BRICKS OR BANTER
BOB
PICK ME UP, I'M FREE
WINTER 16/17
BAND OF BUILDERS
Addam Smith: changing lives one build at a time
ON THE TOOLS
On how to go it alone
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Fr o m b r i c k f a c t s t o nailing that tax return
It’s not all banter and bacon butties Brought To You By
DE A L S | SP OR T | T IP S | L AUGH S
juicerewards.co.uk
Sporting events & experiences
Travel & leisure
Technology & gifts
Earn a fantastic range of rewards when you trade with Jewson • Building material • Timber • Tool Hire • Landscaping • Kitchens • Roofing • Paint Mixing Terms and conditions apply.
CONTENTS A Builder Abroad
Fun Brick Facts
on p.13
on p.10
The Great British Dunk Off on p.20 We put Britain's most popular biscuits through their paces
Street League
on p.24 Turning sport into jobs
Band of
Builders on p.8
Addam Smith got himself in all the papers after going above and beyond for his terminally ill worker. We catch up on his plans to help even more tradespeople with his Band of Builders.
HI FROM BOB
We talk to Sara from Street League to get the lowdown on the sport for employment charity
BOB meets Neil Back MBE
on p.30
The Modern Builder on p.16
Forget about builders' bums and bacon butties. There's a new kind of builder in town
Nail your Tax Return on p.12
Our Toolbox on p.11
Blaggers' Guide To on p.15
Best Apps to Use on the Loo on p.18
Get your head round this boring but necessary task
Blag your way through just about anything
BOB helps you get your toolbox ready for 2017
How to pass the time when you're sat on the throne
We’ve been pouring doses of bricks and banter into our monthly BOB email newsletter for pretty much a year now. Then you told us you wanted to see BOB on ACTUAL REAL PAPER so we got to work and here it is. We set about finding the best stories from famous people, trade experts and – importantly – you lot. The bricks:banter ratio is about 60:40. Not that we are needy, but we want to know what you think. Let us know by dropping a line to jewsoneditorial@tangerinecomms.com or use #JewsonBOB on social media.
Order online for next day delivery or collection* *Orders must be placed before 4pm to qualify for next working day delivery (free over £50 spend) or free branch collection, subject to product availability.
Hand Tools • Power Tools • Gardening Tools Workwear & Safety • Roof Windows & Blinds
16 THINGS WE LEARNED
IN 2016 1
4
7
10
14
Anything is possible. Especially if you’re Jamie Vardy or Icelandic
There are Pokémon everywhere
Being a treasured British celebrity is a dangerous pastime
Judge Rinder’s dancing is oddly hypnotic
Not even being really ridiculously good-looking can stop you from getting divorced
8
2
You can now earn Juice points on everything you buy at Jewson
5 Brexit means… dunno, actually
Smashing up extremely expensive equipment is a ‘success’ – if you’re a rocket scientist
9
Toblerones are weird now
3 Presidential elections are… interesting
6
11
Paul Hollywood can’t be trusted
12
15
British people are really, really good at cycling
The Kardashians are still impossible to keep up with
13
Young Tradespeople are pretty blimmin’ good (see page 6)
16 The ‘Jack the Lad’ builder stereotype is on its way out (see page 16)
Alistair Brownlee’s good company if you’re too drunk to stand up
5 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
WANTED:
THE INDUSTRY’S TOP YOUNG TALENT Carly Doolan, a Level 2 Plastering Apprentice, was voted our Young Tradesperson of the Year in 2016. Carly won a whole host of prizes including a trip to Barcelona with tickets for the Nou Camp and £1,000 worth of tools. Good news. The awards are back for 2017: bigger and better than before. There are now more categories to enter and a good old knees up to celebrate the winners. If you know (or are) a top-notch tradesperson under 30 who deserves recognition we want to hear from you. Find Jewson on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with the launch of the competition. Alternatively email YTPC@tangerinecomms.com to register your interest.
TOOL OR FOOL? Tools are our bread and butter, but you can’t deny there are some funny-sounding ones out there. Can you tell which of these are tools and which are ‘fools’?
1.
Bastard File
6.
Nut Sander
2.
Warm Chisel
7.
Nail Stretcher
3.
Hardie
8.
Inverted Pipe Twister
4.
Spud Wrench
9.
Bonger
5.
Dog’s Leg
10.
Sod Buster
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WRAPPING UP FOR WINTER WITH WEBER When it comes to getting the job done on time, there’s nothing more disruptive than the Great British weather. It’s like your mum calling in the 90th minute of the footy: badly-timed, unwelcome, but absolutely guaranteed to happen.
OVERHEARD ON-SITE
We might not be able to do much about your mum’s weekly catchup calls, but we can help you get one up on winter with Weber’s new webermineral TF.
THE CONSTRUCTION SITE IS A GOLDMINE FOR PRANKS, BANTER AND LONG WEIGHTS.
It might seem like wizardry, but it’s actually a decorative render finish that’s rain resistant and can be applied in temperatures as low as 1ºC.
We asked you for your favourite ‘overheard on-site’ gems – perfect for confusing the apprentice
“Have you got a 3/4 inch fallopian tube?” Sent in by Steve Bradford
“Where can I find the bubble on the leveller?”
