Professional Builders Merchant December 2021

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PROFESSIONAL

BUILDERS MERCHANT THE No.1 BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR MERCHANTS

DECEMBER 2021

Merchant sector sales & confidence

TIMBER & JOINERY Sustainability and supply chain issues

PLUMBING & HEATING Industry reactions to the Heat and Buildings strategy

BMF CONFERENCE 2021 Key takeaways from the ‘All Industry’ event

Plus: News, market analysis, professional development, industry comment and more.

Fantasy Football See page 51

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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CONTENTS

December 2021, Volume 31 No. 11

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS 22

IN THE LOOP News of a new pallet recycling service for the construction supply chain.

PLUMBING & HEATING 25

HEATING A LOW CARBON FUTURE Industry reactions to the Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy.

28

HEAT PUMP MYTH BUSTER Dispelling the common myths surrounding heat pump technology.

30

KEEPING THE HEAT ON Helping your customer to maintain and protect central heating systems.

32

34

FLEXIBLE FRIENDS Stocking a controls solution that is compatible with a wide variety of heat sources.

22 SPECIAL REPORTS 10 BMF CONFERENCE REVIEW Reporting back from Harrogate and York.

18

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

TIMBER & JOINERY 35

SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE Where is demand for timber likely to go in 2022, and will supply finally start to match up?

38

KEEPING PACE WITH DEMAND Perspectives on the current state of the timber and wood-based panel product market.

41

CRISIS MANAGEMENT Providing solutions to the UK’s twin housing and climate crises.

42

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

REGULARS 5 6 8 12 14 16 20 44 45 46 48 50 51

18 THE PULSE Tracking confidence, concerns and prospects in the merchant sector.

38

VIEWPOINT NEWS MARKET MONITOR BMF TRAINING ZONE MERCHANT FOCUS PEOPLE NEWS SUPPLIER PROFILE PB AD CAMPAIGNS PHPI AD CAMPAIGNS MARKETING SUPPORT PRODUCTS & SERVICES ADVERTISEMENT INDEX FANTASY FOOTBALL

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

PBM DECEMBER 2021 3

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THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS

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Register for free at www.probuilderlive.co.uk

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VIEWPOINT

Putting people first

L

istening to the speakers at the recent BMF Conference in Harrogate and York, it was apparent that a select number of topics underpin the current thinking in the sector. Clearly, there’s the legacy of the pandemic-enforced disruption and the challenges to the previously established orthodoxy, for example with increased digitalisation. Supply chain issues and the impact of the shortage of skills — irrespective of whether that is driving a wagon, installing a boiler, or working behind the trade counter — remains a common concern, and then there is the environmental challenge…

You can read our review of the BMF event on pages10-11 of this issue and whilst we recognise the obvious point that the vast majority of our readers were not present in Yorkshire, these wider themes certainly warrant further discussion.

Indeed, the topics are certainly not restricted to the ‘senior levels’ of the industry that typically convened for the Conference. In late October, for instance, the BMF resumed its series of Branch Managers Forums and the same subjects were on the formal agenda and came up time and again throughout discussions at the two-day event in Coventry. This is also true of the Young Merchants Conference held during UK Construction Week.

The underpinning strand to all of these issues is ‘people’. The merchant sector is typically described as a ‘people industry’, where ‘people buy from people’ and the PROFESSIONAL

BUILDERS MERCHANT THE No.1 BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR MERCHANTS

DECEMBER 2021

Merchant sector sales & confidence

TIMBER & JOINERY Sustainability and supply chain issues

PLUMBING & HEATING Industry reactions to the Heat and Buildings strategy

BMF CONFERENCE 2021

Fantasy Football

Key takeaways from the ‘All Industry’ event

Plus: News, market analysis, professional development, industry comment and more.

See page 51

“The ‘Covid experience’ has shown that an industry still criticised for being reactionary and slow to embrace change can adapt rapidly, all thanks to the people in it.” formation of professional relationships and networks between suppliers, merchants and their customers and colleagues is vital in ensuring it will thrive long into the future.

‘People’ mentor and develop others; ‘people’ understand and solve problems. And ‘people’ have gone above and beyond over the last 18 months to keep things moving in exceptional circumstances.

Whilst the calibre of many individuals, irrespective of their post or seniority, was equally worthy of note before the pandemic, Covid — for all the damage it has wrought — has shone a light on so many unsung heroes and delivered some overdue recognition.

From the stage in Harrogate, practically all of the speakers reflected on the capabilities of the individuals within their organisations and how staff had responded with vigour to the challenges that presented themselves since March last year — from the staff who remained customer facing, to those who thrived working from home and outperformed expectations.

Similarly, the value of staff engagement was highlighted in Harrogate, taking time to

Editor Paul Davies

Design Adeel Qadri

Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey craig@hamerville.co.uk Tel: 07900 248102

Group Production Manager Carol Padgett

Advertisement Manager Ian Duff Tel: 01204 596633/ 07810 353525 probuilder@sky.com

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

Production Assistant Kerri Smith Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Managing Editor Terry Smith

understand — and act — on concerns from the workforce. Creating a culture that reduces staff churn and engenders a more positive working environment has obvious benefits whilst in a challenging recruitment market, employers must also consider broadening their search pools for the talent they need.

Behaviours and preconceptions within the industry must be challenged robustly to create a more inclusive environment for women, minorities and those with disabilities. And mental health and well-being is a crucial part of the mix, not least to ensure that people come to work and are willing and able to give of their best.

During the pandemic, staff were afforded a greater degree of trust and empowerment perhaps like never before. And the ‘Covid experience’ has shown that an industry still criticised for being reactionary and slow to embrace change can adapt rapidly, all thanks to the people in it.

Now that we are ‘back to normal’, this must act as a platform for sustained improvement rather than a missed opportunity as we revert to the old ways.

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS MERCHANT are available at the following rates: UK – 1 year (11 issues) – £30 post paid EUROPE and OVERSEAS 1 year (11 issues) – £50 post paid AIRMAIL – 1 year (11 issues) – £65 post paid Printed by Walstead Peterborough

Published by HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pbm@hamerville.co.uk Copyright © 2021

Average net circulation figure for the 11 issues distributed between July 2020 to June 2021 = 10,626 To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk

Cover story: North West Timber Treatments (NWTT) has recently taken delivery of a new 32-tonne DAF CF 480 eight-wheeler, featuring the manufacturer’s ‘FAQ’ tridem axle configuration.

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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NEWS UPDATE Awards hat-trick

Mannok has recently added three awards to its growing collection in recognition of its achievements in business excellence, innovation, sustainability leadership and biodiversity. In September, the firm was named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies as part of the global Best Managed standard.

Within weeks, it picked up a second high-profile accolade with Business in the Community announcing that it had achieved Silver Accreditation in the Business and Biodiversity Charter.

The announcement was made at the launch of the company’s biodiversity roadmap, its Natural Assets Action Plans (NAAP) — a comprehensive biodiversity report produced by Mannok’s Environmental Team in partnership with Ulster Wildlife which outlined plans to ensure “the conservation, restoration and enhancement of every area of Mannok’s 2,000 acres of land on both sides of the border”.

During UK Construction Week in early October, the programme kicked off with the planting of 600 native Scots Pine trees in land at Crievehill Quarry which has been dedicated as a carbon offsetting site. While exhibiting at the event in Birmingham, Mannok connected via live video link to the site and planted a tree for each visitor to the company’s stand as part of its interactive drive to “Kick The Carbon”. Completing the hattrick of recent awards, Mannok duly earned the Best Sustainability Initiative at the show.

TIMBER IMPORT PATTERNS SHIFT RAPIDLY TO MEET HIGH DEMAND IN Q3

Market movement According to the Timber Trade Federation (soon to be renamed Timber Development UK), the market has “proved responsive” to high demand for timber in the UK with imports sourced from a far broader range of supplying countries in Q3.

Demand for timber and panel products during the summer months of 2021 was at record levels with import volumes over 3.2 million m3 in these three months alone. August became the third consecutive month when import volumes exceeded one million m3, with softwood imports surging to meet the uplift in construction demand.

Softwood imports in June, July and August 2021 were 33% higher than the same months in 2020, when demand for softwood began to recover during the first lockdown. A broader spread of countries have also been supplying this softwood to the UK in these three months as compared to the same period in 2020.

One vision

Roxor Group is the latest supplier — and the first bathroom manufacturer — to join the NMBS OnePlace B2B ordering and Product Information Management (PIM) platform, which is said to offer better trading efficiencies for NMBS members and suppliers.

As well as ordering products online, the platform gives members quick and easy access to product and price data on any product, which can then be exported for their own Back Office and E-Commerce systems.

The platform will also keep members up to date on new offers, product launches and access to special promotions from the firm.

Roxor has been a leading bathroom manufacturer and distributor for around 40 years, with brands including Hudson Reed

For example, softwood import volumes significantly increased from many countries, including from Latvia by 53% (+175,000m3), Germany by 93% (+120,000m3), and Canada by 195% (+12,000m3). Other product groups followed similar trends, with hardwood imports rising by 30% with substantially higher volumes arriving from the Baltics, Croatia and Hungary. However, it was softwood plywood imports which saw the most radical change in Q3 with an increase in supply from China by 372% (29,800m3).

David Hopkins, TTF CEO, said: “The changing trade patterns seen here show a resilient and innovative timber supply chain that is capable of harnessing new markets to satisfy the high domestic demand seen throughout the summer.”

and nuie. Sales Director James Abrams commented: “We first heard about NMBS OnePlace just three months ago and knew immediately that we wanted to be involved. NMBS members will be able to access product data quickly and easily and soon will be able to access live information about stock levels through OnePlace.”

Completely free to use by NMBS members, the OnePlace platform launched in 2020 and now includes almost 200,000 products from more than 30 NMBS suppliers.

Another 40 suppliers are said to be in the process of being added to the system.

New Master for WCoBM Andy Williamson, Commercial Director at SIG plc, has recently been installed as the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM). During the prestigious Installation ceremony held at Plaisterers’ Hall — one of London’s largest Livery Halls — Court Assistants Richard Hill and Alan Hawkins were elected to support the Master in his year, as Senior and Junior Warden respectively (pictured).

The formal ceremony also acknowledged the role of other Court Assistants including the

6 PBM DECEMBER 2021

Company’s new Bursar and Assistant Clerk, Julie Langford. During the Installation dinner for over 200 guests, the Master also confirmed WCoBM’s new affiliation with The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

The Master is a well-known figure in the builders’ merchant industry, having worked in the building materials sector all of his life. He became a Liveryman in 2008 and was invited onto the Court in 2013, the path to becoming Master.

Andy said: “It’s an absolute honour to represent the Company and our industry for

the ensuing year. I will do my utmost to continue the good work of Past Masters in raising the profile of WCoBM and that of builders’ merchants within the City and the Livery movement.”

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SAINT-GOBAIN TO INVEST IN ELECTRIC CARS AND CHARGING POINTS

On charge

With one of the key focuses of the COP 26 Conference on decarbonising transportation, Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland has announced a new partnership with Rolec, one of the UK’s leading charging manufacturers, to support the delivery of a charger point network across a thousand of Saint-Gobain’s sites, offices and retail branches over the next five years.

The agreement comes on top of the company’s recent commitment to move all of its 3,200 company cars to fully electric by the end of 2023 (or hybrid if only absolutely essential, as a stepping stone to electric), investments in new Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil HGVs — which will reduce CO2 per mile by around 90% for its British Gypsum, Artex and some distribution brands — and the roll out of electric Mechanical Handling Equipment.

The charging point network is in addition to the firm’s commitment to install an electric car charging point at the homes of its company car drivers where one can be accommodated.

Saint-Gobain anticipates that these changes will remove 11,000 tonnes of CO2 from its activity over the next five years. CEO Mike Chaldecott said: “Our purpose is Making the World a Better Home and reducing our carbon

Taking delivery of electric cars and mobile equipment at Saint-Gobain brand, JP Corry

footprint is integral to this. We are committed to be net zero carbon by 2050 and meet additional science based targets by 2030 so it’s essential we act quickly where we can and accelerate the actions we’re taking to reduce the carbon footprint of our transportation and reduce the impact on the planet from our colleagues who need to drive for work.”

All Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland brands will benefit from chargers being installed, with 500 of the 1,000 locations to be at Jewson branches. Rollout of the charger network is already underway with 750 expected to be installed each year for the next five years. The business will also be using Rolec’s charger management system, VendElectric, which will allow it to control and manage the charging network, assessing usage and enabling colleagues and visitors to find information on real-time charger availability.

RDT Christmas appeal

The Rainy Day Trust has announced the launch of its annual Christmas Appeal, with CEO Bryan Clover explaining that the industry charity is also looking to do something a little different. Whilst it will still be sending out food hampers and vouchers “as usual” to support the many people who continue to struggle, Bryan explained: “This year, we want to really deal with the other issues that have become so prevalent in the

last 18-24 months — social isolation and worry over electricity and gas bills.

“So, on top of the food hampers, we will also be offering our ‘Let’s Save Energy’ pack to our long-term beneficiaries as well as working with them to be part of our mental health programmes at what is a really difficult time of year.”

