Building and Facilities News Issue 980

Spot on lighting and furniture packs from Designer Contracts

Designer Contracts, one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the new build interiors sector, has spiced up and simplified its furniture and lighting packs for the turnkey solutions market.

The company has reinvented its furniture packs with two clear new offers: Solution, a pack curated and designed to meet the requirements and expectations of landlords, first-time-buyers, student accommodation and investors; and Elevate, a developer pack offering

a more aspirational range of furniture. Its lighting pack, Glow, has also been totally refreshed.

Solution brings a touch of Scandinavian simplicity to entry-level rentals with a modern inventory of lounge, dining, bedroom and home office furniture along with linens and basic kitchen equipment included in the packs. Elevate takes things to a more stylish level with pieces designed to appeal to developers furnishing

higher market, aspirational accommodation.

Offering spot on fashion choices for lighting around the home is Glow, which meets every need from spotlights to funky cluster options, pendants, light bars and crystal-style clusters.

Designer Contracts is the UK’s largest flooring contractor and operates across 15 UK regional facilities. As well as flooring, the company provides blinds and curtains, furniture and lighting, and operates a show home interior design services division.

Contact T 01246 854577 enquiries@designercontracts.com www.designercontracts.com

Feeder

Pillars

in stock for fast dispatch

Fisher & Company offer same and next day dispatch on a wide range of Feeder Pillars, Belisha Beacons, Brackets and Digging Tools. Our versatile and popular BD and our useful Mini Pillar SDMP Ranges are in stock for you to order with most arriving next day!

Our reliable LED Belisha Beacon – AmberGLO8 and our super bright LED Illuminated Column version –OlympiadIPB can be delivered to you in just 2-3 days in most cases. We also have spares and extras like our LED Lumos4 Crossing Spotlights, Courtesy Shields and our 4w LED Beacons in BC22 and Pre-Wired fittings for retro fitting into both Belisha and Refuge Beacons. All manufactured by us to Highways specifications.

We celebrated our 40th year in business in 2022 and it was our busiest year ever with returning customers and new business alike. We’re also now certified Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015, so you can be assured that both the service and product you receive is top notch and that we work to a consistent high quality. We’ll always do our best to help you resolve any issue and offer proper after sales assistance from knowledgeable people who care.

We manufacture high quality products for Highways & Streetlighting, EV Car Charging, Power Distribution Pillars for Events, Outdoor Markets and for Leisure to Sports Facilities, and Car Parks. We work hard to get you the right high quality product at the right price and on time. See: www.fisherandcompany.co.uk to view our product rages. For more information or to get a quote for your latest project, please contact our friendly, helpful Sales Team on: 0333 666 2122 or email: info@fisherandcompany.co.uk.

Worried about commercial building energy costs in 2023?

Use the R8 Digital Operator to slash your energy bills. Benefit from this software, which has regularly achieved energy reductions of 15-30% plus in commercial buildings, including offices, retail centres, hotels and universities. It works automatically 24 x 7 x 365 days a year. Additional benefits are improved indoor climatic conditions, e.g. reduction of hot and cold spots and increased life of the HVAC equipment by approximately 20%.

We will also be introducing a ‘demand-response’ service to enable you to receive income for helping to balance the electricity grid. This service is currently operating elsewhere, and we are planning the launch in 2023. Our services operate automatically, so that you can enjoy efficiently

Businesses set to reap energy cost savings by adopting voltage optimisation

Most businesses are unaware that they can save between 6 and 12% off their energy costs without making any operational changes through adopting a voltage optimisation strategy, experts at energy and sustainability consultancy Advantage Utilities have revealed.

With soaring energy prices continuing to put everincreasing pressure on businesses across a multitude of sectors, voltage optimisation offers an opportunity to make significant gains for minimal outlay. Through utilising this lesser-known energy saving technique, businesses can reduce the amount of voltage coming in from the national grid, which in turn lowers their costs.

Voltage optimisation offers businesses the opportunity to match their electricity supply with the supply voltage that is specific to the equipment on their site. This reduces the voltage of the electricity supplied to equipment, which is how energy consumption and costs are lowered. This has a wide appeal to a variety of businesses and will likely benefit many customers with a half hourly meter and spending upwards of £40,000 per annum.

For more information, please visit: www.advantageutilities.com

Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective solution for task facilities management.

Whether it’s managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day maintenance of almost any organisation.

managed buildings with minimum effort. The dashboard is very user-friendly, enabling you to see the overview of the building performance including energy savings and the analytics of your indoor climate.

The Digital Operator works for you continuously, helps to improve your

sustainability credentials, and provides inputs for sustainability scoring systems, such as BREAM, GRESB and LEED. You get all this for a low monthly fee and normally without any capital costs. Contact us for a no obligation demonstration and free estimate of what you could save.

Contact Trevor Miles, UK Area Manager, T 07734 325047 trevor.miles@r8tech.io www.r8tech.io

Our award-winning software keeps everyone in the loop and archives all your communication and documentation in one place. For total control of your organisation’s assets, Mainteno also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking.

Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance management process, saving your organisation time and money.

Usability made affordable

Mainteno was designed with practicality in mind. The interface is so intuitive that basic operation can be learned in minutes, and you can be a power user in one afternoon.

Elegant usability usually means a hefty price tag – so our customers are often surprised to learn just how affordable Mainteno is.

No set-up fees, no lengthy contracts. Mainteno adapts to any organisation’s maintenance needs.

CONSULTANCY FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

Our consultancy service provides you with expert advice on how to design, develop, build and manage your property. Our collection of industry experts and professionals means you can ensure that you are always in safe hands and receive the best tailored advice.

If you need advice or assistance for any housing development queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact 07714 412689, email: info@brightideasdevelopment.co.uk or visit: www.brightideasdevelopment.co.uk

No need to choose between hospital infection and scalding, says TMV manufacturer boss

Stuart Gizzi, MD of Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV) specialist Inta, writes: A recent letter to the Journal of Hospital Infection: Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) in health care: Pseudomonas aeruginosa HCAI vs scalding risk – more can be done, sets out an argument that in some cases there has to be a choice between potential scalding and infection in hospitals, where high levels of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected in a few taps that were fitted with TMVs.

The solution to infection control in water supplies taken by the Frimley Health National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, which is the subject of the article, seems to be to be removing the valves, after a risk assessment, which of course reunites users with potentially scalding water. Since the first guidance was produced in 1997, and even the most recent edition published in 2017, TMV technology has moved on and manufacturers, such as ourselves, have developed

products to alleviate situations where water-borne infections can build up when an outlet is not regularly used, or doesn’t flow long or hot enough to kill bacteria. The newer products are far more complex than the original TMV3 valves and have the facility to be able to thermally disinfect the entire fitting, from the cold water check valve all the way through to the outlet, to kill bacteria.

T +44 (0)1889 272180 sales@intatec.co.uk https://www.intatec.co.uk

BGF backs Environmental Essentials for future growth

BGF – The UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – has committed a further £2.4 million to support environmental essentials’ buy-and-build growth strategy.

Environmental Essentials, one of the UK’s leading asbestos service providers, has secured follow-on investment from BGF to support the acquisition of Adams Environmental.

Adams Environmental, which specialises in the listed building and education sectors, servicing highprofile buildings such as the National History Museum and Imperial College London, is the company’s first acquisition.

Based in Stoke-on-Trent and operating from four offices throughout the UK, including Stoke-on-Trent, Glasgow, Crawley, and London, the business provides asbestos management, training and surveying to businesses, local authorities and public sector organisations. Clients include the Houses of Parliament, tier one construction companies, NHS Trusts, high street food retailers and pub operators. Richard Powner and James Riley co-founded the business in 2004.

It signals the start of an exciting growth phase for Environmental Essentials, as it looks to expand its geographical footprint and diversify its service offering. The additional equity funding has been committed to support future acquisitions. It takes BGF’s total investment in Environmental Essentials to £5.7 million.

T 0345 456 9953 enquiries@environmentalessentials.co.uk www.environmentalessentials.co.uk

Now with new accessories: Slimline AZM150 Solenoid Interlock

With the new practical DHS-150 door handle system, the slimline AZM150 solenoid interlock from Schmersal is now even easier to use. The ergonomic DHS-150 avoids the need for a separate door handle and is suitable for machine enclosures or fencing and for all standard aluminium profiles with a width of 40mm. The robust door bolt is particularly useful on heavy swing doors and in for use in harsh environments.

