LEADING specialist civil engineering product provider Wrekin has launched a new bespoke steel installation service for tier one contractors, to form an end-to-end- solution that includes design and manufacture for an easier product acquisition process. The service enables site managers to discuss project requirements with an expert from the
The findings of a recent report have indicated the growing need for independent merchants to find the right balance between fulfilling in-person trade sales and providing support via digital channels. The new report from National Buying Group (NBG), Valuing Local Independent Trade Merchants in a Digital World, analysed the role
FIS member, construction materials supplier Euroform has introduced a new direct render base board called Versarend®. An A1 non-combustible exterior grade board, Versarend® is cement based yet light weight with ‘score and snap’ workability, so is quick to install. Already tested with a range of polymeric renders, Versarend® has been
The Builders’ Merchants Awards are the longest running industry awards, recognising colleagues, companies and teams from across the United Kingdom. Over 700 colleagues will be gathering on 24th November at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London, to celebrate achievement and to raise a glass to those who have excelled in
Leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries has launched ECOPlanet, a range of green cement that delivers at least 30% lower carbon compared to standard CEM I. Launching in the UK for the first time, ECOPlanet uses a broad range of low emission raw materials, such as fly ash, creating a
British Gypsum, a leading manufacturer of high-performance drylining solutions, has renewed its membership with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) for another year. The renewal reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in the construction industry, as well as its contributions to several key projects with the
A new app can deliver more than 40,000 decorating, plumbing, heating, electrical and general building products to tradespeople’s doors in just two hours, with the average delivery time in central London being 57 minutes. The TradeKart app was launched in December 2021, with a mission to bring convenience and flexibility
Aggregate Industries is proud to announce that its market-leading carbon-saving concrete, ECOPact Prime AS, has been named Product Innovation of the Year at the 16th edie Awards, held Thursday 30th March at the iconic Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London hotel. ECOPact Prime AS is the latest addition to Aggregate Industries’
Following a stern letter to insulation manufacturer Kingspan, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, Michael Gove has now written to the products firm Arconic demanding it to pay for fire safety defects at dangerous high-rise buildings. The manufacturing company supplied the aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding panels
Kingspan Group, the world leader in high-performance insulation and building envelopes, has further demonstrated its commitment to decarbonising the built environment, unveiling its lowest-ever embodied carbon raised access floor panel Kingspan RMG600+ — designed specifically for UK & Ireland’s commercial office industry – as part of the group’s new Lower
LEADING specialist civil engineering product provider Wrekin has launched a new bespoke steel installation service for tier one contractors, to form an end-to-end- solution that includes design and manufacture for an easier product acquisition process. The service enables site managers to discuss project requirements with an expert from the newly formed Wrekin Steel Project Installation Team. The team will schedule an initial site visit before the design and creation stage, to allow for early identification and first-time specification success of the right steel solutions prior to arranging the installation date. This will reduce the likelihood of miscommunication and an incorrect specification. Offering a robust and comprehensive range of bespoke steel solutions, the Wrekin team can deliver access covers, walkways, platforms, staircases, ladders, handrails or head wall grilles to overcome any potentially project halting delays. Richard Lovatt, fabrication and installation manager at Wrekin, said: “We understand that our clients’ time is precious, so by being able to turn to us for a complete solution that includes bespoke and early steels specification, as well as installation support, saves time and provides peace of mind. Often, the use of intermediaries can lead to details being lost or misinterpreted during traditional procurement, so our new service is the answer to unnecessary delays or errors on our bespoke steel solutions. “With a free site visit to determine what’s needed and where, we can discuss the exact specification needed with site managers to keep their project moving forward.” The new service has been tried and tested on the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing – one of Norfolk’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent years. Having begun construction in 2021, the extensive upgrade to Norfolk’s road network will link