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Baxi partners with Expert Trades

Roger Bisby
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Baxi partners with Expert Trades

Baxi has joined forces with Expert Trades to try and make life easier for its installers, by helping them to win more business and spend less time on admin and paperwork.

Expert Trades was set up in 2013 to provide tradespeople with business tools (accessible online and via an app) to help them manage and grow their businesses more effectively.

Installers can set up a free online profile on the Expert Trades website to showcase their qualifications, skills and past work. This will help them get found by prospective customers, who can, in turn, leave reviews to rate the work done for them. For installers looking for a more substantial marketing platform, Expert Trades offers low cost, fixed price website building and search engine optimisation to ensure their website is picked up in internet searches.

As well as its online marketing tools, Expert Trades has an app for installers to more efficiently manage their paperwork, like quotes, invoices and electronic payments.

The site also features a community featuring updates on the latest product innovation, tools and offers currently available – as well as masterclasses and meetups to help installers build their businesses and enhance their reputation.

Expert Trades is recommended by Baxi installers, with those asked rating it 9 or 10 out of 10. Baxi installers registered with Expert Trades will get additional benefits such as regular updates on new products and offers, extra customer support and a one click function to add Baxi events or training to their calendars.

Dave Cook, sales director at Baxi said: “The partnership with Expert Trades is very much a way for us to add value to our installers and make their lives easier. We understand how busy they are and how marketing their businesses and doing the paperwork is not always the thing they look forward to most.

“By working with Expert Trades, who have a proven track record in helping tradespeople to better manage their businesses, we can introduce our installers to this fantastic new platform for success.”

Adam Callow, Expert Trades Founder CEO said: “We wanted to bring in a boiler company to support what we are doing at Expert Trades as we found that many of our customers are from the heating industry. By working closely with Baxi, we have more insight into what installers want and can tailor our offering for them to make it even better.”

Eurocell offers BIM in a basket

Dylan Garton
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Eurocell offers BIM in a basket

Eurocell, the UK manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and roofline products – has reimagined the way designers and specifiers access its BIM models.

The result is the BIM Centre, where finding and downloading the right BIM models is quick and fast, and updates are delivered automatically.

Users can sign up free to the BIM Centre in minutes and then use Eurocell’s new search and filter tool to find the models they need. Rather than downloading models one-by-one, they all go into a BIM basket to be downloaded en masse at the end of the process.

The models downloaded by each user will also be stored in a personalised BIM Library for quick and easy access at a later date. And by signing up for automated updates, BIM Centre members will receive an email to let them know when models have changed.

If specifiers can’t find the model they need, the BIM Centre has a simple ‘Request a BIM’ function which will be handled by Eurocell’s technical support team – who will always on hand to help with queries. Eurocell will also be showcasing some to provide inspiration and know-how.

“We know from talking to our customers that getting the right BIM models can sometimes be a frustrating and time-consuming experience,” said Eurocell Head of Marketing Chris Coxon. “The idea behind our BIM Centre was to make everything as hassle-free as possible, and to make sure that people always have access to the latest information.”

At the launch of BIM Centre it contained nearly 40 models covering Eurocell’s two most popular ranges Modus and Eurologik; that number will be growing all the time as new models are added.  The models are in RFA or Revit Family format, requiring Autodesk Revit software.

The use of BIM – a 3D model with information attached to its various elements – is gaining traction across most construction sectors in the UK. This has been driven by the 2011 Government mandate that central government departments should require BIM Level 2 on all its projects from April this year with ongoing funding to push onto Level 3.

The goal for the implementation of BIM is that all the organisations involved in the design, creation and operation of a building or piece of infrastructure gain better understanding of the lifetime cost and performance of the asset and its elements. This should enable better decision- making and ultimately deliver better value.

EP1701BP Eurocell BIM Portal #1

www.eurocell.co.uk

Landlord Prosecuted for Gas Safety Failings

Roger Bisby
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Landlord Prosecuted for Gas Safety Failings

Gas safety failings of a Preston Landlord lead to a suspended prison sentence after failing to ensure gas appliances in one of her properties were checked for safety.

Preston Magistrates Court heard that following a concern received from Preston City Council about the gas appliances in a property on Alvern Avenue in Fulwood, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) made contact with the landlord.

