Construction Update - December 2020

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE December 2020

www.construction-update.co.uk

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Construction Update December 2020

14 Aggregate Industries Cover Story Just Artificial

Gilberts December 2020

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Pump Technology

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Industry News December 2020

Flexibility and adaptability are now the driving force behind kitchen design People have learnt to adapt to a different way of living in recent times and this is certain to have a significant impact on kitchen trends moving forwards. for many and with more urgency than ever before. More consumers are now striving for environmentallyfriendly options and consider this to be as important a consideration as anything else. Keller Kitchens has been a pioneering force in bringing sustainability to the kitchen industry, having implemented a completely carbon neutral production process since April 2017. This is realised, for example, by generating electricity with solar panels and converting waste into heat. Keller compensates the emission that remains by having trees planted and contributing to wind energy projects.

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or many, the kitchen has really become the heart of the home; a space not just for cooking and eating but for working, socialising and family bonding too. The way homeowners use this important room will inevitably lead to them really looking to reflect their personalities and needs in the design of this space.

This will make flexibility and adaptability the driving forces behind kitchen design in the years to come. At Keller Kitchens, choice and versatility is a prioritised sector of the company ethos. Offering a multitude of options – from lighting, to cabinetry, to 1950 colour options – continues to be a priority and a strength for Keller.

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Changing attitudes towards kitchen function may look like opting for multi-use options for many. Think multi-plan as opposed to open plan, as consumers begin to favour physical dividers between the rooms of the home. The benefits of compartmentalising the home are not just physical; this can create emotional differentiation between areas for working and areas for relaxing. Utility rooms are likely to be on the increase too whether through introducing an entirely new room or creating a clever division within an existing kitchen

and introducing additional sink and tap areas.

Clever storage solutions and innovative ways to make the most of space will also be prominent considerations for kitchen design.

Spending more time at home is likely to have magnified the chaos that comes with badly-designed storage options. Regardless of space, good kitchen design can make the most of what there is available, allowing for optimum functionality. We will see pull-outs and drop-downs featuring more in kitchens on the smaller size as well as kitchen islands with their own storage areas.

It’s not just storage that we can expect to see a design revolution for, fresh thinking will take to the fore in all aspects of design. Traditional features will always retain a certain appeal but even classic kitchen schemes will benefit from contemporary twists and modern technology. After having spent so much time at home, energy is likely to be refocused into really making every aspect of the home perform at and look its best.

Beyond sole focus on appearance and practicality, sustainability will continue to be a prime consideration

We can all appreciate that sustainable options are now a real possibility and so there is a responsibility to ensure that these options are implemented. At Keller Kitchens, this commitment to the environment demonstrates the ability to balance high-quality, aesthetic kitchen design with consumer desires for ethical business. Consumer choice is no longer based on design and functionality alone but ethical considerations too, and this has to continue to influence kitchen design.

Keller Kitchens rises to the challenge of preserving the planet’s resources with a circular approach. This essentially means that environmentally-aware methods are implemented in every stage of the manufacturing processes.

Keller selects materials that are both ethically and environmentally responsible; for example, by using wood that comes from sustainablygoverned forests. This careful consideration can also be seen in the product selection for the kitchens with Keller offering the possibility to choose material with FSC® quality mark, Greenpanel® worktops and water based paints alongside recyclable packaging.

December 2020 Industry News

Local shops for local people….

During the current pandemic, now more than ever local retailers (and businesses) need your help to continue to serve the community. Small and independent retailers are important to the economic fabric of our society and are at the heart of our communities, it is important that we get behind them and show our support - we all play a part in their existence.

Why does The IPG support Independents?

With a network of over 200 carefully selected member locations nationwide, The IPG encourages, plumbers, installers, and homeowners to shop locally and buy all their plumbing, heating, and bathroom goods from their local independent retailers (online and offline).

Why? Because local independents can be like a breath of fresh air, bringing much-needed originality and variety into communities. They are the backbone of our economy, run by local people, and you cannot beat the personal touch of an owner who knows the area. They tend to learn more about their customers and are much more likely to go above and beyond the call of duty, helping when they can, often giving you more choice and variety.

Working with many brands from across the plumbing, heating, and bathroom sector, The IPG members can provide the same types of deals, if not better, then many well-known chains. What is more, when spending with local independent retailers, the money tends to stay in your community, which means other businesses and people in the area benefit.

Small independent businesses are much better at acting fast and adapting to a changing market and IPG members are no exception. They have been able to change their plans or strategy much faster than larger competitors, with many demonstrating some amazing examples of reworking their businesses to offer essential services or goods during these unusual times.

Nike Lovell, IPG’s Head of Marketing said; “It is testament to the resolve of our members that they reacted quickly to Covid-19 challenges, adapting their businesses so they could continue to service and support their customers. Many have implemented ingenious new ways to continue trading and to evolve, whilst safeguarding customers and staff.”

She went on to say: “We have seen some amazing examples of business acumen; members have been very creative to ensure they have new ways of safely maintaining a high level of support to their neighbourhoods.”

How can you help?

If you have a local store that you support, look them up on social media platforms and follow and share with your friends and family, this will help grow their exposure. You can also help your independent to build trust with others, by giving a review on-line.

It takes passion and dedication to run a small independent business, so shop local, buy from an independent and support your community.

Supporting Independents

www.the-ipg.co.uk

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Industry News December 2020

Is good, good enough?

Is good, good enough when it comes to customer service? As far as The IPG and one of its suppliers Lecico are concerned – the answer is NO!

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any companies underestimate the importance of excellent customer service; great products or services on their own are not always enough to keep a customer’s loyalty, but outstanding service and customer satisfaction is.

Kevin Oakes, Director of Sales at The IPG stated: “Only the businesses that find a way to make customer support a core element of their business strategy can thrive under today’s environment. We put The IPG member at the centre of what we do - what’s right for them is right for us. We put members first and support them, our mantra is that we are Stronger Together” During recent times, The IPG has played its part in supporting its independent plumbing, heating and bathroom store members, for example, during the early days of the pandemic, the common message published across its marketing channels highlighted those member businesses that remained open, advising opening times and the level of service they were providing. It has continued to deliver positive messages to ensure that members customers continue to shop in their local area.

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Paul Barry (MD) from Four Ashes Plumbing Supplies, an IPG

member based in Wolverhampton commented: “In a market place more competitive than ever, and with the challenges facing all independent businesses in the UK, we place great value in our partnership with The IPG. A collaborative approach between the group, it’s supply network and it’s members helps small businesses like ours to remain at the forefront of the industry and relevant to the communities we serve.”

Customers do not forget companies that make them feel special, word of mouth is always the best recommendation, without doubt, a customer service first approach has a very important role to play in business today.

Antony Thompson, Managing Director at Lecico Bathrooms said: “Our ambition is to provide the highest levels of service to our customers in the industry, ‘we can, and we will’.

He went on to say: “2020 has dealt us all challenges that we could not have predicted. The global response to the pandemic has had far reaching impacts, for Lecico bathrooms, the challenge has been to maintain our normally very high levels of service to our customers. Talking to others in our industry has indicated that this problem is not unique to us at Lecico.

Our ambition has been to continue to operate our business as normally as

possible and to continue to provide the high levels of customer service that our customers have become accustomed to and expect from us.

At Lecico we recognise that our customer service levels have played a significant role in the growth of our business, this has resulted in us establishing some strong, longstanding customer relationships which we are very proud of and a leading position in the market. We have a term that we often refer to internally to test our resolve to provide the best possible customer service levels – ‘we can, and we will’. As a minimum we aim to deliver what our customers expect, but we want to exceed customer expectations wherever possible.

Lecico Bathrooms have long been recognised for our focus on customer service. We continue to invest in our people, and we recognise that our industry is based on relationships and trust. Our staff are fundamental to achieving optimum service and apprenticeships that we offer have led to many of our new employees completing their apprenticeships and moving into other areas of the business. Through a continuous focus on developing our people we are able to build a highly customer focused team, a team that approach each challenge with a ‘we can, and we will’ attitude. “ Ultimately, when it comes to customer service, good is not good enough. The importance of customer service can never be underestimated. Being responsive to customers’ needs and wants is what sets great businesses apart from the rest and The IPG and Lecico both go all-out to achieve just that. www.the-ipg.com

Ravatherm XPS X from Ravago Building Solutions, Europe’s largest extruded polystyrene insulation manufacturer, offers architects and building specifiers market-leading XPS insulation for roofs and floors.

www.ravagobuildingsolutions.co.uk

For technical support and to learn more about our products please contact: technical.uk.rbs@ravago.com

December 2020

Have you considered XPS as an affordable and effective alternative for residential floor insulation as opposed to traditional PIR products?