One benefit of the new accessory is that the actuator is pre-positioned by the bolt in the DHS system, thus ensuring its optimal insertion into the device. This gives the system stability against lateral forces. In the event of lateral forces on interlocks that cannot be overcome, the safety door will not be opened – thus causing delays in the production process. In this regard, the DHS-150 door handle system, in conjunction with the AZM150 solenoid interlock, contributes to improved system availability.

The AZM150 solenoid interlock has an interlocking force of 1,500 Newtons and is characterised by a slimline, space-saving design.

uksupport@schmersal.com www.schmersal.co.uk

UK Construction Week Review – Top Exhibitors

UK Construction Week returns to Birmingham with record attendance

George Clarke and BBC journalist and presenter Simon Jack.

The show celebrated culture change in construction with three days of debate and discussion from speakers across seven stages, with issues covered including Net Zero, sustainability, offsite manufacturing, mental health, and improving diversity and inclusion.

UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham returned in 2022 at the NEC from the 4th-6th October as the UK’s largest built environment event along with four conferences, 15 CPD and Workshop hubs and three major award presentations, making the event a focal point for construction and receiving a record visitor attendance, up 19% from last year.

The UK’s largest event for the built environment drew more than 23,900 visitors from as far afield as Turkey, Brazil, Australia and Canada.

UKCW Birmingham featured speakers including West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, Channel 4 presenter

Better control and overview of your project

construction project requires while still being able to work on the same tasks when back at the office.

Built on three powerful modules, it works excellent for small and large projects and helps streamline and automate the daily work processes.

Gsite has been used in over 30,000 construction projects around the world.

UK Construction Week will return to ExCeL in London from the 2nd-4th May and at the NEC in Birmingham, delivering the UK’s largest event for the built environment from 3rd-5th October 2023.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Aagaard A/S, BREW Compliance Ltd, Envirograf, Graco, Lumena Lights & MagiCAD Group Ltd. Further details can be found on this page and a half.

https://www.ukconstructionweek.com

240V LED bollards & solar bollard lighting steal limelight

Lumena began supplying aluminium 240V bollard lights to the building and installer sectors 10 years ago with notable success in terms of reliability and choice.

In 2022, this experience laid foundations for the highly efficient Boleda Range. Built-in LEDs are used and designed specifically as an alternative to replaceable lamps. These LED chips maintain the same output as replaceable lamps whilst consuming less power.

The IP65, IK08 LED Bollards are heavy-duty, pressure die-cast aluminium (up to 5mm thick), reinforced with internal ribs and featuring noncorrosive, stainless steel socket screws.

The Boleda ‘Ventus’ and ‘Conus’ are available in various heights, surface or root mounted, with a dusk to dawn option. A key feature is a 3-way LED colour temperature switch for warm, cool, or daylight white illumination (3000K, 4200K & 6000K).

In 2019, the UK’s largest range of professional aluminium solar bollards was launched by

Aagaard A/S: Dust extraction services & products

Aagaard A/S is a leading manufacturer of a large range of Unique Air Filtration Systems since 1965. Efficiency using modern technology and manufacturing equipment.

Our goal is always to put ourselves at the cutting edge of technology and development in dust control and process filtration.

Combining Danish manufacturing with British engineering to provide customers from a large range of markets the most effective solutions.

With the UK office based in the heart of the Midlands, we offer services from; small modifications, LEV testing, component only to full turnkey solutions throughout the whole of the UK & Ireland.

We can provide bespoke solutions for all your dust containment requirements. Dust and fume extraction are a main requirement of most manufacturing industries. Our dust extraction units can remove particles from the workplace for a wide range of materials such as wood, metal, chemicals and composites.

Our bespoke units range from stand-alone dust extraction systems for one machine, to larger, centralised dust control systems.

T 01746 557117

sales@aagaard.co.uk

www.aagaard-systems.co.uk

Lumena, using highly efficient panels and lithium batteries for maximum charge. A gradual dimming sequence during darkness gives 365-day illumination. Supplied to developments, holiday parks, local councils and educational premises including Eton College and the University of Oxford, feedback on performance and design has been amazing.

All bollards have a 5-year guarantee. To see the full range, go to: www.lumenalights.com

T 01327 871161 sales@lumenalights.com

Improve project outcomes

As a data hub for construction projects, Gsite connects all project participants to a centralised construction management platform.

Users include Operatives, Supervisors, Project Managers, Engineers, as well as all other members of the Construction team.

With a powerful mobile application and web browser interface it enables users to be as mobile as the

Field management

Manage quality and safety issues, chat, share documents, checklists, and forms managed with workflows, reports and rich dashboards.

Project progress

Create, collaborate and follow up on plans, tasks & status across both site & office.

Tracking & Logistics

A powerful and flexible tool to control the tracking of materials and processes on-site in a clear, simple and visual way.

Gsite is part of MagiCAD Group Ltd.

https://www.magicad.com/uk/constructionsolutions/glodon-gsite

BREW Compliance Ltd Compliance Testing for Buildings

It’s been a busy year full of changes and updates for building regulations with the release of Part L 2021 Edition & associated SAP10 software, Part F 2012 Edition and the new overheating document Part O 2021.

Did you miss us at UKCW 2022 and still not sure on the changes or what they mean for your project? Don’t worry, you can still contact us today for free advice and no obligation quotations.

Based in the midlands and operating nationwide across England & Wales, whether you require a single service or a fully tailored compliance package from design stage through to completion, you can be rest assured that BREW will take a pro-active approach to ensure you have everything required for final sign off.

BREW Compliance Ltd was formed with the idea of offering all the necessary assessments, testing and certification for new build, conversion and

change of use projects under one roof to save UK developers time and money. Everyone at BREW is fully trained in their respective fields and highly knowledgeable across our full range of services cancelling out any need to speak to several people or departments to chase information. Meaning less time at the desk and more time on site.

T 0116 283 6525 info@brewcompliance.co.uk www.brewcompliance.co.uk

Engineering Services Company of the Month

The voice of the engineering services sector drives The Building Safety Act forward

Building and Facilities News recognises that the built environment industry is indebted to Actuate UK for its expert leadership and representation and would like to award it as our Company of the Month.

Actuate UK was launched in 2021 as an alliance of eight prominent UK-wide engineering services organisations including leading trade associations and professional bodies such as the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and the Building Services Research and Information Association. CEO of the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations and Actuate UK Board member, Chris Yates, explains how Actuate UK operates, “Actuate UK has been set up so the engineering services industry can speak with a single, shared and authoritative voice to influence and instigate change in our industry to shape a better built environment. We identify key policy areas, decide strategic action and offer expert insight to Government and the industry.”

Within the industry, Actuate UK covers the

complete end-to-end process from the design and construction to services such as chimney/flues, data cabling, lifts, fire regulation, building control and much more. The coverage extends to micro-SME’s and sole traders; Chris believes it is vital to cover the smallest companies because they are often the ones with more frequent public contact.

The most important task in 2023 will be raising awareness of the Building Safety Act 2022. Following the recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt, the Act will come into full effect in 2024 and drive-up standards across the whole industry. Following the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, the industry has been propelled to mitigate against elements of the ‘race to the bottom’ thinking. Actuate UK will be cascading communication

regarding the legislation to all its members and represent the engineering services in developments such as the National Regulator for Construction Products. Although focus will naturally be on higher risk buildings with the ‘Golden Thread’ strategy, stringent regulations are expected across all construction sectors. Chris stresses that the whole industry needs to drive standards up, “We fully support The Building Safety Act 2022 and will begin our communication campaign early in 2023. One of the issues we identified in the recent consultation on Higher Risk Buildings is that manufacturers who often give advice to consultants may be classified as ‘designers’ with legal implications. For example, an air conditioning manufacturer may be asked to provide

advice on units and pipe configurations to a consultant; if this is classified as ‘design work,’ this ‘advice’ may not be given. We are also expecting to see a change in skill cards as competences will need to be demonstrated with a continued commitment to raising standards in our workforce.”

