Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

Oscrete UK announces new NPD and sustainability manager

Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete UK continues its growth trajectory with the appointment of a new NPD and sustainability manager. Former laboratory manager Matthew Gabriel, has been promoted to the new role as the team further develops the company’s sustainability strategy. With a clear focus on strengthening the firm’s commitment to

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CREATING BETTER ENVIRONMENTS FOR A BETTER EDUCATION

The effectiveness of education provided to students is directly proportional to the quality of the learning environment where the teaching is delivered. Optimal acoustics, thermal performance, air quality, natural lighting, security and aesthetics work harmoniously together to positively impact how students and teachers stay comfortable and focused, and perform academically.  

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James Latham showcases sustainable timber innovation at Futurebuild 2022

James Latham, distributor of timber, panels and decorative surfaces (stand D55), today unveils its Futurebuild (March 1-3, Excel) activity which will showcase a suite of timber-based, sustainable construction and interiors options. James Latham’s stand will be subject to a “take-over” from Kiss House, the innovative homes company, and Passivhaus offsite-manufacturer.

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Silenta Extreme wins “Innovative Product Award” at the Golden Plumb International Building Catalog Awards

GF Hakan Plastik has been awarded the “Innovative Product in Construction Building Catalog Special Award” for its GF Silenta Extreme piping system at the 27th annual “Golden Plumb International Building Catalog Awards” organized by YAPI KATALOĞU. YAPI KATALOĞU is Turkey’s first and only material catalog that has been in publication

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NEW STO ONLINE RESOURCE IMPROVES FAÇADE DESIGN PROCESS

A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick

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Westgate based in Stafford launch ‘Hoardfence’, their sustainable alternative to the more traditional external timber hoarding solutions.

Westgate have launched their new reusable external hoarding solution, Hoardfence. Building upon their industry leading internal hoarding solution Hoardfast, the new Hoardfence product aims to support construction projects with an external hoarding solution where sustainability features heavily either within the contract or as part of the contractors wider commitment. A

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

Oscrete UK announces new NPD and sustainability manager

Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete UK continues its growth trajectory with the appointment of a new NPD and sustainability manager. Former laboratory manager Matthew Gabriel, has been promoted to the new role as the team further develops the company’s sustainability strategy. With a clear focus on strengthening the firm’s commitment to sustainable construction, Matt’s two decades of concrete industry experience provides a strong foundation for further developing the company’s sustainability remit. Matt says: “With the environment at the forefront of everyone’s minds and customers looking to increase their use of supplementary cementitious material, my priority is to develop products and processes which support our customers’ own route towards low carbon concrete. “Our role as an additive manufacturer is crucial in helping reduce concrete’s CO2 footprint while finding cost effective, green solutions without impacting performance is key to the future of the construction sector. We are now looking to develop products that can help our customers to use or increase the use of products with a lower eCO2, hence the creation of a role dedicated entirely to this arena.” Oscrete is one of the UK’s leading specialist construction chemical suppliers, manufacturing a comprehensive range of concrete admixtures for the pre-cast and ready-mix market and developing and supplying additives for the manufacture of dry bagged mortars and adhesives. Director Scott Wilson added: “We expect to see continued growth in global demand for construction additives and that demand will be driven by sustainability requirements as well as performance. “Our strategy is to keep product evolution and responsible manufacturing at the forefront of our output. Matt’s promotion is just the first step in our 2022 laboratory development plan where NPD and sustainability will lead our growth and our supply.” Matt joined Oscrete in 2017 as laboratory manager following more than 10 years with Tarmac and Breeden. He added: “This an exciting and an important time as we accelerate our development of new admixtures to help the transition to carbon neutrality. I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into a role which will help customers – and Oscrete – meet their sustainability goals.”

