0121 824 4743 |
buildings@bestpracticeuk.co.uk
www.bcruk.co.uk
SIMPLY SIMONBOX: IP66 Floor Box
Since its foundation over thirty years ago, Gromtec Europe Ltd has developed a reputation for supplying quality custom cable grommet and floor box solutions. Synonymous with innovation, Gromtec has developed many notable, award-winning products such as the Air-Guard® and Air-Block® cable grommet ranges which are used extensively in data centres throughout the UK, Europe & the USA.
In 2012, Gromtec introduced the IP66 SIMON floor box to the UK market. The ‘SIMONBOX’ proved to be a game changer providing a cost-effective and practical waterproof floor box solution. Primarily designed as an ‘occasional’ floor box, the outlet sits flush in a tiled floor area. When closed the SIMONBOX is watertight, allowing tiled areas to be wet washed when required. The outlet also features an internal drainage system to deal with accidental water ingress, which is useful if the floor box is installed externally or in decking. This pioneering product has been consistently specified by consulting engineers and architects for a wide
range of commercial and domestic projects. End users include John Lewis, NEXT Home Store, and Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
In early 2025, Gromtec will be launching the second generation of the ‘SIMONBOX’. This additional product range retains the main waterproof features of the original product but in a new housing. The new SIMONBOX range is initially available in two finishes, sleek matt black and brushed stainless steel. In answer to the question so often asked over the past 12 years, “Is it available in a double socket version?” The answer now is YES and with an option for additional data sockets.
The SIMONBOX will be available through your local electrical wholesaler.
For more information on the full range of products , please see the details below: Call: 020 3286 7949 or visit: www.gromtec.co.uk or www.gromtec.com or specifically for SIMONBOX: www.simonbox.co.uk
Goland Recruitment
Here at Goland Recruitment Ltd, we have extensive network and experience in placing exceptional candidates for the role you require. Whether it be in Construction, Retail, Hospitality or Commercial we are at your disposal to do the leg work for you.
Save time and money when recruiting for temporary or permanent/full-time position as we spend a considerable amount of time reading through the specifications and searching for exceptional candidates.
Please give us a call or drop us an email today if you require our assistance and we will do our best to get you the right person
for the job at a rate that suits your budget.
Our full time placements fees are normally 12% to 15% depending on the role and the salary, we now however have a set rate for all permanent roles placements of 8% no matter what the salary, but for your first two placements we are running a special offer of 5% across the board so don’t miss out.
Please keep us in mind for all your Recruitment requirements.
For more information, please see details below: T 01908 102078 info@goland.group www.goland.group
Hello & welcome to Issue 415 of BCR…
Happy New Year to all our readers! We hope you’ve all had a relaxing festive break and are ready for a busy year ahead.
Congratulations to Structure One Timberworks: our Timber Build Company of the Year and finalist in the Commercial Project of the Year for the London Construction Awards 2024 for design and build of a fully fitted commercial gym and co-working office environment. With a boom in housing builds and renovations across the country, Structure One continues to specialise in full kitchen projects. Read more on page 3.
The prefabricated market is expanding across construction. Arkem Leisure Ltd, is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of premium portable toilet and washing facilities for campsites, caravan parks, holiday parks, forest holidays, camping & caravan clubs, marinas, and sports & leisure facilities. Arkem has supplied toilet and shower blocks to high-end clients like Holme Pierrepont and park holidays, forest holidays and camping & caravan clubs from Anglesey to East Lothian. Read about our Commitment to Excellence recipient on pages 8-9.
Congratulations to award-winning W J Horrod Ltd for a fantastic 75 years of business in 2025. The family-owned and run business is a manufacturer of specialist plant and machines – used primarily within the civil engineering, roofing and construction industry. Read our interview with second-generations owners about Terry Horrod Senior’s legacy, the importance of health & safety and an extensive product range. See pages 6-7 to learn more about the winners of our Commitment to Excellence feature.
Structure One Timberworks
It’s been a busy year for home and garden renovations, with as many as one in three households having bathroom remodels, kitchen upgrades, garden decking installations and other exterior facelifts. With a trend towards personalisation – there has been a steady rise in customed carpentry, handmade tiles, coloured rooflights, all with a focus on using sustainable materials.
Structure One Timberworks is at the forefront of full renovations, extensions and kitchen refurbishments for commercial and private residential projects. Established in 2006 by Darren Noble, the family-run business is based in Gloucester and works nationwide on a full range of projects.
Industry recognition
The highlight this year for the company has been the design and build of a fully fitted commercial gym and co-working office environment, which was a finalist in The Commercial Project of the Year for the London Construction Awards 2024. Inspired by contemporary biophilic design features, the stunning office space had a ‘forest railway’ theme, whilst maintaining the more traditional, heritage features. The oldmeets-new design included exposed beams, interspersed with metal accents and open plan working spaces for a contemporary office environment. The standing desks are a nod to ergonomic design, with greenery bringing the outdoors inside. Sustainable measures included energy-efficient smart lighting, water saving measures in the toilet areas, FSC-approved wood and recycled materials where possible.
Demand for services
We caught up with owner Darren to find out what other projects Structure
One has been working on this year and what the future holds, “Structure One has continued to expand yearon-year since inception. 2024 has been another positive year, both in terms of growth and project type. This year Structure One expanded the variety of projects undertaken to include landscaping and healthcare properties. The number of garden
rooms completed are also in growth in line with the trend for these home improvements.”
“As part of this demand for services, Structure One has expanded our growing team and increased the number and breadth of trades within our group – allowing us to undertake more complex projects.”
“We continue to specialise in full kitchen projects from design and working with leading experts in kitchen supply to completed renovation and decoration. We offer fully managed project packages allowing the customers’ design brief to come alive whilst only dealing with one person.”
“Looking to the future, we would like to continue to develop the fully managed packages into larger extensions from outline design and planning application to completion.”
Full kitchen renovation specialists
If you’re looking for a new kitchen upgrade, Structure One offer a full design build service. Customers can choose solid wood range cabinets for example, with complimentary quartz work tops and request bespoke features like full-height larder and under-counter fridges for kitchen tight on space. For your dream kitchen, consider customised floor tiles and splash back, to accentuate spacious areas.
“We’re delighted to be selected for this award. It’s testament to the attention to detail we undertake with each project. Follow our Instagram page @structure1timberworks for all our latest projects, including before and after photos.”
T 07903 054918
timberworks@structure1.co.uk
The Timber Build Company of the Year Award
Quality bespoke joinery –
crafted to perfection
Bluerun manufactures quality, bespoke joinery items and everything is made to order, nothing is ‘off the shelf.’
If you’re looking for items made from both hard and softwood or even veneered and painted panels, Bluerun can reproduce an array of items including replacement sashes, where it can manufacture a brand new one on a like for like basis, so the mouldings will match.
