The flexible advantages of multifoil insulation solutions.
20 RAIN. DRAIN. MAINTAIN
ACO explains why channel drain systems that ensure ease of maintenance offer advantages to merchants and their customers
22 THE BIGGER PICTURE
The latest construction sector data.
48 PRODUCT FOCUS
The expanded ‘1876 The Professional Range’ range from Bartoline
The waiting game
At the time of writing, ‘politics’ is fresh in mind Over in the US, Donald Trump has just secured an historic win to take up the mantle of President once again, whilst on the domestic front, the fallout continues from the Labour Government’s recent first Budget
We cover s ome of the resp ons es f rom the industr y later in this issue and in more depth on our website (us e the shor tco de w w w.rdr.link/mbj001), but the word cloud would def initely include terms like ‘mixed’ or ‘challenging’ Whilst s ome measures were widely welcomed, the increas es in the minimum wage and national insurance contributions were vie wed with s ome concern by merchants and building f irms alike, with the extra costs immediately impac ting the b ottom line and making the vital task of increasing skills and recr uitment e ven more dif f ic ult
The “ on the one hand…” mantra continued with positive responses to a £5 billion funding boost for affordable housing and the announcement of £3.2bn to fund the Warm Homes Plan, but more detail on how the government proposes to achieve its much-vaunted pledge for c 1 5 million new homes over the course of this Parliament remains largely absent Indeed, it is likely we will have to wait until Spring next year to find out more.
Summing up the wider feeling, TDUK Chief Executive David Hopkins said: “With the Government having promised to deliver 370,000 homes per year, the devil will be in the deliver y on whether this Budget is enough to realise this ambition This target requires house building to more than double in less
“The initial Budget brouhaha will be further in the rear view mirror by the time this issue lands on your desks yet, while the industr y will have to react to the fallout, the overarching trajector y stands construction activity, both new build and retrofit, will remain of vital importance to the health of the nation moving for wards.”
than five years, even as the construction industr y faces skills and capacity issues and must rapidly reduce embodied carbon ”
BMF CEO John Newcomb commented: “We need to get Britain building The sooner we start seeing details of how the government plans to achieve their housing target, the better.”
Federation of Master Builders CEO Brian Berry, meanwhile, urged the Government to “not lose sight of the challenges the sector continues to face” and added sagely: “At a time when SME builders are needing a boost, they may, like many in the country, have to take a hit before they see things get better”
Given the narrative widely trailed by the new government, no-one was seriously expecting the Budget to be a silver bullet for the sector Similarly, the initial brouhaha will be further in the rear view mirror by the time this issue lands on your desks yet, while the industr y will have to react to the fallout, the overarching trajector y stands construction activity, both new build and retrofit, will remain of vital importance to the health of the nation moving for wards
Undeniably, it is a tough market at present and is likely to continue as such for some time
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to come However, grasping for the positives, the mid- to long-term prospects are bright with forecasts predicting a notable upturn in construction next year and into the future See, for example, our coverage of the Construction Products Association’s most recent forecasts on pages 22-23
. Especially in these straightened times, for ward planning is particularly challenging but we think the sentiment in the latest statement from the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group (dated October 30) are well worth reflecting upon. Noting the potential for a “ surge in demand for construction products as we progress through 2025,” the members of the group “strongly advocate that industr y uses this time to plan in advance, work closely with your supply chain, and forecast and communicate your requirements early with suppliers, distributors and builders’ merchants ”
“Collaborative, ongoing communication throughout the whole supply chain is mutually beneficial and essential to a healthy, productive UK construction industr y ”
The call to action will come And despite the difficulties, the sector must be ready to respond
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Rockwool has signed an agreement to buy 114 acres (46 hectares) of land in the West Midlands with the intention to build a stateof-the-art manufacturing facility at the Peddimore site, north east of Birmingham
Nick Wilson, Managing Director of Rockwool UK & Ireland, said: “We’re ver y excited at the opportunity to expand the business into the West Midlands that would enable us to boost our production capacity in the UK and to create quality jobs and business opportunities in the local community
“During the past 45 years, we have built a strong foundation at our site in South Wales where we will continue to manufacture and invest for the long-term and are now looking to build on that success with a second manufacturing plant at the Peddimore site ”
Williams Trade Supplies to join PHG
PHG Plumbing Heating Group has announced that Williams Trade Supplies will be joining the group from 1st Januar y, with the integration process work starting now The business is an award-winning trade-only plumbing and heating merchant with over 50 branches across the UK, and regional fulfilment centres in Fareham, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Bristol
Williams Chairman Ray Stafford said: “We are delighted to be welcomed into PHG and look for ward to the benefits that our combined purchasing can bring for our business and those of other members ”
PHG Chairman David Pochin added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Ray and his team to PHG and look for ward to working closely with them We know that they will bring great commitment, energ y and experience to the PHG table and become a valuable member to PHG.”
Kilwaughter to join Saint-Gobain group
Kilwaughter Minerals is to become part of the Saint-Gobain group after a binding agreement was reached for the multi-national to acquire the Northern Irish quarr ying and mineral processor As per normal process, the acquisition has been for warded to the Competition and Markets Authority with closing of the transaction expected to be completed in the first half 2025
Kilwaughter has its headquarters at its limestone quarr y in Larne, Northern Ireland from where it ser ves construction and agriculture customers throughout the UK and Ireland, with distribution centres in Glasgow, Cork and St Helens Known for its leading K Rend, K Systems and Kilwaughter Lime brands, the company states it has “delivered continued success in recent years, with a clear strateg y centred around outstanding customer ser vice and innovative products.”
To year end (April 2024), Kilwaughter generated revenues of circa £50m and has over 200 employees
Gar y Wilmot, CEO of Kilwaughter Minerals said: “We’re excited with the opportunity to join the Saint-Gobain group and continue
Kilwaughter’s ambitious growth journey
Kilwaughter has a rich company culture and heritage, and our focus remains on delivering a leading customer experience, underpinned by our trusted brands.
“We look for ward to the added synerg y that Saint-Gobain will undoubtedly bring and sharing our passion for innovation, quality and excellence We see the alignment of the vision and values between both companies as a strong building block for our teams and customers ”
The acquisition is described as being “in line with Saint-Gobain’s strategic plan, ‘Grow & Impact’ which aims to both strengthen the Group’s leadership and accelerate its growth by enriching its range of solutions for light and sustainable construction ”
WCoBM installs new Master
Steve Boyer, Marsh Industries founder and MD, has been installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants for the coming year The installation took place in mid-October at Mansion House, one of London’s most prestigious and historic Liver y Halls and the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London
During his year in office, the Master will be supported by Senior Warden Lucia Di Stazio, and Junior Warden Kevin Fenlon (pictured) The ceremony also saw Steve Durdant-Hollamby welcomed as the new Keeper of the Roll while Rav Singh Sumal has become a new Court Assistant for the Company
During his Installation speech, Steve said he was extremely honoured to take up the office of Master, and that he wanted to dedicate his year to reaching out and working together with other industr y organisations to promote and improve the industr y, as well as tackling issues including mental health across the sector.
He said: “We’re now in challenging times and I want to be collaborative As a C ompany we are not an island, and we must embrace change and look towards the future while respecting the traditions of this great Liver y C ompany ”
Nine new Liver ymen were also clothed during the ceremony – James Parlato, Lee Gillman, Richard Bowes, Adrian Shelley, Ian Lock, Christopher Dawson, David Millward, Martin Moran and Christopher Maityard.
Added momentum
Isover has become the first insulation manufacturer to partner with The Pallet LOOP and switch to its reusable pallets in a bid to significantly reduce pallet waste The partnership follows the successful launch earlier this year with British Gypsum, which became the first building materials manufacturer to move to the circular pallet reuse scheme. Both British Gypsum and Isover sit under the umbrella of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions.
The move “further supports Isover’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2050, forming part of its wider sustainability roadmap which aims to minimise waste, re-use materials and tackle emissions to reduce environmental impact at ever y stage of build ”
MD Dean O’Sullivan said: “As a product manufacturer, our aim is to lead the way on pallet sustainability. Pallets left behind after products have been removed is problematic both from an environmental and financial perspective By extending our partnership with The Pallet LOOP to now include our Isover product range, we hope that this is a further catalyst for change within the industr y “ The scheme is ver y straightfor ward to sign up to As the ultimate recipients of pallets, our merchant, distributor, principal contractor and housebuilder customers will be able to stack them up and send them back to The Pallet LOOP via an efficient collection ser vice that operates nationwide. There will also be a PayBack of up to £4 available for ever y green
NMBS celebration
More than 1,000 independent builders’ merchants and suppliers came together to network and celebrate at the NMBS annual Dinner Dance on 26 October 2024, featuring entertainment from former Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley and others!
Held in the sumptuous Great Room of the Grosvenor House hotel in London, guests were welcomed by NMBS CEO Chris Hayward who called on merchants and their suppliers to focus on “ our people, what defines our industr y and what makes it such a great and fun place to work.”
coloured pallet put back in the LOOP”
Dean added: “We now hope other manufacturers, as well as our customers, will follow our lead and make a change in how we view single use pallets and the impact that reusable pallets can have on reducing waste ”
Paul Lewis, CEO and Founder of The Pallet LOOP (part of BSW Group), commented: “We’ve had a great response to our circular economy pallets entering the supply chain through British Gypsum, with hundreds of thousands of green-coloured pallets already out in the market. We already have around 6,000 collection locations set up, with an increasing number of companies signing up to return pallets ever y week
“Isover’s decision to move to The Pallet LOOP will boost the number of pallets entering the market even further In turn that will create even more opportunities for the construction industr y to maximise the environmental and financial benefits of our model – which is better for business and the planet ”
For further information or to register, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj002
Dulux has celebrated its 200th ‘Let’s Colour’ community project with social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself To mark the occasion, the brand’s Senior Leadership Group joined forces with VIY to revitalise the Winchmore Hill Sports Club and create safe, inclusive and welcoming changing rooms for it to grow its women and girls’ football teams
To further build on the milestone, parent company AkzoNobel has launched a new ‘Volunteering Through Partnership’ initiative which encourages colleagues from across the business to volunteer their time at least once per year whilst also providing the materials needed to support community projects across the UK
VIY has been working with Dulux for over four years, with over 120,000 lives said to have been positively impacted through the transformation of over 200+ community spaces using donated Dulux Trade paint. These projects have successfully supported and developed over 3,000 young people aged 14-24 and have also helped train over 2,360 young people in painting and decorating, including over 2,000 City & Guilds accreditations earned with over half of these in painting and decorating
Community milestone Logistics support
NIBE Energ y Systems says it has enhanced its UK deliver y ser vice by partnering with the Ziegler Group Deliveries now come from Ziegler’s brand-new distribution centre in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex and the move is part of NIBE’s “general growth strateg y and broadened routes to market,” which also includes direct to merchant
During the evening, guests raised £10,000 for CRASH, a charity that tackles homelessness and supports building projects and caring environments for hospices
NMBS de eme d 2024 t he ‘Ye ar of t he Indep endent Merchant’ and C hr is hig h lig hte d t he organis at ion’s ongoing work w it h t he BMF to dr ive and encourage more apprent iceships in addit ion to its supp or t of t he C onst r uc t ion Inclusion C o a lit ion (CIC) He s aid: “ Toget her we are t a k ing g re at st r ides towards att rac t ing a more divers e and inclusive work force to our indust r y and improv ing t he work ing env ironment for e ver yone ”
in association with
FMB State of Trade Sur vey
In news that should be of interest to merchants, the latest member survey from the Federation of Master Builders suggests a “downtur n in building work for small building companies.”
Small building companies are reporting falling workloads, material costs going up, and a shortage of available workers, according to the latest State of Trade Survey Q3 2024, from the Federation of Master Builders
Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, commented: “The FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey for Q3 20024 reveals a challenging economic climate for small building companies across the UK with 32% of FMB members reporting falling workloads over the past quarter. Enquiries are also down, as is employment, with over a third of members struggling to recruit bricklayers and carpenters.
“What is concer ning is that the poor numbers reported by builders seem to be here to stay as they have been a constant throughout 2024 The last time such a negative trend was reported was in the years following the financial crisis of 2008 ”
“The Government needs to prioritise boosting construction skills if it is serious about having a highquality construction industr y capable of delivering the ambitious housebuilding targets it has set out.”
“The Gover nment needs to prioritise boosting construction skills if it is serious about having a highquality construction industry capable of delivering the ambitious housebuilding targets it has set out ”
• 35% of members are struggling to hire carpenters, down from 41% in Q2 2024
• 28% are struggling to hire bricklayers, down slightly from 29% in the previous quarter.
• Difficulties in recruiting general labourers have substantially increased according to 34% of members, up from 26% in Q2 2024. Challenges hiring roofers have increased from 13% to 16%, and painters and decorators from 11% to 13%.
• 38% of members reported a shortage of skilled tradespeople has resulted in job delays
C h a ng e s i n p ri c e s a n d c o s t s
• Workloads are down 7% on the previous quarter.
• 32% of members reported a decline in workloads, with 41% seeing no change
• Enquiries are down 3% on Q2 of 2024.
