Building and Facilities News Issue 995

Editor’s Comments

Welcome to this month’s issue of Building & Facilities News.

Within a remarkably short period, TileCentral UK has built an impressive portfolio, bolstered by unmatched technical knowledge and industry expertise. Their dedication to customer service guarantees quality and consistency. On page 21, you’ll find an excellent article showcasing some of TileCentral UK’s notable projects, which have earned them global recognition as a trusted partner for largescale enterprises. Additionally, we highlight

Facilities & Estate Management 4-5

HSS Hire, a market leader in equipment hire in the UK, has announced the launch of online markerplace HSS ProService.

Homebuilding & Renovating

Show 11-13

From practical tips to inspiring advice and the latest products, it’s all under one roof at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show.

Water

Management 14-17

The use of the Groundbreaker water management system colocates the water meter on the exterior wall of the dwelling, alongside gas and electric meters.

Doors, Windows & Joinery 18-19

Bluerun Ltd: Quality bespoke joinery since 1991.

their selection of ROCATEX products, renowned for their exceptional value for money.

Power Continuity Ltd has been designing, building, and installing automatic Power Protection Solutions across the UK for nearly 30 years. We are proud to name them as our prestigious Company of the Year. Among the many reasons for their selection, one standout achievement was the construction and installation of the largest single-phase generator ever to operate on the UK’s rail

Nicola Tromans Editor & Office Manager

network. Read more on pages 26-27.

Show reviews in this issue: Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2024.

Other notable features topics include Refurbishment & Interiors, Lighting & Electrical, Site Management, Grounds Maintenance, Building Products & Services, Doors, Windows & Joinery, Water Management, Warehouse & Logistics, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Cleaning & Hygiene, Health, Safety & Security, Facilities & Estate Management.

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

On the Cover

Service Sealing Solutions 20

DOYMA granted Tina McAra, company director, the exclusive rights to distribute their products in the UK in August 2018, leading to the formation of Service Sealing Solutions Ltd.

Building Products & Services 20-21

TileCentral UK stands as a family-owned B2B enterprise specialising in the supply of premium Asian ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Company of the Year 26-27

Power Continuity Ltd have been designing, building and installing automatic Power Protection Solutions across the UK for almost 30 years.

Facilities & Estate Management

HSS Hire launches revolutionary new online marketplace, HSS ProService

HSS Hire, a market leader in equipment hire in the UK, has announced the launch of HSS ProService, a revolutionary extension of its business designed to reshape the way businesses operating in facilities management buy and hire equipment, materials, and more.

Building on HSS Hire’s heritage, expertise and verified supplier network, the brand has introduced the UK’s largest online building services proposition, giving businesses of all sizes instant access to over 900 sellers and 50,000 active products.

The marketplace offers a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes to buy, hire, and manage everything they need for their facilities management services requirements.

Dani Hodges, Chief Commercial Officer at HSS ProService, said, “We’re extremely proud and excited to take HSS ProService to market.

“Having trialled the marketplace with existing customers over the last few months, we’ve seen immediate uptake from a broad range of businesses. We’ve had some fantastic feedback already, and now we’re excited to start building on that community.

“We’re first to market with this and absolutely welcome feedback. Every day, we get input about what people would like to see next, and because we own the marketplace infrastructure, we can react quickly. Anything that customers ask for is our priority.

“Our mission is to provide the ultimate all-in-one marketplace that simplifies and centralises the entire procurement process, from sourcing to supply chain management.”

Through this single marketplace, businesses can streamline their purchasing processes, enhance admin efficiency, and gain control and insight into their spending activity.

Key features of HSS ProService include:

s An unrivalled product range, including the HSS rental range, partnerships with sellers and merchants, and more on the way

s Proprietary Scope 3 reporting: a marketfirst use emissions calculation based on manufacturer information and

x+why revolutionises sustainable workspace design with whydesign

Leading flexible workspace specialist x+why is launching a new in-house award-winning design team, whydesign, focused on customising sustainable and design-led office spaces.

whydesign will support businesses in the optimisation of workspaces to meet brand and business needs, whether in one of x+why’s suites or in a managed deal in another location. It specialises in seamlessly blending modern aesthetics and ethical design, addressing the growing demand for workspaces that not only inspire productivity but also prioritise sustainability.

in delivering high quality, best in class workspaces, and bring with them a deep understanding of the requirements of businesses looking to achieve a sustainable yet stylish footprint.

The fully bespoke service offered by x+why draws upon the experience of a team of designers who have between them delivered nearly 400,000ft2 of design-led space for some of the most established and recognisable brands and landlords in the UK. They are well practised

whydesign recently supported Lloyds Banking Group with a refit of a 65,000ft2 managed deal in Foundry, x+why’s flexible workspace in Brindleyplace, Birmingham, housing 800 employees. Foundry itself is a case study in workplace revival and sustainable fitout, having previously been an abandoned WeWork space, the x+why team committed to re-using and upcycling as much as possible. As part of the bespoke design service for Lloyds, in partnership with John Robertson Architect’s whydesign conducted an embodied carbon study to examine the carbon emissions of different fitout options. www.xandwhy.co.uk/whydesign

DEFRA conversion factors to measure CO2e equivalent per hour for emitting products

s Simpler sustainable choices with greener alternatives recommended at the point of order and emissions tracked so organisations can easily see top emitting products and opportunities for improvement

s The ability for businesses to set user access and approval flows so digital paper trails track and store automatically, and users can set out of offices and temporary points of contact

s Real-time visibility on spend across users, sites and projects, and a commercial insights dashboard to replace spreadsheets and selfanalysis

s Ease of use, including a Live Chat with operations, credit control or product experts in less than a minute

Dani added, “We’ve been really lucky that we’ve been able to invest so much time and resource into the marketplace. Many companies can’t and that’s why we’re so keen to make it a real community space for those that want to get ahead in sustainability reporting and enjoy the commercial advantages that come hand in hand with that.”

For more information about HSS Pro Service, please visit: www.hssproservice.com

Ensure your housing development is marketready with Bright Ideas Consulting & Development

In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, Bright Ideas Consulting & Development offers the help and support needed to organisations requiring assistance in delivering their development programs and ambitions.

you on the best way to tackle strategy, public sector and Home England issues, scheme risk analysis and appraisal, design, cost, and procurement.

Founder, Martin Hawthorne has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and comes highly sought after as one of the best and most highly-qualified housing development professionals in the UK.

When it comes to project development and management, Bright Ideas can help to tackle any issues you might face. Whether you’re looking for a reputable second opinion on an important scheme or in need of some help getting a project off the ground, Bright Ideas can advise and guide

Bright Ideas is always on the lookout for new sites to develop. In the world of New Home Development, Bright Ideas is keen to progress further and is looking for small, niche sites for sale. Alternatively, Bright Ideas also offers a service for larger joint venture arrangements, so if you are in need of a partner, some advice or looking to sell a site, get in touch with Bright Ideas below.

Contact M 07714 412689

info@brightideasdevelopment. co.uk www.brightideasdevelopment. co.uk

The Right Gate for your Castle

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

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

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

In short, we do:

• Bespoke wrought iron metal gates and railings

• Wooden gates

• Automation of new and existing gates

• Access control

• Servicing all makes of automation

• Full bespoke service including piers and groundworks.

Email:

Health, Safety & Security

Health and safety workloads demanding

New legislation and an increased focus on best practice are leading to heavier workloads for property and facilities managers, according to a new report from health, safety and property compliance firm William Martin.

The firm examined data from 20,000 risk assessments and survey reports uploaded to its compliance management software, Meridian, between April 2023 and March 2024. Figures showed almost 327,000 health and safety actions were raised, a 22% increase on the previous year.

Other key trends identified in the report include:

s It is frequently taking too long to remediate Priority 1 actions from risk assessments, with the average time being 42 days.

s Fire safety actions rose by 53% on the previous year, with new fire safety legislation a key driver.

s Half of all asbestos-related actions required its removal – with a 29% year-on-year increase in the overall number of actions.

s Around 17,000 actions related to legionella, demonstrating the threat of a major outbreak has not gone away.

Phil Jones, Managing Director at William Martin, said, “Our report will hopefully inform property and facilities management professionals on what should be their key focus areas. We are already planning to publish this data annually, which will enable longer term industry trends to be identified.”

Download the report here: https://wmcompliance.co.uk/download-thewilliam-martin-annual-compliance-report

Industry needs to close the ‘expectation gap’

Closing the gap between what firms need and what employees want will be the solution to attracting new people to a career in security and filling the sector’s 60,000 jobs vacancies, according to one of the industry’s leading professionals.

