Professional Builders Merchant June 2023

TwoTwenty MD Scott Peden outlines a “new dawn” for the bespoke staircase manufacturer.

56 FABRIC FIRST Eliminating heat loss.

58 THE PHYLLITE ZONE

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of SSQ’s celebrated Riverstone phyllite.

60 DIGITAL AND DELIVERY

News from EPD Insulation Group, including the launch of a new website and recent investment into its transport fleet. 61 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

A closer look at Bond-It’s Mega Stick solution.

54 THE TRAIN LINE

Onduline outlines the positive impact of in-store product training.

Common people

The BMF-hosted All Industry Conference — arguably the showpiece event on the merchant calendar — is but a few short weeks away, and the resurgence of in-person events remains one of the great post-pandemic joys. Of course, we’ve been back in the swing of such things for some time now, but with Zoom & Teams meetings still commonplace and increased digitisation generally — from online marketing support to the delivery of staff training — continuing to effect trade counter footfall and supplier engagement to some degree, I don’t think we’ll ever quite return to ‘business as usual’ as it was in 2019…

But for all the efficiencies that can be gained by leaning into technological solutions, I’m heartened by the myriad ways in which the merchant sector has refused to throw the baby out with the bathwater. And when it comes to face-to-face contact, across all strata of the industry, the value of fostering relationships with real humans continues to be seen as essential for good business.

From dealing with customers to engaging with suppliers, it is just impossible to replicate the camaraderie or create the all-important levels of trust and understanding without that personal touch.

Looking ahead to the BMF’s Istanbul event, we can first reflect on the success of the recent NMBS Exhibition in Coventry which delivered a record-breaking number of attendees, all keen to network with peers and see through their own eyes the latest new product developments and supplier service initiatives.

Indeed, the merchant industry continues to be blessed with a great many events, conferences and forums of all descriptions — and across all levels of the sector. Later in this issue, for instance, we highlight the BMF Young Merchant Conference taking place in October which is set to offer a fantastic platform for the next generation of high-flyers to build their contacts and partake in peer-to-peer discussions about the industry’s most pressing issues.

In a different way, the point is also made by the many stories we receive showing merchants investing in new facilities such as showrooms and improved in-store merchandising to make branches a real ‘destination experience’ for customers. Similarly, we are seeing an uptick in the number of suppliers looking to participate in trade mornings, demo days and in-branch training sessions at merchant depots up and down the country.

Here, we note a recent report commissioned by NBG which investigated the changing role of digital in the sector, and how things have evolved following the upheaval of

Covid. We’ll delve into this further in our next issue (or you can read the story online now via www.rdr.link/mat001 ), but the key findings of the research emphasised the importance of “finding the right balance between fulfilling in-person trade sales and providing support via digital channels.”

In terms of transactions, whilst tradespeople are buying more online now than pre-pandemic, the survey revealed that 92% of actual trade sales continue to be made over the counter “marking the builders merchants’ sector as uniquely low-digital.” And as emphasised in the preceding paragraph, the trade is increasingly gathering information via online sources — so servicing this need is essential — but the value of in-person interaction is once again clearly highlighted.

As the wider digital debate rages, with the dystopian rise of AI the latest step on an ever-developing path, we should embrace the fact that some good, old-fashioned values remain so vital. Doing so is not resisting inevitable change, but simply reflecting upon the fact that our industry is a special one, with personal relationships at its core.

Editor Paul Davies

Group

Advertisement Manager

Craig Jowsey craig@hamerville.co.uk

“For all the efficiencies that can be gained by leaning into technological solutions, I’m heartened by the myriad ways in which the merchant sector has refused to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Cover story: Leyland SDM is now offering same-day delivery on some 40,000+ paint options across London after the decorating specialist launched a partnership with last-mile, on-demand delivery network Gophr.

NEWS UPDATE

Heat pump hub

Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing has recently launched its new Energy Efficiency Centre in Farnborough and outlined a new campaign to boost installer training on heat pumps, with the centre intended to become a training hub to address the lack of installers qualified to install heat pumps.

The merchant chain notes that, at last count, there were only 1,500 MCS certified heat pump installers in the UK, compared to 135,000 trained gas engineers. Looking to “close the heat pump skills gap,” the campaign — which is supported by Energy Saving Trust and GTEC Training — has outlined a target of 30,000 certified installers by 2028, describing the need for qualified engineers as “crucial to the country’s ambition to decarbonise home heating in the drive for Net Zero.”

Speaking at the official launch of the centre, Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director, Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, said: “The Energy Efficiency Centre is designed to help transition installers across to new technologies and to display the technologies we have here at City Plumbing. That includes heat pumps, solar panels and underfloor heating, and means homeowners can visit to find out more about alternative heat source technology, be inspired by what they see and visualise how it would work in their own homes.”

NMBS AND BMF SHORTLISTED FOR MEMCOM EXCELLENCE AWARDS Flying the flag

The prestigious Memcom Excellence Awards celebrate “innovation and creativity” in UK Trade Associations and Professional Membership Organisations. Run by Memcom, the senior leadership network for the professional membership sector that has been helping individuals and organisations shape and achieve their goals since 2000, this year’s Awards will feature significant representation from the merchant sector with both NMBS and BMF shortlisted for the prizes.

Firstly, Memcom has recognised the success and importance of the annual NMBS exhibition with record merchant and supplier numbers, exclusive exhibition rebates and 24,000 leads at last year’s event seeing the show make the shortlist for the Best In-Person Event.

Dean Hayward, NMBS Head of Sales and Marketing, said: “It is brilliant to see the hard work that our team has put into organising and marketing our NMBS Exhibition has been recognised. We have just finished the 55th NMBS Exhibition, and it was our most successful show yet both for numbers and the strong sense of positivity for the coming year.

“As the Exhibition continues to go from strength to strength it is brilliant to get prestigious recognition from this shortlisting.”

The BMF, meanwhile, has been shortlisted in four categories — Best Trade Association;

Best Celebratory Event (in recognition of the inaugural Top 100 Influential Merchants) and Best Use of Data, acknowledging the BMF’s ground-breaking Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI), whilst BMF CEO John Newcomb is also a nominee for the Memcom CEO Leadership Award.

John said: “We are once again honoured and delighted to see the BMF’s work acknowledged by our peers in the membership community. We are constantly striving to ensure members gain value from their membership and I’m particularly pleased that the work of the whole BMF team has been recognised through our nomination as Best Trade Association.”

The Memcom Excellence Award winners will be announced on 26 September at a ceremony at the Hilton Bankside in London.

Peter Hindle joins Haldane

Haldane Group has announced the appointment of prominent industry figure, Peter Hindle MBE to the position of Regional Chairman at the company’s operations in England and the Isle of Man. With experience spanning four decades, Peter led the growth of Jewson in his role as Managing Director before becoming CEO and General Delegate of Saint-Gobain in the UK, Ireland, and South Africa where he oversaw global expansion. Peter was awarded an MBE in 2009 for services to the Building Industry and Charity.

Group Chairman Ian Haldane said: “Peter has had an immeasurable impact on the

builders’ merchants’ sector, leading numerous companies through large periods of growth and expansion to become key global players within the market.

“We have exciting plans to grow the business in the next five years, backed by a significant investment in talent development, digitalisation, organic growth and continuous improvement plans, green field development, acquisition and sustainability. The strategy is clear, and the roadmap measured.

“Peter is joining us at a time where his wide-ranging experience and skillset will undoubtedly prove an invaluable asset to the business.”

(l-r) Adam Foy, Highbourne Group Chief Commercial Officer; Highbourne Group CEO Dave Evans; Hemal Morjaria, MD, Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing.

NHBC

REPORTS

RETURN TO CONFIDENCE IN HOUSE BUILDING SECTOR “MASKED BY QUARTERLY FALL”

House building data

Exclusive new homes data released by the National House Building Council (NHBC) reveals that 27,673 new homes were registered to be built in Q1 2023, 40% down on the same period last year. According to the findings, the decline in new home completions was less steep — just 7% down on Q1 2022 — as builders “focus on finishing projects already in the pipeline.”

The report shows that the most significant falls occurred in the private sector, where there was a 49% fall in new home registrations in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022. The rental and affordable sector were shown to have performed better, seeing just an 11% drop in the same period.

The NHBC also states there is evidence that some developments initially earmarked for private sale have been block sold to Housing Associations and other providers, indicating a shift towards affordability.

It further contends that following a 7% rise in new home registrations over the last 12 months — the highest annual volume since 2008 — there are some early signs of a potential return of confidence in Q1 with 11,928 new home registrations in March compared to 8,005 in January and 7,740 in February.

NHBC CEO Steve Wood said: “Despite a slow start to the year, the new homes market is holding up well, with a 7% rise in new home registrations over the last 12 months. Emerging from the economic shocks of 2022 and getting to grips with a demanding regulatory environment, the data indicates house builders are taking stock, planning their output carefully and matching it to expected demand.

“While output may have slowed, building at a more controlled rate helps drive quality, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for the consumer.”

The data also reveals that the number of detached houses being built has halved in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022 (8,041 in Q1 2023 vs 16,089 in Q1 2022), with terraced homes and apartments representing a larger part of the market than the same period last year.

UFEMAT Conference

Sustainability and the reduction of packaging waste was high on the agenda of UFEMAT’s 63rd European Building Materials Conference attended by over 100 delegates representing builders’ merchants, building materials manufacturers from 12 different countries.

This year’s Conference, held recently in Dublin, took the theme “A Vision for Success” and John Newcomb, the current UFEMAT President and CEO of the BMF, outlined the new vision, mission and values for the European Association of national builders’

merchants and manufacturers trade bodies.

The main business programme covered sustainable packaging and the importance of reducing waste, safety at work and vocational training, the benefits of adopting ETIM as the standard data model for transactions across the construction supply chain and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

Sustainable packaging was also the subject of this year’s UFEMAT Best Practice Award, which was won by brick manufacturer

RDT campaigns for funds

As it celebrates its 180th anniversary year, Rainy Day Trust CEO Bryan Clover is highlighting the work the charity does to assist “vulnerable members of our industry, past and present” with measures such as financial support, counselling and free legal and housing advice. In addition, he has outlined the vital importance raising funds to support its work.

He said: “There was a time when the Rainy Day Trust focussed solely on grant-making, either one off grants to meet an immediate need or ongoing grants to help people over the longer term. What

App milestone

Toolstation has announced that its customer app has now surpassed one million downloads, having launched in August 2021. The milestone is said to represent a demonstration of the growth of the firm’s “digital model and customer preference for choice when it comes to ways to shop.” It noted that recent customer research found that almost a third now prefer to shop via the app.

Head of Digital Ryan Hill said: “This achievement complements our printed catalogue and online offering, making it truly multi-channel. We expect digitally enabled sales to continue to grow over time as customer behaviour evolves.

“Our app makes it easy for tradespeople to work smarter and quicker by ordering to their nearest site or home and they can manage their accounts from their pocket. At just the tap of a button, our customers can check their credit accounts, pay balances and download their invoices, which means they can quickly wave goodbye to large amounts of paperwork.”

we do now is deliver a series of programmes of support which aim to tackle the underlying problem and ‘help you to help yourself’.”

Bryan emphasises that the charity itself is a very lean organisation, without a massive staff: “Just like your personal money, what we don’t spend the donations on is just as important. We DON’T waste it on swanky London offices and huge rents...”

However, the charity will once again “be running a budget deficit because the number of people that we help is growing rapidly — we spend three times as much now on helping people as we

did three years ago. And we expect that growth rate to continue, especially since Covid.”

Accordingly, support from the industry is crucial. Please visit www.rainydaytrust.org.uk to find out more about its activities and to sponsor Bryan on one of his many fundraising initiatives.

Vandersanden from a shortlist that included Knauf Insulation, Velux and The Pallet Loop.

John Newcomb, CEO of BMF and UFEMAT President (right) and Francis Huysman, MD of Valipac (left) gave the UFEMAT Best Practice Award to Jean-Pierre ‘Pirre’ Wuytack, CEO of Vandersanden (centre).

MARK ET MONITOR

in association with

On report

According to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), there has been a rebound in repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) building work for the first three months of this year with reported workloads up by 12% compared to Q4 2022, and reported enquiries up 14% on the previous quarter.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The rebound in domestic building work at the start of this year compared with the pessimistic forecasts towards the end of last year is an encouraging sign that parts of the building industry are bouncing back. It’s a positive sign for the overall economy that homeowners are continuing to invest in their homes.

“Despite the good news for domestic building work, it is very concerning that house building is still in negative figures, despite a slight increase in reported workloads. Given there is a growing housing crisis, the fact we are building fewer and not more homes is a worrying sign for consumers, builders and the Government alike.”

Brian added: “The FMB’s survey also shows the effect inflation is having on SME building companies resulting in them having to raise their prices in order to stay afloat and with 10% of FMB member companies potentially at risk of

closure. We are far from having certainty in the building industry but at least there are some signs that we are starting to move in the right direction.”

recruit carpenters/joiners, bricklayers and general labourers (41%, 36%, and 31%).

l Members report an overall net decrease in employment levels in Q1 2023 (-3%).

I m p a c t o f c h a n g e s i n p r i c e s a n d c o s t s

l There is an overall recovery in enquiry and workload levels for the RMI sector as 14% of members report an increase this quarter.

l Almost nine in ten (87%) FMB members report an increase in material costs.

l The house building sector is continuing to struggle with more reporting a decline in workload that those seeing more work (-4%). However, this has improved on last quarter where it was -18%.