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) offers a cost-effective alternative to PIR products where escalating raw material prices and potential availability issues are beginning to impact the market.

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avago Building Solutions, Europe’s

choice of product for residential flooring

largest manufacturer of XPS

applications.

insulation, launched Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB earlier this year. Ravatherm

XPS X 200 SB is a high-performance thermal insulation board specifically designed for the residential market. The product is robust and durable meaning it can endure foot traffic on site. Capable of withstanding 200 kPa, the boards meet all requirements regarding compressive loads in the domestic/residential market.

Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB products offer exceptional thermal performance. The 50mm boards have a declared lambda of 0.030 W/ mK, and the 75mm, 100mm, and 125mm thicknesses achieve 0.031 W/mK.

Steel grey in colour and with a butt edge finish, Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB boards can be cut easily and accurately using hand tools, offering simple and quick installation with minimal waste. These lightweight boards can easily be positioned on-site for installation below the slab or below the floor screed, as well as in beam and block floors.

Manufactured at Ravago’s UK plant in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB has a lead-time of just three to four days from order to delivery. Ravatherm XPS X 200 SB can be supplied in individual packs or a 15m3 bulk unit (2.5×2.5×2.4m) on foam bearers. Bulk units can be broken down on-site into 4 pre-

With low water absorption Ravatherm XPS X

wrapped units or split into individual packs,

200 SB has a natural resistance to rain, frost,

offering a variety of easy ways to transport

snow, and water vapour making it an ideal

material around a busy construction site.

For further information please visit our web site at www.ravagobuildingsolutions.co.uk or contact Natalie Sutton on Natalie.sutton@ravago.com for enquiries in the South of England and Adam.hilmi@ravago.com for enquiries in the North.

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100% Stainless Steel Towel Rails 25 Year Guarantee 01825 722988 www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk

December 2020 Bathrooms & Washrooms

Managing Director, JIS Europe, Richard Thelwell, discusses their policy of stockholding and how it is even more relevant today “Currently, we are answering calls from customers on a daily basis, asking if we have stock to fulfill their orders, the simple answer is ‘yes, we do’ ” ‘We are able to maintain the chain of supply quite simply due to our longstanding policy of stockholding providing further financial stability to ourselves but as importantly to our customers whose projects do not need to see any further delays” The Sussex Range is manufactured from 100% stainless steel including our recently introduced Black Edition of powder coated rails “We have recently seen an increase in demand for our powder coated black rails, and also our satin finish rails. More and more people are coming round to the durability and sustainability of stainless steel” “My customers don’t want to go to the expense and disruption of fitting out their bathroom to then 2 years down

the line find an inferior mild steel rail rusts, leaks and they then need a complete re-tile when the replacement isn’t dimensionally identical to the original” Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and manufactured from over 90% recyclable material. It does not rust, flake or corrode. It is the sustainable, durable choice.

We have a large selection of gallery shots, showing the visual diversity of our rails, on our website www.sussexrange.co.uk do have a look and should you wish any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01825 722988 or info@jiseurope.co.uk

We source our rails ethically and take our social responsibility seriously, from our sourcing to our manufacture to our charity initiatives.

We offer 3 formats of rail throughout the range: Electric, dual fuel and central heating only and we offer both a polished and satin finish as well as the Black Edition Range.

“The cornerstones of our business are quite simply quality, stock holding and ultimately customer service. The three work hand in hand”

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Roman has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions for over 35 years, and is home to the UK’s largest manufacturing plant. All Roman products are designed and created in Britain, offering the ultimate in quality, precision and craftsmanship ▪ UK Manufacturer

▪ Solid Surface Fabrication

▪ Dedicated In-House Design Team

▪ Products Exceed all Compliance Standards

▪ Supplier to Major International Hotel Groups

▪ Global Manufacturer to over 60 International Markets

▪ Bespoke Product Capability

▪ Promotes Sustainability and Circular Economy

▪ Experienced in Large Project Work

INTRODUCING ROMAN’S MONDRIAN INSPIRED DESIGN Roman’s stunning black Mondrian inspired design consists of a shower enclosure with clear glass and a toilet enclosure with frosted glass; a black and white wall unit with drawers; a solid surface basin with industrial style black steel frame and black chrome fittings throughout; and features Roman’s large square black grid mirror. The shower enclosure doors are suitable for inward and outward opening to suit every style and shape bathroom.

The printed black grid style is bathroom design led and encapsulates industrial chic with an elegant twist. It features a silicone free matt black wall profile and the ceramic printed glass leads the current industrial look trend in bathroom design, making it an infinitely flexible product for any project with a clean and durable finish.

For more information please visit our website:

www.roman-showers.com

December 2020

Kick Start a Career in Construction - Aggregate Industries Launches its Kickstart Programme 2020

Committed to supporting the government’s pledge to provide skills and training for young people, Aggregate Industries has launched its brand new Kickstart Programme 2020, having been approved as an official Kickstart Employer.

Under its Plan for Jobs launched in July, the Government introduced its Kickstart Scheme in September 2020 - a £2bn initiative to create thousands of high-quality sixmonth job placements for unemployed 16–24 year olds.

Helping to equip young people with the skills needed to move into sustainable long-term employment, leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries is throwing its weight behind the scheme by launching its Kickstart programme. The scheme will aim to retain as many of the ‘kickstarters’ as possible and continue their education, with some candidates potentially offered the possibility of joining the company’s popular apprenticeship or graduate schemes.

The Programme will include 30 placements specifically designed to help young people to gain some work experience in the construction industry - earning whilst learning, with the government paying National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week for each placement.

During their six-month placement, ‘kickstarters’ will gain invaluable on-the-job experience, working at some of the UK’s largest quarries, biggest road improvement schemes or state-of-the-art asphalt plants - as well as in departments such as finance and HR.

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The applicants will also be required to complete their Kickstart development programme - a curated

curriculum created by Aggregate Industries consisting of practical skills essential for everyday working life, as well as virtual learning on specific subjects taught by the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) and the company.

James Roberts, Human Resources Director at Aggregate Industries UK, comments: “It’s no secret that young people, especially those aged 16-24, have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic in terms of employment and training opportunities.

“Recognising the vital role we can play in supporting the next generation of talent to emerge during this difficult time, we welcome the government’s Kickstart scheme and we’re proud to be an approved Kickstart Employer 2020.

“Successful applicants to our Programme will be exposed to a wide range of roles within the business and will learn valuable skills, and may even potentially be offered the unique opportunity to move onto our apprenticeship and graduate schemes. We look forward to welcoming our new ‘kickstarters’ and helping them reach their full potential in the future.”

To learn more about the Aggregate Industries’ Kickstart Programme, 16-24 year olds in receipt of universal credit can apply via their local Jobcentre.

December 2020

Phase one of major student accommodation completes in Coventry Leading consulting engineer Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has assisted in the completion of phase one of The Oaks – a significant student development close to the University of Warwick.

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he building, known as Oaks 1, is located less than a kilometre from the University of Warwick to the south west of Coventry city centre, and was developed by McLaren Property, together with project managers Stace and Corstorphine + Wright Architects . The project was forward funded by Student Roost who now operate the Accommodation.

Formerly the site of an office building, Oaks 1 brings 378 new student rooms to the area in a mixture of 288 cluster bedrooms and 90 studios, which are within convenient walking distance of the university’s main campus.

The scheme also benefits from over 6,800 sq. ft. of amenity space; comprising an open plan common room and games room, gym and virtual training areas, study areas and social spaces, and has provided significant contributions towards the sustainable transport infrastructure in the area.

HWA supplied civil and structural engineering services from feasibility and planning stages to phase one of the project. Phases two and three which include two further buildings - Oaks 2 and Oaks 3 - is currently under construction, and would deliver a total of 1,000 student rooms and studios.