At COP-26 in Glasgow in 2021, Actuate UK emphasised the importance of retrofitting as part of the Construction Leadership Council’s presentation. The alliance is fully committed to helping the industry meet the UK Government’s 2050 net zero targets. Chris demonstrates how this will be achieved, “This year in partnership with the Energy Systems Catapult, we conducted research on how to address the skills challenges that the industry is facing to deliver on the net zero targets. In 2023, we want to build on the findings of the research and work with other industry and policy stakeholders to co-ordinate action in this area.”

For more information on Actuate UK, please see below:

T 020 73134819 info@actuateuk.org.uk www.actuateuk.org.uk

UK Construction Week Review – Top Exhibitors Discover the GX FF Cordless – The portable fine finish sprayer

To help contractors complete fine-finish jobs faster and easier whilst enjoying the ultimate portability, convenience, freedom and safety, Graco developed the GX™ FF Cordless. It’s currently the only high-performance cordless fine-finish sprayer on the market.

The GX FF Cordless is ideal for medium to large fine finish jobs and smaller residential renovation projects. It works optimally with both water and oil-based materials. The cordless version includes all features of the GX FF corded plus the following added capabilities:

▲ Two DEWALT 6ah FlexVolt® batteries provide contractors with the power to spray up to a full day of fine finish projects

▲ A fan-cooled fast charger that recharges the battery in under 60 minutes

▲ A powerful brushless DC motor that extends the run time of the battery and allows contractors to spray a wide range of coatings

▲ A professional Contractor PC Compact™ Gun to spray in the tightest areas with ease. Find out more on: www.graco.com/cordless

Envirograf: A leading force in passive fire products

Established in 1983 by Managing Director, Derek Ward, the Envirograf® brand quickly evolved to become a leading force in passive fire products. Having developed fire retardant and fire stopping products for numerous scenarios, the company’s reputation as an innovator and developer of passive fire products is widely recognised with many products unique to Envorgraf®. From Intumescent paints for timber, steel, plasterboard and cables, to intumescent seals and electrical fire protection, the vast range of products enjoys widespread international demand.

Mr Ward says that, when it comes to

passive fire protection, every risk must be considered to ensure that loss of life and property are kept to a minimum. While

many people are aware of the importance of fire barriers in preventing or delaying the spread of fire, they do not always consider the implications when breaching the fire barrier, for example, to allow electrical wires or other services to pass through a wall, floor or ceiling. That is why a range of Envirograf® intumescent products has been designed, to safeguard the integrity of fire barriers by swelling to seal such gaps should the worst happen and fire break out.

For more details, call: 01304 842555, email: sales@envirograf.com or visit: https://envirograf.com

Chris Yates, CEO of the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations and Actuate UK Board member

How are customers and service sectors adapting to a post COVID-19, Brexit world and war in Ukraine?

by Nina Wyers, Marketing & Brand Director at The Floorbrite Group

A perfect storm for recession

The bank of England has raised interest rates in a bid to curb soaring prices and warned the UK will fall into a recession as it expects the economy to shrink in the final months of this year.

As we know, a number of issues have contributed. Lockdown measures introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19, changed patterns of consumer spending around the world, which in turn affected production and businesses. This, combined with Brexit which resulted in a 25% fall in imports from the EU, created by a large increase in barriers to trade, meant Brexit pushed up the price of imports from the EU, also having a knock-on effect for consumers and businesses.

The final nail in the coffin, creating a perfect storm for recession is the war in Ukraine, where energy prices have been weaponised and major food exports have been cut. Some businesses have projected a 500% increase in energy costs and have not benefitted from the government’s energy price cap, only a sixmonth scheme to offer equivalent support, but is that enough? The rising costs to consumers and businesses alike have resulted in a tightening of belts across the board.

roles in the service sectors also decided not to come to the UK or return here when the universities moved wholly or largely to online teaching.

The migrant exodus in conjunction with the UK’s ‘Great Resignation’, the name given to the trend of people choosing to quit or change their jobs, largely attributed to the work or life changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated staff shortages throughout many sectors too.

How is the market reacting?

to travel, especially for part time roles, when the financial gain is hardly worth the investment in a tank of fuel. Many seekers also enjoyed their time spent with families during the pandemic and would simply prefer a job closer to home without long public transport journeys and the daily ticket prices involved.

The cleaning industry has also seen a shift over more recent years to many more full time professional, janitorial and housekeeping roles due to both customers and job seekers seeing the benefits. Additionally, the government’s plans around Universal Credit rules are changing. Currently Universal Credit claimants working up to 12 hours a week on the national living wage are at risk of having their benefits reduced if they do not take steps to increase their earnings and meet regularly with a work coach. This is now set to increase to 15 hours in January 2023, therefore encouraging a focus on getting people back into work and maximising the hours people take on to help grow the economy and raise living standards.

Although unemployment is at its lowest rate for nearly 50 years, with the high number of vacancies that still exist and inactivity in the labour market, compounded by a lack of people, it makes perfect sense to consolidate multiple part time roles into a smaller number of full timers.

Where have all the people gone?

According to the Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence, as many as 1.3 million overseas nationals left the UK between JulySeptember 2019 to July-September 2020. Partly due to Brexit and partly due to the COVID Pandemic.

Many of the migrants, especially from Europe, are disproportionately likely to be employed in the hospitality and service sectors and if they had not already left the UK due to the Brexit exodus, they left due to the likelihood of being furloughed or losing their jobs. Many foreign students employed in part time

Our experiences with customers at the moment show that they, like many of us in the service sector, are continuing to struggle with recruitment challenges. Their decisions are very much cost driven too, and during the last recession, services such as cleaning were the first to be reduced. However, high standards, particularly in the area of cleaning, remain a high priority following the pandemic, as businesses continue to understand the importance of good sanitisation, hygiene, cleanliness standards and infection control, whilst valuing the service their cleaning staff provided during the peak of COVID-19. The conflict though between maintaining high standards and cost, creates a difficult dilemma, so what trends are we seeing?

What are the trends?

After speaking with our HR team and recruitment partners, there are green shoots that indicate greater numbers are returning to the labour market, however, the priorities of those job seekers, have evolved. With the rise in fuel costs there is a reluctance

With this in mind, many contractors are consulting with customers and restructuring the way their services are delivered, potentially finding improved methods, specifications and cost savings in the process, benefitting both parties.

In respect of cost savings through innovation. The latest technologies in the facilities industry are also achieving helpful cost efficiencies. Whether they be from innovative or eco cleaning chemical ranges, improved productivity rates from the newest machinery, robotic equipment, savings from water management systems or smart building technology using sensors to monitor traffic in areas requiring housekeeping checks. There are many ways to ensure cost savings can be achieved for customers during this difficult time without sacrificing standards.

The Floorbrite Group is a 2nd generation family business providing daily cleaning, industrial/specialist cleaning, window cleaning, washroom, hygiene and consumable supplies, waste and environmental management, pest control, plants and grounds maintenance, security and high-level building access solutions. With 50 years of industry experience, Floorbrite has grown to become one of the leading soft service providers in the UK FM sector.

For more information, please visit: www.floorbrite.co.uk

Whether you are looking for a one-off custom made gate, a staircase, or a production run of doors and windows for a new housing development, or a new interior for your pub, restaurant or office, we can deliver exactly what you are looking for.

We have been manufacturing top quality, purpose made joinery for the domestic and commercial markets since 1972. In our 7,000 square foot factory we can manufacture in hard or softwoods, and veneered & painted panels. We have a modern spray paint and lacquer facility, enabling products to leave the factory in a fully finished state.

No article is too big or too small: In the past we’ve supplied items as small as a 1m length of moulding; but maybe the most unusual article we’ve produced is 10m high oak hardwood catapult for a castle!

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Go electric

Panasonic’s new Aquarea K & L Generation honoured in the 2022 Good Design Awards

The Aquarea K and L Generation heat pumps have been recognised in the 2022 Good Design Awards (sponsored by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion). As well as recognising the performance efficiencies of the units, the judges commended the outdoor unit’s design, which blends into the landscape and contributes to the improvement of the surrounding environment.

The Good Design Award selects ‘good design’

from various industries and an experienced jury panel deliberates to recognise design that aims to lead our lives, industries, and society as a whole to a more prosperous one.