Mrs Pritpall Kaur Singh, 44, was inspected to establish whether she was complying with her legal duties as a landlord to ensure annual gas safety checks were carried out.

Mrs Singh failed to co-operate with HSE and failed to produce a Landlord Gas Safe Record to demonstrate that these checks had been undertaken correctly.

Gas Safety Failings
Gas safety failings totally unacceptable

An Improvement Notice (IN) was issued to Mrs Singh by the HSE for non-provision of a gas safety record for the gas appliances in her property, but Mrs Singh did not comply with that notice.

Pritpall Kaur Singh pleaded guilty to breaching section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act, 1974 and to one breach of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (36 (3)) and was sentenced to a 26 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and was ordered to pay £1,000.00 costs.

Gas Safety Failings Lesson

After the hearing, HSE inspector Anthony Banks commented: “If you rent property out, you must comply with requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, including the need to have a gas safety certificate. Gas appliances should be regularly checked, as faulty appliances can kill.”

More information on gas safety responsibilities for Landlords here:

www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords

See more on gas safety failings with Skill Builder.

North/South divide threatens to wreck government’s smart meter target

Roger Bisby
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North/South divide threatens to wreck government’s smart meter target

An emerging North/South divide could derail the Government’s plan to install smart meters in 50 million homes by the end of the decade, new research suggests.

Uptake of the money saving meters has been relatively strong in the north with 19% of homes in the North West and nearly a quarter of homes in the North East already having a new meter installed.

But a lack of commitment among homeowners in the south, particularly in London where just 8% of homes have a meter installed, means the Government could potentially miss its ambitious installation target.

With just three years left until the self-imposed deadline, the report by ECTA Training shows the scale of the task facing the Government, and the wider energy industry, as official figures show only 4.9 million smart meters have been installed to date.

The report, ‘Smart Meters: The consumer view’, found that just 10% of homes in the South West and 13% in the South East already have a smart meter.

The findings also suggest more needs to be done to educate homeowners about the benefits of smart meters, with 44% of consumers admitting they don’t know why they could be good for their energy bills.

Dave Berry, director at ECTA Training, said: “With the Government less than 10% of the way towards its smart meter installation target, more needs to be done to educate homeowners to their benefits, particularly in areas of low uptake.

“In the North West, and wider Northern region, we have seen a significant rise in the installation of smart meters as consumers become more aware of the benefits and potential savings they can offer.

“But this information is not getting through south of the border and it now poses a serious threat to the plan to get 50 million meters installed by 2020.”

 www.ectatraining.co.uk

Comparison site for building supplies launches

Dylan Garton
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Comparison site for building supplies launches

A building supplies e-commerce start-up is taking on industry heavyweights B&Q, Travis Perkins, Selco, Jewson and Wickes to offer savings of 20-35%.

Go Banana is said to be the UK’s first comparison website for building and DIY supplies. With 50,000 searchable products Go Banana provides an online platform for builders, tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts looking to purchase supplies quickly and efficiently at the best possible price.

Go Banana’s software creates a live shopping list which searches online 24/7 and is said to show the best results, meaning users save between 20% and 35% with every purchase.

Users can search, compare and buy across a whole range of building and DIY supplies, including building and hardware; tiling and flooring; plumbing and heating; painting and decorating; kitchens and bathrooms, and many more.

Construction is one of the UK’s largest economic sectors, but despite the size of the building materials and home improvement market, estimated to be worth around £70 billion per year, there has been no way to compare and contrast the vast ranges of products on the market until now

Construction is one of the UK’s largest economic sectors, but despite the size of the building materials and home improvement market, estimated to be worth around £70 billion per year, there has been no way to compare and contrast the vast ranges of products on the market until now. Go Banana founder and Managing Director Rami Naori spotted a gap in the market after carrying out several property redevelopments.

“The UK building materials industry is a healthy and competitive one, with plenty of big-name brands vying for a customer’s attention,” commented Naori. “But there is definitely scope to reduce the cost of construction and the whole life cost of buildings, and one way to do that is by shopping around for materials.

