Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has completed the installation of fall protection systems on the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster- brand new Hyperia! Due to open on Friday 24 May, Hyperia is the newest ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey. Built by Mack Rides, the new attraction stands at
Arco has pledged to donate a share of profits from its hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, as part of a new partnership to “protect heads inside and out”. From next month, the UK’s leading safety experts will donate 10% of all profits from sales of own-brand hard
Doka, a renowned provider of formwork and scaffolding solutions, has introduced its cutting-edge Xsafe Catch Fan system to the UK! 🌟 This innovative solution helps redefine benchmarks for construction site safety, making work environments safer and more efficient. Let’s dive into the details: Enhanced Safety: Falling materials, tools, and debris
Arco chairman Thomas Martin has been honoured with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his ‘exceptional contribution to the safety and health industry over almost four decades’. He was bestowed with the award at Wednesday’s [MAY 1] Safety and Health Excellence Awards, part of the three-day Health & Safety Event, where
uvex will be demonstrating how to ensure an optimal PPE fit at The Health & Safety Event (30 April-2 May 2024, NEC Birmingham) to promote the theme of WEARability. With growing awareness around the importance of #PPEthatfits, uvex (stand 4/F20) will show visitors how to identify the specifications they need
Shadow Industrial, the UK’s leading shortwave infrared heating specialist, recently supported the refit of a 3,500m2 warehouse in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire. Occupied and operated by Shadow Industrial’s sister company, Handy Dryers, the space had originally been fitted with an Ambi Rad system. Seeing the massive utility bills and CO2 emissions being produced, the
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in
The new safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 1 October 2023 putting residents at the heart of a new system of building safety. It makes all players in the construction industry more accountable for keeping buildings, and their occupants, safe. A leading architect
ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system and sealing tapes have been specified for a new development project at Leicester Cathedral. The move sees WINFRAMER type 1 units, BLOCO ONE foam sealant tapes and VARIO SD window connection foils installed to support and insulate large Internorm HF410
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial
Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has completed the installation of fall protection systems on the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster- brand new Hyperia! Due to open on Friday 24 May, Hyperia is the newest ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey. Built by Mack Rides, the new attraction stands at an intimidating 72m (236ft) and will reach speeds of over 80mph. The safety systems installed by working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services provide a continuous safe connection on the rollercoaster, allowing maintenance crews to carry out routine and reactive tasks with confidence. Arco installed Two MSA Latchways BridgeLatch fall arrest and restraint systems along the entire 111m (364ft) incline and crest of the rollercoaster, allowing workers to access the lift portion of the rollercoaster safely. They also fixed MSA Latchways Mansafe fall arrest systems along the station return brake platform and the station exit maintenance platform. Matthew Glass, fall protection manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “We were thrilled to be a part of this project for the Hyperia coaster, the latest attraction at one of the UK’s top theme parks. “This installation is the latest in a longstanding partnership with Merlin Entertainmentsthat has allowed Arco, the Experts in Safety, to demonstrate our expertise in working at height safety and love of (safe) thrills. “I know I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we are looking forward to getting to experience the UK’s new tallest and fastest ride when it opens.” Dan Warwick, health & safety director at Thorpe Park, said: “Arco have been an instrumental part of the team, assisting us with the installation of working at height lines – a vital element of the Hyperia ride construction. “With the ride standing at an epic 236ft tall, these lines will be used to safely enable our engineering team to get up and down the incredible lift hill for all maintenance and daily pre-opening checks. “The lines will also be used by our staff and guests in the event of an evacuation being required on the ride. As part of this, the Arco team worked closely with us to ensure we have well-planned and expertly curated evacuation plans, which form a critical part of the overall project.” Arco Professional Safety Services provide consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage the most complex and high-risk, high hazard scenarios, specialising in working at height, confined spaces and respiratory management. Find out more at arcoservices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arco has pledged to donate a share of profits from its hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, as part of a new partnership to “protect heads inside and out”. From next month, the UK’s leading safety experts will donate 10% of all profits from sales of own-brand hard hats to the UK’s leading charity for mental health. Arco announced the partnership today as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), underlining the company’s commitment to keeping people safe at work, and its preventative