November December 2021 Building Products Magazine

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November/December 2021

Inspiring construction specifiers for over 40 years

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WHAT CAUSED THE EVERGRANDE CRISIS?

HAS THE JUST IN TIME ECONOMY HAD ITS DAY?

THE RISK OF CHEAP IMPORTS

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EDITORIAL Oli Ballard - Editor/Director E: oli.ballard@buildingproducts.co.uk Barney Cotton - Digital Editor E: barney.cotton@buildingproducts.co.uk James Cook - Content Manager E: james.cook@businessleader.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION Adam Whittaker - Head of Design E: adam.whittaker@buildingproducts.co.uk Joshua Phillips - Website Development E: joshua.phillips@businessleader.co.uk Josh Dornbrack - Head of Multimedia E: josh.dornbrack@buildingproducts.co.uk SALES James Morgan - BD Manager E: james.morgan@buildingproducts.co.uk CIRCULATION Adrian Warburton - Circulation Manager E: adrian.warburton@buildingproducts.co.uk ACCOUNTS Jo Meredith - Finance Manager E: joanne.meredith@buildingproducts.co.uk

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58 IN THIS EDITION 2

News Feature – Evergrande Group

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Interview – Catherine Franks

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Project in Focus – Whitechapel Station

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Company in Focus – SSQ

20

Product in Focus - Hydrobond System

24

Feature – Supply Chain

26

Review – Heating

30

Product Showcase

32

Feature – Rework

40

Feature – Cheap Imports

42

Feature – Look Ahead

48

Opinion – Skills Gap

54

Review – Infrastructure

56

Feature - Improving Building Hygiene

58

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

1

NEWS

INDUSTRY ELITE GATHERS AT “PIVOTAL” GLAZING SUMMIT 2021 The leadership of Britain’s thriving fenestration sector has gathered for the first time in nearly two years following the most tumultuous period in its history.

Over 400 business leaders, representing companies collectively worth billions of pounds, met at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, for the 2021 Glazing Summit, organised by market-leading sector specialists Insight Data and Purplex Marketing.

Across a day of debates, discussions and insightful presentations, fenestration’s best and brightest pondered the huge challenges glass and glazing currently faces – and how to make the most of its enormous opportunities.

Insight Data, Andrew revealed that the number of UK fabricators and installers has fallen below 14,000 for the first time, with a staggering 709 companies lost since 2011.

Later in the day, Greg Perdon, Bloomberg correspondent and Chief Investment Officer for Arbuthnot Latham, gave a fascinating overview of the UK’s performance relative to other major economies, and pointed to promising signs for Britain’s home improvement market in 2022.

Then, after lunch, attendees were treated to a humorous and irreverent insight into organisational culture and sales strategy from international business consultant Geoff Burch.

Addressing attendees in the first of the day’s keynotes, Glazing Summit Founder and CEO Andrew Scott charted the dramatic changes the sector has been through over the last ten years.

Drawing on the unparalleled expertise of industry experts 2

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Throughout the day, panel debates featuring sector VIPs tackled the industry’s biggest issues.

Andrew Scott Founder, Glazing Summit

With COP26 looming, attendees addressed climate change – questioning whether endusers really care about the

NEWS environment, and whether the industry’s much talked-about commitment to sustainability is actually just a box-ticking exercise.

Leading installers debated the soaring cost of materials, and whether the drastic price rises they’ve received are really justified given the poor quality and service many continue to experience.

Industry VIPs contemplated the supply chain crisis, the changing dynamic between customers and suppliers, and when the industry will return to prepandemic levels.

And a panel of experts discussed the growing number of mergers and acquisitions in fenestration, predicting further consolidation in the months and years ahead as a result of Brexit, changes to consumer demand, and the continuing fallout of COVID-19.

“This year’s Glazing Summit comes at a pivotal moment in the history of our industry,” comments Andrew Scott.

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“After the enormous upheavals of the pandemic, the sector now faces an unprecedented supply chain crisis, a worsening skills shortage, and the huge challenges posed by climate change.

“Navigating these issues will require leadership, vision, and collaboration between every aspect of fenestration.

“That’s exactly the sort of open and honest dialogue the Glazing Summit is designed to facilitate. After an amazing day in Edgbaston, I’m more optimistic about the future of our sector than ever.” 

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November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

3

NEWS

Octopus Real Estate and Homes England launch £175m Greener Homes Alliance

Construction industry is the top industry hit by ransomware attacks New research by NordLocker has discovered which industries are the most popular targets for ransomware gangs to launch their attacks against. After a thorough analysis of 1,200 companies hit by 10 infamous ransomware gangs in 2020 and 2021, 35 of the most victimised industries were identified.

“The latest statistics indicate that a worrying 37% of companies worldwide became victims of ransomware in 2020,” says Oliver Noble, a cybersecurity expert at NordLocker, an encrypted cloud service provider.

NordLocker’s analysis reveals that Construction is the top industry hit by ransomware (93 victimised companies), followed

by Manufacturing (86). Finance (69 ransomware cases), Healthcare (65), Education (63), Technology & IT (62), Logistics & Transportation (59), Automotive (56), Municipal Services (52), and Legal (49) are business areas that make the list of the top 10 industries most targeted by ransomware gangs.

One in twelve advertised jobs in the UK is in the Trade and Construction sector New research from trade supplies merchant City Plumbing reveals that there are 1.17 million advertised jobs in the Trade & Construction sector in UK right, representing 8% of all open roles.

Furthermore, this has increased by 345% in the last year alone highlighting just how much this sector is booming. Builders/labourers

4

are the most sought-after tradespeople currently (8,100 vacancies), followed by electricians (5,641), painter/decorators (3,866), carpenters (3,491) and plumbers (3,251).

Kent, Greater Manchester, South East London, Hampshire and Essex currently have the most trade roles being advertised.

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Group and a specialist real estate lender and investor, has partnered with Homes England, the Government’s housing delivery agency, to create the Greener Homes Alliance.

The new Alliance will commit £175m, providing both loan finance and expert support to SME housebuilders, enabling them to build more high quality, energy efficient homes throughout England.

As part of its broader efforts to expand the supply of finance available to SMEs, Homes England will provide £46m of the £175m.

The Alliance will provide loans of between £1m and £20m to finance new SME development projects. Homes funded must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B, and will benefit from increasing interest rate margin discounts as the energy efficiency of the homes increases above this (as measured using the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)). Homes achieving an EPC rating of A will benefit from interest rate margin discounts of 2%.

The Alliance will support the construction of up to 750 new homes whilst also equipping SME housebuilders with knowledge and expertise around low carbon construction, allowing them to build to higher environmental standards, now and in the future.

Housing Minister Christopher Pincher said: “We are determined to ensure that our homes are fit for the future and improving energy efficiency is a key part of our ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050.”

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NEWS

Autumn Budget:

Impact on the construction sector

F

ollowing the recent Autumn Budget, Building Products Magazine spoke to some industry leaders on the impact the announcements will have on the construction sector.

Brendan Sharkey, Partner at MHA, says the significant investment in infrastructure and training is what the construction sector hoped for, but the immediate problem is actually the labour shortage, and nothing was done to solve this.

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The money earmarked for roads, railways, schools, and hospitals is what the construction industry hoped for. It is especially encouraging that the levelling up programme spreads the benefit around the UK. The extension of the annual investment allowance (AIA) relief of 100% on capital expenditure of £1m will also be a big boost to construction firms.

However, most of this – aside from the AIA extension – serves to boost demand but does nothing about supply, which remains a major issue.

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

The Chancellor can’t do much about the cost of materials, but he can do something about labour.

He recognised the value of people with certain skills coming to the UK, but it is unclear (and unlikely) the new visa system will do much for the construction sector.

Two-year visas for key construction workers would have been the single best thing he could have done to address the shortage of labour in the industry. The fear must be that all of his investment promises won’t go as far as he would like but will instead

NEWS

"WE ARE PLEASED TO FINALLY SEE SOME CLARITY ON THE LONG-AWAITED REVIEW OF THE BUSINESS RATES SYSTEM AND WILL STUDY THE IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS IN DETAIL. BUT THE HEADLINE FIGURE OF A £7BN CUT IN OVERALL RATES LOOKS VERY WELCOME." Tom Bromwich Bromwich Hardy

pandemic was still extremely vulnerable. Founding partner of the Coventry-based firm Tom Bromwich said Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s £3bn plans to invest in education, skills and training and boost housing construction on brownfield sites with a £1.8bn investment were welcome. Tom said he was pleased that the Chancellor had taken steps to overhaul the business rates system by moving to a three-year valuation cycle and giving a 50% rate relief to the retail, hospitality, and leisure sector.

There is much that we would welcome in what the Chancellor announced, including the focus on skills, the investment in regional transport infrastructure and the help to meet our housing shortage by bringing old industrial land back into use.

We are pleased to finally see some clarity on the longawaited review of the business rates system and will study the implications for our clients in detail. But the headline figure of a £7bn cut in overall rates looks very welcome.

The recovery, whilst stronger than expected, is still fragile and could easily be blown off course by rising inflation, changes to interest rates and issues such as the current recruitment crisis extending into the long term.

The Government must ensure that businesses have the freedom to invest in their growth and their workforce.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) supports the skills needs of British construction – in England, Scotland, and Wales. It attracts talent to the construction sector, so employers have an adequate recruitment pool, and encourages employers of all sizes to access the skills training necessary to grow their businesses. Responding to the Budget statement CITB Policy Director Steve Radley shared his thoughts.

The Autumn Budget announcement on infrastructure spending, on top of government plans to meet its net zero commitments, show it’s critical to invest in construction skills.

just push up costs because business can’t source the labour.

Over the long term the funding promised for T-levels and other programmes should help. Here construction has an opportunity to secure a workforce of the future. The industry needs to support these initiatives by sponsoring training with visits to construction sites, open days, and work experience.

Construction needs to assert itself as a career destination for young people because, for political reasons, labour from overseas looks less of an option.

Commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy gave a cautious welcome to the Autumn Budget – but warned that the economic recovery from the

With employers already facing significant skills pressures, we must attract new talent from all areas and upskill the existing workforce.

"THE CHANCELLOR CAN’T DO MUCH ABOUT THE COST OF MATERIALS, BUT HE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT LABOUR. HE RECOGNISED THE VALUE OF PEOPLE WITH CERTAIN SKILLS COMING TO THE UK, BUT IT IS UNCLEAR (AND UNLIKELY) THE NEW VISA SYSTEM WILL DO MUCH FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR." Brendan Sharkey

The large-scale investments in T levels, maths, Skills Bootcamps and modernising Further Education will provide crucial support on skills and should help to ease pressure on employers looking to recruit and train. Building better pathways into work through traineeships and bootcamps and helping colleges to modernise are key investments. We look forward to building on our work so far to shape these programmes to deliver the skills the industry needs.  November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

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NEWS

£25m sustainable refurbishment for Gramophone Works in Kensal Green One of Europe’s largest wooden framed buildings, the Gramophone Works in Kensal Green, West London, has been brought back to life following a £25m refurbishment programme as part of a major collaboration between main contractors Grahams and the country’s fastest growing M&E specialist, Dowds Group.

This historic building now offers some of greenest credentials of any workspace in London, offering some 64,132 sq ft of office accommodation, five outdoor terraces overlooking the nearby Grand Union canal, a 2,400 sq ft reception and event space area, together with a café and bar.

As part of the refurbishment programme, Dowds installed

sustainable PV units and heat pumps and low-energy LED lighting to achieve the coveted ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating – a challenging task in part of a 100-year-old building that had never been designed to incorporate modern infrastructure.

Dowds Group Contracts Director Wayne Kemp explained: “We quickly discovered that working in a wooden framed structure also created several issues such as fire prevention, that needed to be addressed. This meant that we had to protect all new equipment with film before Graham

Construction could spray the entire building with fire retardant.”

Work started on the site, which is spread over five floors, in August 2020 with Dowds providing a full design and installation service for a building which is now expected to be turned into a creative hub.

The Old Gramophone Works opened on its present site in the early 1920s.

The building went on to house Saga Records, acquiring Trojan Records in 1975 and becoming the epicenter of reggae music for the whole of Europe.

Plans approved for phase two of £33m Novus development in Knutsford Industrial developer Chancerygate has been granted planning permission to build phase two of its £33m, 207,000 sq ft Novus business park in Knutsford, with 50,000 sq ft forward sold to furniture company VIDA Living.

Located within Parkgate Industrial Estate, phase two of the development will deliver 73,000 sq ft of industrial space with a gross development value of £11m and create up to 100 jobs.

The scheme will comprise nine units ranging from approximately 2,000 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft, available on a freehold and leasehold basis.

Chancerygate Development Manager, Chris Brown, said: “We’re very pleased to conclude the deal with VIDA Living which has been a long time in the making.

This deal is another example of Chancerygate’s ability to cater for occupiers who require bespoke industrial and warehousing space. There’s significant interest in the speculative development of phase two of Novus and we look forward to seeing this development progress.”

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

FEATURE

WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG FOR CHINESE REAL ESTATE GIANTS EVERGRANDE?

I

t was being compared to the Lehman Brothers crisis and was set to be a wrecking ball through the global economy. And then it all went quiet. So, what happened regarding Chinese property giant Evergrande and it’s supposed troubles? Building Products Magazine spoke to Dr Guo Yu, Lead Asia-Pacific Analyst at Sibylline Ltd, to find out more.

The Evergrande Group's share price has been on a rollercoaster ride in recent weeks, with reports of each interest payment deadline and asset selloffs driving volatility. The unfolding debt crisis at one of China's biggest and best-known property developers has sent shock waves through domestic and global markets. With total liabilities amounting to as much as $310bn, the Hong Kong-listed Evergrande Group admitted that 'It is facing unprecedented difficulties', as declining sales and severed credit lines have made it impossible for the company to service its debt.

The prospect of the real estate giant and one of the world's most indebted companies going under have raised concerns over its potential impact on China's already moderating economic growth and financial stability. Scenes of protests from retail investors and homeowners outside Evergrande's offices in several cities will no doubt have sounded alarm bells for the Chinese leadership, which places maintaining social stability as its top priority for the preservation of the single-party regime.

