Building and Facilities News Issue 983

4 Dual Pumps 11 HD Sharman

Our doors. Your home.

At XL Joinery we do everything doors. That’s it, nothing else. And we are proud to say that we provide some of the best doors in the world.

For over 25 years we’ve gone the extra mile to help our customers transform the spaces they live and work in. Honest, flexible and experts in our market, we offer an ever-evolving range of products to suit your every need. Operating from our head office in West Yorkshire, we supply 600,000 doors every year through our extensive network of stockists across the UK, we can provide you with your preferred product at your chosen time.

At XL Joinery, we’re passionate about the environmental sustainability of our products, with over 90% of our wood cut from FSC® and PEFC certified forests.

Assemble without hassle...

Simpli Doorsets have everything you need, pre-assembled, to fit a quality door in one package. Precision engineered components, pre-finished to match your stylish door with a choice of handles to complement the furniture grade finish.

Simpli Advanced® Apartment Entrance

Fire Doorsets are XL engineered and secured with ASSA ABLOY hardware and components, they meet the highest demands for quality, protection and functionality.

T 01924 350500

Nationwide Louvre Company

NEC Contracts

Fusion21 announces Framework suppliers

Procurement organisation Fusion21 has announced the suppliers successfully appointed to its national Painting, Decorating, and Associated Repairs Framework worth up to £125 million over a four year period.

Following a competitive tender process, a total of 16 specialist firms – with 56% being SMEs, have secured a place on the framework covering painting, decorating, and repairs works for the public sector to access – including housing associations, local authorities, NHS trusts, blue light organisations, and education providers. The framework offers a holistic range of services including internal, external, and associated works.

Peter Francis, Executive Director of Operations at Fusion21, said, “This refreshed framework has been developed in response to member and supply chain feedback and will support the continued delivery of cost-effective cyclical repairs and decoration programmes across the public sector.

“The framework offers sector specific specifications and supplier lists to meet the particular requirements

of Fusion21 members, whether this is social housing, health sector, education sector or wider public sector. Works include not only pre-paint repairs and internal and external decoration but specialist coatings and heritage works for the public sector.”

Following a competitive tender process, all appointed suppliers were evaluated based on quality, environmental credentials and health and safety. They were also required to demonstrate the appropriate

insurance coverage to mitigate risks to the public, property, and organisations.

Successful suppliers appointed to Fusion21’s national Painting, Decorating, and Associated Repairs

Framework:

s A Connolly Limited

s Alfred Bagnall & Sons (North) Ltd

s Axis Europe plc

s Bell Decorating Group Limited

s Diamond Decorators (UK) Limited

s George Jones & Son (Contractors) Limited

s Hankinson Whittle Programmed Limited

s Ian Williams Limited

s Michael Donaghy (P&D) Ltd

s MITIE Property Services (UK) Ltd

s Mulalley & Company Ltd

s Novus Property Solutions Limited

s Seddon Construction Limited

s The AD Construction Group (Architectural Decorators Ltd)

s Trident Maintenance Services Ltd

s Wharfedale Decorations Ltd

www.fusion21.co.uk

Green Recovery: Take the lead on LEAD

Removal and replacement of lead water supply pipes is not only good for occupiers’ health, but part of UK water companies’ ‘Green Recovery Programme’.

The industry has been aware of the potential damage lead can do to the environment and health problems, particularly in infants and children for over 50 years. Houses built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes and in some areas of the UK up to a third of these older properties are still receiving their water through these original lead pipes.1 UK water companies are actively engaged in replacement of these old lead supplies, and many are offering grants to residents.

In any brown field development removal of a lead water supplies should be a priority. In addition to removal of potential contaminants, these new pipe materials improve flow rates and reducing pipe noise.

Traditionally, any lead replacement programme requires major excavations outside a property and causes huge disruption within. Resulting in mess and disturbance to householders over several days. This disruption has often been the cause of users’ reluctance to have the work undertaken. However, with wider use of modern boilers, the lower water flow of old lead pipes can cause problems and are often the incentive for supply replacement.

“Lead Water Supply replacement has become a priority for water companies across the UK. Systems such as INSUduct® can overcome user reluctance and provide and time and cost-efficient methods of water supply pipe reluctance.”

– Steve Leigh, Managing Director Groundbreaker

Replace lead water supply pipes in under 2 hours… no major excavations, minimal disruption

An innovative solution to water supply pipe replacement which significantly reduces disturbance, time and cost is the routing of the new supply pipe up the external face of the building. Now recognised by some of the UK’s

largest water companies as the preferred method of lead supply replacement, INSUduct® by Groundbreaker is revolutionising lead supply replacement practice.

Traditionally, pipes needed to be within the thermal envelope of the building or buried to minimise the risk of frost damage and freeze thaw bursts.

“We’ve been putting pipes in holes in the ground to protect them from frost for decades,” Steve Leigh, Managing Director Groundbreaker explained.

“Although it works, today’s new materials allow for a much better solution. Keeping pipes on the surface reduces the risk of leaks developing and allows for easy repair and maintenance. It’s just a much better method of working.”

The insulated ducting products are designed to provide long lasting and effective thermal protection to water pipes and fittings outside the thermal envelope of a building. To achieve the level of protection required by British Standard 5422 and all relevant Water Regulations for frost protection, the ducting must be carefully fabricated to provide long lasting protection and should be tested and approved to Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, Regulation 4 or listed as an approved product by WRAS Approvals.

