Access to the internet has become an essential aspect of everyday life, so much so that in recent years, high-speed internet has actually been legally recognised and classified as a human right. Over the past couple of decades, there has been a fundamental shift in normal society, with much of
Jane Embury, marketing director at Wrightstyle, the advanced steel and aluminium glazing company, looks at accidental fires in the workplace …and how to avoid them. In 2017, fire crews in England attended over 560,000 incidents, 34% fewer than ten years ago. Of those, only about 170,000 were fires, and over
The covers give access to vital below ground services such as drainage while blending the floor’s paving with the overall surface. They are typically used in retail parks and public areas that demand a prestige finish. FAB PAVE products can also be found at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium, The Amex which is home
The Department for Transport has extended Govia’s Southeastern franchise by 12 weeks from April 1 to June 22. The franchise was directly awarded in 2014, and is due to be replaced by a new competitively awarded franchise which is now expected to commence on June 23. On December 21 Stagecoach announced
Grown in Britain’s latest pricing data for UK grown hardwood is showing across the board value increases for 2018. News of the price growth has been welcomed by Forestry Commission chairman Sir Harry Studholme as “fantastic news” for woodland owners. “Higher prices justify and encourage woodland management, and this management
Leading online trade supplier, IronmongeryDirect are celebrating the success of their graduate management scheme. The UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery have recruited two new graduates following the continued progression of the organisation’s previous intake of newly qualified students. One of the stand out performers is Dimitra Koutsochera. Dimitra joined IronmongeryDirect
The ongoing threat of poor and potentially dangerous electrical work has been highlighted once again by SELECT, the industry body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, as it is revealed that counterfeit copies of vital wiring regulations are being offered for sale. The bogus PDF copies of BS7671:2018, the IET (Institution
Leeds Property Investor marks the launch of its latest 10 Year Strategy Plan for the Merrion Centre with its largest development project to date. Leeds-based property investor and car park operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has submitted a planning application for a 17-storey office and retail development at the
Following rapid growth and success across Ireland, independent fit out specialist, Pure Fitout, has appointed Amanda Allen as UK Head of Business Development to lead its expansion into the British market. Founded in 2015, Pure Fitout has become a dominant force in the Irish fit out industry achieving £6.5m turnover
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are presenting innovative new tiling technologies including its unique Flexbone uncoupling mats on Stand 618 at the Surface Design Show from 5-7 February at the Business Design Centre in Islington. As well as discovering the latest technologies, visitors to the stand can
Access to the internet has become an essential aspect of everyday life, so much so that in recent years, high-speed internet has actually been legally recognised and classified as a human right. Over the past couple of decades, there has been a fundamental shift in normal society, with much of our infrastructure being rehomed online, meaning that functioning to capacity would be almost impossible without both computer literacy and reliable access to the web. Not just an adjustment that has been felt in our personal lives, but professionally too, businesses have had to revaluate their practices from the ground up too – including the construction industry. While in the past internet access was hardwired in much the same way other electrical outputs were, technology has long since evolved. With buildings able to be constructed in much the same way as they always have been in years gone by, with access provided either underfloor or via hollow ceilings, the process of designing and constructing was fairly settled and straightforward. However, since the arrival, growth and now near-dependency on strong, high-speed Wi-Fi access, having that same approach to constructing for business is no longer fit for purpose, as wires are no longer as central to the infrastructure as they had been previously. With so many offices vast, wide open and open plan areas with multiple high frequency and volume bandwidth users present at all times, the issue has now become how to best serve those needs via commercial networks, routers and extenders – safely and securely – without walls, distance and interference becoming an issue. In the modern office environment, portability and flexibility are paramount, with many users now laptop and tablet based, rather than traditional desktops. With many of the newest laptops not even featuring the LAN ports required to access a wired internet connection, the only option is reliable wireless coverage. Construction and design have adapted to this change by creating more open working environments, with the likes of booths, cubicles and even individual offices on their way out, so that wireless networks can be more easily accommodated throughout an area, without interruption or breakages in coverage. Without the use of Wi-Fi, we would return to an age where large reels of wire would be required to spread internet access from a central access point across a wider space, likely with outdated desktop or bulky laptop terminals attached to them at the other end – which sounds massively inconvenient, knowing what we do now.