S k i l l s

l At least one in three FMB members reported that they are struggling to

l 87% of members reported that material cost had increased in Q1 2023.

l Three quarters (75%) of FMB members reported an increase in the prices they charge for work.

l 45% of members reported that business profits were lower than expected this quarter.

n The FMB State of Trade Survey, which is released quarterly, is the longest running survey of its kind to track the experience of small to medium-sized (SME) construction firms in the UK.

n Enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat002 to read the full report.

M&J BUILDERS MERCHANTS GTI DIRECT ACQUISITION

Long-standing h&b member M&J Builders Merchants has announced the acquisition of GTI Direct (GTI), adding a fifth location to the Group’s portfolio. GTI is a Dunoon-based business that already had longstanding ties with M&J, and was established nearly 30 years ago as a UK-wide distributor of insulation, energy efficiency and carbon reduction eco products.

In recent years, it had set up a timber and builders’ merchant division and now joins h&b as part of the M&J Group — a family-owned and run independent merchant group established in 1999 that operates a successful timber and mixed light- and heavyside business from its two branches in Greenock and Largs.

Having opened a 130,000 sq ft storage and distribution hub and acquired South Lanarkshire Building Supplies in 2019, this acquisition marks the latest step in M&J’s growth journey, which has been part of h&b since 2013.

Mark Rodger of M&J Group said: “GTI compliments our already wellestablished brands in Scotland and this new acquisition fits exceptionally well with our vision to be the best provider of building products in the eyes of our customers, employees, suppliers, and communities.

“The existing management team, led by GTI Managing Director, Martin Clayton, as well as all staff are staying in place in their current roles, and we are excited about combining operational expertise and knowledge and aim to share best practice from all our business units to create a leading Scottish merchanting organisation.”

SELCO BUILDERS WAREHOUSE PETERBOROUGH BRANCH

Selco has continued its UK expansion by opening a new branch in Peterborough, with the builders’ merchant taking its total number of branches to 75 following the official ribbon cutting at its premises on Padholme Road East.

CEO Howard Luft said: “This is our first branch in Cambridgeshire and the third we have opened across the UK in the last 12 months. Expanding our branch network allows us to demonstrate how our unique offering is the perfect one-stop shop to more and more tradespeople across the UK.

“As a genuine multi-channel builders’ merchant, we want to give tradespeople the chance to get their building materials in the most convenient way possible to them, whether that be through branches or through our fast-growing digital offering.”

He added: “We are here to serve the trade and meet their every need and we are thrilled to be open in Peterborough.”

The official launch of the Peterborough branch saw Selco continue its commitment to supporting the local communities in which it operates by donating £3,000 to good causes including east of England-based Little Miracles and its nominated national charity, Cancer Research UK.

Grafton Group plc, Selco’s parent company, has also recently released its Q1 Trading Update. The report noted that the Group’s overall performance in the first quarter of the financial year was “in line with expectations” with Group revenue in the period to 23 April 2023 recorded at £704.3 million, up 2.8% from £685.4 million in the prior year.

The Trading Update also outlined the introduction of a third programme to buy back ordinary shares in the Company for an aggregate consideration of up to £50 million, “reflecting its confidence in the prospects for the Group, strong balance sheet and cash generation from operations, while at the same time retaining significant capacity to invest in strategic growth opportunities.”

JEWSON CIVILS FRAZER MULTI-UTILITIES OFFERING

Jewson Civils Frazer (JCF) used the Utility Week Live event in mid-May to launch its nationwide multi-utilities offering. Backed by a high-profile campaign ‘Three Is The Magic Number’, JCF has developed what is described as a “highly competitive and robust product range” to service the needs of projects in the gas, power and water sectors.

Nick Boyle, the specialist distributor’s Sales Director, said: “Making life easier for our customers has been our core objective since we started trading back in 2019 and in just four years, we have established a reputation for being a no-nonsense, forward-thinking business. Getting our multi-utilities offer right has been critical, we do things properly at JCF and we have taken the time to develop a compelling and comprehensive product range.”

While the product range forms an essential part of the multi-utilities offer, having the ability to deliver expert, technical advice is an important part of the overall proposition. Nick continued: “Being a specialist distributor is as much about our credibility as an expert technical partner, as it is about our product range — these two things go hand-in-hand, which is why I am confident our step into the gas, power and water market will be a huge success.”

PBM looks at some of the latest news stories from across the merchant sector including new branch openings, yearend results and expansion in the utilities market.

LORDS GROUP TRADING PLC YEAR END RESULTS

Announcing its annual results, Lords has declared “another year of positive strategic progress underpinned by strong financial performance”. The business reported a record performance, with Group revenues up 23.9% to £450million (FY21: £363.3million) and on track to reach its stated £500million revenue target by 2024.

Its Merchanting division delivered record revenues, up 69.2% to £220.8million (FY21: £130.5million) with strong like-for-like revenue growth of 17.4%, reflecting its ambition to be the ‘local leader’ in its markets, delivered by empowered and highly engaged management teams.

Plumbing & Heating division revenues were down 1.5% to £229.3million, however the report stated that “P&H performance was resilient given industry-wide boiler component shortages, which eased throughout H2-22” and also benefitted from management actions including additions to a “higher margin” energy efficient product range.

The business continues to expand and open new branches. CEO Shanker Patel said: “This was an excellent year for the Group, as we continued to deliver on our IPO commitments and successfully grew the business in a tough trading environment.

“We entered 2023 in a strong financial position as we pursue organic and acquisition-led growth opportunities. With around 40% of UK builders’ merchants still independently run, we have considerable scope for further consolidation and therefore see good opportunities to continue our track record of growth.”

ALLOWAY TIMBER & BUILDERS MERCHANTS PRESTIGE AWARD

Alloway Timber & Builders Merchants has won the Building Merchants of the Year award for London & South East 2023/2024, as part of the Prestige Awards. Jez Avens, the merchant’s Managing Director, commented: “We’re extremely proud & humbled to win this award. It is a testament to the fantastic level of effort exhibited by every colleague within the business, our ethos of providing unrivalled customer service and our culture of maintaining high standards in everything that we do.”

The family-run business initially began trading as Alloway Timber Southern Ltd back in 1971, and subsequently expanded to include a building merchant wing to help customers complete their projects from conception to completion. Today, it trades from five sites — in Kingston-upon-Thames, Byfleet, Cheam, Mitcham and Putney — which all boast an experienced team, an ‘Excellent’ average score on Trustpilot, and a minimum 4.5-star rating on Google.

WOLSELEY INFRASTRUCTURE CASCADE PIPELINES

LAKER BUILDERS MERCHANT INDOOR PAVING SHOWROOM

Laker has launched a new indoor showroom for porcelain and natural stone paving at its Crawley branch, said to be the largest dedicated indoor paving showroom at a builders’ merchant within a 20-mile radius.

The showroom integrates a range of landscaping products to enhance the wide range of pavers on display, including artificial grass and decorative aggregates. The Laker team also installed a Digital Display Screen which runs Pavestone’s fly-through videos, to further showcase the product.

Laker chose to feature Pavestone due to “the quality of the product, the huge range of porcelain and natural stone pavers as well as Walling, Cladding, Block Paving, Edging and Paving Setts plus many Pavestone’s cleaning and grouting accessories.”

Stephen Robinson, MD of Laker, said: “The Pavestone team were fantastic in giving us the support we needed to get pricing, imagery and our showroom built and launched. The data and collateral provided also helped the marketing team to get the products online quickly and in time for the launch.”

It is now a year since Wolseley welcomed Cascade Pipelines — a leading manufacturer of specialist pipe fittings and services to the water sector — to its family, and the acquisition has since enabled the supplier to draw on Wolseley’s nationwide distribution network to offer its innovative solutions at a number of branches across the UK.

Commenting on the acquisition, John Hancock, MD of Wolseley Infrastructure, previously stated: “We are delighted to welcome Cascade Pipeline Corporation to Wolseley. Our Fusion Utilities brand is built on industry-leading expertise and great customer service, attributes which are only enhanced with the Cascade team and their innovative range of products. We look forward to providing customers of both businesses our newly enhanced product and service proposition.”

Andrew Munro, Director of Cascade Pipelines, added: “Over the years Cascade has established itself as a reliable brand in the UK water industry, servicing frameworks with major water authorities and supplying an extensive range of products to clients throughout the country.

“Cascade has been approached on many occasions by parties interested in joining forces; however, none of these suitors had the infrastructure, product range or reach that Wolseley has.”

Sales expectations remain strong but market confidence weakens

The latest instalment of The Pulse reveals that while merchants remain confident about strong customer demand, market conditions continue to raise concern.

Builders’ merchants’ sales expectations are robust for the short and medium-term despite some easing. However, a relentless stream of price rises is squeezing merchant margins and product availability is still a problem.

And although merchants’ confidence in the market is weakening, their confidence in their own business stays strong.

e Pulse, by MRA Research, is a monthly tracking survey of merchants’ confidence and prospects. Telephone interviewing took place from the 2nd to the 4th May 2023 (three working days).

Problems faced

Supplier price rises (77%) and Squeezed margins (76%) were a problem for 3 in 4 merchants — Chart 1. Product availability (52%), Online competition (48%) and Lead times (44%) were problems for around one in two merchants. However, Supplier price rises remained the single biggest problem (40%).

complained of Squeezed margins and nearly six in ten still listed Product availability.

Trends in merchants’ problems

Supplier price rises are easing as the single most important problem but 4 in 5 merchants mentioned them — Chart 2. Two thirds

Sales expectations

A net +63% of merchants expected May sales to increase compared to April, down from 78% month-on-month in April, the highest level in two years — Chart 3. All types and size of merchants expected growth: Regionals (+67%), Independents (+65%) and Nationals (+59%). Small outlets had the lowest expectations (+55%).

Most merchants in the North (+74%), South (+63%) and the Midlands (+60%) expected their sales to increase. Merchants in Scotland had slightly lower expectations (+53%).

A net +20% of merchants expected higher sales in May compared to May last year. at’s down from a relatively high +38% in March. Expectations were highest in the South (+46%), and Midlands (+12%). e number of merchants in the North who were more confident in the market was balanced by the number who were less confident (net 0%). Merchants in Scotland (-13%) expected to sell less compared with last year.

e difference between the percentage of merchants expecting growth and those expecting a decrease is the net figure, expressed as a percentage. A positive net percentage indicates growth, a negative indicates decline. Net zero implies no change.

A net +52% of merchants expected sales to increase in the six months May to October 2023 compared to the previous six months — Chart 4. Expectations remained solid across the first five months of 2023. More Merchants in Mid-sized (+68%) and Larger outlets (+59%) expected sales to grow. Fewer Small outlets (+33%) expected sales to increase.

Over a quarter (28%) who expected higher sales, expected them to improve by up to 9% in the next six months. Almost half (47%) expected sales to grow by 10 to 20%, and 12% by more than that.

Trends Monitor

Scotland and the North who were more confident in the market was balanced by those who were less confident (net 0%). Only the South (+5%) was more confident. Large outlets (-29%) were least confident. More Small outlets (+10%) were confident.

Confidence in their business

Merchants’ confidence in the prospects for their own business dropped from a 2023 peak to date (net +52%) to +36% more confident month-on-month. Regionals (+52%) were the most confident. Independents (+12%) were least confident. Merchants in the Midlands (+40%) and the South (+37%) were more confident than other regions.

Merchants’ confidence in their own business remained strong year-on-year. A net +29% of merchants were more confident in May than they were in May last year. Regionals (+52%) were more confident than Nationals (+15%) and Independents (+6%). Small outlets (+36%) were more confident than Large (+29%) and Mid-sized outlets (+22%). ose in the South (+37%) were more confident than the Midlands and the North (both at +32%) and Scotland (+0%).

Confidence in the market

Having built to a net +30% in April, month-on-month, confidence in the market eased to +14% in May. More Merchants in Nationals (+22%) were confident than Regionals (+12%). e number of Independents who were more confident in the market was balanced by the number who were less confident (net 0%).

Confidence in the market had dropped year-on-year, from a net +12% last month to -2% (see Chart 5). e number of merchants in

About the Pulse

The Pulse is a monthly trends survey tracking builders’ merchants’ confidence and prospects over time. Produced by MRA Research, the insight division of MRA Marketing, it captures merchants’ views of future prospects in terms of sales expectations, confidence in their business, confidence in the market, and the key issues and problems they experience.

This report is the 49th in the series, with interviews conducted by MRA Research from the 2nd to the 4th May 2023 (three working days). Each month a representative sample of 100 merchants is interviewed. The sample is balanced by region, size and type of merchant, including nationals, regional multibranch independents, and smaller independent merchants.

FACE TO FACE

V12 Footwear is a family-owned safety footwear manufacturer based in Chippenham, Wiltshire. For 25 years, the company says it has been driven by “a passion for safety, comfort and well-being for its wearers,” creating tough work boots for tough conditions. And with a “combination of tradition and tech, V12 build boots for builders which provide comfortable and cutting-edge protection.”

PBM speaks with Charlie Turner, Head of Sales and Marketing at V12 Footwear.

QWhat are the current challenges facing your company?

QHow did you get into the industry and to your current position?

AIt would not be an exaggeration to say I was born into it. As fifth generation shoemakers, footwear really is in our genes. I am passionate about improving people’s health, safety and well-being, so safety footwear is the perfect product for me.