John Fitzpatrick (pictured), Managing Director of Danhouse Security, says that while security jobs used to be easy to fill, the industry has changed. “The role of the security officer has become considerably more skilled,” he says. “Security used to be about protecting the perimeter, monitoring who goes in and out of the building and looking for troublemakers and while still important now, it is more about the customer experience.

“In the city’s largest buildings, facilities managers and tenants want dedicated front-of-house staff who can help keep the building secure, but as important, is their ability to make people feel

welcome. Visitors expect the front desk team to be polite and helpful and guide them to where they need to be. Companies expect a concierge-style service and will pay a premium for good front-of-house people.”

John says both the public and an employer’s opinion of security officers has changed for the better since the pandemic, “Security staff are now valued as never before, as they kept working while everyone else was at home. Many firms paid more attention to what staff were being paid and the holidays and the benefits they receive. The industry has become more attractive, and many more firms and security clients are willing to pay above London Living Wage.”

Contact

T 0208 748 9269

info@danhouse.co.uk

www.danhouse.co.uk

Making access control more convenient

eQ-3 AG and Bird Home Automation GmbH announce strategic partnership during the Light + Building 2024 trade fair. Starting in Q4 2024, extensive Cloud-to-Cloud integration will make it possible to easily connect DoorBird video door stations to a Homematic IP smart home system.

Thanks to DoorBird’s direct integration into the Homematic IP ecosystem, it will be even easier & more convenient for users to be able to control access to their home: The Homematic IP App sends out push notifications to smartphones at all times & to all locations, letting users know when someone is ringing at the door. Audio & video signals are transmitted from the DoorBird door station to the Homematic IP App in real time so users can communicate directly with visitors. If required, the door can be opened with just one tap.

Security is the top priority for both partners here. All communication in both systems is only transmitted in encrypted form in accordance with the latest standards. The Homematic IP Cloud is hosted exclusively on servers in Germany and is thus subject to the highest security standards. Compliance to such standards is checked on a continual basis.

The VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) has certified the smart home system seven times in a row in the areas of protocol, IT, and data security, to ensure fulfilllment of the highest security standards.

www.homematic-ip.com www.eQ-3.de www.doorbird.com/en

Oxford Plastics’ innovative site safety solutions

Leading innovator and manufacturer of site safety equipment, Oxford Plastics, has played a pivotal role in addressing flooding challenges in New York City subway stations earlier this year.

The company’s state-of-the-art products, including the Oxford LowPro 15/10 Trench Cover System which is a lightweight composite product used for pedestrians and vehicles, have been instrumental in managing flood-prone areas and improving the overall safety & functionality of the subway system.

In response to the flooding that occurred in New York earlier this year, Oxford Plastics’ 15/10 trench plates were strategically deployed by the Department of Transport in some of the most flood-prone underground stations across the city. During the challenging weather, the self-weighted

system was an integral part in a flood defence system proving to be a robust solution for challenging construction environments and providing a safe walkway for pedestrians.

One notable application of Oxford Plastics’ products was at the Borough Hall subway station in Brooklyn, where CBS News featured the innovative ‘yellow mats’, indicative of Oxford Plastics designs.

The mats were strategically used to cover vented grates, preventing rainwater from entering the subway platforms below and ensuring a dry and safe waiting area for commuters. The LowPro 15/10 is versatile across various industries such as construction, utilities, transport and events.

Peter Creighton, Business Development Director for Oxford Plastics, expressed his delight at seeing the products being used effectively and highlighted the CBS News feature.

Contact www.oxfordplastics.com/en-us

Cleaning & Hygiene

Swiftclean launches independent kitchen extract auditing service

Leading ductwork risk experts Swiftclean has launched a new independent auditing service for kitchen extract system cleaning performed by alternative specialist cleaning service providers. Audits can be conducted at any time, either to assess the system as a whole, usually when a new facilities management team takes on responsibility for the system, or following a system clean, to ensure that it has been completed thoroughly and competently in accordance with TR19® Grease. TR19® Grease is the specification issued by the BESA (Building Engineering Services Association)

and is widely accepted as the leading source of authority on kitchen extract system hygiene.

To assist compliance by Responsible Persons named under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, and the organisations that they represent, the Swiftclean team will compile independent audit reports. Reports will provide a summary of the overall condition of the kitchen extract system, including photographic images. This photographic evidence will demonstrate showing the levels of grease thickness present in the system ductwork in micron

readings. Each report will also include a schematic drawing and an executive summary. This will either indicate that the system is compliant with TR19® Grease, or will outline recommendations for installing additional safe cleaning access points to allow the system to be brought into compliance.

As compliance with TR19® Grease is essential for fire safety, Swiftclean’s independent audits will provide all the information required for an accurate fire risk assessment. It will also provide a structural overview; highlight any environmental health

Robert Scott’s Toucan Eco Auto

Robert Scott has launched Toucan Eco Auto, the latest innovation in its groundbreaking Toucan Eco range. The revolutionary bio-cleaning system marks a significant leap forward in sustainable commercial cleaning, offering a robust solution for operators of medium to large facilities aiming to reduce their chemical use and environmental footprint.

Toucan Eco Auto is an automated disinfectant generator, capable of producing 20 litres of multipurpose disinfectant cleaner in just 30 minutes using just salt and water.

Designed for direct dispensing into containers for comprehensive surface cleaning, the fully automatic system simplifies operations by requiring only the periodic refilling of salt as indicated by its LED display.

This innovation not only enhances the efficiency of cleaning regimes while saving money, but also helps companies to reduce their carbon footprint by eliminating the need for up to 80% of conventional cleaning chemicals, as well as their associated singleuse plastic bottles, packaging, and manufacturing and transportation emissions.

An independent carbon footprint audit has indicated that producing one litre of ready-to-use solution with Toucan Eco Auto generates the equivalent of just 3.07g CO2

To put this into context, this means that five litres of activated solution can be created with the system for the same carbon emissions as one boiled kettle.

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

Advion efficacy proven to stop cockroach activity

Results of new independent trials have shown Advion Cockroach Gel was the fastest way to stop pest activity in domestic homes and food businesses.

The practical research in premises infested with German cockroaches compared various commercially available gel formulations – with only Advion proving to stop all pest activity.

Reporting the results at PestEx 2024 in London, Syngenta Business Manager, Richard Moseley, said, “This research has confirmed the challenge German cockroach can prove to achieve high levels of control in practical situations.

“Palatability of products is clearly crucial where alternative food sources are available, along with their efficacy. Advion Cockroach Gel has proven it is both attractive to pests, and extremely effective in targeting complete pest populations,” he added.

Replicated European trials were undertaken by i2L Research on 16 sites, including apartments and bar areas, known to be infested with German cockroach (Blattella germanica). Four products were applied as a crack and crevice treatment, by trained professional pest controllers. The activity of cockroaches was monitored by researchers before and during the trial using multiple sticky traps.

“The monitoring revealed that only Advion gave a complete result – with no cockroach activity on all four sites and situations it was used at the end of eight weeks monitoring,” Richard reported. “In all other sites and with all other products cockroach activity was still being seen at the end of the eightweek trial monitoring period, albeit at reduced levels than the start.”

www.syngenta.com

issues; and assist with budget planning. www.swiftclean.co.uk

Unigloves rebrands

Derma Shield

Designed to protect the skin against common workplace irritants including greases, oils, inks, coolants, detergents, solvents, chemicals and paints, helping to control the risk of dermatitis, Derma Shield can be used across a wide range of workplace environments, where these hazards exist.

Safe to use inside gloves, the newly rebranded range includes three different sizes of aerosol mousse – 50ml, 150ml, 500ml – and two sizes of lotion – 100ml and 1,000ml.

Manufactured to UK medical standards, Derma Shield contains pharmaceutical-grade moisturisers such as Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, which work rapidly to preserve the skin's natural moisture balance.

Universally safe with a non-greasy finish, once applied it remains on the skin for up to 4 hours despite repeated washing and can be used on all areas of the skin including the face.

“Derma Shield is a proven and trusted barrier solution helping protect the skin against a wide range of workplace skin irritants, keeping it moisturised through the working day. We are delighted to have updated the branding across the range in line with our range of industrial gloves,” said Unigloves’ MD, Chris Wahlers.

For more information on Unigloves’ Derma Shield protective skincare range, visit: https:// uk.unigloves.com/collections/derma-shield

Johnson Controls doubles capacity at heat pump and chiller facility

Johnson Controls, the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, recently announced the expansion of its heat pump and chiller plant in Nantes, France, to support increased customer demand in the European region. The state-ofthe-art facility, the company’s primary manufacturing hub for the design, engineering and production of Yorkbranded chillers and heat pumps in Europe, has been doubled in size and recently started operations.

The expansion includes two buildings, each serving a specific purpose. The first building spans over 500 square metres and houses

a cutting-edge paint booth and a new electrical trolley with 70T capacity and autorotation. This advanced equipment will enhance production efficiency and ensure high-quality finishes for the manufactured products.