“We realised there was nowhere for builders, construction companies, building surveyors, property developers and home DIY enthusiasts to compare products, and we believed there was an opportunity for innovative technology to serve a real and useful purpose to make the entire process easier, cheaper and more convenient,” Naori added. “It has taken a year and a half to create and design the bespoke software system underpinning the site to create an ‘Amazon for building supplies’.”

It has taken a year and a half to create and design the bespoke software system underpinning the site to create an ‘Amazon for building supplies’

As well as assisting builders and DIYers, Go Banana has also been designed to serve building merchants by giving them another sales channel. The current list of partners and suppliers includes Ruby Group and Pepte UK, and this is being added to all the time. For suppliers, Go Banana’s founders say it is a valuable addition to their marketing and advertising strategy. With no upfront costs, Go Banana increases both brand exposure and revenue streams by offering partners a dedicated slot on the site to increase product reach.

“We are planning to add 50,000-100,000 new products every month, and to become the most comprehensive building materials e-commerce platform in the UK,” Naori added. “Go Banana is live in the UK now and we will be looking to expand it into other European countries and North America in due course.”

Fine for unregistered gas fitter

Roger Bisby
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0
Fine for unregistered gas fitter

An unregistered gas fitter from Farnborough has been prosecuted for carrying out illegal gas work which was found to be unsafe.

Basingstoke Magistrates’ court heard how Mr Fergus Leask, who also trades as Eldan Plumbing, had assured the homeowner that he was Gas Safe Registered. When he was unable to supply the gas safe certificate months after installing the boiler, the homeowner contacted Gas Safe, who confirmed Mr Leask was not gas safe registered. When inspected by the Gas Safe Register the boiler was found to be ‘at risk’, which indicates a risk to life or property.

Mr Leask of 17 Fowler Rd, Farnborough pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, for carrying out gas work without being gas safe registered and Regulation 3(7) for falsely pretending to be gas safe registered.

He was fined £1230 and ordered to pay costs of £350.

Pegler introduces large scale press fittings to UK

Roger Bisby
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0
Pegler introduces large scale press fittings to UK

Pegler Yorkshire has extended its stainless steel XPress Press Fit range of fittings to included sizes up to 168mm – said to be a first for the UK market. 

The two new additions complement the XPress range offering a complete system from 12mm through to 168mm.

“We are constantly looking at what the market wants and addressing needs of specifiers and installers.  We noticed a gap in the UK market for larger sized press fittings and have introduced these new sizes (140mm and 168mm) which allow greater flexibility on large scale installations,” said Amy Sedgwick, Press Systems Market Manager for Pegler Yorkshire.

The XPress stainless steel range is a world class fitting that can now be fitted up to 25 bar, subject to application submittal and prior approval.  It boasts a myriad of advantages including; no requirement for threading machinery or grooving which is labour intensive and costly, it also negates the need for a hot works permit as no heat or jointing compounds are needed to complete the jointing procedure.  In addition, XPress benefits from a unique Leak Before Press feature which provides instant identification of joints that have been assembled correctly but mistakenly left unpressed.

For use on hot and cold water systems, chilled water services and fire protection the new additions to the XPress Stainless Steel range are simply compressed onto 316 or 304 tube using the AC0401 press tool and slings.  There is also flange adaptors available for Pegler Yorkshire valves to complete the system.

www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

Construction group launches mental health campaign

Dylan Garton
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Construction group launches mental health campaign

The Health in Construction Leadership Group supported by the British Safety Council has announced the launch of Mates in Mind – a sector-wide programme intended to help improve and promote positive mental health across the industry in the UK .

Every year, one in four people in the UK will experience either stress, anxiety or depression. In the most extreme cases, these issues can result in someone taking their life. As a result of the growing understanding of the impact of mental ill health and the role employers can play, the Health in Construction Leadership Group, with the support of the British Safety Council, has set up a sector-wide programme to help raise awareness of this issue. The aim of this programme will be to help raise understanding of poor mental health in the construction sector, importantly undertaken in a way that is consistent and made available to all workers across the sector.

It is estimated that there are 2.5 million people employed in construction in the UK.

It is estimated that the number of deaths from suicide in the construction industry could be 10 times higher than those from fatal accidents at work.

