Professional Builders Merchant December 2023 by Hamerville Media Group

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PROFESSIONAL

BUILDERS MERCHANT THE No.1 BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR MERCHANTS

DECEMBER 2023

PLUMBING & HEATING Water treatment, Underfloor heating & Part L compliance

TIMBER & JOINERY Roofing safety

WORKWEAR & EQUIPMENT Seasonal stock rotation

Fantasy Football Festive fixtures

Plus: Industry news, Future Homes Standard, marketing support, branch openings and more.

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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CONTENTS TIMBER & JOINERY 26

MEETING QUALITY STANDARDS TDUK outlines the importance of stocking, selling and installing correctly graded roofing battens.

WHATEVER THE WEATHER Panel products that are up to the job.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

PBM December 2023, Volume 33 No. 11

PLUMBING & HEATING 32

SO SOLID CREW Changing the status quo in residential water treatment as DosaFil launches a range of ‘solid’ inhibitors, cleaners and biocides.

COME IN FROM THE COLD In conversation with Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes.

ADDED EXTRAS Profit opportunities with vital pipework accessories. THE LOWDOWN ON LOW TEMPERATURE HEATING Implications of the changes to Part L and the advantages of underfloor heating solutions. ELECTRIC DREAMS Selling the customer benefits of ‘designing out’ errors in UFH systems.

SWITCHED ON The launch of Stelrad’s Electric Series of radiators.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

SPECIAL REPORTS 11 AT THE COALFACE SME trade perspectives in the Federation of Master Builders’ quarterly survey. 18 ONGOING TRANSITION Assessing the domestic heating market, from boiler sales to heat pumps. 20 SEASONAL SALES OPPORTUNITIES When it comes to workwear, the rhythm of the seasons always sets the beat. 22 FABRIC FIRST THINKING Considering thermal performance in the face of regulatory changes. 24 GROWING SALES WITH SOLAR Capitalising on the burgeoning demand for solar PV.

REGULARS 5

VIEWPOINT

NEWS

MARKET MONITOR

MERCHANT FOCUS

BMF TRAINING ZONE

PEOPLE NEWS

MARLEY ROOFING REWARDS

MARKETING SUPPORT

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX

FANTASY FOOTBALL

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VIEWPOINT

Clearing a path I

n the face of yet more reports decrying the state of the market at present, we’re still trying to find some glimpses of light amidst the darkness. In this issue alone, we consider some of the gloomy pronouncements from the Construction Leadership Council, the Federation of Master Builders and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors however, as ever, there are plenty of positive stories of merchants continuing to defy expectations and outline pathways to success. Our regular Merchant Focus feature, for example, showcases a number of firms to have recently continued their plans to go for growth by opening new branches whilst others have signed up to membership of some of the sector’s leading buying groups to expand their product offering, secure better purchasing deals and drive profits. We’re also encouraged by stories of innovative new partnerships being forged or new initiatives being introduced that, in the need to offer customers an enticing USP, will surely help to ensure sustained footfall. Throughout the issue, we also focus on the opportunities presented by the sustainable solutions that will inevitably form a vital part of the construction industry’s future. From the comprehensive product portfolio offered by Robert Price’s Sustainable Energy Centre to a series of articles discussing the growing sales potential for solar PV, heat pumps, low temperature underfloor heating systems and electric radiators to ‘fabric first’ advantages of high-performance thermal blocks, we are

PROFESSIONAL

BUILDERS MERCHANT THE No.1 BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR MERCHANTS

DECEMBER 2023

PLUMBING & HEATING

“In addition to helping meet both national and global climate targets, such measures are also designed to reduce long-term costs for individuals and businesses alike — even if there are significant upfront costs to overcome.” surely well beyond thinking that ‘eco-friendly’ is some form of passing fad. Furthermore, in addition to helping meet both national and global climate targets, such measures are also designed to reduce long-term costs for individuals and businesses alike — even if there are significant upfront costs to overcome. For all the furore over Rishi Sunak’s recent pronouncements, the Government has only committed to delaying certain markers on the path to net zero — the overall ambition remains. One can argue the merits, or otherwise, of this as a strategy but the direction of travel continues to be broadly uncontested. It was therefore somewhat alarming to read the results of a survey conducted by trades and homeowner ‘matchmaking’ service, MyBuilder.com (use the shortcode www.rdr.link/may001 for more details). In the wake of the PM’s comments, the organisation ran consumer research which revealed “complete confusion and lack of understanding” about the ultimate intention to phase out oil and gas home heating solutions by 2035.

Editor Paul Davies

Design Adeel Qadri

Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey craig@hamerville.co.uk Tel: 07900 248102

Group Production Manager Carol Padgett

Water treatment, Underfloor heating & Part L compliance

TIMBER & JOINERY Roofing safety

WORKWEAR & EQUIPMENT

Fantasy Football

Seasonal stock rotation

Plus: Industry news, Future Homes Standard, marketing support, branch openings and more.

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

Advertisement Manager Ian Duff Tel: 01204 596633/ 07810 353525 probuilder@sky.com

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

Production Assistant Kerri Smith

Circulation Manager Kirstie Day

The headline findings revealed that more than 70% don’t know how much replacing a boiler system would cost whilst 48% have no idea if the ban would even affect them. Some 61% “don’t know what a heat pump is…” When delving deeper, 65% believe that the current financial incentives on offer “are not enough to make them switch” whilst 69% of homeowners support a 10-year delay to the ultimate boiler ban. As speculated by some of our contributors, the Sunak interregnum may ultimately afford the time for technological solutions to improve and for certain costs to come down. Legislation will ultimately be a driver for the new build market, and for the wider sector to invest in training and upskilling the essential workforce needed to fit them. However, it is clear any that slowing of the pace of change must also mean using the delays to better educate and inform homeowners about the best solutions for their properties. Undoubtedly, that is a responsibility we must all share, but what an opportunity it also presents...

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NEWS UPDATE CCF LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT TRACEABILITY TRIAL

Track and trace Inspirational training Simon Acres Group has launched a new online training module for new starters, apprentices and those who are considering a career as a builders’ merchant. The course has been developed in partnership with Andy Gamble, the former MD of RGB Building Supplies who has recently retired after 40+ years of experience in the industry. The module offers an exclusive insight into a ‘day in the life’ of working in this dynamic industry and contains Andy’s invaluable ‘merchanting smart tips’ to help learners take their careers to the next level. Andy said: “I’ve dedicated my entire career to the builders’ merchanting industry, and I understand the challenges, triumphs, and the importance of exceptional customer service that you encounter daily. I want to be a guide, drawing from my decades of hands-on experience to help those just beginning their careers to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come their way.” Enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may002 for further details.

Ventilation sales boost Klober has revealed an impressive 27.4% surge in year-on-year sales for its tile vent offering, which it attributes to growing awareness of the need to address roofspace ventilation. With new ventilation requirements coming into effect in 2025 under the Future Homes and Building Standard, Portfolio Manager Nick King said: “These trends present a clear picture. As the management of moisture in homes has become more crucial, we have seen an increased focus on retrofitting components that aid ventilation, which indicates growing awareness of the dangers of condensation and associated mould growth. “We’re keen to continue working with contractors and merchant customers to deliver efficient domestic solutions that preserve homeowner safety.”

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In what is said to be an industry first that underpins the ‘golden thread’ of product traceability, CCF has launched a new initiative which it describes as being the first steps towards offering its customers greater visibility on the journey products take from manufacture to site. The leading insulation, drywall, and ceiling products distributor has developed a process to provide a detailed ‘end to end’ report that tracks products from the manufacturer, at manufacturing batch level, through the distribution process and delivery to the goodsin location on a site. After months of in-house testing, CCF is currently trialling the new product traceability programme on a live project working with its supply chain partners Kingspan and Berkeley Group. Within this first phase, CCF is focusing on batch-level traceability of full pallets containing three Kingspan products for use at two of Berkeley Group’s sites. Utilising the unique GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), linking up with the manufacturer’s batch code, CCF can pull together a bespoke report showing which batch was delivered and where it was delivered to. The results of this first phase will help shape the next stage of this initiative, with CCF aiming to launch phase two which will expand the scope of the trials in the early part of 2024. Catherine Gibson, CCF Managing Director, said: “In a world where we expect sustainability and product safety to be verifiable, the traceability of building materials from the supply

chain is becoming increasingly important. We know this is an issue that really matters to our customers, and that the majority of traceability checks currently are done manually. “CCF, with its extensive and trusted supply chain, will play a key role in developing a more accurate, data driven solution that will provide the detailed information customers require in a much smarter way.” Catherine continued: “Our suppliers have expressed a desire for us to develop a system for batch traceability, and our customers are searching for a first-step to batch level identification on site. In order to explore this, we created a working group with a manufacturer — Kingspan Insulation — and a customer — Berkeley Group; both of whom share our determination to create solutions for our customers that are innovative by design, practical to implement and above all, drive positive change.”

New Master for WCoBM Alan Hawkins has been installed as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) in a recent ceremony which took place at London’s historic Drapers’ Hall. During his year in office, the Master will be supported by Senior Warden Stephen Boyer and Junior Warden Lucia Di Stazio (pictured). The ceremony also acknowledged the role of other Court Assistants, including Kevin Fenlon as the new Keeper of the Roll and the appointment of Julian Milligan as a Court Assistant. Four new Liverymen were clothed during the ceremony — Jamie Fisher, William Dodds, Rachel Fryers and Mike Murphy. During his Installation speech, the Master said he wanted to spend his year focusing on how trust and friendship leads to good business. He said: “The Company’s events are a good way of building and cementing relationships. If you like someone, then you build trust, and working together is so much

better and more pleasurable. “Becoming Master is a great honour that I do not take lightly, and I am to fulfil the obligations to the best of my ability. I aim to champion diversity, equality and inclusion within the Company, and to support green policy agendas through the Livery Climate Action Group and Pollinating London.” The Master’s year is sponsored by Alumasc, Lawsons, NMBS, Keystone Group, TradeKart, H+H, Encon Insulation, Reisser, Thor Hammer, BMF and Marsh Industries.

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EMAIL: PBM@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK

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FURTHER DROP IN HOUSEBUILDING SEES UK CONSTRUCTION WORKLOADS FALL

RICS survey paints sombre picture Construction workloads in the UK have turned negative in Q3 driven by a drop in housebuilding and the current financial challenges, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Construction Monitor. The headline reading, which captures workload activity for the whole of the construction industry, saw a net balance of -10% of respondents reporting a decrease in activity in the quarter — which the RICS says is its most downbeat result since the early months of the pandemic. Looking at individual sectors, infrastructure is still growing although is now showing a slowdown (+10% vs +17% in Q2) as are public works (net balance of +8% vs +14% Q2). All other segments are now seeing a fall. The largest fall is in private housebuilding where the net balance has dropped from -12% to -26%, reflecting the challenges housebuilders are facing with slower sales and tougher prices. Public housing, private industrial and private commercial workloads are also declining. In addition, RICS reports that new business

enquiries when taken across the sector are now also negative with a reading of +6% in Q2 dropping to -2% in Q3. Given the further tightening in monetary policy over the summer, a net balance of +38% of respondents report that the credit environment is becoming more restrictive, and two thirds of contributors view finance as limiting current activity. A higher number of respondents are also now saying that inadequate demand is impacting business plans — this measure has been steadily climbing and is now at its highest level since the final three months of 2020. As workload drops, the challenges around recruitment in the industry continue to ease although they still remain significant. Just over half of the contributors to the survey cite labour supply as an issue with roughly 40% of respondents still drawing attention to problems in hiring the likes of bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Looking ahead, only around one-third of respondents anticipate an increase in productivity over the course of the next year.

BMF expands in Ireland The Builders Merchants Federation has extended its group membership agreement with Topline Group, one of the leading buying groups in Ireland, bringing a further 42 merchant members into the BMF fold. This is in addition to the 12 Topline members who joined in 2022 and is part of a three-year development plan announced at that time, to bring the majority of its merchants into BMF membership. Hugh O’Donnell, Topline Group CEO, said: “Building long-term partnerships with the best suppliers and support organisations has always been important to us. The BMF has established itself as a useful and valuable

resource for Topline Group members that joined last year. We are delighted that a larger cohort of our members will now benefit from the BMF’s full range of training and support services and hope we can extend BMF membership further in future.” Taken together with the BMF’s agreement with the Allied Merchants Buying Association, BMF membership in Ireland now totals more than 70 merchants with the trade federation on track to end the year with a total of 950 members across the UK and Ireland.

