady demand with products ready for ex-stock delivery. Obviously, the more notice we can get on a large order the better, but generally we can help our suppliers to source immediately,” explains Fermacell technical manager Andrew Richardson.

FLOORING

FEATURE

www.thefis.org

Receiving notice and bringing the suppliers and designers onto the project as early as possible is still key for a seamless development.

And although the UK market is mature enough to recognise the importance of early involvement, the pressure to get to final completion puts more pressure on the flooring specialist.

“On new build schemes, we tend to get brought in earlier in the delivery schedule because the client might want a bespoke product. With refurbishment schemes, it can be much more time challenging. Either way you have to get your manufacturer on board as early as possible. That is the key to project success,” said Mr Jackson.

It is a point with which Mr Page at Saracen Interiors agrees. “I cannot emphasise enough the issue of time,” he commented. “Time affords you the opportunity to experiment and to consider some varied and individual finishes that will really make an office stand out. Ultimately, it is all down to the phasing and, as flooring is last to go down, with a little considered planning, time can be on your side.”

UltraTile and the chocolatethemed hotel The tiling contractor for the boutique Hotel Indigo, in York, tiled all areas with UltraTile adhesives from Instarmac. The hotel’s design reflects the rich chocolate heritage of Rowntree, Terry’s of York and the city’s stonework, and the reception area features a showpiece diamond geometric pattern.

The project included 2,500m² of floor and wall tiling to all 101 bedroom en-suites, and the fixing of encaustic tiles to the kitchen, bar and WC floors.

All background substrates were stabilised using UltraTile Prime IT FP with UltraTile ProFlex SP and UltraTile ProFlex SP+ES used to fix all floor tiles throughout. ProFlex SP+ES has a pot life of two hours, making it ideal for heavy tiles or intricate tiling work as demonstrated in the geometric flooring design.

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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 15

FEATURE

FLOORING LIGHTING

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Delivery. It’s in our nature.

Within a colony, ants communicate with each other and work together to solve complex problems.

Rather like our team at Nevill Long. We specialise not only in all aspects of interiors from ceilings, drywall and partitions to facades, floors and finishes, but also in making sure we deliver the right solution for you – at the right time.

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For your nearest Nevill Long branch visit nevilllong.co.uk AN ENCON GROUP COMPANY

16 Advertising 01926 420660 CEILINGS

DRYWALL

PARTITIONS

M&E

FEATURE

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M&E design – it’s a collaboration It is the end client that knows how the space within a building is going to be used, which makes them best placed to agree the brief for the M&E services.

But it is equally important for the M&E contractor to be given the flexibility to provide the optimum solution. Andy Pearson reports.

Earp Consulting is to get the client to complete room data sheets, with details of all the services going into each room along with its proposed finishes. “If a client cannot complete the room data sheets because they don’t know how a space is going to be used then they probably shouldn’t have gone to tender,” he said.

According to Mr Earp, the consultant’s skill in developing an M&E solution is in giving the contractor the flexibility to develop the optimum solution. He says that means establishing the temperatures to which a room should be heated and cooled and the lighting levels for the space, but leaving it up to the contractor to decide how best to meet these requirements. “The big mistake is taking away the contractor’s design and procurement skills,” he added.

Tim Rook, technical director at Closewood installed M&E services and air conditioning systems at Data the Building Engineering Services Centre Winchester.

Association (BESA), is a proponent When it comes to developing the of contractor design: “Clients should “Very few clients will actually work with the contractor to develop optimum building services solution recognise the value of good M&E the M&E specification because services until they have a problem,” for a project, Mr Earp says good contractors know a lot,” he said. clients know what they want. said David Frise, FIS chief executive.

For contractors to utilise their “They are the ones that have been “Clients see value in spending on a design and procurement skills marble reception area or in spending through the mill a few times and know what it is they are walking into, effectively, however, requires time. a fortune on expensive taps, but “Where it works best and where whereas the ones who catch a cold they are reticent to spend the are the clients who rush out with an the fit-out industry should be going money on something that they is with more time put into the early cannot see, and that is a big mistake.” incomplete brief.” stages of project development,” Mr He says responsibility for Mr Frise says one of the Rook said. “If the client can get all of reasons problems do occur with M&E developing the building services the team, including the contractors, brief lies with the client because installations is because clients have the client knows how they intend to around the table early doors and not involved the M&E contractor in a they all work collaboratively (and a project early enough for them to make use a particular space. “Invariably, payment mechanism, such as margin we find that where a client doesn’t a significant impact in the scheme protection, is worked out so that know what it is that they want, or design. “One of the main reasons everyone is motivated in the right the brief is changed as the job is things go wrong is through clients way) then you will end up with the underway, then that is dangerous neglecting the front end,” he added. best solution.” territory for the fit-out contractor Clive Earp, of Earp Consulting, One advantage of working as a and client because works can be agrees with Mr Frise. “Up-front team is that energy use and running carried out that then have to be design development time for M&E costs, which might otherwise not be services is absolutely critical because aborted,” explained Mr Earp. given much thought by the M&E The starting point in the it impacts on cost, programme and development of an M&E solution for contractor, can be addressed. quality,” he commented.

“Running costs do not feature in 95 per cent of specs; instead, contractors are simply paid to fit what they’ve been told to fit, which they’ll do in the most cost-effective manner,” added Mr Rook. “Contractors get paid for the pipe on the wall, so that is what they will concentrate on.”

Dean Kirby, managing director of air conditioning, mechanical and electrical contractor Closewood, says that low running costs can be a design feature, particularly when the client paying for the installation stands to benefit from it. “Some clients want more eco-friendly solutions, but a lot of the time, it depends on who owns the building,” he said.

“It frustrates us not getting involved earlier in some projects,” added Mr Kirby. He says clients will get better value through the contractor’s involvement. “We work with some consultants who will phone us up and ask us to sit around the table to discuss the best way to fulfil a project,” he said. Early involvement is not the norm. He says the norm is “having to plough through a tender and then having to go back to the client with a long list of questions”.

From a business perspective, Mr Kirby says it is in everybody’s interest to talk to the contractor about the various options for a project because the contractor might be aware of alternative solutions and systems that could be of benefit to the client. However, he does warn that whatever the proposed solution, “the client’s expectations will never match the budget available”.

