March 2018

Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF
REDLAND
Welcome to the launch issue of Total Contractor, an exciting, new,
monthly magazine exclusively for contractors who operate in the
roofing, cladding and insulation markets.
In what has been a turbulent couple of years for these markets and the
wider construction sector in general, now, more than ever, it’s important
to not only debate the issues, share opinions and take note of the
seemingly constant updates to regulations and technology – which of
course we will do in the pages of Total Contractor – but also shine a light
on the quality work and impressive projects which contractors carry out
every day. Whether they are small residential roof refurbs, or large
commercial developments, Total Contractor will focus on the role of the
contractor and their work in completing these projects.
Above: Truro-based roofer Tom Knight, who was Highly Commended in
Redland’s Apprentice of the Year competition 2017, pictured working on site
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Everyone likes a bit of advice from time to time – not that we always take
it onboard! – but at Total Contractor we’ll be bringing you regular top tips
for best practice both in the office and on site. In this issue, for example,
we take a look at what contractors need to consider if they’re thinking of
adding a drone to their tool-kit – and there’s a lot more to it than you
might think! (p.14); we also hear how smartphone use on site might be
more dangerous than you think (p.18); plus, we take a look at some of the
options contractors can take to reduce their van insurance costs (p.78).
So read on for all this and so much more including how the new dry-fix
Standard BS 6812 might impact you (p.20); plus we hear one
contractor’s strong views on the growing gulf between justified and
unjustified material price rises (p.82).
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Matt
LOW PRICE
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or websites, provided for the sake of convenience and interest. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising
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MARCH 2018 TC 3