Professional Builder October 2022

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time to grin and bear it!

A one-time regular contributor to a popular financial column within the pages of this magazine was previously a highly successful trader based in the City. One of his constant pearls of wisdom was that it doesn’t matter whether a market is moving up (they call it a bull market –or down (a bear market) there is money to be made in either – and believe us when we say he made a quid or two.

Unfortunately, City Dave is no longer with us – the good life eventually taking its inevitable toll –but even allowing for the unprecedented challenges of the past couple of years, with pandemic induced lockdowns, full scale war on our doorstep, chronic materials shortages, and ever spiralling energy and fuel prices –all leading to one of the worst cost of living crises in a generation –our “loads of money” old friend would be at pains to point out that there are still plenty of opportunities for the more savvy minded individual to turn a profit.

And in that respect few are surely better placed to take advantage of the current situation than the nation’s army of builders, plumbers and electricians, whose customers are crying out for sound advice and practical help to improve the efficiency and comfort of their homes. To this end there are a number of things you can do to increase business opportunities at a time of what looks like a sustained period of distress for many households as the nights draw in. One is to consolidate business around your core offering – or those aspects of your business that really turn in to hard cash. It is a general rule of economics (Pareto’s law) that 80 per cent of your profits will come from 20 per cent of your activities, so focus on the 20 per cent and cut away the chaff that makes less money – leave that up to someone else.

Alternatively, you could try diversifying your business into emerging sectors. The impact of Covid on employees working from home is unlikely to be reversed any time soon, whilst the recent record-breaking summer heat has only further exacerbated the trend in the UK to outdoor living and all that entails. Furthermore, a rapidly aging population is guaranteed to create demand in the conversion of existing properties to accommodate elderly and infirm family members.

Another possibility may be the repositioning of your business into the sustainability sector and being able to offer what is already a vast range of environmentally friendly and energy saving devices. It shouldn’t require too much of a leap of faith to upsell these products to customers whose homes you may already be a frequent visitor to and will actively seek your advice on futureproofing their homes. With what also now appears to be an unprecedented rise in fuel and utilities costs for the foreseeable future, the time after so many false dawns, really does appear to be ripe for an explosion of “green” solutions to everyday scenarios. In fact, new research shows more than sixty per cent of UK homeowners now plan to upgrade their property over the next ten years in a bid to reduce energy bills.

In addition, investigate smarter ways of working to save time. There’s been an explosion of simple-to-use online estimating and bookkeeping software systems launched in the past few years, allowing you to move on to the next job more quickly and keep an all-important handle on cashflow. Just because your first boss showed you his way of working 20 years ago when you were an apprentice, it doesn’t mean that his way is still the best option. New technologies and equipment, often devised by ex-pros at the sharp end, means builders can work faster and more safely than ever before. Take advantage of them. Even planning more carefully your trips to the merchant for materials can save vital time and money. Perhaps it’s even time to grasp the nettle and go fully electric with that new van you have been promising yourself. We’ve been arguing for ages that for those workhorses that are often parked up outside a customer’s house for most of the day, the limited (although improving) range is not necessarily a drawback, as indeed are the increasingly competitive purchase prices. It also makes a statement to potential customers of your sound environmental credentials.

These are a few ideas, to weather what increasingly looks like a stormy winter, but there are many more out there. As always, Professional Builder will keep abreast of all of the latest developments in print and, of course, online to make sure we can all pull through the uncertain and difficult times ahead. City Dave knew a thing or two about turning a few readies in a bear market and the answer isn’t to work harder – he believed we should all being beavering away as hard as possible all the time anyway. When times are challenging the key is to work smarter. It is what City Dave himself called the “bear” necessities.

“It may be crunch time but there are still plenty of opportunities to get your teeth into.”

Amidst a raft of surveys and statistics highlighting the challenges facing the sector, there are perhaps some positives to be found in new data from NHBC which reveals new home completions “have returned to pre-pandemic levels as house builders demonstrate their commitment to meet the high demand for new homes”.

A total of 40,289 were completed in Q2 2022, up 16% on Q2 2021. The quarter also saw an increase in the number of new home registrations — the process by which house builders register plots they intend to build with NHBC — to 66,855, up by 45%. This uplift, says NHBC, is in part due to builders seeking to minimise the cost impact of energy efficiency regulations introduced in June.

The figures from NHBC, widely recognised as a leading indicator of house-building activity, show that 11 out of 12 UK regions saw growth in the number of new home completions. The largest increases were in the North East (1,781 in Q2 2022 vs 1,284 in Q2 2021) and East Midlands (4,117 in Q2 2022 vs

3,071 in Q2 2021) whilst only Wales saw a slight decrease (1,183 in Q2 2022 vs 1,189 in Q2 2021).

Growth in new home completions was shown to be driven by the private sector with 29,963 in Q2 2022, up 23% on Q2 2021. New home completions in the affordable and build-to-rent sector were level with the same period last year at 10,326.

Steve Wood, NHBC Chief Executive, said: “Our latest figures demonstrate that output from the new homes market has made a solid return to pre-pandemic levels. At this stage we are not seeing evidence that the cost-of-living crisis or risks of recession are affecting consumer demand, whilst registration levels reinforce continued confidence within the sector.”

SAFETY AT HEIGHT

Work at height charity launches Supporter Scheme

The safe working at height charity, the No Falls Foundation has launched its first Supporter Scheme. Designed to allow companies to demonstrate their support for the aims and objectives of the charity, the scheme offers membership in four distinct categories. Depending on the category selected – from Bronze to Platinum –

SET IN TRAIN

A new pilot will improve access to training for smaller firms

CITB has announced an investment of more than £800,000 in a new employer network pilot project. While the pilot is open to businesses of all sizes, there is a primary aim to simplify the process for small and micro businesses. Through the support of established and experienced delivery partners, the pilot enables employers to recognise their training priorities and receive guidance on how best to find and fund the training most appropriate to them.

ARMD DETERRENT

ARMD encourages the trades to ‘Stick One Up’ to tool theft

The tech and smart insurance platform, ARMD is encouraging the trades to #StickOneUpToToolTheft in a new social media campaign. Tradespeople can take part by registering a FREE ARMD account so they can start logging their tools. They will get an ARMD sticker in the post and if they display the sticker on their van and share it on social media, tagging two friends, and including the #StickOneUpToToolTheft, #ProtectYourTools and #getARMD hashtags, they get another £20 store credit to spend on tools.

SAFE DIGGING

Power company launches new way help keep builders safe around live cables

The UK’s biggest electricity distributor has unveiled its DigSafe device, a new learning tool designed to reduce accidents where builders come into contact with electrical cables.

UK Power Networks has produced a special cable strike set, using a shovel that was previously involved in a real-life incident, which lights up and creates a realistic bang when an exposed mock cable is hit. Builders are urged to request cable plans in advance when carrying out work and these can be obtained via the UK Power Networks website:

SHINING

Plasterboard production

Etex reports it is set to double the plasterboard production capacity of its Bristol plant upon the opening of its new factory in 2023, with work “well underway” at the new 57,000m2 Siniat facility. Neil Shaw, Country Manager (UK & Ireland) at Etex said: “The extension of our Bristol facility will significantly increase our production capacity in the UK, at a time when our plasterboard solutions are in high demand which is currently outstripping industry supply availability.

“We’re extremely confident that the underlying upward trend in demand for our product will continue, so being able to produce and supply it in significantly larger quantities will be crucial, not only to the growth of our business but also in supporting the wider construction industry’s growth challenges.”

HOT PROPERTY

New Rightmove research reveals underfloor heating as a top five priority for homeowners Underfloor heating has grown in popularity by 114% amongst homeowners according to data from Rightmove. Not only is UFH much more energy efficient – affording significant savings on energy bills – but up to 15% more usable floor space can be gained by removing radiators. “Insulation aside, underfloor heating is one of the best things you can do to improve heating at home during retrofitting,” explains Sam Jump, Product Manager, Wunda Group PLC, the developers of Wundatherm underfloor heating system.

BAND AID

Wavin bands together on charity project to support tradesman plumbing and drainage manufacturer recently supported Band of Builders on a project to help Kyle O’Connor – a multi-skiller from Hereford who had previously worked with the charity as a volunteer and received a cancer diagnosis part-way through an extension on his family home. Band of Builders and its team of volunteers stepped in to complete the work, with Wavin providing all drainage including those needed for a wetroom conversion.

WIELDING THE TAX

Latest self-employed tax figures suggest construction sector is rebounding strongly

New data linked to the tax bills of self-employed construction workers suggests the sector is on track to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity. Tax rebate firm Brian Alfred, which specialises in looking after workers who are Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) registered, has revealed that initial figures indicate self-employed construction rebates are around 17 per cent higher than pre-pandemic, with their average client looking set to receive a tax rebate of more than £1,600 from the current tax year. That's an increase from an average rebate of £1,370 in 2021.

CUSTOM DICTATES

Ford Transit Custom is the most popular used vehicle of 2022

Vehicle expert, heycar has revealed that its most popular used model this year isn’t a car –it’s a van. The online used car marketplace has seen a 26.8% increase in demand for the Ford

Transit Custom in 2022 compared to the same period last year, while overall there has been a 60.8% increase in demand for vans in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021.

THE BEST OF THAMES

WernerCo donates charity Thames river cruise to Barnardo’s children

As part of a partnership with Barnardo’s charity, WernerCo provided children and families from across London with a day out on a Thames riverboat cruise. 125 children and adults who use Barnardo’s services – including those with caring responsibilities, young people in the process of leaving social care, young people with disabilities and those who are supported by Barnardo’s mental health services – were amongst the attendees.

THE BANK JOB

It's time to address those banking disputes

Construction businesses in the UK only have until 14th February 2023 to register unresolved historical banking complaints with the Business Banking Resolution Service. The BBRS is urging small and mid-sized businesses (SMEs) with historical banking disputes to see if they can apply for support using their quick online tool. Eligible businesses could benefit from free and impartial alternative dispute resolution.

PLAN AHEAD

A national plan on asbestos is urgently required

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), a leading scientific charity and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, together with the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM), has called upon government to commit to a proper national plan on asbestos. This follows HSE statistics released this month that reveal asbestosis, mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer and non-malignant pleural disease in Great Britain are increasing, with an increase in asbestos deaths to over 5,000 each year.

IN THE FUTURE

NHBC Foundation seeks to unlock full potential of the Future Homes Standard

The NHBC Foundation has published a new document that gives advice and guidance to housebuilders on unlocking the full potential of the Future Homes Standard. The report considers the challenges that may arise from energy saving measures in new homes and how these could be overcome. THE

CONSERVATION PIECE

In order to secure the future of our nation’s period properties and listed buildings for posterity we need individuals with the skills to repair and conserve them – and there is an organisation that is dedicated to realising that ambition. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings’ William Morris Craft Fellowship is a unique educational initiative that offers four tradespeople an unrivalled insight into our built environment heritage. Over the course of a year their grand tour will see them take on the role of itinerant builders, travelling the country and engaging with numerous projects and professionals. We caught up with the Fellows at the SPAB working party in Boxley Abbey, Kent.

County Down-based self-employed carpenter and joiner, David McFerran is relatively new to old buildings, with around three years of experience, but has already developed a passion for the sector. “I’ve been on the tools for more than twenty years but lockdown gave me the time to reflect and pursue a different

path – and that’s when I moved into heritage work. It’s inherently more rewarding to save something for the future. I’ve helped conserve historic monuments in Ireland that I visited myself

as a child and that my own young daughter is now experiencing for the first time. It is that bequeathing to future generations that elevates the work.”

David also feels a real connection to the past masters of his trade: “There is a rich history to carpentry and joinery. You’re putting your hand to a structure where some 100 or 200 years previous a carpenter did just the same thing. That’s why everyone involved in period property repair has huge respect for their forbears. They completed high quality work with none of the modern tools we take for granted, and often had to improvise the equipment needed for the job.”

Commited participants

As rewarding as it is, The William Morris Craft Fellowship is a big commitment for anyone who earns their living in the trades. SPAB offers a bursary to cover costs – and all four of this year’s intake have secured a grant from the York Consortium for Conservation and Craftmanship – but there’s an inevitable

The William Morris Craft Fellows (LtoR) lime plasterer, Daahir Mohamed, joiner and rope access technician, Steve Hogarth, carpenter and joiner, David McFerran and shingle maker and signwriter, Owen Bushell.

What’s the appeal of working on old buildings and what can the use of traditional building techniques and materials teach the sector today? Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to four craftsmen who are committed to conservation.

loss of earnings, not to mention time away from friends and family. The programme demands dedication and a level of sacrifice from its participants –but there are equally real benefits.

“We get to meet so many people as we move from site to site, and it’s an excellent networking opportunity,” explains Owen Bushell, a Highland-based shingle maker and signwriter. “There’s a swathe of former Fellows and SPAB scholars who take us in, and we are introduced to a huge range of skills. The experience is as close to the German ‘Zimmerman’ wanderjahre concept –where a carpenter will travel plying their trade for several years in their black hat and traditional costume – as you can get in the UK.”

It is from these diverse encounters that the four have their own approaches to conservation challenged and the course of their future direction determined, as Steve Hogarth a joiner and rope access technician from Derbyshire explains: “What the Fellowship reveals is a hugely varied range of approaches to conservation, where some might advocate for more or less intervention, for instance, and it ultimately comes down to what’s right for a specific building. It’s taught me to be a lot more pragmatic in my attitude to a project.”

“Conservation and the SPAB values

ask you to change your relationship with buildings and the way they work. We are used to having flat walls and floor joists having a stated strength, but that’s not the case with older structures. It’s about education and changing mindsets.”

Inspiration

Whilst undertaking the Fellowship, Bristolbased, lime plasterer Daahir Mohamed, has been inspired by working with Master Plasterer Philip Gaches, as well as clay plastering. “I’ve worked on listed buildings with lime for some time now, but the Fellowship has already provided me with a wealth of technical support that I can draw upon to take on different projects in the future. One of the first things we did was a hot lime mix, where we’re making the material on site, and that’s something I’ve already taken back to my own jobs in Bristol.”

Somali-born Daahir was motivated to pursue a building career utilising these more traditional materials by his formative years in his African homeland. “I was helping to clay plaster huts in our village at the age of 7 or 8,” he reveals, “and it’s only recently that I’ve realised that my enthusiasm for building conservation is rooted in those memories. In this country we are at a point where more and more people are asking for lime plasterers to work on their homes, because it has real benefits over gypsum, and is a more sustainable alternative. I am very interested in how conservation and traditional building practices can make a contribution to energy efficiency, for example.”

