ÂŁ3.50 March 2017
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Best in class recognised at FIS President’s Lunch Page 16-19 Partitions: Glass takes over interiors space p10
Flooring: Tread with caution
p13
Skills & training: Automated CITB grant claims p21
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INSIDE THE MARCH
ISSUE OF SPECFINISH
04 Voice of the industry: Keep looking forward 10 Partitions: A look at the increase in popularity of glass partitioning 13 Technical: Why caution is needed with flooring 14 Legal: Contractual obligations – a standout legal case from 2016 15 Legal: Hot industry topics from Bond Dickinson 16 FIS President’s Lunch: Recognising successes across the sector 20 Health and safety: Are your dust-control measures making things worse? 21 Skills & training: Automated CITB grant claims FRONT COVER: Locker & Riley (Fibrous Plastering) picked up Gold in the Fibrous and GRG – New Build category at the Contractors Awards, announced at the FIS President's Lunch, for its work at The Lanesborough Hotel, London.
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 2017 SpecFinish is distributed to members of FIS and other selected leading finishes and interiors businesses.
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02 Advertising 01926 420660
Top 12 contractors are owed more than £1 billion in cash retentions An analysis of the accounts of the UK’s top 12 construction companies by the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group has revealed that the nine which published separate figures for retentions are owed more than £800 million, indicating that the 12 together are owed over £1 billion of cash retentions. SEC Group analysed accounts from Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Kier, Interserve, Laing O’Rourke, Morgan Sindall, Galiford Try, ISG, Mace, Wates, Vinci and Willmott Dixon. The research found that over 80 per cent of the cash retentions, in excess of £800 million, would have comprised the retentions withheld by these companies from their supply chains, the overwhelming majority of whom would have been SMEs. One contractor’s accounts even showed that it was holding a retention amount against its supply chain that was significantly greater than the amount withheld against it by its clients. Professor Rudi Klein, SEC Group’s CEO, said that the analysis was extremely timely given that publication of a government review of the retentions system was imminent. He added: "There is no other industry sector in the UK where such a large amount of cash is at risk, especially for SMEs. By the time these monies are released back to SMEs in the supply chain, some years would have elapsed. In a high proportion of cases, the retention represents the profit element for SMEs.” SEC Group has been lobbying the government to introduce legislation to protect or ring-fence cash retentions to remove the insolvency risk and to ensure that retentions are released on time. Protecting retentions legislation already exists in parts of Europe, Australasia and North America. FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk
Housebuilding flourishes as commercial and retail work shrinks
The construction industry has started 2017 strongly with an increase in activity levels as the value of new building contracts awarded in January reached £6 billion. This was spearheaded by strong figures from the housebuilding sector to counter a continuing fall in commercial and retail work. According to the latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, housing figures increased sharply across January, with construction contract values reaching £2.7 billion, a massive 83 per cent increase compared with January 2016. Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, said: “While the housebuilding sector is performing admirably, we expect to see its growth continue to flourish across 2017. However, other sector now need to start producing more auspicious figures, such as the commercial and retail sectors, which saw a year-on-year decrease of 40 per cent last month. “Infrastructure, another traditionally big performing sector, is also in a slump with January figures being the lowest for 12 months. “On the positive side, the number of projects awarded in January jumped by 50 per cent compared with December and 25 per cent when looking at January last year. These figures are encouraging and would suggest that work is most certainly on the way.” FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk
Rising costs expected to dent construction industry growth Firms across the construction industry are bracing themselves for further cost pressures after reporting a rise in raw material prices despite growth across the industry during 2016 Q4, according to a survey from the Construction Products Association (CPA). An increase in sales, output and workloads were all reported during the quarter but forward-looking indicators suggest the outlook for building activity during 2017 has worsened. The CPA Trade Survey Q4 showed that overall costs increased for 88 per cent of civil engineering contractors, whilst 75 per
cent of main contractors, 78 per cent of heavy side manufacturers and 88 per cent of light side manufacturers also reported a rise in raw materials costs. The latest statistics also highlighted a skills shortage affecting key on-site trades with main contractors reporting shortages of carpenters and plasterers at their highest in nine years. FIND OUT MORE www.constructionproducts.org.uk
www.thefis.org
No change to subcontractor levy in CITB proposal The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has begun consultation with the construction industry on a new levy offer which would see an across-theboard reduction in the levy on direct labour for all firms and a reformed grants scheme but no change to subcontract levy charges. The proposal would see the PAYE levy on the direct workforce cut from 0.5 per cent to 0.35 per cent. There would be no change in the net (Construction Industry Scheme – CIS) levy charged at 1.25 per cent on the subcontract workforce. The CITB said that the new levy offer has been developed with input from the industry and in agreement with the industry’s Levy Working Party. Subject to agreement from industry, the new levy would come into effect from April 2018. Sarah Beale, chief executive at CITB, said: “We have been listening to our industry and are confident that this levy offer is the best option. “It will provide the funding required to deliver the support that the industry needs, is simple to administer and is straightforward for levy payers.” A decision is expected in February 2018.
Gatwick North Terminal Self-Service Bag Drop Zone: SAS International designed a bespoke ‘knife-edge’ bulkhead to complete the world’s largest self-service bag drop zone. In addition to SAS130 over entrances and SAS600 rafts along walkways, bespoke ‘lillipads’ have become the main feature of the refurbishment. With 45° angle hand-formed bulkheads, this acoustic solution stands out strikingly against the dark grey SAS200 ceiling surround. FIND OUT MORE www.sasint.co.uk/architectural-metalwork
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www.specfinish.co.uk 03
COMMENT & OPINION www.specfinish.co.uk
Editor’s column
A fundamental shift Whichever way you look at it there is a fundamental shift taking place in the construction sector. A Conservative government says it now wants to build more homes and claims to be giving the go ahead to get small builders and councils involved in building homes again. Surely, this move will open up new opportunities for the finishing sector, just at a time when the commercial sector starts to slow. But to build one million new homes by 2020 means the industry has to nearly double its output. Frankly, where are the skilled operatives going to come from to make this aspiration a reality? The drive to fix the broken housing market when combined with the government’s backing of last year’s Modernise or Die report has given a renewed focus on productivity. What better time is there, then, for the supply chain to work together and deploy resources in the most cost-effective manner. The old saying of “pre-planning prevents problems” was devised for good reason: working together in partnership works because there is less conflict. But, sadly, there are signs that as the market tightens and material prices start to rise we hear of the return of that well-used phrase “better buying”. Specialists are again being warned to tread carefully when they commit to a new contract, so it’s a good time to remember that once you’ve made your contractual bed, you’ll have to lie in it (see page 14). To earn a place at the partnering dining table, finishes and interiors sector specialists will have to reaffirm their position as specialists with a skill set that is unique and the resources and ability to deliver improvements in performance. Last month, FIS president Steve Coley talked about how the new FIS Fit Out Futures skills programme will help overworked, overstretched FIS members train skilled operatives for now and the future. This next generation will need to consist of both new entrants to the sector and an upskilled existing workforce, and FIS is investing significantly to help and support members, and the industry, in making this happen (see page 16). All of this is fundamental if our industry is to deliver on the ambitious plans, so it will need to ensure it has the necessary skills at all levels.
