Building and Facilities News Issue 1006

Tel: 0121 550 4593 ● www.buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk ● May ● Issue 1006

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Noise monitoring

instruments from

noise experts Page 17

Hochiki

16

Arco

18

Dual

Pumps

20

Roofing

2

BFN is sponsored by Blended Products – see them on page 7

Editor’s Comments

Welcome to our

May issue, where

we dive into the

latest advancements,

practical insights,

and groundbreaking

innovations shaping

the building and

facilities industries.

The Installer Show returns to the NEC

Birmingham from 24–26 June 2025! Don’t miss

our exclusive preview on page 5, featuring

everything from cutting-edge product launches

and expert demonstrations to interactive

content zones and the vibrant Festival of

Tiling. Discover the latest innovations and the

manufacturing technologies shaping the future

of the surfaces sector.

Blended

Products

is one of

our Top

Exhibitors

at The

Installer

Show

2025 and

will be showcasing

its market-leading products at Stand 5B128.

The main products on display will include:

Thermablend-TX, a range of geothermal

heat transfer fluids offering a variety of

key functions for ground or air source heat

pumps, underfloor heating, and solar thermal

applications; Thermablend-Lo, a nonhazardous

heat transfer fluid with marketleading

thermal conductivity and low viscosity;

Contents

Nicola Yoxall

Editor & Office Manager

and Serviceblend AIR, an all-inone

biocide and inhibitor solution

for use in air source pumps and

closed-loop heating and cooling

systems.

Other show reviews: The UK

Concrete Show 2024, Futurebuild.

Other topics covered: Roofing, Environmental,

Appointments News, Landscaping, External

Works & Drainage, Facilities & Estate

Management, Heating, Ventilation & Air

Conditioning, Doors & Windows, Fire Safety,

Health & Safety, Building Products & Services,

Lighting & Electrical.

Share all news:

info@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Building and

Facilities News

InstallerSHOW Preview 5-7

InstallerSHOW is the UK’s

must-visit event focusing

on sustainability in

the built environment,

bringing together more

than 800 exhibitors and

30,000 visitors.

Facilities & Estate

Management 10-12

The on-site parking

for guests visiting

Pantglas Hall

holiday resort in

Carmarthenshire has been upgraded

thanks to Sync Energy.

The UK Concrete Show

2024 Review 13

The UK Concrete Show

is in its 13th year, 10%

larger, and covers all

things concrete.

Health & Safety 17

When your site

demands dependable,

high-performance

hoists, Direct Hoist

delivers.

Contacts

On the Cover

Editor & Office Manager, Nicola Yoxall – 0121 550 4593

nicolayoxall@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Editorial, Gina Burton – 07483 931474 – gina@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Production Manager, Robert Sharp

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Cirrus Research 17

Since 1970, Cirrus Research plc

has been at the forefront of noise

measurement innovation, developing

solutions that make monitoring and

managing noise and vibration easier,

more efficient, and more accessible.

Building Products &

Services 18-19

Arco, the UK and

Ireland’s leading

safety expert, opens

its doors on a cuttingedge

Customer

Discovery Centre.

Accounts Department, Paul Whitaker – 0121 824 4742

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

For more information or format requirements, see our Media Pack

Unless stated as news, the entire content of this publication is advertorial based.

To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 4593.

Futurebuild Review 22

Futurebuild

2025, held at

London’s ExCeL

from 4-6 March

2025, has once

again proven

itself as the premier event uniting the

built environment.

BFN is sponsored

by Blended

Products – see

them on page 7

Environmental

Fourth acquisition for Environmental

Essentials as it goes back to its

roots in buy & build drive

BGF-backed Environmental Essentials has

completed its fourth acquisition, going back to its

roots by acquiring another asbestos consultancy.

Environmental Essentials, which is one of the UK's

leading asbestos service providers, has acquired

Omega Asbestos Consulting Ltd for an undisclosed

sum. The deal strengthens the company's core

proposition, while providing a significant route into

untapped markets, including telecoms, utilities and

specialist manufacturing.

It follows the acquisitions of Adams Environmental,

Quality Environmental Services Ltd and Callidus

Health & Safety Limited, which helped to diversify

Environmental Essential's service offering

alongside asbestos management, adding health

and safety, water and air hygiene to its capabilities.

Durham-based Omega specialises in asbestos

management, including surveys, sampling and

testing, training, compliance audits and project

management for the removal of asbestos.

Employing 30 people, the company works

across a variety of sectors, such as telecoms and

healthcare, working alongside a number of NHS

Trusts.

As part of the deal, Omega Managing Director,

Gary McKendrick, will exit the business. His

senior management team, including Commercial

Director, Steve Hubery, and Operations Director,

Why should builders

choose SterlingOSB

Zero over plywood?

West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero,

is often seen in restaurants,

exhibitions and retail outlets where

the theme is ‘natural’, ‘eco’, and

‘earthy’. It is also commonly used as

a hoarding panel for building sites,

or for boarding up broken windows.

The fundamental engineered panel

is, most commonly however, used

in most new and refurbishment

building projects. It’s a precisionengineered

square edge, and

tongue & groove board, which

is used in flooring, roofing and

offsite cassette or timber frame

manufacturing. Plywood can

probably do the same job; but

OSB excels for both practical

and economic reasons and is

Craig Johnston, will remain

with the company along

with other staff members,

bringing a wealth of

expertise and knowledge to

Environmental Essentials.

Commenting on the deal,

Richard Powner, Executive

Director and co-founder of

Environmental Essentials,

said, "After expanding our

compliance proposition with a trio of acquisitions,

we have gone back to our roots by investing in

an excellent asbestos management business that

is perfectly aligned with us – both culturally and

strategically.

"Omega has a strong presence in the North East,

helping to strengthen our footprint in the region,

while also bridging the gap between our Stokeon-Trent

headquarters and other key geographic

locations, such as Scotland, where we already

support a number of customers."

Alex Sleeth, Executive Chairman at Environmental

Essentials, added, "Omega has an excellent

reputation, both in the North East and nationwide,

driven by a highly regarded senior management

team and built on a clear set of values and culture.

more aesthetically pleasing. The

Zero refers to the fact that there

is no added formaldehyde in the

formulation which is important

for the health of contractors and

building occupants. As a bonus,

zero formaldehyde resins are made

of bio-based feedstocks rather

than petroleum-based alternatives

which gives them a lower carbon

footprint.

While OSB is really popular in

terms of technical benefits, in these

days of environmental awareness

and Net Zero, SterlingOSB Zero is

assisting the construction industry

to cut carbon emissions. The board

is manufactured from a natural

product which in itself locks in CO2

from the atmosphere, with the

myriad strands of softwood coming

from forest thinnings and sawmills’

off-cuts. Plywood, on the other

hand, needs the peeling of much

larger tree trunks taking longer to

grow.

For further information,

call 01786 812921 or visit:

https://uk.westfraser.com

"When you combine the natural synergies that exist

Pioneering sustainable

luxury living

Altoria Homes, a Northumberlandbased

luxury home developer

founded in 2016 by Alan and

Victoria Fleming, is building solid

eco foundations with its dedication

to environmentally friendly

construction and sustainability.

The company, well known for

its high-end developments in

Stannington and Blyth, is now

focusing on their latest project – a

bungalow development in West

Thirston near Felton. This new

development, designed with the

environment in mind, is designed

to be as energy efficient as

possible, featuring electric vehicle

chargers, air source heat pumps,

and underfloor heating reaffirming

Altoria Homes commitment to green

living.

In a bold move to further boost

their sustainability efforts, Altoria

Homes has partnered with local

entrepreneur and Stannington

farmer Michael Dungait, founder of

Green Acres, a Northumberlandbased

initiative that offers carbon

offsetting solutions through local

action. Rather than relying on largescale

international carbon-offset

programmes, Green Acres focuses

on localised efforts such as tree and

between the two businesses

with the significant

market opportunities

and efficiencies that can

be gained through the

acquisition, then this deal

makes perfect sense for

everyone involved."

BGF first invested in

Environmental Essentials in

2015 to help the company

cement its position across the UK as a 'one-stopshop'

for key compliance services, including

asbestos management, water hygiene and fire risk

management.

BGF investor, Jon Earl, commented,

"Environmental Essentials has started 2025 with

the same appetite and intention as the last,

successfully executing a buy and build strategy

that allows the team to bolster its capabilities to

meet the growing needs of customers across the

compliance landscape.

"In what is our tenth year as investment partner,

we're delighted to see the same drive and ambition

as the first, supporting them as they grow through

a truly long-term flexible approach."

https://environmentalessentials.co.uk

www.bgf.co.uk

hedge planting, bee hive cultivation,

and grassland management. This

partnership allows Altoria Homes to

visibly reduce their carbon footprint

right in their own backyard.

Through the collaboration with

Green Acres, Altoria Homes has

already planted 150 trees, helping to

offset the carbon produced during

the construction process. These

eco-friendly initiatives, combined

with state-of-the-art energy systems

like underfloor heating and air

source heat pumps, ensure that

Altoria's homes set a new standard

for sustainability in luxury living. By

working together, Altoria Homes

and Green Acres are setting a new

standard for sustainability in the

construction industry, showing that

luxury and eco-friendliness can go

hand in hand.

www.altoriahomes.co.uk

4


InstallerSHOW Preview

Get ready for InstallerSHOW 2025!

featuring the latest product innovations, surface

design trends, practical demonstrations,

up-to-the-minute installation advice, sectorleading

masterclasses, and curated product

presentations.

The Festival of Tiling at this year’s show

features prestigious exhibitors from the tiling

and surfaces sector including Aparici, Amadis,

Dune, Revoir Paris, Iris Ceramica and Revigres.

InstallerSHOW is the UK’s must-visit event

focusing on sustainability in the built

environment, bringing together more than 800

exhibitors and 30,000 visitors across three halls

and three days at the NEC Birmingham from

24-26 June 2025.

This must-attend event welcomes 30,000

professionals including installers, specifiers,

developers, housebuilders, and decisionmakers

from across the heat, water, air, energy,

and built environment sectors. It’s the UK’s

leading destination to discover new products,

connect with manufacturers, grow your

network, learn from expert-led sessions, and

stay on top of industry trends that help drive

your projects and business forward.

In addition to the wealth of technologies and

services on show, including a raft of new

product launches, InstallerSHOW incorporates

multiple live content areas which offer an

informative and engaging timetable featuring a

roster of compelling hosts and speakers.

InstallerSHOW 2025 will deliver an unparalleled

experience for the tiling and surfaces sectors,

Plus, visitors can see brands such as Topps

Tiles, Monumental Tiles, Parkside Architectural,

STS, NoMorePly, Beava, Bihui, ProTilerTools,

TileEasy, Montolit, Rubi, Mapei, Schluter

Systems, Marmox and Hanson Plywood,

alongside kitchen and bathroom retailers

including Crosswater, Grant Westfield and Easy

Bathrooms.

The Surface Area attraction combines expert

demonstrations with a showcase of the

manufacturing technologies driving product

development in the surfaces sector.

Supported by organisations The Tile

Association and The Worktop Fabricators

Federation along with carefully selected

international brands, it will deliver a

comprehensive insight into the cutting-edge

techniques being employed to produce creative

and breathtaking designs, such as continuous

pressing, digital inkjet decoration, reactive

glazes, sinking inks, rectification, and polishing.

A raft of experienced experts – including Diary

of a Tile Addict’s Joe Simpson – will be on hand

throughout the show to explain the aesthetic

and technical benefits of the technologies

on display, with one-click downloadable

information available on demand.

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of

InstallerSHOW. Since the first event in 2015,

both exhibitor and visitor numbers have

increased more than tenfold – all while retaining

the sense of community and the festival feel of

the show that have made it enduringly popular.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, there will be

a number of special events and promotions

throughout the three days, including a £10k

giveaway for visitors.

www.installershow.com

BFN is sponsored by Blended Products – see them on page 7 5


Salamander Pumps to showcase

products at InstallerSHOW 2025 with

exclusive show prices available

Salamander Pumps, one of the UK’s leading

manufacturers of water boosting solutions,

will showcase a selection of its intelligent and

innovative products at InstallerSHOW 2025.