Sent in by Catherine Robertson
What’s more, it’s rapid drying (so can stop wash-off in just one hour*) and it’s super easy to apply by hand with just a steel float and hawk. Winner! Visit your local Jewson branch to give it a go. You can find your nearest branch here: www.jewson.co.uk/branch-locator
BEHIND THE BUILD
* at 20°C
“Who has a bucket of sparks for the angle grinder?” Sent in by Chris Cleave
The Tate Modern expansion was one of 2016’s biggest UK builds. It added loads more gallery space to fit in LOADS MORE ART. BOB brings you a look behind the build, in numbers.
2012 – the year it was meant to open 20,700 – how much more space it gives the Tate (in square metres) 10 storeys – the height of the extension £260m – the total cost 167,699 bricks used in the construction 148 architects applied to be involved in the design 7 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
Band Of Builders IN MAY 2016, ADDAM SMITH CAPTURED THE NATION’S ATTENTION BY ASSEMBLING A ‘BAND OF BUILDERS’ TO COMPLETELY RENOVATE ONE OF HIS WORKER’S HOUSES. THE EMPLOYEE IN QUESTION, KEITH ELLICK, HAS TERMINAL CANCER AND WAS TOLD HE HAS A YEAR LEFT TO LIVE. Addam gathered help from dozens of tradespeople
him before he dies,” he told us. “I want to be able to
through the Builders’ Talk Facebook group, who all
hand those keys over to him and his family”
came together to renovate Keith’s home. Once that’s done, he plans to “have a couple of They did such a good job that Addam captured the
weeks off, maybe go away with the wife and kids. I’ve
attention of almost every newspaper in the country.
been working so hard to make this happen for Keith while running my own business, I think I might need
“Thanks to Keith’s build I have a really powerful thing
a bit of a rest.”
going. I have the attention of tradespeople who really care and want to help. I think that’s something that
Following on from that, he plans to make Band
many others are really keen to be part of.”
of Builders into a proper charity that supports tradespeople who can’t work due to illness or injury.
When we caught up with Addam he was working laying slabs and gravel, but he still took the time out
“A lot of us are just a few months away from having
to tell us what he’d been up to.
nothing – and as so many of us are self-employed we just don’t have the same support as some people
What you learn really quickly about Addam Smith is
have through work.”
he never stops – and we mean that in the best way possible.
Addam is working hard to raise Band of Builders’ profile, selling merchandise such as t-shirts,
After transforming Keith’s house, he set up a fund to
business cards and even websites for tradespeople.
buy the house for him. He’s raised about half of the
All the money he raises at the moment is going into
£100,000 target so far.
Keith’s fund.
“By hook or by crook, I want to buy Keith’s house for
“I know you’re keen to talk to me about the future of
8 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
Band of Builders,” he said, “But my only focus is Keith
kind of thing every day on Builders’ Talk. It can cost
right now. I don’t want to detract from that or confuse
thousands and even your livelihood.
people by starting anything else just yet.” “It’s a shame because Steve’s given up and gone “Once I’ve hit that target, the money raised will go into
‘on the books’ to work for a company. He was self-
a pot which we can put towards other projects. It’ll be
employed but couldn’t carry on without his tools.”
small stuff at first like doing somebody’s yard who’s had a motorcycle accident or something like that.”
But he admits that he has to take things one step at a time.
But in typical Addam style, it’s unlikely to stop there. “I do have to be careful, because I run my own “What I’ve found out from this whole experience
business and there has to be balance between that
is that people will listen to me. A lot of people are
and Band of Builders.
following me now and I have to use that to do a good thing.
“But I’ve been given this opportunity to really make a difference and I’m running with it.”
“The tradespeople are the ones who matter to me so I will fight for them on issues I think are important.”
One thing he can tell us for sure is why Keith’s story captured the nation’s attention.
For now, it’s all a case of “baby steps” – but it’s clear that Addam isn’t going to stop until big businesses
“At its most simple, it’s a story about me helping a
listen to the working tradie.
mate out and people just get that.”
“A lad that helped us on Keith’s build, Steve, recently
To find out more about Band of Builders visit:
had all of his tools stolen from his van. I see this
bandofbuilders.co.uk
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A Builder Abroad With skills in demand, the global building industry booming and some healthy pay packets on offer, it’s not surprising that more and more tradespeople are looking to relocate to finer climates.
Makita 10.8V Combi Drill & Impact Driver Kit
If you’re seriously considering the move, here are a few tips to get you on the right track.
Healthcare and finance: If you’re planning on leaving the EU, chances are you’ll need to pay for your healthcare. Some larger employers will cover this as a benefit so it’s worth bearing in mind when job searching. Before you decide on moving abroad, it’s worth doublechecking where you’ll stand on tax. Your new country of work might have lower tax rates, but there’s a chance you might still need to pay tax in the UK too. The HM Revenue & Customs website can help you get up to speed.