Announcing the Mates in Mind campaign, Clive Johnson, Chair of the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG), said, “The mission of HCLG as a group is to unite the construction industry in order to eradicate the ill health and disease caused by work-related activities, and this includes addressing mental health. It is estimated that the number of deaths from suicide in the construction industry could be 10 times higher than those from fatal accidents at work. Working together with the British Safety Council and key partners in the construction industry and mental health, we believe we can make a significant difference.”

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Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said, “We are delighted to be able to support the Health in Construction Leadership Group in launching this important initiative. In the last few years, we have all become far more aware of the pressing need to address health issues, and particularly mental health, in the workplace. The British Safety Council’s vision is that no-one should be injured or made ill at work, and that includes mental health.

 The construction sector has previously come together to address the challenge it faced in relation to the high number of accidents. It is now coming together to do the same in relation to occupational health

 The construction sector has previously come together to address the challenge it faced in relation to the high number of accidents. It is now coming together to do the same in relation to occupational health. A significant number of our members are operating in this sector. We can be even more impactful by working together, creating the opportunity to build understanding and take action.”

It is anticipated that Mates in Mind will be collaborating and working with a number of the recognised organisations in this field in the delivery of the programme.

www.matesinmind.org

Kensa unveils new heat pump

Dylan Garton
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Kensa unveils new heat pump

Kensa Heat Pumps, the UK supplier of heat pumps and manufacturer of the award winning Shoebox heat pump, has added a new ground source heat pump series for 2017, said to offer 15% efficiency enhancements.

KHP-1-300DPI-150x150

Manufactured in Cornwall, the new Evo ground source heat pump series builds upon Kensa Heat Pump’s eighteen years of experience designing heat pumps specifically for British properties.

Offering a 15% gain in efficiency to minimise running costs and maximise income via the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive, the Kensa Evo is available to pre-order from January 2017 for delivery from Spring in 7kW, 9kW and 13kW single phase models.

The ERP A++ rated Evo delivers heating and hot water efficiencies of SCOPs to 4.2 at 35°C along with significantly reduced noise outputs, packaged in a contemporary contoured gunmetal and gloss-white finish, punctuated by a custom built control panel unique to the Kensa series.

Installation

The Evo has been designed to be easy to handle and install. With just one single cross head screw in its bevelled front panel, the Evo’s electrical component and wiring terminals are easily accessible with the removal of just one panel.

The heat pump has four rear water connections, two for the ground collectors and two for the property’s heating distribution system. The connections consist of four 28mm straight brass fittings designed with minimal tolerances, ensuring compatibility with easy to install push fittings.

The external side panels feature a curved cut-out offering the installer an extra level of flexibility to install the Evo according to the demands of the site, with vertical and horizontal pipework exit points from the sides and top of the unit.

Controls

Kensa has developed its own control board which is the brain of the new Evo heat pump. The customer interface is an intuitive touch screen that facilitates commissioning and parameter settings, and provides live status readings supported by LED light indicators.

The custom built software also permits the control board to pre-empt system irregularities using warning safety levels, which may previously have resulted in a fault if left unchecked.

www.kensaheatpumps.com

The What Knot – Secure ropes without tying knots

Dylan Garton
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0
The What Knot – Secure ropes without tying knots

In this latest video from Skill Builder Georgina Bisby provides a demonstration of the What Knot, a device that connects ropes easily and safely without the need to tie knots.

The What Knot from Just Right Products allows you to tie ropes in seconds with a simple twist and untie with the press of a button and twist. The device can be used to tie and unfasten almost any rope with a thickness between 3 mm to 15 mm.

What Knot can be placed at any point along the length of good quality rope, connecting and disconnecting in just six seconds. Users can place and adjust it to the nearest millimetre simply and quickly. It’s completely waterproof, so will never rust or rot, and it’s impervious to the sun’s rays.

The What Knot has numerous applications in the building industry including being used to anchor ladders safely in place when used in conjunction with rope and anchor bolts.

The makers of the What Knot are offering a discount to Skill Builder viewers for a limited time, visit: www.yourwhatknot.com and use the code SKILLBUILD15.