Bryan is looking for industry support to raise funds — from Christmas Jumper Day on

a @PBMmagazine

Online learning LBS Builders Merchants has seen its commitment to training rewarded with the BMF Training Company of the Year award presented at Members’ Day in late September. The merchant is a customer of Simon Acres Group and accessed its online training during the pandemic, focusing on the showroom side of its business.

LBS Learning and Development Manager Raymond Laidlaw (pictured) said: “We did not want to curtail our training programme during lockdown so shifted our focus from face to face, to online. We have found the online training from Simon Acres Group to be of a very high standard, easy to access and so worthwhile. It has allowed us to continue developing our staff and provide them with the skills they need, helping our business to continue to grow profitably.

“The SAG courses, unlike many others, are focused and tailored to the K&B industry, delivering real benefits for kitchen designers that want to improve their sales skills. We have been so impressed with the showroom sales course (which) has been rolled out to kitchen designers, and we will be offering the course to our bathroom designers too.”

Friday 10th December to the donation of stock — and, just as in previous years, the RDT has set up a Just Giving page to support its campaign.

■ Enter the shortcode

www.rdr.link/mac001 for more information.

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MARKET MONITOR in association with

Customer perspectives A “shocking” 89% of local builders have reported having to delay jobs due to a lack of materials or skilled tradespeople, according to the latest State of Trade Survey (Q3 2021) from the Federation of Master Builders.

Q3 2021

>

A

dding to the pressures facing the industry, the FMB’s findings show 97% of builders have reported “skyrocketing” material prices and expect this to have continued into the last quarter of the year. 78% are said to be passing this increased cost on to the consumer.

Builders have also been forced to hit pause on some jobs, in the face of increasing difficulty to hire tradespeople such as general labourers and plasterers, with 42% and 37% respectively of builders struggling to get them to a job. Despite a slight easing, near half of FMB members are additionally facing pressure to find carpenters/joiners and bricklayers.

The quarterly FMB State of Trade Survey is described as the only study of its kind to track the experience of small to medium-sized (SME) construction firms in the UK. Other findings from the latest report include: Delays and cancellations • 82% of builders have delayed jobs due to a lack of materials; • 60% have been pressed pause due to a lack of skilled tradespeople; • Combined, 89% of builders have faced delays due to either materials or skills shortages; • 8% of builders have been forced to

cancel jobs due to a lack of materials; • 12% have been cancelled due to a lack of skilled tradespeople.

1

Skills shortages • 42% can’t get hold of general labourers, up 6% on last quarter; • 37% can’t hire plasterers, a rise of 6% on last quarter; • 47% of builders are struggling to hire carpenters/joiners, down 6% on last quarter; • 45% are struggling to hire bricklayers, a fall of 2% on last quarter.

Price rises • 97% of builders are facing material price rises, with 93% expecting this to continue into Q4; • 77% of respondents have been forced to raise their prices in the past quarter.

With the survey released the day before the recent Budget, Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, urged the Government to take action to support the industry. He said: “(The latest) FMB State of Trade Survey shows a damning situation for the building industry, with 89% of builders facing delays and

some cancelling work altogether due to a lack of materials or skills. The Government should use tomorrow’s Budget and Spending Review to tackle the growing skills gap. Effective efforts to help the haulage industry ease the supply of materials are also needed.

This will help our members get back to building and help the post pandemic economic recovery.”

Brian concluded: “Our data shows the combination of long delays and rising prices mean consumers are also starting to feel the heat. Changing quotes, delays to jobs, and price hikes may lead to some homeowners being pulled in by unscrupulous builders hoping to make a quick buck. A good builder is a busy builder and it is important to be patient when selecting the right person for the job.”

■ To view the FMB Q3 2021

State of Trade Survey, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac002

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Carbon negative.

Positive future. uk.westfraser.com/carbon-negative

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BMF CONFERENCE REVIEW

Brought to order PBM reports back from Harrogate and York, following the first BMF Conference to be held in the UK for almost 30 years.

T

he lingering impact of Covid-19 was never far from the surface at this year’s BMF-hosted All Industry Conference. From the socially-distanced seating in the main Conference Hall to the hanger-like exhibition space allowing for the free circulation of fresh air, there were subtle reminders throughout that this was not quite ‘business as usual’.

Indeed, the simple fact the event took place in Yorkshire — rather than typically farther flung destinations such as Dubrovnik, Budapest or Malta — was illustrative of the adaptations we’ve all needed to make in our lives over the last 18 months. And of course, adapting to a ‘new normal’ was a central tenet of many of the presentations, workshops and even the more informal discussions which took place over the course of proceedings.

At least one speaker slot required a last minute substitution because of Covid, and a number of delegates questioned some of the (enforced?) changes to the format — many, for example, seemed to lament the omission of the traditional ‘Meet the Merchant’ networking platform.

However, as we have all had to do since March last year, there was a need to ‘make

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things work’. And more positively, the UK setting appeared to facilitate the attendance of a number of new faces who will hopefully take on board the mantra of BMF CEO John Newcomb that “the more you put into being a BMF member, the more you will get out.”

Indeed, John’s opening remarks outlined the work that had been done throughout the duration of the pandemic to acknowledge the merchant sector’s place as the fulcrum of the construction industry in the eyes of Government and policy makers. The BMF’s position on the Construction Leadership Council, John explained, had been significant in raising the profile of merchanting by representing the interests and concerns of members through Covid and, crucially, into addressing the longer-term issues facing the sector.

Perhaps this was one of the key messages underlying the Conference theme of ‘Building Beyond Boundaries’. As BMF Chairman Richard Hill noted, through the CLC and evidenced by the merchant sector’s role in the nation’s construction-led recovery, it has emerged from the margins to secure “a seat at the top table” and Government “now understands the role of merchants and suppliers”.

From the current HGV driver shortages and turbulence in the supply chain to the ongoing challenges of skills, recruitment and — not least — the substantial matter of sustainability, this emerging influence is vital.

For the BMF itself, both John and Richard reiterated the organisation’s four key principles of delivering member value; supporting recruitment, training and professional development; supply chain collaboration; and industry representation at a political level. And for all the progress, the work continues — membership now stands at 770 with a goal of breaking the 1,000 mark, for example — in the face of the ongoing evolution of the merchant marketplace.

The two-day formal business sessions presented the perspectives of a vibrant line-up of speakers from both within the industry and the wider business world. Marketing guru

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Geoff Ramm posed the challenging question of “Do all your customers receive ‘celebrity service’?” and reasoned that small changes to a business’ culture and thinking can make a dramatic difference to the way it is viewed by its clients.

It was a theme returned to by Jamil Qureshi, discussing a ‘Mindset for Success’.

Deploying a considered approach to the subject, often repeating phrases for additional impact, he outlined the ‘emotional’ barriers of business transformation emphasising that “nothing breeds complacency like success” as leaders fall back into protecting the status quo rather than continuing to drive forward as the world changes around you.

Introduced by the excellent Conference host Martin Bayfield, Day Two began with a line-up of industry speakers, who addressed the room individually before convening into a panel session Q&A. CLC co-chair Andy Mitchell offered a broader perspective, and remarked that cross-industry communication, collaboration and cooperation has been a welcome consequence of the Covid challenge.

Reflecting that, after 160+ Zoom meetings, he only met John Newcomb in person the day before, Andy said that initiatives like the CLC’s Product Availability Working Group have proved so important, it seemed inconceivable that they didn’t exist before. And despite the diverse nature and scale of the wider construction industry, there is now full recognition that the same challenges were common to all — such as people and skills, sustainability and net zero,

the free flow of goods and materials, digitalisation, and building safety.

The cumulative effect of these issues, Andy argued, would be “profound change” for the industry, with merchants ‘slap, bang in the middle’. This “daunting yet exciting” prospect was continued by merchant speakers Frank Elkins, Travis Perkins plc COO, and Paul Bence, MD of family-run independent Bence Builders Merchants.

Frank, for instance, highlighted crucial issues such as a need for an increased focus on safety (both physical and mental well-being), Modern Methods of Construction, and diversity and inclusion.

On the issue of sustainability, he emphasised that there is not just a social benefit but also a growing commercial imperative — millions of homes need to be retrofitted, customers are already asking about it and “if we wait, the risk is someone else will step in”.

Equally, engagement with staff is increasingly vital. To recruit the talent for the future, young people want an inclusive place to work, which does necessitate “a discussion on behaviours within the industry” and a recognition of the problems that many women and minorities faced by those within the sector already “that wouldn’t be tolerated if they worked in a supermarket”.

In an excellent presentation, Paul also emphasised the topic of engagement whilst assessing the ‘challenge amplification’ brought about by operating through the pandemic. On technology and digitalisation, for example, were the changes in customer buying behaviour here to stay? And, having asked a great deal of staff over the last 18 months,

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

there is a requirement to recognise that you must “build people to build a business”, asking “would your staff recommend your business to their friends and family?”

Offering a supplier’s perspective, Marshalls’ Trading Director Peter Hallitt shared the perspective of how “people coped with massive change and responded fantastically”.

Yet as we emerge from the pandemic, none of the changes we experienced are “anchored” and we still don’t know what “the new normal will be”. Peter argued that plenty of positives can be taken from the transformation, but those pre-existing challenges can be ignored no longer.

A raw and powerful speech from former footballer Tony Adams highlighted the importance of open and honest discussions about mental health. Tony urged business leaders to drive change within their own organisations, and consider their own vulnerabilities too. His point that once he’d been able to find the support he needed to take his mental health seriously, he had his most successful period as a footballer was arguably the most important lesson of the entire event.

Bringing proceedings to an orderly close, former Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow entertained delegates with his perspectives on the pertinent subject of delivering reform in the face of resistance.

■ For more information,

including links to the Conference speakers’ presentations and images from the event, visit the BMF website via www.rdr.link/mac003

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TRAINING ZONE The virtual route to improved branch performance More and more merchants are recognising the advantages of bespoke in-house training, particularly if they have several employees with similar training needs.

But if they work in different branches, it is not always straightforward to get them together in one place.

However, the BMF’s latest bespoke programme — which can be run virtually — provides the perfect solution.

‘E

xcellence in Branch Management’ is an ISM (Institute of Sales Management) accredited course created for BMF members by Sue Reed. Sue, a Learning Development Governor within the Institute of Builders Merchants as well as a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management, is one of the BMF’s most popular trainers, with a passion for developing individuals and helping them discover skills and abilities they never knew they had.

While the course can be delivered in person, Haldane Fisher, for instance, opted for virtual delivery using a dedicated GiraffePad Learning Management System (LMS). The programme forms part of the company’s overall People Development Strategy, with content tailored for eight branch managers following a scoping meeting between Sue, Haldane Group HR Director Andrew Laird and Richard Jones, BMF Regional Manager, to strategically outline the key deliverables required. The content of each session was then aligned to Haldane Fisher values.

Using GiraffePad was both efficient and productive; it enabled those taking part to meet Sue and fellow learners before events as well as giving on-demand access to all resources.

Learners also received support and coaching via the LMS system’s private chat facility, providing a true, one-on-one learning experience.

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In advance of the programme all learners undertook a Clarity4D profile to give both themselves and Sue, the trainer, a better understanding of where they were now and what they hoped to achieve. As one participant said: “It pointed out where I was strong and where I had to improve. This also opened my thinking as to how I improve myself. Sue steered me in the direction I needed to go.”

Sue uses a variety of learning techniques to help participants develop their own hidden potential and improve the performance of their teams. A key focus is on customer and supplier relationships and translating success here into increased sales performance.

In fact, a clear focus was one of the main takeaways for several of the branch managers on the programme. One said: “The course has helped me to focus on the things that matter.

We can get focused on things that don’t matter and before you know it, you’re off track.”

Other delegates highlighted a new selfconfidence the course had given them, as well as its immediate relevance to their daily job and life.

The final phase was a Business Improvement Project, putting the techniques learned into action, with each branch manager presenting the results to the senior management team. Every one of them exceeded

Sue Reed

expectations, as Group HR Director, Andrew Laird explained: “The programme exceeded my expectations in terms of delivery, output and on-going development of our branch managers to enable them to realise their potential to be the best they can be.

“The business improvement project set within the programme resulted in not only applied learning such as S.W.O.T., FISHBONE, Colour Preferences and SMARTer Leadership of each branch team but an overall increased sales of £60K. “The final Business Improvement Project demonstrated to the Senior Management Team continued applied learning and that our managers are now strategically forward planning in a very challenging climate to deliver Excellence in Branch Management.”

Haldane Fisher is now planning for Phase 2 of the programme and enrolment of another cohort to embed the Excellence in Branch Management philosophy within their culture and way of working.

■ If your company would like more information about the Excellence in Branch Management programme or any element of BMF’s training offer, please contact Paige Godsell at paige.godsell@bmf.org.uk or call 02476 854980.

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MERCHANT FOCUS

Added extras PBM takes a look at some of the recent news in another busy month for the merchant industry, leading with details of two of the sector’s largest independents expanding their service offering into a broader market sphere.

T

he latest venture from MKM Building Supplies is the opening of a new ceramics showroom, ‘Brooke Ceramics at MKM Home’, situated close to the merchant’s Central Support Office in Hull. Acquired by MKM in 2019, Brooke Ceramics is described as “one of the best established and most trusted names in tiles across the region” and the “ground-breaking new space” is intended to bring its premium quality products to an even wider audience of both trade and retail customers.