Easy installation, saving time and money Installation of a new supply using INSUduct® is straight forwards, enabling most water supply replacements to be completed within a couple of hours, without the traditional mess and disruption to the householders or occupiers. The improvement in work efficiency and reduction on the impact to occupants is a win for both contractor and customer. There is also little impact to the exterior appearance of the property, as the system provides a neat, clean finish to the job.

The insulated ducting allows the new water service to be routed up the external face of the building and connected to the internal plumbing above ground level, whether this is the ground floor or upper storey. In multi-occupancy properties INSUduct® allows multiple supply pipes to be installed, as it is designed to provide frost protection for up to three 32mm OD water pipes installed to the exterior of the building.

The use of insulated ducting also allows compliance with British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) best practice

of joint free supply installation. In their recently launched Groundworker, Service Pipe and Meter Housing Installation Training the use of joint free installation is recommended and is recognised to minimise the risk of future joint failure and leaks.

In addition to providing a simple solution to lead free water provision, insulated ducting can be used in association with surface mounted meter housings. UK water companies are now trialing or, as in the case of Portsmouth Water, moving completely to surface mounted meter housings. “The surface mounted water management system houses the meter above ground, removing unsightly street furniture and allowing for easy meter reading.” Steve continued, “It also allows for future proofing the network, providing the option of the installation of ultra-smart (5G) two-way metering and ‘internet of things’ (IOT) technologies.”

Steve Leigh, Managing Director of Groundbreaker, has over 40 years’ experience in the Water Industry and is the developer of INSUduct® and all the Groundbreaker products. In 2018 Groundbreaker were recognised by the HBF (Home Builders Federation) as the Utility Company of the Year for their innovative range that meets the highest standards in both product specification and leak free installation design.

T 01379 741993

www.groundbreaker.co.uk

1. www.lovemoney.com/news/19726/the-most-commonhome-insurance-claims

Jangro enhances digital wall chart tool

Jangro, the UK & Ireland’s largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors, has recently updated its award-winning digital wall chart creator with a fresh new look, as well as enhancing its functionality. Featuring a sleek new header design, the site is not only more visually appealing but also provides a more user-friendly experience for customers. The clean and modern header makes it easier for users to navigate and find the chart they need.

The first of its kind in the industry, this innovative online tool enables customers to create bespoke colour-coded cleaning and hygiene charts for individual rooms or multiple spaces. Following the latest update, both the single and multi-room sections now include areas for the whole building, including bedrooms, washrooms, boardrooms, receptions, classrooms, offices, gymnasiums, hospitality, kitchens, and canteens/staff rooms.

Easy to use, customers simply select areas of a room and are presented with a list of suitable cleaning

Turn your space into an oasis

Just Artificial is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of artificial plants, trees, silk flowers and related accessories. Having supplied major companies such as the BBC, Tesco and Volkswagen, Just Artificial is setting standards across the market.

Just Artificial (est. 2004) has everything you need to make your space unique.

solutions, that include product recommendations, to choose from. After making their selections, the online tool creates a bespoke colour coded chart, which is emailed to the customer, along with a health and safety compliance pack that can be downloaded, printed, or shared with colleagues.

Each pack comprises a wall chart, product safety data sheets, product user guides, and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessments for all the products that are featured on their chart.

For more information, call 01204 795955 or go to: https://wallchartcreator.jangro.net/

Redro delivers new technology

Mainteno is the latest product from Redro that meets the maintenance management needs of every sector from retail to care homes, leisure clubs, race courses, charities, pub chains, office management and logistics. As recent exhibitors at the Facilities Show 2022, Redro’s strong reputation for providing a fully reliable managed service coupled with high quality software that meets all facility management needs was highlighted even more so with the showcase of its new product.

Offering an award-winning maintenance management software that is ultimately designed to streamline every aspect of the maintenance management process, Mainteno is a complete,

cost-effective solution for task facilities management.

Mainteno also has the ability to adapt to any organisation’s maintenance needs. Marked as the most innovative software system in the industry, Mainteno delivers an extensive number of features that allow the user to schedule regular maintenance, raise faults, organise repairs, monitor contractors, audit all maintenance, and track assets. Of course, this kind of technology

usually comes with a hefty price tag, however Mainteno is completely affordable & requires no set-up, no hidden costs, no lengthy contracts, and if that isn’t enough eligible customers can also get a free two-week trial. It’s simple to use, adaptable and perfect for managing all aspects of maintenance, even general task management. The award-winning CAFM software allows everyone to be kept in the loop and for all documentation to be stored in one place.

To access total control of your organisations’ assets, start your journey with Mainteno now: www.mainteno.com www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5qBdvBZciCY&t=271s

The Artificial Plants are highly realistic, durable and designed with meticulous care and attention. They have products suitable for both indoor & outdoor use, Just Artificial’s plants are the perfect way to complement any house, home office or business, and are

available at highly competitive prices with many multi-buy offers in their webstore. With a range that is constantly growing, Just Artificial makes

sure it stays up to date with the latest trends while still addressing traditional needs. Just Artificial can also provide bespoke builds manufactured to your specifications, and offers Fire Retardant and UV Resistant options to guarantee durability. The company provides UK, international and worldwide delivery with no minimum order quantity, and there are also discounts available for bulk orders. For more information & to view Just Artificial’s extensive range, head to their easy to use website or get in touch using the contact details below.

