The panelised modular building systems market in the UK was worth £753m in 2019. It is worth noting that due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, AMA Research are forecasting that contractors’ output is expected to be down by 20% in 2020.
As a result of this downward turn, the panelised modular building systems market will also experience a decline in 2020 as the two are not mutually exclusive. This will result in a drop of 15% decreasing the market value to £636m.
Off-site manufacturing, such as panelised modular building systems may recover faster as it is more conducive to Covid-19 safety measures such as social distancing.
Panelised Modular Building Systems
The adaptation of the working environment has been an easier transition than a traditional construction setting, due to it being less labour intensive and requiring fewer personnel on-site.
With all construction work carried out on a production line, activity can be planned and monitored to ensure that social distancing is adhered to.
More importantly, there is now a strong likelihood of an increase in the use of volumetric and other types of off-site construction method to help meet the chronic housing shortage, cope with the lack of traditional construction skills within the construction industry and help meet the government’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Off-site construction, with open panel timber frame systems the most widely used type, could very well be the solution to delivering much needed affordable homes and to deliver them quickly.
It is anticipated there will be a significant increase in off-site production capacity with many leading housebuilders and RPRs declaring their intentions to substantially increase their use of off-site systems to build new homes.
Timber Framed Systems
Timber frame systems is the largest sector, with a share estimated to be 70%, due to a larger supply base and extensive usage in the Scottish housebuilding market and self-build sector.
Timber frame is a natural, renewable, low carbon material and timber frame houses can be built on average eight weeks faster when compared with traditional construction methods.
The end result is a more cost-effective building to live in.
The Future of the Sector
A close eye will need to be kept on how quickly the economy, and the construction industry in particular recovers, however; there is now a glimmer of hope with the announcement from Pfizer of their successful initial vaccine trial.
Over the next few years, the growth of this market will be greatly affected by how long the Covid-19 pandemic lasts.
Find out more about AMA Research, UK Leaders in Building and Construction Market Research.
Leading ironmongery specialist supplier, IronmongeryDirect, has partnered with Checkatrade, the UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson, offering exclusive benefits for both new and existing Checkatrade members and IronmongeryDirect customers.
The partnership entitles all IronmongeryDirect customers to receive three months free membership with Checkatrade: a platform that can help tradespeople to build their business and reputation, with the added benefit that they will also receive a 10% discount on all orders with IronmongeryDirect. The discount will also be available to existing Checkatrade members.
Partnered with Checkatrade
Marco Verdonkschot, managing director at IronmongeryDirect says, “Checkatrade is the UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson. We are delighted to partner with them and offer our customers a discounted rate on membership.
This will open up the opportunity for their business to be found in over two million monthly visits from individuals looking for trustworthy tradespeople.
“In addition, new and existing Checkatrade members will be able to save 10% on purchases across our range of over 18,000 high-quality products.
This includes our seven exclusive brands that cover a range of commercial, domestic and specialist projects, all under one roof.”
Alex Cubitt, Chief Growth Officer at Checkatrade said: “We’re pleased to provide our members with this benefit from IronmongeryDirect, which has joined our suite of exclusive partnerships and discounts. We’re sure this will be welcomed by our 48,000 trade members.”
World Green Building Council highlights innovation in the sustainable building sector with Building A Better Future series
Produced by BBC StoryWorks, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) films explore how sustainable buildings can address climate, health & wellbeing and resource efficiency issues
World Green Building Council today launched a series of mini-documentary style films, highlighting the impact of buildings on the environment and human health and the work of organisations around the world to counter this.
Produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, Building A Better Future explores the profound impact buildings can have on the quality of people’s lives and the crucial role buildings can play in tackling climate change.
According to the World Health Organization, people spend on average 90% of their time indoors so it is imperative that the buildings they work, rest and play in benefit their health.
Buildings are responsible for almost 40% of energy-related global carbon emissions and the global building stock is set to double by 2050, so it is more critical than ever that our buildings also contribute to the health of the environment.