The company will be exhibiting at Stand 4K12

and showcasing its water boosting solutions

HomeBoost and TapBoost, alongside the multiaward-winning

digital water multimeter AquaScan.

Attendees at InstallerSHOW 2025 will have the

opportunity to take part in a TapBoost installation

time-trial challenge as well as purchase AquaScan

at an exclusive show price alongside other

giveaways.

Mike Oxley, training manager

at Salamander Pumps,

commented, “At InstallerSHOW

2025 there will be live demos

to walk visitors through

Salamander Pumps’ range

of products, with our team

on-hand to answer specification

queries as well as to offer

installation guidance.

“Installers to our stand will

be able to get hands-on with

AquaScan and see how it

can quickly and efficiently

provide precise diagnostic

measurements to support specification,

troubleshooting and analysis across a plumbing

system.”

AquaScan

The multi-award-winning 4-in-1 handheld digital

water multimeter provides precise, live and easy

to read measurements on water flow, pressure,

temperature and hardness via Total Dissolved

Solids.

Insights like this are essential for users when

troubleshooting issues, installing appliances or

choosing the correct boosting solution when poor

water flow arises.

Thirteen different connections

are supplied with AquaScan,

along with a robust carry case,

allowing it to be fitted to a wide

range of outlets.

Attendees will have an

unmissable opportunity

to purchase AquaScan at

InstallerSHOW 2025 at a special

show price.

Learn more:

www.salamanderpumps.

co.uk/products/aquascan/

aquascan-multimeter

The benefits of specifying/

using a hotun dry trap tundish

If a tundish is open sided, like the

hotun is, it is easy to see any water

having previously passed from the

PRV and through the tundish, this

saves time and reduces the chances

of a misdiagnosis (which could lead to

unnecessary repairs or re-call outs to

verify again what’s happened).

The ease of maintenance criterion,

especially for companies that use

a maintenance team, or have a

subscription based home cover

type business model, or

Facilities Managment (FM)

type organisations and even

one-man bands, means that

quickly identifying the problem

increases the chances of a first

time fix, thereby saving on site

time and unnecessary repairs.

Therefore having the open

sided design is essential to the

ease of maintenance on boiler or

unvented water heater appliances.

Designing benefits

The compact nature of the hotun

tundish and its clever and patented,

and therefore, unique design, means

it can be located in the tightest of

spaces.

Benefits of having the UKAS

accredited flow rates giving peace

of mind and knowing the product

has been scrutinised by independent

testing.

WRAS approval ensures that the

designer knows its has been given

the thumbs up for it’s intended

purposes by WRAS, that it’s

compliance with the Water

Regulations.

The hotun range of dry trap

tundishes are accepted

for use by many boiler

manufacturers, and it has

been tested and accepted

by industry peers as fit for

purpose for over ten years

now.

Designed by time served

professional plumber, Russell

Armstrong, who has an HVAC

design background and experience

and is recognised by many as an

expert in this area of the industry,

means that the designer, installer

and client knows its designed for

its specific purpose and has the

backing from one of the industries

most knowledgeable people on this

HomeBoost and TapBoost

With 40% of homeowners facing low water flow,

resulting in dribbling taps and showers, slow filling

baths and under-performing appliances, easy-toinstall

water boosting products are essential.

HomeBoost is an intelligent mains booster pump

which recognises low water flow and quietly

boosts the incoming mains supply either directly or

indirectly via the combi boiler up to 12L/min.

Learn more about HomeBoost:

www.salamanderpumps.co.uk/products/

mainsbooster/homeboost

For problematic individual outlets, TapBoost is a

cost-effective solution. It will increase the flow rate

up to 7-11L/min depending on the incoming flow,

whether it is a tap, toilet, dishwasher or washing

machine.

For more information on Salamander Pumps,

visit: www.salamanderpumps.co.uk

subject, the inventor of the hotun dry trap!

Flexibility

The hotun dry trap tundish is useful for any

type of sealed heating or water systems that

are required to have a safety relief valve

(Temperature or pressure (T/PRV or PRV) and it

really comes into its own especially on:

s Flats & multi-story high-rise apartments

s Lofts or installations over two stories tall

s Locations where the outside wall behind the

boiler is difficult to get access to verify PRV

discharge

s Internal landlocked

s Anywhere there is a local convenient waste

pipe or soil stack

Conclusion

So, there are many benefits of fitting the hotun

dry trap, and they cost in the region of just £20.

For more technical details about hotun, please

take a read of this article discussing the

compliance regulations in particular:

https://hotun.co.uk/compliance-regulations

6


Blended to showcase market-leading

products at InstallerSHOW 2025


Blended will be exhibiting at

InstallerSHOW on the 24-26th

June at the NEC in Birmingham

this year, at Stand 5B128.

Since 2003, Blended has

been a trusted name in the

chemical and gas industry.

Renowned for reliability and

competitive pricing, Blended

has established strong

partnerships with national and

global brands, demonstrating

their commitment to delivering

expert service and tailored

solutions.

Blended will be exhibiting a whole host of

products at the Installer Show, but of particular

interest this year is their Thermablend-TX,

Thermablend-Lo and their Serviceblend AIR

solution.

Thermablend-TX is a range of geothermal heat

transfer fluids offering a variety of key functions

to ground or air source heat pumps, underfloor

heating and solar thermal applications.

Thermablend is biodegradable, non-hazardous

and contains a specially formulated biocide with

increased thermal stability plus an organic acid

technology inhibitor package which is free from

any nitrite, amine, phosphate, borax, silicate

and 2-Ethylhexanoate.

Thermablend-TX contains

premium multi-metal corrosion

and scale inhibitors, boasts

market leading low viscosity

when compared to other

monopropylene glycol products

and can be used to top-up

existing non-hazardous glycolbased

systems. The TX systems

also have significantly higher

heat transfer properties, resulting

in lower energy costs and

reduced carbon footprint.

Thermablend-Lo is a non-Hazardous

heat transfer fluid with marketleading

thermal conductivity

and low viscosity. This fluid is

designed for heating systems

operating at temperatures up

to 80°C, making it ideal for a

variety of applications, such as

air source and ground source

heat pumps.

By optimising heat transfer

and reducing viscosity,

Thermablend-Lo helps

minimise pump energy

consumption and system

maintenance costs. Its premium multi-metal

corrosion and scale inhibitors prevent system

degradation, extending the lifespan of key

components. The NSF-approved biocide

provides long-term microbial control, preventing

biofilm formation and bacterial contamination

that can impair system efficiency. Endorsed by

the Energy Saving Trust, Thermablend-Lo also

supports energy-saving initiatives, ensuring

compliance with industry standards.

Serviceblend AIR is an all-in-one biocide and

inhibitor solution for use in air source pumps

and closed loop heating and cooling systems.

The formulation contains a premium, NSF

approved multi-metal corrosion and scale

inhibitor. Stable across a broad

temperature range, Serviceblend

AIR also contains a highperforming

biocide designed

to eliminate, and prevent,

bacterial growth. Helping the

solution maintain the efficiency,

effectiveness and lifespan of

heating systems.

Visit Blended at Stand 5B128

at the Installer Show 2025

hosted at the NEC in June. For

more information on Blended

Products, see the link below:

www.blendedproducts.com

Thermablend-TX

Thermablend, for use in applications

which include ground or air source

heat pumps, underfloor heating and

solar thermal applications.

Thermablend-Lo

This new addition to the range,

focuses on increasing the efficiency

of heating systems with flow

temperatures sub 80ºC that

previously used mono propylene

glycol-based heat transfer fluids.

Serviceblend

A line of products that are specially

formulated to assist in servicing and

maintenance of closed loop heating

and cooling systems, designed to

work optimally with our range of Heat

Transfer Fluids.

01652 680555 enquiries@blendedproducts.com www.blendedproducts.com


Appointments News

CLD Physical Security Systems appoints new

Technical Director to head up US operations

CLD Physical Security Systems (CLD),

a design led supplier of perimeter

security solutions, is pleased to

announce the appointment of

Trevor Donlin as Technical Director

of the US business.

Over the past 15 years, Trevor

has excelled in various positions

within the security industry

delivering safety and peace of mind

to clients and customers alike. Prior

to joining CLD, Trevor worked as a

Physical Security Engineer where he gained

invaluable experience in designing innovative data

centre security solutions that offer resilience and

EDGE

reappointed

cost effectiveness.

Working closely with project

managers and valued customers,

Trevor will lead technical and

design strategies for the US

business, and play an integral

role in positioning CLD as a global

security leader.

Trevor will ensure that CLD

stays ahead of new industry and

technological developments, allowing

CLD to provide the best possible products

for its customers. He will also coordinate with other

departments to ensure that existing solutions are

working effectively and exceed industry standards.

Trevor said, “I am proud to be joining CLD at a

pivotal time for the business. With my background

within the sector, I’m confident that we can further

strengthen the US branch and continue to innovate

with our tailored and design-led perimeter security

solutions.”

Russell Wells, CEO at CLD, said, “It’s been really

positive to see the expansion of the US team and

I’m excited to see how Trevor will enhance our

range of industry-leading security systems.”

For more information on CLD Systems, please

visit: www.cld-systems.com

James Hardie appoints new

Channel Sales Manager

Multidisciplinary built environment consultancy

EDGE has been reappointed to the Procure

Partnerships (PPF) Professional Services

Framework, with the firm set to deliver project

management, quantity surveying and building

surveying services across all nine available subregional

lots.

James Hardie, a world leader in the

manufacture of high-performance fibre

cement and fibre gypsum building

solutions, is pleased to announce

the appointment of Gabriela

Carp as their new Channel Sales

Manager for the Midlands.

This strategic move reinforces

James Hardie’s commitment to

optimising channel performance,

and strengthening their presence in

the region.

Gabriela brings over 8 years of experience

to James Hardie. with a proven track record in

sales management and a clear understanding of

the construction industry. In her new role, she

will identify new business opportunities, nurture

existing client relationships, and implement

strategic initiatives to grow the business within the

region's channel sales network.

of the Hardie ® Plank and Hardie ® VL

Plank range, working closely with

contractors and channel partners,

to deliver product training and

demonstrate the benefits of

Hardie® Plank as an alternative to

timber and uPVC.

Commenting on her appointment,

Gabriela said, “Cladding is a

crucial part of construction both

aesthetically and structurally, and

it’s an honour to be working for the UK

industry leader.

“James Hardie is a fast-growing company on

a mission to deliver high-quality solutions and

a superior service, and I’m excited to be a part

of their future. I look forward to building strong

relationships with our channel partners and

helping to grow the Hardie ® Plank market share.”

EDGE’s inclusion in the second-generation

framework streamlines the procurement process

for public sector organisations. This will enable

EDGE to provide long-term support to public

sector clients across the North East, Yorkshire,

North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, East

of England, London, South East and South West.

Matt Hill, director and framework lead at EDGE,

said, "The reappointment onto the second

iteration of the PPF Professional Services

Framework positions us for continued growth

across our six regional offices over the gestation

of the new framework. We’re eager to harness

innovation and creativity within our broad scope

of multidisciplinary services as we continue to

help maximise the potential of projects in the

built environment.”

The PPF framework will provide flexibility for

clients to procure projects via two stage, single

stage, or direct award routes, while promoting a

long-term partnership over the next four years.

This marks a significant milestone for EDGE,

which has continued to exponentially grow in

its portfolio of public sector projects since its

allocation on the first-generation framework.

Contact

www.edgeps.co.uk

Gabriela will be responsible for the promotion

Wates continues to bolster

residential leadership team

Wates Residential has recently

announced Paul Nicholls as its new

Regional Managing Director for

London, joining the business in

February 2025.

Nicholls brings over 30 years

of experience in the sector and

will oversee Wates Residential’s

ambition to be a leading

development partner in London.

It marks his second time at Wates

Residential, returning after four years

of pursuing his own projects in the

industry.

He will report into Phillippa (Pip) Prongué who

starts in January as Executive Managing Director,

taking over from Helen Bunch who is retiring early

next year.

Bunch said, “The housing crisis is one of the

biggest challenges facing our capital. Paul’s

www.jameshardie.co.uk/en

expertise will help us accelerate the

deployment of private investment

to support the delivery of both the

GLA and Government’s ambitious

housing targets.

“He re-joins a team that is much

more regionalised than it was

previously, a decision we made

to get closer to our customers and

projects. He will bring renewed

drive to an already-strong Board and

team within the London region.”