Indeed, the Fellows are united in their belief that the modern building industry has a lot to learn from a more traditional approach. “There’s so much embodied wisdom in old buildings,” concludes Owen. “They were using local materials, that have proven to last much longer, and endow a community with a specific vernacular. It’s essential that we apply that ethos to construction in the modern world.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS (SPAB) WILLIAM MORRIS CRAFT VISIT

“What the Fellowship reveals is a hugely varied range of approaches to conservation, where some might advocate for more or less intervention, for instance, and it ultimately comes down to what’s right for a specific building. It’s taught me to be a lot more pragmatic in my attitude to a project.”

ON THE SOAPBOX

Lockdown gave many of us the opportunity for thinking time, and for experienced plasterer, Karl Dorn it was the chance to pursue not one but two of his designs for time saving tools. The story of their development is a testament to the problem-solving ingenuity that is a tradesman’s daily lot.

“I’m a plasterer by profession but when you find yourself dabbling in different trades you tend to instinctively transfer the skills and knowledge that you’ve already accrued over many years,” explains the Essex-based spreader. “My father taught me how to run cornices in situ, for instance – by throwing the plaster up and running a prefabricated mould

and consistent bead every time – even in corners. “It’s fast, flawless in the finish and designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand,” continues Karl. “In fact, I’m already talking to sealant manufacturers and they’re looking at supplying it with tubes of their products.”

The name is in honour of the obvious resemblance to a humble bar of soap, and Karl is convinced it can provide a clean result in any scenario: “It’s simply a matter of applying the sealant from a gun, and then running the Silicone Soap along it. It can easily work behind taps and will provide the same quality result even when going over areas where grout lines for tiles are evidence –where you will invariably find dents in the bead. The nozzle of the sealant gun can also be inserted into the Silicone Soap’s holes in order to gun the sealant and then run it with the same action. I’ve seen some very expensive bathrooms that have been really let done by the silicone but with my product it doesn’t have to be that way.”

Proven concept

Karl is in possession of his own 3D printer on which he fashioned some early prototypes, and has subsequently perfected the design and tested its effectiveness on his own jobs, but the concept has largely stayed true to the original. As a result, he’s been able to move quickly from drawing board to professionally manufactured and packaged product, and the Silicone Soap is now available to buy

– but his interest in new innovations doesn’t stop there.

In keeping with the simplicity of his solutions the Corner Trowel is a skimming tool for use on 90° corners. “During the pandemic I knocked one up for my own use and, having shown it to a few people on site, ended up hand-making and selling around 150 of them,” recalls Karl. “That’s what convinced me there was a market for the tool and I’ve since engaged a manufacturer to produce them in greater quantities.”

Karl can already point to a long history in product development. He has a Bladefixer plasterboard fixing that is now available in a leading retail stockist to his name, for example, as well as a device for turning household appliances off stand-by

“For a tradesman finding a solution to a problem is part of the job, and I do have the kind of mind that is always thinking of better ways to do things,” confesses the 54 year old. “That’s where the inspiration for the Silicone Soap and Corner Trowel come from – and I’m sure there will be more to come!”

READERS’ LIVES

The day-to-day frustrations of working as a tradesperson within our major towns and cities has never been more apparent but one man might just have found the answer to all those punitive congestion charges, low emission zones and exorbitant parking fees. We find out more from Aaron Fleming-Saheed, whose Cycling Sparks business could now inspire others to follow in his two wheel tyre tracks.

JUST LIKE RIDING A BIKE!

QTell us more about your background and motivation behind the decision to launch your company, Cycling Sparks?

Aaron Fleming-Saheed (AFS) As far as my professional electrical career is concerned, I’ve had a varied experience so far. I’ve worked for a big national, moving on to a small local firm using vans after that. I was then employed on large sites for a few years before eventually going out on my own.

At one point I was working for a firm on a big site in SW London that was particularly difficult to get to from the south-east. I’d recently been diagnosed with a heart condition and a friend suggested getting a bike to do the commute. I was 34 at the time and hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid.

I’ll admit I was a bit nervous at the start but after a day of riding, that was it! I carried on cycling to work with my tools on my back and came up with the name of the business during one of my commutes. With London’s roads becoming more congested and polluted, it was a no-brainer for me to continue cycling to work when I decided to go it alone and start my own company.

QHow have you found the workrelated practicalities (such as transporting materials to/from locations) of making the switch from your previous method of work transportation?

AFS When I started out on my own in 2017 ownership and use of the eCargo bike wasn’t massive and it was (and still is) a very expensive purchase, so that wasn’t an option at the time. My original bike was nothing fancy (I still have it) so I had to make things work.

trunking? Use bungee cord at the back and front. How about a drum of cable? Stick it in

a pannier bag along with accessories. All the while my key tools and drills were transported in my trusty backpack.

Clearly each daily job now required more thinking and planning in terms of the materials that were actually needed, and this was a real change from most companies I’d worked for previously. The main question we often get asked is how we transport ladders and heavier items. We’re lucky to have use of some great cycle logistics firms in London who will deliver ladders and any items 3 metres and above, as and when I need them. There is a premium for this service but it closes the loop and means we’re not tied to vans or adding to pollution levels where we live and operate.

By 2019, I’d eventually got enough funding together to purchase an eCargo bike that would fit in the storage area in the flats where I live. That investment opened up so many more doors for me. I could now go further to jobs and carry more than before, which meant I could offer more services.

Q How have things been going for the business in general?

AFS Good! It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve done

everything incrementally over the past five years and it’s taken a lot of trial and error to see what works well and what doesn’t. By September 2021 I’d decided there was enough demand and wanted to push things further with the business so I ordered five large eCargo bikes which we received earlier this year. As a result, we’ve been able to broaden our scope of activities even further and I’ve started taking people on.

Q What have been the most significant challenges (business or otherwise) you’ve faced since launching Cycling Sparks?

AFS I guess the biggest challenge has been changing peoples’ mindsets of what you can do by bike. I got a few laughs on-site when I first started but I’ve just persevered with the idea and with events over the past few years the business has naturally come into its own.

Q What benefits can fellow electricians experience by making a similar switch from four wheels to two?

AFS The sheer simplicity in using a bike makes it quite a robust choice. There’s a long list of additional benefits, but I’ll begin with the one that will probably be at the top of most readers’ minds currently:

Fuel. We don’t pay for it. We’re not queuing up for hours fighting to get some and we’re not beholden to the ludicrous price hikes. It means our business is a bit more stable than running a fleet of vans and the costs of servicing and ownership that also come as part of that.

Parking. It’s a nightmare in London at the best of times. We can pretty much go to a job anywhere we want without having to worry about finding a spot or paying for it.

Time. I used to spend hours in traffic when I had a vehicle. I hated it. Now I just set off when I want without having to factor in hold-ups such as school runs or roadworks. Health. When I was on a regular bike I lost a lot of weight pretty quickly. My commute wasn’t massive – I think it was 13 miles both ways. Admittedly since using eCargo bikes some of the weight has come back on but you still get a decent work out. Environment. I hope the recent heatwave has made it clear just how important climate change is. Using bikes minimises your carbon footprint drastically. You also have to ask how sustainable is it going to be to continue to use a van in built-up areas if things keep going the way they are? Sparks are a pretty bright bunch (well, some anyway) and we should be leading the way in how we’re going to deal with climate change in the trades.

Q What do you hope to achieve through Cycling Sparks in the future?

AFS Personally, I hope to take my business as far as I possibly can by continuing to grow it and moving into other sectors. But on a larger scale, as we take on new recruits, and expand further, I hope to effect change in the way things are done in cities and to make things better for the environment.

TRAINING

MASTER AND APPRENTICE

“

Training has always been my passion,” declares Annie, “and the construction industry skills crisis has made it such a crucial issue.” That commitment to the cause is underscored by multiple roles as an FMB Director, Chair of the Organisation’s Training Group and Chair of a Trailblazer Group for a new General Builder apprenticeship standard. As well as that, as Director of Public Affairs at Kisiel Group, Annie is part of a team with a worthy record of nurturing the next generation.

The FMB Training Group consists of representatives from the trade body’s membership, as well as colleges, CITB and the Department for Education. It can communicate advice and support to those members, as well exploring initiatives that could encourage builders to take on young people, and make it easier for more of them to do so. Moreover, it also supports individuals in becoming ambassadors and visit schools, whilst one member recently recorded a successful video on training an apprentice.

Annie outlines some of the practical measures the group is exploring: “A common lament we hear is that it’s very difficult for a time-poor tradesperson to find an apprentice and access the grants that are available – and there is no doubt that the system need to be simplified. One of the recommendations from the group is to make liaison officers compulsory in every FE college, for example, so that they are a point of contact and support for potential employers in that area. Although the

amount of money is limiting, I have direct experience of applying for the Skills & Training Fund for Kisiel Group, which exists to upskill an existing workforce, and the FMB Training Group can promote these financial aids.

“It is a fact that there is no one resource that companies who are interested in training can tap into, but we can feed back to the FMB itself and they can help signpost what’s out there and where to access it. SMEs currently train over 70 per cent of apprentices so it’s vital that we give smaller firms all the help that they need.”

bringing a new qualification to the industry that could have real benefits for a building business: “Every FMB member I

speak to is very supportive of the idea of the General Builder apprenticeship standard we’re working on,” continues Annie. “For a smaller company, having an employee who has a knowledge and understanding of two or three roles on site could be invaluable, and the current proposal is for the apprenticeship to

One of the Federation of Master Builders most active campaigns is in tackling what is now recognised as a skills crisis. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to Kisiel Group’s Annie Summun about what both the London-based contractor and the trade body are doing to address the problem.

The Construction Minister with Kisiel Group trainees

Annie Summun is an FMB Director and Kisiel Group’s Director of Public Affairs

underlying causes of what is fast becoming a chronic shortage of labour? “Cleary more needs to be done by both government and industry to champion construction as a viable career for ambitious young people, and the status of the sector in our education system needs to be addressed. I was told first-hand of how an FMB member was asked to promote the building industry to a group of young people in a school. He gave a really impassioned presentation, and the teacher followed it up by explaining to the audience that if they don’t work hard for their exams that’s they job they would end up with!

Image makeover

“That might be an extreme example but it’s all too symptomatic of the attitude of many of our educators. It’s about changing perceptions, with a spirit of collaboration and partnership between parents, schools, training providers, industry and Whitehall to explain the hugely diverse range of available careers. Only 2 per cent of the total number of tradespeople on site are women, for

In recent years, the FMB has become an enthusiastic advocate for a mandatory licencing scheme in construction. One of the consequences of such an initiative could well be to convince those with a negative impression of the industry that it actually enjoys a set of standards and a status that compares favourably with any other profession. At the same time Annie believes that more should be done to communicate just how rewarding training can be. Not only can a skilled and experienced employer have the satisfaction of passing on their knowledge to an eager learner, but there is the added reassurance for a company in instructing a staff member in the right way to work.

left from the Apprenticeship Levy to smaller companies. In London, for example, the London Progression Collaboration links these larger organisations with SMEs.

In order to retain its skilled staff, multiaward winning Kisiel Group is committed to upskilling its workforce. The south-east based contractor and property developer also has an active ‘Developing Talent Internship Programme’ and is currently in the process of expanding it apprenticeship numbers. It is an example that more businesses need to follow because a historically inadequate level of training is pushing us inexorably towards a tipping point.

“I do believe we’re on a cliff-edge,” concludes Annie. “23 per cent of the current workforce is over 55 – and it’s estimated that the sector will lose up to 800,00 people to retirement over the next ten-fifteen years. At the same time, we will need 266,000 new workers by 2026 just to meet our projected commitments to sustainability. If the government wants to deliver on new homes, and improvements to our existing housing stock, these are numbers that

Inside the WITH COLOUR

he Dulux Colour and Design coursesare pitched at painters and decorators, as well as interior designers, looking to upskill to provide their customers with trusted colour and design advice and expertise. Increasingly, customers seek advice from painters and decorators about colour and design as they look to incorporate more colour in their homes, making it essential for decorators to have the skills and knowledge to give expert guidance”, says Dulux Academy Skills Development Consultant, Nicola Holmes.

“Things have changed so much in the last two years, people understand the impact of colour and how it is transformative on our wellbeing, and they want to know more,” she says. “For decorating, customers want to see inside

other peoples’ houses. A painter and decorator who can show project examples and why they work will allay any concerns. After all, choosing a colour or design theme is a big decision for lots of people.

This is where Dulux Academy’s Colour and Design Courses excel by helping painters and decorators to build the knowledge and confidence they need to help meet their customers’ needs.

The four courses currently available are: Understanding Colour Theory and Design; Colour Tools; Designing Beautiful Living Spaces; and Presenting Colour to Customers. They are hosted throughout the year at the Dulux Academy in Slough, plus Academy at Dulux Decorator Centre locations across the country and selected college partners.

Interactive Live Courses online

TDulux Academy also offers a series of free interactive Live Courses online, covering a range of topics designed to support you and your decorating business. They initially began to support delegates and their businesses during the pandemic and have since evolved and continue through Dulux Academy Live. The Live Courses were born during the pandemic, but their continued popularity has seen the 45minute sessions become a core part of the Colour and Design Course offering as more decorators look to upskill. They are bitesize, interactive webinars covering topics such as Colour Theory and Colour Tools. The free series of online workshops offer Q&A sessions for those keen to have a taste of the Dulux Academy experience. Nicola will also deliver Live courses on ColourFutures 2023 of the Year 2023. the third part of our Inside the Academy series, Professional Builder visits the Colour Studio at the Dulux Academy to learn about its Colour and Design Courses.

Ongoing support

However, the learning and support doesn’t end at the close of a course. The Dulux Academy has built a community of alumni through its Dulux Academy Network on Facebook,

DULUX ACADEMY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT, NICOLA HOLMES:

“I have worked with AkzoNobel for over 13 years, joining the Technical Advice department first. This gave me a huge amount of knowledge on product.

I’ve always been a creative person and colour quickly became my passion in this role.

I moved into the Colour Studio from the Technical Advice department and then progressed to become a Commercial Designer, looking after the South of England. In this role I was lucky enough to design education spaces, as well as living spaces for people living with dementia, which is a subject I’m passionate about.”

Wallpapering to name a few. The network allows decorators to ask questions of others in the trade and receive answers or advice.

“I’ve seen so many amazing results from people who have attended the courses, with decorators putting their Colour and Design Course training on

expert and novice, and provides delegates with theoretical and practical colour knowledge.

Course name: Colour Tools Course cost: £150+VAT

Course duration: 1 day

3RD IN THE SERIES

DULUX ACADEMY’S

COLOUR COURSES

Dulux Academy’s Colour and Design Courses are practical and hands-on, covering the theoretic and essential elements of colour and design.