the two sides of the river and make use of a five-exit roundabout to take on the bulk of the town’s heavy traffic congestion. Wrekin supplied two bespoke steel access covers following an initial site visit and continued dialogue to achieve the final specification. Chris Feeney, design co-ordinator at BAM Farrans Joint Venture, said: “The nature and scale of the Third River Crossing project meant that any setbacks were costly. Having an expert on the ground assessing our existing failed covers felt assuring – with the solution we were set to receive being determined as fast and accurately as possible. “The covers provided by Wrekin perfectly meet our desired specification. It’s a great new service Wrekin is offering and they’re set to make life easier for others like they did for me.” To find out more about Wrekin visit: https://www.wrekinproducts.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The findings of a recent report have indicated the growing need for independent merchants to find the right balance between fulfilling in-person trade sales and providing support via digital channels. The new report from National Buying Group (NBG), Valuing Local Independent Trade Merchants in a Digital World, analysed the role of digital in the traditionally low-digital builders’ merchant sector. Specifically, it surveyed UK tradespeople to find out if and how buying channels had changed post-COVID, why customers continue to buy from independent builders’ merchants, and the role digital has to play in the industry. Despite the post-COVID rise of digital channels, the survey revealed that 92% of trade sales continue to be made over-counter, marking the builders merchants’ sector as uniquely low-digital. Although 61.5% of tradespeople said they bought more online during the pandemic many have now reverted to a hybrid approach to sourcing supplies, with 60.5% claiming to buy both in-store and online now. According to NBG Managing Director Nick Oates, these findings demonstrate the strength of the sector, which is adopting the best of both the physical and non-physical worlds. “As our new report demonstrates, while digital sales have made huge inroads across the retail sector post-COVID, builders’ merchants are bucking this trend,” he explains. “This is understandable – unlike in some other industries, there are many factors to in-person buying in this sector, and especially with independent merchants, that are hard to replicate online. “But this is not to say that the sector, and more specifically, our Partners and Suppliers, is not implementing digital practices. As our report makes clear, tradespeople are using these channels to carry out activities that complement the trade counter, including research, price-checking, basket building, videos, reviews and business administration. It is clear there has been a sea-change in best practice, and the role of digital for tradespeople may not lie solely in sales, but mainly in support functions that bolster over-counter sales.” The survey highlighted the main reasons tradespeople choose to buy in-store or in-person, with location (54.5%), customer service (54%), convenience (40.5%) and access to product knowledge and advice (32.5%) deemed the main lures of the trade counter. By comparison, when it comes to buying digitally, convenience (60.5%), price (41.5%) and product range (41.5%) were given as the main reasons why tradespeople choose to buy online. The report also collected qualitative evidence from respondents to further explore the reasons behind these findings. According to Nick, the data demonstrates the key role independent merchants can play in customers’ buying decisions, citing factors such as personal relationships, expertise, personalisation and feeling part of a community. “While it has been heartening to see that the digital literacy of tradespeople is increasing, it is also highly encouraging to see feedback showing how customers have returned to trade branches,” Nick concludes. “This is testament to the strength of independent builders’ merchants, and the value of strong relationships. We believe tradespeople are more inclined to work with merchants they know and trust on a personal level, and this will be vital to ensuring all parties are able to thrive despite the challenges 2023 might bring.” To download National Buying Group’s latest report, Valuing Local Independent Trade Merchants in a Digital World, click here. For more information on National Buying Group, including how to join the premier buying group for independent merchants, visit https://www.nationalbuyinggroup.