Mr Kirby says the solution for any client looking to get the best M&E installation is simple. “Get the contractor involved early in the project to iron out any problems early doors; then once the scheme is successfully up and running, pay all retentions swiftly – that way we’ll all be happy,” he laughed. www.specfinish.co.uk 17

REPORT

BREXIT

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uncertainty is already leading to fluctuations in the cost of materials and concern over the future construction workload.”

Angela Mansell, operations director at Mansell Finishes, said: “We have seen metal increases but I don’t know if it was Brexit or the whole issue around Tata and what’s going on in China. From what I know, a lot of plasterboard and ceiling tiles come from Eastern Europe. It’s all imported and that will mean prices will go up.”

Mr Frise said that concerns over costs, in particular steel prices, were also aired at the FIS members’ briefing. The price rises did, however, precede the Brexit vote and costs are being exacerbated by the subsequent weakness in the pound.

Mr McLoughlin added: “Material prices were already increasing prior to Brexit – about 20 to 25 per cent higher – and the exchange rates at the moment are not in our favour.”

Professor Noble Francis, economics director at the Construction Products Association (CPA) and visiting professor at the University of Westminster, commented: “The fall in the pound will obviously increase import costs but the majority of cost inflation in construction currently is due to labour cost rises, especially in housing and commercial in London and the South East.”

The impact on the workforce is hard to gauge. Some in the industry believe that there may be a special status granted to the construction industry, which would be particularly hard-hit by draconian new laws. MACS Plasterboard Systems has no European Union nationals on its payroll, but more than 60 per cent of the subcontract workforce comes from Eastern Europe – sometimes “There was a slow-down in decision technical standards and whether the start until at least next year. more. Sending those workers home market will go into recession. making and feedback relating to Mrs May’s comments on 20 July were would have an impact right down Brexit. Many in business felt we “We follow European standards,” aimed at providing reassurance and the supply chain to the clients would not leave,” said Tom added Mr Frise. “There will be less came after pleas from numerous commissioning work.

McLoughlin, chief executive officer at regulation, but it’s about which “Higher labour costs would occur trade bodies, including main MACS Plasterboard Systems. ones we want to get rid of. The because the fewer workers could contractors’ trade body Build UK. That has been reflected across the construction industry was heading Chief executive Suzannah Nichol MBE demand higher wages,” explained wider fit-out sector. “People have had into recession anyway. To what Mr McLoughlin, adding: “At the said: “There will be plenty of projects put on hold and we will see extent that was due to people moment, there does not appear discussion about what may or may that for some time,” commented David waiting and seeing what happened not happen even before the UK to be an undue amount of angst Frise, chief executive of FIS, which held with the vote, I don’t know. The among those workers, worrying formally gives notice to the EU. its first post-Brexit briefing to more biggest problem is uncertainty.” about their future here in the UK, The priority will be to deal with the than 30 members in July. Three key The new prime minister Theresa many of whom have been working short-term issue of stability and issues emerged: labour shortages, May has said that Brexit talks will not confidence in the market, as the in Britain for over a decade.”

Brexit creates uncertainty

On 23 June, British history changed. To the surprise of many, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU).

The Brexit decision will affect every business and is starting to impact the finishes and interiors sector. Steve Menary reports.

18 Advertising 01926 420660

BREXIT

REPORT

www.thefis.org

Ms Mansell is equally calm about the impact of immigration and expects Brexit to produce a converse impact on workloads and labour. “People are holding off on starting work but really they should be placing their orders now to get a current, fixed price,” she added.

“If anything, I think immigration will increase in the short term as people from Eastern Europe will come here before any decisions are made.”

Commenting on skills and quality in the sector, Ms Nichol said: “Employers have focused on the need to retain a source of skilled labour and on this issue we now have the opportunity to determine what ‘good’ looks like – the challenge will be how we continue to employ EU nationals in addition to fixing the training system so we also bring through a home-grown workforce.”

Build UK has been reassured by the new prime minister’s comments and this has reverberated down the supply chain.

Referring to the proposed Apprenticeship Levy, Mr Frise said: “I can see why the announcement was delayed by the change in government, but now we have confirmation of an April 2017 introduction date, we can begin to plan a strategy.

“It’s easier to see the negatives than the opportunities, but there must be opportunities. It’s just about getting to grips with what they are.”

The finishes and interiors sector typically feels the slowdown last, but as normality returns and the uncertainty slowly begins to dissipate, there are tentatively positive signs.

Mr McLoughlin concluded: “Projects that had started and had proceeded through the necessary stages of planning are still happening.

“Theresa May’s comments will certainly make construction companies feel more comfortable and push on with the building of required homes. There is a feeling that confidence is coming back.”

Construction output continues to fall The first Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of UK construction after the referendum result found that output fell during July, materials prices were on the rise and demand for subcontractors is weakening.

David Noble, group chief executive officer at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “The sector’s downhill course is a seriously disappointing development, with purchasing activity falling for the second consecutive month, and following another drop in new orders.

“With a reduction in new work for the third month in succession and one of the fastest falls since early 2013, this hesitancy to commit was largely attributed to the continued hazy gloom of uncertainty as clients became more cautious and deferred orders.”

Tim Moore, senior economist at Markit, said: “The figures confirm a clear loss of momentum since the second quarter of 2016, led by a steep and accelerated decline in commercial building.

“Exchange rate depreciation resulted in sharper input cost inflation and there are concerns that additional supplier price rises for imported materials could be around the corner.”

The seasonally adjusted PMI registered 45.9 in July, down fractionally from 46.0 in June and below the 50.0 no-change threshold for the second month running. There was a sharp reversal in subcontractor availability, which rose at the fastest pace since September 2012.

FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org

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www.specfinish.co.uk 19

FEATURE W E N

PLASTERERS’ BEADS AND MESH

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Cut Cut

Spray Cut

Stick Cut

Gyproc AquaBead Water-activated adhesive bead for tough corners, installed fast Gyproc AquaBead is a revolutionary 90 degree angle corner bead. It features water-activated adhesive to provide a superior bond directly to plasterboard, within 15-60 seconds it is ready to apply, making installation easy – just spray and stick. The high-strength co-polymer core withstands impacts to prevent dents and cracks as well as eliminating the need for staples, screws, spray adhesives or messy compounds for bedding.