Alongside the 10,000 ft2 tile showroom which opened on 1st November, the facility will also feature a “state-of-the-art” kitchen and bathroom outlet, set to open in spring 2022.

Richard Gosling will lead a team of 25 industry experts as General Manager for the showroom. He said: “With the launch, we are seeking to revolutionise the ceramics retail experience for both trade and consumers, with our high-end display units unlike anything else that can be found in the region. With a real focus on prioritising the customer experience, this innovative new retail space will challenge long-held perceptions surrounding tile retailers, instead highlighting the creative potential and luxury credentials of our products.”

Bradfords Building Supplies, meanwhile, is launching ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ — a new series of events

14 PBM DECEMBER 2021

aimed at “inspiring, informing and engaging the South West” on achieving long term environmental and social sustainability for the built environment.

Created in partnership with TrustMark, the inaugural event was set to take place on 24 November (as this issue of PBM was going to press) at Somerset County Cricket Club and will address the challenges in achieving energy efficient, low environmental impact building projects and the latest in environmentally responsible products and materials.

With Rockwool as the headline sponsor, the event was set to feature a programme of speakers including Optimised Retrofit Wales on its achievements so far in the energy-efficient retrofitting of over 1,700 social housing properties and Verto Homes on how it incorporates low carbon into every aspect of a build, and why this makes sense from both an environmental and commercial perspective. In addition, Future Plymouth 2030 and Low Carbon Devon addressed the challenges in achieving a lower-carbon built environment for the city and beyond by the end of the decade whilst TrustMark presented on the Government’s heat and buildings strategy and the national retrofit strategy, and what this means for the construction sector.

The initiative follows the launch of a bespoke Sustainable Home Centre showroom at its Glastonbury branch earlier in the year

and Giles Bradford, the merchant’s Head of Sustainability, said: “Many of our customers — from housing developers through to self-builders and home renovators — are understandably right at the start of this journey. We’re stepping up to help educate and inform the local construction sector on what environmental sustainability means for their projects and how merchants like us — and the wider supply chain — can support that.”

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Independent Builders Merchants Group Travis Perkins plc In addition to releasing its Q3 Trading Update in recent weeks, Travis Perkins plc has reported a number of new initiatives including details of a partnership with Eastleigh College in Hampshire to provide traineeship opportunities and help more young people into work.

The programme is described as “the first one of its kind in the further education sector” and will involve TP providing up to 300 annual traineeships across England for 19-24 year old learners connected to the College from January 2022. Eastleigh will deliver specialist training, English and maths skills, whilst the merchant group will provide workplace preparation and placements that cover a range of different areas of the business, including yards, warehouses, branches, tool hire, administration and sales.

Travis Perkins has also announced the acquisition of Staircraft, billed as a “market leading company that provides integrated stair, floor and door solutions” with three manufacturing sites across the UK. TP first acquired a 15% minority share in the company in 2015 and this development expands its customer proposition by adding digital component design, timber engineering and production capability to its portfolio.

At the start of November, the merchant chain also reported that it has been formally accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative in recognition of its commitments to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions.

■ For more Travis Perkins plc stories on the PBM website, use the

shortcode www.rdr.link/mac004

The IBMG, now reputedly the largest independent builders merchant group in the south of England with over 120 branches from Cornwall to Kent and combined revenues in excess of £500 million, has made a number of further acquisitions as it continues its strategy of “developing its divisions through a combination of acquisition, new site development and organic growth”.

Expanding its network of specialist plumbing and heating merchants, the group has acquired DW Burns — which operates from trade counters in Woking and Farnham, plus an extensive showroom in Woking — and the seven trade counters and four bathroom, heating and kitchen showrooms of Sussex Plumbing Supplies.

IBMG has also announced the acquisition of Plymouth-based Perry Builders Merchants. The single branch firm will join IBMG’s RGB brand and provide “a strong platform for further growth across the South Hams and Plymouth area”.

Acquisitions and new branches Huws Gray’s sixth acquisition of 2021 sees Exall & Jones, based in the centre of Swansea, join the group. Founded in 1984 by David Jones and the late John Exall, the firm serves a broad customer base from DIYers and self-builders through to housing developers, major contractors, and local authorities across South Wales.

Support from the h&b buying group was described as being instrumental in Greater Manchester-based Henshaws’ successful takeover of a new site in Rochdale following its acquisition of R&M Roofing & Building Supplies. MD Adrian Shelley said: “The h&b HQ team were incredibly helpful at a busy and stressful time. To feel that support, as an independent merchant, is invaluable.”

MKM opened the doors to its latest branch in Canterbury with help from darts legend Bobby George, with customers taking aim in a series of darts challenges with the chance to take home some exclusive signed merchandise. To mark the launch of the branch, the merchant also raised funds for the Demelza Hospice Care for Children, which provides vital care and emotional support across Kent, South East London and East Sussex.

Having occupied the previous site for over 50 years, Travis Perkins is in the process of relocating its Cheltenham branch to a new location next door! The new depot was set to open its doors on the 29th November, while its heavy goods yard will be complete in March 2022.

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PEOPLE NEWS

The Independent Builders Merchant Group has appointed Martin Stables as its Group Chief Commercial Officer. Martin’s previous role was as Commercial Director for Graham and he brings a wealth of experience to IBMG, having served on the management boards of Jewson and Graham.

Martin said: “IBMG is at a really exciting point in its development and is ready to capitalise on its numerous growth opportunities. We have ambitious goals to fulfil and IBMG is well structured, with strong investor support, exceptional trading brands, first-rate employees and a welldeserved reputation for outstanding service.”

Azpects has announced the promotion of Kevin Ager from National Sales Manager to Sales Director in recognition of his “critical role in the growth and continued success” of the company. MD Paul Taylor said: “I am pleased that Kevin has joined the board of directors, and I am confident that through his continued efforts Azpects will maintain the impressive growth that has characterised its history.”

Tobermore has strengthened its Merchant Sales Team with the addition of two new team members, with Jake Scarott and Brian Betts joining as Merchant Sales Managers for the South East and Yorkshire/North East respectively.

Jake has worked in the construction industry for over seven years, five of which have been spent working with merchants, suppliers and developers. Brian, meanwhile, has over 21 years of experience with Sherwin Williams, selling brands such as Ronseal and Corning into merchants, buying groups and DIY multiples.

Jo Callow, Head of Communications for UK & Ireland at Knauf Insulation, is the new Chair of the BMF’s Young Merchant Group. She takes over from Glenn Paddison — who completed his term as Chair at the recent BMF Young Merchant Conference at the NEC during National Construction Week — and will be supported by Ed Parlato, Buyer at Browns Builders Merchants, who was elected to replace Jo as Vice Chair.

Jo has been an active member of Young Merchants for seven years, serving as Vice Chair since 2018, and having joined after winning the BMF Young Supplier Achiever Award in 2014 just a year after she entered the building materials industry as a member of Knauf Insulation’s Merchant Support Team.

She continued to work closely with merchants in her subsequent roles at Knauf Insulation, as Area Sales Manager and then National Merchant Support Manager, and was promoted to her current role in 2020.

Vice Chair Ed is currently involved in the purchasing side of Browns — an independent, family-run merchant in Derby — but has tackled many other roles in the business over the years.

He is also part of the NBG Category Management team for tools and workwear.

Sarah Stepney has been appointed to handle the Trade Marketing for Kudos Shower Products. Based at its recently opened warehouse and training facility in Sandbach, she will report to Sales & Marketing Director, Nick Graville.

After six years as a Marketing Manager at Ryman, Sarah joins Kudos at a busy time with many new products currently being designed, developed and manufactured ready to launch in 2022.

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Merchants upbeat despite supply difficulties On balance, sales expectations and confidence amongst our merchant panel continue to be positive, however the underlying concerns remain.

M

erchants’ sales expectations remain high, despite the continuing constraints of supply problems, long lead times and rising prices.

Similarly, confidence in the market continued to improve after a late summer wobble however merchants’ confidence in the prospects for their own business is stronger than their confidence in the market.

The Pulse, by MRA Research, is a monthly tracking survey of merchants’ sales expectations and confidence. Telephone interviewing took place between 1st and 5th October 2021.

Merchants’ year-on-year sales expectations continued to improve in October (net +39%) — also Chart 2. Mid-sized outlets (+44%) and merchants in the North (+77%) had the strongest expectations. More National (+51%) and Regional (+47%) merchants expected growth than Independent outlets, which expected no change (0%).

Of those expecting growth in October, 31% expected sales to be up to 9% higher than October last year. However, nearly seven in ten merchants expected sales to grow by 10% or more.

Materials supply Merchants were asked on a scale of 1 (not at all) to 7 (very badly) to what extent their business and customers have been affected by supply problems. An average score of 4.07 in October indicates that there are few signs of supply problems easing — Chart 1.

Sales expectations Sales expectations improved in October compared to September, with a net +23% of merchants forecasting higher sales month-on-month — Chart 2. By branch size, expectations were strongest among Small outlets (+36%). The North (+41%) and the South (+37%) had the highest expectations by region.

Of merchants expecting sales to increase in October, 40% expected growth of up to 9%. A further 56% expected an increase of 10% or more compared to September.

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Merchants’ sales expectations for October to December compared to the previous three months are seasonally weak, with a net -10% expecting lower sales over the period. While merchants in the North (+14%) expect sales to improve, other regions anticipate a decline.

Among merchants expecting weaker sales in October to December compared to the previous quarter, 40% expect them to decrease by up to 9%. Six in ten merchants expect sales to fall by 10% or more.

The difference between the percentage of merchants expecting growth and those expecting a decrease is the net figure, expressed as a percentage. A positive net percentage indicates growth, a negative indicates decline. Net zero implies no change.

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TRENDS MONITOR Merchants’ sales expectations for the next six months (October 2021- March 2022) improved compared to the previous six months with a net +2% expecting higher sales over the period — Chart 3. By branch size, expectations are strongest among Small outlets (+21%). More merchants in the North (+18%) expect growth than in other regions.

the board, except for merchants in the Midlands who are less confident (-29%).

Year-on-year, confidence in the market remained steady compared to September’s survey, with a net +27% of merchants more confident — Chart 5. Small outlets (+33%) and Mid-sized branches (+32%) were significantly more confident than Large outlets (+5%).

Merchants in the North were most confident regionally (+41%).

Confidence in their business Month-on-month there was no change in merchants’ confidence in the prospects for their own business compared to September’s survey (net +32%). Regional (+37%) and National merchants (+35%) were more confident than Independent merchants (+15%).

Year-on-year, merchants’ confidence in their own business improved in October with a net +52% more confident than the same month last year — also Chart 5.

Of those merchants expecting sales to increase in the next six months compared to the last six months, 55% expect growth of up to 9%. A further 43% of merchants expect sales to increase by 10% or more — Chart 4.

Confidence in the market Confidence in the market strengthened slightly in October compared to September’s survey with a net +13% of merchants more confident than the previous month. Confidence is up across

About the Pulse The Pulse is a monthly trends survey tracking builders’ merchants’ confidence and prospects over time. Produced by MRA Research, the insight division of MRA Marketing, it captures merchants’ views of future prospects in terms of sales expectations, confidence in their business, confidence in the market, and the key issues and problems they experience.

This report is the 30th in the series, with interviews conducted

by MRA Research between 1st and 5th October 2021. Each month a representative sample of 100 merchants is interviewed. The sample is balanced by region, size and type of merchant, including nationals, regional multi-branch independents, and smaller independent merchants.

■ The full report can be downloaded for free from www.mra-research.co.uk/the-pulse and www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk, or call Ralph Sutcliffe at MRA Research on 01453 521621.

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SUPPLIER PROFILE: JOUPLAST Picture courtesy of Aggregate Industries France

PBM finds out more about the growing ambitions of a company which is looking to raise the profile of all types of decking in more ways than one!

On a pedestal Q

We have to confess that the Jouplast brand is new to us, and we suspect the vast majority of PBM readers. However, we understand that the company, through its UK distributor Plastic Mouldings Northern, now has its sights set firmly on becoming a significant player in the UK landscaping market during 2022 and beyond. What more can you tell us?

Since 1986, Jouplast has been recognised as the leading name in France for adjustable decking and paving pedestals. Its success is credited to a combination of great technical expertise, creative design, and a desire to manufacture products which meet the needs of the market. The decking and paving pedestals allow the user to raise and lower the head by simply rotating the green (decking) nut or the (blue/grey) nut for the paving and by doing so, perfect levels can be set on timber joists or on 20mm thick ceramic slabs.

TMP Convert, who produce the components, are based in south east France within the ‘Plastic Valley’ industrial region and have long been experts in the design and manufacture of landscaping products. Starting with the simple pedestal, the range has grown into an impressive offering of innovative solutions for outdoor construction projects — all designed to make the job easier for professional installers.

A

Q

As in France we would imagine, the decking market here in the UK is

20 PBM DECEMBER 2021

constantly evolving. How is the company keeping pace with these new trends and materials, and how adaptable to this new market is the product portfolio?

The range has expanded considerably in recent years to cover a wide variety of paving projects, as well as wooden and composite decking. Our R&D team is continually developing new products to solve practical on-site issues, from levelling without the need for groundworks, rot-proof structures, and even simpler methods of height adjustment.

These are the same problems facing the landscaper the world over.

We also focus on developing products that are as easy as possible to install, including urban garden design, small garden spaces and combinations of different elements and materials.