• Employment over Q3 of 2024 has declined once again, seeing a 4% drop on the second quarter
• The most common type of work for an FMB members were renovations and major works
S k i l ls & w o rk f o rc e
• 23% of members reported a decrease in the number of employees, which is similar to Q2 (24%) but lower than Q1 2024 (28%)
• Approximately 65% of members indicated that rising costs led to higher prices for their services, a slight decrease from 67% in Q2 2024.
• 54% of members who experienced rising costs reported lower-thanexpected business profits or financial losses, a slight increase from 52% in the previous quarter.
• 26% of respondents said that cost pressures have caused them to restrict their recruitment plans, a slight increase from 22% in Q2 2024. Around 10% revealed that their business viability was compromised, putting them at risk of closure
n For more details from the FMB State of Trade Sur vey for Q3 2024, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj003
Calling card
Facilitating almost half (42%) of all card payments made in the UK, Worldpay is reputedly the nation’s largest card payment solutions provider and offers “quick-to-deploy payment solutions that allow merchants to better integrate their payment systems with their back office, streamlining processes and maximising revenues ” Furthermore, it also offers secure paylinks for remote payments that merchants can send direct to their customers, full EPOS systems for branches as well as standalone terminals.
Worldpay has been an IBC Buying Group Ser vice Provider for almost two years, and in that time as demonstrated by its Best Ser vice Provider win has been successful in helping the organisation’s independent merchant members “ save thousands of pounds in card payment fees, as well as helping them streamline their business practices ”
Victoria Mayhew, Mid-Market Corporate Sales Director for Worldpay, explains: “We
have already worked with many IBC members to help them improve their card payment solutions for customers, and we ’ ve been delighted with the response so far
“E ss ent i a l ly, Worldp ay w i l l help t hem re v ie w t heir c ur rent s etup and c ard fe es, b efore cre at ing a b esp oke prop os a l w it h pro duc t re commend at ions t hat w i l l e as e t heir s a les pro cess es for c ustomers and re duce t heir overhe ads We have merchant-sp e cif ic pro duc t s olut ions t hat are proven to work wel l, and we pr ide ours elves on our one-to-one p ers ona l s er v ice w it h e ach merchant gett ing a de dic ate d account manager ”
IBC Buying Group members are fastgrowing, independent small-to-medium sized builders’ merchants, and as such many of them use standalone card terminals to take payments, with stock often being managed using a different system
However, Worldpay’s solution can bring those systems together into a single, cost-
Having been named Best Service Provider at the 2024 IBC Buying Group awards, PBM spoke with Worldpay to discover more about its successful partnership with IBC’s members.
effective solution that can manage stock, take payments and log staff timesheets all in one place As a fully integrated till system, the solution is described as a great way for merchants to begin automating their business without incurring large financial overheads. Merchants using Xero accounting software can also integrate it directly with Worldpay’s solution, making it even easier to manage their finances throughout the year.
The system can also offer significant benefits in terms of fraud prevention and security something that can be an endemic problem for builders’ merchants
Victoria continues: “Our paylink option is also a great way to add an extra layer of security to order payments. A lot of builders’
CARD PAYMENT SOLUTIONS
D ur ing t he t ime t hat Worldp ay has b e en work ing w it h IB C, its memb ers rep or t enj oy ing t hous ands of p ounds wor t h of s av ings, eit her f rom re duce d c ard p ay ment fe es or t hroug h automat ing business pro cess es
Victoria reveals: “We are generally saving IB C members around £3,000 to £4,000 a year, and one customer told us they saved £20,000 in a year by switching to Worldpay’s systems. We know ever y independent merchant works differently, which is why we offer a wide range of products from standalone systems to fully integrated packages.
“Whatever a customer chooses, we tr y and keep ever ything as straightfor ward as
simple invoices, daily reporting options, all backed up with a one-to-one ser vice We can take fees and settle balances daily, or offer monthly invoices, depending on how the merchant’s accounting team wants to work that’s something not all providers offer We also offer next-day settlement options.
“Our payment setup and terminals are also futureproofed and protected against internet outages. A lot of terminals nowadays are connected via Wi-Fi, but ours also have a backup 4G sim which means, even if the internet goes down, the till system will still work.”
In the time they have been an IBC Ser vice Provider, Victoria has been
“We are generally saving IBC members around £3,000 to £4,000 a year, and one customer told us they saved £20,000 in a year by switching to Worldpay’s systems.”
impressed by the relationship between the IBC team and its merchant members She said: “We were delighted and really grateful to be named Best Ser vice Provider at the 2024 IBC Buying Group Awards. IBC really drives for its members to get the best deals It’s nice to work with people who really care about their members and working with the IBC Divisional Managers has been pivotal in the partnership we ’ ve created ”
Stuart Stockley, IBC Managing Director, added: “Worldpay has been a terrific addition to our team of IBC Ser vice Providers It offers a wide range of card payment and software solutions that can really take the headache and time out of managing a merchant’s sales figures, and that additional support can make all the difference for time-poor independent merchants
“Put simply, IBC members can potentially save thousands by working with Worldpay, while also creating more streamlined financial and payment processes for their business We’re delighted to have them on board and look for ward to working with them even more closely going for ward ”
IBC members interested in finding out more can contact Worldpay and request a no-obligation review of their business payment solutions. The Worldpay team will carr y out a cost analysis and payment check for the business to assess how much they could save by using Worldpay’s systems.
n For more information about the IBC Buying Group, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj004
MERCHANT FOCUS
JEWSON FARNBOROUGH ‘BRANCH OF THE FUTURE’
The national builders’ merchant has opened the doors to its first purpose-built Branch of the Future The next step in parent company STARK Building Materials UK’s ‘Trust in Better’ strategy, the new facility in Farnborough is part of Jewson’s plan to implement a comprehensive investment programme to optimise its nationwide branch network with new sites and major refurbishment projects such as the inaugural Branch of the Future in Bridgwater, which reopened its doors earlier this year
At 1.3 acres, the Farnborough site houses an extended product range of around 20% more than the typical branch Opening hours have been extended, while the branch also offers drive-in collections with under-cover loading so customers and their materials including treated timber aren’t exposed to the British weather
Featuring the new Jewson brand identity, which was initially unveiled in March, the branch features a carefully considered layout and boasts facilities such as modern meeting rooms for customers to use with their own clients in addition to technology charging bays and the availability of hot food and coffee.
Branch Manager Domi Scrivener said: “Customers are at the very heart of our business and our new purposebuilt Branch of the Future here in Farnborough reflects that, acting as a beacon of the very highest standards of merchanting and offering everything customers could need to grow their business under one roof ”
The merchant has also recently launched its first regional distribution hub in the UK at the newly refurbished Craigentinny Jewson branch in Edinburgh
PBM takes a closer look at some of the latest news stories from across the merchant sector including branch investment, community partnerships and acquisitions.
SELCO BUILDERS WAREHOUSE SOLAR AND TRANSPORT FLEET CHANGES
Selco has continued its sustainability journey by expanding its solar panel coverage and increasing its number of electric vehicles and alternative fuel options within its transport fleet For instance, the builders’ merchant now has highperformance solar panels installed in six branches, producing a carbon saving of more than 85,000 kgs the equivalent of planting more than 5,100 trees
The solar panels which were fitted by Amelio Solar Panels with SolarEdge providing the web portal for real-time monitoring have been installed in Barking, Romford, Stirchley, Sutton, Swansea and York branches
Head of Development Craig Bowler said: “The installation of solar panels at a number of branches have resulted in significant reductions in our carbon footprint During business opening hours, we are seeing the solar panels generate close to 100% of the energy required for the branch ”
In addition, Selco’s transport fleet is moving increasingly to alternative fuel vehicles, including electric forklift trucks and dropside vans The business now has 29 HGV vehicles operating on either Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) Equally, dozens of new electric forklift trucks have been added to the fleet, taking the total number in Selco to 222
HUWS GRAY GROUP HIREBASE AND PDM INVESTMENT
Huws Gray Group’s Hirebase division has announced a multimillion-pound investment in additional fleet with Leicester based BTE Plant. The agreement for Kubota excavators and Thwaites dumpers is reportedly the first of a number of deals with leading industry plant and tool hire suppliers as the brand expands its customer proposition
Currently operating from 88 locations nationwide, plans are also underway to increase its footprint with additional locations in the first quarter of 2025
Meanwhile, the group has unveiled a fleet of six new trucks as part of a millionpound investment to increase efficiency and enhance the customer experience across Scotland The new trucks, all of which are Volvo FE models, are equipped with either 128 or 158 HIAB cranes to meet the needs of the branches where they’ll be located.
The investment takes the Scottish-based fleet to over 70 vehicles across a range of 3 5 tonne pickups to 26 tonne crane operated vehicles and the vehicles will be based at PDM Aberdeen (x2), PDM Kirkcaldy (x2), PDM Inverness and Huws Gray Dundee
Hirebase MD Adrian Watts with BTE’s Rebecca Br yson at the plant specialist’s HQ in Markfield, Leicestershire
ROBERT PRICE
WILLIS WESTCOTT MONMOUTH ACQUISITION
Robert Price has acquired the Monmouth branch of Willis Westcott The well-established roofing supplies specialist’s branches in Worcester and Stroud are unaffected by this deal and will continue trading under their current owners, however the Monmouth site adjacent to the existing Robert Price Builders’ Merchant depot will be rebranded to become a Robert Price Roofing branch in due course and continue to operate as a specialist roofing supplier, with the same experienced staff and extensive stock range
MD William Godfrey commented: “Willis Westcott has traded alongside us in Monmouth for years and has always been a reliable, trusted and highly regarded local roofing specialist With such strong business values that closely mirror our own, I’m sure the acquisition will be a smooth transition for everyone involved ”
TRAVIS PERKINS NEW BRANCHES
Travis Perkins has moved its Oldham branch to a “bigger and better location” and has also opened a new site in Norwich as part of the company’s “ongoing commitment to delivering for its customers by investing in the creation of larger and more capable destination branches within its network.”
Both branches incorporate TP’s Tool Hire service whilst the Norwich branch also includes a Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery service.
Oldham Branch Manager Laura McCaig said: “Whenever we open a new branch, we’re making a commitment to providing our customers with greater accessibility to a wide range of tools and materials, ensuring they have everything they need to deliver their projects on time and to a high-quality standard ”
LAWSONS
GB10 SPORTS
Lawsons reports that it has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with GB10 Sports to help it build and develop a new sports and social hub in Eltham. As part of the partnership, Lawsons’ Sidcup branch will supply the materials for the continued development of the community-focused sports facility
Ciaran Morton, the merchant’s Group Marketing Director, said: “Lawsons has been going for 100 years as a family business and that's why we're very excited to be working with GB10 Sports The business itself has Quaker origins which means it has a responsibility to the community We have a very active involvement with community projects, and GB10’s policy of inclusion and providing sport for all really resonated with our company values ”
Watch a short video outlining the partnership via www.rdr.link/mbj005
LORDS GROUP TRADING APP WHOLESALE ACQUISITION + NEW GEORGE LINES BRANCH
APP Wholesale has announced the acquisition of Ultimate Renewables Supplies, billed as “one of the country’s premier design and supply specialists in heat pumps and renewable energy solutions ” APP says the deal greatly expands its offer to merchants and installers, improving its “capacity to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources through knowledgeable sales, customised training, and system design ” Ultimate Renewables Supplies will remain autonomous within the structure of APP Wholesale however the deal is described as “a major turning point in APP’s expansion plan” as the acquisition broadens the company’s offering beyond conventional heating systems to include an extensive range of renewable energy solutions for heat pumps, MVHR, solar PV and battery storage and underfloor heating with the MCS Umbrella Scheme being made available to customers
The Group has also confirmed that its George Lines civils specialist brand, operating within its Merchanting division, is scheduled to open a new branch in Maidstone in early January Located on a 1 4 acre brownfield site within Aylesford Business Park, the new branch will be the fifth George Lines location and the expansion of its branch network reflects the Group’s commitment to driving growth in the Civils & Infrastructure sector
The new TP branch in Norwich
Travis Perkins’ relocated Oldham branch
APP Wholesale MD Neil Lake with URS Operations Director John McCarthy, URS Sales Director Simon Wardle and APP Wholesale FD Matt Alcraft
As the company continues to expand its sales strategy to target new market areas, PLASSON UK has appointed Victoria Fiddies as its new Sales director With a strong 12-year background in senior management and director roles at leading manufacturers in the industry, Victoria brings with her a proven sales track record and a vast knowledge of the supplier’s key market sectors
She commented: “my focus will be on delivering PLASSON’s many innovative solutions to an emerging customer group, while continuing to strengthen its current position in the market This begins with an exciting restructuring of the sales team ”
ords has appointed Steve Durdant-Hollamby as chief Operating fficer (cOO) of its merchanting division Steve brings with him 26 ears of industry experience, having held leadership positions in major building material companies across merchanting and manufacturing most recently, he served as divisional managing director at Genuit Plc (Polypipe)
Steve said: “The company ’ s reputation for quality and commitment to exceptional service as well as sustainable growth was key in attracting me to the business I look forward to working with Shanker (Patel, ceO) and the team to drive forward new opportunities with my experience to help grow the business to its full potential ”
With many years of experience in the building materials industry, most recently at Heidelberg materials UK, Simon Cowling has joined IBC Buying Group as its new Head of business development Simon will work with Ibc’s existing sales, marketing and commercial teams to drive the member development strategy and develop close partnerships between suppliers and members alike
He said: “I look forward to working with the talented Ibc team to drive the buying group to even greater heights and further help support our members and suppliers with their business goals ”
SIG Roofing has further strengthened its senior management team by appointing Gary Smith as divisional Sales directorNorth With over twenty years of construction sales experience, including over ten years of specialising in roofing products, Gary brings a wealth of market knowledge and experience to his new position
His first foray into merchanting/distribution, Gary joins from Wienerberger UK where he served as director of Sales for the Sandtoft roof tile brand for the past eight years before that, he held senior sales positions at roof tile manufacturer redland and roof accessory supplier Klober
OBM Builders Merchants has announced the promotions of Emma Michelmore to branch manager and Grant Chalkley to Assistant manager at its Otford branch both have been with the business for several years with their new roles the result of their hard work and impressive contributions
md Stewart Pierce commented: “We’re incredibly proud of emma and Grant’s achievements and the dedication they bring to their work every day They’ve both earned these promotions through years of commitment and hard work, and we ’ re confident they will continue to make a positive impact ”
After 18 years in key accounts and regional sales roles at baxi, Wendy Shore joined Saniflo as National Sales manager in the summer, assuming responsibility for driving growth through the firm’s team of Area Sales managers
Wendy commented: “I am very focused on making sure we provide the right solutions for customers at all times and I am tasked with supporting and empowering my team to deliver that We have a great team and amazing customer service; all the tools we need to deliver business growth ”
T R A I N I N G Z O N E
Winning ways
LBS Builders Merchants, BMF’s Training Company of the Year 2024, has also been voted Best Independent Merchant at the UK Builders Merchants Awards several years in a row.
