Building and Facilities News Issue 990

Tel: 0121 550 4593 ● www.buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk ● January ● Issue 990 Search for us on LinkedIn

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The future is electric Bradshaw Electric Vehicles

Page 24

Manosun

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Service Sealing Solutions

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GreenRaft

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Contents

Editor’s Comments Storm Henk is the latest to hit the UK and the eighth such-named storm in the space of three months to leave havoc, destruction and flooding in its wake. One of the biggest concerns facing the Environment Agency, Defra, hydrologists, climate scientists and civil engineers is the risk of future flooding across the country.

This month, we feature Bartels & Vedder as our Flood-Resilient Building Company of the Month. Page 17.

We showcase a great article on Top cleaning machinery picks for facility managers, where Nina Wyers, Marketing & Brand Director

Building and Facilities News

at The Floorbrite Group, gives an insider’s perspective on what’s hot in cleaning machines for the commercial sector. Pages 8-9.

Aluminium windows and doors were a rising trend in 2023 and that continues into 2024.

Adding a clean, contemporary and stylish design to any home or building, it comes as no surprise that aluminium remains a popular choice among many homeowners and businesses. On page 10 we feature Duration Windows as our Company of the Month and one of the UK’s largest leading

Nicola Tromans Editor & Office Manager aluminium windows, doors & roof manufacturers.

Continuing the theme of building aesthetics and design, we also feature MKM Building Supplies as our Builders’ Merchant of the Month.

Celebrating over 27 years in the industry, MKM offers a comprehensive range of products for both trade and retail customers, including building supplies, plumbing and heating, timber, joinery, kitchen and bathroom showrooms, and landscaping displays. Page 11.

Don’t forget to send us your latest BFN updates and news. Email us at: info@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

On the Cover

Company of the Month 4 With over 22 years of HSE and industrial hand protection expertise, Steven Patterson has steered Manosun towards steady national and European branded recognition.

Conservation Professional 6

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is the UK’s professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts and was incorporated as a charity and limited company in 1997.

Cleaning & Facilities Management 8-9 The Floorbrite Group’s Dave Careless is responsible for c.5,000 pieces of cleaning machinery in the UK.

Bradshaw Electric Vehicles 24

Bradshaw is the official UK distributor for Goupil, all-electric, zero-emission light commercial road and utility vehicles. Goupil was founded in 1996 and quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer of electric utility vehicles.

Company of the Month 10

Over the past three decades since its establishment in 1985, Duration Windows has become one of the UK’s largest leading aluminium windows, doors & roof manufacturers.

Company of the Month 11 Celebrating over 28 years of surpassing customer expectations, builders’ merchant MKM has grown from a single site in Hull to an expansive network of over 124 UK branches.

Contacts Editor & Office Manager, Nicola Tromans – 0121 550 4593 nicolatromans@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk Editorial, Gina Burton – 07483 931474 – gina@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk Production Manager, Robert Sharp production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk Accounts Department, Paul Whitaker – 0121 824 4742 accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk For more information or format requirements, see our Media Pack The entire content of this publication is advertorial based.

To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 4593.

BFN is sponsored

by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Industrial Hand Protection Company of the Month

For hands that work: The industrial solution in hand protection development For many Brits, the first real introduction to industrial, large-scale PPE was during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hospital staff wore head-to-toe PPE to protect the British public at large and civilians were instructed to wear masks, use hand sanitiser regularly and keep two metres apart.

Steven Patterson was one of the many casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, firstly being made redundant from his job as Product Development Manager and secondly, becoming so ill from COVID-19, that he was transferred to his local ICU hospital unit. Luckily Steven recovered and, with the help of a Chinese manufacturing investor, set up a new hand protection company: Manosun. With over 22 years of HSE and industrial hand protection expertise, Steven has steered Manosun towards steady national and European branded recognition.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) of course goes beyond hospital staff: it is worn to minimise protection to workplace hazards such as: chemical, radiation, electrical, through to mechanical. Once the only option, latex gloves are now seen as wasteful and prone to tearing and sectors now demand greater protection at work. Manosun offers a wide range of industrial hand protection, such as the Manosun EUWD1320 double dipped sponge latex grip and cut glove: cut Level C and workable at -10ºC – perfect for freezing, cold winter conditions.

Manosun is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative industrial hand protection for multiple industrial applications.

The product range at Manosun consists of hand protection products are supplied to household names such as Nissan, JDR Cables, and SUEZ. Alongside an extensive product range, Manosun offers to survey work places and promptly recommend the correct level of hand protection required.

In some instances, Manosun can even develop a brand-new, bespoke product to the exact requirements of the customer.

Established in 2020 by Steven Patterson, Country Manager UK & Europe, alongside sponsorship

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In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are delighted to select Manosun as our Industrial Hand Protection Company of the Month from a manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China, the company offers a wide range of PPE-compliant hand protection, industrial gloves, gauntlets and sleeves.

With a warehouse and office located in South Shields, close to the port and in the heart of the North East automotive sector, Manosun supplies the engineering, automotive, manufacturing, civil, power generation, and oil & gas industries.

We caught up with Steven to find out more, “Manosun is a Brand of Industrial Hand Protection and we work with the end-user, offering a hand protection survey in the workplace looking at applications that are causing issues or just an overview to switch brand or supplier of current PPE. “Manosun offers a range or reusable gloves for many tasks and we also develop or tweak current styles to become a more bespoke piece of PPE for a task/application where current PPE has failed.

“It is difficult to reinvent the wheel within a saturated market of PPE and gloves are very high on that list of consumable products offering: comfort, durability, sustainability as well as practicality with touchscreen compatibility. We can also offer longevity, with the ability to launder your gloves adding extra life to your investment.

“We pride ourselves on only utilising premium materials and yarns, to provide a product, with longevity at its core. All our products have enhanced flexibility and dexterity, precision-designed for minimal hand fatigue. The 360° breathe technology, allows hands to keep cool while working. Our lead times are quick across product ordering, to full site survey appointments.

“During 2023, we introduced our new Manosun Basic range: a cost-effective, sustainable, eco-range, suitable for construction and high consumable users.

Our hand protection survey is free for endusers, with 50+ users of gloves within their business. The survey compliments any risk assessment and helps promote standard operations on the shop floor.

“We have attended trade shows throughout 2023, such as the SHE Show North West at Old Trafford, to further showcase our product range.

“We adopt best working practice across all company, this is demonstrated through working alongside the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) and the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA).

We keep abreast of all ongoing national and European PPE recommendations, following guidance from the BSIF. “Manosun has the ability to work on small MOQs from our sponsor factory in China and the ability to develop new products for an ever-changing work environment offering products where ‘not all solutions are off the shelf’. From ARC, Impact, FR. CUT and General handling applications, our products are the ideal solution for a range of industries.

“The Manosun BASIC glove range contain rPET – made from recycled plastic materials, to make industrial Polyester. Each glove pair contains on average 36% recycled materials, showing our steadfast commitment to sustainability in the green era.

“Looking ahead to 2024, we are hoping to add two additional field sales personnel by the end of the year, to join our rapidly expanding North (Scotland) and South-based teams.”

Contact: Steven Patterson M +44 (0)7468 904409 steven.patterson@manosun.co.uk www.manosun.co.uk

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Editor Recommends

Elevate your fire Panasonic leads the protection knowledge future of heat pumps Celebrating 50 years as a global leader in passive fire protection, Nullifire, part of Tremco CPG, announces an exciting lineup of CPDs and training sessions for 2024. Nullifire takes pride in offering a comprehensive range of training programs and CPDs designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals and organisations.

From intumescent steel coatings to fire stopping products, including cavity fire barriers, Nullifire’s training equips participants with the knowledge to implement effective passive fire protection solutions.

Our training programs cater to a diverse audience. Whether you’re a fire safety professional, a member of an organisation, or part of a specific industry, Nullifire’s training is crafted to meet your unique needs. From architects and main contractors to applicators and installers, our target audience encompasses those committed to enhancing fire safety.

Participants can expect to enhance

their skills, receive certificates and their CPD points, and gain insights into addressing industry challenges.

The technical courses are structured to provide detailed and practical knowledge of our products that can be immediately applied to real-world scenarios.

Ready to elevate your fire protection knowledge? Registration for Nullifire’s training programs is simple. Visit our website at: www. nullifire.com/en-gb/stay-up-todate/events-training/ to explore the upcoming courses and secure your spot. No prerequisites are required; our programs are designed to accommodate professionals at all levels of expertise.