Jane Embury, marketing director at Wrightstyle, the advanced steel and aluminium glazing company, looks at accidental fires in the workplace …and how to avoid them. In 2017, fire crews in England attended over 560,000 incidents, 34% fewer than ten years ago. Of those, only about 170,000 were fires, and over 220,000 were false alarms. Every year in the UK more than 20,000 non-residential fires are reported, with many of those happening in our workplaces. While there are a large number of reasons why fires start, many incidents could be avoided if people better understood and managed the most common causes of fire. While the overall incidence of workplace fires continues to fall, they do tend to be larger and more complex, not only potentially posing a risk to life but to the continuity and survival of the company affected. Preventing workplace fire loss requires knowledge of both the underlying ignition risks and, if fire does break out, the reasons why the fire might spread. The main element that then determines the severity of a fire is the availability of a fuel load – the combustible materials that a fire needs to develop and grow. Faulty electrics are the biggest cause of workplace fires and workplaces are legally obliged to properly maintain all electrical equipment and to conduct Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) at least annually. These tests ensure that electrical goods are fit for purpose and remain in good working order. Failure to test annually is therefore not only a fire risk in itself, but could result in legal penalty. What’s also needed is a comprehensive fire safety risk assessment, particularly vital if combustible and flammable materials are used in the workplace. That assessment will then guide a fire safety plan to ensure the most appropriate storage, handling and disposal of flammable materials. Again, failure to comply with the fire and safety regulations is a fire risk in itself and, again, could result in prosecution. But it’s not just complacency that’s the main fire risk, because accidents can happen – for example, an employee spilling liquid onto electrical equipment. What’s then crucial is that the workplace has sufficient and appropriate fire safety equipment, and that staff are fully trained in their use. But while accidents can and do happen, a bigger threat is negligence because, in the event of serious incident, the company concerned may lose any right to insurance recompense, leading inevitably to financial difficulty and possible closure. While every company must have a named person responsible for fire safety, everyone in an organisation also has personal responsibility, because everyone must be aware of fire risk, proper procedures, and what to do in the event of fire. As we also constantly point out, one of the main lessons for building designers and owners is not simply to incorporate passive and active fire systems, but to look at the whole building’s capacity to withstand a fire. That’s why advanced glazing systems are so important, either for the exterior envelope of a building or for internal screens and fire doors, providing up to 120 minutes of protection against the spread of fire, smoke or toxic gases. Advanced glazing systems also do one additional thing. By containing the fire, they minimise damage to that company’s workplace and better provide continuity of operations. It is, if you like, an investment in peace of mind.
The covers give access to vital below ground services such as drainage while blending the floor’s paving with the overall surface. They are typically used in retail parks and public areas that demand a prestige finish. FAB PAVE products can also be found at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium, The Amex which is home to Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham’s London stadium, Old Trafford, St James’ Park in Newcastle and Leicester’s King Power ground. Champions League finalists Liverpool also have a number of FAB PAVE access covers outside its club shop at Anfield FSP also has Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club onside after providing its FAB TRAY™ recessed cover during a recent Molineux Stadium upgrade while FAB TRAYs can be found at the reigning Eithad Stadium, home to Premiership League Champions Manchester City. The firm developed and supplied bespoke circular solid top access covers for a project to the Bearwood training ground where Reading FC plays and the home of British tennis at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in Wimbledon commissioned stainless steel drainage channels from FSP during improvements to its entrance. Its access covers can also be found at the nation’s footballing mecca Wembley and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in Stratford, London, and FSP has also supplied products to Chelsea and Manchester City’s training complexes. Richard Hilton, Managing Director of the firm, which is based in Telford, Shropshire, said: “Our ranges are ideal for paved environments, particularly where a high quality finish is important, such as these world class sporting venues. “It is a testament to the versatility of our ranges that we have been able to make such in-roads to this sector. The ability to order off the shelf or have a bespoke design to suit specific engineering function or aesthetic design means FSP products are fast becoming the product of choice for contractors and clients.” FAB PAVE access covers have also featured in other high profile locations including the refurbishment of Eleftheria Square in Nicosia, Cyprus, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Cannes in France where the world famous film festival takes place, and Terminal 2a, known as the Queen’s Terminal, at Heathrow Airport.