Adrian JG Marsh Editor 04 Advertising 01926 420660
Keep looking forward March has arrived, which means we’re nearly a quarter of the way through 2017. Despite the fact that people keep emphasising that we live in “interesting times”, usually shortly after mentioning Trump or Brexit, everyone appears to be very busy and making a bit of money. Order books are full, 2017 looks good and many tell me 2018 looks OK. Certainly, if you count the cranes in London or Manchester, there are reasons to be optimistic. Inflation is on the rise again with the Bank of England forecasting above 2 per cent. Sterling depreciation accounts for some of this but there were already inflationary pressures in the Euro zone prior to the referendum. Consumer spending has held up very well. But then if most people voted for Brexit they would tend to be optimistic about the future, so why rein in at this stage? Besides, nothing has really happened yet – we haven’t triggered Article 50. The government has introduced a new white paper on housing, and the communities secretary, Sajid Javid, addressed MPs with the words: “We need to build more of the right houses in the right places and we need to start right now.” I don’t think anyone would disagree with that sentiment, but don’t expect much to change soon. Big change needs big ideas and there isn’t anything in this paper that will fundamentally change the way houses are built. In fact, the same could be said of the white paper on Brexit: it doesn’t contain anything that will help you work out what it is going to mean. We are back to the situation where the best quality a company can have right now is the ability to cope with uncertainty (read “interesting times”). On that basis, we in FIS continue to focus on our three pillars: technical, skills and community. In February, we relaunched the B544 Committee with British Standards, which covers the standards for partitioning and
drywall. One of the ambitions of the group is to turn the British Standard into your friend rather than a stick to beat you with when things go wrong. You should be able to design and install to the BS and be safe in the knowledge that this is the standard accepted by clients and main contractors. There is a lot to be covered by these working groups but the level of expertise should ensure we get the result we need. If you develop technical standards you need competent people to install to that standard. The FIS Skills team are forging ahead with the Training Needs Analysis through our network of Approved Training Providers. Make sure you take advantage of the scheme to get your training needs included in our major funding bid to CITB in March. We’ve already launched CourseSight to automate courses bookings, CSCS card updates and, crucially, grant payment from CITB. If you use CourseSight you will save hours of admin time and ensure you don’t miss out on the latest funding. Finally, FIS community, if you haven’t used the free legal service from Bond Dickinson, do so. It’s a great service, exclusive to members, and could save you thousands settling a dispute or stop you making a legal howler. Anything you do that has a legal angle is covered, including contracts, bonds, employment and chasing debt. Thanks to everyone who attended the President’s Lunch – what a great event. A special mention to our president, Steve Coley, who gave a great speech about the day in the life of a contractor. Spring is nearly here and we can start to look forward to the Awards Lunch in June. DAVID FRISE FIS chief executive www.thefis.org
VIEWPOINT
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Boosting productivity: a priority for our times Etex Building Performance UK’s managing director, Neil Ash, shares his thoughts on how speeding up drywall installation is one important way to drive up productivity in our industry. Britain is suffering from a productivity crisis. According to the Office for National Statistics, the gap between British workers and those in other western economies is now the largest it has ever been since modern records began. It now takes a UK worker five days to produce what their German counterparts can deliver in four. Construction is no different. The high-profile Farmer Review, Modernise or Die, calls for the construction industry to urgently improve its efficiency.
Reducing project build times has always been important, but now more than ever we need to find new ways to speed up construction processes. We’re facing a housing shortfall, with an estimated 300,000 additional homes needed annually. Boosting construction’s productivity is key to meeting this challenge, but quicker build times will also help to lower project costs and bring significant industry benefits. If we are to drive productivity, we should look at two things.
First, we need to embrace a more collaborative approach to working to ensure that the valuable knowledge that lies further down the supply chain is brought to the fore. This will help clients and contractors to tap into their expertise early on, when a project’s design and the programme of works can still be influenced. Second, we need to continue looking at the installation process in greater detail to drive efficiencies. Specifiers, manufacturers and dryliners all
need to work together to share best practice and develop new, quicker ways of working. We take on-site productivity seriously, investing in our own research projects to develop new innovations to cut installation times and boost installer efficiency. We’ve been working with the BRE (Building Research Establishment) to assess the speed of installation for a range of drywall systems to improve productivity and meet construction targets. This research is helping us further target our innovation work, ensuring that we can focus on those solutions which offer the best results for dryliners. Greater collaboration and product innovation are central to speeding up build processes and ultimately delivering better, more cost-effective projects. NEIL ASH Etex Building Performance UK Managing director www.etex-bp.com
TO FIND YOUR NEAREST BRANCH, VISIT WWW.CCFLTD.CO.UK
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www.specfinish.co.uk 05 08/06/2016 13:57
PRODUCTS
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FORS award for Instarmac
Instarmac, whose brands include Wondertex internal finishing solutions and UltraTile adhesives, has demonstrated its commitment to protecting vulnerable road users with a FORS Silver accreditation. FORS – Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme – is a voluntary national accreditation scheme designed to help fleet operators improve and monitor operational performance and safety. Instarmac runs a fleet of 37 delivery vehicles, including a 40 ft artic, and many of its customers require suppliers to be FORS Silver accredited. Andy Ryan, Instarmac’s logistics manager, commented: “Achieving a FORS Silver award required modifications to our vehicles, such as side under-run protection and close proximity sensors to notify the driver of vulnerable road users. “We also monitor CO2 emissions with the aim to reduce environmental impact and drive efficiencies.” www.instarmac.co.uk
Selectaglaze ensures peace and quiet for hotel residents Six Grade II listed Georgian townhouses situated in Gloucester Place, London, have been converted into a peaceful hotel with the assistance of Selectaglaze secondary glazing. A key issue identified in this transformation was the original windows, which were draughty, thermally inefficient and allowed noise ingress. The building’s listed status meant they could not be replaced. Selectaglaze installed in excess of 80 secondary glazed units. The Series 90 with up to 10.8mm thick glass was used on the larger windows, which were up to 3 metres high. Series 90 is a heavy duty vertical sliding unit with specialist balances which allow large and weighty panels to operate with ease. A combination of thicker glass and a gap between the primary and secondary glazing of at least 100mm stops the glass from resonating and allowing sound through, dramatically reducing the outside noise entering into the room. www.selectaglaze.co.uk 06 Advertising 01926 420660
New acoustic overlay boards from CMS Danskin