The second building, 20m height and 1,000 square metres, is fully dedicated to the assembly of ‘extra extra large’ heat pumps such as Turbo M-Heat Pumps units (from 6 to 20 MW) – typically used in district heating. It is designed to accommodate new cranes weighing 100T and spanning 24 metres and is fully insulated to optimise working conditions for employees.

In line with Johnson Controls’ commitment to environmental responsibility, part of the plant is equipped with a white roof and large roof lights to harness clean energy and reduce the plant’s carbon footprint. It also offers best practice thermal and acoustic performance with openings designed to allow maximum natural light. Contact www.johnsoncontrols.com

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Deane Flint joins Fujitsu as Chief Operating Officer

Deane Flint (pictured) has joined Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK as Chief Operating Officer. Ian Carroll moves to become Deputy Chief Executive Officer and retains overall responsibility for UK operations.

He said, “I’m delighted to be joining Fujitsu, a company that I have respected for many years. I have learned a vast amount in the last three years being on the other side of the supply chain, all of which I now look to bring to Fujitsu. I am confident we can build on what has already been created by the team and develop the business for the future.”

Carroll recently celebrated 10 years at Fujitsu, having joined the business

in 2014 as Sales and Marketing Director. He has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018 and has overseen record sales growth for the past three years.

He said, “After 10 years, the company and staff mean a lot to me so selecting a candidate was always going to be tough process. As soon as I met with Deane, I knew he would be a good fit and I am delighted he has decided to join us.

“Deane has extensive knowledge of the UK market for air conditioning, heat pumps and applied products, and I’m confident that working together we can continue to grow Fujitsu General Air Conditioning in the UK and Ireland.”

To discover more about the Fujitsu product range, visit: www. fujitsu-general. com/uk/ or email: sales@ fgac.fujitsugeneral.com

Warehouse & Logistics

Europe’s first solar car park

3ti®, the UK’s leading designer, installer, funder and operator of Solar Car Parks (SCPs) is installing the first large-scale SCP in Europe to be constructed from sustainable Glulam timber beams and Glass-Glass solar panels. Open to the public since April, the new SCP at Wiltshire Council’s Five Rivers Health & Wellbeing Centre is a significant leap in maximising the lifetime sustainability of solar installations and showcases several advanced technologies that revolutionise the construction, efficiency and visual appeal of SCPs.

The new SCP structure is made from Glulam, renewable,

recyclable wood laminations bonded together to offer a natural alternative to steel or concrete. The engineered timber affords significant advantages over structural steel; it is three times stronger and a third lighter, and uses only a tenth of the energy it would take to produce an equivalent steel beam, contributing to a more sustainable building process. The material has minimal environmental impact from its production, is highly repairable, and is an excellent biofuel at the end of its life, further minimising waste.

As part of the construction, 3ti has used special Spirafix™ ground anchors to secure the SCP structure, without using conventional concrete bases or steel piles. This achieves significant carbon savings, speeds up the installation process, is more durable and can be recycled or properly disposed of once the anchors reach the end of their lifecycle.

For more information on 3ti’s SCPs and Papilio3, please visit: www.3ti.co.uk

Net Zero Targets surpassed

A pivotal logistics warehouse scheme now completed in Leeds has met and surpassed its net zero carbon construction targets, delivered by McLaren Midlands and North.

Successfully achieving an embodied carbon target to practical completion lower than first proposed, ensuring a more sustainable build and reducing the carbon offset payment, McLaren Construction Midlands and North completed works on Sherburn42 – a 660,000ft2 logistics warehousing space located in Sherburn-in-Elmet at the end of November, appointed by commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust.

sustainability targets and the project will be accredited net-zero carbon in construction by the UK Green Building Council. Set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the logistical hub features EV charging, full PV coverage and LED office lighting, alongside 4MvApower.

The 37-acre Sherburn42 scheme sits adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds and comprises the construction of four Grade-A industrial units ranging from 57,750 to 280,000ft2, with industrial warehouse and office space to support core building services.

The design concentrated on helping occupiers reach operational

The Engineering Services Consultancy Ltd (ESC) was appointed by McLaren Construction Midlands and North to undertake a Whole Life Embodied Carbon assessment of the build at as-built RIBA Stage 5. The subsequent report showed that the contractor surpassed its project target of 550kgCO2e/m2, achieving 458.32kgCO2e/m2

https://mclarengroup.com

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Review – Top

Let’s go to the show

From practical tips to inspiring advice and the latest products, it’s all under one roof at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, the go-to exhibition for self builders and renovators, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 21-24 March 2024.

No matter what stage your project is at, the show will help you to bring it to life! Come along for tailored, one-to-one advice; browse 1,000s of new and innovative products to improve your home; and discover the ins and outs of everything from planning regulations for extensions and managing renovation budgets, to stylish kitchen design and integrating underfloor heating.

Self-build specialists, renovation experts and leading brands are all under one roof. Discover the latest products, understand

how to maximise your budget or seek an architect’s opinion. From small plots to big builds, this is the place to pick up tools and tips from the brightest and best in the business.

The Home Energy Academy helped visitors to understand how they can make the most of the energy in their home, save money on their bills and reduce their carbon footprint with free advice at the Advice Centre. Also new to the Show, Home Energy Hour came to the Theatres, with talks designed to inform visitors of the latest trends and advancement in home energy to help visitors make their homes leaner and greener.

The show returns next year to Birmingham’s NEC from 18-19 January 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s Birmingham show, listed here in alphabetical order: Arctic Cabins, Cool Energy, Duration

Windows, Loftleg, propertyCEO & Temporary Kitchen Pod. Further details can be found on this page and the next two. But the Homebuilding & Renovating show is held seven times throughout the year (see website for details) and the next show is at Surrey’s Sandown Park from 29-30 June 2024.

https://national.homebuildingshow.co.uk/ www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

Take control of your plaster setting times with Eazymix’s plaster retarders and accelerators

Eazymix is the leading manufacturer of innovative single use Plaster Retarders and Accelerators, providing trade plasterers with complete control over their setting times!

Eazymix Plaster Retarders:

s Say Goodbye to Stressful Large Jobs – Eazymix Plaster Retarders extend working time, allowing plasterers to work at their own pace, perfect for intricate details or very large areas.

s Ideal for Hot Weather –During hot summer months, plaster sets much faster. Eazymix Retarders counteract this effect, ensuring plaster remains workable for longer, even in high temperatures.

s Improved Workability – Eazymix Retarders improve the workability of the plaster mix. Plasterers get a creamier mix as well as a longer setting time.

Eazymix Plaster Accelerators:

s Beat the Clock – When working to tight deadlines, Eazymix Plaster Accelerators can be a lifesaver. Safely reduce setting

times, allowing plastering tasks to be completed more quickly and efficiently.

s Faster Coat Applications – Need to apply multiple plaster coats quickly? Eazymix Accelerators enable faster setting times

between coats, minimising project downtime and allowing plasterers to move on to the next project sooner.

s Improved Workability – Eazymix Accelerators improve the workability of the plaster mix. Plasterers get a creamier mix as well as accelerated setting times.

Eazymix Plaster Additives: The perfect mix for every project Eazymix Plaster Retarders and Accelerators are extremely easy to use. Simply add the pre-measured sachet to clean water and add the gypsum plaster as normal. Achieve the desired timings of the set with consistent results every time.

Take control with Eazymix by changing plaster setting times to suit your project, and achieve flawless plastering results every time.

For more information and stockists, visit your local building supplier or our website at: www.eazymix.co.uk

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Review – Top Exhibitors

REVOLUTIONISING KITCHEN RENOVATION

Offering a fully equipped, modern kitchen, in a Pod, Temporary Kitchen Pod delivers the ideal solution to being without a kitchen during renovation or repair.

Providing a clean, useable space away from the noise, mess and disruption in the home, a Temporary Kitchen Pod will quickly become a sanctuary on the doorstep and an innovative option to avoid alternative accommodation.

s Hob

s Oven

s Extractor

s Fridge Freezer

s Dishwasher

s Washing Machine

s Dining Table & 4 Chairs

s Cupboards & Worktops

s Heat & Light

s Power Sockets For Your Small Appliances

A range of Kitchen Pods

Choosing from 3 available sizes, hiring a Temporary Kitchen Pod will enable homeowners to stay in their home, maintain their family routines, keep day to day life on track and allow the trades to get on with the job in hand.

The Standard – Our most popular Pod

Our Standard Pods are designed to fit on most UK driveways. A versatile Pod offering a choice of either a washing machine or a dishwasher. The dining table and chairs provide a clean & peaceful place to eat or a space to relax away from the disruption inside the home. Doubling as a quiet, focussed workspace or an area for children to do homework.