We compared Gyproc AquaBead to standard corner tape and the results shown below were achieved: Faster – 37.5% increase in productivity Stronger – 38% reduction in impact damage Easier – 33% decrease in number of coats Gyproc AquaBead is available to order from your local British Gypsum stockist.

british-gypsum.com/gyprocaquabead 20 Advertising 01926 420660

BIM TRAINING

TECHNOLOGY

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New FIS Training on BIM for specialist contractors Since BIM became mandatory on all government contracts last April there has been a wave of initiatives to educate and inform contractors. And now to help specialist contractors whose job it would be to carry out the installation of the products, FIS has developed a BIM training course based on its BIM Toolbox for Specialist Contractors, published last year. SpecFinish takes a look at the new course and how finishes and interiors contractors are coping with contracts where BIM is operating. Jenny Gibson reports.

“The experience of finishes and interiors contractors operating in a BIM environment would probably be best described as inconsistent,” said Mark Norton, head of BIM for ISG’s fit out and engineering services business, and chair of the FIS BIM4FitOut Forum.

“We’ve got a full spectrum of experience and adoption levels within the industry, and this clearly affects outcomes, but what is clear is the growing demand and appetite to learn more about BIM’s capabilities.”

“Contractors that have had some exposure to BIM are starting to work in-house and develop their own expertise, really exploiting the advantages BIM brings to project delivery. Observations from first-time BIM contractors is a split between either an in-house or an outsourcing type solution.

“Results have been mixed and both BIM4FitOut, and main contractors like ISG, are working hard to ensure that this experience and engagement leads to a higher

proportion of positive outcomes.

Key to embedding this practice in the supply chain is high-quality training, mentoring and hands-on assistance from early BIM adopters to share knowledge and help contractors identify and address issues in procedure and delivery.”

This is where FIS has stepped in to create a BIM Toolbox Training Module specifically to help specialist contractors get to grips with BIM. David Frise, FIS chief executive, said: “Main contractors want specialist contractors to come with an open mind. Using BIM shows a willingness to try, to innovate. It’s no different from digitisation of project management tools.”

In consultation with BSI and tier 1 contractors, FIS has launched a new practical and bespoke training scheme for all specialists. This training will deliver BIM process training, appropriate to members’ businesses, to arrive prequalified for BIM projects by meeting the requirements of PAS 91, the tier 1’s capability questionnaire or, if required, BSI’s verification scheme.

The new FIS training will cover the requirements of the BIM Standards, particularly PAS 1192-2 (Specification for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling).

Mr Frise continued: “We’ve found that specialists will need to be able to demonstrate processes and management systems that incorporate BIM requirements.

This will differ for each individual member and therefore the training will have a bespoke element.

“The solution for members will range from a standalone BIM management system to the incorporation of BIM processes into existing ISO 9001 quality management arrangements, or the development of a new quality/BIM management system.”

The FIS BIM training will build on what specialist contractors already do. It will focus on explaining the bigger picture of BIM and also show specialist contractors what needs to be done in terms of process and people in order to operate on BIM projects.

The new BIM training from FIS can be done online, face-to-face or a mixture of both but always one-to-one and tailored to each specialist contractor’s individual situation. Course trainer Andrew Foy said: “What’s different is this FIS training will be bespoke to the participant. We know that each specialist has a different need for BIM. For some, light involvement will be enough, whereas others will need to be more heavily involved in contributing to the BIM model on any BIM project.

“We’ll also take into account where the specialist contractor

currently is in terms of quality management procedures.

Main contractors are looking for formulated BIM procedures which should sit inside a quality management system. So, for those who already have a quality management system, it will be easier than for others to develop BIM procedures. Another aspect of the bespoke approach will be that those specialists who do not currently have ISO 9001, for example, will be able to acquire it and BIM procedures at the same time.”

Downstream, main contractors and their clients are expected to drive for more use of BIM on future contracts. Mr Norton agrees.

“The drive from clients and main contractors for BIM implementation has increased significantly over the past 12 months,” he added.

“We now have better-specified projects moving through the market with well-developed EIRs (employers’ information requirements). Rich data is being worked much harder than ever before; it’s essential for FM (facilities management) and asset management systems that operate and maintain the building in the most efficient way throughout its lifecycle.”

Clearly the demand for accurate collation and intelligent use of data from the construction process will only intensify as the industry moves forward, and BIM represents the best way the construction supply chain can deliver to the increasing expectations of clients.

Concluding, Mr Norton said: “Many of us early adopters recognised how this technology was the future for the industry and although the pace of change can never be fast enough, when we see the amazing opportunities that BIM brings, we’re confident that the supply chain is firmly on the journey with us now.”

FIND OUT MORE info@thefis.org www.specfinish.co.uk 21

FEATURE

CEILING SPECIFICATIONS

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Changing ceiling specifications: what to consider

The ceiling specification has been written and signed off by the client, and then the contractor is asked to suggest equal and approved alternatives. Sometimes the original specification is not followed precisely and the chosen alternative products deliver results that can vary greatly.

Tim Spencer, technical manager at Rockfon, outlines the practical aspects of what to consider if a specification is to change – and where not to compromise.

The ceiling’s acoustic performance was an important part of the specification for Rockfon at Skibbereen Community School in West Cork.

When designing a building, performance is paramount. If the space cannot ultimately be used for the purpose it was built, then the design is not successful, no matter how good it looks. Acoustics is an area that ceiling, wall and floor finishes can play a large part in influencing, and it must be specified correctly. Acoustic control is essential for any building where learning, recovery, work or music are central to its purpose.

For example, the amount of sound absorption necessary will depend on the use of the space, and choosing inappropriate materials can end up 22 Advertising 01926 420660

costing substantially more in retrofit costs and cause build delays or, if ignored, leave the occupants with a building not fit for purpose.

Specialist interiors contractors are often tasked with finding alternative products that fulfil a given specification or, worse still, simply match a product’s properties, some of which may be relevant, but some not. Cost savings are very often a big driver when it comes to suggesting the so-called equal and approved, or, more appropriately described, alternative products/solutions.

Alan Nettleship, director at

Paramount Ceilings and Partitions Ltd, highlighted: “Up to 40 per cent of specifications are changed or ‘value engineered’ to save money. Scrimping on performance is not the best way to save money, as the replacement may not offer the result the client wants, or the building demands.”

