Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News
Kingspan acquires French roof waterproofing distribution specialist LRM

Kingspan acquires French roof waterproofing distribution specialist LRM

Kingspan Group, the global leader in advanced insulation and innovative building solutions, is pleased to announce the completion of the LRM acquisition, a Parisian based waterproofing distribution specialist. Over the last four decades LRM has continuously evolved its product and service offering from fixings and accessories for roofs, waterproofing and

Read More »
Protecting the building blocks

Protecting the building blocks

With its low cost, timesaving and sustainability-based attributes, modular construction has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. Rick Perkins, global technical manager passive fire protection at Sherwin-Williams, examines the advantages of this approach and how intumescent coatings play a key role in ensuring high levels of fire safety in

Read More »
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) joins European Industrial Insulation Foundation to share best practice

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) joins European Industrial Insulation Foundation to share best practice

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has joined the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF), which promotes the use of industrial insulation as an accepted means of achieving sustainability. TICA, the sole UK trade association representing contractors involved in the application of hot and cold insulation, became a member of the

Read More »
Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Aggregate Industries will once again be one of the headline sponsors for this year’s Leicester Pride event as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The leading building materials supplier, with its group headquarters near Coalville in Leicestershire, has announced it is to be a Gold Sponsor for the event on Saturday

Read More »
City Plumbing launches national loyalty reward scheme for the trade

City Plumbing launches national loyalty reward scheme for the trade

City Plumbing has launched an industry-leading rewards scheme, empowering trade customers to benefit from stronger pricing and promotions, accrue points to turn purchases into exciting lifestyle benefits, and access educational added value content. My City Plumbing Rewards went nationwide on 1 June following a successful pilot scheme in Scotland. As

Read More »
Travis Perkins launches Online Trade Counter to make ordering easier

Travis Perkins launches Online Trade Counter to make ordering easier

Travis Perkins is the first builders’ merchants to make shopping online and through its app frictionless with the launch of its Online Trade Counter and new shared access feature.  The launch of Travis Perkins Online Trade Counter allows trade account holders to shop quickly and seamlessly for products they buy

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

Kingspan acquires French roof waterproofing distribution specialist LRM

Kingspan acquires French roof waterproofing distribution specialist LRM

Kingspan Group, the global leader in advanced insulation and innovative building solutions, is pleased to announce the completion of the LRM acquisition, a Parisian based waterproofing distribution specialist. Over the last four decades LRM has continuously evolved its product and service offering from fixings and accessories for roofs, waterproofing and facade products, to incorporate a safety range, including products such as lifelines, crinoline ladders and security railings. LRM made the strategic decision to move from their point-of-sale facility in Asnieres, to la Courneuve in the north of Paris in 1998 to better serve their customers – a larger facility next to the A86, A1 and the Parisian peripheric. In 2015 they opened a second store in Antony in the south of Paris, now giving additional proximity to the region of Paris that is responsible for approximately 30% of French construction. Over recent years, the business has continued to grow from strength to strength with the launch of its e-commerce webstore and the opening of a new store in la Courneuve with a showroom and click & collect counter. ‘’At LRM, we want to take the best care possible of our customer. We are constantly developing our range of product and services to make sure we are evolving with our customer’s needs. Being part of the Kingspan Group now means that we have great synergies that will allow us to expand our product offering with complementary products such as panels, insulation board, daylighting systems” – José Lourenço Operations Director LRM ‘‘For Kingspan, this acquisition is strategically a great fit for our business in France. LRM will sit naturally with our distribution business for waterproofing specialists, Maison de l’etancheur (MDE). The businesses are very customer focused and have great people with excellent knowledge and expertise. MDE can benefit from the distribution channels LRM have in the Parisian region and LRM are attracted by the complementary product range, so this is a huge opportunity for both LRM and MDE.’’ – Geoffrey Janssens, Managing Director Maison de l’étancheur (MDE) ‘’We are delighted to welcome LRM on board! This is a major step for Kingspan in the french market with our first physical presence in the Paris region. In France, MDE has been part of the Bacacier Group, now part of the Kingspan Group, since 2008. During this time they have been very successful and I am certain this new venture will bring many more opportunities.’’ – Cedric Bruge, President Bacacier Group Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
How Haddonstone provides expertise to housebuilders, architects and owners to achieve perfect results