Course name: Understanding Colour Theory Course cost: £150+VAT

Course duration: 1 day

Reasons to attend: Dulux Academy’s most popular Colour and Design Course takes place over one day. It is aimed at painters and decorators, both

Reasons to attend: This course ensures painters and decorators have all the right tools – both traditional and techbased – to do the job. Aimed at painters and decorators new to the trade, Attendees will leave with an understanding of the core tools they need to do their job to the highest standard.

Course name: Designing Beautiful Living Spaces Course cost: £275+VAT

Course duration: 2 days

Reasons to attend: Designing Beautiful Living Spaces is a step outside the box and opens delegates’ eyes to a new world of colour and design. The course is aimed at painters and decorators and

websites and van liveries to let customers know they can talk to them about colour,” continues Nicola. “The courses build confidence among decorators and allows them to put colour schemes together for their customers. It’s another level of skill that decorators can sell to their customers.”

will arm them with the practical knowledge they need to help customers design the perfect room.

Course name: Presenting Colour to Customers Course cost: £150+VAT

Course duration: 1 day

Reasons to attend: Hosted over oneday, Presenting Colour to Customers is real opportunity for decorators to up their game and showcase ‘eyeservice’ to customers. The course gives students the knowledge, theory and practical skills to talk through colour with confidence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE DULUX ACADEMY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK022

JACKET & WINTER PANT SET

WIN HELLY HANSEN WORKWEAR UC-ME GLOW IN THE DARK HI VIZ

Helly Hansen Workwear is br inging an innovative solution to Hi Viz with its new UC-ME range launching this winter. With no cables or batter ies, any light will charge the VizLight striping, ensuring the wearer is visible even in total darkness.

To win a Helly Hansen Workwear UC-ME Winter Jacket and UC-ME Winter Pant, simply use the rdr number below, where you’ll find the full entry details.

6X ADHESIVE AND TAPE BUNDLES

WEST FRASER

CABERFLOOR

CaberFix is a comprehensive range of adhesives and tapes specifically developed for use with the CaberFloor systems.

The portfolio consists of CaberFix D4 adhesive, which provides BBA approval when used to install CaberDek and CaberShieldPlus, CaberFix D3 PVA glue for sealing and fixing tongue and groove flooring, CaberFix Joint&Joist PU adhesive and sealant for CaberFloor, and CaberFix and CaberFix X-Treme tape.

Stick with us and you’ll find great prizes every month, including these CaberFix adhesives and tapes.

X WORK LIGHTS

HEAVY DUTY VAN LOCK

NIGHTSEARCHER

KANGASTAR

RECHARGEABLE LED WORK LIGHT

With a zinc body padlock, 6pin cylinder and black powder-coated, heavy duty steel hasp, Yale’s new Heavy Duty Van Lock has been designed with heightened security in mind. Suitable for a range of applications, including gates, sheds, outwardopening double doors and vans, the Heavy Duty Van Lock has been rigorously tested to provide extensive protection against a range of attack methods. Be secure in the knowledge that you’ve safeguarded your tools and equipment with the latest from Yale. One of five Heavy Duty Van Locks could be yours. YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT:

These high-powered LED work lights are designed to operate from power tool batteries and will accept 14V/18V batteries from some of the leading power tool brands. Constructed from high-grade aluminium, with rubberised edging, and a tempered glass lens, the units benefit from an IP65 rating and feature a built-in hanging hook. It’s time to see the light and get involved in Professional Builder’s Free-for-All. Three of these KangaStar solutions must be won!

Monday morning begins at 7am as usual and first job of the day is looking over an estimate we’ve had through from Mark Henwood our estimator at Build Aviator. We’re currently tendering for a job in Ipswich converting a commercial building to six flats and Mark has put together a report for us.

I look over the estimate checking the scope and the margins we agreed. I’ve got a couple of quick changes so I give Mark a call on my way to site.

Having worked with Mark for the past few years, we’ve got a great relationship. He knows how we work and, while it sounds cheesy, he really is like another member of our team. We just submit our plans, have a chat about the job once he’s looked through the drawings, and then we leave him to do the hard work of working out quantities and costing it up. Given that material prices are changing quickly at the moment, it’s great that Mark can base it on live costs and make our estimates as realistic a price as possible.

As we’ve worked with Build Aviator a while, we’ve been trialling their new subscription service, Fast Track. This is a monthly fee that gives us a set number of estimates per year, at a fixed cost and gives us other benefits such as software

to make quick changes to quotes as needed.

We really like Fast Track because we go from initial plans to estimate quicker. Usually, you’d submit a job to the estimator, they’ll tell you the price to do the report and then you give the go ahead. But as we’ve got a set number of estimates in our subscription, we skip a step and therefore get our reports back faster.

By the time I’ve spoken to Mark, I’ve arrived on site ready for a day on the tools. At the moment we’re finishing off an extension so it’s full steam ahead to get it over the line.

an Executive Class member of Build Aviator and as part of our membership, the marketing team at Build Aviator help us with our social media profiles.

When you’re busy on site and doing all the back office stuff, it’s easy to forget about or put off promoting your business for the next load of work.

We spend a bit of time this morning taking photos of our live job at Westgate Street so the team from Build Aviator can turn these into social media posts and help get our name out there to new customers.

After a couple of busy days on site, it’s time for something different today! We’re

The team’s also created Whitespace Construction branded reports for our estimates that really help us stand out when we quote. We’ve had amazing feedback from customers on these reports. Rather than handing over a

simple letter and a figure with terms and conditions, it feels great to present a designed report, with a clear overview of what’s in the estimate (and what isn’t!) and give a schedule of works.

I’m sure we’re not alone in finding that more and more customers want this timeline, so having that extra bit of work done for you really helps.

It’s also helpful for us when planning jobs. Once we’ve got a start date, our estimator, Mark will re-run our report, making sure we’ve got the latest material prices and lead times for products. This Build Kick-Off service spits out a report that shows us any changes in prices, so we can have an upfront conversation with the customer about what’s changed.

Build Kick-Off also feeds into Build Aviator Click to Build which does actually what it says on the tin! The detailed materials list is uploaded, our branch rep

At 3pm, I head to the office to go through our latest Click to Build report for a job starting in a few weeks as well box off payroll for the month. A builder’s work is never done!

admin like contracts, VAT returns etc in the evening, I make sure my weekends are my own.

Before I started working with Build Aviator, I would be working on estimates here and there around other stuff, and would probably spend at least half a day on each quote over a four day period. When you’re quoting for four jobs a month, it’s easy to see how that time can build up. I already spend an extra three or four hours each day on paperwork, so

A TIME TO SKILL

Temperature records have been shattered across the UK this summer. People across the country suffered in homes that aren’t designed to handle fierce heatwaves. The UK’s homes also struggle in cold months: draughts put strain on our heating systems; problem condensation results in mould and even structural damage.

Some of this is due to properties’ age. In England, as of 2020, 4.7 million owner occupied houses were built before 1919 vs. 2.8 million which were built after 2002 (Statista). But even many modern homes aren’t fit for purpose.

This means retrofitting an existing building to increase its energy efficiency is becoming more and more important. More and more householders want to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, but even those with the savings to pay for measures are struggling to find trusted professionals to carry out work. The number of people skilled in this type of work is far outweighed by the demand.

Updated Skills

To tackle the cost-of-living and climate crises, contractors need to be aware of energy saving technologies and materials, and be able to install them with skill and care. If energy efficiency measures are installed poorly, they can be ineffective or cause long-term damage.

Retrofit involves some new technologies, but many retrofit measures aren’t brand new. For example, switching out windows for triple-glazed units

requires installers to build on their existing expertise and develop skills in airtightness to ensure that replacement windows deliver the desired energy efficiencies.

Tackling the Skills Gap Construction education providers are making some progress with retrofit qualifications, especially for specific roles like Retrofit Assessors and Coordinators. Retrofit must become part of all construction training pathways. Colleges need investment to develop retrofit facilities and to hire and train staff, and existing qualifications need to be updated.

adapt their provision to fit with the realities of work. A flexible approach to training helps, with a mix of classroom, online, and on-site provision.

In Manchester, People Powered Retrofit is running its Retrofit Fundamentals training courses both at an accessible workshop and online, to widen access to anyone in the UK who wants to attend. They also host on-site ‘toolbox talks’ for their network of retrofit professionals to learn new techniques on the job.

Local networks, forums for peer learning, and spaces for people entering the industry to learn from others also help to encourage knowledge sharing and best practices. The AECB’s local chapters with events and training on sustainable building topics.

A skills transformation is needed across the construction sector to deliver on targets for reducing energy use and future proof our homes in the face of skyrocketing bills.

A Manchester-based social enterprise is tackling a lack of specialist construction skills with a new training programme that can be accessed online as well as through a dedicated workshop, and on-site

CONTINUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

Crown Paints has launched ‘Colour in Design’, a suite of Continual Professional Development (CPD) courses which aim to advance knowledge and skills around how colour can be used. There are 8 courses overall covering a range of topics including Colour Application, and Light & Lighting. The CPDs are suitable for a professionals wanting to improve their skills and, as with all of the courses, they’re all in a bite-sized and engaging format.

APP Currently serving over 18,000 tradespeople in eight countries, the Fergus mission is to provide trade businesses with access to software tools to organise their business without burying them in admin. The Fergus app also ensures healthy finances and that you get paid quickly; all aspects of a job that need to be done to get paid are in the workflow and, as the only system tracking labour and materials back to the job in real time,

ONLINE PLATFORM

Property industry veterans have developed  Rezigo, a secure, UX-forward online platform which simplifies the process of finding, booking, managing and paying available, local tradespeople to a few clicks.

PERSONAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE

Following the launch of the Help to Build scheme, self-builders who have secured a personal guarantee backed loan for their self-build project, whether through the scheme or funded independently, can now protect their personal assets from risk.

Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance (PGI) now offers Property PGI for self-builders. Property Personal Guarantee Insurance is available for Development Loans

FREE MENTORING SERVICE

A free mentoring service has launched to support businesses with implementing digital processes and techniques by offering technical advice and guidance. Digital

Construction Skills (DCS) is funded by CITB to help construction companies develop the skills they need to drive digital transformation in their business. With a strong focus on SME business owners, DCS aims to demystify digital tools and help businesses choose the best ones to align with their goals.

Tradespeople can use the platform to easily quote for local jobs that suit them, and manage the project, invoice and get paid securely. Customers can upload photos to give a good idea of the project, preventing time wasted on quoting for unsuitable jobs.

GET MORE DETAILS AT:

TRAINING

There has been a surge in tradespeople looking to upskill in heat pumps follows government plans to subsidise replacement of gas boilers.

Logic4training, the UK’s leading building services training provider, experienced a huge 6,700 per cent year-onyear increase in online enquiries for heat pump training courses on the day that the government made the Heat and Building Strategy announcement. There was also a 433 per cent week-on-week increase in traffic to their Heat Pump Training Courses web page.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Security tracking devices are a well-documented weapon against tool theft, but one company is on a mission to educate the industry on the same technology’s value in efficiency terms. Not only that, but if you’re assuming that these devices are the preserve of the likes of vehicles and plant then think again, because ABAX is providing solutions that can be utilised on a much wider range of assets – including power tools.

“There is undoubtedly and industry

simply being misplaced – and it’s often something that companies don’t want to admit to. I recently spoke to a major contractor – who will remain anonymous – and they revealed that they’re losing up to €80,000 worth of tools a month.

“That’s an incredible amount but it can be just as big an issue for smaller builders. If you need a particular piece of kit to

finish a job, and it’s in somebody else’s van – or on the wrong site – for example, that’s means a delay in invoicing, you’re not getting on to the next project as quick as you might, and you’re wasting fuel making an unnecessary journey to retrieve it. In fact, our research reveals that construction workers lose 38 hours annually looking for their tools – that’s a significant productivity loss that ABAX can help overcome.”

Power tool inventory

ABAX is championing tracking as an equally effective solution in this context, and the beauty of its product range is that it spans a much wider range of equipment – from the very large to the most portable. “In our experience, even items that it might seem incredulous to lose can go astray,” continues Craig. “Whether it is skips, storage containers, site lighting or generators – they can just as easily be in the wrong place when needed – but misplacing power tools is clearly much easier to do and more common. Protecting your vehicle or a mini digger is a priority, but the combined value of a tradesperson’s power tool inventory could rival the cost of the vehicle itself, especially if you’re in possession of equipment that’s more specialised.”

The value of an arsenal of tools that may well have been accrued over a

Craig Allan of ABAX explains how the latest security technology can protect tools from theft and, at the same time, improve productivity. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more.

lifetime is not just counted in monetary terms, but in the ability to do the job. Take them away and a builder simply can’t function – with all the loss of earnings that entails. In addition, given current supply chain issues, it may well take a number of weeks to replace an item, which could mean losing out on ongoing contracts or having to lay off staff.

Whether it’s securing your assets against theft, or making them more visible to you and your employees, the answer is the ABAX Mini. This self-installable, Bluetooth (BLe 5.2) enabled device, emits a signal approximately every 20 seconds, providing a real-time overview of portable assets on a smart phone via an app. Crucially, its compact dimensions are only 19x43x6.5mm – and it weighs just under 9 grams – which means it can just as easily be added to a cordless drill, as it can an SDS Hammer. Every tool equipped with a Mini is then visible within the system and, with a battery life of six years, it could easily be in operation for the lifetime of the tool.

On a day-to-day basis tracking makes a business of any size more efficient. The ABAX system can be used as a tool

right project, as Craig reveals: “Geofencing functionality is traditionally used to alert an owner or responsible individual when assets have been moved from a designated area – acting like an invisible tripwire in the event of theft. This is, of course, still very much the case but it can equally be used to make sure that

fulfilling the terms of a contract in terms of hours worked, or that you’re not breaching Local Authority planning laws by working too early or late.”

Productivity

Whether it’s tool theft or lose the repercussions can reverberate through a business and beyond. “Tool theft is a very serious problem, and the statistics are horrendous – as is the cost for the victim – but every single tradesperson will have been affected by simply not knowing where equipment is when they need it. It’s an issue that’s not talked about anywhere near as often but, in terms of downtime, would have a serious impact of its own.”

In 2020 theft cost the construction industry £800 million and that figure is projected to increase in 2022. Add to that an average of 20,000 incidents of tools stolen from vans each year – and that’s just the ones that are actually reported to the police – and tracking devices can be deemed a necessity on that basis alone. What is not calculated is the hidden cost of losing or misplacing tools, and its impact on profit, but the very same technology can be of equal value in addressing the issue.

QUITE A CATCH...22!

It was formed more than 80 years ago, employs in excess of 31,000 people across 120 countries and turns over more than £5billion annually. So, when power tool behemoth, Hilti says it is embarking on the biggest and most important launch of new tools in its entire history, you better believe it! The cavernous Manchester Conference Centre was chosen for the UK and Northern Europe roll out of what the company is headlining as Nuron, a completely new cordless platform with built in connectivity, which the company confidently claims will change the cordless experience for the construction industry for ever.