I started in customer service taking responsibility for any faulty returned products. I really enjoyed this, as I love turning someone's challenge into a positive — and it allowed me to learn a huge amount about shoemaking too. From there I went into marketing, and after learning a huge amount, progressed to manage a team.

I’m now responsible for sales as well as marketing, with a focus on making the two functions work more closely to maximise impact.

QHow do you feel the industry has changed in recent years?

A A lot has changed. COVID drove more people to purchase safety footwear online and some of the ‘big sheds’ have made huge progress, especially in the safety footwear sector in gaining market share.

However, despite the rising appetite for online purchasing, safety footwear sales continue to grow through merchants because people can buy boots and take them away rather than wait for delivery — so if their boots break, they can change them straight away.

AAs many companies are experiencing, supply is increasingly challenging due to current geopolitical instability. However, we have been working on a program for the last three years to bring production closer to home to help mitigate this and maximise our positive environmental impact.

This applies particularly to safety boots, because if you don't have the right size in stock, customers go to another seller.

QAnd what has been your biggest challenge so far?

A Forecasting sales accurately and then selling to this forecast. It will never be 100% accurate, but with the significant lead times that safety footwear has due to the lengthy production time (between 60 and 100 processes to make a shoe), ensuring we sell what we forecast can be challenging.

QWhat has been the highlight of your career to date?

AThe launch of the BoB charity boot, in support of the Band of Builders. This was a project very close to my heart, but it would have been impossible to achieve without the amazing collaboration from the team at V12 and the Band of Builders crew.

This boot symbolises two of my great passions — footwear and giving — in one package!

Q Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Q What are the current challenges facing the merchant sector?

A I love to support people’s development and am passionate about teamwork. If I help people to grow over the next five years, that will feel like a personal achievement.

A

Ensuring a good balance of stock can be demanding. With a drive for merchants to reduce cash tied up in stock — especially given the staggering increases in the cost of materials — it’s important not to go the other way and not have stock available.

I’d also like to be in a position where I could spend more time with my family.

n For more information on V12 Footwear’s range of products and support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat004

“Ensuring a good balance of stock can be demanding. With a drive for merchants to reduce cash tied up in stock — especially given the staggering increases in the cost of materials — it’s important not to go the other way and not have stock available.”

Simon Harris has become IBC’s new Divisional Services Manager, as the buying group looks to further expand its services offering to independent merchants. With wide-ranging industry experience, Simon will be working closely with IBC’s Service partners to bring members a diverse selection of business-critical support solutions including White label/eCommerce, Health & Safety, transport solutions, marketing, Energy Consultancy and much more.

With almost two decades of building products experience, Holly Bramwell has joined PermaGroup in the newly established role of Group Sales Manager to support the company’s ambitious plans for continued growth.

With the firm also looking to appoint several new salespeople this year, MD Adrian Buttress said: “Within the last two years, many things have changed in our sector and as a result I’ve taken the time to take a step back and evaluate our business model and markets so that I can realign our strategy. I see some really good opportunities ahead and intend to fully capitalise on them.”

Stone Paving Supplies has appointed Barney Carrington as its new Area Sales Manager for the South East of England. With responsibility for driving sales and revenue growth, Barney brings a wealth of experience in natural stone and porcelain paving having worked within the landscaping industry for many years including at EH Smith.

ARMD, the total tool protection system, has appointed Kevin North as its new Sales Director with a mission to form partnerships with builders’ merchants, trade associations, manufacturers and other companies in contact with tradespeople.

Highly experienced in the trade sector, Kevin has previously worked with organisations including Rated People and Checkatrade. He is also a former electrician and is now helping to protect them, and other trades, from the scourge of tool theft.

Two new regional technical sales managers have joined Conex Bänninger, with the experienced Brett Wharmby responsible for driving brand awareness and growth in the Midlands and Noel Kelly covering the North of England. Business Unit Director Ged Grimes said: “Brett’s manufacturing experience and the reputation he has developed over the years with merchants, coupled with Noel’s expertise on the distribution and merchant side of the industry with VIP, is going to be invaluable to support Conex Bänninger’s objectives for growth.”

Drayton has bolstered its team responsible for meeting the needs of the smart home and renewable market.

Firstly, with an extensive background in the Smart Heating sector, Marta Isach Vesperinas has joined as Senior Product Owner with a focus on the fast-growing heat pump market. Meanwhile, Catarina Martins has been appointed as Wiser Marketing Leader. Previously at Google as EMEA Marketing Manager, Catarina will now be responsible for launching new Wiser offers and driving channel marketing.

Noel Kelly Brett Wharmby

energy efficiency Delivering

Dubbed ‘Green Day’, at the end of March the government made a series of announcements to revamp its energy efficiency strategy and provide homeowners with information on how they can improve their property’s carbon footprint.

One of the biggest announcements of the day was that of the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), which aims to offer better energy efficiency measures to homes across the country.

At its heart, the GBIS contains many of the original principles of Eco+, which was supposed to come into effect in April this year. As with Eco+, GBIS is designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes in England, Wales and Scotland with low

Marcus Jefford, Managing Director at estimating service Build Aviator, which works in partnership with Jewson, examines the new Great British Insulation Scheme and how it supports builders working on energy efficiency projects.

EPC ratings located in lower Council Tax band areas.

To qualify for the GBIS, people must live in a property with an EPC rating of D or lower. In England, the home must fall within Council Tax bands A-D; in Scotland it’s Council Tax bands A-E, and Wales A-C.

GBIS is now intended to launch in the summer and the government says it is set to benefit an additional 300,000 homes by March 2026. So, while plans to improve the energy efficiency of homes, help people manage their bills and reduce carbon emissions are welcome news, will it lead to new opportunities for installers and builders?

Impact on the trades

The issue of rising energy prices has made people consider how they use their homes, encouraging many to look at ways to reduce their energy use. In fact, research from Jewson’s recent Trade Trends report found over a third (35%) of tradespeople have recently been asked by customers about improvements that could make their home more energy efficient.

And it doesn’t stop at homeowners, either. According to Jewson’s research, half of all tradespeople are concerned about the environment and sustainability — and 31%

have changed the materials they use in line with new Building Regulations, which are due to be enforced on 5th June 2023, such as those available in the merchant’s Making Better Homes range.

There is clearly an appetite from the public to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, as well as from tradespeople to carry out projects to achieve that. But the government scheme has already been delayed by several months, with no set start time other than ‘this summer’. Some worry this could force homeowners who have already earmarked eco projects for this year to put them back, which will have a knockon effect to tradespeople’s workloads.

On the positive side, though, the slight delay enables the industry to be more prepared and understand how it could benefit their business.

Making better homes

Although insulation is a key part of making sure homes are more energy efficient, it’s only part of the solution when making homes not just more sustainable, but more comfortable too. In properties that aren’t properly insulated, about a quarter of the heat is lost through the roof, and about a third through the walls. But insulation isn’t enough on its own.

For example, if a house gets new insulation, thought also needs to be given to ventilation. Without it, issues like mould and health problems for the occupiers, including allergies and breathing problems, can arise. To help with this, services like Build Aviator — available to Jewson customers and the wider industry — are available so that tradespeople can ensure the correct ventilation is installed alongside various types of insulation.

But this aside, each property — depending on its age, location, layout and the materials used to build it in the first place — will have its own priorities when it comes to the best way to improve its energy efficiency. This requires tradespeople to have knowledge of all the solutions available, as well as the relevant Building Regulations and initiatives available, so they can recommend a holistic approach to their customers’ home improvement projects.

Alongside the GBIS, the government has also recently announced a £30m Heat Pump Investment Accelerator and Boiler Upgrade Scheme; the removal of levies on electricity bills to make them cheaper; an investment of more than £380m to increase EV charging points, and plans to generate alternative energy source including hydrogen and nuclear. How these programmes come to be developed in the future remains to be seen.

As the government’s energy efficiency strategy continues to evolve, our job will be to continue promoting the latest innovations in building products and services in the building sector to help tradespeople maximise quality, productivity and profit during energy efficient home improvements.

n For more information about Build Aviator’s estimating service, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat005

A bold destination choice where east meets west sees the merchant sector travelling to Istanbul for this year’s BMF-hosted All Industry Conference. PBM considers what delegates can expect from the merchant calendar’s showpiece event.

Turkey solutions

For centuries, Istanbul has provided a strategic link between Europe and Asia whilst its unique location means that, for the first time, the BMF Conference will take place on two continents. Divided by the Bosphorus Strait — now spanned by the Bosphorus Bridge — and boasting a history dating back to the 7th Century BC, Istanbul is a melting pot of many civilisations.

A place where east meets west, the city is set to provide the ideal backdrop to explore the Conference theme, “Creating Connections”.

The event will take place at the five-star Swissotel The Bosphorus, and with the BMF “determined to ensure the sustainability of our 2023 Conference,” the facility was selected both for the quality of its accommodation and its commitment to sustainability. The BMF has also pledged to

limit its operational impact by using local suppliers, reducing shipping costs, emissions and single-use materials in addition to using recyclable materials for branding and signage.

Recognising that the journeys of those travelling “inevitably contribute to global CO2 emissions”, the BMF will plant a tree for every person attending the event offset emissions.

Creating Connections

Drilling down into the ethos of the event in a message on the BMF Conference 2023 website, CEO John Newcomb and Chairman Richard Hill explain: “We work in an amazing industry that thrives on networking and relationships and has long been adept at creating connections between merchants and building material producers. In today’s

post-Brexit, post-pandemic environment, creating and nurturing connections has never been more important. For it is those connections that will help us to negotiate new trading relationships, and successfully navigate increasingly complex global supply chains”.

These themes will be explored in a full Conference business programme, hosted by Mark Durden-Smith, the sports and lifestyle television presenter.

Industry Forum

One of the most popular elements of the BMF All Industry Conference is the Industry Forum, which brings together four influential leaders from different segments of the industry to debate the most pressing business issues of the day. Taking the stage this year will be David Berry, Chairman of

the Fortis Merchant Group and MD of C&W Berry; Mike Ward, Territory Director UK & Ireland at Wavin and the Elected Director –Suppliers on the BMF Board; Howard Luft, CEO of Selco; and David Craddock, Founder of the low carbon specialist developer and construction group VerdeGO.

Interactive workshops

Away from the main conference hall, a choice of four interactive workshops will give delegates an opportunity to discuss some of the most pertinent issues facing the industry. Two 45-minute sessions will be held each day, providing a deep dive into the following key topics — The Value of Sustainability; Digitalisation & Technology, with a focus on Cyber Crime; Recruit, Retain, Revive — introducing a new generation to a well-hidden gem; and Energy Efficiency Policy: Fact, Fiction or Fad — what’s in it for us?

Each workshop will feature a panel of industry experts, drawing on their own experiences and offering both merchant and

supplier perspectives on these vital subjects. The floor will then be open for questions from the audience, prompting what are sure to be stimulating discussions.

Keynote speakers

A diverse line-up of expert speakers will address delegates from the main stage throughout the duration of the event. Maintaining the tradition of heavyweight political speakers — including Michael Portillo (2013), Alistair Campbell (2015), Paddy Ashdown (2017), John Prescott (2019) and John Bercow (2021) — former Labour MP and Cabinet Minister Alan Johnson is sure to deliver what will be one of the Conference highlights.

Alan served as Home Secretary from June 2009 to May 2010, having previously filled a wide variety of cabinet positions in both the Blair and Brown governments, including Health Secretary and Education Secretary. Following the 2010 election, he was Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer until January 2011. Since retiring as an MP before the

2017 general election, he has subsequently made regular TV appearances as a political commentator and has become an award-winning author, publishing a series of memoirs and two novels.

Ollie Ollerton, the entrepreneur, author and former member of the UK Special Forces now best known as part of the Directing Staff on Channel 4’s hit TV show, SAS: Who Dares Wins, will also be taking to the stage in Istanbul. Following an inspiring military career and alongside his media work, Ollie founded BreakPoint — a self-development company for the public and corporate world — and he will be sharing his experiences to explain how mental and physical strength can combine to create a powerful force within us.

In what promises to be an entertaining and enlightening session, the “world’s best pickpocket” has also been booked for the Istanbul Conference! James Freedman said to be the only person to have picked the pocket of the Governor of the Bank of England, the Prime Minister and His Majesty the King — will be demonstrating his encyclopaedic knowledge of deception, having spent years studying the methods of psychology of conmen and thieves to become a “master of the deceptive arts.”

A regular on television, there is a serious side to James’ unique skillset as a crime prevention specialist and he has advised the Metropolitan Police in addition to being appointed as The UK Fraud Prevention Ambassador by the City of London Police. In this role he works with police across the UK to raise awareness of modern fraud and stealth crime, using his performance skills and expert knowledge to change awareness of risk and reveal simple ways to defend against modern fraudsters.

n The BMF All Industry Conference 2023 takes place in Istanbul from 15-18 June, with the support of headline sponsor Knauf UK and other industry partners.

n For more information on the event and to find out more about the BMF’s services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat006

“We work in an amazing industry that thrives on networking and relationships and has long been adept at creating connections between merchants and building material producers. In today’s post-Brexit, post-pandemic environment, creating and nurturing connections has never been more important.”

Alan Johnson Ollie Ollerton

TRAINING ZONE

Nurturing younger talent

We are all aware of the challenges faced by our industry in recruiting young, ambitious individuals when there are a plethora of other opportunities open to them. But having successfully recruited these soughtafter candidates, what steps should you take to support and retain their talent to the ultimate benefit and development of your business?

