August 2018

Editor’s Comment
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
COVER PIC:
COURTESY OF MARLEY ETERNIT
Most industries suffer from traders looking to make quick money
from cheap, imitation goods. Whether it be an imitation watch, the
latest bag, trainers, or jeans, if the original is popular and
expensive, the chances are someone somewhere is producing a
version of it for a fraction of the price.
Despite it being illegal and the proceeds often funding organised crime,
those who purchase an imitation watch or fashion item do so knowing
it will be an inferior version that won’t last or perform to the same
standards as the original – but ultimately it won’t harm them. But can
the same be said if it’s an electrical item or even worse, counterfeit
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Counterfeit PPE is a very real
problem on construction sites throughout the UK, and in his article on
p.20, Gary Walpole of the NFRC addresses the issue and outlines ways
to ensure you can spot such equipment and ensure your PPE performs
to the right standards. As Gary explains, it’s not an area where you
should look to make savings.
Elsewhere in this issue, Ian Hollingworth looks at the implications for
sub-contractors after the High Court found that a roofing firm that
caused a fire at a school in London was not protected by a project
policy (p.24); Andy King talks difficult customers and why he feels a
grasp of contract law is crucial for contractors (p.26); John Mercer
discusses the implications for contractors following the latest
amendments to BS: 5534 (p.32); and we have the latest news and
updates from the roofing, cladding and insulation sectors.
Enjoy the issue!
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Matt
LOW PRICE
Above: Andy Rowlands hand-cut close to 60,000 Acme double camber clay
plain tiles for the roof at Quintain House. We hear his tips for clay roofs on p.44
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AUGUST 2018 TC 3