Nicholls commented, “Wates Residential has

always had a special place in my heart and it’s

been great to see its growth and development

in recent years. It is a joy to be returning to the

business that I feel is a cultural home for me,

driven by its purpose to reimagine places for

people to thrive.”

www.wates.co.uk

8


Drain & sewer tech ‘front &

centre’ at WJA Trade Show

Drainage contractors will have

a lot to see at WJA Trade

Show 2025 - the UK's water

jetting exhibition - including

innovative jetter systems so

new they are yet to be given

product names.

The Water Jetting Association

is hosting the exhibition

at StoneX Stadium, North

London, on Thursday 11th

September, after a highly

successful inaugural event at

the same venue last year.

Equipment and services aimed

at the drainage industry will be well represented,

with exhibitors showing off their latest drain jetting

units, jet vac tankers, jetting nozzles and hose

assembles for sewer cleaning.

Like last year, WJA Trade Show 2025 will be free

to attend, with free parking - and with StoneX

Stadium located just five minutes from Junction 2

of the M1, the WJA is aiming to grow attendance.

Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a critical concept

for developers that’s becoming an increasingly

significant challenge in outdoor FM and

grounds maintenance. Tony Robinson, Senior

Ecologist at OUTCO describes the challenges

and opportunities surrounding BNG in outdoor

FM and grounds maintenance. He sheds light

on the complexities

of implementing

BNG initiatives

and describes how

OUTCO is helping

organisations simplify

their legal obligations.

In its simplest sense,

BNG is the idea that

if you build on a

site, you must make

sure that habitats

for wildlife are left in a better state than they

were beforehand. However, this isn’t as easy

as it sounds. Since 2021, there has been a legal

obligation on developers in England to make

their improvements measurable and to deliver a

biodiversity net gain of 10%. But 10% of what?

Landscaping, External Works & Drainage

WJA Director, Leanne Smith,

said, "The vital importance

of water jetting to drainage

and water utilities industries

is reflected in the exhibitors

already booked in for WJA

Trade Show 2025. Drain and

sewer interests will be front and

centre at the exhibition.

"This year, we have two external

display areas, instead of the

one we had last year, with nine

stands. All but one have already

been taken by equipment

suppliers, many of which sell

into the drainage industry."

Flowplant is one of the exhibitors bringing new

products to WJA Trade Show 2025, with three

jetter units so new they are yet to be formally

named.

To book free tickets or enquire about exhibiting at

WJA Trade Show 2025 website:

www.wjatradeshow.org.uk

Sustainable timber cladding

Contemporary construction

demands sustainable,

functional and aesthetic

building materials. Our

premium timbers meet these

specifications and add a

timeless quality to interiors

and exteriors.

Inspired by Japanese

Yakisugi timber preservation,

Exterior Solutions Ltd

created Shou Sugi Ban ® .

In addition to the traditional blackened, crackled

finish, our finish options bring the technique up to

date. If blackened wood is too dark for your project,

our collection includes a selection of mid- to lightgrey

tones. The smooth, subtle finish of Kebony

Despite the clear-cut obligation and concrete

targets, understanding how to assess and quantify

the existing level of nature on a site and measure

improvements is still an emerging science.

And this isn’t just a challenge for developers:

Landowners are not only responsible for creating

or enhancing habitat,

but also legally

obliged to manage

that habitat for at

least 30 years to

achieve that 10%

target. As a result,

achieving this goal

will continue to fall

into the remit for any

outdoor FM teams or

grounds maintenance

providers responsible

for a site for years to come.

For more on how OUTCO can support your

organisation make the most of its outside

spaces, contact us on 0800 0432 911 or email:

enquiries@outco.co.uk or visit: www.outco.co.uk

Radiata and Yukari Numachi

are popular options.

Alternatively, for a natural

wood finish, Accoya ® Tenki

and Larch Shiberiatora

showcase the beauty of

timber grain. These add

a warm, tactile quality to

garden buildings and rusticstyle

retail stores.

For a splash of colour, the

peacock tones of Accoya ® Tobu, the deep red

of Yukari Kõsui or our vibrant range of Douglas

Fir finishes create unique and impactful hotel

and restaurant interiors. All finishes enhance the

durability of the timber by drawing out natural

Tillicoultry

community

allotment

Cowie-based wood panel manufacturer, West

Fraser, has donated £1,000 to a Tillicoultry

allotment group, which serves as a nature haven

for the local community.

Founded in 1978, the Tillicoultry Allotment

Association has grown into a large allotment

offering social areas, a community greenhouse,

and vegetable plots. It also hosts Alloa school

pupils, providing them with dedicated raised

beds to learn about growing plants and

vegetables.

The donation from West Fraser will help the

group repair its communal tool shed floor and

install new guttering to prevent water damage

during heavy rain.

Elke Mackenzie, Co-chair of the Tillicoultry

Allotment Association, said, “We’re hugely

grateful for this kind donation from the team

at West Fraser. The Tillicoultry Allotment

Association benefits from grants and donations

to keep our allotments open for all members of

our local community who make use of it, so this

support is massively appreciated.

“Thanks to generous donations, such as this one

from the team at West Fraser, we can further

develop our allotments to cater more for the

community, as well as put in place our plans to

make the allotments accessible for all with a new

accessible gardening patch.”

T 01786 812921


resins. These provide a moisture, rot and insectresilient

barrier to minimise maintenance. It’s a

practical and visually desirable way to elevate

modern builds and heritage renovations.

In addition to Oak, Larch and Douglas Fir, the Shou

Sugi Ban ® range includes Kebony and Accoya ® .

These modified timbers are exposed to a chemical

treatment to enhance stability and durability.

We supply Shou Sugi Ban ® with installation

instructions, matching tipped screws and a tin

of finish treatment for cut lengths. These ensure

a professional finish can be achieved on every

project.

Click here to download the Shou Sugi Ban ®

brochure. Contact Exterior Solutions Ltd on:

01494 711800 for samples and quotes.


Facilities & Estate Management

Sync Energy brings EV

charging to historical hall

The on-site parking for guests

visiting Pantglas Hall holiday

resort in Carmarthenshire has

been upgraded thanks to Sync

Energy. Three dual socketed EV

chargers have been installed

in the communal car parks,

servicing the 27 holiday lodges

and main hall building.

The historical Pantglas Hall

Estate is now home to a

resort of self-service holiday

lodges, restaurant, café and

leisure complex with indoor

and outdoor sports facilities.

With an increase in requests

for electric vehicle charging

facilities, Pantglas Hall staff

employed commercial property

maintenance specialists, Nest

Group, to research the best EV

charging options for the estate.

Pantglas Hall required three floor

mounted, dual socketed units

with a payment terminal, that

also looked sleek & was easy to

use. Nest Group suggested Sync

Energy’s Pro Charger - Twin Floor

Mounted EV Charger with Light.

Combining advanced technology

with ease of installation and

user-friendly operation, the Pro

Charger range is perfect for

commercial use. It features a

professionally designed luminaire

head, intuitive touchscreens,

4G, RFID, & contactless payment

options for seamless functionality.

Anna Thomas, Manager of

Pantglas Hall, said, “As an

increasing number of guests

who use our facilities travel

here in electric vehicles, we

are now happy to be able to

offer EV charging services in

our on-site car parks. The Sync

Energy chargers have delivered

exactly what we wanted, & we’ve

already had great feedback

from guests who have taken

advantage of this new amenity.”

https://sync.energy

Supporting workplace

wellbeing: Helping

tackle period poverty

with practical solutions

Businesses can play a powerful role

in addressing period poverty by

providing free sanitary products to

employees and visitors. For some,

access to these essentials isn’t

always guaranteed which can lead to

missed workdays, discomfort, and a

loss of dignity.

By offering free period products in

the workplace, companies send a

strong message of care, inclusion,

and equality. It’s a small step with a

big impact; helping ensure no one

is held back by their period. Just as

soap and toilet paper are standard

in washrooms, so too should be

access to sanitary protection.

To support this initiative, Dudley

Industries has developed a Free

Vend Dispenser; a hygienic, wallmounted

solution designed to

discreetly house and dispense a

variety of products without the need

for cash. This practical dispenser

makes it easy for organisations to

offer hygiene products in a clean,

accessible, and dignified way.

Providing period products not

only improves individual wellbeing

but also supports attendance,

productivity, and workplace morale.

By taking action, businesses become

part of a wider movement to tackle

period poverty and foster healthier,

more inclusive environments for all.

sales@dudleyindustries.com

www.dudleyindustries.com

www.dudleyindustries.com/

washroom-accessories/product/

freevend-dispenser

10


Mainteno: Smart Maintenance

Software that scales with you


Mainteno is the CMMS and CAFM (Computer

Aided Facilities Management) solution designed

with practicality in mind. Having proved itself in

a diverse range of businesses and organisations,

Mainteno can also revolutionise the way you track

your assets and manage your daily tasks.

Designed by Redro, a company that has extensive

experience in maintenance management software,

providing solutions that optimise and streamline

maintenance operations for businesses. With its

advanced platform, users can efficiently manage

and track maintenance activities, ensuring that all

tasks are completed promptly and effectively to

enhance operational

efficiency and

reduce downtime.

Redro’s expertise

in the field ensures

that clients receive

a robust and reliable

system tailored to

meet the unique

needs of their

specific industries.

Integrating Mainteno

into your business operations paves

the way for efficient, cost-effective

maintenance management. Designed

with practicality in mind, Mainteno

is extremely easy to use and can be

learned within minutes, and best of all,

it comes with no set-up fees and no

lengthy contracts!

Mainteno has been described as the next

revolution in maintenance management software

and offers an intuitive dashboard that centralises all

relevant data, streamlining facilities management.

Users can efficiently handle maintenance

scheduling, fault repair reporting, asset tracking,

and general task management. Additional features

include creating checklists, invoicing, managing

quotes and contractor, and providing contractor

support.

Mainteno is the complete, cost-effective solution

software that is extremely diverse and adaptable

for many industries and facilities including retail,

leisure, hospitality, office management,

logistics, construction, healthcare, or

the charity sector.

What’s so good about Mainteno is that the system

scales with your business, ensuring it continues to

meet your maintenance management requirements

as you grow. Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective

solution for task facilities management and provides

reliable customer support to assist you with any

issues or questions. Additionally, the platform

ensures your data is secure with advanced security

measures, giving you peace of mind.

In a nut-shell, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day

laborious maintenance tasks of any organisation.

Whilst keeping everyone in the loop and up-todate,

Mainteno gives you total control of your

organisations assets whilst seamlessly tracking all

communication and documentation in one place.

For more information, or to request a free trial,

please see below:

T 020 8798 3713

sales@redro.co.uk

www.mainteno.com

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Simple to use, easy to maintain and very affordable

Meeting the maintenance management needs of every sector, including:

Retail | Care Homes | Leisure Clubs | Race Courses | Charities | Pub Chains | Office Management | Logistics

Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective

solution for task facilities management

Whether it’s managing planned maintenance or dealing with fault

repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day maintenance of almost

any organisation. Our award-winning CAFM software keeps everyone

in the loop and archives all your communication and documentation

in one place. For total control of your organisation’s assets, Mainteno

also seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking.

Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the maintenance

management process, saving your organisation time and money.

Usability made affordable

Mainteno is the CMMS and CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities

Management) solution designed with practicality in mind. The

interface is so intuitive that basic operation can be learned in

minutes, and you can be a power user in one afternoon.

Elegant usability usually means a hefty price tag – so our

customers are often surprised to learn just how affordable Mainteno

is. No set-up fees, no lengthy contracts and a free two-week trial*

all mean that the system starts paying for itself straight away.

*for eligible customers

4 Reporting tasks and faults

4 Asset tracking and value reporting

4 Invoice management

4 Add multiple images and documents

4 Detailed analytical reporting

4 Dashboard reporting showing live status of all tasks

4 Management of all planned maintenance schedules

4 Compliance testing and inspections

4 Email alerts of expiring insurance documents

4 Compliance documents storing in one place

4 Direct allocation of work to relevant parties

4 Can be used for help desk

4 Vehicle insurance and MOT scheduled reminders

4 Supplier performance management and reporting

4 Warranty and insurance management

4 Can be used on any web enabled device

4 Create check lists for compliance purposes

4 Contractors Quotes and Invoice Management

4 Contractor Login upload function

NO SET-UP FEES, NO LENGTHY CONTRACTS

Mainteno adapts to any organisation’s maintenance needs

Find out more at: mainteno.com | email: sales@redro.co.uk



The Road to 2030: Essential insights for FMs

Changes in the FM sector are fast-paced.

