Professional Builder February 2021

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FRE E TO THE TRA DE

Professional BUILDING ■ FLOORING ■ PLUMBING ■ ROOFING ■ CARPENTRY ■ PAINTING AND DECORATING ■ THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

FEBRUARY 2021

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

ING! CARRY ON BUILD SAYS BORIS

NEW BUILD & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT THE HOUSE WINS

VEHICLES & PLANT DRIVING FORCES AT WORK TACKLE THE MOST DEMANDING TASKS IN TIGHT SPACES WITH THE KUBOTA U27-4

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contents

Total Average Net Distribution 112,628 1 July 2019 – 31 June 2020

FEBRUARY 2021 VOL. 43 NO.2 @PB_mag

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REGULARS 7 9 12 20 24 74 75

Editor’s Viewpoint News Letters Training & Upskilling Free-for-All Wise Howell The Doctor’s Advice

SPECIAL REPORTS

In it to win it... page 24 see

VEHICLES & PLANT 26 28 30 32 34 36 38

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FREE FOR ALL!

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14 Federation of Master Builders 44 17 Women in Construction 46 48 BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Honest John – Real MPG Ford – Transit Custom PHEV Maxus – Deliver 9 SsangYong – Rhino Musso LWB Volkswagen – Caddy Vanarama – Van Leasing Rhino Products – Van Accessories JCB – Road to Zero Kubota – Choosing an Excavator Coveya – Conveyors Brigade – Vehicle CCTV NEW PRODUCTS

22 Tradesman Saver – Insurance Advice

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 66 68 69 70 71

Festool – New Products Makita XGT 40V Max Tools & Equipment Products Scruffs Workwear OX Group – Tuff Club

DOORS & WINDOWS

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23 Checkatrade – Membership Offer

66

NEW BUILD &

65 Eclisse – Pocket Doors 73 Quickslide

GENERAL BUILDING

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

49 Brickflow – Development Finance 51 Marley – SolarTile PV 53 Jackon Insulation – Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) 57 ACO Water Management – Storm Water Control 60 Made for Trade 62 W Howard – Wall Panelling Kit 64 NEW PRODUCTS

72 Safeguard Europe – External Wall Insulation

PRESCRIPTION in with There’s no need to book ’s here she GP Alice Fitzgibbon – through every month, guiding you t tan some of the most impor today. e health issues builders fac her d Turn to page 75 to rea advice on glaucoma.

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Total Average Net Distribution 112,628 1 July 2019 – 31 June 2020

MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH EMAIL: tsmith@hamerville.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR LEE JONES EMAIL: ljones@hamerville.co.uk GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER CRAIG JOWSEY TEL: 07900 248102 EMAIL: craig@hamerville.co.uk NORTHERN ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER IAN DUFF MOBILE: 07810 353525 EMAIL: ian@hamerville.co.uk REGIONAL ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER SAM SHANNON TINSLEY MOBILE: 07554 013302 EMAIL: stinsley@hamerville.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT CLAIRE SWENDELL DIGITAL ASSISTANT JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PUBLISHER BRYAN SHANNON PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pb@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Builder is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. It is available nationally – free to the trade through leading builders’ merchant outlets. © 2021 To be removed from this magazine’s circulation, please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.

Subscriptions to Professional Builder are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year (11 issues) – £30.00 post paid Europe & Overseas: 1 year (11 issues) – £50.00 post paid Airmail: 1 year (11 issues) – £65.00 post paid

viewpoint an injection of faith!

“Construction is essential to keeping the country operating.”

Tell us something we don’t know already, you cry, but how many times have our protestations over the years fallen on deaf ears to the people who really matter? Well perhaps, just perhaps, the penny has finally dropped, because as the nation endures a devastating third national lockdown, and all the implications that has for so many small businesses, comes the very welcome news from the Government that our industry remains very much open for business.

During the first national lockdown back in March confusion reigned as to exactly what rules and restrictions applied to both tradespeople and their builders’ merchant suppliers.

There were even tales of builders actually being stopped by police on their way to jobs, and within days there were reports of acute shortages of crucial materials – and profiteering – as trade counters were taped off. We argued strongly in these pages at the time that it was vital to keep these channels open throughout the restrictions, as the skills and services of builders, plumbers and electricians would be needed more than ever before as the nation’s homes took the full brunt of the work from home and remote classroom learning instructions from Government.

Over those long hazy days of spring and summer, thanks to the unfailing resilience and “Some of the mishaps of the inborn ingenuity of the building fraternity, things eventually settled down into something resembling past ten months have been normality and, in fact, amazingly there were even more akin to the popular film strong suggestions that the industry had not only franchise, but the message to bounced back from adversity but was actually enjoying something of a boom, particularly in the ‘Carry on Building’ should bring RMI market were many householders were a smile to all of our faces.” confronting the restrictions of their current living and outside spaces for the first time.

Since then, of course, we have gone through a depressing myriad of tiers and circuit breakers and now, at the time of going to print, a more infectious mutation has resulted in a third national lockdown. One that in the endless days of dark mid-winter seems an even more chilling prospect on so many levels than what went before.

To its credit, however, the Government – and we haven’t had cause to say that very often these past ten months – seems to have learnt lessons as far as the construction industry is concerned with a clear direction that tradespeople will be able to work in other people’s houses and builders’ merchants will be able to keep stores fully open. They might also have added that, crucially, you can continue to pick up your favourite magazine from the trade counter of your local supplier!

Of course, it would have been fantastic if they could have gone a step further and given tradespeople the same status as recognised key workers, enabling their offspring to attend school, and eliminating the dilemma of which parent stays home to look after the kids.

Nevertheless, it must be seen as a positive step in the long and often frustrating journey to get whoever happens to be in power to understand and support the massively important role construction currently plays, and will continue to play, perhaps to an even greater extent post Brexit, in the future.

By a strange quirk of fate, the man who was once charged with looking after and responding to our best interests, former Construction Minister, Nadhim Zahawi is now personally responsible for the roll out of the game changing UK approved vaccines. That’s fundamentally off the scale, of course, in terms of worldwide significance, but he will also be delighted no doubt, like the rest of us, that the construction industry is also being given a very timely shot in the arm right now.

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News Professional Builder

email your news to us at pb@hamerville.co.uk Tel 01923 237799

INSTINCT FOR SURVIVAL Yell Business has released new data on how small businesses have adapted to survive in light of Covid-19.

The new study reveals the scale of the challenge business owners have faced in recent months with three quarters (76 per cent) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) introducing a new service because of Covid-19.

Tradespeople were found to be amongst the most adaptable, with 90 per cent surveyed having introduced a new service. Nearly half (46 per cent) who ihave done so said that it was crucial for them to be able to survive the pandemic.

85 per cent stated they plan on continuing the service post Covid-19.

Whilst a phone call and email are still ingrained as the most popular communication methods for tradespeople, a massive 93 per cent introduced alternative ways of communicating, with instant messaging platforms coming to the fore. 26 per cent of tradespeople have started using

© LOOKSLIKEPHOTO.COM/Adobe Stock

Facebook to communicate with customers as a result of Covid-19 and just over one in five (21 per cent) have started using WhatsApp. 20 per cent of trades have started using Twitter followed closely by Instagram at 15 per cent, whilst 14 per cent have also implemented chatbots.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX001

IN GOOD REPAIR

Repair and maintenance work is supporting recovery in the construction sector, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) “It is encouraging that the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector is still doing well,” declares Brian Berry, commenting on the latest ONS statistics. The Chief Executive of the FMB did, however, raise concerns about the availability of building materials because of import issues.

78 per cent of builders are forecasting material shortages in the coming months and prices are rising across the board. Berry concluded: “While it is good to see boosted activity in the RMI sector, falling activity in the new build housing sector is a cause for concern. Increased support should be given to SME house builders through better resourced planning departments and by ensuring that the new National Home Building Fund is accessible to smaller and micro firms.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX002

FIRST RATE!

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New data from Rated People has found that the Green Homes Grant is fuelling demand for green home renovations

Demand for wall and loft insulation has soared by 59 per cent year on year, whilst projects covered under the scheme as ‘secondary measures’ are also proving popular. Replacing windows and doors are up by 12 per cent and installing secondary glazing up by 4 per cent.

Rated People is making it easier for homeowners to identify potential Green Deal Providers via easy-to-recognise badges on tradespeople’s business profiles. The scheme has now been extended until the end of March 2022, and tradespeople need to be Trustmark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON RATED PEOPLE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX003 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TRUSTMARK VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX004 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MICROGENERATION CERTIFICATION SCHEME (MCS) VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX005

dust breaches rising

The Building Safety Group (BSG) has reported a 23 per cent rise in the number of dust breaches on construction sites.

The most common types of breach found included ‘failure to set up effective dust suppression and extraction procedures on site’. ‘Not having dust masks face fit tested’ was also a common violation. Each year 1,000s of construction workers contract or die from respiratory diseases due to breathing in dust and fumes. Managing and controlling exposure to dust has become a major challenge for the industry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX006

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email your news to us at pb@hamerville.co.uk Tel 01923 237799

News Professional Builder

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EASY BEING GREEN

Developers key for changing mindsets about green buildings, reveals new report

hitting a snag The snag solving expert, HouseScan, has revealed which are the top eight most common snags found when it comes to new build homes in the UK. Blocked guttering due to poor fitting or, believe it or not, missing sections is a common cause of compliant from new build purchasers. Sealant inconsistencies in the kitchen or bathroom also rank highly, which can then lead to water ingress and damp.

Other issues include defective loft insulation, decorative problems, incorrectly installed trickle vents and a poor brickwork pointing job. Ducting to tile vents or fans can equally cause headaches, along with windows and doors.

Market expectations and perceived building standards are holding back the country’s progress to construct net-zero buildings, according to the UK Green Building Council, UKGBC. The organisation would like to see developers adjusting investor and owner-occupier expectations about green buildings and this should be set out early in a development’s narrative. Achieving the necessary reductions in embodied and operational carbon requires large scale changes to how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. There are many barriers along the way, and we must work quickly to identify them and the corresponding opportunities to overcome them.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX008

ROCK STEADY

Rockwool is supporting contractors in managing flat roofs fire risk The ‘Flat Roofs: Managing fire risk in the fifth façade’ report addresses misconceptions around testing protocols and material fire classification ratings, plus examines the worrying rise in roof fires and the resulting social and economic impact. The whitepaper then outlines specification best practice for flat roof insulation and how to futureproof the complete building envelope in line with expected changes to Building Regulations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX007

THE DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX009

NICE LITTLE EARNER

Building material testing results must be made publicly available, urges the British Safety Council

The industry’s biggest payer of subcontractors said average weekly pay rose by 1.2 per cent during November 2020 to £901, the highest level since February. The bestperforming regions for earnings growth were the north east (up 8.4 per cent), London (up 6.8 per cent) and the south west (up 5.3 per cent).

Hudson delivers the most accurate indication of sub-contractor pay trends across the construction industry, publishing the average pay for a spectrum of 17 different trades split across 10 regions in England and Wales. It supplies statistics to the Bank of England to keep policymakers updated with real-time insights on demand for skilled labour.

“If the new regulations are to secure public confidence, they need to be transparent,” explains Mike Robinson, the British Safety Council’s Chief Executive. “A good example is on the testing of building materials. The tests themselves must be rigorous to prove fire safety but the results must be publicly available, particularly where materials have failed to meet regulatory standards. We have also said, on many occasions, that it is unacceptable for leaseholders to be presented with huge bills to fix existing fire problems not of their making or be unable to sell or insure their homes due to new requirements. The Government must commit to funding the cost of fire remediation and leaseholders should not have to foot the bill.”

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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX0011

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Earnings for tradespeople recover to pre-COVID-19 levels, according to Hudson Contract

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX010

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GOOD COUNCIL

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HARD TARGET

TIME FOR CHANGE

Data suggests construction sector won’t meet government’s environmental targets Three quarters of the construction industry believes that the sector’s climate objectives are unachievable unless there is a major overhaul to how homes in the UK are built and refurbished, according to new findings. The research by Uponor revealed that half of those questioned don’t think it will be possible to disconnect all new homes from the gas grid by the Future Homes Standard’s deadline of 2025. Only 10 per cent of respondents feel the industry has enough support to deliver low carbon homes and 70 per cent of respondents say more training is needed to create low carbon homes.

THE REPORT CAN BE DOWNLOADED IN FULL HERE WWW.RDR.LINK/BX012

TOOL FOR THE TRADE

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new Business Risk Management Tool The resource is intended to benefit smaller companies in particular and identifies over 120 common risk areas for contractors against the categories including Business Management, Contractual, Financial, Quality, H&S and Procurement, providing a mechanism to score and rank risk and advice on mitigation and management. A risk management matrix ranks risk in term of probability of an event occurring and the severity of the impact should the event occur. It can be used to identify and prioritise activity so that a contractor can then make informed business decisions and improve their resilience.

THE RISK MANAGEMENT TOOL IS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FREE FROM THE FIS WEBSITE FOR MEMBERS. WWW.RDR.LINK/BX013

ROOMS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Over the last five years, Brits have spent over £10k (£10,461.59) on home improvements on average every year, with almost a quarter of that being used for the kitchen (£2,293.64). Delving further into hours spent in the kitchen, it seems Britons are putting their culinary skills to use (766.5 hours per year). The master bedroom is the best-valued room in the home with Brits spending the most time here (2,482 hours per year). However, people only spend an average of £308.51 updating the room each year.

With more people working from home than ever before, the home office is near the top of the list with people spending 1,204.5 hours per year in the room. Since the beginning of lockdown back in March, £213.21 has been spent on doing up the home office.

TO FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MOST EXPENSIVE ROOMS IN THE HOME AND OTHER HELPFUL TIPS ON THE BENEFITS OF HOME/CONTENTS INSURANCE PLEASE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX015

“We fully support these low carbon technologies”, enthuses Karen Boswell, Managing Director at Baxi Heating, who are already developing and testing one of the UK’s first 100 per cent hydrogen boilers, and have recently launched a comprehensive range of high-performance heat pumps. “We believe the CCC’s ambitions will require the backing of robust policy to make this roadmap a reality. Plans for EPC Band C rating to be able to rent and sell homes, in addition to the phasing out of oil and fossil fuel boilers off the gas grid, are examples of this.”

Laura Bishop, Chair of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association was also positive: “There is a huge amount of content in the CCC’s report to gladden the hearts of the heat pump sector, with an ever-stronger emphasis on the dominant role that electrification will play for heat in buildings.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX014

SAFETY FIRST

The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) is campaigning for greater adoption of fire safety measures The new permitted development right (PDR) allowing additional storeys on homes and residential buildings may well be one panacea to the housing shortage, and make it easier to extend existing homes and buildings, but what does this mean in terms of fire? From a fire safety perspective sprinklers make a lot of sense, according to the BSA, and are a key component in the long-term strategy of any building. If considered early in the design process, they can be included and implemented whilst balancing costs.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX0016

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comparethemarket.com reveals the most expensive rooms in the home and how long, on average, Brits spend in certain rooms

The industry has welcomed the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) ambitious targets for the residential heating market

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News Professional Builder

APPY DAYS

Mira Showers has a three-year partnership with Gas App UK and the brand-new Plumb App Gas App UK is a completely free of charge resource for Gas Safe registered heating and plumbing engineers.

It has over 50,000 users and provides heating and plumbing engineers with valuable digital tools to make their jobs easier. On the back of this success, Plumb App will also launch early next year, aimed at non-Gas Safe registered installers, plumbers, and bathroom installers, as well as other installer trades too. Paul McGuire, Associate Channel Manager – Installer Communications at Mira Showers, said: “Our three-year deal with Gas App and Plumb App hopefully goes some way to representing our commitment to installers by helping support such fantastic resources for the industry.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX017

YOUR LETTERS... ...problems solved MIGHTY OAK Dear Professional Builder I would like to start off by saying how much I enjoy reading your magazine. I have been an avid reader for several years and very much enjoy learning about new products but also reading the articles regarding traditional methods and techniques.