At its heart is an entire ecosystem of 70 completely reengineered tools, all on one 22V battery platform which has, in many situations, the capability of actually outperforming its corded and gas counterparts. As the company’s Head of Product Marketing, Sebastian Groenhuijsen explained: “After a hugely positive launch in the USA and Germany earlier this year, we are now very excited to bring this new platform to our loyal end users in the UK. From customer feedback on what kind of innovations they would find useful we know this will make a huge difference to their operations on site in so many ways,

from increasing productiveness, to introducing the very latest data driven solutions and improving levels of health and safety in the workplace.”

He continues: “The development of Nuron has, of course, taken many years of deep research and is based on our intimate knowledge of the industry. We had to recognise and understand the everyday working conditions of end users, including the pitfalls and obstacles which they can encounter on a daily basis.

“To this end we have split the Nuron proposition into four core areas of innovation. Firstly, the power of one which sees all tools driven by one single source –the 22V battery which is interchangeable and compatible with the full Nuron line up. Reducing the need for multiple batteries, chargers and specific corded power sources found on most

current construction sites, means that the management of our new tools is much more streamlined.

All power to you

A second area of innovation – which will no doubt surprise many on hearing it for the first time – is that the all new Nuron batteries are sufficiently powerful to comfortably take on the sort of heavyduty tasks which were once the preserve of more traditional corded and gaspowered tools.

“The third and fourth areas of significant improvement are in health and safety and the data driven services that link all tools to the cloud. From a practical perspective, tools across the platform have been redesigned to weigh less with ergonomically enhanced grips and improved robustness through shock

Professional Builder is invited to see how, with the launch of a completely new 22-volt battery platform, Hilti is getting all of its ducks in a row!

resistant bumpers. A Dust Removal System (DRS) and Active Torque Control (ATC) are available where relevant on the Nuron platform while Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) – another key health protection and comfort feature – has been expanded to include many more tools across the range.

“In summary,” enthuses Sebastian, “by linking all Hilti tools to the cloud, we are committed to bringing our latest products into the digital age. Our customers can use the ON!TRACK facility to improve individual tool performance and productivity and keep track of tools via tags, ensuring nothing gets misplaced or

WHY NURON?

Like its Neuron namesake, the boffins at Hilti believe there are distinct similarities in the way their batteries perform and the manner in which a particular cell carries vital information messages or signals to and from the brain and the rest of the body. Can’t argue with the logic!

lost and, of course, helping to recover tools which may have been stolen. The on-going data collected includes information such as tool usage, charging location and battery state of health ensuing tradespeople are working with batteries in optimal condition.” If there’s a catch, this particular 22 version seems to have all the options well and truly covered. We hope to put a selection of new Nuron tools to the test over the coming months so watch this space.

ON BENDED KNEE

When ToughBuilt started our #KneelSmartKneelSafe campaign, we did so with our eyes open” explains Vahe Der Kureghian, the company’s European Managing Director, who founded the campaign.

“Recent research found that 75% of plumbers experience issues with their knees during their careers, which is shocking, and completely avoidable. In fact, it was this understanding that led to #KneelSmartKneelSafe in the first place. We felt we had a duty of care to protect people by sharing our knowledge and raising awareness of just how grave the issue is. We want knee protection to be treated with the same sense of necessity as other types of PPE on the jobsite.”

As the campaign has gathered momentum, it has also garnered support. “We’ve had a growing number of trade professionals reaching out to us via social media and other channels who have been affected by the very health problems we are trying to prevent” says Vahe.

“These individuals have commended our efforts and been willing to share their stories in the hope they might be used to safeguard others.”

Reduced productivity

The professionals who have contacted ToughBuilt include Richard – a plasterer and dryliner for more than 28 years. Over time, frequent kneeling has taken its toll on his knees, and he now suffers from painful, inflamed joints particularly in the evening and the morning.

Not only do these work-induced knee problems affect his mobility, with going up and down stairs proving particularly challenging, but they have also meant he

has to give up his trade. He now focuses more on general handy person/maintenance type work.

With the benefit of hindsight, Richard’s advice to other building industry professionals is simple: “Always try to wear knee pads when kneeling, no matter how small the job is. The damage caused by not doing so, gradually builds up and by the time you notice there’s an issue, it’s invariably too late.”

Richard’s story is echoed by that of Debbie who also contacted ToughBuilt.

Debbie’s years of kneeling as a professional painter and decorator, painting skirting boards and cutting in at the bottom of walls, have come at a heavy price. After two decades on the tools, she

has spent the last few years suffering from excruciating knee pain.

Her pain is progressive and entails an intense ache that’s felt all around her knees including at the back of the joint. She explained that the pain does affect her at work, slowing her down and reducing her mobility. Based on her experiences, she would advocate always wearing the best possible protective clothing possible to avoid long term damage.

An uncomfortable fact ToughBuilt’s engagement with different professionals as part of its #KneelSmartKneelSafe campaign has revealed one of the biggest reasons why knee pads aren’t worn as widely as they should be, isn’t just a lack of awareness –it’s also a perceived lack of comfort.

Vahe comments: “Often, the discomfort from wearing ill-fitting or poorly designed knee pads can be worse than that from kneeling on a hard surface so it’s not surprising that some people opt for what feels like the lesser of two evils.

“Many of the individuals we’ve spoken to have highlighted how previous knee pads they’ve worn tend to slip down the leg with movement. The only way for them to counteract this is to tighten the straps tightly, which cuts off the circulation behind the knee, causing more discomfort.”

ToughBuilt has also received repeat feedback that knee pads often lacked versatility and can be cumbersome for that ‘quick’ job or when switching between different tasks or work environments.

Through its #KneelSmartKneelSafe

Every year, an alarming number of trade professionals develop knee problems as a result of not wearing adequate protection. As part of its #kneelsmartkneelsafe campaign, ToughBuilt has been working with some of these individuals to share their experiences – and the painful lessons learnt.

campaign, the manufacturer is hoping to address some of these concerns. It is highlighting the fact that knee pads, like other forms of PPE, have evolved. The campaign, is hoping to address some of these concerns. It is highlighting the fact that knee pads, like other forms of PPE, have evolved to become more user-friendly.

As an example, ToughBuilt’s GelFit Fanatic Thigh Support Knee Pads (TB-KP-G3) have been purposely designed to offer all day kneeling comfort. Their ergonomic gel and foam design embraces the natural shape of the knee and upper shin, maximising pressure distribution for an extremely comfortable all-day fit.

To address the issue of circulation cut off, this knee pad utilises a double, adjustable, soft strap, which sits comfortably above and below the knee and locks the knee pad firmly in place, stopping it from falling down the knee.

Ergonomic

It’s ergonomic design also helps alleviate pressure on the shins and feet whilst kneeling, by encouraging users to stay upright and balanced, and comfortably allows side to side rocking. There’s also a version available with a softer, grippier and non-marring outer, called the GelFit Grip Thigh Support Knee Pad (TB-KPG3R).

Similarly, the company’s GelFit SnapShell Knee Pad System – which was commended for Product Innovation and as a Safety Solution at the 2022 British Safety Industry Federation Awards – uses patented technology to allow the user to ‘build’ a bespoke knee pad for every job, by popping a protective and functional SnapShell onto the base layer knee pad.

Three types of SnapShell are available – Non-Marring for delicate flooring, Rockers for use on rough terrain (which won an innovation in safety award in 2022) and Stabilisers to keep you stationary on the ground –perfect for flooring. The pads can also be used without the SnapShells.

“To help us show the trade how knee pads can be used safely, comfortably and conveniently, our activity under #KneelSmartKneelSafe continues to employ various methods – from articles like this one to ongoing collaborations with social media influencers,” explains Vahe.

“Ultimately, our efforts remain tireless” he says. “Why? Because if we can help just one person to avoid the agonising consequences endured by Richard and Debbie, and hundreds of thousands of other tradespeople, then our focus and determination will all have been worthwhile.”

Makita

There are two broad types of construction dust. One is inhalable dust, which is made up of visible, airborne particles generated, for example, when cutting wood. This form of dust can irritate and damage the skin and eyes and can also be breathed into the airways and deposited in the respiratory tract. However, these particles are usually captured and cleared naturally by the body’s mucus when they are inhaled.

The second type, respirable dust, can be much more damaging as it consists of finer, often invisible particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. This includes Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), the particles of which are 100 times smaller than the average grain of sand and is commonly generated from drilling, cutting or breaking concrete, brick and stone. When inhaled, RCS can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs, in turn leading to silicosis. Frequent or prolonged exposure to respirable dust can also cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and has been linked to cancer. There is no ‘safe’ level of exposure and frequent contact with even minute amounts of dust can have a serious long-term impact on health. It is estimated that around 500

people die every year due to occupational exposure to RCS.

However, these occupational lung diseases are preventable and having a dust extractor and tools that integrate together to operate as one, is one way to help achieve this. Many dust extractors have an ‘auto-start’ setting that means it runs automatically when a corded tool connected via the power take-off is activated. However, many professionals are now using cordless tools for the simplicity, flexibility and safety they offer, but this does mean the extractor typically has to be activated manually.

Connectivity

This issue can be solved by selecting tools with wireless connectivity capabilities, such as those that feature the Makita Auto-start Wireless System (AWS). This connects the tool to AWS compatible, dust extractors using Bluetooth to deliver the same automatic operation. A Bluetooth chip is fitted into the port on compatible tools and paired effortlessly with the dust extractor. Up to 10 AWS tools can be connected paired to one extractor, where users simply reconnect the dust hose when switching between power tools as required therefore reducing time wasted on manually powering multiple tools on and off.

M Class is the minimal legal

requirement set by the HSE when working on sites where concrete, mortars and man-made wood products are laboured and a number of Makita’s M Class machines are suitable for use for both wet and dry cleaning. For example, the VC2211MX1 22-litre dust extractor is suitable for processes involving wood dust and silica dust and also includes power take-off to streamline the operation of the tool and extractor. Its compact design makes it easy to carry and transport the extractor and use in smaller work areas.

30L, 32L and 42-litre M-Class Extractors are also available to accommodate larger volumes of dust extraction where required.

In addition, there are also adaptors that allow dust extractors without built-in wireless capabilities to function automatically with cordless tools. This includes the Makita 191A40-6 and 199804-6 adaptors for extractors with 110v and 240v power take-off respectively. The adaptor unit plugs into dust extractors that feature a power take off socket and connects with AWS enabled cordless tools via Bluetooth, to provide automatic operation. RULES EXTRACTION

Tsynonymous with portable circular saws. It was this manufacturer who introduced the guide rail to the market as far back as 1962, for example – a feature which has since become ubiquitous on site. The iconic TS 55 has established the company the foremost producer of plunge cut saws, and it’s a tool that the company is continually improving upon. In recent years the machine has benefitted from a thinner saw blade, for instance, whilst the cordless TSC 55 version has been equipped with KickbackStop.

Now, an entirely new tool will inherit that proud heritage. The TS 60 K plunge cut saw has been designed and developed from scratch and is itself the first corded saw to benefit from KickbackStop technology. A kickback occurs when the user plunges too fast into the material, or when the workpiece clamps the saw blade. This will throw the unit out of the material risking contact with the operator, damage to the guide rail, or the material itself. Indeed, if you’re working on an expensive kitchen

worktop, irreparable harm could be the very costly and time-consuming result. It is estimated that 62 per cent of accidents with circular saws are caused by kickbacks.

electronics and software, in the event of a kickback the Festool technology stops the

Once the KickbackStop has been triggered, however, the saw is ready for use straight away without replacements or additional costs.

One saw for every task is the bold claim from the manufacturer for this versatile machine. With 62mm of cutting depth – 7mm more than the TS 55 – fire doors or solid wood are an easier proposition with these tasks completed with one cut. Moreover, floor layers and joiners will welcome the plunge cut saw’s compatibility with cross cutting guide rails – a first in this class of tool, and it is even possible to saw mitre cuts of 45° in solid panels of up to 40mm. Not only that but the tool features easy saw blade changes,

tools, equipment & workwear

■ The market is moving inexorably from mains powered to cordless and Festool’s KSC 60 sliding compound mitre saw reflects that evolution. Festool contends that what makes this machine so special is the unbeatable and precise cross cuts, with angle cuts up to 60° degrees on both sides, and bevel angles of up to 47° on each side.

Enormous power and endurance is derived from the combination of brushless EC-TEC motor and dual battery system. Indeed, Festool promises that the cordless KSC 60 is just as powerful as its corded counterpart, with enough battery power for the entire working day in a typical application. An extensive range of saw blades ensures the best working result, whilst the underframe and mobile dust extractor deliver ergonomics and a safer working environment respectively.

Indeed, for 100 per cent mobile, independent and clean working the perfect partner to Festool’s battery powered equipment is the CTC SYS cordless extractor in the Systainer format. Whether is sawing, grinding or drilling, in fact, the unit fits perfectly into the 18V system. Bluetooth connectivity makes for remote operation when the tool is activated, and a compact and lightweight design is easy on transportation, with a carrying strap for hanging over the shoulder.

a splinter guard, an angle stop, a parallel side fence, precise depth adjustment with a double pointer and precision adjustment. In addition, the TS 60 K brushless EC-TEC motor provides a maximum of 6,800 revolutions per minute (rpm). That increased cutting speed, combined with a thin blade, provides all the power you’ll need in a robust and compact unit, with a quality cut and effortless feed rate.

Just like the other tools in the Festool portfolio, the TS 60 K is completely covered by Festool SERVICE, including repair orders, warranty claims, protection against theft and spare part availability.

FOR

FOR

SAFE IN THE KNOWLEDGE

It may seem obvious that safety is of paramount importance when working at height. However, there are still a shocking number of accidents happening in the workplace as a result of a fall from height. While working on ladders might feel like second nature, it can be easy to overlook simple yet vital safety practices when carrying out everyday jobs.

According to latest reports from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height accounted for 44 per cent of all non-fatal injuries over the past 5 years and 25 per cent of all fatal injuries. It is, therefore, crucial that professionals follow best practice guidelines to make working at height both easier and safer.

Assessing the risks

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) state that employers and those in control of any work at height activity must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment for working at height.

Carrying out a risk assessment is a vital part of the planning for any job, no matter how small. As well as looking at the site itself, the type of equipment chosen plays a major part when it comes to minimising risk and working safely. Factors to weigh up include the height of the task; the duration and frequency of the task; and the condition of the surface being worked on.