A

Q

For those landscapers who have typically employed more traditional methods of providing a base for the decking, can you explain how the pedestal concept works in principle?

One of the biggest recent trends in landscaping options is the emergence of 20mm ceramic tiles. We have responded to the popularity of increasingly large tile formats — and tiles that mimic wood planking — with a comprehensive choice of paving pedestals that simplify installation.

These include adjustable pedestals, both

A

fixed head and self-levelling versions, perimeter support plates, right down to the lateral support clip to cover edges of the terrace — all for a professional result.

The over-riding motivation behind all of our pedestals is to allow the contractor to achieve precisely the look the customer desires without the need for invasive major groundworks and large-scale machinery.

This is particularly useful in tightly packed urban environments where space and access may be restricted.

Q A

There’s much more to the range than just pedestals, right?

Absolutely. Our 2.4m Heavy Duty Lawn Edging strip can be used to clearly separate distinct areas of landscaping (lawns, gravel, sand, paving, concrete paths, etc.), provide firm and stable edge support for exposed aggregate, concrete and cold lay asphalt, and create distinct landscaped spaces, such as paths, flowerbeds, and terraces.

For ground stabilisation, there is a range of honeycomb stabilisation gravel mats for landscaping pedestrian areas, traffic routes and parking areas in public and private spaces. With gravel stabilisation mats you can create all-gravel surfaces that are perfectly level and stable, easy to walk on and wheelchair friendly.

We are committed to developing products that are as easy as possible to

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Q

install so that you can achieve a perfect result quickly and easily.

Q

We have seen a lot of attractive decking projects which have been somewhat spoilt by unsightly fixings. How have you addressed this issue?

The solution is a totally invisible fixing system that allows timber boards to be fixed to the joists with no visible screw heads.

It’s a little more time consuming, but the end results are well worth the extra effort.

It is part of our mission to constantly develop new accessories to optimise the work involved in building all types of patios and decked areas.

A

Environmental issues are obviously high on the agenda these days. How are you helping your customers to meet those commitments in what can be potentially major changes to the landscape?

As a business, we fully understand the importance of protecting nature against the damage that can be caused by impermeable surfacing materials like concrete and tarmac, and are proud to offer products that can be driven on to make access roads and parking spaces more natural and kinder to the environment.

Whether in landscaped, urban, private, or public settings, it is possible to consolidate the ground used for this type of access without the need to use polluting materials. As part of our contribution to creating a healthier environment for future generations, we use only 100% recycled materials in the design and manufacture of our products.

A

Q A

That all sounds very encouraging.

How soon will UK landscapers be able to access the full Jouplast range?

The range is available right now from Plastic Mouldings Northern which holds over a quarter of a million units in its UK warehouses, enabling prompt delivery.

In addition, some of the best-selling products are already stocked by a well-known UK-wide merchant.

The clear ambition within the business is to make Jouplast the ‘go to’ brand for all types of decking solutions here in the UK as it is in France.

■ For further information on the

Jouplast range of products and support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac005

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BUSINESS ESSENTIALS: PALLET RECOVERY SERVICE

In the Loop Launched with a claim that it is “set to transform the way building materials are distributed across the UK”, The Pallet Loop is described as the “first circular economy pallet reuse system for the construction sector”. With support from a number of organisations throughout the industry supply chain — including Bradfords, MKM, SIG and the BMF from the merchant sector alone — PBM considers how the new service can reduce pallet consumption, cut waste and improve efficiencies.

A

round 18 million pallets are manufactured for the UK construction industry each year, with estimates suggesting less than 10% are currently reused. Established to deliver a more sustainable pallet distribution model, The Pallet Loop is aligned with environmental targets set for the sector by UK Government and also reflects the growing desire and need for businesses to adopt ‘circular economy’ practices that are more environmentally friendly.

Founded by what are reportedly some of the biggest names in the UK pallet industry, The Pallet Loop has already been welcomed by a group of high-profile companies in the construction sector — including BAM Construct UK, Bradfords, Lovell and the wider Morgan Sindall Group, MKM, MSK and Wilmott Dixon — that have signed up to a charter which acknowledges that “change is required” when it comes to pallet

22 PBM DECEMBER 2021

consumption, and committing to a comprehensive evaluation of how the service could be integrated within their businesses to help cut waste.

Timetabled for operational roll out in 2022, The Pallet Loop is a joint venture between Paul and Ryan Lewis (formerly HLC Wood Products) and Scott Group — one

of the UK’s leading pallet producers. Centred on the principles of ‘recover, repair and reuse’, the initiative aims to eliminate “avoidable pallet waste” in the construction sector by incentivising pallet returns via a cost-effective, easy-to-use, deposit-based system.

Estimates suggest that up to 10% of the construction waste stream is pallets, which is

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The Pallet Loop team (left to right): Phil Dent, CEO; Steve Ottaway, Chief Operating Officer; Paul Lewis, Founder; Nathan Wride, Head of Partnerships & Innovation; and Charlie Law, Head of Contractor Engagement

“The current industry specification for pallets works on the assumption that they will be scrapped or skipped once they reach their final destination. We’re turning this outdated, inefficient and linear practice on its head.” costly from both a financial and an environmental perspective. Its founders therefore contend that widespread adoption of The Pallet Loop across the sector will greatly reduce the burden that pallet production currently places on the environment and our forests whilst “achieving approximately 40% less CO2 emissions and an estimated up to 75% reduction in timber usage” (to create construction industry pallets, an estimated 6,000 acres of forestry are harvested every year, with a further 236,000 acres grown to cater for future demand).

How it works At the heart of the scheme is a range of distinctive, green, 100% FSC LOOP pallets.

Manufactured with durability in mind — they are, on average, twice as strong as existing designs — LOOP pallets will be distributed to building materials manufacturers, which can use them to transport products to builders’ merchants and construction sites nationwide.

The manufacturers will pay a deposit per pallet (along with a separate issue fee that the manufacturer absorbs in much the same way they do today with a packaging charge) to The Pallet Loop. As the pallets move through the supply chain, the deposit will pass from manufacturer to merchant and, if applicable, to end user. Once materials reach their final destination, pallets can be stacked and stored ready for collection by The Pallet Loop, which has a dedicated recovery infrastructure in place including a network of more than 40 collection hubs nationwide and its own vehicles.

Collection is said to be simple, by booking a pick up slot via the telephone or online, and the pallets will be collected from as little as 72 hours later. Deposits are then repaid, in full, to the final user.

Paul Lewis, Founder of The Pallet Loop, said: “As a business we’re committed to reducing the impact on the planet that comes from pallet use in the construction industry supply chain. We aim to sustainably manage and reduce the cost of pallets for our

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customers — making palletised logistics greener and leaner.

“At present, the vast majority of pallets circulating in the sector are designed for single use. The current industry specification for pallets works on the assumption that they will be scrapped or skipped once they reach their final destination. We’re turning this outdated, inefficient and linear practice on its head. In a step-change for the sector, we’ve developed a range of standardised pallets, engineered to last and to be used again and again.”

Paul continued: “Adoption of The Pallet Loop requires a shift in mindset from ‘deliver, distribute, discard’ to ‘recover, repair and reuse’ — but we’re confident the time is right and that the UK construction industry is ready to embrace this transformational shift towards a circular solution. This is evidenced by the number of companies that have stepped forward to welcome our launch, sign our charter, and investigate how The Pallet Loop might work for them.

“The last eighteen months have challenged us all to adopt new ways of working. Throughout the pandemic, the phrase ‘build back better’ has been widely used and several new initiatives have launched with leading industry players stating their commitment to a clean recovery. The Pallet Loop model is perfectly aligned with that thinking.”

He added: “With world leaders meeting in Glasgow to discuss climate change, we are offering the construction sector a greener pallet solution — with clear sustainability and cost saving benefits — that can support the country as it works towards its ambitions of net zero emissions by 2050.”

Trials of The Pallet Loop recovery service took place in October across the UK with a number of principal contractors whilst the business itself is a member of the UK Green Building Council and the Builders Merchants Federation, and also has Construct Zero Business Champion status from the Construction Leadership Council.

■ For more information about

The Pallet Loop, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac006

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PLUMBING & HEATING The Grant House — a whole house renewable heating project including the installation of a Grant Aerona3 air source heat pump was featured in PBM’s sister publication, Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer throughout the summer. To discover more visit, www.rdr.link/mac037

Heating a low carbon future Through its recently announced Heat and Buildings Strategy, the Government has set out its plan to incentivise the installation of low carbon heating systems in a “simple, fair and cheap way as people come to replace their old boilers over the coming decade”. PBM reports.

W

ith heat in buildings being one of the largest sources of UK carbon emissions, accounting for 21% of the total, there is an urgent need to deliver a mix of new, low carbon heating solutions to meet the UK’s legally-binding climate change target by 2050.

In its much-anticipated Heat and Buildings Strategy, the Government says it is setting out more than £3.9 billion of new funding through a variety of initiatives including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, the Home Upgrade Grant scheme, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Heat Networks Transformation Programme in addition to reducing carbon emissions from public buildings through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Through the £450 million, three-year Boiler Upgrade Scheme, new grants of £5,000 will be available from April next year to encourage homeowners to install more

efficient, low carbon heating systems as the Government continues to work with the industry to ensure that solutions such as heat pumps “cost the same to buy and run as fossil fuel boilers by 2030”.

It is widely considered that any transition to low-carbon heating will require a diverse mix of technology such as heat pumps and heat networks, whilst the Government states it will take a decision on the potential role of hydrogen-fuelled appliances in heating homes by 2026 by learning from the Hydrogen Village pilot.

The Heat and Buildings Strategy announcement has been broadly welcomed by the sector, yet many argue it does not go far enough. PBM outlines some of the reactions…

Neil Sawers, Grant UK’s Commercial Technical Manager, commented: “Grant UK welcomes this step on the journey to net zero, however there are some barriers to

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overcome before we can truly begin to roll out some of the Government’s proposals.

“Positive steps towards resolving the current skills shortage are being taken with both the CIPHE Low Temperature Heating Course in addition to the Heat Pump Association’s LCL Heat Pump Training course.

It is imperative that both the Government’s funding initiatives and retraining/up-skilling of

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PLUMBING & HEATING

“We firmly believe that all viable technologies have a place, including electrification, hydrogen, and deployment of low carbon heat networks.”

Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director, Baxi Heating the workforce work in parallel.”

“We are concerned that as yet there has been no announcement regarding other offgas heating alternatives, such as biofuels (HVO) and hybrid heating which would have a major impact on reducing carbon emissions and are more practical in terms of an immediate roll out.”

Welcoming the announcement, Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager of Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, picked up the point: “We look forward to finding out more about who will be eligible and which sustainable heating systems are covered. We believe that hybrid systems, where a heat pump works alongside a gas boiler, should be included as they are a vital stepping-stone for those who are new to renewable technology, and can still reduce household CO2 emissions by as much as 55% compared to a traditional gas boiler.”

No silver bullet Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi Heating, said: “This important document details a roadmap for the decarbonisation of heat which the industry can, and must, support. We firmly believe that all viable technologies have a place, including electrification, hydrogen, and deployment of low carbon heat networks.

BEIS is wise to leave these options open as it

26 PBM DECEMBER 2021

is abundantly clear that no single solution will deliver net zero.”

Mark Wilkins from Vaillant continued: “We welcome the long-awaited Heat and Buildings Strategy, setting out further direction and vision for our low carbon future. Time is of the essence when it comes to decarbonisation, and heat pumps are the best way to decarbonise today.

“Hydrogen will be a low carbon solution, but more tests need to be carried out before we can successfully roll out hydrogen for heating.

In the future, there will be a mix of both hydrogen-fuelled boilers and heat pumps as there is no silver bullet to lowering carbon emissions of the UK’s diverse housing stock.”

Worcester Bosch CEO Carl Arntzen stated: “Although the Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy does look like a clear indication of ongoing investment, it doesn’t go far enough. When considering a heat pump there are many factors to assess which are not considered here, such as the property’s suitability.

“A home may need to be adapted to accommodate a heat pump, such as resizing radiators and making space for hot water cylinders, which carry cost implications.

Therefore, the proposed grants may help with the cost to purchase a heat pump, but there will still be costly investment required from homeowners in existing properties. As

for boilers, the strategy does not refer to any legislation behind a boiler ban, so it’s not surprising that there is confusion among installers and homeowners.

“Whilst it is encouraging to see that hydrogen is still on the agenda and is referred to within the Strategy, it is a shame to see that a decision around hydrogen won’t be made until five years from now. With hydrogen-ready boilers already successfully trialled, they could be a strong alternative to fossil fuel boilers on the market today — yet this strategy seems to omit them.”

Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders, added a perspective for the wider industry, declaring: “The Heat and Buildings Strategy needs to set out a bold and long-term plan of action to tackle the impact of our homes on the climate.

Unfortunately, it is not looking encouraging.

Grants for heat pumps is a step in the right direction so we begin to reduce our reliance on polluting and volatile fossil fuels, but incentives are also needed to make our existing homes better insulated.

“The Government appears to be only listening to one half of the story. If there is no detail in the Strategy on how we can address the megatonnes of carbon lost through the leaky walls and roofs of our homes, it will have failed and the benefits of installing heat pumps risk being lost.