Bluerun only produce purpose made joinery to client’s drawings and specifications. Its unrivalled level of customer services means that free quotations are normally provided within 2-3 days or less, and the company can usually deliver a quick turnaround of any manufactured items required. And, because it has an experienced spray operative in charge of a modern spray paint and lacquer facility, articles can leave the factory in a fully finished state, ready for installation on-site.
What really sets Bluerun apart is that since its establishment it has never used computer aided machinery for any designs. Crafted to perfection, all items are finished by hand, drawings are prepared with pencil and paper, and everything that is manufactured by the team has been done so with the utmost attention to detail.
Contact T 01799 599995 dee@bluerunltd.co.uk www.bluerunltd.co.uk
Sigma Design lighting, home cinemas & consulting
Sigma is a multi-discipline studio with a simple goal, to bring together our years of industry experience and present clients with a truly focused set of services.
SIGMA are audio visual & lighting industry experts with a wide range of proven skillsets & experience gained from many years of designing & delivering a wide range of AV & lighting projects across the globe.
Led by multi-award winning AV & lighting designer and systems integrator Nic Black, alongside a group of hand-picked specialists covering all aspects of design, engineering, project management and consulting services, we have over 35 years industry experience gained from working on a wide range of projects across the world.
Sigma Design brings a wealth of knowledge to the market.
With offices in Devon and the South East we are well placed to cover UK based projects.
Design, engineering and delivery to the highest standards is the promise.
Simply the sum of the parts combined to create the best outcomes.
For a no obligation chat, please contact us on: 01392 949150, email: nic@sigma-design.co.uk or visit: www.sigma-design.co.uk
Nic Black, Principal Design Consultant
Commitment To Excellence
W J Horrod Ltd: Quality, safety,
In this issue of Building & Construction Review, we are delighted to showcase W J Horrod Ltd for displaying Commitment To Excellence
Award-winning W J Horrod Ltd is getting ready to celebrate a phenomenal 75 years of business in 2025. The family-owned and run business are manufacturers of specialist plant and machines used primarily within the civil engineering, roofing and construction industry.
Company history
Established in 1948 as a repair service by brothers William John Horrod, & Alex Horrod, utilising their military experience as Engineers, William in Army’s Royal Engineers, and Alex who served in the Royal Naval Engineers. Repairing the ‘plant’ of already established companies, but soon grew into a renowned industry-leading manufacturer of asphalt and bitumen equipment, civil engineering and highways maintenance plant.
Although the company predominately resides in the ‘building’ industry, it is not limited strictly to it. Over the years, Horrods has provided all manner of products for manual handling, clients including the Royal Opera House, to the QEII Conference centre and Billingsgate Market. The product range is extensive, from the SwiftMelt Mastic asphalt mixer to Hotboxes, Hot Air Rubber Materials melters, to thermoplastic pre heaters, more commonly
Innovation in anti-skid mixers
The legacy of safety, quality & efficiency
In 1961, the company was incorporated into a limited company, Alex and Bill named it after their father, William John Horrod Snr, whose financial support had enabled their endeavour W J Horrod Ltd was officially ‘born’ and keeping it in the family, Len Horrod, and half-brother Pat Padwick worked with the older brothers, with youngest brother Terry, a welding engineer, later running the company until his death in 2009. The company is now run by secondgeneration directors Kim and Terry, with three third-generation Horrods’ apprenticing to keep it in the family.
“In the past we have also developed AntiSkid Materials mixers, and resin mixers: the materials often used on our roads to either colour code areas or prevent skidding, where brakes might be applied quickly, such as zebra or pelican crossings, bends and traffic lights. Designing a machine for anti-skid material was a huge challenge. Theoretically the material could be heated within a ‘standard’ asphalt mixer, until the testing stages revealed an issue that the existing materials had never presented.
The anti-skid materials abrasive nature, needed to provide the grip, also destroyed the standard bearings which the stirrer shaft rotated through causing extreme damage in a very short time. Horrods solved this with careful research and engineering knowhow: finding a solution and providing the client with a machine fit for purpose.”
Terry Horrod Snr truly championed health & safety and advised HSE on good practices until the early 2000’s. Safety continues to be the watch word at Horrods today, as many of the larger products have moving parts, using LPG Propane Gas, or electric elements, and are heating vessels thus producing hot materials. The smaller models require careful use and awareness too. Safeguarding is a responsibility that the team take very seriously. Quality goes hand in hand with safety, by ensuring the products are made using only the highest-quality components and having undergone a rigorous design process. This includes longevity testing and ensuring easy servicing and monitoring, once the products leave the workshop.
Efficiency comes from the understanding of all manufacturing and designing processes. Building products that utilise every single piece of staff knowhow, to ensure every cubic metre of gas is utilised to its maximum potential. Efficiency also means training the professional roofing operative in how to properly use the machines supplied. Maximising the time and the energy on-site mean the job is completed
Expertise across diverse customer base Horrods thrive on challenges: continually developing, designing, and testing new products to ensure customers have the very best machinery and plant for each project.
“Our services include operator training, consultation on heating/decanting of new materials, research & development for solving issues as presented by our clients, health & safety, and working when approached with Health & Safety Executive. We also provide hire services of many of our products,” explains Director, Kim Wilkins (neé Horrod)
3 Drum 3-Phase fully Electric Hot Air Melter with Terry Horrod
Single 15 Gallon Capacity Preheater with a spare pan for other colour thermoplastic
3 Drum Hot Air Melter
Commitment To Excellence
& efficiency in manufacturing
The importance of safety legislation: Strengths and pitfalls: The industry must do better Horrods have always been fighting for a wider safer industry, with critical working practices not only preached, but observed. Amazingly, there are no legal guidelines that manage the equipment Horrods manufacture. Forklifts for example, require certification, whilst using a machine that by virtue of its function is hazardous, with zero legislation to govern safety. The trailers on which these machines are sited have strict guidelines, yet the melting machine on top has none. The LPG gas has rules and regulations with which enforcement is possible. Yet anyone can build something and call it a ‘bitumen boiler or asphalt mixer’ with zero codes to adhere to, in making sure these are safe and well-built appliances.
Award-winning
“We now provide a Hybrid mastic asphalt mixer, giving our customers the choice of using a diesel engine to power the unit, or electricity, which is of course a lot quieter and by its existence, far more environmentally friendly,” outlines Kim.
Horrods has long been trailblazing in the asphalt sector, with Terry Horrod being awarded the coveted ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’ Award 2009 by the Mastic Asphalt Council, shortly before his death.
Commitment to Excellence
“It has always been important to our company to put in the time and energy to fully
understand each component element we work with. Manufacturing isn’t simply ordering and putting something together, it is as much about understanding the stresses of the steel used in the manufacture of the machines, the density and type of the insulation, ensuring maximum energy output with the lowest input, streamlining the equipment, and recognising which existing plant might suit a new material or process to limit costs.”
“The Whirlpool mastic asphalt mixer allowed a thermostatically controlled element to be added to a mastic asphalt mixer for the first time. Since the inception of the Whirlpool, the unique design features have become a new materials’ best friend. The SwiftMelt was based on and utilised the efficiency of the Whirlpool into a more compact machine and can be trailer mounted, or static on the back of a vehicle. The reinstatement materials have provided immense stability in the ironwork on our UK roads.” concludes Terry.