SPAX Wirox F-CSK trade pack
Visas and work permits: As it currently stands, UK citizens don’t need a permit or visa to work in another European country – although after Brexit this might be set to change. For other countries, like Canada, you’ll need to get the relevant work permit. Australia operates a Skilled Occupation List so you stand a higher chance of getting in if your job is ‘in demand’. A good place to start is to check the relevant embassy in the UK for the specifics.
Passport: This might sound like an obvious one, but make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration you’re planning to stay. Otherwise you’ll endure a lengthy process to reapply.
10 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
Big Wipes
What's in our toolbox_____ GET YOUR TOOLBOX 2017 READY WITH THESE TOOLS AND PRODUCTS
//MAKITA 10.8V COMBI DRILL & IMPACT DRIVER KIT
Pop a pack of heavy-duty Big Wipes in your toolbox for quick and easy clean-up. Or, use the Big Wipes’ van/wall bracket to make sure they’re always on
Need some power on site? Check out Makita’s 10.8V Combi Drill & Impact Driver Kit, complete with batteries, charger and case. The best thing
hand.
//STICKS LIKE SH*T TURBO
about this drill is that it's powerful yet compact. Further proof that size isn't everthing (where tools
Who can resist having a name like that in their
are concerned, anyway).
toolbox? Seriously though, this stuff’s a game
// SPAX WIROX F-CSK TRADE PACK Stock up on your screws with Spax’s new 1300 piece trade pack. With Wirox coating, they offer
changer. Water-resistant, quick-drying and superstrong, this all-weather adhesive can be used on pretty much any material too.
// BRITISH GYPSUM’S GYPROC AQUABEAD
a much higher corrosion protection than the standard requirement making them perfect for
New to the market, Gyproc AquaBead is a water-
outdoor use. There’s no pre-drilling needed either
activated adhesive corner bead that makes it
meaning you’ll even save time. Oh, and did we
super easy to get hard-wearing corners. In fact,
mention the free toy?
it can reduce installation time by as much as 35
//BIG WIPES
per cent and save you a whole day in drying time! Definitely one for
Okay, so tidying up might not be the coolest part of
the box.
the job but remember, presentation is perfection!
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Made a mistake on your tax return? Fear not. If you spot a mistake after you’ve submitted your return, you have 12 months after the deadline (31st October for paper, 31st January for online) to correct it with an ‘amendment’.
Forgot to get your tax return in the post on time?
Don’t forget the home comforts Self-employed business owners can claim a whole bunch of tax back from the expense of working from home - from council tax and mortgage interest, to heating, lighting and water.
Don’t sweat it. If you file it online you get an extra three months. Winner!
Get up to speed here: www.gov.uk/expenses-if-youre-self-employed
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FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT BRICKS Fun fact: the first B in BOB stands for bricks! As one of the most used products in our trade, we’re big fans. Jason Hughes, Managing Director at Imperial Bricks, shares his top brick facts. Get bricky with it ...
Before 1965 when we went metric, all bricks produced in the UK were created using imperial measurements . The regional variation of bricks was originally because of a lack of transport links - local clays were used for brick production which dictated the colour. Those regional colours are now often a conservation requirement. Kiss goodbye to spreadsheets =SUM who? The days of the dreaded spreadsheet are behind us (cue universal cheer from self-employed builders everywhere). There are lots of online accounting programmes out there where you can create and send invoices, track payments, log expenses and automatically calculate VAT. Get in!
After the Great Fire of London in 1666, an Act of Parliament was introduced to stipulate more durable building materials for house construction. This led to an increase in brick production. The first bricks produced were a lot smaller in volume. When the brick tax was introduced in 1784, manufacturers increased their brick sizes to compensate. Handmade bricks stand the test of time, with many 16th century buildings still around today. The open pore structure of handmade bricks is naturally durable, allowing water to enter and escape without damaging the face or structural integrity. You can now get your brick fix online at www.jewson.co.uk
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Down tools. BOB goes off-site...
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BLAGGERS' GUIDE TO... KNOWLEDGE IS A FUNNY THING. YOU CAN BE AN ABSOLUTE EXPERT IN ONE AREA BUT WHEN IT COMES TO SOMETHING ELSE, YOU’RE LEFT LOOKING LIKE A RIGHT PLONKER.
REMINDS ME OF TUSCANY ON A SUMMER’S EVENING
That is where the art of blagging can comes in handy. A few choice sentences can mean the difference between admiring nods and pitying glances.
// WINE Do say: “This has good body.” “Reminds me of Tuscany on a summer’s evening.” “You can really taste the
// ART Do say: “This is so challenging.”
terroir!” (Terroir is how the
// CARS Do say:
environment the grapes are
“The colours really work
“So what’s under the hood?”
grown in affects their taste. Say
to create a sense of visual
(unless the hood is already
it in a French accent for bonus
energy.”
open…)
WAH').
“Just look at the space.”
“What's the BHP on that?”
Don’t say:
Don’t say:
“That downforce is insane.”
“Hello, what is the cheapest
“I’m sure I saw Banksy in the
wine you have? Yes, that
alley behind my house the
Don’t say:
please.”
other day.”