The Luxury – Everything you need and more to survive renovation in style!

The Luxury is our top of the range Pod. Offering a

full complement of appliances, a full-size fridge freezer and a dining table and chairs so there’s no compromise on convenience.

The Compact – A smaller, space saving Pod

A modern, sleek, fully equipped kitchen. Designed with space saving in mind. There’s everything you need inside to prepare meals and cook. To save on space, there’s no table and chairs in The Compact Pod.

Comfort and safety

With comfort in mind, all Temporary Kitchen Pods are insulated, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in all seasons. For the colder months, there’s a thermostat controlled programmable heater.

calm away from the chaos!

Allowing the tradesperson to get on with the job in hand without having to repeatedly provide a temporary water source for the homeowner, move and plum in a washing machine, clear your work area, etc, allowing you to complete the job quicker.

For the home owner, with a Temporary Kitchen Pod there’s no brick dust or rubble in your food prep area to worry about and no sharing the makeshift sink with the trades and their buckets!

For safety and peace of mind, all Temporary Kitchen Pods are insured. They have fire safety equipment, a non-slip floor, are lockable and come with a Welcome Pack containing instruction manuals & user guides.

Delivery

Based in Warwickshire, the fleet of Temporary Kitchen Pods service the UK Nationwide. Delivering within 48 hours if a disaster such as fire or flood strikes and bookable in advance for planned renovations.

The Installation Requirements:

s Private Driveway

s 2 or 3 Standard

Plug Sockets

s Outside Tap

s Drain or Gulley

The benefits

This portable kitchen sits outside the property, keeping cooking, food preparation and laundry separate from the mess inside, creating an oasis of

A Customer Story

Clare & Paul were planning a large project, a full rear extension and a garden room. Adding space and drastically changing their existing kitchen, utility and the downstairs flooring.

With a young family, a cockapoo called Arlo and Paul working from home, Clare was worried about coping during the project. Clare’s ironing lady told her about Temporary Kitchen Pod.

“We hired a Luxury Pod, our Pod was called ‘Tonie’. THANK GOODNESS for Tonie!!!! A real oasis and quiet place for Paul’s team meetings away from the noise and upheaval in the house. We were incredibly grateful for the pod. What a lifesaver!” says Clare Sutton, Norfolk.

A temporary solution for everyone

Not just for homeowners renovating their property, our Kitchen Pods provide temporary solutions for insurance claims, kitchen design companies, for policy holders that don’t want to move to alternative accommodation, for schools, care homes and more.

Whether you are a Building Contractor, Loss Adjuster, Homeowner, Care Home, Policy Holder or Private Sector, contact us today about your project.

T 02477 679121

WhatsApp chat 07856 804931 enquiries@temporarykitchenpod.co.uk www.temporarykitchenpod.co.uk

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

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

Critically, we teach our students how to leverage the skills they already have and then add the development know-how, the business

skills AND the mindset support to take action and create life-changing transformations, even if they’ve never developed property before.

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

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

Arctic Cabins BBQ Huts

We are Arctic Cabins – a family run business, over 20 years in the making who manufacture and install the finest quality BBQ cabins in the UK. We have designed our unique BBQ cabins in the traditional Finnish style from sustainably sourced, slow-grown Scandinavian Redwood Spruce. An Arctic Cabin will become the heart and soul of your garden, perfect for family get-togethers as well as romantic evenings, just steps from home.

Our cabins not only look great, they are also practical too; warm and snug in the winter and they offer some welcome shade in the summer. Our trademarked sloping wall design for

extra space and comfort means they feel incredibly spacious whilst being cosy too. Fitted with a premium quality, adjustable central BBQ unit inside, you can enjoy cooking and socialising outside all year round, without the British weather ruining your plans!

We offer 4 sizes plus 2 Arctic Bars, which are sure to give you that holiday feeling any time of year and offer the cosiness of the much loved country pub without ever leaving home – the ultimate garden retreat!

Contact T 0115 932 8888 www.arcticcabins.co.uk

DURATION WINDOWS: Your One Stop Shop For All Aluminium Products

SHORT LEAD TIMES, COMPETITIVELY PRICED!

Duration Windows is the UK’s leading aluminium windows, doors and roof manufacturer, trading for over 38 years. Product innovation, technical competence and high quality is achieved daily with our highly skilled team & top of the range machinery. We have a wide variety of products available including Bi-fold Doors, Sliders, Secondary Glazing, Roof Systems, Modern and Traditional Windows,

and our incredibly popular Heritage Range. Our large in-house fleet delivers Nationwide directly from our factories in Canvey Island, Essex. We also offer a Fast Track service allowing customers to have their bespoke order in just 48 hours!

We believe in our products so much that we offer a free 10 year guarantee on all of our ranges due to a strong supply chain and using the best materials in the industry. Take a look at our website to see our full range of products and get your quote within minutes with our online estimator. Alternatively, you can visit our showroom to touch and feel our products for yourself. Book your appointment today!

T: 01268 680906

E: sales@duration.co.uk

W: www.duration.co.uk

Changing water

“By 2050 the UK water deficit is anticipated to be 4,017 mega litres per day,” was the stark announcement at the National Water Framework Consultation launch in January 2022

Since then, all water companies have been developing plans to upgrade the UK’s water supply to meet this demand and reduce current usage levels, ie. Per Capital Consumption (PCC) to 110 litres per day from its current average of over 150 litres per day.

Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution to reducing domestic water usage. Thames Water has recorded post installation savings of 12-17%, and located many previously unidentified leaks. Following multiple trials, all water companies are now working on plans for advanced metering infrastructure, where all new connections or meters use the latest generation of smart meters.

New meter locations, underground no longer works

The issues raised in the early trials has led much of the UK water industry to recognise that the most effective methods of installing the advanced metering infrastructure is to locate the meter above ground.

The use of the Groundbreaker water management system co-locates the water

meter on the exterior wall of the dwelling, alongside gas and electric meters. It has the advantage of providing a better environment for smart technology over traditional underground boundary boxes and the additional benefits of readability for the consumer as well as extended signal transmission and easy meter exchange.

Design out leak paths: comply with Water & Construction Industry Guidelines comply with ‘Water Safe’ initiatives.

The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system future proofs the network and minimises the risk of developing leaks. The position of the meter allows for a joint free water supply, eliminating joints in the water supply pipe maintains the integrity of the supply pipe. The use of an uninterrupted supply has been recognised as best practice by Water UK and the Home Builders Federation.

Steve Leigh, Managing Director of Groundbreaker, commented, “Portsmouth Water has demanded surface mounted meter housings as the standard required for all new properties for over 15 years. Working with them we have established the effectiveness and reliability of Groundbreaker.” He continued, “With the need to maximise the effectiveness of smart metering programmes, I can’t see that there is a viable alternative – putting smart technology in a hole in the ground just does not work.”

Water efficient homes

While smart meters can go some way towards achieving PCC reductions, alone

The NRv2 LoFlo®

The inline LoFlo® alternative to the NRv2

The NRv2 LoFlo®

infrastructure

they will not achieve the target level of 110 litres per day.

Recently announced policies by United Utilities have recognised that water efficient homes are the key. As part of their new Environmental Incentives Scheme, all new properties developers will be encouraged to install water conservation measures requiring an output of 14 litres a minute or less.

One of the elements of this is the installation of a flow regulator within the water supply system. Flow regulators modulate the rate at which water enters customer premises – regardless of network pressure, meaning a reduction in the volume of water used by customers even when ‘variable use’ appliances (ie. showers, taps, hosepipes) are used.

‘Over supply’ of water, ie. water flow rates that are higher than required to provide an adequate supply, results in waste of water. Running taps when brushing teeth, showering, or rinsing cups uses more water than necessary. Installing flow regulation devices has been proven to reduce consumption and are an accepted water efficiency measure.

Approximately 40% of domestic water usage is from bathroom and kitchen taps and showers. ‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads and tap flow restrictors are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet are highly effective but fittings these come at a price, even in smaller properties.

The alternative, and now a recommended method for achieving water consumption reduction, is whole site flow reduction. Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s LoFlo® to the water supply, regulates the level of flow entering customer premises –regardless of network pressure. As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service.

More importantly, flow regulators do not require any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

As these products are fitted to the main water supply, and not each individual outlet, they remove any risk of consumer interference and ensure that minimum standards of water supply are maintained as specified within the Water Industry Act and Water Fittings Regulations.

As an added benefit, the Groundbreaker’s LoFlo® has the unique property of providing

whole site protection against contamination of water services from private water pipes by back flow (up to fluid category 2) as standard – the only products available that can offer this facility.