T 01524 858888 sales@justartificial.co.uk www.justartificial.co.uk

Shading the future based on experiences from the past

When it comes to Solar shading and glare control, unfortunately, sunblinds are often an ‘afterthought’. The building will have been designed and built with so called solar efficient glass only to find out that shading systems are still required as the glass itself often does not do what it says on the tin. By that time, most blinds will look like a ‘bolton-job’ and stick out like a sore thumb, destroying the clear lines the architect had intended.

Most, but not all!

At Reflex-Rol UK, a division of De Leeuw Ltd, with experience going back to 1983, we pride ourselves in designing retrofit

shading systems that blend in superbly with a building’s windows. Our blind materials/ fabrics are thin, meaning we can

accommodate a 3 or 4 metre drop in a cassette/headbox of a mere 55 x 54mm. These cassettes can be powder coated or anodised to any colour specified so we can match window frames/wall finishes and make it appear as a fully integrated system with the building.

The same size cassette/headbox can be used for either manually operated systems or electrically driven blinds.

Further and more detailed information can be found on our website at: www.reflex-rol.co.uk and the group’s website at: www.deleeuw-ltd.co.uk

Site Management

Innovative Road Plate cover

Leading innovator and manufacturer of site safety equipment Oxford Plastics has had its Oxford LowPro road plate covers approved by New York authorities.

The Oxford LowPro 23/05 Road Plate which has been designed and developed by the UK company, to comply with HS20-44 standards and has been successfully trialed in one of the most taxing construction environments in the USA. The New York Department of Transport needed a solution to noise pollution caused by steel plates used in urban areas.

Peter Creighton, Business Development Director for Oxford Plastics, said, “The steel plates used within New York city can cause major noise pollution problems, they are around one inch in thickness and are very heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. Once they heard about the Oxford LowPro Road Plate range, they asked us for a demonstration to show the features and benefits of the product.

“After the initial demonstration, the product was then put through a very stringent and very long process of testing and a number of field trials over multiple years, which resulted in the Department of Transport concluding that the product met the standards required to be deployed on New York City streets and it would be the solution to their ongoing noise pollution issues. After a 30 day public consultation they issued a notice of adoption which allows composite plates to be used to cover open restorations or excavations.”

For more details about Oxford Plastics and the Oxford LowPro range, visit: www.oxfordplastics. com/en-us/products/lowpro-road-plates-trenchcovers/lowpro-2305-road-plate-system

Quality bespoke steel buildings and structures

The future of plastering

Airless Spray Plastering is fast becoming the future of plastering. It is the number one choice for a fast, easy to use & smooth finish, and is perfect for the construction, plastering and building industry, specialising in the health care and education sectors.

GP Plastering has over 20 years of commercial experience within internal finishings and provides Airless Spray Plastering Services as part of its core service. Being requested now more than ever by main contractors, its Airless Spray Plastering services

reduce labour on-site by 75%, comes pre mixed so there is no need for mixing, and results in minimal waste as all the plaster removed from the walls during the process is then put back through the machine resulting in only 1% waste. Ideal for a variety of backgrounds such as plasterboard, previously plastered surfaces, Artex, and precast concrete. Other services GP Plastering offers include commercial and domestic plastering, suspended and MF ceilings, metal stud partitions, demountable office partitions, tape and jointing.

No job is too big or small for GP Plastering as some of its previous projects have ranged from small renovations to brand new build of commercial buildings and offices. Always aiming to complete projects on time in a cost-efficient manner, GP Plastering is committed to delivering the highest-quality service that reflects its enviable reputation and professional workmanship.

T 01395 266118

tony.emmins@gpplastering.com

www.gpplastering.com

Yorkshire-based Castle Steel Buildings Limited is a leader in cold rolled steel buildings in the UK. From classic car garages to industrial units and large warehousing, Castle Steel Buildings work across commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors to create the very best design solutions that last decades with little environmental impact.

One of the key advantages of steel buildings is their versatility in design and Castle Steel Buildings work to create and construct steel buildings of all sizes and for a variety of purposes. As steel can be moulded into almost any shape or size, it becomes easy to customise a building to fit your specific needs.

Whether you need a small storage shed or a large commercial warehouse, steel buildings can be designed to suit any purpose, and with options including insulated or non-insulated cladding, roller shutter doors, personnel doors and many other features, a client has potentially unlimited options in the design of their building.

In addition, Castle Steel Buildings can design a structure that meets the current legislative requirements on fire protection and thermal insulation giving clients reassurance and peace of mind many cannot match.

Furthermore, Castle Steel Building’s turnkey approach to design, manufacture and installation allows project managers to free up the time they would usually spend estimating and drafting a project and organising the installation, to engage with other aspects of their role.

If you would like to find out more, contact Castle Steel Buildings Limited on 01302 301402 or visit the website for a free, no obligation quote at: www.castlesteelbuildings.co.uk/get-a-quote

Heat Pump Training Company of the Month

Promoting excellence in heating: The push towards renewable heating

In this issue of Building and Facilities News, we are proud to announce OFTEC as our Heat Pump Training Company of the Month.