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EVERGRANDE'S DEBT CRISIS IS ROOTED IN CHINA'S REAL ESTATE BOOM The rise and fall of Evergrande is intrinsically linked with the fortunes of China's real estate sector, which experienced a rapid boom over the past two decades. For China's expanding and aspirational urban middle-class population, buying a property is regarded a more reliable form of investment.

Against this seemingly rosy backdrop, established property developers, including Evergrande, secured loans with relative ease for new residential or commercial projects, with the prospect of rising property prices offering quick repayment, or in some cases, an attractive investment opportunity.

Evergrande's total borrowing ballooned by 270% between 2015 and 2020.

A sustained boom in the real estate sector and associated industries has been an indispensable growth driver for the Chinese economy. After the 2008 financial crisis, Beijing injected a significant portion of its stimulus package into infrastructure and construction projects, benefitting many property developers.

In addition to property development, Evergrande has also accumulated debt from its ever-broadening activities outside real estate, from electric cars, financial services, sports, to travel and tourism.

The stimulus plan, together with strong policy backing including more accommodating terms for developers to purchase land, has contributed to a prolonged property market boom. Property prices in first tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen) have soared to levels that match some of the most expensive cities in the world.

"THE UNFOLDING DEBT CRISIS AT ONE OF CHINA'S BIGGEST AND BEST-KNOWN PROPERTY DEVELOPERS HAS SENT SHOCK WAVES THROUGH DOMESTIC AND GLOBAL MARKETS."

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Dr Guo Yu

REAL ESTATE REGULATORY CLAMPDOWN IGNITES EVERGRANDE'S DEBT TIME BOMB Unlike the US subprime mortgage crisis and lack of regulatory oversight that led to the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the 2008 global financial crisis, the sequence of Evergrande's liquidity crisis was actually triggered by the Chinese government's tightening of rules on the country's real estate sector.

Cont.

EVERGRANDE GROUP

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

11

EVERGRANDE GROUP

FEATURE Beijing recognises that the country's debt-fuelled property boom presents a systemic risk to financial stability.

In 2017, President Xi Jinping stated that houses are 'for living in, not for speculation'.

Since then, authorities have tightened rules on property investors, including raising deposit levels or imposing restrictions on second/ third home buyers. Such regulatory tightening has depressed demand and property prices.

On the supply side, regulators have imposed a series of new criteria in a bid to reduce leverage among property developers. The Chinese government has asked banks to apply tighter scrutiny on lending, and reminded house builders to refocus on their core areas of business – in real estate. A new set of metrics introduced earlier this year (known as the 'three red lines') completely starved Evergrande's new credit lines, igniting the debt time bomb.

A NECESSARY CORRECTION? Investors continue to speculate over whether Evergrande will miss interest payment deadlines on its dollar bond, which is driving concerns over the impact of a possible default on markets outside China. While it is certainly true that the troubled property developer is a sector leader in offshore debt issuance, China's state-owned banks own most of Evergrande's $300bn liabilities.

Apart from trading shares and bonds on capital markets, Evergrande has limited international business interests – it does not have a notable footprint in real estate development outside of China, for example. This could help shield the global economy from much of the direct fallout over a possible default. That said, foreign investors could lose out as a result of tumbling share prices and the possibility of the group prioritising the servicing of domestic debts.

The scale of Evergrande's debt and its potential impact on the wider economy has raised the debate over a possible government bailout. This scenario is unlikely at this stage. In the past two years, the Chinese government has shown its willingness to let large, uncompetitive, debt-laden companies – even state-owned enterprises – go out of business, seeing it as natural progression as it attempts to tackle 12

issues threatening economic stability.

Indeed, Chinese regulators will not relent on the deleveraging drive in real estate, whilst attempting to control the potential fallout from Evergrande's woes.

The economic planner NDRC met some property developers on 26 October, while the foreign exchange regulator has instructed house builders to report the scale of their dollar-denominated bonds.

The Chinese government will likely use Evergrande's demise to set an example for the real estate sector for what it hopes to be a leaner and healthier future, but it will also utilise state resources and regulatory prowess to shield the wider economy from the fallout.

For the sake of social stability, the Chinese leadership will remain extremely sensitive to the potential implications for the real estate market, homeowners and those ordinary citizens who have invested life savings into properties. To this end, authorities may supervise any forthcoming restructuring process, offering guidance and definitive orders as the firm tries to shed assets.

"THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WILL LIKELY USE EVERGRANDE'S DEMISE TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR FOR WHAT IT HOPES TO BE A LEANER AND HEALTHIER FUTURE." Dr Guo Yu

Authorities could also co-ordinate sell-off plans or instruct state-owned banks to be more flexible on the repayment schedules, so that the group does not come to an abrupt collapse.

Likewise, the government may step in to give some assurance to creditors, investors and home buyers to placate public grievance and

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

protests against Evergrande so overall social stability is not under threat. For instance, authorities will likely supervise Evergrande's selloff to prioritise repayments to retail investors of wealth management products that the firm has been involved in, while also ensuring the completion of ongoing housing projects to placate the anxiety among home buyers.

Remarks from Evergrande's Chairman, Xu Jiayin, that the company will focus on its nascent electric vehicle (EV) unit in the future, suggests that the embattled property developer may eventually break up into smaller businesses, moving away from the real estate industry.

Amid falling house prices and ever anxious developers and homeowners, the unfolding liquidity crisis and regulatory clampdown will sustain questions about the stability of China's real estate sector. However, Chinese policymakers will likely see it as a necessary, if not painful, correction to the overheating of the market.

In an economy where the state plays a dominant role, policymakers can pull various levers to regulate the growth of the property market.

Just as authorities have imposed stricter credit control to dampen speculation in the housing sector and cool soaring property prices, they can turn the dial the other way if the subdued real estate industry, which makes up for nearly 30% of the GDP, threatens to undermine the wider economy. As things stand, it does not appear that we are reaching this juncture quite yet. 

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INTERVIEW

CEO IN FOCUS:

CATHERINE FRANKS STRAND HARDWARE

I

n every edition of Building Products, we gain some invaluable insight from a CEO working within the industry. For this edition, we spoke to Catherine Franks of Strand Hardware, the Walsall-based manufacturer of commercial window and door hardware, who recently celebrated their 30th year in business.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE IN A LEADERSHIP ROLE? With this job, as I worked for my dad, I just sort of fell into it. Prior to starting here, I worked in contract catering for a few years, but found that I was having to travel a lot around the UK, the hours were very long, and the pay wasn’t very good. So, it wasn’t great, and I was looking for a change.

My dad was also coming to the point where he was thinking about what was going to happen to the business once he retires.

I came to work here initially for six months, just to see how I got on, and I’ve been here 21 years since!

I wouldn’t say it was something I strived to do, but I always took on extra responsibility. I wouldn’t enjoy a job where I was doing the same thing every day, as I need to be challenged. So, I think those qualities pushed me into the leadership role, and I just naturally took it on when my dad was retiring.

WHAT TYPE OF LEADER ARE YOU? I’m very hands-on. I think because we’re quite a small business, you need to be hands-on because everybody mucks in and does a bit of everything. We don’t have dedicated roles for different people.

I also set very high standards, particularly in quality and customer service.

YOU HAVE BEEN AT STRAND FOR 21 YEARS – I’M GUESSING YOU HAVE WORKED IN VARIOUS ROLES? I’ve done just about every job

that you can do here! Now, for anyone who starts here, part of their induction is to spend a few days in each department, so they can understand how things are done across the company.

"WE HAVE A VERY LOYAL, PROFESSIONAL TEAM WHO ARE AS PASSIONATE AS I AM ABOUT THE BUSINESS, AND I EMPOWER THEM TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS." 14

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

For example, for someone who works in sales, it’s important to know how a product is packed; if a customer rings up and says that something is missing, they can say that is usually packed in the end of the box, or they’ll know what comes with that product because they’ve packed it themselves.

CATHERINE FRANKS

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED IN YOUR CAREER? The most challenging time has actually been the pandemic, and this is because it’s been a situation that none of us have had any control over.

As we are a family business, having to put staff on furlough was tough. Whilst I thought furlough was a brilliant scheme and the country would have been lost without it, some staff saw being asked to stay at home when they wanted to work as a punishment.

So, I just sort of went into protection

mode, thinking we’ve just got to make sure the company is still here after all of this.

When the Brexit vote came through, that was also a big shock for us. We buy in from Italy and Germany, so we were very concerned as to whether that trade would experience any issues. Brexit also caused extended lead times for us at first because of queues at ports and the extra paperwork that needed to be filled in.

But fortunately, our partners in Italy and Germany were very supportive

and helped mitigate any delays as much as they could. We also managed to order a lot of extra stock before Brexit, so we didn’t run out of anything.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRY YOU OPERATE IN? The race to the bottom: people just specifying and buying products based on price.

Cont.

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

15

INTERVIEW

We’re lucky that we have a core of loyal customers and most of our distributors realise that they’re getting good quality, so they’re prepared to pay a bit more for that.

But I would like people to realise that old adage ‘you get what you pay for’.

Rather than just specify the cheapest product, look at the lifetime cost.

HOW DO YOU FIND ATTRACTING THE TALENT YOU NEED TO GROW? I think manufacturing is something that many youngsters aren’t attracted to for whatever reason, so we do work with local schools and colleges in the area to try and raise the perception of the industry and show young people what types of jobs they can get and how they can progress locally.

We’ve tried various different schemes and succeeded in getting some good people through. We had a graduate come through Wolverhampton University and our Marketing Assistant, Luke, came to us via the Kickstart Scheme.

As a business, we try and take on apprentices wherever possible too.

Holly, who works here in technical sales, started as an apprentice nine years ago and has worked her way up the company.

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CATHERINE FRANKS

"WE TRY AND TAKE ON APPRENTICES WHEREVER POSSIBLE TOO. HOLLY, WHO WORKS HERE IN TECHNICAL SALES, STARTED AS AN APPRENTICE NINE YEARS AGO AND HAS WORKED HER WAY UP THE COMPANY. "

HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS HELPING TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE CRISIS? There are the things you would expect us to be doing; we’ve already switched to LED lighting and reduced the amount of plastic we use, and we’re trying to do that even more.

We also recycle materials in-house, including cardboard, paper and scrap metal.

At the end of the pandemic, we also started a sister company called Strand Technologies, which uses technology to monitor doors, but can also be used for any electromechanical item.

This uses a system called iContact, which is fitted into the door and relays information to a dashboard.

So, if there is a fault with the door, this information is relayed to our service engineers and allows them, most of the time, to reset the door remotely.

Therefore, saving the mileage of having to go on-site. This technology can be used in any electro mechanical device. For example, it can be used in water pumps to ensure they’re running at the right temperature and capacity, which optimises their energy use.

We also think about where our products come from. So, the furthest that anything comes from is Italy or Germany, but then our own range of products are all made locally, within about four or five miles of us.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE BUSINESS? To keep going, continuing to grow gradually and give excellent customer service whilst adding new, quality products to the range.

The products that we sell are also quality products, so they’re not being replaced as regularly. For example, the finger protectors we use come with a lifetime warranty, so they’re fit and forget products.

But also to embrace new technologies and add more environmentally-friendly products through the Strand Technologies side of the business, which is seeing the most growth at the moment. 

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Need a complete roof system?

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PROJECT IN FOCUS

WHITECHAPEL STATION

HOWE GREEN AND DMC CONTRACTS CREATE STRONG FOUNDATIONS AT WHITECHAPEL ELIZABETH LINE STATION

A

s an important interchange for both the Hammersmith & City and District Lines and London Overground, Whitechapel station will be an integral element of the Elizabeth line, with services running every two and a half minutes at peak times.

Featuring a design approach that weaves the new Elizabeth line station between the existing transport services to an elevated station concourse that acts as a bridge to improve community links, the full route will allow passengers to travel through to Paddington, Heathrow or Reading in the west and Shenfield or Abbey Wood in the east.

As part of the construction process, 900 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers in standard and bespoke depths have been specified and installed by official Crossrail sub-contractors and one of the UK’s leading fit-out contractors, DMC Contracts.

Supplied in single, duct and multipart configurations, the resilient steel floor access covers have been installed throughout all areas of the station, including the new ticket hall and station concourse, to provide secure and concealed access to under-floor services.

Conor McCann, Director at DMC Contracts, said: “The new Whitechapel Elizabeth line station was a significant project for both ourselves and the team at Howe Green. The sheer size of the development required a significant quantity of floor access covers to provide consistent and secure access through every area of the vast station.

“By working in close partnership with Howe Green, we were able to ensure each project specification was successfully met. The end result is a flooring installation that not only reflects the polished, calming aesthetic of the entire station, but is also functional, safe and compliant.”

Manufactured to BS 476: Part 22, the 7500 Series Floor Access Covers provide resistance to fire and smoke for up to two hours, eliminating the potential transmission of smoke and fire from below floor services in the event of a fire. This was a key consideration throughout the specification process, to ensure the access solutions provide the highest standards in safety and performance throughout all areas of the station.

Chris George, Business Development Manager at Howe Green, said: “Our relationship with DMC Contracts spans over 15 years and it was a real privilege to be able to collaborate

Howe Green’s durable 7500 Series Floor Access Covers were specified in standard and bespoke depths in conjunction with Granazzo floor tiles, to create a streamlined visual appeal, whilst also delivering the highest standard in safety and security.

Suitable for up to 5 tonne pneumatic tyre wheel loads, the mediumduty floor access covers will also withstand heavy footfall throughout all areas of the station with ease, whilst the easy lift mechanism will ensure minimal disruption to passengers when engineers are accessing below floor services.

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

together on such an iconic and significant infrastructure project.

"BY WORKING IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH HOWE GREEN, WE WERE ABLE TO ENSURE EACH PROJECT SPECIFICATION WAS SUCCESSFULLY MET." Conor McCann

“The design of the new Whitechapel Elizabeth line station required bespoke specifications, which our inhouse team of design and engineering experts in Hertfordshire were able to quickly and successfully accommodate, to ensure a functional yet visually appealing finish.”