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions is introducing its latest generation of Aquarea air-to-water heat pumps with the new M Series. Thanks to its new, modular concept, the M Series allows for more application choices offering different indoor units, available in All-in-One and Bi-Bloc, as well as full Control Box or Remote controller-only essential functionality options. The advanced new system utilises the natural refrigerant R290 for a more sustainable solution and includes Panasonic’s first T-CAP R290 outdoor unit that features a new injection compressor. The M Series also has a hydraulic connection between indoor and outdoor units for simple and straightforward installation without the need for relevant refrigeration certification.

Flexible and suit to all lifestyles With its cutting-edge design, the M Series offers a range of flexible installation options.

New to the M series, the

outdoor unit can function as a standalone system with just an indoor remote control, making it an ideal choice for those seeking vital functionalities.

Homeowners can opt for enhanced functionality by incorporating the more advanced Control Box or also selecting between a Bi-bloc or All-in-One system. This range of choices allows the Aquarea M Series to cater to a variety of functionality needs and property types, ensuring a tailored solution for every user. www.aircon.panasonic.eu

GEZE UK celebrates 160 years with bubbles, bunting and balloons GEZE, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of innovative and modern door, window and safety technology has been celebrating 160 years in business across all of its subsidiaries around the world throughout 2023.

the company’s history. Founded in 1863, in Germany, the business remains in the same family and has grown to employ over 3,000 people globally, with 37 subsidiaries in 22 countries.

At GEZE UK we invited all colleagues across our 8 offices nationwide to join in the celebration and have some fun. Each office was decorated with bunting and balloons and staff were sent cakes and biscuits iced with GEZE 160 years as well as bubbles to blow and other goodies.

Kaz Spiewakowski, MD for GEZE UK, said, “It’s fantastic to see so many of our GEZE UK colleagues joining in the fun to mark our company’s 160th anniversary. It is an incredible achievement that at 160 years old the company is still family owned and continues to grow and develop innovative products.”

Under the motto hundred + sixty years young GEZE has been celebrating across the globe. In addition a microsite www.160years. geze.com has been created detailing

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door and window control products, visit: www.geze.co.uk

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

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Conservation Professional Body of the Month

IHBC: Home of the Conservation Professional In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are delighted to select IHBC Enterprises Ltd as our Conservation Professional Body of the Month Historic England has found that many UK residents visit heritage sites on a regular basis and wish to see these important historical buildings maintained for current and future generations. With such high public support for the restoration and care of historic buildings, it is imperative that the heritage workforce itself has access to a multi-disciplinary professional body.

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is the UK’s professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts and was incorporated as a charity and limited company in 1997. The Institute is focused on establishing, nurturing and maintaining the highest standards of sustainable conservation practice, bolstering the effective protection and enhancement of historic environment and advancing heritage-led regeneration and equal access to the historic environment for all.

IHBC operates from a virtual office space, with home-working staff and consultants across England and Scotland and an admin base in Tisbury, Wiltshire.

“Our members work across variety of industries, crossing over the built and historic environment, including cultural, environmental and development government portfolios, and operating across heritage, construction and voluntary sectors.

“Members operate across key place-making professions: town planners, architects and surveyors (40%) with engineers, educators, architectural historians, urban designers, archaeologists, garden historians and landscape architects and many others.

“Our services are our products, and have a unique specialist focus on conservation interdisciplinary practice, but made accessible to practitioners from all disciplines and backgrounds.

“Our Annual Schools (conferences) target specialist content and practitioners, and this year our School in Reading is focussed on ‘Place and Building Care’ and includes specific content on buildings, facilities and estate care and management. Case studies will range from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to refurbishing and managing historic public buildings.”

We spoke to Director, Séan O’Reilly, for more insight, “We are a multi-disciplinary body, with 2,800 members from across the public, private, government and third sectors, with over 30,000 separate users of socials and digital networks and our website generates over 500,000 visits monthly.

“We are first and foremost a UK professional body and registered charity, with growing global links and we offer our members a full range of specialist services.

These include: generating and hosting networking and links across heritage, construction and voluntary sectors, with news, jobs, educational and training events, publications and data, relevant practice information and regulation, a jobs service and guidance to clients and policy makers, all run mostly free as a public service.

“We are also exploring the possibility of a petition for a Royal Charter (#IHBCPetitionforCharter), which is dependent on securing high levels of support across our members & stakeholders & with the prior agreement of the Privy Council Office.”

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The ‘Place and Building Care’ (finance, policy & people in conservation practice) Annual School will take place from the 12-15 June 2024 in Reading and is available in person and online. The price for digital access and recordings for the main Day School on the 14th June is priced at £35 and is available to purchase from the website.

The IHBC Annual Schools offer leading innovative thinking and valuable networking opportunities from across the industry and delegates often include conservation specialists from across a diverse range of disciplines and practices. These include: community and strategic development management planning, architects, the third sector and charities, urban design, heritage management, landscape and community, archaeologists, construction and engineering, policy makers, innovators and many more.

programme of topics such as: expert and specialist tours, on-site investigations, specialist networking and celebratory events including a school reception, Annual Dinner at Reading University and the IHBC Student Award and Marsh Award presentations.

“Delegates will explore heritage conservation and planning challenges in managing buildings, property and places. With a focus on working with finance, policy and people in conservation, IHBC members and non-members will learn new insights, especially regarding sustainable management and conservation issues from leading experts in the field.

“The Day School and Full School are both IHBC CPD-certified and are action-packed full of case studies, practical guidance and expert advice. In addition to the insightful networking and learning opportunities, our IHBC (Heritage) MarketPlace:LIVE is available to all through online and Zoom channels and in the Breakout Room in person.

“This is a manged online listing of stallholders offering services, products, advice, guidance, checks on planned changes across all aspects of buildings and places. The stall listing includes locations, descriptions, references, contacts and a handy, ‘Share Link’ to forward to colleagues and contacts.”

For information on the Reading Annual School, see the link below: https://ihbc.org.uk/reading2024/ For all other information and enquiries, see the website below: https://www.ihbc.org.uk/

Day-School delegates on the 14th June will have the opportunity to access a day of cutting-edge presentations, networking, discussions and learning, whereas the Full School programme runs on a restricted number policy. The Full School (12th-15th June) will receive a multifaceted

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Cleaning & Facilities Management

Dual Pumps Ltd: Dependable under pressure We are a leading provider of pumps, power equipment, and fluid handling solutions to a wide range of industries throughout the UK and export markets.

Our expertise extends to manufacturing and selling pressure washers, pumping systems, and component assemblies.

With a deep understanding of our products and a network of industry experts, we can cater to the specific needs of our customers.

We are recognised as offering exceptional service, characterised by speed, accuracy, and flexibility. Our customers can count on us for support and assistance, allowing them to focus on serving their clients.

We value open communication and respect in all our interactions and strive to be helpful, personable, and friendly. We take responsibility for our actions and always follow through on our commitments.

With over 48 years in the industry, a dedicated team, and our own warehouse, production, and testing facilities, we are well-equipped to meet the demands of our partners and stock a wide range of quality products.

Located in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, in the heart of the East Midlands, we have good transport links and offer next-day delivery to most of the UK. Good access to

Our experienced distribution team ensures you and your customer’s consignments are despatched securely and on time.

Unrivalled stocks are ready for your choice of delivery. Optional plain cover delivery direct to your customer.

Our purchasing team liaises with suppliers daily, placing orders and negotiating the best possible prices.

East Midlands, Birmingham, and London Stansted international airports enables easy travelling for overseas visitors.

We pride ourselves on long-lasting relationships with our customers and suppliers built on trust and excellent service: s Customer Care & Sales team are ready to take your orders and help with enquiries. s Technical experts to offer advice. s Dedicated export sales advisor for European and international export matters. s Dual Pumps has a proud tradition of longserving staff. s 99% of customers surveyed, rated our service as good or excellent. s In a typical month, 99% of more than 2,400 calls are answered within a minute. s More than 96% orders fill on active products over a typical monthly period.

The warehouse team receives daily deliveries from suppliers and replenishment of stock is constant.

Contact T +44 (0)1664 567226 F +44 (0)1664 410127 info@dualpumps.co.uk www.dualpumps.co.uk

New addition to Toucan Eco range

New CV 30/2 Bp cordless vacuum brush

Robert Scott has launched Centrego Renew, a highly sustainable disinfectant generator that uses just water, salt and electricity to make two litres of powerful, antibacterial multi-surface cleaner in four minutes.

Kärcher is excited to introduce its cutting-edge vacuum brush, the CV 30/2 Bp, designed for professional users. Ideal for diverse settings such as hotels, retail spaces, and public facilities, this machine facilitates the effortless deep cleaning of both carpets and hard floors.