Although it may be the easiest option,

a ladder is not always the safest solution for working at height. If, for example, where it is not possible to maintain three points of contact on a ladder, or if the job at hand is likely to take longer than 30 minutes. In these instances, the use of alternative access equipment, such as an access platform or scaffolding, would be recommended to remain safe.

Choosing the right equipment for the job

Choosing the correct sized product for the job is imperative for working at height safely. All access equipment has a specific height that it can reach, so it’s vital that this is taken into consideration

prior to starting a project.

When considering the choice of ladder type it’s important to ensure it’s right for the application – for example, if there is a need to have a platform to work from, or a large amount of tools are needed for a job, then a ladder may not be appropriate. Due to the flexible height adjustment and sturdiness they offer, adjustable work platforms can be used to carry out the job safely if a ladder isn’t suitable.

Ladders also come in a variety of materials with aluminium and fibreglass being the two most common. Aluminium ladders have the benefit of being lightweight and strong, as well as rust and corrosive proof, whereby fibreglass ladders offer a non-conductive work at height solution, ideal for minimising the risk of shocks for those working in electrical environments.

Assess before every use

As ladders are in constant use, it can be easy to overlook potential wear and tear, therefore regular inspections should be carried out before each use to ensure its ongoing safety for users.

These inspections should be carried out by a competent person who can identify problems at an early stage. These reviews should include pre-use checks, detailed inspections and interim inspections as appropriate. All of these checks should identify defects or damage that may affect safety.

Gurjeev Bola, UK Product Manager for Werner, shares the key considerations when choosing the correct product for the job and best practices on how to stay safe when working at height.

Invest and train

When purchasing any equipment for a job that involves risk, it is always advised to invest in high-quality products that are sourced from reputable and trusted manufacturers. Cheaper tools may not have been tested to the same standards as a certified and trusted manufacturer, and, therefore, may not guarantee the same level of safety.

However, having the most suitable access equipment is only part of the solution if the user isn’t trained to use it. Ensuring relevant training is undertaken by all users is key to maximising user safety and minimising the risk of accidents.

With so many access equipment options available, Werner has developed a handy guide which is available online to help professionals choose the right ladder

can be increased and more accidents can be prevented. workwear

are available at WernerCo to ensure users are confident undertaking the job, which includes Ladder and Stepladder courses

THE TRAINING EVOLUTION

The dearth of new talent across multiple sectors is creating many challenges, not least within the construction and decorating sectors. Skills are the lifeblood of the industry, enabling businesses to provide their customers with the requisite services they demand.

In conjunction with the required skills, companies are looking for the right tools and products to allow them to conduct the required jobs professionally and efficiently, leading to good productivity. So, whether they are a one man band or a large group, the importance of training has never been more paramount for businesses.

help them meet the constantly changing demands of the job.

At Mirka we want to innovate the training options that are available to the industry as a whole and this is achieved through our experienced technical team constantly liaising with customers to understand their needs and requirements. This information is collated and then when training is requested we customise our offering to ensure the business can reap the benefits in the short, medium and long term.

With training, you also have to think about its location because it’s important that the attendees are comfortable in their surroundings. As a business, we have learnt that the more comfortable attendees are, the more engaged they become, which leads to more questions being asked throughout the day.

Training centre

Our programmes can be conducted on site or at our training centre in Milton Keynes. For on site, the customer has the familiarity of their usual surroundings, which enables our experienced team to highlight how specific products or processes would work in an environment they are familiar with. When we take the training to the training

centre participants can take part in classroom-based learning before having their hands-on experience with the relevant tools, abrasives and solutions.

On top of the large-scale training mentioned above, there is also the need for subtle training, and this comes when the technical team visits customers to showcase new abrasives or tools. These types of visits enable our team to showcase best practice, while using innovative products that make jobs easier and more efficient and will be an asset to the business.

In addition to the training we offer, we are also seeing customers using our products to train their apprentices. An example of this comes from Trevor Mangan, managing director of TJ

Chris Proffit, business sector manager – construction and decoration, Mirka UK, sat down with Professional Builder to discuss the importance of training and upskilling.

CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Mirka UK is also expanding its accessories range with the introduction of the Edge Protector for its DEROS 150mm. This new product has been designed to prolong the lifetime of the backing pad and help prevent damage to the periphery of the pad. In addition, the Edge Protector safeguards adjacent surfaces as it avoids scuffing or damaging when the user is sanding into corners and edges.

Peter Sartain, national sales manager Industrial for Mirka UK, says: “We are constantly listening to the feedback from our customers and have designed the DEROS 150mm Edge Protector to provide an effective guard against scuffing or

Painting and Decorating Services. Trevor and his team use the Mirka LEROS-S, the tool has allowed the team to teach their young trainee Max a valuable lesson in terms of how tools assist them. The way they did this was by giving him a 1980s pole sander to use, so he could appreciate and understand how much of a difference Mirka’s tools make when it comes to the level of prep being carried out,, alongside the time saved, which then can be spent on other jobs.

Training has never been more crucial to the people involved in all aspects of construction and decorating. Working in partnership with a professional, committed company that invests in training programmes –like Mirka –will help businesses stay abreast of new developments. It will also ensure upskilling remains a key priority in retaining good people and helping industries grow and develop. VISIT

HIGH PERFORMANCE

A garment that has been added to the ever-growing range of Snickers

Workwear is the new HighVis Stretch Trousers with Holster Pockets. I’m not usually keen on high-vis trousers as I’ve always found them to be quite uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I thought I’d give them another chance.

Apart from Snickers’ usual high quality of materials, the first thing you notice with these is obviously their bright eyecatching colour. Ironically, what I didn’t see coming was their perfect snug fit. Although it’s an expectation with Snickers, I’ve not worn high-vis trousers that don’t feel like high-vis trousers.

The 2-way stretch fabric on these was unexpected and explains why they are so comfortable. These are actually crafted using SORONA, a sustainable performance fibre. It’s partly made from plant-based material, whilst providing long lasting performance. There’s no

easily, and are fixed in place, which prevents them becoming shin pads, like some others I’ve tried. The trousers are slightly pre bent at the knees, making it feel effortless when kneeling and standing.

These have fixed holster pockets which I’d be lost without although, given the range and depths of the pockets available, you’re spoilt for choice with these trousers. I find myself becoming a walking toolbox as the day progresses, but this saves time as everything you’ll need and use that day is within arm’s reach.

be placed from the outside quickly and

Moreover, there’s separate compartments for your retractable blade, folding ruler, and pencil. What I really love about the pencil holder is that there’s also a small pocket, so when your pencil becomes shorter it doesn’t get lost in the deep hole. Now that’s what I call deep thinking!

Let’s not overlook the fact they are reflective for extra safety, and are perfect for high traffic areas, or if you just want to stand out from the crowd. To sum them up, these stand-out trousers are out-standing!

Tibby

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

No matter what trade you’re in, the right workwear is vital. Although work clothes gets dirty, I think it’s important to look the part, so I was looking forward to seeing Scruffs latest workwear offering.

I first had a look at Scruffs Pro Flex Plus Holster Trousers to see if they lived up to their name and made me look and feel like a true pro. When it comes to trousers, I prefer slim fit, and these certainly fit the criteria.

They feel extremely light in weight and, thanks to the four-way stretch fabric, stretch in all directions. They’re reinforced in all the right places, including CORDURA® at the knee pockets, and feature two-knee pad positions, which can be adjusted to your needs. The seams have also been triple-stitched.

On the subject of pockets these have it all, including holster, cargo, rule, mobile phone, secure and zipped. The manufacturer has even included a hammer loop, tool loops and D-ring for tool and accessory storage.

Another garment with flex appeal is the Scruffs Trade Flex Softshell. Again, the four-way flex fabric allows you to freely move in all directions. It’s waterresistant to help keep you dry, and the

fleece-lined collar is a lovely soft touch that keeps you feeling warm and protects you from the wind. It has a couple of deep pockets inside, which is perfect for any longer items. I was also impressed with the size of the outer pockets, with one pocket almost feeling like three.

I do love my body warmers, so it was great to get into Scruffs Trade Bodywarmer. It’s a slim fit and has stretch side panels, which makes it perfect for work. Sometimes having too many pockets can be a bad thing, but I always prefer to have more than less, so it’s good to know that this body warmer boasts a further six pockets: three outer zip pockets and three inner pockets.

Insatherm® technology

When people say get wrapped up warm it usually means adding layers, but with this body warmer there’s no need as it has Insatherm® technology to protect you against the cold, whereas a multilayer approach can often feel more restrictive. In addition to keeping you warm from head to toe in the colder months, Scruffs offers some Thermal Baselayers with a technology that maintains the body temperature without making you feel suffocated.

The final piece is an LED Knitted Beanie, with the dual functionality of keeping you warm in winter as well as being able to see in these shorter and darker working days. Hats off to Scruffs workwear for providing an extensive range of thoughtful workwear with some bright technology!

tools, equipment & workwear

DUST EXTRACTORS

The 18-volt Festool range of cordless compact dust extractors has been expanded with two new models – the CTC MINI and the CTC MIDI. Both units can be activated via Bluetooth autostart or remote control, switching on the extractor automatically when the cordless tool starts up. Suction power can also be adjusted to three levels according to the application.

DRILL BITS

There’s five new SKUs added to the C.K Tools Blue Steel impact drill bits portfolio. The range extension includes a number of the manufacturer’s most popular impact drill bits but now available in trade pack sizes. The bits are manufactured from specially formulated V8 steel alloy for toughness and extended working life.

GREEN LASER LEVEL

The Kapro 842G Bambino Prolaser is an affordable green laser level, featuring vertical and horizontal cross beams, an indoor laser range of 15 metres and has a self-levelling range of +/- 3° with a visual ‘out of level’ warning. The laser has an accuracy of 0.4mm per metre and conforms to CE, RoHS and FDA safety regulations.

WORKWEAR SYSTEM

Suit up for changeable weather with the Snickers Workwear System for Autumn, including bodymapping

jackets, tops, trousers and accessories. Incorporating the latest in high-tech fabric technology, the new clothing includes windproof, waterproof and Hi-Vis garments for both men and women to keep them warm, dry and visible.

AUTOMATIC CRIMPING PLIERS

With what is described as enormous capacity, the Knipex Automatic Crimping Pliers for Wire Ferrules (97 53 14) are selfadjusting pliers suitable for single wire ferrules up to 16 mm², and twin wire ferrules up to 2 x 10 mm². A hexagonal shaped crimp layout provides a near round form and is particularly suitable for confined connections.

HAND FLOAT

The Marshalltown White Lightning Hand Float features a low friction polymer blade which is lightweight, durable and impact, chemical, corrosion and rust resistant. The float smooths concrete while bringing bleed water to the surface with rounded edges which avoid gouging and is fitted with a DuraSoft handle that is tough but gives a soft feel.

HEAT GUN

Designed with air volume and temperature adjustment functionality to reach up to 200L/min and 550°C, the Makita DHG181ZJ Heat Gun is an addition to the LXT 18V platform. Users can easily set the output to suit the job; simply flick a switch to change between the two air volume settings and adjust the air temperature

SAFETY SHOE

A high-performance blend of ergonomic design, athletic comfort and S3 protection is how Solid Gear is describing its Prime GTX safety shoe. An E-TPU midsole delivers added comfort, there’s a GORE-TEX upper, with its stretch technology and efficient waterproofing, and the drawstring and BOA Fit System ensures the shoe fits like a glove.

GET

Action Can

Developed to meet the exacting requirements of professional engineers and manufactured in its UK and European facilities, the Action Can range offers product choice, proven performance, and full in-house quality control. Its products hold many approvals, and the company aims to meet professional grade standards every time. “Tested, Trusted and Approved” WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK057

Big Wipes

The market leading Big Wipes range with antiviral (EN14476) and antibacterial (EN1276) efficacy offers professional tradespeople an all-in-one cleaning and disinfecting solution for hands, tools and

contains

bott Smartvan

The one stop shop for a full van conversion. From vehicle graphics through to self-fit, fully customisable van racking solutions, bott has you covered. Its specialist team is on hand around the clock to support with the conversion of your van. Visit the stand for a chance to win a surprise bundle with a Systainer themed competition.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK059

Checkatrade.com

Join the UKs number 1 Trade Directory and get a Fuel card worth up to £200*. Whether you are a new trade looking to

build your business or looking to fill a few gaps in your diary, Checkatrade will help you get local, relevant work.

*For offer T’s & C’s please visit: https://join.checkatrade.com/fuel-

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK060

C K Tools

C.K Tools has been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing for many years, producing innovative, highquality tools, designed to satisfy the most demanding needs of trade professionals. C.K’s wide range of products are all engineered to offer great performance, durability, accuracy and strength to achieve the best results. Visit the stand to see the latest developments and pick up a show deal.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK061

Comodo Workwear

Comodo Workwear designs clothing that provides a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing fit and feel to construction workers.

Designed by a tradesman for tradespeople, Comodo understands the uncomfortable positions all trades get in completing tasks, and its goal is to help solve those problems.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK062

DEWALT is a market-leading manufacturer of premium power tools, accessories and anchors and fixings that provides a fully integrated system solution for DEWALT tools offer performance, with construction for a

finish. Rely on DEWALT to get the job done, with a 3year guarantee on every tool.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK063

Hultafors Group

Hultafors develops innovative workwear, sustainable tools and forward-thinking solutions to give professional users the best of functionality, safety, protection and efficiency. Visit the stand to see the latest developments across the brands.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK064

IRWIN

Innovation is the hallmark of IRWIN. For more than 100 years, it’s been an idea that has permeated the culture of the company, and it continues to be its driving force. From product development to distribution and use in the field, the company dedicates itself to delivering quality tools that

Isuzu

The Isuzu D-Max is setting standards high in the pickup truck world. Awarded the maximum five-star safety rating in the new Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) test, the vehicle ticks all the boxes for its impressive capability, durability and reliability, to become the smartest, strongest and safest Isuzu D-Max of all time.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK066

Packexe

Packexe provides secure, leak proof protection with a certified low slip surface. Each product has a carefully crafted adhesive to ensure they can stay in place for up to six weeks and removed without fear of leaving a sticky residue. Once removed, they are fully recyclable.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK069

STANLEY

Makita

There’s all the power you will need with the 80v Max (40v Max x2) 355 mm (14”) XGT Power Cutter with brushless motor technology. The CE001G features both anti-restart & lock-off functions, electric brake, and Makita’s ‘Active Feedback Sensing Technology’ (AFT) to protect the operator and the machine.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK067

Milwaukee Tool UK

Milwaukee is one of the fastest growing power tool brands in the market. On the stand, you will see a wide range of trade specific solutions –whether it is the company’s world leading M12, M18, its jobsite lighting, time saving accessories or innovative hand tools and storage systems.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK068

STANLEY is a leading global manufacturer of hand tools, power tools and accessories, and a flagship brand of the Stanley Black & Decker Corporation. STANLEY Tools works alongside real tradespeople every-day to make sure its tools for trade are designed to help you give your best to every job.