The Department for Transport has extended Govia’s Southeastern franchise by 12 weeks from April 1 to June 22. The franchise was directly awarded in 2014, and is due to be replaced by a new competitively awarded franchise which is now expected to commence on June 23. On December 21 Stagecoach announced that the Department for Transport had exercised an option to extend Virgin Trains‘ West Coast franchise by up to one year, meaning it can now continue to March 2020. Network Rail completed 330 projects worth a total of £148m over the Christmas and New Year period, with 25 000 people working more than 380 000 h. Major projects included electrification renewals at Forest Gate on the Great Eastern Main Line, track renewals on the approaches to London Victoria, new turnouts and track remodelling between Bedford and Kettering and signalling upgrades as part of the Weaver to Wavertree resignalling project in Merseyside. Control of signalling around Allerton, Speke and Garston has transferred to the Manchester Rail Operating Centre. The National Rail 26-30 Railcard went on sale on January 2. It costs £30 and offers eligible users 1/3 off most Off-Peak and Advance rail fares in Great Britain, subject to time restrictions and minimum fares. Network Rail has awarded multi-disciplinary framework contracts for renewals and enhancements in its Southern region during Control Period 6 (2019-24) to J Murphy & Sons (Anglia), BAM Nuttall (South East) and Geoffrey Osborne Ltd (Wessex). The scope includes station, buildings and civils, electrification, power, signalling, telecommunications and track works. The framework contracts run for five years with the option of three one-year extensions. Story Contracting and AmcoGiffen were previously awarded similar contracts covering the Scotland & North East region. Last month Great Western Railway took delivery of the last of its 36 five-car and 21 nine-car Hitachi Class 800 Intercity Express trainsets; a further 13 nine-car and two five-car Class 802 trainsets are due to arrive this year. On December 24 Transport Scotland issued ScotRail with a remedial plan notice relating to the Suburban East Sector (Edinburgh to Bathgate, Dunblane, Fife Circle, Tweedbank and North Berwick) where cancellations exceeded the Breach Performance Level during Period 9 from November 11 to December 8. The notice also applies pre-emptively in relation to the overall Public Performance Measure which Scottish Ministers expect to fall below the Breach Performance Level in Period 10. ScotRail has eight weeks to submit a remedial plan. London Overground concessionaire Arriva Rail London has appointed Kate Marjoribanks as engineering director. Her previous roles have included head of engineering at South Western Railway, engineering director at Abellio Greater Anglia and engineering director at Chiltern. Network Rail transferred control of signalling on various routes in Yorkshire from the York Integrated Electronic Control Centre to the Rail Operating Centre between the evening of December 24 and the start of services on December 27. Opened in 1989, the IECC controlled the East Coast Main Line from Doncaster to Northallerton, the trans-Pennine route from York to Morley and Pudsey and the lines to Skipton and Ilkley. ‘The beauty of moving the IECC to the ROC is that it brings all the signallers together as well as giving them a more modern system to work with‘, said Senior Project Engineer, Graham Foster. ‘We rehearsed the move several times before the big switch-over, so we were confident that everything would go to plan.‘ Great Western Railway has expanded its electric services to Newbury and Bristol Parkway after Network Rail completed the installation of 25 kV 50 Hz overhead line equipment. Network Rail has awarded Keltbray Rail, Lundy Projects and SPL Powerlines UK nil commitment framework agreements for the provision of contract labour, plant and road and rail access equipment for overhead line engineering works throughout its London North Western Route. This month Chiltern, Grand Central, LNER and parts of Northern and ScotRail are to begin using a GPS-based train location system to drive information systems, providing more accurate data than existing systems based on passing fixed points which can vary from 200 m to more than 8 km apart. The whole network is expected to be covered by 2024. ScotRail has begun rolling out ‘Grace’s Sign’ at accessible station toilets. The sign including both a wheelchair use and a standing person with a heart symbolising people with invisible conditions was devised by 13-year-old Grace Warnock, after facing criticism from strangers when she used accessible toilets. ‘We’re proud to support her campaign to raise awareness that not all disabilities can be seen’, said ScotRail Access & Inclusion Manager Andrew Marshall-Roberts. Greater Anglia’s cleaning contractor Carlisle Cleaning Services is using six ‘gum buster’ machines to remove dried-up chewing gum from platforms and concourses. The machines can eliminate lumps of chewing gum in 3 sec using a mixture of water and detergent heated to become steam which dissolves the gum on contact. Network Rail has applied for powers under the Transport & Works Act which would enable the compulsory purchase from Bellamile of land at the Ashford Chart Leacon depot site which was formerly operated by Bombardier Transportation. This would enable the development of a light maintenance depot for Southeastern rolling stock which is be displaced from the existing Hitachi depot in order to accommodate Thameslink EMUs. The estimated cost of the project is £30m.