How Haddonstone provides expertise to housebuilders, architects and owners to achieve perfect results

How are the needs of housebuilders, architects and property owners addressed by Haddonstone? Headed up by Director, Toby Marlow, Haddonstone has a well-established Building & Construction team whose job it is to ensure that projects are delivered on time and to the customer’s full satisfaction, irrespective of the size of order. When is Haddonstone’s Building and Construction team available to consult regarding projects and specific orders? The helpful and professional team is available five days a week during office hours. On occasions – perhaps where an enquiry relates to guidance on area specific conservation matters, or the possible effects of localised air pollution – the team may refer the client to an appropriate independent consultant.  Meanwhile Haddonstone’s approved specialist installers are also available to advise on practical challenges.     What design assistance can customers expect to access? The manufacturer is very flexible in the ways it is willing to receive project specific information which can include the supply of general arrangement, 3D images and CAD drawings, sketches or photographs of old and damaged components which require matching.  Along with its quotation, Haddonstone will generate integrated production drawings using its AutoCAD software: enabling architects and construction managers to gain a full understanding of their products and design capabilities. Private clients normally prefer to receive detailed component drawings along with plan and elevation drawings.  General technical drawings are available to download from the website at https://www.haddonstone.com/en-gb/resources/ Does Haddonstone supply bespoke products in addition to its standard ranges? Over 80% of the company’s Building and Construction cast stone components are manufactured bespoke to meet clients’ requirements; as a result, designers and project managers work closely with architects to detail and produce components for any age or style of property.  These can include string courses, copings, entablatures, keystones, cills and a wide variety of plaques and other enrichments.  What styles of architecture does Haddonstone offer? Many of the contemporary developments, which Haddonstone is asked to get involved with, draw on the Georgian era though the company is also experienced in supplying Victorian, Edwardian and other period styles, while much of its statuary is classical or contemporary.  With unrivalled workshop facilities, Haddonstone can produce virtually any type of component to order and in a selection of colours. How can contractors and other customers keep track of their orders once placed? Once an order has been placed, a unique order number is issued via email confirmation and updates on the delivery date can be obtained by contacting an allocated project manager.  Call-off of deliveries from large orders are carried out in the same way. For more information on Haddonstone’s products and services, including from the Building and Construction team, please visit https://www.haddonstone.com/en-gb/building-and-construction/ For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit  www.haddonstone.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Welsh Slate is a peerless performer in a pioneering peninsular town

Welsh Slate is a peerless performer in a pioneering peninsular town

Roofing slates by Welsh Slate feature on Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno. A church in one of the first Conservation Areas in Wales has been given a new lease of life, thanks in part to Welsh Slate. Some 130m2 of Welsh Slate’s roofing slates have replaced their 150-year-old predecessors on the roof of the chancel at the Grade II listed parish church of Holy Trinity in Llandudno which was consecrated in 1874. Architects, surveyors and historic building consultants Kepczyk Pearce Sanderson, who specialise in the conservation and repair of listed and historic buildings and sites, had identified several significant repair issues with the fabric of the church as part of their Ezra Condition report of 2019 for the Diocese of Bangor. Their brief to repair the high-level west tower masonry, and the apsidal roof, rainwater goods and lead-lined gutters of the chancel was met by considered repairs based on sound conservation practice and philosophy. The reroof was carried out by specialist contractors Greenough & Sons using Welsh Slate’s standard shaped Penrhyn Heather Blues interspersed with four rows of scalloped and one row of chevroned slates midway up the pitch of around 60°. Andrew Kepczyk said: “Where and when it is appropriate, we only ever specify Welsh Slate as its quality and durability is unsurpassed.” Welsh Slate’s roofing slates are extremely sustainable, being guaranteed for 100 years and frequently lasting much longer, like those at Holy Trinity which had lasted almost 150 years. In addition, natural slate roofing can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its useful life as roofing material and is frequently used for multiple purposes in the garden. Greenough & Sons took eight weeks on the reroof which featured open rafters to straight sections, with boarded and counter-battened curved sections at the far end. Jon Greenough said: “There were heritage requirements, such as replicating the original details, combined with improving the roof’s expected life span. This required highly skilled, experienced slaters, and careful management and supervision to meet the architect’s exacting specification and requirements. “But the Welsh Slate performed superbly. It gave the slaters confidence on what they were doing, knowing that the strength and durability of the product is second to none.” A report by main contractor Grosvenor Construction said Llandudno’s position on the Creuddyn peninsular meant the church was constantly buffeted by harsh westerly winds which had damaged the building over time, making parts of the west tower unstable and requiring emergency works. In addition to the masonry work on the tower, the chancel roof at the rear of the church had leaked and the whole roof required reslating. “This was an interesting and complex job due to the curved form at the rear of the roof. Grosvenor collaborated with Greenough & Sons Roofing Contractors who used Heather Blue slates from Penrhyn quarry, widely believed to be some of the best slates in the world,” said the report. As with much of Llandudno, the land for Holy Trinity was given by the Mostyn family, and the Mostyn estate architect George Felton was appointed to design the new church on a site in the town centre. This was subsequently designated as one of the first Conservation Areas in Wales due to its significance as a splendid example of mid-Victorian town planning, characterised by beautifully detailed and elegant terraces of classically influenced buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Weekend’s 30-degree warning prompts ‘keep cool’ message from Actis