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAK070

Wera Tools

Wera is a leading global manufacturer of screwdriving tools, known worldwide for its innovation, functionality and unbeatable level of quality. Each product is designed to challenge existing standards and push boundaries, to

BAND OF BUILDERS

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ON THE PANEL

The prospects of panelling Panelling is becoming an increasingly popular option for decorating bathroom or wetroom walls. Laminate panelling solutions are available in a variety of styles with matt, gloss and textured finishes that respond to the latest interior trends. In addition to decors that replicate natural stone, marble and wood effects, there are also options that recreate traditional tile styles, such as mosaic patterns or the popular metro tile look –minus the dirt-prone grouting. With such a variety of designs, you won’t be short of choice when it comes to finding the perfect aesthetic for your project.

Most panel ranges come in a variety of different sizes that can not only be installed in shower enclosures or as a splash-proof wall behind a bathtub or sink, but around the entire bathroom to create a wetroom experience. It’s also possible to variety of available, a watertight finish and ease of installation is driving bathroom panelling’s popularity, according to Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager at

Tiles may traditionally be synonymous with bathrooms and wetrooms, but they can

consuming to install. Beyond the point of installation, the homeowner is also left with grout lines that collect grime and

require regular cleaning. By opting for panels to adorn the very same walls, however, you will not only open up a

corners on panels encompassing a bath.

Offering further design possibilities and practicality, Mermaid’s Elite panels come with a patented tongue and groove system – facilitating a join that remains watertight, so you can create a smooth, seamless and uniform finish. The Elite range also offers post-formed edges that can be used to continue a consistent, high-end look around corners or horizontal half-height walls – removing the need for trims or grouting.

An easy installation

Working with tiles requires specialist tools, such as a wet saw, and can be a very time-consuming process, depending on the size of the space. By contrast, a panelling system can cover a much larger space per unit, with each panel easily cut to size using traditional woodworking tools that are likely to be used elsewhere in your build. In comparison to tiles, panels can cover the same space in a fraction of the time, meaning you’ll be free to use your new bathroom a lot sooner than if you were opting for tiles – as well as freeing up time to complete work elsewhere on your project.

Surface preparation ahead of panel application is as simple as removing any protruding nails or screws, cleaning down the existing wall surface to remove any dirt and grease and ensuring the surface is clean and flat. An additional benefit of panelling is that it can disguise uneven surfaces, so unless the wall is completely out of plumb – in which case you may

recommended adhesive.

Silicones often used in sealing bathroom environments naturally break down over time, increasing the risk of water damage to a product, as well as potential leaks. Panel systems can avert this problem due to the aluminium trims that are used to join the panel run together and to create a water-tight seal below and above the panels. However, with the Mermaid Elite range, there is no need for trims and instead a colourcoordinated sealant and adhesive called Complete can be used to backfill a 5mm gap above the floor, as well as giving the installation a 15-year guarantee. No matter which panels you opt for, it is always important to use an appropriate sealant to ensure a water-tight finish. The patented

offers strong grab adhesion and gapfilling properties that will repel water.

Post installation

As panelling systems avoid the need for grouting, there is none of the build-up of dirt and mould typically found in a tiled environment. Instead, soap, water and a non-abrasive cloth are all you need to maintain your newly panelled bathroom or wetroom.

Whether looking for a sleek design to complement your surrounding interior scheme, or a practical solution that will stand the test of time, panelling offers the best of both worlds – providing the ultimate alternative to ceramic tiles.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

WARM WORDS

To decide which UFH system is best for a given project, one of the key considerations is how the floor has been constructed. Is it a new build or retrofit project? What is the heat source? This is where RWC’s JG Underfloor brand can help to ensure the right choice is made. Alongside our commitment to making jobs more efficient through product design, we also offer additional support, such as a rapid and free UFH CAD service. In addition, our team of national technical engineers are ready to advise on best practice, ensuring installers are provided with the knowledge required for every job.

Innovation to drive UFH

This is why we have introduced a new, low profile, UFH solution that complements our existing JG Underfloor heating range. RWC’s JG LowFit is designed to keep the overall floor height to an absolute minimum without compromising heat output. It works on

both new build and retrofit projects and only increases the floor height slightly. The pipe fixing panels come in a range from 16 to 20mm thickness, and once installed, the overall height build up is between 19-23mm before floor coverings.

compromising on performance. Its foil and mesh panels have been specifically designed to be placed over existing timber or concrete flooring, meaning installers avoid the need to spend time prising up the building’s flooring and adding unnecessary costs to the project.

The new range has options suitable for screed, non-screed, tiled and existing concrete floors, suiting almost any type of installation.

How JG LowFit UFH benefits installers

As well as easy to fit floor panels, our 12mm JG LowFit Layflat Polybutylene Barrier Pipe offers great flexibility when laying and it includes an inner barrier to prevent the ingress of oxygen molecules, reducing corrosion on metal parts within the system.

Featuring both 12mm or 15mm JG Speedfit push-fit connections, our new JG LowFit manifolds are fast and simple to install and, unlike some others in the market, do not require fitting additional reducers from 15 or 16mm connections.

Martin Coates, UFH Product Manager at RWC, discusses why it’s key to understand the different UFH systems on the market and how to choose the right system for each project.

This speeds installation time and reduces fittings and pipe congestion around the manifold. And, as with all our manifolds, they come with a pre-fitted wall bracket and isolation vibration mount, as well as a pre-assembled air vent, fill valve and adjustable flow meters.

JG LowFit is ideal for retrofit projects, as it allows for a less obtrusive installation process, while it is another alternative for new build developments, for which we also have our existing UFH systems as a standard choice. Support is available from JG Underfloor all the way through from the initial quote, during installation and afterwards – if there are any issues at all, we are here to help.

It is important to address the concerns many people have about pipework being buried under their floors. The confidence in our products is such that we give a 50-year guarantee on many of RWC’s JG Speedfit pipework ranges and

professionals still have reservations about installing UFH if they’ve never fitted it before, because they are not sure how to go about pricing it. But, again, that’s where our support comes in. All we need are certain facts like room dimensions, drawings, what the subfloor is, i.e.,

a detailed parts list and a full list of the materials. If they’ve never fitted UFH before, we can arrange a site visit, point them in the right direction and get the correct solution. In fact, in many ways, the actual installation is the easy part.

Another point to bear in mind concerns the new regulations and the phasing out of gas boilers, which is causing some uncertainty in the market. The main thing we highlight to customers is that UFH is ideal for any new builds that aren’t using a gas boiler. UFH is perfect for both air source and ground source heat pumps because they lend themselves to a lower running temperature. We’re also working to educate installers that UFH is an option when it comes to almost any project that involves a renewable heat source – be it new build or retrofit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Mackart Additive is a Rugeleybased firm that specialises in the design and production of components using the additive layer process. A key issue facing the business was that an existing 10L hot water storage system that was pre-installed on their premises was struggling to cope with demand.

With hot water regularly required to rinse and clean additive manufactured parts and components, Steven McCarthy, Managing Director and Principal Technical engineer at Mackart, decided to approach Triton Showers to help design a solution that could address the business’s needs.

Following a consultation with Martyn Brown, Contracts and Technical Manager at Triton, it was decided that opting for a pair of 15L Instaflow unvented stored water heaters in place of the single, smaller unit would help solve Mackart’s problems.

The Instaflow’s compact size means the

product is easy to install, resulting in little downtime for the customer. It is designed for under-sink situations or can be tucked away in a discreet location. With easy to operate controls, it gives quick heat up times with variable temperature settings to

HERE IS A STEP-BY-STEP ON HOW THE INSTALLATION AT MACKART WAS ACHIEVED.

Disconnect power and water supply and check components.

Heater and check that all components have been supplied.

water heater was removed and new supports to hold the Instaflow Stored Hot Water Heaters were installed.

plumbing system, it is vital that both the water and electric supply is switched off before starting work.

Removing the old unit and siting new brackets

The Instaflow is pre-supplied with a wall mounting bracket – use this as a guide to mark the fixing holes to the wall.

Insert O-Rings into cold water inlet and hot water outlet.

The Instaflow has a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet. Before attaching

Martyn Brown, Technical & Contracts Manager at Triton Showers, explains the stepby-step process of installing two Instaflow Stored Hot Water Heaters

CONNECTING THE PIPEWORK

Once the unit has been mounted, it is simply a case of connecting pipework up to the unit.

In Mackart’s case, one mains cold feed serves both Instaflow Stored Hot Water Heaters.

If using copper compression fittings, ensure that all connections are adequately tightened to prevent leakages.

COMMISSIONING AND TESTING

WATER TEMPERATURE

Following the installation of pipework, the Instaflow Stored Hot Water System can be commissioned. After commissioning, the water temperature needs checking to ensure everything is working correctly.

This procedure must be completed with the electricity switched off at the isolating switch.

the water heater to fill until a smooth flow is obtained; allow time for air and any debris to be flushed from the unit. Once flushing out has been completed, stop the water by turning off the outlet tap. Plug the heater in and switch on the electricity supply and it is now ready for normal use.

Check that the water is at the desired temperature thermometer under running

LAGGING THE PIPEWORK

For safety purposes, and to prevent water from freezing in the pipework, lagging the cold water pipes is recommended as a final step.

Following the installation, Steven McCarthy, Managing Director and Principal Technical Engineer at Mackart Engineering, said: “Ease of fit is one of the big advantages of Triton’s Instaflow. Our premises didn’t have to have any special provisions made, which was a huge plus point. Our old heater was simply removed and the Instaflow units plumbed into the current pipework.

“The whole process of decommissioning our old appliance and commissioning the new Instaflow units took less than a day and caused minimal disruption. As a result of the changeover,

Installing stored hot water heaters involves dealing with both water and power supplies. Work should only be carried out by someone who is Part P qualified, meaning they are certified to work with both plumbing and electrics. Triton’s Instaflow Stored Hot Water Heater comes in three sizes, able to store either 5, 10 or 15 litres of hot water. It has a corrosion resistant, enamel coated heater tank that is not only durable but will blend seamlessly into any commercial environment.

SHOWING YOUR ‘METAL’

Now more than ever we hear increasing numbers of firms making bold promises to promote sustainability in the built environment and its supporting manufacturing sector. With the construction sector responsible for half of the total, global, energy use and half of all greenhouse gas emissions, it is critical everyone gets involved and strives to limit their impact. But how can companies do better when the promises made around products’ sustainability are fundamentally flawed? Can plastics really be recycled or achieve a circular economy?

The recycled lie Something that has become increasingly evident in recent years is the fact that plastic recycling is a ‘greenwash’. National Geographic reported that, of the more than 8.3 billion metric tonnes ever created, only 9 per cent has likely ever been recycled.

Not just consumer goods are landfilled or incinerated, but so too are most of the ‘hidden plastics’ found in our homes, transport, and places of work. What’s worse is that consumers get blamed, despite thinking they’re acting sustainably.

Plastic tube used for plumbing and underfloor heating is a great example. Marketed, sold, and installed as a

sustainable and recyclable option, it is clearly another hidden plastic. Seemingly a convenient solution to consumers, many simply do not question the fact its recyclability credentials are nothing more than theoretical, and further removed from a circular economy than the manufacturers claim.

Pipes made from commonly used plastic compounds such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) all deteriorate over time, making them less

and less suitable for recycling or remanufacturing into other usable items. Despite being produced from many different types of polymers, they all face the same problem of not being recyclable due to the process being too energy and cost intensive.

Many manufacturers pledge their commitments to developing a catalogue of 100 per cent recyclable products where the raw materials can be used and reused without the loss of quality or reliance on finite fossil fuels. However, this

Andrew Surtees, co-founder of the Copper Sustainability Partnership, unpicks what it describes as the questionable sustainability credentials of plastic

heating, plumbing & wetrooms

Re-inventing the wheel

Instead of plastics producers looking at alternative materials for their products, many are in fact re-inventing the wheel trying to recycle a largely unrecyclable product, while misleading consumers with greenwashing.

Recycled raw material of common polymers such as PVC, PE, and PEX are not readily available and remain more expensive and less durable than their brand-new, carbon intensive counterparts. The reality is that products still need to meet required quality standards and it’s difficult to incorporate polymers already used once, or several times, and meet these requirements.

There’s no wonder we see a similar picture in consumer goods, where multinational giants have been continuously failing to meet their own targets for recycling and using recycled plastics since the 1990s.

modern society, but not to the scale it’s currently used. Although polymer research and investment into functioning recycling practices are all well and good, they’re not tackling the bigger problem –our over-reliance on plastic – which is rapidly polluting the planet and damaging ecosystems.

We need to limit plastic use, not hope for recycling to work. Research suggests that cutting plastic consumption by half, while making the remainder from nonfossil fuel compounds, will make it possible to cut global emissions from plastics from 1,984 Mt CO2e in 2015 to

heritage of working with a whole host of natural materials which can easily rival plastic in performance, durability, and sustainability. Why chase a seemingly impossible goal of recycled, biodegradable plastic pipe strong enough to endure sun and rain, when we already have the resilience of copper, a material which is infinitely recyclable and retains its properties from its first to every subsequent use?

To create a future that isn’t reliant on finite resources, we need to look at materials which can offer far more for the environment and the people it serves, without limiting the progress of innovation. We also need to question green credentials of materials and consider the bigger impact on people and the world around us. Otherwise, a sustainable future will unfortunately remain a greenwash pipedream.

GROUND BREAKING

The discussion surrounding climate change has been gradually brewing for decades now, although now the prospects of renewable energy are needed more than ever. Thankfully, they’re also now more feasible than ever, with every industry boasting of the implementation of more sustainable practices wherever possible. The geotechnical sector is no exception.

This surge in sustainability has seen two revolutionary geotechnical methods emerge, in the form of geothermal drilling and ground source heat pumps (GSHP). Two forms of geothermal drilling are available. The first being enormous geothermal plants, developed for largescale projects, and lastly, GSHP, for smaller-scale jobs. Putting scale to one side, however, it’s important to understand the vast number of benefits geothermal drilling services provide.

What is geothermal energy?

A renewable energy source with the capability to provide clean power every second of every day was once a concept limited to science fiction, but the inception of geothermal energy has made it a reality. Alternatives, such as wind power and solar power, mustn’t be forgotten, of course, but they do rely heavily on particular weather conditions. Geothermal exploitation, on the other hand, can be trusted no matter the current climate.