“Without a long-term national retrofit strategy, including a proper skills plan and communications campaign, regular consumers won’t know what action they need to take, nor feel it’s within their grasp; and industry won’t take the long-term investment decisions needed to be ready to deliver.”

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PLUMBING & HEATING

Heat pump myth buster As discussed on the preceding pages, Net Zero carbon targets are firmly on the agenda. John Morris, Renewables Business Development Manager at Grant UK, debunks some of the myths about heat pumps for merchants.

T

he landscape of the heating sector is set to change as the country moves towards achieving Net Zero.

Air source heat pumps will play a pivotal role in the coming years and the increased demand for this renewable technology will present manufactures, merchants and installers with exciting opportunities to grow their businesses.

Recent Government research however has investigated the impact of the transition away from high carbon fossil fuel heating systems on 4,000 heating installers who work in areas of England and Wales that are not connected to the gas grid. It highlights the need for more education and training in the months and years ahead.

As the report points out, those installers who worked in areas with predominantly older housing stock perceived the lack of

28 PBM DECEMBER 2021

insulation as a limiting factor in a heat pump’s suitability for these houses. Some installers interviewed also said that heat pumps would not work efficiently during the winter months, despite evidence that heat pumps are able to comfortably operate at or below zero degrees Celsius.

This confirms that there are some myths around heat pumps which do need to be addressed: Myth 1: Consumer demand for heat pumps is low There can be no denying that homeowner interest in air source heat pumps is growing.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment and are actively looking at ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint.

The Government’s Clean Growth

John Morris Renewables Business Development Manager - Grant UK smaller

Strategy is going to shape legislation that will move the market away from fossil fuels, making homeowners transition from high carbon heating systems to greener, more sustainable alternatives.

Myth 2: Heat pumps are only suitable for new builds Air source heat pumps are an ideal solution for new builds because the necessary energy-efficient measures can be installed during the early phases of a property’s build.

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However, that is not to say that an air source heat pump is solely suited to new homes — far from it. The Aerona³ heat pump, for example, has been installed into many existing homes, being retrospectively fitted to replace an older heating system.

A retrofit installation may involve the installation of additional roof or wall insulation or other measures to reduce heat loss from the property, but provided the entire system has been properly designed, with correctly sized heat emitters and the most suitable heat pump output, an older home can comfortably go green with an air source heat pump.

Myth 3: Heat pumps do not work efficiently in the winter months If an air source heat pump has been installed correctly with the appropriate control parameters in place and with the rest of the system correctly set up as well, the unit will operate efficiently all year round. Heat pumps are designed to operate in low temperatures — Grant’s Aerona³ heat pump can operate in conditions as low as -20ºC — and while their SCOPs will not be as efficient when compared to operation in warmer outdoor temperatures, they still operate with good efficiencies.

A heat pump will work considerably more in the winter months compared to the spring and summer, but this should not be mistaken for inefficiency. Between November and February when a home’s

heating and hot water demand is at its highest, a heat pump will use an estimated 63% of its annual energy usage so during these months, electricity usage can be expected to increase.

However, this usage will significantly drop during the remaining months of the year when the heat pump’s energy consumption is very low.

Myth 4: Heat pump product training is not essential It is incredibly important for installers who are not currently installing heat pumps to complete training on this technology before they start working with them. Without suitable product training to give installers a solid understanding of how heat pumps work and what maximises their performance, there is a risk of installations being completed incorrectly which can result in underperforming heat pumps and therefore unsatisfied end-users.

Air source heat pumps are different to install compared to a conventional boiler — a heat pump installation will not be a ‘like for like’ replacement installation and, as previously mentioned, thorough design preparation is needed.

Help for merchants There is support in place for merchants and their customers to help them prepare for and manage the uptake in demand for heat pumps. Grant UK, for instance, offers online

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

training to merchants through its eLearning Academy — home to a selection of free, on-demand courses and training resources to help merchant teams develop their knowledge of renewable heating systems.

Merchant staff can sign up for free by visiting www.grantelearning.com and entering the enrolment code GMERCH1120.

Through both the national and independent merchant networks, Grant UK also supplies quick recovery hot water cylinders and various heat emitter options like underfloor heating and aluminum radiators alongside air source heat pumps, so that customers can turn to one manufacturer for a complete heating package.

Furthermore, the company’s Sales Team — which includes Area Sales Managers, Renewables Business Development Managers and Technical Support — is on hand to deliver in-branch training as well as on-site visits to provide quick-step estimates.

Heat pump technology looks set to be a key part of heating and plumbing merchants’ offering over the coming years and with training, design assistance and highly efficient products available, merchants are well positioned to capitalise on that growth.

Combatting further myths, Grant UK has published a new video on its YouTube Channel which shows homeowners how quiet air source heat pumps are. The video features an Aerona³ heat pump in operation, showing its sound levels and providing comparative sounds of other common household appliances.

The short video features footage of the Quiet Mark-approved Aerona³ 13kW air source heat pump working, providing audiences with the sound levels of the unit both close up and further away.

■ To watch the video, enter the

shortcode www.rdr.link/mac007 ■ For more information on

Grant UK’s range of products and services, enter the shortcode www.mac008

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PLUMBING & HEATING

Keeping the heat on Energy usage is a hot topic at the moment. With fuel prices rising and the threat of energy supply issues on the horizon, not to mention environmental concerns, it’s no wonder that professional plumbers and heating engineers are coming under pressure from homeowners wanting to make sure their heating is running as efficiently as possible.

And for the time being at least, wet central heating remains one of the most common heating systems in UK homes. Central heating inhibitors and cleaners play a vital role in maintaining and protecting these water-based heating systems, improving efficiency and keeping costly repairs at bay. With so many different products available, Andrew Scanlon, Applications Manager from Sika Everbuild answers some of the frequently asked questions from the trade counter so you can point your customers in the right direction this winter.

Q

If there is a loss of water pressure in the system due to a leak, will leak sealer products only provide a temporary solution which requires further maintenance in the future?

Even a very small leak can result in a significant loss of pressure, making the whole central heating system run less efficiently, burning through more energy and therefore costing more. It’s not always possible to see where a leak is, let alone reaching the spot to fix it.

A

This is where leak sealer products, which can either be in liquid or aerosol form, offer an excellent solution and many do provide a robust long-term fix.

Everbuild’s P32 Leak Sealer, for example, is designed to seal small inaccessible leaks permanently. It works by quickly locating the areas of water loss before forming a soft barrier to block up small capillary holes without restricting flow throughout the rest of the system.

Q A

How can the pH value of the water in the system be rectified if it’s not at the right level?

The pH value of water flowing within a central heating system should always sit between 8.0 and 8.5 on the scale, which is slightly above neutral to ensure that the metals in the system do not corrode over time and cause blockages.

Chemical inhibitors such as P30 Protector from Everbuild will protect systems against internal corrosion by using enhanced pH buffering to ensure the optimum pH level

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is maintained constantly which prevents limescale build-up.

Q A

Are biocide products really needed or are they just a clever marketing ploy?

A biocide can be a really important part of ensuring central heating systems remain clean and clear so that they run at peak efficiency. Powerful cleaning products will remove larger deposits causing blockages in a system — including limescale, sludge and rust — but typically won’t remove the microscopic fungus or bacteria which can create blockages or corrode parts of the system if left untreated.

For example, the P26 Biocide from Everbuild has been formulated to kill fungus and bacteria rapidly and, once treated, remains in the system preventing any new formation of bacteria and fungus. A biocide will protect the whole system — pipes, boiler, radiators and underfloor heating — providing a reliable solution to the problem of bacteria and fungus or mould growth.

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for use when a new boiler has been installed, whatever age or condition of the rest of the system. Commissioning residue such as flux, oil and rust can get left behind in the system so it’s worth doing an intensive clean to flush the system clear and protect the new boiler from the outset.

Q A

What special treatment (if any) does an older central heating system require?

Older systems are more likely to have a variety of build-ups including limescale, rust deposits and sludge which may have accumulated over time, and are often worse if a system has been left switched off for long periods too.

For such cases, we’d recommend the full clean, protect and test treatment and opting for a high-performance cleaner such as Everbuild’s P24 Power Cleaner which will effectively clear all the build-ups and blockages within the system. It’s also ideal

Q

How long will different types of inhibitors provide protection from further build-ups within a wet central heating system, on average?

Having the optimum amount of inhibitor in the system is key to achieving the best results. But how long it will last very much depends on the system itself as well as the type of inhibitor used.

Electrolytic or magnetic scale inhibitors typically are able to provide up to 10 years protection from limescale for the whole system with little maintenance required.

A

Generally speaking, with a chemical inhibitor it’s advisable to check levels annually using a simple test like Everbuild’s Universal Test Kit which shows whether any additional inhibitor needs to be added. This is a really quick way of making sure systems are fully protected before the tell-tale signs of a blockage or build-up start to be seen.

Some systems will require annual top-ups while others can go several years without this need, but testing regularly is a way to prevent problems at the earliest opportunity so your customers can save time, energy and money.

■ For further information on Sika

Everbuild’s extensive range of products, including its new central heating systems treatment range, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac009

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PLUMBING & HEATING

Flexible friends Remi Volpe, Managing Director at Drayton, looks at why it’s important to stock a solution that is compatible with a wide variety of heat sources, and the benefits it can offer both installers and homeowners.

N

o matter what the job is, it is crucial for heating engineers to provide their customers with a suitable heating control that offers ease of use, reliability and efficiency gains. But what are the wider benefits for your installer customers in providing a heating control that is compatible with more than just a standard gas boiler?

Fit for any purpose For installers who work across different heat sources, from gas boilers to heat pumps and electrical heat sources, it can often mean that each type of installation requires a different set of heating controls in order to maximise its efficiency.

However, there are now heating controls available on the market that are compatible with multiple heat source types. This means that installers can streamline the stock they need to keep in the van, but more importantly, will ensure they have a system they’re familiar with and one that can be recommended in any situation.

For example, Wiser has recently been updated to include a dedicated heat pump setting in the Wiser Home app, and the recently launched Underfloor Heating Controller and Electrical Heat Switch expands the product range even further. This means that with just one solution, installers can recommend Wiser for gas boilers,

32 PBM DECEMBER 2021

renewable heat pumps, wet underfloor and electrical heating.

This is something that is going to become increasingly more important as traditional gas boilers are phased out and homeowners begin to invest more heavily in renewable heat sources. By getting familiar with a heating control compatible with these types of products now, even if they are being installed for a gas system, your customers will be in a prime position to make the switch when the time comes.

Mixed systems A smart heating control that is compatible with different heat sources can also offer huge benefits for households where, for example, the downstairs is heated with underfloor heating, whilst the upstairs relies on a traditional gas boiler and radiators. A smart heating system like Wiser can control mixed heat sources from a single app.

Not only does this simplify the job for the heating engineer, making installation and commissioning easier, but it also enables installers to offer their customers a seamless and simplified user experience when it comes to managing their heating.

Optimising efficiency Whilst many smart controls have been designed to enhance the efficiency of

traditional gas heating systems, for households where renewable heat sources are installed, it can be just as important to optimise the efficiency of the system. This is particularly crucial when it comes to heat pump installations.

In order to achieve the same comfort levels that customers are used to from a gas heating system, any control being installed alongside a heat pump should feature OpenTherm, which can be found in smart controls like Wiser.

These open protocols allow the smart control and heating system to communicate with

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Home comforts

each other to modulate temperature flow, helping to ensure comfort is maximised whilst optimising energy usage.

A smart heating control should also enable installers to offer the same efficiency benefits and insights to every customer, no matter the type of system. For example, the smart modes found on the Wiser Home app can be utilised regardless of whether the smart control is fitted to a system that relies on a gas boiler, incorporates underfloor heating, or works with an electric heat source.

By giving their customers access to features such as Eco Mode, which combines optimum stop and weather compensation to

■ The new Wiser Underfloor Heating Controller is modular in design and can be integrated into all heating systems and configurations. Not only does the controller offer both heating and cooling functions, but it also offers the flexibility for zoning. Up to three controllers can be added to the system, each of which can control up to six zones, which can be operated on separate schedules when paired with a room thermostat.

The Wiser Electrical Heat Switch, meanwhile, has a 16A relay for electrical heating and — because it is hard wired — can act as a range extender for the Wiser Home system. Also set up easily through the Wiser Home app, the switch is compatible with electric radiators and towel rails, electrical underfloor heating, plinth heaters and infrared panel heaters.

These two new additions are part of Wiser’s development into a full smart and sustainable home system and, as part of this transition, the Wiser app has now been renamed Wiser Home.

adapt heating schedules according to changing weather conditions, installers can help their customers make additional energy savings of up to 7% and reduce their energy bills further. Meanwhile, activating Away Mode can contribute to savings of up to 24%.

So, whether installers are already working across different heat sources or are planning to up-skill to incorporate new technologies

in the future, it’s never too early to help familiarise them with the heating controls available on the market that will support any job they’re working on.

■ For more information on

Drayton’s range of heating controls, including Wiser, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac010

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PLUMBING & HEATING IRSAP GROUP SUPPLIES4HEAT WEBSITE Supplies4Heat has relaunched its website to make it “easier than ever” for those in the trade to access the information they need to specify radiators or towel rails for any project or space. The new site allows users to search for radiators and towel rails based on different criteria such as material, style, horizontal or vertical models, as well as column depth and colour.

