August 2018

Industry News
LONG LEAD-TIMES
Contractors are being warned of delays in
delivery times of up to 4-5 weeks compared
to the usual 3-5 days for popular mineral
wool products used to insulate buildings.
Despite UK manufacturers running production
lines at full capacity around the clock,
Construction Materials Online (CMO) says the
industry is struggling to keep up with growing
demand for glass and mineral wool products.
Mineral wool and glass wool insulation is
chosen for its acoustic and thermal quality.
However, popular brands are reportedly
dealing with increased demand which is
causing long delays. Duncan Voice, Store
Manager at Insulation Superstore, an online
brand of Construction Materials Online
(CMO), says this calls for a change of
approach: “The industry needs to know the
serious impact of these delays and be
prepared for the wait. They need to plan
ahead and buy in advance, or they need to
have a ‘plan B’.
“We are always upfront and honest about the
extended delivery lead-times and do
everything we can to deal with customers’
disappointment. But some orders have been
cancelled as project managers are forced to
go back to the drawing board. We are here to
help problem solve, so when customers are
‘up against it’, in terms of time and budget,
we’re able to advise alternative products we
can get to them much quicker.
“Luckily, there are alternatives that can be on
site within days, have better performance
and are easier to install, and consumers are
happy with the results too. We’re seeing an
upsurge in sales of sheep wool products,
which although slightly higher in price, have
better thermal and acoustic performance.
Contractors are finding the price is offset by
avoiding costly delays on site.”
LCB ROOFERS WIN SKILLBUILD REGIONALS
Leeds College of Building is celebrating after 11
of its students won medals in the regional
competitions of SkillBuild 2018 including Gold,
Silver and bronze in the Roofing category for Joe
Turner, Jay Webster and Kieran Langhan
respectively. Delivered by the CITB, SkillBuild is
the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for Leeds College of Building students with their awards.
construction trainees and apprentices.
whether any of the top-scoring competitors will
be selected for the three-day UK SkillBuild
The College attained a total of four gold, six
National Final, which is held at the NEC
silvers, and one bronze medal, seeing off
Birmingham from 16-18 November. Winners may
competition from hundreds of other construction
then gain the opportunity to represent the UK in
students from colleges across the UK:
the international skills competitions EuroSkills
Roofing: Joe Turner (Gold), Jay Webster (Silver), and WorldSkills.
Kieran Langhan (Bronze)
Mark Sims, Lecturer at Leeds College of Building,
Carpentry: James Hattersley (Silver, Senior said: “We are so pleased with this year’s results.
category)
All of our students worked so hard and
represented the college impeccably. They really
Bricklaying: Luke Kerrigan (Silver, New Entrant
did us proud! These results would not have been
category), Tim Smith (Silver, Senior category)
possible if it wasn’t for the dedication of each
Plastering: Luke Palmer (Gold, Senior category), competitor and the staff who trained our students
Ryan Lill (Silver, New Entrant category)
to these high standards.
Dry Lining: Jake Emery (Gold), Carla Dibb (Silver) “A special mention goes to the roof slating and
tiling students who did particularly well, winning
Wall & Floor Tiling: Callum Pearson (Gold,
all of the top three places in their category, and
Senior category)
the wall and floor tiling students also took the top
Students are now awaiting the decision as to two places in their category.”
THE HEART OF THE MATTER FOR SR TIMBER
SR Timber is to partner with the British Heart coordinate its fundraising activities for the
Foundation (BHF) to raise much-needed funds charity, which holds poignant significance for
for the charity, which is the biggest independent staff.
funder of cardiovascular research in the UK.
“Actively supporting charities has become an
The company is keen to develop a closer, longerterm
relationship with the charity, having
we’ve got a good track record of raising large
important part of the fabric of SR Timber, and
previously raised more than £5,000 in 2016 after sums of money,” said Steve.
two of its team climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
SR Timber’s Trading Director Shaun Revill
The partnership is a move away from one-off, explained: “I’m really proud of the team for
flagship fundraising events to a more consistent coming together to support the BHF, and
approach throughout the year. SR Timber has everyone’s excited about what we can do in the
appointed Steve Hill to the role of Heart Monitor to coming months.”
8 TC AUGUST 2018