Acoustic solutions provider CMS Danskin has launched a new Karma Visco range – a choice of overlay boards which incorporate unique Visco Elastic Dampening Strips to deliver excellent impact and airborne sound performance. The new Karma Visco Overlay range has been designed and developed to meet the sound control requirements of residential conversion projects by treating existing timber floor surfaces where a shallow floor build-up must be accommodated. This high-performance acoustic floor panel system creates a cushioning resilient layer which absorbs minor variations in the subfloor and, in doing so, reduces impact sound transmission without the need for additional absorptive layers. Three independently tested system build-ups will initially be available – Karma Visco 17, Karma Visco 21 and Karma Visco 400. www.cmsdanskin.co.uk
Gyproc Habito delivers robust walls for retailers British Gypsum is rolling out its Gyproc Habito plasterboard solution to the retail sector to help create durable and robust commercial spaces while improving design flexibility. Gyproc Habito has a reinforced core that makes it five times stronger than standard plasterboard – it can support 15kg of weight with a single no. 10 wood screw. The board is installed in the same way as standard plasterboard but reduces the need for pre-planned, pre-installed pattressing, which means retail interiors can easily be redesigned time and time again to suit seasonal promotions. The robustness of Gyproc Habito reduces the ongoing maintenance of retail stores by helping to protect against the knocks and damage that come with a public space. www.british-gypsum.com
Rockfon Eclipse islands brighten up rooms Rockfon has replaced the surface on its Eclipse ceiling island with the superior, deep matt, super-white Rockfon Blanka surface. This value-adding process has created a frameless ceiling island capable of drawing daylight into rooms, enhancing a room’s acoustics and contributing to energy savings by utilising natural daylight in a more efficient way. Rockfon Eclipse now also has a more durable surface thanks to the anti-static properties of Rockfon Blanka that will help the tile to withstand dirt and everyday wear and tear for longer. The new Eclipse design has a straight A edge, in place of the old B edge bevelled finish, to give a more modern and clean appearance. www.rockfon.co.uk
PRODUCTS
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SINIAT WEATHER DEFENCE. NOW YOU GET SIX WHOLE MONTHS TO ADMIRE ITS FEATURES.
The revolutionary external sheathing board just got even better. When Siniat Weather Defence launched back in 2013, it transformed building envelope construction and performance. Now, design improvements mean it can remain exposed on frame for up to six months, allowing internal trades to complete work well in advance of the finished facade. Is it time you took a closer look?
Siniat Weather Defence, just one of the ways we’re shaping the way people build. Email us at behindthewall@siniat.co.uk to request a brochure.
www.specfinish.co.uk 07
PRODUCTS
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Interface’s nature-inspired design for university Interface flooring has been used to help Lancaster University library combine a striking design with ambitious sustainability targets. Planks from Interface’s Urban Retreat 101 collection – that mimics natural floor coverings – were chosen in Granite, Charcoal, Stone and Grass colourways for the four-storey library. The planks even surround a live Ficas tree, giving a beautiful courtyard effect which can be seen from all floors of the library through a central atrium. Sustainability was a key focus when choosing products for the design. The university wanted to use materials that had a positive environmental impact, supporting its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by 80 per cent by 2020. The planks are made with 100 per cent recycled nylon, therefore helping the university to meet its sustainability goals.
Beissier spray plaster boosts productivity An upgrade of an Ibis hotel in Birmingham has benefited from the productivity-boosting qualities of Beissier’s Bagar Airliss G spray plaster. Specialist contractor Astra Property Services UK selected Beissier’s Bagar Airliss G spray plaster as part of the upgrade programme which involved resurfacing the textured walls and ceilings to create a smooth finish ready for painting. The Bagar Airliss G is a two-coat system where the first coat provides a base coat and levelling for the substrates, while the second finishing coat achieves a fine surface ready for painting. John Harford, managing director at Astra Property Services UK, said: “Spray plaster is about four times faster than traditional plastering. It’s cleaner and quicker drying than we’re used to. The Bagar Airliss G from Beissier is superior to other spray plasters because one product delivers levelling and finishing. It has improved our productivity because it gave us a quicker turnaround time in completing the Ibis hotel rooms from start to finish.” The refurbished 88-bedroom hotel located in the centre of Britain’s second city now boasts a new innovative room design, well-equipped rooms and contemporary dining and bar areas. www.beissier.eu
www.interface.com
Weber makes things watertight at Welsh granary
Sto enhances acoustics for theatre foyer
A combination of remedial products and renders by Saint-Gobain Weber has been skilfully used in a private renovation project in Newport, South Wales. A survey of this brick and stone faced former granary, built in 1820, confirmed extensive levels of damp and a high level of water ingress. It was essential to cover the original stonework to achieve a sealed, watertight surface – disappointing news for the property’s new owner. But a combination of Weber’s high-performance materials and the skills of specialist applicator M P Plastering of Somerset has resulted in an equally attractive visual effect which now has the benefit of a weatherproof outer skin. The following Weber products were used: weber CL150 to clean the building; weberend aid as a key coat for the render; weberend OCR base coat render to cover the original stone and brick fascia; weberset SPF to fix the brick slips, which were applied to retain some element of the original aesthetics; and weberpral M monocouche for the final decorative surface coat.
A StoSilent panel seamless acoustic ceiling system has dramatically improved the foyer acoustics and enhanced the acoustic environment in the adjoining theatre spaces for York Theatre Royal. The theatre’s main foyer is a mid-20th century addition, a busy multi-storey space which is primarily stone and glasswork. As part of modifications, the theatre needed an acoustic solution that would enable the creation of a sweeping, seamless ceiling finish that reflected the existing large areas of plasterwork. The StoSilent panel system selected features 96 per cent recycled glass boards for a high-level acoustic performance. These were suspended from an SC 400 braced steel grid and finished with a StoSilent Décor M coating, a spray-applied, sound-permeable layer that provides a decorative but practical top coat. Byron Harrison, of acoustic and theatre consultancy Charcoalblue, which designed the new acoustic solution, said: “The reverberation time in the new foyer is just 0.6 of a second. That makes a huge contribution towards limiting the noise in the foyer and making it a much more comfortable space.”
www.netweber.co.uk
www.sto.co.uk
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PRODUCTS www.thefis.org
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INTERIORS FOR THE WAY YOU WORK
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VISIT WWW.SEKTORINTERIORS.COM TO FIND YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST AND SHOWROOM www.specfinish.co.uk 09
FEATURE
PARTITIONS
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Glass takes over interiors space Interiors in the workplace now reflect the style and personality of brands more than ever before. Gone are the days of darkened corridors with plain walls; today, they’ve been replaced with atria and interior streets of glass. Adrian JG Marsh takes a look at a market that’s evolving and is in need of new standards and a common approach to demonstrating performance.