If possible, I would like your advice; I am building an oak framed conservatory, using 150mm x 150mm green oak. The frame will sit on a dwarf wall (900mm high, concrete block). Please could you advise me about the best way/product to use in order to create a weatherproof seal between the oak and the block. My initial thoughts were to use silicone between the oak and block, but are there any other products you would recommend? ● Gary Parker, Glossop, Derbyshire

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PB: “Hi Gary it’s great to hear that you’ve been an avid reader of PB for several years.

An oak framed conservatory sounds amazing, and I am slightly envious. ‘Oak’ay as you probably know there’s never one way to do something so, I’ve suggested a couple of methods.

My instant thought is to use anchor plates underneath the posts which would be fixed directly to the dwarf wall. The advantage of this is that it elevates the post, preventing moisture at the post bottom. There are so many post base plates available and they even do some that are discreet.

The alternative would be to place an oak wall plate on the wall all the way around with half lap joints at the corners. I would recommended placing a membrane or DPC underneath the wall plate – again to prevent the water from soaking into the wall plate.

Finally, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to sealing the gap between the oak and the wall as there are so many sealants out there these days. My initial thought was to use CT1 Sealant and Construction Adhesive. This has some great properties on top of fantastic reviews. It’s also available in several different colours, including oak.

Tibby Singh

DRIVEN CRAZY

DONE DEAL

UK-EU trade deal ‘a good day for British construction’ says NFB “The agreements reached will enable construction companies to continue to reliably forecast the cost and availability of products and materials imported from the EU or comprising components made in the EU,” declares James Butcher, Head of Policy at the National Federation of Builders and Chair of the Construction Leadership Council’s BREXIT working Group. “This deal delivers certainty at a time when it is needed most.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX018

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I don’t normally write to magazines – and this is a first, in fact – but I’m becoming more and more frustrated by some of the traffic measures the London boroughs have been introducing. Ever since the lockdown large parts of our local roads have been taken up with cycle lanes that nobody cycles on, and they’ve also taken to shutting off a lot of the residential streets around schools. I’m all for keeping people safe, and reducing pollution, but I don’t see how shifting the vehicles onto alternative routes, and causing gridlock in the process, helps on either score. We learnt a long time ago that we were better off working on a pretty small patch, or we’d just be in the van most of the day, but it’s getting harder and harder to get anywhere. ● Gavin Tillison, Lewisham, London, SE3 PB: We have heard that some local authorities have actually removed cycle lanes they’ve introduced, but this is clearly a difficult issue. There is a balance to be struck from ensuring that the likes of tradespeople can go about their business, and reducing traffic and emissions in a given area, and it’s not one that some of our politicians are getting right at the moment.

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Dear Professional Builder

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SPECIAL REPORT FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS

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MASTER WORK

Professional Builder puts the questions to the new President of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

Firstly Jan, many congratulations on your recent appointment as President of the FMB, the first female in its eighty-year long history to hold such an esteemed position. And what a baptism of fire considering everything that has been happening these past nine months. How are you coping personally with the challenges on so many fronts?

JE (Jan Etchells) It’s certainly been a time like no other to take on this role. But it’s a true honour, and a great responsibility.

I’ve been so impressed by how resilient FMB members have been throughout the pandemic, and the support this community provides for each other. I’ve taken each day as it comes over the past nine months, and not taken anything for granted. I believe challenges make us stronger and more adaptable; and that we must face any weaknesses head on.

PB

Perhaps you could give us some background to your involvement in the construction industry, the various

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14 FEBRUARY 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

roles you have fulfilled within the FMB and what membership over the years has meant to you and your business?

JE I’ve been in this business for over forty years. I joined the building company set

up by my first husband, Neal, in the early 1970s doing house building, heritage renovation, and domestic repair and maintenance until he died in 2011. We added Syntonic Kitchen Technicians as a separate entity in the mid-90s, providing commercial heating and plumbing services in London and the south east.

From delivering kitchen installations for all the service stations up the M1, to working in hotels, prisons, hospitals and schools and people’s homes, life at Syntonic is never dull.

At the Federation of Master Builders, I started out in my Croydon branch, first as Secretary, then Chairman. I’ve sat on the London Council, then Board, and spent time as President. I was lucky enough to be elected by my local Master Builder colleagues to the National Board in 2013.

Before taking on the role of National President in September 2020, I was VicePresident for two years, and learnt a huge amount from our brilliant former President, Arthur McArdle.

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its profile and to fundraise, such as at the Master Builder Awards later this year.

Despite the best efforts of many interested parties, attracting young people, especially women, into the industry is still a major problem going forward. As someone who has clearly thrived in a traditionally male dominated arena, what advice can you pass on to anyone contemplating a career in construction?

JE Don’t expect to be treated any differently. We have lots of brilliant women working for FMB members and they stand in their own right. There are great examples on our National Board, but many more women are involved nowadays than ever before. We really must make our profession much more accessible to younger people of both genders. Construction is a great career.

PB

What practical business help has the FMB been able to afford its members during these difficult times and are there any additional measures you would you like to see from Government to help the industry, not only come through the pandemic but prosper in the years ahead?

JE Our members were hit hard initially. In the first month, 96 per cent of our members told us they had had to stop some or all of their work. The FMB acted fast, producing bespoke advice, when we didn’t get that from government. We kept our phonelines running, despite furlough, and introduced loads of regular updates and new support webinars.

The FMB took a leading role in pushing for more suitable financial support, like Bounce Back Loans. It’s been great to see so much collaboration by the construction industry to help put builders at the heart of the recovery. FMB members need certainty to help them win work. Rising material prices and shortages are really concerning me at the moment.

Do you think the smaller builder and developer will have to fundamentally change the way they run their businesses to be successful in the future, given the way the world is moving towards a much greater reliance on digital interaction and communication?

JE I believe most SMEs have met the challenge head on. The thing to remember about SMEs is that everyone tends to wear more than one ‘hat’ within the company, and are, therefore, well equipped and adaptable to grow and change as required. This is something I want to support FMB members to do as I engage with them more over the coming two years.

PB

PB

One of the many consequences of Covid-19 is clearly a rise in mental health issues with the construction industry at the very forefront of this particular crisis. Is the FMB doing anything specific to address this horribly distressing illness within its

PB

Without wishing your time in the new role away, when the moment comes to pass on the baton, what would you hope to have achieved during your role as President?

JE Quality is important to me – it’s what being a Master Builder is all about. So, I would like to see more done to counter the negative reputation of ‘cowboy builders’. That’s why I’m a supporter of a licensing system for UK construction to improve the industry. The green agenda is also really important, so I’d like to see a clear role for local builders in helping us tackle that huge challenge. For the FMB, I want to meet – even if it’s over Zoom – as many of our members as possible.

Member engagement and making people feel involved matter a lot in my book.

PB

own membership?

JE The FMB is a supporter of The Lighthouse Club, which runs the Construction Industry Helpline, specialising in mental health support for builders. It’s a fantastic organisation, and only a tragedy that it has to exist. I’ve chosen to support them as my charity during the two years of my Presidency.

There will be lots of opportunities to raise

There’s been so much doom and gloom over the course of the last year. Can you give us a reason to feel optimistic about 2021?

JE There’s the vaccine, of course, but for the FMB, 2021 is our 80th year, and we want to celebrate how far we’ve come.

I’m excited about what’s ahead.

PB

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX019

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THE TRADESHOW BUILT FOR THE TRADE PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

TOOLFAIR 2021

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BUILDING EQUIPMENT

All the latest tools, live demos, show specials – all under one roof!

For the latest show info visit us at: www.toolfair.info

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

WOMAN’S

Female representation in the wet trades is still a rarity but Naomi Hamilton is a bricklayer who’s on course for big things. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the apprentice about her burgeoning career with Lee Marley Brickwork.

HOUR T

he construction sector is already in the midst of a welldocumented skills crisis, with shortages in certain trades already threatening to inflate project costs. The impact of the pandemic will no doubt mean further unfortunate losses in willing workers to the industry, and history teaches us that many of those young entrants might never return. Of course, what would go some way to developing the necessary talent would be to encourage the half of the population which is at present woefully underrepresented at many levels to consider the trades, and Naomi Hamilton of Brooklands College, and Lee Marley Brickwork, is a trailblazer in that cause.

“To be honest, I did kind of fell into it at first,” admits the 19-year-old, “but as soon as I had a go my tutor wanted me on the course straight away.” What the Weybridge further education facility’s Christian Hatherall-Good recognised was a talent that has since gone on to take part in two successful competitions, and winning an FIS Award for her college work, whilst Naomi is now honing her skills on one of the nation’s leading brickwork contractor’s new build schemes.

“You do have an idea in your head of what a job like bricklaying involves and I must say it did come as surprise just how much more creative it is. You can become quite imaginative with brick when it comes to things like curved walls, arches and spiral piers. They’re a challenge to have a go at, but there’s real pride to be had in making something.”

Naomi has passed the NVQ Level 2 and will beginning her NVQ Level 3 shortly, and has been fully supported in her career path by family and friends.

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

Predictably, she is currently the only girl in her class, and on site but has found a generally favourable response from colleagues in her fledgling profession.

“Whether you’re a man or a woman if you demonstrate that you can do the job, then you’re accepted,” declares the Stainesbased tradeswoman. “A lot of the barriers that exist at the moment are to do with it not being properly promoted as something young women can do,” she concludes. “If it were I’m sure you would see a lot more people like me on site.”

Lee Marley Brickwork is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone sub-contractors. The firm is championing female participation in the built environment with a number of women pursuing a career in construction on their payroll in roles as diverse as logistics manager, quantity surveyor, system manager, scaffolding surveying manager, site administrator and health, safety & environment manager.

Dan Clarkson, Joint Managing Director at Lee Marley Brickwork explains the company ethos: “Ours is a people business. We need to bring in individuals with the right skill sets, intellect and with varied perspectives in order to continually evolve our service so we can remain successful. Ignoring half the labour pool is simply not an option. Women not only add to that skills mix, but improve it by bringing a diversity of thought and approach to problem solving.”

For Dan, a thriving built environment sector means promoting the industry as an attractive path for the brightest and best candidates – and dispelling some persistent misconceptions. “The construction industry needs to get better at articulating the opportunities available within it. The sector has changed radically over the last 10 years and it is no longer

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about brute force and physicality. Projects are growing increasingly complex and there are an ever-growing number of roles that would have a much wider appeal to job seekers. There is also a greater level of job security and work-life balance than there has been in the past but that is not apparent to those outside the industry”.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LEE MARLEY BRICKWORK VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX020 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE APPRENTICESHIP AND CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES AT LEE MARLEY BRICKWORK EMAIL JOBS@LEEMARLEY.COM

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

LAYING IT ONLINE Last year saw online training and information resources take on a new significance and it is a trend that is likely to continue well beyond the pandemic. Professional Builder provides a round-up of what’s new on the web.

씰 Air Source Heat Pumps Grant UK has announced the launch of its online eLearning Academy which, alongside the training delivered at its training centres, will further increase the level of product training and support the company can deliver to installers and heating engineers.

The content on the platform is focused on Air Source Heat Pumps and this will be broadened to include training course content for other product ranges in the coming months. The format of the content varies from videos and presentations through to supporting downloads and useful guides designed to aid the learning experience.

The eLearning Academy will provide heating professionals with an alternative route to develop their product knowledge from the comfort of their homes, and the on-demand courses can be paused so that candidates can fit their training around their work demand, returning and resuming the course at the point they left.

Meanwhile, the instructor-led courses allow candidates the benefit of having the course presented live by one of Grant UK’s Trainers who are on hand to answer questions.

Candidates wishing to enrol for eLearning courses will need to set up an account by visiting WWW.RDR.LINK/BX022 entering the enrolment key GUKPR0820 and confirming their company details.

Delegates can then view the available courses and either enrol onto an ondemand course or an instructor-led course.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX023

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씰Doors & Hardware Developing its already successful online training courses, the Doors & Hardware Federation has now progressed to offering a ‘Distance Learning Programme’ (DLP), delivered via Zoom. Senior Compliance and Training Officer, Nick Perkins, will be available to fully guide and tutor attendees throughout their courses and indeed, until their qualification has been achieved.

Examinations can be taken via the online facility, with both one and two-day courses available.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX024

씰Shower Installation Mira Showers’ handy Toolbox Demonstrations – aimed at helping with the installation and maintenance of its products – can now be delivered virtually.

The aim of the Toolbox Training programme is to promote good shower installation practice, offering practical advice, and taking a hands-on approach.

Using real examples, photographs and demo products, trainers address common problems such as plumbing materials clogging filters and affecting flow rates, or showers being affected by kinks in the hose. The training ensures a sound working knowledge of product installation, maintenance and fault diagnosis.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX025

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씰Mobile Towers An ideal resource for those looking to familiarise themselves with the range, is how WernerCo describes its series of step-by-step video guides for its BoSS range of mobile towers. The nine videos, each dedicated to an individual product, will serve as a helpful guide to quickly and easily assembling access tower systems from right across the portfolio.

To watch the entire series of video guides visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BX026

씰Kitchen and Bathroom Panels Bushboard is already an industry leader in the production and distribution of surfaces and panels for the kitchen and bathroom, and has now partnered with elearning platform Cortexa to offer its first digital training module.

The training course, which is an easily digestible 20-minute video, explains the attributes of the company’s Evolve worktops, one of the brand’s most popular worksurface solutions for private residential projects, along with best practice guidance on the installation process.

The training module is available now and can be accessed by members of the British Institute of KBB Installation’s online learning resource, BIKBBI Campus. In addition, the training module also features on the digital learning platforms of key industry bodies and suppliers such as the Builders Merchants Federation and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Engineering. Bushboard Evolve is a range of solid compact laminate worksurfaces designed to look and perform like natural stone. Available in an 12.5mm thickness and solid coloured core, the material is available in fourteen designs across stone, marble and ceramic effect finishes.

It is impact resistant, waterproof and ideal for installation of undermount sinks and bespoke drainer grooves.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX027

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INSURANCE

AN INSURE THING

Have you got it covered? Tradesman Saver reveals the five types of insurance the small builder will need

nsurance isn’t something to take lightly, even more so when you work in the construction industry. As a builder, you’ll encounter potentially dangerous situations, and you need to be financially covered in case an accident causes damage to a client’s property or even causes them injury. In extreme situations, an accident may even leave you injured and unable to work, meaning you’ve missed out on any potential jobs and the income you could gain from it.

And these accidents are hardly rare – in fact, according to statistics found by Tradesman Saver, one in every ten major job-related injuries happen in the construction industry, meaning the right builders insurance is absolutely vital.

Insurance offers you financial protection from these ‘worse-case scenarios’, leaving you safe in the knowledge that you won’t be left footing the bill for any compensation claims made against you. Here, we’ll go through the top covers which every builder must have

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in their insurance policies, as well as a couple of additional optional covers that you may find useful.

Public liability insurance Perhaps the most important insurance policy a builder can hold, public liability insurance protects you against any liability claims made against you in case anything goes wrong. This includes covering any legal costs as well as compensation you might need to pay.

Public liability insurance isn’t actually a legal requirement for contractors and

business owners in the UK, but not having it could leave you financially vulnerable, especially if you need to pay out for costly legal fees as well as compensation. Some clients may even require you to hold public liability insurance, especially if you’re contracted by a local authority, who usually ask for a minimum of £5 million.

Personal accident and sickness insurance If you’re ever left unable to work due to an accident or illness, personal accident and sickness insurance cover will give you a weekly payment so you’re able to continue paying your day-to-day bills. These accidents could be anything from having a defined injury such as a loss of eyesight or hearing, to broken bones and being left disabled, and it doesn’t matter if the accident happened while at work or not.

This level of financial protection is ideal in case an accident leaves you off work for a prolonged period of time, ensuring that you’ll never fall behind on bills.

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COMPETITION Contractors’ all-risk cover Also known as insurer’s all-risk cover, this policy covers all the work that’s carried out by the builder or contractor which could be accidentally destroyed. This includes natural disasters like a storm or fire ruining a half-finished project. A lot of builders actually forget to take out this type of insurance, meaning you could be left out of pocket by paying for replacement work if you don’t have it. You probably won’t even need this cover, but it’s also probably not worth the risk to try and carry out your work without it.