The UK is still in the very early stages of converting to sustainable heat pumps, compared to Scandinavian countries like Norway, where 60% of homes are already heated via heat pumps. The UK Government has now thrown down the gauntlet to industry technicians and OFTEC is one organisation supporting the transition towards low carbon heating.

OFTEC is at the forefront of developing heat pump assessments and training courses, to enable traditional heating technicians to transition to heat pump installations. Paving the way towards heat pumps, will drastically reduce carbon emissions.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNeZ) has launched a new heat pump training grant, geared at increasing the number of heat pump installers, by an extra 10,000.

This additional funding has been applauded by OFTEC, as it welcomes technicians onto its own heat pump courses: OFT21-504A (Installation, Commissioning, and Servicing of Air Source Heat Pumps), OFT21-504D (Design of Heat Pump Systems) and from April 2023: OFT21-504G (Installation, Commissioning and Servicing of Ground Source Heat Pumps.)

The state-of-the-art courses were designed in conjunction with industry gold-standard experts from: MCS, Panasonic, Vaillant and Nationwide Training.

Following successful completion of the courses, technicians can apply for the MCS certification, enabling them to install heat pumps through Government schemes such as The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) or Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). The courses have hybrid theory and practical components and are run through OFTEC’s extensive training centre network.

Originally formed as a training development specialist for the oil heating industry in 1991, this not-for-profit Suffolk trade organisation evolved to become a voice for the industry. Over time, priorities change and with the current necessary drive towards unilateral fossil fuel reduction, OFTEC is focused on renewable energy transitions, through its in-house courses and its competent persons scheme: solidifying self-certification of controlled service work across the liquid fuel, solid fuel, heat pump, biomass and solar thermal heating systems.

“Our Competent Persons Scheme already has over 9,000 heating technicians operating through the various heating sectors. Our primary focus is on the rural areas off the gas grid – roughly 1.7 million homes,” explains Malcolm Farrow, OFTEC’s Head of Public Affairs.

OFTEC has a technology neutral vision for the decarbonisation of the off-the-grid sector, which the team hope will be achieved through

the delivery of liquid fuelled as well as electric heating systems.

“Oil heating (we now prefer the term liquid fuel heating) is a popular choice off-the-gasgrid – particularly in rural areas. It is typically cheaper than other options such as LPG,” continues Malcolm.

As the industry looks towards the future, technicians will need to be well versed in a range of heating technologies, utilising both liquid fuel and heat pump knowledge interchangeably. This in turn, gives the endconsumer an informed choice about types of renewable technologies.

OFTEC will be at InstallerShow 2023 from the 27-29 June: NEC Birmingham.

For more information about OFTEC and its courses, see the website below:

T 01473 626298 (UK)

T 01 864 5771 (Republic of Ireland)

www.oftec.org

Renewable Energy Solutions Company of the Month

Accessible renewable energy solutions for residents and businesses

In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are proud to announce Pure Renewables as our Renewable Energy Solutions Company of the Month.

According to the MCS Installations Database (MID), it is now estimated that there are 1.2 million UK homes with solar panel installations. That equates to a rise of one megawatt of electricity generated in 2008, to a phenomenal 11,730 by 2020. The picture is similar across the commercial sector, with many businesses opting for solar panels and ground-sourced heat pumps. With many incentives such as the Smart Exposure Guarantee Tariff, companies can even sell unused energy back to the National Grid.

Ground source heat pumps in particular are cost-effective and run as low carbon heating systems, all year round. Taking advantage of the ground’s constant temperature, the pump heats up businesses and homes, alongside a hot water supply.

The current 240,000 UK heat pumps installed are nudging the country towards meeting the UK

Government’s 2050 net zero targets. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme assists eligible homeowners with an upfront grant of £5,000 towards an Air Source Heat Pump and £6,000 towards a Ground Source Heat Pump.

Pure Renewables is a multiaward-winning company, offering renewable energy solutions to the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors, helping the country turn greener every day.

Founded in 2007 by Chris & Janie Whitelock, the company is well-regarded across the industry and is the recipient of many awards, including winning Humber Renewables Awards: ‘Best Small Businesses’ two years running.

Located in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, the company is now one of the leading providers of turnkey solutions in renewable heating and solar PV, across the domestic and commercial sectors. Initially specialising in solar thermal energy systems and solar photo voltaic technologies, this dynamic company now works in conjunction with leading heat pump manufacturers.

Offering a purely bespoke service: Pure Renewables is able to offer a full design and consultation process, installation, aftersales, repair and maintenance turnkey solution, for regional and national customers.

We spoke to founding Chairman, Chris Whitelock to find out more, “We are brandagnostic, so we’re able to tailor-make solutions for our clients to best fit their requirements. We also provide a range of technologies thereby offering a one-stop-shop approach.

“We are growing rapidly, in respect of our growing sector reach and are able to deliver large-scale industrial solutions to the horticultural sector, process-heat, schools, hotels, large privately-owned homes, health centres to name just a few.”

For companies on track to achieve ISO 14001 compliance: ground source heat pumps offer a smart sustainable investment for the long-term future. Not only are heat pumps more energy efficient but they last on average, 20 years longer than a conventional gas boiler.

Not only are Pure Renewables invested in converting the country to renewable energy through roof solar PV and heat pumps: they are investing in their own future employees and the local environment too.