Ray Laidlaw, LBS Lear ning and Development Manager explains why training is so important to its success.
Based in South Wales and with 470 colleagues working across 51 branches, LBS views training as an essential foundation for the business believing it important to provide ever yone with the opportunity to learn and develop throughout their career
Our primar y goal is to foster and grow talent throug h know ledge, upskilling and career coaching, thus enabling individuals to achie ve their aspirational roles Providing employees with rele vant and ongoing training is als o one of the most ef fec tive ways to b o ost pro duc tivity and enhance business p erformance
Training is focused on three pivotal stages, starting with an inclusive onboarding process to ensure new employees feel welcomed, valued and confident with the company ’ s procedures and policies The next focus, developing essential skills, helps existing colleagues maximise their potential in a current role and ensures they deliver the highest standards possible
Finally, career coaching is offered to colleagues who aspire to further develop their careers, with custom-made plans that consider the long-term strategies needed to reach their desired position.
By tailoring learning plans we ensure that ever yone receives the support they need to succeed We have witnessed a diverse range of courses opening new opportunities for our teams This year we have seen a 10% increase in tailor-made plans, with 188 active learning plans now in place covering around 40% of our total workforce
Forty-four per cent of our learners are pursuing a nationally accredited qualification These include management and leadership, sales, business administration, project management and accountancy qualifications. We have also seen a big uptake in LGV Apprenticeships Six yard operatives have
completed this programme and changed their role to drive for the company, with another seven apprenticeships in progress
BMF Training plays an important role in providing sector-focused learning for the LBS team and the Certificate in Merchant Management course is one of the company ’ s top programmes from BMF. It is a great leadership and management course for new Managers or Assistant Branch Managers. Over 40 Managers have completed this course, and we are planning for another cohort early in 2025
LBS has also run the BMF Essential Sales Management course multiple times The 12month course, which leads to Institute of Sales Management accreditation, focuses on sales techniques and strategies for growing new and existing accounts As a result, many Internal Sales staff taking the course have progressed to External Sales and Management roles, managing their own customers and teams
E-learning is another popular training choice and the LBS Academy hosts all our eLearning modules, utilising a variety of BMF modules from its extensive librar y. This caters for those who prefer to “snack on content” in short bursts rather than completing an entire program in one go an approach that fits seamlessly into their workday, empowering them to take control of their own learning
To find out how BMF Training can help your business, please email marianna.peet@bmf.org.uk, or speak to your BMF Regional Manager
n BMF training ranges from formal Apprenticeships and, with leading British universities, sector-specific Diplomas, Degrees and a Masters Degree in Merchant Leadership and Strategy, to online product knowledge and other specialist skills training.
Accuracy in insulation
Daniel McKane, Retail Sales Director at YBS Insulation, explores how merchants can capitalise on the growing demand for effective insulation, recommending “the right products for the right jobs” to their customers.
The growing demand for insulation in the UK, driven by rising energ y costs and initiatives like the £1 billion Great British Insulation Scheme, presents a significant opportunity for merchants to provide the products that contractors and homeowners need to upgrade existing homes and meet future energ y efficiency standards With 80% of the homes that will be in use by 2050 already built, the need for high-quality insulation retrofits is vast
And insulation isn’t just about filling walls or roofs it’s about specifying the right product for the right job, ensuring long-term performance and satisfaction Understanding the value of accurate insulation specification can position you and your customers as trusted experts in the market and providing the appropriate insulation type, thickness and installation method will ensure maximum energ y efficiency and long-term performance.
Stocking insulation products with the right specifications, such as R-value, thickness, and type, ensures that contractors and homeowners get the best possible
energ y performance Poorly specified insulation can lead to thermal bridging, where heat escapes, causing HVAC systems to work harder and increasing energ y costs.
By stocking and recommending products that meet the specific requirements of various building types and climates, you can help your customers lower energ y consumption and operational costs, enhancing their satisfaction.
Additionally, properly specified insulation is also essential for regulating moisture levels within buildings, helping to prevent condensation that can lead to mould growth By selecting materials tailored to the local climate and building design, moisture-related issues can be effectively managed, promoting a healthier indoor environment
By recommending accurate insulation specifications, merchants can help ensure that contractors can deliver high-quality installations with minimal issues When the right insulation is used from the start, there is less risk of problems such as insufficient coverage or condensation, which could lead to costly repairs or callbacks for customers and ensuring optimal building performance
throughout its lifespan in the form of energ y savings, comfort and environmental impact
Moreover, well-insulated buildings are more durable, require less maintenance and typically have higher resale values As potential buyers increasingly prioritise energ y efficiency and sustainability, correctly specified insulation will only become an even more significant selling point
The case for multifoil solutions
One insulation solution that has gained significant traction in the industry is multifoil insulation. Promoting multifoil insulation can
provide your customers with a versatile, high-performance option that addresses several key issues such as thermal bridging, moisture control, and space constraints Multifoil products reflect radiant heat, and when installed with air gaps, they can significantly improve the overall R-value of a project
Key advantages of multifoil insulation:
l Space-Saving Performance: Multifoil products are thin yet highly effective, making them ideal for projects where space is at a premium, such as in attic conversions or thin walls This versatility allows you to cater to a wider range of project needs.
l Moisture Control: With integrated moisture and vapor barriers, multifoil insulation helps prevent condensation issues, protecting building materials and indoor air quality. Stocking multifoil allows you to offer customers a comprehensive solution for energ y efficiency and moisture management
l Sustainability Benefits: As demand for eco-friendly products grows, multifoil insulation’s sustainable features such as its recyclability and energ y-saving potential make it a popular choice among environmentally conscious builders and homeowners.
Upselling Opportunities
Multifoil insulation offers significant upselling potential due to its premium performance and versatility across various applications With its growing reputation in the market, stocking a range of multifoil options tailored to different project needs can enhance your sales opportunities Additionally, bundling insulation with complementar y products like vapor barriers or installation accessories can create more comprehensive sales, boosting your overall revenue
With the UK’s increasing focus on energ y efficiency, accurate insulation specification is more important than ever throughout the supply chain, for contractors, homeowners and merchants alike Stocking the right products and offering expert advice on insulation will not only help your customers meet their energ y efficiency goals but also foster long-term customer relationships.
And multifoil insulation in particular, offers a unique opportunity to meet the diverse needs of modern building projects while delivering excellent performance.
n For more information about YBS Insulation’s range of products and support services for merchants, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj006
CHANNEL DRAIN MAINTENANCE
Rain. Drain. Maintain
Every year, autumn sees plenty of debris and heavy rainfall sweep into drains. Angus Crichton, ACO’s House and Garden Marketing Manager, explains why regular maintenance is essential to ensure channel drains keep delivering effective drainage whilst outlining the role merchants can play.
When rainwater lands on a paved surface, it picks up whatever else is lying around: silt, leaves, cigarette butts and other litter While the grating will keep larger items out, debris still gets washed into the channel, particularly during a heavy downpour Gradually, this build-up clogs the channel, leaving less volume for rainwater and increasing the risk of overflowing
When a channel drain protects a property’s door way or driveway exit, such an overflow has serious consequences Let’s explore how merchants can support their customers to design and install channel drains with maintenance in mind
Maintenance is easier when channel drainage is correctly installed with sumps and, in the case of ACO’s slot channels, access covers When leaves and other debris are caught in grates, it is possible to clear them without significant inter vention. However, when debris is swept through the grate and along the channel, the task becomes a little trickier and will require the careful removal of gratings
When slot drainage has been installed, the omission of a sump and access covers means maintenance becomes significantly harder with blockages posing a serious challenge If the system does become blocked, the contractor will have to return to
address this we will explore below the ver y significant costs that may be involved.
If the system was initially designed with maintenance in mind, none of this would happen so, if merchants are familiar maintenance best practise, they can advise and supply their customers accordingly Sumps help reduce silt and debris entering the stormwater drainage system by capturing it in a basket or trap They need to be installed at the outlet point of the channel run and require periodic emptying. Yet at a contractor training day in October, designing channel drains with sumps was
news to many even though a project’s longevity can hinge on their inclusion.
Take the example of a channel drain installed at the end of the driveway and connected to a soakaway under the drive. Without a sump and regular maintenance of the system, there are two likely clogging scenarios First, if silt washes off the drive into the channel drain and on into the soakaway, the soakaway becomes filled with silt and has less space for rainwater
In the worst-case scenario, the entire driveway may need to be dug up to clear it out Alternatively, debris may block the outlet from the channel and so rainwater backs up and overflows onto the road, contravening permitted development regulations
ACO’s Brickslot channels (our name for slot channels) deliver an attractive minimalist finish with only the 10mm slotted entr y of the grating visible on the surface As the grating is built into the paved surface, it is only possible to clear the channel via access covers which must be installed at regular inter vals in long runs and after any change in direction A sump unit needs to be placed below an access cover at the outlet point so that, once the insert tray of the access cover is lifted out, it is possible to clear out the sump beneath Again, it is a false economy to dispense
The installation of a RainDrain Channel with sump
with access covers for Brickslot channel drains, providing merchants with an opportunity to offer their customers methods and solutions that lead to higher quality results If after Brickslot channels are installed and become blocked with debris and access covers have not been included as part of the installation clearing them requires digging up the entire channel drain and surrounding paving For ACO HexDrain Brickslot channels, the corner units also act as access covers for the channel below
Maintaining Brickslot channels
Maintenance begins with lifting out the insert tray in the access covers The most effective way to do this is with two access cover lifting tools, which provide solid support during removal and protect the surrounding installation, especially with high-finish products like porcelain tiles. Merchants should advise customers to insert each lifting tool at either end of the
slot in the access cover, aligning the lower “L” section with the slot Once positioned, the lifting tool should be rotated 90° to secure the “L” section under the insert tray It is important for customers to exercise care when pulling upwards, as the insert tray may be heavy due to the paving material embedded within
After removing the insert tray, contractors can clear any debris from the channel sections and the silt bucket before placing it back in the sump. They can use a garden hose or a pressure washer attachment to flush any debris through the slots into the channel below If any debris is compacted, a blunt tool, such as a screwdriver, can be used to help loosen it Finally, it is good practice to remind customers to clean the silt bucket and place it back in the sump before carefully lowering the insert trays back into the access covers using the lifting tools
When a homeowner wants minimalist drainage, Brickslot is an ideal choice Contractors, and therefore merchants, need to be aware that success with Brickslot will require the installation of a sump and access covers, and the use of lifting tools
When debris is regularly removed from channels and sumps, they are ready to drain the water away next time it rains Merchants can both advise and supply on channel drains with maintenance in mind, so their customers deliver maintenance-ready channel drainage
n For further information from ACO, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj007
Cleaning out the silt bucket
Despite what has largely been described by construction sector commentators as a ‘challenging Budget’ from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, grounds for cautious optimism are present in a number of recent industry data sets. PBM focuses on the latest forecasts from the Construction Products Association.
The bigger picture
First, the bad news Reacting to the Budget on behalf of the Builders Merchants Federation, CEO John Newcomb said: “We fully expected this to be a difficult budget for our members, with many of the revenue raising measures flagged in advance
“ The majority of our merchant members are classified as SMEs, with over 70% having an annual turnover below £12.5m. While there was one piece of good news relating to fuel duty, this is far outweighed by the increases in minimum wage and national insurance contributions Our members will be hugely impacted by these extra costs which will immediately come off their bottom line ”
Meanwhile, in the response from the Construction Products Association, Economics Director Professor Noble Francis said: “ The Chancellor announced a challenging Budget that we believe provides room for cautious optimism. Whilst prioritising the stabilisation of UK finances and promotion of growth across the economy, there were a number of measures related to supporting the construction and manufacturing sectors and our key asks
“Chief amongst those will be the near-term spending increases in affordable house-building; continued spending on repair, maintenance and improvement for a select group of hospitals; a wider
commitment to increased capital investment including maintenance programmes for the NHS, schools and transport infrastructure; fuel duty relief (our sector is one of the largest users of the road network); an initial £3.4 billion towards heat decarbonisation and household energ y efficiency through the Warm Homes Plan over the next three years; incentives for corporate R&D investment and provision for a new Industrial Strateg y.