Weekend’s 30-degree warning prompts ‘keep cool’ message from Actis

With the Met Office issuing a yellow warning as temperatures are predicted to reach 30 degrees in parts of England this weekend, insulation specialist Actis is alerting specifiers to the role insulation has to play in helping mitigate the effects of rising global temperatures. And with Part O of the building regulations obliging architects to limit unwanted solar gains and provide a way to remove heat from residential dwellings, Actis stresses that while some insulation products can make homes unbearably hot in the summer, reflective alternatives also act as coolants – helping protect the health and comfort of the occupants. And its latest product – two-in-one Eolis HC – launched last month, joins its well-established Hybrid range in helping buildings stay cool. The technical experts behind the creation of the new product, a reflective insulation with an integrated vapour barrier created from Actis’ revolutionary Triplex technology, explain that the reflective films from which it is created reflect 90% of infrared radiation. Mark Cooper, UK and Ireland sales manager at Actis, said: “”As we know, some forms of insulation can make houses blisteringly hot in the summer. Not so with our products, which are designed to help keep houses cool in summer as well as warm in winter. Using reflective insulation alone is not the answer to addressing the impact of climate change, but it will mitigate some of the effects by enabling houses to remain at a pleasant temperature. “No form of insulation can address the significant effects of solar gain through windows though. That needs to be addressed by judicious use of curtains or siting the windows in strategic positions – a job for the architect.” The Triplex technology on which Eolis HC is based is created from a number of layers of reflective films, each separated by a thin layer of fibre, trapping air between each section, boosting thermal performance.  A new colour-coded alert system was launched last week in response to more frequent heatwaves sparked by climate change. Run by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHS)A and the Met Office, it is aimed at reducing illness and deaths among vulnerable people. As well as the current yellow alert, amber means the impact could affect the wider population and is likely to be felt across the whole health service, while red means a significant risk to life, even for healthy people, and a severe impact expected across all sectors.

Read More »
New guidance from Insulation Manufacturers Asscocation (IMA) brings clarity to spray foam installation

New guidance from Insulation Manufacturers Asscocation (IMA) brings clarity to spray foam installation