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FIS member, construction materials supplier Euroform has introduced a new direct render base board called Versarend®. An A1 non-combustible exterior grade board, Versarend® is cement based yet light weight with ‘score and snap’ workability, so is quick to install. Already tested with a range of polymeric renders, Versarend® has been tested by a number of leading render system suppliers. Versarend® has achieved A1 Euroclass reaction to fire classification, making it suitable for a direct render carrier board where a non-combustible façade is required, providing all other components are non-combustible, says Euroform. It is UKCA marked according to BS EN 12467:2012+A2:2018 ‘fibre cement flat sheets’ “Versarend® is particularly innovative, because it can easily be cut with a utility knife and snapped to size without the requirement for power tools as is usually the case with traditional render base boards, thereby minimising dust and noise, and greatly increasing speed of installation,” said Roland Culverhouse, technical product manager at Euroform. Versarend® is manufactured via a unique process combining Ordinary Portland Cement and a reinforcing matrix that enhances the workability and handling properties over traditional fibre cement boards. It is a 12mm board in sheet size of 2400 x 1200 that is compatible with standard stud spacings/layout. Versarend® is highly moisture tolerant and will not rot or degrade. For technical data visit https://www.euroform.co.uk/ Euroform has been developing, fabricating and supplying materials for the construction industry since 1995. Euroform specialises in ensuring fire and thermal compliance across its product range. Each product is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable technical team to provide advice and guidance. Based at Warrington, Euroform is part of Performance Technology Group an SIG Trading Ltd group of companies specialising in supporting the construction industry to meet acoustic, fire, thermal and vibration challenges. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Builders’ Merchants Awards are the longest running industry awards, recognising colleagues, companies and teams from across the United Kingdom. Over 700 colleagues will be gathering on 24th November at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London, to celebrate achievement and to raise a glass to those who have excelled in the industry. As suppliers to Independent Builders Merchants from Manchester down to Southampton, EPD Insulation Group have stepped up their national marketing with sponsorship of the ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ award. This award celebrates builders’ merchant who have gone the extra mile to give back to their local community since October 2022. The judges will be looking for merchants that have helped to improve their local community through sponsorship, by raising money, donating materials, or by otherwise helping those in need. The reason EPD has chosen this particular award is that local community has always been at the heart of the business. Since the start of the business in 2011, MD, Steve Boon, has gone out of his way to help young people with sports sponsorship opportunities as well as helping other local causes, so the ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ award just made sense. Marketing Director Neil Farrow said “This sponsorship, together with our new website, is just the start of our new marketing agenda. Our aim is to challenge the big players by offering seamless service and communication throughout the ordering and supply chain, standing by our mantra of Trust; Integrity; Service.” If you’re a Builders Merchant that helps its local community get in touch here https://www.merchants-awards.co.uk/ You’ve got to be in it to win it! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries has launched ECOPlanet, a range of green cement that delivers at least 30% lower carbon compared to standard CEM I. Launching in the UK for the first time, ECOPlanet uses a broad range of low emission raw materials, such as fly ash, creating a low carbon product that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its low carbon footprint is further enhanced by the decarbonising its production process through the use of alternative fuels. ECOPlanet is the latest product range in Aggregate Industries’ suite of green building solutions and is the lowest CO2 footprint fly ash cement available in the UK. Other key benefits of ECOPlanet include its resistance to both sulphate attack and chloride ingress, and prevention against alkali-silica reaction. It also improves pumpability, placing and finishing – making it the ideal solution for high durability requirements. Dragan Maksimovic, CEO at Aggregate Industries, said: “The launch of ECOPlanet expands on our existing low carbon products including ECOPact, the world’s broadest range of green concrete or Super-Low Carbon, the first asphalt using biogenic material within the bitumen. The product is driven by innovation and by our ambitions to build a net zero future, and we’re delighted once again to be pushing the boundaries of low carbon construction solutions.” Steve Curley, Managing Director Cement at Aggregate Industries, said: “The launch of ECOPlanet represents yet another step forward in the transition towards a more sustainable construction industry. Its innovative formula and unique production process delivers at least 30% lower CO2, making it the first low carbon cement for the precast segment available in the UK. We look forward to working with our customers to provide yet another option to support our collective goal of achieving net zero emissions.” The launch of ECOPlanet is part of Aggregate Industries’ ambitious 2030 sustainability strategy, Building Progress for a Sustainable Future. For more information, visit the ECOPlanet webpage. For more information on Aggregate Industries, visit aggregate.