The unique design of a new double-faced sports stand that works seamlessly for both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the rugby league Super League club Leeds Rhinos posed a unique set of challenges for ironmongers Em-B and architects DLA in Leeds. Security, public safety, and access control were all key
Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware explores the close relationship between fire safety and ironmongery and how compliance becomes compromised without essential hardware components. Unpredictable and untameable, fire is a beast that we can’t afford to ignore. It doesn’t prejudice against any building type, and as we’ve seen most
Homeowners looking to upgrade their abodes this year can look to suggestions from property experts for must-have fixtures and fittings to add convenience and luxury to homes. From smart and handy devices to reliable and quality appliances, the experts at North Sands Developments have compiled their list of recommendations for ways to
Blinds are essential in your household as they provide privacy for everyone who’s inside. You don’t want other people to take a peep inside your home and see what’s happening. Not only can they invade your privacy, but they might even see the inside of your house and watch where
In the modern-day, interior designers and architects are using metal for safety and decorations. They use the finishing for protecting the walls from cracks and chipping. Modern homes are utilizing the metal corner guards in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. The simple option to décor is durable and robust for
Window treatments will give a new and refreshed look to your living room. Different types of window treatments are available in the current condition. You can even consider the best ones within a restricted budget. You can go with blinds Essex and windows shutters depending on your preference. It is
Are you willing to hire a mastic man? Do you want to get a clear sense of how much a professional sealing service might cost? If so, this post is especially for you! The biggest concern of the property owners is to get the damaged surfaces repaired. If you’re too
At a time when there’s enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene, whether in the home or in the workplace, it’s reassuring to know that the moulded range of products from Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – possesses inherent anti-bacterial properties
Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the
The unique design of a new double-faced sports stand that works seamlessly for both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the rugby league Super League club Leeds Rhinos posed a unique set of challenges for ironmongers Em-B and architects DLA in Leeds. Security, public safety, and access control were all key considerations throughout, all on a project specced to the highest standards of design and finish of the hospitality industry. The unique concept of a double-sided, jointly owned stand posed double the amount of challenges for Em-B who were appointed following a successful project on Headingley’s East Stand 15 years ago. Two clients, two architects, two designers with completely different needs to deal with, plus the demands of different door suppliers to coordinate. Em-B was tasked with coordinating all these different elements, acting as technical consultant for door hardware and access control throughout, checking compliance across the piece and bringing the project together. The Emerald Headingly Stadium is home to both the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, both of whom had very differing needs and requirements for the project in terms of security, accessibility, and aesthetics. Em-B worked on both sides of the stand including boxes, changing rooms, hospitality areas and concourses: a complex brief. The owners, Caddick Group, brought in Em-B as the result of previous successful projects, bringing them in at a very early stage of the process to consult on security and access control. The project had been planned by architects DLA for six years. The spec, especially for the hospitality areas, was exceptionally high. The client wanted the directors’ suite to have the finish of a high-end boutique hotel rather than a sports stadium, combined with high levels of security for corporate and players’ entrances. “Em-B worked closely with us to manage all of the hardware requirements for the complex Headingley stand project. We have worked with Em-B in the past and knew we could rely on them to deliver the outcomes we wanted.” said Chris Wilson, of client Caddick Construction. The project was a complex one with different requirements from the cricket and rugby clubs – from high security access control to high-end hospitality areas across both sides of the stand. Em-B coordinated two architects, two designers, steel door and shutter manufacturers to deliver an end product that looks great, works seamlessly and is totally compliant with all the regs.” Em-B is a thriving, well-established architectural ironmongery practice and supplier of door solutions based in Leeds established in 1998. The firm regularly win awards for its architectural ironmongery schemes on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects, working for household name architects and clients. Em-B’s success is built on working as a true partner within the construction process from drawing board to installed product and beyond.
Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware explores the close relationship between fire safety and ironmongery and how compliance becomes compromised without essential hardware components. Unpredictable and untameable, fire is a beast that we can’t afford to ignore. It doesn’t prejudice against any building type, and as we’ve seen most recently in Whitechapel, London, it can cause immeasurable damage and loss when fire safety isn’t prioritised. Fire safety itself is a complex topic, covering a wide range of subjects and themes, from prevention to containment and evacuation – all of which carry great significance when designing and maintaining a fire-safe building. For a building’s architects, specifiers, inspectors and owners, it’s imperative to provide an acceptable level of fire safety for occupants and visitors alike. And for this, fire doors play an integral role. Recognised as part of a building’s passive fire protection system, fire doors are a means of escape and are tasked with compartmentalising smoke and fire during a fire incident. In doing so, they protect the property and its people for a specified time, most commonly resisting for 30 (FD30) or 60 (FD60) minutes. Yet, fire doors aren’t the only piece of the puzzle. Combined protection As is outlined by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), ironmongery and fire safety share a distinguished relationship. To assure performance and compliance, all dedicated fire doors, other than those to locked cupboards and service ducts, must be fitted with the necessary ironmongery components. This includes hinges, door closers, locks and latches. Each of these hardware components are designed to operate in tandem with a fire door – without them, the door is made redundant. In fact, the integrity of a fire door could immediately be compromised should one area become damaged or fail to meet strict performance standards. To eliminate vulnerabilities, hardware, in accordance with the UK Construction Products Regulations (CPR) must be CE marked (or UKCA after the 1st January 2023) to prove fire performance, and it is a criminal offence to supply products that do not comply. Fire door closers for example, whether concealed or surface mounted, are required to perform what is considered an essential function in closing a door to completion from any angle into its frame or until the latch engages. In facilitating the closing motion, door closers play an active role in ensuring a fire door accomplishes compartmentation. Because of their significance, controlled closing devices must be tested to BS EN 1154 and fire rated to BS EN 1634. Upon application, a closer must also be compatible with a door’s existing mechanisms and in addition to CE marking, it is highly advised it should be approved by a third-party scheme such as CERTIFIRE, providing the detail needed for its application. Similarly, hinges and latches play an important role in ensuring the integrity of a fire door. Commonly, three hinges are applied to fire doors, and at all times must remain adequately attached, repressing any charring or damage to the door’s timber in the event of a fire. Locks and latches are also essential, assuring a door remains closed within its frame, and thus, provides an effective barrier in the event of a fire. Because of their significance, locks and latches must also be CE marked and tested to BS EN 12209, with many professionals, such as architects, also demanding CERTIFIRE approval for the hardware they use. Maintaining safety and compliance Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, should a building fall short in its fire safety practices, the associated party is under risk of receiving heavy penalties and fines. Compliance is a continuous process and so, fire doors and their fitted hardware must remain operational and effective throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. To preserve fire performance, regular maintenance is vital. Aside from being up to code, the operational functions of all door furniture items should be checked regularly, including any additional mandatory components such as the operating furniture, intumescent seals (designed to expand and hold the door within its frame in the event of a fire) and relevant door signage. If basic maintenance is neglected, a fire door’s operational life can be significantly reduced – even with the correct hardware in place. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 recognises this, making it a legal requirement to ensure that fire resisting doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained to be fit to purpose. To keep the building protected, workplace environments for example, must designate a Responsible Person (RP) to undertake regular fire safety risk assessments, inspecting all elements of fire safety including the operation of fire doors. As part of ongoing risk assessments, regular maintenance periods are critical and provide Responsible Persons with an opportunity to review and repair any damage to a door’s working components. Should any hardware issues be raised, decision makers must act quickly and seek professional support to replace or repair the ironmongery until the door is once again fully operational. Whether in a commercial, residential, or institutional space, a functional fire door is paramount in delivering a building’s fire safety, but only when operating in tandem with ironmongery can it deliver its purpose. All stakeholders and responsible persons found throughout the supply chain must recognise this significant relationship between ironmongery and fire safety, or risk falling short of stringent fire safety standards. Because, simply put, door hardware is more than just a finishing touch, it’s a fire safety enabler.
