Multi-reasons to choose C.K’s new Multitool Accessories

BATTERY RECYCLING CAMPAIGN NETS ‘INCREDIBLE’ €520,000 FOR LAURALYNN

WEEE Ireland has donated a further ¤40,000 to LauraLynn, bringing its total contribution to ¤520,000 since the partnership first began 11 years ago. The gift to Ireland’s children’s hospice will provide much-needed overnight respite stays for dozens of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. LauraLynn relies primarily on fundraised income to run its services and the donations from WEEE Ireland since 2011 have helped to provide vital hospice care to children. This includes symptom management and therapies, practical and emotional supports for families, plus end of life and bereavement care. Since opening its campus in Leopardstown, South Dublin, in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for over 500 children and their families, with more than 340 currently receiving care and support. Every battery recycled by WEEE Ireland goes towards a donation fund to support this vital work. ‘’The funds that we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of the battery campaign have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn’s care and specialised supports,” said Kerry McLaverty, CEO, LauraLynn. Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, said: “WEEE Ireland is delighted to be part of LauraLynn’s story since 2011. As well as supporting the fantastic work of LauraLynn, recycling batteries plays a huge part in helping protect the environment for future generations.” WEEE Ireland are continuously encouraging the public to gather waste batteries for recycling and avoid throwing them in household bins. Last year, the equivalent of almost 55 million AA batteries were recycled by households in counties where WEEE Ireland operates. “For the millions of batteries not recycled properly every year, we lose precious elements and important resources. Plus, the hazardous material they release has an impact on human health and our environment,” said Leo Donovan.

MULTI-REASONS TO CHOOSE C.K’S NEW MULTITOOL ACCESSORIES

C.K Tools, the hand tools specialist, is extending its trade favourite multitool accessories range with the launch of three new products. With oscillating tools a staple for electricians who work with a variety of materials, C.K Tools’ new multitool accessories include a Carbide Blade (T0877), Scraper (T0878) and Box Cutter (T0880), ensuring versatility and precision for any occasion. The Multitool Carbide Blade (T0877) is designed for heavy duty jobs and cutting through tough metals such as steel pipework or conduit, as well as damaged fixings such as screws, nails and bolts. The reinforced blade provides great durability and supports the requirement for precise cutting in what can often be tight working areas. For removing unwanted surface material, the Multitool Scraper (T0878) takes less effort and causes less damage than a manual tool. Its stainless-steel blade provides strength and an easy-clean surface from waste residue. The Multitool Box Cutter (T0880) provides users with quick, clean and precise cutting of one and two-gang sockets in plasterboard, wood and plastic. Its unique cutting guide also allows for more efficient secondary cuts. The accessories offer great versatility and they also have a universal quick-change fitment to facilitate use with most brands of multitool. For over 100 years, C.K has been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing and they develop their products in collaboration with trade professionals, ensuring they are engineered for long-life performance and safety. Brinley Buckley-Roberts, Product Marketing Executive at C.K Tools, said: “Our multitool accessories range has been a strong performer since we launched it in 2021. We felt it important to deepen our offering further and to provide our customers with a more comprehensive range to cover all eventualities, with the great performance and durability they have become accustomed to with the wider C.K Tools offering.”

UFEMAT IN DUBLIN IN 2023

At a recent Board meeting of HAI, it was decided to accept an invitation to host the 2023 UFEMAT Conference in Dublin. Details will be available later this year. The conference was last held in Dublin in 2002.

UFEMAT is the permanent liaison body and centre for relations between national trade bodies and associations representing builders’ merchants and building material manufacturers in various European countries. Its aim is to promote communications and best practice between member associations, as well as supporting their commercial and economic interests.

At the recent UFEMAT Conference 2022 in London, delegations from 11 different countries attended. In an around the table discussion, it emerged that all are challenged by price inflation in building materials, all are challenged by scarcity of products, and all are challenged by recruiting and retaining staff. And, in most the demand for our products is still high. Digitisation featured strongly at the conference as did the subject of sustainability. An interesting takeaway comment from one of the speakers was that “unlike retail, we (builders’ merchants) haven’t lost the personal relationships with our customers.”

Ukraine was also foremost in the minds of attendees, Irina Salii, the wife of the CEO of the Ukraine Trade Association, was guest of honour at the conference and a total of £60,000 was donated to charities helping Ukraine.

Those wishing to donate to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal can do so at www.

donorbox.org/hardware-association-ireland-

ukraine-crisis-appeal or by contacting Martin Markey at HAI directly at 01 2980969, or email

martin@hardwareassociation.ie

Group visit to Tottenham Hotspur’s Ground in London.

John Newcomb President of UFEMAT & Chief Executive Officer BMF.