“What’s a V12?”
points. Repeat after us, 'TEHR
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THE MODERN BUILDE
Forget about builders’ bums. The wolf-whistling, ‘Jack the Lad’ stereotype is a thing of the past. These days, you're more likely to find construction types in a deli eating a crayfish salad than at a greasy spoon with a bacon butty. Or at least that’s what you told us in our Builders’ Survey. And you can forget about living it large in Ayia Napa, you’re probably going to be strolling around the Lakes on a mini break or relaxing on an all-inclusive holiday. As it turns out, builders’ bodies and bank accounts are temples – you’re exercising three times a week and saving on the regular. This means you’re planning on retiring five years earlier than the average person AND you’re more likely to own a house. Times, yes, they are a-changin’. But don’t worry. Nothing (we repeat, NOTHING) will get between the builders surveyed and tea. You still drink between four and seven cups a day. That’s a stereotype we can live with.
What you say
REAL TRADESPEOPLE
DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT… WE ASKED REAL TRADESPEOPLE WHAT THEY THOUGHT OF THE ‘NEW BUILDER’ //WAYNE DE WET
- WAYNE DE WET DECORATING SERVICES "If you’re talking about stereotypical tradespeople, I used to be one! I’d have a massive Full English for breakfast every day – I absolutely loved greasy food. However I had a wake-up call about my health from my doctor and have been a new (trades)man ever since. I have salads for lunch and drink two litres of water a day! I lost two stone in weight and feel like a new person! I also love to share my lifetime of skill and knowledge with the next generation by visiting colleges and demonstrating new products."
16 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE OFF-SITE
drink drink drink OFBUILDERS BUILDERS OF BUILDERS OF
drink drink
4-7 4-7 4-7
of builders would choose spirits or
of builders would of builders would of builders would wine over a beer ofchoose builders would choose spirits or spirits or choose spirits or builders would on a night out choose spirits or wine over over aa beer beer wine
wine over beer hoose wine aaor beer onspirits aover night out
ona anight out out ineon over anight beerout on a night
n a night out
17 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE OFF-SITE
5
of the best apps to use on the LOO
It’s time to make a splash in the bathroom! Well, maybe not literally, but you get where we’re going. When you’re sitting on your throne, you need entertainment fit for a royal. Here are BOB’s top apps for when you mean business.
1 Toilet Time... ... no seriously, that’s the name of the app. A glorious collection of toilet-themed mini-games designed to pass the time when nature calls. Think keepie uppies with soap, beard trimming challenges and Paper Toss influenced diaper throwing.
2 YouTube... ... an old classic. It has to be in there. Is there anything better than kicking back (maybe not too far) and watching alternative NFL lip reading? Or an eccentric adult dancing and singing about fruit and stationery? Pen-pineapple-apple-pen, anyone?
3 Crossy Roads... ... the retro Frogger game but with a chicken leading the story. It’s your job to get it safely across streams, railway tracks and roads. Perfect if you’re looking for a game that starts and ends (and ends, and ends again!) in five minutes.
4 QuizUp... ... who says you can’t learn a thing or two while you doo-doo? Full to the brim with trivia tests ranging from the Kardashians to other unusual creatures, this is the game if you want to quiz while you wizz!
5
StumbleUpon... ... a flipbook of trending content, this app will have you jumping from extreme sports to futurism faster than you can flush. Careful though, with the ability to create and customise lists of your favourite topics, you might be in there longer than expected.
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BOB’s been hearing a lot about this Netflix recently. When he found out it wasn’t a way to catch fish, he sat down to guess what the biggest hits might be about – based PURELY on the names.
WHAT'S ON IN OUR VAN: BIGGEST HITS OF 2016 As 2016 draws to a close, BOB has a look back at the year’s biggest hits and picks a few of the favourites. From belters to ballads, this playlist is guaranteed to have you turning up the volume in the van.
House of Cards
Lilyhammer
NETFLIX SAYS: A ruthless
NETFLIX SAYS: After
politician will stop at nothing
testifying against the Mafia,
to conquer Washington, D.C.
ex-gangster Frank Tagliano enters witness protection and
BOB SAYS: A man struggles
asks to be sent to Norway
One Dance
Drake ft. Wizkid & Kyla
Spending 15 weeks at number one, this tune is sure to get you tapping on the wheel. Although we wouldn’t recommend going full ‘Hotline Bling’ for safety reasons, OBVS.
to come to terms with his new flimsy residence, which keeps
BOB SAYS: A tradesperson
toppling down on top of him.
goes rogue and starts
Ace, with laughs in spades…
battering plant life in a pond
Orange is the New Black
Stranger Things
NETFLIX SAYS: A privileged
NETFLIX SAYS: When a young
New Yorker ends up in a
boy vanishes, a small town
women's prison when a past
uncovers a mystery involving
crime catches up with her
secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one
BOB SAYS: The sad tale
strange little girl
of a woman who becomes confused about which colour
BOB SAYS: Two construction
is which and becomes
workers discuss the
increasingly withdrawn from
happenings of 2016 for eight
society
solid hours
Renegades X Ambassadors
And I said hey! This song is just too catchy not to be included. We’re all a bit of a renegade at heart.
Hello Adele
If anything is going to get you singing your heart out behind the wheel, surely it’s got to be Adele?
