SpecFinish May 2018

ÂŁ3.50 May 2018

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Sensitive restoration wins British Gypsum National Trophy Page 3

Technical: New guidance on SFS p12

Industry roundtable: Third party accreditation p16

Productivity: WhatĘźs the challenge? p22

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

Some final thoughts…

12 Technical: Steel Framed

Systems – new guidance 16 Industry roundtable: The value

of third party accreditation 19 Legal: Skills shortage in the

construction sector 20 Company profile:

Paragon Interiors 22 Construction productivity:

Whatʼs the challenge?

24 Skills & training: Subcontractor or training provider? Are you

registered with CITB? 25 Health & safety: The workplace

is no place for risks

FRONT COVER:

The Star and Garter development, in Richmond upon Thames, which was named UK Winner in the Residential category at the British Gypsum National Trophy and International Runner-up at the Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy.

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 SUBSCRIPTIONS

SpecFinish is distributed to members of FIS and other selected finishes and interiors businesses. If you wish to receive a copy of SpecFinish or would like to amend or cancel your subscription, please contact either info@thefis.org or telephone 0121 707 0077.

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 2018

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Slow-to-pay contractors to be excluded from public contracts Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden announced proposals last month to exclude suppliers from major government procurements if they cannot demonstrate fair and effective payment practices with their subcontractors. Other plans include allowing subcontractors greater access to buying authorities to report poor payment performance, and requiring suppliers to advertise subcontracting opportunities via the Contracts Finder website.

David Frise, chief executive at FIS, said: “The FIS welcomes this latest government announcement on actions to deter poor payment practices on government contracts. If this initiative can be made to work, it will be a further clear signal that the collapse of Carillion has triggered a change in attitude at all levels.”

The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group chief executive, Professor Rudi Klein, said that he was particularly pleased the government intends to exclude poor payers from government procurement, commenting: “We have been urging the government to introduce a yellow/red card system for a long time.

The yellow card is a warning to improve payment performance and the red card excludes a continuing poor performer from bidding for government contracts for a period of two to three years.”

Professor Klein added that if such a system had already been in place, Carillion would have been excluded from government contracts.

Leaked Grenfell Tower report exposes failings

CITB unveils new Training Model and Grant Scheme

FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk

A leaked report about the Grenfell Tower fire disaster has identified deficiencies in the installation of the windows, cavity barriers and cladding system.

The BRE Global report was leaked exclusively to the London Evening Standard and said the refurbishment completed in 2016 failed to meet fire safety standards set out in the Building Regulations.

The report said the cavity barriers installed during the refurbishment were of “insufficient size specification” and some were installed “upside down” or “back to front”. The result was to create a chimney-like effect in the gap between the cladding and the concrete frame.

Window frames were “significantly narrower than the gap between the concrete surfaces of the columns”, leaving large gaps. None of the materials used to fill the spaces would be capable of providing 30 minutes fire resistance.

The aluminium composite material used in the facade had a polyethylene core that “appears to be highly combustible” and “appears to have provided a medium for fire spread up and across the facade”.

The “absence of door closers” on many front doors to flats resulted in a significant number being inadvertently left open when residents fled.

A new system to access training and grants has been unveiled by CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board. The new Training Model and Grant Scheme is a central feature of CITB’s Vision 2020 programme, delivered on time and on budget as the training body becomes more responsive and accountable to the industry it serves.

The CITB Training Model consists of three parts: Construction Training Directory, Construction Training Register and the new Grant Scheme.

Braden Connolly, director of products and services at CITB, said: “We are delighted to launch CITB’s new Training Model and Grant Scheme. It is a major step towards CITB becoming the modern, responsive, accountable organisation industry wants us to be.

“The new Construction Training Directory will make it much easier for employers to get the training they need, where they need it, when they need it.

“By tracking achievements and making employee qualifications accessible to employers, the new Construction Training Register will have a transformative effect on the ability of employers not only to train employees, but also to hire people with the right skills on day one.”

FIND OUT MORE www.specfinish.co.uk

FIND OUT MORE Turn to page 24

www.thefis.org

FIS announces nationwide BuildBack rollout

Star and Garter stands out for Trophy A sensitive redevelopment project incorporating products from British Gypsum has brought a new era of luxury to the Star and Garter – one of the most opulent and well-known buildings in Richmond, Surrey.

This redevelopment was the UK winner (Residential category) in the British Gypsum National Trophy, which celebrates craftsmanship and skills in traditional plastering and modern plasterboard systems. It then went on to take the International Runner-up prize at the Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy last month in Lisbon, Portugal.

Subcontractor PM White Drylining demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship while sensitively restoring the building using the best products and finishes available and preserving its heritage. Durable internal partitioning from British Gypsum was chosen as a more appropriate solution than blockwork and wet plaster for constructing the individual residences within the building’s external shell.

FIND OUT MORE www.british-gypsum.com

Seamless Acoustical Plaster Solutions

FIS has confirmed the details of a nationwide rollout of its BuildBack programme following the successful Midlands-based cohort in March.

As a key element of the trade association’s Fit-Out Futures strategy, BuildBack puts job seekers through two weeks of college drylining training followed by two weeks of on-site work experience with an employer. Those who secure full-time employment with an employer will have their fees paid for ongoing training to NVQ Level 2 in drylining at no cost to them or the employer. This will equip them with the skills, competencies and qualification required to pursue a career in drylining.

The confirmed nationwide FIS BuildBack programme will consist of a series of employer open days, enabling employers to meet with drylining trainees and programme partners, see the college facilities and find out more about how BuildBack can benefit their business.

Partner colleges will host BuildBack open days as follows: Sheffield (9 May); South and City Birmingham (31 May); Wigan and Leigh (Greater Manchester Colleges Group) (7 June); NPTC Group of Colleges (14 June); Lewisham Southwark (20 June); Astins (21 June); Colchester (22 June); and Silver Trowel (5 July).

Register your interest with FIS: skills@thefis.org FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org/skills

New from CMS Danskin Acoustics is the Fade® acoustical plaster system that absorbs unwanted noise in a wide range of environments.

As an acoustic solution applied to walls and ceilings, its highly absorbent qualities allow for optimum acoustic control in large commercial spaces. A flexible and discrete alternative to traditional acoustic solutions.

• Up to class ‘A’ acoustic absorption performance • Available in a choice of finishes – Albus Plus & Albus • Quick to install, one mantle system • Easy to repair, clean and maintain • Exclusive to CMS Danskin Acoustics in the UK

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www.cmsdanskin.co.uk This advert is a general guide and specific technical advice is recommended before proceeding with any transaction. Full technical information available from your local office.

www.specfinish.co.uk 03

COMMENT & OPINION www.specfinish.co.uk

Editor’s column

A top priority Payment remains the top priority for specialist contractors. Many are only too aware of the stain on our reputation that poor payment records have brought and the damage caused. Without the steady and reliable flow of payments for work done, your business will grind to a halt, and could potentially crash.

Thumbs up, in principle, for government plans to ban slow-payers from public contracts (see page 2). However, how will slow-payers be defined? We all know that Carillion were awful payers, but before they went bust they were adamant that they paid the majority of their bills on time.

Herein lies the challenge to legislators; we don’t know just how many construction contracts end in dispute, but it’s plain to see the sector is far more prone to legal wrangling than other spheres of business, and delaying payment until disputes are settled puts the supply chain under immense pressure. Anything to encourage a new payment culture is very welcome.

Construction is often criticised for being reluctant to change the way it works and adopt new techniques and products. But SFS, the lightweight steel frame used to create the inner leaf of an external wall, is an innovation that has been grasped by the sector. This relatively young activity is tightening up on guidance (see page 12) and an FIS-led cross-industry initiative is a positive step forward that highlights the importance of following the correct installation process.