For more information, please contact the team on the details below: T 020 8539 5746
https://www.wjhorrod.co.uk
15 Gallon Preheaters Hand Stirred (Small Capacity Whiteliners)
40 Gallon Twin Preheaters (Whiteliners)
50 Gallon Safety Melt Series 4 (Thermostat Controlled Bitumen Boiler)
New Hotbox on purpose built trailer commissioned by customer
SwiftMelt Mastic Asphalt Mixer
SwiftMelt rear view with new spot lights mounted for vision assistance in low light or darkness
Premium portable toilet and washing facilities: Transform campsites and holiday parks
In this issue of Building & Construction Review, we are delighted to showcase Arkem Leisure Ltd with our Commitment To Excellence
Arkem Leisure Ltd, based in Staffordshire, is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of premium portable toilet and washing facilities for campsites, caravan parks, holiday parks, forest holidays, camping & caravan clubs, marinas, and sports & leisure facilities.
A clean, well-maintained toilet and shower block is a major attraction for customers seeking a comfortable ‘home from home’ experience and is one of the reasons for repeat business year after year. Many of Arkem Leisure’s clients cited the toilets and showers as one of the reasons for returning customers, with it also providing the winning vote over competitors.
It’s no longer just campsites, caravan parks, and holiday parks looking for the best toilet and shower blocks, many farms are now diversifying by adding campsites.
From May 2024, the UK Government granted extended Permitted Development Rights (PDR) for English farmers. This means that farms can convert agricultural buildings for commercial usage, build 10 houses, or house 50 pitches for up to 60 days per calendar year, negating
the need for planning permission. This welcomed move gives more freedom to farmers to diversify and consider outdoor sports buildings, and farm shops, alongside camp sites.
A 2024 survey by NFU Mutual has found that 34% of UK farmers have already diversified their farms, with many more considering it over the coming years. With many Brits continuing their love of Staycation, there has been increased demand for campsites across the country. Many holidaymakers want to stay on a farm to ‘get in touch with nature’ and enjoy the remote locations. Those that are ‘off-grid’ offer an enhanced ‘detox’ appeal for many wishing to pause social media addictions and focus on family or couple time. Campsites and glamping offer farmers additional revenue streams at a time when traditional farming has become a more precarious living.
“We offer a range of toilet and shower block facilities for campsites, caravan parks and holiday parks, including farms. Camping off-grid on farms used to be a risky business: with no on-site facilities - save a running fresh stream. That’s all changed now. We’ve provided three off-grid toilets and shower blocks recently. Solar thermal energy provides hot water, keeping energy prices down and gives campers ‘creature comforts’ and stunning scenic vistas. All the blocks are easy to install, clean, with every joint accessible for plumbing, preventing full-scale downtime. Light motion-sensors save electricity bills and think of the costs saved by having solar energy for laundry rooms/tumble dryers on-site.” explains owner and managing director: Tom Embleton.
Spotlight
on Arkem Leisure
Toilets and shower blocks can make or break a campsite. Campers and holidaymakers are looking for clean and functional facilities, adequate ventilation to prevent
condensation, disabled access, all made in durable materials like stainless steel, composite shower trays and porcelain toilets.
The basic rule is that for every 25 pitches, there must be one shower and for every 120 pitches, two ladies and one men’s toilet/urinal. It is customary for many campsites and holiday parks to offer more than the bare minimum, for enhanced customer experience: less queues in peak seasons and happy campers all round.
Arkem has supplied toilet and shower blocks to high-end clients like Holme Pierrepont and park holidays, forest holidays and camping & caravan clubs from Anglesey to East Lothian. The portable prefabricated toilet and shower blocks have numerous advantages over a traditional building, including:
▲ Arkem full units arrive prefabricated to the camping site: Ready to connect on-site.
▲ Stand-alone washing facilities, or combined toilet and shower blocks all available from tailored or standard designs.
▲ Bespoke choices for design: External cladding, windows, guttering, internal wall and floor finishes, sink style, baby changing, vanity mirrors, and lighting – find a design to suit each site.
▲ Each comes with anti-slip flooring, with in-built sanitary designs.
▲ Choose from electric, gas,
▲ Blocks can be easily moved across site during offpeak seasons
▲ In the event of relocation, the units can be easily moved to a new site.
▲ Off-grid and remote locations can be reached through Arkem’s delivery partner.
▲ Cost-effective – units are designed, delivered and installed offering huge savings on a brick-built traditional facility.
▲ Speed: Units can be installed quickly, bypassing the longer duration for fixed buildings.
“All our toilet and shower blocks come with 12 month guarantees on materials and workmanship, with additional manufacturer warranties for all appliances. We can add accessible cubicles to any of our units for guests with mobility issues/disabilities, providing full inclusivity at campsites.”
“We support our customers further by providing comprehensive care information for cleaning the blocks inside and out. Many campsite and holiday park owners wish to offer more than basic amenities, in an increasingly competitive market. Here at Arkem Leisure, we provide kitchens, washing-up areas, changing rooms, laundry rooms, through to office and reception areas.”
Commitment To Excellence
Choose from eight designs or design your own Existing or new customers can choose from eight leading toilet and shower design templates: Anker, Avon, Blythe, Clyde, Eden, Severn, Tame and Tweed.
The Anker portable unisex shower and toilet block for example, comes with a sink, toilet and shower with heated towel rails and coat hooks for added convenience. Many campers have long got used to not having hooks provided and carry portable hooks with suction pads, as a result, so these showers will be a treat for many in the community!
The Severn provides a direct access shower and toilet block: each room has a toilet, sink (with mirror) and thermostatic shower with plenty of room for changing. Perfect for luxurious, deluxe campsites or holiday homes, adding a five-star showering and toileting facility.
One of the bestsellers is the Tame model: split cubicle style shower and toilet combination, with urinals for the gentlemen. With enough roomy space for clothes to be kept dry, each side has two showers and two separate toilets, for privacy. The spacious communal spaces have vanity mirrors for hair styling and skincare routines.
If you’re looking to revamp your existing toilet and shower block or install new ones from scratch, talk to Arkem Leisure today.
For more information, please see the details below: T 01543 524553 info@arkemleisure.com https://arkemleisure.com
LPG water heating or renewable energy sources.
Benefits of having a home lift installed
In this issue of Building & Construction Review, we are delighted to welcome back Cibes Lift UK with our BCR Recommends Award
A home lift can transform lives: helping people stay in their own homes, with dignity and independence, whilst avoiding trips and falls. With many of us living longer into our eighties, it might be time to think about futureproofing your home. Home lifts are increasingly sought aftermaking a home a forever home.