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Gypsum, a leading manufacturer of high-performance drylining solutions, has renewed its membership with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) for another year. The renewal reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in the construction industry, as well as its contributions to several key projects with the FIS aimed at improving and standardising safety, quality and performance. One of British Gypsum’s significant contributions has been to the creation of the new British Standard, BS 8000-8, which has replaced BS 8212 after years of development. This new standard covers an additional area of drylining and is set to raise the bar for the industry. The company’s ongoing dedication to best practice has also been reflected through its contribution to the FIS Drylining Guides, which launched in March 2023. The guides serve as a reference point for regulations on safety, fire performance and standards and are designed to help those working in the industry to make more informed decisions. David Robinson, Head of Technical Support at British Gypsum, said: ‘It is important that we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to upholding standards within the industry. Our ongoing FIS membership and contribution to the new British Standard are just some of the ways we are able to display our technical expertise, the values we advocate and our commitment to the sector. It is also a further example of how we reassure our customers and construction partners that they can trust our guidance to build a better future for people and the planet.’ Membership in the FIS is contingent on strict adherence to a code of conduct that requires careful vetting of applicants to improve quality and raise standards within the finishes and interior sector. British Gypsum’s technical proficiency has made it an important contributor to the FIS’s initiatives, as it seeks to benefit the construction industry in the long term. To learn more about British Gypsum, please visit www.british-gypsum.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new app can deliver more than 40,000 decorating, plumbing, heating, electrical and general building products to tradespeople’s doors in just two hours, with the average delivery time in central London being 57 minutes. The TradeKart app was launched in December 2021, with a mission to bring convenience and flexibility to tradespeople by making it easier to order from local builders’ merchants in their area. Just over one year on, TradeKart can now deliver to more than 900 postcodes throughout north and Central London, with more being added all the time. The rapid delivery app for tradespeople was founded by Alistair McAuley, previously Managing Director at AkzoNobel. He started TradeKart to give tradespeople back their valuable time, while also offering local merchants a valuable last-mile delivery solution to attract new customers and delight existing ones. Alistair explains: “Tradespeople lose an average of 3-4 hours each week from having to leave the site to collect materials. That’s a staggering two days every month and a huge financial and time cost. Working closely with a number of contractors, TradeKart has been able to help them reduce the cost of getting materials to site by 80%, saving them each more than £50,000 a year. “We’re passionate about supporting the thriving building and trade communities right across the UK. That’s why we created TradeKart, to follow in the footsteps of other well-known delivery apps that offer convenience and flexibility. TradeKart is our opportunity to take the hassle out of collecting materials, giving tradespeople back that all-important gift of time.” TradeKart is partnering with local merchants including MP Moran, London Decorators Merchants, Paint Centre, Topdec Decorating Supplies, Nicholls & Clarke and Paint Stop. Through the app, tradespeople get to see live stock availability with access to competitive trade prices across all major brands. To use TradeKart, simply download the app for free and create an account, then the app will connect you with available local merchants in your area. You simply choose the products you need, then select a convenient delivery slot from within the next two hours if you need the items in a hurry, right through to the following week. A flat £5 fee is charged for every delivery and, once payment is made, the order is sent straight to the merchant to prepare the items for dispatch. A TradeKart delivery driver will then bring the products directly to your door, with the app allowing you to follow the delivery’s progress in real time. “I use TradeKart for all of my orders. It’s so quick and simple and it saves me so much time. It’s brilliant…my last order arrived in 25 minutes!”, says Nick Dean of InsideOut Decorating. TradeKart is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. For more information, or to find out if TradeKart delivers in your area, visit www.tradekart.