Groundbreaker supplies two variations of its flow regulators. In properties with a meter Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo® can be installed between the water meter and manifold in any underground or surface mounted water meter enclosure. This means

s Steve Leigh is a Fellow of the Institute of Water and Managing Director of Groundbreaker Systems and was winner of the Home Builder Federation’s ‘Utility Individual of the Year for 2016’.

s Groundbreaker Systems won the HBF’s ‘Utility of the Year’ in 2018.

s Groundbreaker Systems are 2023 winners of the Building & Facilities News Company of the Year for Innovation in Sustainable Water Management.

fitting does not interfere with occupier. Entry to the premises is not required. It is an easy, low-cost intervention that can be introduced without expensive excavation or retrospective work.

For properties that are not metered, the new addition to the range is the LoFlo Inline. This is fitted on the main water supply pipe, normally just after the main stop tap.

Achieving targets

Although it is recognised that improvements to the vast UK water network cannot be achieved overnight, the new policies being introduced by our major water companies will take UK water usage towards the targets required to maintain a secure supply and work towards UK Net Zero targets.

For further details, please contact Groundbreaker Systems at: www.groundbreaker.co.uk

The NRv2 LoFlo® in the Groundbreaker box

The Grounbreaker box fitted on a new build site

Affinity Water’s Water Neutrality project

Affinity Water, a leading provider of clean water services in the UK, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its innovation journey with the successful creation of the world’s first Water Positive development in Bidwell, Central Bedfordshire in collaboration with IWNL.

This accomplishment marks a groundbreaking advancement in the pursuit of water neutrality and sustainable development.

The project proudly partnered with Independent Water Networks Ltd (IWNL), an Ofwat appointed NAV (New Appointments and Variations) company for the new development.

IWNL provides water and wastewater services nationally to customers in areas previously supplied by the incumbent regional water provider.

Anglo Pumps wins industry accolade

Anglo Pumps, part of the Metcor Group, was honoured at the Pump Industry Awards on March 14th, clinching the prestigious title of Distributor of the Year at their first attempt.

“It’s an incredible privilege for Anglo Pumps to be named Distributor of the Year,” says Danny Burden, General Manager. “An achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who consistently go above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. Very proud to be part of them.”

Nicholas Gaisman, the CEO of Metcor Group, their parent company, adds, “The only company to be selected as a finalist in four of the awards categories, Anglo Pumps have shown a continuing commitment to excellence. Throughout the Metcor Group, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch, sustainable solutions and unparalleled service, and this award validates everyone’s efforts.”

The Award win comes just weeks after Metcor Environmental won Contractor of the Year at the NADC's National Drainage Awards. The event was jointly organised by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and Touchwave Media, for this specialist sector, crucial to the UK’s water and waste water management industry.

www.anglo-pumps.co.uk

IWNL’s customers actively participated in the project, contributing to its success, and demonstrating the shared commitment to sustainable water management and environmental responsibility.

Affinity Water’s Water Neutrality project, funded

by Ofwat, aims to explore innovative approaches to achieving water neutrality in new housing developments. The recent achievement in Bidwell showcases the effectiveness of Affinity Water’s strategies in enabling growth while protecting the environment.

One of the key commitments under Ofwat’s funding rules is the sharing of learnings and knowledge across the industry. Affinity Water is pleased to report that its project results and learnings are being considered nationally and across the water industry, demonstrating the project’s impact and relevance on a broader scale.

For more information, please visit the full report on the government’s measures here.

www.affinitywater.co.uk

Grundfos marks 60 successful years

Grundfos, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, today celebrates 60 successful years in the UK. Since 1964, when the UK sales company was established, Grundfos has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of pump solutions in the UK.

The Denmark-based company has experienced strong growth in the UK in recent years, doubling its revenue from 2005-2023 with a strong focus on commercial buildings as well as the food and beverage industry.

During the past 60 years, the UK has remained a significant part of Grundfos’ global business and is one of the company’s largest markets globally. As part of the commitment into the UK, Grundfos has continually invested in and expanded its business over the years.

As late as 2023, Grundfos acquired British company Metasphere. With the addition of Metasphere and its telemetry and analytics solutions to its portfolio, Grundfos can provide its municipal customers with state-of-the-art hardware and analytics software for the prediction and prevention of sewer network overflows.

Committed to helping customers saving energy and lowering their water consumption; today, Grundfos’ success can be seen across the UK; from the London skyline, where Grundfos has installations at The Shard, Scalpel Tower, Paddington Square, and Canary Wharf; to its support of major British brands like soft drink and dairy giants Britvic and Arla.

www.grundfos.com

Engineers unveil sustainable water purification technology

A team of UK-based engineers have developed game changing new technology that promises to revolutionise access to safe, clean drinking water for millions of people worldwide.

The innovation created by technology company IF uses a miniature vapour compression distillation system that operates without consumable parts or added chemicals. The environmentally friendly, low-cost approach can be operational in just 45 minutes, and begin purifying water from previously untreatable water sources from anywhere in the world.

One of the first companies to benefit from the new technology is hospitality business Portsonachan Hotel & Lodges, located on Loch Awe in the West of Scotland. Due to its heavily peated water supply, the hotel buys over 90,000 litres of

bottled water each year, adding an additional £13,000 to its operating costs.

Struggling with its unsightly ‘brown water’, its owners have tried multiple purification methods, none of which have delivered consistent results. Traditional methods use filters, reverse osmosis or ultraviolet light techniques which eventually deteriorate with use or can release unknown contaminants over time.

IF carries out hundreds of tests a year through independent UKAS accredited water test laboratories while its team of inventors, engineers and product design experts from world renowned companies including Dyson and Sonos are working to introduce this technology anywhere in the world.

https://if-water.com www.portsonachan.com

Doors, Windows & Joinery

Committed to specification

GEZE UK has demonstrated its commitment to specifiers and architects with the recent appointment of Alex Flokkas who joins the renowned manufacturer of door and window control systems as Specification Manager covering the south of England.

Alex will focus on collaborating with and supporting architects and end users providing technical solutions for all GEZE products, ensuring compliance with all the latest legislation and regulations. He will be the first point of contact at all stages of the specification process.

With over 20 years in the construction industry with a focus on windows, doors and the glazing sector Alex brings a wealth of knowledge. Previously he has assisted architects, contractors and end users with high-end prestigious projects from residential new

builds to Grade I or Grade II listed buildings.

Alex said, “I am excited to join a global and wellestablished company which is 160 years’ strong. GEZE’s work culture and values are key to its success and I am thrilled to join a business that mirrors my own values and principles.”

Richard Richardson-Derry, National Specification Manager, added, “It’s great to have Alex join the team; he has vast experience in the industry. He will be a great asset to the company and an important part of the company’s continued growth.”

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

Glazpartners is a winner

Glazpartners, the innovative customer support initiative, has won ‘Best Installer Support Programme’ at this year’s Installer Awards in Manchester on 16th March.

The Glazpartners programme was launched by Glazpart (the leading plastics components manufacturer) in May 2023 at FIT Show in Birmingham. Since launch over 50 companies have joined to be part of the sector’s newest marketing initiative.

incredible first year of the Glazpartners programme. Our aim is to work closer with our customers so we can continue to develop and deliver products that meet the market’s demands. And at the same time, we want to promote our customers’ brands and products via the Glazpartners programme and all our promotional channels.”

Glass News becomes a Glazpartner

Glazpart is delighted to announce that Glass News has become a Glazpartner.

Leading media outlet Glass News and Glazpart have enjoyed a long-standing working relationship for many years with Glazpart contributing to editorial and advertising in the industry’s only newspaper. With over 21,000 subscribers receiving Glass News content in print and digitally each month, the publication prides itself on delivering different, unique and refreshing content.

The Glass News team is made up of several experienced feature writers and editors and is headed up by Christina Lazenby, Managing Director. On Glass News joining the Glazpartners initiative, Christina said, “We are delighted to be a Glazpartner. For over ten years, Glazpart has worked closely with Glass News featuring in both the newspaper and in our online platforms. We look forward to continuing our strong working partnership.”

Designed to develop closer collaboration with customers and promote Glazpartners, the programme has been embraced by companies across the glazing supply chain from systems houses to fabricators through to distributors and installers, as well as trade media and events organisations.

On winning the award, Dean Bradley, Sales Director of Glazpart, commented, “We are delighted to win this award at this fantastic event. My congratulations to the Glazpart team on an

The Glazpartners concept arose from the challenges the glazing supply chain faced as the industry emerged from the pandemic and lockdowns as well as the UK leaving of the EU – all of which has seen increasing costs and a changing political and economic landscape. The impact on the sector has been considerable from incoming regulations to materials shortages through to an increasingly competitive market where homeowners have become more discerning when it comes to replacing windows and doors.