This year’s award scheme received 5,715 entries, with a total of 1,560 submissions being selected for awards. Among all the winners, 100 designs received especially high evaluations from jury members and were selected as the GOOD DESIGN BEST100,

including Panasonic’s Aquarea K & L Generation Heat Pumps.

New K and L Generation Available from Spring 2023, Panasonic’s new Aquarea

K and L generations are the latest innovations to emerge from Panasonic’s R&D centres and reflect the company’s values through innovation and are in keeping with its vision of creating technologies for a low-carbon society.

T 01707 378670 www.aircon.panasonic.eu

The ‘GO-TO’ company for waste water pumps and sewage pumping systems

When looking for a wastewater or sewage pumping station solution, such as a floor mounted unit or a below ground pumping station, pump specialist Pump Technology Ltd. based in Berkshire, is the company to call.

Pump Technology Ltd. is authorised by Jung Pumpen GmbH for the specification and supply of its products and is the UK’s largest supplier of their equipment. This includes the floor mounted, Hebefix waste water pump and DrainMajor pumping system as well as the Compli sewage pumping station range.

Pump Technology Ltd. is also a major stockist and supplier for other leading waste water and sewage pump manufacturers such as Saniflo, Whale, KSB, Sulzer, ABS and many more.

Their PumpMatic pumping station range is manufactured by Pegasus Pumps, a Pump Technology Ltd, group company, ensuring the provision of a range of modular tanks built specifically for site inlet elevations and positions.

Their in-house Drainage and Pump consultant, Steve Murphy, will ensure that any below ground pump station specifications are ‘right first time’ and compliant with regulations.

In response to demand from clients, plumbers, installers and merchants, Pump Technology Ltd. has just launched its new Saniflo SFA Web shop: www.saniflo-pumpshop.co.uk

Contact

T 0118 9821 555 www.pumptechnology.co.uk

For Offices, Homes, Apartments, Sheltered Housing, Assisted Living, Nurseries, School, Rest and Care Homes, Healthcare Buildings and Public Areas where potentially vulnerable people and children might be living, working or visiting.

Fitting a radiator in a tight space and safe location has always been a challenge. Ecolec has resolved this issue with wireless time and temperature control.

Ecolec have been designing, manufacturing and developing state-of-the-art electric heating systems in the West Midlands, England for the last 25 years. To help reduce environmental waste, and as part of its sustainability policy, Ecolec offer a Do Not Scrap return-to-base full refit and refurbishment service.

Introducing wall mounted ‘Safe to Touch’ Radiators and Ceiling Radiators. You can always count on Ecolec to offer Good Design with Safe Function.

“The Ecolec mantra is to save electricity by using it wisely and with electronic precision. Most electric heating products are seen to be expensive in their running costs due to the fact the heaters do not switch off automatically when the room air temperature has been achieved.”

Contact

T 01902 457575 sales@ecolec.co.uk www.ecolec.co.uk

Small tool with big attraction

Fridgenius is a family run business and has a network of national and international distributors, which supply the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnets that are suitable for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, water, oil and gas installations.

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet was designed to solve the problem of operating solenoid valves when a system is without power. Its small and easy to use application is shaped similar to a cotton reel and when placed onto a solenoid valve (with coil removed), causes the armature to open and close.

When can it be used?

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet can be used to operate valves in a plant or system, which has yet to be wired-up or has been decommissioned. Alternatively, it can be used when recovering refrigerant from a plant, which has already been decommissioned and power removed. In emergencies, such as the failure of a solenoid valve coil, it can be used to keep a system operating while a replacement coil is found.

Described as a ‘superb product’ by fellow engineers in the industry, Fridgenius has many success stories and testimonials singing praise of its product. The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is available in three sizes, 10mm, 15mm and 18mm and can be customised to a colour of your choice and with company logo printing available.

Contact T 02381 550189

enquiries@fridgenius.co.uk www.fridgenius.com

https://www.facebook.com/FridgeniusLtd

Cleaning the nation one product at a time

health and safety regulations. With SpaceVac one man could clean the same area with a full range of accessorised extendable heads, tools and brushes. Using SpaceVac saves IKEA substantial cleaning, energy and manpower costs without the health and safety risks!”

At Building and Facilities News, we would like to award Denis Rawlins Ltd the Company of the Month Award for substantial innovation in the cleaning consultancy industry.

Denis Rawlins Ltd is an expert cleaning consultant and has been supplying its award winning products to the facilities management (FM) sector for an astonishing 41 years.

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Rawlins rose to the challenge supporting numerous prominent companies with its trusted ‘Remove, Improve and Protect’ cleaning products including The Zoono Z-71 Microbe Shield Surface and Protectant Spray. Available in a five-litre container, this long lasting spray protects surfaces against the growth of bacteria and pathogens like Norovirus and E.coli Rigorous laboratory tests have shown that the spray protects against multi-variant strains of COVID-19. The Zoono spray can be added to the cordless Victory Electrostatic Backpack Sprayer, which covers 1,200 sq. ft. on a single eight-fl.L tank.

Rawlins uses an expert proven-science led methodology in the eradication of pathogens, bacteria and microbes.

Werner Du Pleiss Managing Director explains the company’s philosophy, “Rawlins disrupts the market with their innovative solutions and with their passion for the cleaning industry and I am fully aligned to this vision. We challenge, Inspire and Care.”

As schools and hospitals learn to traverse the hygiene responsibilities of COVID-19 and other infectious pathogens Rawlins supplies trusted effective cleaning solutions to hopefully move towards a post-COVID chapter.

With many businesses facing staff shortages following Brexit and the pinch from the current cost-of-living crisis, Rawlins started offering an innovative contract hire service with leading brands like KaiVac and SpaceVac during the pandemic. This ingenious service helps companies by saving time and requiring less personnel to operate the products. Werner explains further, “The cleaning sector is facing huge staffing shortfalls exacerbated by Brexit and many businesses are facing a turbulent few months as the UK economy teeters on a recession. When a business faces a challenging period they need to do all they can to protect their bottom line – purchasing larger assets like cleaning equipment often gets put on hold. We want to find a way to provide access to the very best cleaning innovation while remaining sensitive to the challenges currently facing our customers.”

As a trusted cleaning consultant, Rawlins want to take care of its customers and the environment.

The KaiVac AutoVac

Stretch has been awarded The Green Seal’s Certification of Environmental Innovation. The panel were impressed with the floor cleaner’s combined reduced environmental toxicity, waste minimisation, usage of verified environmentally friendly products and water and energy conservation. Werner and his team are delighted with the certification bolstering the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, “KaiVac systems empower green cleaning efforts with high production rates and verifiable results. With a high-flow fluid extraction method, KaiVac’s AutoVac Stretch uses at least 65% less water and cleaning solution than competitors. The Machine’s unique recycling function filters and reuses cleaning solution up to seven times, conserving water and reducing pollution without compromising cleaning performance. For example, AutoVac stretch cleans up to 1,000 sq. ft. per litre of water while most floor scrubber driers clean only roughly 150 sq. ft. per litre.”

The KaiVac is perfect for daily, floor cleaning jobs removing up to 99.8% of targeted soil In comparison, a new microfibre mop would only remove 50.9% across the same area. Operating personnel save on water refill trips and on average can cover more than 25,000 sq. ft. per hour saving time and

The KaiVac has an overall low ownership cost saving energy and water costs. A huge advantage is that the KaiVac doesn’t need servicing or repairing by costly engineers. Rawlins will simply send you the spare part and you can attach yourself with the help of online or phone support if required. Businesses are not only saving on costly engineers invoices but also fulfilling corporate social responsibility and increased environmental social and governance rating (ESG) by the engineer’s carbon footprint avoidance.