We should counsel caution about creating a rigid bureaucratic process in construction. While safety remains a top priority, we need to encourage creativity and flair. The industry’s lacklustre productivity levels and need for radical productivity improvements are well known (see page 22). During the last decade, output per worker has remained flat in construction yet output in manufacturing has rocketed by more than 50 per cent.

To boost productivity, the right skills and resources are essential. But it all has to be paid for somewhere, and starving the supply chain of cash is not the way to raise standards of performance and quality.

The Aldous Bill was the first step to protect money owed to contractors in a post-Carillion era. We now know what the government really thinks about protecting money owed to contractors – is it the priority it should be, or just another fudge?

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Some final thoughts…

This will be my last voice article for SpecFinish, so it would seem to be a pertinent time for a bit of reflection after seven years in the job.

Looking back before attempting to look forward into the uncertain period ahead. This, of course, begs the question: when has there ever been a certain period? There has always been doubt about what is around the corner.

I was asked recently to take part in a podcast about the development of our brand. This was not prompted by my expertise in branding but informed by the experience of our association’s rebranding from the catchy ‘AIS FPDC’ to ‘FIS’.

“Did it work?” was the question. Well, we hadn’t given that any recent thought, which in itself was a sign that it didn’t appear to have failed. People no longer comment upon the absence of association or federation in the name and just know us as the FIS. At the last President’s Lunch, I got a number of comments that we finally genuinely feel like a single organisation representing a sector. That is understandable as it wasn’t just the names that were crashed into each other; we sort of barged the two organisations into a vertically integrated model. We represented the supply chain in fit-out in the same way the market operates. Clients do not buy products shrinkwrapped on a pallet; they buy them installed.

The rebranding would have been meaningless unless we reflected the brand values in practice. Above all, we needed to identify a sector of Interiors and Finishes and find the common issues. We decided to solve our own problems rather than waiting for someone to do it for us. And we tried to make the sector more professional by developing and updating technical standards and upskilling our people. We are not there yet, but the path to more professional member companies and a more competent workforce is on track.

At the end of the day, it is our clients who benefit from better quality work delivered to a more consistent standard. It means that manufacturers and contractors should work more closely to achieve those standards. This in itself was a good thing but all too often not valued by clients: price being king, rather than value or achievement of specification.

And then came Grenfell, where the true cost

of a lack of competence and compliance led to those tragic losses. In a post-Grenfell world, the demonstration of competence and evidence, and that you have complied, should not be an option as clients, designers and contractors recognise their personal liability when corners are cut. This should hold no fears for good companies as it levels the playing field and rewards those who have invested in the skills of their people.

Perhaps what they should fear is the impact of Carillion’s collapse and Brexit.

Firstly, Brexit. It is widely accepted by all that there will be some pain from our exit of the EU. How bad is contentious, but despite the fact that there were record levels of investment in the UK in 2017, much of that was committed before the vote. Construction investments take time to feed through and new project starts are falling. If a project doesn’t start you can’t do the fit-out.

The reliance on migrant labour will, I’m sure, be addressed to allow workers into the UK, but at what cost in administration and increased liability? I’m sure overall the impact will be muted and not be evident either way for many years.

The sun will continue to rise in the mornings.

But surely the true cost of Brexit is the opportunity cost of all the Brexit-related activity. How much time and effort are going into this change at all levels in government and companies? Time is money and time which could have been spent on expansion plans is now being spent on adjusting for the range of possible Brexit outcomes. Let’s hope the benefits outweigh this opportunity cost.

Carillion is another example of short-term pain for potential long-term gain. Immediately companies impacted directly will need to recover but this takes a lot of working capital out of the system. Longer term, we may finally get some payment reform. I might even see Spurs win the Premiership. I won’t be holding my breath on either count.

Finally, a thank you for listening over the last seven years. I’ve made some great friends and had a lot of fun. Good luck.

DAVID FRISE FIS chief executive www.thefis.org

VIEWPOINT

www.thefis.org

Grasping the build-to-rent opportunity Build-to-rent (BTR) is coming of age, attracting growing investment and government support. Nicola Chapman at Etex Building Performance considers why dry construction is perfectly poised to meet the needs of BTR projects and the opportunities to support this burgeoning sector.

BTR is now firmly established on the UK residential map, with more than £2bn of capital investment in 2017, according to CBRE data.

Government support for BTR is growing and the revised National Planning Policy Framework has outlined a greater, more critical role for BTR as a solution to the housing crisis.

There is similarity between multi-residential and BTR projects in terms of building design and construction approach, and drylining contractors and

materials providers should leverage their expertise from this comparative market. The real difference comes in developers’ and investors’ attitudes to initial construction costs – this is where dry construction needs to better champion its cause.

As long-term asset holders, maximising return for BTR investors is king. This relies on minimising building operating costs and ensuring steady income from happy residents by providing homes that meet their needs.

A larger upfront investment that can support these aims could well pay dividends in the long-run.

One of the more obvious elements is the building fabric.

Investing in more durable materials for walls and partitions, like performance plasterboard, can bring efficiencies in both maintenance and energy costs.

Dry construction plays a vital role in residents’ quality of life by providing a high-quality finish, enhanced acoustic performance and peace of mind on fire safety.

If all this can be achieved while maximising useable floorspace, then potential yields can be increased still further by boosting rental area – and, of course, the sooner a building is completed, the quicker it can begin generating income, so demonstrating our sector’s work to drive jobsite productivity is key.

The opportunities for dry construction in BTR are significant.

It’s up to drylining contractors and materials providers to engage the sector’s decision-makers and drive greater understanding of the role and value our industry can play in providing safe, comfortable homes that meet the needs of residents and asset holders. BTR is here to stay in the UK – we need to make sure we’re a part of its future.

NICOLA CHAPMAN Business development director Etex Building Performance www.etex-bp.co.uk

www.specfinish.co.uk 05

PRODUCTS

www.specfinish.co.uk

Armstrong Ceilings prove their metal for the Met Custom metal ceiling systems from Armstrong World Industries have brought form and function to the award-winning transformation of New Scotland Yard.

Armstrong’s metal F-H 600 hook-on tiles and swingdown rectangular planks with concealed G-Profile grid and acoustic fleece, and metal T-Clip F tiles with Spring-T grid, were specified by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects for the £65 million remodelling, refurbishment and extension of the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police.

With a constrained floor-to-ceiling height, the Armstrong systems met the demands for electrical servicing and lighting while mechanical services, data and small power outlets were installed in a raised access floor void.

As well as the circulation spaces, corridors and lift lobbies, Armstrong’s custom micro-perforated metal systems, which perform up to sound absorption Class A, were also used for the ground-floor multi-use and press rooms where acoustic absorption and integration of lighting were key design considerations.

Etex launches unique Thruwall system to streamline specification Etex Building Performance has launched its new Thruwall system, a single solution for the building envelope.

Combining elements from the company’s three lightweight construction brands – Siniat, Promat and EOS Facades – Thruwall removes the need for project teams to procure three separate building products, saving them time, money and the need to review previously disparate performance data from materials providers.

The Etex Thruwall system is guaranteed under one 30-year warranty, providing regulatory compliance and assured technical performance for the construction supply chain and building users. The non-load-bearing infill system combines Siniat’s Weather Defence external sheathing board, light gauge steel framing from EOS and internal wall linings, drawing on Promat’s expertise in passive fire protection.