Homeowners looking to upgrade their abodes this year can look to suggestions from property experts for must-have fixtures and fittings to add convenience and luxury to homes. From smart and handy devices to reliable and quality appliances, the experts at North Sands Developments have compiled their list of recommendations for ways to improve and upgrade your home for the future. As many of us are staying indoors – working from home, looking after our loved ones and home-schooling our children, it’s no surprise that there has been an increase in the number of people wishing to make improvements to their home, to ensure it’s a comfortable and relaxing place to live. Upgrading fixtures and fittings will not only optimise living but also add value to your property if you are looking to sell in the future. “Last year saw all of us adjust to spending more time at home than ever before. Consequently, our daily routines and working patterns are changing and we find ourselves seeking ways to make these new habits more comfortable, enjoyable and beneficial to our lifestyle,” said James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments. “The team at North Sands Developments have more than a decade of experience in creating homes for families and young professionals and all properties are designed to suit all lifestyles, providing space, plenty of natural light and quality fittings throughout to optimise happy and healthy living. With that in mind, we have compiled this list of fixtures and fittings you shouldn’t live without to improve your home.” Here is the list of five fixtures and fittings you shouldn’t live without: 1. Smart technology Smart technology for the home has seen a huge increase in demand over recent years, as the scope of devices available continues to expand with more innovative and creative options. From smart doorbells to wireless speakers, virtual assistant artificial intelligence (AI), and light and heating controls, there are plenty of devices available on the market to kit out your home with the latest and best tech on offer. For added peace of mind, installing home security cameras are a good option to keep your property safe. Having an outside view of callers at the front door will allow you to see who it is without opening the door – particularly useful during lockdown, and many devices also let you speak to the person via an intercom system, so you can turn them away if necessary. Smart heating and lighting are also a great upgrade for your home, allowing you to control the lights and temperature from your smartphone via an app. Whether you’re out of the house and want to come back to a warm and cosy home, or feel like having a lie in and don’t want to get out of bed, having the power to switch the heating on from your phone can really increase your comfort. 2. Reliable internet connection Working from home has forced many of us to make some major adjustments to our routines, and has exposed the fact that our internet connection may not be up to the task! A reliable internet connection is vital for home working, and for enjoying your favourite streaming service with the rest of the family, so it is worth investing in fibre broadband if possible. It is easy to check online whether fibre broadband is available in your area, and the process of having it installed and hardwired throughout the home is straightforward – it is worth looking into so that you can always stay connected. 3. Underfloor heating As winter is now well and truly here, investing in underfloor heating is one home improvement that can have a huge impact on your living space. Often more efficient and effective than a traditional boiler, it can provide you with savings in the long-term and is a cosy and luxurious treat for your feet. 4. Quality kitchen appliances More time spent indoors and the closure of our local restaurants and cafes means we are utilising our kitchen space more frequently. It is therefore worthwhile fitting out your kitchen with quality appliances that are going to last and prove reliable with prolonged usage – this includes plenty of cupboard storage space to ensure you always have supplies at hand. For a taste of something different, consider installing an instant hot water tap so that you always have boiling water on hand for those much-needed teas and coffees. Alternatively, why not choose a coffee machine that will keep you going throughout the day with your favourite blends? Having a large American-style fridge freezer will also ensure you can stay stocked up with your preferred ingredients, and many designs come with built-in ice and filtered water machines – perfect for cocktail hour and the warmer summer months. 5. Windows and doors for natural light Improving your property with quality double glazing is a great investment that instantly transforms your home and provides long-term performance and cost savings. Choosing to install new windows and doors throughout your home will help to regulate the temperature in your home, keeping the heat in during winter and remaining cool during the summer, so you can save on energy bills and enjoy ambient temperatures all year round. There will be a dramatic difference in the level of outside noise from nearby roads and traffic too, making your house a peaceful and quiet haven. It will also go a long way in increasing the amount of natural light that your home lets in – a key factor in our mental wellbeing, helping us to stay productive and positive as we stay at home. To maximise the daylight in your house, consider installing patio or bi-fold doors that look out onto your outside space, or a skylight window in the ceiling – an increasingly popular option that allows light to flood in from above.
