Professional Builders Merchant May 2023

24 MAKING AN IMPACT

ForgeFix outlines its renewed focus on merchant support, including point of sale, trade counter training, customer service and marketing back-up.

26 A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

ToughBuilt states it is “pioneering a new generation of hand tools and jobsite equipment” including an expansive portfolio of spirit levels.

28 TAKEN TO TASK

PBM considers some of the latest innovations from Festool.

30 PRODUCTS & SERVICES PAINTS & WOODCARE

31 FIT FOR PURPOSE

How Hamilton is looking to build a wider audience with its ‘For the Trade’ range.

32 A STEP AHEAD

Recommending the best equipment for difficult decorating tasks.

34 PROTECT AND PRESERVE

The Barrettine range of wood protection solutions are billed as combining performance with sustainability.

BRICKS, BLOCKS & HARD LANDSCAPING

36 MOVING ON UP

Developments at Talasey and how the business is boosting the ways in which it supports merchants.

38 MIXING IT UP

Stowell Concrete highlights the benefits to merchants of ordering ‘composite loads’ of multiple products.

40 LEVELLING UP AGENDA

The increased popularity of high-quality outdoor floor finishes has boosted demand for exterior floor levelling compounds.

43 UNLOCKING THE BENEFITS

Tarmac explores how suppliers can help drive sustainability throughout the supply chain.

45 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

12 PROFIT FROM STONE

Exploring the forthcoming Natural Stone Show.

20 DRIVING DECARBONISATION

The importance of revised regulations and industry standards to accelerate the critical race to decarbonisation.

Another

Reflecting once again on the ‘Top 20’ merchant supplement that was the centrepiece of PBM’s April edition (use www.rdr.link/mas001 to see some of the extra detail behind the numbers…), and it is striking to consider just how broad the range of services now offered by the merchant sector has become.

Clearly, the core philosophies remain the same — for instance, breaking bulk, the provision of trade accounts, deliveries and logistical support all reinforced by expert, specialist advice — whilst there has historically also been a tendency to define the merchant sector by looking at what it is not. The likes of Screwfix, B&Q TradePoint (and its forebears), the more specialist or niche outlets, digital providers and more were always viewed as ‘something else’…

There may have been some overlap; they may target the same or at least similar customers to an extent, but they emphatically weren’t ‘merchants’ in the way that the industry recognises the term.

Undoubtedly, this remains the case for both specific and, in some instances, rather more intangible reasons. However, what is increasingly clear is that merchant sector businesses have broken free of the constraints that demarcated them just a few short years ago…

Broadly resisted for many years, the Covid pandemic turbocharged the development of ecommerce capabilities for numerous merchants. Similarly, many firms — generalists as well as plumbing & heating specialists — have greatly expanded their kitchens & bathrooms offering, and now boast showrooms that rival specialist retailers.

A full portfolio of doors & windows seemed to present insurmountable difficulties, with an effectively parallel supply chain meeting the needs of the market. Comprehensive tool and plant hire was equally a minority prospect.

Yet the dial has been shifting in recent years, and in the last few months alone we can cite a great number of examples — from our Top 20 and beyond — where hitherto additional extras are becoming standard practice. Elliotts and John A Stephens, for instance, are among the latest names to invest in ecommerce; IBMG is developing at the next phase of its hire platform, and the Bence Group has opened a brand-new Windows & Doors outlet...

Beyond diversifying the product portfolio, a wider ‘business services’ proposition can also be seen in many quarters. In February, we reported on City Plumbing’s introduction of a new digital tool intended to “help housing associations quickly and accurately diagnose heating system faults, identify replacement parts and improve the lives of their tenants through better service.”

Social housing support also hits the headlines in this issue with Travis Perkins Managed Services’ £36m, six-year contract win with the residential Services division

of Lampton Services (a wholly owned subsidiary of the London Borough of Hounslow). In addition, a number of merchants — and the NMBS — are proactively challenging for specification orders by being listed in the latest Procurement for Housing framework for housing associations and local authorities, worth up to £1.42bn over four years.

Returning to Travis Perkins, the business recently introduced a “game-changing initiative” to provide SME housebuilders with access to bespoke funding through an escrow agreement with Close Brothers Property Finance. And we’ve not even touched upon the investment in renewables being made by so many, all intertwined with a mission to upskill installers to support the nation’s drive to improve the energy efficiency standards of both existing and new homes.

Indeed, there is so much more that could be said about the dramatic evolution of the merchant sector. As noted above, the historic foundations of the sector’s role and purpose remain strong, yet in response to changing and often challenging market conditions, the modern merchant is now so much more.

“What is increasingly clear is that merchant sector businesses have broken free of the constraints that demarcated them just a few short years ago…”

NEWS UPDATE

Public sector contract success

Merchant focus

Hallstone, part of the Rolawn group, says it is taking steps to more effectively support the industry with its newly-launched tradeonly offering of topsoil, mulch, wood chippings, compost and turf.

After acquiring the brand in 2010, the group has announced the relaunch in a move designed to shift focus to see Hallstone become a supplier dedicated to the trade, with its products now only available through stockists.

Ken Brewster, Marketing Director for the Rolawn group, said: “We’re looking forward to demonstrating the benefits of Hallstone to stockists and merchants, from the cost and reliability to broader issues that could positively impact their businesses, including our ethical sourcing and manufacturing processes.”

Stockgap rebranding

Stockgap has launched a ‘striking new brand identity’ which is being rolled out in a comprehensive programme including a new logo, packaging, marketing and merchandising materials. The new branding is said to have been designed to reflect the distributor’s continued commitment to merchant customers and is built around two of the company’s pledges — ‘Putting Merchants First’ and ‘Ordered Delivered Done.’

MD Mark Reid said: “We are really excited to launch this sharp new brand identity which expresses the energy and ambitions of the Stockgap proposition to its merchant customers. As a merchant-only business, we are looking forward to the new branding generating specifications and driving increasing sales for all our merchant customers.”

A number of individual merchant businesses, along with the NMBS, have secured spots on a large-scale materials framework for UK housing associations and local authorities, worth up to £1.42bn over four years.

Launched by Procurement for Housing (PfH), the sixth generation of this framework sees a complete restructure with sixteen different lots allowing housing providers to procure plumbing, heating and gas, electrical and building materials, aids and adaptations, through either specialist merchants, managed stores (set up for their sole use) or branch networks.

Featuring Huws Gray, Jewson, NMBS, Travis Perkins, City Plumbing Supplies, UK Plumbing Supplies and Wolseley among others, the framework has a number of regional lots, enabling Scottish and Welsh housing providers to procure from suppliers local to them whilst it also offers self-serve options, so operatives can pick up materials even when branches are closed.

An ‘on-demand’ category enables housing

associations and councils to use merchant branch networks for ad hoc purchases, when needed. Social landlords can also procure a tech platform that allows direct labour organisations (DLOs) and subcontractors to manage van stock, source products locally and have oversight of all spend across the framework.

For a significant proportion of the social housing sector, buying materials for repairs, planned maintenance and retrofit accounts for over half their total spend. More than 450 housing providers used PfH’s previous materials framework.

Judy Ashcroft, Materials Category Manager at PfH, said: “Rising costs and severe shortages have made the last few years pretty turbulent for social landlords procuring materials. The costof-living crisis is compounding this with housing associations and councils seeing a spike both in demand for homes and their own costs.

“More than ever, certainty is needed so the sector can meet tough targets on improving stock, but social landlords also need flexible, forward-thinking ways to source materials and deliver insights so they can manage their spend effectively.”

BMF calls for increased action

The BMF has given a cautious welcome to measures to increase the energy efficiency of UK homes confirmed as part of the government’s net zero and energy security strategy, Powering Up Britain, but states it will still campaign for more to be done through the National Retrofit Strategy.

Now rebranded as The Great British Insulation Scheme, the government’s previously announced ECO+ initiative is set to launch in Summer 2023 and run until March 2026. It will provide £1bn over three years to upgrade 300,000 homes with an energy performance certificate of D or below and in the lower Council Tax bands (A-D in England, and A-E in Scotland and Wales).

BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Of course, we welcome any scheme that aims to help householders with the cost of installing new home insulation. However, this is still a far cry from the benefits that would be afforded by a long-term National Retrofit Strategy to upgrade all 29 million homes in the UK that require improvement to reduce both energy bills and CO2 emissions.

“Government backing for this long-term plan would have the added benefit of creating up to 500,000 skilled jobs and we will continue to campaign for the adoption of the National Retrofit Strategy.”

n Taking place in September, the green light for this year’s Pavestone Rally is fast approaching and the BMF is asking for support for its own intrepid team. BMF Regional Manager Craig Jennings, Learning and Development Manager Kerry Wilson, Business Development Manager Oz Bham and Stacey Lock, IOBM and Events coordinator, are the Federation’s Fab Four, and they will be embarking on the four-day journey from Ghent to Monte Carlo in a car purchased for no more than £500.

The team are looking to raise as much money as they can for Variety, Rainy Day Trust, Crash and The British Heart Foundation, and donations can be made via www.rdr.link/mas002

POLYPIPE ROLLS OUT RECYCLING SCHEME WITH WOLSELEY UK

Recycling roll out

A recycling trial by Polypipe Building Services with Wolseley UK has proved so successful that it is now being rolled out across 11 of the specialist merchant’s branches within the UK. The trial began in three of the specialist merchant’s branches — in Brimsdown, Trafford and West Bromwich — with Polypipe drivers dropping off dedicated empty collapsible pallets to be filled with PVC piping offcuts, obsolete products, plastic packaging, and bulk bags.

The drivers would then pick the full ones up on their next delivery to each branch and since January 2022, the PVC drainage manufacturer has collected more than 2,700 kilos of recycled waste.

Alex Ashton, the supplier’s Environmental & Sustainability Manager, said the newly expanded service was just one of a number of ways the Kent-based firm is working to improve the sustainability of the business and minimise the impact to the environment.

He said: “We had been looking at ways we could help customers with their waste reduction as part of our own measures on site at Aylesford to stop anything going to landfill, and when we approached Wolseley with the idea they jumped at the chance.”

Alex added: “We’ve already had interest in the trial from several of our other distributors as it really is a win-win for them, their customers and our environment, and we have employed two dedicated recycling staff to sort all the different recycling streams.”

Luchiana Laza, Category Manager at Wolseley, said: “When Polypipe Building Services told us about its trial scheme we were delighted, as internally we had been looking at different recycling schemes to support our customers. We have weekly deliveries from Polypipe so the volume of waste which we can now recycle means this scheme also makes good financial sense due to the cost saving on skips.”

Heat pump skills gap

City Plumbing says that its latest research “lays bare” the UK’s heat pump skills gap with only 18% of installers currently installing them and 44% not knowing where to go for training. Commissioned by Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, and conducted by Censuswide, the survey polled installers about their current knowledge of renewable technologies and whether they planned to become certified to install them.

The results show there is significant work to provide installers with all the information they require about the topic, inspire them to seek training, and address their concerns. The government has a target for 600,000 heat

Henshaws join NBG

Founded in 1985 and bought by MD Adrian Shelley four years ago, Greater Manchester-based Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies is looking to take another step forward by joining National Buying Group. Turnover has grown three-fold since Adrian’s takeover and during this time, the business moved from its original Stretford location to a ‘superbranch’ at Trafford Park, opened new premises in Rochdale, and diversified from being solely a roofing merchant.

Phil Bonar, New Partner Development & Recruitment Manager at NBG, said: “Henshaws has already made waves in the Greater Manchester area, and we’re keen to help it continue its upwards trajectory. As an NBG Partner, we’re very confident the company will go from strength to strength, and we appreciate the trust Adrian has placed in us to help take Henshaws to the next level.”

Rainy Day Trust anniversary

The Rainy Day Trust is kicking off a year of fundraising as it celebres its 180th birthday. And the charity, which grew out of two benevolent funds for the industry, says it has been on hand to support vulnerable people in the home improvement sector ever since.

pumps to be installed per year by 2028 in a bid to achieve national Net Zero targets. However, last year the figure was between 60,000 and 70,000 — and installers need more information on how to get involved.

Adam Foy, MD of Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, said: “As an industry we need to make training more accessible. The underlying interest is there — our survey revealed that 49% of installers would consider becoming MCS certified if there was a course available locally. Moreover, when we asked installers if becoming certified would be good for their careers, 82% agreed.”

CEO Bryan Clover said: “The way we have helped people during the last few years hasn’t really changed — vulnerable people who find themselves in difficulty, and often don’t know where to turn. What has changed is the increase in the number of people needing help and the number of businesses who have welcomed us into their premises to talk openly about how we can help.