Building warranties Building warranties cover is an optional policy which you might want to consider. Provided by you as the developer to the owner or buyer of the property, it simply states that your work has been completed to the high standard set by your building warranty provider. These covers are usually available for residential buildings, custom-builds, housing developments, and commercial premises, and can cover structural damage as well as defects to walls, roofs, and foundations. This isn’t usually included as standard in most policies, so it’s a good idea to ask your insurance provider if you want it.

Tools and equipment cover Your tools are crucial to helping you complete your job, but they’re often expensive pieces of equipment which you’ve spent the entire course of your career collecting. If anything was to happen to them, like theft, you could be left footing a hefty bill to replace everything. Alternatively, you may accidentally damage an expensive power tool and not have the funds to immediately repair or replace it. Having insurance for your equipment means that, in the event of any accidents, you won’t have to worry about the cost for replacements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TRADESMAN SAVER VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX028

WIN

6 months FREE Checkatrade membership plus £100 Amazon Voucher

Checkitout Checkatrade has teamed up with Professional Builder magazine to offer one lucky reader 6 months free membership – along with £100 to spend on Amazon – plus every single entrant is guaranteed two months free-ofcharge membership!

Checkatrade is the UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson, and lists over 50,000 trade members, who have been recommended, vetted and monitored to join the directory.

Since 1998 the service has stood for reputation, raising standards and doing things right. Today is no different. In fact, with more tradespeople and consumers choosing the site than ever before, we remain the leaders when it comes to finding the right trade for home renovation, maintenance and emergencies.

And that’s because, above all else, reputation matters to all of us.

Checkatrade prides itself on its robust vetting standards which give consumers the confidence that they are in safe hands. Up to 12 rigorous checks take place on our members before and throughout their membership. We receive over 2 million monthly searches from homeowners looking for a reliable tradesperson. Whether you are looking to grow your business and generate more work or receive endorsement and the tick of approval from Checkatrade, we can help.

If you’re the lucky winner, your membership will include: Generate relevant, local leads, and be seen by more homeowners looking for a tradesperson Building your own profile page on Checkatrade.com Using our profile to showcase your high standard of work by uploading your best images You can use your profile to promote your credentials with your verified customer reviews You’ll receive free marketing materials and van vinyls to promote your membership You can access the Checkatrade Buying Club, saving you thousands of pounds on business essentials like vehicles, fuel, tools, insurance and workwear etc.

FOR DETAILS OF HOW TO ENTER, AND FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, VISIT THE PROFESSIONAL BUILDER WEBSITE AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX029

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Professional

BUILDER’S

We give our verdict on new products in our unique site tests, but now we want to give you the chance to try them – AND KEEP THEM – for yourself! All you have to do to enter the free draws is simply just type in www.rdr.link followed by the unique code.

!

L L A R O F E E FR 10

5

PACKS OF 6X WD-40

SNICKERS WORKWEAR ALLROUNDWORK FLEECES Ideal for working on site or outdoor leisurewear, the versatile ALLROUNDWork fleeces – made from 80 per cent recycled polyester – are packed with comfort to keep your body warm or comfortably cool when you most need it.

Fashionable and functional, they combine practicality with street-smart looks, great freedom of movement and the right kind of sustainable choice.

This fleece could well be golden in the February frost and, thanks to Professional Builder, you can receive one of five absolutely free.

WD-40 FLEXIBLE WD-40 Flexible is an ingenious solution to help professionals deliver its iconic formula with pinpoint accuracy or with a generous spray. Flexible is a totally pliable metal ‘straw’ that is able to be manipulated around obstacles. It can also be mated to a WD-40 Spray 2 Ways nozzle that dispenses a wide spray with the straw lowered or a narrow one when raised.

It’s ‘spray’ time in Professional Builder’s Freefor-All with 10 packs of WD-40 to give away (6 cans in each pack).

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX030

4

X FREE ESTIMATES

100 SNOODS BUILD AVIATOR After a day on-site, don’t spend your evening doing paperwork. Win the night off with a free estimate from Build Aviator. You’ll get a comprehensive report with product summaries, bill of quantities, a schedule of works and pricing sheets prepared by an experienced, ex-trade estimator. And to keep you warm(er) on-site, they’re also giving away 100 snoods. These handy neck warmers also double as a face covering.

Estimate to accumulate with Professional Builder and Build Aviator. A free estimate or one of 100 Snoods could be yours if you make use of our digital reader enquiry service and make use of the link below.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX032

X FLEECE JACKETS

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX031

4

X 10L PAINT TINS

LEYLAND TRADE SMART MULTISURFACE Leyland Trade Smart Multi-Surface is a new mid-sheen paint that can be applied to multiple different types of surface, including interior walls and ceilings, wood and metal. With this product you can rest assured that just one product can be used as a top coat to paint the whole room or house, saving money, time and even space in the van.

Enter our competition quick smart for the chance to win the latest in Leyland paint technology. 5x 10L cans must be won!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX033

3

CARTONS OF COLLATED SCREWS

SENCO COLLATED 35MM DRYWALL SCREWS Senco’s 3.9 x 35mm Collated Drywall Screws are coarse thread, and ideal for drywall to wood applications. The screws are phosphate-coated, with a PH2 drive, a sharp point and a bugle head. These screws meet EN14566, the European standard that specifies the characteristics and performance requirements of mechanical fasteners used for fixing gypsum plasterboard.

Have we got screws for you! There’s 1,000 screws per box and there are 12 boxes per carton.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX034

Easy to Enter! It’s now easier than ever before to enter the competitions on our website. We’ve collected all the competitions on one handy page, meaning you only have to enter your details once! www.rdr.link/BX035 24

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씰 vehicles & plant

ECONOMY DRIVE Looking for a used small van with rock bottom running costs? Honest John Vans has crunched its Real MPG numbers to uncover the top five used vans with the best fuel economy.

Does your van use more fuel than it should? Are your profits disappearing at the diesel fuel pump? You are not alone.

Research has found that many used vans do not deliver their advertised fuel economy figures. That’s why Honest John Vans launched Real MPG. Real MPG invites commercial vehicle drivers to submit how many miles their vans and pick-ups do to the gallon. Unlike official (laboratory tested) fuel consumption figures, Real MPG gives real life comparative data and allows vehicle owners and buyers to see how much onthe-road fuel a van really uses.

If you’re looking for some help when it comes to buying your next small van then look no further. We’ve listed the top five vans with the best mpg figures for realworld fuel economy.

HDi 120 engine will reward drivers with up to 52.5mpg economy, while the van itself is offered in two sizes – L1 and L2. The heavy-duty version can carry up to 896kg of cargo where the standard model is limited to 625kg. Go for the L2 Berlingo and maximum cargo weight is 750kg.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX037

qualities. It was replaced in 2018 with the all-new Partner, but we rate the old model very highly. It’s designed to carry a load of up to 850kg, and there’s a choice of panel van, crew cab and flat cab bodies, as well a Long model for greater load length capacity. The 1.6 HDi 75 engine returns an impressive 50.1mpg.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX039

Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5 CDI

The Kangoo is getting on a bit now, having been launched back in 2008. But it still excels in real-world fuel economy, with the dCi 75 engine seeing a highlyimpressive 54.7mpg in Real MPG. The standard Kangoo van is ideal for most needs, with up to 3.6 cubic metres of load space and neat touches like a movable bulkhead and folding passenger seat.

The Citan is based on the Renault Kangoo, but stands apart with better comfort and long-distance refinement – as you’d expect from a premium brand.

The Citan offers up to 4.6 cubic metres of loadspace – meaning it’ll take a standard Euro pallet between the wheel arches.

The Citan is cheap to run, too, with the 1.5 CDI engine returning 50.4mpg – according to the latest Real MPG submissions.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX036

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX038

Citroen Berlingo 1.6 HDi 120

Peugeot Partner 1.6 HDi 75

The Citroen Berlingo was replaced with an all-new model in 2018, but there is still plenty of life in the old version. The 1.6

The Peugeot Partner is one of the most comfortable compact vans you can buy, with car-like road handling and ride

Renault Kangoo dCi 75

Volkswagen Caddy 2.0 TDI 140 Drivers who opt for the 2.0 TDI 140 engine will see real-world fuel economy figures of around 49mpg. The Volkswagen Caddy isn’t just frugal, it also boasts the reputation of being one of the best in its class when it comes to quality and driver comfort. In standard form, the Caddy can carry a cargo load of up to 3.2 cubic metres – while the Caddy Maxi can carry up to 4.2 cubic metres (both can accommodate a Euro pallet lengthways).

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX040

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HONEST JOHN VANS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX041

For more used van and pick-up buying advice visit: www.honestjohn.co.uk/vans or type“Honest John Vans” into your online search engine.

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vehicles & plant

plugging the gap Driving an LCV which isn’t powered in the conventional way doesn’t have to be shrouded in stress thanks to a new hybrid version of the Ford Transit Custom. here’s not many vehicle manufacturers who could even begin to contemplate a £20,000 plus price premium on a model which, to the casual observer, pretty much looks identical to its considerably cheaper siblings. But then the Ford Transit is no ordinary commercial vehicle, spanning more than fifty-five years and with total sales in excess of 8 million.

Its latest incarnation is the Transit Custom PHEV, and the only clue of what really lies beneath is a small charging point on the driver’s side. Plug it in and watch it go…. around 340 miles, with 35 of those attributable to all-electric. It’s all possible thanks to a 1 litre petrol engine which connects with a battery pack tucked away under the load bed, so that the vehicle’s cargo capacity of six cubic metres and payload up to 1,130kg remains largely the same as the conventional model.

Battery charging can be completed using a standard three pin socket in around four and a half hours, while a 16-amp charger will give a full charge in just over two and half hours. The claimed 90 plus mpg will, of course, very much depend on how little or often the battery is charged up, but most journeys can be approached without the range anxiety which inevitably accompanies a purely electric vehicle.

Setting off in complete silence can be a little disconcerting to the uninitiated, but it quickly builds up a surprising turn of speed

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with an only just discernible hum. The surprisingly compact HP engine is used exclusively to charge the electric motor, not the wheels directly, and there are a number of driving modes on hand to make the most of the hybrid set up. One

suspects in order to fully maximise every last drop of juice would take considerably more on the job driving experience than the Covid-19 restricted test drive we mustered around the roads of Hertfordshire late last year but at no time did it cross our mind that we wouldn’t be back in time for tea!

We have road tested plenty of variants of the ever-popular Ford Transit before, of course, and there is a plethora of reasons why it consistently outperforms its nearest competitors in a highly competitive field of workhorses. So, it will be interesting to see the take up on a vehicle which has created a niche between the conventional fuel powered models and the all-electric van options which are coming on to the market. Ford’s own all electric Transit is scheduled to be launched in 2022 and their boffins will have clearly done their homework. So, there may be some who will wait until then before fully weighing up their environmental credentials.

Certainly, for now the standard Custom diesel van is the vehicle of choice for most busy tradespeople, but if your business involves rarely leaving town – and are increasingly involved in green type work and want to make a statement – this hybrid could certainly plug a very timely gap.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM PHEV VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX042

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vehicles & plant

! r e v i l e d d n stand a

The LDV van seems to have had more lives than a cat but it looks like it might just have saved the best to number 9!

t’s been written off so many times before, of course, but now it really does look like the ghost of LDV’s past has finally gone the way of so many other iconic British motoring brands.

Ever since it was rescued from a pauper’s grave in 2009 by Chinese manufacturing giant SAIC, there seemed a certain inevitability that the famous, and sometime infamous, badge would be dropped in favour of a more globally appealing persona. And so, it came to pass in mid-2020 when at a Covid-19 dictated online event at the Dublin HQ of importer Harris Group, the very latest Maxus branded vans were unveiled.

Fundamental to the company’s ambitions is the completely fresh-looking Deliver 9, a direct replacement for the V80 3.5 Tonne van which had clearly come to the end of its particularly long and winding road. We were given a sneak preview during a visit to the Shanghai factory at the end of 2019 and saw first hand the huge resources which enables the company to sell more than 7m

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vehicles per annum, and make it China’s number one automotive manufacturer.

One of the most important developments for its commercial van offering has been the inclusion of an in-

house produced, 2.0 litre Euro 6 compliant diesel engine. The twin turbo motor will deliver 211bhp and 480 Nm of torque, featuring high pressure fuel injection and a water-cooled intercooler, along with a two-stage oil pump to reduce energy use, as well as twin balancer shafts for smooth running.

An altogether more modern design was a given considering the highly competitive nature of this sector of the LCV market and important improvements have also been made to the cab environment, with six air bags, a 10in.

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touchscreen and a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry and button start with a panoramic reversing camera. All models have electric power assisted steering plus a host of advanced driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning.

The Deliver 9, which has a payload in excess of 1,100kg, is offered with front or rear wheel drive model, having a choice of single or twin rear wheels, with the 3.5tonner coming in three wheelbases, with three body lengths and three roof heights to choose from. Carrying capacity will range from 8m3 to 13m3 with load lengths from 2,650 mm to 3,413mm, accessed by a single sliding door.

Standard equipment across the range is of a high standard but further optional extras are available to suit budgets, although you can expect to pay around the £30,000 mark to become one its first customers.

Electric model Of course, if you want to join the allelectric revolution you will almost certainly have to dig a lot deeper, perhaps twice as much for the new e Deliver 9. It’s a direct replacement for the old LDV full electric EV 80 which, for reasons unknown, enjoyed noteworthy success in Norway but more muted appeal in the UK. The front wheel drive Deliver 9 will

form the basis of the all-electric upgrade, which is expected to be rated at the new maximum for electric vehicles which is 4.25 tonne gross vehicle weight, achieving a payload of 1,400kg (some additional formal driver training may be required for this category). Available in a host of body heights and lengths, power is provided by a large 114bhp electric motor, which can be fully charged in anything from 90 minutes to ten hours, depending on power source with an expected range of around 150 miles.

The company’s commitment to an electric future doesn’t end there, however, with the additional launch of a smaller sibling, the e Deliver 3. Don’t be fooled by the 3 as in terms of a third of the size, however. This boxy, unconventional looking van isn’t actually that small when making comparisons with other similar vehicles on the market. It is available as a panel van in two wheelbases, with up to 1,000kg payload and a roomy 6.1m3 load volume. To keep kerbside weight to a minimum the company has

incorporated aluminium and composite materials into the front wings and bonnet, with power provided by a choice of NCM lithium-ion battery packs. A 35kWh battery offers around 100 miles of range with the larger one extending that to a claimed 150 miles. Charging for the batteries can be achieved via AC or DC currents up to 50kW and, according to the literature, a 45-minute charge will restore 80 per cent battery life to both battery sizes.

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, all three vehicles have remained frustratingly out of our reach in terms of actually getting behind the wheel, but we hope to put that right at some point in 2021. There is also talk of a new pick-up launch, the T70 later in the year as the Maxus brand aims to fully deliver on all fronts.

The 1,000kg payload electric e3 has a 100 mile range

The eD9 is a replacement for the old LDV full electric EV 80

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NEW DELIVER 9 VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX043

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curtain call!

Our long-term loan SsangYong LWB Musso Rhino takes centre stage for a final encore.

witching curtains, that’s how our legendary tester Charles Godfrey would memorably begin many of his must-read reports on the latest commercial vehicle to be delivered to his home address for knowing appraisal, more than twenty years ago. In the present Covid-19 obsessed climate, of course, nosey neighbours have an altogether different connotation, with reports of scuffles between feuding lockdown breakers...so one could easily imagine some local intrigue when an old friend recently turned up on our doorstep under the cover of a dank and dark January afternoon.

If you have been following our 2020 adventures with our lockdown companion the SsangYong Musso Rhino pickup you will know that, after successfully helping us through those first tentative trips to the local shops, a visit to the park, an outing to the seaside and then, Halleluiah!, a country pub, you will know that we were

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rather dismayed to see it disappear into the sunset just before the Christmas break. But fear not, those nice people at SsangYong have extended the loan so

we can enjoy its qualities a little bit longer and in particular put it through its paces in what had so far escaped us…a proper offroad driving experience.