Alongside the Kaivac the SpaceVac is a popular interior cleaning systems for many UK businesses. One IKEA store in the UK started with a trial period of the SpaceVac system and the results were so successful that it is now a permanent part of all of the brand’s Facilities Management cleaning mandates. The design of IKEA stores needs a meticulous effective cleaning regime. With labyrinth-style corridors, compact showroom installations and awkward hard-to-reach overhead cable trays. Dust in the trays could be a cable fire hazard. Werner demonstrates the difference the SpaceVac had made to IKEA, “Under the old outsourced cleaning regime a two-man team would have balanced precariously on a hydraulic platform risking several

Located in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, the distribution centre can easily transport products across the whole of the UK including Northern Ireland and Ireland. Rawlins can provide a comprehensive cost analysis of a full company’s cleaning requirements. Already providing educational, healthcare, transport and retail sectors with user-friendly effective cleaning solutions that quickly pay dividends. Werner illustrates why Rawlins are way ahead of its competitors, “A company can typically see financial savings within six months of using our cleaning services. The trickledown effect of saving on staff training, water and energy costs and manpower are staggering. A restaurant which recently launched our products saved £1,000 in the first year alone.”

Werner has found that companies are amazed at the costdifference pointed out during a bespoke cost analysis. A company might require several machines to complete a variety of jobs but Werner points out that just one machine can complete 60% of the work generated from seven machines. The machines are compact too so this saves on valuable storage space with many companies tight on space. With no licences or staff training required for machinery operation companies can literally hit the ground running with machine operation.

Rawlins is going from strength to strength proving it can save lives in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and save companies like Weny’s substantial annual costs. Werner is hoping the company can expand into the restaurant and larger superstore markets over the next 12 months. One of the products that will impress the larger superstores with escalators is the RENclean escalator cleaning system. Nominated for Tomorrow’s Cleaning Awards, this revolutionary system not only fully cleans this high-traffic area in just five minutes but it needs an electrical outpoint to run. The specially designed brush, pads and cleaning solution allow an overall clean and hygienic finish making this high traffic area free from infectious diseases on busy underground stations and potentially in supermarkets.

For a bespoke company cost analysis and to discuss a cleaning system trial, please see the details below:

T 0121 351444

sales@rawlins.co.uk

www.rawlins.co.uk

Homebuilding & Renovating Show opened at new venue

The annual Homebuilding & Renovating Show took place at the spacious ExCel venue in London from the 30th September to the 2nd October 2022. This is a new, bigger venue with extra space to accommodate over 20,000 visitors, 20% increase from the previous venue. The new venue came with a special event: this year saw the 25th anniversary of the Homebuilding & Renovating magazine publication. The trade show is the UK’s largest self-build and renovation event allowing attendees to meet industry experts in the architecture, interior design and building supply industry. With over 180 exhibits, two theatres and over 20 sessions’ visitors could freely network, receive tips, recommendations and enquire concerning new builds, conversions or complete building renovation projects. Every aspect was covered from interior kitchens, bathrooms, green energy sustainability, underfloor heating to gardens and legal issues. In the ‘ask the experts zone’ guests could show blueprint designs and

propertyCEO

propertyCEO is one of the UK’s leading property development training companies, bringing together over 75 years of development and business experience from its two founders, Ritchie Clapson CEngMIStructE and Ian Child.

brainstorm ideas with anyone from architect, Charlie Luxton (presenter of More 4’s Building the Dream series) to Bob Branscome (chartered surveyor and builder.)

With 79% of visitors, busy working on live projects it was essential that they could engage with experts and tangibly see building supplies. The show was so successful that 82% of visitors were inspired to spend allocated project budgets with trade exhibitors following the event.

This year’s Trade show goes on tour starting in Farnborough in January and finishing in Somerset in November 2023.

www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

3s architects interiors commercial

3s is an RIBA chartered architectural practice and interior design consultancy providing a full range of architectural services with an innovative approach and an eye on new technologies. We achieve architectural excellence through creativity and imaginative design combined with commercial sense and close teamwork between our client and the design team. Our designers aim to make inspiring environments, which add a long-term value to our projects. Every project is unique and is designed to meet the bespoke needs of our clients.

We have been the catalyst for many sites in the South East as well as Europe & Overseas by providing a personalised service from initial

ideas to final completion. This approach has ensured completion of high standard projects and let to an award for ‘Best extensions to existing listed properties’ in Germany, a short listing for the RIBA small projects award and Sunday Times Best Houses Award 2012. We have been commended for the British Best Homes Award 2016 with ‘The White House,’ won the United Kingdom property award under the category

Architecture Single Residence South East England, won the International Property Award 2016 & 2018, the International Architecture & Design Award 2017, the ‘German Design Award 2020’ for ‘The Retreat’ in Greece and have featured on television series as well as been published in leading architectural books and interiors periodicals. For the last 20 years, we undertake private residential, commercial and public projects in the UK and abroad with offices in Richmond, London and Munich, Germany.

T +44 (0)20 8332 9966 reinhard@3s-ad.com www.3s-ad.com

Part of the pin Partnership, propertyCEO teaches landlords, investors, business owners, and professionals how to develop small-scale property projects that make six figure profits, working in their spare time alongside their existing businesses and careers.

Critically, we teach our students how to leverage the skills they already have and then add the development know-how, the business skills AND the mindset support to take action and create lifechanging transformations, even if they’ve never developed property before.

If you’ve ever thought about taking on a small development project, NOW is the perfect time to take advantage of the latest permitted development rights.

To find out what it takes to develop property the right way, and to discover why there has never been a better time for landlords and investors to get into small-scale property development, visit our website at: www.propertyceo.co.uk or contact us at: enquiries@propertyceo.co.uk.

Arctic Cabins BBQ Huts

We are Arctic Cabins – a family run business, over 20 years in the making who manufacture and install the finest quality BBQ cabins in the UK. We have designed our unique BBQ cabins in the traditional Finnish style from sustainably sourced, slow-grown Scandinavian Redwood Spruce. An Arctic Cabin will become the heart and soul of your garden, perfect for family get-togethers as well as romantic evenings, just steps from home. Our cabins not only look great, they are also practical too; warm and snug in the winter and they offer some welcome shade in the summer. Our trademarked sloping wall design for extra space and comfort means they feel incredibly spacious whilst being cosy too. Fitted with a premium quality, adjustable central BBQ unit inside, you can enjoy cooking and socialising outside all year round, without the British weather ruining your plans!

We offer 4 sizes plus 2 Arctic Bars, which are

sure to give you that holiday feeling any time of year and offer the cosiness of the much loved country pub without ever leaving home – the ultimate garden retreat!

Contact

T 0115 932 8888

www.arcticcabins.co.uk

Warehouse & Logistics

Facilities & Estate Management

Sunshade Services provide outdoor sheltered space for Frimley Church of England Junior School

Sunshade Services were tasked with providing an outdoor sheltered space for Frimley Church of England Junior School. The existing space was located near to the main school building but on the edge of the playing field with a pavement walkway on one side and an existing football pitch on the other. Our design brief was to cover an area as large as possible, within budget whilst remaining within the confines of the pavement & football pitch. The structure was to be located centrally when looking at the school building to create a symmetrical view when looking at the school.

Our solution was to install two of our Trent canopies, each 8m long x 6m wide, joined-together to cover a total area of 16m long x 6m wide. The two canopies were joined in the middle with one of our custom-made gutter joints, which effectively created one large canopy.

The steel framework was powder coated in the colour of choice of the client & comes with a 5-year structural warranty. Each post was fitted with a 50mm thick, 1.5m long padded post protector in different colours so as to optimise the appearance of the structure. The entire structure has been designed & manufactured in the UK to maximise the backup & support for all component parts. Trent canopies can be installed in completely open areas, adjacent to existing buildings, courtyards, in fact anywhere there is a requirement for a covered area. Offering low cost, large coverage these canopies offer complete flexibility to offer a solution to almost any shading problem.

T 01782 398848

M 07807 063734 info@sunshadeservices.co.uk www.sunshadeservices.co.uk

Pickfords commits to championing the recruitment of armed forces personnel

Pickfords, the UK’s largest removals and Storage Company has demonstrated its commitment to support service personnel, veterans, and their families with the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Managing Director, Mark Taylor signed the covenant in October. The signing confirms a commitment to ensure that those people who have served their country are given new career opportunities and are treated with fairness and are not disadvantaged in the workplace. By signing the new covenant, Pickfords has committed to provide training and career development for ex members of the Royal Forces, veterans, their partners, and families and supporting employees who choose to be members of the Cadets and reserve forces by supporting their training and deployment.