“It isn’t just about money but also advice.”

To mark the RDT’s special birthday, numerous activities are being planned to raise funds through donations and sponsorships. Bryan added: “We want this year to be the biggest on record, helping as many people as possible.”

MARK ET MONITOR

in association with

“Upbeat picture” emerging

Released in early April, the latest update from the co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability working group — BMF CEO John Newcomb and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association — reveals a more positive assessment of the sector than has been seen in recent months. PBM presents their full statement:

Afairly upbeat picture emerged from this month’s meeting, helped by a better than expected forecast from the Office of Budget Responsibility with the UK predicted to avoid recession and inflation predicted to fall from 10% to 3% over the course of the year.

In line with this, construction activity in the first quarter has been higher than predicted in Q4 2022. While housebuilders do not anticipate 2023 sales will reach 2022 levels, consumer confidence is holding, aided by an easing of interest rates for 5 year fixed rate mortgages, and new build reservations and sales have improved against Q4 2022.

Despite higher than expected demand, there is good availability for the vast majority of building products. The one exception is plasterboard which is currently on allocation but with measures in place to increase capacity this is unlikely to be a long term issue.

Longer standing issues with bricks, blocks and boilers appear to be

resolved. UK brickmakers have made significant investments in increased production, with the first new line coming on stream later this year adding over 185 million more bricks a year.

intensive products such as bricks is unlikely to reflect this for some time as manufacturers hedged their gas prices last autumn. Manufacturers are also subject to other inflationary pressures including staffing and materials.

Timber prices, however, have now returned to around pre-Covid levels. We have also seen reductions for structural steel and rebar during the first quarter of 2023.

Boiler volumes have also returned to normal levels, backlogs have been cleared and no further problems are foreseen. The electro-technical sector continues to experience delays in the delivery of solar PV equipment and LED lighting which remain affected by the supply of semi-conductors.

Although wholesale gas prices are now falling, the price of energy

That said, price inflation remains the number one issue. While prices are not rising as quickly as they have been, they are still substantially higher than 18 months ago and profit margins are being squeezed. This is particularly concerning for SME builders and regional house-builders. There are also isolated reports of credit risk insurance being withdrawn, which we will continue to monitor.

“Despite higher than expected demand, there is good availability for the vast majority of building products (and) longer standing issues with bricks, blocks and boilers appear to be resolved.”

n For more information from the Construction Leadership Council, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas003

Confidence rises as merchants expect sales to grow

According to the latest instalment of The Pulse, all types and sizes of builders’ merchants across the country expect to grow. Indeed, short- and medium-term sales expectations are among the highest in two years.

Inflation is high, energy costs are squeezing disposable incomes for sure, and supply problems remain. However, despite gloomy predictions from economists and Government, and journalists and commentators talking down the market, builders’ merchants have got their tails up.

Merchants base their confidence and expectations on what their customers say and do, and merchants have been getting more confident in the market — and very confident in the prospects for their own business.

The Pulse, by MRA Research, is a monthly tracking survey of merchants’ confidence and prospects. Telephone interviewing took place 3rd and 4th April 2023 (2 working days).

Problems faced

Supplier price rises remained the single biggest problem for nearly 1 in 2 merchants (49%) — Chart 1. Squeezed margins (64%), Product availability (61%) and Lead times (52%) were also problems for over 1 in 2 merchants.

Trends in merchants’ problems

Supplier price rises and concern about squeezed margins were easing slightly, but remained concerns for most. Having eased in 2022, concerns about product availability were growing — Chart 2. ey’re a concern for almost 6 in 10 merchants in the three months to April 2022.

Sales expectations

Month-on-month sales expectations had built to the highest level in the last 2 years. A net +78% expected to grow — Chart 3. And all types and size of merchants expected growth with expectations being strong among Nationals (92%), Independents (83%) and Regionals (61%). Expectations were particularly strong in Scotland (94%) and the Midlands (84%). Merchants in the North had strong but slightly lower expectations (65%).

Year-on-year sales expectations in April were strong (net +29), despite easing from last month. All merchants expected to sell more compared with last year. Expectations were strongest in the South (+44%), and among Nationals (+34%) and Independents (+33%).

e 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.

A net +63% of merchants expected sales to increase in the six months April to September 2023 compared to the previous six months — Chart 4. Expectations had been solid in the first four months of 2023. All merchants expected growth. More merchants in Scotland (+75%) expected to grow than in other regions. But the South (+61%), North (+61%) and Midlands (60%) also expected growth. Fewer Small branches (+51%) expected to grow than larger branches. A quarter (25%) who expected higher sales, expected them to improve by up to 9% in the next six months. Just over a third (35%) expected sales to grow by 10 to 20%, and 10% by more than that.

Trends Monitor

Confidence in the market had also improved year-on-year, from a net +2% last month. A net +12% of merchants were more confident in the market in April 2023 than they were April last year — Chart 5. Nationals (+11%) and the North (+14%) were most confident. Independents (-4%) and Large outlets (-7%) were least confident.

Confidence in their business

Merchants’ confidence in the prospects for their own business has jumped up again, with a net +52% more confident month on month. By size, all merchants were equally confident. The South (+64%) and Nationals (+68%) were particularly confident. Independents (+25%) were less confident.

Merchants’ confidence in their own business had been building strongly year-on-year. A net +37% of merchants were more confident in the market in April 2023 than they were in April last year. Nationals (+45%), Regionals (+42%) and Small branches (+46%) were most confident. North (+26%) and Scotland (+31%) were less confident than the Midlands (40%) and South (40%).

Confidence in the market

Confidence in the market had increased month-on-month to a net +30%, having dipped slightly in March. Confidence in the market was high in all sizes of outlet, regions and type of merchant. Scotland (+44%), the South (+33%) and Midlands (+30%) were most confident, but fewer merchants in the Midlands (+16%) were confident.

By size, Small outlets (+37%) were the most confident and Large outlets the least (+20%). Independents (+12%) and Regionals (18%) were less confident than Nationals (+53%).

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 48th in the series, with interviews conducted by MRA Research between 3rd and 4th April 2023 (two working days). 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.

Celebrating its 14th edition and accompanied by sister event Hard Surfaces, visitors will be able to learn more about an unrivalled range of stone both from around the world and the best of British stone, discovering new and innovative hard surfaces whilst embracing the latest trends through a programme of CPD-accredited seminars.

There has never been more choice when it comes to materials, and there is a minefield of information out there online regarding quality assurance, ethical sourcing, suitability, variations in colour, textures and cost, however, the Natural Stone Show and the associated Hard Surfaces event promise to provide the answers.

The shows — originally scheduled for April 2021 but delayed due to Covid — will offer more information than ever before, with hours of accredited seminar content, live demonstrations, and 100s of THE most important brands and suppliers. All will be on hand to assist visitors, helping them make tough decisions with confidence.

Conference Programme

The Natural Stone Show is committed to providing a conference experience to

educate, enrich and engage the visitor, with presentations and expert advice from leading industry bodies and suppliers. For example, the Natural Stone Show Seminar Theatre, supported by key industry organisations, will feature around 30, free-to-attend, CPD-accredited seminars across the duration of the Show.

Three sessions each day will give insights into the key developments that will shape and transform the stone industry over the next decade, as speakers and panels explore decarbonisation, sustainable design, digitalisation and much more. At the end of each seminar, the audience will have the opportunity to put their questions to the speaker, whilst a panel will discuss the most salient issues to conclude each session.

Hard Surfaces

Complementing the Natural Stone Show, Hard Surfaces is a new event showcasing the latest products and trends in the fast-moving field of surface design — including solid surfaces, ceramics and porcelain, worktops and tiles for kitchens, bathrooms and beyond… Bringing together the full production, design, specification and purchasing chain, the event is the only exhibition in the UK to focus exclusively on Hard Surfaces and directly related products and services, offering an attractive proposition for architects, designers, developers, fabricators, specialist contractors, installers and KBB outlets.

David Fisher, Head of Event Sales at the exhibition organiser QMJ, said: “The Shows

have all the signs of being another brilliant success for the stone industry. And why wouldn’t they be? With very real concerns around the world about climate change and pollution, natural stone has so much to offer.

“The Natural Stone Show and Hard Surfaces bring together all the elements of the use of stone in construction and interior design. It is a truly sustainable, zero-carbon, non-polluting, natural raw material. The stone message is so positive, why wouldn’t you shout about it in London at the heart of the international architectural world?”

ExCeL London is the place to be from 6-8 June for the only UK show dedicated to the Natural Stone and mixed hard surfaces industry.

n The Natural Stone Show & Hard Surfaces exhibitions take place at ExCeL London from 6-8 June. Register online via www.rdr.link/mas004 or head to StoneShow.co.uk and HardSurfaces.co.uk for more information.

TRAVIS PERKINS MANAGED SERVICES £36M LAMPTON SERVICES CONTRACT

The Residential Services division of Lampton Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the London Borough of Hounslow which provides residential services to over 16,000 homes, has awarded a £36 million contract to Travis Perkins Managed Services for the procurement of building maintenance materials and services. The contract, which will run for up to six years, subject to agreement, was awarded after an extensive and robust procurement process.

The contract will see Travis Perkins Managed Services responsible for the procurement of all materials and associated logistics for the maintenance of homes in the local area. The partnership is intended to provide several benefits to Lampton Services including cost savings, improved stock holding and ordering systems and will lead to reduced wait times for materials, supporting residents by improving service efficiency.

A condition of Lampton Services’ rigorous tender process was a commitment by the contract awardee to contribute to the social value proposition of Hounslow. To this end, Travis Perkins Managed Services has “committed to improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the borough by partnering with local suppliers, developing local skills, and providing employment for local people.”

LORDS GROUP TRADING PLC CHILTERN TIMBER SUPPLIES ACQUISITION

PBM looks at some of the latest news stories from across the merchant sector including new branch openings, health & safety initiatives, career pathways for staff and additional services for customers.

HALDANE GROUP CAREER PATHWAY INITIATIVE

Aimed at encouraging the continued professional success of employees across the business, the Haldane Group has launched its new High Potential Development Programme. The firm’s Talent Manager Aisling Rafferty said: “Staff development is hugely important to us as an organisation, as we understand that the development of our workforce is integral to the future growth and success of our business.

“Providing team members right across our brand and branch network with access to tailored training and support will promote development across all levels of the business, ensuring that we continue to provide the high-quality service our customers and partners have come to expect.”

14 “driven individuals” are taking part in the first round of the Programme over an 18-month period that will provide training and development opportunities via a hybrid in-house and virtual model.

Furthermore, the programme will be launched bi-yearly to support the company’s sustainable people strategy which focuses on ‘growing and developing our own talent’. The business has also launched a mentoring programme which aims to not only benefit those selected for the High Potential Development Programme, but will also support other future leaders within the Group to reach their full potential.

JEWSON CHICHESTER TIMBER CENTRE

The national builders’ merchant has launched a new specialist branch in Chichester, complete with a timber showroom and landscaping centre. The branch opened with an exclusive event in late March, where customers could meet a full range of Jewson suppliers, including West Fraser, LPD, Richard Burbridge, CTD, Gripsure, International Timber, BSW, Hanson Plywood, IDS and James Hardie. Business Unit Director James Buckle said: “We are excited to welcome customers to this unique branch in Chichester, which is ultimately a one-stop-shop for all your timber needs. From specialist experts to access to the UK’s leading timber suppliers, tradespeople have everything they could want under one roof.”

Established in 2013 by Gerry Barton, Chiltern Timber employs 12 colleagues and operates from a single modern site in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire in addition to having a strong online presence. The business specialises in providing hardwoods, special timber sections, timber landscaping products and veneered sheet material whilst it also boasts a modern milling facility, allowing it to offer a differentiated service to that of its competitors.

Jamie Herd, Group Managing Director of Lords Merchanting Division, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gerry and Chiltern Timber to the Group. I have known Gerry for over 15 years and it is fantastic to now be working together. This acquisition is aligned to our long-term growth strategy of increasing our customer base, broadening our product offering and enhancing our UK geographic coverage.”

Graham Short, Regional Director – South East & London for Travis Perkins Managed Services, with Sam Leigh, MD of Lampton Services.

MKM

MENTAL HEALTH WORKPLACE RESPONDERS TRAINING

MKM has launched a training programme for staff seeking to become mental health workplace responders for their colleagues. Part of the merchant’s wider work in tackling poor mental health in the construction sector, the independent merchant was aiming to put more than 70 staff through the FAQ Level 2 Award in Mental Health Workplace Response qualification — run by St John Ambulance and St Andrew’s Ambulance — by the end of April.