“ That said, we also have concerns over the Government’s 10-year infrastructure and new housing strategies, which the industr y will have to wait until Spring 2025 at least to learn about ”
Noble continued: “Whilst the significant rises in the National Living Wage will benefit workers, it will increase costs significantly for employers This is not only due to those on the National Living Wage but also for those on the levels above this who will want to maintain the premium
“In addition, the increases in employers’ contributions to National Insurance will also add extra costs for employers at a time when the construction product manufacturing and distribution sectors have been hit hard over the last 18 months ”
He added: “This Government will soon face a critical juncture, when its plans and ability to deliver its national infrastructure and construction pipeline will hopefully establish its credibility with industry, in
marked contrast to its predecessors Our hope and ambition is that Government appreciates the importance of the UK construction sector as an enabler for growth, productivity and so many of its policy ambitions ”
In the same week as the Budget, the CPA published its Autumn forecasts which “ see cautious optimism gradually returning to the industr y for next year after the extremely challenging last 18 months for the two largest construction sectors, private housing new build and repair, maintenance and improvement.”
Overall, the CPA reports that “total construction output is forecast to rise by 2.5% in 2025 and 3.8% in 2026 after falling by 2 9% this year ”
It contends that in private housing, the largest construction sector, falls in interest rates and mortgage rates appear to be leading to a gradual recover y in demand for the wider housing market This is expected to lead to better prospects for house builders. Furthermore, it notes that the new government “has shown clear intent to boost house building through easing planning by proposing major changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, which could ease one of the most-cited supply constraints, particularly for smaller house builders ”
Reflecting that many challenges remain for example a lack of planning resources at the local authority level, nutrient and water
neutrality issues and Biodiversity Net Gain plus considerable delays in starting high-rise housing and some commercial buildings due to uncertainty over the Building Safety Act the CPA states that, after a 9 0% fall in activity this year, private housing output is forecast to rise by 8.0% in 2025 and 7.0% in 2026.
Private housing rm&i, the second-largest construction sector, is heavily dependent on consumer sentiment, real wage growth and home moves, which drive an increase in significant home improvements within 6-9 months of moving into a property The expected recover y in the wider housing market, combined with improving consumer confidence and sustained real wage growth, is likely to boost rm&i activity from 2025 Q2.
“The CPA states that, after a 9 0% fall in activity this year, private housing output is forecast to rise by 8.0% in 2025 and 7.0% in 2026. Overall, private housing rm&i
output is forecast to rise 3.0% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026 after a 4.0% fall in activity this year. ”
In addition, the CPA highlights the shift in home improvement spending over the last two years towards energy-efficiency retrofit and solar photovoltaic work “which continues to remain strong” whilst building safety activity also provides a steady pipeline of activity Overall, private housing rm&i output is forecast to rise 3 0% in 2025 and 4 0% in 2026 after a 4 0% fall in activity this year
The outlook for construction sectors outside of housing remains similar to three months ago, although, given that the government is the largest client in construction by far, accounting for almost one-quarter of all projects in the £180 billion industr y, it is worth referring back to the points outlined in Noble’s response to the Autumn Budget
Returning to the forecasts, Infrastructure, the third-largest construction sector, is forecast to rise by 1 6% in 2025 and 3 8% in 2026 after falling marginally, by 0 4%, this year Activity remains strong on major projects such as Hinkley Point C and HS2 despite concerns about persistent cost overruns Long-term frameworks in regulated sectors such as rail, energy and water continue to provide consistent activity levels However, outside of this, concerns remain Noble Francis commented: “ There are significant upside risks to the forecasts if the new government can improve the deliver y of house building and infrastructure However, downside risks continue to prevail. The UK construction industr y has lost over 10,000 firms in the last two years ISG, the 6th largest construction firm, is the latest example, as high costs, project delays, and skills shortages on fixed-price contracts acutely affect the whole supply chain ”
n For further details for the CPA, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj008
Added value advice ROOFING REWARDS
The UK Government wants to triple the amount of solar power by 2030, which will drive demand for solar PV solutions. Merchants can be an independent source of knowledge and guidance for tradespeople wishing to offer installation services and capitalise on a dynamic market opportunity.
Kevin Taylor, Training and Technical Support Manager at Marley, outlines the four key areas that merchants can impart which should always be considered as installation projects commence.
1: Follow the rules and regulations
Installers must follow all the necessary regulations for a grid-connected solar PV system This necessitates gaining the permissions and notifications to the National Grid for a solar PV system if the solution is over 3 68kW In addition, while there is currently no legal obligation that a solar PV connection is undertaken by a MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) approved installer, this is a requirement if the homeowner wishes to take advantage of schemes that allow them to sell excess electricity back to the grid
As a result, there will be a requirement to complete the paper work that ensures work adheres to both MCS standards and building regulations
2: MCS collaboration
Tradespeople looking to add solar PV installation to their ser vice offering should collaborate with an MCS-certified installer
Accredited installers can undertake the required electrical connections and ensure compliance with the prevailing National Grid regulations A list of MCS accredited installers is available at: www.mcscertified.com/find-an-installer
3: Take time to test
Installers should always test each array panel individually prior to roof mounting to ensure they are working correctly They also need to record the panel serial numbers for certification and warranty purposes
Setting out the solar panels is also a key component of a successful installation project Ensure proper alignment of the initial panel as this critical action will lead to all subsequent panels being positioned correctly.
4: System warranty
Retrofitting a solar PV system may offer limited warranty protection because of the presence of older roofing materials The Marley Roof System offers a 25-year 80% efficiency guarantee, and as the panels act as a roof covering, the system also carries a 60-year expected panel lifespan
n For more information from Marley, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj009
The results of a recent installer survey from Baxi clearly outline that more work needs to be done to support the transition to renewables and clean heat technologies, including increased training provision and closer supply chain collaboration. PBM reports.
Taking the next steps
Baxi’s 2024 Installer Skills Sur vey, conducted in partnership with green supply chain consultancy Gemser v, examines the appetite and confidence of heating engineers to support households in their transition to clean heat technologies It also reflects the future pace of change in the installer community.
Roughly 18% of all carbon emissions can be attributed to home heating in the UK, with around 85% of homes using natural gas boilers, and the sur vey highlights the central role heating engineers have to play in promoting the switch away from gas boilers however, the respondents clearly indicate they are “held back by a lack of practical training, complex government incentives and sluggish consumer demand.”
Indeed, as consumers often rely on a heating engineer’s expertise when deciding on heating options for their home, installers play an influential role in the decision to move away from natural gas boilers towards low-carbon alternatives, such as heat pumps As such, the sur vey is an important indicator of the readiness of heating engineers to adopt and promote heat pumps in the context of evolving government policies and consumer demands
Over 300 installers took part in the sur vey, conducted in August 2024, and whilst the findings reveal “ more positive sentiment towards heat pumps compared to the first edition in 2022,” Baxi and Gemser v assert it is “clear that many installers still lack
the training, knowledge and incentive to help homeowners begin their transition away from gas boilers ”
According to the results, just 9% of installers say they currently fit heat pumps (up from 3% in 2022 and 7% in 2023) Sentiment towards heat pump installation in the near future remains relatively low, with half of installers saying they are “somewhat” or “extremely unlikely” to start fitting heat pumps in the next three years This compares to 46% in 2022 and even less confidence – 53% – in 2023
However, more enthusiasm was shown for hybrid systems where a heat pump is combined with a gas boiler with 30% of installers showing interest
Further obstacles
Government schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), are met with frustration in the sur vey, due to perceived complexity, excessive paper work and lack of
consumer awareness Only 9% of installers rate government schemes as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ and 42% say customers never mention the BUS
A lack of confidence to promote and install low-carbon heating technologies has been a feature of the Installer Skills Survey since it began in 2022. This year, there is a slight improvement, with 11% of installers saying they are ‘extremely confident’ in discussing low-carbon technologies (up from 7% in 2023) and 35% ‘moderately confident’.
This indicates that while training opportunities and industr y communication are having a positive effect, more needs to be done Practical training is considered key to building confidence, with 34% of respondents indicating a preference for hands-on learning The perceived high cost of training, along with the complexities of MCS accreditation, are an ongoing obstacle to learning
Additionally, the lack of consumer demand for heat pumps further contributes to installers’ low engagement. Without strong consumer interest, installers continue to feel hesitant about making the transition to low-carbon heating, including investing in training Indeed, in the 2024 sur vey, only 3% of installers say customers always ask about low-carbon heating.
Generational divide
A recurring theme in all three sur veys has been a generational divide among installers,
Jan Rijnen, Baxi UK&I MD, discussing the findings of the 2024 Installer Skills Survey
Ian Trott, Baxi’s Head of UK Training, addresses delegates during a tour of the new Solutions Academy in Warwick
PLUMBING & HEATING
with those nearing retirement less inclined to invest in training. As more new installers enter the industr y, it’s expected that more will be willing to embrace new technologies
The heating specialist shared the findings of the sur vey at an event at its new Baxi Solutions Academy in War wick on 24 September Developed in recognition of the sentiment in the industr y and the need to deliver change, the state-of-the-art training centre aims to equip heating engineers and others in the sector (bespoke training programmes, for example, are available for merchants) with the skills and knowledge to
help customers decarbonise heat and hot water, with the 10,000 sqft facility set to train 2,000 delegates by 2025
Invited industr y stakeholders shared their perspectives on the role of skills in the energ y transition, and the critical dependencies that consumers, the supply chain and the government have on installers to make the clean heat transition happen The delegates included representatives from the merchant sector and it is worth reflecting that Baxi joined the BMF earlier in the year to “underline its commitment to crossindustr y collaboration.”
As Jeff House, External Affairs & Policy Director at Baxi, said at the time: “We recognise the important role our merchant partners play (and) as the heating industr y continues to play such a pivotal role into the transition to a zero-carbon future, collaboration across the breadth of our supply chain will be crucial The BMF provides us with the perfect platform from
which we can work with other suppliers and merchants towards the same common goals ”
Speaking on the day, Baxi UK&I MD Jan Rijnen commented: “ The closure of the skills gap through training is vital to the energ y transition but we cannot do it alone The entire supply chain, government, the media and heating professionals have to work together to drive awareness of and engagement with new training initiatives as we look to address the skills gap and drive demand for of new technologies
“We wanted to bring together stakeholders from across the industr y to share not only how we are tackling the skills conundrum and our learnings along the way, but to also hear from different areas of the industr y and begin working together to improve the situation ”
n To find out more about Baxi and the results of its 2024 Installer Skills Sur vey, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj010
PLUMBING & HEATING
Good things come to those who wait
Sharing the same black, gold and white corporate colours as its illustrious Dublin neighbour Guinness, Instantor also boasts a significant and longstanding heritage in its home countr y Whilst not quite matching the 1759 origins of arguably Ireland’s most famous export, the Sanbra Group brand can trace its own histor y back nearly a centur y with the Instantor trademark first registered by Fyffe & Co Ltd in 1926 for its ‘iconic’ Brass Compression Fittings, reportedly the first of their kind when they were introduced to the market almost 100 years ago
Having grown to become a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality heating and plumbing products to trade professionals via merchants with what it describes as one of the most comprehensive selections of press systems on the market, Instantor provides a range of “installer-friendly, super reliable ‘fit and forget’ solutions” which remove the need for heat-based methods such as welding and soldering
The brand officially launched its UK portfolio at InstallerSHOW 2024 earlier this summer O ver the course of the well-attended three-day exhibition, the business presented its renowned Press System a range of press fittings and a multilayer Pex-al-Pex pipe for use in drinkable water, underf loor heating and all general heating and plumbing applications alongside other solutions including copper press fittings for both gas and water, stainless steel press fittings and pipe, plus a range of proven press tools and jaw sets.
Demonstrations of the Instantor Press Tool were said to be particularly popular, with visitors remarking on its ease of use, as the Instantor team showed “how it is around 35% faster than more traditional methods ” The stand additionally played host to sister company Tucson Pumps, with its range of “high quality, high performance” shower, circulation and cold water booster pumps also now available to the UK market
Reflecting on the success of the launch, Heating & Plumbing Divisional Managing Director Alan Hogan said: “Instantor products are developed by installers for installers and are exhaustively tested to ensure they provide unrivalled reliability and true ‘fit and forget’ solutions Seeing is believing and our product demonstrations really resonated with the tradespeople that visited our stand ”
To enhance its presence in the market still further, the company has become Industrial Associates of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Associate Members of SNIPEF and Supplier Members of the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors However, in addition to targeting installers, Alan explained that
PBM crosses the Irish sea to visit Instantor’s impressive testing and training centre in Santry, Dublin to discover the background behind the firm’s UK launch earlier this year.
the show also enabled it to reach out to potential merchant customers
And with merchant distribution an intrinsic part of its ser vice strateg y in Ireland, the company has strengthened its UK team with a number of appointments to this end and with examples to found on its regularly-updated LinkedIn profile supports its growing merchant customer base with point-of-sale materials, literature, in-branch training and demonstration days and an experienced customer ser vice team that can assist with any queries.