The Oaks is the only purpose-built student accommodation scheme adjacent to the University of Warwick.

Demolition works for phase one began in September 2018, with McLaren Construction starting the main build contract the following month. Completion was ahead of the expected completion date – ready for the 2020/21 academic year.

Dan Bailey, director at HWA, said: “We are pleased to be continuing our long-standing working relationship with McLaren Property and the rest of the supply team on this significant project in Coventry.

“As the only purpose-built, large-scale student accommodation in the area, this will provide muchneeded, quality rooms and studios for students to enjoy as they attend the University of Warwick. The accommodation couldn’t be in a better location, bordering the main campus with everything students need within easy reach.

“We’re proud to be continuing our work in the Midlands, particularly in these challenging times, and look forward to seeing the next phase of the project progress.”

From its head office in Nottingham, HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, emergency services, commercial and residential across the country.

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PPE December 2020

Snickers Workwear Sustainable Merino Wool Clothing

Mulesing-free, 100% All-natural and sustainable undergarments.

Stay warm or cool in our 100% All-Natural Merino Wool mid- and base-layer clothes that deliver optimal comfort for all kinds of working environments and leisure activities when the weather gets chilly.

There are short and long sleeve T-shirts as well as leggings and topwear that combine superior wool warmth with body-mapping designs for the ultimate base- and mid-layer protection in really cold conditions.

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Designed by nature for excellent ventilation and insulation, Merino wool is extremely soft, and naturally odour-preventive for an all-day fresh feel.

It’s also temperature-regulating, repels water,

dirt particles. It’s anti-static and Snickers Workwear ensures that the wool it uses is produced in kind-toanimals, ‘Mulesing-Free’ environments.

All in all, Snickers Workwear clothing for autumn and winter give you the kind of warm, dry and fresh working comfort you wouldn’t have thought possible.

That’s why Snickers Workwear is the brand of choice for working outside in cold weather.

For more information on Snickers Workwear’s Sustainable workwear solutions, call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

EVO®VISTAshield™

EVO VISTA ®

EVO®VISTAlens™

™

High performance safety eyewear always on hand

EVO®VISTA™ is a next generation feature-rich safety helmet based on JSP’s proven Evolution® head protection technology. The helmet incorporates a fully retractable optical class 1 faceshield or overspec.

Easy to deploy, adjust and maintain, ensuring protection is on hand whenever it is required.

Individual wearers prescription eyewear compatible Safety cell protects wearer from ricocheting debris SAFETY CELL

The safety cell concept prevents ricocheting debris travelling up the eyewear and impacting the scalp.

Conforms to EN397 & EN166

A OPTICAL CLASS 1

N - ANTI-MIST

K - ANTI-SCRATCH

UV 2C-1.2

IMPACT (EVO®VISTAshield™ ONLY)

MM - MOLTEN METAL

LD - LATERAL DEFORMATION

-40°C TESTED

EN50365 ELECTRICAL INSULATION AC 1000V or DC 1500V

www.jspsafety.com sales@jspsafety.com Tel: +44 (0)1993 826050

KM 579403 BS EN 397

Built on hard work since 1960 Celebrating 60 years in business we are proud to supply Safety Footwear, Workwear & PPE to our valued customers from our Sheffield Distribution Centre. Ever since John Topham established the business in 1960 we have remained a Family owned business with third generation family members in the team.

We continue to sucessfully hold the JCB Workwear License after 11 years. The Safety Footwear & Workwear range has evolved over the years to encapsulate a hardwearing, style conscious collection.

Area Sales Representatives We have a team of 7 Area Sales Representitives and 1 Telephone Account Manager who cover the UK & Ireland.

Bespoke Branding Service

We have the design capabilities in house to create artwork for bespoke branded clothing, helmet stickers and safety signage. We can brand clothing using our in-house heat seal department or our embroidery service.

Wearer Pack Service Our Wearer Pack service is available to all customers who need to issue clothing and footwear to their employees.

We pack the required items for each employee in individual packs.

Mobile Sales Unit Our dedicated mobile sales unit can come to your premises wih a selection of products which is ideal for footwear or uniform issues.

Next Day Delivery From our 45,000 sq ft warehouse in Sheffield we can ship any product anywhere in the UK and guarentee it will be with you the very next day.

Omnichannel Experience Purchases can be made through our excellent customer service team, area sales representitives, online and instore.

Retail Store: Our Sheffield Store is open to the trade and public. We stock a vast amount of Snickers Workwear making us a Snickers Centre of Excellence. Other brands in store include JCB, Dickies, Helly Hansen, Worktough, Dr Martens & more.

Our staff in store are on hand to offer help and advice on your workwear needs!

Progressive Safety Ltd 101 Worthing Road Sheffield S9 3JN Call us: 0114 273 8349

www.psf.co.uk

PPE December 2020

Hydroblast Goggle – Reliable, comfortable sealed eye protection...

As experts in the field of protective eyewear we pride ourselves on our range of safety glasses, goggles and face visors, available to all within a competitive price range.

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December 2020 PPE

The Hydrobast goggle is the latest addition to our goggle range. Designed and manufactured

by MCR Safety, this is a premium product without the premium price tag.

It’s a sealed unit eye protector, a form of eye protection which is becoming increasingly popular throughout the industrial sector. The onset of COVID19 has also played its part in highlighting a need for more fortified face coverings.

Functionality and Comfort The Hydroblast® HB3 goggle fits perfectly to your face to give you supreme comfort along with secure and reliable protection. It’s able to do so because of it’s unique, super-soft TPR seal. We use TPR where the safety goggle meets your skin because its soft, supple and extremely resistant to every-day wear and tear.

The Goggle features a 7-point ratchet action on the strap fastening so you can adjust it to the optimum fit for you.

The indirect vented air flow allows air to circulate reducing clamminess, but still protecting you from splash hazards and larger dust particles.

The lens is optically clear and coated with our premium MAX6 Anti-Fog (N) coating to withstand extreme stresses in your working environment, free from unwanted distraction.

And if you’re a prescription wearer, a prescription insert can simply be added to the goggle.

These carefully considered features teamed with refined ergonomic design ensure that the safety goggle is perfect to wear all-day.

Protection Assurance Hydroblast® HB3 has been tested in accordance with CE EN166, with grade F impact protection.

The dielectric construction means there are no metal components and therefore the goggle is a non-conductor, ideal in hot or electrical environments. It’s ability to withstand liquid splash and dust penetration is particularly useful in these times of COVID19 when face covering as a barrier is of utmost importance.

Summary of key CE standards ‘3’ Withstands liquid splash ‘4’ Prevents the penetration of dust over 5 microns ‘9’ Resistant to penetration by hot solids ‘F’ Withstands impact from an object travelling at 45 metres per second ‘1’ Optical Class 1 indicates a high-quality lens for all day use ‘N’ Anti-fog, will not become clouded by condensation

Find out more The Hydroblast goggle is a great piece of safeguarding eye protection for industrial environments spanning a wide cross-section of industry.

You can find out more about the Hydroblast® HB3 Goggle by visiting the Product Profile page on our website or you can make enquiries by phone or via email at: +44 (0) 1922 457 421 sales@mcrsafetyeurope.com

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PPE December 2020

Ultimate protection, fully compatible – JSP’s EVO®VISTA® Helmet and Force™8 half mask Compatibility in PPE is not only about products fitting correctly, but also working correctly when worn together.

Some products that fit together are not necessarily compatible in terms of performance.

To ensure products are suitable for use in combination, it is best to buy all PPE from the same manufacturer, who have developed the products to work together. JSP PPE is designed to be compatible across the range, offering complete above-the-neck solutions.

The popular EVO®VISTA® helmet is fully compatible with other JSP PPE, such as the award-winning Force™8 PressToCheck™ respirator and Sonis® helmet mounted ear defender range.

JSP’s Research and Development team were inspired by feedback received from users who regularly wear head and eye protection together. In addition to problems with compatibility, a common theme in the feedback was the amount of eyewear lost or damaged on site after being issued.

EVO®VISTA® is an innovative, feature-rich helmet incorporating optical class 1 faceshield or overspectacle.

The eyewear is fully integrated, allowing users to retract and deploy as needed, which helps to prevent traditional safety

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eyewear being lost or damaged, saving companies money, time, and worry, whilst also allowing prescription spectacles to be worn safely.