With the current energy supply crisis and energy cost increases, coupled to our need to reduce emissions in line with net zero carbon there is an increased awareness of the importance of a properly and professionally insulated home. Spray foam insulation is an important and effective method of improving the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings, but as with many construction improvements, installation must be done in accordance with all necessary approvals and relevant permissions. Spray foam has been used successfully for more than 30 years in many countries from Canada to Spain (in very different weather environments). Many hundreds of thousands of properties continue to benefit from the application of spray foam, which is highly thermally efficient and extremely versatile.  Once installed correctly spray foam will continue to perform as intended for the life of the building, without need for maintenance or servicing. But the need for correct installation cannot be over emphasised. Spray foam must be installed in line with the manufacturers’ instructions and be carried out by a registered and professional spray foam installer.  Unfortunately, there have been some occasions in the past where correct procedures have not always been followed and unscrupulous operators have been responsible for incorrect installation, poor workmanship and false claims relating to the use of spray foam. Recent claims that any property with spray foam is unmortgageable are as untrue as they are unjustifiable which is why Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) along with spray foam manufacturers and installers, surveyors, valuers and lenders collaborated to  develop an inspection protocol document for spray foam insulation.  Inspection Protocol for building professionals who are asked to consider spray polyurethane foam that has been applied to the pitch. Alongside this collaborative protocol, IMA has also produced a Code of Practice for the Installation of Polyurethane Spray Foam (SPF) in domestic roofs which sets out the requirements for the procedures involved when specifying and installing spray foam products to the inside of roofs of domestic properties. Whilst IMA does not represent installers or contractors of spray foam, it does represent some manufacturers and distributors of spray foam products.  These manufacturers and distributors only ever supply to their approved contractors and we work with these suppliers to promote best practice and highlight the correct procedures for a spray foam installation.  These procedures include pre-installation surveys and roof condition analysis, moisture risk analysis, product identification and supply information, as well as the post-installation home pack and these have all been incorporated into the code of practice.  All our members’ products are independently tested by UKAS accredited testing houses (either BBA or KIWA-BDA certification) and these products must always be installed in line with this certification.  The two new documents can be used to guide and inform building professionals, institutional bodies and trade organisations. The protocol provides a framework to assist property professionals and residential surveyors undertaking non-invasive visual inspections of spray foam applications to the inside of pitched roofs whilst the code of practice is designed to ensure that installers following all the necessary steps to ensure that spray foam is both specified and installed correctly. Commenting Simon Storer, Chief Executive of Insulation Manufacturers Association said: “With government encouragement, many homeowners have done the right thing by investing in spray foam insulation improvements to their properties, but unfortunately, recent negative views have undermined the value of these insulation applications. Despite this, it should now be recognised that professional and accredited installations are as beneficial to a property as many other home improvements and should be considered as such. These new publications provide excellent guidance and information about spray foam insulation, which we expect industry professionals to adopt and understand, so as to bring peace of mind to the thousands of homeowners whose applications are in line with third party approval and accreditation.” To download and view the guidance click the following Code of Practice for the Installation of Polyurethane Spray Foam (SPF) in domestic roofs and Inspection Protocol for building professionals who are asked to consider spray polyurethane foam that has been applied to the pitched elevations of domestic roofs. For more information about IMA visit www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk                                   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Protecting the building blocks

Protecting the building blocks

With its low cost, timesaving and sustainability-based attributes, modular construction has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. Rick Perkins, global technical manager passive fire protection at Sherwin-Williams, examines the advantages of this approach and how intumescent coatings play a key role in ensuring high levels of fire safety in modular buildings. Modular construction is the process of creating buildings using off-site prefabricated building components. These components are manufactured in a controlled environment and then transported to the construction site for final assembly. Although this method of construction has been around for decades, in recent years it has gained popularity due to its many advantages. The Need for speed One of the most significant advantages of modular construction is its speed. Building a traditional structure on-site can take months, if not years, to finish. Modular construction, on the other hand, can be completed in a fraction of that time – as modules are manufactured in a factory the construction process can be carried out much more quickly and efficiently. Central to its popularity is the realisation that modular construction does not necessarily result in buildings of a temporary nature. The materials used and methods of constructing them mean that they are built to extremely high standards. The majority of today’s modular buildings have steel frames and a design life of 50 years. However, it is highly likely that they will last longer than that – longer, in fact, than some so-called permanent buildings constructed in traditional ways. Another advantage of modular construction is its cost effectiveness. Since modules are manufactured in a controlled environment, there is less waste and fewer materials are needed. These cost savings can be between 10-35 per cent less than traditional methods, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Safety first Being produced in a factory also means there are fewer hazards than on a traditional construction site – modular buildings are built to strict safety standards to ensure that they are structurally sound and safe for occupants. This is especially evident in their ability to protect against the potentially devastating effects of fire. A large part of this is due to the intumescent coatings that are applied to the structural steel frames that are used in their construction. These are designed to expand when exposed to high temperatures, forming a thick, insulating layer that helps to protect the underlying steel from the heat of a fire. This delays, or prevents, structural failure and collapse, giving occupants longer to evacuate and firefighters more time to respond. Every second counts Since assembled modules are transported and erected as a unit, intumescent coatings make a great choice for fire protection as they are the lightest and most compact form of fire protection available. There are several types of intumescent coatings available, each with their own unique properties and application methods. It is important to engage with a coatings manufacturer as early in the design stage as possible in order to ensure that the most appropriate solution is applied. Depending on the building’s design and structure, intumescent paint has the ability to protect steelwork for 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes in a fire, as required by the designer and building regulations. It is applied by airless spray to a thickness according to the level of protection required, and if the steelwork is visible in the final design it will not detract from the appearance. Application form When applying an intumescent coating, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and coating specification carefully to ensure that it is used correctly and provides the desired level of fire protection. This may involve applying multiple layers of the coating, preparing and priming the surface before application and allowing the coating to dry and cure properly. Using an appropriate intumescent product will mean that it is durable both once in service in the finished building, as well as during construction/erection phase, when it may be exposed to weathering. Some of the latest generations of intumescent coatings are not only very fast drying, they also have excellent mechanical resilience, making them a fantastic option when steelwork may need to be further worked on quickly after coating application. Look ahead The future of modular construction looks bright, with increased adoption likely to transform the way we build and design buildings long-term. However, like any other type of building, fire protection should be a primary concern, so intumescent coatings from leading manufacturers should be used to provide an effective, versatile and reliable solution. By providing a layer of insulation that protects the steel framework from heat, intumescent coatings can help to prevent structural damage and save lives in the event of a fire. For further information please visit https://bit.ly/3iovJNg Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) joins European Industrial Insulation Foundation to share best practice