Moreover, Instantor has also recently joined NMBS, improving communications and allowing merchant members to benefit from enhanced pricing and promotional offers A recent appointee to the business himself, with a more than 20-year background in the industr y, UK Sales Director Dan Wild commented: “By increasing the availability of our Instantor and Tucson plumbing and heating solutions through the NMBS, we can enable even more merchants and their installer
“With merchant distribution an intrinsic par t of its ser vice strategy in Ireland, the company has strengthened its UK team with a number of appointments and suppor ts its growing merchant customer base with point-of-sale materials, literature and in-branch training and demonstration days.”
The installer room at the Instantor Works HQ in Dublin nears completion
Product demonstrations at InstallerSHOW
The state-of-the art testing lab
customers to access our products, which offer quicker and safer installations and assured fit and forget reliability.”
He continued: “We only use quality assured materials and components while our state-of-the-art testing and training centre based in Santr y, Dublin allows us to exhaustively test products before they are made available to customers We also have unrivalled stock holding including over 1,400,000m of Pex-Al-Pex pipe at any given time, underpinned by a modern distribution centre and advanced logistical capabilities to provide merchants with assured supply
“Customers in the UK can stock and sell the Instantor and Tucson portfolios, knowing that our products have been tried, tested and trusted by the trade in Ireland for almost 100 years ”
The next step in its commitment to working with merchants and trade professionals is the company ’ s investment into a new ‘Mobile Training Academy’ to support its existing demonstration mornings Andy Burton, Sanbra Group’s Divisional Marketing Manager Heating & Plumbing Division, said: “The brand-new training vehicle will be visiting trade counters and merchants’ head offices to provide a deeper understanding of
Instantor’s Press Solutions and the Tucson Pumps portfolio
“Not only will the mobile academy showcas e how our pro duc ts can deliver signif icant time and cost savings, it will als o provide the latest comp etenc y training to Instantor installers and ensure merchants can sto ck our pro duc ts with conf idence that the y will provide the b est s olutions for their c ustomers ”
n For more information on Instantor and its sister company Tucson Pumps following the UK launch, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj011
Instantor Press Tool and Pex-Al-Pex Pipe
Copper press in action
Tucson Equinox Shower Pump
Electric dreams
With over 60 years of combined industr y experience amongst its company directors, Electric Heating Systems (EHS) supplies its customers with low carbon, electric heating equipment and systems such as electric boilers and Air Source Heat Pumps to provide “ a healthy mix of high-quality, low-cost electric heating solutions to assist in the transition from traditional high carbon emission boilers which burn fossil fuels
such as gas, oil, and LPG to equipment that makes the best use of the low carbon, grid and renewable electricity, ensuring a significantly smaller carbon footprint ”
With strict UK legislative targets looking to reach Net Zero gas emissions by 2050 and with objectives to realise a largely decarbonised electricity power supply by the 2030s, change is not a choice, it is a necessity This involves significant commitments to renewable energ y sources, such as wind and solar, with a promise to deliver 40GW of offshore wind by 2030, which is enough to provide for ever y home in the countr y
Therefore, EHS argues that switching home heating to electric can be viewed as an investment in the future for any end user or business, as electrical energ y continues to reduce its environmental impact and carbon footprint, well beyond the capabilities of fossil fuels.
Electric Heating Systems’ Product Development Director Ross Palmer explains that the Labour government inherited policies, set in the UK’s Paris agreement of 2022, which require the cutting of carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 The Climate Change Committee’s annual progress report
said that at least three times more renewable energ y would be required by 2030 to achieve this commitment
UK Electricity generated in 2023 had a carbon intensity of 162gCO2/Kwh (Carbon Brief 3/1/24) which is at least 25% lower in emissions that the best A++ rated gas boiler As the carbon intensity of electricity gets better ever y year, Ross contends that it will be key that we electrify heating to reduce our CO2 emissions.
He explains that Electric Heating Systems is committed to supply the least carbon emitting heating systems that utilise renewable electricity from whatever source, with the added ability to store that renewable energ y when it is at its most abundant and lowest cost: “Electricity will be key to the UK leading the environmental and energ y revolution and we are making the necessar y changes to our equipment to achieve this whilst advising and supplying solutions that keep up to speed with the latest regulations and government policy.”
Michael Garner, Sales and Marketing Director, adds: “It is extremely important that we do not compromise on the quality of our products or reduce our competitiveness
PBM provides the lowdown on Electric Heating Systems.
Left to right: Electric Heating Systems Directors Derek Eiles, Ross Palmer, and Michael Garner
for our customers’ end-users to achieve our sustainability and economic goals. With so many people struggling with the cost of living in recent years, it is important that both the installation cost and especially the running costs of electric heating remains affordable and that we continue to provide the best customer experience that we possibly can
“We believe that our products can help to safeguard our future without damaging the present.”
Business Development Director Derek Eiles picks up the point: “Electric Heating Systems was founded with the targeted mission to supply high-quality, affordable domestic heating equipment that makes the best use of renewable resources to reduce the impact on global warming whilst keeping running costs and installation costs as low as possible
“We supply trade, distribution, and merchant partners with good ser vice and competitive, quality products that are easy to install and use, to provide heating and hot
water to any property, including holiday homes and caravans with low CO2 emissions ”
Electric Heating Systems strategically partners with a network of merchants, trade suppliers and distributors For example, City Plumbing Supplies recently said: “It has been really exciting to partner up with EHS and work with such a proactive supplier, which is keen to train and educate our staff as we move into the electrification of heat.
“Selling electric boilers can be far more technical than selling gas boilers but EHS takes the hassle out of it and with a few easy questions or plans, it puts for ward the correct solution EHS products are well priced in the market and stock holdings are healthy, and as our relationship grows it’s ver y exciting to see what future projects and opportunities land in this space ”
The merchant chain adds: “EHS is working with our branch network and also directly with customers to help drive demand. We are soon looking to stock its products centrally off the back of a large project with a developer, so this relationship can only grow from strength to strength.”
Installers have also testified to the quality, affordability and great ser vice that the company provides For instance, Nigel Moran from Plumbing & Heating recalls that “ The installation was a breeze, the boiler is lightweight, no flue to install, condensate to run, ventilation or gas. The customer liked the fact that the boiler is 99% efficient and clean to operate ”
Craig Franklin from Gastec (Bristol) also commented: “Fitted a 14 4 kw system EHS boiler for a customer today who had a really long flue in void nightmare, so I chose the electric option (from) EHS due to meeting Michael at a trade morning and liked the sound of what it could supply I was ver y impressed with the product and when more
“EHS argues that switching home heating to electric can be viewed as an investment in the future for any end user or business, as electrical energy continues to reduce its environmental impact and carbon footprint, well beyond the capabilities of fossil fuels.”
information was needed on the install, I was over the moon with the ease of getting in touch with EHS and its knowledge in the product ”
Ele ctric Heatin g Systems at a glanc e:
Renewab le energ y util isat ion EHS products utilise electricity for their power as it is the most renewable type of energy available
Efficiency EHS says its electric boilers are 99 8% efficient whilst the Clivet Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) it supplies can be over 400% efficient
Safet y There is no gas or oil supply required to any of the company’s products and therefore no chance of carbon monoxide or harmful gas emissions Its electric boilers have the added benefit of being able to be installed anywhere in the home
Ease o f Insta llat ion Electric boilers supplied by EHS are “a direct swap for a gas boiler, do not require a flue, can use the existing heating plumbing and can be sited anywhere in the property ” Its E-Box ASHP installs, meanwhile, can be designed and delivered with the cylinder and pipework fully assembled in an outdoor unit so the only pipework required to go into the house is the heating flow and return and the hot water supply
Simp le ma intenance Its electric boilers contain very few moving parts and there is therefore “very little to go wrong ” With no mandatory annual gas checks required, it also “becomes a landlords dream that their maintenance is minimal and low cost ”
Service EHS can advise customers and installers before purchasing so they buy the right product for their installation Questions can be answered on any installation with engineers available via video link and in person It also carries spares for all products
n For more information about Electric Heating Systems range of products and support services, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj012
Bringing a wealth of knowledge to Conex Bänninger, with extensive experience in the HVAC industr y including senior roles at Ideal Stelrad Group and Wolseley, Martin Smith has gained detailed insight into different areas of the sector. During this time, he notes that the industr y has seen significant developments, driven by technological advancements, environmental policies, and changing consumer demand
Accordingly, in his new role Martin asserts: “I want to sponsor a debate amongst traditional installers and contractors on how they can benefit from a change in technolog y by moving away from traditional brazing methods.
“Whilst this process has been under way for a number of years now, we still need to drive home the key message that it’s not always a great idea to be using a naked flame in constricted spaces and there are much safer, faster and more efficient ways to join pipes ”
Martin continues: “ The increasing use of press fittings is an excellent example of how a change in technolog y can offer installers real competitive advantage Press fitting offers substantial benefits over traditional jointing methods, including faster, safer installations, consistent and reliable connections, minimal disruption, environmental advantages, cost effectiveness and ease of inspection and maintenance ”
Raising the profile of press
Martin Smith, Conex Bänninger’s recently appointed Business Unit Director for UK & Ireland, is “a man on a mission” and is looking to help create a new generation of press fitting installers.
It remains a fact though that there are significant numbers of installers who have been brought up using traditional jointing techniques and are therefore somewhat resistant, understandably, to making the change
One of the biggest barriers to change is said to be the initial cost of a press tool Conex contends that installers often look at the purchase price and stop right there without necessarily being aware of the overall benefits of press and how short the payback time on the initial purchase of the press machine can be
Indeed, the company argues that the speed of installation when press fitting provides significant time savings on a job, resulting in payback on a press tool often achieved within a matter of months In addition, installers will no longer need to spend as much on consumables such as a gas, blow lamp, flux and solder, meaning that “the savings continue.”
Investing in press also removes the need for a hot works permit and having to stay on-site for hours after installation due to the fire risk and health and safety reasons that can often be the case when working with flame-based fittings
Martin continues: “ That’s why it’s vitally important that we do all we can to help educate and inform installers on the longer-term benefits of using press fittings. Furthermore, this is not just about
“The increasing use of press fittings is an excellent example of how a change in technology can offer installers real competitive advantage.”
converting existing installers as there are also new entrants coming into the industr y all the time ”
As a global manufacturer of high-quality fittings, valves and accessories, Conex Bänninger lays claim to being at the forefront of the trade’s migration from traditional to press
Martin concludes: “By supporting our innovative and extensive range of >B< Press fittings, with best in class, online, in class and onsite training, we will continue to provide a first-class back up ser vice to ensure that installers of all types can realise the benefits of an investment in press ”
n For more information about Conex Bänninger’s range of products and support ser vices for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj013
PLUMBING & HEATING
The fif th element
Advances in heat pump technology are making systems greener and more energy efficient than ever, not least with the introduction of R290 refrigerant. Grant UK says this new refrigerant is “transforming the way we think about environmentally friendly heating and promises to make heat pumps even more sustainable,” as the business launches its fifth-generation heat pump — the Aerona 290.
First unveiled at this year ’ s InstallerSHOW and made available to order in October, Grant UK reveals that the launch of its new Aerona 290 air-to-water heat pump range marks “yet another landmark chapter for the company ” Incorporating the energ y efficient R290 refrigerant, the range combines “sleek aesthetics with high performance and clever design, providing a low carbon heating solution for the next generation ” Grant worke d clos ely w it h inst a l lers t hroug hout t he res e arch and de velopment phas e, w it h t he ne w range f ur t her st rengt hening its extensive he at pump of fer ing to prov ide c ustomers w it h an “ innovat ive, e ye-c atching he at pump to suit many t yp es of homes.” The f irst wave of t he l aunch s aw 4kW, 6 5kW and 9kW units made avai l able f irst, w it h l arger outputs of 12kW and 15 5kW coming in e arly 2025.
Wit h its incre dibly low Glob a l
War ming Potent i a l of 3, t he energ y ef f icient R290 ref r igerant is a pure hydro c arb on and is s aid to sig na l anot her step for ward in sust ainable home he at ing . More over, t he ne w monoblo c he at pump p or t folio has b e en est ablishe d up on t hre e core pi l l ars desig n, p er for mance and p e ace of mind
For example, with its modern styling and sleek colourway, the Aerona 290 has not only been designed with its aesthetics in mind but also its acoustics Featuring a durable, powder coated black casing, its appearance has been developed following in-depth analysis of customer feedback
Meanwhile, the ultra-low noise levels of the new models which have achieved Quiet Mark accreditation are the result of innovative sound-reducing features within the unit, including acoustic cotton sound insulation in the casing and anti-vibration feet.