Grown in Britain’s latest pricing data for UK grown hardwood is showing across the board value increases for 2018. News of the price growth has been welcomed by Forestry Commission chairman Sir Harry Studholme as “fantastic news” for woodland owners. “Higher prices justify and encourage woodland management, and this management supports future production of this beautiful raw material,” he said. “More than this, well-managed woodlands help plants and wildlife to flourish and store carbon to help tackle climate change. Grown in Britain are doing an exceptional job to develop the market for hardwood timber and realise these benefits.” The pricing data shows UK grown oak sawn timber rose 30% in price in 2018, with strong demand being experienced. Sawn oak is in strong demand due to the weak pound, China buying up French oak and weaker import availability. Prices for millable round oak are also high. Oak reached record prices at the November hardwood auction in Cirencester. Meanwhile, sweet chestnut log prices are up 15-20% and beech logs up by 5-10%, the latter partly due to export business. Ash and oak firewood prices are up around 20-30% and 10-15% respectively. Harvesting rates are rising on an average of 10%. “Buyers may wince at steadily rising prices such as these we have recorded in our latest pricing tables but demand across the world is set to steadily rise and rise and so increases should be passed up the supply chain as it is an amazing substance and should be valued accordingly,” said Dougal Driver, chief executive of Grown in Britain. Mr Driver said by continuing to encourage woodland owners to relook at their woodlands and forests to see the value of the timber they are growing, this will continue to drive up the supply and demand for British hardwood timber. For more on GiB’s pricing data visit here
Leading online trade supplier, IronmongeryDirect are celebrating the success of their graduate management scheme. The UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery have recruited two new graduates following the continued progression of the organisation’s previous intake of newly qualified students. One of the stand out performers is Dimitra Koutsochera. Dimitra joined IronmongeryDirect in 2013 after completing an MSc in Business Management and since starting as a graduate management trainee, has gone on to be promoted to Supply Chain and Inventory Planning Manager. Dimitra identified the diversity on offer in her role and the opportunities she was provided with to realise her best strengths as the major contributing factors for excelling in the scheme. Talking about the scheme, she said: “My university course gave me the tools and introduced me to the best frameworks for me to know what it takes to perform a job well. However, you are only going to learn if someone gives you the opportunity to apply this into practice, make mistakes, and learn from them. “This is the advantage of the IronmongeryDirect graduate scheme as you have the opportunity to work in various departments, build business acumen, earn further qualifications, and at the end of it all, identify what you really enjoy doing and start a career. You understand how each department links to each other and the impact that your decisions may have. Graduate schemes give you the flexibility to choose what is best for you and your future career, compared to going down another route.” IronmongeryDirect’s latest crop of graduates include Oliver Bull and Luke Scott. Oliver graduated from the University of Warwick having completed a Masters in MSc Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management and is already immersing himself in the new role: “I have just started my first three-month project, aimed at further enhancing customer experience. I have been welcomed and already feel valued and part of the team. “IronmongeryDirect offered the perfect opportunity for me to further expand my knowledge and experience in the field. It was clear the company invests time and effort into its employees, and despite its size, has maintained a family-like business environment, which in turn, has created a thriving workplace. A wide range of personal development opportunities are also available.” Luke, who graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Loughborough University also praised the wide-ranging nature of the graduate scheme: “The most attractive feature of the scheme was the fact that I would be working in lots of different departments throughout the programme, which meant I would be getting a full scope of how the business works. “There is a great work culture here; the whole team is friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand, with everyone, including the directors, available if you need a chat! I would definitely recommend IronmongeryDirect to somebody else.” Dimitra concluded with some final advice to any aspiring graduates: “Ask questions, loads of questions as this is your opportunity to learn. Also, take any feedback on board and do not hesitate to suggest ideas or solutions. Be proactive and take your own initiative to investigate and change things for the good of the department. It’s your time to shine and give your career strong foundations so make the most of it!” IronmongeryDirect is the UK’s largest specialist ironmongery supplier, with over 16,500 products in stock, available for next day delivery.