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries is proud to announce that its market-leading carbon-saving concrete, ECOPact Prime AS, has been named Product Innovation of the Year at the 16th edie Awards, held Thursday 30th March at the iconic Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London hotel. ECOPact Prime AS is the latest addition to Aggregate Industries’ low carbon concrete product range – a unique active setting, carbon-saving concrete with enhanced carbon reduction. Launched in 2022, it is the UK’s first concrete to offer high levels of carbon reduction without compromising on performance, offering over 50% carbon reduction compared with industry standard Portland cement CEMI solution. Both Aggregate Industries and colleagues from Holcim were present to accept the award. Lee Sleight, Managing Director for Aggregate Industries Ready Mixed Concrete Division comments: “With concrete being the second most used resource after water, getting the concrete industry to net zero is vital in supporting global climate change commitments. To this end, we have invested heavily in a range of low-carbon solutions that assist in meeting the sustainability goals of the construction industry. “The most recent of these solutions is ECOPact Prime AS, giving the industry a much lower carbon alternative to standard concrete. Seeing this latest innovation of ours recognised within the edie Awards’ coveted product innovation category validates the endeavours of all at Aggregate Industries who have been involved in its development. I would like to say a big thank you to the judges; the recognition means a great deal to our people and strengthens our firm desire to embed sustainability in the future of construction.” The edie Awards are the world’s largest sustainable business awards scheme. They showcase excellence across the spectrum of green businesses, from the most ambitious net-zero carbon programmes through to cutting-edge green innovations. The edie Awards judges said of ECOPact Prime AS: “This is what sustainability innovation is all about. The product shows great potential to reduce emissions in the cement industry, and the initial results are promising. If scaled up, this innovation could be a real gamechanger on the path to a net-zero construction sector.” ECOPact Prime AS – as with other ECOPact products before it – is already helping to reduce the carbon footprint of projects in which it is used, delivering greater carbon reduction with the same setting time, plus active development of compressive strength to support carbon reduction objectives in the construction industry. For more information on ECOPact Prime AS or to find out about the technical and dedicated support available to ensure the provided solution meets the necessary industry standards, requirements and schedule, visit www.aggregate.com/ecopact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following a stern letter to insulation manufacturer Kingspan, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, Michael Gove has now written to the products firm Arconic demanding it to pay for fire safety defects at dangerous high-rise buildings. The manufacturing company supplied the aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding panels that were part of the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower prior to the tragic fire that broke out in 2017. It is believed that the same combustible cladding material has also been used on many other buildings across the UK. During the Inquiry, Arconic faced much criticism, with the Counsel hearing that the firm had allegedly misled the market about the fire performance of its products. The firm’s lawyers countered these accusations by saying that the sale of ACM in the UK had been “entirely lawful” at the time of use and that the firm had been turned into a victim of “an agenda” to blame Arconic for the fire spread at Grenfell. In his letter directed at Arconic’s chief executive, Timothy Myers, Gove condemns the cladding firm’s lack of “meaningful” engagement with the remediation plans for dangerous high-rises. Sharing the letter on Twitter, Gove confirmed: “I have written to Arconic who have not taken any responsibility – moral or financial – for their role in the Grenfell tragedy & building safety crisis. They’ve instead spent around £9m per year on lawyers to defend themselves. I will use all tools at my disposal to make them pay.” Gove has given Myers a strict deadline – 12 April – in which to respond and arrange a meeting with government officials to explain how the company intends to “scope, identify, and pay for remediation work”. He reiterates that those companies that refuse to engage with remediation plans will face “commercial consequences”. In the letter, Gove states: “I have long argued that those who manufactured and sold flammable cladding and insulation products have a moral and financial obligation to acknowledge their role in the legacy of unsafe buildings in the United Kingdom. “The testimony at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry uncovered shameful practices and an abhorrent culture of disregard for the safety of residents in their homes. I was appalled by the evidence heard by the Inquiry about the extent that your employees went to so as to conceal the flammable nature of your products, and to avoid promoting fire-retardant products to customers – because doing so would reduce your