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) joins European Industrial Insulation Foundation to share best practice

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has joined the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF), which promotes the use of industrial insulation as an accepted means of achieving sustainability. TICA, the sole UK trade association representing contractors involved in the application of hot and cold insulation, became a member of the Switzerland-based not-for-profit organisation to share best practice – which includes gaining access to its TIPCHECK Programme. Standing for Technical Insulation Performance Check, TIPCHECK is a high quality thermal energy auditing tool in line with EN 16247 and ISO 50002, used to evaluate the performance of industrial insulation systems. It can be applied to existing facilities, planned projects and retrofits and is able to identify efficiency improvements and safety risks. Since its foundation in 2009, EiiF has established itself as a resource for industries seeking to reduce CO2 emissions and save energy. Its activities are focused on raising awareness of the multiple benefits and cost-effective nature of industrial insulation. It is comprised of more than 60 leading industrial insulation companies from global players to small and medium-sized companies and consultants. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager said: “The opportunity to share knowledge and experience with the EiiF network will be an important factor as we seek to promote thermal insulation best practice in the UK. “Tools such as TIPCHECK can, and should, play a significant role in decarbonising the UK energy and industrial sectors. “However, with 23% of UK total carbon production tied in with heating of buildings, TIPCHECK could also play a key role in highlighting the energy saving potential of thermal insulation in building services applications. “As a tool, TIPCHECK can help to highlight the energy and financial savings that can result from insulating pipework correctly. This is good news for the thermal insulation industry, and good news for clients who wish to reduce energy consumption, costs whilst benefiting the wider environment – a real win-win”. Andrea Guertler, EiiF’s Foundation Director, added: ““We are very happy to count TICA as an EiiF Member. Cooperation between TICA and EiiF will greatly benefit both organisations, bringing user-friendly digital tools with the focus on sustainability to the TICA curriculum and at the same time promoting TIPCHECK and EiiF to UK contractors. “Most importantly, our co-operation will fulfil one of our foundation purposes: supporting the young generation with education and training.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Flying the flag for Leicester Pride support

Aggregate Industries will once again be one of the headline sponsors for this year’s Leicester Pride event as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The leading building materials supplier, with its group headquarters near Coalville in Leicestershire, has announced it is to be a Gold Sponsor for the event on Saturday September 2, following a successful sponsorship in 2022. This year sees a change of venue with the annual celebration moving to Leicester’s Abbey Park.  The sponsorship will see Aggregate Industries take up a prominent pitch at the event, where members of its team will be on hand to discuss the diverse careers available across the business, the company’s approach to inclusivity, and the High Viz LGBTQ+ Network.  The sponsorship of Leicester Pride forms part of Aggregate Industries’ continued focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) within the business, with the aim of continuing to build a progressive and inclusive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to be their true selves. Thomas Edgcumbe, Managing Director for the Surfacing Solutions division at Aggregate Industries, said: “Within Aggregate Industries we’re committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive for all. I’m delighted that we are once again able to be a headline sponsor of Leicester Pride, the largest pride event local to our country head office, and I’m proud of the difference that this makes to our colleagues and the wider LGBTQ+ community.”  Martyn Parker, Chair of Leicester Pride, said: “Leicester Pride is thrilled to announce that Aggregate Industries has once again chosen to be one of our Gold Sponsors for this year’s celebrations. Their ongoing support enables us to host one of Leicester’s largest cultural events of the year, allowing thousands to celebrate all aspects of the LGBTQ+ community as well as promote diversity and equality within the county.” The company’s High Viz network creates a safe and welcoming environment for all employees who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who simply support equal rights for all. It also acts as a voice for LGBTQ+ employees within Aggregate Industries as well as driving change by continuing to educate, raise awareness and up-skill colleagues. Aggregate Industries also has Affinity Groups supporting women in the construction sector, age, ethnicity and nationality, veterans and disability. For more information on careers at Aggregate Industries visit our careers pages. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
City Plumbing launches national loyalty reward scheme for the trade