The BBC TV Centre at Wood Lane London interior was extensively redesigned by HOK architects, with refurbishment and construction carried out by the BDL Group.
Clean, open and engaging environments don’t just promote brands. They improve work output and productivity through creative and inspirational settings that make workplaces comfortable and enjoyable to be in. “Glass partitioning is almost standard in high quality office environments, especially in professional services and car showrooms,” said Dave Bonner, managing director at Nevill Long. “Glazing offers design flexibility and high performance to suit any work environment. It’s certainly changed from a speciality to a commodity product. The next generation of our Longline partitioning system reflects the evolution of design and installation. We’ve re-engineered the system and made it easier for customers to select components.” The new Longline system from Nevill Long will be available from the spring. Rachel Sullivan, category manager 10 Advertising 01926 420660
for Ceilings and Partitioning at CCF, agrees that change is necessary. She said: “Interiors solutions providers need to adapt and provide innovative solutions to meet these changing and discerning needs, from demand for curved and interestingly shaped partitioning, to bespoke graphics and layout considerations. Whether an open-plan, private or combined solution, the breadth of partitioning designed in line with the changing needs of the end user is vast.” Also making an appearance in the market in 2017 is the newly re-branded partitioning businesses of SIG. Last year, SIG acquired SAS Direct and Partitioning and it has now brought it together with Tenon to create Ocula Systems. The new Ocula brand was revealed last month and Kye Edwards, business development director at Ocula, said: “The footprint of the Ocula product range is going to be built around performance. We intend to build on the best of both
SAS and Tenon with new products and introducing additions and improving our existing range. “The partitioning market encompasses more than just partitioning. It is widely specified as architectural glazing such as a floor-to-ceiling glass barrier in an atrium. We have all the necessary test data to demonstrate its performance to the highest standards.” Performance across the sector is as important as ever and Joe Cilia, technical manager at FIS, sees a lot of products in use throughout the industry. He said: “There are still examples where elements are substituted in a system in the belief that the system will still perform in the same way; for example, how glass performs during a fire. I also see examples where sound is flanking around a partition, say through a ceiling void, yet the partition is declared the suspect.” The market remains very
competitive and specifiers should be careful when selecting the most appropriate solution to meet their design expectations. To help specifiers understand the difference between glass partitioning systems, the FIS Partition Industry Forum is developing a standard template to allow specifiers to evaluate test results using a common layout. Peter Long from Optima, who’s also a Forum member, said: “Architects and designers rely on test data. We’re keen to see that performance data is presented in a common format. Glazing, in particular, can easily be misinterpreted if data is not presented consistently. A common approach will also help manufacturers to test the right thing. We’re looking at the way acoustic data is presented and we see this move as a way to help educate both customer and specifier.” Mr Bonner agrees: “Nevill Long fully supports the FIS in what it is trying to achieve. To protect specifiers as an industry, we need to present product test information in a way that allows true comparisons.” The Forum is also revisiting BS 5234 to ensure that it incorporates frameless glazing. When written in 1992, it did not provide guidance on frameless glazing, so updating the standards to address key test areas that affect glass partitions and glass doors will provide improved guidance for designers and manufacturers alike. As trends develop, design features will no doubt continue to be influenced and ultimately change the range of interiors solutions available. Innovation, when applied with the right expertise and knowledge, will provide even more choice and transform how interiors spaces look and perform.
Nevill Long’s new Longline range has undergone extensive testing to meet the proposed FIS industry-wide glass partitioning performance data guidelines.
SITE REPORTPRODUCTS FEATURE www.thefis.org
Partnership. It’s in our nature. Swans famously stay together for life. And at Nevill Long, we develop similarly long-lasting relationships both with our customers and our suppliers – such as the one we have with Armstrong Ceilings. Being their very first UK distributor and working closely together for over 55 years means we can provide you with the ideal ceiling solution. Making Nevill Long the Distributor of Choice... naturally.
For your nearest Nevill Long branch visit nevilllong.co.uk AN ENCON GROUP COMPANY
CEILINGS
DRYWALL
www.specfinish.co.uk 11
PARTITIONS
60 TECHNICAL www.specfinish.co.uk
Minutes Flat New Thistle Bonding 60 achieves a consistent set time of sixty minutes, making it ideal for patching jobs.
Available in 12.5kg and 25kg bags and our new 10kg tub for less waste and easy storage. Available from Thistle plaster stockists.
british-gypsum.com 12 Advertising 01926 420660
FLOORING
TECHNICAL www.thefis.org
Tread with caution
floor because if it’s too damp, the covering will eventually blister and rise. Good manufacturers can help you with this measurement. “Using the right type of adhesive for the environment is also crucial. It’s not just about sticking the covering to the floor – you must also consider the ambient temperature of the room where it’s being fitted and the expected foot traffic to make sure the floor will last. “Consider the floor covering itself too. The backing, or the construction of hardwood or safety flooring, will determine whether plywood is needed or not, or which underlay to use, if any.” Another consideration is the planned maintenance programme: a cheap floor with a costly maintenance programme or short life can cost a lot more in the long-run. Ms Lambert added: “Having a good maintenance programme in place is sometimes overlooked yet it has a big impact on the continued appearance of the floor.” Understanding the proposed flooring’s impact on the environment is another very important aspect in the selection process. This can be measured in several ways: its recycled content; its environmental impact, which is often measured using an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD); and its ability to be recycled. Andrew Jackson, director of marketing (EMEA) for Shaw Contract, said: “The true Holy Grail here is to learn lessons from the insights gained from life cycle assessments and EPDs and look for a holistic solution to environmental problems.” He added: “Tiles should be material choice, with ceramic and Unlike ceilings and, to a certain but won’t be the best in the long-run designed for recycling and systems put in place for collection and extent, partitioning, flooring comes stone, laminate and wood, rubber due to the risk of staining.” return to the manufacturer for the into contact with lots of people every and sheet products, and roll and Secondly, you should consider raw material to be recovered and day as they enter and use buildings. tile all available. Each will have its the substrate that it is going to be turned into new carpets. Effectively, And this means that any issues with merits, including its impact on laid on. Is it sound and level? Is it performance (sound) and the product or installation can dust-free and dry? These may sound the Cradle to Cradle approach or circular economy model.” become apparent quite quickly. wearability as well as its impact on like obvious questions, but there So, do tread lightly when As with any product, success the environment. are instances where an installation considering a new opportunity such comes with the right product being All of this needs to be has taken place too early and the as this, and take advice before specified for the right situation from considered alongside the issue of flooring has started to delaminate, stepping into a new area. FIS the outset – flooring is no different. where it is going to be used. leading to costly remediation. members that manufacture and With such a wide range of flooring Karen Lambert, marketing Lisa Tomlin, managing director distribute flooring can be found at to choose from, the first step can be director UK/Ireland at Interface, at distributor Carpet & Flooring, difficult. So, consider the options. said: “It’s about specifying the right advised: “Preparation is key when it www.thefis.org/member-directory These can be grouped into hard product/colour for the area/function. comes to fitting flooring. It’s FIND OUT MORE flooring, soft flooring, and even For example, from a design important to ensure the floor specialist resilient flooring and perspective, sometimes a light is level and has dried properly. JOE CILIA entrance matting. Then there is colour might look the best initially Measure the humidity level of the joecilia@thefis.org
For fit-out contractors thinking of providing flooring as well as ceilings or partitioning, for example, FIS technical manager Joe Cilia warns of the need to tread with caution. Although flooring might look like a simple add-on sale, for those not experienced in the specific specification and installation requirements, it might end up costing more than is expected.
