January 2024

Facades
COLLABORATION: THE KEY TO SAFER
FACADE SPECIFICATION
Total Contractor caught up with Coral Morgan, Minster Technical Sales Manager, to hear
how distributors can support contractors with all aspects of facade specification...
In the wake of significant reform to the
regulatory framework surrounding façade
installation and specification, contractors
across the industry face real challenges to ensure
systems are compliant with legislation. The
Building Safety Act aims to enforce more robust
fire safety provisions in relevant buildings,
promoting improved standards of workmanship
and ensuring correct specification of materials,
resulting in better schemes which fully integrate
construction guidance and industrial requirements.
Championing a collaborative approach, specialist
distributor Minster is at the forefront of the
transition, offering technical expertise and
support to maximise the build efficiency and
technical performance of buildings across the
country. Minster Technical Sales Manager Coral
Morgan specialises in technical project support,
leveraging relationships with key suppliers to
deliver solutions expertise. We caught up with her
to discuss the role of distributors in supporting the
facade specification journey and the importance of
supply chain collaboration and knowledge-sharing
to deliver safer facade systems.
Facades: A changing landscape
Driven by regulatory reform, the landscape in
which facades are specified has changed
dramatically in recent years. Nevertheless,
façade systems continue to play a significant role
in contemporary architecture.
With the introduction of the Building Safety Act in
2022 and the additional scrutiny placed on
façade installations across the industry, fire
safety and the specification of appropriate
systems is a key concern. Clearly, the aim is to
keep the risk to occupant safety as low as
possible. However, each project is different and has
its own unique requirements. One of the
main aspects of building a safer
future is how building regulations
interact with each other, ensuring a
building performs safely, efficiently
and sustainably. From this perspective,
if we are to truly achieve robust
specification, a consideration of all requirements –
thermal, acoustic and fire – is crucial. This is where
technical support and the role of well-trained
distributor teams working collaboratively with
manufacturers can make a real difference.
Distributors occupy a unique space between
manufacturers and contractors, and those
committed to employee training and collaboration
play an important role in driving building standards
throughout the construction industry.
“Collaboration within
the supply chain is the
linchpin for achieving
robust facade
specification”
Aside from stocking solutions; distributors should
understand them. They should understand their
applications, the differing regulations that must be
met and how each system impacts the technical
performance of a building. This is something we
have invested in significantly at Minster, throughout
every level of the business. At a time when clarity
around façade installations has been tricky to come
by, we knew that to fulfil our commitment to our
customers, having the ability to provide unrivalled
levels of technical support is crucial.
To this end, our supplier relationships and the
close collaboration we have with manufacturers
are pivotal, ensuring that, through knowledge-
sharing and robust training
frameworks, all our staff are
equipped with the technical knowhow
to deliver what we promise.
Partnerships for success
Knowledge is central to success and when
it comes to façade specification this phrase rings
very true. Supply-chain collaboration is key if a
better understanding of systems, products,
project-specific challenges and regulations are to
be achieved. At Minster we deploy a range of
knowledge-sharing initiatives to ensure our
teams have the in-depth technical knowledge
required. ‘Tech Talks’ covering various topics,
from new products and installation tips to
regulatory updates and technical insight are run
regularly and are accessible to our entire branch
network. We welcome a variety of speakers,
including representatives from leading
manufacturers and are pleased to say they are
well attended by colleagues across the country.
They provide a fantastic opportunity to keep up
with industry news, product innovations and
installation recommendations, ensure we are
equipped with the latest technical knowledge and
information possible.
Collaboration within the supply chain is the
linchpin for achieving robust facade specification.
The dynamic nature of the facade landscape,
intensified by regulatory reforms like the Building
Safety Act, demands a collective effort; only then
will greater standards of competency be realised
– and safer, more sustainable buildings achieved.
Contact Minster
www.minsteronline.co.uk
Minster
34 TC JANUARY 2024