The latest addition to the company’s innovative Toucan Eco range, Centrego Renew has been developed in response to customer demand for enhanced choice and versatility in its sustainable cleaning solutions.

Compared to the one litre capacity of the existing Toucan Eco Worktop Centrego Renew enables users to create double the amount of disinfectant cleaner, helping increase efficiency and reduce downtime of cleaning regimes. The UK-designed product is also significantly sturdier and more durable, making it the perfect solution for busy small to medium spaces.

The hypoallergenic disinfectant

produced by Centrego Renew replaces the need for up to 80% of cleaning chemicals, as well as the single use plastic bottles they come in. Centrego Renew makes fast-acting cleaning fluid in just four minutes, or eight minutes for double strength solution. Any surplus solution reverts to its original state which can be safely disposed of down the sink.

Steve Courtney, product lead for Toucan Eco at Robert Scott, commented, “The Toucan Eco range represents a truly revolutionary step in sustainable commercial cleaning. It’s proven hugely popular with customers and it’s always been important for us to continue working with the industry to understand their needs and keep updating the range to meet that demand.”

The CV 30/2 Bp Adv is a professional battery-powered vacuum cleaner that stands out for its excellent cleaning performance and userfriendly design. With a compact 3 litre capacity, this upright brush-type vacuum is versatile on both carpet and hard surfaces, automatically adjusting to different floor types.

It effectively cleans textile floors, leaving them thoroughly cleansed and straightened. The vacuum’s low ground clearance makes it ideal for cleaning under beds and fixtures in buildings or hotels, with a convenient roller brush self-cleaning function activated by a foot switch, ensuring fast and hygienic operation. The ON/ OFF switch, eco!efficiency mode, and LED display for remaining battery runtime add to the machine's innovative features.

For more information or to arrange a demo, please call 01457 819400, email: info@robert-scott.co.uk or visit: www.robert-scott.co.uk

The new CV 30/2 Bp, offers user-friendly operation with the convenience of cordless use – operators don’t have to contend with

cables, search for power outlets, or switch outlets when moving between rooms during cleaning. This cordless vacuum brush is designed to intelligently recognise the type of surface it is cleaning by adjusting its suction power accordingly for different flooring.

The roller brush of the CV 30/2 Bp thoroughly cleans carpet fibres and removes ingrained dirt. A surface nozzle, available as an accessory, facilitates cleaning in hard-to-reach areas and corners. Thanks to its particularly flat design, the CV 30/2 Bp also enables cleaning underneath low furniture such as shelves, sofas, or beds.

Contact T 01295 752065 www.kaercher.com/uk/professional

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

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Cleaning & Facilities Management

Top cleaning machinery p

An insider’s perspective on what’s hot in cle

By Nina Wyers, Marketing & Brand Director at The Floorbrite Group Meet Dave, better known as Dave Careless.

An unfortunate surname some might say, given his role at The Floorbrite Group as Service Manager. Dave is responsible for approximately 5,000 pieces of cleaning machinery across the UK. However, Dave is anything but Careless, in fact, he has worked as a machinery engineer for the past 20 years and joined The Floorbrite Group 10 years ago. Dave is very experienced, hardworking and conscientious. He wakes at 4.30am and takes his beloved dog for a walk, arriving in his warehouse workshop at 6.00am to start his working day.

Dave’s responsibilities extend to the procurement, management and sometimes delivery of all Floorbrite vacuums, floor scrubbing and burnishing machines, scrubber driers and sweepers and various other pieces of kit. Most of the machinery inventory is owned by Floorbrite and so is PAT tested, serviced and repaired by Dave too. All larger rented and hired pieces of machinery such as ride on scrubber driers or robotic machinery have manufacturer serviced contracts which are also managed

by Dave, so he can have his work cut out.

That being said, Dave is passionate about finding the right piece of equipment for the right job and fit for use by the operator on site. Dave liaises with our business development team, cleaning operatives and various manufacturers and customers to provide demonstrations on sites for the latest innovations to find the right solution for our customers.

Due to his specialist role, Dave is the only person to have visited every Floorbrite site that we provide cleaning services to, which is well over 1,000 across the country. His accumulated knowledge over the years and ear to the ground with regards to machinery, definitely make him best placed to give an overview of what our customers are looking for at the moment which in short are: s No Touch Cleaning Methods s Sustainable Cleaning Methods s Autonomous Robotic Cleaning Machines So, let us take an unbiased look at what Dave decided were a couple of great solutions to some of our most recent customer’s challenges.

Customer 1 Overview

solution tank and wet vac.

This customer’s distribution site covers over 1.4 million ft2, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and at peak times has 2,500 employees on site. The washrooms receive an enormous amount of traffic and are cleaned continuously throughout the day and night shifts.

Problem/Goal A more efficient and deeper method of cleaning was required on a more frequent basis.

Solution No Touch Cleaning by Kaivac through Dennis Rawlins. The 1250NTC is a complete trolley system.

Including a handheld wand with scrubber and miniature pressure washer, inbuilt 20L

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This machine is perfect in tiled washroom and shower blocks. Tiled wall, floor, sink, toilet and shower areas are sprayed with Kaivac’s recommended cleaning solution, scrubbed and pressure washed clean. The wet vac element removes all dirty residue, leaving surfaces almost perfectly dry.

saves on water usage by filtering and recycling the same water while the system is in use.

Conclusion Dave says this is a great piece of kit for tiled washrooms. Faster and more efficient than traditional cleaning and a hygienic and healthier method of cleaning, benefiting both the cleaning operative and end user.

Results and Benefits The no touch cleaning method is scientifically proven to be 30-60 times better and up to 3 times faster than traditional cleaning methods. Surfaces are left sterile and dry, negating the requirement for wet floor signs and preventing slips, trips & falls.

The 20L water tank also

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Cleaning & Facilities Management

picks for facility managers

eaning machines for the commercial sector Customer 2 Overview This customer’s large and busy distribution centre, comprising hundreds of thousands of sqft of warehousing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The floor area is expansive with many aisles and warehouse operatives. Traffic can peak in certain areas at certain times of day meaning cleaning tasks can be difficult to complete.

Problem/Goal The customer was looking for innovation and an efficient method of cleaning. Due to heavy warehouse traffic at different times, some areas are unable to be cleaned during a shift and not always picked up on the following shift due to the cleaning rotation in such an expansive area. This caused areas to remain uncleaned for longer periods of time until the next rotation cycle.

Solution T380AMR Robotic floor scrubber-Dryer by Tennant is powered by BrainOS advanced vision-based AI system. This machine can also be operated as a ride on machine for small cleaning task or just for the purposes of mapping out the floor area to be cleaned autonomously ongoing.

Cleans effectively in cleaner environments using water alone or using floorcare solutions. However, Tennant’s ec-H2O NanoClean™ technology is recommended, which electrically converts water into an innovative cleaning solution. The BrainOS operator system is easy to use, intelligent and can be managed from an app on a mobile or tablet device. Four hours running time versus four hours charging time.

Additional interchangeable batteries can be purchased.

Results and Benefits The T380AMR can intelligently map large

open areas alone without an operator manually mapping the area with it. Once all areas including aisles are mapped and cleaning can commence, the T380AMR will intelligently stop and alert a warehouse operative in its path. If the obstruction is immobile, the T380 will move around the person or object to avoid them and continue on its mapped route. At the end of the mapped session the T380 will return to missed areas to ensure they are also cleaned. Downloads are available for all system reports and the T380’s journeys.

Maps can be adapted to avoid high traffic areas at certain times of day. Can also be purchased with a docking station where the machine will return to at the end of the day to self-charge and commence its duties again when it has finished charging. The mobile app notifies the manager when the

T380 has commenced work and finished and will receive alerts if the machine runs out of water or encounters an obstacle it cannot navigate.

Conclusion Dave says this is the easiest Robotic Scrubber Drier he has used, as some can be complicated. The BrainOS system is perfect for solving the customer’s issue with busy areas being missed and the reporting is very useful for auditing purposes. This kind of solution is not for every site though. For some of the more expensive machines to be a cost-effective solution, the area needs to be large enough to warrant full or almost full-time operation. However, the use of a machine like this can also allow contractors to reallocate employees to high-value tasks too.

A final note from our expert In summary, Dave’s advice is to take everything into consideration when investing in the right piece of equipment. Work with the customer and manufacturer to understand specifications, requirements, budget and objectives while also working with the site operatives during demonstrations to ensure they are able to operate the machinery safely and with ease.

Dave loves his job and loves to make people happy.