ADVERTORIAL

Exclusive to IronmongeryDirect:

The Touchpoint Collection in polished brass or chrome offer a classical aesthetic.

Where a sleeker, modern look is required, handles with simple straight lines in polished chrome or black nickel finishes can meet this objective.

There is also the option for products that feature two complementary finishes such as satin nickel and polished chrome, black and satin nickel and polished and satin chrome.

Scott Copeland IronmongeryDirect

W

hen specifying door hardware, it’s important to consider a number of deciding factors such as product quality, cost and durability to achieve a coordinated and cohesive aesthetic. Here, Scott Copeland, Category Manager at leading trade supplier IronmongeryDirect, discusses the company’s exclusive Touchpoint collection which provides the ideal solution.

Style It can often be difficult to find products that meet all the functional and design requirements for a complete project. Therefore, it is invaluable to look for a range that offers a wide variety of different hardware. IronmongeryDirect’s Touchpoint range offers dependable and cost-effective door, window and cabinet hardware and more in a number of smart, modern design options.

For some applications, a simple and functional design for the door hardware may be most suitable. The satin aluminium Touchpoint Lynx handles have a modest, rounded design and a low maintenance and durable finish. However, for refurbishments of older buildings where traditional styles may be preferred, the Victorian Summer and Georgian products from the range

One of the key benefits of selecting products from a comprehensive range is that it allows the fittings to be easily matched throughout a property. This can include door levers, pull handles, latch hardware, escutcheons and turn and release knobs all available in complementary designs and finishes.

Longevity As one of the elements of a building that will be interacted with most, door handles must be able to endure a high level of usage. While the style and finish of the fittings will often determine the material used, selecting durable hardware made from zinc alloy, solid brass, aluminum and stainless steel can help ensure the product will be able to withstand the expected wear and tear. It’s also worthwhile looking for products that come with a guarantee for peace of mind. With Touchpoint, all products are supplied with a five-year guarantee as standard.

Accessibility and compliance Ensuring that buildings are fully accessible to all users and occupants and comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations and Building Standards is essential. In England, Approved Document M: Access to

and use of buildings is the main source of regulation. Based on the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, it states that physical features of a building, including fixtures, fittings and equipment, must not restrict access to people with disabilities.

In addition, British Standard BS 8300:2018 provides best practice design guidance for creating accessible and inclusive environments in public buildings as well as residential buildings with shared access – such as student accommodation. While not a legal requirement, it provides a framework for ensuring a higher level of inclusivity beyond the Building Regulations With regard to doors, Approved Document M, one of the most important requirements stated is that where doors are fitted with a latch, the handle must be easy to operate with one hand using a closed fist.

Choosing products that are BS8300 approved therefore makes it simple to ensure that this stipulation is met. The Touchpoint range includes a number of strong and durable products that have a ‘Return to Door’ design and are BS8300 compliant.

To find out more about IronmongeryDirect’s range of over 18,000 products or to find out more about the Touchpoint collection please visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ brands/touchpoint

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

19

COMPANY IN FOCUS

MAINTAINING SUPPLY IN CHALLENGING TIMES S

SQ Founder and Managing Director Ahmed El-Helw explains how his company is to continuing to serve its customers despite unprecedented challenges.

We are living through the worst supply chain disruption in living memory.

Brexit or the pandemic alone would’ve caused major headaches for businesses throughout roofing, construction and beyond – the two together, combined with freak accidents like the blockage of the Suez Canal, have created chaos across many industries.

At the time of writing, there are widespread shortages of timber, steel, concrete, cement and more – and earlier this year, roughly half of the businesses that make up the National Federation of Roofing Contractors reported shortages of concrete tiles.

On top of all that, we’ve seen a spate of quite drastic price rises. According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the overall cost of construction rose 14.7% in June alone – and an already serious skills shortage has worsened considerably.

As demand for workers has reached a 20-year high, and construction output has undergone its biggest leap since 1997, thousands of experienced Eastern European workers have left the country in the aftermath of Brexit. The number of EU nationals working in UK construction has dropped a staggering 42%.

A national shortage of lorry drivers is also having a major impact, as is the pandemic’s ongoing effect on the transportation sector – according to government figures, 9.6% of UK transport and storage categories have permanently closed their doors.

RELATIONSHIPS ARE KEY So, given the massive scale of the challenges our sector and others are facing, how are we at SSQ still able to offer great products, large volumes, and short, reliable lead times?

To properly explain that, we first need to look at how many UK slate suppliers operate. Often, they are businesses that buy smaller quantities of slate from a wide variety of suppliers.

Cont.

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

SSQ

"THERE ARE WIDESPREAD SHORTAGES OF TIMBER, STEEL, CONCRETE, CEMENT AND MORE – AND EARLIER THIS YEAR, ROUGHLY HALF OF THE BUSINESSES THAT MAKE UP THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF ROOFING CONTRACTORS REPORTED SHORTAGES OF CONCRETE TILES." Ahmed El-Helw

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

21

COMPANY IN FOCUS

SSQ

◀ A homeowner’s search for a material with character to roof his elegant and gently curved West Country new-build led him to SSQ’s Riverstone.

He loved Riverstone’s colour and texture, and also thought it would partner extremely well with the building’s oak framing. He opted for small format slates to add to the aesthetics – and few would deny that the finished results look stunning.

In some cases, that means they’re not able to develop the strongest relationship with the quarries they work with.

RIVERSTONE SELECTION ULTRA

HEAVY

• • • •

Thickness 5-7mm Weight 40kg Very smooth texture Compiles with ASTM C406 - Grade S1 • 10-year guarantee

• • • •

FIRST

MONTANA

• • • •

• • • •

However, at SSQ, we take a very different approach.

Next year, for example, we’ll be celebrating the 30 years since we began working with the celebrated Del Carmen quarry in North West Spain.

Since 1991, we’ve had an exclusive agreement with Del Carmen that means we’re the only company able to supply their world-class slate into the UK market.

As a result, we are a very major customer of theirs, which naturally means that for them, keeping us supplied is a priority, even in trying times such as these.

But it’s more than just a business agreement. Over the last thirty years, we’ve developed an extremely close relationship with the family that runs the Del Carmen quarry.

In 1991, myself and Del Carmen Founder Manuel Maestre Vega shook hands on the deal that would see us become the UK’s only supplier of Del Carmen slate – and we had so much trust in and respect for one another that it’s never been confirmed in writing.

Thickness 8-9 mm Weight 55kg Relatively smooth texture Some thickness and flatness variation • 50-year guarantee

30 years and two generations of Manuel’s family later, we still don’t have a formal contract. That’s not something any of our competitors can match.

When it comes to Riverstone, our much sought-after Argentinian phyllite, we’re in an even better position – we own the quarry that produces it ourselves.

GREAT SLATE – WITHOUT THE WAIT At SSQ, we’ve got thousands of pallets of worldclass slate and natural stone in depots around the UK – backed by quick lead times, comprehensive guarantees, and unparalleled technical expertise. 

22

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Thickness 6-8mm Weight 42kg Smooth texture Moderately flat, slight thickness variations • 75-year guarantee

Thickness 7-9mm Weight 44kg Relatively smooth texture Some thickness and flatness variation • 50-year guarantee

NEWS

Plans submitted for £10m development which could become one of Glasgow’s most sustainable residential properties A developer dedicated to transforming city centre brownfield sites into thriving housing developments has submitted £10m plans for homes it hopes will set the ‘gold standard’ for sustainable living in Glasgow.

The proposal for 131 Minerva Street in Finnieston – a former brass foundry currently used as offices – is just a stone’s throw away from the main venue for COP26, and contains a host of features placing it at the sharp end of environmentally-friendly residential developments.

Sustainability and residents’ physical and mental wellbeing are at the heart of leading architect HAUS Collective’s designs for a mixture of 64 one, two and three bedroom flats – all of which will feature their own private balcony.

Developers Nevis Properties have actively gone beyond the sustainability requirements set out in Glasgow’s City Development Plan, adopting a low-carbon focus with an emphasis on energy efficient materials and green technologies.

Marc Taylor, Director at Nevis Properties, said: “As Glasgow becomes ever more popular with larger businesses, there is a growing need to meet the surging demand for premium living accommodation at a price point which fits the needs of buyers and renters. That’s why we want to develop a property which will not only develop a real community, but also become the gold standard for sustainable developments in future.”

Bringing colours to a grey World.

The Stratus Thermal Lantern Roof is now available in any RAL colour, with the option for different colours on different faces.

Contact us today for a quote

01200 452904

orders@stratus-lantern.co.uk

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

23

PRODUCT IN FOCUS

NEWTON EXPANDS THE HYDROBOND WATERPROOFING SYSTEM

N

ewton Waterproofing, the UK’s leading independent designers and suppliers of guaranteed waterproofing systems, has expanded its range of HydroBond products to offer an even wider range of waterproofing solutions to its nationwide customer base.

Defined as ‘Type A’ barrier waterproofing by the British Standard for Waterproofing, BS 8102:2009, the Newton HydroBond System is a group of high-performance barrier waterproofing membranes, either liquid-applied or sheet, that are designed to be applied to the outside of the structure.

Self-Adhesive Membranes New to the range is HydroBond SA, a high-performance self-adhesive membrane for the external waterproofing of below-ground structures, which achieves a sufficient bond in temperatures as low as 5°C and delivers exceptional crack-bridging qualities.

HydroBond 2K-Flex is supported by two ancillary products:

The Type A membrane is also resistant to ground water chemicals as per EN 1847 Method A, is tough and durable, quick and easy to install, and is dimensionally stable and flexible for easy detailing.

• HydroBond 2K-Flex Mesh, a reinforcing mesh made from woven fibreglass and coated in latex to prevent the alkaline in cement from degrading the fibres.

Also available is HydroBond SAGM, a gas proofing variant of the self-adhesive membrane that has an aluminium core for gas protection, whilst still providing excellent waterproofing protection.

Ancillary products for both membranes include: • HydroBond SA Primer LT, a bitumen primer that is quick and easy to apply, even at low temperatures.

• HydroBond SA Reinforcing Strip and HydroBond SAGM Detail Strip. Compatible with the corresponding namesake membranes, these strips are designed to reinforce the potential weak points at wall-tofoundation joints.

Liquid-Applied Bitumen The expanded product range also includes HydroBond 2K-Flex, a radon gas certified, bitumen waterproofing membrane that forms a thick and highly flexible fully bonded barrier to water ingress, and which can also fill voids, cracks, and joints in your structure.

24

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

• HydroBond 2K-Flex Primer, a fast-drying primer and bonding agent that is applied to the substrate prior to the membrane.

An Extensive Range These new additions join Newton’s already extensive range of HydroBond products, including: • Self-healing pre-applied external waterproofing membrane HydroBond 403 Plus, and the gas variant HydroBond 403 Plus GB which provides a fully bonded barrier against radon, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons.

• HydroBond 402 CCS-M, a pre-applied fully bonded waterproofing and radon protection sheet membrane with excellent crack-bridging capabilities at places where cracks occur in concrete.

• HydroBond 109-LM, a liquid-applied and radoncertified seamless rubber membrane.

Other ancillary products include HydroBond 410 GeoDrain and HydroBond Protection Board, both of which are designed to protect the waterproofing during the back-filling process. Furthermore, the adhesive HydroBond Tape can be used for jointing Newton’s three pre-applied membranes.

HYDROBOND SYSTEM

Complete Waterproofing Systems Either pre-applied below the concrete slab and to permanent raft and wall formwork, or post-applied when the outside of the basement wall is temporarily exposed, the HydroBond System is designed to provide a complete and continuous external waterproof barrier for below-ground structures.

Once installed, depending on the type of structure and the products employed, the HydroBond System can provide protection against both groundwater and ground gasses, making it the ideal solution when protection against radon, methane, and/or carbon dioxide is also required.

For more robust waterproofing protection, Newton recommend combining two or more Types of waterproofing, as per the British Standard. The HydroBond System can therefore be combined with the ‘Type B’ Newton HydroTank System, and/or the ‘Type C’

Newton CDM System, to achieve the required internal environment, where the consequences of failure are unacceptable.

Reliable Supply Newton Waterproofing’s MD Warren Muschialli comments: “There are many reasons why main contractors, specifiers and architects should choose us for their waterproofing needs, and one of those reasons is that we’re constantly adding to our already extensive product portfolio.

“With the new additions to our HydroBond System range, we can ensure that all our customers have access to the latest in UK waterproofing, helping them to meet and exceed their clients’ needs.

“If you’re looking for a leading, reliable supplier for your next waterproofing project, give Newton a call today – we’d love to help.”  November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

25

FEATURE

HAS THE JUST IN TIME ECONOMY HAD ITS DAY? W e live in a world where almost anything can be ordered to your front door at the touch of your fingertips, and delivered the very next day.

A key methodology that companies have employed to meet consumer demands over the years, and is still used to meet these modern requirements is, 'Just in Time' manufacturing.

However, with supply shortages, dwindling HGV driver numbers, the pandemic and Brexit, there are real fears that the Just in Time economy has had its day. Building Products investigates.

WHAT IS JUST IN TIME (JIT) MANUFACTURING? Lean manufacturing, or Just in Time (JIT) manufacturing as it’s also known, is an inventory management system where goods are produced as they are required and is designed to increase efficiency and decrease waste. Under the system, a company only receives the raw materials they need as they are required for the production process, meaning lower inventory costs.

The system was adopted by Japanese car manufacturer

26

Toyota in the 1970s, so it is also referred to as the Toyota Production System (TPS). The success of Just in Time manufacturing depends on steady production, high-quality workmanship and no machine breakdowns.

As a result of the HGV driver deficit, there have been widespread reports of supply shortages, including food and petrol. This raises important questions concerning whether the days of the Just in Time economy are numbered.

Reliable suppliers are also essential for ensuring the materials used in the production of goods are received in time for production schedules. Otherwise, there is a risk of companies being unable to create their products.

If suppliers are unreliable, a company might also have to order more materials to ensure they are available when they need them, but this goes against Just in Time manufacturing principles and means inventory costs are increased.