EVO®VISTAlens® functions like a spectacle, offering protection to EN166 2C-1.2 FT, and the EVO®VISTAshield® conforms to EN166 2C-1.2 with impact rating of grade AT. Both products feature optical class 1 lenses, anti-mist and anti-scratch coatings, plus protection against impact at extremes of temperature, and UV radiation.

The EVO®VISTA® helmet is designed to be fully compatible with the Force™8 half mask and PressToCheck™ filters.

The award-winning PressToCheck™ filters allow you to check your

face fit by pressing the cartridge casing together to stop air from entering the filters and check the seal of the mask. This offers daily face fit reassurance, each time you put on your mask.

Additionally, Sonis® helmet mounted ear defender range has been tested and certified in combination with the EVO®VISTA® helmet.

The helmet shell plays a critical role in determining the levels of hearing protection offered. Using tested and certified compatible products ensures that hearing protection is offered at the correct level when worn with a safety helmet.

The EVO®VISTA® helmet is manufactured in the UK for immediate delivery with option to brand.

When combined with the Force™8 half mask you can rest assured you are getting the ultimate in head, eye, and respiratory protection with complete compatibility, plus the option to add Sonis® ear defenders for a 4-in-1 solution.

December 2020

Hot Wastewater Pumping Problem Solved!

One Creechurch Place, provides high quality office accommodation in the centre of London’s insurance and financial district.

This prestige building features state-of-the-art kitchens with ZIP taps to provide boiling water for hot drinks.

On many of the floors the optimum location for the kitchen means that gravity drainage is not possible so a wastewater pumping system is required.

Because very hot water may enter the wastewater system a Pump Technology Ltd, DrainMajor was installed.

This system is fitted with a robust Jung Pumpen 730HES pump, which has a cast iron pump volute and stainless-steel motor housing combined with a mechanical liquid facing seal and motor lip seal configuration. It can handle temperatures up to 90°C. (Standard submersible pumps generally only operate up to 40°C.) The new DrainMajor features a polypropylene collection tank with an easy access lid to aid inspection and future maintenance.

Pump Technology Ltd. offer an extensive range of pumping solutions from stock and, as a main distributor, work directly with Jung Pumen GmbH to provide proven pumping solutions for wastewater and sewage applications.

0118 9821 555 www.pumptechnology.co.uk

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QUIETLY POWERFUL

THE HRV20 HE Q PLUS

The most powerful MVHR unit Titon has ever produced.

Designed for use in large apartments or dwellings, it offers higher airflow rates and fantastic controllability, without compromising efficiency.

• Up to 92% energy efficient heat exchanger • Higher airflows of up to 178 l/s (640m3/h) at 100 Pa • Extremely low Specific Fan Power of 0.48 W/l/s • Fantastic 4-speed control to reduce overheating • Outstanding build quality for improved acoustic performance • Compact and robust steel unit • Accepts 200mm ducting • Intelligent frost protection, stepped reduction of supply air rates prevents HRV unit from freezing • Independently Acoustically tested to BS EN 13141-7 (Induct measurements) • On board aura-t™ SMART (WiFi) touchscreen option with auraSMART® app connectively available

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Building Materials December 2020

Sustainable sealants – lock and Re-load

For most of us involved in the building industry, reducing our environmental impact is an increasingly important priority. One small step that can make a big difference is taking a fresh look at your use of sealants.

E

very year, it’s estimated that a staggering one hundred million used sealant cartridges are sent to landfill in the UK. That equates to around 6,000 tonnes of non-degradable waste - with at least some of it being produced by the glazing industry. One company which has found an innovative way of addressing this problem is British-based, Bond It. As David Moore, Managing Director at the manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, grouts and other building chemicals, explains: “For all businesses - including those in the sealant applicator sector - the case for adopting more sustainable products and working practices has never been stronger. Aside from protecting the environment for future generations, going greener can deliver major benefits in other areas such as potentially reduced costs and increased marketing opportunities.

“It’s for this reason that Bond It remains committed to enhancing our range with environmentally friendly products that still offer all the performance of their more traditional, less green counterparts.

A prime example of this can be found in our Reload range.”

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Better by design Bond It’s Reload range of silicones employs a unique reusable design that helps to minimise waste to landfill offering a solution around sustainable packaging. The system is designed for use with special sausage refills. Currently being offered, three of Bond It’s most popular silicones and sealants, WP100, Frame-Mate and Multi-Mate, with a view to rolling out the concept to other products in the range at a later date.

How the Reload refillable system works is simple. The silicone is supplied in the form of EU3 aluminium foil sausages that can be replaced as needed. The end of this refill is removed with scissors before the nozzle is attached as normal. The sealant can then be dispensed using an ordinary skeleton gun and once the refill is used up, the aluminium slug can be simply and cleanly removed and disposed of before another refill is reloaded.

Going green As well as being incredibly easy to use, the Reload system also offers significant environmental benefits. In particular, both the cartridge and the nozzle are completely recyclable while Reload’s refillable nature also means that any excess silicone in the nozzle doesn’t go to waste.

But the green benefits don’t stop there. The reusable nature of Reload also results in a considerable reduction in the amount of waste generated and subsequently requiring disposal.

“Aside from helping to reduce the enormous number of sealant cartridges currently being sent to landfill, the Reload system also delivers a significant reduction in packaging use and subsequent waste,” explains David. “In fact, compared to traditional spent sealant cartridges, a used Reload refill is up to 60% lighter and 80% smaller in volume.

“This offers major benefits against a backdrop where site waste disposal costs are now determined by waste type and weight. It’s also particularly pertinent when we take into consideration the legal requirement for Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP) on all building projects over £300,000 which seek to increase waste reduction, recovery and recycling.” Coupled with landfill shortages around the corner and increasing site costs imposed by the Government, this will lead to increased transportation costs as waste will need to travel further.

As a further benefit, the aluminium foil packaging employed on the refills ensures that the silicone boasts twice the product shelf life of traditional cartridges. This helps to significantly reduce spoilage.

Plus, the reduction in packaging also helps to make the refills lighter and more space effective than traditional alternatives.

Building Materials December 2020

As David concludes: “As a business, Bond It has always had a firm focus on product development and on pioneering new solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industries we serve. As a result, we continue to enhance our range with products that not only set new standards in terms of performance and technical innovation, but also environmental credentials.

“Reload is a prime example of this commitment. Its greener, more sustainable nature makes it an ideal choice for any organisation or individual that uses silicones and sealants and that wants to reduce their environmental impact.”

Potentially it will also be a more cost effective option to consider if the Government pass legislation in 2022 to tax imported plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. With current cartridges being produced from 100% virgin plastic there will

be a cost increase that inevitably will be passed on to end users of these products.

Switching to greener systems, like the Reload concept, will reap commercial benefits as well as tackling the increasing issue of single use plastic and its devastating affect on the planet.

www.bonditgroup.com

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Building Materials December 2020

DON’T CRACK UP Bond It, one of the UK’s fastest growing manufacturers of sealants, adhesives and building chemicals, has launched a new sealant to compliment its already growing silicone and sealant range.

No Crack Caulk, introduced under the Companys Superheros Brand, is a water resistant, high quality decorators caulk that prevents craze cracking when painted. This white, solvent-free, water-based sealant is highly flexible, with a joint movement capability up to 12.5% and can be overpainted within 1 hour.

With excellent gap-filling properties this hard wearing Caulk contains a fungicide to retard mould growth and is suitable for use on both interior and exterior jobs.

Adheres to most surfaces without the use of a primer and is non-corrosive to metals. It is more resistant to movement than most standard caulks and is longer lasting. Perfect for sealing around window frames, architraves,cornices PVC profile trim & cladding, plasterboard joints and for sealing cracks and gaps in plaster, brickwork, concrete, skirting boards and walls.

For more information on Bond It contact our Sales Team on 01422 315300 or visit www.bond-it.co.uk.

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December 2020 Building Materials

29

HOUSE RENOVATION WITH OSMO

Osmo customers Steph and James Lynch had bought a house in 2017 which was a project property. With a lot of wood featuring both internally and externally, the couple needed to find a company that provides a high-quality finish that protects and enhances the wooden surface.