Blinds are essential in your household as they provide privacy for everyone who’s inside. You don’t want other people to take a peep inside your home and see what’s happening. Not only can they invade your privacy, but they might even see the inside of your house and watch where you keep your valuables. Apart from privacy, blinds also help to provide elegance and sophistication inside the room. These also provide excellent credibility in controlling the light that passes inside the room as the slats are equally distributed. With that, you need to look for the best blinds you could install in your home. There are plenty of stores like makemyblinds.co.uk where you can find blinds. Just ensure that these are reputable companies. Listed below are the different types of blinds you could choose from: 1. Venetian Blinds Venetian blinds are among the most popular and common types as they provide a classic look for anyone’s home. A Venetian blind has horizontal slats that use aluminum, wood, or plastic as its primary material. You can adjust how the slats go by twisting the wand, and the slats can face upwards or downwards, depending on how you decide to operate it. The way the slats move will determine the direction of the sunlight that goes through inside your home. You can also control how much or how little you’d like your room to lighten up. If you’d like the full light to come inside your homes, you can adjust the height of the Venetian blind by pulling the lift strings downwards, and the full slats should lift upwards, folding into one another. 2. Vertical Blinds A vertical blind works similarly to a Venetian blind, but it moves from side to side rather than going in an up and down motion. A vertical blind has thicker slats that are usually the preferred choice of blinds for office or patio use as they provide a classic and conventional look that’ll look best at any formal setting. They’re also perfect for floor-to-ceiling windows as they can help promote and highlight the windows’ height, allowing the room to look taller and more spacious. 3. Mini blinds A mini blind works just like a Venetian blind, except that they have smaller slats. Each slat of a mini blind is usually one-inch thick. It’s typically perfect for small windows. You can place it in the bathroom or kitchen where the windows aren’t too big. 4. Roman Shades If you’d like to lean towards having a traditional and classic look for your window treatment, you can never go wrong with having Roman shades. A Roman shade uses fabric as its primary material rather than the usual plastic, aluminum, and wood. You can compare a roman shade to a curtain due to the same materials, but it lays more flatly on your windows. A Roman shade is raised and folds itself once you decide to pull them to allow more light to come inside the room. It can be similar to a vertical blind, only that it doesn’t have slats, but rather a whole fabric that folds up. There is no gap in between, which disallows you to control the light’s direction coming inside the room. With a Roman shade, it can stand as a perfect window treatment if you have a traditional or Victorian-themed home. 5. Roller Shades One of the most basic yet popular shades of all time is a roller shade. A roller shade usually uses the material of either synthetic or natural fabrics that roll up and down. Unlike Venetian and vertical blinds, a roller shade doesn’t have any slats, but rather a whole piece of large fabric. When you want to lift the shade, the fabric can move upwards to allow more light to enter the room. Depending on the fabric that your roller blind has, it can act as thermal or blackout blinds that can benefit the entire household highly. With a thermal fabric, you can block the heat from coming inside and keep it on the other side without letting it pass through the room. For a blackout fabric, you can expect no light to come inside your homes, especially during the night when you’re highly sensitive to light as you go to sleep. 6. Cellular Shades If you’re looking for a cheaper yet effective way to promote proper insulation inside your home, the cellular shade would be the perfect window treatment for you. While the cellular shades may not be everyone’s favourite look for their shade, they’re unique for a reason. A cellular shade has a honeycomb shape on each bar that’s responsible for insulation. The honeycomb can hold the heated air, not allowing it to enter your home. A cellular shade uses thin fabric as its primary material. Hence, it’s one of the cheapest types of blinds available for your household. Not only is it cheap, but it can also help you save money on heating or cooling the room as you don’t have a constant battle with the outside temperature coming inside your homes. 7. Panel Blinds Panel blinds may be similar to a vertical blind as each slat comes in an upright shape. However, with a panel blind, the blinds only have four wide sections compared with vertical blinds which have many thin slats. In most cases, panel blinds are used for vast and floor-to-ceiling windows to provide full coverage. They’re perfect for any type of room as long as it has a broad set of windows. With a panel blind, you can’t expect it to tilt to control the amount of light inside the room, but you can, instead, slide it across the room to allow maximum light to come inside. A panel blind uses soft fabrics and can be a cheaper alternative to other options. Conclusion While there are different types of blinds available, ensure that you purchase one that fits