The course seeks to empower participants by giving them a comprehensive understanding of mental health conditions and episodes, tips on how to recognise poor mental health and how to offer appropriate support. The course also dispels some of the myths surrounding mental health and highlights some of the support services available.

JAMES BURRELL DEFIBRILLATORS IN ALL BRANCHES

Potentially life-saving equipment has been installed in all 11 James Burrell branches across the North East and Yorkshire, with each site now having a defibrillator placed behind the trade counter. The company has also invested time into training as many members of staff as possible, giving them the confidence to use the machines in an emergency, and with the aim of eventually having every employee trained on how to use the defib.

Paul Butler, Health and Safety Manager, said:

“Although we do invest heavily into First Aid Training, defibrillation is the only proven method to treat a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The potentially life-saving devices can increase the cardiac arrest survival rate to between 60-70%.

“We truly hope that we never need to use one of our defibrillators, but this installation provides our staff and the local community access to a vital resource. I am beyond pleased that all of our branches are equipped with an elite lifesaving device ready for use in emergency situations.”

James Burrell worked with Defib Machines throughout the whole process of the installation and training of the machines.

SELCO BUILDERS WAREHOUSE WOMEN’S FORUM

Selco has launched a new Women’s Forum designed to help highlight and encourage the ongoing career progression of women in the company. The opening meeting was held on International Women’s Day in Coventry with many of the merchant’s 19 female branch deputy managers and two female branch managers in attendance. Amongst the topics discussed were the individual career paths to date of the attendees, as well as the way Selco is viewed externally by potential female employees of the future.

JOHN A STEPHENS NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH

One of the largest independent builders’ merchants in the Midlands, John A Stephens is excited to announce the launch of its new website. A completely new platform, www.johnastephens.co.uk offers customers an immersive, fully interactive experience showcasing the full product range available across its branches and also the many specialist services it offers to both Trade and DIY customers.

The site details the full range of delivery options from one of the largest fleets in the industry and also introduces the relevant experts and key contact points for each of its departments, aiming to give visitors a full ‘one-stop shop’ experience from initial enquiry to order placement. Limited online ordering is available from launch, expanding to a full online order and delivery service during the course of 2023.

John A Stephens is also using the website as a vehicle to provide details of its major capital investment programme into renewable energy power for its sites and its new fleet of Zero Emission yard vehicles as the business “spearheads the move away from traditional reliance on fossil fuels in the construction sector.”

The Women’s Forum will meet at least quarterly and Sally Kerr, Selco’s Head of HR Operations and chair of the new group, confirmed there were also discussions about launching a second cohort. She said: “We are delighted to have launched the Women’s Forum and it’s another important step towards us becoming a fully diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, we want to lay out a programme which encourages other women to follow suit and move through the ranks — there is no better way to get feedback on that than by speaking to the people who have already achieved that progression.”

FACE TO FACE

Building Superstore is the dedicated trade account service for CMO, reputedly the largest “online only builders’ merchant” in the UK. Building Superstore brings together all eight specialist superstores to provide professional trade contractors easy access to over 100,000 different products, from roofing and insulation materials to plumbing, drainage and landscaping solutions, tiles, doors, windows, and bathroom supplies.

Formerly known as CMO Trade, Building Superstore’s extensive product range, strong supply chains and effective ‘drop ship’ model, also allows the retailer to support other builders’ merchants, as well as housebuilders and main contractors.

QHow did you get into the industry and to your current position?

AI have always worked in the merchant sector and have somehow managed to clock up nearly 16 years! I started out in a general administrative role but soon moved up to sales and logistics.

When I joined CMO in 2010, I looked after operations before being appointed to my current role of Commercial Director. I now oversee the commercial trading performance for all eight specialist superstores, including Building Superstore which is our dedicated trade brand.

QHow do you feel the industry has changed in recent years?

AThe greater use of digital technology, ecommerce and even social media is shaping the way merchants service their customers both in terms of delivering products and providing support. It’s been an exciting change so far but there’s still lots more that we can do — the digital landscape is evolving all the time.

Our trade customers are becoming more digitally savvy which means that merchants who aren’t investing in their digital presence now will soon find themselves falling behind.

Even as an online-only retailer, we don’t feel immune to this challenge and in such a fast-paced and constantly evolving arena, it’s important to always push forward to not only meet our customers’ expectations of service but to exceed them

QWhat are the current challenges facing your company?

AI think any company that serves the building and construction industry faces similar challenges. Global pressures such as material shortages and prices increases can still be felt, and the cost of living crisis has affected both trade contractors and the DIY market that we serve via our other superstores.

important role to play in reducing embedded carbon in transportation and packaging.

Above all, we need to make the whole process easier for customers so they can make more informed choices. This is an area that we are currently investing in so that we can add more detailed environmental information to our online product pages.

QWhat has been your biggest challenge so far?

ALike many, I would have to say lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic but although they were dark days, I am immensely proud of how we responded to this challenge. Unlike other merchants, we already had a strong digital presence and we were able to quickly get our team members set up for home working without any real disruption.

QHow important is the issue of sustainability becoming to the merchant sector?

ASustainability is very important to us as a business, and I think we’re going to see some real change in the merchant sector over the next few years because customers will demand it.

Many manufacturers are already making huge leaps in improving the sustainability of their products in how they are made, used, and disposed of. As merchants, we also have an

The wellbeing our colleagues and the desire to support our customers in those difficult times was our prime focus and I’m proud of the way we managed the situation and the lessons we were able to learn from it.

QWhich individual has influenced you most in your career?

AI admire the entrepreneurial spirit and we have it in spades here! Both my father and uncle are founding members of the company and to see first hand how CMO, Building Superstore and the other superstores have grown and developed has been both inspirational and insightful.

“Sustainability is very important to us as a business, and I think we’re going to see some real change in the merchant sector over the next few years because customers will demand it.”

PBM speaks with Callum Tasker, Commercial Director with CMO Group PLC, parent company of Building Superstore.

Independent merchant buying group h&b has appointed a new CEO, Peter Fletcher. From joining a Plumbing & Heating merchant in Nottingham at 16 to becoming Divisional Sales Director with Genuit Group Residential Division, better known by customers and the Industry as Polypipe, Peter has enjoyed a lengthy career in the industry and joins h&b as part of its ongoing commitment to increase value for members and become an “even more focused, profitable growthdriven, and sustainable business.”

Adrian Shelley, MD of Manchester and Rochdale-based Henshaws Roofing and Building Supplies, has been appointed by the Builders Merchants Federation as Regional Chairman for the North West region.

With “decades of experience” in the industry, Adrian acquired Henshaws in 2019. Of this latest move, he said: “I’ve been so fortunate to have had a long and fulfilling career over the last 25 years in the builders’ merchant sector. There comes a point when you realise it is the right time to give something back to the industry that has supported you so well.”

Rockwool has welcomed Nick Wilson as Managing Director to lead the insulation manufacturer across the UK and Irish markets. Nick brings over 20 years of experience across the industrial, appliance and heating sectors, having held senior positions across commercial, marketing and operations functions.

Nick said: “This is a pivotal moment in the path to net zero and I am delighted to be working with Rockwool’s dedicated teams to continue our long legacy of stone wool production in Bridgend. I have been hugely impressed by everyone’s passion for our products and I look forward to working together with our customers to meet the UK and Ireland’s thermal, acoustic and non-combustible insulation needs.”

With a wealth of experience in the construction and plumbing merchants industry, including positions as Branch Manager and Area Sales Manager, Siamp UK has announced the appointment of Kevin Lewis as Area Sales Manager for the South West. Managing Director Ashley Shires said: “As part of our continued growth here in the UK, we have recruited five new sales managers and in Kevin, we have hired an Area Sales Manager who knows the industry like the back of his hand in the South West and he is an extremely welcome addition to the company.”

A daredevil of the skies has joined Yorkshire-based racking supplier Filstorage as the business’s latest regional account manager. Richard Coombs, who enjoys soaring to heights of 3,000 ft in his flex wing microlight in his spare time, is heading up the south east region for the design and fitout specialists. He takes over from wellknown industry expert Graham Matthews, who retired earlier this year due to ill health on what Managing Director Paul Taylor described as a ‘sad day’ for the business Paul said: “Graham has been a fantastic ambassador for our company for over 12 years, managing the whole of the south east and London and building up a great portfolio of loyal and supportive customers. He will be greatly missed by all of us, but Richard has come in and hit the ground running, already starting to establish himself as the face of Filstorage there.”

Driving decarbonisation

Ahead of the revised British Standard for Concrete (BS 8500), which will come into force later this year, Craig Williamson, Director for Commercial Cement at CEMEX, explains the importance of revised regulations and industry standards to drive the circular economy and accelerate the critical race to decarbonisation.

The new year heralds the dawn for some important new industry regulations, some of which have been a long time in the making but are now critical for the circular economy and to accelerate our collective decarbonisation journey. To reach the goal of a net-zero built environment by 2050, an important move for the concrete and cement industry is the eagerly awaited revision to BS 8500, later in 2023.

As the most resilient and ubiquitous building material on the planet, there is no doubt that concrete will continue to play a vital role in our built environment, forming the backbone of our future-state building schemes and infrastructure. However, with that also comes great responsibility. As an industry we will be accountable to a new set of stringent standards, which will demand new ways of developing and improving our practice and products in our quest for net-zero and beyond.

Revision to BS 8500

Later this year, the UK concrete industry will publish a new version of the British Standard for Concrete BS 8500, which will work even harder to move the industry forward in hot pursuit of decarbonisation.

The incoming revision will also allow the expanded use of a new generation of low-carbon cements.

A key strategy for reducing concrete’s embodied carbon involves replacing a proportion of cement content or clinker with limestone and other industrial by-products, using up materials that might otherwise go to waste. Cement clinker is a material produced in the manufacture of Portland cement.

The introduction of such an approach is one of many small steps that will take us to net-zero, along with the increased effort to reduce the embodied carbon within the clinker and increase the use of alternative fuels.

The typical use of fossil fuels to heat cement kilns across industry are responsible for approximately 40% of direct CO2 emissions of the cement manufacture process. Replacing fossil fuels entirely through alternative fuels such as waste derived fuels, hydrogen and solar energy is a gamechanger in the industry’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. CEMEX is firmly committed to the use of alternative fuels across Europe and in the UK at our trailblazing Rugby plant, with other large-scale adoption sites coming soon.

Industry-first net-zero concrete

In the UK, the revised concrete standards will serve to keep us on track with our decarbonisation goals to meet customer needs, without compromising on performance. Following the introduction of CEMEX’s industry-first net-zero CO2 concrete and low carbon cement products in 2020, we have the ongoing responsibility to deliver low carbon products at scale.

Globally, we recently set an ambitious goal for our Vertua low-carbon cement and concrete products of reaching more than half of all cement and concrete sales by 2025.

New Industry Packaging Waste Directive

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) came into force on 1st January 2023 and signalled strong intent by UK Govt for all industries to deliver a more circular economy and take greater responsibility for the packaging they place on the UK market, at the end of its life.

EPR now requires producers to pay the full costs of dealing with the waste they produce, which includes the cost of collection, treatment, and of course recycling. It is hoped the new regulations will lower the environmental impact of

products throughout their life cycle, as well as the amount of packaging produced in the first place.

In turn this will reduce the impact of packaging waste in landfill and increase the amount of packaging waste that is recycled.

CEMEX has been making sustainable improvements to its packaging for over a decade. In 2012, CEMEX was the first cement company in the world to provide verified carbon labels for its cements produced in the UK. We continue to invest heavily across the business to enable us to make rigorous improvements, from new and improved packaging and labelling solutions, to localised interventions such as 100% paperless delivery systems for our Readymix business, through to major plant investments.

ISO 50001 Energy Management System

To increase energy efficiency and performance across our UK operations, CEMEX has committed to improved standards with the roll out of the ISO 50001 Energy Management System. This is an international standard created by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) which specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system.

It enables organisations to follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of energy performance, including energy efficiency, energy security and energy use and consumption. Benefits of this system include improved reputation, reduced energy related taxes, increased energy efficiency and reduced energy costs.

Future In Action

CEMEX’s Future in Action environmental strategy was relaunched in 2020 to reflect a robust commitment to developing and providing more sustainable products and services so that the built world of the future is more sustainable and circular. Our Future In Action programme is continuously pioneering ways to reduce CEMEX’s environmental impact whilst providing merchants and customers with a broad range of sustainable products and solutions.

n For more information on CEMEX’s sustainability commitments, its product range and its support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas005

TRAINING ZONE

Fast track to success

This month, the BMF takes a look at the recognition given to merchant trainees by the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants.