We took it to a favourite spot in deepest rural Bedfordshire where weeks of heavy rain had softened up the ground sufficiently to test the Rhino’s full 4x4 credentials. Always wise before embarking on such an adventure, we went over SsangYong’s official figures just to check things like wading depth which was just as well because on the LWB it is around 220mm. This is noticeably lower than other pick-ups on the market and the deep sill covering doors and large side steps also reduce the ground clearance, but even so the chassis is deep and offers good protection for the transmission.

The all-wheel drive system is a part time selectable 4x4, with locked centre differential and a low range mode. The rear differential has electronic traction control, but no manual lock for dealing with really slippery conditions although it

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is difficult to imagine the average builder encountering anything on site which the Rhino couldn’t comfortably deal with.

Part time 4x4 means it is rear wheel drive only by default, and this is the only way it should be driven on the road – and though engagement of one of the twowheel drive modes is simply a matter of twisting a knob by the gear lever, you do have to put the vehicle in neutral before selection.

We didn’t attempt to push our luck too much, as some of the trim could be vulnerable to more extreme green-laning attempts, but traction is good, there’s plenty of power in reserve for climbing hills and the light steering means that you are not constantly fighting against the vehicle on steep slopes.

All round visibility is also important when it comes to putting yourself in these types of environment, and again the Rhino compares favourably with other similar vehicles we have driven over the

years in harsh terrains. Regular exposure to more extreme conditions would clearly require an upgrade on the road-based Continentals, which are standard on all but the Limited Edition models.

Thrills and spills have been decidedly thin on the ground these past few months

but, for a couple of hours at least, we were happy to be fully locked down in ‘gear’ four with a companion that takes everything in perfect isolation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SSANGYONG LWB MUSSO RHINO VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX044

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vehicles & plant

PAR for the course

The golf courses may be closed…again… during the third national lockdown…. but that wasn’t going to stop Professional Builder from accepting an invitation to play a round with our favourite Caddy! hat’s in a name? Well, in small commercial vehicle terms you surely can’t do much better than be called a Caddy. Like its golfing counterpart, it’s ready to carry the load in all weathers, is resolutely dependable, acutely aware of its surroundings, and is guaranteed to go the distance whatever is put in front of it. It’s been a firm favourite on the circuit since coming to these shores in 1982 and in 2019 run up an impressive score of 11,000 models sold. In fact, worldwide sales top a mind boggling three million and counting.

Despite the unprecedented challenges of 2020 the company were fully committed to the roll out of the fifth generation Caddy Cargo, which has been re designed from the ground up and based on the Volkswagen MQB platform for the first time – the same as the new Mk8 Golf. As a result, it’s got more useable space than ever before as well a bold new look and a class leading interior.

The length of the standard Caddy has increased by 93mm to 4,500mm thanks to a longer wheelbase and, whilst height is down a fraction, the actual load height is increased. It’s also a bit wider than before, and whilst the actual amounts sound marginal they have an important

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bearing on the load carrying potential, with the Maxi version able to accommodate two Euro pallets loaded from the rear or larger sliding door.

Three diesel and one petrol engine option are available with varying PS outputs and all variants fulfil the 2021 Euro 6 emissions standards, and are fitted with particular filters. A number of features such as Active Cylinder Technology on the petrol engine has been added to save fuel whilst the diesel engines come with a new twin dosing system that delivers a double dose of AdBlue to significantly reduce NOx emissions.

Road holding and load carrying ability have been enhanced with new front and rear axle arrangements, with the old leaf spring design replaced with a more forgiving coil spring construction. New tyres, with optimised rolling resistance, are also standard on all new vehicles.

It is in the cab area, however, where the greatest improvements have been made with a completely new dashboard and controls with a futuristic sounding Digital Cockpit available as an option.

Touchscreen infotainment systems vary between 6.5 and 10in. and for the first time an integrated ESIM allows the driver to access mobile online services and functions of the “We” connect, meaning the new Caddy is always connected. New seating functions and switch gear including electronic handbrake with

auto hold function and a multi-functional steering wheel complete the interior upgrade.

As well as a more comfortable and fuel conscious experience, the company are also claiming that the Caddy is now safer than ever before, as it features 19 different driver assistance systems, including trailer assist and travel assist.

The latter – a first for a VW commercial vehicle – uses a combination of lane assist and adoptive cruise control for added peace of mind.

Later in the year the range is expected to be added to with a rugged outdoor lifestyle Caddy Pan America and a sporty, style conscious version.

When it comes to the new Caddy it would seem that five is now an even better shout than the ubiquous four!

Entry model prices start at around £18,000 plus VAT rising to almost £27,000 for the Maxi version.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NEW VW CADDY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX045

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vehicles & plant

e r o m s i e s a e l Professional Builder’s Lee Jones looks at the benefits of leasing, and what Vanarama can offer the trades, including the latest electric solutions any builders are now recognising the benefits of leasing a van rather than opting for a new or secondhand purchase. A predictable cost and monthly payment over the terms of the agreement, servicing and breakdown cover included in the fee, and no road tax or MoT on a new van for the first three years all add up to a compelling argument. Not only that, consider that a builder’s trusty workhorse is very likely to be the single biggest investment they will make in their business, but it is also one that will inevitably depreciate in value.

With leasing there is, of course, no such concern – because at the end of the agreement the vehicle is simply returned, and you can upgrade to another brandnew model.

Vanarama is already well-versed in supplying tradespeople with the wheels that drive their business and provide a whole range of builder-friendly solutions.

The company offers lease terms of typically 2 to 5 years with either an initial 1, 6, 9, or 12 month deposit – with the more you pay upfront reducing your monthly commitments over the life of the lease.

As a leasing company, Vanarama can source pretty much any van, including a growing electric vehicle (EV) portfolio, but has particularly close relationships with Ford and Vauxhall, and with the Transit

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Custom comfortably the most popular van in the UK – and the Vivaro also proving a hit with builders – that’s good news for trade customers. Moreover, with their reputation in the market they also benefit from very early access to the latest electric vans too. The fixed monthly payments are partly based on the purchase price of the vehicle but, because Vanarama can source significant discounts from manufacturers, that means you’ll ultimately be paying less.

A builder will choose their van based on the demands of their trade, and a leasing agreement is no different. The tools and materials that a tradesman carries on a daily basis will determine what payload and volume is required, for example. Vanarama has the kind of expertise that can help its clients make the right choice, not just in terms of the model, and whether or not Electric Vans are a possibility, but with a lease agreement that reflects their

circumstances.

In terms of leasing, mileage is an important consideration, as Vanarama’s Head of LCV and EV Paul Kirby explains: “A builder’s van or pick-up is often parked up outside the job for much of the day, and many only operate in a relatively small geographical area. We’ve done some research and found that our construction industry clients actually do far less miles than they think they do.

They might come to us and ask for 20,000 miles a year when in reality they’ll only do 11,000 or 12,000, which means they can get a vehicle a lot cheaper than they might think, whilst it also follows that they’re better placed to make the switch to EV than many others.

“Our pick-up truck workshop can deliver a unit to the end user with accessories, like tow bars and roof racks.

In fact, with servicing, maintenance, breakdown cover and insurance all available direct from us we’re effectively a

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one-stop shop for any brand-new vehicle.

Indeed, when it comes to insurance, we can even offer guaranteed premium which stays the same over the whole term of the lease if the customer’s circumstances remain the same.”

The recent announcement that the government is to prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 has brought the potential of the electric vehicle (EV) market into sharper focus and will accelerate the pace of change.

Vanarama has already seen increased interest in battery powered vans and has made further moves to make the transition easier. “We’re offering the installation of a charging point installed in a customer’s home premises as part of the lease, helping to alleviate concerns about charging” continues Paul. “We also operate an electric van loan scheme, where a builder can try an EV for a week before they commit to a lease agreement.

With the improvements in range, which has long been a concern, and the major

players bringing more and more electric variants to market, we’re finding that there’s growing confidence in EVs as a solution.

When the e-Transit arrives, the electric version of the UK’s bestselling large panel van, that’s a process that’s only going to accelerate.”

Most recently Vanarama has announced a partnership with EV energy billing specialist Mina. It is a partnership that continues the theme of predictable monthly payments that the leasing heavyweight already champions in allowing customers to pay a fixed monthly amount for their EV home energy costs, and get access to thousands of public charging stations – all on a single bill. That means with Mina and Vanarama, drivers switching to electric vehicles can pay a set monthly fee for their vehicle lease, home charge-point, home EV energy and access to public charging – a first in the UK. Also, as an employer, it

enables you to separate the energy used for the works van from other home energy use making it easy to settle the “fuel” bill and claim the VAT back.

Paul concluded: “With our industry leading position and strong partnerships we have made it easier than ever before for our clients to consider and run an electric van or car. We will continue to support our customers to make the change ahead of the 2030 deadline”.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON VANARAMA VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX046

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vehicles & plant

taking the tube

Professional Builder speaks to Maxine James – Group Sales & Marketing Director at Rhino Products – about its 3m PipeTube and AluminiumLadder The recent redesign of Rhino Products popular 3m PipeTube was the first complete redesign since its launch in 2005.

Why now, and what are the new features on the PipeTube Pro? MJ (Maxine James) A new optional PVC lining helps to stop the oxidation process, that can lead to the discolouration of the items stored inside – rated as the most important feature of a pipe carrying accessory by tradespeople in a recent survey that we carried out, this option has proved to be extremely popular. The product also features a new O-ring seal, integral locking system, powder coated paint finish and a stronger bulkhead, to name a few. The new design allows for additional modular sections to be added, creating 4m and 5m length tubes, which is particularly sought after by Rhino’s European customers, serviced by our EU distribution centres and offices in the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland.

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Most builders are extremely proud of their van and demand external accessories that look the part. How does the design of the PipeTube Pro ensure it delivers on looks as well as features?

MJ The Rhino PipeTube had always been the product of choice for tradespeople, and we wanted to ensure that the new design complemented the aesthetic of modern commercial vehicles. New stylised grooves have been added to the tube’s extrusion, alongside a sleek new nose cone and a powder coated paint finish, which works well with any van colour.

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Launched in the Autumn of 2020, another new product from Rhino is its AluminiumLadder. With weight often an issue for van users, how have you kept this down on your new roof access solution?

MJ By utilising highly robust aluminium handrails and glass filled nylon rungs, the AluminiumLadder offers an extremely lightweight solution. Each model is more than 50 per cent lighter than Rhino’s old steel ladders, and has been rigorously tested to a safe working load of 120kg per ladder.

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And what are the other key benefits of this new van ladder?

MJ The new ladder is every bit as strong as its previous steel counterpart and has been independently thermal vibration tested at Millbrook Proving Ground. The new easy-grip aluminium side rails and anti-slip ladder rungs provide safe access to the vehicle roof. The ladder also features enhanced fitting brackets, designed to sit flush within the curvature of the vehicle door, helping to reduce any

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temporary deformation which can occur with other products on the market.

How can the trades be sure these new solutions will fit on their van?

MJ The AluminiumLadder is available in 6, 7 and 8 rung configurations with bespoke fitting kits to suit a variety of popular commercial vehicles.

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Both these new solutions follow the company’s move to a new HQ in Ellesmere Port in the Spring of 2020 – does this mean that Rhino will be bringing out further van accessories in the coming year?

MJ Thanks to the move to our new 87,250 sq ft dedicated office and factory earlier this year, we are able to progress our product range even further. Product development is a key part of Rhino’s DNA and multiple exciting products are currently in development.

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TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RHINO PRODUCTS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX047

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vehicles & plant

zero to hero

JCB is completing the circuit in its Road to Zero programme with a number of electric launches.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones reports.

t was 75 years ago last year that JCB began its journey from the tiny lock-up garage of its founder Joseph Cyril Bamford to global force. Many of the innovations it has pioneered along the way are firmly established as amongst the indispensable companions of generations of contractors. Thanks to the demands of climate change – and a welldocumented clean air crisis – the challenges of operating machinery on site have evolved still further, with a new era of environmentally-conscious JCB solutions emerging as a result – and the atmosphere is most definitely electric.

In just a few short years, the company’s road to zero programme has witnessed the introduction of a wide range of electric solutions, including the zero emissions JCB 19C-1 E-TEC mini excavator. Having subsequently garnered two prestigious accolades from the Royal

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Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Automobile Club, it’s not just on pollution control where it scores points. This battery-powered mini is also five times quieter than its diesel counterpart and is equally adept at working outside or indoors – eliminating the need to utilise expensive extractions systems in confined areas. Indeed, the machine could well be utilised in the likes of basement refurbs, where the only option previously would be the punishing physical labour of digging out by hand.

Moreover, low noise could extend the

window of activity for the machine earlier into the morning and later at night, whilst it makes for a much pleasanter environment for the driver. Crucially, its four next generation lithium-ion packs ensure full energy capacity of 20kW hours, which is more than enough for a full shift.

Not ones to stop in their tracks, 2020 saw the E-TEC become a machine for all seasons, with JCB becoming the first manufacturer to offer a cab on an electric mini excavator, providing instant heat for demisting and defrosting, whilst keeping the operator comfortable. Cleverly, even when operating on its maximum setting, the heating only draws on half of the power from one battery, so there’s no impact on digging or tracking performance.

In order to ensure that the infrastructure the end user requires to successfully run electric machines is available, JCB has introduced a number of charging options. The high power Universal Charger delivers a single solution for all of its electric machines, and is compatible with all current and future electric products from the Staffordshire-based manufacturer. What it offers is the convenience of a high-speed boost during the working day, with the 19C-1E mini fully charged from zero to full in just two and half hours.

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Alternatively, JCB’s new range of power packs deliver a zero emissions, maintenance free, charging solution, with no noise and vibration at the point of use.

These versatile units can just as easily be utilised as back-up power for lighting, security and site welfare provision and, when coupled with a JCB generator set, can become a part of a hybrid arrangement. A steel canopy, and fork pockets for ease of transportation – and to position for recharging from a mains supply – enhances durability and convenience respectively.

The onward charge of electric is now relentless and the more machines that are introduced to the market, the more the horizons for lithium-ion will expand exponentially. That’s reflected in a swathe of new launches from JCB, which includes the HDT-5 E-Dumpster, an all-electric high tip dumpster which is capable of carrying up to 500kg. Powered by a 48V lithiumion battery pack, that takes just two hours to charge, it makes use of either a 240 or 110V electricity supply. The 9kW motor delivers travels speeds up to 3km per hour and the machine is either walk behind or ride on. In the latter mode end users can make use of an optional ride on smart step, a feature which isolates power to the tracks if the operator steps off whilst the dumpster is moving, whilst still providing power to the skip and hydraulics.

Compact king Crucially for the smaller contractor, it can move through standard doorframes and, because it’s zero emissions, as with the ETECH mini it’s ideal for indoor use. For larger jobs in materials handling you’ll need to move up the payload scale, of course, but that doesn’t mean you have to steer from the electric avenue, because JCB are now offering an all-electric one tonne 1T-E Site Dumper.

The ideal partner for the electric 19C-1 E-TEC mini, this high tip solution, benefits from a steel skip with a maximum load over height of nearly 2.4m, and a heavy

duty articulated chassis that can handle a maximum payload of one tonne. The trend in diesel dumpers has been towards hydrostatic but, thanks to the adoption of drive axles and a dropbox in favour of hydrostatic drive motors, the 1TE remains a full-time, all-wheel drive unit. Power is provided by twin 5kW hr lithium-ion batteries, and a 7kW hydraulic motor delivers drive to the aforementioned dropbox, whilst a second hydraulic pump powers the hydraulic circuit for steering, and for the lifting of the skip.

The batteries can be charged from a conventional site electrical supply with

110V and 230V cables available, or from the JCB Universal Charger for rapid charging.

Electric machines are no longer just a niche option but are destined to occupy the mainstream. With zero emissions, low noise, reduced maintenance and cost of ownership they deliver what the modern world is now demanding. The bright sparks at JCB have promised that there’s much more to come in battery powered solutions, and its customers are increasingly switched on to the idea.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE JCB E-TECH RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX048

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vehicles & plant

digging for victory

Geoff Smith, Dealer Manager Construction Department at Kubota UK, shares what considerations operators need to take into account when purchasing or hiring a mini-excavator. ith the government searching for ‘shovelready’ projects, and the housing market whirring back to life, we should begin to see restored and increased construction activity that will help significantly in driving the national economic recovery.