IS IT THE END OF JUST IN TIME? In a survey by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), a private company dedicated to the interests of the road haulage industry, they estimate that the UK is currently short of more than 100,000 qualified HGV drivers. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), from June 2017 to June 2021, the number of HGV drivers in the UK also dropped by 53,000, from 321,000 drivers to 268,000.

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Pol Sweeney Descartes Systems

However, Pol Sweeney, Vice President Sales EMEA Fleet at Descartes Systems, believes that with more flexible and responsive supply chains, the Just in Time economy can continue.

He said: “The fundamental drivers that created the 'Just in Time'

SUPPLY CHAIN

economy have not gone away.

“If anything, the recent combined effects of Brexit and COVID-19 have heightened the need for flexible, dynamic, and highly responsive supply chains.

However, Douglas Grant, Director of Conister, which is part of AIM-listed Manx Financial Group, believes that the Just in Time economy is likely to change in response to the ongoing supply chain issues.

“Increasing digitalisation and supply chain optimisation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and techniques will be required to provide the improved responsiveness and the increased efficiency required to deal with the recent disruptions and unpredictability.

“The ‘Just in Time economy’ hasn’t had its day and in fact is likely to become more fine-tuned in response to the supply chain issues that are currently impacting the sector,” says Douglas.

“When you are dealing with a scarce, and/or expensive resource such as HGV drivers, the answer is to use them efficiently and effectively. The efficiency gains can be imbedded in so that the benefit is longstanding, even when or if things return to less disruptive conditions.”

Brexit and the pandemic are regularly cited for the dwindling HGV driver numbers and the resulting supply shortages here in the UK, but the pandemic’s wrath has been felt on supply chains worldwide.

“However, this increased focus on business supply chains in the UK has brought to light some of the growing pressures many of our small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are facing on a day-to-day basis.”

“At Conister, we currently have several instances involving significant advances across many sectors, which are unable to proceed as a result of supply chain holdups, hence stalling any potential growth.

"Added to this we are seeing rising inflation, labour costs driving upwards and a tightening of the labour market all restricting any business growth.”

However, Geoff Burch, renowned business coach, speaker, and consultant, believes that the Just in Time economy might have had its day.

He comments: “If the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem is a nail, and with ‘Just in Time’ we are getting well hammered."

Douglas Grant Conister

“In its most sensible form it has been with us for centuries, and in its raw form it dealt most excellently with perishability. You wanted a tomato,

you went and picked one. An egg?

Well, just lift the nearest chicken. Milk?

Grab a passing cow.

“Technology is also perishable. Whilst filming a documentary for the BBC on cyber waste, I visited a technology scrap yard and was shocked by what I found. Large companies would give new recruits a shiny new laptop and had a copious stock of them, but after a year or so…well, who wants a year-old laptop? They were in the scrapheap still in unopened boxes. "‘Just in Time’ says go and buy the tech when and where you need it.”

Geoff’s comments are particularly interesting because 'Just in Time' manufacturing is supposed to reduce waste, but in tech, a sector where products have a notoriously short lifespan, it might be having the opposite effect.

In a survey from Lloyds Bank published in 2020, almost two-thirds of small and medium-sized business owners want to improve their environmental sustainability. So, as sustainability appears increasingly on company agendas, it will be interesting to see whether 'Just in Time' manufacturing is consistent with them.

SHOULD WE MOVE AWAY FROM JUST IN TIME MANUFACTURING? Whilst there is a debate regarding whether the Just in Time economy has had its day, there is no denying that we are currently experiencing major supply shortages across the world.

Cont.

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

27

FEATURE “Indeed only in August, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) suggested that the UK’s economy had been plunged into a supply chain crisis, with major retailers’ stock levels at their the lowest since 1983,” continues Douglas. “This comes as a result of worker shortages and transport disruption caused by COVID-19, the Suez Canal blockage in March and Brexit.”

As a result of the supply shortages, the construction industry could be set to experience stunted growth in the remainder of 2021 and 2022 too.

"NOW WE REALLY ARE IN THE EYE OF THE STORM, HOWEVER WE’RE SEEING CAR PRODUCTION HALTED FOR A FEW QUIDS WORTH OF MISSING CHIPS, PORTS CLOGGED AND SHORTAGES IN THE SHOPS. " Geoff Burch

According to the Construction Products Association’s (CPA) Construction Industry Forecasts for Autumn 2021, since its previous

Forecasts, they expect construction output growth to rise for 2021 from 13.7% to 14.3%, but growth for 2022 was expected to drop from 6.3% to 4.8%.

The key factor cited in this revision was that supply chain constraints are expected to hinder growth for the rest of 2021 and in 2022.

SO, COULD JUST IN TIME MANUFACTURING BE PLAYING A PART IN THE SUPPLY SHORTAGES? Under Just in Time, suppliers are required to deliver small batches of materials and parts more frequently to prevent the need for factories to carry excess raw materials. It also balances and coordinates its production lines to minimise its work in process, and ships finished goods to customers frequently in small batches.

However, since the majority of the goods we consume in developed countries are produced halfway around the world, we’re not only reliant on the capacity of factories, but also on a giant global transportation and logistics network to provide us with the things we need in a timely way.

SO, SHOULD WE MOVE AWAY FROM THIS SYSTEM? Geoff Burch seems to think so.

“I consulted with a global technology manufacturer who ran their own world on ‘Just in Time’,” continues Geoff. “The heart of their product was a computer that cost a fortune, so having stocks of those lying about made no sense, but the cases were held together with cheap plastic moulding and 27 small screws, all delivered Just in Time.

“If there were 26 screws, the line stopped. We put huge drums full of screws and mouldings up and down the line – not ‘Just in Time’ but a low cost and very satisfactory fix.

“Now we really are in the eye of the storm, however we’re seeing car production halted for a few quids worth of missing chips, ports clogged and shortages in the shops. I went to buy a German bike and enquired when I might get one. The answer I received was no stock until 2023.

“Whatever product we make, whilst ‘Just in Time’ was clever, inflation, logistics and demand may suggest ‘Just in Time’ is actually out of time.” 

SUPPLIERS JOIN FORCES TO PEN AN OPEN LETTER TO THE FENESTRATION INDUSTRY Nineteen independent suppliers to the home improvement market have penned an open letter to the fenestration industry, as the sector looks to balance unprecedented demand with global supply chain pressures.

Bosses, from companies including Clayton Glass, Conservatory Outlet, Consort, Emplas, Glazerite UK Group, Nationwide Windows & Doors, Solar Frame and Sternfenster, have joined forces to address several COVID-19 related issues that are currently hampering how they can meet the national appetite for doors, windows, roofing systems and glazing products.

They call for industry to show a united front of solidarity in that every supplier is weathering the same storm and that, by giving customers an understanding, they can quickly work together to provide solutions and get back to delivering continuity of supply.

28

Ryan Green, Managing Director of Clayton Glass, one of the driving forces behind the letter, comments: “I don’t think anyone could have prepared us for what has happened in the last twenty months - from having to close due to Government guidance and making our factories COVID-19 secure to then having to scale up to cope with what has been a 130% increase in demand for many of us. It would have been a big enough challenge on its own, but we are having to achieve this against a backdrop of global shortages in our core materials, workforce uncertainty due to isolation/a lack of workers and now rising prices across the board.”

“The letter isn’t a sob story, it’s more a case of trying to give our customers and, in turn, their customers, a clear insight into what we are all dealing with. It’s not one company doing something wrong, these issues are affecting all of us.”

He continued: “This cocktail of issues has unfortunately caused suppliers across our industry significant difficulties, and we can’t escape the fact lead times have been pushed out and supply has been disrupted.

The open letter to the fenestration industry will be posted on the website of all signatory companies and shared across their social platforms, with the content also distributed to local, B2B and trade media. 

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Ryan Green Clayton Glass

SUPPLY CHAIN

WHAT IS CAUSING THE SUPPLY CHAIN CRISIS? Since the start of the pandemic, and as the country has been in and out of lockdowns, it is evident the construction industry and supply chain has never fully been able to reach pre-pandemic ways of working, as well as other global issues continuing to have a massive impact.

This has been exacerbated by the international shipping costs, driver shortages, labour shortages, fuel crisis and exorbitant cost increases we’re seeing, causing the construction industry major challenges.

A

ndrew Hayward, Managing Director of pitched roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles, talks to Building Products Magazine about the issues currently affecting the sector.

IS THERE A SUPPLY CHAIN CRISIS AND WHAT IS CAUSING THIS? It is clear the COVID-19 pandemic, along with other factors can be blamed for contributing to the current global supply chain crisis impacting the UK construction industry.

Even though there have been some earlier challenges because of COVID-19 in the Far East much earlier in the year, the largest effects of the pandemic hits us in March 2020 when the UK’s supply chain stopped overnight.

With three sites, two in Burton-on-Trent and one in Lochmaben, Russell Roof Tiles manufactures thousands of roofing products each week, all our manufacturing stopped. We resumed production in May with strict health and safety measures, whilst many of our competitors were still closed.

This allowed us to bounce back and begin manufacturing, ready for when construction sites fully reopened by the end of June.

Though our output resumed early, the long-term effects continue to be felt by us and most it seems across the supply chain.

As the shortage of materials continues to affect the sector and workload increases, everyone in the industry, from manufacturers to contactors to builders, are struggling to manage with the required increase in output needed in the shortness of time since recommencement.

Although the UK economy has picked up again for construction, it is evident that shortages and delays continue to have a major impact on the sector and will for months, if not years to come. The short-term housing boom is as much a reaction to the period when building stopped as it is to the market demand.

"AT RUSSELL ROOF TILES, WE TYPICALLY MANUFACTURE OUR PRODUCTS FOR STOCK, HOWEVER WE ALWAYS ENSURE THROUGH THIS PROCESS WE ARE CREATING OUR ROOF TILES AND ACCESSORIES AS EFFICIENTLY AND SUSTAINABLY AS THE JIT MANUFACTURING SYSTEM." Andrew Hayward

We as an industry are responding as best we can to the perfect storm, from the global supply chain challenges pushing up costs for raw materials, local availability of manpower, to additional costs in terms of transport.

These challenges mean UK construction must start thinking and

planning much further ahead, in terms of material sourcing, to enable us to better manage supply chain issues in the longer term.

IS LEAN MANUFACTURING AND THE JUST IN TIME MANUFACTURING PROCESS UNDER THREAT? Although the Just in Time (JIT) manufacturing process isn’t one we use at Russell Roof Tiles, many in the industry do utilise a JIT process as it is system which allows businesses to order raw materials and stock at the time of immediate use, and thus reduces the need for storage and improves efficiency.

As we can see from the current world-wide situation though, JIT manufacturing can open a business to a number of risks, notably those associated with the supply chain.

A minor disruption in supplies can cause a bigger effect on the whole production line at very short notice.

At Russell Roof Tiles, we typically manufacture our products for stock, however we always ensure through this process we are creating our roof tiles and accessories as efficiently and sustainably as the JIT manufacturing system.

HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN IMPACTED? The most notable fall-out from the current situation has been the increase in price of raw materials, such as timber resins, additives, sand and cement which are used to make and deliver our concrete roof tiles and accessories, along with the increase in transportation costs. The biggest impact across our whole sector is increased costs, overheads and lead times.

Another challenge faced is the continued shortage of manpower.

Simply put, the labour market has shrunk, with less workers returning to a career in manufacturing and the construction sector compounded by younger people not attracted to the industry either. 

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

29

REVIEW

HEATING

CONCERNS RAISED OVER SUITABILITY OF CURRENT UK DOMESTIC HEATING SYSTEMS IN JOURNEY TO NET ZERO

T

he Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) is urging the Government to consider the suitability of current UK domestic heating systems to facilitate the transition to Net Zero.

Retrofitting homes with low-carbon technologies, like heat pumps and hydrogen boilers, will be key to meeting the UK’s Net Zero targets. However, many of the different heating systems that circulate heat and hot water in properties are not currently appropriate for these emerging technologies, nor are they adequately covered by strategy and policy work.

To outline where improvements need to be made and how different domestic systems can be aligned with the country’s long-term goals, the HHIC has launched a comprehensive whitepaper entitled 'Heating up to Net Zero'. It has been researched and written by members of HHIC, the Hot Water Association (HWA) and the Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC). It seeks to clarify what the challenges are, as well as what is required for them to be overcome.

Stewart Clements HHIC

the system to be forgotten.

Stewart Clements, Director of the HHIC, comments: “A mix of low carbon technology along with lower temperature heating systems will be required to meet the government’s target of Net Zero by 2050.

As most replacement heating appliances are due to a distressed purchase, there is a tendency for the rest of

“Homeowners need support to ensure they can plan and upgrade their heating and hot water systems. This will ultimately come down to government initiatives, which is where the whitepaper aims to provide a framework for formulating new policy.”

One of the key examples given in 'Heating up to Net Zero' is that many homeowners are currently removing 30

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

hot water cylinders. However, these are needed for the supply of hot water if a low temperature heat generator, such as a heat pump, is to be fitted in the future. Replacing old cylinders with better insulated and controlled models, that incorporate high recovery heat exchangers and are suitable for low temperature/low carbon systems, should be incentivised by a simple-tounderstand government scheme.

From a practical perspective, mandating system balancing of the heating system will help to drive innovation.

Since this was highlighted in the Boiler Plus review, many control manufacturers now produce flow controlled TRVs', which are a simple solution to balancing the heating system. This will become an important part of the commissioning process for low temperature systems.

"A MIX OF LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGY ALONG WITH LOWER TEMPERATURE HEATING SYSTEMS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT’S TARGET OF NET ZERO BY 2050."

Aside from a focus on the heating system, the HHIC has also drawn attention to the critical role of installer training. They are a key part of the jigsaw for decarbonising heating and hot water systems, and are the main point of contact with the homeowner. For those both entering the industry, and for individuals who already possess a wealth of experience, getting to grips with new technology will be vital in overall successful implementation.

Stewart concludes: "There are many challenges ahead, but also a number of opportunities, not least in providing extensive retraining for the UK installer base. The Heating up to Net Zero paper looks at these in detail, highlighting the different ageing systems that circulate heat and hot water in our homes, and aims to ensure they are adequately covered by future government policy.” 

COMMENT

SIXTH TIME LUCKY?