approach to physical and mental well-being. Guy Bruce, chief executive of Arco, said: “Everything we do is focused on protecting people. We are Experts in Safety, and alongside the physical aspects of safety, we are increasingly aware of how important mental wellbeing is to keeping people safe. “That is why I am delighted to embark on this partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, supporting their focus on protecting people’s mental wellbeing. “Prevention is at the heart of everything we do at Arco, and this completely aligns with the Mental Health Foundation’s approach. “Our collective fundraising activities will help the Mental Health Foundation work to prevent mental wellbeing problems and support people with understanding and achieving better mental health. Arco will be organising activities and events throughout the year to further support the Mental Health Foundation’s efforts to educate and build people’s mental resilience. The company is encouraging its staff to take part in the charity’s challenge events, with Guy and his executive team leading the way by signing up for a 25km fundraising hike in the Peak District. Mark Rowland, CEO of Mental Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be launching this partnership with Arco. “The Mental Health Foundation are the leaders in good mental health in the UK, and Arco’s support will help our work with some of the most vulnerable communities all over the country.” The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Throughout the week, Arco will be providing its staff with daily updates and resources to support their personal and collective mental health, as well as holding a company-wide step challenge. Find out more about Arco’s corporate social responsibility initiatives Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doka, a renowned provider of formwork and scaffolding solutions, has introduced its cutting-edge Xsafe Catch Fan system to the UK! 🌟 This innovative solution helps redefine benchmarks for construction site safety, making work environments safer and more efficient. Let’s dive into the details: Enhanced Safety: Falling materials, tools, and debris pose significant risks on construction sites. The Xsafe Catch Fan provides a safe, high-quality catch system that can be quickly deployed and repositioned with ease. Minimise unnecessary hazards! Efficiency Boost: The Xsafe Catch Fan minimises the workforce needed for assembly and application. Clever mechanisms, including an easy-lock system and quick-folding net, streamline installation. Plus, it reduces the need for multiple workers on different levels during repositioning and cleaning. All-Round Winner: Doka designed the vertical extensions of the Xsafe Catch Fan to meet customer needs. Square tubes simplify installation without requiring hole alignment for securing with bolts. And guess what? No adjustments are needed when moving it from floor to floor! Corner Solution: Since early 2024, the Xsafe Catch Fan also features a unique foldable and EN 1263-compliant corner solution. It’s perfect for those tricky areas that are sometimes hard to cover. Few additional parts, maximum protection! 🔗 Learn more about Xsafe Catch Fan here:https://www.doka.com/uk/system-groups/doka-safety-systems/xsafe-catch-fan/xsafe-catch-fan 🚀 #ConstructionSafety #Innovation #DokaXsafeCatchFan
Arco chairman Thomas Martin has been honoured with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his ‘exceptional contribution to the safety and health industry over almost four decades’. He was bestowed with the award at Wednesday’s [MAY 1] Safety and Health Excellence Awards, part of the three-day Health & Safety Event, where Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has made its return for 2024, coinciding with the celebration of its 140th anniversary. Also on the night, Arco was commended in the Distributor of the Year award, with judges recognising the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its joined-up approach to safety products and services. Thomas said he was honoured to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. He said: “I’ve always surrounded myself with experts, and this has enabled me to make an impact on our industry. Market leaders earn the right to comment, and career learnings ensure this is done responsibly. The award celebrates the first 36 years, and there’s plenty more to do; I’d better get on with it.” As the fourth-generation leader of the family business, Thomas started his journey in a London advertising agency before joining Arco in 1988. With a clear passion for the business, Thomas assumed pivotal roles within Arco, including Trading Director (Safety) in 1993, Supply Chain Director in 1998, and Joint Managing Director in 2002, before taking the helm as Chairman in April 2017. Presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award, host Dara Ó Briain said during Thomas’s time as Joint Managing Director and now Chairman, he had helped shape Arco into one of the ‘premier businesses in health and safety, by both scale and impact’. Testament to this, Arco has led the industry on responses to global emergencies and best practice, pushing for regulatory changes and championing expertise and corporate responsibility. In 2007, Arco joined the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) an alliance of companies, trade unions and non-profit organisations that aims to promote respect for the rights of workers worldwide. Arco is the first and only safety distributor to join the ETI. During the Ebola outbreak in 2015, Arco was the leading PPE partner in the UK’s humanitarian response, supporting government agencies with advice on the correct products needed to keep volunteers safe but also in procuring and supplying the products to the front line. Most recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Arco stepped up to secure additional PPE for frontline workers, while advising government bodies on PPE regulations and standard. Following the crisis, Thomas gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee on how the Government response could be improved for the future. Arco Also Commended in Distributor of The Year Award Read more about Arco here: www.arco.co.uk/about. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