The models have an energ y rating of A+++ (at 35°C flow temperature) and their outputs have been rated at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow temperature Designed for use with the Aerona Smart Controller, the Aerona 290’s operation can be managed with ease through
straightfor ward set-up and commissioning and innovative control thereafter
The units can even be monitore and managed remotely, giving both installers and their customers ultimate control of their heat pump system and assistin offsite diagnostic support when req Available with a 7-year guarante by a G1 Installer (terms and condit o s app y), t e e o a 290 has been tested to perform in extreme temperatures from -25°C through to 35°C For system design and specification, Grant UK’s Design Team are on hand to help installers, merchants and other customers correctly size their new Aerona 290 system
Ancillar y products
Alongside the new heat pump models, Grant UK is also launching several new ancillar y products designed to work with the Aerona 290 and Aerona³ heat pump ranges These include new models of QR Smart Pre-Plumbed cylinders featuring the Aerona Smart Controller as well as additional Smart heat pump controller kits, accessories and the new Grant Mag One DUO universal filter which is designed to give system protection for both traditional boiler and air source heat pump heating systems
The new products will give installers greater choice and flexibility when it comes to installation, with solutions designed to suit more system types and arrangements
Paul Wakefield, Grant UK’s Managing Director, said: “ The Aerona 290 has captured much interest since its soft launch at InstallerSHOW earlier this year Our fifth generation of heat pump, the Aerona 290 is an exciting addition to our product portfolio and its availability comes as Grant Engineering celebrates fifteen years of being in the heat pump market.
“With more and more homes making the transition to lower carb on heating s olutions, we will continue to supp or t our c ustomers by providing them with the technologies, pro duc ts and s er vices the y need and the Aerona 290 repres ents our unwavering commitment to continuous pro duc t de velopment in the heating s ec tor.”
n For more information on the new Aerona 290 heat pump and the company’s package of support services for merchants, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj014
PLUMBING & HEATING
Freeze frame
As the weather turns colder, the demand for heating repairs and maintenance spikes This is particularly true for tasks that require pipe freezing an innovative and time-saving technique that allows plumbers to conduct repairs and installations without the need to drain down the entire system. Instead, a section of the pipe is frozen to create a temporar y ice plug, enabling work to be carried out with minimal disruption.
Pipe Freeze kits offer significant advantages for plumbers, especially when compared to traditional methods of draining and refilling heating systems. One of the most notable benefits is time efficiency as traditional methods can take several hours, particularly in larger properties, as the entire
system needs to be drained and then refilled once the work is completed In contrast, Pipe Freeze kits allow plumbers to isolate a specific section of pipework in just a few minutes.
Minimising disruption is another significant benefit of using Pipe Freeze kits Draining a heating system can be highly disruptive, often necessitating that occupants vacate the premises or endure long periods without heating and hot water. Pipe Freeze kits alleviate this issue by allowing work to be carried out on just the affected section of the pipe, leaving the rest of the system operational
The versatility of Arctic Hayes’ Pipe Freeze kits is also noteworthy The company offers a range of kits suitable for various pipe materials and sizes (8mm > 61mm), making
“Whether dealing with copper, steel or other materials, these kits are designed to work efficiently under different conditions, ensuring that plumbers are prepared for any job that comes their way. ”
n Designed to tackle even the toughest of jobs, Arctic Hayes has launched a new range of Heavy-Duty Abrasive Wipes, called “Dirty Scrubbers” Engineered for maximum durability and versatility, making them suitable for cleaning hands, tools and surfaces alike, the wipes provide an all-in-one cleaning solution for professionals on the go and can handle a wide range of tough substances including adhesives, caulk, oil, paint, PU foam, silicone, grease and gutter seal.
Lee Parsons said: “Featuring a heavy-duty construction, they are built to last and can be washed and reused, ensuring both durability and cost-effectiveness The dual-sided wipes include an abrasive surface for powerful scrubbing, ensuring maximum cleaning efficiency no matter the task ”
“Whether in the field or on-site, these wipes will be an invaluable addition to every toolkit ”
With
heating season
underway, Arctic Hayes is urging merchants to ensure they are well-stocked with Pipe Freeze kits.
them adaptable tools that can be used across a wide array of plumbing applications
Whether dealing with copper, steel or other materials, these kits are designed to work efficiently under different conditions, ensuring that plumbers are prepared for any job that comes their way
Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes, said: “(During) heating season, plumbers and heating engineers will be preparing for an increase in callouts. For builders’ merchants, this presents a prime opportunity to support their customers by ensuring that Pipe Freeze kits are readily available ”
Designed to meet the diverse needs of the plumbing industr y, Arctic Hayes offers a comprehensive range of Pipe Freeze kits Key Products Include:
l Aero Freeze Kits: Ideal for smaller, more straightfor ward jobs, these kits are lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for plumbers who need to perform quick, efficient pipe freezes
l Pro Freeze Kits: Designed for more demanding tasks, the Pro range offers greater freezing power and versatility, making them suitable for a wider range of pipe sizes and materials.
l Electric Freeze Kits: For the most challenging jobs, electric freeze kits provide a consistent, controlled freeze that’s perfect for larger systems or longer freezing times
n For more information on Arctic Hayes’ portfolio of products and support ser vices for stockists, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj015
PLUMBING & HEATING
WAVIN
KEYLESS HEP2O RANGE
Wavin has expanded its plastic pushfit offering with the launch of its fifth generation fitting, Hep2O Keyless. This new range features innovative two-stage twist and push functionality, eliminating the need for a demounting key and offering a smaller, more compact design
Previewed at InstallerSHOW earlier in the year, the Keyless range is compatible with a wide range of plastic and copper fittings whilst new features include an optimised flow rate and robust plastic that prevent fittings from dismounting due to water hammer.
Said to address common challenges such as lengthy installation times and working in confined spaces, the range is backed by a 50-year guarantee and features Wavin’s In4Sure technology which ensures secure joints with a distinctive ‘rumble’ during installation
n For more details and samples, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj016
SPIROTECH SPIROPURE
NAVIEN ONLINE TOOL
The new the ‘Find a Merchant’ tool on the Navien website has been designed to make the installer journey easier by allowing them to source the nearest merchant to their location with the manufacturer’s full range of boilers and heating appliances available for purchase The move follows the recent announcement of the company’s partnership with APP Wholesale which gives installers across the country access to its product portfolio at approximately 2,500 independent merchants
Commercial Director Graham Parkes said: “Our goal has always been to support our installer network by providing them with the tools and resources they need to get the job done right. Through our trusted merchant partners, installers can access a wide range of products, from our highly efficient NCB500 ON and NCB700 ON Combi
Crossover boilers to advanced Smart Plus Controllers
“This ensures that their customers can benefit from reliable, energy-efficient heating solutions provided quickly by installers ”
n Find out more via the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj017
NAVIGATOR MSL MIDBRASS PRESSFIT WATER FULL BORE ISOLATING VALVES
Now available in 15mm and 22mm full bore sizes, the new Midbrass Pressfit Water Isolating Valves from the plumbing and heating distributor are manufactured in forged brass, in M Profile, with a maximum working temperature of 85°C and a maximum working pressure of 16 Bar
WRAS approved, competitively priced and available from stock, the valves are designed for optimal performance in potable water, heating (excluding solar) and chilled water systems to provide “exceptional reliability and efficiency ”
n Head to www.rdr.link/mbj018 for more on the full range.
The water quality expert has expanded its range with the introduction of SpiroPure for demineralised water in heating systems The solution conditions the water of heating or cooling systems, removing unwanted substances such as calcium and magnesium ions as well as salts By conditioning the water and removing these unwanted salts and minerals, the conductivity of the water decreases while the pH value is increased, helping to maintain system health, prevent corrosion and keep the system running at its most efficient
SpiroPure is available for both domestic and commercial systems The Home series for residential properties consists of the Home Fill Basic, Home Fill Basic + , Home Fill XL, Home Fill XL + and Home Fill Duplex + for larger homes, all of which are fixed filling solutions. The Plus (+) units feature a combination valve, which make them Fluid Category 4 compliant, and also incorporates a pressure reducing valve
Meanwhile, the Pro series for commercial and light-commercial buildings is available in 9 5L and 23L sizes, in both fixed and mobile filling options
n For more information, enter www.rdr.link/mbj019
Breaking down barriers
Malaysia has joined The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement meaning “another step towards duty-free imports.” Timber Development UK CEO David Hopkins explains what the effect will be for the timber sector.
Malaysia has b ecome the latest countr y to ratif y The C omprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacif ic Par tnership (CPTPP) trade agreement, joining Per u, Japan, Singap ore, Chile, Ne w Z ealand, and Vietnam in ratif ying the agreement
The UK has signalled that it will accede to CPTPP on 15 December 2024, which means from this date more than 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be tariff-free, helping businesses export and import more between CPTPP markets This includes Malaysian wood products, particularly Ply wood, which should also now qualif y for duty free status
TDUK believes it is ver y welcome news that seven of the 11 CPT TP members have now ratified this new trade agreement, meaning the partnership can commence. However, some of the initial
press coverage following the announcement has been a little misleading and TDUK is keen to set the record straight
The partnership will commence by 15 December, but only for those member countries that have ratified the agreement which, along with Malaysia, are:
l Japan
l Singapore
l Chile
l New Z ealand
l Vietnam
l Peru
The remaining four countries Australia, Brunei, Canada and Mexico still need to politically ratif y the agreement As each countr y does so, TDUK’s understanding is that bilateral trade between the UK and that countr y, at the agreed duty rates, can commence around three months later from the date that countr y ratifies the treaty.
The CPTPP is a free trade area that, once the UK joins, will span five continents and almost 600 million people. It consists of 12 sovereign countries spanning the Asia Pacific and the Americas, as well as the UK. Together, these countries have a combined GDP of £12 trillion
More than 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be tariff-free once the deal comes into effect, helping businesses export more to CPTPP markets and, the government says, contributing to its priority of driving economic growth By 2040, the agreement could boost the UK economy by around £2 billion annually.
Impact for timber
This agreement is good news for international trade in the wood sector, as the tariff schedule within the agreement indicates that all wood products with commodity codes starting 44 which
includes 44 12 Ply wood, 44 11 Fibreboards and 44 10 Particle boards will have duty free trade (for both exports and imports) within the countries that ratif y the CPT TP agreement
Many agricultural and food products will only become duty free over a period of time, but all wood products are in the EIF categor y, which means they are duty free from the day of commencement with each member countr y
This is confirmed in the General Notes and in Annex 2-D - Tariff S chedule of the United Kingdom, which states: “ The following staging categories shall apply to the elimination or reduction of customs duties by the United Kingdom pursuant to Article 2 4 2 (Elimination of Customs Duties): (a) customs duties on originating
goods provided for in the items in staging categor y EIF shall be eliminated entirely, and these goods shall be duty-free on the date of entr y into force of this Agreement for the United Kingdom;”
As with most trade agreements, rules of origin are a critical factor and it will be necessar y for UK Importers to show evidence that goods originate in one or more of the other 11 partner countries in order to gain tariff free trade on wood products Critically, becoming a member of CPTPP means that UK importers will only need to understand a single set of origin rules in order to be able to trade with any of the 11 member nations. These are explained in Annex 3 of The CPTPP Origin Reference Document, which can be found on www.gov.uk
“This agreement is good news for international trade in the wood sector, as the tariff schedule within the agreement indicates that all wood products with commodity codes star ting 44 which includes 44 12 Plywood, 44 11 Fibreboards and 44 10 Par ticle boards will have duty free trade (for both expor ts and impor ts) within the countries that ratify the CPTTP agreement.”
The CPTPP is expected to continue to grow over time and, as it does, the UK will also stand to benefit from access to these new markets Economies including C osta Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay have formally applied to join CPTPP, while Thailand, the Philippines, and S outh Korea have also expressed an interest in joining Timber Development UK has updated its official Trade Note on the CPTPP to ref lect Malaysia’s joining the agreement The Trade Note also features a table showing how Ply wood products from Malaysia (or any of the other countries who have ratified the agreement) will move from 6% or 10% duty, to duty free, from Year One of the CPTPP agreement
n You can find all these resources, and many more, plus all the latest timber industry news and up-to-date market statistics, online at the TDUK website via the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj020
n Timber Development UK was formed by the merger of the Timber Trade Federation and the Timber Research and Development Association, bringing the two associations together to create “the largest, most comprehensive supply chain body in the UK, spanning from sawmill to specifier and all points in between ”
Cover stor y
As the requirement for more sustainable solutions continues to grow, many manufacturers are looking to improve their packaging in addition to their processes and products. However, any environmental enhancements have to be balanced with maintaining the required performance characteristics
For instance, the packaging around timber packets must protect against damp, dirt and sunlight whilst also needing to be durable so it does not tear during transport. Reflecting on the company ’ s new initiative, Jerr y Larsson, President of SCA Wood, commented: “SCA has started using new packaging consisting of 70% recycled material, without compromising on quality We are the first on the market with packaging with such a high percentage of recycled plastic ”
The new packaging is manufactured by Trioworld, reputedly one of Europe’s leading producers of packaging solutions based on cover film Thanks to close collaboration with its customers, Trioworld is a pioneer in developing circular plastics and, having previously used up to 50% recycled material in its timber cover film, the company is now launching Loop70, which uses an impressive 70% recycled material
Trioworld product specialist Tom R autakorpi said: “It’s been a challenge and
demanded a lot of hard work, but we have succeeded in increasing the percentage of recycled plastic while maintaining quality and strength We have a number of different materials at our disposal when we develop a ‘recipe’ for packaging and, after intensive efforts, we have arrived at a blend that works excellently ”
Climate benefits
The high percentage of recycled material in the packaging is said to offer “significant climate benefits” and it is anticipated that Loop70 will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54% when compared to the same product in virgin plastic
Jerr y Larsson declared: “SCA is a climate-positive business and in 2023, we contributed climate benefits equivalent to over a quarter of Sweden’s carbon emissions However, we are working hard to reduce our remaining emissions, and packaging is something we have been looking at for a long time Timber is a sustainable product and it’s important that the packaging is sustainable too ”
Another advantage of Trioworld’s Loop70 film is that it is manufactured in a plant just outside Sundsvall in northern Sweden, near many of SCA’s facilities Jerr y added: “B eing able to minimise transport is clearly another positive for the climate,”
SCA has introduced new wood packaging made with 70% recycled plastic. PBM reports.
with the first SCA mills to use the new packaging from Trioworld being the Rundvik and Gällö sawmills and the planing mills in Stugun and Tunadal
The packaging supplier is said to be working continuously to identify new solutions to further reduce the carbon footprint of its products, as Tom Rautakorpi outlined: “As things stand, it is impossible to make timber packaging from 100% recycled material without losing many of the attributes the packaging needs to have. There are however other ways to proceed Among other things, we are looking at making more bio-based materials, and that’s somewhere we see exciting opportunities ”
Furthermore, Trioworld’s use of rec ycled materials on its production lines is independently audited, something that customers are increasingly demanding Tom added: “ The certification is carried out by Rec yclass and ensures traceability in the supply chain We are the first to offer a product with 70% PCR , meaning plastic that has been rec ycled after consumer use,
“Timber is a sustainable product and it’s important that the packaging is sustainable too.”
and to be able to verif y this through a Rec yclass certification.”