The ongoing threat of poor and potentially dangerous electrical work has been highlighted once again by SELECT, the industry body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, as it is revealed that counterfeit copies of vital wiring regulations are being offered for sale. The bogus PDF copies of BS7671:2018, the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Wiring Regulations, could be devastating for electrical professionals, with missing or corrupted information potentially leading to unsafe work and risking fire, electric shock or even death. The latest counterfeiting activity reinforces the message that SELECT has been promoting in the Scottish Parliament in its campaign, backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board and Unite the Union, for recognition of electricians as a profession. SELECT’s case was pressed recently (October) in a Holyrood debate in which evidence was presented of unqualified and under-qualified people who masquerade as electricians endangering public safety by carrying out work across Scotland. Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “Only a short time after the issue of safety was debated in the Scottish Parliament, we have now uncovered bogus British Standards and other manuals being offered online to companies which will put consumers in further jeopardy”. Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said that the fake PDFs, which were being distributed through a variety of channels, looked “convincing” on the first inspection. However, they are sprinkled with errors and corrupted information. The IET is now taking action to combat the counterfeiters by inserting a hologram in its Regulations, commonly known as the 18th Edition, to help users identify genuine copies. It contains the IET logo and the word “Genuine”. Mr Coles said: “Ensuring that genuine copies of IET publications are being used by electrical professionals is important in order that correct standards are used to protect the public and those working in the industry from injury and fatality.” SELECT’s campaign for protection of title has been at the forefront of its work following a speech by a Government Minister at a European electrical contractors’ conference in Edinburgh in 2015. It has been supported by unions, trade bodies and politicians from all parties. Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, recently said in Parliament that discussions would continue with the aim of bringing a Ministerial view to Parliament in due course. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577<tel:0131%20445%205577>. F: 0131 445 5548. E: admin@select.org.uk<mailto:admin@select.org.uk>. W: www.select.org.uk<http://www.select.org.uk/> Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
Leeds Property Investor marks the launch of its latest 10 Year Strategy Plan for the Merrion Centre with its largest development project to date. Leeds-based property investor and car park operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has submitted a planning application for a 17-storey office and retail development at the Central Square in the Merrion Centre. Over the last decade TCS have undertaken a phased redevelopment and refurbishment of the Merrion Centre transforming it into a busy, relevant, mixed-use destination. The company has invested more than £70M of capital in the last five years delivering a number of projects including the completion of the development of Merrion House, an ibis Styles Hotel with adjoining Arnold’s Restaurant & Bar and refurbished 1100 space CitiPark car park. The proposed new building will sit above the Home Bargains store with plans including the creation of a new central welcome hub, co working offices and brand-new head office building for StepChange Debt Charity. The building, currently known as 100MC, will offer over 10,000 sq ft of ground floor retail space for a refurbished Home Bargains store and 168,810 sq ft of commercial office space over 16 levels. It is anticipated that 100MC will be the place of work for circa 2000 people. Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of TCS, commented; “We have identified considerable latent opportunity within our Merrion estate which we believe provides a platform for future growth and we are therefore delighted to submit this important planning application, launching our second 10-year strategy for the Merrion Centre. “We firmly believe we are on the right track with Merrion and will continue to invest in and develop the asset, broadening our offer and delivering more for Leeds from this important mixed-use city centre destination. “We are also keen to communicate our unique history, achievements and transformation of the ultimate sustainable Centre, nationally and internationally and we are excited by this next phase.” For more information visit www.tcs-plc.co.uk