Building A Better Future
Through a diverse set of voices from across the sustainable buildings movement, this series showcases the ways in which organisations are successfully unlocking the benefits of sustainable buildings, and what that means for us all.
The series also explores how we can accelerate the clean energy transition, reach our climate goals and support a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council
“As the world adapts to COVID-19 and prepares for COP26, we are proud to launch a series that brilliantly highlights the climate and human health challenges we face and the built environment organisations tackling them.
We hope the series will serve as an educational tool for the building and construction sector around the world and a source of inspiration for others.”
Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ photography competition, 12 winning photos have now been selected and included in a ‘Love where your live’ charity calendar for 2021.
Being sold to raise funds for RGB’s chosen charities, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and Devon Air Ambulance, the calendar features photographs which highlight the South West’s diverse history, wildlife and landscape. As well as seeing their photo in print, each winning photographer received a £100 voucher to spend at their local RGB branch.
William – Greatrex Valley Rocks North Devon
Tracy Owen, Fundraising Manager at Devon Air Ambulance, commented:
“We’re extremely grateful to RGB for their continued support through what has been a challenging year. The calendar is a brilliant showcase of our beautiful part of the country and we hope our regular supporters, as well new supporters, will be inspired to purchase a calendar and, in turn, help to ensure the future our service.”
Pat Taylor – Ruins Phoenix United Mine Cornwall
Stephanie Bray, Corporate Fundraising Officer at Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, said:
“RGB Building Supplies is one of our most creative supporters and always comes up with something really special to raise funds for their local air ambulances. These stunning calendars feature remarkable photos of the South West, which really showcase our counties off at their best. Thank you RGB for your support.”
Kate Coldrick – Exeter Quay Christmas Day
Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB, added:
“We received over 60 entries, which all highlighted what an amazing part of the country we live in, so it was extremely difficult to narrow it down to just 12. We hope those who buy our calendar and help us support two fantastic charities enjoy seeing a different piece of what makes our region so special every month of 2021.”
The calendar can be purchased from Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and Devon Air Ambulance online shops, and all RGB’s branches and RGB’s website – www.rgbltd.co.uk. The calendar retails at £7.50 with all proceeds being donated to the air ambulance charities.
The latest Skill Builder showdown is here, this time it’s oscillating multi tools and we kick off with the Bosch Professional 06018B6002 System GOP 18 V-28 Cordless Multi Cutter.
Suitable for dry and wet cutting, the Twin 18V DCE090 Brushless Disc Cutter is Makita’s latest addition to its world-renowned LXT range. Powerful, compact and packed with safety features, this new construction tool is ideal for heavy-duty applications.
The new cordless DCE090 Brushless Disc Cutter features a powerful 36V brushless motor with a no-load speed of 6,600rpm and maximum cutting capacity of 88mm, and is powered by two 18V LXT Lithium-ion batteries.
The tool has been designed with safety in mind and includes Makita’s Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) which shuts down the current to the motor if the rotation speed suddenly slows down, as well as an electric brake, a soft start feature that gradually increases speed to eliminate start-up shock, and a lock-off button to prevent accidental start-up.
In addition, the tool will alert the user to any risk of motor burnout caused by overloading, with its in-built overload indicator lamp. If the user continues, the electronic current limiter will cut off the power to protect both the batteries and the tool from damage.
With a fully-loaded weight of just 6.3kg, the disc cutter is easy to manoeuvre and includes a rubberised ergonomic, soft grip for further user comfort. For wet cutting applications, the tool can be connected to a water supply kit for effective dust suppression, whilst the plastic battery cover (included) protects the batteries from water contact.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK says, “The Twin 18V DCE090 joins the line-up of over 250 cordless products within our LXT range, offering users wider flexibility on site and the ability to switch between jobs easily. The tool has been engineered with user safety and productivity in mind as well as incorporating features that optimise battery and tool performance, so that users benefit from an extended life cycle.”
For more information on Makita’s range of power tools, please visit www.makitauk.com.