Managing waste plastic
Demand for recycled packaging is increasing in many markets, both as a result of political decisions and because businesses and industr y organisations are increasingly focused on sustainability
However, any general increase in the percentage of recycled plastic is dependent on more waste material being collected.
Tom notes: “Alas, at pres ent far to o much packaging is thrown away, s o we
are working hard to increas e awareness of how it should b e s or ted and collec ted. Plastic waste is a raw material that we want to take advantage of and, at the same time, pre vent it going for incineration One challenge is the fac t that packaging is handled at s o many dif ferent lo cations, f rom builders’ merchants to planing mills, constr uc tion sites and p eople’s homes ” Accordingly, in addition to informing about the importance of collecting waste material, Trioworld is building rec ycling plants around Europe to secure access to
rec ycled plastic Tom concludes: “S ociety in general is moving towards greater circularity, and we are working proactively to offer circular packaging solutions while maintaining quality, in line with the EU’s climate targets Close collaboration with customers at the forefront of sustainability is crucial to our success ”
n For more information on SCA Wood’s range of products and support ser vices for merchants, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj021
Selecting the right screw
There’s a common mis conception that w hen working with wo o d, the only imp or tant fac tor is the ac tual timb er the us er is working with B e it hardwo o d or s oftwo o d, p olished oak or str uc tural ply, the success of working with timb er als o largely dep ends on the quality of the s cre ws b eing us ed.
ForgeFix has spent years doing what it does best supporting merchants and consulting builders to develop a range of products that make life easier when working with timber
Accordingly, one of the biggest challenges with timber is to avoid splits. The ForgeFast brand’s Elite Performance Anti-Split & FastStart Woodscrews do just that by providing an innovative double cutting point to reduce splitting and drive time Its anti-friction thread also prevents ‘jacking’ while a serrated cutting thread provides a firmer fix with reduced drive torque
For large scale jobs where time is of the essence, ForgeFast has developed self-drilling and low torque woodscrews with patented self-drilling threads, which
remove the need to pre-drill timber thereby hugely reducing the risk of splits The ergonomic designs mean it performs 20% faster, with 25% less torque meaning a prolonged batter y life.
As well as the mechanics and design of the screw, users should consider the screw ’ s application and protection. The screw ’ s coating can be purely aesthetic or totally practical A recent innovation from ForgeFast is the new Elementech 400 surface coating for corrosion resistance Screws with this have been salt spray tested for 400 hours, ensuring durable performance is maintained
The final piece of the jigsaw is making sure you ’ re happy with the aesthetic of the final product How the screw sits is a fundamental element of the project, and depending on the nature of its use it will either be countersunk or not countersunk
ForgeFast’s leading countersunk screw is the MDF and chipboard flooring screw, which is specifically designed for fixing flooring grade boards to timber structures Its molecular lubrication reduces friction for easier driving, while its underhead ribs are designed for king
sh secure finish ng
he uses and bilities of timber rews has expanded, so has the size of screws available in each genre. To
When it comes to working with wood, Tony Armitt, Commercial Director at ForgeFix, explains that in terms of screws, one size really doesn’t fit all. And while the range of sizes, finishes, coatings and head types is hugely varied, the fundamental elements of any good screw are the ease with which it grips, its core strength and its finished look.
keep up with changes in demand, ForgeFix has recently expanded the sizes of product available within its market-leading Spectre TimberFix range, ensuring the end user has the versatility to employ this specialist product in a wider range of settings
Spectre incorporates a long list of advanced screw features, often only found in premium screws, into a highly effective multi-purpose wood screw. Some of the screw ’ s key multi-purpose features include a quick start slashed point, saw tooth ribs to prevent splitting and synthetic lubrication to speed insertion
It’s clear that there are several variables to selecting the right screw However, be it the core materials, the innovative designs or through product research and development, ForgeFix continues to diversify its range of timber products to tick all the necessar y boxes and ensure end users can select the right screw for ever y project
n For more information on the full range of products and support ser vices for merchants available from ForgeFix, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj022
EGGER UK
OSB T&G ROOFING BOARDS
Egger UK has launched its new OSB T&G Roofing Board, a lightweight and easy to install product for use in flat roof construction With BBA certification, the roofing boards can be utilised by all NHBC and LABC warranty sites and are said to be ideal for warm roof constructions on domestic or commercial projects
Suitable for use with a wide range of waterproof coverings and roofing membranes, such as single ply, pour and roll, torch on felts, fibre glass, EPDM and more, the boards offer enhanced site flexibility For example, each board only weighs 16kg which allows for safer manual handling whilst with 50 boards per pack reducing the total weight this eliminates the risk of overloading decks and improves distribution opportunities for harder to access areas
As with its range of structural flooring boards, the OSB T&G Roofing Boards provide a sustainable solution for construction projects and are manufactured using sustainably sourced timber Furthermore, Egger also provides customers with the option to order half loads, combining the roofing boards with its structural flooring products
n Find out more via the shortcode www rdr link/mbj023
JAMES LATHAM QUARTER SAWN TULIPWOOD
SR TIMBER CCPI COMPLIANCE
SR Timber received confirmation earlier in the year that its Premium Gold roofing batten complies with the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) This allows the business to promote the CCPI mark on the product with the third-party assessment confirming that all the product information provided by the manufacturer on its graded BS5534 roofing batten complies with the CCPI clauses that the information is “clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date, and unambiguous,” making it easier for purchasers to make an informed choice
Trading Director Shaun Revill said: “We are thrilled to be one of the first roofing batten suppliers to comply with this standard I have always agreed with the ethos of the CCPI, and we committed to it some time ago. We have worked diligently to provide evidence and information to support our adherence to the clauses
“Our processes for managing product information were assessed, and we completed training for our staff and external suppliers We strongly support the Code and are delighted to have passed this extremely robust assessment, which gives our Premium Gold roofing batten recognition for providing trustworthy and accurate product information ”
n Enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj024 for further information.
WEST FRASER CABERDEK
Already widely used across the construction industry to create floors, terraces and flat roofs which will withstand wet weather for up to seven weeks before being permanently protected, West Fraser reports that its “genuinely rugged” CaberDek boards have now been granted BBA approval for a significantly longer, 60 day period
Meeting BS EN312: part 5 standards, CaberDek provides a secure working surface with its robust non-slip film that will withstand the impacts, punctures and tears common on construction sites. When required, the film is easy to peel off, leaving behind a clean, undamaged surface ready for various floor finishes CaberDek is available in a convenient T&G format, measuring 600mm wide by 2400mm long
n Use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj025 for further details.
The leading independent timber and panel distributor has collaborated with its long-term sawmill partner, Pennsylvania-based Horizon, to introduce a “pioneering new timber product” quarter sawn Tulipwood Whilst regular Tulipwood is already commonplace within the UK, the new product is said to be the only quarter-sawn tulipwood currently available on the market and changing the way the log is cut (quarter sawn) is said to dramatically reduce the tension within the timber, resulting in straighter grain, greater stability, reduced movement, and therefore increased yield
Exclusive to James Latham, it has been developed in response to specifier and contractor calls for a “superior, stable, and sustainable material” for a range of specific interior joinery purposes, including kitchen doors and cabinetry
James Latham is also celebrating its recent success at the prestigious TTJ Awards, scooping-up four accolades including the prestigious grand prix, Timber Trader of the Year. The business also secured wins for Hardwood Trader of the Year and the Marketing Excellence Award whilst Mateusz Miczek, Operations Supervisor at James Latham Leeds, picked up the Career Development Over-25 award
n For more on James Latham’s award-winning services and extensive product portfolio, use www.rdr.link/mbj026
Ubbink Ventus and Valetis
The new Ventus Adjustable Pitch duct and Valetis Universal Air extraction duct are billed as “the no-compromise roof duct combination!”
The high-performance products are suitable for flat and pitched roofs, and are said to offer easy installation whilst avoiding shading with solar panel installations Go to www.rdr.link/mbj027 for more information.
Saniflo Sanisub 800
designed to remove flood water from domestic or commercial properties, the “small but mighty” Sanisub 800 submersible pump is said to be the perfect solution for any professional dealing with a flood situation The versatile unit can also be converted into a low suction pump for residual water, and is backed by a two-year warranty and technical support
Use www rdr link/mbj029 to find out more.
Wavin
Hep2O Keyless
Scangrip Scangrip Connect
The Hultafors Group brand has provided an illuminating ad the highlight its universal lighting solution for all battery packs With Scangrip smart connectors said to be compatible with every major 18/20V power tool brand, your customers will never be left in the dark on site Use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj028 to find out more.
A subtle twist on the popular Original Hep2O Key, the all-new Keyless option provides a simple key-free ‘twist and push’ solution for easy demounting
Scan the Qr code or find out more by entering the shortcode www rdr link/mbj030
Tesa
74613 PRO Duct tape
Produced with 63% post-consumer recycled material (Pcr), the new duct tape from tesa is said to ensure excellent adhesion even on rough and dusty surfaces as well as offering outstanding performance for the environment
Discover more via www rdr link/mbj031
In print via merchant trade counters and through an ever-increasing digital reach, Professional Builder and Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer magazines seek to inform and engage with over 200,000 industry professionals every month.
PBM considers a selection of the advertising campaigns from the latest issues of PB and PHPI, which are helping to create awareness and pull-through sales opportunities at merchant branches nationwide.
Glow-worm
A whole team behind you
A great-looking ad highlights the back-up and support available from the boiler manufacturer, outlining the ways in which its customers have a “whole team of experts” behind them in addition to easy-to-use apps, a rewarding loyalty programme and a dedicated regional business manager
A quick scan of the Qr code on the ad outlines how installers can contact their aforementioned rbm, and we are informed they are equally adept at supporting merchants too Use www.rdr.link/mbj032 to find out more
Maincor
Underfloor Heating Systems
Drayton TRV4
manufactured in drayton’s UK factory and rigorously tested to ensure reliability and quality, the supplier says its TrV4 range is britain’s best loved and, in the words of the ad, have been “inspiring poor imitations since 1992 ” boasting a host of features, including an Anthracite model to complement the growing popularity of anthracite radiators, the campaign artwork highlights how your customers can gain double points on the TrV4 when they sign up for the drayton rewards+ loyalty scheme
Take a closer look at the range via www.rdr.link/mbj033
backed by “German engineering and great british know-how,” maincor says its underfloor heating systems offer a host of advantages for installers including a fast design quote turnaround, a full warranty and technical back-up as required
Merchants can find out more via www.rdr.link/mbj035
Vokèra
Pinnacle & Synergy boilers
The ‘all new ’ models are said to be packed with installer-friendly features The Pinnacle, for example, has been “completely renewed in technology and design” whilst the revamped Synergy is “lightweight, compact in size and with a universal pipework layout for easy boiler replacements ” extra rewards points are available for your customers via the Vokèra Affinity scheme, whilst the Qr codes take you to a punchy YouTube explainer video for each model
Enter the shortcode www rdr link/mbj034 for the full picture
Encon Construction Products
New Product Guide
Designed to help builders’ merchants navigate an extensive choice of product solutions to support their customers’ building projects, Encon Construction Products a specialist distribution division of The Encon Group has unveiled the latest version of its Construction Product Guide. This latest edition of the digital resource includes extended ranges from leading manufacturers such as TenCate and Visqueen in addition to a range of products from new manufacturers to the Guide such as FOSROC, Manthorpe and Evolution Fasteners.