Many will be surprised by the fact that harnessing geothermal energy is, in fact, relatively easy. Furthermore, it has numerous applications once this has been done. It can be utilised by heat

production, for example, via heating pumps or heat exchange technology, or be expended for power production by means of steam turbines. In terms of practical applications, this means that geothermal energy can be used for both urban and domestic heating, as well as the generation of electricity for both personal and national usage.

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)

Designed to harness the earth’s geothermal potential, GSHP can do so at depths of up to 250 metres. These kind of heat pumps are installed for domestic purposes – supplying power to a house,

John Rodgman, managing director of the geothermal drilling company, Borehole Solutions, discusses the importance of geothermal energy and how GSHP work to help you go greener.

for example. The typical perception of geothermal drilling – the provision of an enormous continuous reservoir of energy for corporate applications and the nation as a whole – differs from GSHP, which are comparatively simple and an excellent investment to help keep your property warm once the weather cools down.

The way that GSHP technology harnesses the heat energy is different too, as it’s accrued by both geothermal and solar gain. The ground is heated by the sun’s rays, whilst heat energy is sourced from the rock itself, too, ultimately meaning that GSHP installation is more than a geothermal process. Whether the heat pumps are installed via borehole systems or ground arrays is dependent on the space available.

How do Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) work?

The installation process will be carried out by geothermal borehole drilling contractors. Following the ground excavation and drilling of the boreholes, loops of piping will be installed. Heat-carrying fluid or refrigerant is circulated through these pipes, which transfers absorbed heat back up to the surface. The refrigerant used within GSHP is typically R410-A, which is often found in air conditioning units.

The length of trenching dug – or number of boreholes drilled – all depends on the size of the property that will receive the heat. The underlying geology of the property is also an important factor to consider, due to some rocks and soils transferring heat more efficiently than others.

What are the benefits?

Ground source heat pumps are reliable and consistent. They require minimal maintenance following their installation. Some of the largest financial drains facing your home are, inevitably, oil, gas and electricity. GSHP are considerably cheaper to run than all three.

Our planet is in desperate need of more sustainable practices – now more than ever –and GSHP utilise renewable energy.

GSHP are remarkably quiet and hardly noticeable. Aside from covering your home’s heating requirments, heat pumps also provide a plentiful supply of hot water to your home.

There is an increasing (and essential) social commitment to sustainable living and ground source heat pumps (GSHP) will continue to grow in popularity moving forward, as more and more people recognise their multiple benefits. Not just personal benefits for the homeowner, but colossal benefits that assist in creating a more sustainable environment for the future.

RADIATORS

With the popularity of heat pumps rising, Stelrad is seeing its radiators being specified more and more for renewable heating systems. The manufacturer is keen to set the record straight and reiterate that radiators are suitable for these low temperature solutions and provides a free radiator sizing and heat loss calculator on its website.

WALL PANEL SYSTEM

Because they are constructed primarily from wood – with the high-quality plywood core accounting for 80 per cent of the panel weight – Fibo wall panels represent a lower carbon solution. The total amount of material required to fit out a bathroom is also significantly higher when using tiles compared to a Fibo based wall system.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING CONTROLS

Grant UK has added a new addition to its Uflex Underfloor Heating Controls range. The NeoAir V2-M wireless programmable room thermostat is now available, joining its Uflex NeoStat V2 and Edge controls, all of which are compatible with the Grant Uflex and Uflex MINI underfloor heating systems.

WC AND MACERATOR

The Saniflush from Saniflo is a complete ceramic toilet that features an integrated macerator and provides a solution for installing a WC into spaces where gravity drainage isn’t an option. Whether it is a bathroom in a basement or loft, or a cloakroom under the stairs, the installation of a Saniflush is possible with just a water supply and electrical connection.

Save time, make money all year with the reliable, easy to use and clean, pneumatically powered, vibration free Pnu-Point pointing tool.

FACING BRICK

The Woodward Fine Cast Facing Brick from AG now benefits from an upgrade. The addition of Enduur 1 concrete technology increases strength, durability, and UV resistance as well as offering a lower carbon footprint and advanced hydrophobic performance. The brick comes in ten colours and both smooth (sharp) and antique (rumbled) textures.

GENERAL BUILDING

READY MIXED PATCHING PLASTER

Ready to use straight from the bucket, Bostik Ready Mixed Patching Plaster is ideal for patching, repairing cracks or dents, and smoothing uneven plasterwork before decorating. It’s also suitable

COLOURED CEMENT MORTARS

GRAB ADHESIVE

Manufactured using the latest hybrid polymer technology, Sika Everbuild Pinkgrip MS has a low VOC formula, increased weather resistance –meaning it can be used both inside and out – and will stick virtually any two materials together. Pinkgrip MS is available in 290ml cartridge, Pinkgrip in a 350ml cartridge and Pinkgrip SF in a larger 380ml cartridge. All three products are available in the distinctive pink shade while Pinkgrip SF also comes in white.

Landscapers no longer be to sharp 90-degree corners thanks to and its Angled Fence Posts. Instead, this fence post solution enables corners between 30-45 degrees. The product makes this change of orientation possible between 30 to 45 degrees without any unsightly or less secure hacks that would have previously had to be used.

The 35 consistent colour palette options within the Cemex Onpoint range complement a wide range of masonry products and existing mortar. The product is guaranteed to not fade, and provides high levels of resistance in extreme exposure. In addition, the solution is suitable for multi-use applications, including restoration and retrofit projects.

FILLERS

Whether it’s for helping tradespeople find the best product for a task, answering questions or providing the latest news and advice, the Toupret app is a useful resource. In addition, a product quantity calculator allows users to input the size of the area they are skimming or smoothing to calculate the quantity of filler needed to complete a job.

VENTILATION

Designed to improve IAQ and prevent moisture build-up, the Vent-Axia PureAir Home controls condensation and mould, as well as offering high levels of air filtration, and improvements to health. Boasting quick and simple installation the PIV unit is energy efficient, unobtrusive, and near silent.

SKYLIGHT

The world’s most advanced and thermally efficient skylight for 2060° tiled roofs is how Sunsquare is describing the Aero Pitch. The unit is not only fully automated; it’s condensation free, holds a BSI Kitemark for its safety and quality and is easy to install, with one universal flashing kit to fit any roof.

PAVE THE WAY

look great when it is first laid but the effects of weather, algae growth and general use can leave it looking less than its best. In addition, water ingress can soon cause issues and may even make it appear as if it was not laid correctly in the first place. This is because as water seeps into the substrate it can soften it and over time the surface can become uneven. Therefore, treating and protecting the surface is important, not only for maintaining the like-new appearance for longer but also for extending the life of the paving materials.

To achieve this, professionals should use specially formulated patio and block paving seal, which is designed to enhance and protect paved areas, with a choice of finishes available including one coat clear, satin and wet look.  The solvent-based acrylic resin solution protects the surface from weathering, resists moss and algae growth, prevents dirt staining and makes the area easier to clean. This type of product can be used to protect a wide range of materials including block paving, flag stones, sandstone, limestone and granite. For areas where vehicles will be parked it is also important to look for a

Chris Fletcher, Technical Services Chemist at Thompson’s explores the products that

selecting a product with short drying times. For example, Thompson’s Patio & Block Paving Seal will be touch dry in approximately one hour and can be recoated after four hours. The surface can be walked on four hours after the topcoat has dried and can accept heavy traffic after just 24 hours. There are also one coat products available that speed up the application further and allow the job to be completed in as little as a day.

Slip resistance

product that will protect the paving from oil and fuel spills.

Patio and block paving seal is simple to apply, however newly laid patios should be left for one month before applying a seal. Simply clean the surface using a stiff wire brush or jet washer to remove dust dirt and contaminants. Once fully dry, the paving seal can be applied using a brush or long pile roller.

For speed of application and

While the solvent-based formulation also gives products such as Thompson’s Patio & Block Paving Seal excellent slip resistance, some customers may require additional protection to ensure safety. To achieve this an anti-slip additive, typically supplied in granular form, can be mixed into the block paving seal before it is applied.

However, paving seal is not just for newly laid surfaces. Older patios and paving that are still in generally good condition can be renovated using a combination of specially formulated cleaner and paving seal. A high quality cleaner, such as Thompson’s Advanced Patio and Block Paving Cleaner, can be used to remove ingrained dirt, mould and

algae. There are also specially formulated cleaners for removing oil, grease and fuel staining from paving.

Using the cleaner is simple. The first step is to scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush to remove any dust or dirt. The cleaner can then be poured onto the surface and the area scrubbed with the bristle brush. Once it has been left to work for 15 minutes and then given a final scrub, the area can be hosed down to wash away the suds and left to dry.

Similarly, the Thompson’s Oil & Drive Cleaner can be applied directly onto stubborn stains caused by oil, grease and fuel. It should be worked into the stain with a brush and left for 20 minutes on concrete and stone or five minutes when used on tarmac. The area can then be washed down with water and a brush. Once the cleaning is completed, and the surface is completely dry, the paving seal can then be applied to provide long-lasting protection.

Another product that is useful to have in the van for renovation projects is a cleaner for brick and garden walls. Products such as Thompson’s Advanced Brick & Mortar Cleaner effectively remove mortar stains, limescale and efflorescence to restore the appearance of walls. It can be used at different concentrations depending on the degree of stain removal required. For example, for light staining the cleaner can be diluted in 10 parts water while to treat heavy staining it can be used as equal parts water and cleaner.

SOLAR GAIN

Preparation and testing, is key so follow your normal process for preparing the roof ready for tiles. Our roofing kits come with brackets suitable for tile battens of 25mm thickness. Electrically test each solar panel prior to installation. We recommend that cables be passed though roofing membrane laps for connection inside the building or connected to adjacent panels in the batten space. Next, follow our simple step-by-step installation process.

Installing the first panel

Step 1 – Open the yellow box and start with the bottom left panel. Brackets rotate into the lower slot on the panel frame. Fix the batten brackets to the left side with two 25mm screws each. Fix bottom rafter brackets to each rafter the panel crosses with two 50mm screws each.

Step 2 – Fit the sill flashing then the lower side flashing to the panel, pushing into the rubber gasket seal. Secure the edge of the side flashing using fixing tabs and nails.

Step 3 – Open the green box and fix the combi brackets to each rafter panel with four 50mm screws each. Push the joining strip into the gasket on the top face of the lower solar panel.

Installing panel 2

Step 4 – Slide the upper solar panel down the roof to engage with the combibracket and the joining strip. Align the panels on the right corner and rotate the left corner downwards to ensure a smooth connection.

Fix the left side of the panel with batten brackets and 25mm screws. Push in the upper side flashing and fix the outside edge with the side fixing tabs. Fold the protruding end of the joining strip down over the side flashing.

Installing panel 3

Step 5 – Slide the first panel of the next column sideways to engage with the combi-batten brackets. Secure the new solar panel to each rafter with rafter brackets and two 50mm screws each.

Push the sill flashing into the gasket at the bottom of the solar panel. Slide the lower gutter between the two solar panels from the top and fold the tab at the bottom behind the sill flashing.

Step 6 – Nail the top fixing strip into a batten. Align the bottom corner of the lower gutter covers with the bottom edge of the solar panel and push the gutter covers into the gasket. Fold down the remaining tabs.

Step 7 – Open the orange box and fix three combi-batten brackets to the righthand side of the top panel. Open the blue box and fit the upper gutter between the solar panels. Push the joining strip into the gasket in the top edge of the panel below.

Installing panel 4

Step 8 – Slide the new panel into position and fix with rafter brackets at the bottom and batten brackets to the right-hand side. Push the lower side flashing into the

gasket on the right-hand side of the panel. Fit the side fixing tabs and fold over the tab on the sill flashing.

Fit the upper gutter between the solar panels and the nail gutter fixing strip to a batten. Push the upper gutter cover into the panel gasket. Fold the end of the joining strip into the gutter.

Installing top flashing

Step 9 – For each rafter it crosses, fix a rafter bracket to the top of the top left panel and secure with two 50mm screws each. Push the top flashing into the panel gasket and feed the two straps under the foam and secure the straps to a batten above.

Final touches

Step 10 – Remove the paper strip on the underside of the sill flashing and press down onto the tiles. Ensure that the bitumen strip is well bonded to the tiles. Two courses of tiles should be fitted around the perimeter of the solar panels. The final electrical connection and sign off must be completed by an MCS certified installer.

QWhat’s the best extended cab pick-up truck with an auto gearbox?

I would like to buy a pick-up truck with an extended cab (not a full crew cab), that has an automatic gearbox and as many creature comforts as possible, but they don’t seem to exist in the UK. Am I wrong?

A: Single and extended cab pick-ups are not sold in high numbers in this country, as most builders prefer the practicality and comfort of the double cab design. Ford offers the Ranger with an extended cab, but it is in a basic spec with a manual gearbox only.

QWhat’s the most reliable pick-up truck in the UK?

I need your advice on the most reliable pick-up truck. What model would you recommend?

A: The Toyota Hilux is the best for reliability in my opinion. Toyota always performs strongly in the annual Honest

QHow many miles will I get out of a Volkswagen T5 Transporter?

Is 134,000 miles classed as high for a 2007 Volkswagen Transporter? What mileage could I expect from this 2.0 TDI engine?

A: Fairly typical for a van of this age. There is no reason why it can’t go on for many more years, but it’ll boil down to the condition of the vehicle and its history. If the van is for sale, the seller should have a folder full of receipts and paperwork for previous repairs and servicing. As a minimum, I’d expect a service every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first).

QIs there a minimum MoT requirement for brake discs? Can you tell me if there is a brake disc requirement for the MoT on the Vauxhall Vivaro van?

A: Yes, the van will fail the MoT if the brake lining or pad is worn down to the wear indicator or below 1.5mm.

QMy van’s doors don’t shut independently, is this an MoT failure?

Would it be an MoT failure if the underlying rear door on my van doesn’t latch properly? The overlying rear door latches and locks perfectly (so all secure when driving). I can’t see why it should be a problem to become unsafe. Will it pass the MoT?

A: I suspect this will be an MoT failure. The MoT rules instruct the tester to fail the vehicle if the door will not open using the relevant control or close properly. The van will also fail if a door hinge, catch or pillar is excessively deteriorated or insecure.

Do you have a van question that you can’t find the answer to? Are you struggling to choose a van or pick-up for your professional needs? Email pb@hamerville.co.uk with your question and Honest John Vans will provide you with the answer. John Vans is the

Daniel Powell of Honest John Vans

It’s always been pretty good in Trafic – 42 years, 2.2 million sales and counting – but it would seem that Renault’s medium sized panel van just got even better! It follows the recent launch of its special Red edition featuring a number of styling changes exclusive to the model and a level of 24/7 after care service, and 100,000 mile warranty package, that is already enjoyed by its bigger brother the Master and, of course, its extensive HGV range.