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CREATING BETTER ENVIRONMENTS FOR A BETTER EDUCATION

The effectiveness of education provided to students is directly proportional to the quality of the learning environment where the teaching is delivered. Optimal acoustics, thermal performance, air quality, natural lighting, security and aesthetics work harmoniously together to positively impact how students and teachers stay comfortable and focused, and perform academically.   Kawneer continuously invests in façade systems that create excellent learning environments, allowing specifiers to choose from a wide variety of market leading products designed and built to the highest possible standards. From a suite of products specifically designed for the Education sector, highlights include the AA®190 TB, a severe duty welded commercial entrance door that offers robust performance, the AA®720 SL window, offering great thermal characteristics and slim sightlines, and our market leading AA®100 curtain wall system, which provides a best-in-class performance. Facing the challenges together With a vast amount of experience in this sector, helping to create buildings that deliver aesthetic, cost and performance requirements, Kawneer understands the challenges faced by architects, fabricators and maintenance teams. That’s why it specialises in aluminium façade solutions that provide excellent performance, best value, unmatched durability, reduced maintenance and a low carbon footprint. Kawneer manufactures high performance aluminium curtain wall systems at its purpose-built manufacturing facility in Runcorn, Cheshire. These products allow specifiers to meet both the technical performance and cost brief of any project, creating excellent learning environments that provide great aesthetics and optimise natural light and ventilation. Leading by example As all aluminium façade products are manufactured in the UK, Kawneer can also guarantee supply and competitive lead times, while ensuring that its systems remain competitive. Fully tested in accordance with the BSI standards, Kawneer products are responsibly sourced with BES 6001 accreditation, supported by Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations for all main systems and low carbon aluminium billet solutions. Teachers strive to ensure the experience and knowledge they pass on to a new generation lasts a lifetime. Kawneer wants the buildings it has helped to create to withstand the test of time and ensure they provide comfortable learning environments for all future generations. Discover more at: Kawneer-education.com

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AQUASPIRA DELIVERS ECO FRIENDLY SOLUTION TO DALKEITH SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT

Aquaspira has delivered an innovative sustainable drainage strategy, designed to reduce 315 cubic metres of excavation and saving around 20 days of construction time, at a new housing project which is underway in Dalkeith.  The Northwest drainage specialist was appointed by Cruden Building which is delivering the 79 home development at Morris Road in Newtongrange. The scheme will provide a mix of two-storey energy-efficient homes and cottage flats, supporting Midlothian Council’s Local Housing Strategy which is designed to deliver a high priority and cost-efficient contribution to the local housing supply. Mark Stanway from Aquaspira explains: “We were able to rethink the entire approach to construction of the drainage at this site. Seven concrete manholes were original specified each requiring a four metre wide excavation. “By using a strong, compact steel reinforced push-fit solution we were able to reduce the number of vehicle movements to site by 60%, as well as cutting the amount of bedding and backfill by half. “Our access units also reduced the installation of each manhole from an average of four days to around an hour, delivering dramatic cost and timing savings to the job, as well as providing a far more environmentally friendly and safer solution.” Land utilisation was maximised by using the ground beneath the estate roads for all of the stormwater storage, and a simplified, safer, and accelerated strategy used these UK-manufactured push-fit, large diameter pipes with access units as an alternative to concrete. The pipes were installed by GBSS Civils and Plant Hire Ltd, talking about the ease of installation, Andy Paterson from GBSS said: “The 1800mm and 1200mm pipes were much easier to handle and install than similar size concrete pipes which, together with the rapid, very simple fitting of the prefabricated Access Units, made a massive difference to the job” The solution was in-keeping with Midlothian Council’s drive to deliver modern high-quality homes which incorporate energy efficient components within the homes as well as through eco-friendly construction solutions such as this. Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Stephen Curran said: “This project demonstrates how innovative construction techniques can contribute to making developments more sustainable and are in line with the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 as outlined in our Climate Change Strategy.”  Aquaspira is on a mission to deliver low carbon construction solutions. The Lancashire-based company has been investing extensively in research and development which has seen the use of recycled materials in its products increased, as well as using solar power in the manufacturing process. The company is working with the University of Birmingham to develop a digital twin to improve design and to investigate the use of recycled materials for backfill to further reduce carbon usage in the construction sector and use sensors in pipes for long-term monitoring and maintenance. This research can make a huge step-change in helping the construction sector achieve Government de-carbonisation targets. Aquaspira’s unique light weight composite pipe already reduces the number of vehicle movements and fuel consumption when compared to traditional concrete products. A significant advantage with the current shortage of haulage drivers. All of these innovations help utility companies, housebuilders and the wider infrastructure and construction sectors reduce their impact on the environment.