As a result, careful consideration will need to be made over any new machinery investment, in particular mini-excavators.

Given the current situation, it has rarely been more imperative for builders to understand what factors to consider before committing to a mini-excavator purchase to make sure they are getting the maximum return on investment.

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Versatility With project demands differing from site to site, having a machine that is versatile and can meet the needs of any application is an absolute must. An excavator is a significant investment, so it should excel in even the toughest environments.

Whilst it is difficult to anticipate future site needs, it’s important to understand what mini-excavator performs best for the work operators will be undertaking, now and in the future.

For example, movement on site can often be restricted when working in and around pedestrian areas or in areas only accessible from indoors. Fortunately, many of the latest mini-excavators can adapt to their environment with ease by utilising a retractable undercarriage.

This impressive feature allows operators to retract the undercarriage for easy manoeuvrability through doorways, gates or alleyways, and then simply

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extend it when they are ready to begin work. When coupled with a smaller overall machine size and weight profile, a retractable undercarriage means an excavator can truly go anywhere.

Excavators can also be split into two broad categories: conventional or zero tail swing. If your project requires it, zero tail swing excavators provide an even more compact profile as the tail stays within the

overall area of the undercarriage when facing forwards, significantly reducing the chance of damage to the rear-end of the machine.

Attachments Another major area of focus should be the quick-hitch system. Selecting the right excavator means knowing what attachments are required and if they are

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compatible with the new machine. This is an important consideration as attachments and quick hitches are one way to accomplish multiple tasks with a single machine, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operating expenses.

Quick hitch systems come in two categories, mechanical or hydraulic.

Mechanical quick hitch systems require an operator to dismount from the excavator and secure the bucket with a release lever and a locking pin. They are, however, less expensive and usually require less maintenance.

Hydraulic quick hitch systems on the other hand allow the operator to change buckets without getting off the machine.

This means an operator can remain in the cab and attach or detach attachments with the push of a button, enhancing productivity levels. In contrast to mechanical, hydraulic quick hitch systems are more advanced components, which will require a larger investment and may require additional maintenance.

When considering mechanical and hydraulic quick hitch systems, if you have a good maintenance regime in place, you

may want to consider hydraulic versions as they provide a better end user experience.

Transportation and security Ensuring mini-excavators can be transported easily from site-to-site is also a key consideration, and this is another area where they naturally excel. If the excavator needs to be transported by a car and trailer, it’s generally accepted that you should be looking at no more than a 2.5 tonne machine, as adding accessories and attachments to this will quickly see operators above the national 3.5 tonne trailer limit.

Similarly, look out for easy to use tie down points, which Kubota now install, so you can secure the excavator to a trailer or flatbed safely, easily and quickly. It’s crucial not to underestimate the time (and therefore cost) savings for features like these, as over the lifetime of a machine they can result in hundreds of hours of extra time on the job.

Unfortunately, a consequence of increased portability can sometimes be an increased risk of theft, so it’s essential to be aware of the necessary safety features. In particular, it is advised that operators utilise a mini-excavator with an alarm, ideally that meets Thatcham Security Certification. For example, all Kubota mini-excavators come with a unique key as standard, unlike many products in this category that use general

keys that can unlock several vehicles. If an operator was to try and start the engine with the wrong key and an alarm will sound, which will only stop when the right key is used. Not only does this technology help prevent theft, it can also assist in reducing insurance premiums, which should be factored into the overall cost of the product.

Reliability Reliability is perhaps the most important factor. While operators should be on the look out for the CE mark, denoting adherence to European standards and upgrade to more reliable parts where possible, this largely comes down to how much you trust the brand you’re purchasing from, particularly in the current climate.

Reliability is the sum total of the attention to detail taken at every stage of the manufacturing process, from materials to quality control, and through this method Kubota has established itself as the industry leading authority on excavator machinery. In a time where any significant investment will be scrutinised, Kubota is renowned for delivering high performance mini-excavators that are capable of meeting the demands of any task, so operators can maximise the return on their investment.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KUBOTA AND ITS EXCAVATOR OFFERING VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX049

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vehicles & plant

Move with the times

Regardless of the site you’re working on, conveyors could be a belting idea.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to Coveya about the advantages of its solutions he concept of conveyors has already gained a hold across a whole range of muck shifting tasks, and their benefits are now finding an ever wider and more receptive audience. Removing the necessity for wheeled plant, requiring fewer boots on the ground, or freeing up you and your workforce for more productive and skilled tasks, are just some of the gains that can be accrued, whilst they are versatile enough to be deployed in any number of jobs.

“We were rapidly seeing the emergence of a construction industry that is more willing to embrace innovation,” explains Coveya’s Ron Farr. “Contractors are always looking for a competitive edge, and to be seen to be trying new things is one way to prove to clients that you are actively endeavouring to shorten build programmes, and improve productivity levels.”

Coveya has more than 30 years of experience in the manufacture, design and installation of these systems. In its early days, the Bristol-based firm dug out a niche in basement construction on existing properties, particularly in London, and since then its modular units have been carrying all before them. Whilst, initial successes would see the company expand its reach on restricted sites, or where conventional plant cannot physically venture, the same principle of moving construction spoils more profitably can be translated to virtually any site.

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If you’re digging the footings for an extension, for example, then a conveyor can transfer material to the front of the property much quicker than a dumper. “This is where we’ve seen real growth,” Ron enthuses, “in more mainstream construction applications, and we’re also now seeing a move towards bringing materials, such as sand, back into site.”

Whether it’s moving in or out, one factor that shouldn’t be underestimated is safety. A conveyor liberates site workers from back-breaking physical tasks and, at the same time, removes more moving plant from the equation. With the visibility issues associated with forward tipping site dumpers making them a problematic piece of equipment for many building firms, this is certainly not an

inconsequential consideration.

So what, then, of the current Coveya range and where is it being deployed? At the smallest end of the scale, the Invader 45 is a robust aluminium framed portable unit – in a choice of either a 4 or 6m length – which can shift up to 50 tonnes per hour. It can be set up very quickly straight from unloading from a vehicle, and the optional wheeled undercarriage means it can be easily moved around site.

The Coveya EasiKit brand encompasses a whole range of modular solutions that can be bolted together to achieve the length a contractor requires.

At just 300mm, the EasiKit 300 has the narrowest belt width in the portfolio, and is

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ideal for tight spaces, but can still accommodate up to 20 tonnes an hour, even at steep inclines. Moving through the options this unit is joined by a 450, 600, 900, 1,200 and 1,500mm machine, with the last of these, moving up to 110 tonnes per hour at a distance of up to 40m.

Coveya will either sell equipment direct to end users, distributors and plant hire companies across the UK and worldwide, or it is available for hire, but the service doesn’t end there, as Ron explains. “Site surveys are routine for us, and we will then prepare a proposal of how our conveyors can help, including drawings of how the units will fit within a project. We will then deliver it to site, install it, provide operators with the necessary instruction and, when the hire period comes to an end, dismantle the system and take it away.”

With the coronavirus still among us, site managers have had to utilise all of their problem-solving skills to keep jobs on track, but Coveya can here again help.

Where staffing levels have been reduced a conveyor can fill the void, whilst reducing manual handling can facilitate social distancing.

“There has previously been a perception that conveyors should be deployed where access is an issue,” but that is no longer the case, argues Ron. “whatever the job, we can provide a

solution wherever spoil need to be removed and wheeled plant is currently operating. For us, it’s a question of educating contractors that the alternative can be vastly more efficient.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE COVEYA RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX050

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vehicles & plant

the camera never lies Emily Hardy of Brigade Electronics discusses how vehicle CCTV is not only cutting insurance costs, but helping to prevent crime and save lives.

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ehicle CCTV has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the technology being utilised across many sectors including the construction industry.

As well as helping to support driver training, there are a number of benefits to installing vehicle CCTV. These include:

Proof against insurance claims such as ‘crash-for-cash’ scams Providing protection for drivers who may have been wrongly accused as the cause of an incident Providing irrefutable evidence in the case of accidents and legal proceedings Encouraging driver best practice, resulting in less vehicle damage and fewer accidents Deterring vandalism Providing peace of mind for passengers and drivers

How does vehicle CCTV improve safety?

Brigade’s Backeye 360° provide drivers with a bird’s eye view of their vehicle, allowing them to view areas they cannot see from the cab. Live images are streamed directly to the driver thanks to four ultra wide-angle cameras, covering the front, rear and each full side of the vehicle – including that all-important nearside. The device can also incorporate warning alarms, which sound an alert should a person or vehicle move into a blind spot, or if the driver is getting close to an object while manoeuvring at low speeds.

Backeye 360° is compatible with the Mobile Digital Recording (MDR) systems, which record the activity

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“Having recorded footage when there are conflicting reports of actual events, or being able to prove a staged accident, means companies can make major cost savings in the long-term.” around the vehicle. In the event of an incident, the captured footage can be used as evidence and helps to protect drivers if there are conflicting reports.

Does vehicle CCTV reduce insurance premiums?

Commercial vehicle operators suffer from high insurance premiums just as car drivers do. When accidents involve LCVs, the temptation is to point the blame at the larger vehicle; often that’s simply because it’s bigger and can be viewed as more intimidating. Yet an American study has shown that only 20 per cent of

accidents involving these vehicles were due to its movements or loss of control, while 50 per cent were due to car drivers’ encroachments such as tailgating, suddenly slamming on brakes or veering into a lane due to reckless or distracted driving.

Having recorded footage when there are conflicting reports of actual events or being able to prove a staged accident means companies can make major cost savings in the long-term. More importantly, they can also support their drivers, who are often the subject of increased scrutiny after an incident.

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By giving the driver a clear view around their vehicle and recording activity, these types of camera safety systems enable drivers and plant operators to move and drive safely, and prevent accidents. As fewer accidents mean fewer claims, the installation of safety equipment on fleets can reduce insurance premiums.

Does vehicle CCTV cut crime?

Incidents involving vehicles are timeconsuming issues to resolve. A lack of solid evidence can often mean companies automatically accept liability in the event of an incident. However, easy settlements have led to an increase in cases against those operators, which quickly become known as a ‘soft target’ for further similar claims.

Having a vehicle CCTV system not only helps to refute these claims, but also deters the perpetrators of false claim crimes from targeting your vehicle in the first place. Clear and visible warning

stickers on vehicles, which have been fitted with vehicle CCTV have also proven to be an effective tool for tackling this issue and discouraging culprits.

Isn’t vehicle CCTV expensive?

While tough monetary decisions do need to be made, it’s clear this technology should be embraced as an opportunity to not only reduce risk and enhance road safety for drivers and road users, but also lower costs for the whole industry through reduced insurance premiums. It is estimated that fitting cameras can be five times worth the investment over a five-year lifecycle, so although the short-term outlay might be

deemed to be costly, there are financial benefits to be gained in the long-term.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RANGE OF CCTV SOLUTIONS FROM BRIGADE ELECTRONICS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX051

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vehicles & plant product round-up

COMPRESSOR

Durable, powerful, compact, easy to handle, maintenance-friendly, efficient and much more – that’s the promise for the i.Comp from Kaeser Kompressoren.

This versatile trades and workshop compressor is suitable for continuous operation and, thanks to its variablespeed motor, there’s no need for an air receiver. Even at cable lengths of 150 metres, it delivers constant, oil-free compressed air with a pressure of up to 11 bar.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX052

MINI EXCAVATOR

The kind of compact design that makes them the ideal fit for confined construction sites is what Wacker Neuson is boasting for its two new tracked excavators in the 4- or 5-metric ton class. The tracked conventional tail ET42 excavator and the tracked zero-tail EZ50, benefit from high lifting and digging power, whilst four additional control circuits allow the use of a great variety of attachments. The machine is operated simply by means of a joystick, jog dial, 3.5in. display and keypad.

ZERO TAIL SWING

It’s the zero tail swing design that makes the Yanmar ViO266 particularly suited to the tightest spaces, while its dimensions allow easy transportation (even with accessories) on a trailer.

Described by the manufacturer as powerful, durable and comfortable, a flow sharing hydraulics system ensures smooth control, while a large operator station with state-of-the-art instrumentation and ergonomic design makes the mini excavator comfortable and productive for the operator.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX053

COMPACT PLANT RANGE

A major series of launches from Bobcat includes the R2-Series generation of 5-6 tonne Stage V compliant mini-excavators – the E50z, E55z and E60 models. There will also be two compact wheel loaders, (CWLs) and two small articulated loaders (SALs), as well as a move into light compaction equipment.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX055

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX054

4X4 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Available in both 90 Hard Top and 110 Hard Top body designs, the new Land Rover Defender Hard Top combines a two-seat passenger compartment – with the option of a third central jump seat – and a rear load bay that provides 1,355 and 2,059 litres of load space respectively. The fullwidth load floor is equipped with up to six integrated lashing points, heavy-duty rubber mats and a set of lockable storage areas, with 58 litres of underfloor stowage at the rear of both the 90 and 110.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX056

CHASSIS CAB

Available in single-cab body style and work-oriented XL series, the Ranger chassis cab is a first for Ford’s flagship pick-up. A robust, durable and proven, heavyduty rear leaf spring suspension, and a flat rear surface for converters to build upon, provides a versatile base for conversions up to 3,270kg gross vehicle mass. The single cab design permits a maximum conversion length behind the cab of 2,518mm, and there’s also 3,500kg maximum towing capacity.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX058

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CONNECTIVITY

Connectivity as standard has arrived with the FordPass Connect modem now fitted across the seven core products in Ford’s commercial vehicle line-up, including Transit, Transit Custom and Ranger. It gives van users access to the likes of the Guard Mode security system, FordPass Pro, as well as integration with telematics solutions such as Ford Telematics and Data Services. Guard Mode provides real-time monitoring to alert drivers, owner operators and small fleet managers whenever there are potential security breaches within their vehicles.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX057

SMALL VAN

A completely new exterior, brand new interior and significant advances in infotainment and driver assistance systems are some of the new features on the Renault Kangoo, with the range also offering a 100 per cent electric version. There’s two lengths, with volumes of 3.3m3 to 3.9m3 in the standard van and from 4.2m3 to 4.9m3 in the longer version.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX059

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© Darren Baker/Adobe Stock

GO WITH THE FLOW

A new concept in development finance has ambitions to make the process of securing funds on the most favourable terms quicker and easier. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to one of the founders of Brickflow.

f we are to achieve the ambitious targets that the government has set for housing completions then a greater contribution from SME building firms is required. That’s a statement that a majority in the industry would now endorse, but the trickier proposition is laying the groundworks that will make it a reality. Whenever contractors are themselves consulted as to what they perceive to be the barriers to embarking upon a new build project it generally elicits an all too familiar response. Land availability, planning, and finance are the perennial problems – but it is in the last of these that Brickflow believes it can make a difference.

One of the enduring legacies of the credit crunch has been the emergence of alternative lenders beyond the traditional high street providers, but that’s not necessarily a reality that has permeated down to a small builder looking for finance on a development, who will invariably gravitate towards what they already know. Moreover, more choice can

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itself be confusing, especially for those who are instinctively more comfortable with bricks and mortar than banking.

“Every development lender has its own method of calculating finance,” explains Ian Humphreys, one of the founders of Brickflow. “As a result, if a builder makes an enquiry about an individual site to ten separate lenders, they’re likely to get ten different answers. As well as that, given the volume of players there are in the market, finding a financier that will offer the best possible terms would involve a huge amount of work, which is not necessarily feasible for each individual project.”

Mix and match Brickflow was launched in October 2020 as an online resource, where developers can more easily match with the right lender. On it a builder can upload all the relevant site details, including land and build costs, build terms, and Gross Development Value (GDV). An algorithm will then curate a short list of the most appropriate lenders, ranked in order of

the cheapest to the most expensive.

Continues Ian: “In the first instance, Brickflow represents a useful due diligence tool for the early stages of a development and can demonstrate what can actually be realised with relatively modest initial deposits. When approaching your bank for finance on a scheme, for instance, you could be asked for a 30 per cent deposit, when in reality you might only need to pay 10 per cent.

That’s one of the big advantages of our platform – it will often reveal that you can do much more with less.”