Designed specifically for multi-storey residential buildings, this one-stop solution can be adapted for the specific needs of projects, providing up to 120 minutes of fire resistance and sound insulation up to 50 dB Rw. Each system is subjected to rigorous fire, acoustic, airtightness, weathering and mechanical tests. www.etex-bp.co.uk

www.armstrongceilings.co.uk

Lovell Homes adopts British Gypsum’s advanced drylining solutions

FINISHING COMPOUND

Just mix with water for easy application Hand and machine jointing Extended working time, less wastage Effortless sanding No shrinkage so no cracking 180 minutes working time

Special prices now available, please contact Wondertex:

01827 254402 | wondertex.co.uk

Lovell Homes has become the first national homebuilder to adopt British Gypsum’s advanced drylining solutions – Gyproc Habito and Silent Floor – as standard on its homes at Heath Farm, Holt, North Norfolk. This adoption is in response to the Building Better Homes Report, commissioned by British Gypsum in 2016.

The Report, which draws on the insights of 600 homebuyers, highlights many of the positives associated with living in a new-build but also details a number of drawbacks associated with new-build properties, including flimsy walls and noise transfer between floors; it’s these insights that have prompted a response from Lovell.

Explaining the rationale for the partnership with British Gypsum, Justine Elliott, sales director at Lovell, said: “We have a strategic target of delivering over 5,000 open market homes across the UK in the next five years and that gives us a tremendous opportunity to redefine what ‘new-build’ stands for.

“The Report from British Gypsum is the first time any company has really investigated, in detail, consumer attitudes towards build quality and newbuild – highlighting issues we can, and must, address if we are to improve the reputation of new-build in the UK.” www.british-gypsum.com

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PRODUCTS

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

LONGLINE VISION. The partitioning system with a clear advantage.

Longline Vision offers the best of both worlds. With unique seamless integration into drywall, it makes creating a beautiful frameless aesthetic easy, so any office environment feels more open, light and spacious. Yet at the same time, excellent acoustic performance gives occupiers the privacy they need for meetings, phone calls or total concentration – especially with various glass, colour and manifestation options also available. With technical advice and support from the UK’s Distributor of Choice too, it’s clear why you should choose Vision.

For a Longline Vision brochure or to find your nearest Nevill Long branch visit nevilllong.co.uk

AN ENCON GROUP COMPANY www.specfinish.co.uk 07

PRODUCTS

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Lookers have the Vision Bespoke SAS metalwork and ceilings for new Muscat airport Over 200,000m2 of architectural metalwork and metal ceilings from SAS International have been installed at the new $1.8 billion Muscat International Airport.

The new 345,000m2 passenger terminal in Oman sets the stage for a new era in aviation infrastructure in the Middle East region and is expected to handle more than 12 million passengers a year. SAS products feature in the main passenger terminal and piers, cargo terminals, concourse, ancillary buildings, escalators and the airport hotel.

SAS International worked closely with architect Hill International to realise the company’s vision of a future-proof airport hub. By designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke metal ceilings and architectural metalwork, SAS met the functional, acoustic and aesthetic aspirations of the architects.

Nevill Long’s new Longline Vision frameless partitioning system has been installed at Lookers Audi in Basingstoke.

The brief for the new car dealership, which was completed in March, was for a modern and open environment, inviting to customers and in keeping with the brand’s innovative appeal.

Yorkshire-based interior fit-out specialists Interior Contract Specialists (ICS) recommended Longline Vision as the perfect system for the car showroom, on the ground and first floor as well as for the offices.

Darren Powell, director of ICS, said: “The Vision system is really straightforward to install and has an attractive finish, allowing us to provide the client with another on-budget and on-time project.”

The system has also undergone some rigorous structural strength testing at BRE – achieving ‘Heavy’ and ‘Severe’ ratings – and is now certified for use as a ‘barrier’, where a partition system, able to achieve certification to BS 6180, is commonly situated on the edge of a mezzanine floor.

www.sasint.co.uk

www.nevilllong.co.uk

DRYBACKER quickly slots into place to save time

CCF’s Tradeline brand has introduced a lightweight glass fibre fire-stopping barrier to meet demand from specifiers, building contractors and specialist installers.

Tradeline’s new fire-stopping barrier has been developed as part of a third party fire-certified system and is manufactured to rigorous safety and quality criteria to meet BS 476: Parts 20/22 in full.

Available in glass woven and unwoven textile, the fire-stopping barrier system complements a number of other elements in a full system warranty, including CCF’s Tradeline Metal.

Annemarie Shotton, CCF category group manager, said: “This is the first … full fire-protection system for the Tradeline range and marks a new era for the brand. We have launched this product with certified fire safety brand VALBARR to guarantee quality.”

MEDITE SMARTPLY’s DRYBACKER engineered OSB3 panel is helping dryliners to save time when it comes to providing support for heavy fixtures and fittings with plasterboard partitions.

DRYBACKER incorporates a continuous recess designed to accommodate ‘C’ shaped metal studs used in the construction of plasterboard partitions. The ready prepared modular panels slot easily into place without needing to be cut down to size. This approach not only speeds up installation time but also delivers health and safety benefits by reducing the creation of dust and noise onsite, and the use of power tools.

As an OSB panel, DRYBACKER provides reliable core strength for fixings on all points without the risk of structural weaknesses from knots or voids, as might be the case with plywood. Manufactured from FSC certified timber and produced with zero added formaldehyde, it is a good solution for public buildings or facilities which are trying to meet sustainability standards.

www.tradelinedrywall.com

www.mdfosb.com

Tradeline introduces first fireprotection system to range

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PRODUCTS www.thefis.org

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

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PRODUCTS

www.specfinish.co.uk

Donseed GPS tracker helps to recover stolen device

New LOFT54 partitioning system from Planet LOFT54 is a versatile new partitioning system from Planet Partitioning that meets the continuing trend for industrial-themed workplace design.

The structural framework of LOFT54 is constructed using independent vertical mullion and horizontal transom profiles, providing clients the freedom to design their own bespoke framework construction. This method enables the configuration of differing panel shapes and sizes, combined with various infill finishes, all within a fully certified demountable partitioning system.

Planet Partitioning’s LOFT54 framework will accommodate a diverse range of panel infill materials and because each panel opening is individually formed, finishes can be mixed and matched within a single elevation. Infill materials can be transparent, for example, reeded, coloured or mesh glass, or solid, with options including timber veneered panelling or metal-faced boards. www.planetpartitioning.co.uk

Ocula Systems unveils 80mm twin glazed partitioning system Ocula Systems has introduced FT80, an 80mm twin glazed partitioning system that can support various glass types and thicknesses to provide flexibility to the specification sector.

The Ocula FT80 has a minimalist design with a low-profile base and head track of just 26mm. It has the flexibility to be installed either as a full glass partitioning system, incorporating glass from 6-12mm, or with interspaced drywall panels and doors. The system offers a choice of toughened, laminate, acoustic or electric privacy glass with full manifestation options and polyester powder-coated frames in over 200 RAL colours.

One unique feature is the optional frameless glazing mullion allowing manually controlled venetian blinds in the cavity which come with encapsulated ends to eliminate any visible gap between the end of the blind and mullion.

FT80 shares common features, making it compatible for use in combination with FS25, FT58 and FT105 systems.

The GPS tracking feature on a biometric time and attendance device from workplace management software solutions company Donseed has helped ECL Civil Engineering to recover the device following a break-in.

Donseed was able to track down the biometric device by finding the last synced location and comparing that to the last synced location where a biometric sign-in occurred. The data provided the information needed for Donseed to ascertain that the device was dumped within one mile of the construction site, helping ECL to make a quick and easy recovery.