Cibes Lift UK provides lifts across the domestic residential market and in doing so challenges the myths surrounding them, “Our lifts are easy to install and come in a range of styles and colours that can match your flooring and decor. Installation and building works are so much easier and smoother than people imagine. We’re challenging the perception around lifts: they’re not big, bulky contraptions – instead the designs are sleek and elegant and we manufacture lifts starting as small as a little over 1 metre square: equivalent to a wardrobe. With the right design, it can be a centrepiece and add value to properties.”
“Some of our customers have injuries or long-standing illnesses, where mobility is acutely impacted. Yet others are in good health but thinking ahead to their golden years, where perhaps they might not be as steady on their feet. In this case, a lift provides long-term security: staying in your own home and being able to move between floors. Infinitely more stylish and practical than a stairlift, our lifts are robust, elegant and built to high Swedish engineering standards” explained Thomas Standen: Head of Marketing (UK).
The platform lifts are the bestsellers: designed as ‘hold to run.’ This means that the user needs to hold the up or down button the entire time they want the lift to move.
Cibes’ cabin lift, the C1, has grown in popularity over the last year; these function with a ‘one touch.’ They are similar in the way they work to the passenger lifts you find in a shopping centre. The user only needs to press the button once for the lift to move between stops, however it runs slower than a traditional passenger lift.
The Cibes A5000 internal platform lift is small on the outside and spacious on the inside. The super-slim construction fits into the tightest of spaces and the glass lift shaft option will make it the envy of your friends and family. With a product lifetime of 25 years and energy label A, this stylish lift typically starts at £18,000, offering a feasible solution for years to come.
Cibes Lift UK is a subsidiary of the global giant Cibes Lift Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of platform and cabin lifts. Designed and sustainably manufactured in Cibes’ home country of Sweden, using renewable energy. Over the years, Cibes Lift Group has manufactured and sold 70,000 lifts in over 70 countries via its worldwide distribution network and local Cibes Lift Group offices.
Cibes Lift UK has UK offices in Loughborough and Bexleyheath for nationwide coverage, with partner distributors in Ireland. All lifts are installed, with scheduled annual services.
For your free no-obligation quote, please contact Cibes Lift UK today: T 0800 085 0269 info@cibeslift.co.uk https://cibeslift.com/en-gb
New Year Spotlight Award
A year in review: Direct Hoist
In this issue of Building & Construction Review, we are delighted to select Direct Hoist as the recipient of our New Year Spotlight Award.
The end of the year is when companies traditionally take stock of the last twelve months and leading specialist in construction hoist hire and sales, Direct Hoist is no exception.
The Midlands-based firm Direct Hoist is at the forefront of construction hoist technology, bringing innovative Italian Electroelsa machinery to the British market and are dedicated to boosting health and safety standards on construction sites.
Established in 2014 by Managing Director, Rob Wilson, the company started as a passion project in Rob’s garage. Today, Direct Hoist has four locations and a recent, additional 30m unit premises to accommodate the new in-house training centre for bespoke training and the NVQ Level 2 in Hoist Installation.
Specialising in GEDA and Electroelsa hoists, which have lifting capacities from 200kg to 5,000kg, the new classroom facility is used to teach candidates the theory and practical elements of assembly and disassembly of various lifts that include the use of the GEDA and Electroelsa units.
The training courses cover up-to-date industry working practices, legal requirements and working equipment knowledge. The on-site facility includes a 10m training tower, with capacity for transporting a two-tonne platform hoist to full height, with expert tutors offering hands-on optimal safety training. The more experienced industry students are offered a two-day specialist training course in theory and practical assembly and disassembly of various lifts, with a further week-long course available for deeper understanding of erecting and dismantling hoists. Students are examined by an
external assessor at the end of the course and will receive an industrially-recognised certificate, if successful.
Back in May 2022, Direct Hoist became the UK distributor of Electroelsa: an Italian manufacturer of expert mast-climbing work platforms (MCWPs), transport platforms, material hoists and construction hoists. This summer Direct Hoist and Electroelsa jointly exhibited at Vertikal Days: a leading two-day event showcasing equipment for lifting and working at height. The exhibitors showcased a wide selection of Electroelsa equipment including a PM-M56, PMM23 and PM-M10 transport platforms, the P46 mast climber, and demonstrated Electroelsa’s new safety feature, missing bolts presence
– which detects missing mast bolts during assembly.
Direct Hoist’s successful expansion is proof of a thoroughly industrious, hardworking team, who take pride in providing exceptional service. As a committed Living Wage Employer, Direct Hoist prioritises staff morale and holistic wellbeing. Staff are put through NVQ courses, rigorous health & safety training, and further manufacturer courses, in addition to the Mental Health First Aider course, cementing its commitment to the Workplace Mental Health Charter.
2024: Riding the storm
We caught up with Rob Wilson to review the successes and lessons learnt over 2024 and to
look forward to 2025, “It has been a challenging year for us. We were quiet for a fair few months running up to the general election as businesses anticipated a changeover in political parties. The budget release this year had an effect on our business too. As prices for fuel and equipment rise, we in turn must increase our prices which can, and have, affected us. Towards the back end of the year, we have managed to flip this on its head, and we are finishing 2024 on a busy high.”
“We recently switched to a 100% green electrical energy supply, which has gone hand in hand with running out fleet of vehicles on HVO fuel for the past couple of years. As the official UK distributors, we have further embraced Italian manufacturers, Electroelsa, and are using their brilliant and reliable hoists within our rental fleet on more sites across the UK.”
“We’ve been in this industry for more than 30 years, working face-to-face with valued clients. This means we intuitively know exactly what each customer needs for every project – how to make life easier, saving time and construction costs. In turn, they can trust our experience and advice to be the absolute best.”
Electroelsa: Next-level Italian equipment
Electroelsa is a market leader in safety, and benefits from high-tech computer control, including SIM technology with data-logging. It features a self-diagnostic function to remotely
New Year Spotlight Award
Over this year, Electroelsa in conjunction with Direct Hoists’ expertise in the UK safety regulations, has implemented a wide range of technological innovations, which Direct Hoist is excited to provide to the British construction industry in its ever-growing Electroelsa hire fleet.
Direct Hoist has worked in conjunction with Electroelsa to specifically adapt the range to suit the UK rental market while meeting the latest Transport Platform regulations.
relate to any Electroelsa machine problems, wherever it is in the world.
Direct Hoist supplies Electroelsa equipment, including new models, such as the PM-M56 transport platform with a 5,000kg lifting capacity, up to 250-metre working height and six different platform sizes and many configurations. The P46 mast climber has a working platform of up to 34 metres and up to 220 metre working height. The PM-M23 has 2,300kg capacity and five interchangeable cages, and up to 220 metre working height. The PM-M10, has four cage options, 1,000kg capacity, working height up to 220 metres working height depending on the mast type selected.
Electroelsa’s new safety feature is a missing bolts presence – which detects missing mast bolts during assembly.
The signature vivid yellow Electroelsa hire fleet can be found on many construction sites across the UK and has become the ‘company of choice’ for many in the industry.
2025: positive projections “We look forward to welcoming 2025 in the first quarter and we anticipate a more positive start compared to 2024; we are already getting enquires for hoist hire and sales for 2025, and we are delighted to work alongside some great companies.”