60th party for NMBS Close to 1,200 independent builders’ merchants and suppliers came together to celebrate a milestone year for NMBS at its annual dinner dance on 28 October in the Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. Welcoming guests and thanking them for their support during NMBS’s 60 years, CEO Chris Hayward said: “When deciding how to mark our 60th year, we launched our 60th Anniversary Commemorative Apprenticeship scheme, where NMBS made a pledge to work with the BMF and LEAP to introduce a scheme that will ensure at least 60 new apprentices will be taken on as employees in 2023. I am pleased to report that we have achieved that goal and are now striving to get 100 by the end of this year.” Pavestone’s Aaron Frogley was presented with the Tatton Award, named after NMBS’s first CEO John Tatton, which recognises an individual who has excelled in the workplace and wider community. Aaron deservedly received the accolade for helping to raise over £600,000 for charity through the Pavestone Rally (and its Vado Rally predecessor). This year alone, the event raised over £200,000. During the Dinner Dance, guests also raised £11,000 for the CRASH charity.

KCS backs equality initiative Kerridge Commercial Systems has joined the drive for a more diverse and inclusive construction industry by signing up to the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) initiative that was launched at the BMF Annual Members’ Conference in September. James Mitchell, Managing Director of KCS in

the UK and Ireland, said: “Inclusivity is not just an aspiration, it’s an imperative. We have led the way in embracing diversity, equality and inclusion within the business software and IT industry. Joining the CIC not only reaffirms our dedication to these principles, it allows us to help drive tangible and positive change within

the construction industry, which we are proud to serve.”

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MARKET MONITOR in association with

CLC product availability update The latest report from the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability working group reveals that supply lines continue to be strong, albeit largely as a consequence of falling demand. PBM reports.

o-authored by BMF CEO John Newcomb and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, the statement (dated 31 October) outlines that “little had changed” from the previous bulletin in terms of product supply, with “good availability across all products and regions, similar to pre-pandemic levels.” However, this positive news must be tempered by the fact that it is “largely driven by a continuing overall decline in construction activity and, therefore, product demand.” Variations can be found across different sectors and regions “with demand in some remaining steady or declining only slightly, while others are experiencing more challenging conditions.” Private housebuilding, however, is revealed to be a key factor with confidence “proving volatile in the short term.” As an example, the report cites that, based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25% reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year. Similarly, cancellations and delays in infrastructure projects have weakened demand for primary

asphalts, ready mix, sand and gravel, with “rates of decline comparable to those last seen in 2009.” Builders’ merchant sales Sales through builders’ merchants, which had been better than expected in Q2, have now entered a downward trend and volumes are not expected to pick up until Q3/Q4 2024. This is leading to price softening across most product areas, the exceptions being products requiring high energy input to manufacture, and plumbing/HVAC and electrical. In line with the slowing market, brick, block and roof tile manufacturers are “balancing ‘just-in-time’ production levels and stock on the ground as storage is now proving challenging.” The authors note they are “keeping a careful eye on indicators to rebuild stocks when required.” Members of the PAG panel additionally highlighted growing problems of cash flow and liquidity, reflecting that “everyone in the industry, from clients through contractors and the materials supply chain has a role in addressing this.”

For example, builders’ merchants, providing that financial bridge between manufacturers and contractors, are experiencing slower payments from customers and more bad debts. Furthermore, PAG members are also aware that some companies in the sector have experienced credit rating downgrades which are impacting credit limits and putting additional pressure on those businesses and the wider industry. With the rate of insolvencies and administrations in construction continuing to rise, an expanded access to insurance is an area that all construction sectors need to address. Finally, the critical issue of labour and skills shortages across UK construction persists, with concerns compounded by fears that any prolonged downturn will result in further job losses and a smaller supply chain that is less capable of meeting demand when the market inevitably returns to growth. n For more information from the Construction Leadership Council, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may003

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SME TRADE WORKLOADS

Merchants may be interested in the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders which reveals the ‘views on the ground’ of its SME trades members.

At the coalface A

ccording to the FMB’s State of Trade Survey for Q3 2023, there has been a sharp decline in workloads, enquiries, and employment amongst small building companies with 40% of FMB builders reporting a decrease in the number of work enquiries. e good news, it contends, is that the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector continues to remain buoyant with most FMB members reporting increased workloads. Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, said: “The RMI sector remains fairly strong this quarter with more FMB members still seeing an increase in workload than a decrease, but worrying signs are on the horizon with a sharp drop off in enquiries. “House building continues to struggle with more members reporting less workloads than there are reporting more. There has also been a sustained decline in enquiries, suggesting the picture will continue to worsen. Housing is rising up the political agenda as evidenced at the recent party conferences and this new data highlights why the Government should be concerned at a time when we need to be building more, and not fewer, new homes.” Brian concluded: “The survey also highlights the continued pressure on

bottom lines, with members putting up prices to accommodate for economic adversity and inflationary pressures. Worryingly we’re also seeing over half of small building companies falling below their expected margins. As the Autumn Statement approaches the Chancellor needs to be mindful of steadying a fragile housing market.” FMB State of Trade Survey key findings: Market conditions l There has been a decrease in total workload, enquires and employment over Q3 of 2023, seemingly driven by a poor performing housebuilding and industrial and commercial sectors. l 40% of FMB members reported a decrease in enquiries. l RMI reported workloads remain positive, but have dropped off since Q2 2023. Skills l Overall, difficulty in recruitment has slightly increased. l 39% of members are struggling to hire carpenters with 35% struggling to hire bricklayers.

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There has been a sharp upturn in difficulty hiring general labourers, with 34% reporting problems (up from 25% in Q2) Half of FMB members report that jobs are delayed because they are struggling to hire skilled workers.

Impact of changes in prices and costs l 71% of members report that material costs increased in Q3 2023 with 55% expecting this to continue into the next quarter, which is an improvement on previous quarters. l The impact of increased outgoings has led to 71% of members increasing the prices they charge, with half reporting that the business in on track to make a loss or fall below expected margins. l Over a quarter report that they are restricting hiring new staff as a consequence of increased outgoings. n Released quarterly, the FMB State of Trade Survey is reportedly the longest running survey of its kind to track the experience of small to medium-sized (SME) construction firms in the UK. To view the full report, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may004

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MERCHANT FOCUS

PBM looks at some of the latest news stories from across the merchant sector including new branch openings, buying group membership agreements, the net zero debate and an exclusive tool and plant hire partnership. The Beesley & Fildes team (l-r): James Beesley, Commercial Director; Natalie Hale, Group Merchandiser; Claire Perryman, Huyton Shop Manager and Chris Taylor, Huyton Assistant Branch Manager.

BEESLEY & FILDES EASYTOOLHIRE PARTNERSHIP Beesley & Fildes has joined forces with easyToolhire to provide customers with access to discounted tool hire and equipment. Discounts on the extensive range of equipment will start from 10%, with greater savings available for repeat orders. Customers will also benefit from contactless delivery/collection, contactless payments and the ability to carbon offset their order at checkout. James Beesley, the merchant’s Commercial Director, said: “When we were approached by easyToolhire, there were obvious synergies, and we immediately recognised the benefits for our customers both locally and nationally. As easyToolhire’s exclusive partner in the north west, we can offer easy access to competitively priced tool and plant hire through our 11 regional branches as well as our website.” With more than 25 UK depots, easyToolhire is part of the easy family of brands. The company provides construction professionals and tradespeople with quality tool and plant hire at a good price at the touch of a button. Daniel Parker, easyToolhire’s Country Manager UK, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Beesley & Fildes and a company which is so well respected throughout the north west. As well as offering its customers discounted rates, we want to play a role in elevating the regional business and bringing a nationally recognised brand to local trades.”

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MGM TIMBER NEW ST ANDREWS BRANCH MGM Timber, established in 1991 and reputedly Scotland’s largest independent specialist timber merchant, has opened a new branch in St Andrews as the business looks to strengthens its brand across Scotland. The new depot is its fifteenth location and, following a programme of extensive customer research, the firm says that the new store has been designed to “offer an improved experience, with a focus on layout, range optimisation, visual presentation, and insitu displays.” The company states that this new in-store format will roll out across all locations in the coming months, along with an improved online and digital experience to help trade customers plan, estimate, and manage projects. MD Steve Galbraith said: “Our research showed that 70% of our customers believe our timber specialism is fundamental to our offering, and demonstrated that our quality, expertise, and product range are the key points of difference. Central to this is also our customer service, so we wanted to maximise this offering by ensuring all our branches provide a consistent experience with more clarity in our product ranges and improved retail displays, starting with our new location in St Andrews. “We know that our trade customers are busy and need to be able to manage their projects efficiently, and we hope our new branch will provide just that. And in creating this optimisation, we believe members of the public visiting our stores will also find that our new retail layout creates an even better experience. This is at the heart of everything we do.”

ROBERT PRICE MINISTERIAL VISIT The Newport branch of Robert Price Builders’ Merchants recently received a visit from Vaughan Gething MS to discuss the net zero carbon challenge. The Minister for Economy, who is also MS for Cardiff South and Penarth, was welcomed by the merchant’s MD William Godfrey and Sales Director David Pattison to the Sustainable Energy Centre within the branch. David Pattison, Kassie Williams, Vaughan Gething Discussing how South Wales’ largest MS, Eve Bruten, William Godfrey independent builders’ merchant is helping to upskill staff and trades within the construction industry on the path to net zero, he was given a tour of the SEC and the various product solution zones displayed there before attending a training session on Heat Pump installation in the branch’s training academy and handing the trainees their course completion certificates. The builders’ merchant opened the Sustainable Partnerships Manager Kassie Williams explains the history of the Sustainable Sustainable Energy Centre in 2022 in response Energy Centre to Vaughan Gething MS. to the ever-growing demand for product information and training in sustainable building technologies. To date the facility has offered over 10,000 hours of product, legislation and installation training to operatives, tradespeople, social housing providers and local councils.

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NATIONAL BUYING GROUP GREEN BROS Doncaster and Retford-based plumbing and electrical merchant Green Bros is the latest specialist independent to join National Buying Group (NBG) as the organisation continues to step up its recruitment programme. Founded in 2005, Green Bros is a family-run business with branches in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and Retford, Nottinghamshire. Led by brothers, James and Paul Green, the merchant has set its sights on further growth having established itself as one of the region’s leading suppliers of plumbing, electrical, kitchens and bathrooms to the trade. Having previously been part of a different buying group, James and Paul took the decision (L-R) Phil Bonar, New Partner Development & Recruitment Manager at NBG; Green Bros to make a change with a view to being more actively involved in category buying decisions as Directors James Green and Paul Green; and NBG MD Nick Oates. they look to diversify their product offering. Green Bros is the seventh new Partner to join NBG this year, with the buying group having reported a record level of new Partner enquiries back in May. In August alone, five independent merchants joined the group, bringing a range of specialisms including steel and timber.

H&B BUYING GROUP NEW MEMBERS

DULUX DECORATOR CENTRE CAN RECYCLING SERVICE

The expanding h&b has confirmed another pair of new members as Nicks Timber signs up to the ‘main’ group and Beccles Tile & Bathroom Centre joins the h&b Development Group. Nicks Timber, a Gloucester-based timber merchant and part of existing h&b member FW Morgan, plans to use this new affiliation to expand its product range to existing customers while maintaining its strong focus on timber. The timber merchant’s Phil McCormick said: “Nicks Timber’s commitment to quality in the timber sector is already well-established, and we look forward to expanding our offerings by making use of the h&b deals.” Beccles Tile & Bathroom Centre, meanwhile, has joined the h&b Development Group as part of its ongoing strategy to broaden its product offering and strengthen its presence in the plumbing trade sector in Norfolk and Suffolk. With the second generation of the Thurston family joining the business, it is expanding with the opening of a second site in the town — a trade depot offering a full portfolio of plumbing and heating supplies. The company’s David Thurston said: “We are excited to embark on this new chapter in our business journey by utilising h&b deals to significantly grow our plumbing trade business. This partnership with h&b will enable us to offer even more comprehensive solutions to our customers.”

Dulux Decorator Centre has announced that customers can now recycle any empty paint can from any brand at their local store, thanks to an update to its can recycling service. This improvement is designed to make can recycling simpler and easier for decorators and contractors, helping them to minimise the amount of waste being sent to landfill and maximise their environmental credentials. The service — in partnership with Veolia — is free for all customers who can either drop empties off in-store or arrange for collection when a delivery is being made to site. Plastic cans are shredded, washed and sent back to the plastics market, and metal cans are melted into new steel and returned to the general market to create tools and products. Duncan Lochhead, DDC Commercial Sustainability Manager, said: “By enabling paint cans from all brands to be recycled with us, we’re ensuring our customers can make responsible choices at every stage of their project — beginning with choosing our most sustainable paint products, to finally recycling their empty cans with us.” The business has also recently won the British Coatings Federation Award for Customer Service.