Ray Simpson of Donseed said: “Theft is one of the biggest problems in the construction industry and it proves very costly and inconvenient for many contractors. This prompt recovery shows the true value of our GPS-tracked devices in terms of helping customers to recover their own equipment.” www.donseed.com

Bagar Airliss EXT: the ready-to-use plaster for external walls and ceilings

Style has been contracted by Rushton Hall, a magnificent Grade I listed country house hotel near Kettering, to install its DORMA Variflex moveable wall system to add flexibility to the hotel’s newly refurbished Library and main function rooms.

To allow privacy when required but also ensure the area could be opened out for larger gatherings, Style installed two separate partitions to give maximum flexibility across three rooms, all in a stunning finish to complement the elegant interior design.

Delivering 57dB Rw acoustic privacy, one Variflex moveable wall separates the Library from the main function rooms, creating a quiet space for wedding ceremonies. This moveable wall opens up to incorporate the dining room.

The second Variflex seals off the main dance floor, opening up only after the meal to combine the dining room and the main function suite into one.

A newly formulated, spray-applied or manually applied plaster, intended for outside use on a range of substrates, is the latest innovative plaster to be made available from Beissier.

Bagar Airliss EXT is a new light-weight ready-to-use plaster that delivers a high-quality finish on exterior substrates such as concrete, cement and breeze block. Bagar Airliss EXT also gives contractors two application methods, manual or spray application through either Airless or Screw-pump machines allowing speed of application with a great finish, boosting productivity.

The vapour-permeable Bagar Airliss EXT formulation is water and moisture resistant and can be applied up to 5mm thick in one application – average consumption is 1 to 3kg/m2 depending on surface quality. The grey colour also benefits the painting and decorating packages by allowing over coating of traditional exterior paints, including thin film, EPS and waterproofing coatings.

Ready-to-use Bagar Airliss EXT is available in 25kg bags or tubs from Beissier through traditional distributors.

www.style-partitions.co.uk

www.beissier.eu

www.oculasystems.co.uk

Luxury hotel divides space with Style

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FEATURE

www.thefis.org

WEATHER DEFENCE SECOND GENERATION: OUT OF THIS WORLD FEATURES.

Weather Defence 2G makes onsite installation of external sheathing board easier than ever, with improved handling features including: • It’s 30% lighter to handle than cement particle board • No circular saws or separate cutting areas – score and snap it with a Stanley knife • Easy to move – two people can easily carry it Discover why 75% of the UK’s top 20 contractors have switched to Weather Defence.

For a step-by-step installation guide, visit youtube.com/user/siniatukchannel

www.specfinish.co.uk 11

TECHNICAL www.specfinish.co.uk

Steel Framed Systems – new guidance FIS and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) have been working with the FIS Steel Framed Systems (SFS) Forum and industry to update guidance for the sector. Joe Cilia, technical director at FIS, has talked to sector colleagues about why the guide is so important.

“SFS is the lightweight steel frame used to create the inner leaf of an external wall. It has been around for over 20 years but its benefits are just being realised, which is why so many projects are using it,” said Steve Napper, director of MMC Engineer Ltd. But there are problems being created because of a lack of planning and knowledge. Although it’s the first thing you see, it’s often the last thing that’s designed in a building, and that’s the issue being 12 Advertising 01926 420660

addressed in the revised guide.

“There are many examples where the wrong products are being used or the installation is not to the required standard,” explained Colin Kennedy of Veitchi, and chair of the FIS SFS Forum.

“This is mainly due to a lack of considered design time at the front end of the project.”

The report on the collapse of the brick cladding at Oxgangs Primary School, in Edinburgh, in January 2016 highlighted that there was

a failure in the correct installation of a simple element – wall ties – and although there are no direct examples of this happening where SFS has been installed, it highlights the danger of ignoring the correct installation process.

The revised guidance note – ED 017 Light Gauge Steel External Walls – will be jointly published by the SCI and FIS later in the year and will help to ensure that everybody from designers to installers is clear about what is required.

Andrew Way of the SCI said: “SFS has become the default infill framing material and has more or less replaced block. Many designers and installers are still learning, so having a document with clear guidance will help designers and installers to deliver safe, efficient and robust buildings, from design to final installation.

“Often specifications become a cut and paste exercise, but this is fraught with danger as every building will be different, for example wind loadings or the make-up or size of the external panels are likely to differ.”

Mr Napper commented: “Because the sector is new, there are still many clients’ designers and installers who will benefit from an education process driven by the document. It will give installers the confidence to question designs and provide guidance to ensure the installation is as good as it can be.

“The guide will also help avoid the issues caused by last-minute changes generated from a ‘value engineering’ process where there simply isn’t enough time given for design. I have seen examples where what looks like a simple change,

from where a face-fixed solution is changed to a recess fixed one, required a complete redesign. SFS should be treated as a holistic part of a complete building.”

Mr Way said: “Anyone who designs and installs SFS infill walls, and anyone checking that the products are being correctly installed, such as a Clerk of Works, should read the guide. SFS is seen as non-load bearing, therefore not holding the structure up, but it supports cladding, internal lining insulation and perhaps even services. There are significant implications should it fail which could lead to the external cladding falling off.”

Picking up on the topic of load bearing, Mr Kennedy said: “One key issue for me that the guide will help with is awareness that SFS, although not load bearing, is a structural element that requires early engagement to ensure there is time to be designed properly.”

SFS infill may be regarded as an extension of drylining, but it is different in terms of products, the installation and its performance in that it will carry a load and must deal with deflection in two planes.

This guidance will explain these requirements clearly to all involved.

When asked “What key piece of advice from the guide would you highlight?” Mr Napper said: “Consider SFS as a system, not just infill framing, and remember that not all SFS is equal – using drylining components is not adequate because they are made of different gauge steel in different sizes and different strength. The same is true of the anchors and fixings.”

There was agreement from Mr Kennedy and Mr Way, adding: “Any one aspect in the design, materials and installation of SFS can impact the performance of the finished infill, and although structurally it is not holding the building up, it is supporting the cladding.”

Email dancook@thefis.org to register for a free copy of the guide, once published.

FIND OUT MORE JOE CILIA FIS technical director joecilia@thefis.org

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www.specfinish.co.uk 13

INDUSTRY NEWS www.specfinish.co.uk

FIS initiative: Product, Process, People FIS is proposing a three-step process to ensure there is evidence that performance products and systems are installed to meet the specification and installed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. The initiative is based around Product, Process, People

(PPP) and began in response to the February 2017 report into the collapse of a wall at Oxgangs Primary School, Edinburgh.

Joe Cilia, FIS technical director, said: “The initiative has crosssector support from contractors, manufacturers and distributors.

Projects need clear evidence that the product has been installed correctly. As was the case at Oxgangs Primary School, this may not be apparent by simply looking at the completed works.”

Dame Judith Hackitt’s interim report on the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, commissioned

PPP initiative is a vehicle to record what was installed. Therefore, the product section will include a copy of the specification, a copy of the test report (fire, sound, robustness), a copy of the delivery note, and images of the product being installed and completed.

“The process aspect is about recording this information and by government following the passing it on to the client. And Grenfell Tower fire to make the people element records the recommendations on the future installation teams with evidence of regulatory system, identified training recorded on their CSCS cards, that there is a lack of evidence eventually leading to a demonstrable of performance compliance, competency scheme for all trades. that enforcement and sanctions “This initiative is not reliant on processes are too weak, that what any one piece of software and is being designed is not what is being built and that there is a lack of therefore can be taken up using robust change control and recording existing project recording processes currently in place. It demonstrates of this information. The report that the industry has the ability to suggested that there should be transparent evidence that products provide a solution rather than have are properly tested and certified and one imposed on it.” that products are clearly marked, FIND OUT MORE even after installation. www.thefis.org Mr Cilia continued: “The FIS

Peter Lauener appointed new CITB chair

FIS issues warning about third party components FIS, the finishes and interiors sector trade association, has issued a warning to members and specialist contractors active in the finishing and fit-out market about the use of third party components in performance systems.