One of the great successes of the BMF in recent years is its Young Merchant Group (YM) which brings together young (aged 21 to 40) senior or middle management level staff from both merchant and supplier companies to network, build long lasting business relationships and, therefore, have an influence on the future of our industry.

Meeting three times a year, including a bi-annual Conference — the next, on 26 October 2023, takes the theme “A Changing Landscape” — YM events include around the table open debates on current business issues, presentations from industry and external speakers, and overseas visits to see how our European partners operate. They also feature a good social programme.

Jo Callow, Head of Communications at Knauf UK, current Chair of the YM Group and a member for nine years has personal experience of the benefits it brings, saying: “The biggest thing I have taken from the group is connections — whether that be current members, members who have departed or guest speakers who have influenced me with inspirational sessions.

“Some of these connections have become my best friends in life that I can rely on, trust and go to with any issue — work or personal situations. I’ve been in meetings on Sales, Marketing, Economics, Business, HR and Finance — all of which help to expand my knowledge and add to my skill set, enabling me to be better in whatever role I am in.”

The opportunity to develop knowledge and build relationships has also been welcomed by Lauren Penney, Operations and Marketing Manager at Chandler Material Supplies. She said: “Being part of the Young Merchants has been invaluable for me, from a personal point of view I feel it has really helped with my confidence in the industry.

“At the meetings themselves we cover everything from networking to industry issues, they are very engaging and the topics are always relevant, allowing me to take practical solutions and ideas back to the business. I think the thing I’ve benefitted the most from is the relationships I’ve built, with suppliers and merchants alike.”

Her boss, Ben Chandler, also sees the benefits of having a Young Merchant Group member within his team. He commented: “Having a member of my team in the Young Merchants has really benefitted our business. Lauren has created a large network

with merchant & suppliers, enabling us to tap into that when we need a bit of advice or inspiration for tackling issues when they arise.”

A further benefit of the BMF Young Merchant Group is that it offers membership of the Institute of Builders Merchants (IOBM), which supports personal development through relevant training, CPD and mentoring.

To find out more about this forward-thinking group, including the next YM Conference, taking place at JCB in Uttoxeter and sponsored by Knauf Insulation, please contact thomas.lowe@bmf.org.uk

n BMF training ranges from formal Apprenticeships and, with leading British universities, sector-specific Diplomas, Degrees and a Masters Degree in Merchant Leadership and Strategy, to online product knowledge and other specialist skills training.

This month, the BMF shines a spotlight on its Young Merchant Group.

Jo Callow, Chair of the BMF Young Merchant Group, with Vice Chair Ed Parlato of Browns Builders Merchants.

Long term plan

Timber Development UK has unveiled a comprehensive Skills Action Plan aimed at equipping the construction industry with the skills to increase the use of timber and achieve net-zero targets. TDUK Chief Executive David Hopkins explains.

The construction industry is responsible for almost 40% of global emissions and consumes half of all materials extracted from the environment. As a result, it faces a steep climb to achieve its net zero targets as one of the worstperforming industries. To reduce these figures and significantly reduce its carbon emissions, experts have identified the use of timber as a key solution.

For example, engineered products such as cross-laminated timber can capture and store carbon within the built environment, resulting in a potential net benefit of 754CO2/m2 reduction compared to other forms of construction.

Timber Development UK has produced a Timber in Construction – Skills Action Plan, in partnership with the HCI Skills Gateway, Edinburgh Napier University and NMITE, which provides an industry-agreed breakdown of the skills and knowledge required for building with timber.

The plan will aid the development of training programmes across the timber supply chain and also support Continuing Professional Development progression, giving built environment professionals a better understanding of how to incorporate timber into their building designs.

Tackling the skills shortage

Such skills are badly needed. The UK construction industry employs 3.1 million people, yet the skills crisis means we need at least 350,000 more full-time workers over the next decade to deliver the built environment’s ambitions. At present, too few professionals have the skills, knowledge and confidence to work confidently with timber.

Timber is lightweight, easily workable, and can be processed efficiently using

modern methods of construction, reducing waste and improving productivity. This provides solutions for affordable, energy-efficient housing, national retrofit targets, and net-zero public sector buildings. With the launch of the Timber Skills Action plan, the UK construction industry can take a significant step towards achieving its net-zero targets and reducing its impact on the environment.

To achieve this, we worked with a coalition of partners across industry, academia and funders to create the competency framework that sits at the heart of the plan. Accordingly, a number of core technical competencies are identified which apply across the timber supply chain:

l Design and specification

l Sustainability and the circular economy

l Core behaviours and meta skills

l Manufacture

l Health, safety, regulation and legislation

l Construction

l Building science and materials.

Within each of these competencies, the plan sets out the knowledge and skills that are considered important for those working within these areas. This is intended to enable companies across the timber supply chain to

consider whether or not their current workforce has all the competencies they need, and develop training programs to address any gaps.

The framework already underpins a set of short, practical courses developed by NMITE’s Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT), in partnership with TDUK. These Timber TED (Technical Engineering & Design) courses provide comprehensive and flexible training for modern timber construction methods, enabling professionals to upskill and reskill in this critical area.

Our ambition is that the Timber in Construction – Skills Action Plan will support every built environment professional to identify and address timber

The Timber in Construction – Skills Action Plan aims to equip the UK construction industry with the necessary skills to increase the use of timber and achieve net-zero targets.

skills and knowledge gaps so the industry can make the best possible use of timber in construction.

Timber provides a ready-made solution that doesn’t rely on greenwashing, speculative innovations, or progress in other industries to deliver genuine carbon savings in the short and medium term. We now need the construction sector and government to hear this call to action. As Kirsty Connell-Skinner, Programme Manager at the HCI Skills Gateway, said:

“This plan, led by HCI Skills Gateway using Scotland’s best practice, is an important step in the development of the UK-wide timber construction trade, as it allows us to set a national mission for the industry.

“The four UK nations have achieved different standards and progress within the sector, but this action plan has been built on the best practice, learning and thorough research by a strong group of partners, and serves as a collaborative way of moving forward.”

The Skills Action Plan has been published online as an open access resource available to anyone interested in improving their timber skills. The plan is an industry-agreed definition of what a skilled construction practitioner should know and be able to do when building with timber.

n Timber Development UK (TDUK) has launched the Structural Timber Price Index to help the construction industry assess changes in the UK timber market. Displaying the monthly price of structural timber stretching back to 2018, the Index gives users the ability to compare today’s timber prices to those seen five years ago — a time that was pre-Brexit, pre-Covid and pre-War in Ukraine, making them arguably the most recent ‘normal’ year and therefore a sensible point for comparison.

Nick Boulton, TDUK Head of Technical and Trade Policy, explained: “The TDUK Structural Timber Price Index is a powerful new tool for the construction industry to understand the state of the timber market in the UK. Timber is a globally traded commodity and the UK is a major importer of structural timbers, so large geopolitical events can ripple across the trade.

“The abnormal structural timber prices we have seen over the past three years reflect the abnormal market we have all lived through. However, the three most recent months shown on the index — from November 2022 to January 2023 — are among the most stable price periods we’ve seen since 2019, which likely reflects the balance between supply, demand, and price.”

Nick added: “While no one can predict the future, the commodity market for structural timbers has historically been a steady, and dependable one. We will be watching the market carefully to see whether this trend will be re-established.” View the Structural Timber Price Index, along with many other timber statistics, online via www.rdr.link/mat007

n Enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat008 to download The Timber in Construction – Skills Action Plan. n For more information on Timber Development UK, use www.rdr.link/mat009

The Core Technical Competencies identified as part of the Timber in Construction - Skills Action Plan.

Scott Peden, Managing Director at TwoTwenty, discusses a “new dawn” for the bespoke timber stair manufacturer.

Moving on up

Incorporated in 2005, TwoTwenty is a bespoke timber staircase manufacturer headquartered in Derbyshire. The company has recently been sold to an employee ownership trust — believed to be a first for timber engineering companies in the UK — to provide long-term rewards and security for all employees.

PBM caught up with MD Scott Peden to talk about the company ethos, the challenges currently faced by the industry, and his future vision for TwoTwenty.

QSotell us more about TwoTwenty…

AWe have built an award-winning reputation in the design and manufacture of bespoke timber staircases for new build homes, conversions and renovations and we sell mostly through independent and national builders’ merchants, including all of the top 10 merchants in England. With a purpose-built factory and HQ in Foston, Derbyshire and another manufacturing centre in Kirby Lonsdale, Cumbria, we have supplied bespoke timber staircases to thousands of sites across the UK.

Recently, we announced our sale to an employee ownership trust (EOT) to allow the owners to leave the business in the future knowing that we have shown our appreciation for the fantastic team at TwoTwenty, some of whom have been with us from the start. It also allows us to offer a 10% pay rise to all employees and introduce a new scheme that facilitates a minimum of 22.5% higher pension contributions for each employee.

These commitments and this future opportunity will genuinely change the lives of our employees and their families.

QHow does TwoTwenty support customers?

AWe don’t just make staircases; we aim to make life easier for builders and merchants. The moment a customer contacts us, we take full responsibility for the measurement, design, manufacture and delivery of all our stairs. No customer drawing sign-off is required on any project.

To ensure accurate measurements, we send one of our technical sales experts to the site to measure up. We can then provide an accurate quote, so our customers understand the financial cost of the project before any work has started. We also liaise with the homeowner on a merchant’s behalf, reducing the amount of communication and time the merchant takes on each project.

Designing the right staircase for the space is key. Our in-house design team provides customers with practical advice about materials and finishes to ensure our customers are happy with the final product. Our designers then create a design using CAD software and we always ensure the staircase exceeds BWF Stair Scheme guidelines to guarantee safety and quality.

Once the design is approved, our master craftspeople use CNC machines and sustainably sourced, FSC-certified timber to create the highest quality product. The team then packages up each component, ready for the fast on-site assembly.

We pride ourselves on getting our staircases to a site in the UK in half the industry standard lead time. If there are any issues with the staircase, we will replace parts at no extra cost, so customers and merchants are never out of pocket.

QWhat are some of the biggest issues the timber industry is facing in 2023?

ARecruiting the right people and finding new talent is one of the major challenges facing the industry. This is the case across all roles, from joinery apprenticeships to office staff. The timber industry is also struggling to retain staff, especially younger generations because they are more willing to go and work in an office setting, rather than in a warehouse or colder manufacturing sites in roles that require more physical labour.

Skilled and passionate people can be encouraged to join the industry by educational establishments. They can help educate younger generations about the type of careers that are available to them in the timber industry. Colleges can also offer more apprenticeships and courses that help people develop their joinery and carpentry skills.

The next five years are looking challenging as the workforce continues to age and the recruitment pool becomes smaller. Businesses need to plan for staff changes and possible shortages by getting ahead of their recruitment needs to ensure their existing employees aren’t overworked to meet business needs.

QAnd how are things in the market, post-Covid?

ASince the pandemic, the cost of energy, labour and timber has risen. This has had a knock-on effect on overheads and ultimately profit margins. The general economic downturn has also made housebuilders and homeowners more hesitant to spend money on renovations and new builds.

As inflation rises, businesses have been increasing their employees’ salaries to help with the cost of living. Here, companies must consider the long-term implications of higher salary costs on the business to ensure they can maintain them and provide job safety to all employees.

The fluctuating cost of timber and energy is also making it challenging for businesses to remain competitive. Timber businesses need to closely track the prices of materials and energy and cut costs accordingly to ensure they remain profitable.

Businesses will be forced to swallow some of the increasing costs to maintain positive relationships with their customers, but they must be aware of the amount that is being taken on.

By becoming an EOT, we have made a significant business decision to reduce the impact of these industry challenges. The steps we have taken help create a workforce

that is responsible for counteracting issues, like retention and salary costs. We are also more likely to attract new, passionate people into our business because of the financial and future security benefits that becoming and EOT provides.

QLooking ahead, what is next for TwoTwenty?

AWe have almost two decades of experience in the industry and have built a strong and successful business in that time. With the EOT completed, existing management staying in place, employee job safeguarding and well-established customer relationships, we feel confident we have put everything in place to maintain and secure a

strong business into the future.

For merchants, working with companies like TwoTwenty who put their customer relationships at the forefront of their business, will help reduce the impact of the current industry challenges.

We pride ourselves on providing a highquality service to all our customers and delivering goods on time to reduce unexpected downtime. We look forward to building on our relationships and expertise to continue to provide an exemplary service and the best bespoke timber staircases in the sector.

n For more information about TwoTwenty, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat010

Stu Devoil, Group Head of Marketing at James Latham, discusses the current plywood supply issues and what alternatives merchants and their trade customers should be looking for.

Alternate choices

particularly birch plywood. Whilst it’s true the majority of birch world stocks come from Siberia, there’s a misconception that because the UK no longer has access to this particular supply chain, this material is now out-of-reach to most world markets including the UK.

Thankfully, that’s not the case. In fact, there are a wide variety of alternative birch ply suppliers to be found across Europe, producing for the last 100 years to exactly the same standards as Russian counterparts, and at a competitive price point. Whether from Latvia, Estonia, Poland or Finland, there are other suppliers ready to step into the breach. For example, looking at our own portfolio, I immediately think of UPM’s Finnish WISA-Birch range, which is of excellent quality and in regular supplies to ourselves.