Each year the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants (WCoBM) celebrates the achievements of some of the rising stars within our industry. This year, in addition to its own awards, the WCoBM nominated an exceptional young person to receive their Livery Company Prize, which honours an ‘outstanding achievement’ by a student who has taken a City & Guild qualification in the trade of a Livery Company.

The winner of this prestigious award was Leo Brigham, a stand-out spares assistant in Travis Perkins’ Highbourne business, who excelled in his LEAP Level 2 Trade Supplier Spares Specialist apprenticeship. Leo was part of the first cohort to enrol on this apprenticeship within the business, and the first learner to complete the programme — which he did with a distinction, only dropping three marks across his portfolio and assessment.

Commenting on Leo’s performance, his LEAP coach Ben Barber said: “Leo has already been promoted to the branch spares assistant and is well on his way to becoming the spares manager that he aspires to be. It has been a privilege to coach Leo through his apprenticeship — I cannot wait to see how he progresses.”

The WCoBM’s own City and Awards luncheon recognises individual achievements in several different categories, including training and development. This year’s Award winners included three students from the Builders’ Merchants Federation (see picture), with the accolades announced recently during a prestigious event at Fishmongers Hall.

Hannah McBride of Tippers was awarded Best BMF Online Student whilst Adam Ledger took the prize for Best Performing BMF Diploma Student and Jordan Harrington of Turnbull was named BMF Apprentice of the Year.

Hannah’s commitment to personal development saw her achieve 67 completions — 25 hours of online learning — across a wide

range of topics relating to products, building blocks, and transferable skills.

Adam’s dedication, meanwhile, led him to part fund the course himself when he changed jobs part way through his Diploma. Reasoning that he will “reap the benefits for years to come,” he explained: “'The biggest thing the BMF Diploma in Merchant Managing has given me is a true sense of my own self-worth and confidence in developing my career. I cannot recommend the DiMM course enough to anyone in the materials supply industry.”

Jordan’s career has also progressed since embarking on his LEAP Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship and he has already earned a welldeserved promotion. He said: “Since starting the course I’ve progressed from Sales Trader to Assistant Branch Manager at the new Horncastle branch and have settled in really well into my new role. The course has played a vital role in this step forward — the work has been helpful in

my day-to-day work and the Insights training at the start helped on a personal level as well.”

His manager, Andrew Chapman, commented: “The change in Jordan in such a short period has been staggering and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of his journey so far.”

To find out more about the full range of BMF training courses, please contact Kerry Wilson on 07387 239194 or email

kerry.wilson@bmf.org.uk

n BMF training ranges from formal Apprenticeships and, with leading British universities, sector-specific Diplomas, Degrees and a Masters Degree in Merchant Leadership and Strategy, to online product knowledge and other specialist skills training.

Making an impact

Under the direction of Paul Swift, fixings and fasteners specialists ForgeFix has seen a renewed emphasis and commitment to its merchant customers over the last twelve months. The philosophy has included developing a comprehensive package of support in terms of marketing, training and customer service excellence.

It also means ForgeFix’s proven product strategy, which is designed to give merchant customers a ‘good, better and best’ mix of high-quality products will continue through the Fixings & Fasteners, Spectre and ForgeFast brands.

Implemented eight months ago, the company’s Voice of the Customer programme was designed to get honest feedback from its customer base — and has

precipitated some key decisions and commitments to its stockists. The research is ongoing, with results that are said to have already rippled through the business, ensuring decisions have been — and will continue to be — made with the merchant at their heart.

Paul explained: “We have really listened to merchants, and everyone at ForgeFix is committed to delivering the very best customer service. Our Area Sales Managers are the main direct touchpoint for merchants and will help to make sure they have everything they need, but that can-do attitude goes right through the business; we want to deliver the very best because we know that if we do a good job, merchants will sell more — and so will we.”

One of the key areas ForgeFix has

developed over the last year has been product training and in-branch support. Training and product demonstrations are intended to really bring home the differences between screw types, their performance and ability to really save time and hassle out on site.

Product Support Demonstrator Steve Moore is available to show counter staff the many benefits and performance of the company brands’ ranges and how they can maximise sales opportunities with just a little extra knowledge. He comments: “Merchant customers such as roofers, decking specialists, carpenters and joiners will be extremely discerning about which types of screws they use and when, and may choose an elite performance range of screws.

“Other customers may just want screws

PBM speaks with Paul Swift, Managing Director of ForgeFix, about the company’s renewed focus on supporting merchants, including point of sale, trade counter training, customer service and marketing support.

that ‘get the job done’ and therefore stocking good quality, cost effective alternatives is a good option for all merchants.”

He continued: “Our merchant-friendly brands, Fixings & Fasteners, Spectre and ForgeFast are designed to give customers a ‘good, better and best’ choice when it comes to performance and price, making sure our stockists cover all customer segments, from the serious trade professional to the one-off purchaser.

“We will help you to market to, and convert, these end users. We can do that with trade or breakfast mornings and we are currently working on videos which can play at the trade counter, highlighting the range of products and their benefits.”

The investment into the team has also seen the procurement of eye-catching, branded gazebos that will make an impact in the yard — and the support can be digital

too, with training and product videos on the way which will include useful “How-To’s” whilst the marketing team will help merchants to push sales across every available marketing channel.

The company is also fixing its sights on increasing its support for merchant buying groups. This strategy aims to let buying groups know that “ForgeFix is open for business” and can offer high-quality products and marketing support that drives sales opportunities, all backed by exceptional customer service.

Paul added: “There is a real intent here on pulling products through merchants, and helping them with marketing support such as point of sale, social media and printed materials like leaflets to create awareness and

demand amongst end users. If, for instance, you have taken a range of decking screws, do you need us to print leaflets, reshare your offer or point of sale shots on social media and really help to sell that product for you?”

Current activity will see the profile of ForgeFix and its brands rise at industry events such as the recent NMBS exhibition and the forthcoming BMF conference. And as 2023 goes on, the company is also committed to increase sustainability even further in its packaging (it already supplies 100% recyclable tubs for many of its products).

In the meantime, this year looks to be the one where the Voice of the Customer guides ForgeFix products into more and more merchant branches.

ForgeFix launches new POS

n Designed to help educate customers and save time for busy counter staff, the new point of sale is available in eye catching ‘bus stop’ displays that can be hung onto shelving and attract customers to an area. The graphics feature handy guides to screws, their uses, surface finishes, sizes, head and thread types.

One bus stop also offers a measurement chart and imperial to metric conversion.

Rebecca Fortescue-Halliwell, ForgeFix’s Head of Marketing, said: “These bus stop displays serve two purposes. Firstly, they grab the attention of the merchant’s customer, and secondly they help save time when it comes to product selection and any queries the customers may have.

“They can also relieve pressure on counter staff as they negate the need for customers to spend time waiting for answers on product sizes and suitability.”

As described in more detail above, the new point of sale is part of a wider package of marketing support being launched for its merchant customers in 2023, including new training videos, packaging and a ‘good, better, best’ product range which encompasses ForgeFix’s popular Fasteners & Fixings, Spectre and ForgeFast brands.

n For more details and to contact the ForgeFix sales team, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas006

Product Support Demonstrator, Steve Moore

FIXINGS & ADHESIVES

A whole new level

ToughBuilt says that it is a manufacturer that takes product innovation seriously, with development and invention described as being at the heart of its approach. And as Vahe Der Kureghian, Managing Director of ToughBuilt (Europe), explains, it is a philosophy that takes its inspiration from the evolution and improvement seen in other industries.

Vahe said: “Progress is evident in many different aspects of our personal and working lives. For example, if you look at

the cars of today, they are very different from the cars of ten or twenty years ago. As a business, we’re focused on ensuring similar advances and progress across hand tools and jobsite equipment.”

He continues: “Just because the fundamental design of products in this category may be tried and tested over decades or even centuries doesn’t mean that every avenue for improvement has been explored. A willingness to accept the status quo is perhaps the biggest obstacle to innovation and that’s why every new

product journey starts with several important questions.

“Questions like how can we make the existing design of this product even better? Where are the opportunities to increase output and reduce inefficiency? And what learning can we apply from the many hours of research we spend talking to and observing professional tradespeople at work?”

ToughBuilt has recently launched a new range of spirit levels that can be seen as fully embodying the company’s design philosophy, benefitting from a “rich array of

ToughBuilt states that it is “pioneering a new generation of hand tools and jobsite equipment” which includes an expanded portfolio of spirit levels.

features” that enhance both their ease of use and overall effectiveness.

Find your level

First of the specific products available is a new Magnetic Lit Box Level. Available in three sizes — 23cm, 60cm and 120cm — this level has LED lit vials for easier reading as well as a precision milled base for optimum accuracy and shock absorbing endcaps for maximum durability.

The new range also includes a convenient and portable, pocket-sized 360° Pocket Level. This product benefits from a robust, heavy-duty die cast construction and a highly accurate rotating vile which can be used to set and identify any angle.

In addition, the manufacturer has launched a new 23cm Magnetic Billet Torpedo Level. Featuring an aluminium frame, this level is described as being both exceptionally durable and light in weight. It

has four vials which are precision set to 0°, 30°, 45° and 90° angles and a top groove working edge which enables accurate alignment on pipe or conduit.

All five new levels employ rare earth magnets ensuring superior holding strength. They are also backed by a two-year guarantee as standard, and this can be extended to 25 years if users register their purchase.

“As a business, ToughBuilt doesn’t build ordinary, and our new levels remain true to that focus” adds Vahe. “Reflecting this, our new levels join a full eco-system of similar, productivity-enhancing, hand tools and jobsite support equipment. This includes our Sawhorses, our popular QuickSet Workbench and our ClipTech system of interconnectable tool bags, totes, belts and pouches.

“Plus, given our dedication to product research and development, our new levels

will be followed by other new ranges and range additions throughout 2023. Trade professionals can rest assured that all these introductions will benefit from the same intelligently designed, carefully considered approach that are a part of ToughBuilt’s DNA.”

n For more information on the ToughBuilt spirit levels range, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas007

Taken to task

The Festool following is loyal and growing — as is its product range. PBM considers some of the tools that could prove popular with your trade customers.

Battery technology continues to advance and with it the range of jobs to which cordless is suited. Festool’s avowed philosophy is to take a purposeful approach and ascertain how technology might best serve the application in question, and optimise the results so that the products are perfect for the tasks at hand.

The following represent some of the latest developments which the company says is seeing that ethos being put into practice.

Cordless drills

As the name suggests, the 18 V CXS 18 and TXS 18 compact drill screwdrivers are available in the C and T design. The former allows for precise work in drilling and screwdriving whilst the latter ensures easy handling and a short distance from the workpiece.

Described as lightweight, compact, versatile and powerful both benefit from an EC-TEC brushless motor. All the attachments within the current Festool 18V cordless drill/driver range are also compatible with the new CXS/TXS 18.

A chuck and bit holder in one, it is only half the size and said to be 80% lighter than a standard drill chuck making the tool an even more compact solution.

Reciprocating saw

It’s the brushless EC-TEC motor, switch-activated pendulum stroke and low level of vibration that allows the RSC 18 cordless reciprocating saw to be smoothly guided through conversion or dismantling work. Whether it’s on wooden beams and roofing boards, cutting out window and door frames or roof and wall openings through chipboard, the manufacturer says this tool is an all-rounder.

The power of the pendulum stroke is continuously adjusted via an easily reachable switch, with higher cutting speeds allowing for better work progress in soft and medium-hard materials.

Thanks to the special chuck, the saw blade is quickly ejected when it needs replacing, so there is no danger of burning

your fingers or hand when removing it. In addition, the clamped saw blade can be rotated by 180°, so that the teeth are facing upwards. The saw can also be used with a Bluetooth controlled dust extractor.

ExoActive exoskeleton

Powered by an 18-volt battery, the ExoActive exoskeleton makes light work of strenuous overhead tasks by actively supporting tradespeople under their arms. For dry mortarless construction, painting, wallpapering, or installation jobs on walls or ceilings, the device provides the wearer with an added boost when their arms get tired and takes the load off their neck.

By reducing the stress on the body, users can work more effectively, and focus more on the quality of the work The required support level can be adjusted, whilst it is

described as being comfortable and easy to wear with no restriction in your range of movement. Furthermore, it can be quickly adapted to the user’s individual body size.

The ExoActive provides each underarm with support of up to 50 Newtons, equivalent

to reducing the load by approximately 5 kilograms, and there are three predefined working areas: from the waist up, from the chest up or overhead.