His parting words are, “If you can give people a piece of kit that looks good, does the job well and makes them happy, then you’ve won. If everyone is happy, I’m happy and they’re going to do a better job because of it.” www.floorbrite.co.uk

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

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Aluminium Windows & Doors Manufacturing Company of the Month

Your one stop shop for all aluminium products In this issue of Building & Facilities News we are thrilled to feature Duration Windows as our Aluminium Windows & Doors Manufacturing Company of the Month

Over the past three decades, Duration Windows has become one of the UK’s largest leading aluminium windows, doors & roof manufacturers. From the creation of its first product – Secondary Glazing, a product that is still a firm customer favourite to this day. Duration has rightly claimed its number one spot in the industry for its outstanding customer service, innovative products and impressive range.

Duration has the most extensive range of products available including Bi-fold Doors, Sliders, Secondary Glazing, Roof Systems, Modern Windows, and their incredibly popular Heritage Range.

Duration has evolved significantly over the past two years in terms of staff numbers and the increase in its factory units. Because of these positive changes, the company can provide a Fast Track service for its customers who need their products within 48 hours.

Speaking to Grant Chelton, Managing Director at Duration, he explained the benefits of using Duration Windows, “Our years of experience mean that we offer the best in product innovation and technical competence. We achieve great quality products through our highly skilled team and top of the range machinery.”

Heritage Internal Screening Established by Brian Chelton and Dennis Mitchell in 1985, Duration has tripled in size and manufactures out of 18 Factory Units, with its Head Office and Showroom also based in Thames Estuary on Canvey Island, Essex. This provides an ideal location to enable National Delivery to all customers using the company’s in-house fleet of vehicles.

customer Durafold 1000 Slimline demand.

“The feedback we have received from customers is to achieve a steel look design that flows throughout their home, connecting their external window and door design to their internal doors,” stated Grant. In light of this, Duration has looked further into improving its Heritage Range and has also added a 25mm thermally broken transom to create the most authentic steel look design on the market.

Bespoke Apex Window

Modern Window

“We believe in our products so much that we include a 10 year guarantee across all our ranges. Our products are tested and regularly reviewed to ensure they are secure and robust to last a lifetime. By choosing Duration Windows our customers not only receive great customer service but also free technical and marketing support. We also have a product showroom where our customers are invited to show and discuss product options with their customers.”

A fantastic new product to highlight is their Durafold 1000 Slimline, their new Bi-fold door combines outstanding aesthetics and performance utilising quick-glaze beads for fast and straightforward fabrication and installation.

These are available in single or Dual colour combinations allowing customers to have a different internal and external colour, such as dark grey outside and white on the inside.

There are over 200 RAL colours to choose from!

“As a family run business we believe it is important to support our local community.

One of the ways we do this, is by sponsoring various youth football teams of differing abilities in our area, and going forward, this is something we wish to do more of.”

Moving forward, 2024 looks a promising year for the company with more changes to come. Grant explains, “In 2024 we will be relocating our product showroom to a new and larger premises to allow us to display even more of our products and to enhance the customer experience when they visit us. We will also be attending various exhibitions throughout the year where we will be launching new products and speaking with customers to discuss their future projects.”

T 01268 681612 sales@duration.co.uk www.duration.co.uk

“We manufacture our products in the UK and ensure they are of the highest quality and security by being members of various industry and Governing Bodies. We are proud members of the BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) and have Kitemark accreditation with BSi and BMTrada. Furthermore, we are an approved supplier to the Ministry of Justice, so you can rest assured that you are dealing with a reputable company.”

Secondary Glazing

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Recently, Duration has introduced internal doors to its Heritage Range due to increased

Heritage Range

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Builders’ Merchant of the Month

MKM Building Supplies In this edition of Building & Facilities News, we are proud to showcase MKM Building Supplies as Builders’ Merchant of the Month Celebrating over 28 years of surpassing customer expectations, MKM has grown from a single site in Hull to an expansive network of over 124 branches across the UK. Identifiable by their colossal yellow and blue branding, MKM consistently stands out in the merchanting industry for its excellent customer service and unique approach to running its branches, which centres directly around fulfilling local customer needs.

Spanning England, Wales, and Scotland, MKM is the UK’s fastest-growing independent builders’ merchant. Each branch is run independently by its Branch Directors and their handpicked teams, supported by a Central Support office in Hull. Branches benefit from the local knowledge and expertise, building relationships with customers and having the autonomy and the flexibility to meet their needs.

Branches are staffed by experienced teams, with MKM’s frontline champions handpicked for their skillset, knowledge, experience, and abilities. Step inside and you’ll find branches have knowledgeable, local specialists on hand to help you every step of the way.

MKM Building Supplies offers a comprehensive range of products for both trade and retail customers, including building supplies, plumbing and heating, timber, joinery, kitchen and bathroom showrooms, landscaping displays, and more. Their branches feature state-ofthe-art kitchen and bathroom showrooms

unlike any you’ll have seen in a builders’ merchants, and teams provide free design and home measure services, showcasing their commitment to customer-focused solutions.

Distinguished for their extensive product range and services inventory, from construction materials to bespoke kitchen and bathroom designs, MKM Building Supplies is more than a supplier. It’s a partner in bringing customers’ visions to life, coupled with the convenience of free delivery.

Their partnership with globally recognised brands including JCB, Dragon, Bosch, and more means MKM offers an extensive array of tools and equipment for hire from selected branches. This diverse range includes everything from power tools to earth-moving equipment, underlining their mission to cater comprehensively to all building and DIY needs.

Founded in 1995 by David Kilburn and Peter Murray in Hull, MKM Building Supplies has always prioritised nurturing strong community and customer relationships. This philosophy has been integral to their growth and success, enabling them to expand significantly since their inception.

As a company that thrives on exceptional customer service and deep local knowledge, MKM Building Supplies stands out. Their ability to adapt to local market needs is unmatched, making them a nimble and responsive partner in any building endeavour. Nicola Ollett, MKM Marketing

Director added, “Our local expertise is the cornerstone of our service, we have specialists and experts on hand ready to answer questions and adapt to our customers’ needs.

We’re friendly, we’re knowledgeable, and we’ve got all the building supplies you’ll ever need to get the job done.”

Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, MKM Building Supplies has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability.

Their digital innovations, safety measures, and product diversification have ensured uninterrupted service to their customers.

This approach is evidenced by continued growth, with the opening of 14 new branches since January 2023 – the most recent of which have been in Boston, London Colney and Thame. The business has plans to open 10 more branches in the coming year.

For more information about MKM Building Supplies’ exceptional service and extensive product range, please contact them at 01482 345678, email at hello@ mkmbs.co.uk or visit their website at https://mkm.com

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

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Building & Construction Products & Services

Bradite on the up and up A popular climbing centre in Sheffield discovered that Bradite HD Floor+Wall paint came out on top when an extensive indoor climbing wall needed refurbishment.

repeated the process with a second coat and the grit.

We finished with a third coat and, instead of the grit, we applied a lacquer on top.”

Then came the task of replacing the many hundreds of small hand grips and carabiner fixing points that are spread over the entire face of the wall.

The coloured hand grips are arranged to mark out specific climbing routes of differing severity. The entire refurb job took some three and a half weeks to complete.

The Foundry Mountaineering Club – a community interest company established in 1991 in a disused steel works – was looking to spruce up and partially remodel a 500 square metre vertical surface.

“We had previously used floor paints because they are tough wearing and we need something that doesn’t get marked with the rubbersoled climbing shoes,” explained the Club’s service manager, Jacob Crabtree. “It was the guy who built the wall that put us onto Bradite,” he says.

They were delighted to be using an odourless water-based product in place of the oil-based paints previously used. Having decided to go for a more neutral grey – RAL 7047 – to replace the garish bright yellow

currently on the wall, Jacob and one of his colleagues took on the repainting task. His verdict on the finish – “Fantastic!”

“We used three coats. After the first coat went on, we then used an air compressor to spray on aluminium oxide grit to provide some friction on the climbing surface, then

Sustainable solutions: It’s time to make the switch recyclable, meaning that it can be recycled and reused many times.

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, it’s essential that we take firm steps to reduce our carbon footprint. One of the most impactful changes that can be made in both the building and landscaping industries is to switch to eco-friendly, low-carbon, maintenance-free solutions.

Eco-friendly products that last a lifetime Recycled plastic materials offer a number of advantages over traditional wood and metal solutions. Recycled plastic is far more durable than wood, and will never rot or corrode over time.