If you want to become a Glazpartner, contact Dean Bradley, Sales Director, at: dbradley@ glazpart.co.uk or visit: www.glazpart.com

The Glazpartners initiative was launched in 2023 and is designed to promote and support the value of customer relationships in the fenestration industry. This latest partnership will bring greater collaboration and joint promotion for both Glass News and Glazpart, in particular through PR and social media channels.

Throughout 2023, Glass News was a key media outlet for Glazpart as they promoted the awardwinning Link Vent and Glazpartners through advertising, editorial and social media.

www.glazpart.com

Eurocell’s Logik Flush window system at Bellway Homes Cherry Hinton

Challenge

A&B Glass faced a significant milestone as they embarked on their first endeavour to fabricate the Logik Flush profile, a partnership with Eurocell that would unfold within a demanding six-week timeframe. The technical complexity of utilising this new profile heightened the intricacy of the fabrication process, necessitating a concerted effort and close collaboration to meet the stringent deadline. The project underscored A&B Glass’ adaptability and unwavering commitment to delivering excellence amid formidable challenges.

Solution

The successful introduction of the Logik Flush profile within the challenging six-week timeframe was a testament to the synergistic partnership between Eurocell and A&B Glass. Their collaborative approach played a crucial role in seamlessly implementing the Logik Flush system for the first time in this particular project.

Bellway Homes selected the Logik Flush system for its contemporary design and operational efficiency. Engineered with a patented knock-in bead system, the system facilitates

swift fabrication and fitting, making it ideal for both new constructions and window replacements. With its 70mm front-to-back dimension, the Logik Flush system offers a seamless transition from timber frames, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the structures.

Result

Eurocell’s invaluable support was instrumental in ensuring the timely completion of the project, resulting in a window system that not only met functional requirements but also elevated the overall visual appeal of the Cherry Hinton new builds. The Logik Flush system delivered on its promise, offering a sleek and flush exterior appearance while retaining the timeless charm of traditional casement windows internally.

Contact www.eurocell.co.uk

Quality, custom made joinery

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

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

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

Building Products & Services

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd gets our seal of approval

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd is the sole UK distributor for the sealing industry’s top manufacturers; DOYMA and HKD.

DOYMA granted Tina McAra, company director, the exclusive rights to distribute their products in the UK in August 2018, leading to the formation of Service Sealing Solutions Ltd.

Taking her own experiences into a brandnew solo business venture, in 2018 Tina contacted DOYMA in Germany and asked whether she could take on the distribution in the UK. DOYMA were pleased to hear this as no-one else in the UK had the knowledge about the parts that Tina had, therefore, DOYMA granted Service Sealing Solutions Ltd exclusivity in the UK.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd has grown tremendously over the last four years and is now classed as one of the UK’s

top specialists in providing the best in German engineering with products that are designed to solve all watertight duct sealing requirements and prevent against structural damage.

DOYMA’s product range is mainly suitable to builders of commercial properties and many of Service Sealing Solutions Ltd’s custom has come from large projects in London including the infamous HS2 and Kings Cross station. Due to the high level of water tightness in DOYMA’s products, services such as rail and other forms of transportation have many electrics installed underground making it vital to have a product that maintains a trusted watertight construction.

NE Fasteners celebrating 39 years 1985-2024

NE Fasteners Limited, a family owned company, is celebrating its 39th year of business. With Nigel Elliott setting up in his garage in Halesowen, it soon became apparent his indepth knowledge and expertise of the trade was invaluable and he’s still very much involved on a day to day basis. This would not have happened without loyal and supportive customers, suppliers and staff alike.

We primarily specialise in screws fixings & fasteners for the DIY, hardware, building, joinery and furniture manufacturing sectors. NE Fasteners prides itself with offering expertise, competitive prices from local and internationally sourced standard and bespoke products.

Our warehouse is situated in a 7,000ft2 warehouse in Cradley Heath in the West Midlands. We are able to provide a wide range of finishes, including zinc, electro brass, black chrome, satin chrome, bronze and

nickel, and packaging options, ensuring that many buyers consider us to be a key and valued supplier.

More recently, Screwshop has evolved from its established sister company NE Fasteners and has also proven a huge success with its online shop. After 5 years in operation, we have grown year on year and seen an increase in sales during the recent pandemic. We are now looking to increase stock and make it even easier for customers to order.

With friendly and experienced staff, our aim is to offer excellent service with our next day deliveries and give an opportunity for our customers to let us manage all fixings, fasteners and component requirements competitively.

Have a look at our online shop at: www.screwshop.co.uk or give us a call on 0121 559 8866 with your enquiries and we will give you our best attention and prices at all times.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd will always endeavour to ensure customers receive the very best product suitable for their requirements. In closing, Tina mentioned the importance of their service to the building and construction industry. “When you are planning a build, it is easy to forget the little details that make sure your building stands the test of time. Correct sealing can help keep the building’s utilities accessible, making any maintenance easier to complete with little disruption. Service sealing systems also prevent structural damage because wherever service ducts are installed through walls, ceilings or floors, penetrating water may cause damage to buildings. Through working with DOYMA, we are able to provide bespoke sealing answers to many different problems.”

T 01952 510050 sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

BPI helps Warrens Timber exit

From construction sites to furniture workshops, the timber industry serves as the backbone for a vast array of sectors. However, when market forces or business needs necessitate closure, companies like Warrens Timber face the challenge of efficiently disposing of assets and minimising disruption.

This is where BPI Asset Disposal Solutions stepped in to provide a smooth and successful closure for the West Drayton company.

Warrens Timber, a longstanding supplier of decking, sheet materials, treated lumber, mouldings, and various other timber materials, made the difficult but necessary decision to close its doors.

One of the key challenges they faced was how to efficiently offload a large amount of equipment and inventory.

Already aware of BPI’s proven expertise in asset disposal, Warrens Timber proactively reached out to explore their options.

Beyond cataloguing, BPI’s team leveraged its industry expertise to accurately value each asset, ensuring fair market pricing that

would maximise returns for Warrens Timber.

BPI didn’t stop at valuation. To reach the right audience, they implemented a targeted marketing campaign. This included leveraging online advertising platforms, industry publications relevant to woodworking and construction, and email marketing to their network of verified buyers seeking quality woodworking equipment and building materials.

BPI then conducted an online auction, ensuring a smooth experience for both Warrens Timber and potential buyers.

www.bpiauctions.com/ assetdisposal

Building Products & Services

Ceramic innovation: TileCentral UK redefining quality and service

Headquartered in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, renowned as the historic ceramic capital of the UK, TileCentral UK stands as a family-owned B2B enterprise specialising in the supply of premium Asian ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Since its inception, TileCentral UK has fortified its workforce and infrastructure, successfully establishing its own offices and staff in the primary Ceramic hubs of South East Asia, India, and China. Danny Bowers, Director at TileCentral UK, elaborated on their unique approach, “As a family-run business, we also own a raw materials factory, fostering strong relationships with tile producers in Asia. We take pride in offering our clients the safest and most secure route to accessing this vibrant continent.”

The company caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from distributors and shop builders to developers across the nation. In recent times, it has expanded its reach to supply significant projects throughout the UK as well. These projects encompass a wide array of developments, including restaurants, apartments, new build houses, and various others.

To date, TileCentral UK has imported eight containers per month, each capable of holding 24 pallets, amounting to nearly 1,440 square metres of tiles per container. Bolstered by this impressive achievement, TileCentral UK is poised for substantial expansion come 2025 and beyond.

Danny explained, “We are actively seeking to broaden our tile selections and enhance our showroom presence here in Stoke-On-Trent. With over 50 years of collective experience in the ceramic sector and the invaluable support of our overseas family working closely with our partners, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering superior quality at prices that undercut traditional retail outlets.”

Danny characterised the company as professional, determined, and passionate, three words that resonate clearly with its achievements. Within a remarkably brief timeframe, TileCentral UK has curated an extensive portfolio, fortified by unparalleled technical knowledge and expertise in the industry, coupled with a commitment to customer service that ensures quality and consistency.

TileCentral UK proudly offers a selection of the world’s finest brands and products, including Technical Porcelain, Mosaic, Ceramic Floor Tiles, Ceramic Wall Tiles, and Polished Porcelain. These products are versatile and suitable for a countless number of settings such as airports, shopping malls, universities, offices, vehicle showrooms, restaurants, hotels, and residential homes.

selection of ROCATEX products, renowned for their superior quality and performance standards. From standard set adhesives to rapid set adhesives, grouts, levelling compounds, primers, anti-fracture matting, and specialised waterproofing solutions, customers can access a comprehensive range of tile and stone care products from ROCATEX. What’s more, these products are available in convenient pallet deals starting from just £400.00, ensuring exceptional value for money.