uvex will be demonstrating how to ensure an optimal PPE fit at The Health & Safety Event (30 April-2 May 2024, NEC Birmingham) to promote the theme of WEARability. With growing awareness around the importance of #PPEthatfits, uvex (stand 4/F20) will show visitors how to identify the specifications they need when selecting products such as footwear, gloves, hearing protection and eyewear. Finding PPE that fits properly is essential to help avoid accidents, reduce discomfort, increase productivity and give wearers confidence. It must be selected based on factors including the individual’s size, shape and gender as well as compatibility with other items and workplace requirements. Achieving true WEARability requires a balance of proper fit and three other factors. The PPE must deliver all-day comfort and work with the body, which means it should be free of pressure points, lightweight and breathable. It should not cause any secondary issues or aggravate any underlying conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. Product performance is also key, with design, quality of materials, and technologies all influencing the user experience. Finally, stylish design is important to help increase compliance. uvex’s Marketing Manager Clair Weston comments: “The #PPEthatfits campaign is attracting more and more attention – and for very good reason. We know that the best PPE is the one that gets worn throughout the day. One size does not fit all when it comes to personal protective equipment and having the right products is vital to avoid putting workers at risk.” Comfort across categories Visitors to the uvex stand will be able to gain expert insights into how to find PPE that fits across different product categories. Properly fitting safety footwear can make a significant difference to comfort, concentration levels and fatigue. uvex offers insoles that allow wearers to achieve a customised wearing experience. In addition, its range includes styles produced using a ladies’ last to mimic the contours of a female foot. uvex personnel will be conducting footwear fit clinics on their stand so that visitors can find their perfect pair of safety footwear. uvex also provides education allowing wearers to strike the perfect balance between reliable protection, functionality, grip, comfortable and correct sizing. The company will be showcasing its latest uvex phynomic cut glove range manufactured in Germany using 3D hand ‘formas’ to perfectly mimic the contours of the hand. uvex Bamboo TwinFlex safety gloves, meanwhile, have been designed to mould precisely to the wearer’s hand contours within minutes to achieve a customised, comfortable fit. Both gloves have passed the independent OKEO-TEX ® 100 Standard, which checks for chemicals that could cause skin irritations and have been independently dermatologically tested and approved, by the proDERM Institute for Applied Dermatological Research giving wearers confidence that the gloves are hypoallergenic and suitable for the entire workforce including allergy sufferers or those with sensitive skin. Protective eyewear needs to be selected based on the wearer’s head and facial shape and should deliver a low-pressure, lightweight fit with even weight distribution. uvex offers a wide range of styles and designs and has devised a seven-point safety eyewear fit guide which it will be demonstrating at the show, to help visitors identify the ideal spectacle or goggle. The World Health Organisation states “Noise induced hearing loss is the most common, permanent and irreversible injury in the world and tinnitus is the third most serious non-fatal medical condition”. To support wearers of hearing protection, the team at uvex will be showcasing it’s latest innovation the uvex xact-fit test system. The device verifies that hearing protection is fitted correctly for maximum protection and provides documented evidence of adequate protection. As part of its educational programme, the uvex xact-fit test system supports discussions with wearers regarding differences in ear canal shape and size and the selection of the most effective protection for their workplace. If you would like to see first-hand how the test kit works, visit the team on the stand. Clair Weston adds: “With proper fit comes comfort and compliance. We’re excited to show Health & Safety Event attendees how our innovative range of PPE and fitting solutions can ensure true WEARability – helping workers stay safe, comfortable and focus on the task at hand.” Glasses giveaway Visitors to the stand will also get the chance to win a pair of sports glasses worn by the uvex-sponsored Circus-Wanty Tour De France team. uvex is inviting guests to answer five questions as part of a gameshow-style quiz on safety. The format was created to highlight the work of the uvex academy, which offers distribution partners and end-users qualified education and training relating to PPE and occupational safety. For more information, please visit Stand: 4/F20 at The Health & Safety Event or visit uvex-safety.com/en/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shadow Industrial, the UK’s leading shortwave infrared heating specialist, recently supported the refit of a 3,500m2 warehouse in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire. Occupied and operated by Shadow Industrial’s sister company, Handy Dryers, the space had originally been fitted with an Ambi Rad system. Seeing the massive utility bills and CO2 