Ear protection

Workplace noise will not only damage the ears in the long term, but it can also create potentially harmful distractions and limit interaction with fellow workers. Small, light and convenient, the Bluetooth GHS 25 l ear protection from Festool turns the on-site volume down to a healthy level whilst allowing users to make phone calls or listen to music.

Thanks to built-in microphone technology, the wearer will hear only what they want to. The manufactures says that they can, for instance, comfortably perceive speech within a safe listening volume (up to 79 dB) without a problem and won’t have to remove the ear protection to speak to colleagues.

Loud ambient noise outside the safe sound level of 79 dB (corresponding to EU standard EN352) is, meanwhile, blocked. When making phone calls, the microphone effectively suppresses disruptive background noise and the earplugs can be recharged in the charging case supplied, with up to 13 hours of runtime.

n For more information on Festool’s range of products and support services, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas008

KNIPEX NEW PIPE CUTTER

The Knipex Pipe Cutter for Multilayer and Pneumatic Hoses (90 10 185) is suitable for a wide range of pipe and hose cutting applications, ranging from Ø 4 to 20 mm. The tool is designed with a universal support for rightangled positioning, ensuring accurate and precise cuts every time.

The ergonomically shaped handles are made of glass fibre reinforced plastic, making it easy on the hands even during continuous use. Thanks to the low force required and automatic opening feature, in addition to an easyto-use exchangeable blade, the tool is said to be perfect for any job that requires frequent cutting.

C.K TOOLS FAST4ACCESS DRILL BITS

Described as being the shortest fluted wood bits on the market, the new Fast4Access drill bits are just 80mm in length and are designed to allow users to drill through wood to create clean and fast holes in limited space. 50% shorter than the existing Fast4 range, and said to be 30% shorter than similar products on the market, the drill bits are ideal when space is too tight to drill a hole head on, or accuracy is essential. Designed for tight corners, smaller joists, and jobs where a smooth run is critical — for example installing pipe through multiple joists — Fast4Access promises fast, tidy results when drilling into wood.

n Further information is available via www.rdr.link/mas010

MAKITA UK LXT TWO-PIECE COMBO KIT

The new DLX2460TJ Combo Kit features two of Makita’s most popular professional cordless power tools — the powerful DTD153Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver and the compact DHP487Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill. Housed in a Type 3 Makpac Connector Case for easy storage and transportation, the kit also includes two 5.0Ah 18V LXT BL1850B Batteries and the DC18RC Fast Charger which can be used across Makita’s vast LXT range.

Combo Kits are available in many different product configuration options available to suit individual requirements, applications and budget, and are said to be increasingly proving popular with customers.

n For more details, enter www.rdr.link/mas009

ROLLINS & SONS

ESTWING — NEW SLEDGE HAMMER

n Find out more through www.rdr.link/mas011

Available in eight sizes from 2.5 to 16lb, the new Estwing Sledge Hammer is forged from durable alloy steel and is induction case hardened for durability. It is fitted with an ergonomic fibreglass shaft which is light, strong and features a textured rubber overlay to ensure a comfortable

and secure grip which helps to dampen vibrations during use along with being thicker below the striking head to provide overstrike protection. Estwing products are available through Rollins & Sons.

n Use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas012 to discover more.

CARHARTT K87 POCKET T-SHIRT

Some 30+years since first making its debut and still a firm favourite, Carhartt has now released a number of seasonal new ‘Heather’ colours for Spring 2023 to bring a “fresh new look to this tough Tee.”

Made with heavyweight cotton, the T-shirt has been designed with a rib knit crew neck and flat two needle cover stitch hem for added durability. The K87 is cut for a relaxed fit to allow for a range of motion, whilst a chest pocket means the wearer can keep their essentials close.

n See the full range via www.rdr.link/mas013

Fit for purpose

Hamilton says its recently launched ‘For The Trade’ range is successfully grabbing the attention of a wider audience of non-specialist professional users. PBM reports.

Following its own extensive research, Hamilton discovered that a large sector of multi-skilled trades were looking for a range of high-quality decorating tools to be more readily available to them. And although previously devoted to the professional, full-time painter & decorator, that insight led to the brand’s decision to launch a range of decorating tools specifically developed for the multiskilled tradesperson.

at was back in September 2021, and the manufacturer reports that the move has been a positive one. Brand Manager Sarah Coussens explains the ethos behind the range: “We’re certainly not stepping outside of our heartland of professionals, but we are instead embracing those multi-skilled trades and welcoming them into the fold.”

Indeed, Sarah reasserts that Hamilton will always be dedicated to the professional painter and decorator — the core for the

company’s product development since 1746 — but with many more trade professionals now also offering skilled decorating services, it is only right that this well-known brand offers a simple, comprehensive and quality range of products tailored to these needs.

Sarah continues: “e multi-skilled trades also need access to products that offer innovation, quality and confidence — we’re generating even more decorating champions.”

Specific ranges for specific needs

With the majority of such trade users purchasing from their local builders’ merchant or trade counter, the development of the Hamilton For the Trade range is intended to fulfil this need in terms of increased availability.

“Speed and efficiency are proving to be key drivers for trade users, where a smaller selection of tools to cover a wider variety of applications and paint types is vital,” says Sarah. And whilst a more specialist selection of tools for specific applications is more in-line with the needs of the professional painter and decorator, the ease of selection and requirement for a handy set of multi-purpose tools is essential for a tradesperson who is multi-skilled, and not just decorating 100% of their time. And this conclusion led to the development of the ‘For the Trade’ range.

“A key point from our research was that speed is key for multi-skilled trades people,” continues Sarah. “As they undertake a variety of jobs, getting a great finish fast is crucial. And our For the Trade brushes and sleeves have proven to be streets ahead in the speed stakes too!”

Tested against competitor products for speed of application, and the resulting coverage, the For the Trade 2” flat brush completed a panel door in a time said to be 25% faster than a leading competitor, “with a more even coverage and no tramlines” and the manufacturer argues that this totals a time-saving of approx. 30 minutes in the average house.

The 9” medium pile sleeve, meanwhile, is reported to have completed a similarly sized area just over 30% faster than a leading competitor. Sarah added: “Not only was it faster, it took less dips in the paint kettle. This means that you’re using less paint, getting better coverage, and finishing the job quicker.”

Available for merchants nationwide, Hamilton’s For e Trade range includes brushes, sleeves, frames, roller sets, tools and accessories.

n For more information, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas014

A step ahead

WernerCo, shares the manufacturer’s advice on how your customers can approach different decorating tasks, and the best equipment which can be recommended to them.

equipment. Helping them to keep their vans stocked with everything they need will ensure they can complete any decorating job as safely and efficiently as possible, no matter the task.

For versatility: multi-purpose ladders

For ex tra working space at he ight: platform stepladders

n Often, painters and decorators are required to carry out jobs at height which require a wider working space. And with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 prohibiting overstretching or standing above a ladder’s recommended working height, choosing the correct product for the job is essential for carrying out work safely.

When it comes to painting wide surface areas at height, stepladders with platforms offer a durable solution which feature a large platform to stand on, providing more comfort and stability for the user and helping to eliminate the risk of falling due to overstretching.

Werner’s range of platform stepladders offer users a wide platform which allows for free movement and increased reach when working at height, and also offer handrails for additional stability, which in turn, helps users to reduce the risk of accidents.

cost-effective solution when it comes to painters and decorators purchasing equipment, as well as allowing users to save valuable space in the back of a van, and time loading and unloading equipment.

Painters and decorators never know what the next job may entail, so it is essential they can have all bases covered when it comes to tools and

For low le vel acc ess: work platforms

Multipurpose ladders are a versatile choice for professionals, providing efficiency and variety of use for a wide range of tasks such as painting the exterior of a property, stairs or any other part of the property which requires access to reach.

Offering multiple products in one, multipurpose ladders provide a

n Painters and decorators usually work to tight timescales and are required to move around a working space regularly. With this in mind, time spent moving equipment should always be taken into consideration, and professionals should ensure they invest in products which are lightweight, easy to set up and dismantle, and easy to transport — all the while, providing the right access for the job at hand.

Despite the height that ladders offer, there are other products available on the market which might be better suited to individual jobs. Here, work platforms are a great piece of equipment which meet the requirements needed to carry out jobs at low-level height, such as painting indoor walls. And with height adjustability and a wide working space, work platforms can also be used for painting stairs, thanks to their ability to flatten their legs.

Werner’s LEANSAFE X3 allows users to change seamlessly from a step to a leaning ladder in one easy adjustment, enabling the ladder to be used securely against walls and flat surfaces, external and internal corners, poles and wall studs — as well as having the ability to perform as a standard stepladder or extension ladder. With one single piece of equipment, users have a solution for a variety of different applications.

Werner’s Adjustable & Linking PRO Platform offers users both the height adjustment of a traditional platform height of up to 0.76m, but also combines the option of linking multiple platforms together; meaning users can double, triple, or even quadruple the working surface, allowing them plenty of room to manoeuvre, as well as save time due to not having to step on and off the platform to move it around the working space.

at low-level height, such as painting indoor walls. With height adjustability and a wide working space, work platforms also be used for painting stairs, thanks to their ability to flatten their legs.

Werner’s Adjustable & Linking PRO Platform offers users the height adjustment of a traditional platform height of up 0.76m, but also combines the option of linking multiple

For additional convenience: h an dy accessories

platforms together; meaning users can double, triple, or even quadruple the working surface, allowing them plenty of room to manoeuvre, as well as save time due to not having to step on and off the platform to move it around the working space.

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FOR ADDITIONAL CONVENIENCE: HANDY ACCESSORIES

Painting and decorating involves working height with your hands full, which can be time consuming and dangerous. Users run the increased risk of accidents to imbalance, as well as having to spend unnecessary time and labour making trips up and down a ladder. Professionals should always make use handy ladder accessories, which have designed to provide convenience the job. Werner offers a range of

n Painting and decorating involves working at height with your hands full, which can often be time consuming and dangerous. Users run the increased risk of accidents due to imbalance, as well as having to spend unnecessary time and labour making trips up and down a ladder.

Lock-In accessories which include paint cups, paint cup liners, job buckets, job caddies and utility buckets. This helps users to increase their productivity by having the tools needed to hand, saving unnecessary trips up and down the ladder, enabling them to carry out the job safely.

Accordingly, professionals should always make use of handy ladder accessories, which have been designed to provide convenience on the job.

When it comes to approaching tasks while on a job, it is vital that rather than taking a ‘one size fits all’ approach,

Werner offers a range of Lock-In accessories which include paint cups, paint cup liners, job buckets, job caddies and utility buckets. This helps users to increase their productivity by having the tools needed to hand, saving those unnecessary trips up and down the ladder whilst enabling them to carry out the job safely.

professionals instead give careful consideration to the needs of the task at hand, and which pieces of equipment will provide them with the best means in which to carry out the task safely. In giving this consideration, professionals

n For more information on Werner’s range of products and support services for stockists, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas015

Protect and preserve

The Barrettine range of wood protection solutions are billed as combining performance with sustainability. PBM reports.

chieving sustainable construction is a continuing focus of both the trade and the main suppliers into the market, with many of the individual merchants and groups also now increasing recycled packaging requirements and encouraging the supply of innovative new products with safety and sustainability improvements.

carpentry & joinery

whilst upholding a proud long-term record of supplying ‘five star rated’ trade products into the market, and continuing to raise standards for the construction industry.

carpentry & joinery

AFULL PROTECTION

The Barrettine range of wood protection solutions combine sustainability with performance

FULL PROTECTION

With its portfolio of wood protection products, Barrettine says it continues to improve and update its range, working with trusted partners to source and evaluate the benefit of alternatives to current base materials. An independent Bristol-based UK manufacturer, the company states it has embraced these new demands and solutions

The Barrettine range of wood protection solutions combine sustainability with performance

Achieving sustainable construction is a continuing focus of both the trade industry and the main suppliers into the market, with many of the larger trade merchant groups now increasing recycled packaging requirements and encouraging supply of innovative new products with safety improvements. Barrettine continues to improve and update its range, working with trusted partners to source and evaluate the benefit of alternatives to

Achieving sustainable construction is a continuing focus of both the trade industry and the main suppliers into the market, with many of the larger trade merchant groups now increasing recycled packaging requirements and encouraging supply of innovative new products with safety improvements. Barrettine continues to improve and update its range, working with trusted partners to source and evaluate the benefit of alternatives to

current base materials. The company has embraced these new demands and solutions whilst upholding a proud long-term record of supplying five star rated trade products into the market and continuing to raise standards for the construction industry.

current base materials. The company has embraced these new demands and solutions whilst upholding a proud long-term record of supplying five star rated trade products into the market and continuing to raise standards for the construction industry.