December 2020 Building Materials

“We fitted solid oak parquet flooring in the living room and kitchen and the connecting hallway,” commented James. “With these rooms being two of the most used spaces in the house, we required a product that was very waterproof as well as hard wearing. I also wanted a product that would not overly change the appearance of the original, unfinished parquet flooring, and for this reason, we selected Polyx-Oil 3062 Clear, Matt from Osmo UK.” The surface was given a very light sand with a hand sander, before two coats of the finish were applied. Due to the size of area inside, it took a couple of hours to apply the finish and it was left overnight to dry.

Having a consultation with the Osmo UK team through Instagram, James realised that this product could also be used on the solid wood kitchen worktops, so he went ahead and applied two coats of the PolyxOil finish to this surface.

Offering all the professional features of a traditional oil-based finish, Polyx-Oil

allows the natural texture of the wood to still be apparent. Polyx-Oil also offers a high level of wear protection that can occasionally be topped up without sanding when required. The finished surface is also spot repairable. Polyx-Oil’s natural components penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe naturally. After treatment, the wood is nourished from within and retains its elasticity. It becomes water repellent, stain resistant and more hard-wearing, because it meets the wood’s natural demands and does not crack, flake, peel or blister.

For more information pop onto the Osmo website! www.osmouk.com | 01296 481220

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Mandating biodiversity net gain will ensure wildlife thrives at the same time as addressing the need to build new homes... developers will now be required to place the environment at the heart of new developments.

- GOV.UK

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We take a single source approach, which allows us to work in true partnership with our clients. From early stage design right through to installation and maintenance thereafter.

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December 2020 Building Materials

TOPPING

THINGS OFF AT TEMPLE FARM DEVELOPMENT

S

In 2015, planning permission was granted for the Temple Farm site in Chelmsford. Now, the project has entered its final phase, marking the culmination of a five-year build. As part of the development, the site has had a high-quality green roof installed by leading supplier, Eco Green Roofs Ltd (EGR)

pread across an 85-acre rural site, the development in Chelmsford comprises offices, residential and healthcare buildings, and an Energy Centre. Built on the site of a former scrapyard, the building will be used as the national headquarters for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain. Working in partnership with the client and closely collaborating with roofing contractor, Contour Roofing (Essex) Ltd, EGR installed a biodiverse roofing system designed to improve the building’s performance and aesthetic.

Historically, the Temple Farm site was of significant environmental importance to the local area. Until 2010, the site was classified as Green Belt land and featured a number of valuable ecological assets, including ancient hedgerows and veteran trees. The project team wanted the site to retain some of this former character, which was a driving force behind the specification of a biodiverse roof.

The pioneering biodiverse roofing solution was installed above the residential blocks of the development. The eye-catching living roof was specifically designed to boost levels of flora and fauna in the local area. What’s more, the roof contributes improved drainage with better mitigation of storm-water runoff, which alongside waterproofing systems and excellent installation helped ensure the client achieved the project’s ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating and a 0.10 U-value.

EGR’s roofing solution was manufactured from a number of sustainable materials. Initially, a protection fleece was laid with a drainage board and filter fleece placed on top. Next, the substrate was created, which contained low levels of nutrients designed to keep the plants performing effectively all year round. Additional layers were added to help filter water out, with a drainage layer then added to complement the roof build-up. Finally, a root barrier was used to separate the biodiverse roof system from the roofing membranes.

Speaking on the project, Jonathon Woods, Managing Director of Contour Roofing (Essex) Ltd commented: “This has been the most challenging project that I’ve ever been involved with, but it’s also been the most rewarding. I’d like to thank everyone who was involved for helping us achieve all the relevant standards and requirements. This extends to the work of EGR, who have supplied a roofing solution that boast excellent workmanship, clever design revisions and outstanding environmental credentials.”

Keith Hills, Managing Director of EGR commented: “This has been a great project to have been involved with and I’m delighted with the results we’ve helped deliver at the site. We wanted to help the local area regain some of its former ecological glory with a solution that incorporated the requirements of the project’s ecological report. The roof also encompasses all the benefits of a green roof including the improved efficiency of the building” Specifying a biodiverse roofing system at the Temple Farm development has allowed the project team to secure an environmentally friendly solution that improves the building’s performance. By working collaboratively with an expert like EGR, the project has been expertly installed with a solution that lives and breathes within the environment in which it exists. Thanks to the living roof, the site has had a net gain in ecological biodiversity achieved through the implemention of an Ecology Strategy and Landscape & Ecological Management Plan.

For more information about this project and other sustaianable roof options visit https://bit.ly/37glQb0

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P M a is g e si ng

P M a is g e si ng

December 2020

Exyte Hargreaves Appoints New Business Development Director Andy Tonkin Exyte Hargreaves are pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Tonkin as Business Development Director to the major projects business.

H

e is a well-known industry ambassador with vast experience in the construction and building services industries where he has delivered construction and MEP services across multiple sectors. An expert in developing and leading multidisciplinary, high calibre teams and businesses in the execution and delivery of major, technologically innovative projects.

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Andy’s career has developed from an indentured electrical apprentice with Crown House Engineering (Carillion) before joining Carillion’s ‘Accelerated Route to Management’ programme. This led him to his first leadership position as the Wales and West Business Leader in 2003.

Since then Andy has gone on to lead many successful businesses and to date he has served on the boards of Crown House and Imtech.

Andy Sneyd, Managing Director, Exyte Hargreaves said “It is an exciting time to join the Exyte Hargreaves senior management team. Andy brings extensive, multi sector experience and compliments our customer focused culture.

In his new role Andy will be responsible for managing strategic relationship opportunities through to contract award. Andy’s extensive experience across healthcare, education, rail and energy with his expert knowledge of MMC and the role of lead integrator will further strengthen the business ambition to be leaders in our field”.

Commenting on his new appointment, Andy Tonkin, Business Development Director, Exyte Hargreaves said “having the rare luxury of being able to decide on what the next chapter of my career should look like, allowed me to set some parameters. Three of which were, to not do what I have always done, to work with likeminded people and to believe wholeheartedly in the direction and ambitions of the business. I truly feel at Exyte Hargreaves I have ticked all 3 boxes.

I am looking forward to the journey that lies ahead and being part of a team that will challenge and change the “norms” that so often prevent the customer from getting best value” www.exyte-hargreaves.net

December 2020

Time to look at renewable heating Will the combination of the Green Homes Grant and the RHI herald a heating revolution?

By Max Halliwell - Communications Manager for Heating and Ventilation, Mitsubishi Electric.

W

ith the announcement of the £2bn Green Homes Grant, which opened for applications at the start of October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak has enabled homeowners and both social and private landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their home or housing stock.

Landlords, including local authorities and housing associations in England, can apply for vouchers worth up to £5,000 to make their properties more energy efficient. The vouchers cover up to two-thirds of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £5,000 a property and can be spent on insulation, new windows, renewable heating, solar power and other measures that improve the overall efficiency of the property.

However, the work must be completed by the end of March next year, which must surely limit the number of properties that can be tackled over the coldest part of the year.

It is also not possible to get the Green Homes Grant for newly built homes which haven’t yet been occupied, so social housing landlords will need to focus on empty properties or find temporary accommodation for any tenants that won’t be able to stay in the home whilst the work is underway.

Look at the fabric As a representative of a heat pump manufacturer, you might expect me to focus on the significant benefits to both tenants and landlords of renewable heating and in particular, air source heat pumps.

However, we would always advocate making sure that the fabric of the building is as energy efficient as possible first, so that the heating technology can work as efficiently as possible.

It’s what we call a ‘Lean, Mean, Green’ approach and by this, we mean be ‘Lean’ and reduce the need for overall energy consumption first. Look at the fabric of the building by stopping heat loss and leaks, and improving the overall insulation.

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Next we propose a ‘Mean’ approach, where any energy used in the property is used as efficiently as possible.

Low energy lightbulbs are an easy example but any electrical appliance should be looked at to ensure that it is as efficient as possible.

The same applies to the heating system but this is where the ‘Green’ approach kicks in. It is still easy to just replace an existing oil or gas boiler and a modern boiler will increase the efficiency of the heating system over an antiquated boiler.