TRAVIS PERKINS NEW BRANCHES Travis Perkins was set to open its latest new branch, at Teal Park in Lincoln, on Monday 6th of November. The depot will create 28 jobs at the 3.05-acre site, which boasts Travis Perkins Hire facilities, a Benchmarx kitchen display showroom, a full Plumbing and Heating and Bathroom range in addition to a Hard Landscaping display area. As part of Travis Perkins’ broader commitment to minimise carbon emissions by 90%, the site will include electric forklift trucks, charging points, solar panels and a heat pump. These innovations will help the business deliver on its ambition of decarbonising its fleet and becoming a net-zero carbon producer by 2035. The move is the latest in Travis Perkins’ ongoing branch opening programme, and comes in close succession to the recent ribbon cutting at a new facility in Glenshellach Business Park in Oban following the relocation of the Soroba Road depot.

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TRAINING ZONE

The Fast Track to sales success Does a training course that generates £558,000 of additional sales sound too good to be true?

his is exactly what eight delegates from MGM Timber achieved from the Commercial Fast Track training programme, created for the BMF by Sue Reed — a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management (ISM) and BMF tutor. MGM Timber, which operates from 15 branches across Scotland, employs over 230 staff and supplies timbers, doors, floors, kitchens, ironmongery and sheet material, commissioned the Commercial Fast Track programme for six members of its internal sales team and two kitchen designers. Just four weeks after this programme ended, the business booked another for five more team members.

“The key learnings I took from the course made me a project maker and not just an order taker.” The programme consists of 10 half day virtual events –— one taking place every two weeks — followed by a 60-day commercial sales project against an allocated sales ledger, with a final presentation assessed by an MGM director and an external judge from the Institute of Sales Management Education. In recognition of their success, all delegates achieved academic certification endorsed by the ISME. Before the course began, delegates were introduced to the GiraffePad learning

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management system which is used throughout the programme and provided with a knowledge case containing key factsheets on self-development, six steps of the sales cycle, working smarter not harder and calls to action. Sue Reed worked closely with Steve Galbraith, the programme sponsor and Divisional Managing Director of Donaldson Retail & Distribution, an MGM company. While the financial return achieved by the programme is impressive, this was not Steve’s prime objective, as he explained: “The success of our business is all about our people and creating the opportunity for the next generation to come through is a key part of my role. But I don’t believe the success of training should be measured purely on a figure or ROI. “It should always be about the individual’s development. I’m delighted to see this cohort gain their first qualification, which will undoubtedly benefit them as individuals and the business in years to come.” Steve added: “The passion Sue has for training and developing people is simply outstanding and I can’t thank her enough for her contribution in developing our staff.” It’s clear from delegate feedback that Sue’s process works. For example, Bradley Sullivan, Internal Sales found the course helped him to understand buying methods and recognise different customer profiles and their preferences. He said: “My aim was to develop strong relationships and foundations of trust, which I succeeded in. Any improved sales were a bonus, but fortunately I was able to achieve this too.”

Patrick Keenan, Internal Sales added: “The key learnings I took from the course made me a project maker and not just an order taker.” ISME Judge Stella Round was also impressed, saying: “It’s truly an outstanding outcome. For Steve, the return on investment primarily revolved around observable behaviours. He has witnessed a substantial shift in professional approaches to sales. “The achieved numbers are nothing short of astonishing. The delegates exemplified just how impactful the programme has been both for them individually and the businesses they represent.”

“The achieved numbers are nothing short of astonishing. The delegates exemplified just how impactful the programme has been both for them individually and the businesses they represent.” n For more information on the Commercial Fast Track course and other BMF training programmes, email Kerry.wilson@bmf.org.uk or contact your Regional Manager.

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INDUSTRY COMMENT

Ongoing transition Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, offers his perspectives on the 2023 heating market and looks ahead to what 2024 could have in store.

t is always with optimism that we look forward to the new year, although I suspect 2024 will be much the same as 2023. Over the past year, we have seen a return to seasonality sales, whereby we had a very busy Q1 and part of Q2 before it went decidedly quiet during Q3. However, we are optimistic about a return to buoyant sales in Q4. What these trends demonstrate is that we are returning to a situation similar to what we were experiencing before the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which both had a significant impact on supply chains. Rising heat pump and hybrid installations From a technology perspective, we would expect gas boilers to remain the most dominant form of home heating technology to be sold in the UK market. However, there will likely be increasing sales of heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps. As of October 23rd, 2023 for example, homeowners were also able to apply for the increased Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 to help with the cost of replacing their existing gas or oil-fired boiler with an air-to-water heat pump or ground-source heat pump. The installation of heat pumps and hybrid systems offers up different challenges for merchants, particularly from a storage space perspective where a heat pump, the associated equipment and the hot water storage cylinder all take up valuable racking and floor space. On the positive side however, the value of that

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sale will always be more than a boiler, so — alongside the associated accessories needed for a heat pump installation — that will certainly be beneficial. As they have experienced in 2023, it’s likely most merchants will be hosting an increasing amount of breakfast mornings and meet-the-manufacturer-type events, offering them the opportunity to meet the vast number of installers coming through the doors to show and discuss the new products. Key policy updates expected In 2024, we will also hopefully see the consultations on various policy proposals such as the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, off-gas grid situation and Future Homes Standard be published. The results will give us more of an indication of what products and tech will need to be invested in. One thing for sure is that the ban on oil, LPG and coal-fired boilers — which was originally expected in 2026 as part of the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy — has now been deferred to 2035. From an industry perspective, this means that installers can continue installing traditional boilers for the next decade and so merchant branches in rural areas will still have to hold their normal off-gas grid heating solutions up until 2035 at the earliest. As we enter (what is likely to be) an election year, there is the prospect that 2024 could be a volatile time on the political landscape. 2023 has been interesting and at times, very unstable with several by-elections

“The installation of heat pumps and hybrid systems offers up different challenges for merchants, however the value of those sales will always be more than a boiler, so — alongside the associated accessories needed for installation — that will certainly be beneficial.” in constituencies previously held by the Conservatives resulting in other parties taking control. At the same time, there has also been a high turnover of cabinet ministerial positions and we have again seen another change in energy minister take place. However, overall, we expect that 2024 and 2023 will be very similar for merchants and the home heating industry in general, but just with a growth expectation for heat pumps and hybrid systems, with boiler sales remaining around the same level as in previous years. n For more information on the Worcester Bosch product portfolio and its support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may005

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PEOPLE NEWS

The Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has announced several changes to its leadership team, with Peter Cudd taking on the role of chief commercial Officer and Allun Pittingale becoming chief Operations Officer (cOO) for the Group. Toby Constable also takes on the role of md for South east merchanting, while Steve Wakeman becomes Group Operations director. ceO Martin Stables said: “These changes have been made to the IbmG board and management to accelerate the next stage of our growth and deliver our strategic development plans. bringing our sales and operational teams closer together to work alongside the central support functions is a key benefit to this new structure. congratulations to all.”

h&b Group has appointed Paul Paul Pamment Pennick as its new Procurement director, with a special focus on timber. Paul boasts a long career in merchanting, growing from yard operations to director-level roles, and from the very beginning of his career, he has been immersed in the world of buying and selling timber. In his new role, Paul will play a Paul Pennick “pivotal role in optimising the proﬁtability of timber products within the group and nurturing the development of the timber category at h&b.” The appointment follows the recent news that the Group has also named Paul Pamment as membership development director. Paul brings 30 years of industry experience to the role, having worked at both independent and national merchants, most recently at h&b member cT baker. He is tasked with recruiting, developing, guiding and assisting merchants into the h&b development Group, improving communication channels between the merchants and the Group and vice versa.

Following the announcement that Karen Boswell OBE is to leave Baxi Heating UK & Ireland at the end of November after three years as the company’s managing director, the business has conﬁrmed that Jan Rijnen will be taking over. Jan had been ceO of insulation specialist de Isolatieshop b.V. since 2021. Prior to that, Jan worked with bosch from 2003, and with bosch Thermotechnology Group since 2012, most recently as md at Neﬁt-bosch, one of the Netherlands’ largest central heating manufacturers.

Allun Pittingale

Peter Cudd

Adaptavate, the producer of carbon negative building materials, has welcomed Matt Roughton as its new Head of Operations. matt was the associate director of operations at GdS Instruments and will now play a key role in the company’s growth and acceleration plans to commercialise and scale its industrial processes globally. He said: “Having been a key member in a company transitioning from small business with big ideas to larger company, I felt that helping Adaptavate tackle similar challenges as it grows and aims to make a massive impact on not only the industry, but the environment was a great opportunity and ﬁt for my skills and passion.”

Kudos Shower Products has appointed Mark Batley as Senior business development manager. mark has 20 years of experience in the bathroom industry and has rejoined the ﬁrm to focus on supporting major customer accounts, working with distributors and stockists in addition to growing the number of Kudos retailers, including those approved for its Premium collection products.

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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WINTER WORKWEAR STOCKS

Modern trade professionals demand workwear that blends fashion with utility. Nick Poulson, UK Sales Manager at Carhartt, says the brand’s versatile range caters to both and as the seasons shift, merchants have a golden opportunity to offer fresh, weather-appropriate choices.

Seasonal sales opportunities

n a modern, dynamic world where style and efficiency matter, a work wardrobe must strike a balance between fashion and utility. Today’s trade professionals want to be stylish both on and off the job site, so the clamour for durable but fashionable workwear has led to a surge in the demand. It is a great opportunity for merchants, particularly as seasons shift, allowing for a fresh range of options to cater to customers who prioritise both style and functionality in their work clothes. Indeed, when it comes to workwear, the rhythm of the seasons always sets the beat. Carhartt has some timeless favourites including sturdy trousers, reliable jackets and cosy hoodies. But with two distinct workwear seasons — the lively spring/summer and the robust autumn/winter — there is a chance to unveil fresh collections. As such, merchants have a great opportunity to cater to the evolving needs of

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their customers by leveraging in-branch point-of-sale (POS) displays. Strategically positioned and thoughtfully designed displays, along with eye-catching signage and banners, have the potential to grab the attention of potential customers in search of new and reliable workwear. Attractive in-branch displays can be pivotal in establishing brand recognition and showcasing special products or offers. Drawing the customer’s eye, these displays hold substantial sway over their buying choices, leading to heightened sales. Tradespeople actively seek trusted workwear brands like Carhartt, a company that collaborates with valued merchant partners to create impressive in-store displays. These are meticulously designed to spotlight the standout features of the workwear, capturing and holding customers’ attention. Autumn/winter collection Beyond point-of-sale displays, it is crucial to understand what the new collections bring to the table. Made with a tough construction site in mind, Carhartt’s latest autumn/winter line-up places a spotlight on rugged work trousers, water-repellent sweatshirts, and insulated vests — each meticulously designed to take on the challenges of any job site. New in this season are the Relaxed Fit Canvas Work Pants (103109) which are made from a wrinkle-resistant, midweight

canvas blend. Incorporating Rugged Flex, they offer just the right amount of give, allowing you to climb, crouch and stretch with ease. The leg opening easily accommodates your work boots and they have multiple pockets, including a handy mobile phone pocket on the right leg, to store all your essentials. Available in classic black, dark khaki and navy, these trousers are the perfect autumn companions. This autumn, flannel is a hot trend. For example, the Carhartt Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Midweight Flannel Long-Sleeve Plaid Shirt (105945) is made from a midweight cotton that’s both exceptionally tough and luxuriously soft. A warmer alternative is the Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Flannel Fleece Lined Hooded Shirt Jac (105938) which has a snug fleece lining, convenient three-piece hood with adjustable drawcord, plus two chest pockets and two front hand warmer pockets. Its relaxed fit makes it a versatile piece for layering over tees or sweatshirts. In addition, Carhartt has introduced a new range of joggers tailored for the job site or relaxing at home. The relaxed fit of the men’s Midweight Tapered Graphic Sweatpants (105899) provides that extra bit of breathing room through the seat and thigh, ensuring unrestricted movement. With the Carhartt signature graphic logo printed on the left leg, the tapered leg design makes them equally suitable for on site, lounge wear or casual outings.