In the modern-day, interior designers and architects are using metal for safety and decorations. They use the finishing for protecting the walls from cracks and chipping. Modern homes are utilizing the metal corner guards in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. The simple option to décor is durable and robust for all kinds of building designs. There are numerous reason to install corner guards in-home or workplaces; Acts as reinforcement to the wall corners The corners at the wall are the first places prone to damage in a new home. It is vital to reinforce the parts to minimize the risk of damage. Guards will offer protection against dents, scratches, and cracks. Places with massive traffic of users and lots of movement to assets need this kind of property proofing. The corner guards make the wall corners resistant to the constant collision with movable items. Offer Protection to walls in Industrial Places Companies that engage in industrial work are in the constant movement of raw materials and machines. The walls are prone to damage when the heavy items hit against the walls. Corners guards protect the most vulnerable part of the wall. Industrial buildings are investing in the metal corner guards that offer strong protection to the building. It is an excellent investment to increase the value of a property and avoid frequent repair costs. Prevents Injuries to Occupants Corner guards offer protection to the wall from distractive children. On the other hand, the guards will protect the child from injury upon falling. Rubber corner guards are the ideal in proofing the house. It is a preventive measure if you have kids and pets at home. They are also suitable for places with high human traffic as people get in contact with the wall edges. Protects the Wallpaper from peeling Over time, wallpapers start peeling from the wall corners. Corner guards protect the corners at the wall from wear and tear that leads to the wallpaper peeling. It keeps the interior design last longer, thus reducing the cost of maintaining the wallpaper. Prevent staining Many people tend to touch the wall corners. The practice stains the wall and it is tasking to clean dirt off the paint. Corner guards are easy to clean and it is why restaurants use them in their interior design. Kitchens are ideal places for metal and wooden corner guards that are easy to clean and maintain. Are Decorative The wooden corner guards can have a beautiful texture to it. On the other hand, metallic ones offer a nice shiny finish to the wall. Using corner guards in home interior design gives a unique touch to the outlook in the room. Homeowners have the option of painting the corner guards to blend them with the interior décor and furniture. A Variety of Materials to choose from Every home and business environment can find the right fit for the corner guard to use. The component in interior design comes in a different type of material according to the need. They come in varying gauge and size. The most common materials in the industry are metal, rubber, synthetic, vinyl, and wood. Saves money Unprotected walls are prone to damage at home or the workplace. Corner guards aids in protecting the interior from the environment’s daily demands and activities. It costs less to install the guards than a complete renovation to the damaged space. Most Spaces need protection A lot of spaces in residential and commercial buildings are exposed to constant impact and force. Without protection, the impact will cause damage to the property. Places such as offices, restaurants, schools, and hospitals make use of equipment that causes an impact on the walls. Corner guards are a necessity in the interior design of such high traffic places. Conclusion Apart from safeguarding the life of your property and loved ones, corner guards will save you money in the long run.
Window treatments will give a new and refreshed look to your living room. Different types of window treatments are available in the current condition. You can even consider the best ones within a restricted budget. You can go with blinds Essex and windows shutters depending on your preference. It is worth mentioning that you will get unlimited options in both these types. With a flexible budget, you can go with customized window treatments. Before choosing any window treatment, know your interests. For example, if you want both protection as well as an impressive look, you can go with customized window shutters. For a contemporary look, net curtains are worth considering. Let’s cover some popular window treatments to enable you to find the one that suits your unique personality. Roller Blinds If you want a treatment that you can change with seasons, you can think of roller blinds. The fabric of these blinds can be replaced. You can change the original fabric and replace them with new ones to complement with other decors. It is cost-effective and versatile. The blind system will be in its place. You just need to change the fabric to transform the look of your living room. Also, the pelmets of blinds are replaceable. Roman Blinds Roman blinds can be the perfect treatment for small living rooms. It will help with a generous effect. These blinds will not take much space. Also, you can expect the best fit and an inspiring look even if in a restricted space. Panel Curtains Panel curtains are considered the right window treatment for all those who prefer a contemporary look. This treatment will focus on the motif to the most. You will not find any fabric folds. You can consider this patterned treatment for both small and big living room. Heavy Fabric Many of us prefer heavy fabrics. You can use this for your window. Like your sofa, it can boost the curb appeal of your living room. It will feel and look soft. Also, it drapes beautifully. If you like contemporary effects, you can choose dark shades with brighter jewel tones. Window Shutters You will have countless options in window shutters. Different designs and materials are available in the current market. You can choose any that fits your budget. If you want something different to get an inspiring look, you can go with customized solutions. These treatments are admirable and can add a wow factor to any living room. Curtain & Blinds Combinations You can consider a great combination of curtain and blinds to provide an informal and relaxed look to your living room. You will have to be extra careful while choosing designs. You can go with the same collection if you want a great combination of both. Net Curtains Net curtains can be the right choice to get a contemporary look. It will look great and will enable you to enjoy the outside environment. Wrapping Up These are a few window treatment ideas you can consider for your living room. You can choose any idea that you find the most appreciate to create a distinct look and a favorable living environment.