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The Irish group Kingspan buys THU, a leader in metal roofing solutions

The Irish group Kingspan, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, continues to increase its presence in the Spanish market, this time with the acquisition of 100% of the shares of the Ribarroja company THU Perfil SL. THU PERFIL is a Valencian firm located in the Polígono Industrial Masia Baló in Ribarroja de Turia (Valencia) of more than 30 years in the manufacture of metal ceiling profiles and solutions. The acquisition of THU by the Irish Kingspan Group opens a new stage after 7 years of management in the hands of the investment company ZRISER, which allowed THU to innovate in new product lines and reach new markets. The transaction has been closed after the approval of the National Commission of Markets and Competition. This operation will promote the international development of THU while complementing Kingspan’s current offer in enclosure solutions with the incorporation of technical ceilings and profiles. Gabriel García, General Director of THU, says: “I am very pleased to be part of Kingspan’s industrial project, which is also a clear global market leader. I am convinced that this integration will bring additional benefits to our clients, boost our international development and offer great professional opportunities to THU employees”. For further information, please visit www.kingspan.com

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James Latham showcases sustainable timber innovation at Futurebuild 2022

James Latham, distributor of timber, panels and decorative surfaces (stand D55), today unveils its Futurebuild (March 1-3, Excel) activity which will showcase a suite of timber-based, sustainable construction and interiors options. James Latham’s stand will be subject to a “take-over” from Kiss House, the innovative homes company, and Passivhaus offsite-manufacturer. Central to the experience will be two 3 x 3 x 3 m sections from the Kiss House residential construction system which visitors can explore in their own time, and that will double as a seminar space. Bespoke tours will be available of this innovative and sustainable building system which has the potential to improve the quality and performance of residential housing. Experts will be on hand to outline the latest sustainable developments in timber and surfacing. The panel of specialists will include manufacturers Accsys Technologies and WISA along with Kiss House designers.  In addition, the James Latham team will be on hand to showcase its innovative carbon impact calculator. Both carbon footprint and biogenic carbon content are now shown on key James Latham documentation such as quotations, delivery notes and invoices, meaning users can fully understand the carbon impact of the products they choose. The distributor will also be celebrating some of the most exciting, sustainable surfacing and timber options on the market, including: Accoya – a FSC modified timber, developed by Accsys Technologies, with properties that match those of the best tropical hardwoods Finish Line Cladding Collection – a Latham’s exclusive with 12 unique colour options including the highly contemporary Slate Grey, Apricot and Charcoal finishes WISA Birch Premium Plywood – made from Finnish Birch this offers a beautiful light look with good strength properties, it’s a good base for lacquering, varnishing and staining Garnica Ultralight Poplar Plywood ­– an ultralight sandwich panel with XPS core, made from 100% European poplar from sustainable plantations. Its light-coloured faces and premium quality internal sheets make it ideal for painting and laminating/film coating. Garnica Duraply Poplar Plywood Panels ­– these offer exceptional durability due to an innovative ply-to-ply treatment which delivers fungi and insect resistance even under the most adverse weather conditions. The panel’s core and faces are made from sustainable European poplar. This is a Marine Plywood alternative with a great environmental story Valchromat MDF panels – engineered coloured wood, a wood fibre panel which is coloured throughout and offers high physical performance. The fibres are individually impregnated with organic dyes and chemically bonded by specifically developed resins. Commenting on James Latham’s Futurebuild experience, Stuart Devoil, Group Head of Marketing, says “The climate crisis is the biggest challenge facing us, and so we’re using Futurebuild to focus on three key things. Firstly, sustainable innovation, with Kiss House bringing to life just what is possible to achieve on the low carbon front using timber to create wonderful homes. Secondly, we’re celebrating the very real materials innovation that is afoot within timber and surfacing. Lastly, to build more sustainably, data is absolutely fundamental and so we’re using Futurebuild as a way to introduce our carbon calculator to visitors.” He added, “We wanted to collaborate with Kiss House as its broadly wood-based solution uses several grades of timber to produce high-quality, very-low embodied carbon homes. This perfectly illustrates how important timber will be in ensuring a sustainable built-environment, along with how this most traditional of materials is increasingly being used as a lynchpin element to very real innovation.” You can find James Latham at stand D55. The distributor is also part of the Futurebuild Innovation trail which consists of 14 specially selected, future-focused exhibitors.