The company are keen on training apprentices for the next-generation, and the industry has noticed. Company apprentice Jacob James won the coveted Humber Renewables Apprentice of the Year last year and Arthur Wells, Apprentice Engineer is a finalist this year.

Furthermore, Pure Renewables support several charities including the PATT Foundation: a local Humber project educating communities about sustainable forestry and climate change. Through growing fresh vegetables for the local food banks, to ancient woodland flora restoration projects, the local foundation is changing hearts and minds, one tree at a time.

T 01482 846005

info@purerenewables.co.uk

www.purerenewables.co.uk

Drainage, Plumbing & External Works

TYDE expands washroom fill & flush range

TYDE is excited to announce the launch of their new range of Dudley ‘Victoria’ Outlet Valves.

Along with an improved version of the Dudley cable operated Victoria Valve, the all-new Mechanical Dual Flush Victoria Outlet Valve is now available to be ordered from TYDE’s production centre located in the heart of the Midlands.

The new Victoria Valves are both WRAS approved and can be serviced in under 5 minutes providing installers with a real time saving advantage. Both of these high-quality Outlet Valves are fitted with long life silicone seals and a choice of button mounting options. The new Victoria Valves offer Water saving options with full and reduced flush options as standard. For maintenance or replacement, the robust but simple to use bayonet fixing enables the valve body to be quickly and simply removed from the cistern making the Victoria Valve fast and simple to install and maintain.

The new Dudley Victoria Valves are excellent additions to TYDE’s extensive product range offering both quality and reliability and for peace of mind, the new Victoria Valves come with a 3 year warranty and can be ordered for next day dispatch. Order yours today!

For more information, email us at: info@tyde. co.uk or visit: www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde

DrainTalent

It’s every grounds manager’s struggle; to optimise the moisture levels and create the best playing surface no matter what weather condition.

Meanwhile, sports managers expect perfect playing fields and the facility managers, the club stakeholders and society expect sustainable solutions and policies.

As a result of climate change, typically, longer dry and hot periods are interspersed with heavy rainfall in short periods.

We have to act on that, act on our water usage, and act on the way we are using sports pitches. That’s the point where DrainTalent comes in…

The NeutraliZer™

In-line pH balancing for concrete washout

Initially developed by Smart Storm for the Thames Tideway project, The NeutraliZer™ is a unique, mobile, in-line treatment plant that uses only CO2 to continuously neutralise concrete washout water.

The concrete wash water issue

The pH of concrete wash water from construction and building sites is highly caustic (pH 12-14) and very damaging to the environment if untreated. It is illegal to discharge without an acceptable pH level (usually 6-9).

Equally, this applies to concrete wagon washouts to sewer and surface drains, where usually illegal to discharge below pH 6 and above pH 10.

This high alkaline wastewater is customarily treated with hazardous chemicals on a batch basis.

NeutraliZer™ CO2 concrete washout treatment

The NeutraliZer™ works by monitoring the caustic washout with Smart Storm’s USM pH meter and based on the readings, carbon dioxide (CO2) is automatically dissolved into the wash water flow to reduce the pH to a safe level for discharge; this happens on a continuous flow basis.

01274 591115

info@armatherm.com

www.armatherm.co.uk

water through the soil in periods of drought and refreshes air in the soil. The result: high-quality surfaces, no cancellations, and increased use.

This is done with huge water savings and fewer fungicides compared to traditional irrigation. It makes the life of the grounds manager a lot less stressful and managers and stakeholders satisfied.

With DrainTalent, you have a unique soil management system, ensuring 24/7 optimal conditions and balancing the moisture content within the soil. The system automatically extracts water at high speeds during rain, infiltrates

Smart Storm’s USI, a multiple water parameter meter, provides a 7” touch screen interface for user-friendly operation.

A Magflow flow meter monitors the effluent leaving the unit, which can treat up to 25m3 of wastewater per hour.

CO2 dissolved in water is slightly acidic so is ideal for neutralising concrete wash water and CO2 self-buffers so cannot overdose no matter how much is injected.

Key features:

s Continuous processing system with advanced in-line mixer

s Skid-mounted and highly mobile –small footprint

s No need for hazardous chemicals or batch treatment

s Fully automated with alarm beacons (pH/out of gas)

s Rugged construction

s Plug and Go

s In-built storage for 8 gas bottles

s Integral flowmeter

s Remote Cloud-based monitoring.

Available to purchase or hire; contact Smart Storm Ltd to find out more:

T +44 (0)1422 363462 enquiries@smartstormgroup.com www.smartstormgroup.com https://twitter.com/smart_storm www.linkedin.com/company/2097214

DrainTalent won the innovation award in the Netherlands in 2019 and was attending Saltex in 2022 for the first time.

T +31 (0)85 0501681

info@draintalent.com www.draintalent.com

Specialist Roof Refurbishment Company of the Month

Sustainable roof refurbishment

In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are proud to announce HD Sharman Ltd as our Specialist Roof Refurbishment Company of the Month.

Firstly, according to the Association of British Insurers (2019), there are 100,000 annual roof leaks across commercial buildings in the UK, leading to extensive damage and downtime costs. The three main causes of roof leaks are: roof fabric deterioration, inadequate draining and poor roof maintenance.