Fein releases latest review: FEIN Cordless MultiMaster

Roger Bisby
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Fein releases latest review: FEIN Cordless MultiMaster

Powertool manufacturer Fein has released its latest “Feeling FEIN’ video tool review, the FEIN Cordless MultiMaster review.

The ‘Feeling FEIN’ reviews focus on getting FEIN’s products into the hands of professional tradespeople. Each tradesperson has been using a specific FEIN power tool and has given their honest feedback on camera.

In this review Nicola Butcher, a carpenter and owner of The Female Carpentry Company, has been testing the new FEIN Cordless MultiMaster AFMM 18 QSL.

FEIN Cordless MultiMaster review

You can keep up to date with the ‘Feeling FEIN’ Fein power tools reviews on twitter using #FeelingFein

Or if you’ve got a question about the FEIN Cordless MultiMaster AFMM 18 QSLtweet @Fein_UK

Worker left with brain injury following fragile roof fall

Roger Bisby
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Worker left with brain injury following fragile roof fall

Three companies from Essex have been fined after a worker suffered brain injuries after falling seven meters through a fragile roof he was replacing.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Rafal Myslim was standing on the fragile roof at Dengie Crops Ltd in Asheldem, when the asbestos sheeting gave way and he fell 7.5m onto a concrete floor, hitting a number of pipes within the building on the way down. There was no safety netting or other protective equipment to prevent him from falling and he suffered a hematoma on the brain.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found three companies at fault for the fall. Dengie Crops Ltd contracted Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, who are an agricultural machinery supplier, to help the company replace their roof. Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd did not have the appropriate experience and subcontracted the work to Balsham (Buildings) Ltd who worked out how the roof replacement should take place. Balsham then subcontracted the actual replacement of the roof to Strong Clad Ltd.

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd were unable to act effectively in their role as principal contractor because they had no experience of working in construction. They could not effectively oversee Balsham (Buildings) Ltd plans that had highlighted the risk of a fall.

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd were unable to act effectively in their role as principal contractor because they had no experience of working in construction. They could not effectively oversee Balsham (Buildings) Ltd plans that had highlighted the risk of a fall. None of the parties involved put in place safety measures for 40% of the roof that did not have netting below. They relied too heavily on the verbal briefings to workers reminding them of where the netting was rather than putting in place effective safety measures for the whole roof.

The companies relied too heavily on the verbal briefings to workers reminding them of where the netting was rather than putting in place effective safety measures for the whole roof.

Ernest Doe & sons Ltd, of Ulting, Essex, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 22 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. They were fined £360,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000

Balsham (Buildings) Ltd, of Balsham, Cambridge, pleaded guilty to breaching 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(c) of the Work at Height Regulation 2005. They were fined £45,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,000

Strong Clad Ltd, of Castle Hedingham, Essex, pleaded guilty to breaching 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(c) of the Work at Height Regulation 2005. They were fined £7,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,000

HSE inspector Adam Hills said: “The dangers of working on fragile roofs are well documented. Every year too many people are killed or seriously injured due to falls from height while carrying out this work.

“Work at height requires adequate planning, organisation and communication between all parties. This incident was entirely preventable and Mr Myslim is lucky to be alive.”

New guidance on podium steps safety

Dylan Garton
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New guidance on podium steps safety

Throughout 2017, PASMA, the trade association for the international mobile access tower industry, will be making buyers, owners and users of low-level work platforms (LLWPs) – commonly referred to as pulpits and podium steps – aware of the recently published product standard BS 8620: 2016.

podium steps safety

Designs for LLWPs had originally been developed in the absence of a formal specification, and while the majority provided a safe solution to low-level access, there were some aspects that could be improved by relevant and specific design criteria – which the earlier Publicly Available Specification, PAS 250, addressed.

With PAS 250 now converted to BS 8620 by the British Standards Institution (BSI), safety and performance criteria have been enhanced with a dimensional change to side protection and modifications to two specific tests.

As a result of this new standard from the British Standards Institution (BSI) –  championed by PASMA – safety has been further improved with a dimensional change to side protection  and modifications to two specific tests.