Starboy
The Weeknd & Daft Punk
For BOB, the real beauty of this song is you don’t even NEED to know the words. Just end every sentence with an ‘Ah’ sound and hope for the best.
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THE GREAT BRITISH DUNK OFF BISCUITS. THE HERO OF BREW TIME. But not all biscuits are created equal. Some stand up to munching and dunking better than others. We set out to prove, once and for all, which biscuit is best. Yes, ladies and gentleman. It’s time for the Great British Dunk Off.
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1. All wrapped up 2. Ready for the dunk 3. It's getting hot in here 4. The aftermath
// RICH TEA
//BOURBON
//HOBNOB
A joke among dedicated tea-dippers, the Rich Tea just couldn’t handle the heat
An absolute treat with a brew, the chocolatey middle melting between the biscuit – but it crumbled at the last second
You can always rely on a Hobnob. A sturdy choice that’ll never crumble on you, even when it’s in hot water (or tea).
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Every year since 1966, something weird has
Since then it’s grown into an annual tradition,
been happening in the historic market town of
with 90 teams of six runners and a passenger
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.
taking part. That’s 630 fit, fanatical and, let’s face it, slightly unique racers.
Each June, people come to race 2.4 miles round the town’s hilly, cobbled streets. On beds.
Some can do the whole course in as little as 14 minutes.
It all started when the town’s Round Table organisation was looking for ways to raise money
Local tradespeople and dress makers get
for charity.
involved to decorate the beds (and the runners) and there’s obviously a prize for the Best
They could’ve chosen anything: a soap box race,
Dressed Bed.
tug-o-war, raft racing or a fun run. But nope: bed
22 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE racing it was. OFF-SITE
We reckon they deserve a nap after all that…
Casually bagging a shiny new iPhone 6s
Piero and his family won a break to Center Parcs
James had a 4 ball session at the Belfry: “Had a great day at The Belfry! Made a weekend of it and went to Forest of Arden golf club on the Saturday. Brilliant, I’ll definitely be back in Jewson!”
A NUTS COMPETITION
It’s caption competition time!
23 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE
Send a caption for this image using #BOBsNuts on social media – there are On The Tools goodies in it for you!
OFF-SITE
STREET LEAGUE
SCORING JOBS WITH STREET LEAGUE he skills gap has long been an
Last year, 1,281 young people moved into work,
issue for the construction industry.
education or training thanks to Street League’s
Street League is one of our partner
Academy programme – the most successful year
organisations working to tackle this.
ever.
We caught up with Sara McCraight to find out how
Who takes part in Street League?
the organisation is helping match up young people and employers.
Young people aged 16 to 24 who are facing major barriers to getting into work, for example lack of
What is Street League?
qualifications, confidence, mental health issues and sometimes criminal records or substance abuse. You don’t have to be the best dancer or footballer, it’s all about enjoyment and finding work in a fun way!
Where did it come from? “Street League” originated in 2003 using football to help the homeless in London. Through one-to-one support we realised that we were able to use the incredible power of sport to build work and life skills, creating sustainable work opportunities for people. Since then the charity has been on an incredible journey, now operating in 36 local communities Street League is the UK’s leading sport for
across 14 cities, and expanding beyond football
employment charity. At Street League you play
into dance-fitness also.The ultimate goal is to
sport every day and learn the key skills to move
enable young people to have long-term sustainable
into work.
careers.
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What makes it different? Simply put, there’s nothing else quite like it. Street League engages young people through the power of sport. Sport teaches teamwork, leadership, discipline and competitive spirit – not only beneficial on the pitch or in the dance studio, but also essential for the world of work. Young people can also acquire nationallyrecognised qualifications in literacy and numeracy, while undergoing CV workshops and mock interviews with employers. At the end of the programme they can move into work placements with a range of companies. Jewson is one of Street League's leading partners, offering work placements to young people all over the UK.
How can people get involved? Young people seeking work can sign-up via www.streetleague.co.uk If you are a potential employer or funder, you can also get in contact via the website and a member of the team will be in touch.
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BOB’S GUIDE TO BEARDS
// THE LUMBERJACK
Strongly individual, carves their own path in life. They don’t give much heed to what other people think and their chin is always really warm.
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// SOUL PATCH
The life and soul of the party, they never let problems (such as limited beard growth) get in the way of their dreams.
// NICE ‘N’ CLEAN
A traditionalist through and through, they like to keep things simple. Or they’re female.
// STUBBLE TROUBLE
Charismatic. Mysterious. Can’t be tamed. Or maybe they forgot their razor. We just don’t know.
// MUTTON CHOPS
A Victorian gentleman or those who really, really like Bradley Wiggins.