The company will also provide commercial support by offering a discount to members of the Armed Forces when they move home.

Managing Director Mark Taylor said, “I am delighted to make Pickfords a ‘Forces Friendly’ company, we want to create career development opportunities for candidates who are keen to change their careers after leaving the service and we welcome applications from this highly skilled, well trained and disciplined workforce.”

T 0800 019 8556 enquiries@pickfords.com www.pickfords.com

Conker underpins continued growth with new appointments

Conker, which provides rugged, wearable and scannable devices for mobile workforces, is expanding yet again with the appointment of five new staff members and a head of team promotion.

Lwazi Sibiya joins Conker in the role of business development executive. With a strong consultative approach and a firm belief in the importance of customer-centricity in service-driven sectors, Lwazi comments, “I am delighted to join Conker with its reputation for outstanding customer service.”

Keshny Naidu has over 20 years’ experience in client relationship management and has been appointed business development executive for the retail and wholesale sectors. She comments, “Joining Conker is a great opportunity to add value to this forward-

thinking device specialist. I am looking forward to a new challenge and working closely with retail and wholesale businesses to understand the demands of their environment.”

Dannida Katzen will also be coming on board as business development executive. Outlining her approach to the role, Dannida says, “I am dedicated to bringing successful and practical methods and solutions to my work with new customers. I love working for this cutting-edge company as its core values are extremely client-centric.”

Joining the team as an account manager, Marie-

Property Maintenance Services

MSL is a property maintenance company that cares passionately about the quality of service given to its clients. Our constantly expanding range of Facilities Management services are anchored on our 24/7 Helpdesk and inSYNC IT platform.

Our services include projects and cleaning, alongside our established Maintenance Services including Reactive, Planned and Compliance Maintenance.

Visit our website msl-ltd.co.uk or email hello@msl-ltd.co.uk to see how MSL can help your business.

Contact 0333 1234 450.

Lousie Du Toit explains what she is looking forward to in her new role, “I believe that attention to detail is a key component of being a trusted adviser and I am excited to bring my relationship-building skills to Conker.”

Jacqueline Mostert, new key accounts manager, has over 10 years' experience in the client consultative space and comments, “I am driven by a passion for people, building trustful relationships and making a difference to my customers’ tech experience.”

T 01279 295800

https://www.weareconker.com

 It is very easy to install and operate with no complicated coding required, just in plug and go.

 Simply dial or text the simcard number to operate the relay.

 If you call the unit it will reject. Therefore, you are not charged.

 You will receive a text acknowledgement to say relay on or off.

 INPUT: 240vac (12/24vdc & 115VAC is available)

Fit and Forget: A guaranteed method to reduce energy bills

Water conservation is the key to reducing energy bills. Heating water accounts for nearly 1/5th of energy use in UK homes. Reducing hot water demand is an effective way to help occupants conserve energy and reduce bills. Some uses are fixed, e.g. the washing machine or dishwasher. For these uses, education about full loads and eco settings can have an impact. However, many are not.

Showers account for a quarter of UK domestic water usage. To reduce this hot water usage there are three options:

▲ Cold showers, not ideal on a cold winter morning

▲ Timers, using egg timers or the ‘favourite song’ method to cut shower time

▲ Flow reduction, less water is used while the shower is running.

The first two options require active engagement by all members of the household. The last is a fit and forget method of permanently reducing water use.

‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet. They are highly effective but retrofits like these come at a price, especially larger properties with multiple bathrooms. They also do nothing for running taps, whether they’re in the bathroom or kitchen.

Our water companies are regulated to provide a minimum level of water supply, but in many areas, due to network structure and gravity fed systems, supply is much greater. Households in high pressure areas could be receiving up to three times the required minimum levels. So, run a hose for five minutes at the bottom of the hill, and your lawn will be greener that the gardener that does the same at the top. These ‘time controlled’ uses, e.g. teeth cleaning, taking a shower, running a tap to rinse dishes could be standardised down if all households received the same acceptable, ‘standardised’ supply.

Independent research carried out by WRc, showed a theoretical reduction of 2-4% of typical water usage when devices such as LoFlo are installed. However, recent field trials by a major UK water company have showing savings of 5%.

the change in supply, it was the positive impact of reduced flow that was cited, e.g. reduced splashing at the kitchen sink. Not a single occupant wanted the LoFLo to be removed after the trial period

The NRv2 LoFlo can be easily and simply retrofitted to any meter installation, or meter exchange when upgrading or remediating underground meter chambers. Thus, allowing Water Companies to manage demand, with little or no impact on consumers, at the minimal cost of approximately £20 per household.

A second 1/5th of water usage is the taps in the house, e.g. rinsing the coffee cup, or washing hands. Again, flow restrictors can be fitted to each of these outlets.

For households on an increasingly tight budget, or developers trying to minimise costs, multiple fittings for each tap or shower might not be an investment they are able to make.

Household flow restriction for just £20 per property

The alternative is whole site flow reduction. Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo, at the meter regulates the level of flow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure. As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service. More importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

The abstraction of water from rivers and aquafers and the carbon cost of cleaning and processing water is a significant contribution to our impact on the environment. There, as part of UK Net Zero Carbon targets water companies have been targeted to reduce the water householders are using, Per Capita Consumption (PCC).

PCC reduction targets average just under 6% in the UK, so utilising property flow restriction could achieve just 1% off the average PPC reduction targets! However, water companies are also tied to customer performance commitment levels (C-Mex), and some seem to be concerned that a reduction in the supply levels to properties will prompt customer complaints, offsetting the financial rewards of achieving PCC targets.

Field trials of devices such as LoFlo, have shown that most customers are not aware of supply levels in their property, within certain limits. Especially when moving into a new property, customers accept the levels as ‘being what it is’ and fears of an increase in customer complaints impacting C-Mex values are overrated. In recent trials in England, where occupants did notice

As the LoFlo is fitted at the water meter, it is the water companies fitting. Therefore, developers must be proactive in challenging water companies to provide a standardised supply to help UK housing stock to achieve water consumption targets. For further information: www.groundbreaker.co.uk

Supermarket Soft Plastics Collection Bins by Leafield

Leafield Environmental, an award-winning manufacturer and designer of recycling and litter bins are proud to be part of a new national soft plastics collection scheme by a leading supermarket and fully support The UK Plastics Pact members commitment for all plastic packaging sold by supermarkets to be recyclable by 2025.

According to WRAP while plastic bags and wrapping makes up around a fifth of consumer plastic packaging, only 6% of it is recycled and less than 20% of local authorities are collecting plastic bags and wrapping as part of kerbside recycling services.

Philip Maddox, Managing Director at Leafield Environmental said, “Last year, we had the opportunity to work in partnership with a leading supermarket chain, that used our Envirobank recycling bin to trial their new in-store soft plastics recycling scheme. Following the successful trial and increased demand from consumers to recycle more soft plastics, more schemes have been rolled out over the last few months across the UK.”

As Leafield designs and manufactures their recycling and litter bins in-house, they can offer personalised bespoke labelling and bins in corporate colours.

For more information on Leafield’s Soft Plastics Recycling Bins, call Leafield Environmental on: 01225 816541, email: recycle@leafieldenv.com or visit: www.leafieldrecycle.com

Lolly makes series of high-profile appointments

New global headquarters for Hydrajaws Limited

Hydrajaws Ltd, the world’s largest manufacturer of pull testers for load testing fixings, has relocated its global headquarters to Tamworth in Staffordshire. High demand for its product range has driven continuous growth. Twenty-nine staff now occupy the new HQ, substantial growth from three employees in the 1980s.

The new HQ building covers 20,000 sq. ft. and houses Hydrajaws’ manufacturing, sales and marketing, training, and service operations. Exports have grown significantly across the decades, the business now supplying over 70 countries. The company also supplies several large OEMs in the anchors and fixings sector, its range of equipment working on several major construction projects, most recently Crossrail and now HS2.

The hospitality technology specialist sets itself up to scale

With an exciting year of continued growth and innovation planned for 2023, Lolly, the hospitality technology specialist, has made a series of highprofile appointments. Matthew Cox joins as sales director, Angela Durnin as finance director and Paul Markey as business development manager (pictured above left to right).