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Silenta Extreme wins “Innovative Product Award” at the Golden Plumb International Building Catalog Awards

GF Hakan Plastik has been awarded the “Innovative Product in Construction Building Catalog Special Award” for its GF Silenta Extreme piping system at the 27th annual “Golden Plumb International Building Catalog Awards” organized by YAPI KATALOĞU. YAPI KATALOĞU is Turkey’s first and only material catalog that has been in publication since 1973. Their Golden Plumb International Awards (“ALTIN ÇEKÜL Uluslararası Yapı Kataloğu Ödülleri”) were given out in three main categories: for innovative products, legal ideas and industry marketing.  GF Hakan Plastik has been providing top-quality plastic pipes since 1965 and, since 2013, has been part of the GF Piping Systems family. The Turkish-manufacturer GF Hakan plastic pipe solutions meet the highest requirements in construction standards. GF Silenta Extreme is a polypropylene-based formulation that does not contain any halogen group elements, fully complying with fire regulations. In addition to exhibiting a highly resistant performance against combustion (B-s1; d0) according to EN 13501, it prevents the release of halogenic gases, one of the most damaging greenhouse gases to nature, both in production and during combustion. GF Silenta Extreme has a sound performance of 18 dB(A) at 4 l/s according to EN14366 standard with its silence clamps. Silenta Extreme, with its smooth inner layer, excellent flow performance; absorption of sound waves with its high molecular structure middle layer; with its durable outer layer, it is resistant to high temperatures, impacts and UV. The system, which received the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) by fulfilling the requirements of ISO 14025 / 21930 and EN 15804 A1 and A2, has also recorded its environmental impacts transparently. On behalf of GF Hakan Plastik, Ozan Kovancı, Head of Product Management and Innovation, received the award from the architect Ayşe Hasol (Has Mimarlık) at the ceremony held on Thursday, January 13, 2022. “There is more to an innovative pipe than meets the eye: It must be resistant to fire, sound-proofed, and, of course, watertight, especially for sewage pipes. If then additionally, it is also sustainable, then it’s what we strive for, precisely GF Hakan Plastik’s specialty,” he states. After the award ceremony, the awarded products were presented to all guests at the opening of the ALTIN ÇEKÜL Awards exhibition.

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Stormking unveils new brand reinforcing being at the forefront of the GRP supply sector