It prompts the question, of course, why bother to go the extra mile when the impressively face-lifted 2019 version is already a popular choice in a very competitive market. Adding bits and pieces always comes at a premium although, increasingly, it is a price many

businesses feel is worth it to stand out from the crowd.

Graham Neagus, Head of LCV and Municipal, explains the rationale behind the expansion of the RED concept: “Despite all the logistical problems presented by the pandemic over the past two years, we have remained firmly focused on our mission to create an aspirational, driver centric range of products that go beyond the traditional one-tonne market operators’ expectations, by infusing our formidable truck DNA into the new Trafic. We have been listening and responding to the needs of a myriad of small businesses –which are the lifeblood of every nation’s economy – for more than four decades, and the new Red models are the pinnacle

of how the Trafic has evolved to suit even the most discerning of these operators across the full business spectrum.”

The formidable Renault Trucks Group clearly believes that the further expansion of the Red concept can help the company capture a bigger slice of the European medium van market, which has high end front runners like Mercedes, Ford and VAG all vying for top billing.

The company had already seized something of a pre-pandemic advantage over its competitors in the summer of 2019 with a significant refreshing of the Renault van brand which saw an industrial sized scalpel taken to both the Trafic and the Master. Shared features across the board included a new more imposing modern design from its 2014 incarnation, new fuel efficient engines, bespoke cabin layouts to facilitate the growing demand for a moving office, improved driving comfort/safety and greater on board connectivity. For the Trafic, the most noticeable difference was the front end, which had been cosmetically tidied up. To all of

Professional Builder has all the “truck” as we spend a red letter day with Renault in the Cotswolds TAKE IT AS RED!

this, customers are now invited to choose from a bespoke range of four special Red edition models, offering two transmissions, four engine types, 2 to 9 seats with payloads from 5.8 to 17 m3 (Pcab), all with stand-out exclusive prestige trims.

This includes the DAKAR edition –in recognition of the company’s performances at the iconic Rally. A twotone interior, illuminated step well and additional lighting add a touch of style, but thanks to an integrated Bosch jet wash and hand wash facility to clean muddy boots and equipment prior to storage, the vehicle is designed to be equally at home on the construction site as it is for weekend pleasure trips.

Racing ahead

For those with a more sporting persona, there is the Red Racing edition, taking its inspiration from the Alpine racing cars, and featuring a tri colour leather interior, illuminated step wells, sidebars, rear spoiler and unique livery available in van crew van and combi configurations. In homage to the founder of the company Marius Berliet, there is also a highly individual special 1894 edition complete with its own internal fridge and striking blue and gold interior. Certainly, our convey of press vehicles caused something of a stir as we made our way through the usually sedate picture postcard villages and hamlets of the Cotswolds.

One of the most welcome developments –and further proof that the company is listening to the very real concerns of van users –is the development of an inbuilt security deterrent. We know from all of the letters and emails we receive on a weekly basis just how devastating the loss of tools and

materials can be to a small construction company. Many have told us that, after the third or fourth such incident, they have actually decided there is no other option than to leave the industry for good. Renault has invested heavily in trying to find a viable and simple solution to the problem and have come up with the Trafic OptiSafe.

Heavy gauge internal metal ribbed doors are enhanced with a toughened polycarbonate exterior which would make even the most determined thief think twice about attempting a break in. “Time is everything to the opportunist criminal,” says Graham, “and anything which significantly delays the process will make

them look for softer targets.” He continues: “A recent survey commissioned by Harbo revealed that thefts involving vans cost tradespeople more than £264 million a year, around £5,800 each on average, and are likely to put that tradesperson out of work for around 30 days. We are still working on final installed prices of the OptiSafe, but are expected to be around the £2,000 mark which we believe is a small price to pay for that level of peace of mind.” You Red it here first!

“Time is everything to the opportunist criminal,” says Graham, and anything which significantly delays the process will make them look for softer targets.”

ONSITE WITH SOON BE CHRISTMAS!

With the world being tipped upside down at the moment, one thing that we can be sure of is that the annual rush to get things finished by Christmas will continue to be as traditional as turkey and stuffing.

their heads around it. Let’s be clear, rules is rules and anyone fitting windows that are not installed with appropriate trickle vents, will simply not comply with planning and will run into a wall of the brown stuff when they try to sell their house.

Most window and door fabricators are running well currently with plenty of capacity: if there’s a delay it’s usually down to a material or component shortage somewhere along the line.

For example, we continue to hear issues surrounding the availability of trickle vents and especially if required for woodgrained or colourcoated frames. When ordering, make sure your supplier stocks the trickle vent equipped for the frame in time.

The past couple of years have brought their own issues as supply chain problems caused by a host of reasons have thrown the get-it-built-by-Christmas rush into even greater chaos than usual. Things have improved but you should look out for a few things that might also make you even less popular than yet another pair of Santa socks from gran.

Summer brought its own challenges with having to work around people rushing a much anticipated, overdue holiday, whilst the revised Building Regulations that came into force in June also brought their challenges, if only to get our heads around them. In windows and doors, we were faced with Part F, which for most of us translates as ‘trickle vents’.

Our experience is that whilst there was a kerfuffle amongst certain parts of the window and door industry, the vast majority of builders and installers have got

The only other area where we are still seeing supply challenges is with aluminium windows and doors. It’s improved but we’re still not comfortable offering bespoke finishes on aluminium, although standard finishes remain in good supply. Most of our orders are for the standard anthracite and black but this year, we have broken the mould a little with woodgrain-foiled aluminium bi-folds; Have a look, they are selling like mulled wine at a German Christmas market.

and colour-coating if something more out of the ordinary is required (we do!).

There is a growing concern about potential glass shortages and currently, especially about laminated due to the increased demand caused by the Building Regs. We are fine but be prepared and don’t assume anything. The rumours are building about glass shortages and, just as with everything else, of course, glass prices are shooting up and disproportionately with other elements, due to the energy intensity of the glass making process.

Finally, negotiate with your supplier to pool orders towards creating fewer, larger deliveries. It will be more efficient, of course, be kinder to the planet and, hopefully, save a couple of quid for you too!

Happy

Adrian Barraclough runs Quickslide, one of Britain’s leading window & door manufacturers.

TRADE MEDIA

NORTON ABRASIVES

HOW TO BUILD A FIRE PIT

Learn how to build your very own fire pit with Norton Abrasives and win an array of prizes to help fabricate the perfect garden accessory – all through Norton’s newest competition. The ‘How to Build a Fire Pit with Norton Abrasives’ video on the company’s Facebook page and YouTube channel sees the all-round abrasives expert, Paul Gray, take viewers step-bystep through an easy-to-follow instructional video. The Facebook page will also communicate the competition details.

FRANKE BROCHURE The 65-page online document is specifically aimed at housebuilders.

GRANT UK

SPECIFICATION HUB

The Specification Hub is located within the Professionals side of the Grant UK website. It features a selection of zones with content specifically tailored for those specifying renewable heating systems. It brings together the main resources required when it comes to specifying low carbon heating systems.

Scientists at Zhejiang University in China have found that the lime mortar between the stone blocks was mixed with sticky rice, and this helps account for the Great Wall’s strength and stability, including its ability to withstand earthquakes.

This got me thinking about the other ingredients of vegetable and animal origin that have been used in building materials over the years.

Old paints were often made with milk, and this is even making a comeback. Lime, milk, and natural pigments are all you need to create a beautiful matt finish on walls and timbers. And whilst it looks soft and chalky, the casein in the milk ensures that the paint won’t flake or peel.

Traditional distemper was made with rabbit-skin glue, which made it set hard on the wall. In order to keep the distemper from setting in the pots, they were kept floating in buckets of hot water – which is why we still refer to them as paint kettles.

Milk-derived casein also plays a part in the adhesives used in wood laminates and some types of plywood. And other traditional wood glues were made by boiling down animal bones.

It is also said that the colour of the traditional pink limewash on East Anglian houses came from the animal blood that was added to it. The blood acted as a plasticiser, and also allegedly

made the limewash waterrepellent.

The lime plaster that still remains in thousands of our old buildings was usually reinforced with horsehair, to control cracking. I used some recently in a repair job on a listed building, and was pleased to find that I didn’t first have to creep up on a horse and snip off its tail – you can buy bundles of hair in handy 50mm lengths from paintbrush manufacturers.

You might have heard of recent experiments to build houses out of hay bales. But straw has been used as an insulation material for centuries. In fact, until quite recently straw was the only insulation material available to builders. It was used to line roofs and ceilings, and was even fixed to the outsides of solid masonry walls and plastered over, as a clever medieval forerunner of the external insulation techniques that are now claimed to be the “latest thing”.

There is also evidence that animal dung was used as a binder in the “daub” part of wattle-and-daub – the traditional infill material in old timber-framed buildings.

So while we might think of most building materials as being “man made”, we should remember the part played in them, traditionally and today, by animal and vegetable products.

Jeff Howell

Have you heard the one about the Great Wall of China being built out of rice? I know, it sounds like a joke about a Chinese takeaway. But it turns out to be true.

Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Builder .

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information

Atlas Roofing Solutions (page 20)..................www.rdr.link/BAK120

Buckbootz (page 40)........................................www.rdr.link/BAK121

Build Aviator (page 4)......................................www.rdr.link/BAK122

Build Aviator (pages 32, 33)............................www.rdr.link/BAK123

Dulux Academy (page 45)................................www.rdr.link/BAK124

Dulux Select Decorator (page 28)..................www.rdr.link/BAK125

Eclisse UK Ltd (page 19)..................................www.rdr.link/BAK126

EEBS Ltd (page 76)............................................www.rdr.link/BAK127

Estimators.com (back cover)..........................www.rdr.link/BAK128

Faithfull Tools (page 41)..................................www.rdr.link/BAK129

Federation Of Master Builders (page 67)......www.rdr.link/BAK130

Fergus UK (page 78)..........................................www.rdr.link/BAK131

Festool (page 53)..............................................www.rdr.link/BAK132

Helly Hansen UK Ltd (page 49)......................www.rdr.link/BAK133

Hultafors Group UK Ltd (page 6)....................www.rdr.link/BAK134

Made for Trade (page 15)................................www.rdr.link/BAK135

Made for Trade (pages 16,17)..........................www.rdr.link/BAK136

Makita (UK) Ltd (page 57)................................www.rdr.link/BAK137

Marley Ltd (page 70)........................................www.rdr.link/BAK138

Marmox (UK) Ltd (page 75)..............................www.rdr.link/BAK139

Mascot International Ltd (inside front cover) www.rdr.link/BAK140

Mirka (UK) Ltd (page 43)..................................www.rdr.link/BAK141

Omnie (page 58)................................................www.rdr.link/BAK142

Pnu-Point Ltd (page 76)....................................www.rdr.link/BAK143

Quickslide (page 5)..........................................www.rdr.link/BAK144

Rainclear Systems Ltd (page 81)....................www.rdr.link/BAK145

Robert Bosch Ltd (page 46)............................www.rdr.link/BAK146

Rocket Door Frames (page 72)........................www.rdr.link/BAK147

Rocket Door Frames (page 83)........................www.rdr.link/BAK148

Rockwool UK Ltd (page 8)................................www.rdr.link/BAK149

Saint Gobain Abrasives/Norton (page 55)....www.rdr.link/BAK150

Scruffs (page 38)................................................www.rdr.link/BAK151

Simpsons Strong Tie (page 52)......................www.rdr.link/BAK152

Stelrad Radiators (page 77)..............................www.rdr.link/BAK153

Tesco Mobile (page 23)....................................www.rdr.link/BAK154

Toolfair (page 84)..............................................www.rdr.link/BAK155

Toughbuilt Industries UK Ltd (page 50)........www.rdr.link/BAK156

Tuffx Processed Glass Ltd (page 73)..............www.rdr.link/BAK157

UK Power Networks (page 78)........................www.rdr.link/BAK158

Unifix (page 48)................................................www.rdr.link/BAK159

VIP Polymers Ltd (page 65)............................www.rdr.link/BAK160

Werner (page 61)................................................www.rdr.link/BAK161

West Fraser Ltd (page 27)................................www.rdr.link/BAK162

Let’s talk about OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA)...

“I must be getting old…”

Joints feeling a bit achey and stiff? It might be osteoarthritis (OA) – the most common type of arthritis in the UK. Many people suffer with the symptoms of OA, simply putting it down to “getting older”. Joint pains and stiffness, swelling, “creaking” noises on movement (a sign called crepitus) and tenderness over the joint can all be signs that arthritis is present. The number of joints affected, and the severity of these symptoms, can vary from person to person. Sometimes people have mild symptoms in lots of small joints (for example, the end of joints in the fingers), and some people have severe symptoms in one joint (a hip, for instance). Severe symptoms can have a big impact on someone’s ability to do their daily activities if they cannot use their joints properly, or are restricted by pain. Living with chronic pain can also impact quality of life and lead to low mood.

So what causes OA? As we go through life, our joints go through wear and tear. Often the damage is minor and our bodies are able to repair it. This is normal. Within a joint, the end of each bone is covered by protective cartilage –this acts as a shock absorber and allows the bones to slide over each other. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage layer is broken down, which causes pain, swelling, and problems with movement. Bony growths may also form around the joint and our bodies are unable to repair this damage.

Why some people are more likely to develop this condition is unknown. However, we do know there are many things that increase the risk. These include:

Having a previous injury to a joint (eg a broken ankle)

Family history of osteoarthritis

Having joint damage from a previous condition, such as gout Age – getting older increases the risk

Being obese (this puts more strain on the joints – especially weight bearing joints of the hips, knees and ankles)

Being female

Although it is not possible to prevent osteoarthritis happening altogether, minimising these risk factors can certainly help. Living a healthy lifestyle and keeping active, with plenty of strength building activities and low impact exercise (cycling or swimming), can help. Exercising regularly also helps with weight management. If you are overweight, losing weight  may help lower your chances of developing OA.

Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis. If you feel you are having pain that is causing problems then speak to your GP. They will ask you some questions about your symptoms and perform an examination. Osteoarthritis may be a likely diagnosis if: you are aged 45 or older you have joint pain that gets worse the more you use your joints the stiffness in your joints is not there in the mornings, or lasts less  than 30 minutes If there are other symptoms, there may be another underlying reason for painful joints. To investigate, X-rays and blood tests may be arranged.

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and cannot be cured, but it doesn’t necessarily get any worse over time, and it can sometimes gradually improve. The treatments can vary depending on which joints are affected, but may include anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers and physiotherapy. Lifestyle measures, including weight loss and regular exercise, can also help. In cases where these treatments haven’t helped, or the damage to the joints is particularly severe, surgery may be done to repair, strengthen or replace a damaged joint.

“Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition and cannot be cured, but it doesn’t necessarily get any worse over time, and it can sometimes gradually improve.”