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What kind of sports fan are you? WHETHER YOU PREFER FOOTBALL, CRICKET, BADMINTON OR, ERM... BED RACING, YOU’RE LIKELY TO FIND THE SAME TYPES OF FAN IN EACH If you’ve ever wondered what kind of fan YOU are, here’s your chance to find out…
1 You’re getting ready for the match. What are you doing? a) Smearing face paint on while you practice your Braveheart battle cry b) Having a pre-match briefing with your mates at the local c) Updating your fantasy league team d) Crying quietly in the loos
2 Your team has just scored. How are you reacting? a) Leaping from your seat with a primal howl of delight b) Telling your mates you knew this new team or formation would work c) Checking the reaction on social media on your phone d) Still crying. They didn’t actually score
3 The match official has made what you believe to be a bad call. How are you taking it? a) Screaming with blind rage b) Disbelief. This official and their years of experience are nothing compared to your knowledge of the game’s rules c) Finding them on Twitter to tell them why they were wrong d) Just accepting it. It’s not like your team will win anyway
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Mostly As The Fanatic You live and breathe your team. Their wins are your wins. Their losses are your losses. It makes you quite emotional…
Mostly Bs The Armchair Manager You’re the expert. Not the actual manager. Not the match officials. Not the players. You.
Mostly Cs The Sports Nerd You use technology to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of the game. Think fantasy teams, stats and social media.
Mostly Ds The True Believer Yes, your team is going through a rough patch. Yes, it’s been a ten year rough patch. But you know they’ll turn things around. You’ll never
29 | BOBstop | WINTER ISSUE supporting them. Even though they are awful.
OFF-SITE
NEIL BACK MBE BOB TALKS RUGBY, FATHERHOOD AND THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF A 40-YEAR SPORTING CAREER WITH RUGBY LEGEND, NEIL BACK MBE.
Carnall and he was my first
Clive always wanted us to keep
ever coach at Earlsdon RFC
the scoreboard ticking over
in Coventry. He was the
and I was in the zone on the
archetypal club legend and had
day, so, when the opportunity
such an infectious attitude to
presented itself, I just knocked
the game that you couldn’t help
it over and ran back to halfway
but enjoy it. I’ll never forget
to get on with the game.
what he did for me and the
We won but afterwards the
First off, congratulations on
influence he’s had on my life.
Italian Rugby President made
making it to the Premiership
a big deal about it being an
Rugby Hall of Fame. How
Who were the toughest
act of disrespect. Forwards
does it feel to be one of just
team you ever played
aren’t supposed to do that,
41 members?
against?
apparently. Sure, if I’d missed, I’d have been hammered but,
It’s a massive honour. I was
It always felt like the
to me it was three more points
surprised to learn there were
Springboks were the toughest.
for the total.
so few members, so that
Their default against us
makes it even more special.
seemed to be to pick their
What was the best part of
The Premiership is a fantastic
most physically imposing side
playing professional rugby?
competition to play in and,
when they might have selected
despite my last game being a
players with a little more skill.
Without a doubt it was being
fairly long time ago in 2005, it’s
I loved that side of playing,
part of an elite sporting
something I miss pretty much
the physical challenge, and,
environment, day in, day out.
daily. I’ve been very fortunate
although a match against the
Being surrounded by highly
to have accomplished a lot
South Africans usually ended
skilled, highly professional,
in a game I love and this is
in stitches in and around my
like-minded people all looking
right up there with the best of
head, they consistently brought
to fulfil their individual and
my individual and collective
the best out of me and my
collective potential, I couldn’t
achievements.
teammates.
ask for more than that.
You started playing rugby
What’s the most memorable
And the worst?
when you were just four
try you’ve ever scored?
years old, what was it that
The worst thing? I’ve got to stop
made you fall in love with
They’re all team tries to me,
and think about that. On the
the game?
really, but the points-scoring
playing side, losing was never
exploit I look back on and
easy at all but the defeats
It was a ‘who’ not a ‘what’
smile about the most was my
made you a better player and
really. His name was Jack
drop goal against Italy. Sir
gave the whole unit the chance
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to learn and improve. Off the
players he may or not select.
field, though, I missed so much
In 11 games in charge (at the
family time with all the travel
time of writing), he’s debuted 11
So, Neil, you’ve won
and training camps. When we
players and hasn't been afraid
everything there is to win –
won the World Cup, for example,
to drop people. The players
and now bagged a place in
Olivia was four years old and
know exactly what they need to
the Hall of Fame – what’s
more than happy to join me on
do and all of them are desperate
next for you?
the pitch but Finley, my son, was
to keep the shirt. Eddie Jones
only 14 months old and refused.
will pick a side he believes will
It’d be nice to be inducted into
I know now that at that stage
deliver in any given match and
the World Rugby Hall of Fame
he hardly knew me because
his England record speaks for
alongside the likes of Wilko
I’d been away so much and it
itself. All I can say is that I’d
and Johnno, but we’ll have to
made what should have been
loved to have played under the
see about that. I want to keep
an unmitigated magic moment
man.
on achieving, that’s for sure
somewhat bittersweet.
having been the biggest myself.
and at the minute I’m really
Do you think the Premiership
excited by a new venture we’ve
Eddie Jones is off to a flying
has changed over the years?
just launched this month.
start as England coach,
And how does it compare
It’s called Back2Fitness, a 12
but who do you think he’s
from when you were playing?
week exercise and nutrition
overlooking? And who would you put in the team?
programme for people just like If the Premiership hadn’t
me who used to work out but
changed since my day, I’d be
who’ve fallen out of the habit.