To aid the selection process, information for each radiator is provided so that installers can quickly identify key specs, delivery timings and locate local merchant and showroom stockists. The website also includes the company’s BTU calculator, several video guides and its most recent range brochure which is available to download, or order a copy for delivery free of charge.

■ For more information, enter the shortcode

www.rdr.link/mac011

NAVIEN GAS BOILERS

Navien’s range of NCB condensing gas boilers comprises four Combi and four System models, with outputs from 20 to 40kW, and the A-rated boilers are said to deliver “outstanding” ErP efficiencies from a standalone unit. Each unit is described as being easy to handle for a “simple, fast and cost-effective installation” whilst the range is also OpenTherm ready, allowing for instant access to the latest heating control technology.

Every Navien NCB gas boiler boasts a stainless steel heat exchanger and digital display panel, with 40kW models benefiting from a turndown ratio of 10:1. These quiet running units use 60/100mm plastic flues and are supplied with a free LPG conversion kit. Flue length capabilities of up to 21m are available, allowing for flexible installation.

■ Use www.rdr.link/mac012 to find out more.

VIESSMANN PURE HYDROGEN BOILERS Viessmann has shared further details of its 100% H2-ready boiler programme. With prototypes currently undergoing endurance testing and deployment in actual heating systems at the company’s HQ in Allendorf (Eder) in Germany, the boiler is based on Viessmann’s proven, series-produced natural gas-condensing Vitodens boiler, adapted for operation with pure hydrogen.

The main modifications include the adaptation of the burner and development of the combustion, flame monitoring and control system whilst the first boilers will be installed in early 2023 as part of the SmartQuart hydrogen grid project in Kaisersech, Germany.

■ Enter www.rdr.link/mac013 for further details.

WORCESTER BOSCH SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN With three million inefficient boilers currently installed in UK homes, and with various options available to replace them with future-proofed technologies, the Worcester Bosch Green Heating Heroes initiative has been designed to give installers and their customers “the tools to live more sustainably at home”.

Launched in November, a new dedicated page on the firm’s website features tips, FAQs and mythbusters that will help the installer navigate their way through conversations with the homeowner, ensuring they are “equipped with the right information to confidently talk about sustainability”.

The campaign also features supporting TV advertising to raise awareness of the manufacturer’s green technologies in addition to an ‘installer pack’ to provide homeowners with further information.

■ More information is available via www.rdr.link/mac014

34 PBM DECEMBER 2021

VOGUE UK EE005 REMOTE CONTROL ELEMENT Vogue has launched the new EE005 Remoter Control Element for use across its range of electric and dual fuel towel warmers, making each model in the collection 100% Eco Design compliant.

The new control element has been designed so homeowners can enjoy the full benefits of remote temperature control while ensuring the “utmost energy efficiency is being achieved in their bathroom”. The device features NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) technology and a built-in window/door recognition that monitors fluctuations in air temperature so that heat output is adjusted according to the environment, allowing users to remotely control the surface temperature of their Vogue towel warmer for optimum functionality.

■ To discover more, enter

www.rdr.link/mac015

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TIMBER & JOINERY

Something’s Gotta Give Where is demand for timber likely to go in 2022, and will supply finally start to match up?

PBM spoke with Timber Development UK — the new name for the Timber Trade Federation following its merger with TRADA — to find out.

T

he jazz singer Sammy Davis Jr. had an early hit with ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ and whilst timber traders are never likely to make it into the Charts, both suppliers and customers in the merchant sector are starting to echo the sentiments in the song title.

After two pandemic-driven years of exceptionally unusual market conditions, is the timber and wood products supply situation likely to change any time soon?

Timber Development UK’s recent market statement showed that timber imports were around 8% up on pre-pandemic 2019.

Figures recently released showed that between January and July this year, import volumes in four individual months had exceeded the 1 million m3 mark — and the last time this happened was in the record year of 2007.

Timber is certainly arriving in the UK but the current port congestion, warehouse space shortage and lack of HGV drivers are hampering the ability to get wood products out to customers. Indeed, UK plc’s ability to recruit younger staff to fill vacancies is partly down to the age demographic — a study from the Centre for Ageing Better

reveals over a third of Britain’s workforce are aged over 50, and thus less likely to take up demanding careers in haulage or construction.

However, if import volumes are gradually beginning to rectify themselves, how are experts viewing forward demand for 2022?

October’s Housing Market Intelligence conference revealed that, though the economy may be slowing slightly in the face of labour shortages — felt particularly in construction and haulage — the general strength of demand is unlikely to diminish.

Similarly, industry analysts Glenigan believe private housing starts may grow by 11% in 2022, and be back at 2017 levels a year later. Housebuilders are reported to have strong forward order books and believe the pandemic is driving demand for newbuild, out-of-town housing. This will in turn impact demand in 2022 for softwood-based timber products such as carcassing, roofing

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batten and sheet materials.

T&G chipboard flooring is already reported to be in particularly short supply.

So while Timber Development UK foresees a possible correction in the markets at some point when demand and supply return to more normal balances, strong demand will keep up pressure over the short to medium term.

In terms of hardwoods, to which merchants have increasingly been turning in

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TIMBER & JOINERY

“While Timber Development UK foresees a possible correction in the markets at some point when demand and supply return to more normal balances, strong demand will keep up pressure over the short to medium term.” the face of softwood shortages this year, European, North American and African hardwoods are all seeing increasing demand, though the supply of North American and now some African hardwoods is described by commentators as “difficult”.

Nick Boulton, Head of Technical and Trade at Timber Development UK, comments: “We have seen more temperate hardwoods arriving from the Baltic States and higher volumes of Oak coming from the

USA, Canada, Italy, Poland and Spain but Oak imports are still below average. Europe and the USA are encountering the same logistics issues as Britain, and the high cost of container freight from other areas such as South East Asia are still causing problems.”

Reflecting on the many intertwining strands likely to contribute to 2022’s timber market conditions, Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW Timber — one of the country’s largest suppliers to the merchant sector — said: “It

is incredibly difficult to forecast how the market will perform in 2022. There are many influencing factors that can dramatically affect both demand and supply situations very quickly. As we have seen in 2019/20, the timber market is truly a global one and the demand situation in other markets can have a significant impact on the UK situation almost overnight.

“In the UK, there is still a very strong housing market which will drive demand not only for construction grade material but also for fencing and landscaping products. With that in mind, underlying demand for 2022 seems positive. It is difficult to predict how the DIY/Retail sectors will perform next year, but the change in working practices which will see more people working from home could potentially further stimulate the already busy RMI market, as people seek to extend or renovate their homes to create additional homeworking spaces.”

Tony continued: “From our perspective, the acquisition of BSW by Binderholz is very exciting and will allow BSW to provide a wider basket of products to the merchants and gives access to engineered wood products that are increasing in demand, as the architectural community embraces the positive impact of building with timber in ever wider and more complex designs.”

In addition, demand for timber could further increase if the retrofit campaign currently being led by the Federation of Master Builders intensifies in 2022.

And as Sammy Davis Jr. once said: “You only have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.” However, timber suppliers and merchants are committed to maintaining high levels of customer service, whatever life may throw at us. And through working together co-operatively to navigate the pandemic and now the ongoing supply chain difficulties, Timber Development UK concludes by asserting “we’ve learned that we need have no fear over what lies ahead in 2022.”

■ For more merchant-specific

information from Timber Development UK, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac016

36 PBM DECEMBER 2021

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TIMBER & JOINERY

Simon Woods, European Sales, Marketing & Logistics Director at West Fraser, offers his perspectives on the current state of the timber and wood-based panel product market.

Keeping pace with demand

T

he timber-related market has seen some incredible activity over the last 18 months and it looks set to stay for the next few months. Indeed, we have seen prices of all timber products rocket due to very high demand and limited extra capacity on the manufacturing side of the equation.

From a wood-based panels perspective, West Fraser — previously known as Norbord — has seen demand rise across the whole of our European business and across all of our products (OSB, MDF, PB & kitchen cabinets) with very little extra capacity available to release the pressure.

Furthermore, builders’ merchants have seen high levels of demand from their customers and the whole supply chain has been stressed to levels not seen for a long time — if ever.

Our business is driven by the construction sector and, therefore, very heavily linked with the builders’ merchant channel. Our supply teams have worked

38 PBM DECEMBER 2021

hard to deliver the absolute maximum volume possible over the past months to try to keep this channel supplied.

Moreover, lots of new potential customers have “appeared” as the market has been so good — which is normal for an extremely buoyant market. However, we have declined these opportunities in order to ensure that we maintain the best possible supply to our current customer base.

It is interesting to see where the whole market demand is driven from — we are seeing housebuilder demand, local tradesman demand and even DIY “room in the garden” demand; all at the highest levels for a long time. Being locked at home for months has clearly made us all reassess how we live and home improvements have evidently climbed the ladder of importance for many.

Couple that with the c£50bn spent each year on foreign holidays that has largely been left unspent, and we have ended up with very high demand of most building materials

resulting in high unsatisfied orders throughout the supply chain.

Our production sites have been manufacturing at capacity levels throughout most of the pandemic; we had to close them at the beginning of the Covid crisis due to an

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almost total shutdown of construction but have been open since. Our Inverness mill, which produces OSB, has been ramping up following the c£250m investment we made from 2016 to 2020. It is already one of the largest in Europe and will continue to improve its output for the next few years, serving the UK builders’ merchant sector with SterlingOSB Zero.

In addition, as the world becomes more and more aware of the effect we have on the planet, it is important for the construction industry to realise how it affects the world in ways it doesn’t intend to. At West Fraser, our products are net carbon negative. This means that we lock up more carbon in the products than we emit in the end-to-end production and distribution of them (delivery to our customers’ gates).

Attaining net carbon negativity, as we have done, is a significant step and

demonstrates the company’s determination to be a market leader in sustainable, climate-friendly products. As wood is the main component of West Fraser’s products, carbon is sequestered and locked up for the board’s lifetime. Particleboard products have the added advantage of containing 70-80% post-consumer recycled wood; this is also used in OSB. As a result, the company’s four European sites and three product ranges sequester a total of 1.18 million tonnes of CO2e per year, equivalent to the CO2 from 200,265 homes’ electricity. West Fraser’s net carbon negative status benefits specifiers and users of the company’s engineered wood panel products — when used in construction, these products can help tip a project’s carbon count in the right direction assisting companies to meet net zero targets, which is good for reputation, compliance and the planet.

Finally at West Fraser, we have been going through some change by integrating two businesses together. West Fraser is a leading diversified wood products company in North America and now has the whole of Norbord under its portfolio.

We are moving towards being one total business. However, there is lots to do from branding, to legal entity and everything in-between.

The market has started to see us transfer our branding to West Fraser and, over time, we will gradually move to be 100% West Fraser. We will keep you informed as this big project continues.

■ For more information on West

Fraser’s products and support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac017

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TIMBER & JOINERY

Crisis management Recognising that the UK must build more homes, more quickly all while reducing carbon emissions, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries has launched a new report that aims to provide solutions to the UK’s housing and climate crises.

David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries

T

he APPG for the Timber Industries’ report, titled ‘How the timber industries can help solve the housing crisis’, calls on the Government to support the use of wood in construction through policy and procurement, as well as introducing legislation to regulate embodied carbon — starting with mandatory, standardised carbon measurement on all government projects.

Launched on 16 September at the inaugural general meeting for the APPG, the report makes a series of key recommendations devised to help the Government reach its target of building 300,000 more homes per year, while also significantly boosting the trajectory towards net zero carbon.

Crucially, the recommendations call for a new focus on whole life carbon emissions within the Building Regulations and the introduction of thresholds for embodied carbon within construction.

The report urges the Government to give preference to low carbon materials and

building solutions for all government projects, pointing to the economic benefits that scaling up the timber and forestry industries would bring. Calls are also made in the report for a more joined-up approach to working with the timber industry to develop an industrial strategy that can align with government policy.

Finally, the report highlights that while the Government has — quite rightly — made building safety a top priority in the wake of the Grenfell fire, the “regulations around combustible materials have not always reflected the realities of safe construction using timber”. A fundamental differentiation, it says, must be made between cladding and structural elements, and the report points towards an evidence-based approach to safety regulations.

David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome, and Chair of the APPG, commented: “We are at a vital junction, where the imperative to build more homes is converging with the urgent need to reduce carbon across all of our markets. Now is the time to put forward policies that will enable us to build a more productive and low-carbon housing sector.

“By levelling-up the existing timber and forestry supply chain, and making greater use of modern methods of construction, we can deliver more quality homes — and we can do this sustainably and at pace.”

Over the next Parliamentary session, the APPG for the Timber Industries will undertake a programme of activity to enable the timber sector to work with Parliamentarians to raise awareness of the vital contribution that it makes to the UK economy and UK trade. It will also focus on

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the importance of the timber industries achieving net zero 2050 and the opportunities which exist to support sustainable timber construction in the UK. Reporting in to the APPG, The Confederation of Timber Industries is an umbrella organisation which represents the UK’s timber supply chain. Member associations of the CTI include the Structural Timber Association, Timber Trade Federation, Trussed Rafter Association and Wood Protection Association.