Global workwear brand Dickies has teamed up with Bolton Wanderers FC to test its new Advanced Waterproof Technology (AWT) range at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Dickies Workwear has outfitted stadium ground staff, security and maintenance staff with clothing and footwear from the range, which is designed to guard the wearer against the elements.
Featuring materials that repel rain, sleet and snow while remaining breathable, AWT products were considered especially useful for the ground staff who work outside every day caring for the pitch.
“With the weather in constant flux with rain, hail, wind, freezing temperatures and even snow, it can be quite challenging to work in and play at the home of Bolton Wanderers FC, so this was an ideal opportunity to put our new AWT range to the test,” said James Whitaker, Marketing Director at Dickies Workwear.
“Not every piece of workwear or outerwear is suited for that level of punishment, but what Dickies Workwear does well is craft tough, no-nonsense workwear at a price everyone can afford that can stand-up to the outdoors. We’ve had some great feedback from the staff at the club who enjoyed trialling our new range.”
Items worn by ground staff at Bolton Wanderers FC include the Dickies Winter Jacket, which features an exceptionally high level of waterproofing (10,000 mm) while also being breathable – making it an ideal option for working outdoors in bad weather conditions.
Chris Simm, Head Groundsman of Bolton Wanderers FC, said:
“The ground staff, security and match day staff have a lot riding on their shoulders given the level of work that goes into making sure our facilities perform. Our workers need to feel comfortable and protected and we know Dickies Workwear provides exactly what they need to make sure they’re able to stay focused on game day.”
The University of Bolton Stadium is a natural partnership for Dickies Workwear as its outdoor setting is well-known for having unique, weather-related challenges.
In addition to outfitting workers, the partnership includes Dickies Workwear being featured in-stadium throughout the season via digital signage and advertising.
As well as in the official game-day programme. Dickies will also have a presence within various digital platforms, including https://www.bwfc.co.uk/, the team’s Facebook page and more.
Find out more about the hard work that goes into maintaining the pitch and grounds at Bolton Wanderers FC by watching Dickies’ video here (which was filmed prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.
About the Bolton Wanderers FC
The historic Bolton Wanderers FC, established in 1874 as Christchurch FC before adopting its current name in 1877, is one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888.
The Club won three FA Cups in the 1920s and once again in 1958 when they beat Manchester United 2-0 at Wembley.
It enjoyed a prolonged spell in the Premier League in the 2000s during which they featured in two European campaigns.
More information is available online at https://www.bwfc.co.uk/
About Dickies Workwear
Dickies Workwear, has provided workers with durable, functional and comfortable workwear since 1922, pioneering such iconic styles as the Redhawk coverall.
A brand of VF Corporation, the Dickies Workwear brand portfolio continues to evolve and today includes modern apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women.
The brand’s range of products are available in more than 100 countries, allowing individuals around the world to experience the performance of Dickies®.
For more information, visit www.dickiesworkwear.com or follow the brand.
NEW FlexiWork Neon Jackets and Fleeces from Snickers Workwear for the flexible working environment – delivering visibly superior comfort and freedom of movement.
While Fabric, Functionality and Fit are hallmarks of Snickers Workwear, it’s the innovation and fabric technology in the design of the new FlexiWork Neon Fleece Hoodie, Jacket and Gilet that really set these new garments apart.
They’re great for working outdoors in the colder months. Delivering superior flexibility and comfort, these lightweight 4-way stretch garments come in a body-mapping design and are made from an Elastane/Polyester fabric with a water-and wind-repellent finish for comfort and durability when you need it most.
As well as being street-smart and visibly striking with Neon panels and reflective details for enhanced visibility they’re designed for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and delivering top class work on site.
For professionals who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for those who want to be visibly ahead of the rest on site this winter.
Construction companies are being urged to get going on key actions as the UK counts down to its new trading relationship with the EU after 31 December.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is holding a further series of webinars throughout November to help businesses understand the important actions they need to take to be ready by the end of the transition period.