“We had an example recently where a Brickflow user had already made contact with their existing lender, who had asked for a £450,000 deposit on a scheme where the GDV was £2.85 million. Having enquired on our platform, and subsequently picked up the phone to us, he had the terms within 24 hours, the loan application completed the same day, and his deposit was reduced from the initial £450,000 to £260,000, with an interest rate that dropped from over 8 to under 7

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per cent per annum. That client actually reached out to us again quite recently because they’re now using the money they saved on the first deposit to develop a second site, which will, of course, considerably increase their profit margin.”

It is that kind of effective and efficient equity deployment that Brickflow champions, but by the same token it can also identify which sites simply won’t work for the borrower’s circumstances, as Ian reveals: “In our experience, we find that potential developers can waste a lot of time investigating sites that they’re simply not in a position to mobilise. With Brickflow, they could enter the details of a number of schemes and then quickly discount those that are not viable.”

The service doesn’t end there, however, because the platform is on hand to provide support throughout the process. Many builders, particularly if they are relatively inexperienced in property development, might not be that confident when approaching a lender. As well as opening up new horizons beyond the high street, this new online service can

Brickflow is an online resource that matches developers with lenders: “What we want to do is empower SMEs not just to find finance but the right finance.” leverage the expertise of seasoned finance professionals in ensuring that they present themselves in the best possible light. In addition, as a tech platform, it is in perfect step with the adoption of digital tools that the pandemic has accelerated, and can accrue some significant timesavings in securing a decision.

If an investee is approaching a number of finance providers individually then providing all the necessary information in the form they require could be an onerous task, but Ian outlines how here again Brickflow can help. “Once those initial searches have been completed, we can guide the applicant through all the information that a lender requires to make a credit decision, which is then added to

the platform as their developer profile. A lender can then log in, view that profile and make an informed decision on whether to back the builder and their scheme very quickly. We had a recent case where a developer acquired credit approval on a deal within just four hours of uploading it onto the platform, which is something that could well take someone two months to achieve.”

Brickflow currently has 18 active lenders on its platform, with those that it has chosen to work with already geared towards servicing the SME sector. The minimum loan that can be achieved through the service is £150,000 rising to a maximum of £100million. “We find that many relatively inexperienced developers go to their bank because they’re the organisation they’ve always dealt with,” concludes Ian. “What we want to do is empower SMEs not just to find finance but the right finance.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BRICKFLOW VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX060

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SUN SEEKERS

becoming more popular for aesthetic, planning and house resale reasons.

The sleek, low profile Marley SolarTile panels can be integrated with any of our roof tiles or slates, so you can subtly incorporate solar tiles into any roof design – even handmade clay. It is easy to install, with an integrated tray so no counter battens are required and has a simple push together design. It is fully compatible with the Marley full roof system and is covered by the 15-year system warranty.

To get enough electricity, how many solar tiles would I need?

SN Estimating is quite a simple process, as our online configurator builds an array of panels for you. All you need to do is fill in the grid to place the panels in position and the system works out which flashing kits are needed and produces a price. It even calculates the kWp output, so you can easily achieve the required performance.

Q Stuart Nicholson, roof systems director at Marley, answers your solar questions.

I install pitched roofs, but I’ve never used solar panels before.

How easy is it to fit solar PV on a roof?

SN (Stuart Nicholson) New innovations mean solar PV technology is much easier to install than in the past. The latest integrated solar tiles simply replace sections of the roof tiles and can be installed by any roofer, up until the point of electrical connection.

Q

Do I have to become certified as a solar installer to fit solar tiles?

SN MCS certification covers installations of products used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources, including solar. You don’t have to be certified to install some integrated PV systems, such as our Marley SolarTile, but it is required to make the final electrical connection and do the sign off.

Therefore, you can either form a partnership with a certified electrical contractor or become MCS certified yourself to help differentiate your business. To apply, you will need to get the appropriate training for solar PV connection and apply to a certification body to arrange assessment.

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How can I sell solar to customers?

SN Growing consumer concern about cutting energy costs and reducing their

own carbon footprint is leading to renewed interest in domestic solar technology. A typical home PV system can produce around 40 per cent of the electricity a household uses in a year, as well as reducing carbon emissions by between 1.3 and 1.6 tonnes per annum.

For more specific data to help when selling solar, you can refer to the solar energy calculator on the Energy Saving Trust website, a link to which is at the end of this feature. This provides estimated savings on energy bills and the financial payments your customers could receive by installing solar panels.

How do I know which solar product to use?

SN There are two main options when it comes to solar PV – panels on top of the roof covering, or panels that are integrated into the roof tiles. These discreet, roof integrated PV systems are

Q

Can I use solar tiles on an extension?

SN The advantage of our Marley SolarTile is that it can be used down to low pitches of just 20 degrees. So, if you’re working on a low pitch extension project, you can integrate solar tiles with one of our low pitch tiles, such as the Lincoln or Eden clay pantile. This allows you to match in with the existing roof and the homeowner can save on energy bills at the same time.

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What training/support is available?

SN To help contractors make the most of solar PV opportunities and gain confidence in installation, we will be running free training courses throughout 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MARLEY SOLARTILE, INCLUDING TECHNICAL SUPPORT, OR TO VIEW DEMONSTRATION VIDEOS, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX062 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MCS CERTIFICATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX063 TO USE THE ENERGY SAVING TRUST CALCULATOR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX064

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Images courtesy of Bondmor Developments and ICF Building Solutions

ON TOP FORM A new construction technique, known as Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) is sweeping through the construction sector. One of the leading players, Jackon UK, outlines some of the advantages of the system. iven its many benefits, and also the fact that ICF has been popular in Europe and in America for quite a few years, the only surprise is that ICF is not yet so well-known in the UK. With the growing popularity of Jackon’s Jackodur Atlas for foundation systems and Thermomur for wall construction, as well as the activity of other brands in the market, and promotion by the Insulating Concrete Formwork Association (ICFA), that may be about to change.

The ICF system integrates insulation materials into the concrete formwork, which totally changes and modernises the way houses are constructed. It enables an energy efficient building method which creates insulated structural walls and floors for residential and commercial buildings.

As well as being easier and quicker to build, an ICF house provides massive advantages during the life of a building, when compared to brick build, timber frame or any other building technique traditionally used in the UK. The benefits include dramatically improved insulation and therefore reduced expenditure on heating or cooling; excellent acoustic performance; fire resistance; enhanced resilience to flood, extreme weather, and seismic activity; rot and vermin resistance;

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minimal maintenance requirement; mortgage, insurance and planning acceptance.

The energy efficiency angle is the big one for UK builders. The big push now, from the Government’s green building agenda downwards, is towards sustainability and zero energy homes. The Jackon Atlas systems have Passivhaus certification, which means they meet a number of demanding criteria, including very high levels of insulation, an airtight building fabric and ‘thermal bridge free’ construction.

This means they can be used to construct insulated slabs and external walls with a U-value as low as 0.11. When this highly energy efficient structure is combined with full use of renewable technologies, such as solar PV, mechanical heat recovery and rainwater harvesting, you are well on the way to a zero-energy house.

For the builder, the combination of an insulated slab system – together with ICF walls – avoids the need to tie together two separate systems. Since Jackodur Atlas is made to measure, it means virtually no wastage on site. The combined system makes possible the achievement of an excellent pre-build EPC rating of A. In some locations, due to the great strength that they give to buildings, the durability of ICF systems is the main attraction. International evidence is showing that they are more resistant to damage from hurricanes and other violent weather events, for example.

A further benefit for builders is the ease with which the systems, sometimes compared to oversize Lego blocks, are used in the construction process.

Developers are finding they can build a house using the ICF system in just a few weeks, with part of this speed being attributable to not having to work with

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timber frames. The speed of the build programme is also facilitated by the integration of the building components and a reduction in the need for extra onsite labour, especially in comparison to timber frame.

Even those builders who have always built with timber frame are becoming disillusioned, due to the rapidly rising cost of timber, its decreasing quality, and erratic tolerances. In these circumstances ICF can be the answer. A major bonus of using ICF is integration of an inbuilt stability, with strength, insulation, and airtightness all in one go.

At the heart of the product range is the company’s more than 60 years’ expertise in EPS and XPS manufacturing to this market. Jackodur Atlas Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation and formwork system is an intelligent and efficient thermal insulation system for floor slabs and is ideal for constructing the foundations of energy-efficient houses.

The system comprises an economic interlocking system, which eliminates

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thermal bridges and has stable compressive strength properties. Supplied cut to size, rapid and problem-free construction is assured.

For the most energy efficient buildings, this should be used in conjunction with

Jackon Thermomur. This is a robust preformed block with a hollow core manufactured from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). The empty core in the block is filled with a concrete pour during construction.

This system facilitates fast and easy installation on site and brings all the advantages of very high insulation levels, elimination of thermal bridging, air tightness, moisture and mould resistance and acoustic insulation.

These systems have planning and insurance approvals and conform to all the relevant British Standards. Critically, they also have BBA Accreditation.With obvious appeal both to professional builders and the self-build market, on account of the relative simplicity of construction and the modern, energy efficient buildings which can be created, it seems highly likely that ICF can now only increase in popularity in the UK market.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON JACKON INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX061

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GOING DOWN A STORM

Mark Halsall, National Manager – Storm Water Control at ACO Water Management, looks at five of the most common issues and misconceptions when specifying and installing geocellular structures

eocellular structures are an integral part of managing rainwater on site. However, despite this critical role, there remain a number of pervasive misunderstandings surrounding their specification and installation, which can have a damaging impact on their efficacy.

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Assess the conditions When it comes to specifying drainage solutions, there is a tendency towards focusing solely on the impact of rainwater and determining the volume of storage required. While this is undeniably a crucial factor when designing geocellular structures, there must also be consideration of other factors, such as loadings on the tank.

It is important for ground conditions to be confirmed, such as the type of soil or whether ground water is present, as well as understanding what types of vehicles are going to traffic the structure, both during and post installation. Understanding these factors will allow consultants, contractors and suppliers to accurately offer the most appropriate solution.

Correct installation Not all geocellular structures are installed in the same way and understanding how and why specific products are most effectively built will ensure attenuation performs at the level it needs to. Often, crates are simply put into the ground individually and then clipped together, but some products can benefit from a more thorough installation technique.

ACO StormBrixx, for example, offers superior stability thanks to its patented brick-bonding and cross bonding structure. Although it can be fitted in the traditional way, the long-term benefits and improved construction speed associated with brick-bonding is something that contractors should be conscious of during installation.

Excavation size A common error which can really hamper installation times is failing to excavate a large enough area to install the tank.

Suitable working space needs to be created around the footprint of the geocellular system, and safe access/egress should be accounted for through a suitably stepped excavation, or alternative excavation shoring methods.

For example, if the structure requires a 12m2 space, then the excavation site must be slightly larger than this to allow for installation and maintenance.

Adequate space must be left around the edge of the structure to allow personnel to fit side panels or install the membrane.

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Excavation base The base of an excavation should be sufficiently compacted and stable enough to ensure the geocellular structures remain in place. When doing so consider the California bearing ratio (CBR), which reflects the mechanical strength of the soil and therefore the integrity of the system. A low CBR will flex under weight and sink, so it is critical that contractors achieve a high CBR to provide a steady base to build their tank on.

Fit and forget This is an issue across all types of drainage, but it can be particularly prevalent with attenuation tanks Far-too-

often, they are installed and then rarely revisited. Guidance documentation exists to provide an indication of how often they should be maintained and emptied, and contractors should ensure they are routinely checking the drainage systems.

Getting it right first time – free CPD Geocellular structures are a powerful tool in managing water on a site, but they are only as effective as those installing them. To help contractors get to grips with the key installation, specification, and maintenance issues associated with geocellular structures, ACO Water Management has created a free CPD. For more information and to sign up visit WWW.RDR.LINK/BX095

When you consider that products such as ACO StormBrixx contain accessibility features, specifically to facilitate more straightforward maintenance, this is something that needs to be addressed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ACO STORMBRIXX VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX094

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MAGIC LANTERN The Korniche Lantern is still the cherry on the top for Made for Trade after four years of sales

he impact that the Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern had on the industry back in 2017 exceeded all expectations at Made for Trade, with the roof becoming the go-to product for installers, builders and end users looking for a lantern solution for their glazed flat roof extension projects. Since then, and with the increase in extension requirements being driven by ‘from home’ workers, the popularity of lantern products has grown significantly, and many new systems have emerged.

However, the MFT product has remained at the top of its game thanks to class leading aesthetics, coupled with the

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powerful USP’s of ‘Faster, Stronger, Warmer and Slimmer’ with no on site cutting, trimming or silicone applied within the roof.

That strap line, ‘Fitted in Minutes,

Glazed in Seconds’, highlights the main USP behind this award winning solution, becoming a firm favourite with installers and builders whose time on site is most precious. That all important ease of installation delivers confidence from the start and places the product as one to really raise the bar and deliver a solution that provides a true advantage on-site.

The company behind Korniche, MFT, have been recognised by the window industry in recent years through multiple awards, including our own Charles Godfrey Award for Innovation

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The business has continued to invest strongly in engineering design with a second Korniche product ready for launch in 2021. Watch this space!

To find out more, organise a build demonstration and discover how the product will be a profitable addition to your business, contact sales@madefortrade.co and register for more information.

These are just some of the favourable comments from customers over the last four years; “Amazing quality, even the box was impressive”. “It took longer to unpack than it did to fit!”. “Never fitted one of these before but I am amazed how simple it was and I’ll be recommending it to other builders”. “It almost looks like a timber product, puts the other options to shame”.

“We are all very proud of everything we have achieved with the Korniche Lantern and that it is being recognised by the industry for its ground-breaking design is fantastic news. Most heartening is the positive feedback we continue to receive from the installers and tradesman up and down the country who fit the Lantern, who have nothing but praise for it, underpinning our belief that it is a true game-changer in the industry.”

Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE MADE FOR TRADE WEBSITE AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX093

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PANEL DECISION Simon Fleet, Group Commercial Director of W.Howard Group, explains how modern MDF wall panelling can bring traditional luxury to any new build property without breaking the bank.

all panelling was used centuries ago as a form of insulation, helping to keep buildings warm by adding an extra layer of timber to otherwise cold, stone walls.

Plain, full height vertical designed panelling was originally seen in the UK as far back as the 1300s, proving that the UK has always loved the appearance of a panelled wall. By the Georgian and Victorian times it was a staple in many homes, and came in lots of different styles and moulding patterns.

Even today these types of period features are enduringly popular. Just take a quick look at Rightmove; properties with authentic period features sell for a premium, with people increasingly looking for character and charm, with a modern twist. Gone are the trends for plain walls and stark, angular lines – people now want comfortable luxury in their homes, and are looking to pair eco wood-burning stoves and roll-top baths with wood panelling and period-style profiles to

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bring back that sense of timeless, period chic back.

But period features traditionally come at a price, causing homeowners to turn to professional tradespeople for advice on how they can introduce these characterful features into their homes without breaking the bank. Well, there is a solution to bring period features back to a property – and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Technological advances have allowed manufacturers to create wallpanelling systems that can be quickly and easily used to add period features to any part of their home.

Solid wood panelling is expensive, and often prohibitively so, but buying and fitting MDF panelling can be far more cost effective, while also being easier and faster for builders to fit, as many kits come pre-cut and ready to install.

The many benefits of MDF as a timber offer tradespeople even more in terms of efficiency and ease of use. Composite MDF wood is straight and dimensionally stable, with no knots, warps or defects that will need to be worked around during fitting.

And the use of wall panelling doesn’t have to be limited to the restoration of a period home – it’s increasingly being used in contemporary homes to act as a contrast and bring warmth and texture to almost any room in the home.

Add durability and colour Tongue-and-groove panelling is most often found in modern baths and kitchens, bringing character as well as the kind of durability that’s needed in these high-traffic areas. It’s also easy to keep

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clean – something that’s very important in both rooms, especially if the home has infants or young children.

W.Howard’s new Wall Panelling Kit, for example, uses moisture-resistant MDF, which makes it perfect for use in bathrooms and kitchens where the air can often be quite humid after a hot shower or an evening’s cooking.

Unlike alternatives such as paint and wallpaper, wood panelling is hardwearing, can be painted or stained, and when paired with a dado rail provides a clean finish to bring that sense of luxury to any room.