■ For more information and to

download the report ‘How the timber industries can help solve the housing crisis’, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac018

PBM DECEMBER 2021 41

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TIMBER & JOINERY MEDITE MDF RANGE Due to its continuing success since its launch, Medite is extending its ‘Medite Makes It Real’ campaign which showcases the company’s range of ten different categories of MDF products, with over 400 possible specifications. For example, for use in kitchens, Medite MR can be used to “ensure humidity from steam is never an issue”. Similarly, if flame retardant panel products are required, Medite Premier FR is described as “the MDF with built in, integral flame retardance”.

The campaign is targeting trade professionals and offers them ‘exclusive content’ on the industry and new product developments via a bespoke website, the opportunity to win through monthly prize draws, a ‘professional network’ to share projects and a stockist locator to find their nearest merchant.

■ For more information on Medite MDF, enter the shortcode

www.rdr.link/mac019

TRADE FABRICATION SYSTEMS ACOUSTIC PANELLING

LATHAMS CARBON CALCULATOR James Latham has released a ‘carbon calculator’ tool, designed to direct customers towards more sustainable products. Built in partnership with the BioComposites Department at the University of Bangor, it is based upon detailed research into the embodied and biogenic carbon impacts of the products that the company supplies.

The calculator covers just over 70% of the total Lathams range and focuses on timber products. In time, it will also incorporate the firm’s composite materials that were out of scope for the first phase.

Environmental Manager Ewa Bazydlo said: “Reducing the environmental impact of our buildings is one of the key issues of our time. However, the understanding around sustainability is not consistent across the industry. We’ve developed the calculator to help our customers to better understand the sustainability of the materials they choose as well as the expected performance levels that they offer.”

Lathams will be adding the carbon data to all invoices, delivery notes, and other key documentation to increase visibility around this issue.

Trade Fabrication Systems (TFS) has expanded its service offering to provide B2B partners with an off-site solution for acoustic panelling. Said to save time and add value throughout the supply chain, “significant investment” in machining capabilities has enabled TFS to launch this new off-site finishing process which delivers “aesthetically driven, acoustic panelling for sound absorption applications”.

B2B partners can supply TFS with veneered MDF or plywood panels which are then fully processed at its Warrington base to include cutting to size, machining, drilling or routing. The panels are then factory finished with UV lacquer, paints or stains and finished on the reverse with acoustic fleece or matting.

Where fire protection is required, TFS can also apply factory apply Euro Class B fire retardant treatments, including ProStructFR and Noburn FR, to the acoustic panels.

■ Use the shortcode

www.rdr.link/mac021 for more on TFS and its processing solutions.

■ Find out more about the James Latham carbon calculator

concept via www.rdr.link/mac020

42 PBM DECEMBER 2021

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W.HOWARD GROUP BESPOKE PROFILE OPTIONS W.Howard Group has installed an advanced 3D printer in its new head office at Glazebury, Warrington meaning that customers can now create bespoke profiles of any skirting, architrave, window board, door lining or any other MDF product. The printer can be used to make complex 3D templates of any shape or size, allowing them to “see, touch and feel any unique profile concept at an early design stage” to make sure they’re completely happy with it before making a purchase.

The 3D template is created from a digital file, laying down extremely thin layers of additive on top of each other until the object is complete. This technology means the firm can create a physical model of any profile “faster and using less materials than traditional template manufacturing methods” which are then said to make the process better for the environment, cheaper and more convenient for customers.

■ Click www.rdr.link/mac022 for further information.

INTERNATIONAL TIMBER SUSTAINABLE LARCH Environmentally-friendly larch with an innovative wood protection treatment has helped husband and wife Dan and Nina Rowland build their sustainable, three-storey dream home in Chichester in a project featured on a recent episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. The waterside retreat comprises nearly 1,000 metres of decking and over 6,400 metres of cladding into the build, with SiOO-X wood protection treatment to give the timber a long life and natural surface with even colouration.

Dan, an architect and Nina, an interior designer purchased the plot over two years ago, comprising the original 1930s house and a stagnant pond, and set about creating a contemporary home that combines nature with eco-friendly design. Initial requirements had been for machine or sawn finished timber, but the cladding and decking team at International Timber advised a textured finished, which allows the grain of the timber to be showcased to best effect, while retaining a smooth service.

■ For further information about sustainable larch

from International Timber, use www.rdr.link/mac023

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FREE TO TH E TR ADE

Professional PLUMBING ■ ROOFING BUILDING ■ FLOOR ING ■ AND DECOR ATING ■ ■ CARPE NTRY ■ PAINTI NG DECEMBER 2021

FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

INTERIOR REFURBISHMENT

THE INSIDE STORY!

WORKING IN WINTER

KEEPING THE ELEMENTS AT BAY!

FOR SEE INSIDE WINNERS! THIS YEAR’S

Campaign news

ional Profess

TOP PRODUCT AWARD 2021 A PROTECTIVE FILM BOARD IS COVERED WITH AS THE HIGH QUALITY FLOORING CAN THROW AT IT. IT’S ALL HANDS ON CABERDEK GREAT BRITISH WEATHER TO REPEL EVERYTHING THE

What makes BoostR Hybrid Roof unlike any other breather membrane? It’s cleaner, with less waste and environmental impact.

It’s leaner, saving space and project costs. Its self-adhesive lap makes installation quick and easy. And it’s thermal performance?

Simply roof-raising. Used on its own, or with the rest of the Hybrid range, BoostR Hybrid Roof is the future of insulation.

British Gypsum Building Better Certainty

Perhaps riffing on the Government’s ‘Build Back Better’ mantra, British Gypsum is highlighting its 100+ year heritage of supplying trusted solutions for the construction sector. The company says that as the industry faces greater scrutiny over how buildings are designed and built, it will continue to provide ‘complete transparency, technical accuracy (and) certainty’ via measures like its renowned White Book.

To discover more, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac024

Wera Tools Impaktor

It’s time to make the change. ;V Ä UK V\[ TVYL ]PZP[ insulation-actis.com VY JHSS 01249 462888

Knauf Insulation KinetiK app

Featuring the firm’s Supafil insulation and little else but a prominent QR code, Knauf is urging PB readers to “Scan for your secret weapon” — its new KinetiK installation tracking app, which “creates a reliable record of a job well done”.

Currently exclusively available to its Supafil Approved Installers, the app is part of the company’s drive to improve standards and transparency by creating a full digital record of the products used on a job.

Stating that “Today, installation evidence is a valuable point of difference. Tomorrow it will be essential”, Knauf says the app will allow its installers to get ahead of the digital data curve.

Use www.rdr.link/mac025 to discover more about the new service.

As well as drilling down into the ‘unrivalled performance’ of its TriTorsion Impaktor System drill bit and holder, Wera is showcasing a current promotion in which tradespeople can benefit from a ‘Bit-Box plus holder Bundle’.

For a limited time only, from participating stockists, the trade can buy a Bit-Box 15 Impaktor PZ 2 and get an Impaktor Stainless Steel Bit-Holder ‘absolutely free’.

For details, use www.rdr.link/mac027

44 PBM DECEMBER 2021

Actis BoostR Hybrid Roof

Combined with the info in a related advertorial, Actis states that its BoostR Hybrid Roof insulating breather membrane will ensure less waste, save space and offer a quick and easy installation. With ‘roof-raising’ thermal performance, the company says that “used on its own or with the rest of the Hybrid range”, it is “time to make the change… to the future of insulation.”

Find out more via www.rdr.link/mac026

Mascot Workwear Tested to work

Cutting straight to the chase by outlining the waterproof, lightweight, comfortable and durable properties of its workwear range, this ad from Mascot says it is a “quick, easy and quality-conscious choice” for the trade to purchase its products.

Enter www.rdr.link/mac028 for full details on the range.

WATER REPELLENT TO STAY DRY

ULTIMATE COMFORT

LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE

MASCOT® WORKWEAR

$ quick, easy and quality conscious choice www.mascotwebshop.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2021

Professional Builder and Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer magazines continued to engage with professional tradespeople across the nation throughout the pandemic, increasing their digital reach when the trade counters were closed.

As restrictions end, and demand for work continues to be high, PBM looks at some of the advertising campaigns to feature in the latest issues as active suppliers seek to influence the buying decisions of approaching 200,000 trade professionals at merchant branches each month.

NEWS REPORT REACTIONS TO THE LAUNCH OF THE BOILER UPGRADE SCHEME

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT THE LATEST

TOOLS, WORKWE AR AND VEHICLES

DOMESTIC HEATING & CONTROLS

THE BENEFITS OF ‘SMART’ SOLUTIONS

VISIT PHPIONLINE.CO.UK FOR REGULAR UPDATES

AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

Baxi Cashback promotion

Be the change

Install and register three Baxi 600/Baxi 800/Platinum+ boilers at baxiworks.co.uk and earn £300 cashback* Promotion is capped at six boilers.

Follow us

*Promotion applies to any Baxi 600, 800 and Platinum+ boilers installed and registered on Baxi Works between 11/10/2021 - 31/01/2022.

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The The time for for change is now now The low-carbon movement is gaining momentum. With the announcement of the government ’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme off ffeering homeowners £5000 towards a heat pump from April 2022, demand for heat pumps will be higher than ever.

Until then, the RHI continues to off ffeer funding to incentivise the move away from fossil fuels towards renewable heat. And at Daikin, until April 2022, we are off ffeering homeowners an extra £500 boiler scrappage cashback when they switch their old oil, LPG or solid fuel boiler for a Daik in heat pump.

So get ready for rapid growth in the renewable heat market, by joining our Sustainable Home Network of trusted heat pump installers. You’ll receive free training, marketing suppor t and sales leads too.

There’s never been a better time for change.

So if you have the energy for change, and want to find out more about our Sustainable Home Network, visit w ww.energyforchange.com www.energyforchange.com

Daikin Be the change

Terms and conditions apply. See www.baxi.co.uk for details.

Keston Twin flue technology

This ad from the Ideal Heating brand quickly gets straight to the point — the units are British Built, whilst customers can earn loyalty points on every installation.

Head to www.rdr.link/mac031 for details on the company’s full range.

As this advert from Daikin attests, “the low carbon movement is gaining momentum…” Referencing the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme which offers homeowners £5,000 towards a heat pump from April 2022, the company flags up the RHI and its own current discount offer to help facilitate the “move away from fossil fuels towards renewable heat”.

The ad also promotes the company’s Sustainable Home Network of trained and trusted heat pump installers as the market is set to benefit from “rapid growth”.

Visit www.rdr.link/mac029 for more information.

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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Running until the end of January, Baxi’s latest promotion will see installers receive up to £300 cashback for fitting and registering three Baxi 600, 800 and Platinum+ boilers via the Baxi Works customer loyalty programme.

Further information awaits via www.rdr.link/mac030

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12/2020. 7 y year ear w warranty arranty only a available vailable on K Keston eston C Combi ombi and S System ystem boilers, up tto o5y year ear w warranty arranty on K Keston eston Hea Heatt 2 boilers. T Terms erms and c conditions onditions apply apply..

Monarch Battery Operated Water Softener

Powered by a single long life 9V lithium battery, no power point is required for the Ultra HE Twin Tank Duplex Series from Monarch.

Installation is further simplified thanks to reversible connections, whilst the unit is described as offering a sustainable solution by using up to 32% less water and 13% less salt per annum than previous models.

Find out more by entering the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac032

PBM DECEMBER 2021 45

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MARKETING SUPPORT

Mission completed

W

ith participation in traditional onsite training methods sometimes held back by common issues such as time and travel restrictions, the free and online Keylite Academy was created with merchants in mind. The supplier aimed to further increase uptake of the training package through its recent ‘Mission’ initiative — launched back in the early part of the summer, the programme has seen more than 70 merchant groups involved and approximately 670 ‘special agents’ taking part.

The ‘mission’ was to complete each of the nine modules in the Keylite Academy and

become a Keylite Special Agent. Once their mission is deemed successful, participants were entered into an overall and monthly prize draw to win special agent-themed prizes such as a supercar weekend break and driving experience, a virtual cocktail event, Oculus VR Headsets and Apple Air Pods.

Through the Academy, merchants are said to be able to gain a deeper understanding and exclusive insight into Keylite’s award-winning products and services to provide them with the extra support for speaking to customers about its range, all in the name of boosting sales. And over the duration of the Special

Keylite Roof Windows is reflecting on the success of its Mission: Keylite promotion which has seen merchant sales increase by 7.7% since the campaign started earlier this year.

Agent campaign, the supplier says that merchant sales increased by 7.7%.

Participant Simon Vann, Assistant Branch Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies, said: “The modules were very well set out and have given me a clearer understanding of the key selling points and benefits that Keylite’s roof windows have. I look forward to seeing the next modules!”

■ For more information on

Keylite’s training and product promotions, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac033

On the road Sealants and adhesives specialist HB42 has launched the ‘Ultimate Roadshow’ with the centrepiece of the campaign being a new eye-catching trailer stocked full of HB42 products, information and goodies.

T

he trailer is designed to fit into merchant yards and car parks, and the firm states it is ready to welcome merchants and their customers inside to see for themselves just how effective the HB42 Ultimate range of products are.

Reflecting on the restrictions enforced by the pandemic, Scarlet McAleese-Banks, CoManaging Director of HB42, said: “It has been tough not getting out and seeing the trade face to face over the last 18 months, so

46 PBM DECEMBER 2021

it’s great to be getting back to product demonstrations. Our experts will be on hand to give hints and tips and practical information which will help our customers and counter staff understand the breadth and flexibility of our range.”