However, this is simply not sustainable into the future and does nothing to decrease the carbon footprint of either the home, or the housing association.

UK investment And this is where air source heat pumps really come into their own as they are now a reliable, proven technology and, in the case of our own Ecodan for example, are built in the UK and designed specifically for UK conditions.

Over the last decade and more, we’ve fitted tens of thousands of heat pumps from the Isle of Wight to the Isle of Skye. In modern, upgraded homes and in ancient, listed buildings, and in both single properties and whole apartment blocks.

At our Scottish factory, we have invested heavily in R&D actually going as far as building two comparable houses in the car park. One has a modern gas boiler and the other has an Ecodan heat pump and both homes are tested and tested on their performance.

Whichever renewable heating system you choose, it is worth looking at performance, reliability and operating noise levels as these will have a real impact on acceptance with tenants, keeping them warm and happy throughout the winter.

December 2020 The system is available in 8.5kW and 11.2kW sizes with market-leading sound levels that are three times quieter than previous models making passing permitted development requirements much easier.

Listen at your leisure Ecodan Ambassador, architect and TV Presenter, George Clarke At Mitsubishi Electric, we always stress the need to look at Seasonal Efficiency rather than the standard performance levels written in the sales blurb.

For us, this is a bit like miles per gallon (mpg) with a car. We all know that the car manufactures show off the highest mpg possible, but this is always from a laboratory test, in optimum conditions. Once you get your car on the road, at all speeds and in all weathers, that is where you really see what the performance is.

The same is true of any heating system so always ask about the seasonal efficiency won’t you?

Shh, people are sleeping Another key area that will affect adoption of renewable, energy-saving air source heat pumps is noise, to ensure tenants and their neighbours aren’t disturbed, which is why permitted development exists.

In the residential environment, sound is important because low sound increases the flexibility of where a heat pump can be positioned.

As heat pumps are adopted in more homes, noise will become an increasingly important factor and many are sited close to windows, where the unit’s apparent low noise during the day, can become a different matter in the quiet of the night.

Permitted development requires sound levels to meet certain limitations, with the sound pressure level not exceeding 42 decibels, dB(A) when measured at a point one metre away from the neighbour’s nearest door or window.

That is exactly why we as a manufacturer have looked beyond performance and focused heavily on developing some of the quietest units ever available, which we have appropriately named ‘Ultra Quiet’.

These provide reliable, renewable heating and hot water production for a wide range of installations.

Rob Hicks, Innovation Manager at Sovereign Housing Association

To help people understand the full benefits of air source heat pumps, we’ve created a series of podcasts all about renewable heating with our Ecodan Ambassador, architect and TV Presenter, George Clarke and in one of the latest, we look specifically at the social housing sector.

George and I talk about social housing in the UK, ‘affordable warmth’, and the need to educate the entire sector, from government, developers, housing associations, and residents about heat pump technology.

We also consider the case for new-build developments versus retrofitting the UK’s existing social housing stock to be more sustainable and energy-efficient.

In another, more recent podcast, I talk with Rob Hicks, Innovation Manager at Sovereign Housing Association and we discussed Sovereign’s decision to invest in sustainable heating technology to meet their long-term, ‘affordable warmth’ objectives for residents.

In the podcast, Rob reflects on the housing association’s ten-year relationship with Ecodan, and the educational challenges they overcame when introducing new technology.

With the government recognising how important air source heat pumps will be for the future of low carbon heating in the UK and forecasting one million sales a year by 2030, the time could not be better to look at improving the heating future for tenants.

Not only could you benefit from £5,000 per property, if the work is completed before the end of March, the property could also be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive, earning quarterly payments for the next seven years.

But there’s no time to lose as both the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Green Homes Grant end on the 31st March 2021.

To listen to any of the podcasts, visit podcast.ecodan.uk If you want further information, give us a call or visit www.ecodan.co.uk.

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Ask Mitsubishi Electric about sustainable heating In their latest podcast episodes, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to architect and Ecodan Brand Ambassador, George Clarke and other key speakers about Ecodan Heat Pumps. They discuss affordable warmth for UK social housing and consider the case for new-build developments versus fitting existing buildings with renewable technology.

Listen at podcast.ecodan.uk heating@meuk.mee.com

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December 2020

General hospital banks on Gilberts to help deliver extensive care A £22m construction programme to expand intensive care facilities is progressing apace despite COVID disruption, as a result of “impressive” performance by Gilberts Blackpool.

T

he UK’s leading supplier of air movement solutions has completed the supply and installation of 11 banks of screening and ventilation louvres on the façade of the new five-storey extension for University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

The project, with main contractor BAM (who built the original hospital 45 years ago), was completed within the agreed timescales, despite limitations affecting site access and operative working practice as a result of COVID-19.

BAM Senior Project Surveyor Bertie Green commented, “BAM has been impressed with Gilberts’ on- site performance, particularly ensuring labour was available despite the COVID disruptions. The client and design team have given very positive feedback on the quality of the installation.”

Gilberts created louvre screens almost 415m x 3.5m high from its WGK75 kitform louvre system. Integrated removable panels and doors have allowed maintenance access to the fifth-storey plantroom. Solid insulated panels behind the louvres across much of the additional four levels of façade have helped to maintain high levels of thermal performance for the 22 ICU bed space healthcare facility below.

Additionally, a WHC high performance deep channel louvre screen with fire dampers was fitted at plant room level.

Interaction with the cladding contractor to address interface details further enabled Gilberts to deliver a smooth external appearance, despite some of the louvres having to be fitted around ductwork. The unique clip-on blade arrangement of the WGK kit system facilitated the erection of such large banks, whilst allowing for onsite adjustment to ensure the seamless fit and recognisable louvre profile. At least 50% free ventilation area is provided to screened plant.

Southampton is the latest in a line of prestige screening projects undertaken by Gilberts.

The back catalogue includes Papworth Hospital and National Composites Centre, University of Ulster and No 1 Court at Wimbledon aka the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

The WGK louvre system is part of the comprehensive range of factory- and site-assembled louvres from Gilberts, which has a heritage of pioneering commercial ventilation solutions that stretches back 60 years.

Family owned, the company is the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist, operating from a 95,000 sq ft facility in the Northern Powerhouse of Lancashire.

Gilberts tel 01253 766911 E: info@gilbertsblackpool.com

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December 2020

Creating a healthier way of living

Rinnai to create hydrogen information hub for consultants, specifiers, end-users Rinnai, manufacturers of hot water heating units and delivery systems for all commercial sites, is to create a comprehensive information hub dedicated to the subject of Hydrogen as a lowcarbon energy for the future.

The Rinnai Hydrogen Information Hub will be aimed at building services consultants, engineers, specifiers and end-users. It will be online and include webinars plus all requested digital or onsite meetings.

‘Rinnai welcomes the UK government’s recent ‘Ten Point Plan’, in particular the drive to decarbonisation through the use of Hydrogen.

Heating emissions are a huge issue and Hydrogen is one answer to the Energy Trilemma, as we have stated several times,’ says Rinnai’s Chris Goggin who is also a board member of the ICOM Energy Association.

‘Hydrogen in the domestic setting is seeing up to £500 million government funding on trials for homes using hydrogen, starting with a Hydrogen Neighbourhood in 2023, moving to a Hydrogen Village by 2025, with an aim for a Hydrogen Town – equivalent to tens of thousands of homes –

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before the end of the decade. Of this funding, £240 million will be for hydrogen production facilities.

Rinnai has made data and information contributions and had close consultations with the lead research agency primed with advising the UK Government.

The UK, along with many other countries, faces an Energy Trilemma - the pressing need for decarbonisation, which means a shift in energy pathways; security and longevity of supply; long term affordability to the industrial and endconsumer.

December 2020

This country’s housing stock is over 24 million units and the UK had a total energy consumption increase by 1.1 per cent in 2018 to reach 143 million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe), the highest level since 2013.

Says Chris Goggin for Rinnai, “All questions and queries on the growing consensus on the suitability of Hydrogen as the replacement for all fossil-fuels will be answered by the Hub. Zero Carbon cannot be achieved via Zero Information on the strategies needed to achieve the goal”.

“Hydrogen can make a major contribution to decarbonising the UK energy grid, whilst also providing a sustainable answer to the political and societal questions of the Energy Trilemma,” says Chris Goggin.