Whether it’s net zero targets, hybrid working, new

regulations or the huge potential of automation,

there’s more pressure than ever on professionals to

make smart decisions and stay ahead.

To help understand the challenges and priorities

shaping the future of the sector, JLA recently

surveyed leading FM professionals on everything

from sustainability and compliance to workplace

transformation. The results are pulled together in a

brand-new white paper, The Road to 2030, which

combines key insights and expert analysis to give a

better picture of the next five years.

The key insights include…

Sustainability goals

With net zero targets on the horizon, sustainability

is only going to rise up the agenda for FM

Antony Collett named

new MD at 14forty

Antony Collett has set out an ambitious

vision for growth, driven by

outstanding service and a focus

on sustainability, after being

appointed as Managing Director

of integrated FM provider

14forty.

The experienced FM strategist

has an impressive track record

of spearheading business

development at industry

organisations such as Wates Group

and Mitie. He moves from the role of

Managing Director at Wates Group.

Antony arrives at 14forty, part of Compass Group

UK & Ireland’s Business & Industry (B&I) sector,

with more than 16 years of experience in the

FM space. In this new role, he will oversee the

strategic direction of the business and its growth.

This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment

14forty’s Matthew Lockton

awarded CIWFM status

Matthew Lockton, Sales Director at

integrated FM provider 14forty,

has achieved Certified level

membership with the Institute

of Workplace and Facilities

Management (IWFM).

The prestigious qualification

recognises extensive senior

and strategic experience in the

FM sector.

Matthew holds a BA in Hospitality

Business Management from

University College Birmingham and, as a

senior leader at 14forty, has been instrumental

in shaping the strategic direction of the business as

well as being responsible for creating tailored FM

strategies for new and existing clients.

He said, “It’s a great honour to achieve CIWFM

status from a body that is widely recognised in the

industry. This underlines to our clients that 14forty

professionals. In fact, nearly 90% of respondents to

the survey said that it’s their key focus. JLA’s white

paper explains the trends in this area – and looks at

the impact of stricter regulations from schemes like

BREEAM and LEED.

It also shows that procurement and supply chains

in 14forty’s ongoing journey to elevate

its services and strengthen client

relationships.

Morag Freathy, CEO for B&I -

Compass Group UK & Ireland,

said, “I am delighted to welcome

Antony to our business. He

shares both our ambition for the

business and our cultural values

of providing outstanding service

with sustainability at its core. His

extensive experience of delivering

excellence in the FM sector and his

reputation for driving business growth are a

perfect match.”

Antony, who will report into Morag and join the

B&I leadership team, said, “It’s an exciting time

in the FM market right now, and we see many

opportunities for growth.”

https://14forty.co.uk

is qualified to create the strategic plans

they need. I’m looking forward to

meeting other industry experts to

share best practices, which we

can apply in our business, and

to helping develop the sector

together.”

With more than a decade

of experience in providing

FM services, 14forty offers a

comprehensive range of bespoke

hard and soft FM services to clients

across diverse sectors, such as

corporate offices, distribution centres,

manufacturing plants, and utilities.

The business has also been shortlisted for the

Wellbeing and Frontline Hero categories at this

year’s IWFM Impact Awards, with the ceremony

set to take place in London on 14 October.

https://14forty.co.uk

are increasingly important, and factored into

decisions to ensure ongoing compliance and a

reduced environmental impact overall.

Evolving workspaces

Since COVID’s first lockdown measures,

hybrid working has completely changed how

organisations use their offices and other facilities.

The survey backed this up, with over 80% of FM

professionals saying that collaborative spaces are

vital.

What’s your FM strategy for the next five years?

The Road to 2030 offers critical insight and practical

steps to help you make better decisions on

sustainability, hybrid working, automation, AI, and

more.

Download a free copy of the white paper:

https://jla.com/facilities-management-whitepaper

Just 26% of FMs

know how the

Building Safety

Act impacts

their role

New research from Watco, the industrial paint

and repair products specialist, has examined the

complexities affecting facilities managers (FM)

within the building, construction and refurbishment

sector, uncovering several challenges around

legislation and maintenance.

The survey found that just 34% of FMs know what

the Building Safety Act is and only 26% know how

it impacts their role. While less than half (40%) said

that they have a good working knowledge of what

industry legislations and regulations impact them.

The research follows the introduction of updates

to the Building Safety Act which include the

requirement of a Golden Thread of information

to be developed for each building and kept up

to date throughout its lifetime - from design and

construction to refurbishment and maintenance.

The Golden Thread must consist of accountable,

reliable, consistent, secure and accessible

information, which FMs may be required to

contribute to.

Scott Saunders, technical service manager at

Watco, commented, “Health and safety has always

been a core element of an FM’s job role. However,

the introduction of more robust building safety

legislation means compliance now presents itself as

a key issue. On top of an ever-increasing workload,

FMs now must have a good understanding of how

to comply with new legislation.”

https://assets.watco.co.uk/files/LiftingTheLid/

Lifting_The_Lid_Construction.pdf

12


The UK’s only dedicated concrete event

The UK Concrete Show is in its 13th year,

10% larger, and this year was held at the

NEC on 26th & 27th February and covers all

things concrete from new batching methods,

admixtures, trends in formwork, preservation

and low carbon concrete together with

testing and evaluation.

The UK Concrete Show now also absorbs

Concrete Expo, which was acquired by QMJ

last summer – bringing everything together

under one roof to make the visitor experience

as time efficient and comprehensive as

possible.

Visitors could get face-to-face with the

exhibitors, explore their products and

services in depth, and ask them the difficult

questions directly so attendees can make

the best buying decisions for their business.

Visitors were able to compare most of the

established leading brands and new entrants

to the UK and Ireland market, showcasing

everything from volumetric trucks, batching

plants and pumps to formwork, admixtures,

and low-carbon concrete solutions.

As well as the usual displays, stands and

exhibitors, the exhibition also offers its

Concrete Connect Seminar Theatre which

is open to all visitors, with guest speakers

covering topics such as sustainable concrete

solutions to repair and maintenance of our

built heritage.

The theatre had over 30 experts providing

invaluable insights into the latest market

technology, latest trends and demands upon

the industry. Themes covered included

sustainable concrete solutions; graphene in

concrete; repair and maintenance; the latest

ready-mix innovation; digital marketing and

measurement of fresh concrete (from the

Concrete Society); attracting and retaining

talent for your business; and a plethora of

industry spotlights.

While many items featured are on the

production and monitoring to improve the

quality of concrete, there are still those

structures and built environment that need

to be repaired and maintained, focusing

on the need for sustainability. Andy Hatch,

National Specification Manager for Concrete

Repair, was on hand from Fosroc to lend his

experience and knowledge to proceedings,

highlighting technologies and products

available to the industry to maintain the built

environment.

All the theatre sessions were well attended

over both days. This year saw a 21%

increase in unique attendees, with brisk

business reported across the show floor.

Many seminar sessions were packed to

standing room only, and nearly 800 visitors

cast their vote for the New Product Award,

The UK Concrete Show 2026 will return to

Birmingham’s NEC next year from 25-26

March 2026. This is our pick of the best

exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here

in alphabetical order: The Graphene Council.

Further details can be found on this page.

Contact

https://concreteshow.co.uk

Building better with advanced carbons

The construction industry is under pressure.

Aging infrastructure, rising material costs,

stricter environmental targets, and increasing

demand for durable, low-carbon buildings are

driving the need for smarter material solutions.

A revolution in building materials is underway,

fuelled by the need for stronger, more

sustainable, and longer-lasting infrastructure.

At the heart of this transformation are

advanced carbon materials, with graphene

leading the charge. Once confined to labscale

breakthroughs, graphene is now being

deployed in real-world construction projects,

supported by validated supply chains and

growing industry

confidence.

The Advanced Carbons

Council (ACC), managed

by the same expert

team that established

The Graphene Council, now represents a

broader class of engineered carbon materials.

While graphene remains a key focus, the

Council’s expanded scope includes carbon

nanotubes, carbon fibre and other advanced

carbon structures.

These materials offer distinct properties but

demonstrate greater value when used in

synergy, delivering tailored performance across

applications. The construction sector has

emerged as a leading area of adoption, where

advanced carbons are being used to enhance

concrete durability, extend the life of asphalt

road surfaces, and to protect steel structures

The UK Concrete Show 2024 Review – Top Exhibitors

from corrosion.

Graphene’s exceptional strength, conductivity,

and impermeability make it a powerful additive

in construction materials, even at low loadings.

In concrete, graphene-enhanced mixes such as

from Concretene have demonstrated improved

compressive strength, faster curing, and

reduced water permeability.

Concretene has trialled their graphene

admixture with the support of Cemex which

enables lower cement content, contributing

to reduced carbon emissions. Versarien has

developed 3D-printed graphene-reinforced

concrete components,

combining design

flexibility with enhanced

mechanical performance.

First Graphene has

commercialised a

graphene additive that

improves workability, strength, and durability of

concrete.

In asphalt, graphene increases flexibility and

resistance to rutting and cracking, extending

road life under heavy traffic and harsh climates.

In coatings, graphene provides a highly

effective barrier against corrosion. Petronas has

developed a graphene-based protective coating

used on offshore drilling platforms, where it

helps shield steel structures from aggressive

marine environments.

These materials support the construction

Graphene-enhanced concrete –

Image courtesy of First Graphene

sector’s drive for sustainability and durability

without major changes to standard processes.

As the global hub for carbon-based materials,

the ACC provides verified data, regulatory

guidance, and access to qualified suppliers. We

connect construction stakeholders with vetted

partners who understand the importance of

consistency, safety, and scale. To explore how

advanced carbons can strengthen your projects,

visit advmat.org or contact the ACC to join our

growing network of innovators and material

providers. With the right materials and the right

partners, the future of construction is already

being built stronger, faster, and cleaner.

T +44 (0)161 854 1736

www.thegraphenecouncil.org


Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

A win for

Exhaust Air

Heat Pumps

Exhaust Air Heat Pumps (EAHPs) have gained

industry recognition at the 2024 HVR Awards, with

NIBE's newest EAHP model, the highly efficient,

Propane powered, S735, winning Heat Pump of

the Year.

Offering an excellent solution for flats and

densely packed inner-city properties where air

and ground source heat pumps may not be

suitable, EAHPs are an exciting and important

addition to the UK's heat pump landscape, with

the potential to decarbonise high numbers of

homes. Well-established in Europe, in particular

Sweden, where NIBE first brought this technology

to the masses in the 1980s, EAHPs are a relative

newcomer to our marketplace. NIBE is leading the

charge in terms of experience and innovation.

The NIBE S735 is an intelligent inverter-controlled

EAHP with an integrated hot water heater,

delivering heating, hot water and ventilation all

in one package - perfect for apartments and new

build houses up to 160m2. The S735, uses internal

air from a property, no outside unit is required

so building aesthetics are not compromised

and there are no noise issues to contend with.

Internally, sound levels are low, at just 49dB(A).

Boasting a high seasonal performance factor, low

operating costs, quiet operation and compact size,

the S735 is the next generation of NIBE EAHPs,

utilising Low GWP refrigerant, Propane (R290)

and state-of-the-art controls; a feature of all heat

pumps in NIBE's S-Series.

www.nibe.co.uk

Panasonic’s new capacity

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions recently

launched one of its latest innovations in

commercial HVAC technology, the 2-Pipe ECOi

EX MZ1 Series. This groundbreaking series is

designed to offer extreme efficiency, quality,

and compactness, setting a new standard in the

industry.

The 2-Pipe ECOi EX MZ1

Series stands out for its

compact design and high

seasonal efficiency, with

the 10HP unit achieving ηsc

310,1% in cooling and ηsh

172,4% in heating. It achieves

a significant 43% reduction in

footprint due to its compact

and lightweight design, in

turn lowering design and installation efforts and

costs. Furthermore, alongside its quiet operation

the unit creates major benefits for multi-unit

installations, including its ability to support up to

1,000m of piping for a maximum of 64 indoor units

enabling versatile installation while saving space.