Webinars are free and, depending on the topic being covered, take between 45-90 minutes. They will cover issues including conformity assessment.
Here are the top three actions construction companies need to be taking to be ready for 1 January 2021.
If you are planning to recruit from overseas from 1 January 2021, you will need to register as a licensed visa sponsor
If you are not already a licensed sponsor and you think you will want to sponsor migrants through the skilled worker route from January 2021, you should apply now. You may not be able to legally hire people from outside the UK unless you are a licensed sponsor.
Check if a visa or work permit is required to travel to the EU for work purposes and apply if necessary
You may face delays or refusal at border when travelling for business if you do not comply with the immigration requirements of the EU27 when travelling from 1 January 2021.
To register for upcoming webinars, or to watch previous sector-specific webinars on demand, visit bit.ly/UKTwebinar
Speak with your lawyer and accountant for more information, or visit the www.gov.uk/transition checker tool for tailored business information and to sign up for email updates.
Robin’s Mercedes Vito Tourer review with Roger, travelling back from XL Joinery in Leeds and Roger asks Robin to review his 2016 2.2L Mercedes Vito Tourer 114 CDI Select Extra Long.
“Innovation”: no doubt an overused word but rest assured, the flooring industry is renowned for true innovation, whether it’s the first 18th Century wooden floorboards; the evolution of carpet; or today’s luxury vinyl tiles.
And in recent years, the flooring industry has arguably become more innovative than ever with advancement in styles, versatility, luxury and aesthetics; advancements that have allowed manufacturers and retailers to offer better services, easier processes and more durable products to both consumers and businesses alike.
Advancements aplenty there might be, but are they as widely known and available as they ought to be? We caught up with IOBAC’s CEO, Paul Woolvine and its founder and director, Ian Spreadborough to discuss how their new venture, FloorPlay, aims to unshackle the industry’s latest advancements.
Paul, Ian, tell us about what led you to launch FloorPlay.
“It was the same philosophy that led us to set up IOBAC in the first place really – as a company, we are always looking for a better way, solving problems and challenging ourselves to rethink traditional flooring and heating solutions.
EASYLOX Profiling
Our mission is to make the flooring process as simple, fast, cost-effective and hassle-free as possible for all involved, contractors and end-users alike.
To some, it’s just floors, but to us, it’s an opportunity for innovation; innovation at a level befitting an industry that’s integral to the revival of the residential and commercial sectors.
But the industry is still hamstrung by how difficult it can be to get hold of the right product at the right time – and at the right price. It was from this problem that FloorPlay was born.”
“This all sounds simple enough,” continues Paul, “but in practice, it can be more difficult. And more often than not, flooring installers are the last to hear about what products are up and coming in the flooring industry.
The advancements are there; they just need to be more easily available and known by all.
That’s what FloorPlay aims to do. People need to know that there are better alternatives to traditional solutions, especially in today’s environmentally-conscious world.”
Flooring Industry Experience
Ian and Paul, together boasting over 40 years’ experience in the flooring trade, launched FloorPlay earlier this year. It’s a site offering not only the “leading flooring products at great prices,” but “the very latest in new flooring and walling technologies.”
FloorPlay is described as a “one-stop shop for what’s new in flooring”; a site to help those in the industry “stay a step ahead of the rest with cool new flooring and heating products.”
Ian comments: “From revolutionary underfloor heating to the latest award-winning flooring solutions, there’s some seriously cool stuff out there that’s still unknown by many in the industry.
FloorPlay brings those new advancements – from IOBAC and others – to the masses at affordable prices.”
But you didn’t just stop at flooring, did you? There are walling technologies available as well.
“To us it was a natural step,” says Ian. “Simply put: floors and walls are both surfaces covering the largest square footage of any room, so why shouldn’t there be some commonality in how they’re covered? We’ve taken the fundamental technologies behind some of IOBAC’s innovative flooring solutions and applied them to walling.”
Where did this experimentation come from?