“We hope to grow our customer base further. We have some fantastic returning and loyal customers who have been with us since the beginning of Direct Hoist in 2014, and we are looking to increase that as 2025 comes in. We will also be focussing on recovering from the quiet spell we had in 2024, which affected not only us but a lot of construction and allied industries too. On top of this, we have plans to further our training availability to give thorough training for hoist installers,” added Rob.
For more information, please contact the team today: T 01724 781647 info@directhoist.co.uk www.directhoist.co.uk
Image courtesy of Connolly Scaffolding
Rob Wilson, Managing Director & Owner of Direct Hoist presented with the Award
Business is heating up
Renewable energy heat pumps take natural thermal energy from the air, ground, or water and turn it into heat that can be used for hot water and heating systems.
They are an alternative to the traditional heating methods, such as gas, that are currently used to heat business properties up and down the country, but which are being phased out as part of the 2050 Government net zero targets.
There are three main types of heat pumps available to businesses:
S Air source heat pumps: These work by transferring heat from the air into a fluid. This fluid passes through a heat exchanger to warm up hot water cylinders for taps and showers, as well radiators and other heating systems.
S Ground source heat pumps: These circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze through a loop of piping buried outside your business premises. The heat from the ground is then
absorbed into the fluid before being passed through a heat exchanger into the heat pump.
S Water source heat pumps: If your business is based near a large area of water, a water
source heat pump can be used to extract energy from it.
What are the benefits of switching to heat pumps?
S They will reduce your carbon footprint
S They will lower your energy bills
S They cost a lot less to maintain than gas boilers and have a longer life span
S They can be used as a cooling system in warmer weather
If you combine a heat pump with other renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, you can make your business premises almost completely self-sufficient through self-generated energy.
If you would like to find out more about options available for your business, please get in touch with Go Geothermal today on 01388 720228, email: sales@gogeothermal.co.uk or visit: www.gogeothermal.co.uk
Incorporating different styles of timber frames, cut and trussed roofs as well as a wide range of joists in timber frame packages to give the customer a perfect build.
Seviour Timber Frames use skilled labour to form a complete timber frame construction.
Seal the Deal: Unmatched Quality and Innovation with Curaflex Nova® Gaskets
Service Sealing Solutions Ltd, based in Shropshire, is the exclusive UK distributor for industry-leading German manufacturers DOYMA and HKD.
Established in 2018 by Tina McAra, the company quickly became a trusted name in providing sealing solutions for pipes, cables and ducting, specialising in preventing water and gas infiltration in buildings. With over seven years of experience as a Technical Sales Engineer for DOYMA's previous UK distributor, Tina secured the exclusive UK distribution rights, leveraging her expertise to drive the company’s success.
The company primarily supplies high-quality sealing products to commercial builders across the UK, contributing to major projects like HS2 and Kings Cross. Its offerings include gaskets, mechanical fixings, and custom-made solutions for demanding environments like power plants and airports. These products ensure water tightness and prevent structural damage, making them indispensable for
underground installations.
Service Sealing Solutions Ltd distinguishes itself through a steadfast commitment to quality, offering DOYMA’s cutting-edge products with an unmatched 25-year warranty. This dedication is further highlighted by the introduction of the Curaflex Nova® gaskets, a testament to the company’s focus on innovation and reliability within the building industry. The Curaflex Nova® gasket inserts provide a safe and effective solution for sealing various services, protecting against both pressing and non-pressing water.
A unique feature of these gaskets is the Integrated Torque Limiter (ITL) principle, which ensures that the correct torque is always applied when
The Playcraft Group
The UK has seen a surge in indoor recreational spaces, including trampoline parks, Ninja Warrior courses, and soft play centres. Since the first indoor trampoline parks opened in 2014, over 150 have sprung up, becoming popular for children's parties, clubs, and corporate events. Inspired by the ITV show, Ninja Warrior courses have also emerged in major cities, offering physical obstacle courses for children and teenagers. Soft play centres, known for their slides, ball pits, and play areas, provide yearround fun for babies, toddlers, and children,
Service Sealing Solutions Ltd
tightening, delivering consistent and reliable performance.
With other distributors providing similar products, Service Sealing Solutions Ltd stands out because it only uses the very best in German engineering, and what’s more, the company's expertise, experience and willingness to go the extra mile for every customer means it really doesn't have to work all that hard to remain competitive.
The aforementioned 25 year guarantee is a very important aspect of all its services, and cannot be matched by competitors. Combine that with its years of experience in the industry which allows them to consistently deliver on every level to the customers exact requirements means they are a distributor you can thoroughly trust.
Contact T 01952 510050
sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk
making them ideal for family meet-ups and parties.
The Playcraft Group, based in South Wales, stands out in this industry with 40 years of experience in children’s play and 25 years in play centre attractions. They offer comprehensive services, from design and manufacturing to installation and maintenance of various play facilities, including trampoline parks, climbing walls, and adventure playgrounds. Their high-profile clients include Disney, Land Rover, and Cartoon Network. The company emphasises inclusivity, designing wheelchairfriendly soft play sections and sensory spaces to support neurodiverse children.
free 360° advice on business plans, planning applications, insurance, and franchising. Currently, they are working on a wheelchairfriendly soft play section, adapting materials to accommodate electric and manual wheelchairs, creating an inclusive space for all children.
To start your indoor leisure franchise journey, contact Mike Broadfield at Playcraft Group for expert guidance and support.
T +44 (0)1792 422818 mike@playcraft.wales www.playcraftgroup.wales
Founder Mike Broadfield highlights their bespoke installations across the indoor and outdoor sports and leisure sector. They provide
Great British Lighting: Global Lighting Manufacturer
Great British Lighting is a specialist lighting manufacturer with a reputation and portfolio established over the last 100 years. Our work is primarily in the manufacture of decorative light fittings for Public Buildings, Cathedral, Museums and Theatres and International Theme Parks: from one-off reproductions to large scale manufacture. All items are manufactured and assembled at their premises in Fleetwood, Lancashire.
With an archive of over 35,000 products, drawings and specifications,
Great British Lighting can reproduce almost any luminaire from the last century and earlier, employing the latest CAD technology coupled with traditional craft skills. Great British Lighting also offers bespoke metalwork service producing high quality items such as balustrade, ecclesiastical fittings and door furniture.
Timber frame homes and extensions offered by Vision Development
Discover the warmth, strength, and timeless beauty of timber frame homes with Vision Development, a familyowned business passionate about crafting quality, bespoke structures that last for generations. Unlike larger, impersonal firms, we take pride in offering a hands-on, personalised service, guiding you through each step of the building journey with care, expertise, and transparency.
Timber frame construction offers significant advantages: it’s not only eco-friendly and sustainable, but also highly energy-efficient, helping to lower utility bills and create a healthier, more comfortable living space. With exceptional durability and natural aesthetic appeal, timber frames provide a beautiful blend of modern and traditional that suits any landscape.
believe that a home should be as unique as the family it houses, which is why we focus on detail, flexibility, and sustainable practices. Experience the difference of a family-run business dedicated to quality, integrity, and craftsmanship in every beam.