When you think of wall panelling you might think of dark wood panels and oldfashioned wooden-walled libraries but, as well as being durable, modern MDF wood panelling can be painted almost any colour, meaning you can create a bespoke palette of period features and modern finishes to really experiment with colour and texture.

Using panels on the lower half of a wall, and topping it with a dado rail, can make a room feel bigger and more airy.

Meanwhile, using darker colours on wood or MDF panelling can create a unique and dramatic effect, while using lighter colours creates a calm ambience that brings in a hint of the traditional, but merges well with modern styles.

W.Howard’s Wall Panelling Kit is supplied fully primed and ready to paint, minimising the amount of preparation work that needs to be done before the homeowner or tradesperson can paint it to match the décor in their home.

Modern wall panelling kits are particularly flexible – you can mix and match your period-style skirting with wallpanelling for a seamless look, or be bold with colours and match white walls with

coloured skirting, or use different tones and patterns to really make a statement and highlight certain areas of a home.

W.Howard Group’s new MDF Wall Panelling Kits are making it easier than ever to reinstate period features and create a comfortable, homely feel that works in any type of property.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE W. HOWARD PRODUCT RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX065 IF YOU WANT TO WATCH A VIDEO THAT DEMONSTRATES JUST HOW EASY IT IS TO INSTALL AN MDF WALL PANELLING KIT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX066

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STANDARDS FOR HOUSEBUILDERS

The latest NHBC 2021 edition of its technical Standards will be effective for every new home covered by an NHBC warranty, where foundations are begun on or after 1 January 2021. Updates to the new version include a full review of Chapter 7.1 ‘Flat Roofs, Terraces and Balconies’; updates to Chapter 6.1 ‘External Masonry Walls’ to reflect requirement changes; and a technical update to Chapter 10.2 ‘Drives, Paths and Landscaping’.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX067

From garden annexes to holiday lodges, InstaHaus hand-builds every one of its bespoke, relocatable timber homes in its Somerset workshop in 8-10 weeks and, depending on site conditions, can deliver and install within as little as 24 hours. The units use Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero for the walls and roof, CaberFloor P5 for the floors and CaberFix D4 for all the joints.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX068

FIRE SOLUTIONS

Norbord has developed SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions to help housebuilders reduce the risk of fire spreading to neighbouring buildings during construction. The Structural Timber Association (STA) produces guidelines for reducing fire spread in large timber frame buildings during construction before fire resistant finishes have been put in place.

SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions is designed, when used in conjunction with Rockwool insulation, to match the categories in the STA guidelines.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX069

AIR SOURCE AND UFH

Two new-build homes in the Cotswolds are benefitting from a sustainable building services package supplied by OMNIE. The properties feature OMNIIE’s easy to fit LowBoard panels, whilst the UFH is powered by LG air source heat pumps. The OMNIE underfloor heating has the added benefit of keeping the heat pumps running efficiently over extended periods, which reduces component wear.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX071

Save time, make money all year with the reliable, easy to use and clean, pneumatically powered, vibration free Pnu-Point pointing tool.

sales@pnupoint.co.uk

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CEMENT

Not one but three new packed products have been added to the Lafarge Cement portfolio. The 40N strength High Performance Concrete is suitable for forming the base for domestic garages and driveways. The quick setting, 15N strength Instant Concrete is ideal for garden sheds, greenhouses and domestic footpaths and steps. Premium Cement is a 42,5N cement specially designed for applications that require extra strength such as steps, paths, concrete bases, and repair and maintenance projects.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX070

PAVING

Although charming, Cotswold limestone is prone to weathering making it unsuitable as a sustainable paving. Cranbourne Stone has found the solution with its Cotswold Mint Sandstone. It can be used in patios, terraces, paths and even swimming pool surrounds.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX072

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POCKET DOORS

RENOVATION NATION With an increase in spending on home renovations, now is the time to investigate pocket doors, argues Eclisse

Last year 60 per cent of the UK adult population found themselves working from home and homeowner spending shifted towards home improvements. The housing market was boosted due to stamp duty relief, and a survey done at the time stated two-fifths of people said they would prioritise space for a home-office if they were purchasing a new home. Other reports stated that adding a home-office could increase the value of your property by 8-10 per cent in the current market.

Space, light and privacy are key components in creating a productive home-office. One way to maximise space in a room is to replace a traditional hinged door with a sliding pocket door. Traditional hinged doors have a ‘dead zone’, the arc of space required to swing open a door.

This is space that cannot be used.

Because pocket doors are top hung, and the door slides back into a pocket in the wall, alternative layouts suddenly become possible.

With a pocket door you can gain up to 8 per cent of additional space. It can make the difference between being able to have a larger desk, adding more storage or even to change the layout so the desk faces the window, making a huge

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

difference to the working environment.

A glass pocket door can impact not only space but also the light in a room. Eclisse Glass Pocket Door Systems are tempered to European standards and come in a variety of shapes and sizes starting from the 8mm range in two popular styles – satin and satin striped with a stainless-steel round handle. The satinated finish is achieved by acid etching the surface of the glass door panel so that it becomes translucent and thus offers privacy whilst still letting light through. With the 10mm glass door range the choice of possible patterns, designs and colours is almost limitless and a range of handles and locks are also available.

Double pocket doors are an easy way to open up and close off space. So for homeowners that are working from the dining room table in an open plan space using pocket doors as a room divider between the dining room and the kitchen or the dining room and the sitting room it is a great solution.

Eclisse pocket door systems offer a quick-win for any homeowner frustrated with their home-office space. They are reliable, easy to fit and come with a 15year guarantee.

One lucky reader can win a Single 8mm Plain Satin Glass Pocket Door courtesy of Professional Builder. It is available in two sizes (762mm x 1,981mm OR 826mm x 2,040mm) with included Chrome Flush Pull Handle.

Our Eclisse 8mm Glass Pocket Doors are a perfect way to maximise natural light, save space and add a stylish addition to any home. Finish interiors off with a high quality, elegant glass pocket door including everything you need for a professional finish. Easy and quick to install, space saving and practical = the perfect solution!

To enter simply visit the Professional Builder website by using the link – WWW.RDR.LINK/BX073

The Eclisse Classic Single Pocket Door System has been thoughtfully designed to make installation a straightforward job. It is simply a case of building the frame by clicking together the metal sections and inserting only eight screws. To find out just how easy it is use the link below to watch a video guide.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BX074 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ECLISSE RANGE OF POCKET DOOR SYSTEMS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX075

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

g n i k Ta

THE PLUNGE

Even a cursory examination of Festool’s Spring product launches will demonstrate that this is a company that is not only committed to research and development but is also listening to its customers. The German manufacturer’s avowed aim is to deliver not just tools but solutions, and its new additions are a reflection of that endeavour.

The Festool Plunge Cut Saw is already a renowned machine in the marketplace, and the latest incarnation is equipped with some significant improvements. The TSC 55 K now benefits from electronic KickbackStop, for instance, which prevents the tool from jumping back at the user when it enters the material, which can cause damage to the machine, guide rail or workpiece, not to mention the potential for serious injury to the end user. It works via a sensor that detects when the saw makes any unwelcome

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upward movements, stopping the blade in the blink of an eye.

When it comes to performance, thanks to the latest generation of brushless ECTEC motor technology, and the dual battery system (2 x 18V), Festool can

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones investigates the latest developments in power tools from Festool boast no discernible difference from the new TSC 55 K in comparison to a mainspowered tool, with the additional advantage of the extended battery run times that advanced lithium-ion technology now affords. Add to that a new generation of saw blades, together with concentrated torque, and you have unit that is worthy of following in the Festool Plunge Cut Saw tradition.

Safety first

The KickbackStop system will stop the machine if it suddenly lifts from the workpiece

66 FEBRUARY 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

The Quadrive TPC 18 percussion drill continues the theme of enhanced safety with its own kickback technology. If the tool suddenly threatens to bind in the material – turning quickly and damaging its holder’s wrist – a sensor intervenes and stops it immediately. Along with the new Quadrive TDC 18, these tools feature four speeds, and an improved gear shift, which allows users to switch from any

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gear straight to any other without intermediate stages.

As with the Plunge Cut Saw, the newgeneration brushless EC-TEC motor is itself Festool-built, with more torque and speed under load, whilst microprocessors monitor and control the temperature, voltage and current consumption of the motor, electronics and battery. Whether it’s screwdriving with up to 75 Nm torque in first gear or precise drilling at 3,600 rpm in fourth gear, the new TPC has all the necessary power and precision. That will be especially appreciated when inserting large screws in second gear, where a whole 40 per cent more torque compared to the previous PDC and DRC models is just a trigger’s press away.

For applications with high power needs, the 4.0 Ah Li-HighPower Compact battery pack provides a powerful, compact and lightweight solution. The 5.2 Ah battery pack is the right choice for even more power and a longer operating period for particularly difficult drilling and screwdriving applications. Multi-tasking has been made easy with the range of attachments available for both tools, all of which can be quickly added and removed without tools thanks to the FastFix system, with new additions including an angle attachment (AN-UNI).

In a further industry first, the Quadrive range has been rendered more compatible with left-handed users. If yours is a Bluetooth enabled battery pack, and you have downloaded the free-of-charge Work App (iOS and Android) on your smartphone, the App can then be used to reverse the right-hand/left-hand selector

switch so that the switch now protrudes on the right-hand side in clockwise rotation, and therefore no longer presses into a left-handed user’s hand.

Sales of cordless tools are in rude health and is an indication that the market is fully embracing the advantages of mobility. Festool is facilitating that trend with a whole range of new battery and charging advances. Similarly, in the realm of safety, the manufacturer supplies accessories for dust free working with all of its cordless tools, including Bluetooth technology that pairs the tool to the vacuum, thereby auto-starting the latter.

The guiding principle is for cordless customers to experience the same level of power and comfort as for corded solutions, with reduced charging times, extended run times and longer battery life – and that’s why the company is offering a three-year warranty on all its battery packs. In order to increase the power density its lithium-ion technologies innovative cooling and charging concepts are becoming more and more important, prolonging the life of the battery in the process.

Power up!

That’s not to say that Festool is not investing in new products for its corded customers, with the SYS-PowerStation a case in point. There’s no more searching for a place to plug in, running long cables, or connecting to polluting generators, because the familiar Systainer storage unit has been transformed into a handy 16kg portable power source. From a standard 230V socket, builders can access 1,500 watt-hours – the equivalent to the energy supplied by 20 battery

packs. That’s a full 3,680 watts of continuous power output, and a top power output of up to 11,000 watts.

What can I do with 1,500 watt hours is probably the question you’re asking?

Well, with a Kapex KS 60 sliding compound mitre saw and mobile dust extractor, you can complete 560 crosscuts – enough for a parquet floor. With the mains operated Planex long-reach sander and connected mobile dust extractor you could sand a prodigious 200 square-metre surface, whilst it will keep a SYSLITE Duo light illuminated for up to 16 hours.

In its construction the SYSPowerStation features all of the benefits of Festool’s existing storage system, in that it can be mounted on the manufacturer’s vacuum units, stacked on top of other Systainers and fits neatly into the Bott vehicle racking range. It takes just 3.5 hours to fully charge the battery and there’s a USB-C port for quickly charging other portable devices, such as tablets or smartphones.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE LATEST FESTOOL POWER TOOL ADDITIONS USE THE APPROPRIATE RDR.LINK TSC 55 K PLUNGE CUT SAW WWW.RDR.LINK/BX076 QUADRIVE TPC 18V PERCUSSION DRILL WWW.RDR.LINK/BX077 QUADRIVE TDC 18 WWW.RDR.LINK/BX078 SYS-POWERSTATION WWW.RDR.LINK/BX079

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT In part two of our feature on the 40V Max XGT battery platform, Professional Builder’s Lee Jones continues to explore the range.

FEEL THE POWER! Given that it is increasingly driving so much of the modern world, lithium-ion battery technology is a very active area of research – and it is paying dividends for builders. What Makita’s XGT 40V platform promises, for instance, is power aplenty in heavy duty applications but with all the convenience of cordless, bringing the prospect of a completely unplugged site ever closer.

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The GA004G and GA005G angle grinders continue the theme of matching mains – with the same output as the 1,000W electric corded version. The machines also feature a new quick release guard system, which can rotate and lock into seven different pre-set positions without the need for tools. The GA004G is 115mm and the GA005G is 125mm, both of which are side switch machines. Paddle switch options are available as GA012G (115mm) and GA013G (125mm). All four machines feature brushless motors and Active Feedback sensing technology, where a sudden current surge caused by the disc sticking in the material will shut the tool down to protect the operator.

Fast charging times have long been a feature of Makita tools and the 40V range follows in that tradition, with a 2.5Ah XGT

68 FEBRUARY 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

battery charging in as little as 28 minutes and a 4.0Ah XGT battery in 45 minutes.

There’s also some clever electronics at play where the battery can digitally communicate with the tool – and vice versa – preventing over-heating, for instance, and prolonging the life of both.

The Makita XGT 40V Max range is a standalone platform with its own tools, batteries and chargers, although an adaptor is available to charge your existing LXT 18V units. It provides the manufacturer with the opportunity to introduce cordless power tools for the kind of industrial applications where some of its existing 18V solutions might struggle. For the end user, there’s much of the power of mains but with the freedom of cordless.

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

DIAMOND BLADES

A cordless SDS machine with the necessary grunt for heavy duty tasks previously needed to bear the burden of two 18V batteries to bring it up to a 36V solution, but the two new Makita SDS Rotary Hammers under the XGT banner, provide lighter and more compact alternatives. They will also give you longer runtime, and more holes per charge in a more comfortable and user-friendly package. Both the HR003G and HR004G 40V Max Brushless Rotary Hammers benefit from AVT Anti Vibration Technology and three modes of operation: Rotary Only, Rotary Hammer and Hammer Only. Other improvements to the existing SDS Makita machines include a side hook that will accommodate a lanyard to prevent drops and dust collection boxes that can be fitted to each machine.

The HR003G is fitted with a standard SDS chuck, whilst the HR004G has a changeable chuck that will accommodate bits other than SDS. In either case, the push of a variable speed trigger unleashes a considerable level of performance, with speeds of up to 980 revolutions per minute (rpm) and up to 5,000 blows per minute (bpm) of hammer action.

The manufacturer’s new Circular Saw is an eloquent demonstration of the potential of the Makita XGT 40V range to rival mains power. On the existing Makita corded version, the maximum depth of cut is 65mm but, with a 62.5mm maximum figure, the battery version can now come very close indeed.

All that power delivers a highquality cut from a saw that will simply glide through timber, and the 6,000rpm machine is also equipped with Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT) for added protection. Here, if you’re cutting through a knot or damp wood, it will maintain the necessary speed and torque to ensure a smooth finish in the material every time. The unit is compatible with a Bluetooth dust extractor, which will automatically activate wirelessly when you start the saw if fitted with an AWS receiver chip, plus the machine features a base design that will accommodate a guide rail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEW XGT SYSTEM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX080

Available in three main application sectors, the Norton Clipper range of diamond blades includes Standard Ceramic, designed to cut ceramic, glazed ceramic, and porcelain tiles. Choose Standard Universal for bricks, pavers and building blocks – or the Universal Turbo option for roof tiles. Lastly, Standard Beton covers concrete and reinforced concrete.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX083

WRECKING BAR

The Estwing Pro Series Gooseneck Wrecking Bar is forged in one piece of American steel with a hexagonal beam construction for added strength. One end of the bar is angled for maximum leverage when prying and the other end is wider with a bevelled nail slot and a nail puller, allowing the user to remove embedded nails with ease. It is available in 24” (600mm) and 36” (900mm) lengths.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX085

ACCESS TOWER

Complicated and time-consuming scaffold structures are now part of the past, according to Werner, the manufacturers of the PAXTower with folding base. A straight-forward assembly involves simply folding out the structure until it clicks into place. When building the tower to higher levels, a specially designed slot-in spigot with interlock clips prevents tilting when connecting the end frames, enabling a smooth build.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX087

PROTECTIVE WEAR

The ProtecWork collection from Snickers Workwear now includes lightweight, insulated GORE-Tex Work Jackets, providing protection and high-visibility in low-light, highrisk environments. There’s also waterproof shell Work Trousers, accessories including flameretardent kneepads, plus headwear, mid- and base-layer clothing to provide maximum, certified protection whatever the hazards and risks.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX089

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TOOLS & WORKWEAR

Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WORKING Tibby Singh Chodha is on the right step with Scruffs Solleret S3 SRC HRO Rated Safety Boots With many tradespeople up at the crack of dawn work boots certainly put in the hours, week in, week out, and need to be able to take the punishment. The last thing you want are cracks to appear, affecting their safety, comfort and appearance.