Eddie Jones has been a breath
disappointed as the game
Life does that to a lot of us with
of fresh air for England. He’s
needs to evolve. The players
family, careers and other factors
been in the game as a coach
are bigger, taller, heavier,
pulling on our time, so it’s a
for 25 years and done every
faster and stronger, of course,
great initiative.
conceivable job on the coaching
but the game looks to me to
staff. He’s hit the heights and
be more organised than ever,
Find out more about Neil’s new
been through all the hurt you
especially in terms of defence. I
programme, Back2Fitness,
can imagine and I’m not going
think I’d have thrived in today’s
here: back2fitness.co
to start nit-picking about the
environment, despite never
31 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE OFF-SITE
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WHAT NOT TO SAY TO… Working alongside other tradespeople has its challenges.
YOU’RE A PUNNY LOT
Your van is often the first thing customers see, so it’s important to make sure it’s clean, well-maintained and (importantly) decked out with some incredibly punny signage. Check out these examples shared on our Facebook page. Helps if you know Cockney rhyming slang for this toilet hire company name…
If you don’t have an in-depth knowledge of the other trade it’s easy to put your foot in it (or through it). Don’t panic. BOB’s here to tell you what NOT to say to the painter, the sparky and the plumber.
P&D
Sent in by William Owen
“ You can just paint over that hole, right?”
The World’s Greatest… plastering services
“So it’s basically just paint-by-numbers?” “And how many times did you fail art school?”
SPARKY “How hard can it be, it’s just three wires?”
Sent in by Lee Cornwall
A loft conversion that’s out of this world…
“Can I hang my washing on this cable?” “Is that ANOTHER new Range Rover???”
PLUMBER
Sent in by Chimene Codner
Wonder if he uses Beech (Boys) wood?
“I think my loo’s blocked, could you have a look?” "Did you wash your hands before you made that brew?”
“The pipe was in two halves when I got here…”
33 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE Sent in by @ProductThatWorx
OFF-SITE
Going it Alone: On
A
dam Barrie and his friend Lee Wilcox made the brave decision to go it alone to set up On the Tools – which you may have heard of.
My business partner Lee made the leap a couple of months earlier, we knew at some point I'd have to make the move and I honestly couldn't wait, I loved what we'd created and fully believed in our business plan. Plus working away was starting to get me down and I was missing my kids during the week.
We chat to Adam about going from on-site to online and what YOU can learn from it.
At the time we didn't even have enough money to cover my wages but myself and Lee were willing
What were you doing before you made the self-employed leap?
to take the gamble. If the worst came to the worst I could always go back to my old job as I left on good terms.
Before I made the leap to self employment I was working for an interior refurbishment company
Do you prefer being self-employed? Why?
shopfitting a chain of hair salons up and down the UK. Long hours, mainly working away from
Becoming self-employed was the best decision
home, it was tough but it paid the bills. It's a good
I've ever made, working for yourself gives you
laugh working away but spending 24/7 with your
more freedom. You're your own boss and if you
workmates sometimes gets too much!
manage your work/jobs right, you can have more time to do the things you want in your personal
Was there a moment you realised you needed to ‘take the leap’? I decided to make the leap because On The Tools
life.
What do people NEED to know about ‘going it alone’?
was picking up pace and needed another full time employee, we were getting a lot of attention from
The flip side to being your own boss is that you
construction brands and our online shop was
have to do the paperwork too, whereas before I
growing month by month.
could just down tools and switch off. Now I have to make sure all the paperwork is
34 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
n the Tools Style ON THE TOOLS
done, invoices, tax and VAT returns. Luckily for
Would you recommend it?
me Lee takes care of all this, so my advice would be to get an accountant to deal with it if it's too
There are pros and cons to being self-employed.
much for you to handle on your own. I really can't
It's not for everyone but I would recommend
emphasise how important it is to keep your books
anyone thinking about it to take the leap.
up to date! Make sure you do your research first and talk to Saving money too, when you're self-employed
other people who have made the leap before, plan
and you take a holiday you don't get paid, so it's
ahead, do your paperwork, record
important to put some aside for holidays and
all communications between you and the
any down time you may have due to jobs getting
customer, know your worth, provide a quality
cancelled etc.
service and keep some money in the bank!
Well, this self-employed lark seems to suit you well, Adam. Thanks for the chat!
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SHOULD’VE CALLED THE PROFESSIONALS… When there’s a job that needs doing, sometimes only a professional will do. But you can’t deny that there are some absolute tools out there. Case in point: this lot.
“Right, new outlet is ready to go.” Reddit user: DodoDude700
Reddit user: silence_hr
Reddit user: denham599
Reddit user: KCCO2015
36 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
Reddit user: vincethered
Reddit user: MenacingBanjo
BOB FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT OUR WINNER Building Better Communities is the annual
community projects. The Eden-Rose Coppice Trust
Jewson competition that offers community
scooped the top prize – a £150,000 transformation
projects the chance to win a share of a prize fund
using the Saint-Gobain ‘My Comfort’ building
to spend on building materials. The winnings
principles. So what made the charity the worthy
are used to spruce up community buildings so
winners of the competition?
the projects can get on with what they do best: transforming the lives of the people who live in
The Eden-Rose Coppice Trust, situated in
the local area.