“This is where the ‘play’ element of FloorPlay comes in. The flooring industry is a truly innovative one and we’re always searching for the next innovation.
A famous Swiss psychiatrist described the creation of something new as ‘not accomplished by intellect, but by the play instinct arising from inner necessity’. It’s from this approach that we discovered that the same technologies behind our flooring solutions can be applied to walling.”
The result of this ‘play’ is a number of products. Notably, a heated walling solution that utilises the fundamental technology, including “wonder material” graphene, behind IOBAC’s underfloor heating solution. IOBAC’s magnetic flooring technology also lent itself to designer feature walls where magnetic luxury vinyl features can be affixed to a wall following two coats of magnetically-receptive paint.
And how about FloorPlay’s flooring solutions; what’s the thinking behind those?
“Again, there’s a real focus around what’s new and innovative, but it’s not innovation for innovation’s sake – these are products that we feel will genuinely improve the industry,” says Ian.
FloorPlay is home to IOBAC’s own Ezy-Install, a winner in this year’s Flooring Innovation awards, and last year’s winner, MagTabs.
Paul continues: “The beauty of these two products is that they can work in isolation or in combination.
They epitomise everything we’re trying to achieve with FloorPlay. Ezy-Install is what we call our dry-laid magnetically receptive underlay. It takes away the messy, time-consuming issues that come with traditional solutions.
There’s minimal sub-floor preparation needed – simply roll out the underlay and cut to size. It’s waterproof, naturally anti-microbial, easily cleanable, durable and manufactured using recycled rubber from old tyres.
Once it’s down, magnetic tiles, including timber, ceramic and LVT can be laid direct, or standard backed tiles, including carpet and +4mm LVT, can be fitted using MagTabs.”
To make it even easier for flooring contractors to trial Ezy-Install for themselves, a range of starter kits are available at FloorPlay containing everything needed to complete a 10m2 project.
MagTab Product
Ian, explain a little more about MagTabs.
“MagTabs affix to any magnetically-receptive floor, whether that’s a metal raised access floor or a metallic base from the IOBAC magnetic flooring system. Magnetic on one side and self-adhesive on the other, they work by locking tiles tightly together.
We truly believe that MagTabs, in combination with our magnetic flooring system, are the future of modular flooring.
And importantly, like Ezy-Install, they offer not only a better way to do things, but a more sustainable way, too. They remove cleanly with no residue or contamination.”
There’s also a handy alternative to traditional herringbone floor installation as well…
“That’s right,” says Paul. “We’ve recently become the first UK reseller of EASYLOX®, a patented system that makes herringbone so much easier.
It’s a universal connection without left or right parts, so every floorboard has the same profile without separate parts.
It means installers will no longer have to adjust floorboards when installing herringbone floor, which will save on costs. And because EASYLOX is produced by a CNC-controlled machine, it creates a 100% perfect fit – perfect squareness, perfect sizes.”
And how about maintenance of these floors? How can we keep them looking fresh?
“Keeping hard flooring such as wood and Luxury Vinyl tile clean and well looked after can be problematic. But we’ve discovered a range of eco-friendly floor cleaning materials – OceanSaver®.
These products are designed to tackle the toughest of stains without scratching or having to flood the floor – and they also result in zero waste. So it’s really goodbye to single-use plastic, and hello to clean floors.”
A celebration of innovation
FloorPlay certainly seems an admirable pursuit, a platform committed to making new and exciting innovations accessible to all in the flooring (and walling) industry.
And it’s this commitment to innovation that will continue to drive advancements in the industry. Ours is a truly innovative industry and we all have a part to play in celebrating its innovation, but this can only be achieved if those in it are aware of it – and have access to it – in the first place.
James and Ian show us how they prepare a hallway floor for tiling using marine plywood.
How to install plywood flooring using a marine ply subfloor ready for tiling.
Thanks go to James King for letting Roger film this project and causing him to slow down!
The Supreme Finishing Company can be contacted by following the link below.