Joe Cilia, FIS technical director, said: “We have seen examples of non-system (third party) products being promoted for use in performance systems, and although they have performance claims and test evidence, they may not have evidence of being tested in manufacturers systems.

“This may not come to light 14 Advertising 01926 420660

until compliance evidence is requested, by which time the product may be installed and any performance warranties from system manufacturers become null and void, with dire consequences.

“We recommend that any changes to a system by including third party products is checked before installation and that a letter of confirmation is requested before proceeding. If you are in any doubt, check with your system supplier.”

FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org

One of the country’s leading experts in skills and apprenticeships has been appointed as the new chair of CITB. Peter Lauener took over the role of chair of CITB on 1 May when James Wates stepped down from the position he had held for eight years. The appointment was made by Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton.

Mr Lauener brings significant experience in skills and education.

He is the current, interim chief executive of the Student Loans Company (he will initially continue in this role alongside his position as chair of CITB) and, previously, he has been chief executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships, and

the Education and Skills Funding Agency. He has also been director of Skills at the former Department for Education and Skills, among many senior roles held in the skills and education field.

Commenting, Mr Lauener said: “I am delighted to be appointed as chair of CITB. I know how committed the industry is to training and I am looking forward to working with industry leaders, together with Sarah Beale and her committed executive team at CITB, to make construction an exemplar for skills development.”

FIND OUT MORE www.citb.co.uk

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www.specfinish.co.uk 13 15

FEATURE

INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE

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Industry Roundtable: the value of third party accreditation Insulation and interior building products distributor CCF held a roundtable discussing the value of third party accreditation, with representatives from across the building and construction industry, including trade association FIS, building contractor Extension Solutions, and manufacturers Rockwool, Metsec, Promat and Tradeline.

Why choose third party accreditation?

While not a legal requirement, third party accredited installers and products provide heightened assurance that passive fire protection (PFP) systems, which are built into the fabric of a building, have been through the most rigorous of quality assurance processes and, importantly, are also being installed accurately. On the surface, third party assessment of installers and products makes complete sense, but there is still confusion across the industry over why it might be worthwhile.

Bob Westcombe, UK fire protection manager at Rockwool, commented: “There can be lots of confusion around third party accreditation. The test houses understand it, but I’m not sure that the market always does.” Andy James, director of Aktrion Transport, added: “It is a good idea if you have third party accredited products and installers, but the Building Regulations really don’t say that you must.”

It is certain that due to third party accreditation being optional, along with the fact that reduced awareness of the benefits could be impeding uptake, more needs to be done. Mr Westcombe explained: “I think talking about what the benefits of third party accreditation are for the client, for the main contractor, for the installer, for everybody involved in the chain, is important. We all talk about it but not about what it actually means.”

The benefits

The value that third party accredited products and installers can add – by ensuring that product systems are always appropriate and installed correctly – greatly mitigates the risk of things going wrong and then having to add more time and further spend to rectify mistakes. This ethos has been applied outside the UK, according to Dave Oram, area sales manager for Promat, who commented: “It is interesting that if you go to Norway for fire stopping products, you are not allowed to install them unless you are approved.”

Building Regulations

At the moment, current UK legislation for fire stipulates that if buildings have been designed and built in line with modern Building Regulations, 16 Advertising 01926 420660

this is acceptable. For commercial properties, the ‘responsible person’ still needs to carry out periodic fire-risk assessments, as required by the Regulatory Reform Order (RRO).

Even when following Building Regulations, problems can occur very early on if value engineering impacts the specification, explained Todd Gibbons, sales director at CCF: “Somewhere during the building process value is taken away, usually to reduce the cost, and an equivalent product is requested as a result. However, you shouldn’t deviate from the original specification too much, and if you do deviate you are taking on an element of risk and liability under the RRO.” A reliance on the Building Regulations alone can also cause problems.

Dharam Patel, director at Extension Solutions, highlighted: “As an industry we don’t have to be third party accredited, so rely heavily on Building Regulations. I do think Building Regulations need to be more stringent, though, especially with regards to how products are used.” Mr Patel added: “I don’t think enough is really done to verify if products are in the correct places, or if they are being installed properly as well.”

This view, that lack of product and installation knowledge could be risking the quality of buildings when it comes to fire safety, was further echoed by Mr Oram of Promat: “We all have to continue with that education process at all levels, and everyone’s responsible for that, but for me, it is defining that competency level. If we can define that, we are on the first step. It isn’t a solution, but a first step.”

Defining competency

Across the supply chain, competency is often assumed – but, what does that mean? The reality is that third party accreditation schemes aim to bridge this gap and ensure competency; however, there isn’t a nationally and legally accepted definition, yet.

Joe Cilia, technical director at FIS, pointed out: “The question is ‘competence’ – how do you describe and explain what a competent person is?” Adding to this, Gary Dixon, technical manager at Metsec, mentioned: “There’s no shortage of training or courses, but which one is going to be worth doing and make you recognised as competent as a result of doing it?”

INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE

FEATURE

www.thefis.org

When it comes to something as important and potentially lifesaving as PFP products in buildings, due diligence is needed at every stage. Chris Greve, regional technical director at CCF, commented: “Whether it is an ISO standard dictating competency or dictating a training process, I believe the government needs to employ the use of trade bodies to help either ‘police’ site compliance, or offer a standalone third party accreditation.”

Change

Improving fire safety in the UK requires a commitment to best practice and continually learning and adapting to make change happen. Referencing the King’s Cross 1987 fire tragedy, Mr James commented: “The reason why there are very stringent regulations on railways for fire is because of the King’s Cross fire. This is where all the requirement for the appropriate materials, specs, installation and competent people comes from.”

Change takes time and can’t be taken lightly, pointed out Mike Turner, managing director of Specifications, who said: “Someone needs to make a decision at a higher level to make things happen and work towards that happening. It will be a major change and it is going to cost.”

Overall, skimping on quality in the name of value engineering is not the answer, and the entire construction industry needs to take a long look at how design, specification and installation processes can be improved. Only then can solutions, such as those presented by third party accreditation schemes, come to the fore.

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SFS

LEGAL www.thefis.org

Skills shortage in the construction sector The construction sector is in the grips of a skills shortage which is limiting construction activity and increasing labour costs at the same time. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has reported that the industry will need to find 157,000 new recruits by 2021 in order to keep up with demand. Kara Price and Sarah Wales, solicitors in Womble Bond Dickinson’s specialist construction team, look at how the recruitment of apprentices is one of the key ways in which the industry and the UK government are attempting to tackle this.

The apprenticeship levy

From 6 April 2017, changes in apprenticeship funding were introduced meaning that funding of new apprenticeships will now come from an apprenticeship levy rather than taxpayers. The levy is set at a rate of 0.5 per cent of an employer’s wage bill and is collected monthly via the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) mechanism.

The levy applies to companies of all sizes with annual payroll bills of £3m or more – less than 2 per cent of UK employers.

Is the apprenticeship levy working?

The initial figures haven’t been too promising – between August and October 2017 there were 114,300 apprenticeship starts (21,400 starts in August, 58,600 in September and 34,300 in October). These figures are significantly less than those reported at the same time in 2016, when there were 36,500, 74,400 and 44,800 starts respectively (according to the report Apprenticeship and levy statistics: January 2018, published by the Department for Education).