Following rapid growth and success across Ireland, independent fit out specialist, Pure Fitout, has appointed Amanda Allen as UK Head of Business Development to lead its expansion into the British market. Founded in 2015, Pure Fitout has become a dominant force in the Irish fit out industry achieving £6.5m turnover in year one, £9.7m in year two, and at well over double-figures in the middle of its third year. With an impressive portfolio of projects, Pure Fitout’s work includes the award-winning restoration of Dublin’s Stella Theatre and the fit-out of every Five Guys in Ireland, as well as several stunning projects with Press Up Entertainment Group including the exclusive fit-out of The Devlin hotel. Bringing with her nearly two decades of experience establishing and growing companies across the fit out industry, Amanda’s appointment marks a significant point in Pure Fitout’sinternational growth. “Pure Fitout has an edge that I’ve not seen before which stems from their innovative spirit and inspired founder. My main objective when introducing Pure Fitout to the British market will be to emphasise the company’s collaborative approach to projects. They continuously seek ways in which they can improve what they do and how they do it, including investing in an exceptional in-house joinery and metal craftsmanship. I’m excited to have joined the team and look forward to injecting my entrepreneurial passion into the company’s ambitious growth plans,” said Amanda. Ronan Higham, Founder and Managing Director of Pure Fitout with over 25 years’ experience, said: “We’re entering a new and exciting phase for the company and Amanda’s vast experience and network of established relationships across the fit-out industry will be invaluable to us as we identify new business opportunities and sectors for growth.” From 4 to 48 employees in three years Pure Fitout has seen phenomenal growth over the last three years, now occupying more than 30,000 square feet of workshop space, a fleet of 15 vehicles, and 48 staff. The company has invested in a diverse range of talents including an in-house metal fabrication and joinery manufacturing workshop, ensuring its offering goes above and beyond what is currently available from other contractors in Britain. “Our success in Ireland is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the team, as well as our careful investment to ensure Pure Fitout’s offering is highly competitive. I believe our transparent relationship with clients also plays a role in our success rate for winning regular projects with almost everyone we’ve worked with. We plan to continue to invest back into our state of the art manufacturing facilities as we expand into other markets,” said Ronan. Ronan also discussed the challenges that are currently faced in the construction industry “A lack of apprentices coming through the trades is proving to be a challenge for the whole industry. Skill shortages due to lax training methods have caused labour rates to rise each month at an unprecedented pace, making it very difficult to competitively tender projects. This, combined with Brexit uncertainty around fluctuating currency, trading jurisdiction regulation, and concerns over importing key materials, have meant companies in the construction industry are facing greater, more costly obstacles,” For more information visit http://www.purefitout.com/.
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are presenting innovative new tiling technologies including its unique Flexbone uncoupling mats on Stand 618 at the Surface Design Show from 5-7 February at the Business Design Centre in Islington. As well as discovering the latest technologies, visitors to the stand can also pick up CPD points with RIBA-approved seminars, and talk to our team of specification experts about your flooring or tiling project. Developed to protect floor tiling from lateral movement which occurs in problem substrates – such as heated floors – BAL Flexbone uncoupling mats provide a buffer layer between tile and substrate. BAL Flexbone comes in two varieties – Flexbone VAried and Flexbone 2Easy. Unique to the UK, BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a floating mat system – where NO adhesive is needed underneath the mat system i.e. the mat is truly uncoupled. Because no adhesive is needed under the mat, preparation is reduced to a quick sweep of the floor if the surface is flat, sound and level. No removal or residue, no removal of laitance and no priming of the surface is needed. This means that contaminated and stained floors, wooden floors, bitumen, cracked screeds and mixed substrates can be tiled immediately. It can also be used direct onto difficult substrates such as bitumen, fresh sand:cement screeds or new anhydrite screeds that are not fully cured (up to 1.5% CM residual moisture). Time trials indicate the removal of subfloor preparation for installations provides a circa 50% time saving. BAL Flexbone VAried is a bonded mat system for heavily trafficked areas. Waterproof, it features patented GripLock Technology for superior adhesion and a unique bone structure for faster fixing than traditional cavity mat systems. Less adhesive is required on the mat surface, and trials indicate adhesive can be spread on the mat surface circa. 30% faster. The bonded mat is perfect for high load-bearing and commercial areas such as shopping malls, airports, car showrooms, office building and hospitals. As well as innovative products, BAL provides a full support service including free NBS specification writing, CPDs, on-site consultancy and more. www.bal-adhesives.com