Within a mere nine months of its inception, TileCentral UK achieved a remarkable milestone in its fledgling journey. Originating as a small, family-operated enterprise, this company embarked on the importation of high-quality Asian tiles in April 2022, swiftly establishing itself as an international supplier. The idea for this collaboration stemmed from Danny’s smart recognition of an untapped niche in the market, particularly during a period when numerous UK businesses were sourcing their tiles from European counterparts.

TileCentral UK’s notable projects have received global recognition, solidifying their reputation as a trusted partner for large-scale enterprises. Its portfolio boasts collaborations with renowned brands worldwide, including KFC and McDonald’s in South Africa, Nando’s Restaurants in South Africa and Malaysia, the Eden Hotel in Bangladesh, BMW in Malaysia and Singapore, Toyota Car Showrooms in South Africa, Darwin International Airport in Australia, the Food Bank Central Office in Australia, King Saud University Hospital in Saudi Arabia, Cascada Mall in Lebanon, and numerous others.

The newly launched website, www.central-tiles.com has been designed to cater to the diverse needs of all customers, especially those with bulk orders. TileCentral UK prides itself on stocking an extensive

Danny and the team at TileCentral UK prioritise customer satisfaction above all else. They eagerly listen to and promptly address all customer requests and preferences. As a testament to their commitment to customer service, if you’re seeking a specific product or brand not currently stocked, TileCentral UK, being a family-run business, warmly welcomes customer suggestions, going above and beyond to explore every avenue to find the perfect solution tailored to your needs.

T 01782 226166 info@tilecentral.net www.central-tiles.com

Introducing the Eco Clipper Electric Mowing Systems Grounds Maintenance

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimise mowing costs while producing a professional finish. The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance of a well-tuned cylinder mower, but not the high maintenance requirements and sensitivity to mowing conditions, such as wet grass and weeds.

The system

The smooth cutting decks with fast spinning small blades ensure a high quality of cut and a good distribution of clippings. Thanks to the electrically driven blades, the mower is very economical

and quiet. The large wheels and smart mower deck linking system ensures good contour following and enables high mowing speeds.

The benefits

Users report high productivity gains and appreciate the low maintenance requirements and the ability to schedule mowing even under less favourable mowing conditions, such as early morning dew and wet autumn, which can often prevent removal of grass clippings.

The models

Municipalities and sports field and park managers have discovered the advantages of the Eco Clipper mowing system. For them, Eco Clipper now offers two versions: the 4.11m wide EC-FM4 Sport and the 3.43m wide EC-FM343. Both are positioned in front of the tractor, providing excellent visibility & comfort for the tractor driver.

The EC-FM4 Sport has four independent mowing decks, mows till 4.11m wide and folds up to 2.5m width. It only needs 50hp, but fits best to small size agricultural tractors. To meet the demand for more lightweight mowers suitable for most park tractors from 40hp upwards, the Eco Clipper FM343 has been developed. This three-part Eco Clipper front mower cuts 343cm wide and folds to a transport width of 170cm. As with the larger 411cm wide EC-FM4, electricity is provided by a PTO-powered generator behind the tractor.

info@ecoclipper.com www.ecoclipper.com

Cemex introduces i-Con

Global building materials solutions supplier Cemex has introduced i-Con, a new data-driven, digital solution, designed to help contractors deliver smarter, more efficient concrete construction, during the critical curing process.

Cemex i-Con provides contractors with real time insights using Bluetooth and maturity tracking to make faster and more accurate decisions about when to remove formwork, apply loads, or pour concrete. This reduces time, the reliance on third-party testing and field cured cubes; ultimately allowing contractors greater optimisation and control over their project delivery.

and easy-to-install wireless smart sensors, which are placed within the concrete formwork.

Mike Higgins, Cemex, said, “Cemex i-Con is ideal for use on applications where rapid early strength is needed. When working with concrete, contractors plan for maturity development, dynamic visibility of this data means jobs may be finished ahead of schedule.”

By enabling greater visibility of the compressive strength and temperature of concrete, Cemex i-Con’s new smart technology, is aimed at supporting a range of concrete applications from highrise buildings and crane bases, to cast-in-place construction, bridges, tunnels and precast, using simple

Cemex i-Con works across all Cemex concrete mixes and is part of Cemex’s suite of added value digital tools, including BIM Plug-in software, which are designed to help contractors and specifiers improve their productivity, profitability, and sustainability, for intelligent, more efficient concrete construction. The reports generated by Cemexi-Con can be used as part of BIM models, enabling users to upload detailed reports on concrete curing performance.

www.cemex.co.uk/i-con

Sod-cutting ceremony

A new primary school is coming to Dunstall Park Estate in Tamworth and will be open to students for the start of the new school year in 2024/25.

Construction works for Dunstall Park Primary School are being led by Midlands contractor, GF Tomlinson, on behalf of Staffordshire County Council and alongside project managers and concept architects, Entrust. The project was procured through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework.

Ideally located to accommodate a number of new housing developments in the area, the new one-form entry two-storey school will open its doors in September, catering for 210 primary pupils and 26 nursery places. The school also has the capacity for expansion to 315 places in the future, in line with the demand for school places generated by further housing growth.

The 1,500m2 state-of-the-art educational facility comprises seven classrooms, a separate nursery and practical area, an indoor school hall, staff offices

and catering areas, alongside an outdoor space dedicated to a range of sporting activities.

The school’s energy-efficient design prioritises daylight and natural ventilation into the building and, to ensure easy adjustment to temperature changes, high levels of insulation and thermal mass will be applied to walls and ceilings.

The school will be part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), which operates ten other successful schools in Staffordshire, among its new overall total of 22. GF Tomlinson previously delivered Anna Seward Primary School in Lichfield in 2023 for the ATLP.

https://gftomlinson.co.uk

Lighting & Electrical

Currys chooses Whitecroft for huge lighting refit

Commercial lighting manufacturer and supplier, Whitecroft Lighting, has completed a major project to install innovative LED lighting systems in almost 80 stores across the UK for electrical retailer Currys, including branches in Manchester, Birmingham and Dundee.

But rather than completely replacing the outdated lights, Whitecroft used its pioneering Relight system to reuse as much of each store's existing lighting infrastructure as possible.

This reduces the huge amounts of waste normally generated by major electrical refits, an important requirement for Currys as part of its 2040 Roadmap to Net-Zero strategy, which sets out how the company is reducing the carbon it produces.

Whitecroft’s Relight low-energy LED lights have been installed in customer showrooms, office areas and even car parks, enabling Currys to reduce its energy consumption, helping to further cut its carbon emissions and shrink its electricity bills.

Tom Gardener, Senior Facilities Manager for Currys, explains the rationale for the project, “Working with Whitecroft Lighting and learning about its approach to circularity –reusing and recycling materials – has been a very positive experience. We were impressed with the short and longer-term material and labour cost benefits of Relight, but we didn’t fully appreciate the carbon saving value until we worked on the product.

“Our new lighting not only improved our energy efficiency but also our approach to circularity and reusing existing infrastructure. This helped to increase energy efficiency and reduce wasted carbon.”

www.whitecroftlighting.com

Schneider Electric transforms power distribution

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently unveiled the introduction of MasterPacT MTZ Active, a revolutionary new low voltage air circuit breaker designed to set new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability at Data Centre World, London.

Experts at Gartner estimate data centre downtimes could set businesses back by an upwards of $300,000 per hour, and so the business case for investing in innovation and technology to ensure data centre resiliency has never been stronger.

In a world increasingly driven by electricity and digitisation, MasterPacT MTZ Active enables data centre customers to respond to complex challenges, including 24/7 uptime demands, spiralling energy costs, and urgent calls for sustainable practices.

The first MasterPacT product was launched 35 years ago, and

ever since has been synonymous with circuit breaker innovation and reliability. Now, with smart, connected power distribution becoming a must-have, Schneider Electric is revolutionising the MasterPacT range to advance circuit breaker performance in the data centre.

The new MasterPacT MTZ Active’s control unit speeds mitigation with an industry-first QR code solution. Data centre operators can scan the code to access comprehensive instructions to optimise decisionmaking on the most effective restorative actions to take, in order to reduce data centre downtime.

www.se.com/uk/en/productrange/63545-masterpact-mtz

Our wallbed models provide limitless possibilities for transforming living space

Wallbeds have never been easier to order, build and install. They can help transform homes, offices and hotel rooms into multi-purpose & versatile spaces as well as providing functional storage areas.

Our wallbeds use a unique, safe, spring support system enabling the precise adjustment of balancing lift, compared with cheaper gas lifts. Our spring balance system has been developed over a 20 year period to guarantee safety and achieve the perfect balance. Being both powerful and adjustable means you can use a premium mattress for absolute comfort as well as to perfectly balance the wallbed, using fingertip control to open and close the wallbed effortlessly and safely. All our mechanisms and hardware models are complete with contract level finishes and strength.