It’s also easier and faster to install, often coming pre-cut to size and ready to assemble. In terms of ecofriendliness, recycled plastic is an excellent choice for both building and landscaping. It’s completely

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Kedel: A commitment to sustainable living Leading the charge for more sustainable recycled plastic products is Kedel, a family-run business based in Burnley. With a mission to display the very best in recycled plastic materials, Kedel puts eco-friendly living at the heart of its business, recently working with the National Trust and with Lancashire Fire and Rescue on a memorial garden with recycled plastic benches. From recycled plastic decking boards, fencing and cladding to outdoor furniture and building materials, their low-maintenance, affordable alternatives are designed to promote greener living.

T 01282 861325 info@kedel.co.uk www.kedel.co.uk

HD Floor+Wall is a heavy duty two-pack, water-based epoxy coating and finish paint, suitable for painting concrete, steel, ceramic and terracotta tiles. It offers an easy-to-clean finish, making it ideal for hygiene sensitive areas; hospitals, food preparation areas, breweries, bakeries, and now, climbing centres! www.bradite.com

Introducing new Langley PU liquid waterproofing Langley has been supplying highquality systems for more than 50 years. As part of our commitment to high quality sustainable and long-lasting systems, the Langley PU liquid waterproofing system has been developed to the same exceptional standards which can be expected from us.

Offering guarantee lengths of 20 and 25 years, we are excited that our new liquid technology allows the application of a 25 year system in just two coats. This significantly decreases install time compared to many other liquids in the market where a 3-coat system is required.

Langley PU is a solvent free, polyurethane coating system comprised of primers and liquid-applied membranes and is compatible with the huge range of accessories, rooflights

and sustainable solutions on offer.

Perfect for sensitive or occupied sites, the low-odour liquid can be used on occupied buildings such as schools or hospitals.

It provides monolithic, flexible, durable and long-lasting protection.

As with all liquid systems, the practicality and flexibility of installation by brush or roller solves problems associated with long-term waterproofing, where there is significant plant or complex detailing. As with all our systems, you can be assured that the accreditation and testing are to the highest standards, with the Langley PU system having been approved by the British Board of Agrément, with a durability statement of 25 years. enquiries@langley.co.uk www.langley.co.uk

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Best prices guaranteed!

Specialist in business to business supply of quality Asian ceramic and porcelain tiles

Call us today!

01782 226166 www.tilecentral.net

Showroom & Warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent Tile Central UK Trentham Trade Park, Unit F1 Stanley Matthews Way Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8GA

Family business Huge range Friendly staff Interior & exterior Porcelain tiles Ceramic tiles

Facilities & Estate Management

Making monitoring & control mobile GSM Activate is a UK-based manufacturer and retailer of high quality electronics and access control devices, which specialises in GSM (simcards) based technology. Based in West Sussex, UK, GSM Activate provides reliable and durable GSM enabled electronic products.

GSM Activate provides equipment which can be used for security, monitoring & control solutions for use in customers’ homes or for their business needs. The company’s range of products has been designed to incorporate the use of a simcard which enables the user to use their mobile phone as the key component in security, access control and automation

applications. For example, GSM diallers for phone alerts from alarm panels, or sensors; GSM switches to turn on appliances remotely, etc.

Renowned for its reliability opposed to WiFi, Bluetooth and others, GSM is extremely dependable for signal and there is no limit to range, enabling you to control and monitor your electronics from your mobile, wherever you are in the world.

GSM Activate is able to manufacture using the latest hardware enabling connections to 2G, 3G and 4G frequencies.

Contact T 01273 462380 www.gsm-activate.co.uk

Gates for added protection For homeowners or businesses looking to improve security, installing a gate is a step in the right direction.

Gates are an important deterrent in residential and business areas against opportunistic burglary or even vandalism, making homes and properties less of a target for criminals.

Castle Gates & Automation is a leading bespoke gate installation company, from wooden, metal to metal frames gates clad in wood or composite, with many other options available. The company is based in Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire and can offer modern upgrading of existing gates, through to installations of bespoke, new designs. With an extensive portfolio, customers can choose from manual and automated gate options, with a further choice of above-ground, or concealed underground automated gate motors. For level driveways, homeowners can opt for sliding gates, if preferred.

For additional ease and convenience, each gate automation has a remotecontrol fob access, with keyboard entry systems or audio/video systems optionally available for added security measures. Intercoms have become standardised now with many homes and businesses around the country and Castle Gates & Automation can supply GSM Audio Intercoms, GSM Video Intercoms, Wired Audio Intercoms and Wired Video Intercoms.

Installing state-of-the-art CCTV gives optimised security, day and night and when you’re not at home or on holiday. Castle Gates & Automation provides an extensive range of cameras including: short and long range, through to wide-angles, so your whole property is always expertly covered.

Enquire today to find your perfect gate: T 01442 253341 enquiries@castlegatesandautomation.co.uk www.castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

Case Study: East Lindsey District Council Each phase’s order was critical; for instance, files had to be removed from the racking before dismantling. This maintained accessibility to live files throughout the project.

East Lindsey District Council is a local government authority in Lincolnshire, covering the towns of Alford, Wragby, Spilsby, Mablethorpe, Skegness, Horncastle, Chapel St Leonards and Louth.

Clearance of the furniture only began once the building was empty, starting in mid-January and concluding by month-end.

Requirement After two decades at Tedder Hall, a listed historic site, the council decided to move to ‘The Hub’, a modern, eco-friendly space shared with Boston College in Horncastle.

This new facility includes offices and a Council Chamber for official meetings.

New office furniture was required, as the existing pieces had been in use for two decades and would need disposing of in an environmentally friendly way.

The council attempted to repurpose some furniture with local government and Parish councils but due to its age and condition, recycling proved the better choice.

Due to the historical significance of the building, certain collectible vintage equipment, ornaments, and specialised furniture held potential value.

Solutions Pickfords was appointed to relocate the Council to the Hub, situated 12 miles away.

A phased plan was created, to span three months, from November to January, which included: s Moving the paper files stored at Tedder Hall to the Hub, which involved dismantling the roller racking units and managing the records s Relocating the paper files securely, whilst ensuring easy retrieval s Clear the existing office furniture at Tedder Hall and arrange the recycle or reuse of it Despite the enormity of the administrative resources, records, and furniture, the project required seamless execution within a tight timeframe, without disrupting Council services.

Meticulous planning was crucial to ensure smooth logistics and resource co-ordination.

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Therefore, Pickfords collaborated with its business auction partner, Ramco, to collect these items for subsequent online auction sales.

Summary The relocation of racking, filing and boxed desk contents commenced in mid-November, with all staff relocated by Christmas. During the entirety of the relocation, the live records were fully accessible to all Council staff.

The Council’s unwanted furniture was recycled and re-used to offset the cost of the project; and the environmental disposal service Pickfords provided meant that the Council was compliant with its own environmental policy.

The Council was relocated to its new site within the timeframe and budget allocated. www.pickfords.com

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Flood-Resilient Building Company of the Month

Flood-resilient buildings in the wake of Storm Henk

The UK Met Office has been naming storms since 2014 as a way of raising public awareness of the storms likely to cause significant damage. It is a pre-emptive strike, warning businesses and residents using a matrix of yellow amber or red level warnings.

In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are delighted to select Bartels & Vedder as our Flood-Resilient Building Company of the Month flooding. Storms like Henk cause both tidal surges from the sea upriver and lead to rivers bursting banks, alongside localised flash flooding. Many areas such as Essex, Kent, through to Lincolnshire and Somerset are at risk to this type of flooding.

to regional areas impacted by floodplain development, using dry flood proofing or wet flood proofing. These modifications can include re-routing the electrical wiring from the ceiling, using external cement mortar and floor tiling, in place of wooden flooring.

Floodplains are defined as a flat area of land adjacent to a river or stream that stretch from the river banks to the outer perimeter of the valley.

When rainfall surpasses the capacity of drains and other surface water sewers, this results in often catastrophic surface water flooding. Notable counties that are often impacted by surface water flooding include Merseyside, Yorkshire or Cumbria.

“In Venice, ground floors are never occupied due to flooding risks as higher ground offers more refuge. We specialise in amphibious housing – literally housing built on water or flood resistant houses or offices. In subtropical Florida, it is common to see wooden stilted houses, to mitigate against storm damage, including hurricanes and flooding. The stilts can be made from wood, steel or concrete and there’s no reason why the UK can’t consider houses built in this way,” quantified Jelle.

The UK generally has a maritime, moist and temperate climate, with a moderate annual temperature range and is heavily impacted by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift. The Met Office recorded 2023 as the second-hottest year on record, with climate change bringing hotter temperatures, alongside more storms and rainfall. (this translates to hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters)

“Floodplains are diverse around the world, such as the Todd River floodway in Northern Australia: an ephemeral stream which is often dry for months. The Barotse wetland floodplain along the Zambezi River stretches for thousands of kilometres across Africa, reflecting either the dry Kalahari Desert or the waterlogged basin depending on the time of year.