Secondly, with the recent upsurge in solar PV roof panel installation, companies are asking the big question: should I replace, repair or refurbishment my roofs?

HD Sharman Ltd can help with both these scenarios, offering expert guttering and roof products, with proven results for the commercial sector.

Established in 1969 by Harold Sharman, the company originally focussed on farming products such as cattle feed liners. By 1985, the remit shifted to commercial roofing as a method for preventing costly roof leaks, yet still utilising the original agricultural design prototypes.

“We are based in Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak and manufacture our industry-leading BBA-approved Plygene Gutterline® on site. Plygene Gutterline® is made from a non-bonded, thermoplastic blend, that expands and contracts separately from the gutter substrate material. It can be installed even in light rain conditions and is watertight, UV resistant and highly resistant to mechanical damage. It is the only BBA-approved gutter lining system and now comes with new Liner Retention Plates (LRPs) to make cleaning and installation easier,” explained Managing Director, Mark De Rozarieux.

Sharmans can offer protection against inadequate drainage too. In the latest product developments for the company, Sharmans has embraced the IoT era and introduced its revolutionary RoofCare monitoring system, as Mark showcases, “An ultrasonic sensor provides a continuous remote monitoring of gutter flow, and front and rear cameras take pictures of the gutter to identify possible problem areas, such as seagull deposits or a build up of leaves. Before the height of the water overtops the gutter, automatic alerts are sent via SMS and email to the designated facilities manager, allowing for proactive maintenance. This intelligent system provides you with eyes on your roof 24/7.”

“We have also expanded our site over the years and pride ourselves on being a British manufacturer. Our liquid coatings have for the first time ever, just overtaken the sales of our gutter leak prevention system, perhaps hinting at the boom in solar PV roof installations across the commercial sector,” outlined Mark.

Solar panel installations need to ideally align with the life cycle of metal roofs, to prolong longevity. The BBA-approved Delcote® is an advanced-engineered, full roof coating system, with a 25 year guarantee, for added assurance. The Seamsil® product is designed to address cut-edge corrosion and comes with a 15 year BBA-approved guarantee. Refurbishing the roof with these leading products, is the most cost-effective and sustainable choice for surveyors and contractors alike.

Both the Seamsil® and Delcote® products contain five times less embodied carbon than standard roof replacement products, allowing the journey of decarbonisation to start from the offset.

Sharmans will be at the following 2023 trade shows: RICS UK Building Surveying Conference and the Smart Building Show in October, at ExCeL London.

If you would like to learn more about any of the systems mentioned, please contact Sharmans on the details below:

T +44 (0)1298 812371

info@hdsharman.co.uk

www.hdsharman.co.uk/installing-commercial-pv-panelsystems/

Lighting & Electrical

Feeder Pillars and Belisha Beacons – next day dispatch from stock

We keep stock of both our mini pillar ranges SDMP and BD Feeder Pillars in a wide range of sizes to suit most applications.

We also keep some larger Pillars from our FFP and GRP ranges meaning you could have your order within 24-48 hours and not have to wait

for weeks. In addition, our bespoke and made to order sizes are available from just 2 weeks!

We also keep stock of our Belisha & Refuge

Beacons. Our ever reliable mains powered AmberGLO8, our illuminated column version – the OlympiadIPB and our Solar Powered SolarisV2. We also have stock of both our pre-wired and BC22 fitting LED Beacons in addition to spares and extras like LED Crossing Spotlights and Courtesy Shields.

We have been manufacturing high quality products since 1982 and supply Contractors, Wholesalers and Local Authorities with products for a wide variety of purposes from Highways & Streetlighting, Outdoor Power & Leisure to Sports Facilities, Car Parks, Market Pillars for Stall Holders and MRI Pillars for Hospitals and Feeder Pillars for EV Charging too.

We are also pleased to announce that we are now ISO 9001:2015 certificated for Quality Management so you can be assured that the service and products you receive are top notch!

We have another new recruit and welcome Hannah Pearce to the Sales Team to join Hannah (Fisher), Chloë, Emily and Lexi taking your calls in the office so please do give the 2 Hannah’s a call or email and they’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.

See www.fisherandcompany.co.uk to view our great range of galvanised, stainless and powder coat finish Feeder Pillars, GRP Enclosures, Belisha Beacons, Lighting & Sign Brackets and Digging Tools. To get a quote for your latest project, please contact the Sales Team on 0333 666 2122 or email: info@fisherandcompany.co.uk

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

HVAC Consultant:

The value add consultancy

Our customers are our highest priority, whether you require service validation with your current service provider, contract renewal support, condition reporting & life cycle profiling, energy performance & reduction programs, refurbishment, upgrades, or support in replacing your HVAC system, we are committed to ensuring we delivery service excellence.

Barry Coe, Founder & Director, has spent over 30 years’ working within the HVAC industry for major HVAC manufacturers, he brings indispensable knowledge balanced with a personal approach when it comes to supporting the customer through the services provided.

At Appletree Aircon Services, we offer full support whether it’s our retainer service allowing the customer to have daily support for their HVAC equipment or offering full strategic consultancy support for specific

projects, we are here to support you.