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ROOFING REWARDS

And to combat the damp and drizzle, Carhartt’s Rain Defender range is water repellent so water simply pools up and drips off. The Rain Defender Loose Fit Midweight ‘C’ Graphic Sweatshirt (105940) comes with a convenient front handwarmer pocket and stretchable, elastane-reinforced rib knit cuffs and waistband, to keep the wearer warm and snug all day. Women’s range Women’s workwear is another great opportunity for merchants — and stocking a bespoke women’s range expands the market opportunities whilst increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. As the trade demographic changes, it is important to stock workwear for women that fits well, provides comfort and allows for ease of movement so women they can get on with the job and stay safe. Carhartt has a workwear range designed specifically for women, with every item is manufactured to be durable and flexible, to fit perfectly and look great. For instance, the women’s Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit Midweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt (105415) is made from a midweight cotton jersey with breathable mesh sleeves and back to keep air circulating the wearer cool. It also incorporates FastDry technology with an antimicrobial finish that swiftly wicks away moisture and combats odours. When it comes to the women’s Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Lightweight Insulated Vest, water beads up and rolls off. Reinforced with Cordura Fabric with lightweight insulation, this vest is sturdy but snug with built-in flex in crucial areas. And when it comes to safeguarding and preserving your work wardrobe, the Rugged Flex™ Relaxed Fit Canvas Bib Overall, available in black or Carhartt Brown, are made of a comfortable soft stretch-canvas. They come with a spacious zip pocket on the chest for phones and an assortment of other pockets to hold an array of tools. Having a selection of fashionable yet practical workwear is an ace up the sleeve for merchants; with every shift in the seasons, merchants get the chance to roll out a fresh line-up of clothes tailored to the weather ahead. n For more information on the Carhartt workwear range and the company’s support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may006

Fascia facts In the latest column, Marley offers guidance for early-stage roofing checks.

ixed directly to the lower end of the roof trusses, fascia boards support the lower edge of the bottom row of roof tiles. Therefore, making sure it is set to the correct height is a critical early-stage check for any successful roofing project. It ensures that the job complies with the BS 5534 Code of Practice and helps mitigate problems later. BS 5534 states that slates and roof tiles at the eaves should be supported in substantially the same plane as the main roof. This means setting the fascia board to the correct height so the tiles neither noticeably drop nor kick up. If not sufficiently supported, tiles and slates can drop, with the result of unsightly gaps below the second course of tiles. In addition, if the gap is large enough, it could mean the roof space is exposed to driving rain. However, if the fascia board is set too high, the bottom row of tiles will kick up and the risk that they could be sitting below the recommended pitch. Too much kick at the eaves can also cause flat spots or even negative fall on the underlay/support trays which could lead to ponding and eventually water ingress. To support roofing contractors with this important stage of the roof covering construction, Marley has created guidance tables on the minimum fascia board heights, both with and without over-fascia ventilation strips. For merchants advising customers on fixing fascia boards, these tables are available online and it is recommended the information should be digested before installation as adjusting the fascia board can be very disruptive and time consuming later — especially if the guttering has also been set in place. n For more information, visit www.marley.co.uk/roofsystem

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FUTURE HOMES STANDARD

Fabric first thinking The roll out of the updated Part L Building Regulations in June was a critical stepping stone on the journey towards delivering climate resilient homes. With implementation of the 2025 Future Homes Standard next on the horizon for housebuilders, the onus is increasingly on the sector and wider supply chain to think ‘fabric first’. Kealan Hunt, Commercial Director of Tarmac’s Blocks business, explores more about the regulatory changes and how merchants can help their housebuilder customers build for the future.

f the UK is to reach its net zero ambition, one of the huge areas of focus will be ensuring our homes are more energy efficient. There has been much discussion in recent weeks regarding the journey to achieving this — the debate around the size and scale of retrofitting insulation, for instance, or the merits of installing heat pumps in existing residential properties. For the housebuilding sector however, the pathway is much clearer. The roll out of the updated Part L Building Regulations in June marked the first

transitional step towards the introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025. While the detail of the new 2025 standard is yet to be announced, the intention is clear with the outcome of the Government’s consultation stating homes will be ‘net zero ready’ and “future-proofed with low-carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency.” From this point, all new homes must produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than those built under current regulations. Central to the new Part L regulations, and ensuring readiness for the Future Homes Standard, is a ‘fabric first’ approach; a ‘build tight and ventilate right’ mindset that will place the building envelope at the centre of the solution with the specification of high-performance, efficient products that minimise energy use. Thermal bridging Part L means higher building performance

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targets. As well as setting lower carbon emissions targets for buildings, the new regulations also tackle the issue of thermal bridges which can account for up to 30% of a property’s total heat loss. Thermal bridges occur when an area of a building has significantly higher heat transfer than the surrounding parts. Breaks in insulation, reduced insulation, or more thermally conductive building materials can contribute to this. The new regulations advise that: “opportunities should be considered to use products that help to reduce thermal bridges. Options include…masonry construction: lightweight blockwork in the inner leaf of a cavity wall or both leaves of a party wall can help to reduce thermal transmittance, particularly at junctions, such as the ground floor to wall junction.” The document also advises that, wherever possible, blocks below the damp-proof course should be the same as those specified in the design for the above-ground main wall element. This is known to reduce the occurrence of thermal bridges. Here, aerated blocks are becoming an efficient alternative to traditional dense

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standard. An important consideration for project teams, too, is the quicker build times and reduced insulation costs that aerated blocks offer.

and medium dense concrete blocks. For instance, at Tarmac we have recently refreshed our range of foundation blocks to support builders with compliance and our Durox and Toplite aerated blocks offer high levels of thermal insulation as

Readiness Some doubts remain over whether the housebuilding sector is ready for the Future Homes Standard. Indeed, a study by The Housing Forum’s Future Network found that the industry is unlikely to meet the Future Homes Standard requirements by 2025 with one in five surveyed admitting to lacking a comprehensive plan to build homes that align with the 2025 emissions objectives. In response, a member of the forum responsible voiced concern over “…a fundamental lack of understanding of the technologies that developers can adopt to meet their targets. There also seems to be a lack of

urgency to increase that understanding and to begin preparations in earnest.” Our shared goal as an industry and value chain must be to build homes that perform better. And here, merchants can support housebuilders by learning more about the changes and the challenges their customers will face. One product alone will not offer the answer — our future homes will see a much broader energy mix, for instance, as we strive to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. But one thing is clear: the building fabric will lie at the heart of this new generation of healthy and sustainable homes. n For more information on Tarmac’s portfolio of higher thermal performance blocks and its support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may007

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SOLAR PV SYSTEMS

Growing sales with solar T

he future certainly looks bright for solar. In August, the MCS said more than 120,000 solar panels have been installed since the start of the year. If this rate continues, analysts say nearly 250,000 households could have renewable energy installed by the end of the year.

Energy security and reducing bills are just two of the factors behind this shift. The other driver is, of course, changing Building Regulations in the housebuilding sector. The introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025 will mean that new homes must be “future-proofed with low-carbon heating and

The demand for energy efficient homes is driving huge growth in small scale solar PV installations which have hit an eight-year high in recent months along with a record number of certified contractors joining the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Plus, with the housebuilding sector preparing for the introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025, solar energy could soon become the norm across new build homes. Simon Garbett at Wienerberger UK & Ireland considers how merchants can seize the solar opportunity. world-leading levels of energy efficiency” whilst the recent rollout of the updated Part L Building Regulations marked the first transitional step towards this. These new regulations will require new homes to produce 31% less CO2 emissions compared to previous standards. A crucial part of these new regulations is the significance of a ‘Fabric First’ approach — changing mindsets and opting for high-performance, efficient materials that will minimise energy use. However, it will be challenging to meet the standards with fabric alone and harnessing technology will be a crucial part of the equation. This is where solar comes in. Solar roof tiles It’s worth first looking at how solar photovoltaic PV systems work. A solar PV system changes sunlight or ‘solar energy’ into ‘electrical energy’ or electricity. The sunlight is captured by the solar panels and converted from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) electricity by the inverter.

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“For those merchants wanting to stay a step ahead, it’s critical to keep on top of industry news and innovation on the whole range of solar solutions that will be part of our transition to net zero homes.” This electricity can be used in the home or, alternatively, stored in a battery for use later when the sun is not shining. If not used or stored, any excess electricity is directed back to the grid. Many homeowners are recognising the long-term benefits of solar but it’s across new build projects where the momentum is really starting to shift. Building regulations and the Future Homes Standard all lead to homes which can generate and store their own energy and solar is an easy way to achieve this. Indeed, a cross party group of MPs recently called for the Government to mandate solar panels and heat pumps as part of the Future Homes Standard, with the countryside charity CPRE also demanding changes to planning rules for solar to be mandated on all major refurbishments and new buildings.

Driving innovation At Wienerberger, we’ve historically been focused on manufacturing building materials, but have recently been innovating our product offer to ensure our customers can meet the growing demand for energy efficient solutions. We launched our Sandtoft in-roof solar range earlier this year, which marked a huge step for us as we expanded into a new business segment to drive the fabric and technology approach. The integrated solar roof panels have been designed with our roofing customers in mind. Each panel features an interlocking design and attaches directly to the roof batten to speed up the installation process. They are fully compatible with clay and concrete tiles.

We’re seeing many of our roofing customers starting to upskill to offer solar. Again, to meet this growing demand, we’ve already adapted our solar range to offer a complete solar package which will also include inverters and batteries. We will introduce these in the coming months and hope it will help support those contractors looking to expand their own offer. Merchant opportunities So, what does all this mean for merchants? Many of your customers will be navigating this territory for the first time so for those merchants wanting to stay a step ahead, it’s critical to keep on top of industry news and innovation on the whole range of solutions that will be part of our transition to net zero homes. We’re working hard to encourage roofers to upskill, learn more about solar and how it can benefit their business. We offer certified product training as well as online tutorials and how-to guides. We’re also encouraging merchants to do the same — get hands-on with the products, take advantage of manufacturer training, talk to experts. One thing is certain: how we use energy in our homes is going to change and solar is undoubtedly going to play a huge part in this. Your customers will be seeking out advice, and those merchants who can offer the full solution — including design and specification — will come out on top. n For more information on Wienerberger’s roofing and solar solutions, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may008

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TIMBER & JOINERY

Meeting quality standards Blue battens from Arbor Forest Products.

TDUK Chief Executive Dave Hopkins explains why it’s so important that timber suppliers, merchants and their customers only provide, stock and install correctly graded roofing battens. image courtesy of Arbor Forest Products

oofing battens are a safety critical building material, subject to strict grading and quality requirements. Despite this, the timber industry is still seeing instances where products are being installed on roofs that don’t comply with these strict standards. Alarmingly, we are also hearing of cases where products are being stamped incorrectly as complying with British Safety standards, despite not meeting those vital quality requirements. Battens are the strips of wood that you will find secured between the rafters on any roofing structure. Once fitted into place, the battens are then used to secure the roofing felt, as well as any roofing tiles or slates. These battens are fundamental to the structure of the roof as they help take the loads imposed by any roofing slates or tiles, as well as the pressure applied to the roof by snow or strong winds. Roofing battens (sometimes also known as tile battens) are structurally vital to any roof, as they ensure the roof is solid, stable and won’t fail once erected. They are also structurally significant during the

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construction of the building itself; builders and roofers will often walk, sit or lean on these battens while installing tiles, slates and felt — with potentially deadly consequences should the battens fail. That’s why these products are subject to strict building standards, both to deliver a quality finish to the final roof and, most importantly, to ensure the safety of construction workers while on site. Unfortunately, in recent years we have

image courtesy of SR Timber

seen a concerning number of poor-quality timber products being brought into the UK and sold incorrectly as roofing battens, despite not meeting the required British Standard requirements. That’s why it’s so important for everyone, right across the supply chain, to be extra vigilant and double check that the products they sell, specify and purchase offer the expected quality. The Health and Safety Executive has set out clear guidelines for roof work.

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“Every single roofing batten must be indelibly marked showing that it is BS5534 graded, and must also have its size, the supplier’s name, origin and the timber species marked on the batten.”

Gold graded battens from SR Timber.

Document HSG33 recommends that battens are used as secure footholds on pitched roofs – but only if they are graded to the BS5534 standard. Organisations including the National House Building Council also require properly certified roof battens to be used, with serious financial and legal consequences for any contractor found using substandard, unmarked or incorrectly marked batten products. Making the grade ‘British Standard 5534:2014+A2:2018 Slating and Tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding. Code of practice’ specifies that only battens graded to BS5534 can be called roofing

battens, or used as such. The full requirements for correctly graded roofing battens can be found in Annex D of the standard. In particular, the number of large knots, the slope of the grain and the number of growth rings are strictly controlled to make sure the batten is strong enough to cope with the potential loads. Size also matters here: battens must be a minimum of 38 x 25mm (or 50 x 25mm when using slates), and are subject to very strict tolerances (just -0mm/+3mm on the thickness and -3mm/+3mm on the width), to ensure the structure is not compromised. Recognising an accurately graded, high-quality roofing batten by eye is not easy,

n Timber Development UK has

just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets, with 50+ now available for download. Designed for anyone working within the timber supply chain, the online documents introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood through to acoustic regulations, Eurocode 5 principles, embodied carbon and sourcing timber sustainably. Developed with experts from Edinburgh Napier University, TDUK CEO David Hopkins said: “Following the merger between the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA last year, we promised to connect the timber supply chain, lead best practice, and accelerate a low-carbon future. Our Timber Knowledge Sheets are another example of us doing exactly that — and represent a big step towards our vision of the UK as a country where timber is the number one material choice for all construction projects.”