For added convenience and ease, the Guide is organised by six key market sectors: Concrete & Reinforcement Accessories, Construction Chemicals, Geotechnical and Groundworking Products, Masonr y Components and Waterproofing More detailed information, including technical data sheets, is available through Encon’s comprehensive online catalogue, helping customers access all the information they
need, they n Sal Richar comm has co was in release 2022, tool fo “We are pleased to release this second edition, with greater choice from trusted brands reflecting our continue growth in this market The Guide helps customers find what they need easily and quickly and understand how their projects can benefit.”
He added: “With more choice, reliable support via our national branch network and experienced teams, our Construction
j p catalogue it reinforces our leading position as ‘ The Distributor of Choice’ across all our markets.”
n The new Construction Products Guide is available as an online flipbook via www.rdr.link/mbj036, while a PDF version is also available for download
Carl Kammerling International
New website
Arevamped website from CKI has been launched to deliver an enhanced user experience via a streamlined design and optimised navigation New features such as dynamic filtering, product carousels and an improved layout allow users to browse and discover product solutions from CKI’s bestselling product portfolio more quickly and efficiently than ever before.
In addition, a new trade portal provides a more streamlined ordering experience for wholesale customers, providing quick access to product details, pricing and order tracking all in one place across leading CKI brands including C.K Tools, Avit, Kasp and Clipacore Furthermore, a new ‘Quick add’ functionality allows new lines to be placed directly into a cart for added efficienc y
Trade Marketing Executive Elliot Davis said: “Innovation is central to our ethos and we ’ re always seeking ways to develop and improve our offering to meet the evolving needs of our customers, and our website plays a key role in that We’re confident that
our new website will better support wholesalers, retailers and professionals alike, as well as reflecting the high level of ser vice and quality expected from the CKI brand ”
n Take a look via www.rdr.link/mbj037
KNIPEX LIMITED EDITION PLIERS
Offering “something truly special for tool enthusiasts,” KNIPeX has launched a limited edition of its renowned cobra Water Pump Pliers Available in striking packaging and featuring a striking bicolour design, the 180mm cobra pliers come in a half-bright chromeplated, half-dark phosphate finish, complemented by sleek black plastic grips
Said to be more than just a collector’s item, the pliers are “packed with high-tech features designed for performance” including a fine adjustment mechanism for precise control, a gripping width of up to 42mm and hardened teeth for a strong, lasting grip, even during intensive use
Discover more via www rdr link/mbj038
WERNER MULTI-TRADE BROCHURE
Werner says it is making it easier than ever before for UK multitrade professionals to access its wide range of ladder solutions with the launch of a new product brochure that collates its complete offering to the sector in one place, for the very first time
The brochure features a huge range of versatile products suitable for multi-trade use, including Fibreglass Stepladders for interior work, box Section extension Ladders for exterior work, High Handrail Step Ladders for more complex work at height and Telescoping extension Ladders for multi-trade professionals who need to frequently transport their ladders between jobs
For more information, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj039
DRAYTON
DOUBLE POINTS OFFER
This heating season, drayton is “giving installers even more reason to love its best-selling digistat” with a new everyday low price in merchants nationwide and an additional points incentive through its drayton rewards+ loyalty scheme
In its latest version, the digistat range now offers “industryfirst bluetooth connectivity,” allowing for in-home app control when it comes to creating and adjusting heating schedules Via drayton rewards+, installers can now claim double points on every digistat registered before the end of the year which can be redeemed against a range of items, from branded workwear through to drayton products, such as the gland seal multipack, Wiser kits, TrV4s and digistats Go to www rdr link/mbj040 for further info
JEFFERSON TOOLS AUTUMN-WINTER CATALOGUE
PJH BATHROOMS2GO
EXTENDED RANGE & BROCHURE
Launched at the end of last year to offer an affordable and comprehensive ‘ onestop’ range of popular bathroom products, PJH says its bathrooms2GO brand collection has proven so successful that the range has been extended and a new Autumn/Winter brochure has been unveiled
Said to feature even more industryleading deals and savings across all bathroom categories, the merchantfriendly collection is “backed the usual first class PJH customer service and delivery benefits” including “excellent stock-holding levels” across the distributor’s network with Next day delivery to 93% of UK postcodes available to a branch or home address
The new, larger 44-page catalogue can be viewed via www.rdr.link/mbj041 whilst PJH also offers a counter-top stand for printed copies, capable of holding 50 brochures.
Featuring “ more than 2,000 rigorously tested product lines” in its new 223-page catalogue, Jefferson Tools is showcasing an even broader selection of essential tools and equipment including industrial heaters, power generators and lighting solutions
Furthermore, the Autumn-Winter 2024-2025 catalogue also introduces a range of brandnew products such as high-quality air tools and digital measuring instruments National Sales manager darren binns said: “The expanded format not only introduces new products but also includes in-depth technical specifications and helpful guides, making it easier than ever to find exactly what every professional needs ” Check out the catalogue online via www.rdr.link/mbj042
For more examples of supplier support for merchants on the PBM website, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj043
“Tailored
for the trade”
Yorkshire-based Bartoline has expanded its existing over the counter trade range named ‘1876 The Professional Range’ by a further 27 SKUs, following its incarnation in 2022.
Continuing what the well-known decorating essentials company bills as “the same application in product development and reformulating competitively priced trade products,” Bartoline’s supplementar y launch focuses on repairs to exterior and interior surfaces, including coverage of extensive broad walls.
Tailored for decorators and the building trade, ‘1876 The Professional Range’ now broadens to a total of 59 SKUs, covering interior and exterior fillers, both powdered and ready-mix, white spirits, plaster skim, wallpaper adhesives, caulk and sanitar y and frame sealants Following customer demand, the expansion of SKUs also considers extra pack sizes added to existing products
Furthermore, Bartoline is introducing two broad wall repair products a leveller for small imperfections up to 2mm, and a smoother for surfaces with deeper imperfections up to 5mm The pair are described as being “quick and easy to use smoothing solutions” and in effect,
according to the company, are targeted for decorators without the requirement of sourcing a plasterer.
Trade Account Director Rebecca Airey commented: “Professional decorators and over the counter trade sales remain the target market for Bartoline’s 1876 trade range. For the builders’ merchant, ‘1876
The Professional Range’ establishes Bartoline as a single source for a comprehensive range of decorating supplies with all the efficiencies that provides “We’re delighted to bring to market further choice with our new interior and exterior fillers We initially launched with a core decorative offer for professionals However, these additions offer another credible option when the shopper is seeking wall repair products that achieve high quality results ” Rebecca continues that “the
“For the builders’ merchant, ‘1876 The Professional Range’ establishes Bar toline as a single source for a comprehensive range of decorating supplies with all the efficiencies that provides.”
comprehensiveness and quality” of the range, along with Bartoline’s “competitive pricing, short supply chain, and ability to meet short lead times” will make the trade range expansion a continued success on the marketplace
Newly appointed MD, Peter Sutcliffe added: “We have some really exciting innovations to bring through the Trade and DIY market over the next 18 months and we endeavour to continue answering demand and provide trusted results the end-user can rely on ”
n For more information on the expanded ‘1876 The Professional Range’ and Bartoline’s support ser vices for merchant stockists, use the shortcode www rdr link/mbj044
RUSSELL ROOF TILES BUTE3
Said to be the first of its kind in the UK, the new Bute3 is a triple interlocking, multipurpose concrete roof tile Russell Roof Tiles asserts that its innovative design and six colour options “provide the first real alternative to small-format concrete, natural clay and slate roof coverings” whilst it is also “33% quicker to install than other thinner leadingedge interlocking tiles ”
Manufactured at high production speeds at the supplier’s brand new £18 5million fully automated line in Burton on Trent, designed specifically for this product, the extensive investment in design and development means the all-new triple tile has the strength and characteristics of a regular large format tile Suitable for roofs with a pitch as low as 25° (22 5° site dependent), the triple-tile format allows for excellent coverage with only 10 9 tiles per square metre
n Use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mbj045 to learn more.
GEOWORKS WEEDSHIELD
The geosyntehtics arm of Wrekin Products has added to its domestic range with the launch of Weedshield Offering a solution for contractors, housebuilders and homeowners seeking to tackle the growing issue of weed control, the newly developed product along with FasTrack Shield, forms a comprehensive range of weed suppression fabrics
Designed with both functionality and quality in mind, the range includes distinct variants to meet specific gardening and landscaping needs from lightweight weed suppression for bedding plants and flower beds to a heavy-duty geotextile suitable for use beneath decking, patios and pathways
n Go to www.rdr.link/mbj046 to discover more.
REGATTA PROFESSIONAL HI-VIS RANGE
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Regatta Professional has launched a new range of highvisibility (hi-vis) clothing, designed to offer maximum visibility, protection and comfort across various working environments. The range is available in yellow and orange colourways and includes Class 3 hi-vis products offering the highest level of visibility and safety clothing for workers
n For further details, visit www.rdr.link/mbj047
RED GORILLA ‘VERSATILE’ SPOT BOARD
Described as a game-changing spot board with a unique, patented design, the new Red Gorilla Versatile allows multiple tiles to be connected seamlessly to expand workspaces or protect larger areas with ease The innovative tool is not only a reliable spot board but also a versatile solution for protecting walls, floors and more With its clip-on system, multiple boards can be joined together to suit any job, and it is available with a foldable stand and clips which can be purchased separately or as part of a bundle Both the tile and stand are lightweight, durable and easy to transport, ensuring convenience from site to site
n Head to www.rdr.link/mbj048 for more information.
MIRKA DEXOS 1217 M AFC DUST EXTRACTOR
Mirka UK has expanded its extractor range with the new DEXOS 1217 M AFC dust extractor This M class extractor is said to blend power and versatility to ensure users have a dust-free work environment
Powered by a 200-watt brushless electric motor, the versatile product can handle both wet and dry applications as well as being compatible with multiple tool types With automatic filter cleaning capabilities and two sockets with auto start capabilities, the dust extraction system activates simultaneously with the power tool so dust and debris are captured as soon as the tool is in use
n Find out more via www.rdr.link/mbj049 or watch a DEXOS webinar through www.rdr.link/mbj050
AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES PICCOLO SETTS
Billed as a versatile, low-carbon alternative to traditional clay pavers, the premium concrete block paving Piccolo Setts combine traditional aesthetics with modern materials to offer a direct alternative to Dutch clay pavers
Available in four custom blended colour ranges Terracotta, Sepia, Smoke, and Twilight and manufactured in the UK, the slimline solution is said to produce around 50% less carbon compared to traditional clay pavers
n More info awaits via www.rdr.link/mbj051
n For more details on these and other new products on the PBM website, enter shortcode www rdr link/mbj052
PA C K I N G T H E M I N
As is tradition, there’s a packed fixture list over the Christmas period whilst early December also sees a set of midweek games Indeed, the next month or so is a pivotal time in the Fantasy Premier League calendar, with plenty of transfer decisions to be made and also a reminder that if it remains unused, the first Wildcard chip needs to be activated before the end of the year
Of course, even though I’ve been playing this game for years, I still need to realise that ‘form over fixtures’ is a vital mantra
Captaining a so-so Sola nke for an up and down Tottenham against Ipswich recently is just one example of how this can let you down Sticking with the usually imperious Ha al and could be another…
Ditching the top scorer of the last two seasons, in a team almost certain to be up there at the business end, seems a little rash. City will doubtless bounce back soon enough from their recent poor form (and are still second ), whilst Haaland already broke his barren spell against Brighton but he just eats up so much of your team value. Could your overall team perform better by spreading those funds around?
Budgetary constraints aside, the real trick to this game is balancing that form v fixtures equation, keeping faith with those currently racking up the points even if they are about to face a tougher run and the absolute key spotting those about to tur n their fortunes around
I feel Wolves are a good example of the latter The likes of M a t h e u s C u h n a and R a y a n A ï t - N o u r i have already been ticking over nicely of late, despite the club playing a lot of the big sides in a start which has seen them mostly in the relegation zone A long run of more agreeable fixtures has seen that start to change already.
A retur n to fitness for A l e x a n d e r I s a k could help Newcastle to get their season back on track, whilst a new manager could really see B r u n o F e r n a n d e s et al kick on at Man United Similarly, I think it is worth keeping faith with the likes of A i n a , S e l s , and, especially, C h r i s Wo o d who have been performing so well under the stewardship of Nuno Espirito Santo at Forest
G R O U N D S F O R O P T I M I S M
Increasingly a pit of despair, social media still presents some fabulous gems on occasion and I loved the story that popped up on my timeline about the repurposed Tesco trolley park that now serves as ‘grandstand’ at non-league Teversal FC’s ground near Mansfield! Google it !
This led me down a larger internet rabbit hole about unusual football stadia A perennial favourite of mine is that of Slovakian amateur football club TJ Tatran Cierny Balog which has a railway line BETWEEN the stands and the pitch, whilst I was also taken by Qatar’s Al-Shamal Sports Club which, complete with turrets, was modelled on the nearby Al Zubara Fort
Possibly the strangest discovery was plans for a ‘twin stadium’ for Liverpool and Everton I don’t remember this story, found on the Liverpool Echo website from 2010 (take a look via ww w rd r l ink/ mb j05 3), and it is difficult to discern if it was ever a serious suggestion but it looks absolutely crazy
With Bramley-Moore Dock nearing completion for the Toffees and significant upgrades of Anfield in recent seasons, I don’t think either club will be looking back and wondering ‘if only ’