T 01449 721574

M 07507 664752 barrycoe@appletreeaircon.co.uk www.appletreeaircon.co.uk

Panasonic receives ministerial visit

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions was pleased to receive a visit from Rt Hon Grant Shapps, MP for Welwyn Hatfield and Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, to its Welwyn headquarters to see first-hand the new fully equipped training centre for heating and cooling systems. This visit follows Mr Shapps’ recent trip to Japan for the G7 Summit during which time he also visited the Panasonic factory and R&D facility in Tokyo.

The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP for Welwyn Hatfield commented, “It was wonderful to meet the team at the Panasonic Heating and Cooling HQ in my constituency. It was so interesting to learn about and see first-hand their innovative work on high-quality heat pumps which will help reduce our carbon emissions and provide lower energy bills for all. I was also thrilled to learn about Panasonic’s new training and support scheme which launches this month. It encourages installers to train in low-carbon technologies and receive £500 upon completion of their training and their first installation of a low-carbon heat pump. I want to thank the team at Panasonic for making the time to see me & thank them for helping Britain decarbonise.”

Encouraging UK homeowners to switch to low carbon technologies is a key cornerstone of government

policy, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides upfront capital grants to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. Panasonic offers support and training for installers looking to fit heat pumps and during his visit, Grant Shapps learnt about Panasonic’s latest incentive; a new scheme to encourage installers to train in this new technology, by offering £500 in Rewards on completion of their accredited heat pump training and their first Panasonic installation. The scheme is due to launch in May 2023. www.aircon.panasonic.eu

National Painting and Decorating Show Review – Top Exhibitors

Join us at biggest & best event for painting & decorating professionals

The National Painting and Decorating Show, held at Coventry Building Society Arena from 22-23 November 2022, celebrated its 28th year as the trade’s biggest national showcase for products, materials, ancillaries, services, ideas and good practice bringing together suppliers, stockists, designers, facility managers and contractors for a festival of all that’s best in this vibrant industry, that visitors really can’t afford to miss.

Over 100 leading international manufacturers representing thousands of brands partner with start-ups that bring enterprise and innovation into the business of surface preparation, decoration and remedial treatments.

The exhibition is seen as the natural launchpad for developments in surface coatings, application techniques and restoration materials and as such attracts

attendees from all parts of the UK. Meet the manufacturers, exchange ideas with other decorating professionals, and discover new ways to build a better decorating business. Free entry at easy-toreach venue in the heart of the UK.

The show returns to Coventry Building Society Arena from 21-22 November 2023. This is our second pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Clarendon Designs. Further details can be found on this page. www.paintshow.co.uk

Level 3 specialist wallcoverings training

“We exhibited for the first time at The National Painting and Decorating Show 2022 in Coventry in November and received a lot of interest. We very much look forward to exhibiting at the next edition,” stated Frank Steven Cockerill, Owner of Clarendon Designs.

Clarendon Designs supplies clearance lines of wallcoverings for trade to other decorating professionals and trainees in the Painting & Decorating industry.

With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Frank is well suited to source the best quality materials and wallcoverings to best suit your needs. Furthermore, the second arm to the business is that Clarendon Designs also provide level 3 specialist wallcoverings courses for trainee decorators. The main training courses are for vinyls and wallpapers, linings and woodchip, hand prints, wide width vinyls, metallics and woolstrands.

Enhanced fire protection from Hörmann UK

Fire rated sliding doors from Hörmann UK offer the industrial and commercial markets first class fire performance together with functionality and style. Manufactured from steel and stainless-steel the single leaf doors are fully compliant to BS EN120 and BS EN240. Hörmann offers two options –the FST 120-1 BS fire sliding door offering 120 minutes of fire resistance and the FST 2410-1 BS providing 240-minute fire resistance.

Suitable for installation across a wide range of developments and industries the sliding fire doors have been manufactured to withstand heavy usage cycles and provide unrivalled durability and reliability. The doors are constructed with 72mm flush elements that result in a quality door leaf with parallel uniformed edges to create a contemporary aesthetic. While a patented cylindrical track roller and stable roller track results in a precise door leaf guide with quiet operation

and easy actuation.

The FST range of doors are available with a choice of additions including impact absorber profile guards and anti-collision bollards to ensure safety and long-service life. They can be fitted with a Hörmann FSA hold-open device which features a battery backup for reliable operation. They are also compatible with the Hörmann SupraMatic operator which provides fast, automated

If you would like more information, please contact Clarendon Designs below:

T +32468257384

frank@clarendon-designs.co.uk

Doors & Windows

opening and closing, while the soft-start and soft-stop feature delivers quiet door travel. In case of fire, a patented compensator release system will unlock the operator enabling the door to be closed via weights.

Available in either Pearlgrain galvanised or smooth galvanised surface finishes, the doors are offered in a choice of 7 preferred colours including Flame red, Anthracite grey and Pure white, or any RAL colour of choice. They offer a modern, robust finish without compromising on fire performance.

Phil Thorpe, Industrial Projects Manager, says, “Our British Standards compliant fire sliding doors are a key addition to our extensive range of industrial doors. Not only do they offer excellent fire resistance, up to 240 minutes, they are also constructed from quality materials and offer a long and reliable service life, while aiding safe escape routes and building protection.”

To find out more about Hörmann industrial doors and fire doors, click Fire Sliding Doors | Hörmann or call 01530 516868 or visit: www.hormann.co.uk

Facilities & Estate Management

How NEC4 FMC users benefit from continuing support and training

The NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC) combines facilities management (FM) terminology with NEC best-practice procurement principles. This also means FMC users benefit from NEC’s global support and training services, plus continuing evolution of the contract to meet their changing needs.