The HB42 range was launched in 2013 to meet increased demand from builders’, plumbers’ and decorators’ merchants to supply a “high-end trade brand of sealants with clear branding and sensible pricing that

offered merchants good margins”. The ‘Ultimate’ product range includes sealant and adhesives, silicone, fillers, solvents, glues and decorator’s caulk. The company was also one of the first to launch its Ultimate Sealant and Adhesive in the sustainable Eco Foils.

■ For more details and to

register an interest in hosting the HB42 Trailer, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac034

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UAP ‘ESSENTIAL’ HARDWARE RANGE

UAP has refreshed its Intelligent Hardware ‘Essential Range’ with new products, packaging and graphics to help builders’ merchants benefit from increased pick and go sales. Available with a compact, flat-packed and easy to assemble point of sale (POS) display to help entice customers to buy, the range includes over 100 products across internal door hardware, external door hardware and window safety.

All items are clearly branded and labelled, with eye-catching graphics for ease of identification and blister packaging for ease of display and robust protection of the product. The free-standing, metal POS unit has been specially designed to neatly display the extended range, enticing impulse buyers and making it quick and easy for customers to select the right items.

BAXI PRIZE DROP Baxi’s prize drop promotion is underway, providing installers with a chance to win fantastic prizes during the colder months. The winter campaign rewards members of the Baxi Works loyalty programme through weekly prize draws, offering Apple products, John Lewis Gift Cards, a Nintendo Switch and more besides to customers who register and install Baxi 600, 800 or Platinum+ boilers during the promo period.

The manufacturer also has a separate cashback promotion for those completing multiple installations of the boilers, which runs until the end of January,

KNAUF UK & IRELAND RECYCLED PLASTIC PACKAGING As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Knauf UK & Ireland is making the move to more environmentallyfriendly packaging which will contain at least 30% recycled plastics and is often also recyclable at the end of its life so the circle can be continued as indicated through the use of ‘easy to recognise’ logos.

Greenhouse gas emissions are associated with single-use plastics, and the National Geography Society estimates that more than 40% of plastic is used just once and that there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. Whilst there will be some small changes to the appearance of the packaging, the product itself will remain unchanged.

SAINT-GOBAIN WEBER FIND A STOCKIST TOOL With continuing high demand increasing time pressures, Weber has relaunched its online “find a stockist” tool to make it quicker and easier for builders to source the products they need. A new geolocate function has been added to help them to find merchants nearest to their current location, as well as information on the types of products available, opening hours and contact details for the store.

The firm says that visits to the webpage have risen six-fold over the past four years, and with work “only set to increase post-lockdown, it’s more important than ever for professionals to access the products they need with ease”.

SIKA EVERBUILD NEW LOOK WEBSITE Sika Everbuild has relaunched its website with a fresh new look and user-friendly design to support merchants and trade alike. The site’s online ordering tool, which remains exclusively available to Sika Everbuild’s merchant customers, has been simplified to make the ordering process even more efficient whilst the ordering system now includes a live, stockavailability checker which allows merchants to see which products are in stock in real time.

As well as a contemporary new style, the new-look website also features a ‘Resource Hub’ with a wealth of product information including datasheets, brochures and ‘how to’ videos all in one place. In addition, a dedicated Roadshows page highlights upcoming dates alongside a simple sign-up tool for merchants to register their interest in hosting a future event.

n For more examples of supplier support for merchants on the PBM website, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mac035

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES ERA INTERNAL DOOR HANDLES In a move said to meet the increasing demand for modern hardware and offer an easy-sell opportunity for stockists, ERA has launched its first range of internal door handles. Created to ensure broad appeal, the new range comprises six “beautifully crafted handles” which are each “distinctively different in design and carefully hand-picked” to complement all types of interiors.

Available in a choice of four finishes, including Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Polished Nickel, the durable surfaces are said to require minimal maintenance and the handles are suitable for installation on all types of standard internal timber doors that have a thickness of 34 - 44mm.

RESAPOL VANDEX BB 75 Exclusively available from Resapol, Vandex BB 75 is a cementitious, efflorescence-free waterproof tanking slurry billed as having “excellent hydrophobic properties”.

Manufactured specifically for concrete and masonry, BB 75 is said to ensure excellent results when waterproofing basements, walls and floors in a diverse range of applications from underground car parks to retaining walls and fishponds.

Once cured, the BBA-approved product can be employed against both passive and active water pressures up to 7 bar and is approved for use in contact with potable water. Described as durable, and resistant to frost and heat once set — while still remaining vapour permeable — the product is available in 25kg bags in both grey and white.

RONJACK NEW RANGES

RED STAG MATERIALS EZ STREET

As showcased at UK Construction Week recently, Ronjack has expanded its range with the launch of its own brand ‘Neular’ decking, cladding and garden rooms alongside the latest ‘Proshield’ composite decking and cladding solutions from Oakio.

MD Katie Morley said: “The show was a great success. Being able to speak to merchants direct was great and we could demonstrate how our new products can help them sell more. Garden rooms drew in a lot of interest, and they are the latest product in our own brand range. Visitors liked the easy assembly benefit as they can be built in half a day and offer a versatile solution for outdoor living and working projects.

“Neular decking and fencing is 100% recycled and recyclable, made up of plastic that has been removed from the ocean, or plastic that would otherwise end up in landfill.”

While traditional surface repairs have been achieved through the application of hot mix asphalt — which has to be kept heated at 180° — EZ Street is a polymer-modified cold asphalt, meaning that not only does it remove the need for heat and ensures repairs can be carried out quicker, but it also helps operators reduce costs and the level of associated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Red Stag Materials has now confirmed the EZ Street asphalt road repair product has been certified carbon-neutral. This, it says, will help highways agencies and local authorities in reaching their own climate change targets, paving the way to a cleaner process for repairing Britain’s pothole-ridden roads network.

VIRTUAL WORLDS FIBO LISTING Embracing the trend for wall panelling in the bathroom and enabling more stockists to include the tile alternative in their designs, Virtual Worlds has welcomed Fibo on board with its comprehensive catalogue now available on the software.

The supplier produces panels for over 100,000 bathrooms a year with products including its best-selling Urban collection, featuring contemporary Herringbone, Hexagonal and Metro Brick designs.

Fibo’s Marketing Manager Rachel Oddy said: “We understand the importance of retailers being able to showcase solutions in a 3D environment to help their customers physically visualise their dream bathroom designs, which will hopefully lead to a sale. As such, we are delighted to have partnered with Virtual Worlds; we hope that our catalogue of products now available on the software will help retailers to present our solutions in the positive light they deserve.”

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ILLBRUCK FA880 Developed specifically for the jointing of natural stone whilst being suitable for other surfaces as well, illbruck FA880 is said to help the trade achieve great looking joints without any compromise on design. The neutral curing silicone comes with the reassurance of an illbruck guarantee that it will not cause migratory staining to natural stone, whilst the product is available in an extensive range of colours to achieve a “perfect match” for projects.

Producing a contemporary matt finish, to maintain its attractive surface FA880 also includes a fungicide to prevent mould growth. The product is said to offer good resistance to UV light, ageing and weathering whilst its rapid curing formulation means that it skins within 10-20 minutes.

RAK CERAMICS RAK-SORRENTO Billed as “turning the finishing touch into a focal point of the bathroom”, RAK-Sorrento is described as a brassware collection that offers a solution for every installation. Available in four finishes — Polished Chrome, Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel and Matt Black — to meet a variety of design requirements, this latest brassware range features a long body and spout combined with single lever control for a modern twist.

The basin mixers are available in three sizes, with a wallmounted basin mixer also included in the range. For the bath, choices include deck-mounted, exposed and freestanding options whilst for the shower a choice of thermostatic valves can “complete the streamlined look”.

MAKITA UK DTW302Z IMPACT WRENCH Makita UK has added further cordless machines to its expanding LXT battery platform, including the new 18V LXT DTW302 Brushless Impact Wrench which features a fresh design on its previous counterparts. Compact, with an overall length of 138mm and 3/8-inch square driving shank, its brushless motor provides high power with a fastening torque of up to 300Nm and maximum nut busting torque of 500Nm. Featuring a variable speed trigger, the tool is designed to provide the user with more control, with 4-stage impact selection to set the appropriate torque for the application at hand. For even greater control and convenience, the tool also features Forward / Reverse function, with 6 modes for customised applications.

SNICKERS WORKWEAR BODY-MAPPING PILE JACKET Described as taking working comfort and layering systems to a whole new level, the Snickers Workwear climate control system includes functional base layers, insulating mid-layers and weatherprotective outer layers.

The new FlexiWork Inverted Pile jacket, for example, is a “warm and versatile” garment that can be used both as a jacket in cooler conditions or a mid-layer when the weather is more inclement. Made of laminated polyester fabric with a furry pile lining for optimal warmth and comfort, it features shaped shoulders for a “great fit and optimum freedom of movement”.

BIRKDALE COMMERCIAL DURAPOST AND HOARDING SYSTEM

Also showcasing its classic DuraPost galvanised steel fence post system, Birkdale used the recent UK Construction Week event to present its new Commercial DuraPost offering and related Hoarding System. Designed for large scale applications, the Commercial variant is available in lengths of up to five metres, and is suitable for industrial fencing projects of up to four metres in height.

Durability tested to EN 1794-1-2018 with wind speeds of up to 90mph, the lightweight system said to be more substantial than traditional concrete or timber posts and possesses a superior strength-to-weight ratio in comparison with other metal alternatives. The Hoarding System, meanwhile, utilises Commercial DuraPost to ensure a “stable yet mobile” fencing solution that can quickly and safely be installed around construction sites.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER NEW PRODUCTS ON THE PBM WEBSITE, ENTER THE SHORTCODE WWW.RDR.LINK/MAC036

www.professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk

PBM DECEMBER 2021 49

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Aanco (UK) Ltd t/a Made For Trade .............................................................................................page 13 Blue Rock Systems Ltd ..............................................................................................................page 31 British Gypsum ...............................................................................................inside front cover, page 17 BSW Timber Ltd ...........................................................................................................................page 8 Buckbootz .................................................................................................................................page 21 Combilift Ltd ...............................................................................................................................page 39 Everbuild Building Products Ltd ...................................................................................................page 24 Kerridge Commercial Systems Ltd ..............................................................................................page 33 Long Rake Spar Co. Ltd ...............................................................................................................page 7 Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd ..............................................................................................................page 37 Price & Pierce Forest Products Ltd ..............................................................................................page 40 Professional Builder Live ...............................................................................................................page 4 Stelrad Radiators ........................................................................................................................page 27 West Fraser ...................................................................................................page 9, outside back cover Wickens Engineering Ltd ............................................................................................................page 43

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With Paul Davies

HAPPY HAMMERS The story of the Premier League so far has undoubtedly been the performance of West Ham who, at the time of writing, sit third in the table following a 3-2 win over Liverpool before the latest International Break. Formerly beleaguered manager David Moyes deserves all the plaudits he’s currently receiving (any regrets, Manchester United…?), as the Hammers have been playing some scintillating football for some time now.

Can their terrific form last? Well, the club’s owners sold the controversial move to the Olympic Stadium on the premise that it would allow the team to challenge for the Champions League and that dream can perhaps now edge even closer to reality following the news that Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has completed the purchase of a 27% stake in the club.

Kretinsky, who also owns Sparta Prague, has the resources to add reinforcements to the squad in January and the League is certainly hard to predict this term… I think the top four will just be beyond the Hammers this season, but another European campaign next year looks a certainty…

HANGING ON THE TELEPHONE A great source of stories for this column is my own FPL League’s WhatsApp Group, populated by a gaggle of miscreants who, to the best of my knowledge, all have jobs and families yet still find the time to unceasingly post links to obscure football trivia and tall tales of the game’s greatest stars.

Just yesterday, apropos of nothing, the League Chairman shared an amazing story about the incomparable George Best involving an Edinburgh hotel, a French Rugby player, an all-night party, Blondie’s Debbie Harry and failing to show up for a fourth round tie in the Scottish Cup… The alleged incident took place in 1979 during the latter days of the Northern Irish’s legend’s playing days at Hibernian, and it was one I’d not heard before. Missing the game caused a furore and he was initially sacked by the club, though the punishment was quickly reduced to a one week suspension…

You can probably fill in the remaining blanks of the narrative yourselves, and who knows how much of it is actually true, but the report’s final line of a quote attributed to Best was a classic: “What would you rather do? Spend the afternoon with her or play Ayr United?”

Once again, to paraphrase perhaps the most famous line relating to the man they called the Belfast Boy: “Mr. Best, where did it all go wrong?”

FIGHT CLUB There’s quite an incredible story brewing in French Women’s football following the arrest of PSG midfielder Aminata Diallo as part of a police investigation into an alleged attack on her teammate Kheira Hamraoui. Reports suggest that Hamraoui was dragged out of her car by two masked men who punched her and hit her legs to “eliminate her in competition for places in the team”.

In a statement, the club said it was working with the authorities “to shed light on the facts” whilst strongly condemning “the violence committed”.

It seems to be early days in the investigation so far, but it certainly puts the infamous ‘Wagatha Christie’ spat between Colleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy into a different light…

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