Brickmakers’ Wood in Ipswich, is all about getting back to nature. Being in green spaces and
In summer 2016, Jewson concluded this year's
surrounded by the beauty of nature has a great
Building Better Communities competition by
effect on our emotional and physical wellbeing.
giving away a whopping £250,000 to 28 amazing
That’s especially important for those with cancer
37 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
or terminal illnesses and the purpose of the centre
The building was designed by Clive Butcher who
is to offer a peaceful, beautiful retreat for those
sadly died of a critical illness. The prize fund is
who most need it.
being used to bring his design to life, creating a building which invites the environment in.
Their work doesn’t just stop there though. As well as providing palliative care, the charity
Following the Passivhaus standards, the new
also involves the community in creating and
‘Centre for Support’ building will help the charity
maintaining the facility. The charity educates
provide a space to do its work, regardless of the
children living with learning disabilities or critical
weather.
needs as well as adults with complex mental health problems to give them the skills they
Designed to provide views onto nature and lots of
need to help maintain and develop the space.
natural light, the building will also feature ‘living
The charity also provides the opportunity for
walls’ (walls covered in live plants) to blend the
disengaged young people to gain life and work
outdoor and indoor spaces.
skills to help them into training and employment. So all in all, they are a busy lot!
Sustainability is a key part of the project, with the building featuring a range of new technologies.
The Building Better Communities fund is being used to create an indoor facility, to enhance the
Find out more about the charity and keep up to
restored woodland and outdoor space the group
date with the progress of the project at:
already uses.
www.withnature.org
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FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGIES WE ALL WANT ON-SITE
From mud huts and roman roads, to skyscrapers and 102 mile-long bridges, the way we build is certainly evolving. OK, so we might not be quite at the point of hover boards, holograms or synthetic humans on the construction site just yet, but we’re certainly heading in that direction.
Whether it’s taking to the sky in the form of drones,
2) SMART BRICKS
or creating virtual plans in augmented reality, there
Seems it’s not just Ed Sheeran who wants to live
are some seriously exciting innovations happening
in a Lego house. Thanks to a company called Kite
in the built environment right now.
Bricks, soon we might all be taking a trip down memory lane back to the days of multi-coloured
Here are BOB’s five futuristic technologies that
building blocks. With iconic knobs on the top, the
could be set to hit a site near you.
new blocks from Kite Bricks fit together exactly like
1) SELF-HEALING CONCRETE
Lego and are held together with a super-strong, double-sided adhesive. According to the company,
Did you know that, after water, concrete is the
Smart Bricks can reduce construction costs by as
most used substance in the world? From bridges
much as 50 per cent. Just be thankful for safety
and roads, to homes and offices, the applications
boots, nobody wants to relive the pain of Lego
for concrete are endless. But unfortunately, so is
pieces underfoot.
its tendency to crack. This issue could now be a thing of the past thanks to a new smart concrete
3) 3D PRINTED BUILDINGS
that’s mixed with special mini-capsules. When the
As if 3D printed bottle openers, shoes and musical
concrete starts to crack, the capsules release a
instruments weren’t enough, the next big (and
gel-like glue that fills the gap. Et voila: self-healing
we mean BIG) thing could be entirely 3D printed
concrete! One to look out for in the future for sure.
buildings - and it’s closer than you might think.
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Earlier this year we saw the opening of the world’s
are programmed to work together to build one
first ever 3D printed office in Dubai. It was no
design but without being centrally controlled
mean feat, requiring the help of a 20ft high, 120ft long and 40ft wide 3D printer. However, taking just
5) BUILDING WITH CO2
17 days to complete, the build has some pretty
33 billion tonnes of CO2 is released into the
astonishing implications in terms of reducing
atmosphere every year, and around half of the
construction costs and waste compared to
UK’s carbon emissions in particular come from
traditional building methods.
the construction and operation of buildings.
4) ROBOT SWARM CONSTRUCTION
But researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found a way of using
Introducing the world’s true master-builder, the
genetically modified yeast to turn CO2 gas into
unsuspecting termite. It might only have a brain
a solid building material. Essentially carbon
the size of a grain of sand, but nothing’s holding
produced from our construction processes could
this natural wonder back. Working without
be offset by building it back into our infrastructure.
supervision but alongside thousands of fellow
Clever, eh?
builders, termites use mud to create complex building mounds that can be as high as 30ft. Taking inspiration from this, researchers have created swarms of miniature building robots that
41 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
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Working onsite day in, day out can be hell on your back if you're not careful.These chairs will sort you right out (lady not included)
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The Foundation Plus account gives you an exclusive trade discount off thousands of products. You will also have access to training, support and exclusive offers to get you started in your career. Foundation Plus is our brand new smart account designed to help students, apprentices and people new to the trade. Sign up today and let us help you build your career Visit your local Jewson branch or go to Jewson.co.uk for more information
44 | BOB | WINTER ISSUE ON-SITE
Exclusive account for trainees and newly qualifi ed tradespeople