The NeXT Bed™, Alpha Bed™, Beta DIY Kit, and Studio Desk provide huge scope for rethinking the way we live, work and sleep. Wallbeds can be used

with subtlety and even completed hidden. Built to contract standards, and as well as appearing in an increasing number of homes globally, wallbeds are also gaining increasing popularity in the hotel and hospitality sectors due to their durability and suitability for everyday use.

Wallbeds can also provide additional capabilities such as providing extra storage, integrated seating or a desk. Installation costs are low and especially reduced if installed when completing a full fit out. ln furnished apartments, hotel rooms and in tiny or mobile homes, all our models utilise the floor plate very effectively which is essential especially where space is increasingly at a premium, and furniture must be dual purpose. Full drawings are available of cabinet fixings where needed.

Our innovative NeXT Bed™ is an instant wallbed solution used with or without cabinet, immediately installable and useable on arrival, and currently in stock and available worldwide. With a tiny footprint and with fingertip control, the NeXT bed uses the safe spring support system. It can even be partassembled off-site to further minimise installation time on-site.

The Alpha Bed™ utilises rolled section steel for strengthening the wallbed front panel and includes cross braces to ensure maximum load compatibility while never compromising on the perfect balance nor comfort. Our Studio Desk, compatible with the Alpha Bed , functions as either a desk or side table and integrates directly into the wallbed. Not only does it disappear when the bed is lowered but keeps desk items vertical and undisturbed while the

bed is lowered, raised, and in use. Weighing just 15kg and the size of a cabin case, the Beta DIY kit has been developed specially for cabinet makers, and a range of other specialist trade professionals who require an affordable, compact, safe, reliable, and easy to operate system that from one package, will deliver any size of professional wallbed.

Our wallbed models provide limitless possibilities for transforming living space – just add your creativity and design for the space you need. Free consultation, advice, innovative designs and support provided. A full range of US/EU/UK sizes are in stock, immediately available in project volumes worldwide. Talk to us today about our wide range of wall bed mechanisms and associated other products.

T +44 (0)208 704 5796

M +44 (0)7780 661958

Jeremy.Waller@wallbedsystems.co.uk www.wallbedsystems.co.uk

Aquabloc: The humidity-defying tile for bright and fresh interiors

In environments where humidity and heat reign supreme, maintaining a fresh and clean interior can be a constant battle. From spas to shower areas and other damp spaces, moisture can quickly take a toll on the building’s interior, leading to discolouration, warping and potential mould growth.

At Zentia, we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses that operate in these conditions, which is why we are proud of Aquabloc – our toughest ceiling tile that defies humidity and heat to keep interiors looking pristine for years to come.

Made from hydrated calcium silicate, the Aquabloc tile is a true gamechanger with 100% Relative Humidity (RH) performance. This means it can endure even the most challenging environments without comprising its structural integrity or aesthetic appeal.

Whether you require a ceiling tile solution for a

luxurious spa, shower facilities, or any other facility where humidity and heat are a constant, Aquabloc is the perfect answer for creating interiors that remain bright, fresh and inviting.

Easy installation, stunning results

In addition to its exceptional performance, Aquabloc offers an easy-to-install board edge, making it simple to incorporate into any new or existing grid system. Once installed, the white ceiling tiles can instantly elevate the ambiance of interiors, adding a sense of light and height.

Seamless specification

Specification with Zentia has never been easier. A team of dedicated Architectural and Design Consultants throughout the UK are ready to help with exploring design concepts or finalising specifications. You can also see us at Material Source Studio in Manchester or Glasgow, a one-of-a-kind hub of design inspiration for architects.

Zentia are partners with NBS, a free-to-use construction product

platform that allows you to quickly and easily find, select and specify our products. This means you can find all of our products on NBS, with accurate and up to date specification data, making project design simple.

Invest in longevity and aesthetics

By choosing Aquabloc, you are not just investing in a ceiling tile, you are investing in the longevity and refinement of your interior spaces. Say goodbye to the constant cycle of replacement and repair, and enjoy even more peace of mind with Zentia’s 30 year warranty when used with a Zentia grid system. Say hello to a fresh, inviting atmosphere that prevents humidity and heat from dictating the look and feel of interior spaces. Embrace the power of Aquabloc and experience the difference a humiditydefying tile can make.

Find out more, or update your sample library here: www.zentia.com/en-gb/solutions/products/ ceiling-tiles/aquabloc

COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2024

Power Continuity Ltd have been

designing, building and

installing automatic Power Protection Solutions across the UK for almost 30 years

Customer led design requires bespoke power solutions for every location.

Building and Facilities News chose Power Continuity for this prestigious 2024 award as the worthy WINNER after being impressed by their, “No challenge is too great for Power Continuity to implement. Any location, Any power.”

Building and Facilities News were especially impressed with:-

s The highest installed generators, operating 24/7 anywhere in the UK, have been designed and installed by Power Continuity at the very summit of Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia, all within the last 12 months.

s The largest single phase generator ever built in the UK to operate on the rail network was built and installed in 2024 by Power Continuity in Derby.

Certainly, no challenge is too great for Power Continuity to accomplish. WINNER.

Diesel Generators Keep the Lights On:

Reliable Power

In today’s ever-connected world, even a brief power outage can cause significant disruption. For businesses that rely on

constant reliable electricity, ensuring uninterrupted operations is crucial. This is where, bespoke industrial diesel generators and emergency standby power protection systems come in.

Power Continuity design from scratch, each solution, to ensure even the most sensitive equipment never loses power.

Dependable Power

When You Need It Most Diesel generators are workhorses of the industrial world. When a power outage hits, an automatic transfer switch, ATS or AMF panel, seamlessly transitions critical loads to the generator, ensuring minimal downtime. This is vital for businesses like hospitals, data centres, and manufacturing facilities where even a short interruption can have severe consequences, knocking out robots, contaminating Pharmaceuticals etc. Power Continuity generating electricity independent of the National Grid.

Dependable Emergency Power, without any break

Diesel generators require up to 30 seconds to get to speed and accept site load.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies-(UPS) fill that gap. Holding the site load until the generator takes over supporting the building load.

Power Continuity install UPS systems up to 10 megawatts. Any building, Any Mission Critical site. Anywhere.

2024 – is – POWER CONTINUITY

Beyond Backup: Location no problem

Industrial diesel generators aren't limited to emergency backup.

Take Snowdon Mountain Summit

Hikers and Tourists visit the Summit facilities after a long trek up the mountain.

This remote isolated operation relies on Power Continuity generators as their primary source of power. These bespoke heavy-duty generators are built for continuous operation and are operating in all weathers, 24 hours a day.

The highest operating generators anywhere in the UK.

Modern Advancements: Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

While diesel generators have long been a reliable solution, advancements in technology are making them even more efficient and environmentally friendly. Power Continuity generators boast lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency, reducing operating costs and environmental impact. We can even run on NON-Fossil fuels such as HVO.

Expert Installation and Maintenance

Ensuring proper installation and maintenance of an emergency standby power system is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Our qualified technicians can ensure the generator is sized correctly, installed according to NICEIC 18th edition standards, and regularly serviced to guarantee, it’s never going to let your site down, when needed.

Main Contractor

Power Continuity Systems handles the total installation from beginning to the end. As Main contractor, we produce our own 3D animations ensuring the functionality of the design and to future proof any anticipated power requirement.

From Data Centres to NHS Hospitals, however complex, count on Power Continuity.

Data Centre critical power infrastructures for Government and Global corporations.

Emergency Temporary UPS Power Hire

Our UPS Hire Containers have been temporally installed to power protect Football Stadiums, NHS sites, Major events, Data Centres and nationally critical sites.

With almost 30 years, no break power protection installations, for absolute Power Continuity it can only be Power Continuity Ltd.

Building & Facilities News COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2024

WINNER – POWER CONTINUITY

WE DESIGN – WE BUILD – WE INSTALL –WE ARE POWER CONTINUITY 0845 055 8455

Power Continuity that’s always available 24/7

https://powercontinuity.co.uk/

www.barnesassociates.co.uk

www.bluerunltd.co.uk

Award-winning Maintenance Management Software

Meeting the maintenance management needs of every sector, including: Retail | Care Homes | Leisure Clubs | Race Courses | Charities | Pub Chains | Office Management | Logistics

Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective solution for task facilities management. Whether it’s managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day maintenance of almost any organisation. Our award-winning CAFM software keeps everyone in the loop and archives all your communication and documentation in one place. For total control of your organisation’s assets, Mainteno also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking. Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance management process, saving your organisation time and money.