Building Regulations are reviewed and updated accordingly and specifiers are responsible for ensuring all performance products comply with new legislation.

However, this isn’t always the case, according to Mr Nettleship.

He added: “Acoustic ceilings in schools help reduce reverberation, but we still come across specifications for tiles with Class C sound absorption or lower. If no other acoustic materials are installed within the space, the sound absorption rate would fall below what is acceptable (BB93 Feb 2015 1.5.2).

“There are occasions when ceiling specifications for school buildings are incorrect because the architect is not aware of changes to Building Regulations. It’s our duty to put forward an alternative specification, otherwise the building may not be compliant,” he added.

Switching products just to save money can lead to problems for the building’s occupiers if the use of the building is not considered.

Healthcare environments have exacting requirements (Health Building Note 00-10 8941:0.6: England) and stringent regulations and guidelines, which must all be met. Building materials for these areas must have suitably robust surfaces combined with good hygienic properties and be easy to clean and disinfect, while maintaining both their functional and long-term aesthetic characteristics.

If a space is designed to withstand demanding daily use, either in a school or sports hall, the durability of the construction materials is critical to ensure it is fit for purpose. To avoid high maintenance costs, installed surfaces must fulfil requirements on impact resistance from low impact and low-level wear and tear (Class 3A) to high-impact areas where ball sports are played (Class 1A).

Will Hart, director at commercial fit-out contractor Taylor Hart, explained: “After price, the next most popular reason for switching specification is because the specifier has not considered the ceiling’s compatibility and interface with integrated M&E services incorporated in the ceiling void.”

To reduce the risk of this, it is advisable to seek guidance from the manufacturer and ceiling installer early on in the specification process.

Having to re-specify the ceiling during installation is likely to cause delays and incur costs. Mr Nettleship cites an example. “I was recently trying to install a ceiling with tegular

CEILING SPECIFICATIONS

FEATURE

www.thefis.org

There are circumstances when product specifications have to change, but to avoid the pitfalls outlined, always check the ceiling’s performance characteristics with the manufacturer to confirm they will meet the specification and comply with any regulations. Check and analyse the requirements of the application area and the ceiling’s contribution to it. Involving Rockfon ceilings at St Josephs Secondary School, Tulla.

E edges, but the spec wasn’t accurate because the incorrect edge detail had been specified.

If I’d been made aware of where the ceilings were going in advance, I could have changed the spec, avoiding the subsequent delays.”

The pressures of deadlines are often cited as a reason for changing products. Paul Stanley at ISEC Interior Systems said: “If the tile specified is on an extended delivery period and will affect the site programme, we will look for alternatives with shorter lead times.”

Choosing ceiling products that are available from stock or liaising with the manufacturer early on regarding delivery dates will help the build stay on schedule.

Consideration should also be given to the environmental implications of the manufacturing process of building materials and what will happen to them at the end of their lifecycle.

Talk to the manufacturer to check what recycling facilities are available, because some have recycling schemes in conjunction with local distribution outlets.

the ceiling manufacturer or installer early on in the specification process will help ensure that the interface with other elements and services has been taken into account to reduce the likelihood of unwanted delays and costs.

FIND OUT MORE www.rockfon.co.uk

Know the relevant regulations and guidelines • Requirements and test methods relating to suspended ceilings must conform to BS EN 13964:2014.

• In non-domestic buildings, acoustic regulations cover schools and the common areas of communal buildings – AD.E Parts 3, 4 and Building Bulletin (BB) 93.

• Relating to reaction to fire, performance should comply with EN 13501-1 with the safest level of performance, and that favoured by building insurers, being Class A1.

• Examples of good practice: A Guide to Office Acoustics from FIS and Healthcare Buildings Acoustics: Technical Design Manual 4032:0.6.

• A variety of FIS Best Practice Guides can be downloaded from www.thefis.org/publications

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www.specfinish.co.uk 23 08/06/2016 13:57

LEGAL

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Read your payment terms first!

Barrister Professor Rudi Klein advises on the importance of being clear on your payment terms.

Go to your payment terms first

When initially presented with contractual documentation, always check the payment terms first. If they are not satisfactory, any issues should be resolved at the outset. It is not unusual for discrepancies to arise where payment provisions are contained in more than one document. Confusion over the key dates relating to payment due dates, issuing of pay less notices and final dates for payment could lead to unnecessary and costly disputes. This occurred in the recent case of Bouygues (UK) Ltd v Febrey Structures Ltd.

The facts

Febrey Structures (FS) entered into a sub-contract with Bouygues (B) to build an in-situ concrete frame and structural topping for a new building at the University of Bath.

The contract sum was £626,315. The sub-contract order incorporated the terms of the GC/Works Sub-Contract (now rarely used); 24 Advertising 01926 420660

the key terms were deleted and replaced by a host of amendments. Confusingly, the payment dates were to be found in: • clause 21 of the Sub-Contract Conditions; • a schedule of amendments to clause 21; • Appendix 10 to the contract (setting out a schedule of payment dates); and • the “Sub-Contract Pre-Let Meeting Minutes” which made reference to the “Sub-Contract Payment Schedule”.

To add to the confusion, the schedule of amendments to clause 21 required FS to submit applications for interim payment on dates stated in any schedule of dates for applications for payment that “may be contained in Appendix 8”. There was no schedule in Appendix 8, which, in fact, contained delivery route information.

Potentially, in this confusion of documentation, key payment dates were to be found in five different locations.

The dispute

The dispute related to an interim payment application issued by FS on 23 October (this date was in Appendix 10). The sum claimed was £144,582. B argued that it had until 23 November to issue a payment notice or pay less notice. FS’s position was that any notice had to be served before this date.

Since the works had started, FS had been submitting its interim payment applications in accordance with the schedule in Appendix 10.

In relation to the October application, the dates are set out here.

23 October: Issue of Interim Payment Application 16 November: Payment due date 20 November: Issue of any pay less notice 23 November: Final date for payment and date for B to issue the payment notice It can be seen from these dates that they were not compliant with the statutory payment notice requirements in the Construction Act; an initial payment notice must be served not later than five days after the due payment date. Therefore, service of this notice on 23 November would have been too late; it should have been served by 21 November.

B served a payment notice on 23 November which valued FS’s entitlement at minus £2,041.27. Since this notice was too late, FS claimed that the amount it applied for was due.