The range of wood protection products offers trade performance and accreditations coupled with low odour formulas for conscientious application, making them accessible to not only the specifier for large projects, but also the

Its range of wood protection products is said to offer trade performance and accreditations coupled with low odour formulas for conscientious application, making them accessible to not only the specifier for large projects, but also the jobbing builder. The natural base oils offer long-term trade protection by soaking into the wood, where they grip the wood grain rather than coating the surface, protecting from deep within.

As experts in trade performance with

jobbing builder. The natural base oils offer long-term trade protection by soaking into the wood, where they grip the wood grain rather than coating the surface, protecting from deep within.

natural oil-based products, the company declares that it is constantly reviewing and improving its range, “keeping one step ahead of the regulations” to ensure that users are receiving the most suitable technology available on the market. Recent innovations have included upgrading the range of formulations to deliver the same trade performance in a low odour format, to reduce their environmental impact. This improves ease of use whilst maintaining the high-quality performance expected.

The range of wood protection products offers trade performance and accreditations coupled with low odour formulas for conscientious application, making them accessible to not only the specifier for large projects, but also the

jobbing builder. The natural base oils offer long-term trade protection by soaking into the wood, where they grip the wood grain rather than coating the surface, protecting from deep within.

WOOD PRESERVER is a regularly reviewed 5 Star performing product which resists weathering and water damage, whilst also protecting against wet rot and wood-boring insects attacking the wood. Its microporous formulation allows water vapour to pass through, allowing the wood to breathe but repelling rain. It is available in a range of popular colours that enhances, nourishes and protects the wooden surface to provide long term protection.

WOOD PRESERVER is a regularly reviewed 5 Star performing product which resists weathering and water damage, whilst also protecting against wet rot and wood-boring insects attacking the wood. Its microporous formulation allows water vapour to pass through, allowing the wood to breathe but repelling rain. It is available in a range of popular colours that enhances, nourishes and protects the wooden surface to provide long term protection.

n Wood Preserver is billed as a “regularly reviewed Five Star performing product” which resists weathering and water damage, whilst also protecting against wet rot and woodboring insects attacking the wood. Its microporous formulation allows water vapour to pass through, allowing the wood to breathe but repelling rain.

n Un ive rs al P r es er ver ( P ri mer ) complements the range, offering the deep penetrative protection of the Wood Preserver as a protective base coat but with a wide compatibility of top-coats. It supports both oil and water-based coatings, including paints, varnishes and stains.

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It is available in a range of popular colours that enhances, nourishes and protects the wooden surface to provide long term protection.

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WOOD PROTECTIVE TREATMENT is the cost-effective top coating for pressure treated and pre-preserved timbers, providing excellent protection against the elements. The product is suitable for sheds, fences, trellis, gazebos and any other outdoor wooden surfaces which need protection from the extremes of the great British weather. Like the Wood Preserver it is microporous, an essential feature to allow moisture to escape from any garden building, and comes in many popular colours. The product is easy to apply and soaks into the wood to offer long term resistance to water ingress.

This provides the essential wood protection against decay and woodworm, whilst supporting the vast variety of choices for customers’ top-coats.

n Wood Prot ect ive Tr eatment is a cost-effective top coating for pressure treated and pre-preserved timbers, designed to provide excellent protection against the elements. The product is suitable for sheds, fences, trellis, gazebos and any other outdoor wooden surfaces which need protection from the extremes of the great British weather.

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WOOD PROTECTIVE TREATMENT is the cost-effective top coating for pressure treated and pre-preserved timbers, providing excellent protection against the elements. The product is suitable for sheds, fences, trellis, gazebos and any other outdoor wooden surfaces which need protection from the extremes of the great British weather. Like the Wood Preserver it is microporous, an essential feature to allow moisture to escape from any garden building, and comes in many popular colours. The product is easy to apply and soaks into the wood to offer long term resistance to water ingress.

UNIVERSAL PRESERVER (Primer) complements the range, offering the deep penetrative protection of the Wood Preserver as a protective base coat but with a wide compatibility of top-coats. It supports both oil and water-based coatings, including paints, varnishes and stains. This provides the essential wood protection against decay and woodworm, whilst supporting the vast variety of choices for customers’ top-coats.

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PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

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Like the Wood Preserver it is microporous, an essential feature to allow moisture to escape from any garden building, and comes in many popular colours. The product is easy to apply and soaks into the wood to offer long term resistance to water ingress.

UNIVERSAL PRESERVER (Primer) complements the range, offering the deep penetrative protection of the Wood Preserver as a protective base coat but with a wide compatibility of top-coats. It supports both oil and water-based coatings, including paints, varnishes and stains. This provides the essential wood protection against decay and woodworm, whilst supporting the vast variety of choices for customers’ top-coats.

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n Independently audited and accredited to the DeckMark quality assurance scheme, Decking Oi l is designed to offer the ultimate protection for wooden decking and exterior stairwells. Available in clear and a range of popular colours, it saturates the wood grain to offer a durable barrier against weathering and repel rainfall, whilst of course remaining microporous. With additional UV protection and fade resistant colour pigments, it is suitable as an all-in-one solution to protect decking, but the optional Anti-Slip Top Coat can take this one step further.

Barrettine Anti-Slip technology provides enhanced safety where the surface risks becoming slippery due to shade, or orientation of the decking within the garden, increasing grip on any outdoor wooden surface, from decking to stairs and hand rails. It is rated as Low Slip Risk according to BS 7976-2 and is the perfect choice when greater garden safety is needed.

n UV Protection Oil is the latest high-performance addition to the specialist range of ArmourFlex coatings from Barrettine, offering an efficient new solution to protect exterior wooden facades and vertical surfaces. The product carries the CladMark+ performance rated accreditation and has been formulated with a careful balance of UV absorbers and antioxidants, designed to capture the damaging UV rays from the sun and dissipate them safely away as heat. In turn, this averts greying of the timber and hinders swelling, shrinkage, splitting, and warping of wooden surfaces.

With performance-tested resins the product also resists water and dirt, thereby reducing potential discolouration from fungal attack. The product is aimed at extending the service life of exterior wooden facades and surfaces and reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

n For more information on Barrettine’s full range of wood protection products, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas016

Moving on up

Talasey is on the move — in all sorts of ways. Marketing Director Rebecca Hughes tells PBM about the many developments taking place around the business, and how they are focused on improving the way it supports merchants.

Not content with merely consolidating its position as one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of landscaping solutions, Talasey is in the midst of a significant step change for the business as we look to capitalise on the raft of opportunities in the merchant sector.

Our statement of intent is best demonstrated by our recent move to a new four-acre head office site in Scunthorpe. We were bursting at the seams at our former site in Sandtoft and needed more office space, more storage space and more facilities for our on-site Talasey Training Academy.

The business has made a significant investment to transform the site, and not just to increase the capacity for more people to join our team in the months and years ahead — we have also created a UK inspiration hub for the landscaping industry, and a destination for merchants to host events and training for their own staff and customers.

We finally have enough space to do justice to the displays of our core brands — Natural Paving, Vitripiazza, Luxigraze, Piranha and Pavetuf — so that visitors can’t fail but to be inspired by our products and

can get lots of ideas about how they can be used to make stunning garden and landscaping features.

And we can host at scale because we have facilities to enable more than 70 delegates at any one time to take part in training and meetings, as well as other break-out rooms and hot desks.

Everyone who’s been to our new head office agrees that it’s jaw-dropping, but make no mistake: we haven’t taken our eyes off the ball when it comes to how we service and support our merchant customers. Far from it — and we’ve been equally busy moving forward innovating, developing and refining every aspect of what we do so that we can help merchants improve the skills, knowledge and experience that they are able to offer their customers.

We remain committed to the merchant-only supply model and not dealing directly with consumers or end-users. But much of what we do is rooted in making it as easy as possible for merchants to engage with their own customers and make our brands the go-to for landscapers and tradespeople looking for quality products for landscaping projects.

Talasey on Tour

We have also been working with our merchant partners to find new solutions for showcasing our products. Installations at merchants’ sites can be costly and take up significant space — and then there’s the maintenance of the displays and the best way to manage them if certain products become discontinued.

This is still a good option for merchants where landscaping is a significant proportion of their business, but for others, our Talasey on Tour initiative is already proving to be a big hit. A fully branded mobile showroom that is ideal for pop-up merchant events, the vehicle is staffed by our team so we are on hand to help merchant customers with questions, hints and tips, or general advice.

It is also useful for merchant staff, who can benefit from training as part of their

continuing professional development (CPD). Given the success of this, we are already looking at ways to expand our Talasey on Tour fleet.

Furthermore, we will also shortly be announcing news about another new structure of support that is being introduced to increase the amount and availability of support for merchants — with a team of merchandisers who will be there to support merchants with trade days, training, point of sale and more.

Point of sale

We have been equally innovative when it comes to point of sale (POS). We were one of the first businesses to use the toast rack method of displaying products — especially for our Natural Paving and Vitripiazza (porcelain paving) brands. We take it as a compliment that others are following suit because toast racks are a great way to see the different options, especially for larger-sized paving products.

We have also introduced revolving displays, which we pioneered for our Piranha composite decking, fencing and cladding

brand, as one range has a wood-effect pattern on one side and a colour-matching traditional grooved finish on the reverse. The other has a reverse colour which is ideal for edging. It’s a simple idea, but it really helps to show off the options.

Everyone’s welcome

While we’re busy rolling out initiatives such as Talasey on Tour and the constantly evolving POS that can be found at merchants’ sites, we are very happy to say that merchants will get a very warm welcome at our new head office, where all of these innovations and developments all come together as one — helping to make perfect sense for how Talasey is moving forward.

n For more information on Talasey’s brands and support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas017

BRICKS, BLOCKS & HARD LANDSCAPING

Mixing it up

As part of its ongoing drive to understand the needs of its customers and improve its service accordingly, Stowell Concrete is highlighting the benefits to merchants of ordering ‘composite loads’ of multiple products. PBM reports.

Stowell Concrete is an independent, family-run business located in the heart of Somerset and specialising in the manufacture of quality concrete products. With over 60 years of experience and deliveries across Great Britain, the company states it has established a leading position within the industry and continues to grow.

The firm says its “dependable service, dedicated philosophy and quality products make us proud of what we do” whilst continued investment and expansion means that the business continues to expand its range and strengthen its place as a recognised specialist supplier within the building, landscaping and civil engineering industries.

The manufacturer has developed to be able to supply both into builders’ merchants’ yards and direct to site deliveries — though the merchants — in full lorry loads, typically within one to three days of ordering. Furthermore, it “aim(s) to maintain significant stocks of all products to reduce the need for you, the merchants, to carry large inventories.”

A key part of its service offering is enabling merchants to obtain a wider range of products into stock on just one single

lorry load. As part of its latest campaign is to promote the advantages of ordering composite loads, and created a poster to illustrate this with a ‘fictional load’ giving a feel of just how such a load may look (follow www.rdr.link/mas018 to take a look).

Similarly, Stowell Concrete offers the following as an additional example:

1.Concrete blocks and bricks in Dense, Stowlite, (medium dense) Fibotherm, (insulating) Hollows and Close Textured (paint grade) in a range of sizes and strengths from 3.6N/mm² up to 22.5N/mm².

2.Midi blocks and Soap Bar blocks as course adjusters in 10.4N/mm² strength.

3.Concrete 22.5N/mm² Commons in 100mm and 140mm.

4.Concrete Block Paving in 50mm and 60mm.

5.Concrete flags in Commercial, Utility, Tactile, Vintage and X-Tex textured paving.

6.Road kerbs and accessories including the new Textured kerbs.

7.T-beams 155mm high in a variety of lengths in 50mm increments.

8.Copings, bollards, barriers and padstones.

The firm advises that this could

significantly reduce a merchant’s stock holdings within the yard whilst not compromising on the availability of stock readily available for their customers, due to the supplier’s typical one to three day lead time. It also offers a further example as to how merchants could benefit by mixing across several of its product ranges to save on the following:

1. Space: One full lorry load rather than three full lorry loads to get the equivalent products on a load.

2. Time: One phone call or e-mail rather than three separate orders.

3. Money: Offering competitive rates may be better than three minimum order values having to be met.

Additional support services include a wide range of literature, from smaller bespoke product guides to a flag and kerb wall chart/training aid. Stowell Concrete also teases that a “new product launch is coming soon”, with Split and Tumbled walling blocks in a variety of sizes and colours for the housebuilding sector.

n For more information on Stowell Concrete’s range of products and delivery services, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas019

Setcrete explains how the increased popularity of high-quality outdoor floor finishes has boosted demand for exterior floor levelling compounds.