emissions being produced, the companies’ owner, Steve Levy, evaluated the existing HVAC system within the leased property and persuaded the landlords to trial shortwave infrared heating as an alternative. Replacing the existing system with Shadow Industrial’s shortwave infrared, 7 Shadow Infinity 12kw heaters were installed in the space, and the ROI has already been observed, with an 87% cut in energy bills. Taking a closer look at the project… Decarbonising our depots The race is on to decarbonise the UK’s industrial sector, from factory floor to the distribution depot. Whilst ONS claimed the UK transportation and warehouse vertical saw a 9% reduction last year, with UK business and industry still accounting for almost a fifth of the nation’s emissions, more can be done to achieve carbon neutrality. It was something at the front of Handy Dryers’ mind and, having an oven-baked partner in Shadow Industrial, made the process easier. For the company, the biggest challenge revolved around energy efficiency, which not only plagued the manufacturer with significant energy inefficiency, but had the knock-on effect of higher-than-necessary operational costs and emissions. That wasn’t all, uncomfortable workers mean unproductive, and potentially unhealthy, ones, and Handy Dryers was keen to achieve an environment where staff could safely perform to their best. Sustainably delivering maximum comfort This prompted Steve and the Handy Dryers team into action. Presenting a compelling case to the landlords, he suggested trialling Shadow Industrial’s systems on-site to demonstrate their efficacy, and convince them to sign-off on a full retrofit of the facility. To win their hearts and minds, it was also about communicating what sets infrared apart from other types of heating. Simply, the technology works by emitting focused radiant heat through a precision-engineered smooth parabola reflector; it heats the person, not the air around them. Wall-mounted and directed downward at individuals, the energy creates a comfortable and instant warmth, mimicking the gentle heat of the sun. It’s fast becoming popular in warehouses and depots, as it’s easy to install with low energy consumption. It’s also unaffected by changes in air movement, making it particularly efficacious in draughty settings. Climate-agnostic heating With installation taking just 2 days, its benefits were soon felt. Not only were staff on site kept comfortably warm, energy bills quickly fell alongside emissions, by a massive 50% in the first month of use. According to Handy Dryers’ Warehouse Manager, Martin Walker, “The installation of the 3kW Shadow Industrial Heaters and Shadow Infinity 12kW heaters has been a game-changer, not just in terms of keeping utility bills to a minimum, but also worker welfare. We had found the previous system expensive and ineffective, especially during winter when temperatures could wildly fluctuate as the door to the warehouse was opened and closed.” As Shadow Industrial founder and MD, Steve Levy, says, “The problem with traditional, convection heating is that, as we all know hot air rises and, within seconds of being introduced into a space, ends up in the roof void, benefiting no-one. This means that energy-intensive blowers are used to syphon the heat back down. This is a fine, if roundabout method, if there’s nowhere for the air to escape. However in an operational warehouse, with goods constantly moving in and out, heating the air is a poor option. This makes methods like gas and electric central heating incredibly inefficient. “By contrast, short wave infrared heats the people and the ground beneath their feet, making it incredibly efficient. it’s completely unaffected by atmospheric pressures and when correctly positioned, can keep an individual warm even if the door is open and the temperature outside is below zero. It’s no surprise that shortwave infrared heating is one of the fastest-growing and disruptive categories in the heating and ventilation sector.” To find out more about Shadow Industrial’s infrared heating systems, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30th April to 2nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event takes place during a momentous year for both Arco and the health and safety industry, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Arco’s 140th anniversary. Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found in Hall 4, Stand 4/G100 and has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the hierarchy of control, emphasising the importance of a joined-up approach to safety management. With a focus on consultancy, training, expert advice, compliance and sustainability, Arco aims to demonstrate its unparalleled safety expertise. Visitors to the Arco stand can expect immersive experiences, including virtual reality demonstrations where they will be placed in realistic environments, highlighting hazards within working at height and confined spaces. The stand will also showcase Arco’s award-winning Responsible hi-vis and Responsible workwear product ranges, as well as its product-assurance process and independent UKAS-accredited laboratory. Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in four categories for the 2024 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: BSIF Product Innovation Award Safety Product Category (Non-PPE), Campaign of the Year, Distributor of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as sponsoring and judging this year’s inaugural Sustainable Company of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event. Gareth Wray, Marketing Director at Arco, commented: “We are thoroughly excited to be attending The Health & Safety Event during such a special year for Arco and the industry. We have gone above and beyond to create a truly engaging experience for visitors, showcasing our expertise not only in sourcing and delivering quality and compliant products, but in driving forward sustainable practices and offering joined-up safety solutions. “We look forward to interacting with the many attendees and sharing our expertise to drive positive change in safety practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 1 October 2023 putting residents at the heart of a new system of building safety. It makes all players in the construction industry more accountable for keeping buildings, and their occupants, safe. A leading architect and safety manufacturer each offer their thoughts on the implications of this new act will be for architects. Paul Bussey, Architect, RIBA, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris “The Building Safety Act is a whole new world for architects. As the principal designer it significantly increases our responsibilities, designating us as a ‘guiding hand’ for health and safety issues. “Some people think that the Act only applies to higher risk buildings and may think that if they don’t do high rise buildings (HRBs) they don’t need to worry about it. However, this is not the case. The act increases architects’ responsibilities for safety in the design and construction of all buildings. So, what does the new regime mean in practice for architects? “Well, it’s our job to eliminate hazards like fire and falls from height so far as is reasonably practical (SFAIRP). We also need to reduce risks from remaining hazards. “This means specifying safety solutions that will keep building contractors, maintenance workers and residents safe as well as be cost-effective and work well visually and structurally. “Clearly, we can’t be accountable for all the details ourselves, so we’re going to need increased support from the experts in our wider team including structural engineers, CDM advisers, building regulation advisers, fire safety experts, façade consultants and maintenance consultants. “We’re also going to need to work with industry more closely than we’ve done in the past. In particular, we’ll be seeking greater levels of transparency from manufacturers about their products so that we can be confident that we’re specifying solutions that are fit for purpose. “But our responsibilities under the Building Safety Act don’t stop there. Once we’ve decided on the solutions that will keep people safe, we then need to demonstrate to the Building Safety Regulator that we’ve complied with their requirements and that the solutions we’ve specified will actually work. This requires us to provide the regulator with a visual document giving calculations, architectural drawings, sections, structural detail and so forth. “For example, if we take a fall protection system, we must be able to demonstrate that the system will do the job it’s supposed to do – keep someone safe in the event that fall restraint is impossible and if they fall off the edge of a roof the entire fall arrest process is acceptable, including rescue. This means we must be totally confident that the system will work and make sure our client, funder and insurer are happy too. “Manufacturers have a key role to play here in providing us with the high-level information we need to be able to get a solution approved fast. We don’t want chapter and verse on everything – we just need to know what’s relevant and current that will help us demonstrate we’re fulfilling our responsibilities under the new Act. “I recognise that this can all sound a bit overwhelming but remember that as an architect you’re only responsible for managing safety risks so far as is reasonably practical. No one expects you to eliminate risks entirely. Basically, the new regime boils down to all the different players in the construction industry taking a more ethical approach and I, for one, welcome this.” Stuart Pierpoint, Specification Sales Manager, MSA Safety “For manufacturers, the Building Safety Act represents a big change in emphasis, ushering in a world where we need to take a scrupulously ethical approach. The consequences for those who behave unethically are pretty stringent – two years in prison and an unlimited fine. “In practice, the new regime means that manufacturers need to be more transparent when it comes to compliance. An example is when fall protection manufacturers offering products that only comply with the 1997 EN standard, rather than the revised 2012 standard, need to make this clear and avoid making misleading claims that their product meets ‘current standards’. “As an industry, we also need to be much clearer about when a product is ‘fit for purpose’ and when it isn’t – and be able to provide evidence to support any ‘fit for purpose’ claims. It is possible that some fall protection systems have not been tested on the same substrate that the architect is intending to use. Again, the load bearing capability differs between different substrates – thinner pliable substrates will have far less capabilities than heavier and denser substrates and both these factors are important considerations when choosing a fall protection system that is ‘fit for purpose’. “As manufacturers, we need to simplify the correct specification of a system. We need to get our manuals and documentation correct – making it clear what a product can and can’t do, what its limitations are and where it’s successful. And we need to make sure that the wording and imagery in these documents are clear for multiple users and in multiple languages. “We also need to ensure that our labelling, serialisation and evidence for any quality claims are all correct, that we follow quality management processes to the letter, do enough batch conformance testing to know that our products are being manufactured correctly, and carry out the correct audit trail with our manufacturing. “Manufacturers also need to work in close partnership with both installers and architects. When we’ve worked with an architect to help them select a ‘fit for purpose’ fall protection solution, it’s important that their specification for the roofing type is maintained so that our recommendation for the safest system is accurate. “In short, there’s a lot that manufacturers can do to support architects and help achieve the new Act’s vision. Here at MSA Safety, we’re keen to play our part and help make buildings safer for everyone.” Ultimately, the new Building Safety Act is a positive step forward
ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system and sealing tapes have been specified for a new development project at Leicester Cathedral. The move sees WINFRAMER type 1 units, BLOCO ONE foam sealant tapes and VARIO SD window connection foils installed to support and insulate large Internorm HF410 triple glazed composite windows being fitted in the cathedral’s eye-catching new heritage and learning centre. Set to open in late summer 2024, the extension will provide an exhibition gallery with immersive interpretation, a flexible learning space for school children and community groups, and washrooms. It’s also part of the cathedral’s ambition to carry out a wide-ranging £11 million revamp of the Grade II listed historic building and improve facilities for the increasing number of visitors drawn to the tomb of Richard III. Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, WINFRAMER is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm that allows windows to be supported independently from the face of the wall regardless of any external cladding being in place. Quick and easy to install, the product’s application at Leicester Cathedral has been integrated alongside ISO BLOCO One sealing tapes to achieve Passivhaus certified window perimeter sealing performance. The flexible humidity variable sealing foil ISO-CONNECT VARIO SD tape has also been chosen to deliver greater internal air tightness around wall, floor and ceiling joints. Andy Swift, country director at ISO-Chemie, said: “Designers and developers of buildings like the cathedral extension want new ways to deliver low carbon structures, which use sustainable technologies. Our products support this, delivering measurable airtight, acoustic and thermal sealing properties.” Up to 70% cost savings can be achieved using ISO-CHEMIE’s tapes, which enable installers to seal windows from inside the building and avoid the need to use time consuming and costly scaffolding and ladders among other external access systems. The tapes offer a single product ‘fit and forget’ solution for fast and effective sealing based around the European RAL principles of three level sealing – the inside seal area is more airtight than the external one, allowing any trapped moisture inside the joint, or within the wall, to escape outwards rather than into the building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Troy is delighted to announce the acquisition of Scott Direct Ltd to support its UK growth strategy. Scott Direct is a complete supplier to the industrial & trade markets, offering customers a comprehensive range of quality products including hand and power tools, protective clothing, PPE, safety equipment, hygiene and janitorial supplies, workwear, corporate branded garments, MRO & engineering consumables. Troy, the largest independent network for industrial and engineering supplies in the UK, is headed up by Paul Kilbride, CEO. Paul commented; “ Scott Direct has been a Troy member for many years and there has been a close connection to the family throughout that time. With shared core values, Scott Direct is a great fit for the Troy Invested-in member Group. Troy is a family business that supports family businesses and our vertical integration strategy is just one of the avenues offered as part of the Group to ensure that we support our independent membership and keep the independent marketplace strong. We know how much independent businesses are valued in their communities and by the businesses that trade with them, and our aim Is to help those businesses to grow with investment, without losing the knowledge, passion and levels of customer service that only an independent business can provide.” Chris Taylor, CFO of Troy said, “Scotland is an important region for us and the acquisition of Scott Direct strengthens our position as a supplier to the industrial and trade markets. Scott Direct have built a leading business and the acquisition is a natural fit with the Troy group – providing complementary product portfolios and markets along with an excellent team.” The Troy Group has invested in 18 businesses throughout the UK over the last 5 years, serving a wide and diverse customer base across many sectors, providing broad-line industrial consumables and PPE, Precision Cutting Tools and state of the art VMI and supply chain management solutions. It received a £15.5 million investment from BGF in 2023 to support its ambitious growth plans. Norman Scott, shareholder for Scott Direct said, “I am delighted we have concluded the sale of Scott Direct to the Troy Group. This deal will drive further growth for Scott Direct and build on the successes achieved by our experienced team who all stay in position to take the business forward. I wish them every future success.” Rob Sayles, Managing Director of Scott Direct said, “Joining forces with the Troy Group will allow Scott Direct to continue building on our past success and provide a strong foundation to fuel our future ambitions for the business.” Financial advisors to this deal were Dains (Rob Wilson, Trystan Shaw) with legal advice from Gateley Legal (Mark Rutherford, Sophie Cahalin, Anna Mayfield, Alicia Bradburn), Shawbrook Bank (Andy Sutton, Steve Armstrong), Freeths (James Dyson), Gunnercooke (Rob Fawkes), Gillespie Macandrew (Kenneth Irons, Arlene Taylor) and BTO (Emma Barclay). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