B sought a declaration from the court to the effect that: • Appendix 10 should not apply since it wasn’t compliant with the Construction Act; and • therefore the payment dates in clause 21 (as amended) should be preferred since they were compliant with the Act.

The judgement

The issue for the court was one of interpreting the meaning of this contract. The court took due note of a warning given by Lord Neuberger in the recent Supreme Court case of Arnold v Britton that contracts should not be re-written “in an attempt to assist an unwise party or to penalise an astute party”.

From looking at the surrounding documents (such as the Pre-Let Meeting Minutes which specifically referred to a “Sub-Contract Payment Schedule”), the court concluded that the reference to Appendix 8 in clause 21 should be regarded as a reference to Appendix 10.

Having found that the Appendix 10 schedule was applicable, the court confirmed that it was not compliant with the Construction Act. In such a case, they are replaced by the equivalent

LEGAL www.thefis.org

provisions in the fall-back regulations known as the Scheme for Construction Contracts.

Therefore, the payment notice had to be issued by 21 November.

But this created a problem. The date in the schedule for issuing a pay less notice was 20 November. Under section 111(5) (b) of the Construction Act, a pay less notice cannot be issued prior to the deadline for issuing a payment notice. But, under the Scheme, this notice would have to be issued seven days prior to the final date for payment (i.e. on 16 November, which would be in advance of the issue of the payment notice).

After analysing the pattern of the other monthly payment applications, the court concluded that any pay less notice would have to be issued on the same date as the initial payment notice. Therefore, in relation to FS’s October application, any payment notice – whether an initial notice or a pay less notice – would have to have been issued on 20 November. B’s notice served on 23 November was, therefore, too late to qualify as a payment notice or pay less notice.

Consequently, B was required to pay the sum in FS’s October application.

Comment

The facts in this case are typical of the sloppy approach to gathering together contractual documentation. This is why it is absolutely essential to double-check that the payment terms make sense and comply with the Construction Act. Whilst the subcontractor in this case recovered the amount he applied for, it required an initial adjudication and a court case to get the result. Whilst it would have got back most of its legal costs, the cost to the business in resolving the dispute were likely to have been substantial.

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FEATURE www.specfinish.co.uk

Keeping up with ceiling tile trends The ceiling tile market is surprisingly diverse with numerous solutions for different applications and budgets. David Loasby-Whittle, category manager for Sektor – the interiors brand exclusive to CCF – discusses the options available.

For every type of project, from lavish offices to high-street food outlets, there’s a ceiling tile that matches the required aesthetics and performance.

As ceilings have grown to be a more central consideration of most interior fit-outs, the market has developed to offer a more diverse range of

materials and finishes.

Furthermore, as buildings have become ‘smarter’ in commercial sectors, ceilings have become a way of concealing extensive cabling and, as a result, are more front of mind than ever before for specifiers, contractors and end-users alike.

Mineral

The most popular option continues to be mineral tiles. This trend can mainly be attributed to their affordability and the ease of sourcing replacements if needed. Plus, modern mineral tiles are available in a broader range of finishes and can achieve certain acoustic and fire ratings.

Clean, white, sandy finishes are now standardised and act as the ideal blank canvas.

Alternatively, opting for a slightly higher quality mineral tile with a fleece finish can mean added benefits. For instance, they can improve light reflection, creating a brighter and more stimulating environment which is, of course, an advantage when working on projects that demand a high-end finish.

There are also perforated or fissured mineral tiles and, thanks to modern manufacturing processes, these are fresh and contemporary looking with a fine granulated or needled appearance. They can also offer a solid all-round performance and deliver greater sound intelligibility that is ideal for busy offices or communal areas.

Ultimately, mineral tiles give a great balance between affordability and the fresh finish that the majority of end-users now demand.

Soft rock and glass fibre

Tiles that come under the category of soft rock and glass fibre are often preferred where additional measures to achieve a high standard of acoustic performance or fire-safety ratings are needed. For example, they’re excellent in educational facilities where sound absorption and attenuation rates are vital to the learning environment.

This requirement also applies to large offices, particularly those with open-plan layouts, and other public facilities such as libraries.

Metal

Metal ceiling tiles are still reserved for high-end specifications. Not only will a metal tile allow for a monolithic look but it is also likely to be a long-lasting investment with little need for maintenance.

It is often easier to continue using the same products and simply specify solutions that are familiar while quality, performance, and, of course, budget all have an impact on choice.

Nevertheless, specifiers should keep the wide variety of options available and the strength of modern mineral tiles at the forefront of their minds.

Brands such as Sektor continue to develop their offering, and ceilings tiles are consistently being improved to deliver a range of benefits to suit any specification or budget.

Sektor’s Spintone is a high-performance, fire-rated mineral tile with a fine fissured surface pattern.

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TECHNICAL www.thefis.org

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MARKET ANALYSIS

OFFICES

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Blurred vision Over the last three years, growth in commercial offices has remained on an upward trajectory. Strong growth rates were associated with high levels of demand, which, in turn, saw activity reach record high levels in regional markets alongside the capital. But how is the Brexit vote beginning to have an impact on the sector?

Construction Products Association economist Amandeep Bahra outlines what we know so far.

In 2015, reflecting the fortunes of the offices sector, total construction work reached a value of £8.5 billion, the highest since 2008. However, as they say, nothing lasts forever. Following the UK’s vote to leave the EU, the country is deemed to have entered into an economic and political minefield. So, what does this mean for the commercial offices sector? Are we likely to see the growth rates of the past years sustained?

It would be wrong to say that activity in offices will remain unaffected. This is not purely down to the impacts of the Brexit vote, but also domestic and global economic conditions, which were already losing steam before the referendum. Business investment, a key macroeconomic driver of offices growth, 28 Advertising 01926 420660

declined for a second consecutive quarter in 2016 Q1, falling 0.6 per cent on a quarterly basis. Similarly, on an annual basis, business investment fell 0.8 per cent, the first decline in six years. Whether this reflects the impacts of uncertainty created in the run-up to the EU referendum or the start of a longer downtrend remains unclear.

Data from Markit/CIPS can shed some light on this. Its latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was consistent in reporting that the commercial sector experienced firms postponing investment decisions and placing

projects on hold, adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach until the dust settles. Following a vote for Brexit, the post-referendum environment is no different, with many firms’ caution fuelled by further economic and political uncertainty.