Are you willing to hire a mastic man? Do you want to get a clear sense of how much a professional sealing service might cost? If so, this post is especially for you! The biggest concern of the property owners is to get the damaged surfaces repaired. If you’re too dealing with such issues, there are chances of you working closely with a mastic man. For those who don’t know, mastic men are the professionals who repair the damaged surfaces by using silicone and certain types of specialised tools. You can get these people in any location, so finding them is not a problem at all. Depending upon certain factors like location, type of sealants, damaged areas, prices of mastic services can vary. Moreover, the majority of mastic man Colchester recommends using silicone sealant because of its water-resistant ability. So, Mastic Men Services Mastic men offers a broad range of services, but you can also find the ones who are specialised in specific areas only. So, depending upon the requirements, look for the one who is experienced and certified. Also, different mastic men use different types of techniques for repairing different types of damages. For example, the repair services for wet surfaces will obviously differ from joints. Below are the common services offered by the mastic men : Kitchens Flooring Joints Window/Door Frames Expansion Joints Wet And Dry Surfaces The Cost Of Hiring A Mastic Man The cost of mastic service will depend mainly on the job along with certain factors such as the location you live, damaged surfaces that you need to repair, type of sealant used by the professional etc. Below are the approximate prices for different kind of jobs : There is a wide range of sealant that can be used by the mastic professionals. The charge of the sealant tube is included in the cost. It depends on the type and color of the sealant. Usually, one good quality sealant tube ranges from £2.00 to £10.00. Depending upon the job, you may require any number of sealant tubes. Services Cost The service cost also depends on the type of job that needs to be done. Obviously a small job will cost much less than a bigger one. Many professionals ask for a site inspection for providing an estimated cost value. You can easily get 3 to 5 online quotes and select the right one for yourself. Here are the rough numbers : £45.00 – This is the minimum cost of a mastic man. It includes all kinds of basic jobs such as kitchen platform, shower, single bath etc. that are well prepared for the sealing. £75.00 – This includes minor areas like shower tray, kitchen platform, single bathroom that needs to be cleaned before resealing. Basically, the service includes removal of moldy sealants and cleaning with anti-mould fungicides. £95-125.00 – This price range includes full bathroom services provided that the area is cleaned and ready to be sealed. £125-155.00 – This cost is for the full bathroom but the services include removal of old sealant. That’s all. Hopefully this helps you!
At a time when there’s enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene, whether in the home or in the workplace, it’s reassuring to know that the moulded range of products from Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – possesses inherent anti-bacterial properties that can help in the fight against disease and infection. The Knightsbridge moulded range is produced using Urea Formaldehyde, a high-grade thermoset material which has properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. In addition, Knightsbridge’s precision manufacturing methods result in fine, scratch free faces – avoiding dirt traps in which harmful microscopic organisms might lodge. The range’s high gloss, high quality materials’ resistance to scratching helps maintain product appearance over the longer term too. The range makes a positive contribution to reducing instances of the most commonly encountered bacterial forms such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella Pneumoniae and E-Coli and Salmonella. From socket and switch socket outlets, plate and dimmer switch modules; through to coaxial media outlets, Euro and modular data faceplates plates; the range is truly comprehensive and easy to install. While there’s no substitute for proper cleaning and vigilance, Urea Formaldehyde’s established anti-bacterial properties help the Knightsbridge moulded range of wiring devices and accessories contribute beneficially to any home or commercial hygiene regime. For further details of Knightsbridge’s innovative wiring accessory and lighting products, please visit www.mlaccessories.co.uk or call 01582 887760.
Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the UK’s public health countermeasures, many industry suppliers have seen demand for some products rocket. Online retailer, Zoro, supplies businesses across all industries with the tools and equipment they need to get on with the job, over 310,000 products. In recent weeks the company has seen a huge surge in demand , with Zoro’s staff working non-stop to keep UK industry moving and people at home fully occupied. Chris Matenaers, marketing director at Zoro said: “Compared to the same period last year, we have seen demand across some products more than double. “Our office staff are working from home and staff in our warehouse are using appropriate PPE with strict social distancing rules in operation. Our teams are working longer than usual hours to get the much-needed supplies out of the door, to keep UK industry workforces safe.” An NHS nurse commented: “Had a hard time looking for a respirator (I am an ITU nurse in NHS and currently taking care of COVID-19 patients) and I am lucky enough to buy one from Zoro. It arrived after 2 working days (free shipping) and as expected. Thank you very much. Now I am more confident to work.” Zoro are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and customers are being advised to expect a slightly longer delivery time due to the unprecedented demand. Matenaers said: “Delivery times are a little longer than usual as the pandemic takes its toll on both supply chain and demand on courier companies. We appreciate the patience of our customers while we work to get products out of the door.” Although delivery times are slower during this time, a customer on TrustPilot commented: “A lot of sites have increased prices on certain items considerably since lockdown! This company has not! Excellent prices and quick delivery […] highly recommend.” The buying team is focused on finding replacements for out of stock items and working with suppliers to identify new products, such as signs for social distancing signs. Marcus Nelson, managing director of Zoro said: “We are monitoring the situation daily, listening to government advice. The safety of our workforce is of paramount importance and I’m extremely proud of their dedication and hard work every day during this difficult time. “We are proud to be supplying NHS nurses and front line key workers with PPE. I want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything we can to keep the stock that is in high demand coming into our warehouse, then getting it out of the door as quickly as possible.” For more information visit www.zoro.co.uk.
How does a medium sized, niche business navigate through numerous conformance requirements to secure its place in today’s construction supply chains? The construction industry has always presented opportunities for the army of innovative and specialised small and medium sized business based in the UK. For every £1 spent by the industry in the UK, around 90p remains on-shore, and on top of that, 99.9% of businesses in the sector are classed as SMEs.[1] But large main contractors and public sector organisations are operating under increased demands for accountability, and that means requiring high standards of conformance from every business in their supply chain. How does that look for a medium sized, niche organisation? Founded nearly fifty years ago, Wiltshire manufacturing company Audience Systems is the UK market leader in a very specialist industry – retractable and auditorium seating. Employing around 120 people in the UK, Audience Systems turns over around £11m, with a growing export presence, particularly in North America and Australia. The company tends to work directly with main contractors on new builds and major refits, and with venue managers in sport, education and the arts on refurbishments. Many of its projects are in the public sector. “Ten years ago, the quality landscape was very different for us,” says Managing Director Keith Ritson. “We had strong relationships with clients, and healthy scores on contractors’ databases based on a good record of work. Our products were tested to the relevant standards, and we had an internal quality systems and training schemes in place, supported by industry-wide training such as CSCS.” “But main contractors are being asked by their clients to hold their entire supply chain to the same standards which apply to themselves, and this means that smaller businesses are being held to the same rigorous obligations as large corporate organisations.” Change has come from multiple directions, and Audience Systems has had to innovate to keep up. Some changes have benefitted them – for example, when the Department for Education issued their latest design brief for school premises, it included a requirement for auditorium seats to conform to the relevant British standard at the highest level. That gave the company an immediate advantage. They had always emphasized strength in the design of their products, and most of their range was already certified to that level. Other requirements have proved more onerous. “In the UK, many of our clients have moved to Constuctionline Gold accreditation as a minimum requirement for subcontractors. It’s been a jump up from the Silver accreditation we already had, asking about issues from BIM to GDPR to modern slavery, and although the vast majority of the work has been around creating more official documentation of processes we already had in place, it’s still a big undertaking for a small management team.” Another unexpected challenge was the exclusion of the seating installation trade from the general CSCS scheme. Audience Systems had to innovate quickly, leading the industry in creating a bespoke NVQ programme for all site staff to ensure ongoing access to sites. Again, a major project for a medium-sized manufacturing business to take on. The compliance landscape continues to evolve and work is ongoing across the company, from R&D to Quality to Purchasing to anticipate and meet future requirements. “Of course, much of this work brings benefits – the NVQ scheme for instance, is far more fit for purpose than the old CSCS card scheme. Developing products that conform to US standards has helped us open up a major new market. But it’s also essential for us to still have time to do the things that enthuse us – improving products, developing new products and applications and continuing to expand our export businesses. We don’t just want to be meeting requirements, we want to be doing the exciting things – and doing them well. “The key to it is to make sure that where our customers ask more from us, we accommodate them in a way that works for us. That’s the only way we can avoid being overwhelmed by compliance issues, and use them to our advantage.” [1] https://www.bsigroup.com/Global/BSI%20UK%20SME%20Landscape%20Report%20-%20Stage%201.pdf