Bartels & Vedder is a Dutch engineering consultancy company, with an impressive portfolio of offices and houses built on land or water. To the untrained eye, many of these seem to defy the law of physics. Yet, co-founders Chiel Bartels and Jelle Vedder have built the dream team of draughtsmen and engineers who not only have a ‘can do’ attitude but thrive on seemingly impossible engineering feats, such as the largest floating office in the world: The Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR.)

One of the biggest concerns facing the Environment Agency, Defra, hydrologists, climate scientists and civil engineers is the risk of future flooding across the country. With rising sea levels, coastal areas such as Cornwall are already seeing the erosion of sea defences leading to tidal

“In the Netherlands, we have an extensive flood management system consisting of dams and dikes, to protect the land from the sea. We have a Dutch expression: ruimte voor de rivier (space for the river), where we have low-lying meadows next to rivers to absorb excess water,” explained Jelle Vedder co-founder of Bartels & Vedder.

Storm Henk was the eighth such-named storm in the space of three months to leave havoc, destruction and flooding in its wake. With over 600 flood warnings in place across England and Wales and winds up to 94mph, many residents were evacuated from homes and caravan sites by the emergency services. In Greenwich, scaffolding fell off a building in the high winds, railways were disrupted by floods and fallen trees and many major roads and bridges were closed due to flooding.

The golden rule in civil engineering is not to build on floodplains and if this rule is broken, expect to see flood damage.

Some UK councils have already taken the sensible approach to ban further building developments on floodplains but this doesn’t help those houses that have already been hastily built, “We can offer expert consultancy

“Our unique selling point is floating structures; this is indeed our signature style but we also work with many land-based projects. We are open to all manner of challenges across the world, with many recent enquiries from Saudi Arabia, through to Asia and Europe.

“We prefer to term our style as ‘climate resilience’ design engineering and specialise in flood-proof buildings, such as at stilt building. With highwater levels becoming an increasingly concern in many countries, across flood plains such as the UK, we provide expert knowledge and practical application.

“We can provide consultancy for flood-proof modifications for regional areas vulnerable to flooding, through to design ‘flood proof’ housing, practical stilt housing, amphibious housing and floating housing.”

For more information on flood-proof buildings, see the website below: T +31 6 422 398 53 info@bartelsvedder.nl www.bartelsvedder.nl

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

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External Works

Expert tree surveyors With the average life span of trees between 300-400 years, and with an estimated three billion trees across the UK, most people live and work in close vicinity to many different species of trees.

With the ebbs and flows of regional town planning, through to greenbelt housing development restrictions, Barnes Associates Ltd is a leading tree consultancy, providing expert BS5837 tree surveys for developers and architects, along with arboricultural impact assessments, and tree protection plans. We lead the UK in tree decay and stability assessments, all using the latest technology including Droning services of interest to many is our Tree Root Mapping service, Tree Radar uses Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) enables the depth and size of roots to be determined.

Husband-and-wife team managers,

Ian and Sue Barnes, and their team support housing developments, commercial schemes, highway agencies, through to County Councils on green infrastructure, habitat corridors and detailed Landscape Assessment & Design services, private clients are also catered for.

Established in 1989, the company became a limited company in 2016 and is renowned for its expert, specialist knowledge, with meticulous attention to detail from all the team. From health and safety reports, tree population surveys, to subsidence cases: Barnes Associates are synonymous with the highest in profession.

They are problem solvers, do you need to develop near trees it is often possible.

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

Premium Shou Sugi Ban® Timber Cladding Sustainable, low maintenance and stunning; it’s no wonder that architects specify Shou Sugi Ban® timber cladding for contemporary builds and heritage renovations.

Traditional Japanese timber homes were preserved using a charring technique called Yasisugi. The process blackens the wood & increases its resilience to weather, insects, flames and mould. When we first discovered this, our team were keen to master the process and develop a premium timber cladding range.

Shou Sugi Ban® is manufactured by hand in our Buckinghamshire workshop.

Not all charred timber is black. Our skilled team brush, char and finish FSC® certified timbers to create a highly desirable selection of cladding including: s Lightened timbers including Kebony Legima s Tinted timbers including Tobu Accoya s Enhanced grain wood including Larch Shiberiatora

See the full range on our website: https://exterior.supplies/charredtimber-cladding Suitable for interior use, Shou Sugi Ban® offers a classic, timeless aesthetic. It complements other construction materials and helps a building to blend into its surroundings. It’s little wonder that this premium timber cladding is specified for RIBA award-winning properties & historically sensitive renovations!

Please get in touch with Exterior Solutions Ltd for further information, quotes and samples.

T 01494 711800 https://exterior.supplies

Site Management

Ensure efficient site management and find your perfect platform with Independent Access Sales An access platform is a structure that allows workers to access high or hard-to-reach places and is particularly useful for the building and construction industries. IAS has over 35 years of experience in the access industry and is more than capable of helping you to find the right access platform for your needs, and at the most competitive prices.

It is not just one thing that enables a site to become efficiently and successfully managed, it’s an accumulation of effective site management practices all rolled into one.

Staying ahead with the latest machinery and technology is one of those and can be made simple by working alongside Independent Access Sales (IAS). Helping you to develop a culture of collaboration using the latest management tools, your staff can be up-todate using the latest access platforms in no time.

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IAS stocks a large variety of machines with some of its most popular being the Easy Lift Spiderlift range from the R130 right through to the RA53, R420, R180 and many more. If you’re looking for a truck mounted platform, IAS stocks articulated, telescopic, and 4x4 ranges, as well as the Push Around Bravi HD that has a max. working height of 4.9m and a max load capacity of 180kg.

Further to its services, IAS offers a complete service management facility throughout the UK. With access to a large network of access platform components, IAS can undertake any additional repairs and also offers a six- month inspection at your premises.

IAS has the professional staff to help and guide you through the servicing process. From scheduling the necessary works and providing

the necessary certification to ensure your platform is in good standing, its team will also advise you on when your issues are due and guide you on how to arrange them.

Of course, buying brand-new isn’t always doable. IAS has a well-respected portfolio of used machines for sale and can also work on your behalf to source any machinery you require.

Each machine has a working height that ranges from 5m to 20m and is kept in pristine condition ready for immediate use.

For more information on how to improvement your on-site management, get in touch below: M 07483 246878 enquiries@iasales.co.uk https://iasales.co.uk/

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Section

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‘Dedicated to offer the best mowing system for maintaining large area turfgrass’ Has clean cutting results in all weather conditions, improved efficiency (at least 20% more fuel efficient), easy maintenance & repairs and low cost of ownership

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Water Management

Fit and Forget 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, eg. 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: s Cold showers, not ideal on a cold winter morning s Timers, using egg timers or the ‘favourite song’ method to cut shower time s Flow reduction, less water is used while the shower is running.

The NRv2 LoFlo®

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.

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

A second 1/5th of water usage is the taps in the house, eg. 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.

The inline LoFlo® alternative to the NRv2

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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 –

Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo®

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Water Management

A guaranteed method for reducing energy bills leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

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 than the gardener that does the same at the top. These ‘time controlled’ uses, eg. 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 abstraction of water from rivers and aquifers 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 the change in supply, it was the positive impact of reduced flow that was cited, eg. reduced splashing at the kitchen sink.

Not a single occupant wanted the

The NRv2 LoFlo® in the Groundbreaker box 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 new option for unmetered properties Following the success of trials, a new product LoFlo Inline has recently been launched.

Properties without a water meter can now benefit from the water and energy savings without having to wait for water meter installation. Fitted internally, after the stop tap on the main water supply pipe, the LoFlo Inline provides the same benefits as the NRv2 LoFLo. So, whether housing stock has a meter or not, tenants can befit from reduced water and energy bills without having to actively consider their water usage.

For further information, please visit: www.groundbreaker.co.uk

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

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UK Construction Week Review – Top Exhibitors

UK Construction Week 2023 Live and Timber Expo, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023.

The UK’s biggest event for the built environment, UK Construction Week Birmingham, returned for its ninth year as the doors opened at the NEC for three days of knowledge sharing, innovation, technology and discussion from 3-5 October 2023.

Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter, George Clarke, and championed by partners and sponsors such as HP, Northgate, Conquip, Oracle, Find It In Birmingham, CIOB, BMF and NFB, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham brought with it a ‘call to action’ for the sector to set its own agenda rather than wait for the government to respond.