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especially for those who are new to the trade, or who don’t work with these products every day. Many manufacturers have added coloured dyes to their preservative treatment process to distinguish them in the market (you may have seen red, gold or blue examples) — however, these colours on their own are not sufficient proof that a batten is compliant. Every single roofing batten must be indelibly marked showing that it is BS5534 graded, and must also have its size, the supplier’s name, origin and the timber species marked on the batten. TDUK members also use an independent verification process to prove that all roofing battens they sell have been checked by a third-party certification scheme. Despite this, we’ve seen examples of low-quality battens entering the market that are clearly undersize, or that display the BS5534 stamp despite not being compliant with the standard. Any timber that is not fully BS5534 compliant is simply a piece of sawn, treated timber and is not fit for purpose, so it is vital that battens are visually checked for any obvious signs of non-compliance before sale or purchase. If in any doubt, always ask your supplier for more information and, if they can’t provide proof of compliance, seek another supplier. Furthermore, many TDUK members who sell roofing/tiling battens and slatings participate in independently audited quality assurance schemes, so by choosing to work with a TDUK Member you know that you are buying a quality, fit-for-purpose product. n For more information about tile battens from TDUK, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may009

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TIMBER & JOINERY

Whatever the weather Q A

Tell us more about the products within the CaberFloor range and what is so special about their formulation? Under the CaberFloor umbrella are the CaberFloor P5, CaberDek, CaberShieldPlus and CaberAcoustic boards, each presenting a reliable solution for a variety of applications. CaberFloor is machined from particleboard, made from timber which is sustainably grown in the UK.

What solution should merchants be recommending to builders if, for example, the roof is not yet on and will be exposed to the elements? It is not recommended to use CaberFloor P5 outside, although it is moisture resistant and can withstand limited exposure to rain and moisture during the build process — and will still retain a high percentage of its original strength. Instead, CaberDek or CaberShieldPlus are better choices, as both feature protective coatings.

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Q A

And precisely what is it that makes CaberDek and CaberShieldPlus weatherproof installation choices? Protected from weather and dirt for up to 42 days before roof enclosure, CaberDek’s film layer can be removed after plastering and decorative works are complete to leave a clean surface ready for interior floorcoverings. CaberSheildPlus, meanwhile, is coated on both sides with a tough, waterproof coating. Firstly, the top side is non-slip to ensure a safe working platform whatever the weather. Then the underside is smooth, enabling the board to easily slide into place.

Q A

Do any of the products offer the additional benefit of sound reduction properties and how is this achieved? CaberFloor is a solution that surpasses acoustic Building Regulations requirements. Tests on the CaberDek and the CaberFix Pro installation system have

In challenging market conditions, solutions that can keep sites active no matter the actual weather conditions can be vital. PBM puts the questions to Dan Clarke, Senior Key Account Manager at West Fraser, about the company’s range of highperformance panel products. demonstrated the ability to exceed the acoustic performance target with an impressive 44db sound reduction. CaberAcoustic is available as 18 or 22mm CaberFloor P5 with a 10mm soundproofing layer and reduces sounds transmissions by ΔLw19dB.

Q A

What types of flooring construction can CaberFloor be installed onto? As well as laying floors across conventional timber joists, the material is ideal for use on engineered timber and metal web joists, or even wooden battens secured into concrete or other substrates. It can also be fixed directly across existing wood floors, though care needs to be taken regarding the level and soundness of the retained boarding. As well as in ground and upper storey applications, the panels are often used in loft conversions, garden rooms and other modular type buildings, to be covered by carpet, tiles and vinyl.

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They can be screwed or nailed to the joists, battens or existing timber floors: fixing them at 200-300mm centres along the edges and 300mm elsewhere along the supports. Fixings should be at least 9mm from the edge of the panel, while nails should be 10 gauge.

Q A

Can you provide us with an indication of the sealing and fixing products that complement the flooring range? When gluing boards with CaberFix Joint&Joist, only five fixings per board are required, one at each joist position — thereby reducing installation time. When the Joint&Joist adhesive is utilised, it should be applied to the edges as well as along the supporting timbers. Furthermore, the adhesive system also virtually guarantees that squeaks and creaks can truly become an irritant of the past.

Q A

Are there any design features that you’d like to tell us about that improves and simplifies the installation process for builders? Laying CaberFloor saves time as you don’t need to provide as many intermediate supports or noggins, while hidden nails and screws can be used with the tongue and groove (T&G) board. The boards are of high quality and dimensionally accurate with high load-carrying capacity and can be utilised in a variety of ways. The boards are available in standard thicknesses of 18 or 22mm, in both square-edged or T&G options; the latter being profiled on all four edges to offer greater stability and flexibility of use. All CaberFloor panels measure 2,400 x 600mm.

Q A

Sustainability credentials are, of course, now paramount. How does the CaberFloor portfolio perform here? Over recent decades, the conservation of forests has become of great concern to us all. We, at West Fraser, are seeing particleboard products such as CaberFloor P5 being specified by the eco-conscious in preference to more traditional flooring. Significantly, 90% of wood used in particle board is recycled. Also, being a precision engineered product, CaberFloor can help to minimise waste through accurate usage and careful specification, while timber also locks in the CO2 during the product’s lifetime. Furthermore, CaberFloor P5 carries BBA certification while FSC approval underlines its environmental credentials. n For more information on West Fraser’s CaberFloor range via the company’s dedicated merchant support page, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may010

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TIMBER & JOINERY JAMES JONES & SONS DUAL CERTIFICATION James Jones & Sons has announced that, as of October 2023, all timber and co-products supplied by the company will be dual certified as FSC and PEFC. This includes all timber delivered from that date, regardless of what date it was produced. Amongst its wide range, the company produces high quality, sawn timber for the construction, pallet, packaging, fencing and agricultural sectors in addition to pallets and packaging for blue chip, domestic and exporting businesses. Sales Director Graham Blyth said: “The dual certification offers our customers a greater choice when buying sustainable timber. The Soil Association, as our certification body, fully approved our ability to offer all our timber and coproducts as dual FSC and PEFC certified. “Our customers can continue to sell their timber as FSC certified but will now also have the choice to stock and sell as PEFC certified should their customers require this.”

n For more information on

James Jones & Sons’ full product range, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/may011

INTERNATIONAL TIMBER COSTA COFFEE PROJECT International Timber and Jewson teamed up with local developer, Ascia Construction, earlier in the year to provide sustainable and quality cedar timber for the development of one of Costa Coffee’s latest drive-thru facilities. Located at the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus in Southampton, the Costa Coffee drive-thru has provided approximately 15 new jobs and serves those working and visiting the hospital site. The building has been designed to include indoor seating for customer use, outdoor tables and a drive-thru window for customers on-the-go. When John Packer, Timber Development Manager at Jewson, was first asked to secure the cedar cladding for this project, it was discussed whether UK Cedar or Western Red Cedar would be the best fit. The cladding designs included lots of individual pieces of cedar, all the same size but cut at different angles, to create a unique timber design that has become synonymous with Costa’s coffee shops over time. Due to the complexity of the design and to ensure the visual aesthetic of the cladding, both John and the team at Ascia Construction decided Western Red Cedar would provide the ideal solution; helping to minimise knots and to prioritise quality, durability and sustainability. John said: “This project was one of the first major enquiries we’d worked on for Ascia Construction and we wanted to ensure that the quality of the materials, together with the customer service provided met the company’s expectations. International Timber proved to be the perfect choice of supplier, offering a costcompetitive quote, alongside a high-quality, durable product.” Western Red Cedar is often a favourite for both internal and external cladding due to its natural resistance to decay and insect attack, as well as being an excellent material for thermal insulation — keeping the building cool in summer and preventing heat from escaping in winter. n For more information on International Timber and its PEFC-certified

Western Red Cedar range, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may012

JAMES LATHAM GARNICA REINFORCED PLYWOOD Timber distributor James Latham has added Garnica’s innovative Reinforced range to its fast-growing premium plywood portfolio. Developed in response to the recent, worldwide shortages of Russian birch plywood, Garnica Reinforced is described as being “a gamechanger, finally offering a truly viable alternative.” The Reinforced product alternates leaves of eucalyptus with Garnica’s signature poplar plies, producing near-identical levels of strength, uniformity and workability in the finished panel. This means it can be readily substituted when birch is unavailable, with no compromise on quality. Available in two distinctive looks, the lighter-hued Reinforced Poplar or the attractive, pinkish-toned Reinforced Maple, the former is best suited for painting or covering, whilst the latter, with its unique, visually striking ‘flame pattern’ grain, is said to be perfect for decorative purposes. Both possess a multi-layer edge, which can be sanded and polished for an ultra-smooth finish, making it ideal for applications requiring visible edging. n Exclusive to James Latham in the UK and Ireland, more information awaits via www.rdr.link/may013

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PLUMBING & HEATING

So solid crew PBM reports back from the launch of a new range of ‘solid’ inhibitors, cleaners and biocides for residential heating systems that are said to offer a host of benefits over traditional liquid chemicals for installers and merchants alike.

aving built up a reputation for success in solving problems associated with water quality issues in commercial heating and cooling systems, DosaFil states it has now transferred its expertise into the world of residential water treatment with the launch of a range of solid water treatment products that navigate many of the perceived concerns associated with liquid chemical solutions. In many cases using the same or similar chemicals to those used in such liquids, the new products contain “industry-proven high-performance materials” to control scale, corrosion, and bio fouling. However, the DosaFil alternative is centred on providing the active ingredients in a solid paste format that is said to be far lighter, less

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dangerous to handle and transport, results in zero leakage or spillage, produces zero plastic for landfill all whilst offering as good or better results once applied to a system. Steve Crick, the company’s MD and founder, said: “We set out to challenge the status quo, creating a safe, easy to install and operate water conditioning system that also addresses common key concerns of modern business, such as health and safety, ecofriendliness and reduction of energy consumption. We designed a new approach to water treatment, dared to dream about changing things when we were told they couldn’t change, and produced a solution that has already made us a highly successful business (by) improving water quality in heating systems.”

Steve Crick, DosaFil MD and founder

The results of hours of research and development undertaken was based on the idea that water treatment does not need to revolve around huge quantities of liquid chemicals. Steve and his team have more than 40 years of commercial water treatment experience in the locker, and the wider business has been utilising solid chemicals — which rapidly dissolve when applied to systems — very successfully in large commercial heating environments for several years.

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When developing these solid paste products, the company always saw the potential benefits of introducing them to the residential market. However, as Steve says, “producing useable solid products was no easy task and required hundreds of hours of research and development — we believe others have tried and failed.” Now, the business says the perseverance has paid off and it is ready to introduce the DosaFil Residential Technologies range. Put simply, the new residential products have already been “tried and tested” on commercial systems for several years — it’s just a case of ‘resizing’ the products to be “the perfect match for smaller residential systems.” And even more crucially, the suite of products is said to meet all the standards and guidelines that currently exist in the marketplace for liquid solutions whilst offering a raft of benefits over those liquid alternatives for merchants stocking the products and installers using them.

The new range There are four key products in the range — the DR1 solid inhibitor sticks are reportedly the first solid inhibitor product in the world to gain NSF International CIAS certification (formally known as BuildCert) whilst the DR2 Solid Cleaner sticks, DR3 Solid heavy duty cleaner sticks and DR4 Solid biocide sticks also all “meet the same standards as the traditional liquid competitors.” Crucially, the new products are compact and lightweight. With up to 90% of the contents of traditional liquid chemical water treatment products being water and other liquids, using a solid product immediately takes out huge amounts of weight from the situation. This weight reduction offers advantages when moving the product in bulk — and means far less space is taken up on merchants’ shelves and installers’ vans. Indeed, DosaFil says that a typical treatment for a 100-litre system with liquid chemicals would weigh around 1.16kgs,

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however the new solid equivalent is “a mere 0.098kgs.” Furthermore, they are said to provide a “totally recyclable” packaging proposition — with just cardboard packaging to be easily recycled, no chemically-tainted plastic bottles (which can’t be recycled unless they are thoroughly cleaned first) will need to be sent to landfill. Plus, the new product eliminates the chance of spills and reduces COSHH impact. The solid chemicals are also said to aid IPPC and ISO 14000 compliance, which can be a key advantage for particular contract customers, whilst the products are also made in the UK and “proudly carry the Made in Britain logo.” Reflecting on his considerable experience in the residential water treatment market, Commercial Director John Lynch said: “These are very exciting times for DosaFil Residential Technologies. Currently 97% of chemical water treatment uses liquid products, so we have a huge market to target and massive volume potential. “Those using these products will see that solid water treatment products — which can be used through introducing them via filters or even towel rail radiators as they wish — will save them time and money, and contribute towards sustainability and reductions in emissions and plastic waste.” John added: “We received exceptionally positive feedback from a number of major players in the marketplace at our stand at Installer Live & PHEX North — we’re confident that they and others will be keen to take a closer look at what we have to offer.” Indeed, the business is already working with a number of merchant businesses nationwide alongside plumbing and heating distributors Mark Vitow and Arctic Hayes. The company is further pledging to support stockists with point of sale, a ‘mixed box’ offer to ensure optimum stockholding, product training for staff and customers, plus access to technical support as required. n For more information on the launch of DosaFil’s residential range of solid water treatment products, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may014

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PLUMBING & HEATING

Come in from the cold PBM caught up with Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes, to find out more about the company’s plan for growth — with merchant support said to be right at the heart of it. professionals for 57 years, since their original patent in 1966. Right from the start we have prided ourselves on being known for our commitment to quality and innovation, great customer service for merchants and strong technical support. Merchants will also recognise our SleepSafe® range of Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detection safety products as well as our Vortex range of soldering and brazing products.