If you are looking to build your dream home or extension in 2025 and would like to see how we can assist, you can email us at: info@vision-dsl.com
Great British Lighting offer a comprehensive cleaning and restoration service, working sensitively on
Recently completed the refurbishment of existing lighting at Rochdale Town Hall.
Contact T 01253 873503 sales@greatbritishlighting.co.uk https://www.greatbritishlighting.co.uk
At Vision Development, every project is managed by skilled craftspeople who bring years of experience and a passion for timber to the table.
From initial consultation through to final construction, you’ll work directly with our family team, ensuring your vision comes to life exactly as you imagined. We
We invite you to explore our website and discover the stunning timber frame homes and extensions we’ve crafted for our clients. Their glowing 5-star reviews reflect the joy and satisfaction that come from our passion for excellence.
www.timber-frame-suppliers.co.uk
Global lighting manufacturer with over 100 years of experience
Great British Lighting is a specialist lighting manufacturer with a reputation and portfolio established over the last 100 years. Our work is primarily in the manufacture of decorative light fittings for Public Buildings, Cathedral, Museums and Theatres and International Theme Parks: from one-off reproductions to large scale manufacture. All items are manufactured and assembled at their premises in Fleetwood, Lancashire.
With an archive of over 35,000 products, drawings and specifications, Great British Lighting can reproduce almost any luminaire from the last century and earlier, employing the latest CAD technology coupled with traditional craft skills. Great British Lighting also offers bespoke metalwork service producing high quality items such as balustrade, ecclesiastical fittings and door furniture.
Great British Lighting offer a comprehensive cleaning and restoration service, working sensitively on conservation projects to bring lighting and metalwork back to its original glory.
Recently completed the refurbishment of existing lighting at Rochdale Town Hall.
conservation projects to bring lighting and metalwork back to its original glory.
Building a greener future: Tackling the green skills gap in construction
The construction industry plays a vital role in global development but faces significant challenges in transitioning to a greener future. A substantial ‘green skills’ gap is holding the sector back, even as the UK aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet these goals, the industry must bridge the skills gap by prioritising sustainability training and adopting innovative solutions.
The scale of the challenge is clear: an additional 251,500 construction workers will be needed by 2027 to meet demand, with a growing need for specialists in roles like renewable energy technicians and sustainability managers. This comes at a time when the sector is already grappling with an ageing workforce, fewer young people entering the industry, and the impact of Brexit and COVID-19, which disrupted labour mobility and training opportunities.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the construction industry is responsible for 37% of global CO2 emissions. These emissions stem from operational energy use and embodied carbon in building materials, underlining the need for sustainable practices such as energyefficient designs, renewable energy
integration, and the use of sustainable materials.
Organisations that invest in green skills align with changing regulatory requirements and gain a competitive edge. Green training can reduce costs, enhance brand reputation, and futureproof the workforce.
To lead the way, businesses must prioritise environmental training for their workforce. Discover how targeted training programs, including IEMA courses, can bridge the green skills gap and drive meaningful change in our full blog.
Contact https://www.astutis.com
Shou Sugi Ban® timber cladding
Blackened timbers offer a timeless finish for interior and exterior timber cladding, however, black is not the only option.
If your project demands lighter tones, natural woods or contrasting timbers, the Shou Sugi Ban® catalogue offers:
s Natural wood, with enhanced grain patterns – Larch Shiberiatora
s Light and smooth finishes – Yũkari Futtõ
s Colour applications for impactful tones – Accoya® Tobu
Shou Sugi Ban® is a marketleading product manufactured in Buckinghamshire.
Our charred timbers are specified by architects as they provide a timeless finish that:
s Blends new buildings into the surrounding landscape
s Meets requirements for historical renovations & barn conversions
s Differentiates original and new features in urban developments
s Offers a sustainable and insulating building material
s Delivers a highly desirable aesthetic to architectural projects
Shou Sugi Ban® premium timber cladding has featured in several RIBA award-winning properties and requires low maintenance to retain its visual appeal.
Please call 01494 711800 Exterior Solutions Ltd for further information, quotes and samples. See the full range on our website: https://exterior. supplies/charredtimber-cladding
Eco Clipper: Advanced mowing solutions for large turf areas
The Eco Clipper mowing system is specifically designed for maintaining large turf areas, offering innovative technology that delivers a consistent, high-quality cut. Whether the grass is dry or damp, Eco Clipper’s fastspinning blades and smooth deck ensure efficient grass lifting and even distribution, with no clumps left behind.
For sports field managers and landscapers, this means flexible mowing schedules, even under challenging conditions. The system follows ground contours closely,
minimizing soil compaction and promoting healthier root growth. Its quiet, energy-efficient electric drive also makes Eco Clipper ideal for noise-sensitive areas.
With models like the RM343, FM343, and FM4 Sport, Eco Clipper provides tailored solutions that improve mowing quality, increase efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective turf management.
www.ecoclipper.com
Site Geomatics Ltd
Topographical Surveys
Site Geomatics we have extensive experience of carrying out geomatic surveys, across a range of sectors and for all sizes of project. Harnessing the latest survey technology means we can deliver data quickly, in detail and in different formats.
Building Surveying
Whether it’s floor plans, sections, structural details, or elevations, we survey each element of the property, either independently or as part of a fully connected co-ordinated brief. Where appropriate, building surveys can also be carried out in conjunction with topographical or underground surveys.
Site Engineering
Our experienced engineers will work alongside your on-site team to manage subcontractors involved in piling, earthwork, groundwork, foundations, river restoration, flood alleviation projects and superstructure workflows ensuring construction proceeds on time and on budget.
Laser Scanning and Validation of the Built Environment
Our 3D laser surveys offer a fast and effective way of recording large amounts of on-site measurement for the purpose of validation of the BIM models to the as built. Minimise unforeseen future costs by incorporating 3D technology into engineering and construction projects.
Arial Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry surveying or Photogrammetry is the study of making accurate measurements with pictures or digital photo images to locate features on or above the Earth’s surface. By utilising the latest RTK GPS equipment and DJI Drones we can produce 3D Models which provide detailed information of the above ground topographical features aiding the capturing of existing ground features and models.
Contact M 07979 646419 ianthomas@sitegeomatics.com www.sitegeomatics.com
Glass Reinforced Plastic
Stormking specialises in providing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) products to the construction & house-building industries across the UK. Our bespoke solutions, crafted with innovation, unequalled quality, and efficiency, stem from our profound expertise in GRP products.
We offer:
1. Comprehensive Solutions: Our expansive range of GRP products caters to varied requirements.
2. Dedicated Support: Our experienced team assists you through every step, ensuring an unparalleled service experience.
3. Nationwide Delivery: We guarantee timely delivery of our GRP products across the UK with our own fleet of vehicles.
4. Extensive Portfolio: Our wide selection of GRP products showcases our capacity to meet diverse project specifications.