NEW MINISTER GOVE MUST GRASP THE GREEN HOUSING NETTLE

W

ill the latest occupant of the newly-rechristened Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Local Government make an impact?

Rod Davies and Nick Gander of green heating pioneers Energy Carbon give their view.

With the departure of Robert Jenrick, Michael Gove becomes the sixth Secretary of State for housing in just ten years.

It’s done little to reassure those in construction who think the government has housing very far down its list of priorities.

Gove is an interesting choice.

Whatever you think of him ideologically, he’s got a long trackrecord in government, and as Secretary of State for Education, brought about the biggest shake-up in British schooling in a generation.

On the other hand, in his time as Environment Secretary, he often seemed more interested in conservation than taking urgentlyneeded radical action on climate change – more National Trust than national home decarbonisation programme.

But if he wants to prove he’s taking the urgent need for green housing seriously, what should he be doing?

Here’s three big priorities we would suggest.

Number one: Focus on building better, not building more Yes, we need new houses. But we also need a viable planet to live on.

Pushing the sector to try and build as many properties as possible is a terrible idea when, for instance, thousands of those homes will be installed with fossil fuel-guzzling gas boilers that will have an atrocious environmental impact.

It’s far more important that we focus on building high-quality, long-lasting, lowcarbon homes than throwing up cheaplymade, unsustainable brick boxes to try and meet some arbitrary quota.

Maybe Gove and those around him need to heed the words of fellow Tory MP Bim Afolami, Chair of the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group.

▴ (L to R) Rod Davies and Nick Gander Energy Carbon

At a fringe event at the recent Conservative Party conference, he said: “We need to be setting incredibly high standards for housebuilders, even if it costs them more.” He then called for the government’s Future Homes Standard to be accelerated.

Gove is on board for this one already – speaking at a fringe event at Tory conference, he described the state of Britain’s social housing stock as ‘scandalously poor’.

Number two: Put retrofitting at the forefront In recent months, a small group of climate activists have caused chaos (and annoyed thousands of motorists) by blockading motorways in an attempt to force drastic action on climate change.

Their name isn’t especially inspiring, and you may, and probably do, disagree with their methods – but Insulate Britain have a very good point.

If we’ve got any chance of drastically reducing the 40% of UK carbon emissions caused by the country’s built environment, we need a colossal investment in retrofitting the homes people are living in today.

Realistically, if that doesn’t come from the government, it’s not going to happen.

Number three: Tackle the state of social housing There’s strong evidence that Michael

An ITV report earlier this year demonstrated the appalling conditions endured by council tenants in Croydon, where an extreme mould problem was rendering large parts of some properties completely uninhabitable.

In addition to the sort of comprehensive retrofitting designed to boost energy efficiency described above, we need to see widespread investment in measures like better ventilation to improve living conditions for thousands of vulnerable people.

Just the start These are just three priorities that any incoming housing minister serious about tackling the biggest issues of our time would have to get to grips with.

Is Gove up to the task? Will he succeed where others have failed?

Or will he go the way of so many of his predecessors, and soon be swapped out for someone else? We will have to wait and see. 

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

31

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

In each edition of the magazine, we profile eight products that will be of interest to architects and specifiers working on commercial, residential or public sector projects. In the reviews, we aim to give us much technical information we can about the product and give you an insight into how it could be used in any upcoming projects you are working on.

If you would like to have your product included in this section of the magazine, please call 0203 096 2861 or email editor@buildingproducts.co.uk.

GLAMPING MADE POSSIBLE, THANKS TO SANIFLO Galley Hill Farm in the Lincolnshire Wolds has recently expanded from 5 to 10 pitches plus two sizeable glamping pods complete with bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living room thanks to the Sanifos from Saniflo.

Waste from the house and the toilet block is discharged to a septic tank that was recently upgraded due to new regulations that came into effect in 2020. A separate chemical disposal point was also installed for the caravan site. The proposed space did not have sufficient gravity fall to reach the septic tank, which was 70m away, and required a pump to discharge the waste.

A Sanifos 610 underground lifting station provided the perfect solution; with sufficient capacity to accommodate more units in future. The Sanifos 610 has a 612-litre tank and is offered with a choice of one or two pumps. The pumps work alternately to ensure even wear of the motors, but in the event of one pump failing, the other will activate to ensure it keeps working. It is supplied with a smart control box which is an interactive, intelligent station monitoring system and integrates an alarm for early warning of any problems.

For more information, visit: www.saniflo.co.uk 32

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

MSP SCOTLAND SEES UPLIFT IN RECLADDING PROJECTS Scottish manufacturer of bespoke cladding systems, MSP Facades, has started to see an increase in remediation projects – both north and south of the border. Having already completed half a dozen recladding projects involving high rise residential towers, the Glasgow-based façade specialist is expecting a lot more of this type of work in the next twelve months.

A BETTER ROOF LANTERN! The purpose-designed Stratus Thermal Lantern Roof is discreet yet stylish. Every element has been designed to be exceptional.

From the low profile 20˚ pitch that keeps sightlines, to a minimum and slimline bars, views of the sky are maximised. The discreet black finish of the perimeter beam ensures that the view of the lantern from above is perfect too – all you’ll see is glass.

Designed around an innovative thermally broken system, it provides excellent thermal performance that minimises condensation – while delivering the architectural refinement you’d expect of a high end aluminium lantern system.

Available in a range of designs, with sizes up to 3m x 6m, this high end, high performance lantern roof is ideal for modern living.

KEY FEATURES

Denning Point is a classic 1960s residential tower in Tower Hamlets, London. Comprising 23 stories, the building was re-clad 2014. However, following the Grenfell Tower fire and a subsequent change in safety regulations, the owners (Eastend Homes) commenced the process of removing non-conforming cladding material.

Recladding specialist D+B Facades commenced remediation work in early 2020, using A1-rated solid aluminium panels (in two custom colours) to replace the non-conforming cladding. Fabrication of the new non-combustible panels was undertaken by MSP Scotland.

Gillian Thomson, branch manager at MSP Facades, comments: “While the technical demands of this project were reasonably straightforward, the sheer volume and variety of panels is unusual. During the six-month build process, we fabricated more than 2,100 panels equating to approximately 2,500 m2. We also cut to size and punched around 360 smaller, perforated panels, covering 220 m2. Throughout the whole process, we were very mindful of reducing waste and optimizing every aluminium panel. Utilising our optimization software, we were able to achieve maximum yield from every sheet of metal.”

Up to 65% more thermally efficient than conventional aluminium roof systems.

Fixed at 20˚ pitch this allows the system to use the incredibly discreet purpose designed top caps and internal covers, without unsightly gaps to rafter ends.

66% smaller ridge than standard systems for beautiful aesthetics.

Hard wearing aluminium exterior for a premium, architectural look.

Quick and easy to install - less time on site means less disruption for homeowners.

Contact us today for a quote: T: 01200 452904 or email:orders@stratus-lantern.co.uk

www.stratus-lantern.co.uk

For more information, call 01236 729591 mspcladding.co.uk November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

33

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

PREMIER TECH LAUNCH THE NEXT GENERATION OF REWATEC COMPACT AND VERTICAL PUMP STATIONS Premier Tech Water and Environment is pleased to announce the launch of its Rewatec range of compact and vertical pump stations.

Premier Tech has redesigned its range of compact and vertical pump stations to provide a reliable and efficient solution for raising sewage, effluent, wastewater and surface water in areas where a gravity discharge is unavailable.

across the new range, resulting in a much quicker delivery time for all its customers across the UK.

providing robust, easy to install and long-lasting solutions for total peace of mind.

In addition to increased efficiency, the performance of the new compact and vertical pump stations has also been elevated,

Designed for smaller residential developments, the compact range of pump stations are available in 900mm diameters and are suitable for properties of up to 9 people (PE).

For larger residential developments or small commercial projects, the vertical range of pump stations are available in 1,200mm and 1,500mm diameters and are suitable for properties of up to 18 people (1,200mm) or 35 people (1,500mm). A full range of options and accessories - from high level alarms to control panels and kiosks, are also available to fully satisfy customer needs.

By consolidating the design methodology and relevant componentry of the existing range where appropriate, and by analysing the operational effectiveness of each tank, Premier Tech has streamlined its manufacturing and ordering process to significantly reduce lead times

To find out more about the Rewatec range of compact and vertical pump stations, visit: www.premiertechaqua.com/en-gb/wastewater-treatment/pump-station

RINATO RAMPS UP WITH TWO NEW POLYMER FENCE BOARD RANGES F.H. Brundle’s successful Rinato polymer fencing range is expanding with the addition of two new acoustic board types.

The wrapped range comes in three authentic finishes, Golden oak, Anthracite, and rustic oak, and all feature a decorate wood-effect laminate wrap perfect for situations where fences need to look good.

The new embossed range is more cost-effective, but still provides a realistic heat-embossed woodgrain finish with a choice of four colours – black, grey, brown and green.

Both work with the F.H. Brundle’s innovative post and channel system, that allow boards to be fitted to virtually any post, and the polymer to naturally expand.

These latest additions strengthen the company’s already popular Rinato decking boards range, which offers a choice of durable, stylish and weatherproof products made of quality recycled polymer.

For more information, visit www.fhbrundle.co.uk, call 01708 398 048 or email sales@brundle.com.

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

With their authentic wood aesthetics and easy maintenance, Rinato boards are the ideal solution for anyone who wants the look of timber without the hassle.

Easy-fit, tongue and groove insulation for warmer homes and minimal thermal idging

A premium, high performance full fill insulation board.

With precision cut tongue and groove joints on all four sides, you can be ensured tight locking insulation which minimises heat loss through thermal bridging. This unique feature also means greater ease and speed of installation – Now that’s joined up thinking.

www.recticelinsulation.co.uk recticelinsulation.com November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

35

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

MAPRESS COPPER CS AND SS Offering a host of installation benefits on-site, press fitting continues to a popular choice across projects.

Antony Corbett from Geberit, explains more.

How does it work?

The jointing process is simple. Simply cut the pipe to size, debur the inside and outside, mark the socket insertion depth on the pipe, push the pipe into the socket of the fitting, then press the joint and connecting pipe using the pressing tool.

OUTDOOR LIVING POD™ As the exclusive brand name for the original louvered roof pergola canopy, the Caribbean Blinds Outdoor Living Pod™ provides the ultimate luxury, all-weather, outdoor living space that gives the customer complete, year-round control of the elements.

Ingeniously designed for those who want to live life outdoors, the innovative rotating louvered roof permits the user to play with light and shade, offering an openair alfresco feel when left fully open, and ensuring a completely water, wind and even snow-tight roof when closed. Optional windproof screens, ambient LED perimeter lighting and instant infra-red heaters mean a cosy and pleasant environment can be achieved whatever the weather.

Coloured pressing indicators cover each end of the fittings, which offer easy identification of both the material and any unpressed joints during the installation process. In addition, the fitting and pipe are pressed only once the pipe has been inserted to the required insertion depth, ensuring a safe, dependable and long-lasting connection.

Time efficiencies By its very nature, the simple jointing method removes the most time-consuming process of traditional methods such as threading, soldering or welding. Components can also be pre-fabricated on or off-site before installation, particularly useful when working at height. Press fitting also does not require any consumable items like sealants, cleaning fluid or tapes.

Surge in growth The benefits of being clean, reliable and easy to use means that press-fit systems can improve efficiency and productivity.

Built for durability and longevity, the low maintenance, simple to use, Outdoor Living Pod™ is constructed from super strong, corrosion resistant, powder coated aluminium and adapts to any outdoor lounging or dining space, especially complementing hot tubs, swim spas, outdoor kitchens and even gyms.

All the products are made by our own specialist team here in the UK and installed by our own technicians to exacting standards. They come with an industry leading, fully comprehensive five-year guarantee covering parts, labour and the advantage of dealing directly with us as the manufacturer.

KEY FEATURES Size

Up to 7m length x 4.5m width

Operation

Motorised remote and app control

Hardware

Corrosion resistant aluminium

Colour

Powdercoated to any RAL colour

Styles

Freestanding or lean-to

Models

Classic/Deluxe/Prestige

For more info, call: 0344 800 1947 or visit: www.cbsolarshading.co.uk/louvered-roofs 36

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

For more information, please visit: www.geberit.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

DEMAND FOR AIR PURIFICATION INCREASES TO HELP CREATE HEALTHY SPACES IN BUILDINGS THIS WINTER

D

uring the pandemic COVID-19 has raised the profile of the quality of the air we breathe in our buildings. As winter approaches, the combination of the weather cooling, so we are spending more time indoors, and a drive for employees to return to the workplace means that extra air purification is now in demand.

Employers are increasingly looking to air purification, in addition to effective ventilation, to help ensure good indoor air quality (IAQ) and a healthier environment. Therefore, leading ventilation specialist VentAxia has launched its PureAir Room air purifier to cleanse the air, remove harmful particles, neutralise bad smells and remove pollen and other allergens.

The need for air purification is especially warranted in schools because of the extensive disruption to education caused by lockdowns.

Many schools are now using CO2 monitors, and the Government is running air purifier trials to help improve IAQ and reduce COVID-19 transmission. However, hotels and offices can benefit from the same technology to tackle indoor air pollution. Indoor air can contain over 900 chemicals, particulates, biological materials, viruses and bacteria. It is therefore vital to reduce indoor air pollution to create healthy spaces to live and work in.

“Since COVID-19 began, everybody has become more aware of the importance of good indoor air quality and how it affects inhabitants.

In response there has been a growing demand for added air purification”, explains Tom Wodcke, Product Manager at Vent-Axia. “

purifier to remove the remaining pollutants from the air. The Vent-Axia PureAir Room is the ideal solution to achieve this and is now available via electrical wholesalers for commercial customers.”

Indoor air pollution impacts lung health and causes a range of health issues, ranging from cardiac disease to dementia. While the importance of good IAQ is hitting the headlines in relation to COVID-19, it’s clear that the same principles to reduce airborne COVID-19 transmission can and should be used going forward to reduce indoor air pollution.