Aimed at commercial applications, the 2-Pipe ECOi

EX MZ1 Series possesses a wide operation range,

maintaining its high performance in temperatures

as low as -25°C and as high as 52°C.

The series uses 57% less R32 refrigerant compared

to the R410A equivalent

system. This reduction in

refrigerant means that many

systems can be installed

without the need for

additional safety measures

typically required for R32

refrigerant systems. Safety is

a top priority for Panasonic

so the ECOi EX MZ1 Series

includes standard compliant

safety measures for R32

refrigerant such as new R32 refrigerant leak

detectors and alarms, complying with EN 378 and

IEC 60335-2-40 standards, plus it comes with a

2-Pipe safety valve kit.

www.aircon.panasonic.eu

Doncaster Rovers fans enjoy cold

beer on-tap thanks to J&E Hall

The J&E Hall CellarPlus cooling

system has been chosen by

refrigeration and air conditioning

contractor, PAR Services, to

ensure cold beer on-tap for

the thousands of visitors at

Doncaster Rovers Football Club.

Yorkshire-based PAR Services

was contracted to upgrade

the old unit at the Eco Power

Stadium in Doncaster, which

had failed. The failure meant the

football club had to discard a

significant amount of beer which

was rendered unfit for sale,

causing a financial impact for

the club.

J&E Hall's CellarPlus cooling system provided a

cost-effective and reliable replacement. The system

was fitted on the wall of the cellar to optimise floor

space while ensuring maximum storage capacity

for beer and drinks.

Michael Abbey, Company Director at PAR Services,

said, "We chose J&E Hall's cellar

cooling system for this project

because of its energy efficiency

and even air distribution, hugely

improving the cooling output

compared with the old and

inefficient system."

The 8KW single evaporator cellar

cooling system has a threephase

outdoor condensing unit,

to enhance energy efficiency.

The system operates using

low GWP refrigerants R448A

or R449A, keeping the club's

beverage offering fresh and at

the optimum temperature of 4°C

for sale.

Paul O'Brien, Regional Sales Manager at J&E Hall,

said, "We're delighted that our cooling system has

been installed at the stadium. We're confident that

it is the right product for the job, with its proven

energy efficiency credentials."

www.jehall.com

Response to the Warm Homes plan

Griff Thomas, MD for GTEC & Heatly,

both part of the United Living Group

It’s great to see DESNZ making

positive moves to deliver the

Warm Homes Plan, which

promises to upgrade 5 million

homes over the next 5 years,

including a notable £1.29

billion towards social housing.

The measures announced

yesterday (21/11/24) put the

UK on track to achieving this

target, while making heat pumps

more affordable and accessible. I am

particularly pleased to see the removal

of the 1m rule, giving installers flexibility

to deliver the best solution for each property

and removing a major hurdle that might push

homeowners away from heat pumps.

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism provides

much-needed clarity for the industry,

encouraging investment and

supporting the scaling up of

heat pump supply chains. This

time around, it seems that

manufacturers have

broadly welcomed

the proposals,

demonstrating

the benefits of

a collaborative

approach to

developing

practical policies

that balance industry

needs with the UK's net

zero goals.

Paul Smith, MD for NIBE

At NIBE, we applaud the ongoing

expansion of the Warm Homes Plan and

the government’s move to streamline heat pump

installations by cutting red tape around permitted

development.

However, to accelerate the transition to heat

pumps, the installer network must also be

expanded. We’re already driving this

change through our industry-leading

training programme, hands-on

technical guidance and business

support that extends far beyond

the classroom. But we believe

government-backed initiatives

are essential to bolster these

efforts and ensure a skilled

workforce ready to meet the

demands of the renewable

heating market.

www.gtec.co.uk

www.nibe.com

14


Doors, Windows & Joinery

Crafting tradition, building the future

Bluerun Ltd is a proud familyrun

joinery business that stands

apart by embracing traditional

craftsmanship. Based in Essex,

the company steers away from

CNC machines, and instead

embraces hand-drawing

designs and assembling

projects in-house to the highest

industry standards.

With over 30 years of

experience, Bluerun specialises

in bespoke joinery for

commercial, domestic, and

conservation projects. Its expertise spans internal

and external windows, gates, doors, decks, fitted

furniture, pubs, and offices. Its

website showcases a gallery

of past projects, reflecting

the team’s meticulous

craftsmanship.

“We’ve recently worked on

listed buildings, manufacturing

replacement casements while

preserving original glass,” says

Dee Newman, Finance Director.

“This requires precision

and like-for-like replication,

alongside preparing drawings

for council approvals.”

Always keeping one eye on its sustainable

DHF issues caution following

sectional door fatality

responsibilities, Bluerun has replaced fluorescent

lighting in its workshop with energy-efficient LEDs

to reduce its carbon footprint.

Looking ahead, the company is enhancing

customer experience by launching an online shop

for handcrafted items like mirrors, tables, and

clocks.

“Long-term, we aim to expand our bench joiner

team and refine our processes to better serve our

customers,” Dee adds.

For more, contact Dee and the team below:

T 01799 599995

dee@bluerunltd.co.uk

www.bluerunltd.co.uk

DoorBird at

BAU 2025

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF)

has urged caution with improper

installation, maintenance and

specification following the tragic

death of 33 year old Mark

Mathers who was strangled

by his hoodie when it became

hooked and wrapped around

the balancing system of

a sectional door he was

working on at Specialist Cars

Volkswagen in Aberdeen.

The incident, which took place on

15 September 2018, resulted while Mr

Mathers was replacing a broken sectional

door spring. The court case earlier this month

resulted in a £165,000 fine for the door company

concerned.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that Patrick Forman

Industrial Doors had neglected to make a sufficient

assessment of the safety risks faced by its

employees, such as those associated with door

springs. The company also pleaded guilty to failing

to implement and maintain a safe system of work

for staff while repairing and maintaining

doors. It also failed to provide the

necessary information, instruction,

training and supervision

to ensure the safety of its

personnel when working with

the door springs in question.

"This tragedy could very well

have been avoided had a safe

system been put in place,"

explains DHF's Senior Training &

Compliance Officer, Nick Perkins.

"The court heard that Mr Mathers

had been replacing a sectional door

spring with a colleague when his hooded

top got caught and wound around the spring,

choking him. The work was being carried out

while one of two springs was still under tension;

the tension was inadvertently released and this

resulted in fatal injuries.”

For installation and maintenance companies

in the field of industrial & garage doors, DHF

provides safety and legislation training, for

further guidance visit: https://bit.ly/2Xbb7ZY

How to select the right door closer

Kirk Smith of Allegion UK outlines why fire door

closers are central to maintaining fire safety

standards in buildings and advises decision

makers on how to select the right hardware for

their project.

Fire doors are designed to save lives. When

closed, they form a

crucial barrier against

smoke and fire and

provide vital time for

occupants to escape in

an emergency situation.

An open fire door

on the other hand is

rendered useless in the

event of a fire, and for

this reason, fire door

closers are equally

recognised for their lifesaving

capabilities.

The relationship between fire doors and fire

door closers is synergetic in fact, with both

considered key elements of a building’s passive

fire protection system. When a fire door must

close to completion during a fire incident, it will

always rely on its mechanical closing device to

do so effectively. Door closers are an essential

operational component and must be capable of

closing the door leaf from any angle of opening

and strong enough to overcome the resistance of

any latch seal, ensuring the door is held firmly in

place by its frame.

While all fire door

closers serve this same

function, decision

makers are reminded

that an incorrectly

specified door closer

can compromise the

integrity of an entire

fire door assembly.

With different project

requirements and

hardware options

available, specifiers and

decision makers alike must be confident in their

door closer selection. Where occupant safety is

on the line, what should specification teams look

out for?

www.allegion.com

DoorBird, one of the leading providers of smart

door communication systems, presented its

latest products and innovations at BAU 2025

in Munich. From January 13 to 17, 2025, the

company presented a range of new products

that will shape the door communication of the

future.

The D31TDH and D31TDV, DoorBird's latest IP

video door intercom systems, are particularly

in focus. These models set new standards in

door communication – ideal for apartment

buildings and commercial properties with up to

1,000 units. With their 7-inch touch display, an

integrated RFID and QR code reader, a virtual

keypad and an innovative 4D motion sensor,

they offer a user-friendly solution that not only

guarantees maximum flexibility and security

but also impresses with many other valuable

features. For example, the door intercoms can

be configured and maintained remotely via a

web-based dashboard or the app.

In addition, DoorBird presented the new

A1131 mini dome camera, which is suitable

for both indoor and outdoor installation on

walls or ceilings in the immediate vicinity of

the house entrance. The mini dome camera

is characterised by its compact design,

robust metal housing and outstanding image

quality with a full HD Sony image sensor. The

camera expands the viewing angle of the door

intercom, providing additional security with an

undisguised image in the entrance area. It is

compatible with many common smart home

and video surveillance systems and can be

integrated into the network via PoE as well as

via Wi-Fi.

www.doorbird.com


Fire Safety

Safe and secure: Hochiki protects Cinnamon

Care’s new care home in Worthing

Merriman Grange, a new

care home in Worthing by

Cinnamon Care Collection,

prioritises resident safety

with a comprehensive fire

safety system designed and

installed by Southern Fire

Alarms, featuring Hochiki

technology. This three-story

facility, including a dedicated

dementia unit, required a

tailored approach balancing

robust protection with the

specific needs of vulnerable

residents.

Southern Fire Alarms

implemented a full L1 category

fire alarm system utilising

Hochiki's ESP range, known for its easy

installation and seamless integration with

other building management systems.

This comprehensive coverage extends

across all communal areas and individual

rooms. The dementia unit presented a

unique challenge, addressed by selecting

Hochiki devices for their adjustable alarm

volumes and tones, minimising potential

resident distress.

Graf UK tanks help

a private school

to fight fires

A firefighting system from water

management specialists Graf UK

was specified for the complex

needs of a remote private school

for a hat-trick of reasons.

The Graf UK system, comprising

four 52,000 litre tanks which

are located in various locations

at Kingham Hill School in the

Cotswolds, was selected for

its cost-effectiveness, speed of

installation, and low long-term

maintenance costs.

The independent day and boarding

school for 11-18 year olds was

built in 1886 in 100 acres near

Chipping Norton but due to its

remote location has relied on

a pumped water supply for the

accommodation, rather than a

mains supply.

However, in terms of this being

suitable for firefighting, its low

pressure and volume really ruled

it out, and the school’s main

firefighting reserve was its 25m

swimming pool and adjacent

training pool.

School bursar, Catriona Thompson,

said, “While the local fire services

had been happy with the existing

arrangements for many years, it

was not the ideal solution and in

conjunction with our insurers, we

wished to find a better solution.

The Graf system has provided

an excellent solution to a fairly

complex issue.”

The school considered siting

additional tanks and pumps at

the bottom of the hill next to its

pumping station (and its drinking

water tanks) and then installing

a ring main hydrant system

around the site to meet the 90m

requirement of BS 3251.

www.youtube.com/

watch?v=qv309vv5EcY

Ease of staff use was a key consideration,

with Hochiki devices designed for

intuitive operation and simplified

maintenance testing. Naomi Fell of

Southern Fire Alarms highlighted

Hochiki's reliability, ease of installation,

and superior integration capabilities,

emphasising their suitability for complex

projects like Merriman Grange, especially

concerning the needs of dementia

residents. She noted the devices' ability

Security teams face

fire safety risks

From 1st October 2024, the London

Fire Brigade will no longer attend

activations from automatic fire

alarms in most non-residential

buildings, such as office blocks and

industrial estates, during daytime

hours (7am-8:30pm). This policy shift

places the responsibility of initial

fire checks squarely on building

managers and security personnel,

raising concerns about fire safety

and resource allocation in

the private sector.

Assist Security

Group (ASG),

the operational

security and risk

management

services provider,

is warning building

managers and

security teams of

the implications of

these changes following

the London Fire Brigade's

announcement.

Troy Hewitt, CEO of ASG, said,

"This new policy represents a big

shift in fire safety responsibilities.