PASMA is quick to point out that the transition of PAS 250 to a full British standard does not mean that existing PAS 250 compliant LLWPs are now obsolete. “Far from it,” says the chairman of PASMA’s technical committee, John Darby. “You can continue to use PAS 250 podiums and there is no necessity to change product immediately. You can introduce the upgrade when the time comes for replacement.”

“BS 8620 type-approved product should start to become available from April 2017 and we encourage users to update their procurement policies accordingly to guarantee that future equipment meets the very latest criteria for strength, access, stability and rigidity.”

To assist purchasers and users over this transitional period, PASMA has introduced an informative fact sheet and FAQ section  available at www.pasma.co.uk

The new standard has industry-wide backing. The steering group which first contributed to its development includes the Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Hire Association Europe (HAE), the Ladder Association, PASMA and BuildUK.

Alongside the BS 8620 information campaign, PASMA will also continue to warn of the dangers of using towers that do not comply with the requirements of EN 1004, the European product standard for mobile access towers. For details of how to choose a safe mobile tower go to www.pasma.co.uk/scaffold-towers

 

National Shortage of Roofers, Sparks & Plasterers

Dylan Garton
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National Shortage of Roofers, Sparks & Plasterers

The skills shortage in the construction industry has got worse and has now spread beyond bricklayers and carpenters to other key trades, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The FMB’s State of Trade Survey shows that:

  • Almost half of construction SMEs are reporting difficulties hiring roofers (46%)
  • Shortages of electricians and plasterers are at their highest point in four years
  • The SME construction sector has experienced fifteen consecutive quarters of growth.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, comments: “We’ve been experiencing a severe shortage of bricklayers and carpenters for quite some time – these latest statistics show that skills shortages are now seeping into other key trades such as roofers and plumbers.

“Indeed, of the 15 key trades and occupations we monitor, 40% show skills shortages at their highest point since we started to feel the effects of the skills crisis in 2013 when the industry bounced back post-downturn. This growing skills deficit is driving up costs for small firms and simultaneously adding to the pressure being felt by soaring material prices linked to the weaker pound.”

We’ve been experiencing a severe shortage of bricklayers and carpenters for quite some time – these latest statistics show that skills shortages are now seeping into other key trades such as roofers and plumbers

Berry continued: “The Government needs to be taking note of the worsening construction skills shortage now that we know that the UK will be negotiating a hard Brexit. The Prime Minister must ensure that the immigration system that replaces the free movement of people serves key sectors such as construction and house building.

This growing skills deficit is driving up costs for small firms and simultaneously adding to the pressure being felt by soaring material prices linked to the weaker pound

“Our sector relies heavily on skilled labour from the EU, with 12% of the British construction workforce being of non-UK origin. As the construction industry represents around 7% of UK GDP, it’s in no one’s interest to pull the rug out from under the sector by introducing an inflexible and unresponsive immigration system.”

Berry concluded: “On a more positive note, construction SMEs reported steady growth in the final three months of 2016, capping off a generally positive year for the industry. In particular, demand for private refurbishment work was robust throughout 2016 and in terms of private and social house building, builders expect workloads to grow in the first three months of 2017. However, if the Government wants the objectives of its Housing White Paper to be realised, it will need to ensure the construction sector has the skilled workers it needs to build these new homes.”

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Time for Some New Underwear?

Roger Bisby
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Time for Some New Underwear?

‘First Layer’ new underwear from Snickers Workwear is designed to keep workers dry and comfortable throughout the working day.

The range includes long and short sleeve T-shirts, Long Johns, Stretch Shorts, Micro Fleece Pullovers and Socks.

All the garments work with highly effective fabrics that transport moisture and sweat away from the body to keep you warm and dry all day long.

The ‘First Layer’ garments with the 37.5 Technology fabric is said to dry out five times faster than any other to deliver fresh working comfort.

The Merino Wool underwear is lightweight and soft for natural warmth and comfort in really cold conditions.

While the XTR garments are body-engineered for an effective combination of ventilation, insulation and protection.

Snickers New Underwear

www.snickersworkwear.com

More Snickers on Skill Builder.

How to fit a bath: Abacus Bathroom Installation

Roger Bisby
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How to fit a bath: Abacus Bathroom Installation

Roger Bisby demonstrates how to fit a bath from Abacus Bathrooms.