www.specfinish.co.uk 13
LEGAL
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Once a contractual bed has been made… Barrister Professor Rudi Klein discusses one of the standout legal cases of 2016. Once made, contracts are meant to be adhered to. That has always been the attitude of the law. The role of the courts, therefore, is to uphold the agreement entered into by the parties, even if that agreement turned out to be a poor bargain for one of the parties. In 2016, this principle was illustrated in a very graphic way in the case of Balfour Beatty Regional Construction Ltd v Grove Developments Ltd.
The facts
Balfour Beatty (BB) had been engaged by Grove Developments (Grove) to design and construct a hotel and serviced apartments for a sum in excess of £121 million. The contract was the standard JCT Design and Build Contract 2011. When they entered the contract, the parties’ intention was that stage payments would be made (in accordance with one of the two options in the standard contract). The contract contained rules for calculating the stage payments, but the parties were not able to agree a list of stages. Instead they agreed to a schedule of monthly interim payments that was to take them up to 22 July 2015 – the date specified in the contract for practical completion. This schedule included dates for applications (which were to be the third Thursday of each month), valuations, and issue of payment certificates and for payment. Twenty-three interim payments were envisaged under the schedule. Up to July 2015, both sides managed the payment process in accordance with the agreed schedule. But trouble was brewing. Valuation Valuation No. Month
Application Submission Date to Grove
Valuation Date
Grove Payment Made by
Grove Certificate Issued
(30 working days)
(three working days)
1
SEPT
19/09/2013
20/09/2013
25/09/2013
20/10/2013
23
JULY
16/07/2015
17/07/2015
22/07/2015
21/08/2015
Excerpt from schedule showing dates for the first and last interim payments.
By May 2015, it had become apparent that the project was in serious delay. In fact, practical completion of the whole project was not achieved until a year later, in July 2016. BB sought to extend the schedule beyond July 2015 but the parties couldn’t agree on the dates for applications, valuations and payments. Nonetheless, BB issued a payment application (number 24) on 21 August 2015. On 28 August 2015, Grove issued a payment notice followed by a pay less notice on 15 September. This indicated a deduction of £2 million, leaving £439,503 as due to BB; Grove paid this on 18 September 2015. BB immediately challenged the correctness of these dates and the validity of the pay less notice. Further efforts were made to resolve future dates for interim payments. Eventually, relying on independent advice, Grove asserted that BB had no entitlement to receive further interim payments after July 2015 and sought a declaration from the court to that effect.
BB’s position
The trial judge granted Grove’s declaration. The schedule was an agreed amendment to the contract. It envisaged 23 interim payments in accordance with the specified dates. There was no further provision for interim payments. BB appealed to the Court of Appeal: • The schedule did – expressly or impliedly – provide for interim payments to be 14 Advertising 01926 420660
made between August 2015 and the actual date of practical completion. • In any event, the schedule did not comply with section 109, Housing Grants Act 1996 (which provides for a statutory right to interim payments). • If the above arguments were to fail, there was a fresh agreement for monthly interim payments arising during discussions/correspondence after July 2015.
The Court of Appeal’s judgement Did BB have a right to interim payments after valuation 23?
Identification of the dates for valuations, payment notices and pay less notices was essential to the operation of the contract. If Grove served notices out of time, the consequences could be draconian. The express words used by the parties clearly indicated that they were only agreeing a regime of interim payments up to the contractual date for practical completion (July 2015). Furthermore, there was no implied term providing for interim payments after valuation 23. There would only be a need to imply such term to make the contract workable; but here it was perfectly workable without such term.
Did the 1996 Act enable BB to recover interim payments after valuation 23?
Section 109 of the Act states “A party to a construction contract is entitled to payment by instalments, stage payments or other periodic payments for any work under the contract…” (emphasis added in bold) BB’s case had been that interim payments had to be applied to all the work envisaged by the contract. Therefore, after the contractual date for practical completion, the fall-back provisions in the Scheme for Construction Contracts would apply (meaning that a regime of interim payments would be incorporated into the contract). The Court of Appeal disagreed. “Any work” in section 109 did not mean “every single piece of work”. This section simply provides a general entitlement to interim payments; the frequency of interim payments and their timing is left up to the parties. (However, the court felt that a contract providing for one interim payment “of an insignificant amount” would not comply with the section and the Scheme would apply.)
Did the parties reach a separate agreement for interim payments after valuation 23?
The court concluded that there was no evidence of a separate agreement having been concluded.
Commentary
For BB this was a costly error; they had to do without interim payments for the best part of a year. In fact, the court’s judgement may also have been rather harsh. Some of the delays had been caused by Grove. BB had obtained a two-month extension of time but there was still a dispute over responsibility for the delays. To some extent, therefore, Grove had profited from delays it had brought about; Grove didn’t have to make interim payments for the period of the delay it had caused. Lord Justice Jackson said: “This [was] a classic case of one party making a bad bargain.” He was echoing another statement made by Lord Neuberger in a recent Supreme Court case on the approach to be adopted when interpreting commercial contracts. He had said: “When interpreting a contract, a judge should avoid re-writing it in an attempt to assist an unwise party or to penalise an astute party.”
What should BB have done?
The easiest solution would have been to state in the schedule that interim payments would continue after July 2015 (to cover any period by which the works might be delayed). A timeline could have been agreed enabling applications to be submitted on the third Thursday of each month and specifying the number of days (rather than actual dates) thereafter for valuations, payment notices and final dates for payment.
LEGAL www.thefis.org
Hot legal topics in the finishes and interiors sector Welcome to the first Bond Dickinson column highlighting recent legal topics in the sector. To kick off, a couple of recent judgements on health and safety breaches have caught our eye where construction companies have been fined following incidents involving working at height.
Construction company fined £20,000
The company pleaded guilty to a breach of Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £9,165.56 prosecution costs to the HSE.