Building managers and security

teams are now expected to perform

roles previously handled by fire

services, creating additional pressure

on already stretched resources.

to minimise false alarms and

provide clear warnings, crucial

in a care home setting.

The successful installation

of the Hochiki system

at Merriman Grange

demonstrates the significance

of a well-planned fire safety

strategy. This partnership

ensures a safe and secure

environment for residents,

promoting their comfort and

well-being.

Learn more about Hochiki at:

https://hubs.la/Q03n4xgH0

Organisations must reassess their

fire safety protocols and ensure they

have measures in place to protect

their premises and occupants."

The change mirrors similar policies

by police services, where budget cuts

have led to an increased reliance on

private sector involvement in public

safety matters. This trend raises

questions about the long-term

implications for public safety

and the financial burden

on businesses.

Key concerns arising

from this policy

change include:

1. Increased

responsibility for

building managers

and security teams

to perform fire checks

2. Potential

understaffing issues,

particularly in larger or more

complex buildings

3. The need for additional training

and resources for security personnel

4. Heightened vulnerability of tall

buildings and vacant properties

5. Potential increases in insurance

premiums and liability concerns

Contact

https://assistsecurity.co.uk

16


Direct Hoist: The experts in construction hoists

When your site demands

dependable, highperformance

hoists, Direct

Hoist delivers. Specialising

exclusively in goods and

passenger hoists for the

construction industry, they

don’t just hire hoists – they

provide expert solutions that

keep your project moving

safely and efficiently. With

extensive experience in both

planning and installation,

Direct Hoist ensures every

project receives the most

appropriate and efficient

solution. Their free site visits

help guarantee you get the

right equipment from the

start.

“Most customers don’t know

which hoist is best suited

to their project,” explains

Josh, Operations Manager

at Direct Hoist (pictured

left). “That’s why involving

a hoist specialist early is so

important. Choosing the

wrong size or capacity can

lead to delays, inefficiencies,

and extra costs. The

right choice depends on

experience and expertise.”

Every piece of equipment

undergoes a thorough predelivery

inspection before

it leaves the yard. Parts

that are subject to wear are

replaced between hires,

significantly reducing the

risk of downtime during

your project.

Delivery and installation are

handled by a highly trained

team of NVQ-qualified

hoist installers. But their

credentials don’t stop there

– they also hold additional

certifications in emergency

first aid, working at height

rescue, IOSH Managing

Safely, and the CITB Site

Supervision Safety Training

Scheme. All work is carried

out in full compliance with

LOLER (Lifting Operations

and Lifting Equipment

Regulations 1998) standards

and BS7212.

With Direct Hoist, you're

not just renting equipment

– you’re getting a partner.

A dedicated technician is

available for direct support

throughout the hire period.

“Downtime is rare,” says

Josh. “Our hoists are

Health & Safety

maintained to a very high standard, and most

issues can be resolved over the phone. Our

installers are not just fitters – they understand

the electrical systems and can quickly

diagnose faults. And if a breakdown isn’t siterelated

and we can’t resolve it remotely, we

don’t charge for that downtime.”

Josh emphasises the long-term value of

quality, “Going cheap with hoist hire

can mean poor planning, unreliable

equipment, and delays

that end up costing

far more than what

you saved initially.

We're not trying to

be the cheapest –

we’re trying to be

the best and we're

here to do things

right, safely, and to

a high standard. That

takes knowledge, training, and

investment. But getting it right

the first time always delivers

the best value.”

With a commitment to transparent

pricing, exceptional service, strict safety

standards, and reliable performance, Direct

Hoist delivers more than just equipment – they

deliver peace of mind and long-term value.

Contact Direct Hoist on 01724 781647.

info@directhoist.co.uk

https://directhoist.co.uk/bfn

Noise monitoring instruments from noise experts

Since 1970, Cirrus Research plc has been

at the forefront of noise measurement

innovation, developing solutions that make

monitoring and managing noise and vibration

easier, more efficient, and more accessible.

With over five decades of expertise, Cirrus

has become a trusted name in the industry,

providing accurate and reliable instruments

designed to meet the demands of modern

noise control.

As one of the world’s leading designers,

manufacturers, and suppliers of noise

measurement instruments, Cirrus Research

is committed to delivering products that not

only meet but exceed industry standards.

Whether you’re conducting workplace

noise assessments, environmental noise

surveys, or personal exposure monitoring,

Cirrus instruments provide the precision

and functionality you need to comply with

regulations and reduce the harmful effects of

excessive noise and vibration exposure.

Innovative design and

technical excellence

Cirrus Research

instruments are

designed and

manufactured in the UK

by a dedicated team

of acoustic experts.

Combining technical

excellence with userfocused

design, their

equipment ensures the highest levels of

accuracy while maintaining ease of use. From

occupational noise assessments with Class

2 Decibel Meters to environmental noise

surveys using Class 1 Sound Level Meters,

Cirrus products are tailored to suit a wide

range of applications.

The Optimus Sound Level Meters, for

example, are highly regarded for their

versatility and compliance with global

standards, offering models to suit basic

noise measurement tasks as well as complex

environmental monitoring projects. For

personal noise exposure monitoring, the

doseBadge Noise Dosimeter is a robust,

wireless solution trusted by professionals

worldwide. Additionally, the Quantum

Outdoor provides advanced capabilities for

long-term noise monitoring in industrial,

construction, and urban environments.

Outstanding support and services

Beyond high-quality products, Cirrus

Research offers a

comprehensive suite

of services to support

its customers. These

include accredited

calibration, tailored

training programs,

and expert technical

support, ensuring

customers get the most

out of their investment.

An unmatched warranty for peace of mind

Cirrus Research is proud to offer an industryleading

15 year warranty, reflecting the

company’s confidence in the durability and

reliability of its products. This exceptional

warranty provides customers with peace

of mind, covering parts and labour for

qualifying instruments.

For over 50 years, Cirrus Research has

been a global leader in noise measurement,

dedicated to helping organisations

minimise the risks of noise exposure and

achieve compliance with health and safety

regulations.

T +44 (0)1723 891655

sales@cirrusresearch.com

www.cirrusresearch.com


Building Products & Services

Chance Nothing: Arco launches its

most comprehensive range yet

Arco announces its biggest ever launch of a wider,

modernised brand portfolio: ‘Including PPE, hi-vis

clothing, chemical protection, responsible choice

workwear, fire resistant/arc clothing, working at

height products and gloves.

Arco, the UK’s leading safety expert, has launched

its most extensive range of safety products to

date, bringing over 140 years of experience and

expertise, to its PPE and workwear range.

The new range includes high-performance PPE,

hi-vis clothing, chemical protection, responsible

choice workwear, flame-resistant/arc flash

garments, working at height products, and

gloves – all designed, developed and tested by

Arco, focused on compliance through quality,

sustainability and ethical responsibility, the

range is Arco made. Arco tested. Designed to

exceed industry standards, by Arco experts,

with performance, compliance and responsible

manufacturing in mind.

The new range brings cost-effective safety

equipment to customers without compromising on

quality, included in the range:

s Hi-vis range – visible and stylish with enhanced

hardwearing materials.

s Chemical protection range – defends against

chemicals, contaminants, and pathogens.

s FR/arc clothing – Flame resistant and safety

tested, made with superior flash protection, yet

comfortable for the wearer.

s Working at height – 15 expertly designed

products that are lightweight, padded, and fully

compliant.

s Gloves – Dextrous protective gloves, with

touchscreen functionality to keep workers

protected at all times.

s Responsible choice workwear – featuring Global

Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified recycled

materials, this range offers ethical, durable, and

traceable workwear without compromise

All Arco products are designed to the highest

of safety standards, surpassing basic industry

criteria and are rigorously tested in the company’s

independent UKAS and SATRA accredited Product

Assurance Laboratory and backed by its unique

five-step product assurance process. The British

Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) found that

between December 2023 and December 2024,

only 10% of non-member products tested fully

met compliance standards - underscoring the

importance of trusted suppliers.

Simon Allan-Brooks, Chief Commercial Officer at

Arco, said, “At a time when non-compliant products

are easier to purchase and harder to spot than

ever before, workers need to be confident that

what they’re purchasing will protect them. Our

new range has been a cornerstone in our safety

products offering, enabling customers to purchase

all of the necessary items for their working

environment at a competitive price, with the peace

of mind that the products will keep them safe.”

Explore the full Arco range and find out more:

www.arco.co.uk/arco-range

Arco unveils new state of the art centre,

investing in the future of safety innovation

Arco, the UK and

Ireland’s leading

safety expert,

opens its doors

on a cutting-edge

Customer Discovery

Centre, marking a

bold investment

designed to

transform customer

experience and

drive industry

innovation.

This state-of-the-art

facility brings together product expertise,

advanced safety training, and industry

collaboration under one roof. Designed

to engage with customers and suppliers,

the Discovery Centre showcases Arco’s

integrated safety solutions featuring its

independent UKAS and SATRA accredited

Product Assurance Lab with a dedicated

space for product innovation.

As part of this investment, Arco has also

expanded its training offering with a brandnew

practical training facility, broadening

its national coverage of training centres

for workers in the highest risk industries.

Specialising in confined space and working

at height ‘hands-on’

training alongside

a multitude of

classroom-based

courses, this Safety

Services centre of

excellence increases

accessibility to

critical safety

education.

With three flexible

learning spaces,

innovative displays,

and cuttingedge

technology, the Discovery Centre is

designed to adapt to the needs of customers

and colleagues

alike, making

it a premier

destination

for training,

collaboration,

and knowledgesharing.

Now operational,

customers can

explore the latest

advancements

in safety, PPE

and workwear, undertake training courses

and receive expert guidance on product

selection and development under one roof.

CEO of Arco, Guy Bruce, said, “We’re thrilled

to open our new state of the art Customer

Discovery Centre. It’s our way of giving

customers fresh inspiration and ultimate

safety confidence day in day out.

“By investing in world-class facilities

and smarter ways to engage with our

customers, this is more than an upgrade

to our services, it’s a strategic shift in how

our customers interact with Arco and

how our safety solutions are developed,

shared, and experienced. The future of

safety is here, and

this immersive space

truly demonstrates the

value available to all

customers when they

have the best in the

safety business at their

side. We’re looking

forward to hosting

our customers and

partners here for years

to come.”

www.arco.co.uk

18


Great British Lighting:

Global lighting

manufacturer

Great British Lighting is a specialist

lighting manufacturer with a

reputation and portfolio established

over the last 100 years. Our work

is primarily in the manufacture of

decorative light fittings for Public

Buildings, Cathedral, Museums and

Theatres and International Theme

Parks: from one-off reproductions

to large scale manufacture. All items

are manufactured & assembled at its

premises in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

With an archive of over 35,000

products, drawings and

specifications, Great British

Lighting can reproduce almost any

luminaire from the last century and

earlier, employing the latest CAD

technology coupled with traditional

craft skills. Great British Lighting also

offers bespoke metalwork service

producing high quality items such as

balustrade, ecclesiastical fittings and

door furniture.

Great British Lighting offer a

comprehensive cleaning and

restoration service, working

sensitively on conservation projects

to bring lighting and metalwork back

to its original glory.

Recently completed the

refurbishment of existing lighting at

Rochdale Town Hall.

T 01253 873503

sales@greatbritishlighting.co.uk

www.greatbritishlighting.co.uk

Luceco provides first

class lighting at East

Midlands Airport

As part of East Midlands Airport’s

five-year £120m investment

programme for its 60th anniversary,

Luceco worked with electrical

contractors, Fredk Lamb to relight

the extended area of the check-in hall

with an energy efficient, dimmable

lighting solution.

The main outcome of the check-in

hall for East Midlands Airport was

to have energy efficient lighting that

also had the ability to be dimmed. So

when the main access route wasn’t in

use, it still looked welcoming.

Due to the structure of the hall roof

being a canopy style, Luceco and

Fredk Lamb decided to use Luceco’s

Callisto lighting with integrated

Platform wireless controls and

PIR’s, allowing the fittings to be

grouped into different sections for

the controls, like the commissioned

corridor function that enables the

lights near the entrance doors to

dim to a lower level than the rest of

the hall.

This also meant the original cabling

could be used for a point to point

Lighting & Electrical

replacement while still offering full

dimming and control functions.