Patrick Vallance, the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, commissioned The Royal Academy of Engineering to review how we design, manage, and operate buildings and how we can make infrastructure more resilient to infection, both now and going forward. The initial report, ‘Infection Resilient Environments: Buildings that keep us healthy and safe’, highlights the importance of achieving good IAQ as well as reducing transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases – meaning many

of the suggested changes have relevance well beyond COVID-19.

Offering advanced air purification, the Vent-Axia PureAir Room ticks all the right boxes and is ideal for a wide range of environments including hotels, offices, school applications or homes. Designed with an advanced 6-stage filtration system, the PureAir Room air purifier filters out mould, dust, viruses, PM2.5, VOCs, pet allergens and odours with its High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter removing 99.9% of particles. Working automatically, the Vent-Axia PureAir Room senses the air quality and delivers increased filtration when it is needed to protect health. The unit can also be set manually and has a timer that can run the unit for a specified number of hours before turning off. 

To improve IAQ there are three main actions: Reduce the number of pollutants introduced into the air; Dilute the pollutants in the air by ensuring there is adequate ventilation introducing fresh clean air inside; Purify by adding an air November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

37

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

LEGACY VS: STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Developed by Quickslide in partnership with Spectus, the Legacy vertical slider offers outstanding period detailing, fully mechanical, timber-look butt joints and a comprehensive collection of colour and foiling options. Also included within its award-winning design is an authentic ovolo shape to the frame, bead, sash and cill, as well as Georgian bars, run through sash horns, an external weather bar, a deep bottom rail and flush gaskets to emulate traditional glazing.

Offered with the choice of either standard or seamless Graf welds, alongside fully mechanical joints, Legacy is available in 12 stock woodgrains, including Agate grey, Chartwell green and Anthracite grey. It also features a colour matched wool pile seal and a Window Energy Rating in Band A. “Legacy was successfully designed to truly encapsulate the character and aesthetic charm of windows created in a by-gone era, whilst still delivering the high levels of quality and performance that are essential to modern day fenestration” said Quickslide Chairman Adrian Barraclough. “Our offer of Heritage-style windows is one of the most comprehensive in the market and distinguished by the attention to detail that is so important to the discerning owners of traditionally-styled homes.”

For more information, please visit: www.quickslide.co.uk

EUROWALL+ Eurowall+, a precision-cut, full-fill insulation board, changes the way a wall works without altering the way it is constructed. It extracts more performance from a cavity, meaning buildings can achieve lower U-values without the need to widen the footprint of the external wall. This also eliminates additional design and material costs associated with larger cavities.

Eurowall+ was designed with the builder and end user in mind. The 10mm air gap, created by a 90mm Eurowall+ PIR board in a traditional 100mm masonry cavity wall, achieves a U-value of 0.18W/m2K. This ensures a more convenient fit for bricklayers when it comes to installation.

By helping to achieve lower U-values in walls, Eurowall+ contributes to reduced heat loss and better domestic energy-efficiency, thus homeowners enjoy the ultimate benefit: lower energy bills through reduced domestic heating use.

recticelinsulation.co.uk

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Massive. Beautiful.

Efficient.

Xlafold:

Aluminium Bifolding Door Nothing beats the feel-good factor of open living space. A seamless transition to outdoor living, Xlafold Aluminium Bi-folding Doors offer superb slimline aesthetics with a strong, robust performance. This system maximises the glazed area thanks to their sleek, slimline aluminium profiles which deliver maximum light appeal.

Features - Quicker to fabricate - Classic slim sightlines with a choice of sculptured or square sash options - Suitable for commercial, new build and domestic markets - Easy hinge adjustement for ease of installation - Component parts suite with other Exlabesa systems for reduce stock holding and product inventory - Single, double & triple glazed options available - Interlocking gasket system for improved weatherfastness - Full RAL colur option - PAS 24 accreditation

exlabesa.co.uk November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

39

FEATURE

REWORK RISKS:

MORE THAN A THIRD OF INJURIES OCCUR DURING REWORK A large proportion of safety issues are ultimately down to human error.

Of course, it’s normal for people to make mistakes. But what’s important, is that the organisations they work for create safe working environments and have processes in place to learn from incidents. Understanding the root causes of accidents will prevent further problems from happening again.

L

C International Managing Director Mark Worrall highlights how rework can lead to serious injuries on site.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen and rework can lead to serious injuries, as John Morrison, Peter E.D Love and Pauline Teo discovered1. Analysis of quality and safety data from over 500 construction projects found there’s 70% greater probability of being injured while attending to rework.

For years in construction, attitudes to rework have been almost exclusively focused on the cost – the overriding concern for many simply being “how much will these changes set me back, and how long will they delay the project for?”

But it’s not just the financial impact, reduced productivity and wasted time also needs to be considered when taking the negative impacts of rework into account. Rework actually puts construction workers in danger.

In fact, 39% of all injuries on construction projects happen because of it.1 Quality and safety Quality and safety are intertwined.

The quality of a product or service depends on a number of factors, including: the manufacturing capabilities of the supply chain, the standard of the work, the capabilities of the on-site processes, and the preparation for the build.

But regardless of the cause, if the quality of a product or service isn’t up to scratch, then the risks of injury while on site will increase.

40

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Why rework?

Rework is required when an activity may need to be done again to correct a mistake. Whether that’s manufacturing a product on, near or offsite - plus it can happen when the actual installation or building is taking place.

The main causes of rework relate to issues with the execution of things like process control, procedural compliance, subcontractor management, design, and material availability and suitability.

When it comes to the type of incidents caused by rework; the numbers for high-risk accidents, slips, trips and falls are all consistent with one another and appear to be the most common.

REWORK With more than a third (39%) of actual injuries occurring during rework, it’s not something to be ignored. This is a serious problem in construction and can lead to devastating results for those involved.

Reducing the risks of rework To reduce the risk of rework and potential accidents on site, there are a number of checks and improvements that can be made throughout an organisation.

A good place to start, is looking at the existing procedures in place around people and process capability, adherence and robustness.

Quality is key, and should be prioritised right across the business in all areas. It’s a cultural mindset that all stakeholders and personnel need to recognise, understand and engage with.

A company with a culture that has underpinning processes focused on quality, is one that will drive continuous improvement. In fact, striving for ongoing improvement and new ways of working will keep

the organisation ahead of its competitors, and, ultimately, keep customers happy too.

Additionally, as human error is the main reason for rework, regularly reviewing the workforce’s skills and behaviours is also key to reducing mistakes on site. Offering coaching and support to practically, upskill the team can help turn their existing knowledge into a more applied and deliberate practice.

"WHEN IT COMES TO THE TYPE OF INCIDENTS CAUSED BY REWORK, THE NUMBERS FOR: HIGH-RISK ACCIDENTS, SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS ARE ALL CONSISTENT WITH ONE ANOTHER AND APPEAR TO BE THE MOST COMMON." Mark Worrall

Reaping the rewards of no rework Without a doubt, embedding quality and streamlining processes in a business will reduce the number of

errors, re-work incidents and safety risks. In turn, this helps to deliver a quality project ahead of time which also lowers the overall costs and raises client satisfaction.

Applying a culture focused on quality will provide a competitive advantage for organisations, as it means they’re able to provide quicker and cheaper solutions for customers.

Other positive outcomes of applying this approach includes: increased employee satisfaction, a reduction in attrition, increased productivity and stronger relationships within the supply chain.

Ultimately, if more businesses applied this simple and effective way to work, not only would their projects be more efficient and profitable, but they’d also be creating safer work environments for their employees – something that should be common practice, but unfortunately often isn’t.  1: Unearthing the Nature and Interplay of Quality and Safety in Construction Projects: An Empirical Study.

SIGN UP TO THE BUILDING PRODUCTS NEWSLETTER And keep up-to-date with all the latest news and developments within the industry

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November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

41

FEATURE

42

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

CHEAP IMPORTS

By John Osborne

B

rexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have been blamed for causing a shortage of building materials. The shortage is still a problem, but now there is a risk that cheap imports could come into the UK due to cost pressures; supply issues, and the drive to get more environmentally friendly products at cheaper prices. John Osborne explains why the pressure is building, especially as the UK moves away from gas boilers.

According to an article called '2021 Building Materials Shortage: What is the price of building materials?' published on Tuesday, 8 June 2021 on pbctoday.co.uk: “Brexit, billed by the government as the chance for the UK to forge its own destiny, has come in for a lot of flak in recent months. The UK’s departure from the EU has been cited as creating a potential shortage of labour in the domestic construction industry, as foreign workers have chosen to leave the country or stay away after trips home."

Meanwhile, changes to customs rules immediately following Brexit have slowed imports of building materials and other goods, as border officials grapple with new paperwork covering trade between the EU and UK, putting more pressure on prices and creating a building materials shortage.

Yet the latest IHS Markit survey suggests the worst of the Brexit squeeze may have eased.

According to Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, which teams up with IHS Markit to collect industry data: “Supply chain managers found themselves spinning a number of plates with creative ways to get stock, including sourcing more local supply for some.

Duncan Brock Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

"Looking closer to home for vital materials may work for some, but many firms are still reliant on them being shipped to the UK from overseas.

"Plumbing and heating experts in the UK are also extremely concerned about what could happen if cheaper, and possibly counterfeit goods enter the UK supply chain.

Jenni Preston who looks after media and public relations for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering said: “Minimising the shadow economy is part of the CIPHE's 2021 manifesto.”

Cont.

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

43

FEATURE

Kevin Wellman Chartered Insititute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering

Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering explained what has been happening: “Supply chain issues have plagued the construction industry throughout the pandemic.

To make matters worse, Britain’s ports were put under enormous pressure at the end of 2020, with businesses replenishing stock after the end of the November lockdown and building stockpiles before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December. The current issues around supply and demand due to a lack of lorry drivers has exacerbated the situation further.”

Wellman added: “Many engineers have slipped through the net of government financial support during the pandemic. They will be facing the added frustration and financial pressure of jobs cancelled due to a lack of supplies and price hikes in line with the costs of shipping.

If stock cannot be found at local suppliers, there is the temptation to go online. However, products may not be all they seem. With online marketplaces still not legally responsible for stopping dangerous products from being sold. The CIPHE is concerned the current situation will leave the floodgates open for counterfeit goods.”

He continued: “Counterfeit parts are often made from inferior materials, will not have passed the vigorous testing and approvals process of genuine parts and rarely conform to European safety standards”.

Wellman added: “Installation of nongenuine parts has consequences for everyone, from the installer (who is legally liable) to the public.

Counterfeit parts may be unreliable, may not fit correctly or cause a system damage. Issues range from invalidated warranties to danger to life. In the case of a heating appliance, a catastrophic failure caused by a sub-standard part,

"THERE’S NO DOUBT WE NEED STRICTER POLICING OF THE SHADOW ECONOMY TO STOP TRADE IN NON-COMPLIANT PARTS. AN INFLUX OF COUNTERFEIT PARTS IN THE PLUMBING AND HEATING INDUSTRY IS PUTTING PUBLIC SAFETY AT RISK." Kevin Wellman 44

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

can lead to life threatening carbon monoxide poisoning or even a gas explosion.”

He pointed out: “Legally, all components/products installed on water systems in the UK must comply with UK Water Regulations (specifically the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 for England and Wales, the Water Bylaws 2000, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014 and the Water Supply (Water Fittings Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009).

In particular, Regulation 4 lays out the specific requirements for the components that make up a water system. If components/products are installed that are not compliant, then the installer is causing an offence and could be prosecuted.”

Wellman continued: “For premises connected to the public supply

CHEAP IMPORTS

anyone who installs, maintains or modifies plumbing systems, water fittings and waterusing appliances, has a legal duty to ensure the systems satisfy the Regulations. Where the installer is unknown, anyone who uses or operates plumbing systems, water fittings and water-using appliances. i.e. the property owner, will be liable. “ Safety is important. “There’s no doubt we need stricter policing of the shadow economy to stop the trade in non-compliant parts”, said Wellman. “An influx of counterfeit parts in the plumbing and heating industry is putting the public safety at risk.”

Concern about inferior parts entering the UK supply chain has increased in the wake of the publication of the government’s heat and buildings strategy. That is because irresponsible firms may try to take advantage of what could happen in the boiler market.

The Government’s strategy sets out how the UK will decarbonise our homes, and our commercial, industrial and public sector buildings, as part of setting a path to net zero by 2050.

The heat and buildings strategy sets out the government’s plan to significantly cut carbon emissions from the UK’s 30 million homes and workplaces in a simple, low-cost and green way whilst ensuring this remains affordable and fair for households across the country.

Like the transition to electric vehicles, this will be a gradual transition which will start by incentivizing consumers and driving down costs.

There are about 30 million buildings in the UK. Heating these buildings contributes to almost a quarter of all UK emissions. Addressing the carbon emissions produced in heating and powering our homes, workplaces and public buildings cannot only save money on energy bills and improve lives, but can support up to 240,000 skilled green jobs by 2035, boosting the economic recovery, levelling up across the country and ensuring we build back better.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) welcomed the heat and buildings strategy. It was published by the Government on Tuesday, 19 October 2021.

BESA says that new gas boilers will be banned from 2035 as the government seeks to transition homes to low carbon alternatives.

It has pledged to drive down the cost of installing and operating electric heat pumps by shifting green surcharges from electricity to gas bills to make heat pumps cheaper to run.

The government will also offer installation grants of up to £5,000 to homeowners as part of a £450m fund launching in April. This means it should cost the same amount to install a heat pump as a new boiler. The long-delayed strategy also commits the government to investing £60m in heat pump innovation to make them smaller and easier to install.

BESA Chief Executive Officer David Frise. said:“This is welcome detail that confirms some of the government’s earlier commitments.

Cont.

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

45

CHEAP IMPORTS

FEATURE

“However, delivering on the country’s wider low carbon pledges now requires a concerted focus on training and skills.

"Switching the industry from traditional fossil fuel solutions to more renewable and low carbon systems requires a monumental programme of reskilling and recruitment,” he said. “It also has major supply chain implications. We are not just talking about single pieces of technology here. Installing a heat pump (or any fossil fuel alternative) calls for a certain approach to projects and requires installers to consider the building as a complete system."