Construction company fined £7,500
A sole trader contracted by a construction company to supply A construction company was joinery work fell from scaffolding contracted to install a mezzanine between timber panels at a floor at a factory. A hole big enough construction site while erecting a for a lift shaft to be fitted was timber frame to construct a block required in the floor. While working of two-storey properties. The HSE on the floor, a contractor fell through found that the construction company had failed to effectively the hole, resulting in a two-month stay in hospital and a life-threatening plan, organise, monitor and brain injury. The HSE found that the review the work at height being carried out. It also found that the construction company had failed to construction company had failed guard the hole for the lift shaft or board it up to prevent contractors to sufficiently assess the risk to the falling through. safety of the workers at the site.
The company pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £7,500.
Working at height
These judgements highlight the importance of ensuring suitable arrangements are put into place and regularly reviewed to protect those working at height. Not only can a breach potentially result in
life-threatening injuries, but the effect of the fines imposed by the HSE can also be significant for small construction companies. FIS members have access to free legal advice from Kara Price, a lawyer within Bond Dickinson’s specialist construction team. GET IN TOUCH kara.price@bonddickinson.com 0191 230 8860
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www.specfinish.co.uk 15
FIS
FIS PRESIDENT'S LUNCH
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Skills and training remain top priority for sector Helping to bring about the next generation of skilled operatives for the finishes and interiors sector was the key topic at the 2017 President’s Lunch attended by industry leaders at Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London last month. “Community spirit and a commitment to develop skills and bring new entrants into the finishes and interiors sector are at the heart of FIS,” said president Steve Coley, before going on to describe how FIS has evolved into an association where members can meet and discuss the similar problems and challenges they face. Mr Coley expressed his excitement about how the new FIS Fit Out Futures skills FIS president Steve Coley. programme – being delivered through a new skills delivery team – will help overworked, overstretched members to train the next generation of skilled tradespeople. This next generation will need to come about through a combination of new entrants to the sector and upskilling of the existing workforce, and FIS is investing significantly to support members in making this a reality. Addressing the audience on the topic of the new skills programme, Mr Coley said: “Here are the key benefits you need to be aware of. Guaranteed quality training – the right training, in the right place and appropriate for members’ businesses. Easy-to-access apprentices – support in recruitment and mentoring. Automated CITB grant claims when booking through CourseSight. And access to a pool of semi-skilled, aged 24 plus, workers looking to gain fast-track through an appropriate NVQ.” Mr Coley concluded by talking about needing members’ support to make sure this skills programme is shaped into something that works for them, and how members would be contacted by the new skills delivery team to better understand what members need.
16 Advertising 01926 420660
The 2017 President’s Awards – Apprentice of the Year, Outstanding Employee, Future Leader and Lifetime Achievement – were presented at the Lunch. FIS introduced these awards last year to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals within our sector. All award entrants are judged by a panel, led by the FIS president. The Plastering categories of the FIS Contractors Awards, which celebrate high standards of workmanship and technical expertise across the sector, were also unveiled, with Gold and Silver awards presented for the categories of Plastering – Internal, Plastering – External, Fibrous and GRG – New Build, and Heritage. Turn to the next three pages to read about some outstanding people and projects within our sector…
FIS PRESIDENT'S LUNCH
FIS
www.thefis.org
Apprentice of the Year
Outstanding Employee
Jack Syddall – drywall and plasterer apprentice at Horbury Building Systems
Simon Cammidge – sheet metal production manager at aask Us
Jack has been involved in many projects over the past two years in drywall systems and plastering, completing them all to an excellent standard. The company’s finishes manager, Steve Coward, nominated Jack. He said: “We employ over 25 apprentices. They’re all doing great, but Jack has really raised the bar. He has proved his high standards both at college and on-site, leading him to qualify for the National SkillBuild Final in Birmingham. He won the gold medal and will now go on to represent the GB Team in the WorldSkills Final in Moscow in 2018.” The judges were particularly impressed with Jack’s clear commitment to his apprenticeship demonstrated through his 100 per cent attendance record, willingness to support others in training and his performance in SkillBuild.
Future Leader Harry Cottam – project supervisor at TCS Screeding At just 22, Harry has grasped the skills and experience to run two Crossrail projects for TCS Screeding, taking full responsibility for four screed gangs and ensuring that the screeds are installed to the highest quality. The company’s contracts manager, Martin Avery, who nominated Harry, said: “Harry’s previous experience was in floor screeding but on Crossrail, TCS was required to install the finishes. Harry took to the new products and technical aspects very quickly to make sure TCS could provide the best quality finish and therefore enhance the company’s reputation. He has shown vast maturity and professionalism at a very young age.” The judges said: “The qualities and level of skill this individual has demonstrated at such a young age is an example to us all. If he carries on in the same vein, he will definitely go far.”
Simon joined aask Us as a production operative in 2013 after his previous employer went into administration. He immediately provided aask Us with helpful guidance and looked for improvements. Managing director Anthony Chadley, who nominated Simon, picks up the story. “Simon approached me about opening a sheet metal division. He’d already worked out the costs, products and market. From there, the decision to invest in Simon and the new division was easy. We went from a standing start to a new factory with full production capabilities within five months. Simon’s dedication, absolute reliability and commitment to quality made it work.” The judges commented: “Simon is an exemplar for a sector that depends on quality, innovation and commitment.”
Lifetime Achievement Award Gordon Brown (retired) – previously of Ornate Interiors Gordon began his plastering career in the 1950s at 15 as an apprentice, training in both solid and fibrous plastering. At just 25, he started his own plastering business. By the early 1970s, the company expanded and employed over 30 people. He then identified a niche in the market and set up a fibrous plastering company. One of his proudest moments was collecting the Plaisterers’ Award for works to The Langham Hotel. Gordon joined Ornate Interiors in 1996 as a contracts manager assisting the company in expanding into larger premises, recruiting new staff and increasing turnover, before retiring in 2012 having served around 60 years in the industry. Throughout his time in the sector, he has passed on his knowledge, experience and skills to the next generation. He has left a legacy in the number of apprentices he trained who have subsequently gone on to develop their own companies and train the next generation of plasterers. www.specfinish.co.uk 17
FIS
FIS CONTRACTORS AWARDS – PLASTERING
www.specfinish.co.uk
PLASTERING – INTERNAL GOLD (Humber Salver) Taylor Hart PROJECT Fitzroy House, Northampton
SILVER David Fisher & Sons (Edinburgh) PROJECT Botanic Cottage, Edinburgh
PLASTERING – EXTERNAL GOLD (Crabb Trophy) G Cook & Sons PROJECT New private residence, Oxfordshire ARCHITECT Richard Meier
SILVER Cadons PROJECT Waitrose, Truro
FIBROUS AND GRG – NEW BUILD GOLD (Crabb Salver)
Locker & Riley (Fibrous Plastering)
PROJECT The Lanesborough Hotel, London ARCHITECTS Reardon Smith Architects and Alberto Pinto Interior Designers
SILVER Fine Art Mouldings PROJECT Nazrin Shah, Oxford
18 Advertising 01926 420660
FIS CONTRACTORS AWARDS – PLASTERING
FIS
www.thefis.org
Contractors Awards – Plastering categories
The FIS Contractors Awards for Plastering returned to their spiritual home of Plaisterers’ Hall. Entries were drawn from across the industry and covered the historic heritage skills of the fibrous plasterer and also the traditional plastering contractors’ capabilities. FIS chief executive David Frise said: “The quality of all the entries reflects the true craft skills that exist within the finishes sector and demonstrates that plastering is still an integral part of the modern construction industry.”