This sharp decrease in apprenticeship starts highlights the need to reform the apprenticeship levy system, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

How will the apprenticeship levy work alongside the CITB levy?

Based on current data, around 1 per cent of employers registered with the CITB will need to pay the apprenticeship levy. The CITB already collects a levy from construction employers with a wage bill of £80,000 or more, and the funds collected are invested back into the construction industry through training. Therefore, for the 2017/2018 financial year, employers with a payroll bill over £3m who are within the scope of the CITB levy will have to pay both levies.

Given the overlap between schemes, the CITB has commented that it is for the construction industry to decide what type of support they want for skills and training in the future. The CITB has set up a new employer-led Levy Working Party to consider the options for how the CITB levy can work alongside the apprenticeship levy with the possible implementation of a new CITB Levy Order for 2018.

While it is imperative that the apparent issues with the apprenticeship levy and the uncertainty around how the system is going to coincide with the CITB levy are addressed and resolved, more needs to be done so that the UK construction industry can continue to grow in the future.

What can you do?

There are a number of reasons why young people are not drawn to a career in construction. It is often seen as an uncertain sector – the demise of Carillion has reinforced this perception and there are public concerns over the impact of Brexit. In addition, school pupils are generally not aware of the variety of jobs available in the sector.

A key way to address these perceptions and to encourage more new talent into the construction sector is for people and businesses within the industry to engage with schools and colleges. More needs to be done to educate pupils, parents and teachers about what options are available and what a career in construction looks like.

There are many organisations linking businesses with schools and colleges, including the CIOB, the CITB and FIS, which has set out its Fit-Out Futures programme which brings together initiatives to boost skills development in the sector and attract new entrants.

This is a national crisis which is impeding the growth of our sector.

But this is also an opportunity for you to shape the future of the construction sector and the next generation of talent. www.specfinish.co.uk 19

COMPANY PROFILE www.specfinish.co.uk

Paragon Interiors created a bright and bold scheme for accountants PKF Cooper Parry in Derby.

Customer focus drives change at Paragon Nottingham-based Paragon Interiors has come a long way since taking its first contract for £928 in 1986. It’s now an £80 million interior specialist and its chairman, Alan Hardy, and chief executive, Gary Perry, outlined to SpecFinish how customer focus is at the core of their strategy to transform the business.

Adrian JG Marsh reports.

The real success of Alan Hardy’s first contract was not winning the order but getting paid in advance. Paragon’s founder, and now chairman, has grown a business that has a strong position in the commercial and public sector interior fitout market, a roster of blue chip clients and an expanding office network.

In January 2017, Mr Hardy recruited Gary Perry from CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions 20 Advertising 01926 420660

business to help drive Paragon forward. Mr Perry had been part of the Norland Managed Services leadership team that grew that business from £40 million to £400 million prior to selling it to CBRE in 2013.

Paragon is now in a major phase of growth of its own. This is being built around a focus on customer service. Mr Hardy explained that this is a key component that sets Paragon apart from

its peers. He said: “We’re not the cheapest but we’re focused on delivering a quality product, on time and to budget.

“We’re creating long-term relationships and being very specific about which contracts to tender.

Sizes vary from £500,000 to around £9 million.

Customer service is the absolute king. If we do things properly, the profits will follow.

“We now get measured on every job by our

COMPANY PROFILE

www.thefis.org

an important part of raising productivity, helping to improve the flow of information from design through to construction.

With Paragon on such an upward growth curve, it’s also having to look at its own supply chain and work with its suppliers to help them grow and be able to deliver what Paragon now needs. “A lot of our suppliers have been very loyal and delivered a great job, but as our work changes and the relationships we have with our clients evolve, our suppliers also have to change to be able to [help us] deliver our service,” explained Mr Hardy.

“Some [of our suppliers] want to join us on the journey but others are comfortable with being a certain size and want to stay where they are. As our client base has changed, it has meant we’ve had to look to build our supply chain to meet our new needs. We have two supply chain managers doing just that.”

Skills development is one of the biggest challenges for construction. Finding the right people is not easy and in terms of trade skills, Mr clients. We agree a set of criteria, usually 10 and, inadvertently, a lot of knowledge could be Hardy has some concerns about Brexit. “You’ve already seen some Europeans going home. items, and then ask each client to score us every lost internally as contracts got handed from “We train and upskill all our workforce. How month out of 10. We see this communication as one team to another. This approach was no our supply chain partners bring in new skills is an an essential part of the process.” different to how most large construction important part of how we work with them.”

Messrs Hardy and Perry want to break out businesses operate. of old structures to push their business so that “So, we’ve now structured our business units So where is Paragon going next?

Mr Hardy explained: “My target was always they can make the customer journey, from taking so that they take responsibility for each project £100 million by 2020, and Gary is going to deliver a brief, then carrying out the works through to from initial contact to final account. We keep that a year early. By 2025, we want to be a £250 final account, as pain-free as possible. the knowledge in a single team and this helps million business.

As Mr Hardy said: “We know that the brief is to build a better understanding of what each “Acquisition is not on our radar, but regional critical because this sets out the client’s objective customer wants and expects.” of what they want to achieve. And we have to Paragon has found that if it builds a project on growth is. We opened in Birmingham last year and that’s been phenomenally successful. Leeds deliver on that expectation. paper, then a project goes so much smoother. is opening later this year and this will be followed “Up to recently, we had specialist Technology is an integral part of achieving

by Manchester. Then, in a couple of years, we’ll departments dealing with sales, estimating and improved flow of design and construction expand our London presence.” construction. Customers got passed around information. And improved communication is

Here East – the former International Broadcast Centre at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – where Paragon Interiors fitted out a smart new campus for Loughborough University.

www.specfinish.co.uk 21

FEATURE

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY

www.specfinish.co.uk

Boosting productivity ‒ what’s the challenge?

In January, the government revealed that productivity of British workers had increased at the fastest rate in more than six years.

With margins and resources under pressure, construction is having to redouble its efforts to boost productivity. Adrian JG Marsh considers some recent initiatives.

The UK construction industry’s lacklustre productivity levels and need for radical productivity improvements are well known.

During the last decade, output per worker has remained flat in construction, whereas the service sector has improved by just over 30 per cent and output in manufacturing has rocketed by more than 50 per cent.

Productivity improvements in construction will also have a knockon effect on UK housebuilding and infrastructure delivery, helping to alleviate the housing shortage and ensure that major infrastructure projects are more likely to be delivered on-time and within budget.

Stephen Kinsella, executive director – Land, Homes England, said: “Our industry has to deliver 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-20s, but current industry capacity is about 200,000 per annum. The challenge is how we reach this target when we face a skills shortage. We see modern methods of construction as an important route, but the industry must be able to deliver the quality developers demand.”

Last year, construction giant Mace published its Moving to Industry 4.0 report which said there is a fresh chance to deliver transformational growth in productivity and this revolution should radically improve construction industry productivity levels, and improve quality, safety and environmental impact.

22 Advertising 01926 420660

Depending on the pace of technological change, Mace estimates that up to 600,000 jobs in the sector could be replaced by new technology in the next two decades. The business warns that without a major effort to reskill the current workforce and attract a new generation of more tech-savvy workers, the construction industry and the UK will lose out on the potential productivity benefits of the next industrial revolution.

Mace has put its money where it counts and invested £9m in a rapid construction method which is seeing buildings built at a rate of one storey a week – Mace calls it a Jump Factory.

Mark Reynolds, Mace’s chief executive, and skills lead on the Construction Leadership Council, said: “Our focus has been to build more quickly and efficiently. One of the innovations we’ve had is in Stratford, where we’ve used a Jump Factory to build a floor every week. The best we’ve achieved [in constructing a floor] is 38 hours.