Q A

Please can you give us an overview of Arctic Hayes and its development to date? The company was established back in 2014 when Hayes UK and Arctic Products merged to form Arctic Hayes. We are very happy to say we have just entered our 10th year of trading as one of the UK’s largest suppliers of plumbing and heating tools and consumables. The merger brought together two famous names with a great heritage. Our Pipe Freeze kits, for instance, have been trusted by

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Whilst you are already a familiar brand name for many in the merchant sector, what are your plans for further growth? We’re really excited about the direction the business is moving and we have significant plans for further growth and change. To accommodate our expansion, we recently moved into a new, hi-tech HQ in Leeds, which is a game-changer for us. It’s going to help us make operations more streamlined, improve our logistics and ensure we keep serving our growing customer base

all across the UK efficiently. Our team is growing too. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals and we recently welcomed Richard Musgrave as our new Marketing Manager and Emma Telfer as Business Support Manager. They both bring a wealth of experience to Arctic Hayes. In addition, we have also recently unveiled an exclusive partnership with Trappex, experts in magnetic and scale filtration systems for domestic, commercial and industrial use. This means we will be the sole distributor of its complete range of magnetic filters and scalematic products. It’s a fantastic partnership because both of our companies are committed to providing top-quality products that really make a difference. It’s fair to say we are a dynamic and forward-thinking company and you will see even more news from us going into 2024!

Q A

Beyond all this, what types of products do you specialise in? Plumbing and heating consumables are our core business. We have a large

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“By suggesting complementary products and their advantages to customers, merchants can definitely increase the volume of impulse purchases.”

portfolio of over 450 products, and our range is stocked in over 3,400 merchants and wholesalers nationwide. We are always looking to innovate and introduce new products into the range whilst we also have a keen eye on quality, so our stockists can have the confidence to stock tools and consumables which meet the demanding expectations of professional installers. For example, one of our most popular products is the Pipe Freeze kit range which enables installers — from small domestic users to larger industrial and commercial specialists — to repair pipework without draining down the whole system. These kits are well loved because they can reduce job time by an average of 85%, based on a two-hour drain down and refill, which is a significant time-saving in an installer’s day.

Q A

And how does Arctic Hayes support its merchant stockists? A growing number of UK merchants now have fully merchandised display stands from Arctic Hayes and every stand is

tailored to each individual trade counter. Each one contains a selection of value-added products from leak detection solutions to pipe freeze products, plumbing and heating tools and consumables to surface protection products and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The display stands can be as dynamic as each merchant requires. All display stands are supplied free of charge and are fully installed, self-contained free-standing or wall-mounted units, with shelves, eurohooks and illuminated headers that create an eye-catching point of sale focal point. Furthermore, our knowledgeable Account Managers fully support each individual installation and help every stockist select the initial stock profile and then provide a monthly check-in to answer any questions and advise on new product launches and special offers. We also support merchant sales with significant marketing to installers at trade shows and in the trade press. Our website has a host of useful ‘How-to’s and videos on how to choose and use the products. Essentially, we are always working hard to pull sales through your trade counter. In addition, the next generation of installers is also so important to us and I have made sure that we are supporting colleges

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with initiatives such as product demonstrations and sponsored bays in their workshops. We are fully committed to growing with our merchant partners in the years to come.

Q A

Finally, what advice would you give to merchants when it comes to selling more products? As well as the core time-saving products that make repair and leak detection really easy, don’t forget about those often overlooked but vital products that everyone needs. They can make particularly lucrative cross-selling and upselling opportunities. Indeed, it’s always worth focusing on the small items that can make life easier for the tradesperson as they go about their work; whether it be padded work mats or a carpet protector, or a specially designed draining tray to empty a radiator or a boiler with minimal mess. By suggesting complementary products and their advantages to customers, merchants can definitely increase the volume of impulse purchases. n For more information about Arctic Hayes’ product portfolio and its support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may015

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PLUMBING & HEATING

Added extras Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations mean pipes must now be sealed by pipe seals and grommets. Dean Heathfield, Commercial Director of Talon, explains why this gives merchants an additional opportunity at the trade counter.

ith a view to improving the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings, Part L of the UK Building Regulations was revised in June 2022, coming into full force in June of 2023. As well as wide reaching changes that affect many areas of housebuilding, Part L now specifies the need for pipe seals and grommets on pipe penetrations in brickwork, along with a requirement of photographic evidence that compliant seals are in place. According to the National House Building Council (NHBC), two of the most common areas where air leakage is a problem are around pipework and behind fitted units. Holes are drilled through walls and floors to feed pipes out — for instance from a bathroom or kitchen, or to feed condensate pipes and flues outside from a boiler. Traditionally, sealing these holes around pipework has been a messy job. Mortar is best used in dry weather and the finish can be substandard. While it is tough, it can also crack and come away under assault from the elements, which may undermine its integrity.

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Another option is silicone sealant, but again this can weather, and the finish is not always professional. Either way, the problems these two solutions were meant to solve risk returning. Both mortar and silicone take time to apply, and this must be carried out externally. Furthermore, applying it to upper storeys requires ladders, scaffolding or a cherry picker, which is costly and potentially dangerous.

“As well as wide reaching changes that affect many areas of housebuilding, Part L now specifies the need for pipe seals and grommets on pipe penetrations in brickwork.”

Here, merchants can help installers meet regulations with PipeSnug and FlueSnug. These are the only all-in-one solutions that meet the sealing requirements outlined in the new Part L. These products can be easily installed within seconds by any plumber or builder, sealing the holes where pipes exit walls both internally and externally without the need for sealants, mortar, or costly air sealing tape. The products save time and money while creating an airtight seal at pipe entry and exit points, preventing heat loss, drafts, damp and pest infiltration whilst also providing a clean and neat finish. They are UV resistant and designed to withstand sun damage, unlike mortar and sealant. Both leave a neat, professional finish and eliminate the need for pointing. PipeSnug and FlueSnug are now being used in some high-profile developments. Take, for example, Cringleford Heights — a semi-rural Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ development on the outskirts of Norwich, which is a five-year project to sustainably

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build over 600 high quality three-to-four-bedroom homes. As part of its remit, the Daly Group installed Ideal Boilers into each home along with FlueSnug. Both PipeSnug and FlueSnug are flexible enough to be pushed through a core-drilled hole from the inside, and yet rigid enough to snap back into place, so

there is no need for ladders or expensive scaffolding, removing a health and safety risk if the boiler is being installed at height. There is a good reason why these products were chosen by the Daly Group. These pipe seals cover any brickwork damage during installation and so protect the building’s structure while simultaneously

safeguarding the pipe from sharp brick edges. As these products don’t need additional tape or sealant and are easily recognisable and identifiable to those in Building Control, it is very simple to provide photographic evidence of compliance and have work verified. Talon’s recent acquisition of PipeSnug is a positive move for both companies — and for merchants as well. Now known as ‘PipeSnug by Talon’, merchants can count on increased distribution, next day delivery, more product development and more marketing support. The products fit neatly into the Talon portfolio of pipe clips and plumbing accessories and can be easily integrated into existing and new account holders via the company’s sales team. n For more information on PipeSnug by Talon, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/may016

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PLUMBING & HEATING

The lowdown on low temperature heating

ow-temperature heating has become the watchword for Government and heating installers in the past 12 months. Back in June 2022, Building Regulation Part L was updated, aiming to improve the minimum standard for carbon emissions in new homes by 31%. This is just the latest stepping stone towards the at least 75% reduction in carbon emissions that is expected to be introduced in 2025 by the Future Homes Standard. To achieve this new standard, heating engineers must now install low-temperature heating systems with a maximum flow temperature of just 50°C, rather than the 80°C flow temperatures that most gas engineers are traditionally used to designing. While these changes currently only apply to newbuild homes, and to existing properties where a complete new heating system is being installed, it is widely expected that, in time, these regulations will be tightened further and will ultimately extend to all properties. This seems especially likely considering the Government’s well-publicised ban on new gas boilers. The Government’s original plan was to phase out gas boilers in new homes by 2025

and ban them entirely in 2033. In Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent Conservative Party Conference speech, this deadline has now been extended to 2035 to give the industry and general public more time to switch to low-temperature alternatives such as heat pumps. The industry may have more time, but the ban has not been scrapped entirely, so heating engineers will eventually have to adjust to low-temperature heating systems. That means switching away from gas boilers to alternatives such as heat pumps, and the heat emitters that will work most efficiently with them. Put simply, builders and installers need to find affordable ways to heat properties without relying on traditional, high-temperature gas systems. With much confusion in the market, tradespeople are increasingly seeking guidance on how they need to adapt their designs and working practices to meet these new regulations. Anecdotally, we’re hearing that many are turning to their trusted local merchants for answers to questions such as ‘how do they design a low-temperature heating system?’ ‘What do they need to do to futureproof heating systems for what could lie ahead?’ and ‘What size heat emitters do they need to install to generate sufficient heat outputs with low-temperature systems?’ What is a low-temperature system? It may only be a few years since low-carbon heating really hit the headlines, but many heating engineers have in fact been working

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A year on from the major changes announced as part of the new Part L Building Regulations, the industry is still trying to adapt to the new rules and what could lie ahead. Chris Ingram, Founder of Continal Underfloor Heating, explains the impact this is having on the plumbing and heating industry — and how merchants can help their customers prepare. with low-temperature systems for decades, perhaps without realising it. Underfloor heating (UFH) systems, for instance, have always run on lower flow temperatures than traditional radiator-led systems. While gas boilers typically run at 80-85°C, at Continal we’ve been designing UFH systems that run at 45°C or 55°C for more than 20 years. UFH is a proven low-temperature heating technology that homeowners have embraced thanks to its luxurious comfort, warmth and efficiency, and one whose benefits are now being recognised at the highest levels. UFH is much more efficient than a radiator-based system because it transforms the entire floor of a building into a giant heat emitter. This gives the system a much larger surface area to emit heat from, and so the system itself can run at a lower overall flow temperature without compromising the heat output for the occupants. Most of the builders and developers we regularly speak to know that these changes have been introduced, but some of them have reported to us that they’ve found it

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challenging to adjust — and difficult to find reliable sources of information on exactly how they need to change. Continal’s team of Technical Experts are always on hand to provide advice and support to merchants and installers alike. They can be contacted by phone, via WhatsApp and even through an online LiveChat on our website, to help talk anyone in the industry through all the options that now exist. Making the right choice Fossil fuel boilers and high-temperature heating systems are clearly on the way out,

even if it may take a little longer than originally stated for these tighter regulations to be introduced. What’s less certain right now is exactly what technology is going to replace them. The Government is still determined to bring heat pumps into the mainstream, with a goal to have 600,000 heat pumps installed every year by 2028. But heat pumps aren’t the only option on the table. Hydrogen heating trials are also being carried out, and there are also fully electric boilers, solar PV and solar thermal systems in the mix. What is certain is that UFH systems are already proven to work with a wide range of fuel sources including all those listed above. That means properties being built and renovated today can have UFH fitted safe in the knowledge that whatever regulations are

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introduced in the coming years, the UFH system will be able to work with it. And, with UFH pipe having an expected service life of more than 50 years, anything fitted today will still be in use long after the Government’s legal deadline to reach net zero. As a merchant, if you or your customers are ever in any doubt about which UFH products to recommend or install, always seek advice from a trusted manufacturer. Continal supplies every different kind of UFH solution, so we will always offer completely unbiased advice. n Continal supplies a full range of UFH systems for solid floors, overfloor applications and joisted floors, as well as a full portfolio of controls and accessories. For more information, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may017