5. Assurance of Quality: We adhere to stringent quality standards, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
6. High-Volume Manufacturing: Our robust manufacturing process ensures we can meet highvolume demands promptly and efficiently.
To view more of the range of products available, visit our website at: www.stormking.co.uk
Quality bespoke door & panel manufacturers
Earlier this year, Pandor proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary as a leading UK manufacturer of bespoke doors and panelling. Founded in 2014 by Mike Hill, the company has steadily grown, serving diverse sectors, including commercial buildings, offices, hospitals, and residential properties. Its state-of-the-art production facility in Sittingbourne, Kent, is equipped with advanced machinery to ensure topquality manufacturing and finishing for every project.
With over 40 years of expertise in the fire door industry, Mike Hill has always emphasised a customer-first approach. Pandor is committed to listening closely to its clients and delivering on their needs promptly, which has earned them the trust and loyalty of many long-term customers. Specialising in made-toorder fire doors, decorative doors, frames, and related products, Pandor focuses on certified fire doors that are essential for passive fire protection systems.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Pandor has taken extra care to manufacture fire door sets that meet FD30, 60, 90, and 120 certifications, offering all clients peace of mind with full certification and traceability. The company also offer a variety of finishes, including laminated, painted, and veneered options, tailored to clients' specific needs.
Pandor takes great pride in its ability to tackle complex projects and meet tight deadlines, as seen in its recent work on an oversized mansion door and a crucial government project. As the company looks ahead, it is committed to continuing its investment in cutting-edge machinery and sustainable practices, such as using FSC-certified wood and water-based finishes, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of quality and innovation in the industry.
T 020 8279 7611
M 07909 530007 mike@pandor.ltd http://pandor.ltd
New Year Spotlight
Stepping up to safety: Avoiding mixing and matching access tower components
With recent statistics from Health and Safety Executive indicating that construction worker fatalities are 70% up on pre-pandemic levels, it is essential that more is done to ensure that access equipment, including access towers, are used in the correct way.
In the UK, falls from height accounted for 50 deaths across all industries in 2023/24, up from 41 in 2022/23.
Noting this, Dave Elson, UK Compliance Manager at BoSS®, the country’s leading provider of access towers, explains why access tower use needs to be better understood; focusing on the education needed around the dangers of mixing brand components from different tower manufacturers.
Many workers across the UK will be used to using access towers in order to carry out the daily tasks expected of their day jobs. However, it is a little-known fact that mixing and matching different branded components when it comes to erecting towers can pose a great risk to the user. In fact, using components from different brands can lead to a non-compliant tower structure; even if the components do the same, or similar job.
There is no doubt that the latest HSE statistics make for sobering reading.
Therefore, efforts need to ramp up in order to drive down workplace injuries and fatalities. Encouraging better awareness and practices around access tower assembly is certainly a good place to start.
To find out more about the comprehensive range of BoSS access towers, please visit: www.bossaccesstowers.com
Nationwide Louvre Company
Nationwide Louvre Company manufactures high quality aluminium Louvres, Louvred Doors, Louvred Plant Screens, Acoustic Louvres, Acoustic Screening, Aluminium & Timber Brise Soleil/Solar Shading.
Nationwide Louvre Company offers a full supply and installation service to its customers throughout the UK and have completed a number of projects in the Channel Isles and Europe. The business installs bespoke made to measure quality products on residential, commercial and construction projects.
Nationwide Louvre Company specialise in Brise Soleil and louvred plant screening. Brise Soleil projects are supported with computer simulation software to assess the effectiveness of our products in reducing the effects of solar gain on buildings.
Brise Soleil not only enhances the appearance of a building but will provide a much better living or working environment for the building’s occupants, with the added benefit of
reducing glare to help with computer work and will reduce the running costs of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning.
Our Screening Louvre Systems are used to hide roof mounted plant and equipment and are available in a range of blade shapes and sizes. Supplied in an enormous range of colours and finishes will screen unsightly equipment and enrich the building façade.
T 01922 457204
sales@nlc-louvres.co.uk www.nlcontracts.co.uk
Next Generation Rooflights: 50 years of combined experience within the rooflight industry
At Next Generation Rooflights, we redefine the boundaries of modern architecture manufacturing and installing highquality, UK manufactured carbon-neutral rooflights and structural glazing solutions. As environmental consciousness becomes paramount, our products are designed to offer sustainable luxury without compromising on style or functionality.
Our rooflights are crafted to deliver unparalleled daylight solutions, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency of your spaces. Whether you’re looking for fixed rooflights, walk-on glass solutions, or bespoke designs, each product combines cutting-edge technology with sleek, minimalist design.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. By integrating carbon-neutral manufacturing processes and sourcing eco-friendly materials, we ensure that our products contribute to a greener future. Our structural glazing systems are not only visually stunning but also engineered to meet the highest performance
standards, offering exceptional thermal insulation and durability.
From residential projects to largescale commercial developments, Next Generation Rooflights provides tailored solutions that transform spaces into light-filled havens. Our expert technical specification team works closely with architects, builders, and homeowners to bring your vision to life, blending form and function seamlessly.
Visit www.nextgenrooflights.co.uk to explore our innovative range of rooflights and structural glazing. Join us in shaping a sustainable future for modern architecture.
Nordic Panels: The Perfect Alternative to Plasterboards
All our Nordic Panels are sustainable and produced without any harmful solvents. Environmentally friendly, and one of the cleanest interior wood fibre panels you will find, they have achieved the fantastic M1 rating for indoor emissions.
They are designed to be easy and quick to install directly to the stud work with hidden screws, giving you a prefect finish in surprisingly short time.
PRO Wall Panels gives a smooth finish without any skimming, only needing two coats of paint. Whilst Pre-Painted Panels for walls and ceilings give an outstanding interior finish without sanding and painting.
If you want a professional interior finish that is easy to install and durable as well as environmentally friendly, then Nordic Panels are for you! Visit our website or our stand at NSBRC for details.
Building Products & Services
Case study
C40 Curaflex Doyma Gaskets
One of the UK leading installers of pre-insulated district heating systems, Vital Energi Utilities Ltd, use Doyma Curaflex C40 Gaskets to provide a water and air tight seal for all below ground building entries. The specialist installations can be subject to slight movement through expansion and contraction as the system heats and cools.
The Curaflex C40 Gasket is designed to accept the axial movement that may occur during the operation allowing Vital Energi to seal both the opening of the building
façade as well as the HDPE outercasing.
Vital Energi’s Managing Director, Ashley Walsh, noted, “This provides our installation with an excellent termination. It provides confidence both to ourselves and our clientele that we'll leave the fully installed works sealed from any moisture ingress while providing a product that has the flexibility and capability to work alongside our very complex pre-insulated products.”