Each floor includes floors, walls, bathrooms, services and cladding.

“However, one of our Australian partners has been able to build two floors a week. This level of speed can have a significant impact on the cost of buildings, particularly where it allows investors to start earning revenue sooner.”

Regeneration company Urban Splash’s acquisition of SIG’s modular factory in the East

Midlands was part of its plans to expand its off-site construction capacity and reduce on-site work.

Its first Town House scheme was completed in Manchester in 2016, with two further sites underway in Manchester and North Shields; a fourth site in Birmingham has also received planning permission.

Chris Shaw from Urban Splash said: “We’re planning to boost our output to 2,000 units per annum by 2023. We’ve learnt that by spending more money up front on certain products we create a better product that is more robust and requires less on-site work.

“For example, we chose to use an MDF wall liner and not plasterboard. Although plasterboard is cheaper, we get less cracking with MDF and so avoid having to make good. You can also screw straight onto it and it doesn’t require pattressing.”

The Urban Splash modules are low-rise houses. Each floor plate is a watertight box, and units are virtually fully fitted. All the wiring is in place and they are extremely airtight, very thermally efficient and make the home extremely fuel efficient.

Mr Shaw explained that they

work on six weeks in the factory and six weeks on-site: “The labour force in the factory is very skilled but as certain tasks are repetitive there are options to introduce a semi-skilled labour force, but this will be gradual over time.”

Félicie Krikler, a director at Assael Architecture, which has been working with Legal and General on its flagship housing development in North London, said: “We’ve changed the way we design projects. We now have an off-site team and use more collaboration to maximise the potential of all skills in the team.

That’s designers, manufacturers and contractors working together.”

For the construction industry to raise productivity, it does need to consider new ways of working and share ideas. Urban Splash has been quite open and exchanged views with other housebuilders.

However, Mr Reynolds from Mace was quite damming about the lack of collaboration in the industry, concluding: “There are loads of companies innovating but the problem is a lot are not sharing ideas. Shame on the industry – it needs to work together if it is going improve.”

FEATURE

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY

www.thefis.org

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www.specfinish.co.uk 17

SKILLS & TRAINING

www.specfinish.co.uk

Subcontractor or training provider? Are you registered with CITB? In this article for SpecFinish, Helen Yeulet, skills delivery director for FIS, talks about the CITB’s new Construction Training Directory and what this means for subcontractors and training providers in the sector.

The launch of the CITB’s new Construction Training Directory on 3 April opens a whole new world of automation for grant claiming, not just for levy-paying employers but also for labour only subcontractors across the months and help shape the training. supply chain.

Employers are also being encouraged to maximise their in-house Graham Helm, director at FATE (the Finishing and Associated Trades capability of training their staff and supply chain by registering as an ATO, Equity), said: “Things are definitely moving in the right direction and if which will enable the automation of grant claims that are within the system. this works as it should, it will be a game-changer for the industry to get Mr Noonan added: “Training in-house is fully supported by the new everyone skilled to the level we need them to be.” system. Employers training in-house, or using a small bespoke training All subcontractors need to register with CITB to enable them to use provider to deliver training for employers, will need to sign up as an ATO their levy number to draw down grant for any training within the new to claim grant. This is not required at launch, but CITB would recommend Training Directory. The use of grants to train the supply chain at this that employers do this as soon as possible online level was previously managed through levy-paying contractors, (www.citb.co.uk/onboarding).” and this fundamental change will enable the 70 per cent Rebecca Hislam is the HR and training manager labour only subcontractors in the interiors sector to at Astins. She commented: “Astins are obviously FIS will be own their skills and, ultimately, drive their careers. progressing to become an Approved Training working with CITB Mark Noonan, CITB’s industry relations Organisation, which should provide us with to develop all training director, said: “The Grants Scheme supports the in-house support for all workers across apprenticeships, qualifications and other training our organisation and ensure the continued standards and courses that is to an agreed standard. Grant-supported development of our workforce.” needed for the sector. This other training that is to an agreed standard can FIS Approved Training Providers are is a real opportunity to be found and booked through the Construction registering in readiness for providing both review what is required Training Directory, if providers have signed up to the generic and the sector-specific courses CITB as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) available within the Training Directory. and expand into areas and have advertised their courses.

Dan Plosky, Construction NVQ Training that currently aren’t “At launch, the Construction Training Directory will Provider manager from Now Get Qualified, provided for. not be fully populated; for example, there are currently highlighted: “Being a CITB ATO will give us around 80 standards approved with an anticipation of recognition, and this should provide assurance to almost 600 when fully live. potential clients.

“Until all standards for other training are approved and ATOs are “The automatic grant release and booking system should on board and advertising on the Directory, courses covered by a standard enable us to simplify and manage clients while speeding up the release subject area will be grant supported.” of grant to registered organisations and preventing the chance of At this stage, not all of the interiors sector training course needs will missed payments.” be within the Training Directory. However, FIS will be working with CITB To register as an employer ATO, visit www.citb.co.uk/onboarding. Or to to develop all training standards and courses needed for the sector. This register as a subcontractor for grant, go to www.citb.co.uk/levy is a real opportunity to review what is required and expand into areas that currently aren’t provided for. As part of this, FIS will be looking for FIND OUT MORE members across all areas to get involved in this over the next couple of www.thefis.org/skills 24 Advertising 01926 420660

HEALTH & SAFETY

www.thefis.org

The workplace is no place for risks Risk-taking is unacceptable when it comes to issues of health and safety, but why do some people still do it, and how can you move away from a risk-taking culture?

There are many ways to define ‘risk’, but in terms of health and safety, the following is a good description: Foreseeable situations and factors that present a genuine danger to the health and safety of workers or the public.

Because the ‘factors’ referred to can be identified in advance, your business has a duty to reduce or mitigate the associated dangers.

Unfortunately, some people will still take risks.

Every incident is different, but here’s an overview of why people are willing to do so.

first place), entirely foreseeable dangers are missed, meaning the site operator cannot implement the necessary safety measures.

To save money

Stupidity and bravado

Cutting corners to protect profit margins is common – and sadly many businesses still see health and safety provisions as another cost code, rather than an important safeguard for their employees. Some will simply avoid health and safety spending, placing people in danger. Ironically, the long-term costs of failing to protect workers will be far greater.

Aside from the fines associated with prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), unprotected workers are at far greater risk of sickness or injury, leading to more time off work, and reduced productivity.

Ignorance

Sometimes risks are taken because the risks themselves have not been properly identified in the first place. By rushing risk assessments (or failing to conduct them in the

To “save time”

Health and safety checks take time, which some people view as an inconvenience. So, in order to complete a task more quickly, they will simply choose not to do the job using the safeguards provided. But failing to properly fit a dust mask to complete a “five-minute job” could easily result in long-term illness through silicosis, for instance.

Workplace banter is important for employee morale, so long as the jokes don’t go too far. When a prank gets out of hand, or when workers feel they must prove something to their colleagues, common sense may go out the window. They are then much more likely to ignore the safeguards and rules designed to protect them.

Make workplace risk an integral part of all training

Every time an employee receives training, be sure that the health and safety risks are emphasised.

By doing so, workers will understand that you are just as interested in their welfare as you are their skill levels – and that health and safety really is a priority for your business. This goes beyond induction training, too – remember that every training course needs to consider the risks related to their work.

Even tool box talks should contain an element of working more safely.

Safe working practices don’t just happen; they are the result of hard work and determination by everyone in your organisation.