Levelling up agenda

Agrowing demand to bring interior quality floor finishes to external flooring projects has seen a knock-on demand for high performance, exterior grade levelling compounds. Specifically used to create a smooth, level surface over hard areas such as patios, terraces and even concrete bases for gazebos, levelling compounds such as Setcrete Exterior will smooth out rough and undulating surfaces of sand/cement screeds or concrete to deliver the perfect base onto

which a final floor covering can be applied.

Peter Wilson, Setcrete Brand Manager, explained: “Homeowners and property developers looking to add value and enhance the appeal of their properties are specifying high end floor finishes for outside spaces, such as porcelain tiles on a terrace or veranda that you would typically install in an interior area.

“Importantly, they want the quality of the finish to meet the exacting standards they would demand for an interior installation.

Visually, the floor needs to look level and flat when you look along its entire length. If you want to achieve a seamless floor finish from the inside to the outside area of a property, the floor levels also need to be at exactly the same height.”

To create a super smooth and level base it is necessary to prepare a subfloor in the same way that would be done for an interior installation, which means

“To create a super smooth and level base it is necessary to prepare a subfloor in the same way that would be done for an interior installation, which means levelling and smoothing the subfloor with a high-performance levelling compound.”

Setcrete partners with Robert Price

n Indicative of its support for merchants, Robert Price is now stocking Setcrete high performance floor levelling compounds and associated products across its 28 strong branch network, serving South Wales and Herefordshire.

The supplier’s range will be permanently stocked in 20 of the group’s general merchants, including two Tudors Building Supplies outlets in Hereford, which were acquired by Robert Price in 2022 along with two specialist merchants. The range will also be available for sale through all of the group’s general merchants branches.

Molly Pike, the merchant’s Marketing Director, said: “We were looking for a reliable and trusted supplier to move across to for this product category. Setcrete was able to provide us with reassurance on stock availability and supply to ensure our stock levels remain high and, importantly, it has a broad range of high quality products, backed up by excellent sales and technical support.”

Amongst the seven levelling compounds being stocked by Robert Price are best sellers Setcrete Exterior, Setcrete High Performance, which can be used over plywood subfloor as well as sand/cement and concrete screeds, and Setcrete Level-Smart, a water-mix levelling compound that can be applied directly over old adhesive residues.

In addition to the levelling compounds, the agreement will also see Setcrete repair mortars and acrylic primer on the shelves of Robert Price merchant branches. The supplier will also provide eye-catching point-of-sale displays, deliver product training and run tailored trade demonstration days at individual branches.

Setcrete Brand Manager Peter Wilson added: “We’re delighted to be supplying the Setcrete range to the Robert Price Group, and look forward to supporting the company’s branches and their customers to get the most out of Setcrete products and the technical and sales support we provide.”

Offering solar is ‘a must for merchants’

As part of the Future Homes Standard, the changes to Part L — aiming to deliver a 31% improvement on current sustainability and energy efficiency standards in new homes — has boosted the demand for renewable and sustainable technologies. Kevin Taylor, Training & Technical Support Manager at Marley, says that with the full set of standards coming into effect in 2025, the demand for renewables such as solar PV looks set to consistently increase — creating huge opportunities for builders’ merchants.

Rapid rise in demand for renewables

Kevin said: “The renewables industry is currently booming, driven by a number of key factors. Firstly, the climate crisis is fast reaching a critical point, with governments around the world taking action to try and reduce its effects. Secondly, this will naturally lead to a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, such as coal, gas and oil, but in any case, the prices of these resources are soaring.

“In addition, the recent Spring Budget detailed further support and investment in renewable and sustainable industries. Whilst this is a positive step, it further highlights the need for merchants to supply the best products for skilled contractors to facilitate the changes that are required”

Marley SolarTile® - a complete solution

levelling and smoothing the subfloor with a high-performance levelling compound.

Importantly, the levelling compound needs to be an exterior grade that is able to withstand the extremes of weather conditions we experience in the UK, including rain, standing water and frost.

Once applied, the levelling compound should be ready to receive a floor covering or coating after 24 hours. If required, it can also be left as a wearcoat, in which case it is recommended that a further scratchcoat is applied and brush-finished to create a textured profile that will reduce the possibility of slipping and also create a more natural surface finish.

Setcrete Exterior is normally applied at thicknesses between 5-15mm. However, an aggregate-filled mix can be applied at depths up to 50mm, before overcoating with a standard mix.

n For more information on Setcrete’s range of exterior grade levelling compounds, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas020

Kevin continued: “There is support for merchants from manufacturers such as Marley — whose Marley SolarTile® integrated solar panel provides an innovative, reliable and sustainable solar energy system. We can work with you to support finding solar opportunities and offering your team training and guidance on the product range and system — increasing your confidence when talking to your customers.

Change, sustain and gain

He added: “At Marley, we want merchants to be prepared for the far-reaching effects of Part L. Solar PV will form a large part of that future — and is a huge opportunity for builders’ merchants to supply great products like Marley SolarTile®.”

n For further details on Marley’s full roof system including SolarTile®, visit www.marley.co.uk/solarinstall or call 01283 722222.

Unlocking the benefits

Sustainability is top of the agenda in the construction sector, with efforts intensifying across the industry to help support national and international targets and mitigate climate change. However, there is more to a merchant’s sustainability strategy than stocking lower carbon construction products. Ben Garner, Senior Manager — Logistics Development at Tarmac, explores how suppliers can drive sustainability throughout the supply chain.

The topic of carbon has developed immensely in recent years. National and international net zero targets remain in place but still more action is needed to prevent the planet from undergoing irreparable damage. COP27 shone the spotlight on global climate action once again, and organisations throughout every stage of the supply chain continue to enhance, develop and prioritise sustainability strategies.

In the merchant sector — as indeed, in others — sustainability is about securing

long-term success for the business, its customers and communities. This is much more than a box ticking exercise; it is a means of competitive advantage, a strong message for investors, and an opportunity to increase and maintain sales from increasingly environmentally-conscious customers.

Traditionally, the focus has mostly been on the end product. Customers have a keen interest in how the product is manufactured and how the sustainability initiatives involved contribute to their decarbonisation strategies. This is particularly true of

customers such as large contractors, housing providers or developers.

Tarmac has successfully cut CO2, with a current aim to reduce this to our absolute reduction target of 25% by 2030. We are building on many years of successfully using alternative fuels, such as waste biomass fuels in our cement kilns and are part of industry-

BRICKS, BLOCKS & HARD LANDSCAPING

leading initiatives and pilot schemes.

In 2022, for instance, Tarmac took part in a pioneering fuel-swap trial, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which explored the potential of using plasma energy and hydrogen technology (as opposed to natural gas) to enable lower carbon production of cement and lime. In addition to this, we have also been exploring the use of hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas for lime manufacturing.

However, the product itself is only one way to drive sustainability and it is important to help our customers understand our solutions and their attributes throughout the whole life cycle. From packaging to transport, Tarmac is driving innovation in product delivery to support sustainability throughout entire projects.

Driving progress

Packaging is one area in which great strides continue to be made to improve the sustainability credentials of construction materials. For example, Tarmac was the first supplier in the UK to use 50% recycled plastics for our bagged products.

Industry-wide initiatives are also driving performance, including The Pallet Loop scheme, under which manufacturers pay a

deposit for distinctively branded 100% FSC green pallets, which are engineered to last and used to transport products to construction sites. As pallets move through the supply chain, the deposit passes from manufacturer to merchant to end user.

Once used, stacked and stored, the scheme operator collects the pallets and returns deposits, before repairing pallets as necessary and recirculating them.

Figures from The Pallet Loop show that the construction sector currently needs to cut down more than 6,000 acres of forestry each year to support the single-use pallet model, which is estimated to make up 10% of the construction waste stream. We’re proud to have signed the charter for this initiative and by committing to a closed loop model, sustainable suppliers like Tarmac can help make a real difference throughout the sector.

Low carbon transport

Another important consideration is how products are transported throughout the supply chain and one of Tarmac’s key sustainability goals is to be at the forefront of implementing low CO2 transport and logistics solutions. With more than 60 railconnected sites nationwide, we are one of the

country’s biggest users of the rail freight network; this resulted in more than 22,500 HGV lorries being taken off the road last year. It’s a significant step towards a lower carbon-built environment.

What’s more, Tarmac’s rail freight capabilities are part of a balanced logistics portfolio which includes trialling and adopting the latest vehicle technologies such as the first battery electric concrete mixer truck in the UK. The new 26-tonne electric truck uses 100% of its site electricity from renewable energy sources.

The final consideration lies in the fundamental need to reduce our impact on primary resources. Tarmac is a net user of waste, which means we use more of other people’s waste than the waste we produce ourselves. Key to this is designing out waste at every stage of the product life cycle and developing products with greater durability, performance and longevity to help support a circular economy. As part of our 2030 sustainability strategy, our ultimate goal is to recycle and use over 70 million tonnes of waste from other industries in our processes and products by 2030.

In summary, the key for merchants is to work with suppliers who can provide a holistic, end-to-end sustainability solution across all aspects. And to educate their own customers in the merits of such sustainable efforts. Only then will we be able to unlock the commercial, societal and operational benefits of a more sustainable construction industry.

n For more information on Tarmac’s range of products and support services for merchants, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas021

“The product itself is only one way to drive sustainability and it is important to help our customers understand our solutions and their attributes throughout the whole life cycle.”

Tarmac has signed the charter for The Pallet Loop scheme — a closed loop, pallet re-use initiative.

MANNOK LOWER CARBON CEMENT PRODUCTION

Mannok and FLSmidth are celebrating the successful implementation of the FUELFLEX® Pyrolyzer, a new combustion system which is said to have “almost eliminated” the use of fossil fuel in the most carbon intensive stage of cement production at Mannok’s plant, reducing 240 tonnes of carbon emissions per day, whilst significantly reducing NOx emissions.

FLSmidth, the Danish engineering company which created the new technology, first partnered with Mannok on the world’s first pilot of the technology back in 2018. To mark this significant milestone in the completion of this international R&D project, which is “set to transform the cement manufacturing industry” and is helping Mannok’s cement production be more sustainable, the two companies recently held a major launch event with politicians, stakeholders, industry experts, government agencies, local councils and schools from the Republic of Ireland, the UK and Denmark attending.

The technology has operated successfully at the Irish producer’s facilities since July 2022 and has already enabled Mannok to cut its fossil fuel use in the cement production process. Indeed, the new system has allowed the manufacturer to replace 90% of its coal use with SRF (solid recovered fuels), which would otherwise go to landfill, in the pre-calcination stage of cement production and it is working towards eliminating the use of coal.

n For more information, and to see a video explainer of the new system, enter www.rdr.link/mas022

BRICKS, BLOCKS & HARD LANDSCAPING

AZPECTS EASYJOINT SELECT PLATINUM

Following extensive research with merchants and landscapers, Azpects has expanded its popular EASYJoint Select product range with a new premium Platinum colour which is said to offer a “cool and contemporary shade of pale grey-beige” that has been “carefully designed to complement trending colours of porcelain and natural stone tiles.”

These all-weather jointing compounds are said to provide excellent results come rain or shine, and all the colours in the EASYJoint Select retain the ready-to-use, sweep-in application method that the UK manufacturer says “revolutionised jointing compounds” in 2010 with the launch of EASYJoint.

Furthermore, like the rest of Azpects’ tubbed product range, Platinum will be packaged in tubs containing 30% recycled plastic. Since 2019, the company states it has saved over 208 tonnes of virgin plastic from being used in the manufacture of EASYJoint, EASYJoint Select, EASYGrout and EASYPrime tubs. Additionally, all the tubs can be 100% recycled, further reducing the environmental impact of the packaging.

n Use www.rdr.link/mas023 for more details.

KEYFIX NON-COMBUSTIBLE CAVITY TRAY SYSTEM

Certified by the British Board of Agrement (BBA), Keyfix’s Non-Combustible Cavity Tray (NCCT) has been designed to capture moisture running down the internal surface of the external skin of masonry to channel it out of the building. Furthermore, to prove its product’s excellence, Keyfix states it has tested its NCCT system above minimum regulatory standards to see how much water it can withstand.