In spite of all this, there are some notable projects in the pipeline, particularly outside London, that have remained on course.

Birmingham, which is home to some of the biggest projects outside of the capital, has seen construction start at One Chamberlain Square, which forms the first phase of the £500 million Paradise redevelopment scheme. The seven-storey building that will provide 9,000m2 of office space is projected to be ready for occupation by PwC in 2019. Also, construction on the £200 million Three Snowhill scheme, part of Birmingham’s Snowhill masterplan, is expected to go ahead despite post-Brexit funding fears. The 14-storey building that will include 38,000m2 of office space is the largest speculative office project away from London and is expected to reach completion by 2018.

Following suit is Manchester, which has more than 60,000m2 of new office space under construction, including No. 1 Spinningfields – the city’s highest specified commercial building that will provide 36,000m2 of office space once completed in 2017 Q4.

Moving further north, Glasgow stood out the most in the first quarter for its highest take-up levels, according to Knight Frank. The key driver of this take-up was the 15,000m2 pre-let to Morgan Stanley at Bothwell Exchange, which is currently under construction and is expected to reach completion at the end of 2017. The region will also see fit-out work, including transformation of the top three floors at St Vincent Plaza development to create offices for KPMG. Once completed, it is expected to deliver 4,000m2 of open plan and cellular office space.

A similar scheme in Bristol for the professional services firm is expected to contribute to activity. This will see fit-out of 5,000m2 of commercial office space across four floors to high standards at Grade II-listed 66 Queen Square. In addition to this, construction work on the £17.5 million Aurora speculative development scheme is expected to go ahead. The seven-storey building that will provide 9,000m2 of Grade A office space on the Floating Harbour will include a glass atrium, and

OFFICES

MARKET ANALYSIS www.thefis.org

overall the project is set to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating.

Although the spotlight remains on regional markets, London has continued to attract interest. Recently, a £500 million ‘Toblerone Towers’ scheme in South London received a green light and, once approved by the London Mayor, will open up 50,000m2 of office space.

This may all sound rosy until you factor in the implications of Brexit. The UK has yet to invoke Article 50, which, once triggered, will open a two-year window for negotiating withdrawal terms – though some say that it could take longer. Indeed, a prolonged period of uncertainty cannot be ruled out.

Larger projects could be delayed and according to a recent survey by RICS, the weakness in demand for commercial property was already visible in investment enquiries, which fell to a net balance of -16 per cent in Q2, from +25 per cent in the first quarter. In addition to highlighting the “drop-off in investor interest”, it also suggested that London will bear the brunt.

This doesn’t come as a surprise given the large exposure it has to foreign investors. Several planned high-profile developments, including the 62-storey skyscraper at 22 Bishopsgate and two developments by Crown Estate, are under review

to assess the impact of Brexit. This doesn’t mean, however, that the impact will be skewed towards the capital – recent years have seen increased interest from these investors towards regional markets. The go-ahead on projects not currently underway will ultimately depend on pre-letting – the largest indicator of effective demand.

Despite these challenges, the handful of projects mentioned earlier are an indication that

some developers are shrugging off any fears.

Another upside, one could argue, is that the recent depreciation in the value of sterling may attract foreign investors. But again, will this be enough to offset other headwinds faced by the sector?

The extent of uncertainties as well as a lack of precedent on withdrawing from the EU makes it difficult to answer this, as well as other questions, leaving us with an unclear vision of what’s to come.

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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 29

HEALTH & SAFETY

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The use of podiums and pulpits for low level powered access While the majority of podiums and pulpits provide a safe solution to low level access when used correctly, a significant number of accidents and near misses are still being reported.

PASMA, the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association, has sponsored the development of PAS250 to provide a minimum safety and performance criteria for these products. It will become a recognised British Standard later this year when BS 8620 will be introduced.

The new range of PAS250 compliant products significantly reduces the level of risk when carrying out low level work at height, but this improvement is not achieved without creating a number of significant practical issues.

New podium designs can include extra weight, a larger deck and product footprint, and in some cases, the use of outriggers to provide the stability required to prevent the product from tipping over.

These new products give the operator a safe and efficient working

platform with the ability to adjust the working height to within millimetres of the task, and without having to climb any steps to get onto the platform.

Whatever the choice, one thing is for sure; there is a requirement to work at a low level height when fitting out commercial offices and buildings. PAS250 / BS 8620 will have an impact and the industry will need to conform to using products that adhere to this new standard.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

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Steps for mastering the basics when working at height Getting to grips with the basics of working at height is vital to keeping your employees, and subcontractors, safe. This is what you need to know.

Accidents while working at height continue to be a major contributor to recorded injuries and deaths for British workers. According to the most recent workplace safety statistics published by the HSE, more than half of employees cite slips, trips or falls as a risk factor when doing their jobs (www.hse.gov.uk/statistics).

Working at any height always involves risk

Almost every activity conducted above floor level is classed as working at height. So, whether your employee is reaching for boxes on a low shelf using a moveable step-type device or working on a building site covered in scaffolding, both employees are technically working at height.

Although the moveable step scenario seems far less risky, there is still a risk of serious injury should the employee fall. Broken limbs, sprains and even serious brain injuries have all been caused by relatively small falls, so you should approach any ‘working at height’ scenario with the same attention to risk.

Mastering the basics

Like most health and safety issues, the key to preventing accidents is to exercise common sense. When assessing a task, simply consider the following: • The person involved in the task – do they have sufficient skills and training to do the job safely?

• The equipment involved in the task – is it well maintained, does it conform to the necessary standards and can it be secured in place?

• The environment – are there any contributing risk factors that need to be addressed before work begins, such as having a level floor, or the presence of overhead cables?

Answering these most fundamental questions

will help you flesh out a workable risk assessment that better protects your employees.

Employee training

Your risk assessment also needs to place some responsibility on the user for checking that their equipment is safe and ready to use before beginning work. Every time a ladder is deployed, your employees need to check the condition of the equipment, including the condition of the feet and rungs themselves.

The HSE website provides very useful photographic references in its Work at Height section (see ‘types of equipment’) to use for training.