Making the workplace safer benefits everyone – from those most likely to be injured, to senior management who have to count the cost of lost productivity when employees are incapacitated.

Big fines are a reality

Recent research has noted that of the 292 fines issued for health and safety breaches during 2016/2017, more than 18 were for sums in excess of £1 million. There were just two of that magnitude during 2015.

It is quite clear that judges are willing and able to use the full force of the law to punish those businesses that fail to protect their workers and the general public.

It should also be noted that the construction sector paid the most in fines over the last year.

Protect your business against fines

Obviously, the most effective way to avoid enormous fines is to meet your responsibilities in the first place. Prevention is always the best approach. It is also important to note that your business could face prosecution for near misses. Where an on-site near miss has a high likelihood of causing harm, you could still be charged and fined – even if no one is actually seriously injured.

Risk-taking is unacceptable when it comes to issues of health and safety. To learn more about conducting effective risk assessments and implementing proper safeguards, get in touch with Veritas Consulting.

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

Facing the unavoidable

None of the excuses listed here is acceptable for failing to manage workplace risks. Your business has a legal responsibility to minimise risk, and you will be prosecuted for failures – even if you didn’t know those risks existed. For many organisations, this will mean changing ingrained working practices and mindsets to ensure that everyone plays their part. Dodging responsibility and cutting corners will only cause problems in the long term. www.specfinish.co.uk 25

FIS COMMUNITY NEWS www.specfinish.co.uk

Calendar of events FIS Awards Lunch 2018 The Dorchester Hotel, London 5 June 2018 FIS Scottish Awards Lunch 2018 Trades Hall of Glasgow 28 September 2018 Members’ Meetings 2018 See www.thefis.org/events

Welcome to new FIS members Building Additions

www.buildingadditions.co.uk UK-based folding partition and movable wall company providing initial design, manufacture, installation and aftercare.

Komfort Partitioning

www.komfort.com Designers and manufacturers of internal glazed and solid partitions with integrated doorsets in the UK.

Penlaw & Company www.penlaw.co.uk

Independent distributors of drywall and associated products with a branch network extending to London, Essex, Suffolk, the North West and the North East.

S & R London

www.srlondonltd.com Residential and commercial specialists in drylining, Metsec framing, plastering, rendering, screeding and suspended ceilings in London and the South East.

MMC Engineer

www.mmcengineer.com North-Yorkshire based structural and civil engineering practice specialising in light gauge steel; also dealing in hot rolled steel, concrete, masonry and timber.

Calling all FIS members Are you working on an interesting project that youʼd like to share with SpecFinish readers?

Weʼd love to hear about it. Send your story with any relevant images to newsdesk@campbellmarsh.com

Rap Interiors completes tasting room renovation Rap Interiors has completed a renovation project for Simpsons Wine Estate in Barham, Kent.

The project to create the new Glasshouse Tasting Room, which opened in March, involved converting Simpsons’ two-storey barn into a state-of-the-art winery, office space and visitor attraction.

Rap transformed the top floor of the mezzanine into a wine-tasting room by encasing it in glass and implementing a number of bespoke design features. These include a custom-built bar with an ocean ripple finish and integrated, self-cleaning spittoons; a hanging pendant light with custom wine glass bulbs etched with the Simpsons’ logo; ‘S’ shaped wine bottle holders; a luxurious seating area with velvet sofas and cocktail chairs; and a helter-skelter slide – name The Fruit Shute – which transports guests down to the ground floor winery.

Cardiff-based Paramount Interiors has been appointed by the UK’s largest supplier of garden rooms to undertake the interior design and fit-out of a new showroom.

Green Retreats designs and manufactures garden room products for work and leisure purposes and the company selected Paramount to design, fit out and furnish a new building, which is set alongside its manufacturing facility, to house a ground-floor showroom and first-floor offices.

The new showroom opened at the end of March and features biophilic design principles, a key part of Paramount’s proposed design approach, which is the process of incorporating natural materials, natural light and vegetation into the built environment to create an organic experience for visitors.

The double-height space of Green Retreats’ showroom not only allows for plenty of natural light but also features a combination of tall trees and lower-level planting.

FIND OUT MORE www.rapinteriors.co.uk

FIND OUT MORE www.paramountinteriors.com

Trappco helps FIS digitise paper process FIS Associate member Trappco is supporting FIS with a move to a digitised process for certain membership documents.

Trappco, run by Richard Hulbert, specialises in taking paper documents and turning them into smart digitised versions that can be updated anywhere via a cloud-based platform, providing data that can be easily retrieved and stored.

FIS set Richard the challenge to automate its On Going Vetting (OGV) form, which, up to now, was a time-consuming, paper-based process.

Trappco’s app solution simplifies and automates the entire process, presenting FIS with a single-page dashboard configuration which not only creates the final OGV form in PDF but also sends a new certificate and updates the records.

For FIS members, they submit their information using a simple online ‘form fill’ interface (see screenshots) which can be accessed via desktop or mobile device.

Mobile apps are available with ready-made forms but the Trappco solution is to digitise existing forms, ensuring the content and layout are instantly familiar to the users and saving time transferring to a new platform. FIS member Taylor Hart is now using Trappco’s software to help automate completion of all the company’s own on-site paperwork.

FIS began to roll out the new digital OGV forms last month. Contact Richard (richard@trappco.co.uk) to find out how Trappco can digitise documents for your business.

FIND OUT MORE www.thefis.org

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Paramount appointed to bring the outdoors inside for Green Retreats

FIS COMMUNITY NEWS www.thefis.org

Saracen fit-out enhances brand for Enviva

Workplace consultant Saracen Interiors has completed its first major fit-out contract for Enviva at the clean-energy provider’s second office in York. The accommodation, secured to host the company’s growing UK team, comprises a single floor of around 3,000 sq. ft of space.

The fit-out – an eight-week project, valued at approximately £245,000 – has been expressly designed to enhance the brand for Enviva, as it expands its physical presence in the UK market, bringing its logo and corporate colours to the fore to complement the overall look.

Design details included a carefully angled layout, bespoke feature rafts, perimeter bulk heads, feature panelling from reclaimed timber, tailored joinery, eye-catching signage, and graphic wall manifestations and canvasses.

FIND OUT MORE www.saraceninteriors.com

Obituary – Mark Palman Mark Palman passed away on 20 February 2018 at the age of 61 after his brave and courageous four-year battle against cancer.

Mark worked for Accordial Wall Systems and Accordial Manufacturing as their marketing manager for 10 years and actively contributed to various technical forums within FIS during this time.

He was passionate about his guitars, Harley Davidson and loyal gun dog, Dexter, all of which received warm mention during his Celebration of Life, which was held at the Chilterns Crematorium on 5 March. His wide circle of friends and colleagues that were present listened to music from Mark’s favourite artist, Bob Dylan, at the beginning and end of the service, during which glowing tributes were paid to his strength, kindness, lasting friendships and love.

Mark, a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, will be missed by so many, after he was taken too early but now he can rest in peace.

OCL Facades enters Top 100 OCL Facades recorded an impressive 73.43 per cent rise in profitability to enter the Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 in 44th position.

The Profit Track 100 is the definitive league table of Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing profits, measured over their latest three years of available accounts.

Essex-based OCL Facades has recently completed public sector contracts at North Middlesex Hospital and the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, and private projects include the redevelopment of Walthamstow stadium in London.

Led by its co-founders, managing director Tony Occleshaw and operations director Tony Harris, profits rose to £5.4m on a turnover of £40.4m in 2017.

FIND OUT MORE www.oclfacades.com

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Muscat International Airport, Oman Setting the benchmark for metal ceilings and architectural metalwork in the transport sector.

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