HERITAGE GOLD (Humber Salver) David Fisher & Sons
PROJECT New Town townhouse, Edinburgh
SILVER George Jackson
PROJECT Manor House, Newbury
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HEALTH & SAFETY
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Are your dust-control measures making things worse? A breath of bad air can be avoided, provided the right controls are put in place and used correctly. And certain ‘afterthought’ dust-control provisions can actually endanger workers rather than reduce their exposure to dust. Read on for advice on dust protection. The health and safety jargon for dust in its breathable form is Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), and it can lead to all kinds of very unpleasant lung diseases. Most common is silicosis, where the breathing gets harder and the person more vulnerable to more serious lung infections, and even lung cancer. These conditions do take years of exposure to develop, but very high levels of exposure without safety precautions can turn years into months. As with most cases in construction-related health and safety, you can do 10 times more good work with the right preparation. At design stage, for instance, building designers should always aim to minimise the silica-releasing processes commonly found during construction. For example, you can cut the need to drill/chase out concrete and masonry right down with pre-built in recesses for electric wiring, gas and plumbing, or even with surface-mounted containment. By following the appropriate control measures, the threat is all but gone, meaning you and your workers can breathe a little easier. Studies have shown that dust created during construction presents a serious long-term threat to your employees. And just like asbestos, the effects of breathing in this dust can take many years to manifest – with potentially fatal consequences. As mentioned earlier, long-term inhalation of silica dust can lead to the condition silicosis, which scars the lungs and reduces overall breathing capacity. Continued exposure leads to a form of lung cancer – and there is no cure for the condition. 20 Advertising 01926 420660
Do your plans include provisions for dust?
As an employer, you have a duty to control the amount of dust your employees are exposed to. According to the HSE, the maximum amount of silica dust an employee can legally inhale each day will fit inside the ‘O’ of a one penny coin. And that is after you have applied the ‘right’ controls to reduce exposure. Yet despite the seriousness of the condition, research conducted by the Construction Dust Partnership (CDP) – an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the HSE – found that just 3 per cent of workers were aware of the dangers of dust. Worse still, the majority of site operators rarely considered the risks posed by dust during the project design phase.
The problem with bolt-on provisions
As a result of this lack of planning, most dust-control measures tend to be less effective, and this greatly increases the risk of harmful exposure. Worse still is when these ‘afterthought’ dust-control provisions actually exacerbate the situation.
The following dust-control ‘solutions’ can all endanger your workers: The non-classified vacuum – Keeping a vacuum cleaner handy makes perfect sense, but non-classified vacuums, such as the domestic type, do not offer the level of filtering required to capture the finest of dust particulates in hazardous areas. This means that as air is sucked
through the vacuum, tiny silica particles are expelled through the exhaust and into the air. Now the dust has moved from the floor/work surface and is even easier to breathe in.
Dry sweeping – A broom is a cheap, effective
way to quickly collect dust and other rubbish/ rubble on-site. But again, the sweeping motion actively releases inhalable dust into the air, increasing exposure in the process.
Air-blowing tools – Virtually the same as
using a broom, but you don’t have to come into physical contact with rubble to move it, or to spread the microscopic particles everywhere. Instead of collecting dust, as is intended, each of these ‘control’ methods actually places your employees in danger.
Even if your construction project is already underway, it’s not too late to put in place these measures to reduce dust exposure: Use the correct equipment – There are industrial vacuum cleaners available that can filter even the smallest particles of silica dust. They may be more expensive, but using these types of vacuums will help keep your employees healthy and alive (helping you avoid potential fines and being in court). Damping down before sweeping – Obvious yet easily overlooked, damping down is a simple, effective way to prevent dust being thrown into the air as it is collected. By carefully spraying water over the areas to be cleaned, the dust is ‘stuck’ together, ready to be swept up and disposed of safely. Need help?
Managing construction site dust isn’t complex, but it’s a lot easier if you put proper plans in place before work starts. If you’re struggling with this or have concerns that your employees are at risk of over-exposure to silica, please get in touch and we’ll help explain your options moving forward. FIND OUT MORE DAVID CANT Veritas Consulting www.veritas-consulting.co.uk
SKILLS & TRAINING www.thefis.org
Automated CITB grant claims are now a reality Finishes and interiors sector employers can now book details for operatives’ NVQ qualifications online thanks to an initiative from FIS and a plan from CITB for payment to be sent directly to them on completion, without the need for additional paperwork. Helen Yeulet, FIS skills delivery director, explains in more detail. The move to simplifying the payment process from CITB is a major step forward for the industry as a whole and positions FIS at the forefront of driving important change for its members in the skills agenda. Initially, only NVQs booked and achieved through FIS Approved Training Providers via CourseSight will be included to enable CITB to manage the change and measure the success before it becomes available to everyone in April 2018, if approved by the wider industry during this year’s consensus vote. David Frise, chief executive of FIS, stated: “We launched CourseSight in co-operation with CITB to automate course finding, bookings and updating of the CSCS card, and it will now pay the CITB grant directly to the employer, so massively reducing
administrative burden.” Helen Tapper, of Tapper Interiors, agreed, commenting: “Sourcing and booking training courses is another drain on resources, adding substantially to overheads for smaller contractors. It also requires knowledge and experience to ascertain whether a course is grant recoverable or not. “This is a very positive step for all those SMEs that cannot afford to take on or divert resource to do this.” The phase two launch of CourseSight, the online platform developed by FIS in partnership with Reference Point, happened last month. Among a wealth of additional features introduced in phase two, the ability for the CITB grant to be paid on the point of qualification completion has to be