What to avoid

However, whilst like-for-like alternatives are available, the shortages caused by the conflict in Eastern Europe have unfortunately also seen a rise in lower quality and even imitation products. So, it’s important to remember not all birch ply is manufactured equally and you should tread with caution when approaching non-Russian ply.

Whilst you can be sure that EU-sourced products have undergone the strictest testing and quality control, the same cannot be said for cheap, less credible imports being seen by some as an identical replacement for Russian ply at a lower price. Let’s get this straight now, it’s not, and here’s why.

As readers will know, plywood is a multi-layer product in which the grain of each layer of veneer is alternated crosswise

think you’re buying a better value alternative, but you’re actually purchasing an inferior one, on every level.

Even worse, our dedicated ply team has heard that some producers in Turkey, Kazakhstan and China are using individual laminates of Russian birch, which are then manufactured into plywood sheets ‘in country’ to make a finished product. This is neither good quality or, for that matter, legal, and should be avoided at all costs.

So, my advice is: if you’re looking for a like-for-like non-Russian ply, stick with officially certified European replacements to avoid potential disappointment when the cheap substitute doesn’t meet expectations.

Other alternatives

That’s not the whole story when it comes to alternatives to Russian birch ply. Recent

improvements in plywood performance and composition have also resulted in other, similar, sustainable products within the category. These new materials, which use a variety of different timber veneers, offer the same quality as birch ply, creating a broader selection to reduce the impact of supply shortages.

One of these is Garnica’s maple-faced Globulus, one of the most exciting new ply products available. Created in response to the recent turmoil in the birch ply market, Globulus is an industry first. Essentially, it enhances the properties of poplar ply, a softwood, by alternating each layer with a robust blue gum eucalyptus veneer match, competing toe-to-toe with its birch counterpart for strength.

With a slightly pinker face, opposed to the creamier birch, in a long grain format, a look currently popular in the specification market, it offers a near identical alternative at a very similar price point to Russian birch and non-Russian birch.

There’s so much going on, and I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s coming on stream in terms of timber. However, having registered some concerns around birch ply availability, we felt it’s important to use this opportunity to offer assurance that there are plenty of options available.

In most cases, these alternatives offer the same, if not better, quality than those products which are currently out of reach. Furthermore, as with Globulus and Weathertex, the scarcity of one material is creating the space for other high-performance timbers to come onto the market.

Ultimately, it’s about working with trusted suppliers. Unfortunately, the international situation has also seen a lot of inferior products come onto the market, from questionable sources. So, I’ll finish by reiterating the importance of working with materials partners who can prove their claims and credentials.

A best practice operator will have nothing to hide, and ensure you only receive the highest quality materials when searching for a suitable alternative, especially for Russian birch ply.

n For more information James Latham’s portfolio of products and support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat011

Making a commitment

throughout the company’s supply chain, including transport, purchased goods and use of products sold).

Lastly, we are committed to being a net zero manufacturing company by 2050, reducing carbon emissions across our business and supply chains. This refers to reducing relevant scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to zero, or to a residual level in line with reaching net zero emissions in alignment with the global 1.5°C reduction pathways — making this an important goal for MEDITE SMARTPLY.

The need to take action on the climate crisis is more important than it has ever been. Sustainable sourcing and the de-carbonisation of buildings is on top of the global agenda in tackling emissions, particularly within the construction industry.

Buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction (according to the World Green Building Council). This means that when choosing materials, we need to make a conscious effort to choose sustainable options.

As a market leading manufacturer of environmentally conscious engineered wood panels, our commitment to sustainability is core to all levels of our business at MEDITE SMARTPLY — from our sustainably managed forests to the manufacture of low embodied carbon materials, which contribute to sustainable building.

Our mission

As a company, we are endeavouring to become a recognised industry leading sustainable manufacturer through a number of ways. Firstly, it is our ambition to move towards carbon neutrality by 2030. Carbon neutrality refers to balancing emissions with removals before offsetting residual. We can do this through scope 1 (emissions that are direct from owned or controlled sources) & scope 2 (emissions that are indirect from purchased sources).

Secondly, we aim to support our customers and partners to be able to demonstrate their reduced impact on the environment by 2030. Going forward, we plan to run customer workshops with chosen clients to identify areas where support can be given.

Thirdly, we will also be working with our suppliers to reduce our impact on the environment by 2030 (under scope 3 — this covers all of the other indirect emissions

We have the products and the technology to really make a difference in the building and construction industry. We are taking action, and we’re taking steps not only to make environmentally conscious products for the end user, but to also make the business more sustainable by moving towards carbon neutrality by 2030 and being committed to becoming a net zero manufacturing company by 2050 — our ultimate goal.

Our business has been sourcing 100% green electricity since 2021, which has helped to further reduce our carbon impact. Currently, 95% of energy sourced by MEDITE SMARTPLY used across our direct operations is renewable.

Our environmentally conscious products ensure a sustainable building material, storing carbon throughout their lifetime. Sourced from our sustainably managed forests in Ireland, MEDITE SMARTPLY’s engineered wood panels are proof of our commitment to creating products that contribute to sustainable and healthier environments.

n For more information on MEDITE SMARTPLY’s product range, merchant support services and its sustainability ethos, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat012

“Our environmentally conscious products ensure a sustainable building material, storing carbon throughout their lifetime.”

Chris King, Managing Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY, argues the case for building solutions “rooted in sustainability”.

Drawing breath

In late March, Adaptavate hosted a launch event for the release of its new family of products, Breathaplasta Thermal, Universal and Smooth — a new range of bio-based plasters that are the latest extension of a portfolio that began with the development of the Breathaboard breathable plasterboard. Focusing on the new products, PBM looks at the company’s development.

Created to adapt and innovate, Adaptavate is an award-winning business that is “rethinking and redesigning the way building materials are produced, used and disposed of.” Developing “low-carbon construction products for healthy buildings and inhabitants,” the firm was established by omas Robinson who began his working life as a builder and plasterer before studying for a Masters in Sustainable Architecture at the Centre for Alternative Technology.

Here, Tom developed what is now known as ‘Breathaboard’ and from this he was encouraged to apply for an entrepreneur competition, winning him a place on the Climate-KIC accelerator programme at Imperial College London. As the company’s website attests, these experiences gave Tom the tools to go from on-site builder to company builder and Adaptavate was born.

With the support of a “game-changing team” of talented individuals, the firm has grown successfully as Tom has looked to cement key strategic partnerships within the industry to enable the business to scale up further.

Back in January, Adaptavate enhanced its Board with the appointment of Andy Williamson as Non-Executive Director. Andy is very well known in the sector with over 20 years’ commercial and management

experience in addition to positions with several industry trade associations and having recently served as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants. Prior to starting his new role, he was Commercial Director at SIG.

Speaking at the time of his appointment, Andy said: “I’m delighted to be part of a company that is making a significant improvement to the future of building materials. e construction industry has a serious impact on our carbon footprint, and for some time I have been aware of the vital need to adjust how things are currently done with the use of more sustainable products. Having worked with the team at Adaptavate for a while, and learned more about their products and plans, it’s great to be able to help them be a leading part of that change.”

e company states that by taking an innovative approach to product design and manufacture, it is “endeavouring to clean up and breathe a breath of fresh air into this traditionally conservative sector… shiing the construction industry by mainstreaming bio-based materials for use in standard building methods.”

Accordingly, it was eager to showcase the revamped and extended Breathaplasta family of ready-mixed, bio-based plasters at a special event at its modern facility in Bristol earlier in the year. e range encompasses:

Breathaplasta ermal — a highly insulating, lightweight plaster for solid walls. Quick setting and designed for rapid build-up, multiple coats can be applied in a single day with approximately two hours setting time per coat.

Breathaplasta Universal — a bio-based, quick setting, high performance and multi-purpose plaster designed for rapid build-up onto a wide range of backgrounds including plasterboard, wood fibre board, wood wool board, overcoating existing plaster surfaces and also solid masonry construction (brick, block, and stone).

Breathaplasta Smooth — a fine finishing plaster designed to be a super smooth final surface finish which is quick and easy to apply onto plasterboard and to overcoat existing plaster surfaces.

e portfolio has now gained the UK Conformity Assessed marking and ISO 9001 certification, along with being part of national distribution networks and an increasing number of listings by merchants. Adaptavate has also just announced that it has been certified as an official Supplier member by the Builders Merchants Federation.

n For more information on the Breathaplasta family from Adaptavate, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat013

BUILDING BOARDS, PLASTERS & RENDERS

Can your customers continue to operate ‘business as usual’ when it comes to product choice in the face of a changing industry? Paul Midgley, Market Manager Trade at Knauf, considers the growing possibilities for using metal partitions in domestic applications in comparison to the traditional timber approach.

customer mettle Improving your

Merchants are in the unique position of being able to help guide installers through product changes and developments. With recent regulation changes — and more on the horizon — it can be challenging for installers to stay on top, especially when it comes to applying that knowledge to product choice and the impact it might have on projects.

For example, for contractors considering which materials to use to construct internal walls, it is no longer enough to just consider strength and durability. They must also consider the performance of the finished system.

Typically, metal stud partitions are seen as the preference for commercial building projects, with timber leading the way in domestic. However, with performance on the radar, we are seeing more metal stud walls being used in residential projects too.

This is where metal partitions as an alternative to timber begin to offer enhanced value, representing the perfect opportunity

for merchants looking to broaden their basket sale.

The benefits to metal stud partitions

Making the switch is always a daunting prospect for installers, especially when it is a fundamental change such as going from timber to metal. However, with the right understanding of the challenges, merchants can help guide installers through the change.

One of the biggest benefits for contractors is the performance ratings for fire and acoustics can be verified by the system owner whereas using a timber stud wall doesn’t always carry the same guarantees. It’s important for merchants to understand what the customers goal is, and for those looking for performance, metal partitions are the perfect opportunity.

Speed is often seen as another key factor for switching, especially on larger projects — with metal partitions capable of being installed up to four times faster than erecting a timber stud wall.

This is coupled with the fact metal studs are lighter and easier to handle than timber, making the build process being simpler and requiring less components. For contractors who regularly install internal walls, this offers them the benefits of speed and ease. For those looking to broaden their offering,

metals partitions are the ideal solution to adding value to projects.

From a performance point of view, it’s important to note metal studs won’t warp or twist, nor suffer from wet or dry rot. Conversely timber, if exposed to water or humidity, is liable to warp or rot and can be susceptible to beetles and other insects which can cause substantial damage over time.

Finally, being an inflammable material, metal studs offer a non-combustible solution and wider system choice compared to a timber stud wall — especially when used in conjunction with fire-resistant plasterboard.

Installing confidence

As always, it starts with a conversation, namely understanding what contractors are looking to achieve with the products they’re purchasing and considering if there is a better performing product that’s available for them. And for product changes such as moving from timber to metal, it is vital that both merchants and contractors have the right support available to them in the form of technical support lines to answer installation or performance related questions.

Metal partitions also offer merchants the ideal platform to sell ‘full solutions’ over individual products. For instance, Knauf offers a system solution for internal walls which combines metal studs with the necessary plasterboard, jointing and fixings to create an easy-to-use, fully compliant system.

This leads into one of the biggest selling factors for metal studs purchased as a full system — the provision of warranties and coverage.

If a contractor is going to make the switch to something new, they’ll want to know their work is covered by a warranty. Likewise, merchants moving towards more systematic sells will want to offer built-in confidence for the solutions they’re putting forward to customers.

By choosing the full suite of products, Knauf can offer its Full System Performance Warranty which provides peace of mind that the system is fully compliant, tested and fit for purpose.

n For more information on metal partitions and the benefits they can offer customers, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat014

PLASTERS & RENDERS

Can-do attitude

Kirstie Cooper, Marketing Manager at Bond It, says that when it comes to the installation of building boards, the manufacturer’s new Mega Stick solution can provide an answer. PBM reports.

Across every area of the building sector, we continue to see new developments and product launches that are enabling trade users to work smarter. The installation of sheet materials, like plasterboard, insulation boards, floorboards and roof decking, is no exception.

Bond It states it has always had a pioneering approach to building chemicals. Throughout its 20-year history, the UK manufacturer has helped to advance the construction trade by developing products such as next generation hybrid sealants, high performance liquid membranes and self-fusing silicone repair tapes that “all but redefine the term multi-purpose.”

Another common trade task that has benefitted from Bond It’s progressive focus is the installation of building boards. Whether you’re talking plasterboard, insulation board, floorboards or roofing decking, the business says it has developed a time-, money- and effort-saving solution to meet the needs of professional installers. And its name is Mega Stik.

Ready to apply

Kirstie Cooper, Marketing Manager at Bond

It, explained: “Mega Stik offers the trade professional a number of major advantages compared to traditional board adhesives. Many of these benefits stem from the fact that it’s a polyurethane foam adhesive, which

is supplied in an aerosol can rather than a powdered, gypsum-based product in a bag or sack.”

As a canned product, it is supplied pre-mixed and ready to apply using a universal foam gun. This means that it is designed to save the time, mess and fuss of

mixing a bonding compound on-site. Each can is sufficient to fix five standard sized boards.

The canned format also makes it easier to transport and store. It removes the need to lug around heavy bags of powdered product as well as the tools required to mix it. Plus, it is easy and space efficient for your customers to store a can or two in their van or workshop for those unexpected or quick, ‘on-the-fly’ jobs.

And, speaking of quick, Mega Stik is said to have been developed with speed very much in mind. Thanks to the product’s unique formulation, boards only need to be held in place for 60 seconds after which the level of bond strength achieved will be sufficient to support them.