It’s equally important to look the part, of course, and that’s certainly what you’ll get with the new Scruffs Solleret S3 SRC HRO Rated Safety Boot. In fact, my first impression was that they are actually smart in appearance. Digging deeper under the surface you have a composite toe cap, which is what makes them lighter than most other work boots. We know that composite toe caps are a step ahead when they go toe-to-toe with steel toe caps. On top of all the other benefits of this material, they will keep your feet cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather.

These boots also benefit from something that’s called Poron, which is a microporous polyurethane foam that provides effective cushioning from the shock of each step, whether walking or running, whilst the durable moulded toe gives extra protection against scuffs and wear. We all like the feeling of taking our shoes off and putting our feet up, but some might hesitate because of the potential odour. These boots have something that’s called Microfresh Technology, which reduces smells, allowing you to free your feet.These Scruffs Work Boots are packed with some great features, including a padded collar, slip resistant sole and anti-penetration composite midplate to prevent any sharp objects penetrating through the sole.

Scruffs also makes Thermal Socks to complement its boots. They are extra

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70 FEBRUARY 2021 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

thick for added warmth and, thanks to a stretch fit, they’re extra comfortable too. We’ll all find a common problem with socks is they easily acquire holes, but these are blessed with reinforced heels and toes.

I was also impressed with Scruffs Pro Flex Plus Holster Trousers, which are a comforting slim fit. They’re constructed of a 4-way stretch fabric to allow optimum movement when working. They also feature Cordura fabric which makes them durable and resistant to tears, scuffs and abrasions. In addition, there’s extra protection on the knee areas, which is often a cause for concern.

So, the next time your old workwear starts to get scruffy, think about Scruffs Workwear, they are made for grafters and have you covered from head to toe.

Scruffs also have their own Polo Trade active Polo Shirt and Sweatshirt. They are both unique designs but what jumps out at me the most, is that they both have zipped pockets, which is unusual to see but you can never have enough pockets. On top of all this I slipped into Scruff’s Trade Thermo Jacket and, thanks to the body mapped design and Insatherm padding technology – which insulates your core and retains the body heat – I was kept very wam. It can be difficult to work with some jackets because of the extra padding but the sleeves and side panels on this garment are softshell, allowing full moveability and freedom whilst working, whilst keeping your core warm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SCRUFFS WORKWEAR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX096

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Already consisting of over 3,000 members nationwide, and rapidly growing, the OX Tuff Club community feeds directly back into the future of product innovation. With regular surveys and polls, Tuff Club identifies what tradespeople like you actually want and need from their tools.

We then apply this feedback straight back into the product development process to inform the products of tomorrow. So, join today and shape the future of your toolbox tomorrow.

of Maximum 500 tapes to be won WWW.RDR.LINK/BX082

Maximum of 500 tapes to be won

Not only that, but this ultimate tradies community offers all the latest OX news, events, new product information and competitions. By signing up today you’ll become an OX Tuff Club member and guarantee yourself the opportunity to be the first to hear about all the latest innovations from the tool manufacturer.

To sign up to the Ox Tuff Club, and be in with a chance of receiving your free 5m Auto Lock Tape Measure, use the rdr.link below

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Sign up to the OX Tuff Club tradies community for a whole host of benefits – and receive a FREE OX 5m Auto Lock Tape Measure

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EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION

THE OUTSIDE WORLD Mishandling external wall insulation installations can create and exacerbate rising damp problems – and care must be taken to fix fabrics first – says Hudson Lambert, director of Safeguard. xternal wall insulation (EWI) is a popular and very effective way of transforming houses into warm, energy efficient and modern-looking buildings. However, the absence of a proper survey, defects in the building fabric and the possibility of installation errors mean there’s a good chance that EWI will make any problem with rising damp far worse.

EWI reduces the risk of vapour condensing on the inside skin of the wall as the dew point temperature moves closer to the external face of the insulated wall. When installed correctly, it can also protect against penetrating damp, which is caused by driving rain. However, it is crucial to survey the property before installation and treat any issue with rising damp. Not doing so means the EWI will simply trap the damp inside the walls and make the problem worse. It is also important to ensure that there are no

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gaps – at the eaves, for example – where rain can find its way in and get trapped behind the insulation.

This has always been the case yet concerns about the risks have been heightened by the Government’s PAS 2035 Retrofitting Dwellings for Improved Energy Efficiency scheme, and the Green Homes Grant.

Rising damp Rising damp occurs because water travels up through the pores in a wall’s material, with the height it reaches governed by a combination of pore size and the rate of evaporation from the surface of the wall.

Cover either side of a wall up and you prevent evaporation, although with IWI the problem is less obvious as it is hidden and may take some time to emerge.

Typically, rising damp only rises to a few inches and remains concealed by skirting boards. It becomes a real issue when it reaches heights where it can impact upon structural elements such as floor joists, or damage interior décor, with occupants noticing blistering paint or peeling wallpaper. Anything that prevents evaporation – such as EWI over a failed or non-existent damp-proof course (DPC) – can drive the damp line up to 1m or more.

Where severe rising damp is present in a property where EWI is planned, advice should be sought from a specialist surveyor. However, cases that are not severe can be treated quickly and cheaply by installing a remedial DPC. The treatment of rising damp can be costly, especially when expensive

replastering is required. However, some damp-proofing products are more effective and reduce the need for replastering and there are now fast, low cost replastering systems available.

Installing a DPC has been greatly simplified with the development of modern products that can be installed rapidly. Holes are drilled at set intervals along a mortar bed and damp-proofing rods inserted. The chemicals the rods diffuse out to form a new DPC. The potential problems with rising damp should not be a reason to discount EWI as a possible solution to solid-walled properties requiring insulation. It is a vital tool in improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock and decreasing the UK’s carbon emissions.

However, it is important that more care is taken when surveying properties prior to EWI installation, so that even the most minor cases of rising damp are treated.

The last thing that anybody wants to see is measures aimed at improving a household’s quality of life leading to damp and the health issues that it can cause.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SAFEGUARD VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BX081

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ADE’S TOP WINDOW & DOOR TIPS

No. 23

! ’ L L A C ‘ S ’ N A I ADR

“You know the old adage about first impressions?” says Quickslide’s Ade. “Well actually, when you’ve installed new windows and doors, it’s the last impression that counts most….”

W hat I mean by that is how the shiny

new windows and doors that you have just installed look when they are really finished…glass and frames cleaned, mess tidied up, dropped pins and screws safely collected… and, of course, all the edges neat, clean and beautifully finished.

The homeowner has watched the installation throughout, has seen the windows in place and has a view of what they look like…but the impression that counts is how they look just before you tell them ‘job done missus’ and hand them the bill for the balance. In other words, it’s the final impression that really counts and will have them reaching for their metaphorical cheque book.

So, despite any effort that has gone into removing old frames, and installing the new ones, the final trim and finish is so important, and well worth spending time and skill to do properly. Here’s some tips:

Pre-installation The preparation before attending an installation should be intensive. Make sure you have all the correct materials including silicone (lots of big installs

Ideally the frame will just fit neatly into the reveal with no trim and minimal sealant

Adrian Barraclough runs Quickslide, one of Britain’s leading window & door manufacturers.

Sealing and finishing frames is a skill and should not be underestimated

were delayed last year due to shortages of silicone), and if anything is needed, place your order in time for when you actually need it.

You never know if you are going to need trims and, if you do, what size you might need. Therefore, being prepared, and stocking most sizes and colours on the van, is essential because you never know what you might find when you start taking out the windows or doors.

There are always surprises and trims, by definition, can cover a multitude of sins. Having said that, ideally, if the windows and doors have been perfectly measured and surveyed, and the prep work is immaculate, trims should not be needed. But I admit, that is in an ideal world.

Much derided, silicone is an essential element of every window and door installation. But it should be used intelligently and can be used to great effect way beyond the basic element of keeping out the window and rain.

A detailed conversation should take place with customers about the silicone to be used. It depends on many factors: the type of house, the bricks/blocks/render/pebble dash used and – the most important factor – the colour of the windows. Do you make the silicone match the house to give you a solid straight line down the window; or do you match the windows and with a stone house for example, do you finish with a line following the stonework?

And practice makes perfect: Like so many trades, there is a knack to squeezing silicone neatly and effectively and one that should be mastered with pride!

Remember the old expression: ‘Don’t spoil a ship for a ha’pth of tar’.

Well, silicone is the modern equivalent of tar and no less important. Beautiful, expensive windows can be easily spoiled by poor application of a tube of silicone worth just a couple of quid.

Don’t underestimate the importance of getting this detail right.

ADE’S TEA-BREAK TEASER

Quickslide delivery drivers Tony Glum and Johny Rocket, leave Brighouse (oop North) to deliver some beautiful new award winning PVCu Sash Windows to London (darn Sarf) a distance of 200 miles.

Johny is in a hurry and drives at 50mph down to London and 40mph back to Brighouse. Tony is more steady and drives 45mph both ways.

Which one returns to the yard first to put the kettle on?

Turn to Page 5 for the answer……

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX091

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wise howell

Advertisement index Ist Teacher Training .................................................. (page 63) Buckbootz.................................................................... (page 39)

It’s a good job that low-energy LED lighting has emerged, at a time

Build Aviator .................................................................. (page 4)

when electricity is more expensive

Eclisse UK .................................................................... (page 21)

than ever. Otherwise I wouldn’t be

Artificial Grass/Evergreens UK .............................. (page 33)

able to afford to keep my burglar lights on.

I have always been keen on burglar lights, ever since cheap plug-in time switches became available. I don’t know if they really deter burglars – some research suggests that brighter streetlamps and householders’ security lights have no statistically measurable effect on crime.

However, I defer to the filmmaker Woody Allen, who wrote a fictional short story titled Confessions of a Burglar.

“What advice would I give the average homeowner to protect himself against burglars?” Woody’s hero asks.

“Well, the first thing is to keep a light on in the house when you go out. It must be at least a sixty-watt bulb; anything less and the burglar will ransack the house, out of contempt for the wattage.”

You can see what he means. A single 40 watt light bulb in the window of an otherwise darkened dwelling indicates only one thing – empty house with burglar light left on! Genuinely occupied houses have lights on in multiple rooms. And those lights get turned off and on sometimes, too.

Electricity, however, is no longer the cheap commodity it once was. Many households are paying around 18 pence per kWh or “unit” of power – a price that has almost doubled over the past 20 years. For those people on dual tariffs, the cost of their daytime power might be as high as 22 pence

per unit.

At those rates, even Woody Allen’s single 60-watt bulb might cost £50 per year to run.

Last year I had a winter break in Berlin – a lovely vibrant city, with a dense population. But looking out of the window at night, at the surrounding apartment blocks, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the place might be deserted. Very few windows showed any signs of life, or light.

The reason for that is that German electricity prices are even higher than the UK’s – maybe 30 Euro cents per unit.

Because the country is switching away from fossil fuels to renewables, and funding the transition by levies and taxes on consumers. So a lot of poorer people are simply going to bed early in winter, or else sitting in the dark.

Fortunately, we now have LED bulbs to lessen the pain (and to any electricians reading, I know, lamps are for lighting and bulbs are for planting – sorry!)

Although LED lamps have come down in price, they still represent a capital outlay for any poorer household looking to convert to them. In the long term, LED lighting should get cheaper still. Which is just as well, as the price of domestic electricity is only ever going to go up.

Jeff Howell

E-mail Jeff via his website www.askjeff.co.uk

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Ford Motor Co Ltd ...................................................... (page 13) Groundbreaker & Fire Systems ............................ (page 54) Isusu Truck ................................................ (inside front cover) JCB ................................................................................ (page 35) Kyocera-Senco UK Ltd...................................... (pages 60,61) Made for Trade .......................................................... (page 25) Made for Trade .......................................................... (page 27) Made for Trade .......................................................... (page 29) Makita (UK) Ltd .......................................................... (page 59) Mannok Build Ltd ...................................................... (page 52) Marley Ltd.................................................................... (page 55) N & C Building Products Ltd .................................. (page 37) Pnu-Point Ltd .............................................................. (page 64) Quickslide ...................................................................... (page 5) Rocket Door Frames............................................ (back cover) RWC Ltd.......................................................................... (page 8) Safeguard Europe Ltd .............................................. (page 45) Scruffs .......................................................................... (page 47) Simpson Strong Tie .................................................. (page 58) Toolfair Exhibition ...................................................... (page 16) Tuffx Processed Glass Ltd ...................................... (page 56) Vauxhall Motors Ltd .................................................... (page 6) Vortex .......................................................................... (page 39) WD-40 Company Ltd ................................................ (page 19)

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GOOD HEALTH NO.19 GLAUCOMA

Let’s talk about

GLAUCOMA...

THIS MONTH, PRACTICING GP ALICE FITZGIBBON LOOKS AT A COMMON EYE COMPLAINT

This month, I thought we would cover something a little different and move up to This may happen in one eye only. Signs of the eyes. In the UK, there are nearly two acute glaucoma are: million people living with sight loss. Looking after your eye health is really important and 씰 Sudden onset intense eye pain the NHS recommends that adults have an eye 씰 Red eye check up every two years. The optometrist or 씰 Nausea and vomiting optician is not just there for when you feel 씰 Headache there is a problem with your eyes; the check씰 Blurred vision ups they do are important as they can pick up 씰 Seeing halos around lights early signs of problems before you have any 씰 Tenderness around the eyes. symptoms. Many common diseases can have signs seen in the eye including high blood If you ever develop any of these symptoms pressure and diabetes. you should see the optometrist as a same day emergency, explaining what is wrong.

An important, common and treatable Some people are more at risk of developing condition checked for in a routine eye test is glaucoma. Advancing age, having glaucoma glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that affects running in your family and being of African, the optic nerve (the nerve that connects your Caribbean or Asian origin all increase the risk of eye to your brain and is essential for vision). developing this condition. Having other The optic nerve can be damaged if the conditions, such as being short or long sighted, pressure within the eye is too high. Normally and having diabetes, also raises the risk. eye pressure is well controlled by circulating So, the good news about glaucoma is that it fluid produced by the eye; it is made and drains can be treated. The bad news is that if there is away in equal measures so pressure stays the damage caused by glaucoma, it is permanent same. If there is a blockage and the fluid and there is no way to regain the sight that has cannot drain away, this causes a rise in the eye already been lost. This is why picking it up early pressure. This can either happen gradually over is really important. Treatment can stop the time which is most common, but it can also condition from getting worse and is sight saving happen suddenly. for many people. Depending on the type of If there is a gradual build-up of pressure in glaucoma you have, treatment can be the eye, you might not have any symptoms. The only way to know it is “Glaucoma is a condition that affects the different. Mainly, it is controlled with eye which reduce the eye pressure. In happening is if you have your eye optic nerve (the nerve that connects your drops other cases, laser treatment or surgery is pressure and vision checked by the optometrist. Glaucoma causes visual eye to the brain). It can be damaged if needed to help the eye drain fluid more If you have glaucoma and loss that affects the outer edges of the pressure within the eye is too high” effectively. treatment is started, you will have regular vision first (peripheral vision). If it is left follow up to make sure the treatment is untreated, it will progress to you being working and your eye pressures are controlled. So please, if you able to see less and less, eventually becoming tunnel vision and are due an eye check up, don’t delay it! Your optometrist can then sight loss altogether. Sometimes, people will have earlier check easily and painlessly that your eyes are in good health. signs that they have glaucoma. These can include blurred vision or seeing “halos” around bright lights.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON GLAUCOMA FROM THE If there is a sudden increase in eye pressure then this is an NHS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BX092 eye emergency as the optic nerve may be damaged quickly.

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