Providing a non-combustible solution for the external cavity, the product has a lifespan of 125+ years, holds an A1 Fire Rating, and is a self-supporting tray, independent of the inner leaf which therefore does not create a thermal bridge. The self-supporting nature of the range also eliminates issues associated with differential movement, topped off with a keyed surface area to eliminate slip plane.

n Watch a video of the NCCT in action via www.rdr.link/mas024

LIGNACITE

HVO NET ZERO PROGRESS

Sustainable block manufacturer Lignacite has taken the initiative to fast-track its journey to net zero by switching its on-site plant vehicles to HVO fuel. With diesel being the company’s biggest source of carbon emissions, it is estimated that this move will slash its carbon footprint by an impressive 440 tonnes each year.

The decision to switch fuels was made before Lignacite announced its pledge to reach net zero by 2030, 20 years ahead of government targets. When new laws on the use of red diesel came into force in 2022, the manufacturer looked to change fuels as soon as possible to make a significant dent in its carbon emissions, and focus will now shift to the company’s HGV vehicles and how Lignacite can reduce their impact on the environment.

n To learn more about Lignacite’s sustainability goals and credentials, use www.rdr.link/mas025

Reflecting the resurgence of in-person branch events, Wilo has expanded its Business Development Team to support merchants and colleges across the UK.

Team building

Joining existing member Chris Gray, Oli Thurlow (pictured) has been appointed to Wilo’s Business Development Team with the pair set to travel the UK to support merchants and young installers as the company continues its commitment to heighten awareness on how heating and hot water circulator products can reduce energy bills.

With Oli covering the north, and Chris covering the south, the pair bring over 19 years of experience between them with Chris now approaching his fifth year in the sector and Oli having worked his way up from a plumbing apprenticeship to his new business development role. Each will be arranging trade mornings at merchant branches, using their Wilo vans to showcase the latest innovations in heating and hot water circulator pumps, sump pumps, macerators and more.

On the outlook for the rest of the year, Chris said: “We’re seeing a steep increase of

new customers, and that means there’s always a need to continue developing the presence of Wilo to provide the industry with high quality products that continue to push the boundaries of what’s gone before.

“The opportunity of meeting new people behind the counter or on the tools is always exciting, and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the future of our industry.”

Indeed, alongside merchant visits, Wilo is committed to inspiring and developing future industry talent. Oli and Chris will also be visiting colleges throughout the year to deliver talks and lectures to young installers, helping them understand more about how residential pump systems work and their critical role in reducing energy bills.

Andy Thompson, Wilo’s National Sales Manager for Plumbing and Heating, said: “We are facing some of the most challenging times we have seen within the industry with lots of different information about energy-saving and pump efficiency, which isn’t always accurate. That’s why we feel even more strongly about having Chris and Oli going out to engage with merchants and installers, ensuring that

those behind the counter and coming through the ranks are equipped with the right knowledge and products to tackle these issues.”

n Wilo is among the pump industry leaders calling on the government to clamp down on the ‘swarm’ of non-compliant central heating pumps being imported into the UK, potentially costing consumers hundreds of pounds every year.

The appeal is being driven by increasing concerns that Far Eastern exporters have penetrated the traditional merchant distribution channels to target the UK, with more than 100,000 non-compliant pumps being sold in the UK every year.

Steve Schofield, Chief Executive of the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA), said: “We estimate that circa 10% of the one million central heating pumps, technically known as circulators, being brought into the UK are non-compliant. It is a swarm; it is blatant and it is now over-the-counter.

“Once fitted, they are costing consumers hundreds of pounds every year on their heating bills, and it is seriously impacting the UK’s ability to meet its net zero obligations.”

n For the full story, visit the PBM website via www.rdr.link/mas026

n To arrange a branch trade morning, contact Wilo via www.rdr.link/mas027

POLYPIPE BUILDING PRODUCTS BUILDING REGS PROMO

Running throughout 2023, Polypipe has launched a new campaign to support heating installers and merchants through the updates to the Building Regulations as the grace period draws to a close on 15th June this year.

Created in partnership with three heating installers — Stanley Tabersham, Fiona Evans and Robert Clarke — the campaign kicked off with the launch of the new game show ‘a Question of Regs’ and will include a number of regional events and educational activities to offer installers support through this transition period.

For more on the campaign, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas028

KNIPEX COBRA COUNTER DISPLAY

The renowned Knipex Cobra pliers are described as a “must have” for any toolkit, and a new Counter Display is designed to show off the tools in style, carrying 10 pliers, and measuring 250mm x 350mm. Crafted from high-quality cardboard and featuring a high gloss print, the small size of the unit requires minimum space, making it perfect for stores with limited counter space but looking to promote spontaneous purchases.

CARHARTT ISAAC LORD DISPLAY AREA

High Wycombe-based Isaac Lord has recently opened an in-store point of sale area designed to show off Carhartt’s “tough, rugged and authentic” workwear collection.

an example of the US brand’s increased focus on the UK and support for a growing number of merchant partners, UK Country Manager Nick Poulson said: “We are delighted that Isaac Lord has created this space in store, as it generates real excitement around the clothing. The in-store display lets customers feel the quality of the clothing and make that purchase.”

WAVIN ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS

Driven by a commitment to improve transparency and insight into the environmental impact of its construction projects, and in response to an increasing number of requests from customers, Wavin has now launched environmental product declarations (EPDs) for its suite of products sold in the UK and Irish markets. Based on third-party verified life cycle assessments (LCas), EPDs provide details on the environmental impact across the entire product life cycle, enabling construction professionals to choose more sustainable products and solutions.

WORCESTER BOSCH NEW PROMOTIONS

Worcester Bosch has launched two new promotions as part of its ongoing commitment to installers.

Running until the end of June, the manufacturer is offering a 7-year guarantee with every Greenstar 2000 to all installers.

In addition and until 30th September, the ‘Fit More’ promotion will exclusively offer Excelerate members the chance to receive up to £500 worth in amazon Vouchers by installing and registering one, three or six more additional boilers compared to the same period in 2022.

FORGEFIX VIDEOS

ForgeFix has released a series of informative and tip-filled videos designed to help merchant counter staff understand its product ranges and their capabilities out on site. The videos cover its three core merchant brands of Fasteners & Fixings, Spectre and ForgeFast, each representing a ‘good, better and best’ product range to offer merchant customers “great quality at several different price points.”

Rebecca Fortescue-Halliwell, ForgeFix’s Head of Marketing, said: “The videos help our customers to appreciate the differences between individual screw types, their performance, and what each brings to the table in terms of time savings and reducing hassle when out on a job. They really will benefit counter staff who need to talk with and sell fasteners and fixings to their customers.”

For more examples of supplier support for merchants on the PBM website, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas029

WREKIN GULLY CHUTE CONNECTOR

Maximising its ductile iron manufacturing capabilities, Wrekin Products has released a new gully chute connector which is said to prioritise ease of installation and weighs less than 25kg for better handling and reduced lifting risk for contractors.

Designed to install below a BS EN 124 480mm x 320mm clear opening gully grate or combined kerb and drainage unit to act as a primary catchment chamber, the new gully chute connector requires only a concrete bed with an intermediate adjustment layer of mortar, before the backfill material and final road surface is applied. The stepped spigot outlet is also suitable for dual pipe sizes and types for a highly adaptable solution.

STUART TURNER PULSE RESIDENTIAL CIRCULATOR

A further expansion to the range, the STUART PULSE 25/60-130 joins Stuart Turner’s range of UK manufactured high efficiency cast iron heating circulators, further supporting the company’s ambition to become a major player in the HVAC market following its acquisition of the pressurisation and hot water generation specialists Mikrofill.

Offering a series of digital operating modes and with a high-efficiency EEI rating of 0.20 thanks to ECM permanent magnet technology, the device can deliver flow rates of up to 3.6m3/hr and up to 6m head.

FIRE AND ACOUSTIC SEALS FD60 FIRE DOOR SILICONE SEALANT

Unprotected cavities around fire door frames and partitions can be easily exploited by fire which can undermine the fire performance of the door if not sealed correctly. Accordingly, the new FAS Fire Door Silicone Sealant from Fire and Acoustic Seals has been specifically tested to seal gaps around external and internal 60-minute fire-rated doors, flat entrance doors and external timber screens to meet BS 476: Part 22 1987 & BS EN 1634-1: 2014, and for smoke and air leakage to BS EN 1634-3: 2004.

STELRAD 900MM HIGH RADIATORS

As part of its programme of providing radiators to operate well with renewable heating systems — powered by air source and ground source heat pumps — Stelrad has announced that it is launching a range of 900mm high radiators in a variety of widths.

Head of Marketing Chris Harvey said: “There is a clear need for larger size radiators to cope with the lower circulating system temperatures generated by renewable heating systems.

“The arrival of the new upgrade to Building Regulations with effect from 15th June in England and from November this year in Wales brings with it a realisation that the key figure to bear in mind is 55°C – the maximum flow temperature for all new wet heating systems from this date. The regulations also say that heating appliances and radiators should not be oversized (and) TRVs need to be fitted to every radiator except where there is a room thermostat fitted.”

SNICKERS WORKWEAR HOODIES

Along with the Work Trousers range, these Hoodies and Sweatshirts are “probably the most popular products among Snickers Workwear users.” Designed specifically for professional craftsmen and women, they’re built for durability and comfort.

The ‘full zip’ or ‘overhead’ styles are ideal as mid-Layer working clothes and will fit well with a jacket on chilly days, whilst can be worn as an outer layer in the spring and summer months. Available in over 40 styles and a host of colours, a selection of fabric options that include Polartec® micro fleece and cosy polycotton can also be chosen.

It has been tested to successfully seal cavities of up to 30mm wide by applying a 10mm deep silicone cap over either mineral fibre wool or FAS’s own-label Fire Door Foam. It also has 240 minutes of fire test evidence for other applications such as joints in walls, roofing, and bead glazing, with the added benefit of resisting general weather elements.

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LOST IN NEW YORK

Jack Grealish has been one of Man City’s standout performers over the last few months, and finally seems to be showing the form that persuaded City to shell out an astronomical £100m — a deal that made him the most expensive ever English player — to secure his services from Aston Villa two seasons ago. Since the World Cup, Grealish has nailed down a more regular spot in the starting XI (‘Pep roulette’ notwithstanding…) and has upped his quota of goals and assists to become a real fantasy football consideration for the remaining weeks of the season, helping City hunt down Arsenal in the League and reach the latter stages of the FA Cup and the Champions League.

And could the reason for this upturn in form be down to a cheeky little post-World Cup break?

Following England’s disappointing Quarter Final exit to France, Grealish spent a few days sunning himself in Dubai before jetting to New York. Nothing especially unusual about that, but the NYC visit wasn’t about seeing the Statue of Liberty or catching a Broadway show…

Apparently, Grealish is a MASSIVE fan of Home Alone 2 and headed stateside to partake in the movie tour around the city, further following in the footsteps of the plucky Kevin McCallister by staying in the famous Plaza Hotel featured in the film.

As reported in the Evening Standard, Grealish said: “I stayed in the (same) hotel! You could get some mad room service, like 16 scoops of ice cream! Like what he got in the film and I’ve got an addictive kind of personality,” the 27-year-old laughed.

IT MUST BE LOVE

We’ve referenced the all-pervasive influence of the Football Manager video game a few times in this column, but I think this must be one of the more bizarre tales… For seemingly unexplained reasons, Barcelona resident Cristóbal Novo Gonzalvo began playing as Alfreton Town and developed such an affinity for the place that he’s subsequently become a regular visitor to the Reds’ North Street Ground.

FINAL FLOURISH

There’s still so much to play for in the final month of the season, and precious few sides are ‘on the beach’. We’re liking Villa’s late run for Europe and think Ollie Watkins could keep banging them

“I love that film, man. Someone had told me about it (the tour), so we went around Central Park. I’ve watched it so many times. I didn’t get to meet the mad pigeon woman, but I never realised how much stuff had been filmed there, in Central Park. I felt like a right little tourist.”

I have to say, I’ve warmed to Grealish over the last couple of years. He’s had some off-field issues in the past but hopefully those days are behind him, and I love the way he never seems to take himself too seriously. He also seems to do a fair bit on the community front for City, and he’s now consistently delivering in the upper echelons of the EPL.

Put it all down to the ice cream!

The BBC recently reported that Cristóbal’s love for the National League North side is such that he actually travelled to Derbyshire for his Stag Do! Capping things off, the club made the 34-year-old the matchday mascot for the home game against Darlington in March!

Cristóbal said: “It was incredible! My future wife knows about me and my crazy problem with football and also Alfreton. My mother thinks that I'm crazy.”

in, whilst it is imperative to maximise your quotient of Arsenal and City assets for a nip and tuck run in. Good luck!

With Paul Davies

Jack Grealish on the hunt for 16 scoops of ice cream