“The distribution of Hydrogen creates a resolution to the Trilemma questions and the very necessary decarbonisation of the UK energy grid. Hydrogen can be potentially combusted through existing ‘in situ’ appliances, complete with smart controls and cost-effective hardware & software upgrades as demonstrated by proprietary technology in hot water heating units.

Many countries in Europe and Asia are using the post-pandemic economic regeneration plans to instigate plans to switch to hydrogen as the main fuel source for housing, industry and transport.

France has recently announced a €7 billion package to build a carbon-free hydrogen industry and Germany has allocated €9 billion.

In the summer the European Commission stated it wanted to increase its production capacity of electrolysers from 250MW today to 40GW in 2030.

Similar strategies have been released by the UK, Australia, and Asian countries. These moves are clear trends to massive public investments in the sector.

Hydrogen is already ‘cost competitive’ in niche applications, according to recent research, with the forecast that it is likely to at least price-match industrial-scale alternatives in less than a decade.

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December 2020

A trusted history A digital future

M

It has been a story almost three years in the making, from 2017, with the initial sale by Armstrong World Industries, through to completion of its acquisition by Aurelius Equity Opportunities earlier this year. Now Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, the leading UK manufacturer of mineral fibre ceiling systems, has unveiled its new identity which will take it into 2021 and far beyond.

Graham Taylor, director of sales and marketing at the newly renamed Zentia, reintroduces the business behind the brand.

oving to a new brand identity has been something of a personal journey for me. The Armstrong brand has been a constant through my working life. I have lived and breathed it for more than three decades. Which is why I was truly honoured and excited to be presented with the opportunity to

lead the rebranding project for our new business.

together with our partners, staff and customers alike.

We found ourselves in a unique position: with a strong and established past – and a future that’s ours to reimagine. To make the most of this, we needed a brand that builds on our heritage, but also gives us a fresh start, opening up new opportunities for us to explore

But the reality of it is, we are still the same people you’ve always done business with; we bring you the same products you’ve always trusted and specified; we will still manufacture in Britain, as we have since 1966; and we will provide the same support you depend on, and that you can continue to rely on with Zentia – a very positive base on which to build.

Our vision is to take those positive traits you have clearly valued and add more agility and boldness to our approach. We will take bold decisions and act swiftly where required.

We will respond to the changing environment and market, whilst fully embracing the digital world.

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We were Armstrong; now we are Zentia. We’ve gone from A to Z, introduced a bright and dynamic colour

December 2020

do this is our digital-first mindset.

As we pioneer digital services and supply chain support, we want to continually improve and make it easier than ever to do business with us.

palette and centred our business around our new brand AXIS - four key elements which underpin our new direction. In the process, we’ve created a new brand that marks a pivotal evolution for our business.

Our AXIS is what drives us. It differentiates us and makes us strong. The four components of the Zentia AXIS are Value, Solutions Provider, Responsibility and Continuous Improvement, and they’re the four things that we promise to live, breathe and promote in everything we do and for every customer.

Value We see that Value is about more than just price. We are driven to create environments that set higher standards for wellbeing, productivity and happiness. At the heart of this is our commitment to deliver quality products and solutions that will inevitably drive excellence through our supply chain and to exceed the expectations of all those involved, as well as the end user.

and passion to deliver unrivalled problem-solving support.

Responsibility We take responsibility for our actions and we aim to do more with less. We look at everything we do with an ethical mindset and scrutinise our activity so that we can continually improve our social, economic and environmental values for ourselves, our partners and our stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement We focus on relentless progress and performance enhancement across our business, our solutions and the environments we help create. One key aspect that helps us

This is such an exciting time for us as a company – creating a new identity for the business, a new ethos and new mindset. It’s not something that you experience a lot in your professional life, you might even say it’s a once in a lifetime change. It brings more strength, more power and more enthusiasm to our team, and I expect also to the market.

As Zentia, we draw from decades of leadership in the ceiling space, where we’ve become a trusted partner to specifiers, contractors, architects and interior designers who appreciate the exceptional quality of our products and the expertise of our people.

Now, we’re taking what we do well and harnessing technology to ease and add value to what you do. With digital collaboration, specification and support, we’re leading the way into a smarter future – that starts today.

To find out more about Zentia visit: www.zentia.com or follow #AtoZentia on social media.

Solutions Provider Being a Solutions Provider is about more than having a broad range of products and systems. Range is important, but so is agility and expertise; the ability to not only provide a product but provide a solution. As a complete ceiling solutions provider, this is what every partner can expect from us. We apply our heritage, pride

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December 2020

Sustainable homes from InstaHaus and Norbord

InstaHaus has built an enviable reputation by designing and creating bespoke, relocatable timber homes using the highest quality, sustainable materials. From garden annexes to holiday lodges, InstaHaus hand-builds every house in its Somerset workshop in 8-10 weeks and, depending on site conditions, can deliver and install within as little as 24 hours.

With the ability to transport houses all over the UK and Europe, InstaHaus is currently building a timber-framed house destined for Glen Brittle, a very remote location on the Isle of Skye. Using Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero for the walls and roof, CaberFloor P5 for the floors and CaberFix D4 for all the joints, InstaHaus was able to satisfy its client’s requirements for an environmentallyfriendly, sustainable home at an affordable price.

Greg Day, co-founder and managing director of InstaHaus, says Norbord products are a perfect fit for the company’s aim to be the most environmentally and sustainable modular housing brand. “We have used Norbord products for a number of years, after originally being recommended them by a merchant, because they are FSC-certified and help us to achieve our eco-friendly end product. Norbord always delivers on quality and value as well as aligning with our environmentally-friendly values”.

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Samples of CaberFloor, SterlingOSB Zero and Norbord’s other construction panels, can be ordered on the website, www.norbord.co.uk. Head to the new housebuilder page on the website to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all Norbord products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk.

For further information on InstaHaus visit www.InstaHaus.com

Winter weather is no bother with Norbord

December 2020

We all know this year has been especially challenging for construction. As the country battles to recover, Norbord is on hand to ensure the weather isn’t going to stop the nation’s resilient builders getting on with the task of producing new homes.

The CaberFloor range of panels can speed up the build process and cut down on the time spent cleaning up ready to hand the finish homes over at the end of the project.

Market-leading CaberDek has a tough, waterproof and slip-resistant film which protects the panels for up to 42 days from laying the flooring to fixing the roof when laid in accordance with fitting instructions using CaberFix Pro. The heavy-duty film protects against spilled paint and plaster and the effects of wet weather and muddy work boots. When peeled off, the film reveals a clean surface ready for further floor covering.

For a panel with a permanent waterproof coating on both sides, CaberShieldPlus flooring is BBA-approved for 60 days’ exposure to the weather when used with CaberFix D4 adhesive. The tough, non-slip coating on the upper side provides a safe non-slip working platform even during wet weather, while the smooth coating on the underside makes the panels easy to slide into place.

As the winter temperatures continue to fall, CaberFix Pro can be use in temperatures as low as 8˚C while CaberFix X-Treme Tape works in extreme temperatures as low as -21°C. X-Treme tape can be applied in the same way as CaberFix Tape – applying it over the joints of CaberDek film and over the boards’ exposed edges on the perimeter to create a waterproof chipboard floor deck.

CaberFix X-Treme tape contains a super strong acrylic adhesive that has a high initial tack and will not crack in extreme weather conditions, keeping the board waterproof. Though it does not bond to ice, X-Treme Tape bonds well in damp conditions, displacing water, and its scruff-resistant properties mean it won’t lift with foot traffic.

To find out more about Norbord’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email daniel.clarke@norbord.net or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the Norbord website https://www.norbord.co.uk/housebuilders/.

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December 2020

Next generation mirror provides healthy eco-friendly option A lead and solvent-free mirror, demonstrating huge health benefits and environmentally friendly credentials to eco-conscious customers has been launched by Saint-Gobain Glass.

MIRALITE PURE is made from 30% recycled glass and uses water-based rather than chemical solvents in its manufacture.

Saint-Gobain removed lead from its mirrors more than 10 years ago and the next step has been to remove the solvent used in the silver protection paint. This has now been achieved with MIRALITE PURE and the solvent has been replaced by a water-based paint, which is a real technical achievement due to the complexity of the process involved.