Frise explained: “Someone who has spent their career installing boilers cannot just turn round and start putting in heat pumps without detailed training to understand the nuances of low temperature heating including improving building insulation.”

The Government believes the price of electricity has been kept unnecessarily high by the burden of subsidies and is looking to move to a situation where consumers use more electricity, but pay lower rates for it, while gradually reducing their gas consumption as its cost rises.

"Low carbon more efficient heating systems such as heat pumps will be no more expensive – and in many cases may end up cheaper – to buy and run than gas boilers,” said the department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). “This will significantly reduce the UK’s dependency on fossil fuels and exposure to global price spikes, whilst supporting up to 240,000 jobs by 2035.”

BESA said its members and the wider built environment sector was ready to step up to the challenge of developing a larger skilled workforce to underpin the government’s strategy but called for greater support for employers and wider promotion of built environment careers.

David Frise BESA

Martyn Bridges Worcester Bosch

There is particular concern about the availability of gas boilers. On Tuesday, 19 October 2021 BBC Radio 3 said in a news story that gas boilers could become unavailable in the UK within the next 14 years.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management, Worcester Bosch, a major manufacturer of boilers responded.

“The strategy states”, said Bridges “That the government intend to stop the sale of fossil fuel gas-fired boilers by 2035, fossil fuel meaning Natural Gas and LPG boilers”. Bridges said the government is “Building up the evidence from a number of trials with a view to requiring only boilers that can easily be converted to run on hydrogen from 2026 to be placed on the market.”

When asked whether Worcester Bosch plans to reduce making gas boilers he replied: “Hydrogen boilers will continue to be allowed to be bought after 2035 so we will be making hydrogen ready boilers from 2026. The boiler market will reduce as the years progress. However, we will continue to make natural gas boilers up until they are not allowed and then hydrogen ready there on afterwards.”

In theory cheap imports of probably low-quality gas boilers could come into the UK because not enough good quality gas boilers are available in the UK. However, it takes considerable resources and significant expertise to manufacture boilers and to distribute them.

Also, any business intending to export boilers to the UK is likely to be more interested in what will happen after 2035.

“The development investment required to make hydrogen ready boilers is significant”, said Bridges. He said that some importers may not have the resources to undertake this so they will probably leave the market.

That is reassuring. The pressure is building in the UK heating market. Thankfully the building services industry is prepared. 

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

FP ADVERT

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

47

FEATURE

FROM ANNUS HORRIBILIS TO A LITTLE BIT BETTER TO WHAT NEXT?

A

fter the annus horribilis that was 2020, the building products sector hoped for a better 2021.

To a certain extent it has, but the positive growth has been laced with pernickety challenges around labour and material shortages; and the lingering pandemic.

To review this year and look ahead to the next, we spoke to leaders from various companies.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE COMPANY’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN 2021?

Jon Chamberlain, Commercial Director at Marshall-Tufflex: "Finding the right people, with the right skills to drive our business forward has been a challenge. The lack of virgin PVC-U has also been an issue in our industry. However, the impact on us has been minimal due to our in-house recycling capability.

We can use compounding lines to process post-industrial waste and post-consumer waste material, typically from plastic windows and on average, 74% of our raw material is produced this way.

"Our ability to maintain continuity of supply of our aluminium, steel, and other non-PVCu ranges has also been good thanks to strong supplier relationships.

48

"Yes, we have occasionally needed to extend lead times by a week or so with agreement from customers, but generally we have also seen customers being well informed about issues and they are planning to allow for extended lead times.

"We have also experienced challenges obtaining some packaging materials and components. As a result, on occasion we have prioritised orders for our UK market resulting in extended lead times for international business to protect our UK business."

Tim Checketts, Head of Specification and Development at dormakaba: "The most challenging aspect for our specification business was the remote working patterns of our architect and specifier customers. We place real importance on taking the time to meet and build relationships with our clients, and whilst video conferencing tools enabled so much for so many, it just doesn’t replace the value of face-toface meetings."

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN 2021 FOR YOU? Jon: "There is no doubt that 2021 presented many challenges and we have been forced to adapt our business and review our processes as a result. This, however, has been a

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

real positive for Marshall-Tufflex, and we have significantly invested in the business to strengthen our position and become more agile.

"As such, we have been able to cope with supply chain issues, raw material shortages, cost increases and the impact on our manufacturing plant.

We are moving forward into 2022 in good shape, and in a better position as a business than we were prepandemic, and that is something we are immensely proud of. " Tim: "Despite the challenges, we continued to work closely with architects on large scale and complex commercial projects to deliver solutions in a consistent and proactive manner.

"In fact, our delivery of fully integrated projects improved significantly, helping clients streamline their specification processes with one, holistic solution that draws upon our comprehensive portfolio of security and access products and solutions."

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN 2022?

Jon: "We are pleased to be celebrating our 80th birthday in 2022. In keeping with this, we are working to achieve a figure of 80% recycled content within our PVC-U manufacturing in 2022. We have

LOOK AHEAD

a very positive outlook, we are continuing to invest heavily in our business and expect to see good growth."

Tim: "With the nation returning to work in a ‘new world’ with new working patterns, and hygiene and social distancing still a present factor, real estate will need to adapt.

"We expect there to be an increased demand for spaces designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind. For us, this includes growing: specifications for cloud based, electronic access solutions that provide robust security, with access control assigned and managed at the touch of a button for every building occupant, whatever their tenure, or use of the premises."

"I THINK WE WILL SEE SOME RECORD-BREAKING TURNOVER AND PROFITS FOR SOME COMPANIES, WHILST WE MAY ALSO SEE A RECORD NUMBER GO OUT OF BUSINESS. IT WILL BE FEAST OR FAMINE AT ITS VERY WORST AND BEST." Ian Fernandes-Johnson

Jon Chamberlain Marshall-Tufflex

Tim Checketts dormakaba

Ian Fernandes-Johnson – Managing Director, IDH: "I think we will see some record-breaking turnover and profits for some companies, whilst we may also see a record number go out of business. It will be feast or famine at its very worst and best.

"Uncertainty of material availability and costs, plus labour shortages will cause delays and disruptions to projects which will knock onto the supply chain. So, uncertainty around programme commitments will cause short term problems for companies with poor cash flow, leading to companies struggling and a difficult year.

"Most of the new projects will be public sector, with the private sector

Ian Fernandes-Johnson IDH

shrinking further with increased uncertainty around costs and timescales. Information Technology developments in the construction industry will start to slow, as it will become more and more cost-driven, so savings will need to be made in all areas."

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP 2021 IN NO MORE THAN 5 WORDS? Jon: "Many positives despite the challenges."

Tim: "Challenging, thought provoking, evolutionary, rewarding."

Cont.

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49

LOOK AHEAD

FEATURE

2021: A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

H

ere, Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Access 360, reflects on the last 12 months, whilst looking ahead to what 2022 will have in store for the UK’s construction industry.

Parnham comments:"I think it’s fair to say 2021 presented the entire sector with one of its most challenging years to date. However, whilst product and material shortages; in addition to distribution delays, have had a serious impact on the industry’s productivity. With that said, there have also been some positive advancements that are driving the sector to build better. " COMPLIANCE AND CERTIFICATION

Central to this, is the ongoing legislative changes about the testing and certification of fire integrity building products. Over the last 12 months, the industry has experienced the formation of the National Building Products Regulator, the release of the Building Safety Bill and the distribution of key learnings from the Grenfell Inquiry.

Together, these activities are paving the way for an accountable industry that places building safety at its core, by making both, manufacturers and construction professionals responsible for ensuring every building product is certified and not only compliant with current legislation, but provides the highest possible standards of safety and performance for the entire lifecycle of the building.

Education and the accessibility of necessary building information plays an integral role in this, with 2021 highlighting the importance

for construction professionals and manufacturers to successfully communicate alongside, distributing knowledge and product information throughout every stage of a project.

CONTINUOUS INNOVATION The backlog in construction has also placed greater importance on the need for innovation to achieve increased efficiencies, both, off and on site. However, it is crucial that this isn’t achieved at the expense of quality or compliance.

For Profab Access, this is why we have developed our new PRECISION Adjustable Frame. A certified system that makes installation on site safer, faster and simpler, without negatively impacting the performance or certification of the product.

This commitment to research and development is being demonstrated throughout the entire industry, as manufacturers work in partnership with industry professionals to identify new construction methods and building products that support an increased rate of building.

Sourcing high-quality materials locally and working in conjunction with UK based suppliers has been central to this; with the supply and demand challenges of 2021 demonstrating the importance of UK-based manufacturing to meet current and future demand within feasible lead times. 

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

CASE STUDY

SIP PANELS

KENT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY BACKS GLB PANELISED BUILDING SYSTEM

A

building and construction company based in Kent is hooked on a panelised advanced building system – with its Managing Director stating that every company should be building with it.

Kaskon Ltd has been using the Green Life Building’s (GLB) M2 system for two years and Managing Director Bradley Isherwood says it’s the only system they now use.

The GLB system uses world class and unique to the UK insulated panels where the design means the insulation enhances the strength and resilience of the panels, allowing more space available for insulation, and less of other materials need be used.

Once in position onsite, they only require a thin layer of concrete applied to both faces. This system makes the panels the lightest to handle of any building system (per square metre) and provides unmatched properties for resilience, safety, comfort, speed of build and low carbon.

GLB’s panels, which weigh no more than 5kgs per square metre before concrete coating, can form walls, floors, landings, roofs, stairs, and internal partitions, and they can be made to any specification and tailored to work with any design.

For Bradley, and a Kaskon perspective, the system has been a revelation.

“As a construction engineer, if I was to explain this system in a nutshell, it’s basically a 10-times stronger version of a timber frame,” said Bradley.

“The panels are not at all affected by the British weather when stored and they take up little space on site. They can be erected and propped quicker than any method ever seen on a building site, and render, brickslips or any other covering chosen for the façade can be easily applied to the concrete finish of the system without an additional levelling/packing etc.

“With vast experience in the commercial sector I’m gutted I haven’t been introduced to this system sooner, the amount of time and waste saved with shuttering this system is certainly the way forward. With the double panel that’s also available retaining walls are no longer a slog with retaining wall blocks as this system saves around 70% of the time with a saving of close to 50% when you consider current labour costs.”

A three-bedroom bungalow in Eastry, using floor panels and single panels, has recently been completed, and

Kaskon is currently using it for 10 houses its building in Saint Leonards in Sussex. The company has also proposed to use it in two more projects, one in Folkstone and one in Wootton.

Bradley said:“We have five plots of two four-storey houses to build, including basements, so we will be using GLB’s double panels which will save a lot of aggravation. Building with them, and then applying the right amount of concrete, saves so much time.”

“From experience, using the GLB system is 70% quicker than traditional building materials and methods. The emphasis is on the time saving aspect but structurally the buildings are bulletproof.

“We thought we’d put a window in the underside of a garage and trying to cut it out was a two-man job, the walls were that solid. The other thing, of course, is that, once you have had training, they are so easy to build with. If you can use a level then you’re well on the road to building with this system.”

Kaskon has worked closely with GLB and, as well as the product ticking all the boxes, GLB’s own service had impressed.

“GLB have never let us down with the supply of their panels and once you’ve met Chris and the team you feel like you’ve got friends for life,” added Bradley.

“They’re on the end of the phone whenever you need them, they have instructed some of my team on the construction process, and they are an absolute dream to work with.”

Chris Williams, MD of GLB, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that Bradley and the team at Kaskon have benefitted from using the GLB M2 system and they see it as the best way to build moving forward. We’re looking forward to our relationship with Kaskon continuing.”  November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

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COMMENT

LEADERSHIP: AT EVERY LEVEL WILL ENSURE QUALITY IN CONSTRUCTION

R

ichard Kochanski is Chair of Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) Quality and Compliance Theme Group, assembled to help drive quality improvements across the region. CESW is a cross-sector, cross-supply chain, member led organisation charged with driving the changing agenda in construction.

Delivery of construction projects are driven by three factors – time, cost, and quality. But with ever tightening budgets, it is quality and compliance that tends to get neglected.

It can be difficult for the client to appreciate and demonstrate the benefits of a high-quality project across a building’s life-cycle in order to justify sufficient budget.

With the right leadership in place at every level of a construction project, quality can be ensured from the very beginning to completion – and beyond.

And with these issues now in the public domain, and some in the industry having to deal with financial losses and reputational damage as a result, the spotlight on quality construction has never been higher.

Of course, failings shouldn’t have to happen for any industry to look at its processes and best practices more closely, but quality and compliance must be at the top of the agenda on construction projects.

The CESW Quality and Compliance Theme Group is set to launch ‘An Enlightened Client’s Guide to Quality’ in early 2022. This is intended to help clients understand ‘what good looks like’ and addresses issues in different client sectors.

To maintain quality and compliance there must be leadership to set and enforce the standards and this leadership needs to be maintained at every level throughout the construction process.

Sufficient resources are required to help ensure the right people are used on the project at the right time.

Generally, infrastructure projects such as Crossrail, HS2 and Hinckley Point are client led and have sufficient resources to help ensure that quality and compliance standards are met, through dedicated quality and compliance staff who help to maintain and improve standards.

I believe it comes down to people and culture, and it must start with the client before flowing through the supply chain. The client needs a clear vision of what they are trying to achieve and how they are going to provide it. To develop the client’s brief, input is required from competent and knowledgeable people, either internally or from external client’s advisors.

Sadly, this is not always the case in other business sectors, such as building, where quality can and has suffered.

Early involvement of construction professionals, advisors and members of the supply chain is essential.

Things are starting to change, however, with independent reports, such as those into the Grenfell Tower tragedy and Edinburgh school wall collapse, highlighting to all those involved in the construction industry that there have been inherent failings throughout the whole supply chain.

Value can then be added through the process, but it makes the biggest contribution at the start of the project and design stages. There will be a real missed opportunity to add value if this is left to the construction stage.