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grant has been an extremely popular addition, and for CITB, we are now able to regulate which providers and companies may claim grant for eligible employees, so it’s good news for everyone. “We look forward to getting more feedback from all our the most significant for members, stakeholders – whether CITB, and the industry as a whole. industry bodies, trade associations, CITB has worked closely with FIS and Reference Point to ensure that the employers or training providers – on grant processing aspect is as seamless other welcome features they’d like to see on our training portal for the as possible, ensuring that this pilot construction industry.” within the sector is a success. FIS is investing heavily in Mark Noonan, CITB’s industry relations director, said: “We want to addressing the issues surrounding make sure as many firms as possible the well-publicised skills gap within the sector and this is the first step can access our grant funding to in ensuring that training is easier to support their training needs. The gain access to – a major success for plans we’re consulting on this year include this proposal to overhaul the the Skills Delivery Board, chaired by FIS president Steve Coley. Grants Scheme and make it much easier to use. We’re really pleased to “This is a huge leap forward and work in partnership with FIS so that offers FIS members a real prospect to develop a solution to the skills its members are now able to take shortage. At last we have something advantage of this improved service in place where levy payers can feel and we can test it to make sure it’s as though they will get value for their robust for all.” money by seeing a new generation CourseSight is now open to the of trainee that previously has been rest of the industry, and training hampered by bureaucracy,” providers working across all the commented Mr Coley. sectors can use it as a vehicle to FIS has taken the bold step to attract employers and encourage them to take advantage of the direct invest in delivering solutions for the benefit of the sector through this upload of all newly achieved new innovative skills programme. qualifications onto CSCS cards. However, it will only work if members Once the sector has completed the and other sector stakeholders engage pilot with CITB, the opportunity to and, as the saying goes, become part claim CITB grant will be open to all, providing a simple and ready solution of the solution, rather than part of to one of the largest problems within the problem. We would therefore the industry today, assuming industry encourage all to get involved, be it through supporting the initiatives approval of CITB’s future offer. we are introducing such as providing Commenting on this, Tanya work experience and taking on Morris, director at Reference Point, apprentices or by providing the said: “We’re delighted to add this statistical information we need to functionality to this latest rollout to CourseSight. Enabling FIS Approved support our cause. Training Providers to make it even easier for CITB-registered FIND OUT MORE companies to claim achievement www.thefis.org/skills-hub www.specfinish.co.uk 21
FIS COMMUNITY NEWS www.specfinish.co.uk
Calendar of events FIS Awards Lunch 2017 The Dorchester Hotel, London 6 June 2017 FIS Scottish Awards 2017 George Hotel, Edinburgh 6 October 2017 Members’ Meetings 2017 Glasgow Thursday 16 March (2–6pm) DoubleTree by Hilton London Tuesday 4 April (2–6pm) Holiday Inn London – Brentford Lock
Stortford fit-out at London Bridge Stortford Interiors has completed a £4 million interior fit-out project for London Bridge Station, one of the UK’s biggest transport hubs. The project is part of the wider redevelopment of London Bridge Station to create a sizeably improved station with new platforms and a new concourse for its 56 million annual passengers under the Thameslink Programme. Working for main contractor Costain, Stortford’s fit-out subcontract package included drywall, glass
screens, Metsec and joinery for the staff accommodation and retail areas under its Interior Architectural Package Contracting offering, which includes in-house joinery division Parkrose. Additional works to customer information points and retail areas are expected to be completed by mid-2018. FIND OUT MORE www.stortford-interiors.com
Birmingham Thursday 15 June (2–6pm) Park Regis Manchester Wednesday 13 September (2–6pm) AC Hotel Marriott
Welcome to new FIS members Interserve Specialist Joinery www.interserve.com
High-quality interior fit-out, refurbishment and bespoke manufacturing services across a range of projects.
Manorcraft Interior Systems Ltd www.manorcraft.net
Design, installation and manufacture of SFS cold rolled steel framing systems.
Caledan Ltd www.caledan.co.uk
Design, manufacture and supply of British steel framing systems.
D P Interiors Ltd www.dpinteriors.co.uk
Interior design and installation, specialising in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Yesero Ltd www.yesero.co.uk
Plastering, drylining, rendering and external wall insulating contractors in the North West.
22 Advertising 01926 420660
Portview fit-out wins ‘Best Department Store’ for Harvey Nichols Portview triumphed at the Retail Week Interiors Awards, taking the Best Department Store title for its work at the Birmingham Harvey Nichols store. Working closely with interior design specialist Virgile + Partners, Portview received industry-wide praise for its precision and attention to detail on the Harvey Nichols project, which seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology with opulent design. In just 20 weeks, the Portview team worked to deliver a 4,500 m2 all-on-one-floor layout that incorporated contrasting textures and finishes. Innovative features also included 360 degree mirrors, a 12-metre-long tunnel featuring a large-scale digital art installation and a 5m x 3.5m digital screen which is used as a modern alternative to the more conventional window display. FIND OUT MORE www.portview.co.uk
Relocation for Planet Partitioning Planet Partitioning has moved its Southern and Western offices to new premises in line with its expanding business. The company’s Southern division, head office and manufacturing function have moved to a new and larger 3,500 m2 facility in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. Planet’s Western division has remained in Chippenham, Wiltshire, moving to a larger facility with a modern office and space for a showroom and client area. In tandem with these moves, the company has changed its name from Linkspan Interiors Ltd to Planet Contracting Ltd but will still trade as Planet Partitioning and Planet Architectural Glass. FIND OUT MORE www.planetpartitioning.co.uk
FIS COMMUNITY NEWS www.thefis.org
Lots to celebrate for Bbi
Interior fit-out specialist Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi) is celebrating nearly 30 years in business with a record-breaking £30.5 million turnover for year-end May 2016. The Brecon-headquartered company has doubled its turnover in just five years. And this success looks set to continue in 2017 as Bbi has recruited several local staff to support expansion and increased its presence in the life science and pharmaceutical sector with several multi-million pound contracts in the past two years. Bbi operates from three strategic locations in the UK and employs more than 50 people as well as hundreds of subcontracted staff on a number of high-profile projects across the UK. FIND OUT MORE www.bbi-uk.com
Soundtect opens in Clerkenwell Soundtect has opened its new showroom in Clerkenwell on St John’s Square. The company manufactures and supplies design-led acoustic treatments for walls and ceilings, and this new showroom is Soundtect’s first in London. FIND OUT MORE www.soundtect.com
Stanmore Contractors secures £14 million double win with Countryside Countryside has awarded Stanmore Contractors two contracts with a combined worth of more than £14 million to provide the steel framing system facade, external cladding and internal drylining packages at Acton Gardens, Acton, and Loughborough Park, Brixton, respectively. Stanmore will be involved in the fifth phase of the Acton Gardens redevelopment which forms part of a £600 million project to completely regenerate the area. This project will see Stanmore installing 60,000m2 of partitions/drywall, 25,000m2 of ceiling and flooring respectively and
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13,000m2 of facade. The project is due for completion in March 2018 and will see the provision of 271 homes. The Loughborough Park project is also the third phase of a larger regeneration project with a total worth of £80 million. This contract will deliver 276 homes with Stanmore providing 58,000m2 of drywall, 24,000m2 of ceilings and flooring packages respectively and 11,000m2 of facade. This major project is due for completion by October 2018.
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www.specfinish.co.uk 23
World class metal ceilings and architectural metalwork sasint.co.uk