Matthew Cox joins the Lolly team as sales director. In his role, he will be looking after the hospitality sales team, and continuing to build awareness in other sectors, including contract catering, stadia, events and education. As well as bringing in new customers, he will also work with existing clients to build and evolve the Lolly product roadmap. With more than 20 years’ experience in EPoS and payments, Matthew’s previous roles include time with MCR, Omnico and Fingo.

The new finance director, Angela Durnin, will be supporting the business as it scales, developing financial strategies that support business growth. With a background in consulting and banking, working for organisations such as The Bank of England, Barclays Bank and Deloitte, Angela was keen to transfer these skills to join a growing SME.

Paul Markey comes on board as business development manager, where he will work across the entire Lolly estate. His focus will be centred on developing new accounts, as well as monitoring customer satisfaction with existing clients.

T 0800 038 5389 https://www.itslolly.com

Hydrajaws’ first tester was prototyped in 1985 and has been manufactured and developed since 1986 by this family run business, founded by Chairman Royston Morgan.

Since 2014, Hydrajaws has taken the lead in the digital world, being first to introduce a sophisticated app where testing can be carried out and the results immediately shared.

Adrian Morgan, CEO said, “In today’s world of high safety awareness, Hydrajaws is proud to have led the way in testing equipment and techniques that have potential to save lives across the world.”

Find out more: www.hydrajaws.co.uk

The Right Gate for your Castle

We install bespoke wooden and wrought iron gates, gate automation, entry control kits, fences, bespoke wrought iron railings and barriers to the highest standard as well as CCTV. We also add automation to your existing gate.

We service all gate automation, whether or not we installed it. We can also give your existing metal gate a facelift.

We repair gate automation systems whether or not we installed them. Our call-out rates are highly competitive.

In short, we do:

• Bespoke wrought iron metal gates and railings

• Wooden gates

• Automation of new and existing gates

• Access control

• Servicing all makes of automation

• Full bespoke service including piers and groundworks.

PHEX Manchester & Chelsea Show Review – Top Exhibitors

Plumbing & Heating trade show has been running for over 25 years

PHEX has been running plumbing and heating trade exhibitions in the UK for over 25 years. It is the calendar date where thousands of buyers and endusers across the industry network and initiate sales ideas. Located at two prestigious sports arenas: Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, this year’s events saw over 85 exhibitors launch new product lines, build brand loyalty and meet a new customer base. The Manchester event at Old Trafford was held from 5th-6th October and 16th-17th November at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

PHEX offers companies and visitors the perfect opportunity to meet tradespeople face-to-face, buy products and strengthen the buyer relationship. The exhibition is designed to help exhibitors develop

qualified leads with potential new buyers across the two-day prime audience capacity. PHEX is nationally known as the UK’s longest established plumbing and heating trade event that unites manufacturers and suppliers with installers and contractors at unique sporting venues. The expo’s social media channels offer excellent exposure for exhibiting companies looking for a new and captive audience. This exposure combined with PHEX’s targeted email marketing campaigns, enables companies to receive maximum exposure before, during and after the event.

Facilities & Estate Management

At PHEX 2022, exhibitors launched new product lines and delivered live demonstrations of their machines. With a staggering 75% of visitors having purchasing power this is the perfect place to initiate sales interest with new, longstanding customers.

The 2023 event will take place at Chelsea Stamford Bridge with a date yet to be confirmed.

https://www.phexshow.co.uk

https://www.phexshow.co.uk/manchester

https://www.phexshow.co.uk/chelsea

Underfloor Shop: Leading suppliers of wet and electric underfloor heating systems

The Underfloor Shop is one of the leading suppliers of wet and electric underfloor heating systems to the trade across the UK. Our aim is to supply customers with the best quality product at a competitive price; that’s why we offer a collection of the biggest brands within the market with market leading warranties.

With years of experience, our team at the Underfloor Shop understands that putting customer satisfaction first is fundamental. As such, we provide them with an unrivalled customer service via our expert team of technical designers and friendly sales staff who are happy to help you from initial purchase through to installation and after-sale care.

We offer a free design service, quick quote turnaround and exclusive trade discount for our trade account partners. Small orders are dispatched on a free next working day delivery and can be sent direct to site, free pallet orders are sent on a 1-2 day service nationwide. We also offer a full system guarantee when purchasing a heat pump with the underfloor heating system.

T 01284 339669 sales@underfloorshop.co.uk www.underfloorshop.co.uk

Nerrad Tools Tapex Kit

Nerrad Tools is a brand of professional plumbing tools founded in 2008 by Darren Chalkly, an experienced gas engineer/ plumber with over 25 years

‘on the tools.’ Familiar with the challenges the heating and plumbing industry professionals face daily, he felt there was room for further improvement and innovation. He analysed the requirements and feedback from plumbers and identified areas that could be re-developed.

Carl Kammerling took full ownership in 2018 and expanded on his range further creating a high-profile brand. Nerrad Tools have a fantastic offering of maintenance products for every plumbing and heating engineer. From a 37-piece socket set to the highly adaptable Versa funnel. As well as supplying the very best plumbing and heating products, we also supply professional tool storage solutions. Our renowned Tapex Kit is especially unique to Nerrad, launched in 2018 it was a significant leap forward in Tap Wrench Technology with a lifetime warranty and all the components needed to change a tap in one kit this tool has been rated 5 stars across the board of plumbing, the Tapex kit is still proving to be our bestselling line to date, taking responsibility for just under half our overall sales at the last Plumbing exhibition, PHEX Chelsea.

T 01758 704724

cs@nerradlimited.com www.nerradtools.com

Solving industry problems multiple pipes at a time

Building and Facilities News are awarding NLB Engineering the Company of the Month Award for innovation in the plumbing and heating sector.

NLB Engineering was established in 2002 by British Engineer John Heffernan to solve plumbing and heating problems with innovative products.

NLB Engineering designs and manufacturers its trademark Aladdin products from a single facility base in Matching Tye, Essex. Darcy May Sales Director elaborates further on the Aladdin range, “Aladdin products specialise in plumbing innovation: designing and producing products to troubleshoot and overcome age old industry problems, allowing works to be completed with limited disruption and minimal labour time. We are environmentally committed: saving energy and water and preventing chemicals being flushed into our waterways.”

The Aladdin EasyFit isolator is a Kiwa and WRAS approved quarter turn full-flow isolation valve for pressurised pipes.

With the onset of a freezing UK winter, businesses are hoping to avoid the perils of frozen

pressurised pipes ensuring flow is stopped in under 3-minutes, installing a permanent isolation valve without restricting services. Essential when plumbers are working in multi-occupancy housing corporations, large school premises and hotel or retail complexes that share pipe supplies.

The Aladdin EasyFit Isolator is the perfect solution for planned maintenance, by having the flexibility to install isolation anywhere in a system this prevents the need to pipe freeze or drain, reducing energy usage, and preventing the use of harmful gases, or the waste of thousands of litres of water through draining, not to mention preventing flushing inhibitors and sludge removers into our waterways.

With a ten-year guarantee, the valve can be safely attached to all types of pipes: copper, pex polybutylene and multi-layered. This unique, quick-fit valve offers a green alternative to gas or electric freezing. Darcy is proud of this ingenious product, “The Aladdin EasyFit has been referred to as the most innovative plumbing product to be developed in the past 20 years, simply clamp-cut-isolate live hot or cold flowing water.”

The Aladdin Autovent comes with a full five-year guarantee and is a fully automatic radiator de-aeration valve.

The BSRIA-approved valve keeps radiators and towel rails hot to the top, quickly fitting to radiators without the need to drain the whole system. The Autovent provides the added benefits of reducing corrosion, reduced radiator noise and

Building Services

extended radiator lifespan. Darcy adds, “By installing the Aladdin Autovent, radiators are automatically vented, saving the end-user up to 10% on their heating costs. Installers use them to reduce maintenance no longer needing to revisit sites to simply bleed radiators; especially useful for those working in social housing, health care and commercial environments.”

NLB Engineering has experienced a rapid increase in demand recently across the plumbing and heating sector for all Aladdin products, which have proven to be a godsend for the busy plumbing industry.