Stormking, the UK-based manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) prefabricated products, has unveiled its new branding, which aims to reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to being at the forefront of the housing construction supply sector. Established nearly 40 years ago, Stormking has led the way in the development of offsite prefabricated component products. Since its inception, its product designs and manufacturing processes have progressed, becoming more advanced and innovative. This has led the company to review its branding to bring it more in line with its current philosophy, as Andrew Almond, Marketing Manager at Stormking, explains: “Stormking’s branding has always been synonymous with quality and service. From the commencement of the company in 1985, its brand design and style has reflected its market leading status within the GRP market and the house building construction sector. Although the brand has developed over time, after nearly a decade of the same brand, it was time for an update. “We felt a new approach was needed to reflect the advancements the company has made over the past 40 years, both in terms of product development and manufacturing practices. We wanted the new branding to be an evolution rather than a revolution, so although we have moved to a cleaner, more contemporary visual identity, we have retained the red, white, and blue colours to ensure continuity, as we transition between the outgoing brand to the new updated version. “We also wanted to emphasise the many benefits prefabricated products and offsite manufacturing can offer the construction industry. More companies are looking to prefabricated products to revolutionise the way they build new homes. The ease of installation of these products, which are delivered to site either complete or in a limited number of pieces, is saving construction companies both time and money – especially when compared to traditional building materials and methods. Andrew concludes: “Our new branding reflects Stormking’s commitment to being at the forefront of the GRP supply sector, with the continued development of innovative products and manufacturing processes that support the future of the house building sector.” Further information about Stormking and its range of products can be found at www.stormking.co.uk or by calling 01827 311 100.

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NEW STO ONLINE RESOURCE IMPROVES FAÇADE DESIGN PROCESS

A new online resource has been launched by Sto to provide architects and specifiers with a quick, convenient and practical new way to bring their façade designs to life. The interactive Sto Cladding Creator allows customers to develop their façade designs using the company’s StoCleyer B resin brick slips, StoBrick clay brick slips and Glass Mosaic finishes, and visualize the perfect solution for their individual project. “This is a significant step forward that delivers a number of benefits for our customers,” explains Sto’s Sales Development Manager, Joe Mellor. “The Cladding Creator provides visitors with a virtually endless array of design possibilities covering these façade finishes. They can refine their ideas by changing different parameters such as sizes, textures, bond patterns, colour combinations, joint mortar and glass mosaic options, before arriving at a final visual solution that gives them a very clear and accurate indication of how the various hues and textures will appear on their own building.” The resulting file can then be downloaded and used with any modelling software to create images for various purposes, such as client presentations or inclusion into drawings. “This greatly simplifies the process of choosing between the many different options available, saving valuable time for architects and specifiers,” adds Joe. “Once they have arrived at a design they wish to follow, they can then order a sample direct from the website, making the whole specification process even more efficient.” The Sto Cladding Creator focusses the spotlight on the BBA-certified StoCleyer B resin brick slips, which offer great design freedom, with the option to be manufactured in almost any colour combination or texture. Made from over 90% mineral component, they allow the creation of brick façades at a fraction of the weight, cost and installation work associated with traditional brick, as well as creating considerable energy savings in the manufacturing and transport processes. All the façade finishes chosen via the new Sto Cladding Configurator are compatible with the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, and StoVentec rainscreen system.

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The practical benefits that make SterlingOSB Zero a great choice for the UK construction industry