Employees will need to know how the equipment is set up, how it is secured, and the placement of handholds and similar to assist with keeping their balance. Beyond the equipment itself, training should cover the minimum number of contact points required to work safely on a ladder. Again, the HSE’s Work at Height website section provides a useful Work at Height Access equipment Information Toolkit (WAIT) to help narrow down the list of appropriate options. Using WAIT will greatly assist in improving your risk assessment.

Choice of equipment

In the same way that a claw hammer is unsuitable for driving piles, a stepladder is the wrong choice of equipment to access external fittings several storeys above the ground.

Again, there are basic factors that will help you define the right ladder/platform/scaffolding for a job, as described in the following list.

• Whether a step or leaning ladder is most suitable. Some jobs will need more extensive

support, such as scaffolding. Others may even require rope access.

• The load-bearing capabilities of ladders used to transport heavy goods and materials.

• The actual maximum height at which the task will be carried out.

The right tools are essential for getting the job done and protecting your employees against injury.

Applicable legislation

As well as your responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, there are other regulations that apply, such as the Working at Height Regulations 2005 (WAH). Staying on top of these developments are vital to keeping your projects legal, and your workers safe – which means keeping a close eye on new developments.

Back in April, the British Standards Institution code of practice for the safe use of construction hoists was revised, for instance.

The first update in 10 years, BS 7212 has been revised to include additional requirements for maintenance, inspection and routine examination of hoists installed on-site. This may not be directly related to working at height, but the code has a bearing on the safety of your workers.

If keeping up to date is too time consuming, your business should consider partnering with an advice service (such as Veritas Consulting) to provide specific advice whenever needed.

Don’t forget your subcontractors

Your site safety provisions must also cover subcontractors – those working at height, and any responsible for related tasks, such as assembling tower scaffolding. You should make sure that they have up-to-date skills related to the tasks you have employed them to do, such as holding a valid PASMA card, from the trade association for the mobile access tower industry (www.pasma.co.uk). Monitor subcontractors’ performance and remedy problems as the job progresses – these checks will help to address problems before they can result in an accident.

Workplace safety standards continue to improve, causing a reduction in the number of employee injuries and fatalities reported every year. However, any job that involves working at height still presents a real, manageable risk to your workers. For more help and advice, do get in touch.

FIND OUT MORE DAVID CANT Veritas Consulting www.veritas-consulting.co.uk www.specfinish.co.uk 31

TRAINING www.specfinish.co.uk

A shared approach to training

Shared Apprenticeship Schemes are just one way in which the finishes and interiors sector is boosting skills and training. FIS is working with SECBE Leaders in Construction, a not-for-profit training provider, to facilitate take-up of CITB-sponsored apprenticeship schemes for its members. Julian Carter, a director at SECBE, speaks to one FIS member to find out about their experiences.

Shared apprenticeships are a way for contractors to train their future workforce by taking on an apprentice without taking on the full responsibility of the associated administration.

CoTrain, created by SECBE, runs a CITB Shared Apprenticeship Scheme covering Bucks, Oxon, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

Apprentices are employed by CoTrain which arranges job placements with host contractors who pay a fixed weekly fee. The apprentices receive pastoral support from CoTrain, allowing the host contractor to focus on training the apprentice to develop essential new skills for their apprenticeship.

Vitec Ceilings and Partitions Ltd is an FIS member and specialist fit-out contractor of 22 years, based on the south coast. The contractor supplies and installs all types of suspended ceilings, metal frame partitioning, external steel framing systems and passive fire protection works, working with 32 Advertising 01926 420660

finding potential apprentices.”

A reluctance to take on apprentices because of the potential administration many large main contractors. requirements, despite there being Early in 2016, CoTrain and Vitec a desperate need for younger, met at a Southern qualified people to come into Construction the sector, is a familiar Framework Meet scenario. To help the Buyer event, overcome this, held in CITB advertises Winchester. the role through Although a number of Vitec had not different employed an sources and apprentice screens the before, the applications, company’s including carrying managing director, out a first interview.

Andy Witheford,

Following this, wanted to find out about they put forward suitable how CoTrain could support them in candidates for second stage delivering an apprenticeship for a interviews, and in Vitec’s example, young person. these interviews were carried out Mr Witheford outlines the jointly between them and CoTrain. situation. “We had previously found Two apprentices were appointed it difficult to find and attract young who are now working on projects people, and had also been put off on the south coast. by the potential administration For Mr Witheford, using associated with apprentices, so CoTrain was a simple choice. were interested in utilising the He explained: “CoTrain has an services of CoTrain to assist in easy-to-enter arrangement and

the low administration meant that Vitec could concentrate on the work element.”

Looking forward to growth for Vitec, Mr Witheford continued: “Having served an apprenticeship myself, I truly believe in the apprenticeship scheme. The long-term benefits for the company are invaluable.

We have a much older workforce average age with retirements of quality tradesmen outweighing the new recruits.

“This generation coming through are essential to the longevity of our business as we have almost missed a generation of skilled workers due to the last recession.”

He added: “There is always a strong demand for quality labour in the interiors sector. Unlike other trades, we have vast numbers of skilled labour who have no formal training and are not qualified to an acceptable standard. This is a great shame as it can give the many highly skilled operatives in our industry a bad name.”

Commenting on why the decision was taken now to take on apprentices through the CoTrain

TRAINING www.thefis.org

Shared Apprentice Scheme, Mr Witheford said: “It is something we feel very passionately about.

We decided that if we wanted to change our standing in the industry towards training, we needed to vote with our feet and take on two apprentices per year with a 10-year plan of these apprentices filtering through into managerial and supervisory roles for the next generation of apprenticeships.”

Although it is early days in terms of the CoTrain apprentices working with Vitec, Mr Witheford finished by remarking: “So far, the CoTrain relationship has worked very well. We work in an industry which throws up many challenges daily. It has been great to have CoTrain to guide us on this new venture for Vitec.”

The apprentices working with Vitec have been working full time on-site until college commences in September, when they will be on day release to Basingstoke College.

According to the latest Construction Skills Network research, 790 additional staff are needed in the interiors sector each year between now and 2020.

Tom Holdaway, an apprentice with Vitec, was asked how he feels about his apprenticeship and upcoming career in the interiors sector. He replied: “It’s very exciting and I love a challenge, so this job really suits me. I look forward to the future as a qualified fixer with Vitec.”