Moving forward, NLB Engineering will continue to innovate through their unique products. Projects for 2023 will focus on working with UK and European partners to develop new solutions, which will assist users to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and prevent millions of litres of global water wastage. Their mission

to assist end users to reduce their carbon footprint and be more ‘green’ will continue.

At Building and Facilities News, we recognise that NLB Engineering offer a truly contemporary groundbreaking range of products to fix Victorian plumbing problems.

For further details on the Aladdin product range, please see the website below:

T 01279730363

sales@nlbengineering.co.uk

www.aladdin-products.co.uk

Building Products & Services

Carlisle builds on innovation with ARBOFLEX® PU liquid system

Carlisle Construction Materials is a name synonymous with innovation in the UK roofing sector. The only company to offer a hybrid bitumen/ EPDM flat roofing membrane, with the RESITRIX® system, and pioneers of induction installation for EPDM with the Hertalan® system, Carlisle aims to be a complete solutions provider for all building envelope waterproofing requirements.

Introducing ARBOFLEX® PU

The latest technology to be added to Carlisle’s portfolio is the ARBOFLEX® PU liquid applied roofing membrane; a BBA certified, wet-on-wet PU waterproofing system that provides a completely monolithic roof, with no flames, no laps and no heat. Available as a single component 10-year system or with a U/V protective top coat to extend

the warranty to 20 years, ARBOFLEX® PU adds to Carlisle’s single ply capabilities with a liquid system

that offers tangible installation and performance benefits.

Amongst the key benefits, Carlisle’s ARBOFLEX® PU liquid applied membrane offers for roofing contractors is speed and ease of installation. The system is suitable for both new build and refurbishment projects and does not require the application of a primer, except on porous concrete surfaces. The single component ARBOFLEX® PU liquid membrane is a one tin system and, after the first application, a glass fibre matting is laid onto the wet membrane and rollered to draw the liquid through.

T 01623 627285 www.ccm-europe.com

Industry specialists in sealing solutions

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd is the sole UK distributor for the sealing industry’s top manufacturers; DOYMA, FRANK and HKD. DOYMA granted Tina McAra the exclusive rights to distribute their products in the UK in August 2018, leading to the formation of Service Sealing Solutions Ltd.

Distributing the industry’s best manufacturers, Service Sealing Solutions Ltd offers the UK the most extensive range of products, providing the best in German engineering to seal penetration points in walls and floors to permanently prevent any infiltration of gases and water into the building. DOYMA’s products are designed to solve all watertight duct sealing requirements and prevent against structural damage. DOYMA products are also guaranteed watertight for 25 years.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd supply the full range of DOYMA products, to suit all situations from power cables, communications cables, pipes and ducts and district heating pipes.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd specialises in highquality service duct sealing systems for utility services and watertight seals, offering the highest level of expertise to developers and specifiers for sealing against water and gas entering around service entries in basements and high-rise buildings.

DOYMA is at the forefront of innovation, developing practical solutions for sealing and fire systems. The main ambition at the company is to create safe building penetrations for pipes and cables that seal off fire, gas and water. The company operates in three main competencies areas of civil engineering, building services technology and power supply, providing sealing systems for pipes and cables, single and multi-line house entries for supply and disposal lines, fire protection products for preventive structural fire protection and special designs and custom-made sealing systems.

DOYMA maintains a wealth of experience spanning over 50 years, utilising this experience and vast knowledge base the company ensures its seal range produces effective, simple solutions to meet all watertight service sealing requirements. This in turn, ensures that DOYMA’s products provide the highest level of safety for sealing buildings where pipes and electrical cables pass through.

HKD which is now owned by DOYMA, manufactures a vast range of pipe sealing systems and service ducts with a guarantee that its products can withstand up to four bars of pressure. All of the HKD product range can be combined with the DOYMA’s Curaflex range, one of the most popular DOYMA ranges.

In terms of new developments, DOYMA has recently released its new generation Curaflex Nova® gaskets – professional solutions for tradesman with uniquely safe installation. Providing tradesmen with professional gasket inserts, the new generation of Curaflex Nova® gasket inserts instantly solves sealing problems and is adaptable for multiple applications.

For any more information, please see below:

T 01952 510050

www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

Tree surveys for developments (BS5837)

Barnes Associates Ltd is a leading consultancy that provides tree surveys, tree decay and tree stability assessments using hi-tech tree diagnostic equipment. Its tree surveys and arboricultural consultancy services are available to a wide range of clients, but the company mainly specialises in trees on development sites, providing BS5837 tree surveys, arboricultural impact assessments and method statements.

Established in 1989, the company was originally a partnership which undertook tree surgery and surveying works. In 2007, the contracting side of the business was sold, and Barnes Associates Ltd was formally established as a limited company in 2016 by its current directors, husband and wife team, Ian and Sue Barnes.

Ian has qualifications in Tree Risk Assessments (ISA TRAQ) and is a Licensed user of QTRA. He has advanced training in trees and buildings (subsidence) and is a Registered Consultant with the Arboricultural Association (RCArborA). Sue is a Chartered Landscape Architect (CMLI), as well as a

Smart Fencing

Are you fed up of having to replace or even make do with old broken wooden fencing in your garden?

SmartFence is an innovative range of retrofit flat-pack metal garden fencing systems that has hit the UK market by storm and is becoming increasingly more popular as it delivers a maintenance-free, sturdy metal garden fencing system that can be self-assembled within minutes.

SmartFence is simple and easy to build and ideal for the DIY handy man or general builder. Once the posts have been installed as normal into a concrete foundation – of which the current range includes SmartPosts, Gen2 or Concrete H-Posts – you can then fit the lightweight plinths and the channel adapters to H Groves, and then easily slide the SmartFence Infill sections into place. To finish, fix the top finishing rail, using coloured screws and then wash down the fence and enjoy for the next 25 years hassle-free.

There is a number of different parts listed on the company brochure that is available for download

Classifieds

Chartered Horticulturalist (C.Hort), Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), and a registered designer of BALI and Fellow of the Arboricultural Association (F.Arbor.A). Both hold vast amounts of experience and knowledge working in the horticultural and arboricultural industry.

Developing near trees? A BS5837 Tree

report maybe requested, therefore, Barnes Associates Ltd have the extensive experience in this field and have undertaken additional training in this area. As well as fully assessing the constraints of a site for any legislative restrictions and planning constraints, Barnes Associates Ltd also provides high quality plans which allows information to be clearly understood, tree dimensions to be quickly identified, as well as categories, shade potential, and Root Protection Areas (RPA).

Plans can be produced with various plotting outputs to suit customers needs from 2D to 3D, and Barnes Associates Ltd is there to be called upon throughout all stages of the development process. Working alongside land owners and developers, planners and architects, Barnes Associates Ltd will find the most realistic and cost-effective solutions to tree problems, whether this is for a small extension or several hundred of units.

For more information, please see below:

T 01423 322371 info@barnesassociates.co.uk www.barnesassociates.co.uk

Recognising excellence through accreditation

from the company website. Where it will also show you how to install, and take you through the stages of the build step by step.

Another notable innovation is the SmartFence Surface Facing Bracket that allows you to fence both sides of your garden without interfering with your neighbours. This can also be used on a cladded wall or unsightly garden shed.

For more information, please see below: www.smartfenceuk.co.uk

Have you ever wondered if there are quality standards around timber decking and cladding products or services? Do you need technical advice or simply design inspiration? Look no further than the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA). We’re here to raise the bar on all things decking and cladding. Whether you’re a landscaper, architect, specifier, contractor or DIY enthusiast, we can help. We have industry experience, a library of free resources and a growing member supplier list with independent third-party verification.

To get a job done right first time, using the best calibre of products with correct standards of installation is essential. But whatever the market, it’s often difficult for a buyer to distinguish good from bad quality, whether it be a specialised deck fixing or a reputable cladding installer –especially when searching online. Price point isn’t always an indicator of reliability.

Step in DeckMark and CladMark. TDCA accreditation schemes, which recognise manufacturers, suppliers and installers who work to the highest standards in their fields. From wood coating manufacturers to deck design engineers, simply search our database to pinpoint specific suppliers or get in touch – TDCA offers a sourcing service, just give us your project details and we’ll find the right supplier for you.

Visit: www.tdca.org.uk to learn more or call: 01977 558147.