Previously the NEC4 Term Service Contract (TSC) was often used to procure FM works. But the contract and its language are better suited to ‘hard’ FM, such as structures and mechanical systems. The FM market, led by Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), needed a contract that could also deal with ‘soft’ FM, such as cleaning and security services. As described by Sofie Hooper on page 1, this prompted a four-year collaboration between the NEC and IWFM, resulting in the launch of the FMC and the Facilities Management Subcontract (FMS) in January 2021.

The Facilities Management Short Contract (FMSC) and Facilities Management Short Subcontract (FMSS) were published later in the year for straightforward, low-risk works, completing this unique new contract suite.

Positive user feedback

A key benefit reported by the fast-growing number of FMC users is the inclusion of service and project orders, which are considered better suited for the type of work done in the FM sector

than TSC task orders. This is also due to the language being better aligned with the way the FM sector thinks and works. Not surprisingly, among NEC users the FMC is gradually replacing the TSC where appropriate as existing contracts and frameworks come to an end.

New FMC users who have not previously used NEC contracts have also praised the contract for its simplicity, which along with the modular nature of the contract has empowered them to shape it to suit their circumstances. These factors enable users to realise the benefits of using an NEC collaborative contract in the FM sector, including savings on costs and time and robust risk management.

Certainly the NEC need for ‘active management’ to achieve these benefits has also been noted by new users. While some consider this to mean a greater focus on administration, it is also recognised that striving for best contract management practice will pay dividends across a project’s duration.

Practice notes

NEC’s collaboration with the IWFM has continued over the past two years. As with all NEC contracts, various

Fire,

practice notes have been issued since the launch to help FMC users incorporate bespoke contract requirements. So far these include social value requirements, paying a living wage throughout the supply chain, and implications of international and cross-border contracts. Like all NEC contracts, FMC is written to be independent of any specific legal system so it can be used worldwide with minimum adaptation. For UK users a practice note will soon be issued on The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, or ‘TUPE’, which will help them deal with protection of employment rights in FM term service contracts.

Training and networking

NEC is providing ongoing support for the adoption of the FMC across different regions by hosting FM-related events and providing specific FM training courses, helping users get the best value from the contract, including continuing to develop sector-relevant material to achieve this.

In addition, FMC users have shown a strong appetite for more engagement, in particular a space to network, exchange best practice and share resources related to NEC and FM. The recently launched NEC Community App will play a central role in delivering this space in the near future. NEC is keen to hear and understand what kinds of further engagement FMC users across the world will find valuable.

Moving forward, NEC will continue to engage with and support the FM sector by creating marketled solutions built upon the core NEC principles of mutual trust and cooperation.

T +44 (0)20 7665 2446 info@neccontract.com www.neccontract.com

City workers gain fast office access

Intelligent building technology from Smart Spaces – along with a HID Mobile Access solution – has been installed at the landmark commercial skyscraper, 22 Bishopsgate – the tallest tower in the City of London’s financial district at 278m high.

This means office workers who use Apple iPhones or Apple Watches can enter the building easily, securely & quickly by simply holding their devices near any NFC-enabled door reader as their employee badges are now stored directly in Apple Wallet.

Smart Spaces provides a suite of cuttingedge technologies for workspaces. By utilising HID Mobile Access and building management systems, Smart Spaces

constantly adapts to deliver best-inclass experiences to make daily work life more efficient for occupiers, employees, property owners and managers alike, while optimising sustainability and wellness.

The introduction of employee badges in Apple Wallet – the project at 22 Bishopsgate being one of the first sites to debut in the UK – is the next step in transforming the user experience in a modern workplace. Multiplatform QR access will remain available to those that require it, too.

Unlike physical cards, there is no waiting time for obtaining building credentials, making building access for new employees quick and efficient. In addition, employee badges in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security features built into Apple’s iOS.

For more information, visit: www. hidglobal.com or www.smartspace.app

Halifax welcomes a new CSCS test centre from BOSS Training

Halifax is now home to a new training centre, which will provide essential qualifications for the construction industry. The new test centre, opened by BOSS Training, will offer the coveted Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card to individuals in Calderdale and surrounding areas. With a CSCS card, workers in the construction sector can work on most construction sites in the UK.

The previous test centre located on the same site was closed six months ago, causing construction workers such as laborers, electricians, and plumbers to travel long distances to obtain the necessary

qualification. However, the new test centre will reopen its doors in March. The courses available at the centre include the CSCS Touchscreen Test and CITB 1 Day Health and Safety Awareness which is mandatory for obtaining a CSCS Labourer Card. Additionally, the centre offers courses in First Aid, Fire Safety and a full range of health & safety courses.

Conveniently located on Lightowler Road, close to Halifax town centre and next door to longstanding hire company TAG Tool Hire. The CSCS test centre will serve local construction companies, facilities management firms, electrical contractors,

decorators and many more businesses. Contact

T 01422 358184 enquiries@bosstraining.co.uk https://bosstraining.co.uk/

your device on or off. You can also text

with an amount of time you want your device on for.

 The GSM Multi Switch has been designed to operate electronic equipment by using your mobile phone or landline.

 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)