Mega Stik also cures in just one hour, using atmospheric moisture, and then the bonded board’s surface is suitable for plastering. Of course, in a world and an industry where time is money, this increased speed of application and curing delivers significant commercial dividends.

As well as reducing the time and subsequent labour costs of installing building boards, it enables users to install more boards in a shorter window, maximising productivity and the amount of revenue builders can potentially generate.

Versatile solution

According to Kirstie, and as with other solutions from across the Bond It range, Mega Stik is a product that keeps on giving. She said: “Aside from its convenience, speed and ease of use, Mega Stik has numerous other, equally beneficial, plus points. This includes impressive versatility. Not only can it be used with a wide variety of building boards, but it can also bond these materials to an enormous range of substrates.”

Specifically, the solution is said to deliver exceptional adhesion across most common building substrates, including concrete, brick, stone, wood, metals, and bituminous membranes. In addition, the can will work at any angle allowing it to be applied horizontally or vertically to either the board, the wall, a beam, or a batten.

Further versatility stems from the fact that Mega Stik can also be used instead of backing rods in expansion joints, and around window and door frames. It also expands during curing, albeit very minimally, but enough to fill any gaps or voids between an uneven surface and a board.

Summing up, Kirstie added: “Bond It remains committed to developing products that deliver meaningful benefits to the trade professional — whether that’s by helping then to increase their output, streamline their working processes or achieve better results in an easier way.

“Mega Stik, and the many distinct advantages it offers, is the perfect example of that commitment in practice.”

n For further information on Mega Stik from Bond It, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat015

Marley support brings refurbishment success to Chester Zoo

When it comes to complicated roofing jobs, assembling the right team makes all the difference and Marley was able to provide the right product and support at the right time for a complex roof refurbishment project at Chester Zoo.

With over 20,000 animals on its 128 acre site, Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 1.6 million visitors each year, and, as part of its ongoing development plans, has recently undertaken a refurbishment project of an old Grade II listed stable block that will provide a standout wedding venue helping to generate additional income.

Overcoming challenges

With a tight construction deadline, listed building challenges, and the presence of a large population of bats in an adjacent roof void to consider, Marley provided a suitable roofing solution to complement the heritage of the stables, whilst also meeting its pressing construction timetable. As a result of the complex brief, 13,000 Marley Canterbury Clay Plain tiles were specified thanks to their striking aesthetics and unique colour blend, complementing the existing heritage roofscapes on site at the zoo and — to comply with the requirements of the building’s Grade II listed status — was manufactured using a natural material.

Specialist advice on hand when required

Marley’s Technical Advisory Service (TAS), which helps customers including merchants in navigating complex projects, was on hand at all stages of the project. In particular, the specified ventilation solution at the eaves level not only meets the prevailing standard as set out in the building regulations, but also provides safe and easy access for the nesting bats who have, for many years, used the roof space.

Kim Halliday, Project Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Marley’s product expertise, ongoing support and service commitment was invaluable throughout, and helped us deliver a successful project.”

n For more information, please visit www.marley.co.uk/canterbury or call 01283 722222.

Adapting to change

Nick Khan, Group Insulation and Drylining Manager at independent builders’ merchant, Beesley & Fildes, discusses changes to Building Regulations (Part L) for England and how merchants and their customers are responding.

Changes to Building Regulations for the conservation of fuel and power (Approved Document Part L) set higher standards for energy efficiency in new homes. To meet these requirements, our customers must adapt too. New solutions may need to be sourced and installed — and merchants have a vital role to play.

The regulation’s overall aim is to reduce the carbon emissions of new homes by 31%. These requirements are set out in Part L Volume 1 and 2. Volume 1 covers new builds as well as extensions and changes to existing domestic properties. Volume 2 applies to non-domestic buildings.

Meeting the new rules will, in part, be achieved by improving the fabric of a building and that means new U-values for walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors on domestic properties. New homes will be assessed under a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation called SAP 10.2, which succeeds SAP 2012 (9.92).

Questions raised

From our customers’ perspective, the changes have led to queries across two areas. The

relates to timescales and which projects will be affected. A common misconception is that the rules apply to all new builds and extensions constructed from 15 June 2022. However, planning applications approved before this date can be constructed under previous regulations — if the building work begins before 15 June 2023.

The second area is the impact on building external walls, specifically the cavity size required. The average U-value that can be achieved with a traditional 100mm cavity is around 0.25 W/m2K. However, the update to Part L uses a ‘notional’ building recipe to set targets for carbon emissions, fabric energy efficiency and primary energy, which uses a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K for the walls.

To reach the notional target for a wall, a larger cavity of around 150mm can be used. Although this will require thicker and more expensive insulation than a 100mm cavity, customers will also need to spend more on larger lintels, cavity closers and wall ties

creating higher ancillary costs. A larger cavity can also mean less room space.

On balance, most builders want to stick with the traditional 100mm cavity if possible, and are seeking new solutions that can help them cost-effectively meet the new regulations.

Keeping options open

In response, merchants are stepping up to advise customers on their options and provide a range of products that can help. By assessing all the different components that make up the wall and adjusting where needed, we can help them to meet the target U-value without changing the traditional 100mm cavity.

For example, using a very thermally efficient, lightweight block like Celcon Standard combined with EcoTherm full fill cavity insulation and a standard plasterboard on the internal walls will meet the new regulations. Alternatively, a medium density block such as Fibolite could be used with the same insulation plus an insulated plasterboard. This will enable builders to save on the block costs if preferred.

n Beesley & Fildes has been touring the North West recently with its Roofing Roadshow. Throughout April, visitors were able to browse an extensive range of popular products while gathering advice from some of the industry’s leading suppliers including Velux, Dakea, Cromar, Cembrit, Lindab, Redland, Tapco, Marley, Timloc, Ariel, Iko, Warwick Windows, TLX Insulation, Kytun, Ultra Flex, BMI Group, North West Aluminium, KPB and Coxdome.

With dedicated roofing centres at its Huyton and Radcliffe branches, the independent merchant’s own go-to specialists were also available to offer guidance on their customers’ roofing requirements, including information around technical specifications and fitting instructions, while pointing them towards the most compatible products for the job in hand.

Speaking ahead of the Roadshow, the merchant’s Roofing Product Manager Steve Linacre said: “It’s a big event in our commercial calendar and is an ideal port of call for the region’s entire trade needs. People can rest assured when choosing our products that there is consistent availability, alongside technical support and guidance.”

For those that decide to increase the cavity to 150mm, using Knauf DriTherm 32 in a 150mm thickness with a Celcon Standard block will meet the target U-value. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the needs of the individual customer and the nature of the project, considering factors such as budget, labour and product lead times.

Spreading the word

As with all types of change, it takes time to adjust and with various solutions available for cavity walls, raising awareness is also key. At Beesley & Fildes we are in regular discussions with housebuilders to advise them on their options for meeting the new Part L. Our next step will be to visit customers in person to present the different constructions for both 100 and 150mm cavities.

By working in partnership and navigating the changes together, we can provide our customers with bespoke solutions that hit all the right targets.

why grades matter Battens: R

Graded battens command a premium price because of their quality — but are some supposedly superior battens not up to standard? Duncan Winter, Commercial Director at SIG Exteriors, discusses a worrying trend.

oofing battens are a staple product for contractors. Alongside their functional role as support for the roof covering, they are also critical during installation as they will be used for footsupports for installers working at height. This is the most important reason that battens must be of reliable and consistent quality.

BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 Code of Practice – Slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding lays out specific requirements for the quality of battens recommended for use on site. In summary, the standard describes the Permissible characteristics and defects for grading timber battens — and what a graded batten quality should be at a minimum.

It states the dimensions allowed and dimension tolerances, and it then details allowances covering points such as knot sizes

/ knot configurations, wane, fissures and spits, slope of grain, growth rings, distortion and moisture content.

It takes a very experienced contractor or merchant to recognise a batten of this standard by sight, so manufacturers developed a system of colouring battens to differentiate a correct graded batten from the standard green treated dimensional timber. The generic colour for such products is blue, with some manufacturers trademarking their own specific premium graded batten offer. SR Timber, for example, provides battens orange in colour (see images) while Marley colours its graded battens red.

This should make everything clear. Unfortunately, the blue colour was never trademarked by a single manufacturer, becoming a generic indicator for graded battens from multiple providers. Over recent

years, for example, there has been a worrying increase in the number of blue-coloured battens creeping into the market which do not meet the required quality standards.

Sadly, this means that it is not sufficient to rely on the colour of the product to give assurance that it is better quality. Correctly manufactured product should be stamped “Graded BS5534” and should also carry information identifying the size, supplier, species code and/or “imported” (either is allowed).

Additional security is provided if the BS mark is accompanied by reference to an independent third-party accreditation mark, UKAS accredited. This is best practice recommended by various bodies including NFRC and NHBC.

It is a lot of certification and puts the onus on the whole supply chain to carefully

check all the paperwork and quality marks to make absolutely sure that the battens provided are up to standard.

Additional complexity is added to the picture by the fact that there have been reports of blue battens, stamped BS5534

and with apparently faultless paperwork that simply do not meet the graded standard. Roofing contractors therefore cannot take it for granted that a batten which is coloured blue is actually correctly graded.

Furthermore, contractors face a double whammy if they unwittingly end up using substandard battens. They will have paid a premium price for a product that may not perform its function as part of the roof structure AND they will be exposing their workers to risk. Falls account for 50% of deaths in the construction industry, and it simply makes no sense to introduce any avoidable risk onto site.

No merchant will want to be involved in a dispute with its customer over whether the battens supplied were of the correct quality, so careful checking is the order of the day. All paperwork and marking must be in order, but the best advice is not to simply accept an assurance that battens are graded.

Instead, carry out some due diligence: check the sizes and tolerance allowed. For example, speak to an experienced company, qualified individuals and/or certified timber graders who can prove and show what the standard should be.

n For further information on the offer from SIG Roofing, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat016

“Over recent years, for example, there has been a worrying increase in the number of blue-coloured battens creeping into the market which do not meet the required quality standards. Sadly, this means that it is not sufficient to rely on the colour of the product to give assurance that it is better quality.”

The train line

Wchallenge faced by merchants in order to develop and grow their business. We are all also aware that professional development is key when it comes to having skilled and well qualified team members that can take the business to new heights. But what are the benefits of merchant training?

Knowledge is power

Really, it’s a no-brainer. Keeping up to date with industry best practice, plugging gaps in knowledge and refining skills are all essential elements that will give any merchants the edge in today’s competitive market. Training is a win-win — not only for the merchant looking for professional development but, ultimately, the end-user.

professionals will turn to for trusted guidance, so having employees that are able to recommend the most suitable solution for the job is a real plus.

Training provides merchants with the opportunity to learn about new developments and products, not only giving them a competitive edge but also helping them to boost sales. By expanding their knowledge of products, merchants will gain the confidence to provide customers with sound expertise, helping to grow their reputation by acting as a trusted advisor and building strong and positive relationships with customers.

Positive impact

Providing product training for staff can have a positive impact in many ways. It can give

team members the product knowledge they need to improve productivity. It can work on enhancing selling skills and soft skills for better performance, and it can also improve confidence and motivation.

However, knowing where to start with training advice can be daunting and that is why Onduline is proud to offer product training to merchants and staff — this includes in-store hands on training, advise and best practice while using Onduline products.

Commenting on the value of product training and how Onduline’s training has impacted sales for the business, Daniel Hill, Head of Sales at specialist roofing merchant Southern Sheeting, said: “We pride ourselves at Southern Sheeting on knowing our products inside and out, so if we’re taking on a new product we always

Greg Hissey, Sales Manager at Onduline Building Products, talks about the importance of in-store training, and the positive impact this can have in helping to keep merchants on top.

find it beneficial to get the manufacturer in to talk to the team about it and for us to then have the ability to ask any questions we may have.

“Having hands on training has a real positive impact on sales. The team retain the product information so much more than when simply reading about it from a book, and this then makes them confident when it comes to talking about the specifics and technical aspects of that products. In turn, this gives customers the confidence to buy from you rather than a competitor that didn’t know the answer first hand.”

Daniel added: “I think the key element when it comes to product training is allowing the sales staff to get a good look and feel for the product, find out the pros and cons, how it can be used and what projects it’s best suited to — this really gives them the ability to talk about it confidently and gives them the edge when it comes to making a sale.”

To conclude, training is of vital importance if a builders’ merchant wants to increase sales. Arming sales staff with the knowledge they need to be able to offer customer’s the right solution for their needs is invaluable.

n For further information on Onduline’s range of lightweight, eco-friendly and durable roofing solutions, in addition to discovering more about the company’s training offer for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat017

“Keeping up to date with industry best practice, plugging gaps in knowledge and refining skills are all essential elements that will give any merchants the edge in today’s competitive market.”

Fabric-first

The cost-of-living crisis has forced households in the UK and Europe to adopt new domestic habits that, prior to 2022, would have seemed extremely improbable. With spiralling gas and electricity bills playing a significant part in the ongoing financial woes, where once home heating systems blazed away for many hours of the day, boilers and other mechanical appliances are becoming a last line of defence against the cold for cash-strapped residents.

Moreover, families up and down the country are turning to hot water bottles, draught excluders, electric blankets and — in extreme cases — wearing outdoor clothes indoors, before daring to turn on the heating. Whilst a grin and bear it attitude to the enduring thermostat-phobia may have stood many of us in good stead as we waited for spring’s arrival, it’s no smiling matter for those less fortunate.