With exhibitors from as far afield as China, India, Turkey and Latvia, UKCW Birmingham ran alongside two co-located shows, Grand Designs

Key features included: s UKCW Main Stage – used to take on construction industry topics, with a mixture of keynotes, panel debates and case studies from industry leaders. s Seminar Programme – details of the comprehensive seminar programme covering latest building regulations, the Building Safety Act and its implications, and advice on retrofit. s Robotics Theatre – sponsored by HP, showcased all types of construction robotic innovation s Future Lab – featuring groundbreaking and innovative products including the Exoskeleton from exhibitor German Bionic; a wearable device that can make users feel less tired and reduce the risk of strain injuries. s Infrastructure Hub – sponsored by Conquip Engineering Group, highlighted digitalisation and improving quality and sustainability, this hub delivered a three day programme for those working on infrastructure projects of case studies, debates, networking opportunities, and keynote speeches on crucial issues. s Digital Construction Hub – sponsored

by Oracle, the centre piece of innovation at UKCW. This hub delivered a series of presentations and panel discussions including topics such as Information Management using BIM. Nathan Garnett, show director, explained “UKCW, as the UK’s largest event bringing all parts of the industry together, is the place to learn from those shaping this rapidly changing industry. We tackle key issues head on – including mental health, fire safety and the skills gap.

“We had a hugely successful UKCW London in May, but in such a fastpaced industry, the Birmingham show gave visitors invaluable insight into the latest trends, legislation, innovation and tech, with many new exhibitors and demonstrations.”

UK Construction Week returns next year to Birmingham’s NEC from 1-3 October 2024.

Before then, UK Construction Week London is on at the ExCeL from 7-9 May 2024. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s Birmingham show, listed here in alphabetical order: Clothes2order.com & GreenRaft. Further details can be found on this page and the next. www.ukconstructionweek.com/birmingham

Modern foundations Warm substructures are essential for achieving 21st Century energy efficiency standards. GreenRaft offers a state-of-the-art solution for modern, efficient, warm foundations to create a complete thermal envelope, fully wrapping your building from the bottom up.

Made exclusively from high-quality, water-resistant XPS, the GreenRaft formwork system is highly durable and ensures through-life thermal performance even in poor ground. Unlike conventional insulating formwork, GreenRaft uses a simple menu of components which assemble to meet any detail requirement and achieve precise heat loss targets; from flat rafts to insulated pile-raft foundations and multi-tiered slabs. Its innate adaptability assists designers and delivers cost certainty for

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groundworks programmes.

Its buildability and speed of installation is rapidly winning groundworker fans.

With bearing capacities from 300-700KPa GreenRaft is equally applicable for small domestic and large multi-storey commercial projects. The GreenRaft Design Team prides itself on collaborating with innovative partners and incorporating cutting-edge technologies to minimise embodied carbon, boasting the world’s first post tensioned insulated raft, and pioneering the use of basalt fibre reinforcement technology in domestic foundations. It’s the go-to solution for reduced embodied carbon and passive standards.

Complete Insulated Raft Foundation Solutions A state-of-the-art solution for modern, efficient, warm foundations

01392 925089 www.greenraft.co.uk

For more information, call GreenRaft on 01392 925089 or check out: www.greenraft.co.uk to use the GreenRaft U-value calculator.

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Hospitality

AI will continue to dominate headlines in 2024 Peter Moore (pictured), CEO and founder of software specialist, Lolly, says the world has woken up to a new phenomenon, and looks at what’s in store for the year ahead…

Whether overtly or covertly, the use of AI will be enormous in the year ahead across every sector.

When it comes to hospitality, those more forward-thinking providers will continue to embrace AI and ML (machine learning), in order to create greater levels of personalisation and to improve the customer experience.

Whether that’s facially-recognising a customer as they walk through the door, or enabling them to pay by face for a slicker, more professional experience.

I also believe that where the sector continues to struggle to find good staff, AI will help to bridge the gap. Whether making existing staff more efficient, through age verification tools and integrated data insights, AI tools will help to manage business better – reducing wastage and increasing efficiencies. We’ll also see hospitality providers placing greater focus around data, using applications such as ChatGPT to generate answers and greater levels of data processed through ML.

Rise in robotics – edging closer to the ‘restaurant of the future’ As service-based robots become more functional and cost effective, it won’t be unusual to see them in restaurant environments before the end of 2024. They will continue to be trolley-based for the foreseeable future, taking plates back to an automated dishwasher, for example. Their form and function will carry on improving.

by ordering a burger on their headset, billing it to their account and having it delivered to their home address. It’s different and it’s the future, which we must embrace.

They are also likely to help hospitality providers meet the skills gap and labour shortages which may worsen in 2024 if the new immigration rules come into place.

ChatGPT will come into its own for policies and processes creation – using data in a positive way. It will be part of our lives, and we’ll never go back.

I believe walking and fully-interacting robots are still two to three years away, and – at that stage – we’ll see restaurants of the future being built, with robots running the front of house.

The Metaverse – how far is this from being reality?

In hospitality, we are seeing more Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) propositions. In 2024, Holographic (hypo look) menus will become more commonplace, with a view to enticing more customers.

AR will see its beginnings in shopping malls, with the Alpha generation embracing this, for example

Managing the ongoing cyber security threat Cyber crime continues to remain a huge concern for the hospitality sector. We’ll see a big response to this in 2024, with hospitality tech providers using more AI tech to defend against fraud. The onus will be on them to deliver huge advancements to defend the industry with AI security – delivering major investment to support this.

A continued focus on sustainability Sustainability will remain firmly on the agenda, and we’ll see a continued focus around energy and carbon consumption both from the technology providers, but also in the products being consumed.

The past year has been a difficult storm for many to weather. However, the slowdown in the economy vastly supports the need for greater technology adoption.

I foresee the focus around reducing inflation as a massive green flag for technology, creating the ability to drive more functionality in hospitality environments. www.itslolly.com

UK Construction Week Review – Top Exhibitors

Clothes2order.com elevates safety with a twist Clothes2order.com, a leading name in workwear, is thrilled to announce an extensive expansion in its hi-visibility range, with a focus on enhancing diversity and style within the women’s collection.

Recognising the evolving needs of the modern workforce, Clothes2order is committed to providing solutions that seamlessly merge safety with style. The expanded hi-vis range not only prioritises visibility and protection for outdoor use and low lighting conditions, but also introduces high performance garments tailored for women, offering a practical, yet stylish selection perfect for the modern female workforce.

“At Clothes2order.com, we believe that everyone deserves to feel empowered and confident while prioritising safety in the workplace.

Our expanded hi-vis range, which our suppliers have especially designed for women, reflects our commitment to diversity and

inclusivity in custom branded workwear solutions,” said Simon Turner, Marketing Director at Clothes2order.com.

With 79 new styles, this release signifies Clothes2order's commitment to providing high-quality, customisable workwear that caters to individual preferences, reinforcing Clothes2order as the go-to destination for the perfect blend of style and safety in the workplace.

Explore the full hi-vis collection at: www.clothes2order.com/hivisibility-workwear and embrace safety and style for your team.

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

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Storage & Logistics

Benefits of Goupil electric utility vehicles Bradshaw is the official UK distributor for Goupil, all-electric, zero-emission light commercial road and utility vehicles. Goupil was founded in 1996 and quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer of electric utility vehicles and a pioneer in sustainable transportation solutions.

The Goupil G2 and G4 models perfectly balance sustainable, environmental, and economic functionality in an electric light commercial vehicle. With their innovative design, they are specifically tailored to meet the diverse needs of industrial and commercial operations.

Goupil electric vehicles offer a multitude of benefits that make them a compelling choice.

Not only do they contribute to a cleaner and greener environment by producing zero emissions, but they also provide efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions. With their compact size and manoeuvrability, Goupil vehicles are perfect for navigating urban areas and tight spaces with ease. Additionally, their low maintenance requirements and long battery life ensure reliable and hassle-free operation.

These qualities, combined with their versatility and customisable features, make Goupil electric vehicles an ideal option for various industries,

disturbances to the local community.

Economic benefits Electric vehicles are incredibly efficient, enabling lower operating costs over time than traditional internal combustion vehicles.

Operating electric vehicles can save money on both fuel and maintenance expenses. This is especially beneficial for businesses that operate a fleet of vehicles, as they can see significant savings over time. including logistics, delivery services, and municipal operations.

Environmentally friendly Using electricity rather than fossil fuels, Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping combat climate change and improving air quality.

Regenerative braking contributes significantly to environmental conservation by enhancing the energy efficiency of electric vehicles. Unlike traditional braking systems, which dissipate kinetic energy as heat, regenerative braking systems capture and reuse this energy. The regenerative braking systems on a Goupil Electric vehicle reduce wear and tear on the tyres and reduce tyre and brake dust pollution.