This advancement helps to improve indoor air quality when in the end application as it avoids the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehydes into the atmosphere, which can cause eye irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

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The healthy and environmentally friendly mirror reflects high levels of light and is extremely versatile and durable for a wide range of interior design projects.

MIRALITE PURE is ideal for use in residential properties such as in bathrooms and hallways, as well as in commercial premises including hotels, restaurants, offices, retail and sports facilities. It can be framed or unframed, or simply used as a decorative feature to line a wall or add to furniture such as tabletops, doors and other surfaces.

Its black coated backing also means it is perfect for creating backlighting effects such as use with LED lights.

It can be easily cut to many different shapes and sizes and does not flake or chip when drilled, bevelled or cut. For added design flexibility it can be customised with a logo, a sandblasted design or engraved.

Jenni Young, Market Manager Premium Residential and Design & Deco said: “MIRALITE PURE is another example of Saint-Gobain going above and beyond the minimum requirements of legislation and industry standards and putting the health of consumers and

environmental protection first. This philosophy results in next-generation products that are future-proofed and anticipate the needs of health and environmentally aware designers and their customers.”

MIRALITE PURE is the latest addition to the Saint-Gobain range which also includes MIRALITE VERSAILLES (clear) and three colour choices (grey, bronze and clear) in the MIRALITE ANTIQUE range of vintage decorative interior mirrors, which have been designed to have the appearance of aged mirrors whilst being produced to the latest quality, manufacturing and environmental standards.

F or more infor mat ion v isi t https://uk.saint-gobain-buildingglass.com/en-gb/hub/productsapplications/mirrors.

Follow Saint-Gobain Glass UK and Ireland on LinkedIn or Twitter @SG_GlassExperts.

The George pendant Designed by you, engineered by us www.joescog.co.uk info@joescog.co.uk

December 2020

CT1

- The Snag List Eliminator, voted many times and regarded as the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive, have again secured their position in the industry as the leader of technology in the building industry.

CT1 who were the first to introduce the Hybrid Polymer 20 years ago, listened to the industry and realised that Hybrid technology was becoming dated. CT1 were the first to introduce a product that replaced several products in one and could work in wet. CT1 can actually seal and bond under water, with competitor sealants trying to imitate and match the technology.

Realising the need to maintain the number 1 position, and keep introducing the latest technology into the building industry, CT1 has again blown the industry away with TRIBRID® Technology. A revolutionary formula that can’t be imitated or even be regarded as similar. TRIBRID® now surpassing Hybrid technology, is 3 times stronger, has much longer colour retention, elongation and other super enhanced properties.

Architects, Specifiers and Developers rely on products that can guarantee its worth and that will work on a project and stand the test of time. CT1 with over 25 accreditations fits that bill, and is widely specified on jobs as the only sealant that will perform on almost every possible application.

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CT1 the only sealant and adhesive that could stand up and deliver on jobs such as The Wave in Bristol, Diana’s Memorial Fountain, the construction of the

London Olympic Village, and so on. Made in Britain, CT1 with British Design and British Technology, guarantees a local technical service.

CT1 is the only sealant globally to be awarded The NAAF accreditation. The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association are the most stringent body in the world for testing products that either reduce or increase the chances of Asthma attack in the home. CT1 sailed through the test. Using CT1 in your home, school, hospital will reduce the chance of asthma or allergy attacks.

A product that is so technically advanced with over 25 accreditations and certificates, fits the bill for Wickes, and their architect teams also. Wickes with a strong team of architects and in-house designers, tailor make and design bespoke kitchens and bathrooms across the UK. Using only the highest standard of products, clearly CT1 was a choice for Wickes. Wickes who supply the industry both trade and DIY have formed a fruitful partnership with CT1.

Wickes providing bathroom design and installation services across the UK, were really impressed with CT1’s performance and accreditations, even more so with The NAAF certificate. They can safely say they are using the most eco compliant and heathiest product in the installation of their design. Use Wickes for Architectural accredited products, such as CT1.

Buy CT1 on the Wickes Online Store https://youtu.be/VhCE9E7krao

Behind closed doors. Not keeping your premium under control.

Your premium is increasing. And not by a little, by a lot.

All the while your broker is letting it happen. Not on the ground working hard to get the best for you, but sitting behind their desk and collecting an increasing commission on your ever growing premium.

If you’re not satisfied with paying more, and getting less, let us guarantee to improve your renewal terms with a confidential review today.

Call 0113 281 8110 or email enquiry@romeroinsurance.co.uk to reduce your premium now.

Full colour

December 2020

How will the hard market impact your insurance policy?

For those who didn’t already know, there’s a hard market brewing.

This means insurance cover will be notoriously difficult to secure, particularly at an affordable price.

A

hard market happens for a number of reasons.

When insurers start to lose money - for whatever reason - they start to look for ways to recoup it. This usually results in insurers boosting their premiums for policies, or restricting the cover they are able to offer.

Some insurers may even withdraw from the market altogether. The more competitive the market becomes, the more insurers are able to charge for a policy.

The impact on the construction industry The COVID-19 pandemic, Grenfell tragedy and increased frequency and severity of claims in the industry has led to a widespread rise in Professional Indemnity premiums.

You may wonder why your premium has risen, when your risks haven’t changed. Unfortunately, risk is spread throughout an insurer’s business. So a rise in Business Interruption claims could impact Professional Indemnity or Public Liability policies too.

The best way to avoid premium increases is to prevent your risk in the best possible way. Insurers want a clear view of your business, and it’s up to you to prove you’re a safe bet. What is your claims history like, what risk management policies have you put in place and how seriously do you take health and safety? If

you can prove you’re doing all you can to prevent accidents, incidents and subsequent claims then your insurer is more likely to look upon your business favourably.

Continuity Plans. This shows you’ve thought about what you’ll do if your business suddenly has to temporarily stop trading, in order to minimise down time.

Working with a broker is an effective way to insure your risk is presented in the best light.

Brokers will get to know your business and help you to bolster your risk management strategy.

They’ll analyse your claims history, assess your risk and help you to put mitigation measures in place to prevent incidents from occurring.

Another key consideration when presenting risk, is presenting who’s looking after your business. If you can show that the people who run your businesses are reliable and trustworthy, you can demonstrate that your business is in good hands.

Brokers are not just experts at getting to know your businesses and its risk. Brokers also know the insurance market. They know the best insurers to approach for a quote (and when to approach them).

Insurers are more likely to enter into negotiations with a reputable broker they trust.

Presenting your risk

Be prepared for the change The position of power has altered.

In a soft market, customers ask: which insurer should I choose to work with? Now, in a hard market, it’s all about trying to convince an underwriter to work with you.

From presenting a sound risk management strategy through to working on your business’s corporate social responsibility, underwriters want to know every detail that could impact your risk.

What measures have you put in place to go above and beyond?

Enhanced security or flood defences, for example, are a great way to show insurers you’ve assessed your risk and put mitigation measures in place. It almost goes without saying that you should have thorough and up to date Health and Safety policies and risk assessments.

Be prepared to present your business in the best light, with a broker on hand to help you.

You should also reduce your Estimated Maximum Loss by presenting a sound Business

Call 0113 281 8110 or visit romeroinsurance.co.uk.

Don’t accept an increased premium from a lazy broker.

Speak to the award winning team at Romero and find out why the hard market doesn’t need to mean a raw deal for you.

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Recommended Suppliers

We design and supply bags and cradles globally that secure nonstandard loads ready for lifting to height using winches and cranes.

PafBag Limited Unit C14, Alison Business Centre, Alison Crescent, Sheffield, S2 1AS, United Kingdom

www.lifting-bags.co.uk 0114 3241224

Pool lock safety pool cover you will no longer have to worry about your loved ones.

PoolLock UK Ltd. Gatwick Business Park, Unit 2B, Kennel Lane, Hookwood, RH6 0AH, Horley, United Kingdom

www.poollock.com +44 1293 77 44 14 +44 1293 77 44 33

SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd are proud of the high quality composite products that we supply to the UK, Irish and European Markets.

SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd Vicarage Barns, Lower Quinton, Stratford-uponAvon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, CV37 8SG

www.compositedecking.co.uk +44 (0) 1789 721 576