Indeed, it’s feared that strict abstinence from domestic energy usage during the year’s coldest months will have cost lives — particularly among the elderly — as was tragically the case in January, when the death

of an 87-year-old woman from Bury made the news headlines. The pensioner died of hypothermia as a result of not being able to afford her heating bill.

Fuel poverty

Office for National Statistics records show UK gas prices rose by a record 128.9% in the 12 months leading to December 2022. As a consequence, fuel poverty has also risen and the UK charity National Energy Action has estimated that 6.7million households are unable to afford heating, compared to the 4.5million thought to be fuel-poor in October 2021. It’s led to many impoverished UK communities facing the most distressing of binary dilemmas: do we heat or eat?

Global events, such as the Russia/Ukraine war, are reportedly the main trigger for the current energy crisis. However, in terms of the sky-high bills it’s resulted in, UK residents are also paying a price for the country’s energy deficient housing stock.

For example, a report by independent climate change think tank, E3G, found that two-thirds of rented properties were below

the minimum ‘C’ rating for energy efficiency. According to the report, bringing these dwellings up to the minimum standard would save bill payers about £570 a year. In an interview with the Guardian website,

Paul Simpson, Commercial Director at Recticel Insulation, explores the impact of the cost-ofliving crisis and the increasing importance of taking a ‘fabric-first’ approach to construction.

Colm Britchfield, policy adviser at E3G, called the poor state of rented homes a ‘national scandal’.

I cannot contradict his summation of this desperate situation.

Part L embraces fabric-first approach

The amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations, which came into force in June 2022, are a move in the right direction to achieving better-built, energy-proficient properties. The new legislation puts a focus on improving the fabric energy efficiency of new homes, with the overall aim to reduce their carbon output by 31%.

Crucially, the updated regulations include a tightening of standards for already-built homes in relation to extensions, replacements and repairs.

As a supplier of insulation products which are proven to create energy-smart, healthy comfortable homes, Recticel Insulation has been a long-term advocate for a fabric-first approach to house building.

About 35% of a home’s heat loss is through its walls, whilst roofs account for an estimated 25% of domestic energy escape. It stands to reason, therefore, that prioritising the design and composition of these key building elements is the most effective and sustainable route to delivering thermally-assured properties.

It may have a taken a while, but the construction industry would appear to be on the threshold of fully embracing the benefits of fabric-first design and build, thanks to the latest Part L amendments.

It bodes well for the quality of our future built environment, as well as the population’s health and prosperity because whatever the country’s cost-of-living situation in years to come, a significant increase in the availability of well-designed, well-insulated homes should significantly reduce the number of households currently struggling for an answer to the ‘heat or eat?’ question.

n For more information on Recticel Insulation’s range of products and support services, including its online U-value calculator, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat018

“Crucially, the updated Part L regulations also include a tightening of standards for already-built homes in relation to extensions, replacements and repairs.”

Ahmed El-Helw, founder and Managing Director of SSQ, tells the story of the supplier’s celebrated Riverstone phyllite, which is now marking its twentyfifth anniversary.

The phyllite zone

Today, phyllite is a world-leading architectural stone, prized by developers and quality-conscious builders around the world for its beauty and versatility but, 25 years ago, the material was relatively unknown.

That’s not to say it was new. It had been around a long time — a very long time. 560 million years, in fact, if you count the incomprehensibly lengthy period it spent developing in the Earth’s crust. But compared to other natural materials used in construction, like slate and stone, its use was much less common — and its huge potential for roofing, cladding and flooring went relatively untapped.

Finding phyllite

It was 25 years ago this year that we launched the Riverstone brand — our world-class Argentinian phyllite. By this stage, SSQ was already a leading supplier of quality Spanish slate. Since the 1980s, we’d been sourcing material from the best Spanish quarries — which traditionally had only gone to France — and bringing it to customers around the world.

But we’d also decided we wanted to add other strings to our bow — to find other outstanding natural materials that could help our clients maintain a competitive edge, and stand out from the crowd.

Going in search of those materials was a major undertaking for us, and quite daunting. We’d built an impressive reputation off the back of our uncompromising quality standards when it came to natural slate, and we knew it’d be an extremely hard act to follow. So, we scoured the world for material that would meet our exacting requirements — and eventually, our search took us to Argentina, where we found phyllite.

Originally, hundreds of millions of years ago, it was a soft rock like shale or mudstone. Then it was buried, and over almost unimaginable lengths of time, heat, pressure and chemical activity turned the clay minerals inside it into flake-shaped mica minerals. Those mica minerals gradually enlarged and were forced into parallel alignment.

We call the result ‘phyllite’. The word stems from the Greek word ‘phyllon’, or leaf, which seems a strange name until you look at it up close — it’s got a greenish tinge, and can be split extremely thin. But the bottom line from a construction perspective is that phyllite is a fantastic roofing material.

Really, it exists in the perfect geological sweet spot. The extra millennia have made it harder and stronger than slate. But it’s not yet become so hard that it’s impractical for

roofing purposes. Its mica flakes, and the tiny crystals on its surface, give it an unmistakable silky appearance — known in the industry as a phyllitic sheen — and its attractive grey-green colour instantly distinguishes it from other products on the market.

Assured supply

In Argentina, we found world-class phyllite being produced by the San Luis quarry in the country’s La Repressa region. I was immediately impressed with both the quarry, and the material it supplied, so we began buying it in. The Riverstone brand was born. Over time, the product proved so popular with our customers that it made financial sense to buy a stake in the quarry, and I became a shareholder.

Then, we took the relationship a step closer, and SSQ acquired the operation outright. Because of that, we’re able to guarantee the quality of the material we produce to a far greater extent than a customer that just buys in from an external supplier. We’ve had Riverstone extensively tested, with impressive results. Assessed to ASTM C406 standard, Riverstone was awarded an S1 rating, indicating it will last a minimum of 75 years.

It’s also been tested to see how reactive the iron oxides on its surface are. Highly

reactive iron oxides lead to discoloration and leaching over time. Riverstone, on the other hand, received T1 classification — meaning it’s highly unlikely that any leaching will occur.

It's for that reason that Riverstone comes backed with some of the most extensive guarantees in the industry. Choose Riverstone, and we’ve got you covered for a hundred years.

25 years of excellence

On Riverstone’s 25th anniversary, I want to take this opportunity to recognise the incredible skill and expertise of the staff who operate the San Luis quarry — and thank them for their two and a half decades of tireless work.

It’s only thanks to their efforts that we’ve been able to bring Riverstone to thousands of customers around the world, from nations around Europe, to America, Australia and beyond. I’m excited to bring Riverstone to thousands more new customers in the decades to come.

n For more information on Riverstone from SSQ, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat019

Digital and delivery

An independent, family run, insulation specialist established in 2011, EPD insulation Group has grown to become one of the leading independent distributors for insulation, drywall and associated products. Servicing its customer base from a 90,000Sq/ft central distribution hub based in Peterborough, the business works with some of the largest brands in the industry — including Kingspan, Unilin, Rockwool, Ecotherm, Mannok, Hadley systems, Jablite, URSA and Superglass — and has a large stock holding in excess of £3.5million.

Servicing a large delivery radius, it is able to supply stock items from the warehouse on a next day basis if required. Additionally, the firm is currently investing in a brand-new digital delivery system which ensures customers will be able to track their order in real time via phone or email.

With an ethos of ‘People buy from people’, EPD’s dedicated sales and client services team has developed strong client bonds over the years with the company “never truly need(ing) a digital platform.” However, the business is now looking to expand its philosophy with the launch of a new digital platform — giving full specs on each product whilst also offering broader category information — to ensure it can

more effectively reach new customers and better showcase the wide variety of products now available.

Commercial Director Tony Brown said: “The new website — www.epdinsulationgroup.co.uk — will give the opportunity to browse the complete range of building materials stocked which includes everything from PIR Insulation, Plasterboard and Plywood to Screed, Metal Studs and Fixings. Both existing and new clients will benefit from more in-depth product information at their fingertips before calling or contacting our sales team for orders and delivery times.

“Added to this is the open communication we want available for our prospective new clients too. The website colours reflect the corporate branding update we had late last year and it’s all part of the marketing drive we have put in place since the hire of our new Marketing Director, Neil Farrow in July 2022.”

With a desire to build on its recent growth, a substantial injection to the company’s transport fleet has also been planned. To drive the business forward, 15 x Mercedes Sprinter vans, 6 x Renault 32 tonne curtain sided vehicles with vehicle mounted, 4 x Mercedes 32 tonne curtain sided vehicles with vehicle mounted offload

and 10 x Loadmac 855 vehicle mounted offloads have either already been delivered or are in the pipeline for imminent delivery.

Managing this transport department has also needed a huge investment in time and effort and EPD is proud to say that Transport Manager, Chris Pratt (pictured), has just passed his CMI level 7 Management qualification. Requiring managers to focus on the development of their organisational strategy and provide strategic leadership and management, Chris has risen through the ranks and is now better prepared to manage his teams and individuals, setting appropriate targets and facilitating effective working practices.

Chris said: “The course has given me the tools and resources to improve both my management and leadership decisions and skills. Managing such a large team requires constant improvement by setting achievable targets. Following the successful completion of the course I am more equipped to assist the business in creating, executing and managing a strategic business plan.

“This is essential for the continued growth of the department as well as the whole company.”

n For more information, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat020

PBM reports on the latest news from EPD Insulation Group including the launch of a new website and recent investment into its transport fleet.

ACTIS EOLIS HC

Billed as the insulation specialist’s first major new product in a decade, Actis Eolis HC is a two-in-one reflective insulation with an integrated vapour barrier designed to enable builders and roofers to reduce the number of steps required to achieve an impressive Uvalue as well as airtightness in roofs. The manufacturer says the patented, BBACertified solution will be “especially transformative” for loft and barn converters dealing with shallow rafters where headroom is at a premium.

It is also said to remove the need to cut insulation between each rafter, with all the “tricky and dusty cutting that entails” if using PIR board, as it is thin enough to be used in low headspace zones whilst also offering excellent thermal performance. Instead, fitters can just lay the product across the rafters on the inside (warm side) of the building, sealing each section to the next with the self-adhesive lap feature of the product.

Time trials show that when insulating a roof, installation time using Eolis HC is at least twice as quick as insulating between rafters with PIR board. The time difference is said to be even more in its favour when considering the time taken handling materials on site and clearing up afterwards.

Eolis HC is also described as being a more sustainable form of insulation, as it uses less material and is fully recyclable. Plus, because it can be compressed within its packaging, it takes up less room which means more insulation can be transported in one lorryload compared with bulkier alternatives. It’s size also means merchants can store more insulation per square foot of sales space.

BRETT MARTIN ROOF LANTERN

The centre point of its Daylight for Living stand at the FIT Show in Birmingham’s NEC, the new Brett Martin Roof Lantern is said to complete the company’s comprehensive range of glass rooflight ranges for the domestic market. Available in both a 4 pane Contemporary or a 6 pane Classic style, the aluminium lantern has been designed to maximise the light transmission by engineering slim glazing bar profiles whilst maintaining “excellent physical and energy efficiency performance.”

With a number of installer-friendly features, the manufacturer is offering 3-5 day delivery on the range from its Coventry manufacturing site in a service which ensures each delivery will contain all the lantern components and glazing required, arriving together on-site, to “avoid the frustration caused by multiple or separate consignments.”

n Find out more via www.rdr.link/mat022

MARLEY M10 SOLAR PANEL

For merchants looking to give even greater choice to their customers, Marley has launched the new M10 Solar Photovoltaic Panel which is said to further strengthen its popular and innovative SolarTile range with a number of key benefits — including increased power output from a roof area, the need for fewer solar panels as well as reduced installation times.

Suitable for new builds and retrofit projects, the new M10 is designed to offer simple roof integration with a clean, low-profile aesthetic in addition to compatibility with all plain and profiled tiles and natural or fibre cement slates. Furthermore, the M10 includes special fixings for different batten thicknesses and comes with roofing kits for simple fitting.

n Further details can be found via www.rdr.link/mat023

RUSSELL ROOF TILES MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT

n For more information, including a ‘how-to’ installation video, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat021

In a bid to further streamline its manufacturing, Russell Roof Tiles has recently invested in a new production monitoring system from intouch Monitoring to enable the team to focus on key downtime hotspots, assess potential efficiency gains and will help strategic purchasing decisions. The new system is being used at the manufacturer’s dedicated plastics site in Burton, enabling it to acquire real-time data on the injection moulding machines which produce the company’s UPVC accessories, including its popular dry verge systems.

n For more information on RRT’s full range of tiles and roofing accessories, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat024

MARKETING SUPPORT

Can you kick it?

Following the success of last year’s initiative, Kick it with Keylite returns for 2023 with a brand-new message to support the construction sector.

Launched to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week in May, this year Keylite is challenging builders’ merchants to “Pass it, Kick it, Keep it up” in the name of Mates in Mind, who work to address the stigma of poor mental health within the construction sector.

In order to ‘Pass it’, merchants can share leads of the Keylite roof windows they’ve sold via a form found on the Kick it with Keylite website (use www.rdr.link/mat025) — all to be in for a chance of winning top prizes.

Each ‘pass’ counts as one entry into a monthly prize draw to win £50 sports vouchers, as well as an ultimate draw for a Sky Sports annual TV pass, worth over £400.