Incorrectly fitted baths can easily move and allow water to seep down the back so it’s very important that they are fitted properly.

Roger Bisby talks through some key points to consider when fitting a bath including ensuring that the bath is level along both planes.

www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk

Order books open for all new Volkswagen Crafter van

Roger Bisby
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Order books open for all new Volkswagen Crafter van

Prices have been announced for the all-new Volkswagen Crafter, with UK Van Centres now taking orders ahead of the van’s launch in April.

The all-new Crafter, International Van of the Year for 2017 is powered by a new 2.0-litre TDI (EU6) engine, developed specifically for commercial vehicles, which is available with four power outputs: 102, 122, 140 and 177 PS. The choice of engine depends on which drive system is selected. Customers can also choose between front, rear and all-wheel drive (4MOTION), as well as between a manual and automatic gearbox.

Volkswagen Crafter van

Up to three different vehicle lengths are available, depending on the model chosen: 5.9 m, 6.84 m or 7.39 m. Panel van variants also come with one of three different roof heights: 2.35 m, 2.59 m or 2.79 m.

Three trim levels are on offer – Startline, Trendline and Highline – bringing the Crafter into line with Volkswagen’s Caddy and Transporter ranges. Prices and highlights of each trim are shown below:

Panel van Startline from £23,920 (basic ex VAT)

  • Automatic Post Collision Braking
  • Cross-wind assist
  • Driver alert system
  • 180-degree opening rear wing doors
  • Composition audio radio
  • Bluetooth

Panel van Trendline from £25,270 (basic ex VAT) in addition to Startline

  • Front assist including emergency braking system
  • Cruise control with speed limiter
  • Electrically heated and adjustable wing mirrors
  • 270-degree opening rear wing doors
  • Composition Media Radio with DAB+
  • Multi-function steering wheel
  • Comfort driver’s seat
  • Wooden floor in load area
  • Grab handles on rear entry pillars 

Panel van Highline from £29,220 (basic ex vat) in addition to Trendline

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Passenger airbag
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Heated windscreen
  • Front fog lights with cornering function
  • Comfort-plus driver’s seat

A wide range of options is also available including a number of driver and safety assistance systems such as side protection, rear traffic alert, park assist and trailer assist.

A range of aftersales and customer support products and services are being rolled out throughout the Van Centre network in preparation for the launch. Examples include extended opening hours, telematics systems, preventative maintenance and bespoke service and maintenance plans.

Front-wheel drive manual panel vans are available to order now. Rear-wheel drive, 4MOTION and automatic transmission variants will follow during 2017, along with open-body models and factory-produced conversions.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Schools Must Do More to Promote Careers in Construction

Dylan Garton
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Schools Must Do More to Promote Careers in Construction

With growing demand for building services, an ageing population and a lack of fresh talent coming in, the construction industry has a momentous few years ahead of it.

In an age where youngsters are swayed by eye-catching tech jobs, it’s arguably getting much harder to nurture the next generation and promote careers in construction.

Building services provider Novus Property Solutions conducted a survey that revealed 73% of the UK feel that schools and universities are not doing enough to raise awareness about the kinds of opportunities that the construction industry can offer.

Despite the fact that the industry saw its highest level of orders in Q2 last year – £13.4 billion, which was the biggest upswing since 2009 – skills shortages are still a huge problem

Promote Careers in Construction

Promote Careers in Construction

Despite the fact that the industry saw its highest level of orders in Q2 last year – £13.4 billion, which was the biggest upswing since 2009 – skills shortages are still a huge problem.

However, Head of HR at Novus Property Solutions, Stuart Cavanagh, thinks that things are starting to change for the better.

“With more information available to young people, the industry can begin to recruit young talent again and will meet the immense demand for its services,” he commented.

“Reiterating the quality and value of a career in construction will make a lasting impression on future generations.

Of course, it begins with schools. How we intend to make construction appealing is completely dependent on our approach at the earliest stages of a person’s development.

“We have to be informed, understanding and focused – construction may not appeal to some, but it’s clear that the industry is missing out on recruiting some really talented people simply because of a lack of awareness.”

Education

Schools and universities can also look to their syllabus and course, as there are certain subjects that provide skills that are completely integral to construction.