David Frise, chief executive of FIS, said: “The fit-out sector has to continue to develop the skills base for the future. The shared apprenticeship model gives employers the flexibility to meet fluctuating workforce demand and gives employees the chance to acquire the experience they require. FIS is fully committed to the development of shared apprenticeships.”

FIND OUT MORE julian@secbe.org.uk 0118 9207206

FIS CourseSight links training with CSCS cards FIS, working with web-developer Reference Point, has unveiled FIS CourseSight, the first online training course booking platform that automatically adds newly achieved qualifications to individuals’ CSCS cards.

FIS CourseSight brings together details of training courses specific to the finishes and interiors sector, making accessing and booking training quick and easy. Registered companies can also manage employees’ training requirements through a tailored dashboard system.

In addition, any course outcome that relates to CSCS cardholders gets passed directly to SkillSight, enabling the information to be found whenever a CSCS card is checked out on site.

FIS chief executive David Frise said: “In 2012 we commissioned an Interiors Sector Training Review which identified the need for an online interiors sector training portal to provide a single point of reference for our sector training requirements.”

Dave Hall, national technical academy manager at British Gypsum, said: “We deliver upskilling programmes and training routes to help experienced workers gain NVQ level 2 qualifications. The new FIS CourseSight platform means we can make formal training like this more easily available – maximising our support for the development of skills in the finishes and interiors sector.”

Dan Plosky, managing director of Now Get Qualified, said: “Many companies and individuals are unsure how to locate suitable training providers. Having an online portal like FIS CourseSight means courses can be located and booked with ease and managed efficiently.”

FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org/coursesight

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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 & Country Club, Chepstow, Wales 13 October 2016 FIS Golf Day – sold out St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Chepstow, Wales 14 October 2016 FIS Members’ Meetings Manchester 15 November 2016 (2–6pm) Renaissance Hotel, Manchester

Welcome to new FIS members A Q Construction Services Ltd www.aqcsl.com Providers of design, build and refurbishment through to full facilities management within the airport sector and UK industrial and commercial markets.

Nexus Workspace Ltd www.nexusworkspace.co.uk Providers of professional design and build, mezzanine floor, office and warehouse fit-out solutions.

Simplicity Abutments Ltd Manufacturers, suppliers and installers of bespoke GRG (Glass Reinforced Gypsum), GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) and fibrous plaster.

Sto Ltd www.sto.co.uk Manufacturers and distributors of impact-resistant external wall insulation systems, rainscreen cladding and glass facade systems, render-only systems and acoustic systems.

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Apprentice from aask us wins award An apprentice at aask us, who manufacture profiles and trims for ceilings and partitions, has been picked out as the Most Improved Apprentice at a regional awards ceremony that celebrates high-achieving young engineers across Oxfordshire.

Elliott Gingell joined the company’s newly formed Sheet Metal division as an apprentice in April and has been involved in manufacturing diverse products including blind

boxes and Juliet balconies.

Describing his success, aask us managing director Anthony Chadley said: “I am really pleased for Elliott. He has shown a great attitude to learning and has become an integral part of our Sheet Metal division.”

FIND OUT MORE www.aask.us

Paramount completes fit-out for S3 Advertising Cardiff-based creative agency S3 Advertising has unveiled what it claims to be one of the UK’s coolest new offices – complete with a ball pit, life-sized lion sculptures and an 18-hole golf course.

Interior designer Patrick Abrams (PAC Architecture) was recruited to produce the plans for the offices with Paramount Interiors commissioned to fit-out the new space and bring the designs to life.

The colourful and uplifting interior design includes a games area with pool and football tables, kitchen bar area, huge hammock, multi-coloured paths and dazzling neon signs.

It’s 50 years for Selectaglaze Secondary glazing specialist Selectaglaze is celebrating its 50th year in business.

Selectaglaze set up in 1966 with four staff, working out of an office in Harrow-on-the Hill

Walls have been decorated with comic wallpaper, inspirational text and branding which reflect the S3 history and culture.

FIND OUT MORE www.paramountinteriors.com and a workshop in Harefield. The company now firmly has its roots in St Albans after a move to the town in 1972 and employs over 90 people.

Today, Selectaglaze remains a family-run business and has been a proud Royal Warrant holder since 2004.

FIND OUT MORE www.selectaglaze.co.uk

FIS COMMUNITY NEWS www.thefis.org

Morgan Sindall partners with Construction United Construction United has welcomed UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall to its ranks.

As one of the initiative’s partners, Morgan Sindall will support Construction United in its three objectives: improving public perceptions of construction, encouraging young people to consider careers in the industry, and maximising the health and wellbeing of its workers.

Morgan Sindall joins FIS, product distributor SIG and skills certification scheme CSCS, alongside other Construction United partners, ahead of a planned week of activities from 17 to 23 October to raise funds for nominated charities The Prince’s Trust, Crash and Time to Change.

Forum held for the UK’s decorative plaster industry

New FIS appointment FIS has appointed Nicky Smith as content and digital strategy manager. Nicky’s role, which is a new one, is to oversee the FIS website and social networks’ content, sourcing and promoting relevant information.

Nicky said: “I’m delighted to be part of the FIS team. I’ve gained over nine years’ experience working in the construction industry with another trade association and I’m looking forward to working with FIS members, using my marketing and digital skills to help raise the profile of the fit-out sector.”

Saint-Gobain Formula, supported by FIS and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, hosted its first Decorative Plasterwork Industry Forum on 16 June, in London.

As a key supplier within the niche decorative and fibrous plaster sector, Saint-Gobain Formula recognised the need for an industry-wide opportunity to network and discuss current challenges and opportunities.

Skills and training was the main topic with discussions also held on theatre ceiling restoration, gypsum technology and raising awareness of the use of fibrous plaster.

A second Forum is planned for 2017.

FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org

FIS Awards 2017

Entries are now being sought from FIS contractor members for the 2017 FIS Awards, which promote and encourage high levels of craftsmanship in the finishes and interiors sector.

Deadline for entry is 31 October 2016. The awards will be announced and presented at the FIS Awards Lunch at the Dorchester Hotel in June 2017.

FIND OUT MORE ian.playsted@saint-gobain.com www.saintgobainformula.com

FIND MORE FIND OUT MORE16:10 Page 1 27965OUT Solutions for Subcontractors AD 188x130_Layout 1 23/09/2015 www.constructionunited.co.uk www.thefis.org/fis-events/fis-contractors-awards

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