For more information visit: www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk
Review – Top Exhibitors
Six shows under one roof
UK Construction Week (UKCW) 2024 was held at the NEC in Birmingham on the 1st-3rd October. Known as the UK’s largest built environment trade show, it attracts over 24,000 visitors annually from diverse backgrounds including architects, builders, contractors, and suppliers. The 2024 show welcomed over 300 leading brands, industry professionals, and thought leaders to explore the latest innovations, trends and insights to the built industry.
popular, and is set to be the home to driving new business for the roofing industry in the future.
The most reliable accessory for securely installing insulation boards, ensuring optimal performance in every project
Due to growing demand, two new shows were launched.
‘On-site On Hire’ is where hire meets construction combined with carbonreducing equipment. Running alongside UK Construction Week, the new show demonstrated many of the latest equipment innovation products now available to hire.
The ‘Roofing, Cladding and Insulation Expo (RCI),’ connected tier 1 contractors, suppliers, and the wider industry. This show proved extremely
UKCW 2024 offered strategic networking opportunities, industry intelligence hubs, as well as the widely loved seminar programme that included talks and discussions on some of the hottest topics of the year. From ‘How Tech Will Shape the Future of the Industry,’ to seminars on ‘How to Survive and Thrive in Your First Year of Business,’ there was something for everyone.
Make sure to book now as UKCW will be celebrating 10 years in 2025! UKCW 2025 will take place on the 30th September–2nd October at the NEC in Birmingham.
https://www.ukconstructionweek. com/welcome-birmingham
Building Products & Services
Insulfix Ltd has exhibited at UK Construction Week a number of times, and this year, from Stand B411, the company offered live demonstrations and advice on how Insulfix Ltd can save installers time and money, whilst also improving the overall performance of roofs insulated at rafter level.
Insulfix Ltd is the pioneer of the innovative Insulfix Track – a unique accessory that locks insulation boards firmly in place between rafters to increase airtightness and reduce thermal bypass. This helps to maximise the thermal performance of the roof and reduces the effects of the performance gap. If this gap is not addressed, it can significantly undermine the actual thermal efficiency of the completed roof, leading to higher heat loss and higher heating bills.
Just some of the benefits of Insulfix Track include up to a 75% reduction in fitting time, 7.6% more board usage, 91.7% less offcut waste, plus an incredible 3.7 years of estimated payback time.
The Track enables rigid insulation boards to be fitted quickly and easily between rafters, and allows more of the insulation boards to be used as the ‘off-cuts’ can be pushed into the track and stay firmly in place rather than being thrown in the bin. This solution reduces the need to use expanding foam to fill gaps or to ‘foam-in’ the insulation and ensures that a constant ventilation gap remains between the insulation boards and the roof covering.
Designed, developed and manufactured in the UK by an installer, for installers, Insulfix Track makes a complex job simple.
For more information, please see below: T 01787 207203 info@insulfix.co.uk https://www.insulfix.co.uk
Hebridean housebuilder specifying SterlingOSB Zero on sustainability grounds
Situated seven degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian, and exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the British Isles, the Hebrides present a challenging location for building projects, prompting a recently-established building company to adopt offsite construction technologies which make full use of the technical and environmental benefits of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero.
70-22’ Systems was established in 2022 by three business partners whose experience encapsulates architecture, education and manufacturing amongst other skills, and who decided to develop their own highlyinsulated, modular timber building system. Growing organically by providing bespoke packages to clients of parent business, Fraser Architecture, 70-22’ has already delivered properties on the Outer Hebrides; and has more than half a dozen schemes of different sizes in the pipeline for the coming year.
The trademarked system has been designed specifically to avoid the need for craneage, due to the inaccessibility of many sites, while the cellular component modules take the form of wall blocks, lintels and beams to span larger openings. The SterlingOSB Zero is CNC machined and assembled in the workshop before being filled with Warmcel recycled paper insulation.
Scotland, using mainly locally sourced softwood from well managed forests.
Significantly, the 70-22’ Systems design personnel were determined from the outset to utilise the West Fraser board because of its formaldehyde free formulation and the fact the material is manufactured in the North of
70-22’ Systems’ co-founder and Commercial Director, Alex Durie, commented, “We use West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero to construct our ecological building components, that are prefabricated in our workshop utilising CNC technology to achieve 0.1mm tolerances for each beam and block. It is the ideal material to use as the shell for our components, which are then filled with recycled insulation to achieve a building system that can achieve market leading thermal performance, with a U-value of 0.1 W/ m²k, and excellent air-tightness, while maintaining a breathable floor, wall and roof construction. The added bonus of being formaldehyde-free, OSB enables us to build ecologically, utilising timber grown and processed in Scotland as we aim to limit the travel miles in each of our builds. The OSB produced by West Fraser has performed very well in our structural testing, with our system proving to be 1.6 times stronger than a traditional timber frame –and as our system arrives on-site as a component that is pre-fabricated, pre-insulated and designed for manual handling, it is much quicker to assemble.”
Not only do all of the 70-22’ Systems structures exceed the thermal requirements of Section 6 to the Building
Standards, Scotland, but can also be delivered as a Passivhaus compliant solution where the client or planning consent demand it. In the medium to long term, the business is building a pattern book of standard house types and has plans to establish a pilot plant on the mainland. The company will also be showcasing its system at the Self-Build and Renovation exhibition in Aviemore this autumn.
SterlingOSB Zero is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses up to 22mm as well as a T&G version ideal for flooring and decking applications. The high performance panel product, free of added formaldehyde, has also earned BBA approval and meets the requirements of NHBC Technical.
As is always the case, West Fraser’s experienced technical team is available to aid with product specification, while downloadable data sheets are available at: https://uk.westfraser.com
For further information, call 01786 812921 or visit: https://uk.westfraser.com
BAQUS: Construction & Property Consultancy
BAQUS Construction and Property Consultancy is a well-established practice operating at the cutting edge of our profession with experience in most sectors of the Construction Industry. As a forwardthinking business which strives for continued success, we offer an award-winning customer focused service always looking for continuous improvement and delivering added value and cost-efficiency.
Our Ethos: At the heart of our business is exceptional personal service undertaken by exceptional staff. Every commission, however large or small is of equal importance to us. We provide our Clients with personal contact and dedicate a BAQUS director to all projects. Every project is subject to regular review at director level to ensure we are delivering our promises, creating added value and continuous improvement.
We are advocates of partnering, collaborative working and best-value procurement. We have wide-ranging experience of alternative procurement strategies aimed at delivering to our clients brief. Environmental considerations are important to us, as is the promotion of sustainable solutions.
Our Clients & Work Sectors: We have a broad Client base covering Private and Public Sector organisations. We have a strong track record of working in the Leisure, Sports, Education, Arts, Commercial, Healthcare, Heritage, Hospitality, Hotels, Residential, Retail, and Transportation sectors.
Personal commitment guaranteed.
Contact Birmingham: 0121 312 1141
London: 020 7831 1283
Canterbury: 01227 471700
Chichester: 012 4379 2220
Liverpool: 0151 708 5896
Manchester: 01618 815 216 https://baqus.co.uk