Callisto is a stylish linear LED surface

mounted luminaire, perfect for

open areas with its wide area lens

distribution. Its IK10 rating makes it

robust, while its efficacy of 135Llm/

cW and 100,000 hours lifespan

ensure it is efficient and effective.

Suitable for trunking, surface or

suspension mounting, Callisto can

also come with Self-Test and DALI

Addressable Emergency packs that

provide 3 hours’ worth of back-up

power.

www.luceco.com/uk

Bostik helps counter moisture

damage at National Star College

Building Products & Services

Bostik, a leading manufacturer of subfloor

preparation and adhesive products, partnered

with Lake & Co., to tackle an intricate renovation

at the National Star College in Ullenwood,

Gloucestershire.

The National Star College is a specialised institution

dedicated to empowering individuals with physical

disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and associated

learning difficulties.

During the recent

refurbishment of the college's

200-square-meter swimming

pool changing rooms, what

seemed like a routine update

quickly unveiled a complex

web of moisture-related issues

in the subfloor.

Signs of moisture

"When we first stepped into the

changing rooms, the signs of

moisture were immediately apparent," recounted

Adam Jones, Bostik's Technical Representative.

"The vinyl flooring was bubbling and delaminating

extensively, hinting at a bigger problem lurking

beneath the surface."

Initial investigations revealed a subfloor structure

consisting of a base smoothing compound, an

epoxy surface damp proof membrane (DPM), and

another layer of smoothing compound. However,

the college's location atop a natural spring

complicated matters significantly.

Due to the area still being in service, intrusive

testing was limited - one small area of the vinyl

was removed to assess below the floor covering,

revealing alarming results. In areas where the

vinyl was removed, the top layer of the smoothing

compound came up without resistance, indicating

poor bonding to the DPM.

Efflorescence on top of the DPM further confirmed

moisture issues. Most

concerning were the Protimeter

MMS readings, which detected

high moisture levels within

the top smoothing compound

layer.

A comprehensive system

The work began with the

complete removal of the

existing floor covering and

compromised smoothing

compound. This was followed by a careful abrasion

of the epoxy DPM, creating an optimal bonding

surface for the new system.

At the heart of the solution was the application

of Bostik HYTEC E336 XTREM, a two-part,

high-performance DPM specially formulated to

withstand extreme moisture conditions and resist

hydrostatic pressure. This provided a barrier

against the persistent moisture issues plaguing the

facility.

Once the moisture barrier was in place, the team

proceeded with the application of Bostik SL C955

ADVANCED, a high-performance, fast-drying

smoothing compound that can be applied directly

to most common substrates without priming due to

its high adhesion and low shrinkage properties.

The process culminated in bonding the new

Altro Aquarius Dragonfly anti-slip vinyl using a

specialised adhesive, Bostik STIX P956 2K, a PU

adhesive with very high bonding performance and

moisture resistance, ensuring a secure and longlasting

installation.

This comprehensive, layered approach effectively

addressed the complex moisture challenges of

the swimming pool changing rooms, providing

National Star College with a durable flooring

solution tailored to their unique needs.

To find out more about Bostik or get in touch

about an upcoming project, please visit:

www.bostik-profloor.co.uk


Cleaning & Hygiene

Celebrating 50 years of excellence:

The Dual Pumps story

Founded by Tony Herridge in 1975, Dual

Pumps Limited has grown from a small

garage-based operation into a leading

distributor of pressure washers, pumps,

and fluid-handling components. Over the

past five decades, the company has built

a reputation for reliability, innovation, and

quality service.

Tony worked as a sales representative for

Hypro in the UK and Europe, a role that

would prove instrumental in shaping the

company's future. This early experience

laid the foundation for lasting business

relationships. His work soon led to

partnerships with other major brands,

including Interpump, Pratissoli, Banjo, Pacer,

and Flojet, marking the beginning of a long

and successful collaboration that would help

define Dual Pumps' product offering.

In 1977, the company opened its first office

in Oakham with two employees before

expanding to Melton Mowbray in 1982. A

major milestone came in 1983 when Dual

Pumps became the official UK distributor for

Interpump, the world’s leading manufacturer

of high-pressure plunger pumps.

Innovation has always been central to Dual

Pumps. In 1996, it

launched its first

product catalogue,

later expanding to

a 160 page edition

in 2001. Today,

the company

offers a 432 page

catalogue and a

mobile-responsive

B2B website

featuring over

10,000 products,

streamlining the purchasing experience for

trade customers.

Recognising the need for greater capacity,

Dual Pumps moved into a 35,000ft2 facility

on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray in 2012,

enabling it to meet increasing demand and

enhance service offerings. The launch of

the Evolution Series Engine-Driven Pressure

Washers in 2015, featuring over 60 models

across ten series, further cemented the

company’s reputation for high-performance,

durable products tailored to industry needs.

In 2020, Dual Pumps achieved ISO 9001-2015

certification, demonstrating its commitment

to quality and continuous improvement.

Looking ahead to

2025 and beyond

As Dual Pumps marks

its 50th anniversary, it

stands as a testament

to growth, resilience,

and dedication to

customer satisfaction.

The company now

employs 44 people,

serving over 2,500

customers, from sole

traders to international

OEMs, and distributing products from more

than 90 leading global manufacturers.

From humble beginnings to becoming a

trusted partner worldwide, Dual Pumps

continues to set the standard for reliability

and innovation. With a strong foundation and

a vision for the future, it remains committed

to delivering high-quality solutions for an

ever-evolving industry.

At Dual Pumps, dependability isn’t just a

promise – it’s a legacy.

T 01664 567226

info@dualpumps.co.uk

www.dualpumps.co.uk

20


West Fraser boards

used for house builds

An Essex-based building company,

established by a former Building

Control Surveyor and with

high standards of quality and

sustainability, makes extensive use of

panel products from the West Fraser

range: including CaberDek on its

current eight-month conversion and

extension project.

Jigsaw Construction

Essex was

founded by David

Bellinger in 2015

and has a strong

reputation bringing

a succession of

recommendations.

The property taking

shape close to

Hockley started out

as a three-bedroom

bungalow but is

being remodelled

as a four-bedroom

three-bathroom

house by adding

two extensions and a completely

new timber-framed first floor level

with a pitched roof. While the ground

floor extensions have been built

using cavity blockwork, Jigsaw has

reverted to its preferred site-cut

timber frame assembly above with

the CaberDek laid across the first

floor joists.

David Bellinger explains, “We chose

to install the West Fraser product

across our first-floor levels as it offers

good protection from all the mess

which the plasterers and decorators

tend to leave. Instead, you just cut it

out at the end and the floor doesn’t

look like it’s been trashed. Overall,

it’s neater and gives you that bit of

extra protection,

plus CaberDek locks

in well together, so

we have no issues

with installing the

boards.”

All West Fraser

panel products

produced in the

UK are net carbon

negative and

manufactured

in mills that

have obtained

the coveted

environmental ISO

14001 accreditation.

Responsibly sourced, the panels

are FSC® certified (C012533) and

created from locally grown timber,

cutting embodied carbon from

transportation.

For further information,

call 01786 812921 or visit:


From Ipswich with Love

In partnership with the Wild Walls

Festival, Star Platforms supported

an ambitious public art project

at the University of Suffolk,

facilitating what is now the largest

mural in East Anglia, spanning an

impressive 640m². Titled ‘From

Ipswich with Love’ and created by

artist ATMA in collaboration with

the local community, this mural

was completed on the James

Hehir Building at the university's

waterfront campus. To enable

the artist teams to complete this

large-scale project safely and

efficiently, Star Platforms supplied

a Niftylift Height Rider 28 Hybrid

(HR28 H) 4x4 articulating boom

lift, specifically chosen for its

advanced height capabilities and

operational flexibility.

Star Platforms selected the UK

manufactured, Niftylift HR28

Hybrid (4x4) articulating boom lift,

for its superior height capability

and innovative hybrid power

system. As the winner of the

'Queen's Awards for Enterprise

2019' Innovation Award, the

Niftylift HR28 H represents a new

generation of environmentally

conscious work platforms from

Niftylift. It provides an impressive

working height of 28 metres and

an outreach of up to 16 metres,

making it ideal for large-scale art

installations such as this.

This powered access platform

combines advanced powersource

technology with efficient

four-wheel drive, delivering

outstanding performance from a

compact, low-weight design. This

hybrid option features a poweroptimised

EU Stage V-compliant

Diesel engine, which works

alongside an electric motor to

ensure consistent performance

while reducing fuel consumption.

Additionally, the innovative

'Diesel Re-Gen' feature allows the

machine to recharge its batteries

during idle periods, enhancing

overall efficiency.

www.starplatforms.co.uk

Welsh Slate helps give

a façade a new buzz

A former electric

motor factory in

Belgium is enjoying a

new lease of life, and

a facelift, thanks in

part to Welsh Slate.

Refurbishment & Renovation

Some 88m2 of Welsh

Slate’s Cwt-y-Bugail

Dark Blue slate, with

a honed finish on

selected sides and faces, has

been used to restore façade

elements, wall copings and cills/

thresholds at the La Magneto

apartment building in Brussels.

Specified by DG Architects and

supplied by Welsh Slate Europe,

the Welsh Slate elements were

installed over the last seven

months of a 10-year scheme by

contractor Bajart. The façade

was listed in 2017 due to its

decorative elements in slate,

installed vertically.

Built between the two World

Wars, the site consists of

several buildings constructed

in different phases. The

building whose façades on Rue

Marconi were the subject of the

restoration project was built

in 1941, replacing old workers'

houses.

Designed by architect Leon

Guiannotte, the building

features a late Art Deco style,

the southern wing housing the

administrative offices, while

the northern part contained

workshops. Industrial activity

ceased in 1975 and the site was

repurposed into housing. Today,

it contains 20 spacious sharedownership

apartments.

T 01248 600656

enquiries@welshslate.com

www.welshslate.com


Futurebuild Review – Top Exhibitors

Futurebuild 2025 wraps up another landmark

event driving innovation, leadership, and

collaboration in the built environment

Futurebuild 2025, held at London’s ExCeL from

4-6 March 2025, has once again proven itself as

the premier event uniting the built environment,

bringing together thousands of industry

professionals to drive lasting change. Across three

action-packed days, the event was a powerhouse

of innovation, collaboration, and policy-driven

action, setting the course for a more sustainable

and decarbonised future.

From the very start, Futurebuild 2025 was not just

about discussing change – it was about making it

happen. The National Retrofit Conference opened

with a compelling keynote from Minister Miatta

Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers and

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DESNZ,

who laid out the government’s strategy for

tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time:

retrofitting the UK’s ageing housing stock and

accelerating the path to net zero. Policy discussions

remained at the heart of the event, with thought

leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers

driving conversations on overcoming barriers and

shaping a greener built environment.

But Futurebuild is about more than dialogue – it’s

about action. Nowhere was this clearer than in the

Big Retrofit Challenge, which saw an incredible

75 groundbreaking entries from across the sector.

Seven finalists pitched live in front of an expert

panel, with each securing direct meetings with

contractors ready to integrate their solutions into

real-world projects. This wasn’t just innovation

on display; it was innovation moving into

implementation.

Pushing the boundaries of possibility even further,

the Big Innovation Pitch chaired by Dr Oliver

Jones, Cundall put the industry’s most exciting

breakthroughs in the spotlight. In a high-stakes,

‘Dragon’s Den’-style showdown, four pioneering

companies went head-to-head, presenting gamechanging

solutions that could redefine the future

of construction. Agreka Build emerged victorious,

impressing the judges with their revolutionary

product WHEATEX, the world’s first circular biobased

insulation board made from 100% waste

wheat straw, a testament to Futurebuild’s role as a

launchpad for industry-defining advancements.

As Futurebuild 2025 closes its doors, its legacy

continues. For those who couldn’t attend every

session, all event content will soon be available ondemand,

ensuring that the insights, innovations,

and solutions shared here continue to inspire and

drive change long after the event has ended.

The momentum is building. The transformation is

happening. Futurebuild 2025 has set the stage –

now it’s up to us to build the future we need.