City Plumbing launches national loyalty reward scheme for the trade

City Plumbing has launched an industry-leading rewards scheme, empowering trade customers to benefit from stronger pricing and promotions, accrue points to turn purchases into exciting lifestyle benefits, and access educational added value content. My City Plumbing Rewards went nationwide on 1 June following a successful pilot scheme in Scotland. As a member of the My City Plumbing Rewards club, trade customers can earn rewards on everything they buy, both in store and online, and cash them in for a range of products, treats and experiences. Rewards range from Google and Apple technology to larger items such as trips and holidays. The more a customer spends, the more rewards they can redeem, with an added benefit that points last for a full year before they expire. The news comes as plumbing and heating merchant City Plumbing aims to deepen its relationship with plumbing and heating installers and electricians – and to understand them better. CEO Dave Evans said “At City Plumbing we pride ourselves with delivering great value products and service to our customers. “Today we are pleased to launch our My City Plumbing Rewards scheme, a loyalty scheme that will offer our current and future customers great deals and opportunities to earn points to then redeem against lots of treats.” “My City Rewards alongside our extended range and ongoing value investments really makes City Plumbing the place to trade for all plumbing, heating, bathroom, electrical and energy efficiency needs.” My City Plumbing Rewards points will be added to a customer’s account online, in store and within the City Plumbing app, with no need for a physical card.   Purchases at The Bathroom Showroom will also be included in the scheme, replacing and amalgamating a pre-existing rewards programme at the bathroom specialist. Points are tiered depending on the items bought, with extra Eco points on offer for Energy Efficient products. This means the scheme can also be used to nudge customers towards more sustainable choices as well as providing training discounts. My City Plumbing Rewards members  will have access to new educational content, from training videos and quick fixes to frequently asked questions. In addition, customers will be able to donate their points to charity using our Points with Purpose option –  either to City Plumbing’s official charity, the Teenage Cancer Trust, or one of a number of local charities. To find out more about My City Plumbing Rewards and how to register, go to: https://www.cityplumbing.co.uk/content/city-plumbing-rewards Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Read More »
Travis Perkins launches Online Trade Counter to make ordering easier

Travis Perkins launches Online Trade Counter to make ordering easier

Travis Perkins is the first builders’ merchants to make shopping online and through its app frictionless with the launch of its Online Trade Counter and new shared access feature.  The launch of Travis Perkins Online Trade Counter allows trade account holders to shop quickly and seamlessly for products they buy most at their trade prices without having to navigate through product information and payment screens, reducing the time it takes to order. The Online Trade Counter means customers only need a couple of clicks to complete their order, selecting from their regularly purchased products, and it stores billing and delivery information. This means that customers can order products straight to site more quickly than ever before. Kyle Leivers, Head of Digital at Travis Perkins says: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to create a better experience for our customers. We know many builders and tradespeople often purchase from a regular pool of products and want a hassle-free and frictionless route to ordering and delivering to site. They want to find the products they regularly buy quickly, be reassured it is at the same price they normally buy it at and delivered to a site of their choosing. The Online Trade Counter offers customers value, convenience and consistency above everything else.” Travis Perkins has also enabled shared access on its platform, giving firms a new way to offer access to their Trade Account for their employees. Users can choose to give their team access and set permissions based on the tasks they want them to perform. By opening their profile, customers can share their Travis Perkins account with whoever needs it. After choosing their access type, those contacts will be emailed with access details.

Read More »