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VAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT

Builders need 0% VAT and pipeline of work to help homes save energy, says FMB

“A plan to make our existing 29 million homes greener and more energy efficient would help slash energy bills and create a pipeline of work for local builders,” explains Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). “In the immediate term, removing VAT on repair, maintenance and improvement work would help builders pass on savings to customers.”

At the same time the trade body is championing the nation’s small, local house builders. Berry continued: “A simpler and faster planning system, and local authorities with the capacity to

© Smole/Adobe Stock

engage with small, local developers will enable them to build high-quality homes, while boosting local economies and opening up job opportunities through much needed vocational routes.”

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PAIN RELIEF

HSE launches campaign to combat serious aches, pains and strains

HSE inspectors will be carrying out inspections in November checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials. The law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers, which includes injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry suffer an MSD each year, which can cause years of agonising aches and pains.

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HEALTH CHECK

Healthscreen UK calls for the industry to address working at height issues

In their latest Workplace Fatal Injuries report, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that falling from height still remains the predominant cause of fatal injuries and accidents. 29 fatal injuries were caused by falls from height, accounting for 24% of deaths in the workplace over the year. Moreover, the Building Safety Group (BSG) recently reported an 84% increase in the number of working at height breaches occurring on construction sites. The findings also see falling from height account for over 60% of fatal injuries. The main cause of falls from height is ladders, averaging around 515 injuries per year.

© R. Gino Santa Maria/Adobe Stock

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TEXT APPEAL

New text service is part of a campaign to get tradespeople to open up about their mental health

The new service, launched by national charity Band of Builders, coincides with the return of the Big Brew. Launched last year, the initiative aims to encourage more contractors to come together over a cuppa as the first step in seeking help with mental health issues. More than 250 Big Brew events are expected to take place in builders’ merchants and on construction sites. Tradespeople and their families struggling to open up in person can text BOB to 85258 at any time.

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EFFICIENCY DRIVE

BMA “cautiously welcomes” mandatory water efficiency labelling consultation

"Water labelling can help consumers make informed and more sustainable choices when purchasing a new bathroom,” explains Bathroom Manufacturers Association Chief Executive, Tom Reynolds. “Water-efficient purchases, along with behaviour change, are needed if the government is to achieve its target to reduce water use from an average of 145 litres a day to 110 litres by 2050.”

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SECURE YOUR VAN

Record-high tool theft from vans, warns Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Tool theft has soared in the last 12 months with more than a third of van drivers falling victim –up from a quarter the year before, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The average value of equipment stored per van stands at £2,500, which means UK tradespeople are footing a £4.4 billion bill for replacement tools every year. In additon, the study found that when tools are stolen, it stops work for six days on average, causing UK businesses to lose a staggering £5.2 billion annually. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a range of solutions to ensure vans remain protected.

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STOP THIEF!

Construction plant theft continues to be a problem

With demand currently at a high – and construction and earth moving machinery sales rising by 75 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year – the current trend of equipment theft shows no sign of abating. Criminals will continue to exploit both high prices and long lead times for their own gain. Being familiar with their tactics and using a combination of security measures is the best way to deter thieves looking to profit from plant, and AMI Group is urging companies to protect their assets with proven solutions.

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WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION!

Plan for a retrofit revolution, declares IPPR

Retrofitting England’s homes with good insulation and new heat pumps is a ‘no-brainer’ to create jobs, boost growth, reduce energy bills, level-up and also meet our net-zero target, according to a new report by © Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock think tank IPPR. The report lays out a 28-year plan to retrofit every household in England, which at its core would create 1.2 million direct jobs and 1.5 million indirect jobs and provide a cornerstone for the levelling-up agenda, as well as reducing households’ bills by an average of £430 a year.

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A QUESTION OF TRUST

TrustMark launches new scheme to enable more energy efficiency installations in UK homes

The Licence Plus Scheme is designed to enable more quality retrofit energy efficiency improvement installations to be made to the millions of homes across the UK in need of upgrading. Businesses who are interested in applying to the Scheme should talk to an appropriate TrustMark Licensed Scheme Provider.

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KICK THE CARBON

Grant UK is kicking carbon into touch with Bath Rugby

Grant UK and Bath Rugby have unveiled a ‘Kick the Carbon’ campaign which aims to highlight the different ways we can all make changes in our day to day lives to help reduce carbon emissions. The fun filled videos feature local school children and some of the Bath Rugby players taking on challenges and illustrating how everyone can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

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Make a difference this Christmas

Construction charity, CRASH is calling on businesses to support its vital work with the launch of its annual Christmas Card fundraising appeal. CRASH helps people who are homeless and sleeping rough – and adults and children who need end of life care in a hospice – by constructing or rebuilding the hospices, shelters and homes.

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GAS SAFE

Installers are the first line of defence in keeping the nation gas safe, argues Alpha

The industry has a collective duty of care to ensure homeowners are armed with the facts, according to Jonathan Kidner, Product Engineer at Alpha. Alongside gas service engineers, installers are uniquely placed to educate consumers. Worryingly, research conducted by the manufacturer at the end of last year found that 63% do not check and replace batteries in their home CO detector and more than 40% are failing to have their annual boiler service.

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GOING STRONG

Sika Everbuild’s EB25 goes from strength to strength

Sika Everbuild is teaming up with the former World’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall, to promote its super strong EB25 ultimate sealant and adhesive as part of its new ‘EB25 Beast Lift’ challenge. The campaign will travel up and down the country, visiting 43 different merchant branches and giving customers the chance to test EB25’s strength as well as their own muscle power. There’s an exclusive prize up for grabs as well as special on-the-day offers.

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LIKE FATHER LIKE SON

Jürgen Klopp is fischer's new Brand Ambassador –returning to his home

The long-term collaboration between the successful coach and fischer will commence on 1 January 2023. One of the most recognisable faces in the world of football is thereby returning to his roots, as Jürgen Klopp grew up near fischer’s headquarters. His father, Norbert Klopp, worked for the family business from Waldachtal in the Northern Black Forest for almost 35 years. The new partnership brings the story full circle.

Happy faces: Successful coach Jürgen Klopp, the new brand ambassador of the fischer Group of Companies, and company owner Prof Klaus Fischer.

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