Futurebuild returns to London’s ExCeL next year

from 3-5 March 2026. This is our pick of the best

exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in

alphabetical order: HAHN Plastics. Further details

can be found on this page.

www.futurebuild.co.uk

Future-proofing construction:

HAHN Plastics champions circular solutions

Exciting innovations

were showcased at

Futurebuild 2025, the

show where HAHN

Plastics presented its

latest recycled plastic

products designed

for construction,

landscaping, and

placemaking.

From its creative and decorative Stand: C74,

HAHN Plastics showcased its sustainable,

innovative products, and shared how the

company is making a positive impact to the

built environment. The team also delivered a

keynote talk titled ‘Plastic is the Future: Turning

Waste into a Resource’, both of which received

positive feedback and praise from attendees

and potential customers.

As a leading global producer of recycled

finished parts made from post-consumer

plastics, HAHN has been trailblazing recycling

solutions since the early 1990s, turning waste

into innovation while driving sustainability and

helping businesses achieve carbon reduction

and net-zero goals.

Part of the HAHN Group, HAHN Plastics leads

in manufacturing 100% recycled and 100%

recyclable plastic products using its premium

material, hanit ® , an innovative, sustainable

material developed

through the mechanical

recycling of postconsumer

mixed

plastics, primarily

polypropylene (PP)

and polyethylene

(PE). By processing

approximately 90,000

tons of recycled material annually, HAHN

Plastics produces around 65,000 tons of hanit ® ,

contributing significantly to a circular economy

by transforming plastic waste into durable,

high-quality products.

By using hanit ® you help to reduce landfill

waste while conserving natural resources.

Using a water-free and energy-efficient

production process that aligns with ecofriendly

practices, hanit ® represents a

forward-thinking approach to material usage,

combining environmental responsibility with

practical benefits, making it a valuable choice

for sustainable

development

projects.

What’s more,

because of its strong,

weather-resistant and

rot-proof durability,

hanit ® is a costeffective

long-term

solution that is backed by a 20 year guarantee.

For building and construction, the hanit ® range

includes slabs, palisades, boards, square

profiles, L-stones, and beams, in fact, HAHN’s

range comprises of over 2,000 different

products all made out of hanit ® recycled plastic,

and the range is constantly growing.

HAHN Plastic has set a goal of helping

to reconcile business and environmental

protection in the future by developing highquality

recycling solutions. Currently, its

product range already extends from traditional

and modern furniture for urban and garden

design to escape-proof paddock fencing for

animal husbandry and complex technical

products for industrial applications. With all

ranges produced from 100% recycled plastic,

hanit ® stands for environmental quality over

the entire life cycle and resource-efficient waste

management.

If you’re interested in finding out how HAHN

can help your business

to achieve its net-zero

targets by using circular

materials and building

components, get in

touch below.

T 0161 8501965

info@hahnplastics.com

www.hahnplastics.com

22


GTEC launches

funded heat

network training

Heat Networks

are set to play an

important role in

the UK's transition

to Net Zero, with

plans to increase

their share of

the heat market

from under 3%

today to 20%

by 2050. To help

installers, facilities

managers (FMs), specifiers and others

in building services and related sectors,

understand and take advantage of this

growing marketplace, GTEC, part of the

United Living Group, has launched a fully

funded online ‘Introduction to Heat Networks'

course.

Covering the design and feasibility of heat

networks for various applications, funding

has been awarded by the Department of

Energy, Sustainability & Net Zero, as part of

its drive to push this market forward. Next

year (2025) the government is launching ‘Heat

Network Zoning', which will empower local

communities to accelerate the development

of district heating schemes in their area.

About the course

Providing an introduction to heat networks

for anyone interested in this technology and

its applications, such as specifiers, building

services engineers working with heat pumps

and/or on large-scale projects, professionals

in both commercial and residential sectors

will benefit from the 15-minute, free

introductory course which can be accessed

remotely and contributes towards CPD

points.

Funded training places will be allocated on a

first come, first served basis. To secure your

place, visit: https://gtec.co.uk

New safety & compliance course

Tamworth-based trade association,

the Door & Hardware Federation

(DHF), has announced the launch

of a new awareness course. This

course is specifically designed

for local authorities, housing

associations, facilities maintenance

companies, and other owners and

managers of industrial doors, garage

doors, automated gates, and barriers

in commercial settings.

The main objective of the short

awareness course is to educate

participants about their legal

obligations when it comes to the repair and

maintenance of these systems on commercial

properties. It emphasises the importance of

regular maintenance by trained professionals and

highlights the legal consequences of neglecting

these obligations.

Upon completion of the course, participants

will receive a certificate of attendance from the

Certification of Professional Development Scheme,

which contains two hours of CPD. Additionally,

Commitment to young is vital

West Fraser has a long-standing commitment

to its local communities and has forged close

relationships with schools and colleges in the

Inverness and Cowie areas to provide the best

possible start to young people’s working lives

through the provision of Mechanical and Electrical

(M&E) engineering apprenticeships.

The comprehensive four

year programme prepares

apprentices for a career

at West Fraser, with

opportunities for future

leadership roles. And the

apprenticeship scheme not

only addresses immediate

skills needs but also

nurtures talent for future

leadership, contributing

to the company's growth

and sustainability. By integrating education with

practical experience and offering clear progression

pathways, the company ensures apprentices are

well-prepared to contribute effectively and advance

within the organisation.

West Fraser’s apprenticeship opportunities are

Schlüter-Systems launches

Registered Installer Scheme

The leading systems solutions provider for tile and

stone applications, Schlüter-Systems, has created

a proprietary Registered Installer Scheme which

will result in a professional community devoted

to guaranteeing the durability and reliability of

commercial and residential installations. Key

installers will enjoy exclusive access to events

and early access to the innovator’s latest product

releases. Beyond comprehensive product and

installation training, members will receive a

prestigious membership card, be featured on the

‘Find a Schlüter ® Registered Installer’ webpage,

benefit from an extended project warranty, and

enjoy continuous project support; social media

support is also offered.

hands-on training sessions which detail the

essential skills and knowledge required to install

Schlüter products in bathrooms and more. Once

training is complete, the process of registration

can begin; if an installer has attended training

sessions in the past two years, qualification may

be automatic. Key training areas include – the

installation of waterproof sheet membrane

systems & waterproof tile backer/construction

boards; the creation of level access shower

areas and installation of linear drainage systems;

the installation of waterproof, uncoupling and

combined heating systems; the study and

understanding of critical connections such as baths

& shower trays.

Training News

learners will be provided with a

copy of TS 013-3: 2021 Code of

Practice for Automated Gates, Traffic

Barriers, Industrial & Garage Doors,

specifically Part 3, which offers

guidance for owners and managers.

The course will be delivered either

through a virtual classroom via

Teams or in-person at a venue of

choice. The first course is scheduled

for Tuesday, 18th June, and the cost

per attendee is £50 plus VAT.

This course, which aims to reach

commercial property owners, will instil confidence

in participants regarding the safety of their

industrial doors, garage doors, and automated

gates and barriers. By equipping them with the

necessary knowledge and understanding of legal

obligations and maintenance practices, DHF hopes

to promote a safer environment for all.

Contact training@dhfonline.org.uk for further

details, or to secure your place, please visit:

https://bit.ly/FTFTraining

advertised through advertising on social media and

through outreach to educational institutions and

local job fairs.

With an annual intake, candidates attend interviews

in early June with offers being made by the end of

June to allow for on-site orientation before college

starts in August.

As is common with

apprenticeships, new

starters can expect onthe-job

training combined

with day release to a local

college. Those joining the

company straight from

school take part in an on-site

familiarisation, followed by

a year at college focusing

on practical and theoretical

training leading to a national certificate. New

starters joining from college immediately engage in

on-site work while attending college on day a week

to further enhance skills and knowledge.

For further information, call 01786 812921 or visit:


scheme has been devised to satisfy the industry’s

demand for guarantees of quality workmanship for

long-lasting, durable bathrooms and other areas.

We offer the tiling professionals a valuable training

day/s at the Schlüter-Systems Education Centre so

that they leave with an in-depth understanding of

the best installation methods for the wide range of

Schlüter products.”

The path to becoming a certified Schlüter

Registered Installer (SRI) starts with interactive,

David Naylor, marketing manager at Schlüter-

Systems, comments, “In a nutshell, this new

T 01530 813396

www.schluter.co.uk


Classifieds

Hand Dryer Installation Advanced Hygienic Protocol Vehicle Compliance System

The world’s first

multi-dryer

Plug & Play®

platform

hygiene@velairgroup.com

01425 616103 https://velair.co.uk

hygiene@velairgroup.com

01425 616103 | https://velair.co.uk

Construction Hoists

Screws & Fixings

From Fixings & Fastening

to Hardware & Tools

Ventilation Specialist

Joinery

01799 599995

dee@bluerunltd.co.uk www.bluerunltd.co.uk

0121 559 8866 | sales@screwshop.co.uk

Security Solutions

The perfect gate for your castle

Beacons & Feeder Pillars

Beacons & Feeder Pillars

Contact 01442 253341

info@castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

www.castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

EST 1982

Call Sales Team on 0333 666 2122

or info@fisherandcompany.co.uk

or www.fisherandcompany.co.uk

to view our range of products

Projects

Site Management

Hinges

WE ADVISE, DESIGN, MANUFACTURE,

INSTALL AND SUPPORT

FREE ADVICE & WISDOM: 40+YRS

EXPERIENCE ALL TYPES: ‘INDOOR SOFT

PLAYCENTRES’ -TO- ‘OUTDOOR TIMBER

ADVENTURE COURSES’

Contact +44 (0)1792 422818

www.playcraftgroup.wales

Mowing Systems

‘Dedicated to offer the best mowing system

for maintaining large area turfgrass’

Please visit www.ecoclipper.com

+31 (0)646753560 info@ecoclipper.com

ModCon Cabin Trader,

the Modular, Portable

Building & Plant

Industry related,

Resale/Auction website

Steel AV Cabins • Smoking Shelters • Chemical

Stores & Storage Units • Staircases & Steps •

Effluent Tanks • Water Bowsers • Turnstiles

www.modconcabintrader.com

T +44 (0)333 404 8822

alan@modconcabintrader.co.uk

www.modconcabins.co.uk

Sealing Solutions

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd

Expert Service Sealing

& Waterproofing

for Durable, Leak-

Free Structures

For more information, please call

us on 01952 510050 or visit

www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

QUALITY HINGES FOR OVER 200 YEARS

AND A NUMBER OF BESPOKE SOLUTIONS

GOLDWASSALLHINGES.CO.UK

Heating & Supply Technology

Outstanding

system

solutions

www.reflex-winkelmann.com/en

24


Sustainable Building

Horticultural Careers

Classifieds

Underfloor Heating

01743 298001

www.easyflow.org.uk

Commercial Ventilation

Control Solutions

A specialist recruitment agency for the

Gardening, Landscaping and Horticulture

Industries throughout the UK

020 7793 7825

info@freshhortcareers.com

www.freshhortcareers.com

Solenoid Valve Operating Magnets

Operate a

solenoid valve

when a system is

without power

02381 550189 www.fridgenius.com

Liquid Waterproofing

Underfloor Heating &

Liquid Floor Screed

Specialists across the UK

Thousands of Quality Products

Mudfords

Bags, Tarpaulins, Hessian & Jute,

Nets, Straps & Slings, Rope &

Cord, Custom Made, Haulage,

Cleaning & More

www.mudfords.co.uk

Waterproof Floor Outlet

Activation | Monitoring |

Supervision & Control Solutions

Waterproofing and Sealing Solutions

for Flat Roofs, Façades & Buildings

0203 286 7949

www.simonbox.co.uk

GSM Diallers

GSM Switches

GSM Intercoms

sales@gsm-activate.co.uk

www.gsm-activate.co.uk

Water Heaters

01623 627285

info.uk@ccm-europe.com

www.ccm-europe.com/gb

Safety Consultants

Simonbox IP66

Waterproof Floor Outlet

Lifting

Built Environmental Safety, Health

& Wellbeing Consultancy

+353 (0)1 611 1556

info@dconsafety.com www.dconsafety.com

Environmental Consultants

Meters & Metering Equipment

Electric Vehicles

Contact: Graham Parry

+44 (0)118 971 0000

www.accon-uk.com

We specialise in air quality, noise,

vibration, lighting, flood risk environmental

assessment, contaminated land and EIA


Building and Facilities News Issue 1006

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