Only last week Scottish Science Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville suggested that young people should consider STEM subjects, which are central to not only construction but also medicine, animal health and engineering.

By increasing the availability of apprenticeships, we can continue to provide opportunities to young people who are informed and ready to begin a career in construction.

It isn’t just about making the industry more attractive to young people, however. The industry must, in turn, understand the motivations of young people.

What Young People Look For

Paul Matthews, Managing Director at conservatory design specialists Auburn Hill ended with a summary of what young people look for in a career, and how learning should be at the forefront of our approach.

In order to attract millennial talent, then, you need to ensure the following; an attractive salary and benefits package, development programme and continuous training

“A focus on schools and colleges educating students and young people on the opportunities that a career in construction can bring is needed, alongside the construction industry also improving their ties with those facilities,” he continued.

“In order to attract millennial talent, then, you need to ensure the following; an attractive salary and benefits package, development programme and continuous training.”

www.novussolutions.co.uk

More on careers with Skill Builder.

Asbestos Analyst fined for falsifying documents

Roger Bisby
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Asbestos Analyst fined for falsifying documents

An asbestos analyst has been fined after he falsified an asbestos air clearance certificate, following licensed asbestos removal in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Manchester and Salford Court House, heard how, on 19th November 2015, Mr Barrie Lyons, a well-trained asbestos analyst with 29 years of experience, was contracted to carry out the final inspection and air testing, following asbestos removal at a construction site in central Manchester.

Mr Lyons’ task included a thorough examination of the area where asbestos had been removed from, within the defined enclosure itself and the areas surrounding it. He also had a series of air samples to collect and evaluate, to ensure that the air was substantially free of asbestos.

The investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Mr Lyons had failed to carry out a suitable inspection of the site and had not carried out the correct amount of air sampling, despite his report to his employer and the client indicating that he had. In effect, Mr Lyons had deliberately falsified his report and so his published results could no longer be relied upon. The asbestos removal contractor had no option but to have a second clearance test carried out which incurred significant delays and additional expense.

HSE inspector Matthew Greenly said after the hearing: “Asbestos analysts play a vital role in ensuring that areas are safe to enter after asbestos is removed. Mr Lyons sadly chose on this occasion to falsify his records which was a massive abuse of the trust placed in him by the client.

“This deliberate act increased the risk of numerous people potentially being exposed to asbestos, a risk Mr Lyons would be very well aware of from his experience, all to save a little time and finish the job early.

“It is hoped that the industry uses this case as a reminder that anyone involved in asbestos removal must do everything reasonable to protect people from a material which causes around 4000 deaths per year in the UK.”

Mr Barrie Lyons, of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £2000 and ordered to pay costs of £3905.73

Win a Ford Transit with Hope Cement

Dylan Garton
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Win a Ford Transit with Hope Cement

Following the unveiling of its new high-performing bagged product range, Hope Cement has developed a novel incentive scheme that rewards builders merchants and professional builders.

Accessed through the Hope Cement smartphone App, the loyalty scheme is said to be the first of its kind, using a new approach to drive traffic into merchants’ stores and help to grow their business. The scheme will reward Hope Cement customers, while giving them a chance to win a Ford Transit Custom van.

phone-blk-update-72

The Hope Cement App is designed for use on both Android and iPhone platforms and can be downloaded from the Google Play store or the Apple App store, free of charge.

Customers collect points every time they purchase a Hope Cement product. They take a photo of the receipt, enter the amount and product purchased and upload it through the App. Points will accrue based on product purchases, and customers can review how many points they’ve built up using the rewards  page.

The points can be used to claim rewards including vouchers for high street and online retailers, and in partnership with TrustFord, customers who use the App will be entered into a prize-draw to win a Ford Transit Custom van, to be drawn on April 18th.

Hope Cement’s Commercial Finance Director, Tim Billingham said: “The smartphone has become an essential part of modern life and it made sense to harness its familiarity and convenience to benefit our customers.

“The App will not only benefit those purchasing our products, but will help increase footfall in builders merchants’ branches. It will also include a nationwide store locator to make it as easy as possible for customers to begin to reap the many benefits that Hope Cement offers.”

hopecement.com

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