With an ever-increasing checklist of requirements, UK builders have very exacting standards when sourcing the right materials for their project. Choosing panel products that satisfy building standards, have sound environmental credentials and are quick and easy to use when battling all that the Great British weather has to offer, it’s no wonder West Fraser’s (formerly known as Norbord) SterlingOSB Zero range is one of the most popular in the construction industry.  West Fraser’s OSB portfolio comprises of SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue and Groove, and SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix. They are variants of the precision-engineered OSB3 board; BBA-approved and designed for humid conditions, the board contains zero added formaldehyde (ZAF) and is unique in the market by being the only ZAF OSB manufactured in the UK.  Produced in Scotland from forest thinnings taken from sustainably managed forests, the board is certified according to the guidelines of the FSC or PEFC. Among its multiple uses, SterlingOSB Zero is ideal for timber frame construction. The boards are designed to speed up the build process and are available in a wide range, thicknesses and sheet sizes. For structural use in dry or humid load bearing situations, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 is the board of choice. When undertaking dry lining, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix quickly provides secure anchorage areas. Flooring and roofing applications are served by SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 and SterlingOSB Zero Tongue & Groove. Panels are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications with no sanding required, even for GRP finishes. In building sites all over the UK (and other rainy, snowy or generally mucky climates), the art of getting buildings wind and watertight quickly is an important one that the builder needs to get right! Choosing a quick, easy to install, reliable and versatile roofing system is, therefore, vital. High quality roof decking or pitched roof sarking is an essential component and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is now the preferred option for many today. And winning the game with outstanding attributes is West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 or SterlingOSB Zero T&G. Ideal for structural use in load bearing dry or humid conditions, SterlingOSB Zero OSB3 offers great value and durability. Stronger than most softwood ply, thanks to its makeup of multiple layers of real wood strands pressed together, it is designed to withstand the toughest of conditions. Working with the boards is trouble free as they are uniform in quality with no knots, voids or delamination issues. Helping to cut waste, a range of panel sizes and thicknesses is available to suit all needs.  The boards are square edged so butt together easily and cleanly. Panels are cut and installed on a roof using conventional roofing equipment and are easy to saw, drill, nail or plane. Nails can be driven as close as 8mm from the panel edge without causing splitting. SterlingOSB Zero’s smooth surface gives improved adhesion qualities for all flat roofing applications and no sanding is required, even for GRP finishes. With all the advantages of the Sterling OSB Zero range, SterlingOSB Zero T&G is specifically designed for flat roofing and is BBA approved and fully compliant to BS 6229:2003. The panels are consistent and machined to exact tolerances. Reliable fixings are easily achieved across the board using 3mm diameter ring-shank nails or 50mm long screws at 100mm centers across the supporting joists. The inherent strength of SterlingOSB Zero makes it the natural choice for site hoardings and for boarding up windows and doors of vacant properties. Hoardings formed using SterlingOSB Zero may be finished with most popular surface treatments, allowing marketing messages and designs to be displayed to create a smart site perimeter. Along with its many practical attributes, the Sterling OSB Zero range has strong environmental credentials. All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. Sterling OSB Zero is also the first OSB product to be made in the UK with zero added formaldehyde, ensuring an even ‘greener’ board that meets all standards with ease. To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/ For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

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Westgate based in Stafford launch ‘Hoardfence’, their sustainable alternative to the more traditional external timber hoarding solutions.

Westgate have launched their new reusable external hoarding solution, Hoardfence. Building upon their industry leading internal hoarding solution Hoardfast, the new Hoardfence product aims to support construction projects with an external hoarding solution where sustainability features heavily either within the contract or as part of the contractors wider commitment. A uPVC panel solution, the system is quicker and easier to install than traditional offerings and fully reusable. Traditional based timber solutions historically end up going to landfill once work has finished, with the Hoardfence solution being reusable, it offers a different proposition reducing the need for this to be the case, and in turn contributes to a more sustainable construction project. By working in partnership with customers, Westgate has developed a panel recycling scheme (when panels reach their end of life) which generates funds and provides a mechanism for donations to be made to charities that are focused towards sustainability/community. Head of Marketing, David Street, commented: “The Hoardfence concept came about as a result of conversations with our customers. Our existing and recognisable internal hoarding and walling solution, Hoardfast, has been described as ‘quick and easy to install’ and customers were enquiring if it was suitable for external use. Through understanding all of the benefits that our internal solution provides to customers, we sought about developing a product that is suitable for use outdoors. By combining ease of install with the reusability of our panels, we have a system that not only reduces install time but can support in delivering sustainable targets for construction projects; something that we all agree is increasingly important to the future of construction.” Westgate have been situated in Stafford for over 45 years and as a trusted and experienced industry expert have seen steady growth for a number of years. The business gives back in some unique ways including a recycling programme for its hoarding panels which most recently saw it partner with Marine Conservation Society both in terms of financial donation and also arranging for the Westgate team to take part in an organised beach clean.

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