Merchants will also be encouraged to ‘pass’ support to colleagues who may be struggling and aim to get people talking

about mental health in the workplace.

The 2022 initiative saw huge success, raising £20,000 for the mental health charity and spreading awareness at builders’ merchant’s pop-up events across the UK and Ireland. Jonathan Boland, the supplier’s Sales Director –

Merchants, said: “Once again we will be visiting builders’ merchants across the UK and Ireland — getting merchants and their customers involved in kicking a ball through a Keylite roof window, starting up the conversation around the ‘pass it’ campaign and raising money for Mates in Mind, who

do such fantastic work within our sector.

“We ask any merchants interested in having a ‘Kick it’ day to get in touch with their local Keylite Area Sales Manager.”

n Visit www.rdr.link/mat026 for more information on the campaign.

Make the switch

Knauf reports that it has begun switching towards more sustainable packaging.

Marking another step towards achieving its sustainability goals, specifically its target of zero waste disposal by 2032, Knauf has changed the pallet hoods used on its laminated boards to use 30% more recycled content.

The move to 30% recycled content is described as representing “a real win at scale” given the number of hoods used. The supplier says that the 30% recycled content used provides an environmentally friendly solution whilst ensuring the robust strength of the plastic — which is also easier to recycle on site — without being detrimental to the customer.

Hannah Wrigley-Stevens, Buyer at Knauf, said: “Moving to 30% recyclable content for

our pallet hoods strikes the right balance between strength and sustainability. This is something that we feel our customers will care deeply about, given that not only are the hoods made from recyclable content they are themselves recyclable and can be recycled in standard plastic recycling.”

She added: “We are currently in the process of updating our customers on these changes to ensure they are fully aware of the recyclable nature of the pallet hoods and why this matters. This includes updating our artwork to state this.”

n For further details, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat027

The business is also trialling the use of 30% recyclable content in its stretch wrap across all its products at its sites at Sittingbourne and Immingham.

GRANT UK UFH Q&A VIDEOS

Grant uK has recently created a mini-series of short videos about its underfloor heating range. each video is presented by members of Grant uK’s in-house Design and Specification Team who answer key questions about the uflex, uflex MInI and Overlay Board uFH systems.

The videos are presented by Chloe Richards and nick Cottle, two of Grant uK’s Specification Technical Advisors, and the mini-series comprises of seven videos which are now available to watch as ‘Shorts’ via Grant uK’s YouTube Channel.

The manufacturer has also launched a further two new episodes in its net Zero Heating Show podcast series. Enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat028 to watch the videos via the Grant UK YouTube channel.

IDEAL HEATING MORE THAN BOILERS

Featuring the hashtag #morethanboilers, a new campaign from Ideal Heating celebrates the people, expertise and innovation behind the uK manufacturer’s market-leading products, including its growing range of “new energy solutions.”

Discussing the research and development, training and dedicated support that lie behind the brand, Mark Derbyshire — MD (Domestic Products) at Groupe Atlantic uK and Republic of Ireland, parent company of Ideal Heating — said: “Our More Than Boilers campaign is an opportunity to give our customers an insight into what lies behind our heating and hot water solutions, including the talented and dedicated people we have across all departments at Ideal Heating.

“It’s a celebration of all the reasons we are the uK’s Ideal heating choice!”

AICO POINT OF SALE SUPPORT

In recent months, Aico’s dedicated team of 29 Regional Specification Managers (RSMs) have been travelling across the uK to offer in-branch support with product displays, new point-of-sale units and discussions relating to training for the whole branch. The versatile POS units feature an eye-catching LeD display, accommodate up to 96 products and enable interchangeable messaging and ‘hero product display’ to showcase new products.

Training is also provided at AICO’s Centre of excellence in Oswestry whilst as part of its wider support to stockists, ‘Ask Aico’ events can be held at their own premises (again with support from their local RSM) to provide installers with everything they need to know about domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide detection.

WORCESTER BOSCH SAVVY SERIES

To support installers in guiding their customers’ understanding of “future choices for greener heating”, Worcester Bosch has launched a new content series fronted by TV presenter and consumer champion Angellica Bell.

LEISURE SINKS 90TH ANNIVERSARY COMPETITION

To celebrate 90 years of manufacturing in the uK, Leisure Sinks has launched an exclusive anniversary competition to win a VIP day out at Goodwood Revival — billed as the world’s greatest historic motor race meeting, celebrating its own 25th anniversary this year. Installers and plumbers are invited to enter online for a chance to win one of three pairs of VIP hospitality passes to the vibrant Goodwood Mess on ‘Super Sunday’ (10th September 2023).

Sales Director james Cunningham said: “Leisure Sinks’ 90th anniversary is a major milestone for a British manufacturer and we’re excited to be celebrating our history with our customers. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent reputation and the high-quality sinks and taps we have to offer.”

For more details, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat029

Richard Lloyd, a Cannock-based installer, said: “Future home heating solutions — what they are, and how they can help — is something customers often ask us about. The landscape is complex for those unfamiliar with the various options, and it can be quite scary to get your head around. This series will really support the industry in communicating to customers in new, engaging and simplistic terms not only what the different types of technologies are, but how customers can benefit from each one.

“This will be a great tool we can reference in our customer communications.”

For more examples of supplier support for merchants on the PBM website, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mat030

BAXI CYLINDER RANGE

A new selection of Baxi direct and indirect hot water cylinders has been launched to complement the existing range from its Megaflo brand, giving installers a full choice of hot water storage options for customers.

Designed and manufactured in the UK by the Heatrae Sadia hot water storage experts at Baxi, the new cylinders provide a high performance and cost-effective option for heat only and system heating set ups. Delivering up to 76 litres per minute of hot water at 3 bar pressure, the cylinders are said to provide outstanding hot water performance without the need for additional shower pumps or tanks — even at low pressures.

AG AFFORDABLE FLAG AND BLOCK PRODUCTS

In response to a changing market, as customers demand alternatives to natural stone from high-end products through to entry and mid-range products, AG has launched three new paving flag and block products — Tavira, Tri Stone and Plaza Quattro.

FREEFOAM FORTEX ADDITIONS

Freefoam has extended its Fortex cladding range with a new product and new premium colour.

‘Shadow Gap’ features a subtle embossed finish like painted pine, with a deep groove between boards, adding a visual interest to the façade. It can be fitted horizontally or vertically, for the illusion of height, instantly transforming any new build or home improvement project.

Co-extruded with a rigid foam core and durable textured surface, Shadow Gap is available in seven shades, including Anthracite Grey — a new colour now offered across the entire Fortex range.

STELRAD ELECTRIC RADIATORS

Available in three distinctive colours, including a sharp silver, a rich tonal slate and a vibrant sahara, Tavira is described as a “beautifully crafted flagstone which uses the finest natural granite aggregates” to create an aesthetically pleasing, subtly textured granite style finish at an affordable price.

Tri Stone, meanwhile, comes in two sizes (and is also available in a convenient 3 sized mix pack) and three bold colour blends — Fiammata, Frassino and Ocra — and offers a low-maintenance, porcelain-effect, smooth finish. Lastly, Plaza Quattro is manufactured using the same material mix as AG’s renowned Plaza Paving and has a plank-style, close-jointed finish.

CARHARTT WORK TROUSERS

Carhartt say its “unbeatable range” of work trousers is designed to offer specialist protection for every task, no matter how tough. Two highlights in the range are the Men’s Relaxed Fit Multi Pocket Tech Pants (103337) and the Ripstop Cargo Work Pants (105461).

Both are described as being “tough yet comfortable options” and feature Rugged Flex technology, which means that the trousers make it easier to bend, squat and stretch whilst their midweight cotton blend means they work in any temperature. With pockets reinforced with Cordura, they are “almost indestructible” and offer ample space to keep tools within arm’s reach.

The new Electric Series marks the first time the Stelrad brand has ventured into the electric marketplace. Available through merchants from September, the range will include around a dozen different models in a number of sizes with standard radiators for any room along with a selection of towel rails specifically targeted at bathrooms and ensuites.

Head of Marketing Chris Harvey said: “The selection includes radiators that are dry, dry stone and fluid filled to offer a full choice of options within the technology. As you would expect, the new range offers a variety of energy saving and comfort enhancing features with fitted and Wi-Fi enabled controls. Colours will be white for all radiators with the option of anthracite grey and chrome for some of the models.”

MARLEY EV CHARGER

With a Part S of the building regulations outlining that many newly constructed homes in England must now include electric vehicle (EV) charging points, Marley has enhanced its growing renewable energy portfolio with the introduction of its own Electric Vehicle Charger.

Intended to enhance its package of renewable products such as its SolarTile integrated solar PV solution, Marley states it has launched an effective EV charger that meets both Part S demands and provides homeowners with a cost-effective way to harness solar generated power from the roof, to put miles in their new electric car.

BUSHBOARD ALLOY SPLASHBACK

The leading manufacturer has “reimagined” its kitchen splashback offering with the redevelopment of its popular Alloy range. The new collection enables merchants to offer a range of splashbacks capable of acting as the perfect backdrop to any kitchen, and a cost-effective option for a quick kitchen update.

SAMAC FIXINGS PERFORMANCE DECKING SCREWS:

Backed by an eye-catching brand and point of sale support, and said to be packed with “precisely engineered design features tailored specifically for decking projects,” these professional grade decking screws feature self-countersinking ribs, ensuring improved countersinking and a flush finish for a professional look.

The Type 17 Cut Point is designed to reduce splitting and the need for pre-drilling, while the TX screw heads provide increased torque transfer and reduce the likelihood of cam-out or stripping, resulting in fewer damaged screws and faster, easier assembly. In addition, the six-pointed star-shaped head design distributes force evenly, which helps prevent wear and tear on tools.

ROLLINS & SONS MARSHALLTOWN

Divided into Alloy Décor and Alloy Colour, the new collection boasts 27 new stylish designs, including marble, stone, wood and industrial concrete looks, available in four varying sizes. The new range has been developed to suit a range of design briefs, offering versatility regardless of the shape or size of the space.

REHAU + HYDRO INTERNATIONAL STORMBLOC

Polymer specialist REHAU has announced the launch of a new stormwater management system in partnership with water services company Hydro International. Working together since 2017, the latest development in the partnership arrives in the form of Stormbloc — a lightweight, cost-effective geocellular attenuation system, suitable for SuDS (sustainable drainage systems) projects and specifically designed for landscaped areas or those with limited traffic loading such residential driveways.

The latest addition to an established range, the system is comprised of only two main articles — the ground element and base plate — negating the need for side plates and facilitating rapid installation on site. The system is also fully customisable, with the length, width and height all adaptable to meet even the most demanding of drainage environments.

Distributed via Rollins & Sons, the new Marshalltown GEN3 Magvibe is designed to turn concrete bull floats into vibrating floats. It produces a high frequency vibration in the float, offering 3 speeds, operating for up to 20 hours on a single charge of the 24v LithiumIon battery.

Made from die cast aluminium, the body is water resistant, with fully sealed bearings and LED battery indicator, utilising a quick attachment system to bolt onto bull floats and helping contractors achieve the best possible finish to concreting.

n For more details on these and other new products on the PBM website, enter shortcode www.rdr.link/mat031

With Paul Davies

UNDER THE RADAR

What was shaping up to be a truly spectacular season may have petered out a tad as the finishing line came into sight, but I think this is one that will live long in the memory. From the bizarre disruption caused by a mid-season winter World Cup to Erling Haaland’s stunning Premier League debut campaign, it is a season that has seen some remarkable ups and downs as an unfancied and youthful Arsenal pushed Man City (almost) all the way…

At the time of writing, a few of the issues are still to be finally resolved (thanks to a late May finish because of that Qatar interregnum), so the key question remains whether champions Man City can emulate their crosstown rivals’ treble-winning exploits of 1999…

With Chelsea’s fall from grace, Tottenham’s late collapse and Liverpool’s stuttering form, the likes of Newcastle, Brighton and a late season surge from Aston Villa have really shaken things up in the League this season.

As such, our team of the year looks at some of those somewhat hidden gems who have racked up the FPL points but almost certainly weren’t in your pre-season picks:

GK: David Raya — The Brentford stopper has had an exceptional campaign as the Bees have defied expectations to comfortably secure a top ten finish.

Def: Kieran Trippier — Just class, pure and simple, and around 40 points ahead of any other defender.

Def: Ben White — Arsenal may have run

out of gas near the end, but Ben White’s levels have been extraordinary.

Def: Tyrone Mings — He’s got his faults, but Villa have been super tight at the back since the arrival of Unai Emery in the dugout and Mings has picked up FPL points aplenty.

Def: Pervis Estupinan — I was worried Brighton would go backwards once Potter thought it would be a wizard idea to depart for Chelsea. I was wrong, and the marauding Ecuadorian left-back has been incredible.

MF: Mo Salah — Okay, of course many of you would have picked him at the start, but given Liverpool’s travails this year, I was surprised to see he still topped the points for midfielders…

MF: Solly March — For me, a simply stellar fantasy pick in terms of budget and delivery.

MF: Martin Ødegaard — Pulled the strings for Arsenal’s unexpected contenders, and notched up a none-too-shabby 15 goals and 8 assists.

MF: Eberechi Eze — Actually outscored March, teeing up four and mustering an impressive 10 goals.

STR: Callum Wilson — An injurydisrupted campaign to an extent, but he scored 18 and had the second-best minutes per goal ratio behind you know who…

STR: Erling Haaland — Well, you can’t NOT pick him, can you?!