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

NEC BIRMINGHAM, 10-12 MAY 2022 +44 (0)7535 759 892 / +44 (0) 2078 863 071 Contact a member of the team today to discuss or visit FITShow.co.uk/exhibit #FITShow22

OPINION

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY MUST WORK HARDER TO BRIDGE SKILLS GAP

W ▴ Paul Richards MD, Aquarian Cladding

ith Brexit closing the doors on many highly-skilled workers, safeguarding the construction industry’s future, and finding enough people in the here and now, is the next challenge post-pandemic. Paul Richards, Managing Director of Aquarian Cladding Systems, discusses the struggle to bring young people into the industry, the messages it should be putting out there, and why Modern Methods of Construction (MMCs) can provide a solution.

It's no secret that the construction industry must work harder than ever to attract young people into the industry and to re-skill those who have perhaps reached a cul-de-sac in their careers in other industries.

Right now, the whole country is going through a consolidation period because of Brexit and the pandemic, with staff shortages affecting many industry sectors. It has been reported that large online retailers are paying

as much as £22 an hour to their drivers, making it very difficult for sectors reliant on lower-skilled labour to compete.

Due to the unsettling nature of coronavirus, it has also been reported that baby boomers who are ‘empty-nesters’ and have paid off the mortgage have made life decisions to retire early. You can hardly blame them, but who will do the jobs they once did?

Traditionally we’ve been able to turn to Europe to help with our labour shortages, but for now, Brexit rules and rhetoric have not been inviting.

So, whilst the Europeans stay at home, solutions have to come from this side of the Channel.

For our industry to recover and grow post-pandemic, we’ve got to re-skill individuals looking for a change in career and engage with the younger generation living in United Kingdom right now.

STRUGGLE TO ENGAGE This, of course, is easier said than done. For any industry to be sustainable it needs to evolve both organically and by bringing in new, fresh ideas. Making it essential that we encourage energetic and creative talent on board to take the industry forward.

"WE’VE GOT TO RE-SKILL INDIVIDUALS LOOKING FOR A CHANGE IN CAREER AND ENGAGE WITH THE YOUNGER GENERATION." 54

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

Unfortunately, the industry’s perennial struggle is in engaging with a younger generation, young and thinking ‘outside of the box’ in terms of our message of encouragement to them to join us.

I’m disappointed and frustrated to say that our company struggled to find an apprentice for six months this

SKILLS GAP

year. That said, the apprenticeship providers we’re engaged with are saying they haven’t had many applications for apprenticeships through for any sector as we come out of the pandemic, so we’re not alone.

THE KEY MESSAGES Only by engaging better with young people will we be able to get rid of misconceptions and negative views they might have around construction, which are currently proving hard to shake.

Our industry must therefore behave smarter than others and do something about it. If we get what we’ve always got by doing what we’ve always done, then the message in our invitation must change to get the desired results.

Luckily, we have a powerful message with a wide range of opportunities to offer to young people, as they look to take their first steps in their career.

Our industry is the second highest paid sector in the UK and can offer a long-term career in an environment that is constantly growing and evolving.

"TRADITIONALLY WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO TURN TO EUROPE TO HELP WITH OUR LABOUR SHORTAGES BUT FOR NOW, BREXIT RULES AND RHETORIC HAVE NOT BEEN INVITING SO WHILST THE EUROPEANS STAY AT HOME, SOLUTIONS HAVE TO COME FROM THIS SIDE OF THE CHANNEL."

It’s responsible for building homes for the future, schools, and universities to produce future world leaders, research labs to find cures for the modern world’s illnesses and to prevent environmental disasters, green energy plants for cleaner fuel, and transport hubs to enable us to explore the world.

Future generations can either talk and protest about climate change or join our industry to truly make a difference. There is no more rewarding place than the construction industry to turn words into action.

DRIVERS THAT WILL HELP The continuous failure to encourage more labour on site means

that rather than a reduction in construction time being the greatest driver and commodity in the industry, it’s now its people.

So, if we can’t find the people to do the work, then the materials and the processes must be able to compensate to do the work instead – which is why off-site manufacturing and other forms of modern methods of construction are a huge part of the solution, as they allow for fewer people and greater productivity on a project.

Smart, progressive businesses will find a modern solution and excel. Those stuck in the past, who fail to change their ways, will fall behind to their detriment. I know which side of the fence I’m on. Do you?

Working with architects, contractors, developers and cladding contractors, Aquarian’s brick slip cladding systems have been used on many award-winning buildings across a wide range of sectors.  To discuss your current project requirements and for more information, call 0808 223 9080, or email info@aquariancladding.co.uk

November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

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REVIEW

INFRASTRUCTURE

INFRASTRUCTURE AND INNOVATION AT HEART OF BUILD BACK BETTER

A

s the government continues to place infrastructure at the centre of its Build Back Better initiative, Neil Cross, National Sales Manager for Anderton Concrete, explores how collaborative approaches to innovation are supporting the manufacture of carbon efficient building materials that set the standard for sustainability, efficiency and longevity.

The UK is the world’s first major economy to set a target of being net zero by 2050, with the government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution outlining its commitment to accelerating its path to achieving these ambitious aims.

As part of this, the Future Homes Standard provides construction professionals with a clear framework on how to achieve high levels of energy efficiency and low carbon heating for residential developments. The government’s additional incentives, including the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Homes Upgrade Grant and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, also provide guidance and accompanying investment for successfully reducing the carbon output of both residential and commercial buildings.

However, whilst these new initiatives are being placed at the centre of the government’s plan to achieving net zero, the infrastructure sector has been proactively pushing decarbonisation for a number of years.

In 2018, the Department for Transport challenged the rail industry to remove all diesel-only trains by 2040, whilst the Scottish Government outlined a target to decarbonise domestic passenger rail services by 2035.

The release of Network Rail’s Environmental and Social Performance Policy in 2017 outlined key objectives for improving operational energy and carbon efficiency through a framework of energy and carbon saving measures. This would be achieved through the introduction of innovation, in addition to encouraging energy efficiency and ensuring carbon management throughout the entire supply chain.

On the right track This collective approach to decarbonising the rail network is currently being actioned by rail providers, manufacturers and contractors, who together are undertaking a proactive approach to the design and manufacture of building products that have significantly reduced carbon, without compromising on quality and performance.

Concrete cable protection products are popular throughout the sector due to their low lifetime cost, preference by installers, non-combustible properties and unrivalled resilience. However, the material may be perceived by some professionals as being potentially carbon heavy due to its production processes.

Laying the groundwork This commitment to decarbonisation is also being realised throughout all areas of infrastructure, including the construction and maintenance of highways, particularly the development of bridge abutments and retaining wall systems that feature reduced carbon, whilst simultaneously supporting the use of recycled materials.

Adopting a bespoke approach The versatile nature of precast concrete can support every area of infrastructure in achieving cost efficient, sustainable solutions, by undertaking a bespoke approach to design and manufacture.

By working in conjunction with a manufacturer to create a completely unique building product, construction professionals can streamline resource efficiencies to create cost efficient solutions that feature the lowest embodied carbon possible. This is currently being achieved across a diverse range of projects, from energy and utilities, right through to transport and healthcare.

As the government continues to place the construction industry at the core of its objectives to achieve net zero by 2050, professionals can successfully increase the environmental efficiency of their developments by working in close collaboration with manufacturers to design and install building products that not only feature reduced carbon, but support the use of recycled materials throughout the entire build process. 

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

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FEATURE

IMPROVING BUILDING HYGIENE

WHERE DOES DOOR HARDWARE FIT IN?

D

aniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware, discusses the role door hardware plays in improving hygiene within public building environments.

Health and hygiene are delicate themes, particularly in today’s settings. Both our homes and public building environments can have a huge impact on our wellbeing, and over the past few years, this fact has only been exemplified.

80% of common infections are spread by touch, and every 30 minutes the average person is said to touch surfaces that expose them to 840,000 germs. These germs are prevalent in buildings too, where touchpoints are areas or items that are used by several individuals. Within workplace environments for example, door handles are the most touched surface and can be associated with cross-contamination and health risks. ▴ Daniel May Director, Consort Architectural Hardware 58

BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

At present, the need to improve hygiene within our building environments, understandably, carries a greater significance than it maybe once did. But in truth, when it comes to

IMPROVING BUILDING HYGIENE building design, the process of protecting occupants and visitors against infection - especially those most vulnerable - should never be overlooked.

solutions, many are challenged to provide hygienically maintained environments without sacrificing fire or safety standards.

DESIGN FOR BACTERIA CONTROL Over the past two years, we’ve seen building environments closed, reopened and the process repeated. The idea of reducing footfall in facilities was key in fighting the rising infection rates associated with the coronavirus. But now, that footfall has returned.

Daniel adds: "Facilities with high footfall must also consider ventilation and ease of movement. Whether in healthcare, commercial or public environments, both are key elements of efficient building management and when done effectively, can further help inhibit the spread of infection by ensuring fresh air is consistently making its way through halls and rooms."

Once again, those critical touchpoints such as door handles are harbouring germs. In fact, research has shown that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours, and even days on metal door handles - and the same can be said for the common flu.

In response, we’ve seen government campaigns promoting hand washing, sanitising and distancemaking in the wake of a return to public facilities.

Undoubtedly, infection control methods such as hand washing and systematic cleaning are the most guaranteed way of controlling cross-contamination yet, still these methods can become redundant when faced with human error or relaxed conventions within public buildings.

Building design can play an important role here. Daniel May, Director at Consort, explains: "We’re at a point where decision makers are under pressure to keep building hygiene standards as high as ever before.

And outside of the clear-cut hygiene measures, it’s understood that more can be done throughout the building design process, with architectural hardware selection at the core of decisions.

“Door hardware is the first touchpoint when entering, exiting or navigating a building, and can be one of the most bacteria-ridden. Yet, the latest in hardware advancements could give facility managers an edge in the fight against infection, especially in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals for example, where footfall is high and the need to maintain strict sterile environments already exists.

“The most effective way to improve ventilation throughout a building is by opening its windows and doors. This creates an inlet for fresh air and an outlet for the old air, and with access points open, minimises the need to touch door handles. Yet, when focusing on airflow, it’s inopportune to disregard fire safety.

"Too many times, we’ve seen facilities fall foul of leaving fire doors propped open in favour of improving ventilation and ease of access - but simply put, it’s illegal to do so and leaves fire doors wholly ineffective in a fire situation."

“Modern exit systems are purpose built to ensure fire doors can be left open safely and securely. Automatic door controls make use of sensors which activate the operator devices connected to the main access doors.

"In turn, this aids access and egress when required and closes the doors shut when necessary. In the event of a fire, the alarm is sounded, and the doors close automatically - ensuring safety is never compromised.

"What’s more, these systems can be integrated with the external building security, reducing risk on all fronts.

“Ultimately, when paired with regular cleaning practices, these modern solutions can play an assisting role in the fight against infection, helping to maintain building hygiene as well as the obligatory standards associated with building and fire safety.”

“For added protection against bacteria, facilities can implement tailored anti-microbial hardware and finishes. Anti-microbial coatings applied to door handles are precisely formulated to prevent bacteria build-up upon the surface by interrupting cell multiplication.

Some door seal solutions also make use of modern anti-bacterial technology, embedding it within the aluminium and silicone of the door seal during production, further reducing the spread of bacteria in high traffic areas.”

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) sets a regulation that cleanliness and effective infection control is a necessity for care and hospital locations. As well as best practice methods, healthcare environments are encouraged to introduce innovative infection control methods where possible.

Similarly, under The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, decision makers have an active duty to keep inhabitants safe and their environments clean. And aside from the use of antimicrobial November/December 2021 • BuildingProducts.co.uk

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PROJECT IN FOCUS

WELSH WEDDING VENUE

‘WOWS’ WITH ECO-FRIENDLY DECKING

T

he UK’s leading brand of composite decking, Composite Prime has provided luxury Pembrokeshire-based wedding venue, Plas Pantyderi Manor, with a picturesque outdoor space, following the installation of sustainable composite decking.

Inherited by three local sisters, Anna Raymond, Lisa Jones and Efa Jones, whose family have lived at the Boncath-based property for three generations, the Grade II listed Georgian mansion is set in its own grounds in Pembrokeshire, Wales. A spectacular manor house, Plas Pantyderi Manor offers a party-palatial venue for corporate events and self-catering group holidays.

Charles Taylor, Sales Director at Composite Prime, said: “We’re delighted that such a visually stunning venue has chosen Composite Prime decking to enhance its outdoor space. Composite decking is a safe and sustainable alternative for outdoor hospitality spaces that is simple to install and more hardwearing than timber. It also includes non-slip qualities, making it the perfect solution for hospitality venues.

“One problem that timber decking presents for public spaces is that it is constantly requiring maintenance and upkeep. Chair scraps, spilt drinks and even smashed glass can cause costly damage. It can be a challenge for venues to regularly fix marks, stains and chips in timber decking and that’s why so many are making the move to composite, which is less likely to warp, split or rot.”

Composite Prime manufactures ethical decking and cladding solutions for commercial and residential settings. By combining FSC 100% certified end of life hardwood timber and recycled HDPE plastics, Composite Prime’s products retain the natural look and feel of timber with the added strength and durability of plastic.

For each square meter of decking produced, the equivalent of 3,000 plastic bottle caps are recycled.

Anna Raymond, Co-owner of Plas Pantyderi Manor said: “We chose to work with Composite Prime as its range of environmentally friendly products are second to none and the finish of the product is superior to any other composite decking brand. We were able to provide and fit a product at Plas Pantyderi Manor that would last an incredibly long time and offer an attractive addition to our exterior.

“We are a luxury venue and so aesthetics were key for us; composite looks sleeker and more upscale than timber, delivering that ‘wow’ moment that will ensure guests keep returning. In the age of Instagram and social media, the appearance of our venue is of utmost importance to us and creating an outdoor space where visitors are able to take beautiful pictures to remember their time with us is key.”

Plas Pantyderi Manor was chosen as a film location and luxury accommodation for ITV’s reality TV programme; ‘Don’t Rock the Boat’, hosted by Freddie Flintoff and The Voice’s, AJ Odudu.

Composite Prime manufactures a range of nine products, including cladding, decking and flooring, which are tested against the latest requirements to measure: strength, impact resistance, weathering, extreme temperature cycles, UV resistance and water absorption.

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BuildingProducts.co.uk • November/December 2021

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