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PLUMBING & HEATING

Electric dreams T he cost of labour and materials is contributing to the increase in renovation and construction prices, which figures suggest are expected to rise by 17% in 2023. Installers, customers, and merchants cannot afford mistakes. Revisiting finished jobs and reinstalling damaged heating cables costs time, and slow installations delay projects. Electric underfloor heating manufacturers can help by going back to the drawing board and redesigning their cables to remove the need for cutting membrane and insulation — speeding up installation times. A common, if not the most common, point of failure in electric underfloor heating is the joint where the heating cable meets the “cold” cable that connects to the thermostat. This is because these hot-to-cold cable

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“joints” are big and bulky, often three-times the size of the cables that they’re joining, so they have to be installed in a totally different way to thinner cables. To install a bulky hot-to-cold joint, installers must create cavities in the materials beneath the joints. They can do this by cutting into the membrane mat and insulation, creating a space for the joint to lay in, or by chasing out the wood or concrete sub floor if there’s no insulation being laid. Either way, tools are brought into the picture, increasing the risk of damage to the joints and cables. Grinders and cutting blades can easily nick a joint which can go unnoticed. Once the installation is complete and the power switched on, the system will fail — and installers will have to troubleshoot and fix

Designing away the potential for error and speeding up installation time are what the next generation of electric underfloor heating cables should achieve — in addition to combatting issues of cost. Alistair Bell, Managing Director at ThermoSphere, explains how such a product can drastically transform installation to the benefit of customers, installers and merchants alike. their work, sometimes returning to site much later to do so. The cavities can also create a problem that results in cable failure, months or years down the line. The air inside the cavities isn’t an efficient enough thermal conductor to dissipate the heat and stop the cables overheating and failing. So, a small air gap can easily ruin a project long after it is installed. Without gouging out holes for the joints, no installer can get a flush finish ready for tiling. So, as things currently stand, cable installation involves a risky, but necessary evil. A change in the way next-generation underfloor heating cables are manufactured can head off these problems. For example, the hot-to-cold joints are currently created during a secondary manufacturing process. First the hot and cold cables are created by separate processes, then later those cables are crimped or soldered together and reinsulated with heat shrink. By creating the connection in the primary manufacturing process, they can be made in-line and — crucially — to the same diameter as the underfloor heating cable. Creating the hot/cold connection during the primary manufacturing process removes the risk of damage and gives installers the peace of mind that a job is truly complete. There is less likelihood of returning to repair or reinstall a project, ripping up tiles or flooring that will also have to be replaced. For both installers and merchants, using products that are virtually impossible to damage helps to enhance their reputation for providing quality installations or materials.

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Design out problems By changing the manufacturing process and redesigning their cables, underfloor heating companies can design away one of the biggest risks and costs for installers, merchants and customers. What’s more, they can also drastically transform the installation process to make it quicker and simpler while also providing quality installations for customers.

A heating cable that has in-line connections can be manufactured to be uniform in thickness end-to-end, which allows the full length of the cable to be installed within the membrane in the exact same manner. If the cable is an easy to install membrane heating cable that only requires installers to press the cable into the membrane mat, then the whole of the cable, including the hot/cold connection and cold tail can be pressed in, which removes the need for tools altogether. Furthermore, no-tool installation is quicker, less complex, and less risky. Speeding up installation reduces the disruption to a customer’s home or time required on a construction site, enabling other phases of the project to progress quicker. For larger projects, or for installers with many smaller projects, the improvements in installation speed allow them to lay

more cable in less time. And, if heating cable companies offer a cable for every project size, then installers can avoid multi-cable installations. As newer, innovative, next-generation cables transform electric underfloor heating, installers, merchants, and customers will continue to benefit. n ThermoSphere Ultimate is said to be quick and easy to install, along with delivering long-term reliability. Combining a TwistedTwin cable and in-line joint technology, the risk of damaging the cable during installation is removed as cutting into the membrane and substrate is no longer required. n For more information on the ThermoSphere range of UFH solutions, including product videos and details of the company’s support for stockists, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may018

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PLUMBING & HEATING Stelrad states it has taken “another major step in meeting the demands of its customer base across the UK and Ireland” with the official launch of its Electric Series of radiators and towel rails.

Switched on

lectric radiators offer an option for both new build homes or replacement heating systems where traditional gas or oil driven systems are not an option, and where heat pumps cannot meet the specific needs of the area or property type. Furthermore, Stelrad believes that “electric heating may grow in popularity in the UK in the years ahead as electricity prices adjust to encourage people to switch to electric heating away from old fashioned fossil fuel driven systems.” Accordingly, and marking the first time the brand has ventured into the electric marketplace, the business reports that its new portfolio “brings with it the quality and brand values associated with its radiator products since it began manufacturing in 1936.” The range includes around a dozen different models (with several sizes of each available), with standard radiators for any room along with a selection of towel rails specifically targeted at bathrooms and en-suites. As well as being designed to offer effective, functional heating in the home, the

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radiators in the Electric Series have been created to be aesthetically appealing and provide attractive options for the décor in the home. They also come with a five-year warranty on the heating parts and a two-year warranty on the electric components. Products featured in the range include the Stelrad Electric Column design — a rounded vertical tube column radiator, available in three sizes in both white and

anthracite grey. The Stelrad Electric Agata and the Agata E-Flow meanwhile offer a straight, flat tube towel rail design that features five banks of three tubes with spaces between each bank, available in three sizes in both white and anthracite grey. Combining modern design with functional heating and energy saving features, the E-Flow towel rails in the range feature a fan heater at the base and include

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a 3 in 1 unit. On the aluminium front, there’s the n Customer service continues to be “vitally

important” to Stelrad Radiators as a business as it seeks to continue to offer high levels of support to its target audiences. It regularly conducts benchmarking exercises in support of its membership of the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) and its important ServiceMark accreditation — described as a national standard that recognises an organisation’s achievement in customer service and its commitment to upholding those standards. Indeed, ServiceMark is awarded based on customer satisfaction feedback and an assessment of employee engagement with the organisation’s customer service strategy. The resultant data shows that, overall, Stelrad’s Business Benchmarking customer service index is at 90.5% — significantly higher than the average, all UK sector average of 78.4%

Stelrad Electric Alu Simple Dry and Simple Fluid — available in three sizes in either white or anthracite grey. The matching colour digital thermostat is included with

each model along with its remote control, and the product is described as having “a sassy design for any style room that looks at home in any surroundings.”

and well above the average for the area Stelrad is categorised under — retail (nonfood) — of 81.9%. Stelrad’s Chris Harvey said: “When we first achieved the ServiceMark back in 2019, we recognised there were areas of our performance that needed attention and the latest figures highlight that we have made significant progress. It goes without saying that we cannot rest on our laurels, and we have to maintain the standards we have set and improve still further to be able to claim world standard customer service, but we can be very pleased in general with the progress we have made and the reputation we have built in a relatively short period. “I’d like to thank all the members of the Stelrad team that have embraced this drive for excellence in the customer service environment.”

n For more information about the full Electric Series of radiators and towel rails, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may019 to visit the dedicated section of the Stelrad website.

PBL PBM Mag Ad_Layout 1 24/10/2023 11:45 Page 1

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PLUMBING & HEATING MEGAFLO ECO CYLINDER UPGRADES Megaflo has enhanced its range of Eco Direct and Indirect unvented hot water cylinders by introducing a series of upgraded features designed to improve both performance and manoeuvrability for installers. Thanks to optimisation of the cylinders’ energy performance, the Megaflo Eco Indirect 170, 210, 250 and 300 are said to now boast up to 19% improvement in reheat time, fulfilling customers’ demand for best possible hot water recovery times. Furthermore, following installer feedback, the brand has also pinpointed a growing need for unvented hot water cylinders to be installed in hard-to-reach spaces such as lofts. In response, Megaflo has added a more robust handle to its range of Eco Direct and Indirect cylinders to make manoeuvrability and installation both simpler and safer. n For more information on

Megaflo, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/may020

UPONOR HEAT PUMP KITS Said to include all the essential items for connecting exterior heat pump systems and offering savings of up to 15% on individual part costs, Uponor’s new Ecoflex HP Packs have been designed to simplify the buying and installation process to support the trade in the growing renewables sector. To suit the demands of each job, Uponor has designed two kit packs. Both kits include two Quattro Rubber End Caps, four brass Wipex Coupling connectors (32m or 40mm) and 30m of trench warning tape. Depending on requirements, the kits are available with, or without, pre-cut lengths of Ecoflex Thermo Twin HP pipe. n Further details await via www.rdr.link/may021

NAVIGATOR DUAL SLEEVE BALL VALVES The new range is said to mean an end to the need to stock two types of ball valve — for individual hot and cold water pipes. Each valve is supplied with Navigator’s unique blue and red sleeves with the installer simply choosing which sleeve to use, which then is clipped securely onto the handle with no tools required. The standard ball valves have compression fitting ends and include olives. All lever ball valves are WRAS approved for use with potable water. The new MB Pressfit valves are full bore and are compatible with all M type press fittings. Also with full WRAS approval, these too have the dual sleeves and complement the Navigator range of MB press fittings perfectly. n To find out more about the full range — available in 15, 22 and

28mm sizes — head to www.rdr.link/may022

SENTINEL VORTEX700 HEAT PUMP FILTER

STIEBEL ELTRON COMPACT HEAT PUMP SYSTEM CYLINDERS

Sentinel has extended its range of Vortex filters with the launch of the Vortex700 — a specialist filter for heat pump systems. Based on tried and tested technology, the Vortex700’s dual action has a strong magnet that captures magnetic ferrous particles and a high-capacity 800 micron sieve that filters non-magnetic debris out of the system to ensure optimum efficiency and service life. Reflecting the fact that heat pump systems differ from traditional boiler systems because they run at lower temperatures and therefore requires a different filtration solution, the new filter is installed on the return to the heat pump with minimum clearance required for flushing to protect the installed equipment against all types of circulating fragments.

Stiebel Eltron UK has unveiled a range of compact system cylinders designed to improve the ease with which installers can fit heat pumps into new builds and refurbishment projects alike. Integrating the indoor components of a heat pump into one tidy, space-saving unit, the lightweight and compact cylinders are said to “effortlessly” fit into UK domestic properties while also being pre-plumbed and pre-wired to offer a “plug and play solution” for engineers. Fitted with an indoor hot water tank and control system, the cylinders are matched with outdoor air-source heat pumps to create a practical heating solution for installers looking to deliver for their customers, particularly in limited spaces and smaller dwellings.

n For further details on the independently tested and

easy to install Vortex700 heat pump filter, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/may023

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

n Enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may024 for

more information on the full Stiebel Eltron range.

PBM DECEMBER 2023 45

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MARKETING SUPPORT Henco took its demo van on a tour around the UK earlier in the year, supporting merchants, wholesalers and installers to learn more about its innovative pipe and fittings range. In addition, the business has been outlining its new ‘Drop & Ship’ approach for its extensive range of underfloor heating systems.

The grand tour F

ully kitted out with Henco’s latest solutions, the company’s demo van has been travelling the UK and allows the team to demonstrate its wide range of sanitary and multilayer pipes, fittings, floor heating and tools, which help facilitate and connect installations that are all compliant and in accordance with UK regulations and certifications. The Henco sales team has also been on hand to provide in-depth technical knowledge at each branch, and destinations on the tour included Crossling in Salford and Liverpool, SBS in Merseyside, Cuplas in Liverpool and MP Moran in Watford. Lee Kenney, Regional Sales Manager for Henco UK and ROI, said: “The demo van provides us with an opportunity to talk directly with customers and show them the unique features and benefits of the Henco range. There’s nothing like getting hands on with products to truly understand their capabilities. We are looking forward to being out on the road and meeting everyone.”

46 PBM DECEMBER 2023

“The demo van provides us with an opportunity to talk directly with customers and show them the unique features and benefits of the Henco range. There’s nothing like getting hands on with products to truly understand their capabilities.” Wholesalers and their customers also got to learn about the new Henco Pro-Fit push fit fitting. The “cost effective and WRAS approved” fitting requires no press tools, calibration or pipe insert meaning installers can simply cut the pipes and push them into the new Pro-Fit fitting, enabling a fast and easy install. Those attending the roadshow events also saw Henco’s underfloor heating system, which the firm says is made of high-quality materials and most importantly is detectable when installed. Using sustainable Henco ALU ML pipes, the underfloor heating system is described as the perfect partner to combine with energy-efficient heating applications such as heat pumps and solar panels. Installers also found out about the new ‘MyHenco’ platform — an online portal to help installers, specifiers and engineers to access a variety of tools such as product filters, technical data and calculation tools to make life easier — whilst the sales team on the

van also shared information about the supplier’s successful Drop & Ship programme, which is said to speed up purchasing and delivery for installers and their customers. To make the specification process as easy as possible for the consumer, installer and merchant alike, the initiative allows merchants to process orders through the company directly. This, it says, “takes the hassle out of creating quotations for each project” in addition to removing the stress of holding stock and organising delivery. Supported by the National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) and distributor UHM, the business says the concept “guarantees a smoother process for installers and consumers when they enter their local branch.” n To find out more about Henco’s range of products and its support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may025

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SAMAC FIXINGS PERFORMANCE RANGE POS Samac Fixings has launched new point of sale (POS) display for its Performance Range of Screws. The eye-catching POS display is intuitively organised, allowing merchant customers to browse through the Performance Range with ease, encouraging sales. Screw types and sizes are clearly labelled and categorised for effortless selection whilst informative graphics and product specifications accompany each screw type, helping professionals understand their benefits and recommended applications.