profits. “I note with interest your annual reports, which reveal that Arconic spent an average of $11m USD (£8.9m) per year on legal advice and representation on Grenfell-related matters between 2017 and 2022. In stark contrast, you have not contributed any funding – not a single dollar or cent – towards the cost of fixing dangerous buildings, despite the fact that your flammable products continue to put lives at risk in the United Kingdom today.” Offering the company an opportunity to rectify its failings, Gove adds: “I invite you to meet my officials to explain how you intend to scope, identify, and pay for remediation works. This would go some way to restoring confidence in the sector. “Others in the industry, including Kingspan, and to some extent Saint-Gobain, have made tentative steps to acknowledge their responsibility and role in paying for remediation. Whilst this change in position is a positive step, I have made clear what is required: a comprehensive package of financial support from construction product manufacturers. Closing the letter, Gove reiterates: “My department will continue to be driven solely by our commitment to protect people in their homes: people who bought or rented homes in good faith, whose safety continues to be threatened by your products, and who deserve better from the companies who have exploited their basic need for a home. Those companies that do not share our commitment to righting wrongs of the past must expect to face commercial consequences.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingspan Group, the world leader in high-performance insulation and building envelopes, has further demonstrated its commitment to decarbonising the built environment, unveiling its lowest-ever embodied carbon raised access floor panel Kingspan RMG600+ — designed specifically for UK & Ireland’s commercial office industry – as part of the group’s new Lower Embodied Carbon (LEC) range. The materials and construction phase of buildings is responsible for 11% of all global energy-related carbon emissions. These emissions are known as embodied carbon. Reducing emissions in the built environment is critical to limiting warming to 1.5 ºC by 2050, as laid out by the IPCC. Kingspan’s new RMG600+, developed by its Data & Flooring division, has -3.04kg of CO2e (A1-A3) showing a 57% reduction in embodied carbon (A1-C) when compared to the standard range*. Independently assessed by One Click LCA, this advancement from Kingspan to reduce embodied carbon in raised access floor panels, can be attributed to several key factors including the procurement of low-carbon steel, a focus on renewable energy and the use of a minimum of 86% recycled material. The low-carbon steel used in Kingspan’s New RMG600+ is produced using an electric arc furnace (EAF) that uses electricity, as opposed to coke used in a traditional blast-furnace, as its energy source. Additionally, the EAF production process uses 90% recycled steel. The new product is of part of a groupwide decarbonisation strategy which includes Kingspan’s commitment to Net Zero Carbon manufacturing by 2030, a 50% reduction in carbon intensity in its primary supply chain, the introduction of an internal carbon charge of €70/ tCo2 and the investment in H2 Green Steel – a company pioneering the manufacture of steel using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels. “Existing buildings and construction are responsible for 39% of annual energy and process -related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally. At Kingspan we aim to contribute to a net zero carbon built environment by minimising our climate – related impacts across our value chain, with the launch of our new Kingspan RMG600+ as part of our Lower Embodied Carbon range.” says Debra Smith Kingspan Data & Flooring’s Divisional Head of Sustainability. As part of its ten-year Planet Passionate sustainability strategy and science-based targets, Kingspan is committed to developing solutions that will reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. Two of the targets in Planet Passionate will directly impact this by 2030: Net Zero Carbon manufacturing by 2030 and a 50% reduction in carbon intensity in its primary supply chain. Donagh Nolan, Kingspan Data and Flooring’s Divisional Operations Director adds: “We have been manufacturing for 120 years and this is one of those truly important advances, which we think will be transformative both for our business and for our clients’ projects. As part of our broader sustainability commitments, we continuously enhance and upgrade our products. To deliver this, we employ a dedicated team of expert BIM (Building Information Modelling) engineers, advanced technical professionals, sustainability experts and manufacturing specialists.” Embodied carbon in materials is however only part of the solution to dramatically reducing carbon in buildings. This can only be achieved by developing products which not only save on the operational day-to-day carbon emissions of a building, but also save on carbon during manufacturing and offer options for recycling. Kingspan is focused on creating products that deliver carbon reductions for buildings on all of these fronts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