Silent operation Electric vehicles offer a significant advantage in reducing noise pollution, providing a tranquil and enjoyable environment. These near-silent vehicles enable operations during evening and early morning hours without causing

Stop/start operations The Electric Goupil is better suited to stop-start operations compared to diesel vehicles. Diesel particulate filters (DPFs), designed to capture and store exhaust soot to reduce emissions, can pose problems. If not regularly and sufficiently heated, these filters can become clogged, leading to expensive maintenance and repair costs.

No special charging infrastructure required Charging a Goupil G4 is a straightforward process; equipped with a single-phase onboard charger, the Goupil’s plug into any 230V/13A domestic socket, negating the need for any additional electric charger installation.

Compact size The Goupil G4’s compact size and manoeuvrability make them ideally suited for urban environments, where space is premium and navigating crowded streets can be challenging. www.bradshawev.com

Doors, Windows & Joinery

Hörmann industrial sectional doors achieve Secured by Design accreditation Hörmann UK, market leaders in the supply of loading bay equipment and industrial doors for the warehousing and logistics markets, has announced that its SPU 42 and SPU 67 Thermo industrial sectional doors have been awarded Secured by Design certification. The doors have undergone enhanced testing and conform to STS202 which is the standard for burglary resistance of construction products.

Established in 1989, Secured by Design (SBD) is a flagship security accreditation that has instant recognition. Created by the UK Police Force to support the designing out of crime, the accreditation means that the Hörmann doors have undergone stringent security and safety tests which ensure they offer the highest levels of protection against forced entry and crime.

Hörmann sectional

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doors are accredited in their standard format with no modifications or additions required. The accreditation applies to both manually operated and automated versions of the door and covers the use of all current Hörmann industrial operators. A range of panel sizes are available, with a maximum door size of 6,000mm x 7,500mm being achievable. Doors can be supplied in either stucco and micrograin finishes and glazing panels are covered by the accreditation to a maximum height of 625mm and consist of a polycarbonate and welded wire mesh infill.

Commenting on the accreditation, Phil Thorpe, Industrial Division Manager at Hörmann UK, said, “At Hörmann we always want to make sure that we are providing the

market with products that meet current need and demand. More and more we are seeing developers and clients ask for doors with SBD status, both from a security perspective and often as a planning requirement. Our series 60 door now provides the most up to date accreditation, together with the ability to provide a high level of security and peace of mind.”

For further information on Hörmann UK, call 01530 516868 or visit: www.hormann.co.uk

BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Pumps & Valves

Powering the HVAC industry: The small tool with the big attraction It is imperative that engineers can operate valves in a plant or system manually if there is a fault, where power is not available or which hasn’t yet been wired-up or have been recently decommissioned and the power subsequently removed.

How is that possible?

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet from Fridgenius is the solution.

Its compact design and high usability application has already been widely praised by engineers across the HVAC industry. It is designed like a cotton reel and when placed on a solenoid valve (with coil removed), it causes the armature to open and close.

It is a time saver!

It can be used effortlessly to recover refrigerant from a plant which has already been decommissioned and power removed. In urgent emergencies, when the solenoid valve coil fails, it is a lifesaver by keeping the system functioning, until a replacement coil is sourced and installed.

The Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet is available in four sizes:

10mm, 15mm and 18mm and 20mm.

This can be customised to a colour of your choice, with bespoke company logo printing available.

Where can I buy the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnet?

Fridgenius is a successful family run business, with a firm network of national and international distributors supplying the Solenoid Valve Operating Magnets. They are suitable for usage in refrigeration, air-conditioning, water, oil and gas installations.

Contact T +44 (0)2381 550189 enquiries@fridgenius.com www.fridgenius.com

Oliver Twinsafe engineers let off steam Oliver Twinsafe, in partnership with their official distributor HT-PCE, collaborated with an industrial processing plant in solving huge leakage problems experienced on steam applications.

Their existing metal-seated valve design had to be improved and even replaced, and for good reasons.

Their valves had only a single isolation design, and exposed the risk of leakage due to the number of potential leak paths they contained.

The perfect solution would be for the valve design to have far fewer leak paths, metal-seating with zero-seat leakage, and a compact design that reduces overall space and weight.

Fast forward a few weeks and the engineering team at Oliver Twinsafe custom-designed a 2”/300lb Double Block and Bleed (DBB) valve supplied complete with actuators

and utilisation of all ball valve operation.

The team took onboard all of the technical requirements, used existing and proven valve technology and materials to create the perfect solution to this problem. It’s often said, that when engineers creatively let off steam, it usually results in some of the most amazing solutions, and this has been no exception.

On completion of initial trials, the 2” DBB valves are to be installed on other UK and overseas processing plants.

For more information on how Oliver Twinsafe can custom-design valves for your processing plant using the very best in valve design and technology, contact us on +44 (0)1565 632636 or email: sales@valves.co.uk or visit: www.valves.co.uk

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Classifieds Cleaning & Facility Services

Tree Consultancy Services TREE SURVEYS ADVANCED ASSESSMENTS

01799 599995

dee@bluerunltd.co.uk www.bluerunltd.co.uk

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Commercial cleaning and facilities services across the UK 0161 972 3000 info@floorbrite.co.uk www.floorbrite.co.uk

Joinery

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

01423 322371

info@barnesassociates.co.uk www.barnesassociates.co.uk

Expansion Joints

Screws & Fixings

Ventilation Specialist

Security Solutions

Environmental Consultants

High Grade Expansion Joints from ELAFLEX ERV rubber expansion joints from ELAFLEX, setting standards for decades and offering the ideal solution.

Automated Gates, Barriers & Access Control

Please visit www.elaflex.co.uk

T 01442 253341 info@castlegatesandautomation.co.uk www.castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

01992 452950 • sales@elaflex.co.uk

Fixings

Site Management

SWIFIX AWARDWINNING FIXINGS FOR EWI & MMC

Contact: Graham Parry

+44 (0)118 971 0000 www.accon-uk.com

We specialise in air quality, noise, vibration, lighting, flood risk environmental assessment, contaminated land and EIA

Hinges

ModCon Cabin Trader, the Modular, Portable Building & Plant Industry related, Resale/Auction website Steel AV Cabins • Smoking Shelters • Chemical Stores & Storage Units • Staircases & Steps • Effluent Tanks • Water Bowsers • Turnstiles

Fixings are available from www.swifix.co.uk and from various distributors and builders’ merchants throughout the UK

Structural Thermal Bridging Solutions 01274 591115 info@armatherm.com www.armatherm.co.uk

www.modconcabintrader.com T +44 (0)333 404 8822 alan@modconcabintrader.co.uk www.modconcabins.co.uk

Meters & Metering Equipment

Heating & Supply Technology

Outstanding system solutions

www.reflex-winkelmann.com/en

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BFN is sponsored by Bartels & Vedder – see them on page 17

Classifieds Sustainable Building

Gutter & Roof Refurb Systems

Underfloor Heating 01743 298001

www.easyflow.org.uk

Hassle-free Underfloor Heating & Liquid Floor Screed service providers across the UK Site Management

Construction Software

Humidity Control

Experts in construction project co-ordination and management 01924 255666 | 07483 164372 fennellgreenandbates@gmail.com

Control Solutions The GSM Multi Switch (12v)

From £90 excl. VAT

Boost products and productivity with reliable humidity control 01372 571200 www.humiditysolutions.co.uk

Liquid Waterproofing

Waterproof Floor Outlet

Waterproofing and Sealing Solutions for Flat Roofs, Façades and Buildings

0203 286 7949 www.simonbox.co.uk

Activation | Monitoring Supervision & Control Solutions using your phone as the remote controller

Visit www.gsm-activate.co.uk Call 0800 772 0783 Email sales@gsm-activate.co.uk

Water Heaters

01623 627285 info.uk@ccm-europe.com www.ccm-europe.com/gb/

Simonbox IP66 Waterproof Floor Outlet

Safety Consultants

Leaders in Built Environmental Safety and Health and Wellbeing Consultancy

Facilities Management

KEEP YOUR PROPERTY AND POSSESSIONS SAFE AND SECURE

MX1 DOOR JAMMER

+353 (0)1 611 1556 info@dconsafety.com www.dconsafety.com

MX2 REMOVABLE JAMMER

PX3 FRENCH DOOR SECURITY BAR

SEE OUR FULL RANGE AT: WWW.SECURIAN.STORE INFO@SECURIAN.STORE | 0330 333 7279

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