LEISURE SINKS NEW BROCHURE In celebration of the company’s milestone 90th anniversary, Leisure Sinks has launched a bumper selection of new products including a collection of granite and ﬁre-clay ceramic sinks as well as 39 new WRAS-approved kitchen taps. The newly released 2023 Sinks and Taps brochure features the company’s new and existing products, as well as a helpful speciﬁcation guide that outlines full product details, codes, bowl dimensions and much more to ensure customers can directly compare products. The brochure is available to view online or download from the Leisure Sinks website via www.rdr.link/may026, with hard copies also available upon request.

WEST FRASER FREE SAMPLES Specifying the perfect panel products for a project is a key part of the planning process. To help in the selection process, West Fraser has introduced a new suite of A5-size samples, individually wrapped in a cover containing product information, allowing customers to get hands on with products such as SterlingOSb Zero OSb3, SterlingOSb Zero T&G, caberFloor P5, caberdek, caberShieldPlus, caberWood mdF or the newest addition to the range, SterlingOSb Zero PrimedPlus. The samples can be ordered from the West Fraser website via www.rdr.link/may027 where users can also view downloadable checklists, datasheets and view an interactive product guide.

MAKITA XGT POWER SOURCE KIT PROMO

TALON CHRISTMAS PROMOTION With the festive season just around the corner, Talon is once again celebrating with its traditional ‘Talonmas’ giveaway promotion. For 12 days in december, the supplier’s social channels will be crammed with goodies as the pipe clip specialist is giving away prizes galore. All installers have to do is follow the post’s instructions and answer a simple question for a chance to bag some very nice prizes. Past Talonmas gifts have included Talon Workwear, KNIPeX tools, Velocity bags, makita power tools and even a cT-1 christmas Hamper.

UAP DOOR PACK RANGE Lock and hardware specialist UAP has extended its leading range of door packs, allowing users to now choose from 17 different finishes including matt black, gunmetal grey, brass, mattantique brass, pearl, satin nickel, polished nickel, and bronze. To match more contemporary interiors, a variety of dual finishes are also available. manufactured under UAP’s Intelligent Hardware brand, the door packs offer customers a choice of more than 90 handle styles and are designed to simplify both the selection and installation process. To meet diverse needs, there are four types of door pack available, including a latch pack, lock pack, bathroom pack, and fire door pack.

The leading power tool manufacturer has launched a new redemption promotion for its XGT Power Source Kit range. Running until december 31st, a merchant’s customers can claim a free 40Vmax XGT 2.5Ah battery when they purchase a selected XGT Power Source Kit. The kits enable end users to start or expand a cordless system of XGT 40Vmax tools, allowing customers to build their own suite of XGT products speciﬁc to their job requirements. For more examples of supplier support for merchants on the PBM website, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may028

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES

C.K TOOLS NEW LIGHTING RANGE CT1 NMBS APPROVED SUPPLIER CT1 is excited to announce the availability of its premium products in NMBS (National Merchant Buying Society) member stores across the UK. This strategic move is set to enhance accessibility and convenience for professionals and enthusiasts in the construction and trade industry. The supplier says its decision to make its products available via NMBS merchant member branches “aligns perfectly” with the company’s mission to deliver quality and innovation to professionals. Nicola Walsh, Director of Sales and Marketing at CT1, said: “We are thrilled to announce this significant expansion of our distribution network through NMBS member stores. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has made us a trusted name in the industry, and we are excited to reach a wider audience through this partnership. “We believe that convenience is key for our customers, and NMBS provides an excellent platform for achieving just that.” Baljit Singh, NMBS Head of Trading, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “We are delighted to welcome CT1 onboard as an approved NMBS Supplier. Its innovative products align perfectly with our commitment to offering the best solutions to our members and customers. “This partnership is sure to benefit the industry by making these exceptional products more accessible.” Known for their versatility, high performance and durability, the supplier’s range of ‘Made in Britain’ products includes CT1, BT1, PGB (Power Grab n Bond) Peel Tec and many more. CT1, for instance, is described as a unique sealant and construction adhesive that features the “revolutionary TRIBRID technology” to replace numerous products from just one tube, offering a superior adhesion on virtually any material without the need for additional fixings. n For more information about CT1 and its products, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/may029

48 PBM DECEMBER 2023

Among a raft of product innovation from C.K Tools, the brand’s all-new lighting portfolio includes six new, top-of-the range, IP-rated products designed to tackle a multitude of situations for trade professionals. For example, three new inspection lights (in Mini, Midi and Maxi variants) are said to boast robust, durable bodies, supreme battery life, the latest charging technology and ultimate flexibility whether held, magnetised or hooked to an object, or standing tall on a swivel base. Offering compatibility with the batteries of many leading power tool manufacturers, two new waterproof and dustproof site lights join the line-up of worksite lighting options, with the T9740 capable of 5000lm, and the T9741 reaching a “spectacular” 10,000lm. Finally, the new T9429USB Neck Light is described as being a “game-changing piece of kit” for close work.

CROWN TRADE LOW VOC PRODUCTS Crown Trade is reinforcing its commitment to a more sustainably built environment with the introduction of two new low VOC products — Crown Trade Clean Extreme Clean Air and Crown Trade Extramatt. The new paints have both been certified as meeting BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) regulations. Both are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and are equipped with Crown Trade’s unique breatheasy 99% solvent free technology.

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JEFFERSON TOOLS FIBREGLASS MULTIPURPOSE LADDER Made with anticorrosive frames, advanced autolocking technology and with a range of versatile functions, the new Fibreglass Multi-Purpose Telescopic Ladder from Jefferson Tools is said to be engineered to make work on site easier and safer. Insulated to 30,000V and manufactured and tested to BS EN 131: 2010+A2:2017 with a maximum load of 150kg, one of the key features of the ladder is its versatility. Seamlessly transforming between Telescopic, Extension and Stairway configurations, it will prove invaluable across a wide range of tasks and mean that tradespeople can use a single ladder for various jobs, from painting and decorating to gutter cleaning.

NAYLOR DRAINAGE METRODRAIN LC PIPE As part of its commitment to slashing carbon emissions, Naylor Drainage has launched a drainage pipe which is said to reduce the carbon output of manufacturing a standard HDPE pipe by an impressive 48%. The new MetroDrain LC is one of the results of a £9million programme of investment by the business in its manufacturing, research and development with the “target of providing the most advanced products on the market.” Manufactured fully from recycled materials and sourced as locally as possible to the Naylor Drainage facility in South Yorkshire, the company asserts that despite this improvement in environmental impact, there is no reduction in stiffness, jetting resistance, joint performance or durability. This results in a pipe that has the same performance and durability as standard HDPE pipe — but with a significantly lower carbon footprint.

KINEDO ALPHA SOLO ENCLOSURE The new Alpha Solo walk-in shower enclosure from Kinedo is a single glass panel without a reinforcement bar to create a classic minimalist walk-in shower area. Suitable for corner and recess installations and featuring a chrome aluminium profile, 2m high 10mm transparent glass and a chrome cover strip at the bottom of the panel, antilimescale treatment comes as standard and the Alpha Solo is available in 800, 900, 1000, 1200 and 1400mm sizes.

ONEBOND WINTER REPAIRS

HIKOKI POWER TOOLS 18 GAUGE CORDLESS BRAD NAILER HiKOKI Power Tools has launched the NT1850DFJXZ Cordless Brad Nailer. The compact 18V tool is said to allow users to easily move around the jobsite without hoses or compressors and can get an “outstanding” 1,650 nails per charge with the included 3.0Ah compact battery. The Cordless Brad Nailer delivers a driving speed of up to three nails per second, saving valuable time and increasing productivity and yet it is 30% more compact and 31% lighter than the previous model (the NT1850DE).

OneBond, Saint-Gobain’s latest venture into adhesives and sealants, provides a range of toolbox essentials for contractors to choose from — ready to take on the challenge of winter repairs such as repairs to cracked pipes and gutters, peeling exterior seals and leaking roofs. Products in the range include Acrylic universal — a one-component sealant for assembling light building materials and sealing cracks and joints in interior applications — and PU 40, which is said to be ideal for dealing with expansion and contraction, whilst withstanding weathering and ageing. n For more details on these and other new products on the PBM website, enter shortcode www.rdr.link/may030

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

PBM DECEMBER 2023 49

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX

Aanco (UK) Ltd t/a Made For Trade ............................page 10 www.rdr.link/may100

ROCKWOOL Ltd ................................................................page 17 www.rdr.link/may109

BSW Timber Ltd ..................................................................page 8 www.rdr.link/may101

Simpson Strong-Tie ........................................................page 23 www.rdr.link/may110

Buckbootz ..........................................................................page 43 www.rdr.link/may102

STABILA ..............................................................................page 37 www.rdr.link/may111

Combilift Ltd ........................................................................page 31 www.rdr.link/may103

Stakapal Ltd ........................................................................page 31 www.rdr.link/may112

C-Tec N.I. Ltd ........................................................................page 4 www.rdr.link/may104

TOOLFAIR and Professional BUILDER LIVE ............page 44 www.rdr.link/may113

E. Tupling & Son Ltd ........................................inside front cover www.rdr.link/may105

Ultratape ........................................................outside back cover www.rdr.link/may114

Heidelberg Materials ................................................pages 12,13 www.rdr.link/may106

VIP-Polymers Ltd ..............................................................page 39 www.rdr.link/may115

Owlett-Jaton ........................................................................page 41 www.rdr.link/may107

West Fraser ..........................................................................page 9 www.rdr.link/may116

professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk ..........................page 39 www.rdr.link/may108

Wickens Engineering Ltd ..............................................page 29 www.rdr.link/may117

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With Paul Davies

SEASONAL SHENANIGANS In the immortal words of Han Solo, here’s where the fun begins… As discussed last month, the stop-start nature of the Premier League campaign thus far becomes a thing of the past as the international breaks go on pause until the end of March. Granted, the distractions of the European competitions continue, but the main focus is on a BIG list of fixtures right through the festive season until the third round of the FA Cup kicks in on the first weekend in January. We’ve got midweek games in early December, and then the traditional footballing feast surrounding Christmas. Most teams play three games over that period, but be aware that Messrs Haaland et al will miss a game due to the Club World Cup on the 19th. City’s game against Brentford has been postponed as a

result, so if you’re also on board the Mbuemo and / or Jensen express — two players who have surely confounded expectations — you’ll need to come up with a contingency… It's a real shame as both the Bees and City have some pretty tasty match-ups either side of their mutual blank, so judicious transfers and a strong bench could be crucial. Equally, injuries and suspensions are beginning to be a big factor now, whilst squad rotation is always a key issue at this time of year. However, there a LOTS of points to be had and this is a real chance to climb up your mini leagues. It’s definitely a good time to consider a chip or two, and don’t forget to deploy your first wild card if you’ve not already done so…

BOBBY CHARLTON, 1937-2023 We were truly saddened by the passing of Manchester United and England legend, Sir Bobby Charlton. The tributes to arguably England’s greatest ever player have been incredibly moving, not least because of Charlton’s humility and the clear impact that surviving the Munich air disaster had on his life. In a glittering career on the pitch, he won three league titles, an FA Cup and the European Cup with United and, of course, was a World Cup Winner with the Three Lions in 1966. Among a host of individual accolades, Charlton won the Ballon d’Or in ’66 (and was the runner up for the following two years).

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS I’m backing the Arsenal back line to keep it tight over Christmas, with Ben White my preferred pick. Chelsea’s fixtures are also alarmingly good, but I’m limiting my recommendations to Cole Palmer. The summer recruit is playing well in a stuttering side, but is on penalties and is dirt cheap. Up front, a lot of the forwards seem to be struggling for form, but I’m backing goals from midfield with Salah and Son turning back the clock a season or two. As mentioned before, Brentford have a great run but be mindful of that missing fixture…

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